Velites (RTW Unit)

Velites (RTW Unit)
Class	Skirmisher
Unit Size	160
Weaponry	Javelin, Knife
Morale	4
Melee Attack	5
Ranged Attack	7
Defence	7
Charge Bonus	2
Accuracy
Range	50
Ammunition	6
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	270
Upkeep Cost	170
Turns to Build	1
Unit Limit	None
Building Requirements	Practice Range
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	*Can hide in long grass Bonus Vs Elephants and Chariots; Bonus in Woods; Fast Moving; Can sap;

Velites are light skirmishing troops who screen the main battle line of a early-pattern legion as it advances.

Overview

Velites are light skirmishing troops who screen the main battle line of a early-pattern legion as it advances.

They are armed with javelins and a stabbing sword, and carry a small round shield but no other protection. It is their task to harass the enemy before the main combat begins.

Vellites are recruited from the younger citizens who lack the experience (or the money for their own gear) to fight as Hastati or other heavy infantry.

Details

Velites are skirmishers that are available very early on in a RTW campaign. Compared to Skirmisher Warband of most barbarian factions they have less attack and are more expensive, but have much better defense. They are superior to almost all other early game skirmishers and can be a real thorn in the side of lightly armored enemies, such as barbarian factions. They are also good in melee for such light troops; they'll still lose to any decent melee infantry but will do better than other light troops and will beat units like archers quite handily.

Later in a campaign after the Marian reforms they are replaced by Light Auxilia. Auxilia are better trained and have better stamina but are otherwise the exact same.