Etruscan League (Hannibal at the Gates) Melee Infantry

Revered Thorax Swordsmen

Proven warriors in countless battles; this assemblage of extraordinarily skilled swordsmen may cut down twice their numbers without even breaking into sweat.

The longsword was a weapon of high worth and status within the Celtic community. A warrior had to prove himself in battle many times before he was permitted to wield one. The two-handed longsword was first developed during the 8th century BC, but fell from favour before re-emerging around 450BC. It is possible that Celtic ironwork was significantly behind that of the Romans, as apparently their longswords bent very easily and had to be straightened against the ground. On the other hand, since Celtic ironworking was several centuries old, some believe that Roman accounts of this practice mistook this practise, and it was actually a ritual to 'decommission' defeated, dishonoured or damaged weapons.

Abilities

Revered Thorax Swordsmen

• Use the Whip
  Improved attack and fatigue resistance for a short time.
  Melee attack, weapon damage, fatigue resistance
  Exertion: fatigue
• Rapid Advance
  Improved unit movement speed over an extended period.
  Speed, acceleration, charge speed
  Exertion: fatigue

Attributes

• 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.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Transport

• Very poor hull strength
• Very slow speed
• Weak ramming

Revered Thorax Swordsmen

• Very good attack
• Average defence
• Average damage but low armour penetration
• Good morale

Etruscan League (Hannibal at the Gates) Units
General (2)
1.Italian Noble Cavalry
2.Italian Noble Infantry
Melee Infantry (11)
3.Mob
4.Italian Swordsmen
5.Illyro-Italian Infantry Cohort
6.Italian Noble Swordsmen
7.Italian Veteran Swordsmen
8.Revered Thorax Swordsmen
9.Etruscan Reformed Infantry
10.Etruscan Noble Warriors
11.Etruscan Fierce Axes
12.Tarquinian Swordsmen
13.Italian Legionaries
Missile Infantry (5)
14.Levy Skirmishers
15.Levy Slingers
16.Illyro-Italian Bow Auxiliaries
17.Scout Archers
18.Etruscan Peltasts
Pike Infantry (2)
19.Etruscan Pikes
20.Etruscan Thorax Pikes
Spear Infantry (10)
21.Italian Noble Infantry
22.Italian Spearmen
23.Italian Veteran Spearmen
24.Italian Royal Spears
25.Etruscan Heavy Spearmen
26.Etruscan Thorax Spearmen
27.Etruscan Veteran Hoplites
28.Etruscan Spearmen
29.Etruscan Citizen Hoplites
30.Etruscan Hoplites
Melee Cavalry (5)
31.Italian Cavalry
32.Italian Noble Cavalry
33.Etruscan Honoured Cavalry
34.Medium Spear Cavalry
35.Warrior Horse
Missile Cavalry (1)
36.Etruscan Cavalry
Chariot (1)
37.Chariot Nobles
Field Artillery (3)
38.Roman Bastion Ballista
39.Roman Ballista
40.Roman Scorpion
Admiral (2)
41.Scorpion Trireme - Levy Skirmishers
42.Assault Hexareme - Italian Swordsmen
Melee Ship (5)
43.Assault Quadreme - Italian Spearmen
44.Fire Pot Bireme - Italian Spearmen
45.Assault Bireme - Italian Spearmen
46.Harpax Hexareme - Italian Swordsmen
47.Assault Hexareme - Italian Swordsmen
Missile Ship (5)
48.Scorpion Trireme - Levy Skirmishers
49.Missile Trireme - Levy Skirmishers
50.Raiding Hemiolia - Levy Skirmishers
51.Pursuit Trihemiolia - Levy Skirmishers
52.Missile Quinquereme - Levy Slingers
Artillery Ship (1)
53.Light Artillery Quinquereme - Roman Ballista (Ship)