Unique Units

[Arkaeyn]

Brainstorming for unique units. Right now, the major unit additions in RFGW are advanced versions of existing units:

Spearmen -> Hoplites
Axemen and Swordsmen -> Legions
Archers -> Javileneers (Peltasts?)
Triremes -> Quinquiremes
Horse Archers -> Noble Cavalry

and a Ram as a precursor to the Catapult.

Here are the RFC UUs for already-existing civs:

Egypt - War Chariot (chariot)
Babylon - Asharittu Bowmen (archer
Persia - Immortal (I forget with the latest patch. Spearmen replacements?)
*Greece - Phalanx (axemen)
Carthage - Numidian Cavalry (horse archer)
Rome - Legion (swordsmen)
*Celts - Celtic Axemen (axemen)

 

[Arkaeyn]

Here are suggestions for other UUs, or changes in existing UUs:

Israel
Phoenicia
Hittites
Huns
Byzantines
Sparta
Macedon
Athens
Etruria

 

[Arkaeyn]

Here are some of my brainstorming ideas:

I like all of the existing UUs except one. Because everyone should now have a chance at Legions (see the units thread!) the Roman UU is now common. The obvious change would be to do the traditional Civ thing and give the Romans Praetorians instead of Legions. For historical reasons, I disagree with that. Praetorians were not major forces in the Roman armies. We could do special legions, or we could be creative. I personally would like to have the Roman UU be the Principes, as a swordsmen replacement. They would be stronger than other spearmen AND, if possible, have a cheap or free upgrade to Legions when that tech is available. Many of the Roman conquests took place before the Marian Reforms made legions common, and anyone who's played Rome: Total War has depended on their Principes ;-)

Phoenicia is another one that I'm thinking we should be creative with. I'm leaning towards a pumped-up Settler - maybe it's amphibious!

Sparta is fairly obvious: an enhanced hoplite. The only real question is the name. Spartiate would be my choice.

Athens should probably get a better Trireme or Galley. Athens could also use an upgraded Javileneer, perhaps the Thureophoroi.

Byzantium could have a Greek Fire Quinquireme. Although, to be honest, I don't use naval warfare very much and would prefer a land unit.

Macedon is loaded with options. The Sarissaphoros, or long spear-users is one as a hoplite replacement. Hypasists might be a good option, but I'm not sure what they would replace - maybe axemen? Finally, the Companions are a perfect example of elite cavalry.

 

[Cethegus]

Cheap merchant ship for Phoenicians. The Portuguese had a expansionistic caravel, the Phoenicians should have a wealthy galley. And I support Companion Cavalry for Macedonia.

 

[Metal Alloy Man]

. And I support Companion Cavalry for Macedonia.

So do I.

 

[Wessel V1]

You might want to take a look at the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire mod, which is usually on the first or second page of the Creation & Customization forum. There are quite some units, that also look pretty good.

 

[BurnEmDown]

If we only take one name for the archer improvement unit I think Javileneers is a better all-around name, though I hope later in the mod we will have culturally different units (even if their only difference will be name and graphics).
Definetly agree on Spartan Companion.
Suggestion for Israeli UU - The Macabee, replaces Javileneers. Yes I know most mods that include them replace them with Swordsman or Axeman but I think their role was more defensive that offensive, and in this modmod they would definetly need something to help them defend from many invaders. If we want them to replace Swordsman or Axeman then perhaps they will get a defensive bonus (+25% when defending cities?) or perhaps, if it's not too overpowered, a ballista elephant-like ability to target siege in enemy stacks (and if it is too overpowered perhaps another UU could get this ability?).

 

[blizzrd]

Carthage - Numidian Cavalry (horse archer)

Can we please give Carthage some War Elephants? If not as a UU, at least as a starting unit? If a starting War Elephant was included in the mix of Carthaginian units, it would help to represent Hannibal's army which most famously included War Elephants.

 

[Arkaeyn]

Except that most of Hannibal's elephants were dead before they could be used in battle....

Sure, Carthage should have the ability to create war elephants. But it's really excessive to have them as the UU, I think. More traditional mercenaries are far more accurate.

 

[blizzrd]

Which as I said, is fine too. But please can Carthage start with a War Elephant (or spawn one at the appropriate time for Hannibal's campaign to Italy).

 

[Frank Dahl]

Macedon should have - afterall - the phalanx. The companions were bodyguards, an expanded corps, but bodyguards none the less. The Tarantines as cavalry.