Triarii (RTW unit)
Triarii are the fifth and last Rome: Total War Pre-Marian infantry recruited by the Romans.
| Triarii (RTW unit) | |
|---|---|
| Class | Spearmen |
| Unit Size | 162 men |
| Weaponry | Spear |
| Morale | 10 |
| Melee Attack | 7 |
| Ranged Attack | N/A |
| Defence | 17 |
| Charge Bonus | 3 |
| Accuracy | N/A |
| Range | N/A |
| Ammunition | N/A |
| Region | Global |
| Recruitment Cost | 500 |
| Upkeep Cost | 210 |
| Turns to Build | 1 |
| Unit Limit | Unlimited |
| Building Requirements | Army Barracks |
| Technology Requirements | None |
| Attributes | • Bonus fighting cavalry
• Good morale • Can sap |
Description
Triarii are tough, heavy spearmen who make up the third and most senior part of a Roman Legion before the military reforms of Gaius Marius. They carry a long “hoplite-style” spear (the hasta) which is used to thrust, a long shield, and a gladius. They are the oldest veteran soldiers, and well-armored – hardly surprising, given that they are also drawn from the richest section of society.
The Triarii are the last available line in early-pattern Republican Legions. “Going to the Triarii” is a Roman saying meaning carrying on to the bitter end, and if they are used it’s a sign that the moment of decision in battle has arrived.
Historically, Triarii spent their own money on their equipment and could afford to buy the best of everything.
Use
Triarii are actually little used in the Rome: Total War campaigns. Since they are the last pre-Marian infantry that can be recruited by the Romans, once an Army Barracks is built in a city the Marian reforms are not far from commencing.
In any case, Triarii have higher statistics than the infantry preceding them, though with that comes a higher price to recruit and maintain Triarii. They can hold a line, plug a hole, and stopping infantry or cavalry (with the Hastati or Principes less able to do so against the latter) to provide an effective anvil or a flanking force to hammer upon. Since they do not use pila they seem to be more a defense-based unit compared to other Roman infantry. However, it should be remembered that as improved the Triarii are compared to the previous Roman infantry units, Triarii are primarily counter-cavalry troops.
Factions
• Senate
