Triarii (RTW unit)
Triarii are the fourth and last Rome: Total War Pre-Marian heavy infantry for the Romans.
| Triarii (RTW unit) | |
|---|---|
| [ ] | |
| Class | heavy infantry |
| Unit Size | 162 men |
| Weaponry | spear |
| Morale | |
| 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
• Good morale • Can sap |
Description
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.
Use
For all their worth, triarii are actually little used in the Rome: Total War campaign battles. This is because they are the last pre-Marian infantry that can be recruited by the Romans. Once an Army Barracks is built in a city a (usually larger) Italian one is not far from an Imperial Palace requiring construction, thus the Marian reforms commencing.
In any case, triarii are good units to fight with. For their worth, they are not overpriced. They can hold a line, plug a hole, and stopping infantry or cavalry (with the hastati are less fortunate when up against the latter) to provide an effective anvil or a flanking force to hammer upon. Since they do not use pila they seem to be more a defense-based unit compared to other Roman infantry. However, it should be remembered that as good as the triarii are, they are not invincible.
Recruitable
The following factions can recruit triarii:
• Senate
• The House of Brutii
• The House of Julii
• The House of Scipii
