Triarii (RTW unit)

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; Can hide in forests ; Can sap;

Triarii are tough, experienced spearmen who are the senior element - the backbone - of an early Roman Legion. They can be a decisive force in battle.

Overview

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.

Details

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. However, the Senate does sometimes offer them as a reward.

In any case, Triarii have slightly 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 can be invaluable against cavalry, particularly Generals Bodyguards who can be very dangerous to the other Roman Infantry. The Hastati or Principes are less sturdy, especially against cavalry, but do much more damage to Infantry. Triarii do not use pila or a sword; thus they are much more a defense-based unit compared to other Roman infantry.

It should be remembered although the Triarii are improved compared to the previous Roman infantry units, Triarii are primarily counter-cavalry troops. They are not great as the backbone of a Pre Marian legion even if the buildings exist. In campaign they should definitely be used sparingly since they are hard to replace.