Scutarii (RTW unit)
Scutarii are well-equipped light infantry armed with swords, shields and heavy javelins.
Overview
Scutarii are well-equipped light infantry armed with swords, shields and heavy javelins. They are called by the Romans because of their distinctive, large, oval shields (the Latin for shield being ‘scutum’). They fight with heavy javelins and swords, peppering the enemy with missiles before closing up for hand-to-hand combat. Centuries of feuding among the hill tribes have hardened the people so there is no shortage of tough and cunning warriors - they are quite handy when springing tactical ambushes on enemy units.
Historically, the design of the later Roman legionary sword (or gladius) was influenced by the blades carried by these men. The design was adopted after Roman armies had faced large formations of scutarii during the First Punic War.
Details
Scutarii are similar in weaponry and statistics to Roman Hastati or Principes, but these Spanish infantry show unique differences. Similar to other barbarian infantry, Scutarii have a higher attack, but lower morale and defense than their “civilized” counterparts. Only developed Spanish cities can recruit these units, so they are no early-game units. To compensate, Scutarii are cheap to recruit and maintain.