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Rome: Total War Units Feature 1 July 21, 2004 Jakub Wojnarowicz |
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Summary: Today we bring you a collection of some of the more interesting units in Rome: Total War. The speedy and crazy Britons with their chariots and unarmored Woad Warriors, the Egyptians and their collection of powerful light troops and the mighty Carthaginians, who almost brought Rome to its knees. For more information about the game, check out our preview.
 Britons | Page:: ( 1 / 6 ) |
Peasants
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but barbarian peasants are better fighters than most: hard lives produce hard men. Numbers are useful in all armies, and forcing peasants to fight is one way of getting lots of men in the field quickly and cheaply. They have little tactical sense, and even less willingness to fight - they would rather be defending their own homes than be dragged to a battle they neither care about nor understand. They are, however, experts at reading the land and hiding when there is cover.
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Slingers
A sling is a deceptively simple weapon: a slinger can bring down the strongest man with a single shot. These slingers can send a hail of bullets towards the enemy, and target their shots for maximum damage. After all, they will have been hunting with slings since boyhood. Slingers should not be allowed to get into melee combat, as their lack of armour and their relative lack of equipment - just a knife or short sword and a shield - will soon lead to them being cut to pieces. Used to kill enemies from a distance, they are superb missile warriors.
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Head Hurlers
In battle, head hurlers throw the heads of fallen foes coated with quicklime. These missiles are both dangerous and loathsome. Head hurlers combine the practical and the macabre in equal measure - they collect the heads of fallen enemies and preserve these by dipping them in quicklime. The limed heads are used as disgusting missiles in battle, flung into enemy ranks at surprisingly long range. As missiles the heads are heavy enough to cause injuries (and have an undoubted impact on morale) but it is the lime that really does the damage, causing nasty burns. Head Hurlers also carry swords for use in close combat should this be necessary. Head hurlers, however, also show little regard for their own danger and are not above rushing into combat without orders.
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Warband
Warbands are bound to the service of a strongman or petty village head. They are the basic 'unit' to be found in many barbarian armies. They fight well, as glory and loot are the road to status, but are often difficult to control. They care little for discipline and less for restraint, but they can be relied on to fight, and fight hard. In warfare it is up to each man to prove his own bravery and worth, so the savage charge into the enemy is about as sophisticated as they ever want to be! Each man carries a stabbing spear and a large shield.
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Swordsmen
Swordsmen are steadfast and aggressive warriors, the 'infantry of the line' for barbarian warlords. They are not very disciplined at times, as their sense of honour and bravery can make them eager to get into any fray, but they are uniformly superb swordsmen. They are equipped with good swords and large shields. Every warlord worth the name makes sure he has a couple of warbands of these hard men under his command.
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Chosen Swordsmen
Chosen swordsmen are the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with the finest swords available. While superbly skilled and extremely tough, they are not naturally inclined to fight as a group. Personal glory and the need to be first amongst the enemy ensure that they are headstrong and ill-disciplined. They are, however, very well equipped with the finest swords that the smiths can make, along with chainmail armour and large shields. They are an intimidating sight for any enemy.
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Woad Warriors
Religion and magic are powerful reasons for bravery. Woad warriors are brave fighters - and mad. They disdain armour and most clothing, preferring to paint themselves with intricate and stylised magical designs in woad (a blue dye) to deflect enemy blows and missiles. The patterns created can be elaborate and almost inhuman, and are supposed to be unnerving for enemies unused to such practices. Belief in magic also armours the woad warriors against fear, and makes them savage, dangerous and not-quite-controllable fighters. Woad warriors carry only blades and shields but it is a foolish commander indeed who underestimates their impact in battle!
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| More Britons | Page:: ( 2 / 6 ) |
Druids are spiritual leaders with practical fighting skills who instill confidence in nearby friendly warriors. They have a religious zeal that gives them great courage and their mere presence fills nearby believers with confidence. Positioned just behind the battle line druids can also form a powerful reserve, ready to join the fray at a crucial moment. Equipped with sickle-shaped swords and small shields, the mail-clad druids are excellent fighters. Their good war gear is a reflection of their status as teachers, judges, soothsayers and the focal point of religion and magic among their people. As Celtic cultures lack a written form, they are also the memory of the tribe as well, remembering all the important facts of tribal history. Historically, the Romans despised and then targeted these men because they practiced particularly savage forms of human sacrifice and because of their cultural importance. When a tribe's history was wiped out, it became a little easier to bend the people to the will of Rome.
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Warhounds
Warhounds are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild boar! The beasts are muscular and powerful. Originally bred for hunting large prey, they are now trained to hunt and attack men. Warhounds are usually unleashed on an enemy to break a line and unnerve opponents. Few men are able to stand steadily in the face of a snarling and partially-starved beast. The dogs are trained to bite and hold on, dragging down their human targets, and hamstringing horses. Their handlers are brave, foolhardy and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing!
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Light Chariots
Light chariots are very fast, very noisy and, when used in large numbers, quite intimidating. They combine the swiftness of cavalry with the 'staying power' of infantry. The drivers concentrate on controlling the chariots, while their passengers fire arrow after arrow into the target. They can also simply charge into an enemy, perform the same scouting duties as cavalry, harass enemies with missiles and may even be worth sacrificing to break a previously unyielding enemy line. They can also be very effective in pursuing fleeing foes.
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Heavy Chariots
Heavy chariots are an elite in British armies ridden into battle by tribal nobles. They are shock troops, relying on speed and shock to break enemy formations. Every man carries a fine sword, and is equipped with a good mail coat and a shield, while his chariot is pulled by two horses. They perform the same function as heavy cavalry, charging home to cause casualties before wheeling away to launch a fresh attack. Any infantry foolish enough to stand in the way are ridden down, hacked to pieces by the rider! However, like many barbarians they can sometimes let greed for personal honour and glory lead them into attacking without orders.
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General’s Chariots
Chariots are a pinnacle of Celtic technology and an effective machine of war. So it’s no surprise to see tribal leaders driving them into battle accompanied by groups of bodyguards. It is important that a warlord has a group of hardened warriors around him to go into the thick of battle to prove that he is not only a great leader but also a great warrior. Barbarian warlords hold their positions of trust and command not just through their tactical skill but because they are personally brave and resolute. No warrior willingly follows a coward, and no coward has the right to ask his brothers-in-arms to throw their lives away.
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| Carthaginians | Page:: ( 3 / 6 ) |
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but numbers are useful in all armies. Forcing peasants to fight is one way of getting lots of men in the field quickly and cheaply. They have little tactical sense, and even less willingness to fight - they would rather be defending their own homes rather than be dragged to a battle they neither care about nor understand. But if nothing else, they are useful when there's digging to be done! They are, however, experts at reading the land and hiding whenever there is cover.
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Skirmishers
Skirmishers rush forward to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised. They are light infantry, equipped with small throwing javelins, a falcata sword, and a small shield resembling the Greek pelte-pattern shield. When the opportunity presents itself, they are traditionally recruited from among the Ibero-Celts. Regardless of where they are recruited, they are skilful practitioners of the skirmishing arts, and very adept at springing tactical ambushes. They are not intended to hold a position in a battle line, but to harass and disrupt the enemy.
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Slingers
Slingers are highly skilled missile troops but are at a huge disadvantage in hand-to-hand combat, especially against cavalry. They can maintain a sustained and concentrated barrage on enemies and then fall back rapidly to avoid hand-to-hand combat. Slingers carry a shoulder bag with many pieces of lead shot (they can also use stones picked up on the battlefield) and several spare slings including slings of different length for greater or lesser range. Other than a knife and a small shield, they carry no other equipment.
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Archers
Archers are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat. They are drawn from the peasant classes of all societies, as these are the people who need to be skilled hunters in order to survive. Learning to use a bow well is something that takes a lifetime and constant practice, and putting food on the table provides good practice. They are best used to weaken enemy formations, or placed in a spot where they can retreat and find protection from other troops.
Town Militia
Town militia are trained bands of citizens dragged from their homes and shops, given a spear each and some rudimentary training before they are thrown into battle. Their war gear is literally no more than a cheap shield and a spear, so they are defensive troops best used against light cavalry. They should not be expected to stand unsupported against an enemy, and until they have been seasoned by surviving a battle or two they shouldn't be expected to do much more than defend themselves! They are, however, cost effective to raise.
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Iberian Infantry
Iberian infantry are fast moving close combat infantry. They may not be the best trained troops, but they are cost effective warriors. They are one of the basic units available to generals in the Carthaginian-influenced world. Every Iberian infantryman carries a shield in addition to his short sword, but his only other protection is a helmet; he relies on speed and agility instead of armour. They are best employed against enemy spearmen and, like other infantry, can be vulnerable to cavalry attacks.
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Libyan Spearmen
Libyan spearmen are best when defending against cavalry, but can hold a battle line for a while when required. They are recruited from among the lower orders of Carthaginian society, and given basic training in how to handle their spears and war gear. They are better equipped than, say, militia, as they have light leather armour as well as shields and helmets. Their training also makes them effective in battle, as they are unlikely to cut and run in the same way as a militia unit.
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Poeni Infantry
These heavy spear infantry are drawn from the self-reliant Carthaginian citizenry, and make superior soldiers. Poeni infantry are heavy spearmen, armed with heavy thrusting spears and swords. They are well armoured in chainmail, carry large shields, and are some of the best troops to use as an 'anchor' for a battle line. They can hold off cavalry attacks and fight against other infantry when required.
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Sacred Band Infantry
The Sacred Band is the elite infantry of any Carthaginian army and can be relied upon to do their duty to the end. They are equipped and organised in the same fashion as Greek hoplites, with long spears, large shields, breastplates and helmets, and they can use phalanx tactics. This is a style of warmaking that has proved its worth over the centuries. They are drawn from the social elite of Carthage, men of noble and wealthy birth and their loyalty is exemplary. The original purpose of the Sacred Band was to act as an officer corps for the Carthaginian army and an elite force, and to put Carthage above any local loyalties. Opponents have learned that these men are formidable in battle, a linchpin for the entire Carthaginian army!
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Round shield cavalry are medium cavalrymen who are best used to ride down skirmishers and pursue fleeing enemies. They lack the armour protection needed for prolonged melees against heavier opponents and, as they are armed with swords, do not have an initial shock value when they charge home. That said, properly deployed they will give a good account of themselves.
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Long Shield Cavalry
Long shield cavalry are spear-armed light cavalry, who can be used to break enemy formations, drive off skirmishers and pursue fleeing foes. This makes them a flexible and powerful force for any commander to have under his hand. They can also fight effectively in melee after a charge, as they carry swords of the falcata design. These are cunningly balanced so that the weight is towards the tip of the sword, giving a powerful cutting blow. Against spearmen, however, they can be at a disadvantage.
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General’s Cavalry
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with spears, these men are shock cavalry, able to deliver a devastating charge attack; they are then well trained enough to fight effectively in continued hand-to-hand combat. Like all general's guards, this unit is best committed to the fight at the point of crisis, when the general's inspirational leadership and the combat power of his men can tip the balance.
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Sacred Band Cavalry
Sacred Band cavalry are an elite in Carthaginian warfare and society. They fight as heavy cavalry, but with a level of discipline and élan that is rarely matched in other nations. They carry spears and wear good armour, so that they can charge home with devastating effect. They are the devoted servants of Astarte, handed over to the temple and state by their patrician families for military duties rather than ritual sacrifice. Historically, the great Carthaginian general Hannibal took units of the Sacred Band over the Alps and into Italy; even though they got no reinforcements from home, two-thirds of these men were still fighting after 14 years of campaigning.
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Warhounds
Warhounds are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting mountain lions! The beasts are muscular and powerful. Originally bred for hunting large prey, they are now trained to hunt and attack men. Warhounds are usually unleashed on an enemy to break a line and unnerve opponents. Few men are able to stand steadily in the face of a snarling and partially-starved beast. The hounds are trained to bite and hold on, dragging down their human targets, and hamstringing horses. Their handlers are brave and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing!
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Elephants
Elephants are a terrifying spectacle to opposing troops, well able to smash battle lines and toss men aside like dogs with rats. Standing at just over two metres tall at the shoulder, these particular animals are rather tractable and can be trained for warfare relatively easily. They are fast moving, able to trample and gore enemies seemingly at will when being urged on by their riders. They are a living battering ram aimed at the enemy battle line. When pursuing enemies they can be even more deadly. Each elephant is unarmoured, but many blows simply glance off the tough hide. Only a single rider is carried.
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War Elephants
War elephants are fierce and terrible beasts, able to trample men and horses into the dirt. Over three metres tall at the shoulder, these are large and bad-tempered animals, and they have been known to run wild with fear and anger in battle. When this happens no one - friend or foe - is safe. For this reason the driver always carries a small mallet and a spike so that he can kill the animal if necessary by driving the spike into the base of the skull. The crew are armed with bows to shoot down into tightly packed enemy formations, but the elephant itself is also a weapon: it can trample and gore men easily, hurling them around like rag dolls.
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Armoured Elephants
Armoured elephants are the most fearsome creatures to be found on a battlefield. Little can stand before these armoured giants. Each elephant has heavy armour that completely protects it from missiles and hand-held weapons, and the crew are armoured too. The driver uses the elephant itself as a weapon, guiding it as it tramples and gores its way through the opposition. The archers snipe down into enemy formations, weakening opponents before the inevitable clash. Armoured elephants can run amok, causing havoc in the process to anyone nearby.
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Onagers
The onager is a catapult jokingly named for the tremendous kick it has when fired at the enemy (an "onager" is a wild ass). This war machine is powered by a twisted spring of animal sinew ropes, the most elastic substance available. The throwing arm is held in tension by the sinews. When pulled back and held by a catch it can fling a boulder with considerable speed and range. This version can be used for reducing stone fortifications, but it can also be used on the battlefield for destroying enemy artillery and harassing troops (although admittedly by killing some of them outright). The onager can also be used to launch incendiary missiles such as firepots, making it a versatile piece of artillery to any commander.
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| Egyptians | Page:: ( 5 / 6 ) |
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but numbers are useful in all armies. Forcing peasants to fight is one way of getting lots of men in the field quickly and cheaply. They have little tactical sense, and even less willingness to fight - they would rather be defending their own homes than be dragged to a battle they neither care about nor understand. If nothing else, they are useful when there's digging to be done! They are, however, experts at reading the land and hiding whenever there is cover.
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Skirmishers
Egyptian skirmishers rush forward to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised. It is their task to harass and disrupt enemy units as well as screen the main force of the army. They are also adept at staging tactical ambushes. Skirmishers are equipped with a clutch of javelins, a sword and a light shield. They wear no other armour, and rely on speed as the best form of protection. This doesn't work when facing cavalry! Oddly, many Egyptian skirmishers aren't Egyptians at all, but are recruited from among foreign communities. When they can be found, Egyptian generals favour using Thracians for this role as they are particularly bloodthirsty and known to take the heads of fallen enemies as trophies.
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Slingers
Slingers are highly skilled missile troops but are at a huge disadvantage in hand-to-hand combat, especially against cavalry. They can maintain a sustained and concentrated barrage on enemies and then fall back rapidly to avoid hand-to-hand combat. Slingers carry a shoulder bag with many pieces of lead shot (they can also use stones picked up on the battlefield) and several spare slings including slings of different length for greater or lesser range. Other than a knife and a small shield, they carry no other equipment.
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Bowmen
Bowmen are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat. They are drawn from the peasant classes of all societies, as these are the people who need to be skilled hunters in order to survive. Learning to use a bow well is something that takes a lifetime and constant practice, and putting food on the table provides good practice. They are best used to weaken enemy formations, or placed in a spot where they can retreat and find protection from other troops.
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Pharaoh’s Bowmen
Pharaoh's bowmen are skilled archers, the finest to be found in Egyptian armies. They carry the finest bows available, and have the abilities - honed from an early age - to make the best use of their weaponry, making them a true elite. And with their native toughness and hardy spirit they are truly impressive warriors, and a fine force for any of the Pharaoh’s generals to have under his command. Unlike many other archers, these men wear good armour, giving them protection against counter-fire, but they are vulnerable - like any archers - if unsupported when attacked by cavalry.
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Nubian Spearmen
These militia-like soldiers can fight in harsh conditions and they are cheap defensive troops for the Pharaoh's armies. Armed with a long, thrusting spear and a large wooden shield, these men are primarily defensive and can hold their own against cavalry. However, they can also be formed into phalanxes and sent against other infantry. Their lack of training and armour means that they should not be used to attack armoured or elite troops. Nubian spearmen were originally recruited in the south, but since it is not uncommon for a Nubian soldier to be rewarded with land for his service, they can be found in every part of the Pharaoh's realms.
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Nile Spearmen
These well trained spearmen are the mainstay of many Egyptian armies, thanks to their all-round defensive abilities. They wear light padded armour - hardly surprising given the incredibly hot climate of home - and carry large shields. They do not carry secondary weapons at all, and rely entirely on their spears in combat. This means that they are best employed to hold a defensive position against cavalry, or as a rough phalanx to take on other infantry by 'push of pike' and weight of numbers. These men are better trained than some other Egyptian forces, such as Nubian spearmen, and will hold more often as a result.
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These superior soldiers are recruited from among desert dwellers, and are equipped with sharp axes and wooden shields by the order of the Pharaoh. It is their job to stand in line of battle and hack into an enemy formation or position. They are very useful against other infantry - including armoured infantry - but they are less able to defend themselves against cavalry attacks. They are hardy folk in the lands at Egypt's borders and well suited to life as soldiers in the Pharaoh's army; they do not tire easily and shrink from few enemies.
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Pharaoh’s Guards
The Pharaoh's Guard are the true elite of any Egyptian army, armoured spearmen sworn to defend the Twin Crowns to the death! They may have ceremonial duties, but these are also soldiers for the working day. These are superbly trained and disciplined spearmen, capable of standing against almost any enemy in almost any circumstances. They are trained to form a phalanx making them an effective attacking force as well. Recruited from among the higher ranks of Egyptian society, they have an interest in seeing the state and the Pharaoh's power survive.
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Desert Cavalry
Desert cavalry are fast moving horsemen armed with axes for close combat. They are not heavily armoured, but do have shields for protection, giving them good prospects of surviving in melee. They are well suited to hunting down skirmishers and other infantry, but may suffer undue casualties against heavier cavalry forces. These are hardy soldiers, and untiring in combat, as might be expected from recruits taken from desert dwelling people at the margins of Egypt's lands.
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Nubian Cavalry
Nubian cavalry are lightly equipped raiders who are perfect for flanking attacks on an enemy line. They are recruited into the service of the Pharaoh from the upper reaches of the Nile. They are superb horsemen, proud and independently minded. Nubians do not wear armour, but then this is only to be expected among people from such a hot, harsh climate, but they carry good war gear otherwise: a shield, a spear for the initial charge, and a sword so that they can fight effectively in close combat. They can be used to mount rapid charges against enemies, but if asked to charge spearmen they will suffer excessive casualties. They can also be used to pursue fleeing foes and cut down isolated enemy units.
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Nile Cavalry
Nile cavalry are mail-armoured spearmen capable of delivering a decisive blow. Although they do not carry shields, they are a useful force for any commander thanks to their training and motivation. These men are recruited from among the elite of Egyptian society. They are given land for their service, the amount depending on rank and length of service.
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Camel Archers
These camel-mounted archers are effective skirmishers, especially in deserts. These men are good bowmen and untiring fighters thanks to their harsh upbringing. They can move swiftly, staying away from most infantry and other skirmishers. When attacked by cavalry they are at an advantage should a melee ensue. The very smell of camels can upset horses in battle and a cunning commander can use this to his advantage.
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Chariots
Chariots are fearsome devices, and have scythe blades to cut down any infantry foolish enough to stand when charged. The armoured crews carry swords to cut down opponents. Egyptian armies have a long and distinguished history of using chariots in warfare. Their charioteers are also more disciplined and controlled than those of other nations. These are not subtle troops, and their chief power lies in a headlong charge into an enemy formation. Each chariot is pulled by powerful horses, and the deserts are an ideal place for them to be used to full effect.
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Chariot Archers
Chariot archers are highly skilled - they can hit targets while their chariots are moving at high speed. The scythes attached to each chariot axle make them even more deadly. They have the speed of cavalry and the staying power of infantry, and this makes them a powerful weapon for any commander; the Egyptians have also had many centuries of experience in using chariots in warfare, particularly on desert battlefields. Each chariot is under the control of a driver, leaving the archers to concentrate on their killing work; all wear high quality armour.
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Onagers
The onager is a catapult jokingly named for the tremendous kick it has when fired at the enemy (an "onager" is a wild ass). This war machine is powered by a twisted spring of animal sinew ropes, the most elastic substance available. The throwing arm is held in tension by the sinews. When pulled back and held by a catch it can fling a boulder with considerable speed and range. This version can be used for reducing stone fortifications, but it can also be used on the battlefield for destroying enemy artillery and harassing troops (although admittedly by killing them outright). The onager can also be used to launch incendiary missiles such as firepots, making it a versatile piece of artillery to any commander.
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General’s Bodyguard
This general has a bodyguard of chariot archers to accompany him onto the field. Armed with bows, these men are able to deliver powerful attacks in any circumstances. Each chariot is pulled by powerful horses, and the deserts are an ideal place for them to be used to full effect. The general can inspire his men by his presence and bring a powerful force quickly to bear on a critical part of the battlefield. Egyptian armies have a long and distinguished history of using chariots in warfare and their charioteers are more disciplined and easily controlled than those of other peoples.
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