Levy Pikemen (RTW Unit)

Levy Pikemen (RTW Unit)
Class	Pikemen
Unit Size	160
Weaponry	Pike, Sword
Morale	2
Melee Attack	6
Ranged Attack	N/A
Defence	5
Charge Bonus	2
Accuracy	N/A
Range	N/A
Ammunition	N/A
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	310
Upkeep Cost	150
Turns to Build	1
Unit Limit	None
Building Requirements	Militia Barracks
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	Can hide in forests

Levy pikemen are best used as defensive infantry, but their lack of armour leaves them vulnerable in battle.

Overview

As war approaches, peasants, farmers and down-at-heel townsfolk can find themselves pressed into service as pikemen by their rulers. Due to their lack of armour they are best used as defensive infantry, absorbing enemy attacks, or screening the flanks of the main line. Equipped with a long pike some 6m in length (the sarissa) many ranks can bring their weapons to bear on an enemy, presenting a bristling array of spearheads to an approaching foe. They also carry swords for use when the enemy breaks through the pike line. Although training is practically non-existent, as inheritors of the hoplite tradition levy pikemen can manoeuvre in a phalanx formation. But with no armour other than the small shields strapped to their left arms, under pressure these levied troops are liable to suffer heavy casualties.

Details

Levy Pikemen have very bad defence and low attack. They also have awful morale just a bit more than peasants, so make sure to keep them well supported and the general close by. They are pikemen though so their long weapons help offset all that; their rows of pikes are strong enough to kill early enemies before they get close. In normal melee these troops aren’t very useful, as they are only about as strong as skirmishers and they have no armour so missiles will crush them. When used well however Levy Pikemen can be the cornerstone of the early game and defeat far better troops with ease. Don’t underestimate them.

Factions

Seleucid Empire

Macedon