Syrtis Chosen Spearmen
The best fighters that the vast Gulf of Syrtis can offerThe thureos, a large oval-shaped shield, became common throughout the Hellenistic world from the 3rd century BC. Made from wood covered in hide, it differed from the earlier Greek hoplon in having a central handgrip, which was protected by a vertical spine running the length of the shield. This in turn could be further reinforced by the addition of a wide metal strip that protected the grip and the user’s hand. Inspired by the sub-rectangular and oval shields of the Celts, possibly through contact with the migrating Galatians, its usage seems to have spread through the Illyrian and Thracian tribes before it was adopted by the Greeks. Although large, the thureos was light in comparison to the traditional hoplon, and was adopted by heavily-armoured peltasts. Named after their shields, 'thureophoroi' could fight as common peltasts, skirmishing with javelins, but could also form up with their larger shields and longer spears in a similar fashion to a phalanx. The versatile and useful design of the thureos meant it was used by many armies, including the auxiliaries and cavalry of the later Roman Legions.
Unit Name Syrtis Chosen Spearmen |
Main Unit Key Afr_Spear5 |
Land Unit Key Afr_Spear5 |
Naval Unit Key persian_transport |
Soldiers 160 |
Category Melee Infantry |
Class Spear Infantry |
Custom Battle Cost 1100 |
Recruitment Cost 1100 |
Upkeep Cost 100 |
Melee Attack 31 |
32 |
├ Melee Weapon rome_spear_elite |
├ Melee Damage Base 21 |
├ Melee Damage Ap 11 |
├ Armour Piercing No |
├ Bonus vs. Large 17 |
├ Bonus vs Elephants 19 |
└ Bonus vs Infantry 0 |
Charge Bonus 32 |
100 |
├ Base Defence 60 |
├ Shield large_hide |
└ Shield Defence 40 |
116 |
├ Armour scale_elite |
├ Armour Defence 77 |
└ Shield Armour 39 |
80 |
├ Man Entity rome_infantry_very_heavy |
├ Man Health 60 |
└ Bonus Hit Points 20 |
Base Morale 65 |
Abilities
Syrtis Chosen Spearmen- Square
The unit moves into a close square formation.
Bracing, morale, melee defence
Can't move - Shield Screen
The unit raises their shields in a static defensive formation.
Bracing, melee defence, shield strength
Can't move - Rapid Advance
Improved unit movement speed over an extended period.
Speed, acceleration, charge speed
Exertion: fatigue - Use the Whip
Improved attack and fatigue resistance for a short time.
Melee attack, weapon damage, fatigue resistance
Exertion: fatigue
Attributes
- Expert Charge Defence
This unit’s melee attack and damage are increased against charging enemies. - Disciplined
This unit does not suffer a morale penalty when the general dies. It can also rally after routing more often. - Encourage
This unit provides a morale bonus to nearby allies. - Hide (forest)
This unit can hide in forests until enemy units get too close. - Resistant to Heat
This unit tires less quickly in the desert.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Transport- Very poor hull strength
- Very slow speed
- Weak ramming
- Very good defensive unit
- Low damage but average armour penetration
- Average attack
- Good morale
Requires Buildings | |
---|---|
Lv. 1 |
Royal Palace
(east_city_centre_palace_4) Level 3
Royal Barracks
(east_military_infantry_4) Level 3 |
Faction Availability | |
---|---|
Grand Campaign | |
Hannibal at the Gates | |
Imperator Augustus |