Naked Fanatics (RTW unit)

Naked Fanatics (RTW unit)
Class	Heavy Infantry
Unit Size	160 men
Weaponry	Sword
Morale	10
Melee Attack	13
Ranged Attack	N/A
Defence	7
Charge Bonus	5
Accuracy	N/A
Range	N/A
Ammunition	N/A
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	430
Upkeep Cost	130
Turns to Build	2
Unit Limit	Unlimited
Building Requirements	various Sacred Groves
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	Warcry; Can hide in forests;

Wild and savage, naked fanatics are always a threat but are at a disadvantage when fighting cavalry.

Overview

There are warriors among the barbarian ranks whose love of battle is such that they live for little else. Clad only in flimsy loincloths, the fanatics whip themselves into a frenzy by chanting, beating themselves and drinking heavily. In this state they make an unnerving sight on the battlefield! They are best sent into battle en masse, shocking the enemy by a ferocious charge, but they should be kept away from enemy cavalry.

They carry just swords and shields and have practically no discipline, but they can cause heavy casualties among most enemies. They fight mostly (if not completely) naked to emphasize their own fierceness and utter lack of fear. Scars and tattoos adorn their skin, and they let their hair grow wild. Only after a kill is their hair cut, often with a sword blade while standing over a freshly dead foe.

While their reckless courage is not in doubt, they can lack the cohesion and discipline to adapt to setbacks, breaking and running in confusion when subjected to severe pressure.

Details

Naked Fanatics are recruited in the Sacred Grove of Hebeleysis for Dacia, Sacred Grove of Teutalis for Gaul, Sacred Grove of Woden for Germania, and the Sacred Grove of Esus for Spain. These men are strong warriors with a high attack and morale and low defense due in part to their choice of attire lacking in armor. Naked Fanatics can do a lot of damage and can be expected to stand their ground against most infantry when fighting toe-to-toe because of their very good morale. They also have low upkeep for such a decent unit.

Naked Fanatics also have their weaknesses. A cavalry charge, especially from heavy cavalry, can be devastating on the number of troops and their morale. Naked Fanatics are also be susceptible to missiles due to their lack of armor and the fact that the defense skill factor is not used against missile attack, resulting in the Naked Fanatics having a relatively low defense statistic of five against lethal projectiles. They also take 2 turns to recruit.

For Gaul, Germania and Dacia they can be used as early aggressive infantry, either to flank or charge infantry head on to break or damage them. Spain should additionally use them as their early main line because they are much better than Iberian Infantry. Naked Fanatics will eventually become outdated as better troops such as Chosen Swordsmen, Chosen Axemen, Night Raiders and Bull Warriors become available, but their high attack still makes them useful in any army.