¬ Text used for building names and descriptions
¬ Lines that begin with this character are comments
¬ and should not be translated or altered
¬ Items inside curly brackets are tags and should not be translated
¬ The text following each tag on the same, or next line does need to be translated
¬


{barb_peasant_briton}	Barbarian Peasants

{barb_peasant_briton_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\n\nPeasants 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.

{barb_peasant_briton_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but barbarian peasants are better fighters than most: hard lives produce hard men.

¬----------------

{barb_peasant_dacian}	Barbarian Peasants

{barb_peasant_dacian_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\n\nPeasants 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.

{barb_peasant_dacian_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but barbarian peasants are better fighters than most: hard lives produce hard men.

¬----------------

{barb_peasant_gaul}	Barbarian Peasants

{barb_peasant_gaul_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\n\nPeasants 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.

{barb_peasant_gaul_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but barbarian peasants are better fighters than most: hard lives produce hard men.

¬----------------

{barb_peasant_german}	Barbarian Peasants

{barb_peasant_german_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\n\nPeasants 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.

{barb_peasant_german_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but barbarian peasants are better fighters than most: hard lives produce hard men.

¬----------------

{barb_peasant_scythian}	Barbarian Peasants

{barb_peasant_scythian_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\n\nPeasants 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.

{barb_peasant_scythian_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but barbarian peasants are better fighters than most: hard lives produce hard men.

¬----------------

{barb_peasant_slave}	Barbarian Peasants

{barb_peasant_slave_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\n\nPeasants 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.

{barb_peasant_slave_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but barbarian peasants are better fighters than most: hard lives produce hard men.

¬----------------

{barb_peltast_gaul}	Skirmisher Warband

{barb_peltast_gaul_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\n\nSkirmishers are lightly armed troops who should break up and harass enemy formations before the main battle lines meet, and act as a screen for heavier troops. Their skills also make them useful in springing tactical ambushes.\n\nEach man is armed with a clutch of throwing spears, a short sword and a small shield, but they do not wear armour preferring speed over protection. \n\nSkirmisher Warbands are often the tribe's younger warriors. These men have yet to prove themselves as warriors, so are not necessarily tough enough to stand against a seasoned enemy in hand-to-hand fighting.

{barb_peltast_gaul_descr_short}
Skirmishers rush forward to pepper an enemy with throwing spears, and then run away before a counter-attack can be organised. 

¬----------------

{barb_peltast_german}	Skirmisher Warband

{barb_peltast_german_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\n\nSkirmishers are lightly armed troops who should break up and harass enemy formations before the main battle lines meet, and act as a screen for heavier troops. Their skills also make them useful in springing tactical ambushes.\n\nEach man is armed with a clutch of throwing spears, a short sword and a small shield, but they do not wear armour preferring speed over protection. \n\nSkirmisher Warbands are often the tribe's younger warriors. These men have yet to prove themselves as warriors, so are not necessarily tough enough to stand against a seasoned enemy in hand-to-hand fighting.

{barb_peltast_german_descr_short}
Skirmishers rush forward to pepper an enemy with throwing spears, and then run away before a counter-attack can be organised. 

¬----------------

{barb_slinger_briton}	Slingers

{barb_slinger_briton_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\n\nA 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.

{barb_slinger_briton_descr_short}
A sling is a deceptively simple weapon: a slinger can bring down the strongest man with a single shot.

¬----------------

{barb_archer_dacian}	Archer Warband

{barb_archer_dacian_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Woods\n\nArcher warbands are used to harass and break up enemy formations, so that other warriors can then get in amongst their enemies. The members of the warband are lightly armed and equipped, relying more on speed as a protection from foes. Any archers caught in the open by cavalry will be in trouble unless they can withdraw to more favourable ground or behind a shield wall of friendly warriors.\n\nTheir bows have a short range, but each warrior carries a good selection of hunting and war arrows, designed to cause massive bleeding and pierce armour respectively. Their choice of missile is matched to the nature of the target.\n\nThese archers are at their best in wooded country, where their superior stalking skills learned on the hunt can be put to use.

{barb_archer_dacian_descr_short}
Archer warbands are used to harass and break up enemy formations, so that other warriors can then get in amongst their enemies. 

¬----------------

{barb_archer_scythian}	Archer Warband

{barb_archer_scythian_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Woods\n\nArcher warbands are used to harass and break up enemy formations, so that other warriors can then get in amongst their enemies. The members of the warband are lightly armed and equipped, relying more on speed as a protection from foes. Any archers caught in the open by cavalry will be in trouble unless they can withdraw to more favourable ground or behind a shield wall of friendly warriors.\n\nTheir bows have a short range, but each warrior carries a good selection of hunting and war arrows, designed to cause massive bleeding and pierce armour respectively. Their choice of missile is matched to the nature of the target.\n\nThese archers are at their best in wooded country, where their superior stalking skills learned on the hunt can be put to use.

{barb_archer_scythian_descr_short}
Archer warbands are used to harass and break up enemy formations, so that other warriors can then get in amongst their enemies. 

¬----------------

{barb_archer_slave}	Archer Warband

{barb_archer_slave_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Woods\n\nArcher warbands are used to harass and break up enemy formations, so that other warriors can then get in amongst their enemies. The members of the warband are lightly armed and equipped, relying more on speed as a protection from foes. Any archers caught in the open by cavalry will be in trouble unless they can withdraw to more favourable ground or behind a shield wall of friendly warriors.\n\nTheir bows have a short range, but each warrior carries a good selection of hunting and war arrows, designed to cause massive bleeding and pierce armour respectively. Their choice of missile is matched to the nature of the target.\n\nThese archers are at their best in wooded country, where their superior stalking skills learned on the hunt can be put to use.

{barb_archer_slave_descr_short}
Archer warbands are used to harass and break up enemy formations, so that other warriors can then get in amongst their enemies. 

¬----------------

{warband_archer_dacian}	Chosen Archer Warband

{warband_archer_dacian_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nChosen archers are highly prized for their superior skills in war. They are the best archers available to barbarian warlords. They are all, as might be expected, excellent bowmen, fleet of foot and expert hunters. They are given the best bows available to their people, and are also equipped with good swords and chainmail armour too. This equipment means that they can do more than just defend themselves in hand-to-hand combat. They can, when required, act as light infantry. Their presence on a battlefield is always useful, as they have the flexibility to be both archers and infantry and do a good job in both tasks.

{warband_archer_dacian_descr_short}
Chosen archers are highly prized for their superior skills in war. They are the best archers available to barbarian warlords.

¬----------------

{warband_archer_german}	Chosen Archer Warband

{warband_archer_german_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nChosen archers are highly prized for their superior skills in war. They are the best archers available to barbarian warlords. They are all, as might be expected, excellent bowmen, fleet of foot and expert hunters. They are given the best bows available to their people, and are also equipped with good swords and chainmail armour too. This equipment means that they can do more than just defend themselves in hand-to-hand combat. They can, when required, act as light infantry. Their presence on a battlefield is always useful, as they have the flexibility to be both archers and infantry and do a good job in both tasks.

{warband_archer_german_descr_short}
Chosen archers are highly prized for their superior skills in war. They are the best archers available to barbarian warlords.

¬----------------

{warband_archer_scythian}	Chosen Archer Warband

{warband_archer_scythian_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nChosen archers are highly prized for their superior skills in war. They are the best archers available to barbarian warlords. They are all, as might be expected, excellent bowmen, fleet of foot and expert hunters. They are given the best bows available to their people, and are also equipped with good swords and chainmail armour too. This equipment means that they can do more than just defend themselves in hand-to-hand combat. They can, when required, act as light infantry. Their presence on a battlefield is always useful, as they have the flexibility to be both archers and infantry and do a good job in both tasks.

{warband_archer_scythian_descr_short}
Chosen archers are highly prized for their superior skills in war. They are the best archers available to barbarian warlords.

¬----------------

{warband_huntsman_gaul}	Forester Warband

{warband_huntsman_gaul_descr}
Elite\nCan Hide Anywhere\nVery Hardy\n\nA life spent hunting is an excellent training for war. Personal courage, skill and the readiness to take a life can all be learned during a hunt. Foresters are highly skilled men with both the bow and the spear, their preferred weapons. They also each wear good leather armour.\n\nTheir hunting skills also stand them in good stead when stalking men instead of animals - these men can hide almost anywhere, taking advantage of every scrap of cover. The ability to spring ambushes as well as fight hand-to-hand makes them a uniquely flexible force for a warlord and one that, unusually, has enough sense to obey all orders. Foresters already know that they are superb hunters and warriors, and do not need to prove their skills to anyone by attacking just because they can!

{warband_huntsman_gaul_descr_short}
A life spent hunting is an excellent training for war. Personal courage, skill and the readiness to take a life can all be learned during a hunt. 

¬----------------

{warband_hurler_briton}	Head Hurlers

{warband_hurler_briton_descr}
Wild\nImpetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nIn 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.\n\nHead hurlers, however, also show little regard for their own danger and are not above rushing into combat without orders. 

{warband_hurler_briton_descr_short}
In battle, head hurlers throw the heads of fallen foes coated with quicklime. These missiles are both dangerous and loathsome. 

¬----------------

{barb_infantry_briton}	Warband

{barb_infantry_briton_descr}
Impetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nWarbands 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!\n\nEach man carries a stabbing spear and a large shield.

{barb_infantry_briton_descr_short}
Warbands are bound to the service of a strongman or petty village head. They fight well as personal glory is the way to status, but are often difficult to control. 

¬----------------

{barb_infantry_dacian}	Warband

{barb_infantry_dacian_descr}
Impetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nWarbands 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!\n\nEach man carries a stabbing spear and a large shield. 

{barb_infantry_dacian_descr_short}
Warbands are bound to the service of a strongman or petty village head. They fight well as personal glory is the way to status, but are often difficult to control. 

¬----------------

{barb_infantry_gaul}	Warband

{barb_infantry_gaul_descr}
Impetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nWarbands 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!\n\nEach man carries a stabbing spear and a large shield. 

{barb_infantry_gaul_descr_short}
Warbands are bound to the service of a strongman or petty village head. They fight well as personal glory is the way to status, but are often difficult to control. 

¬----------------

{barb_infantry_slave}	Warband

{barb_infantry_slave_descr}
Impetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nWarbands 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!\n\nEach man carries a stabbing spear and a large shield. 

{barb_infantry_slave_descr_short}
Warbands are bound to the service of a strongman or petty village head. They fight well as personal glory is the way to status, but are often difficult to control. 

¬----------------

{warband_spear_german}	Spear Warband

{warband_spear_german_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Form Phalanx\n\nThe men of a spear warband are effective against cavalry and most infantry, but lack the discipline of more 'civilized' troops. Their spears, however, make them valuable defensive warriors for any warlord.\n\nThe warband is the basic unit of any barbarian army - a group of tough warriors bound together in the service of a tribal strongman or village headman. Each warrior is protected by a large shield. In common with other Germanic warriors, these men are very clever when concealing themselves in forests.

{warband_spear_german_descr_short}
The men of a spear warband are effective against cavalry and most infantry, but lack the discipline of more 'civilized' troops.

¬----------------

{warband_sword_briton}	Swordsmen

{warband_sword_briton_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nSwordsmen 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.\n\nEvery warlord worth the name makes sure he has a couple of warbands of these hard men under his command. 

{warband_sword_briton_descr_short}
Swordsmen are steadfast and aggressive warriors, the 'infantry of the line' for barbarian warlords. 

¬----------------

{warband_sword_gaul}	Swordsmen

{warband_sword_gaul_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nSwordsmen 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.\n\nEvery warlord worth the name makes sure he has a couple of warbands of these hard men under his command. 

{warband_sword_gaul_descr_short}
Swordsmen are steadfast and aggressive warriors, the 'infantry of the line' for barbarian warlords. 

¬----------------

{warband_axe_german}	Axemen

{warband_axe_german_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nAxemen 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 fighters. They are equipped with good axes and small shields.\n\nEvery warlord worth the name makes sure he has a couple of warbands of these hard men under his command.

{warband_axe_german_descr_short}
Axemen are steadfast and aggressive warriors, the 'infantry of the line' for barbarian warlords. 

¬----------------

{warband_axe_scythian}	Axemen

{warband_axe_scythian_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nAxemen 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 fighters. They are equipped with good axes and small shields.\n\nEvery warlord worth the name makes sure he has a couple of warbands of these hard men under his command.

{warband_axe_scythian_descr_short}
Axemen are steadfast and aggressive warriors, the 'infantry of the line' for barbarian warlords. 

¬----------------

{warband_falx_dacian}	Falxmen

{warband_falx_dacian_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Woods\n\nFalxmen are used to carve a path into enemy formations. They are superior, but somewhat ill-disciplined warriors who are willing to charge into a fight without orders. They wear no armour, partly as a sign of their bravery and partly because it would interfere with the free swinging of their falxes.\n\nA falx can cut a man in two lengthways in the hands of a skilled user. It is a frightening weapon: a curved scythe-like blade on the end of a long handle that is sharpened on the inner curve of the blade. The damage from any blow is done with a pulling motion, meaning that any blow that lands will hack off a limb or decapitate a foe at the least. Historically, this is one of the few weapons that made the Romans change their standardised armour, as they added reinforcing bars to Legionary helmets after encountering falxmen.

{warband_falx_dacian_descr_short}
Falxmen are used to carve a path into enemy formations. They are superior, but somewhat ill-disciplined warriors.

¬----------------

{warband_falx_thracian}	Falxmen

{warband_falx_thracian_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Woods\n\nFalxmen are used to carve a path into enemy formations. They are superior, but somewhat ill-disciplined warriors who are willing to charge into a fight without orders. They wear no armour, partly as a sign of their bravery and partly because it would interfere with the free swinging of their falxes.\n\nA falx can cut a man in two lengthways in the hands of a skilled user. It is a frightening weapon: a curved scythe-like blade on the end of a long handle that is sharpened on the inner curve of the blade. The damage from any blow is done with a pulling motion, meaning that any blow that lands will hack off a limb or decapitate a foe at the least. Historically, this is one of the few weapons that made the Romans change their standardised armour, as they added reinforcing bars to legionary helmets after encountering falxmen.

{warband_falx_thracian_descr_short}
Falxmen are used to carve a path into enemy formations. They are superior, but somewhat ill-disciplined warriors.

¬----------------

{barb_warguard_briton}	Chosen Swordsmen

{barb_warguard_briton_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nChosen swordsmen are the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with the finest swords available.\n\nWhile 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.

{barb_warguard_briton_descr_short}
Chosen swordsmen are the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with the finest swords available. 

¬----------------

{barb_warguard_dacian}	Chosen Swordsmen

{barb_warguard_dacian_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nChosen swordsmen are the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with the finest swords available.\n\nWhile 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.

{barb_warguard_dacian_descr_short}
Chosen swordsmen are the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with the finest swords available. 

¬----------------

{barb_warguard_gaul}	Chosen Swordsmen

{barb_warguard_gaul_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nChosen swordsmen are the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with the finest swords available.\n\nWhile 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.

{barb_warguard_gaul_descr_short}
Chosen swordsmen are the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with the finest swords available. 

¬----------------

{warband_woad_briton}	Woad Warriors

{warband_woad_briton_descr}
Impetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nReligion and magic are powerful reasons for bravery.\n\nWoad 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!

{warband_woad_briton_descr_short}
Religion and magic are powerful reasons for bravery. Woad warriors are brave fighters - and mad.

¬----------------

{naked_fanatics_dacian}	Naked Fanatics

{naked_fanatics_dacian_descr}
Impetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThere are warriors among the barbarian ranks whose love of battle is such that they live for little else. Clad only in flimsy loincloths, the fanatics whip themselves into a frenzy by chanting, beating themselves and drinking heavily. In this state they make an unnerving sight on the battlefield! They are best sent into battle en masse, shocking the enemy by a ferocious charge, but they should be kept away from enemy cavalry.\n\nThey carry just swords and shields and have practically no discipline, but they can cause heavy casualties among most enemies. They fight mostly (if not completely) naked to emphasise their own fierceness and utter lack of fear. Scars and tattoos adorn their skin, and they let their hair grow wild. Only after a kill is their hair cut, often with a sword blade while standing over a freshly dead foe.\n\nWhile their reckless courage is not in doubt, they can lack the cohesion and discipline to adapt to setbacks, breaking and running in confusion when subjected to severe pressure.

{naked_fanatics_dacian_descr_short}
Wild and savage, naked fanatics are always a threat but are at a disadvantage when fighting cavalry.

¬----------------

{naked_fanatics_gaul}	Naked Fanatics

{naked_fanatics_gaul_descr}
Impetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThere are warriors among the barbarian ranks whose love of battle is such that they live for little else. Clad only in flimsy loincloths, the fanatics whip themselves into a frenzy by chanting, beating themselves and drinking heavily. In this state they make an unnerving sight on the battlefield! They are best sent into battle en masse, shocking the enemy by a ferocious charge, but they should be kept away from enemy cavalry.\n\nThey carry just swords and shields and have practically no discipline, but they can cause heavy casualties among most enemies. They fight mostly (if not completely) naked to emphasise their own fierceness and utter lack of fear. Scars and tattoos adorn their skin, and they let their hair grow wild. Only after a kill is their hair cut often with a sword blade while standing over a freshly dead foe.\n\nWhile their reckless courage is not in doubt, they can lack the cohesion and discipline to adapt to setbacks, breaking and running in confusion when subjected to severe pressure.

{naked_fanatics_gaul_descr_short}
Wild and savage, naked fanatics are always a threat but are at a disadvantage when fighting cavalry.

¬----------------

{naked_fanatics_german}	Naked Fanatics

{naked_fanatics_german_descr}
Impetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThere are warriors among the barbarian ranks whose love of battle is such that they live for little else. Clad only in flimsy loincloths, the fanatics whip themselves into a frenzy by chanting, beating themselves and drinking heavily. In this state they make an unnerving sight on the battlefield! They are best sent into battle en masse, shocking the enemy by a ferocious charge, but they should be kept away from enemy cavalry.\n\nThey carry just swords and shields and have practically no discipline, but they can cause heavy casualties among most enemies. They fight mostly (if not completely) naked to emphasise their own fierceness and utter lack of fear. Scars and tattoos adorn their skin, and they let their hair grow wild. Only after a kill is their hair cut often with a sword blade while standing over a freshly dead foe.\n\nWhile their reckless courage is not in doubt, they can lack the cohesion and discipline to adapt to setbacks, breaking and running in confusion when subjected to severe pressure.

{naked_fanatics_german_descr_short}
Wild and savage, naked fanatics are always a threat but are at a disadvantage when fighting cavalry.

¬----------------

{naked_fanatics_slave}	Naked Fanatics

{naked_fanatics_slave_descr}
Impetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThere are warriors among the barbarian ranks whose love of battle is such that they live for little else. Clad only in flimsy loincloths, the fanatics whip themselves into a frenzy by chanting, beating themselves and drinking heavily. In this state they make an unnerving sight on the battlefield! They are best sent into battle en masse, shocking the enemy by a ferocious charge, but they should be kept away from enemy cavalry.\n\nThey carry just swords and shields and have practically no discipline, but they can cause heavy casualties among most enemies. They fight mostly (if not completely) naked to emphasise their own fierceness and utter lack of fear. Scars and tattoos adorn their skin, and they let their hair grow wild. Only after a kill is their hair cut often with a sword blade while standing over a freshly dead foe.\n\nWhile their reckless courage is not in doubt, they can lack the cohesion and discipline to adapt to setbacks, breaking and running in confusion when subjected to severe pressure.

{naked_fanatics_slave_descr_short}
Wild and savage, naked fanatics are always a threat but are at a disadvantage when fighting cavalry.

¬----------------

{naked_fanatics_spain}	Naked Fanatics

{naked_fanatics_spain_descr}
Impetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThere are warriors among the barbarian ranks whose love of battle is such that they live for little else. Clad only in flimsy loincloths, the fanatics whip themselves into a frenzy by chanting, beating themselves and drinking heavily. In this state they make an unnerving sight on the battlefield! They are best sent into battle en masse, shocking the enemy by a ferocious charge, but they should be kept away from enemy cavalry.\n\nThey carry just swords and shields and have practically no discipline, but they can cause heavy casualties among most enemies. They fight mostly (if not completely) naked to emphasise their own fierceness and utter lack of fear. Scars and tattoos adorn their skin, and they let their hair grow wild. Only after a kill is their hair cut often with a sword blade while standing over a freshly dead foe.\n\nWhile their reckless courage is not in doubt, they can lack the cohesion and discipline to adapt to setbacks, breaking and running in confusion when subjected to severe pressure.

{naked_fanatics_spain_descr_short}
Wild and savage, naked fanatics are always a threat but are at a disadvantage when fighting cavalry.

¬----------------

{druids_briton}	Druids

{druids_briton_descr}
Very Hardy\nInspires Friendly Units\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nDruids 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.\n\nEquipped 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.\n\nHistorically, 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.

{druids_briton_descr_short}
Druids are spiritual leaders with practical fighting skills who instill confidence in nearby friendly warriors. 

¬----------------

{druids_gaul}	Druids

{druids_gaul_descr}
Very Hardy\nInspires Friendly Units\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nDruids are spiritual leaders with practical fighting skills who instil 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.\n\nEquipped 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.\n\nHistorically, 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.

{druids_gaul_descr_short}
Druids are spiritual leaders with practical fighting skills who instil confidence in nearby friendly warriors. 

¬----------------

{druids_slave}	Druids

{druids_slave_descr}
Very Hardy\nInspires Friendly Units\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nDruids are spiritual leaders with practical fighting skills who instil 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.\n\nEquipped 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.\n\nHistorically, 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.

{druids_slave_descr_short}
Druids are spiritual leaders with practical fighting skills who instil confidence in nearby friendly warriors. 

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{night_raiders_german}	Night Raiders

{night_raiders_german_descr}
Hardy\nFrightens Infantry\n\nFor most armies, night is a time for withdrawing to camp and roasting a boar or two. For German night raiders, it’s the time to paint themselves and set out in search of enemies to slaughter.\n\nLightly armed infantry, the night raiders' value lies in their ability to spread terror. These warriors from the remote depths of the tangled German forests carry just a small shield and an axe, but weapons of iron and steel are only part of their armoury. Before battle, they daub their bodies with black dye, giving them an otherworldly appearance. When the moment is right, they charge - wild-eyed and screaming - at their foes. Any who survive assaults by these maniacal barbarians are convinced they are spirits sent from Hades!

{night_raiders_german_descr_short}
Night raiders are lightly armed shock troops whose appearance alone is fearful!

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{barb_berserker_german}	Berserkers

{barb_berserker_german_descr}
Berserker\nFrightens Infantry\nVery Hardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nBerserkers are extremely ferocious, aggressive, indomitable warriors with no thought for personal safety once the rage of battle comes upon them. They will use chants, strong drink, potions, rituals and even self mutilation to whip themselves into a fighting frenzy. Once the madness is upon them, little can stop them - their blood-crazed dash into the thick of combat is deeply disheartening (at best) to any who stand against them. They may try to cut their enemies to pieces in this state, but will think nothing of trying to gouge, bite, head butt and kick opponents to death as well.\n\nThey disdain armour as a sign of weakness, along with mercy, common sense and knowing when to stop fighting. They are supremely dangerous foes in close combat.

{barb_berserker_german_descr_short}
Berserkers are extremely ferocious, aggressive, indomitable warriors with no thought for personal safety once the rage of battle comes upon them.

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{screeching_women_german}	Screeching Women

{screeching_women_german_descr}
Wild\nFrightens Infantry\n\nGerman screeching women think nothing of participating in a battle, wailing encouragement to their own men as they fight, and screaming defiance at the enemy to unnerve them. It’s not uncommon for women to accompany armies on campaign, but few actually take to the battlefield. Germanic warriors are inordinately proud, so the prospect of facing the scorn of their women is more than many care to think about. While they wield their hatchets with gusto, their true value is in the unnerving effects they have on enemies - the foul ululations of these women can strike fear into the strongest of hearts! They are best positioned safely behind friendly infantry where, like dark and demented cheerleaders, they can avoid combat while creating their particular brand of intimidation.

{screeching_women_german_descr_short}
German screeching women think nothing of participating in a battle, wailing encouragement to their own men as they fight, and screaming defiance at the enemy to unnerve them. 

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{barb_cavalry_dacian}	Barbarian Cavalry

{barb_cavalry_dacian_descr}
Impetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nBarbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears and shields. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies, and ride sturdy, sure-footed ponies with a good turn of speed. Like many barbarian warriors, however, they can lack battle-discipline and be over-keen to enter battle against worthy opponents. Honour and standing come from fighting, and sometimes the urge for glory overwhelms good sense! These men are all good fighters, but find organised, formal warfare goes against the grain. They are unlikely to be very effective against steady infantry unless attacking from an unexpected direction.

{barb_cavalry_dacian_descr_short}
Barbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies.

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{barb_cavalry_gaul}	Barbarian Cavalry

{barb_cavalry_gaul_descr}
Impetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nBarbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears and shields. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies, and ride sturdy, sure-footed ponies with a good turn of speed. Like many barbarian warriors, however, they can lack battle-discipline and be over-keen to enter battle against worthy opponents. Honour and standing come from fighting, and sometimes the urge for glory overwhelms good sense! These men are all good fighters, but find organised, formal warfare goes against the grain. They are unlikely to be very effective against steady infantry unless attacking from an unexpected direction.

{barb_cavalry_gaul_descr_short}
Barbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies.

¬----------------

{barb_cavalry_german}	Barbarian Cavalry

{barb_cavalry_german_descr}
Impetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nBarbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears and shields. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies, and ride sturdy, sure-footed ponies with a good turn of speed. Like many barbarian warriors, however, they can lack battle-discipline and be over-keen to enter battle against worthy opponents. Honour and standing come from fighting, and sometimes the urge for glory overwhelms good sense! These men are all good fighters, but find organised, formal warfare goes against the grain. They are unlikely to be very effective against steady infantry unless attacking from an unexpected direction.

{barb_cavalry_german_descr_short}
Barbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies.

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{barb_cavalry_scythian}	Barbarian Cavalry

{barb_cavalry_scythian_descr}
Impetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nBarbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears and shields. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies, and ride sturdy, sure-footed ponies with a good turn of speed. Like many barbarian warriors, however, they can lack battle-discipline and be over-keen to enter battle against worthy opponents. Honour and standing come from fighting, and sometimes the urge for glory overwhelms good sense! These men are all good fighters, but find organised, formal warfare goes against the grain. They are unlikely to be very effective against steady infantry unless attacking from an unexpected direction.

{barb_cavalry_scythian_descr_short}
Barbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies.

¬----------------

{barb_cavalry_slave}	Barbarian Cavalry

{barb_cavalry_slave_descr}
Impetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nBarbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears and shields. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies, and ride sturdy, sure-footed ponies with a good turn of speed. Like many barbarian warriors, however, they can lack battle-discipline and be over-keen to enter battle against worthy opponents. Honour and standing come from fighting, and sometimes the urge for glory overwhelms good sense! These men are all good fighters, but find organised, formal warfare goes against the grain. They are unlikely to be very effective against steady infantry unless attacking from an unexpected direction.

{barb_cavalry_slave_descr_short}
Barbarian cavalry are lightly armoured and carry spears. They are best used as scouts and in pursuit of fleeing enemies.

¬----------------

{barb_noble_cavalry_dacian}	Barbarian Noble Cavalry

{barb_noble_cavalry_dacian_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nNoble cavalry are an elite in society as well as war, and fight bravely to justify their status. This can lead them to be headstrong, and difficult to restrain before a fight, as personal glory gained in battle is the only true measure of nobility. Their war gear of spears, shields and good chainmail is the very finest that can be provided.\n\nThey are best used to break weakened enemy formations, fight against other cavalry and pursue fleeing enemies. While they are brave men and superb horsemen, they lack the cohesion of more 'civilized' cavalry, and may not be as effective in a hand-to-hand fight. Shock and initial impact are their main weapons.

{barb_noble_cavalry_dacian_descr_short}
Noble cavalry are an elite in society as well as war, and fight bravely to justify their status. 

¬----------------

{barb_noble_cavalry_gaul}	Barbarian Noble Cavalry

{barb_noble_cavalry_gaul_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nNoble cavalry are an elite in society as well as war, and fight bravely to justify their status. This can lead them to be headstrong, and difficult to restrain before a fight, as personal glory gained in battle is the only true measure of nobility. Their war gear of spears, shields and good chainmail is the very finest that can be provided.\n\nThey are best used to break weakened enemy formations, fight against other cavalry and pursue fleeing enemies. While they are brave men and superb horsemen, they lack the cohesion of more 'civilized' cavalry, and may not be as effective in a hand-to-hand fight. Shock and initial impact are their main weapons.

{barb_noble_cavalry_gaul_descr_short}
Noble cavalry are an elite in society as well as war, and fight bravely to justify their status. 

¬----------------

{barb_noble_cavalry_german}	Barbarian Noble Cavalry

{barb_noble_cavalry_german_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nNoble cavalry are an elite in society as well as war, and fight bravely to justify their status. This can lead them to be headstrong, and difficult to restrain before a fight, as personal glory gained in battle is the only true measure of nobility. Their war gear of spears, shields and good chainmail is the very finest that can be provided.\n\nThey are best used to break weakened enemy formations, fight against other cavalry and pursue fleeing enemies. While they are brave men and superb horsemen, they lack the cohesion of more 'civilized' cavalry, and may not be as effective in a hand-to-hand fight. Shock and initial impact are their main weapons.

{barb_noble_cavalry_german_descr_short}
Noble cavalry are an elite in society as well as war, and fight bravely to justify their status. 

¬----------------

{barb_noble_cavalry_slave}	Barbarian Noble Cavalry

{barb_noble_cavalry_slave_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nNoble cavalry are an elite in society as well as war, and fight bravely to justify their status. This can lead them to be headstrong, and difficult to restrain before a fight, as personal glory gained in battle is the only true measure of nobility. Their war gear of spears, shields and good chainmail is the very finest that can be provided.\n\nThey are best used to break weakened enemy formations, fight against other cavalry and pursue fleeing enemies. While they are brave men and superb horsemen, they lack the cohesion of more 'civilized' cavalry, and may not be as effective in a hand-to-hand fight. Shock and initial impact are their main weapons.

{barb_noble_cavalry_slave_descr_short}
Noble cavalry are an elite in society as well as war, and fight bravely to justify their status. 

¬----------------

{gothic_cavalry_german}	Gothic Cavalry

{gothic_cavalry_german_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nGothic cavalry are an aristocratic - if such a word can be applied to barbarians - heavy cavalry elite of the German tribes. Having the wealth to risk a horse in battle requires status, and among barbarians this status is retained by acts of personal bravery. As a result, these men think little or nothing of danger, and are keen to be the first to come to grips with an enemy.\n\nThey are well armed and well armoured, having spears, heavy mail coats and shields. They are, however, prone to attacking whether or not it makes sense to their warlord - glory and honour are always worth pursuing, after all!\n\nThey are best employed at what they do best - hitting an enemy hard and repeatedly. Victory over the foe is always glorious, so they will not think less of an order to attack the flank or rear of an enemy unit.

{gothic_cavalry_german_descr_short}
Gothic cavalry are an aristocratic - if such a word can be applied to barbarians - heavy cavalry elite of the German tribes. 

¬----------------

{barb_horse_archers_scythian}	Scythian Horse Archers

{barb_horse_archers_scythian_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nOn the vast steppes, the horse archer reigns supreme. \n\nThese riders are the product of generations spent perfecting the skills needed to effectively wield a bow while mounted. They can circle an enemy, thickening the air with arrows until they are sufficiently weakened for heavier troops to launch a main attack. Their superb horsemanship means catching them with a counter charge is difficult, even one with light cavalry.\n\nThe Scythians are not a squeamish people and cover their quivers with human skin, which is valued for its whiteness. They aren’t fastidious either, and many never wash themselves or their clothes! \n\nTheir horses are often smaller than those of other nations, partly because many Scythians ride geldings. These animals are, reputedly, less likely to snort and whinny, giving away their position inadvertently.

{barb_horse_archers_scythian_descr_short}
Deadly with a bow and highly mobile, Scythian horse archers are thorns in the side of many opponents.

¬----------------

{barb_horse_archers_slave}	Scythian Horse Archers

{barb_horse_archers_slave_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nOn the vast steppes, the horse archer reigns supreme. \n\nThese riders are the product of generations spent perfecting the skills needed to They can circle an enemy, thickening the air with arrows until they are sufficiently weakened for heavier troops to launch a main attack. Their superb horsemanship means catching them with a counter charge is difficult, even one with light cavalry.

{barb_horse_archers_slave_descr_short}
Deadly with a bow and highly mobile, horse archers are thorns in the side of many opponents.

¬----------------

{barb_noble_horse_archers_scythian}	Scythian Noble Archers

{barb_noble_horse_archers_scythian_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nHorse-archery is the defining characteristic of warfare on the wide-open steppes of the east. Most nobles and their retinues from these territories are highly practiced in this deadly art from an early age. Scythian nobles are disciplined, following the well-established code of honour of the upper circles of their people. \n\nThese units of aristocratic mounted bowmen are composed of men of well above average station. They can afford a better class of equipment than typical horse archers, including coats of mail that hang to the rider’s knees when he is in the saddle. They also carry swords, and are not afraid to close for a melee if the opportunity presents itself but are sensible enough not to hurl themselves into the fray without orders.

{barb_noble_horse_archers_scythian_descr_short}
These Scythian nobles are armoured horse archers who are also well able to fight in melee.

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{head_hunting_maidens_scythian}	Head Hunting Maidens

{head_hunting_maidens_scythian_descr}
Wild\nImpetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nAmong many Scythian tribes, the culture of war is so strong that both sexes are admired for their prowess in combat. Head hunting maidens are a product of this ethos, and have a strong motive for drawing blood in battle: they are forbidden from marrying until they do so. In the same fashion as any other Scythian warrior, high-ranking maidens who fall in battle are given honour burials along with their weapons and equipment.\n\nFor all their valour, these virgin warriors are physically weaker than most of their male opponents. Consequently, they make good light cavalry, riding down and disrupting enemy archers and light infantry, but (for the sake of future generations if nothing else) they should be protected from the enemy’s stronger forces.

{head_hunting_maidens_scythian_descr_short}
Head hunting maidens are hot-headed light cavalry who are useful against skirmisher and missile troops.

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{scythian_nobles_scythian}	Scythian Nobles

{scythian_nobles_scythian_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nScythian nobles are superb horsemen: armoured lancers who can put many infantry units to flight. They are heavy cavalry who seek the good opinion of their people by acts of bravery. They are eager to prove their worth and the lure of glory is what drives them.\n\nThey are equipped as armoured lancers wearing heavy Scythian mail, reinforced with bronze and iron scales in vulnerable spots. They do not bother with shields so that both hands are free to manipulate the lance.\n\nOn the battlefield Scythian nobles are often used to break through an enemy line after it has been weakened by archery, carrying all before them in a disciplined, dangerous charge.

{scythian_nobles_scythian_descr_short}
Scythian nobles are superb horsemen: armoured lancers who can put many infantry units to flight.

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{scythian_noble_women_scythian}	Scythian Noble Women

{scythian_noble_women_scythian_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nScythian noble women are excellent and well-armoured horse archers, but they are vulnerable in close combat. Among the horse tribes of Scythia, it is expected that women of noble families will ride into battle alongside the men. These women provide valuable support to their male kin, softening up the enemy prior to the main battle with a deadly hail of missiles. They are excellent archers and riders, even by the standards of Scythian horsemen. They are armed with superbly accurate and powerful composite bows, but only carry knives for defence.\n\nThe martial culture of Scythia is not discriminatory when it comes to battle: Scythian women who fall in combat are usually buried with their war gear in the same way as the men. Some young girls even have their right breasts mutilated with a hot iron so they don’t restrict their right arms or a bow string. Perhaps such practices are the origin of the stories about the tribe of fearsome Amazon warrior women, said to rule a city hidden somewhere on the steppes!

{scythian_noble_women_scythian_descr_short}
Scythian noble women are excellent and well-armoured horse archers, but they are vulnerable in close combat.

¬----------------

{barb_onagers_dacian}	Onagers

{barb_onagers_dacian_descr}
Fires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe 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. \n\nThe 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).\n\nThe onager can also be used to launch incendiary missiles such as fire pots, making it a versatile piece of artillery to any commander.

{barb_onagers_dacian_descr_short}
The onager is a versatile catapult that can launch boulders or incendiary fire pots at enemy troops and fortifications.

¬----------------

{barb_onagers_scythian}	Onagers

{barb_onagers_scythian_descr}
Fires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe 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. \n\nThe 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).\n\nThe onager can also be used to launch incendiary missiles such as fire pots, making it a versatile piece of artillery to any commander.

{barb_onagers_scythian_descr_short}
The onager is a versatile catapult that can launch boulders or incendiary fire pots at enemy troops and fortifications.

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{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_dacian}	Barbarian Warlord

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_dacian_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, leather armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_dacian_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

¬----------------

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_gaul}	Barbarian Warlord

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_gaul_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, leather armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_gaul_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

¬----------------

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_german}	Barbarian Warlord

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_german_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, leather armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_german_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

¬----------------

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_scythian}	Barbarian Warlord

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_scythian_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, leather armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_scythian_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

¬----------------

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_slave}	Barbarian Warlord

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_slave_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, leather armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_early_slave_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

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{barb_british_general_briton}	Barbarian Warlord

{barb_british_general_briton_descr}
Hardy\nFrightens Infantry\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nChariots 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.\n\nBarbarian 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.

{barb_british_general_briton_descr_short}
British warlords ride to battle in chariots. They put fear into the hearts of enemies, and courage into the hearts of followers.

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{carthaginian_peasant}	Peasants

{carthaginian_peasant_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nPeasants 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.

{carthaginian_peasant_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, at best. Going to war is just one more burden of a hard life.

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{carthaginian_slinger}	Slingers

{carthaginian_slinger_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nSlingers 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.

{carthaginian_slinger_descr_short}
Slingers are highly skilled missile troops but are at a huge disadvantage in hand-to-hand combat, especially against cavalry.

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{carthaginian_archer}	Archers

{carthaginian_archer_descr}
Can Fire Incendiary Missiles\nSapping Ability\n\nArchers are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nThey 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.\n\nThey are best used to weaken enemy formations, or placed in a spot where they can retreat and find protection from other troops.

{carthaginian_archer_descr_short}
Archers are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.

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{carthaginian_city_militia}	Town Militia

{carthaginian_city_militia_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nTown 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.

{carthaginian_city_militia_descr_short}
Town militia are trained bands of citizens dragged from their homes and shops, given a spear each and some rudimentary training.

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{carthaginian_medium_infantry}	Libyan Spearmen

{carthaginian_medium_infantry_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nLibyan 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.

{carthaginian_medium_infantry_descr_short}
Libyan spearmen are best when defending against cavalry, but can hold a battle line for a while when required.

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{carthaginian_heavy_infantry}	Poeni Infantry

{carthaginian_heavy_infantry_descr}
Superior\nSapping Ability\n\nThese 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.

{carthaginian_heavy_infantry_descr_short}
These heavy Poeni infantry are drawn from the self-reliant Carthaginian citizenry, and make superior all-round soldiers. 

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{carthaginian_sacred_band}	Sacred Band

{carthaginian_sacred_band_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nSapping Ability\nCan Form Phalanx\n\nThe 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.\n\nThey 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!

{carthaginian_sacred_band_descr_short}
The Sacred Band is the elite infantry of any Carthaginian army and can be relied upon to do their duty to the end. 

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{bull_warriors}	Bull Warriors

{bull_warriors_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nAmong the doughty folk of the Spanish hills the bull warriors are men whose bravery, stamina and skill is unmatched. These elite fighters are shock troops who disregard all danger when cutting their enemies to pieces. Carrying only a sword and shield they do not look much of a threat, a mistaken assessment that enemies rarely get to make twice! This is particularly true of they manage to ambush enemy forces. They fear no men and their over-eagerness to join a battle can be problematic, but like all foot soldiers, they need to be wary of cavalry.\n\nBull warriors derive their name from the distinctive horned helmets which they wear.

{bull_warriors_descr_short}
Bull warriors are men whose bravery, stamina and skill are unmatched. These elite fighters are shock troops.

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{numidian_javelinmen}	Numidian Javelinmen

{numidian_javelinmen_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nNumidian javelinmen are fast moving skirmishers trained from infancy in the use of the javelin for hunting. They are recruited from amongst nomadic peoples who need their weapon skills to survive in harsh conditions.\n\nThey are best employed to harry enemies and thin their ranks with volleys of missiles. They should avoid being sucked into hand-to-hand combat, as their knives are more useful in skinning animals than killing men; also, other than a small shield they have no armour.\n\nHistorically, Numidian justice was extremely harsh on deserters and cowards: crucifixion was a common punishment.

{numidian_javelinmen_descr_short}
Numidian javelinmen are fast moving skirmishers trained from infancy in the use of the javelin.  

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{numidian_desert_warriors}	Desert Infantry

{numidian_desert_warriors_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nThese hardy folk from the fringes of the Sahara make excellent spearmen, well suited to defending against cavalry. They are tough troops used to eking out an existence in the unforgiving desert periphery. The prospect of a punishing march across great distances to these robust people is almost as familiar to them as the passing of each day. Equipped with spears and large shields of wood and animal hide, battle holds few fears for these people - life in a desert gives people a certain fatalism.\n\nThey are some of the best fighters available to Numidian commanders, but their lack of formal training is a slight weakness. 

{numidian_desert_warriors_descr_short}
These hardy folk from the fringes of the Sahara make excellent spearmen, well suited to defending against cavalry.

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{numidian_legionaries}	Numidian Legionaries

{numidian_legionaries_descr}
Disciplined\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nNumidian Legionaries are local copies of Roman Legionaries, but lack the truly awesome discipline of the originals. They have had training from Roman advisors, and this makes them the best trained of all Numidian soldiery. They cannot, however, use tactics like the tortoise (or testudo) when approaching enemy formations, but they do fight in the same fashion as the original Legionaries, first throwing heavy spears (pila) at the enemy and then closing for hand-to-hand combat.\n\nA combination of rugged upbringing and harsh training makes them reliable and slow to tire in combat: a Numidian force can be sure that these men will do their duty.

{numidian_legionaries_descr_short}
Numidian Legionaries are local copies of Roman Legionaries, but lack the truly awesome discipline of the originals. This still makes them dangerous foes.

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{carthaginian_medium_cavalry}	Iberian Heavy Cavalry

{carthaginian_medium_cavalry_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Wedge\n\nLong 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.

{carthaginian_medium_cavalry_descr_short}
Long shield cavalry are spear-armed light cavalry, who can be used to break enemy formations, drive off skirmishers and pursue fleeing foes. 

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{carthaginian_generals_cavalry_early}	General's Bodyguard

{carthaginian_generals_cavalry_early_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis 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.\n\nLike 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.

{carthaginian_generals_cavalry_early_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{carthaginian_royal_cavalry}	Sacred Band Cavalry

{carthaginian_royal_cavalry_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nCan Form Wedge\n\nSacred 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.\n\nHistorically, 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. 

{carthaginian_royal_cavalry_descr_short}
The Sacred Band fight as heavy cavalry, armed with spears and swords and well armoured to boot. They are an elite in Carthaginian warfare and society.

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{numidian_cavalry}	Numidian Cavalry

{numidian_cavalry_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nNumidia produces some of the finest cavalry in all Africa, if not the Western Mediterranean world. Armed with javelins, these mounted skirmishers can be a nightmare for an opponent as it can prove practically impossible to pin them down in combat.\n\nTheir tactics are to pelt the enemy with deadly volleys of javelins, and then swiftly retreat when charged. If the enemy stand, they are slaughtered with volleys of javelins, and if they run the Numidian cavalry can ride them down!\n\nInstinctive riders, the Numidians are famed for not using a saddle or reins, using only a stick to direct their horses. Nevertheless, they manoeuvre with the 'grace of a flock of birds'.\n\nHaving adapted to the broken expanses of their homelands, Numidian cavalry have great stamina, and they are also experts in their form of the Cantabrian circle attack.

{numidian_cavalry_descr_short}
Numidian cavalry are superb skirmish cavalry that weakens the enemy with javelins. 

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{numidian_camel_riders}	Numidian Camel Riders

{numidian_camel_riders_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\nBonus vs. Cavalry\n\nThese tough desert warriors are 'camel lancers', exploiting the speed of their mounts and the fear effect that camels cause to horses. The kings of Numidia are wise indeed to exploit this pool of skilled fighters. These are also a hardy people, and can put up with many privations thanks to their desert upbringing.\n\nThey are not the strongest cavalry in the world, but they can surprisingly effective against both infantry and especially other (horse) cavalry. Armed with spears and carrying large shields, they are not at their best in protracted melees, but used as hit-and-run raiders they can be very effective.

{numidian_camel_riders_descr_short}
These tough desert warriors are camel lancers, exploiting the speed of their mounts and the fear effect that camels cause to horses. 

¬----------------

{carthaginian_warhounds}	Warhounds

{carthaginian_warhounds_descr}
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.\n\nTheir handlers are brave and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing!

{carthaginian_warhounds_descr_short}
Warhounds are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild mountain lions!

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{carthaginian_elephant_forest}	Elephants

{carthaginian_elephant_forest_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Run Amok\nFrightens Infantry\nFrightens Cavalry\n\nElephants are a terrifying spectacle to opposing troops, well able to smash battle lines and toss men aside like dogs with rats.\n\nStanding 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. \n\nEach elephant is unarmoured, but many blows simply glance off the tough hide. Only a single rider is carried.

{carthaginian_elephant_forest_descr_short}
Elephants are a terrifying spectacle to opposing troops, well able to smash battle lines and toss men aside like dogs with rats.

¬----------------

{carthaginian_elephant_african}	War Elephants

{carthaginian_elephant_african_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Run Amok\nFrightens Infantry\nFrightens Cavalry\n\nWar 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.\n\nThe 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.

{carthaginian_elephant_african_descr_short}
War elephants are fierce and terrible beasts, able to trample men and horses into the dirt. 

¬----------------

{carthaginian_onagers}	Onagers

{carthaginian_onagers_descr}
Fires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe 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. \n\nThe 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).\n\nThe onager can also be used to launch incendiary missiles such as firepots, making it a versatile piece of artillery to any commander.

{carthaginian_onagers_descr_short}
The onager is a versatile catapult that can launch boulders or incendiary firepots at enemy troops and fortifications.

¬----------------

{east_peasant}	Peasants

{east_peasant_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nPeasants 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. 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.

{east_peasant_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, at best. Going to war is just one more burden of a hard life.

¬----------------

{east_peltast}	Peltasts

{east_peltast_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nEastern peltasts rush forward to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised. They are skirmishers and not intended to hold a position in a battle line. Instead, their job is to harass and disrupt enemy units as well as screen the main force of the army. They are also adept - as their abilities would suggest - at staging tactical ambushes.\n\nPeltasts are equipped with a clutch of javelins, a sword and a light shield, the pelte, which gives them their name as 'pelte-bearers'. They wear no other armour, and rely on speed as the best form of protection. 

{east_peltast_descr_short}
Eastern peltasts rush forward to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised. 

¬----------------

{east_slinger}	Slingers

{east_slinger_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nSlingers 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.

{east_slinger_descr_short}
Slingers are highly skilled missile troops but are at a huge disadvantage in hand-to-hand combat, especially against cavalry.

¬----------------

{east_archer}	Archers

{east_archer_descr}
Can Fire Incendiary Missiles\nSapping Ability\n\nArchers are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nThey 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.\n\nThey are best used to weaken enemy formations, or placed in a spot where they can retreat and find protection from other troops.

{east_archer_descr_short}
Archers are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.

¬----------------

{east_hillmen}	Hillmen

{east_hillmen_descr}
Impetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nTo outsiders, the hillmen are a wild savage people, but they are also skilled hunters, making them superb ambushers. Although only armed with spears and shields, they are a valuable addition to many forces. Their skills at reading ground allow them to hide where others cannot, and this makes them valuable to commanders with a penchant for tactical ambushes.\n\nThey are expert raiders and thieves (often taking sheep and goats from their lowland neighbours) and this is, unfortunately, something that makes them occasionally difficult to control. They do not see any need for military formalities!

{east_hillmen_descr_short}
The hillmen are a wild, savage people but they are skilled hunters, making them superb ambushers.

¬----------------

{east_infantry}	Eastern Infantry

{east_infantry_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nEastern infantry are easily recruited militia-spearmen, who are good for defence against less able opponents. They are drawn from among the peasantry and urban poor, given minimal training and sent into battle. They are, however, given large shields.\n\nIndividually, they are not outstanding warriors, but as a group they have their uses in holding off light cavalry; even medium and heavier troops will be unwilling to charge into a forest of spear points.

{east_infantry_descr_short}
Eastern infantry are easily recruited militia-spearmen, who are good for defence against less able opponents.

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{east_heavy_infantry}	Heavy Spearmen

{east_heavy_infantry_descr}
Can Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nHeavy spearmen can be the backbone of an Eastern army and are well able to take on many opponents. Their war gear includes long spears, chainmail and round shields.They can withstand attacks by most cavalry, and the training they have received allows them to form phalanx and carry an attack to an enemy infantry line. Against skirmishers and other missile troops, however, they require some support.\n\nThese men are recruited from the native population, not from among the Greek stratum of society that exists in all the Successor states, so they do not have the discipline of the 'hoplite ethos' in their training. They are still, however, worthwhile troops.

{east_heavy_infantry_descr_short}
Heavy spearmen can be the backbone of an Eastern army and are well able to take on many opponents.

¬----------------

{east_hoplite}	Phalanx Pikemen

{east_hoplite_descr}
Can Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nPhalanx pikemen, or phalangites, are well-drilled infantry who fight best as solid mass of men. They are armed with an enormously long pike, or sarissa, often 4-5m in length. This is the weapon that Alexander's armies used, and it has remained popular in all the Successor states that sprang up in his collapsed empire, even though most of the men recruited to fight as pikemen are neither Macedonian nor Greek by descent. It is popular because the first five ranks can present their pikes to the enemy creating a mobile forest of sharpened metal, while those further back hold them at a 45 degree angle to deflect enemy arrows.\n\nIn phalanx formation these men can advance in a disciplined mass and 'push' against an enemy line, often breaking through in the process as few enemies will stand in the face of so many spear points coming towards them! Indeed, from the front a phalanx can be almost invulnerable. 

{east_hoplite_descr_short}
Phalanx pikemen, or phalangites, are well-drilled infantry who fight best as solid mass of men.

¬----------------

{bronze_shield}	Bronze Shields

{bronze_shield_descr}
Superior\nDisciplined\nHardy\nCan Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nBronze shields are the elite of the army of Pontus, heirs to the world-conquering phalanxes of Alexander! They are lightly armoured and carry a small shield, and each carries an enormously long pike, or sarissa. This 4-5m long spear allows up to five ranks of Bronze Shields to bring their weapons to bear on the enemy, while those further back can protect the front ranks by angling their pikes to deflect missile fire. When deployed as a phalanx they are extremely formidable unless outflanked, attacked from the rear or subjected to intense missile fire. Their superior discipline, training and espirit de corps makes them slow to tire on the battlefield as well.\n\nBronze shields are the successors to the hoplite warrior traditions of Greece and Macedonia; to carry a bronze shield means that you are worthy of honour and that your family has social standing.

{bronze_shield_descr_short}
Bronze shields are the elite of the army of Pontus, among the heirs of the world-conquering phalanxes of Alexander!

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{armenian_legionaries}	Armenian Legionaries

{armenian_legionaries_descr}
Disciplined\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nArmenian legionaries are an attempt to copy the fighting style and skills of the Roman Legions, and give other commanders the war-winning troops of Rome. Although armed and equipped in the manner of Roman legionaries, with iron-shafted throwing spears (pila), short swords, chainmail and large shields, these men are not of quite the same quality as the originals. Armenians are hardy folk and do not tire easily. It is true, and they have accepted the iron discipline that legionary training requires, but the quality of that training is not quite up to Roman standards. They are good heavy infantry once seasoned, but poor training means they cannot use the famous tortoise (testudo) formation. That said, they can still give a nasty shock to any enemy - their fighting style of bombarding an enemy with pila and then closing for the kill is just as effective when performed by Armenians as it is when Romans do the job!

{armenian_legionaries_descr_short}
Armenian legionaries are an attempt to copy the fighting style and skills of the Roman Legions, and give other commanders the war-winning troops of Rome. 

¬----------------

{east_cavalry}	Pontic Light Cavalry

{east_cavalry_descr}
Can Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nPontic light cavalry are javelin-armed mounted skirmishers who can strike quickly and be gone in the time it takes a more ponderous enemy to react. They do not wear armour, but do carry shields and swords so that they can fight in hand-to-hand combat should the need arise. They are, however, best used to dash in and harass a mass of enemies such as heavy infantry who cannot hope to catch them. They are not ideally suited to fighting other skirmishers - many of their javelins will be wasted against targets who can dodge, after all - but they can be very useful in harrying fleeing enemies and driving them from the field.

{east_cavalry_descr_short}
Pontic light cavalry are javelin-armed mounted skirmishers who can strike quickly and be gone before the enemy reacts.

¬----------------

{east_heavy_cavalry}	Pontic Heavy Cavalry

{east_heavy_cavalry_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nPontic heavy cavalry are javelin-armed horsemen who can also fight hand-to-hand - a potent combination in one force! They wear light chainmail armour and carry shields and swords so that they can close with opponents and fight when the situation requires. Their primary means of attack, however, remains the javelins that they carry. They can pepper an enemy with missiles and then have the option of closing to deliver the coup de grace, or they can withdraw and await another opportunity for mischief!\n\nThey are not ideally suited to fighting other skirmishers - many of their javelins will be wasted against targets who can dodge, after all - but they can be very useful in driving broken enemies from the field.

{east_heavy_cavalry_descr_short}
Pontic heavy cavalry are javelin-armed horsemen who can also fight hand-to-hand - a potent combination in one force!

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{east_heavy_cataphract}	Cataphracts

{east_heavy_cataphract_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Wedge\n\nCataphracts are extremely heavily-armoured cavalry who can turn a battle with one thunderous charge. They are the ultimate in shock cavalry, an armoured battering ram to crash into an enemy position and sweep aside all who stand against them. They are armed with heavy lances for the initial charge and maces for use in close combat. They wear armour that is almost unmatched for weight and protection, and their horses are similarly armoured. On the move they are a wall of metal bearing down on enemies, tipped with razor-sharp spear points.\n\nTheir armour is their main strength, but it also means that these troops can be quite ponderous and slow moving. That said, sheer weight means that they can often break through (or ride over) an enemy line without too much trouble.

{east_heavy_cataphract_descr_short}
Cataphracts are extremely heavily-armoured shock cavalry who can turn a battle with one thunderous charge.

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{east_cappodocian_cavalry}	Cappadocian Cavalry

{east_cappodocian_cavalry_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Wedge\n\nCappadocian lancers are excellent horsemen, best suited to charging into and breaking through enemy formations. They are not as headstrong as other elite heavy cavalry and will not charge without orders - war is a serious business that has little room for vainglorious folly. They wear heavy chainmail and carry swords for use in close combat once the initial charge is over and momentum has been lost. While not in quite the same class as the super-heavy cataphracts from nearby Armenia, these men are a powerful force. They should not, however, be expected to charge into prepared spearmen.\n\nCappadocia is a region that is famed for its cavalry, and these men are rightly feared throughout Asia Minor.

{east_cappodocian_cavalry_descr_short}
Cappadocian lancers are excellent horsemen, best suited to charging into and breaking through enemy formations.

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{eat_persian_cavalry}	Persian Cavalry

{eat_persian_cavalry_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nPersian cavalry can fight well with either bow or sword, making them valuable skirmishers and general purpose horsemen. They can trace their lineage back to the tribes of the steppes, and this tradition gives them fine skills with both the horse and the compound bow. They wear mail armour and carry swords so that they can defend themselves at need, or even carry the attack to lighter opponents, but they are primarily fine horse archers, able to ruin formations of solidly-packed enemies.\n\nA skilled commander will use these troops in cooperation with heavier cataphracts when he can, softening up an opponent with missiles before delivering an armoured punch, or beating an enemy down before driving them from the field with lighter pursuers.

{eat_persian_cavalry_descr_short}
Persian cavalry can fight well with either bow or sword, making them valuable skirmishers and general purpose horsemen.

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{east_cataphract_archer}	Cataphract Archers

{east_cataphract_archer_descr}
Superior\n\nCataphract archers are very heavily armoured, but slow, horse-archers that are almost impervious to attacks and can fight in close combat. They are not as armoured as cataphract lancers, yet most enemy missiles are turned aside quite easily. Mobility and speed have been sacrificed to provide protection. Their composite bows allow them to attack enemies at long range, but they also carry swords so that - if needs be - they can close up and fight hand-to-hand.\n\nThe weight of cataphract archers means that they are 'heavier' than most shock cavalry but this is not their primary purpose. Being able to fight in close combat should be seen as a bonus to their primary abilities.

{east_cataphract_archer_descr_short}
Cataphract archers are very heavily armoured, but slow, horse-archers that are almost impervious to attacks and can fight in close combat.

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{east_horse_archer}	Horse Archers

{east_horse_archer_descr}
Can Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nHorse archers are a speciality of the East: swift horses and expert marksmen make a deadly combination. They are armed with a powerful bow and a dagger for defence, but they are not armoured and should not be expected to fight other than to escape. Horse archers rely on the maxim that 'speed is armour' to keep them out of trouble. Infantry have no hope of catching them, but other cavalry may be able to chase them down. Wise eastern commanders know this, and deploy horse archers with other cavalry to act as a deterrent to over-ambitious pursuit by an enemy.\n\nIf horse archers have a weakness it is that of all soldiers armed with composite bows: these weapons do not take well to damp or wet weather, as the glues used to construct them become weakened. While this is seldom a problem in their home provinces, it can be in wetter climes.

{east_horse_archer_descr_short}
Horse archers are a speciality of the East: swift horses and expert marksmen make a deadly combination.

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{east_camel_cataphract}	Cataphract Camels

{east_camel_cataphract_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Form Wedge\nBonus vs. Cavalry\n\nCataphract camels are well armoured - camel and rider both - shock cavalry. Their primary purpose is to charge into the enemy, using weight and speed to cause additional disruption. The riders carry lances for the initial charge and long maces to continue fighting once in hand-to-hand combat. Recruited from among desert dwelling peoples these soldiers rely on their heavy armour for protection, and their camels are equally well protected. This heavy armour also means that, while they are slow to get moving, they are almost unstoppable in a full charge.\n\nThey can be used against infantry like any other cataphracts, but their chief virtue is that the smell of the camels upsets horses, giving them an edge when fighting against cavalry.

{east_camel_cataphract_descr_short}
Cataphract camels are well armoured - camel and rider both - shock cavalry who use weight and speed to cause additional disruption.

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{east_elephant_african}	War Elephants

{east_elephant_african_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Run Amok\nFrightens Infantry\nFrightens Cavalry\n\nWar 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.\n\nThe 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.

{east_elephant_african_descr_short}
War elephants are fierce and terrible beasts, able to trample men and horses into the dirt. 

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{east_chariot}	Scythed Chariots

{east_chariot_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nCan Run Amok\nFrightens Infantry\n\nScythed chariots are fearsome devices, covered in scythe blades to cut down any infantry foolish enough to stand when charged. Metal blades stick out from every axle like malign horns to cut down infantry. They are, however, somewhat uncontrollable: these units are not only so keen to attack the enemy that they will do so without orders, but also can run amok and attack anyone - friend or foe alike - who happens to be nearby. These are not subtle troops, and their chief power lies in a headlong charge into an enemy formation.\n\nEach chariot is pulled by powerful horses, and the driver is heavily armoured.

{east_chariot_descr_short}
Scythed chariots are fearsome devices, covered in scythe blades to cut down any infantry foolish enough to stand still when charged.

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{east_chariot_archer}	Chariot Archers

{east_chariot_archer_descr}
Elite\nFrightens Infantry\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nChariot 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. Each chariot is under the control of a driver, leaving the archers to concentrate on their killing work; all wear high quality chainmail armour.

{east_chariot_archer_descr_short}
Chariot archers are highly skilled - they can hit targets while their chariots are moving at high speed.

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{east_pontic_generals}	Eastern General

{east_pontic_generals_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis general has a bodyguard of loyal and mail armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with spears, these men are very good shock cavalry, able to deliver a devastating and almost unstoppable charge and then they can fight effectively in continued hand-to-hand combat.\n\nLike 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.

{east_pontic_generals_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal and armoured spear cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{east_onager}	Onagers

{east_onager_descr}
Fires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe 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. \n\nThe 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). \n\nThe onager can also be used to launch incendiary missiles such as firepots, making it a versatile piece of artillery to any commander.

{east_onager_descr_short}
The onager is a versatile catapult that can launch boulders or incendiary firepots at enemy troops and fortifications.

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{egyptian_peasant}	Peasants

{egyptian_peasant_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nPeasants 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.

{egyptian_peasant_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, at best. Going to war is just one more burden of a hard life.

¬----------------

{egyptian_slingers}	Slingers

{egyptian_slingers_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nSlingers 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.

{egyptian_slingers_descr_short}
Slingers are highly skilled missile troops but are at a huge disadvantage in hand-to-hand combat, especially against cavalry.

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{egyptian_archer}	Bowmen

{egyptian_archer_descr}
Can Fire Incendiary Missiles\nSapping Ability\n\nBowmen are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nThey 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.\n\nThey are best used to weaken enemy formations, or placed in a spot where they can retreat and find protection from other troops.

{egyptian_archer_descr_short}
Archers are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.

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{egyptian_archer_elite}	Pharaoh's Bowmen

{egyptian_archer_elite_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nPharaoh'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.

{egyptian_archer_elite_descr_short}
Pharaoh's bowmen are skilled archers, the finest to be found in Egyptian armies.

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{egyptian_nubian_spearmen}	Nubian Spearmen

{egyptian_nubian_spearmen_descr}
Can Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nThese militia-like soldiers can fight in harsh conditions and they are cheap defensive troops for the Pharaoh's armies.\n\nArmed 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.\n\nNubian 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.

{egyptian_nubian_spearmen_descr_short}
These militia-like Nubian spearmen can fight in harsh conditions and are cheap defensive troops for the Pharaoh's armies.

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{egyptian_elite_guards}	Pharaoh's Guards

{egyptian_elite_guards_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nCan Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nThe 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.\n\nRecruited from among the higher ranks of Egyptian society, they have an interest in seeing the state and the Pharaoh's power survive.

{egyptian_elite_guards_descr_short}
The Pharaoh's Guard are the true elite of any Egyptian army, armoured spearmen sworn to defend the Twin Crowns to the death!

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{egyptian_nile_cavalry}	Nubian Cavalry

{egyptian_nile_cavalry_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Wedge\n\nNubian 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.\n\nThey 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.

{egyptian_nile_cavalry_descr_short}
Nubian cavalry are lightly equipped raiders who are perfect for flanking attacks on an enemy line.

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{egyptian_cleruch}	Nile Cavalry

{egyptian_cleruch_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Wedge\n\nNile 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.\n\nThese 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. 

{egyptian_cleruch_descr_short}
Nile cavalry are mail-armoured spearmen capable of delivering a decisive blow.

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{egyptian_camel_archers}	Camel Archers

{egyptian_camel_archers_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\nBonus vs. Cavalry\n\nThese camel-mounted archers are effective skirmishers, especially in deserts.\n\nThese 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.

{egyptian_camel_archers_descr_short}
These camel-mounted archers are effective skirmishers, especially in deserts. The very smell of camels can upset horses in battle.

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{egyptian_chariot_archer}	Egyptian Chariot Archers

{egyptian_chariot_archer_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nFrightens Infantry\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nChariot 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.\n\nEach chariot is under the control of a driver, leaving the archers to concentrate on their killing work; all wear high quality armour.

{egyptian_chariot_archer_descr_short}
Chariot archers are highly skilled - they can hit targets while the chariots are moving at high speed.

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{egyptian_onagers}	Onagers

{egyptian_onagers_descr}
Fires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe 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. \n\nThe 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). \n\nThe onager can also be used to launch incendiary missiles such as firepots, making it a versatile piece of artillery to any commander.

{egyptian_onagers_descr_short}
The onager is a versatile catapult that can launch boulders or incendiary firepots at enemy troops and fortifications.

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{greek_peasant}	Peasants

{greek_peasant_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nPeasants 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.

{greek_peasant_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, at best. Going to war is just one more burden of a hard life.

¬----------------

{greek_peltast}	Peltasts

{greek_peltast_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nGreek peltasts advance at speed to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised. They are skirmishers and it is their task to harass and disrupt enemy units before the main battle lines clash. They are also adept at staging tactical ambushes.\n\nPeltasts are equipped with a clutch of javelins, a sword and a light shield, the pelte, which gives them their name as 'pelte-bearers'. They wear no other armour, and rely on speed as the best form of protection, and this isn't much protection should they be caught by cavalry.

{greek_peltast_descr_short}
Greek peltasts advance at speed to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised.

¬----------------

{greek_archer}	Archers

{greek_archer_descr}
Can Fire Incendiary Missiles\nSapping Ability\n\nArchers are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nThey 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.\n\nThey are best used to weaken enemy formations, or placed in a spot where they can retreat and find protection from other troops.

{greek_archer_descr_short}
Archers are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.

¬----------------

{greek_heavy_peltast}	Heavy Peltasts

{greek_heavy_peltast_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nHeavy peltasts are skirmishers, but carry large oval shields into battle. This added protection makes them suitable for standing in the main battle line, as well as for flanking and screening duties.\n\nTheir javelins are intended to thin the ranks of approaching troops, weakening their morale just before battle is joined. They also carry short swords for when they are asked to engage in close combat.\n\nA heavy peltast’s shield (the thureos), is made from wood covered in leather. While this confers reasonable protection, when confronted with heavy infantry or practically any form of cavalry, these troops should not be expected to stand for long. Like other peltasts, this unit is well suited to using ambush tactics.

{greek_heavy_peltast_descr_short}
A combination of protection and mobility make heavy peltasts suitable for skirmishing duties as well as for taking a stand as part of the main battle line.

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{greek_hoplite}	Hoplites

{greek_hoplite_descr}
Hardy\nSapping Ability\nCan Form Phalanx\n\nThe basis of nearly all military power in Greece once revolved around the hoplite. Operating in phalanxes, or tightly grouped blocks, these men are a powerful force against infantry or cavalry.\n\nHoplite tactics are simple: formations generally approach the opposing army in normal order, and then close ranks into the phalanx so that each soldier is protected by overlapping shields. Then it is simply a matter of closing with the enemy as quickly as possible to decide the battle. Well trained, these troops have great stamina, and are some of the most effective soldiers in the known world.\n\nHoplites generally supply their own equipment, so are not drawn from the poorer sections of society. They wear a hardened leather cuirass breastplate, and carry both a round shield (the hoplon) and a thrusting spear. This spear has a bronze butt-spike to plant in the ground (bronze is not prone to rusting like iron), which doubles as a weapon if the pike shaft breaks.  

{greek_hoplite_descr_short}
Hoplites are well equipped infantry that are most effective in the formidable, if slightly inflexible, phalanx formation. 

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{greek_hoplite_elite}	Armoured Hoplites

{greek_hoplite_elite_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nArmoured hoplites are an elite among Greek soldiery, carefully selected and given the best training to make them superior spearmen. Each of them is equipped with good body armour, greaves and a helmet and carries a large round shield, the hoplon that gives this kind of soldier the name of hoplite. Each man is also armed with a formidable thrusting spear called the xyston and a sword. They are usually employed as solid, close-packed groups of men, presenting a wall of spear points to the enemy. In phalanx formation, they use weight of numbers to batter into enemy formations.\n\nThey are vulnerable to flank and rear attacks, and ideally need some sort of light supporting troops to screen them as they approach the enemy.

{greek_hoplite_elite_descr_short}
Armoured hoplites are an elite among Greek soldiery, carefully selected and given the best training to make them superior spearmen.

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{greek_hoplite_spartan}	Spartan Hoplites

{greek_hoplite_spartan_descr}
Beyond Elite!\nDisciplined\nVery Hardy\nCan Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nSpartan hoplites are trained from infancy to be nothing but soldiers. They are 'perfect soldiers' and nothing else. All of Spartan life is spent training for war. Weaklings perish soon after birth; youths are taught to thieve and terrorize the slave class to harden them; young men are taught nothing unless it has something to do with the arts of war - even music and dance are there only to help keep step when marching and obeying orders.\n\nThe result is a man who thinks nothing of danger, expects to win, and creates a sense of dread in his opponents.\n\nSpartans fight in the traditional fashion as hoplites, carrying a long thrusting spear and the large round hoplon shield, and as a phalanx: a close-packed mass of men moving as one to crush their enemies.\n\nIf they have a weakness it is that they are hide-bound traditionalists, and the once-mighty state of Sparta has not moved with the times.

{greek_hoplite_spartan_descr_short}
Spartan hoplites are trained from infancy to be nothing but soldiers. They are 'perfect soldiers' and nothing else.

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{greek_levy_pikemen}	Levy Pikemen

{greek_levy_pikemen_descr}
Can Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nAs war approaches, peasants, farmers and down-at-heel townsfolk can find themselves pressed into service as pikemen by their rulers. Due to their lack of armour they are best used as defensive infantry, absorbing enemy attacks, or screening the flanks of the main line.\n\nEquipped with a long pike some 6m in length (the sarissa) many ranks can bring their weapons to bear on an enemy, presenting a bristling array of spearheads to an approaching foe. They also carry swords for use when the enemy breaks through the pike line.\n\nAlthough training is practically non-existent, as inheritors of the hoplite tradition levy pikemen can manoeuvre in a phalanx formation. But with no armour other than the small shields strapped to their left arms, under pressure these levied troops are liable to suffer heavy casualties.

{greek_levy_pikemen_descr_short}
Levy pikemen are best used as defensive infantry, but their lack of armour leaves them vulnerable in battle.

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{greek_pikemen}	Phalanx Pikemen

{greek_pikemen_descr}
Can Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nPhalanx pikemen (or phalangites) form the backbone of Macedonian and Seleucid battle lines. In phalanx formation these troops can be used to pin the enemy line in place, while mobile forces wheel around the flanks to deliver a decisive blow. \n\nThe phalangites are drawn from families with decent resources, as these men need to provide leather cuirass armour and a metal helmet for protection. Phalanx pikemen carry a small shield strapped to the left arm, leaving both hands free to brandish a lengthy pike (the sarissa). Gripped in both hands above the head up to five ranks’ worth of pikes can be aimed at the enemy. Men in rows further back hold their pikes at a 45 degree angle, creating a shield to ward off enemy arrows. All phalanx pikemen also have short swords. 

{greek_pikemen_descr_short}
Phalanx pikemen form the backbone of Macedonian and Seleucid battle lines, and are used to engage and hold the enemy’s main force.

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{greek_royal_pikemen}	Royal Pikemen

{greek_royal_pikemen_descr}
Hardy\nDisciplined\nInspires Friendly Units\nCan Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nOften deployed in the position of honour in a pike line (usually at the right hand end) thanks to their superior status, Macedonian royal pikemen (or hypaspists) are disciplined troops drawn from the higher echelons of society. The tough royal pikemen carry the shorter hoplite thrusting spear, and are well protected with their large round ‘argive’-pattern shields as well as leather armour. Other units can draw confidence from the presence of these proud warriors, which makes them a bulwark of many a Macedonian battle line. When close-quarter fighting starts they also carry short swords like other pikemen. 

{greek_royal_pikemen_descr_short}
Well disciplined, led by high-ranking officers and carrying large shields, royal pikemen are the bulwark of the Macedonian battle line.

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{greek_silver_shields}	Silver Shield Pikemen

{greek_silver_shields_descr}
Hardy\nDisciplined\nInspires Friendly Units\nCan Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nThe silver shield pikemen (or argyraspids) are the embodiment of Seleucid martial prowess. They are elite foot soldiers on which many a battle will turn; they are well disciplined and physically fit, so these troops will neither panic nor tire easily.\n\nThese men use the 6m long pike (sarissa) and carry a small shield coated in silver that gives them their name. To carry the silver shield into battle is the realization of many a Seleucid boy’s dream, though only renowned men of higher birth would automatically qualify for such an honour.\n\nOnce in phalanx formation the silver shield pikemen are an almost immovable object unless attacked from the flanks. If the fighting becomes too intense and cramped, they can use their short swords. 

{greek_silver_shields_descr_short}
Silver shield pikemen are the best of the Seleucid pikemen, well disciplined and not likely to tire quickly.

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{greek_legionary}	Silver Shield Legionaries

{greek_legionary_descr}
Superior\nDisciplined\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\nCan Form Testudo\nSapping Ability\n\nThe Seleucid talent for adopting good ideas is given solidity in the shape of these Legionaries who are direct copies of the Roman originals! The Legionary Silver Shields (or argyraspids) are equipped and fight in exactly the same fashion as Roman troops, using throwing spears (the pila, singular pilum) to pepper an enemy before closing to fight with short swords. The armour they wear and the tactics that they use are also modelled closely on the Roman originals too, including use of the tortoise (or testudo) formation to approach enemy fortifications while under fire.\n\nThe Silver Shields are very good troops indeed, and can be relied on in most battle situations.

{greek_legionary_descr_short}
The Seleucid talent for adopting good ideas is given solidity in the shape of these Legionaries - copies of the Roman originals!

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{greek_bastarnae}	Bastarnae

{greek_bastarnae_descr}
Wild\nImpetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThe Bastarnae are a particularly ferocious tribe from the northern Balkans who rejoice in man-to-man combat. Some scribes would have it that there are no fiercer men in battle, and they are a formidable resource for any Thracian commander: they are highly unlikely to break and run.\n\nEven their weapon of choice - the rhomphaia - is a cruel looking, curved blade sharpened on the inner edge, like a sickle. With one blow, this weapon is capable of severing an arm or leg. Each Bastarnae warrior also carries a small shield, which other than his helmet is his only protection, not that this lack of armour worries these fearless fighters for a moment!\n\nOften tattooed and with blue-dyed hair, the only concern with such battle-hungry fighters is that they are liable to fling themselves into the fray at the earliest opportunity. 

{greek_bastarnae_descr_short}
Fierce warriors adept at close quarters against other infantry, Bastarnae may attack without orders.

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{greek-Light_lancer}	Light Lancers

{greek-Light_lancer_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Wedge\n\nLight lancers are fast, lightly equipped cavalrymen who rely on hit-and-run charges where the killing power of their lances are maximised. Although they have cavalry swords for close quarters fighting, a lack of armour means once the melee becomes protracted they are susceptible to enemy counterattacks: slugging it out with heavy forces is not sensible for these soldiers. Rather, these men should operate on the periphery of battles where they can ride down enemy skirmishers and missile troops. They can be thrown into to heart of the fighting if necessary, or when a weakened unit’s flank or rear can be attacked.

{greek-Light_lancer_descr_short}
Light lancers are fast, lightly equipped cavalrymen who rely on hit-and-run charges where the killing power of their lances is maximised. 

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{greek_cavalry}	Militia Cavalry

{greek_cavalry_descr}
Can Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nMilitia cavalry are javelin-armed mounted skirmishers who can strike quickly and be gone in the time it takes a more ponderous enemy to react. They do not wear armour, but do carry shields and swords so that they can fight in hand-to-hand combat should the need arise. They are, however, best used to dash in and harass a mass of enemies, such as heavy infantry who cannot hope to catch them. They are not ideally suited to fighting other skirmishers - many of their javelins will be wasted against targets who can dodge, after all - but they can be very useful in harrying fleeing enemies and driving them from the field.

{greek_cavalry_descr_short}
Militia cavalry are javelin-armed mounted skirmishers who can strike quickly and be gone before the enemy reacts.

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{greek_medium_cavalry}	Greek Cavalry

{greek_medium_cavalry_descr}
Can Form Wedge\n\nGreek cavalry are fast moving horsemen armed with spears for maximum impact in a charge. They are not heavily armoured, and do not have shields for protection, relying instead on the old maxim of 'speed is armour' for protection. As a result, they are best used as a hit-and-run force, rather than as soldiers who can indulge in hand-to-hand combat. That said, they are excellent for breaking up skirmishers, attacking lighter infantry such as missile troops and pursuing already broken enemies to prevent them rallying and rejoining a battle.

{greek_medium_cavalry_descr_short}
Greek cavalry are fast moving horsemen armed with spears for maximum impact in a charge.

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{greek_heavy_cavalry}	Macedonian Cavalry

{greek_heavy_cavalry_descr}
Superior\nCan Form Wedge\n\nMacedonian cavalry are armoured spear-armed horsemen capable of delivering a decisive blow. They wear armour and carry swords but do not have shields, so they are not necessarily at their best in prolonged close combat. However, when used to repeatedly charge enemy units they can have a tremendous cumulative effect.\n\nThe Macedonians have a fine tradition of horsemanship, unlike their southerly Greek neighbours, a legacy of having a large land-owning aristocracy who could afford to keep horses, unlike the farm-owning society of Greece that produced hoplites.

{greek_heavy_cavalry_descr_short}
Macedonian cavalry are armoured spear-armed horsemen capable of delivering a decisive blow.

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{greek_royal_cavalry}	Companion Cavalry

{greek_royal_cavalry_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nCan Form Wedge\n\nCompanion Cavalry are a social and military elite, and fight as heavy cavalry using shock and mass to break enemy units. They are the direct heirs to the Companions of Alexander the Great and his father, Philip of Macedon, and they revel in this proud heritage.\n\nThe Companions ride the best horses and have the finest armour available; each is armed with a good lance and a sword for close combat. As heavy cavalry they can be a decisive arm of battle, and are able to charge down many opponents. They are best used as shock cavalry to break wavering enemy formations, but do need to be careful - as with all cavalry - when attacking spearmen. Bravery is of little use when galloping straight onto a row of gleaming spear points!\n\nTraditionally these men would be given land grants after great victories, giving them a personal stake in the battle's outcome.

{greek_royal_cavalry_descr_short}
Companion Cavalry are a social and military elite, and fight as heavy cavalry using shock and mass to break enemy units.

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{greek_generals_guard_cavalry_early}	General's Bodyguard

{greek_generals_guard_cavalry_early_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis 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.\n\nLike 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.

{greek_generals_guard_cavalry_early_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{thracian_generals_guard_cavalry_early}	General's Bodyguard

{thracian_generals_guard_cavalry_early_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nA warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, leather armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield and fight. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{thracian_generals_guard_cavalry_early_descr_short}
A warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

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{greek_elephant_small}	Elephants

{greek_elephant_small_descr}
Hardy\nCan Run Amok\nFrightens Infantry\nFrightens Cavalry\n\nElephants are a terrifying spectacle to opposing troops, well able to smash battle lines and toss men aside like dogs with rats.\n\nStanding 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. \n\nEach elephant is unarmoured, but many blows simply glance off the tough hide. Only a single rider is carried.

{greek_elephant_small_descr_short}
Elephants are a terrifying spectacle to opposing troops, well able to toss men aside like ratting dogs and smash battle lines.

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{greek_elephant_african}	War Elephants

{greek_elephant_african_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Run Amok\nFrightens Infantry\nFrightens Cavalry\n\nWar 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.\n\nThe 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.

{greek_elephant_african_descr_short}
War elephants are fierce and terrible beasts, able to trample men and horses into the dirt. 

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{greek_onagers}	Onagers

{greek_onagers_descr}
Fires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe 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. \n\nThe 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). \n\nThe onager can also be used to launch incendiary missiles such as firepots, making it a versatile piece of artillery to any commander.

{greek_onagers_descr_short}
The onager is a versatile catapult that can launch boulders or incendiary firepots at enemy troops and fortifications.

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{greek_scythed_chariots}	Scythed Chariots

{greek_scythed_chariots_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nCan Run Amok\nFrightens Infantry\n\nScythed chariots are fearsome devices, covered in scythe blades to cut down any infantry foolish enough to stand when charged. Metal blades stick out from each axle like malign horns to cut down infantry. They are, however, somewhat uncontrollable! These units are not only so keen to attack the enemy that they will do so without orders, but also can run amok and attack anyone - friend or foe alike - who happens to be nearby. These are not subtle troops, and their chief power lies in a headlong charge into an enemy formation.\n\nEach chariot is pulled by powerful horses, and the crew is heavily armoured.

{greek_scythed_chariots_descr_short}
Scythed chariots are fearsome devices, covered in scythe blades to cut down any infantry foolish enough to stand still when charged. They are, however, somewhat uncontrollable!

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{roman_peasant}	Peasants

{roman_peasant_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nPeasants 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.

{roman_peasant_descr_short}
Peasants are reluctant warriors, at best. Going to war is just one more burden of a hard life.

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{roman_archer}	Roman Archers

{roman_archer_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nRoman archers are supporting troops for heavier infantry, very much a secondary role in Roman warfare. They are missile troops almost exclusively, as their lack of armour and poor hand weapons mean that only a heartless or desperate commander would deliberately order them to fight in hand-to-hand combat. Archery is not really a significant part of the Roman way of warfare, but the need for some missile troops is obvious to Roman commanders, and hence these archers are recruited from among the peasant classes.

{roman_archer_descr_short}
Roman archers are supporting troops for heavier infantry, very much a secondary role in Roman warfare.

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{roman_archer_auxillia}	Archer Auxilia

{roman_archer_auxillia_descr}
Disciplined\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nArcher auxilia are supporting troops for the heavier legionary infantry, an important secondary role in Roman warfare. They are not expected to fight in hand-to-hand combat and are not given the war gear to do so for long; their job is to provide supporting fire and let the legionaries fight the main battle. Because the Roman army is standardised around its heavy infantry legionaries other types of troops are recruited as auxiliaries. Their training is very nearly as vigorous as that of the legionaries and discipline in auxilia units is certainly as harsh and uncompromising.\n\nHistorically, with the changes introduced by Gaius Marius professional auxiliaries were recruited to serve alongside the now-professional legionaries; a wholesale shake-up of the Roman military machine saw the whole army being put on a full time, service-for-life footing, with auxiliaries being rewarded with Roman citizenship at the end of their military careers.

{roman_archer_auxillia_descr_short}
Archer auxilia are supporting troops for the heavier legionary infantry, an important secondary role in Roman warfare.

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{roman_velite}	Velites

{roman_velite_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nVelites are light skirmishing troops who screen the main battle line of an early-pattern Legion as it advances.\n\nThey are armed with javelins and a stabbing sword, and carry a small round shield but no other protection. It is their task to harass the enemy before the main combat begins.\n\nVelites are recruited from younger citizens, who lack the experience (or the money for their own gear) to fight as hastati or other heavy infantry.\n\nRoman velites become outdated after the Marius Reforms. Historically, Marius put the Roman army on a professional footing, and abandoned all property and age requirements in the process. Roman citizens would no longer go to war as-and-when as a civic duty; they would fight in future as full-time citizen-mercenaries in the Legions.

{roman_velite_descr_short}
Velites are light skirmishing troops who screen the main battle line of an early-pattern Legion as it advances. 

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{roman_light_infantry}	Light Auxilia

{roman_light_infantry_descr}
Disciplined\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nLight auxilia are skirmishers who act as a screening force for heavier troops. They also break up enemy formations with showers of javelins which have a longer range than the iron-shafted heavy pila carried by Roman legionaries. These auxilia do not wear armour and so cannot be expected to last long in hand-to-hand combat but they can fight if they must. Their training is very nearly as vigorous as that of the legionaries so they do not tire easily, and discipline in auxilia units is certainly as harsh and uncompromising

{roman_light_infantry_descr_short}
Light auxilia are skirmishers who act as a screening force for heavier troops. They also attack enemies with showers of javelins.

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{roman_city_militia}	Town Watch

{roman_city_militia_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nThe town watch are local workers and peasants given enough training to defend their homes and keep order in the streets. They are no substitute for fully trained Roman legionaries, but then they are not expected to be more than a citizen militia with an interest in keeping the peace (and possibly they might have some fire fighting duties). They do not have much equipment, as the most they are expected to do is stand behind their spears and shields, and then hold position when charged. By and large, this they manage to do.

{roman_city_militia_descr_short}
The town watch are local workers and peasants given enough training to defend their homes and keep order in the streets.

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{roman_hastati}	Hastati

{roman_hastati_descr}
Hardy\nSapping Ability\n\nHastati are among the younger men in an early Republican Legion, and form the front line in any battle. They are supposed to wear down an enemy and hold him before the next Roman battle line attacks and carries on the fight. They are, as a result, capable troops in their own right.\n\nThey are armed with two pila that are thrown at the enemy at close range before they close to fight hand-to-hand. They are equipped with a sword, a bronze helmet, a large shield and a breastplate. The pilum (plural, pila) is a cleverly designed spear with a soft iron shaft behind the point; it bends on impact so that it can’t be thrown back and if it’s stuck in someone or something it is a real hindrance to movement.\n\nHistorically, hastati spent their own money on their equipment and often couldn’t afford anything much better. This, along with the age and property requirements, was why they fought as hastati.

{roman_hastati_descr_short}
Hastati fight as the leading edge of a Legion, wearing the enemy down for the next wave of attackers.

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{roman_triarii}	Triarii

{roman_triarii_descr}
Hardy\nDisciplined\nSapping Ability\n\nTriarii 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 armoured – hardly surprising, given that they are also drawn from the richest section of society. \n\nThe 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 a battle has arrived. \n\nHistorically, triarii spent their own money on their equipment and could afford to buy the best of everything.

{roman_triarii_descr_short}
Triarii are tough, experienced spearmen who are the senior element - the backbone - of an early Roman Legion. They can be a decisive force in battle.

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{roman_infantry_auxillia}	Auxilia

{roman_infantry_auxillia_descr}
Disciplined\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nAuxilia are highly disciplined and tough spearmen who provide support to Roman legionaries in battle. They are defensive infantry, expected to protect the flanks of the heavier legionaries from cavalry and similar threats; their training is at least as harsh as that of the legionaries and produces men with a similar level of discipline and hardiness. These troops need to keep up with other Roman forces, and so cannot be allowed to tire easily. They are recruited from among non-Romans within the Empire, and this is easy because Roman citizenship is far from being universal.\n\nHistorically, Roman commanders made sure that auxilia were always stationed far away from home so that there was no temptation to acts of rebellion. The changes introduced by Gaius Marius meant that professional auxiliaries were recruited to serve alongside the now-professional legionaries; a wholesale shake-up of the Roman military machine saw the whole army being put on a full time, service-for-life footing, with auxiliaries being rewarded with Roman citizenship at the end of their military careers.

{roman_infantry_auxillia_descr_short}
Auxilia are highly disciplined and tough spearmen who provide support to Roman legionaries in battle.

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{roman_legionary_cohort_i}	Early Legionary Cohort

{roman_legionary_cohort_i_descr}
Disciplined\nHardy\nCan Use Testudo Formation\nSapping Capability\n\nRoman legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection. \n\nEvery legionary’s chainmail armour, the lorica hamata, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, legionaries close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius. \n\nHistorically, these legionaries only came to be after the army reforms of Gaius Marius. He abandoned property and age requirements for the legions, and made the Roman army into a professional force. No longer would a man have to provide his own war gear; he would be paid, serve a term of 25 years and then retire with enough land to give him a pension for the remainder of his days. 

{roman_legionary_cohort_i_descr_short}
Well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat flinging heavy spears that are followed up with hand-to-hand attacks.

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{roman_legionary_first_cohort_i}	Early Legionary First Cohort

{roman_legionary_first_cohort_i_descr}
Legionary Eagle\nDisciplined\nHardy\nCan Use Testudo Formation\nSapping Capability\n\nThe Roman first cohort consist of well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat carrying the symbol of Roman power, a Legionary Eagle. This is inspirational for other Roman troops. Legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.\n\nEvery legionary’s chainmail armour, the lorica hamata, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, the first cohort close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.\n\nHistorically, these cohorts came to be after the army reforms of Gaius Marius. He made the Roman army into a professional force. Men served a term of 25 years and then retired with enough land to give them pensions for the remainder of their days. The best legionaries in each legion would naturally gravitate through seniority into the first cohort.

{roman_legionary_first_cohort_i_descr_short}
The first cohort consists of well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat carrying a Legionary Eagle, an inspirational symbol for other Roman troops.

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{roman_legionary_cohort_ii}	Legionary Cohort

{roman_legionary_cohort_ii_descr}
Hardy\nCan Use Testudo Formation\nSapping Capability\n\nRoman legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection. \n\nEvery legionary’s flexible banded armour, the lorica segmenta, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, legionaries close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.\n\nThe lorica segmenta armour was adopted because it was cheaper to make and offered more protection as the earlier chainmail.

{roman_legionary_cohort_ii_descr_short}
Well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat flinging heavy spears that are followed up with hand-to-hand attacks.

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{roman_legionary_first_cohort_ii}	Legionary First Cohort

{roman_legionary_first_cohort_ii_descr}
Legionary Eagle\nDisciplined\nHardy\nCan Use Testudo Formation\nSapping Capability\n\nThe Roman first cohort consists of well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat carrying the symbol of Roman power, a Legionary Eagle. This is inspirational for other Roman troops. Legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.\n\nEvery legionary’s banded metal armour, the lorica segmenta, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, the first cohort close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.\n\nHistorically, the lorica segmenta was slightly easier and cheaper to manufacture than chainmail, an important consideration when Rome had so many troops in the field.

{roman_legionary_first_cohort_ii_descr_short}
The first cohort consists of well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat carrying a Legionary Eagle, an inspirational symbol for other Roman troops.

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{roman_praetorian_cohort_i}	Praetorian Cohort

{roman_praetorian_cohort_i_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nCan Use Testudo Formation\nSapping Capability\n\nA Praetorian cohort is made up of elite Legionaries, recruited because of their superb soldiering skills and political loyalties. A general can rely on this unit. Praetorian training is, as might be expected, both demanding and incredibly thorough. These men are some of the best, toughest, most unflinching soldiers in Rome, and they know it!\n\nTheir equipment is much the same as other legionaries, but better made. Every praetorian wears banded armour, the lorica segmenta, a metal helmet and carries a large curved shield. They fight with two heavy throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Once the pila have been thrown, praetorians close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius. They can also use the testudo, or tortoise, to protect themselves from missiles.\n\nHistorically, the original praetorians were the 'bravest of the brave' chosen to guard the praetorium - the tent of the legate of the legion when in the field. These men came to act as bodyguards for all important generals, before being made into specific formations that were considered useful in politics as well as war. It was Augustus who established the Praetorian Guard as both a bodyguard and for useful intimidation in Rome. It was under the later Emperors that the Praetorians developed a taste for conspiracy and murder. 

{roman_praetorian_cohort_i_descr_short}
A Praetorian cohort is made up of elite legionaries, recruited because of their superb soldiering skills and political loyalties.

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{roman_praetorian_cohort_urban_i}	Urban Cohort

{roman_praetorian_cohort_urban_i_descr}
Beyond Elite!\nDisciplined\nHardy\nCan Use Testudo Formation\nSapping Capability\n\nAn urban cohort is made up of elite legionaries, recruited because of their superb soldiering skills and loyalty. These are heavy infantry who, when not performing garrison duties in the vital cities of the empire, fight as heavy infantry - the men who do the real work in a Roman army!\n\nTraining for any man in an urban cohort is demanding and produces incredibly tough men. The results are the best, toughest, most unflinching soldiers in the Roman world, men who will stop at little to achieve their goals. The urban cohorts are equipped with the same gear as legionaries - it is the men inside the uniform that make them effective - and wear banded armour, the lorica segmenta, metal helmets and carry large shields. They fight with two pila (singular, pilum), throwing spears with soft iron shafts that are designed to bend as soon as they hit making them impossible to fling back. They also carry short stabbing swords for close work.\n\nHistorically, the urban cohorts were a police force for Rome established by Augustus, and were commanded to keep order. Although outnumbered, they were a counterbalance of sorts to the power of the Praetorian Guards within the city. Life in the urban cohorts was better than in the 'line' legions, as pay and service conditions were better. Other urban cohorts were established in the larger cities of the Empire in later years, and the prefect in charge of the cohorts often became an important political figure.

{roman_praetorian_cohort_urban_i_descr_short}
The Urban cohorts are an elite within the Praetorian Guard, dedicated to the defence of Rome and its cities.

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{roman_arcani}	Arcani

{roman_arcani_descr}
Elite\nHide Anywhere\nVery Hardy\nSapping Ability\n\nThey are a shadowy part of the Roman army organised in small groups and competent in camouflage and deception. The arcani exist almost as a secret society whose very name should not be spoken.\n\nThe armour they wear is finely crafted so that while it offers great protection, it will not slow or tire the fantastically fit arcani troops. Their face masks mean opposing troops may even flee in terror when surprised by a group of these blood-thirsty killers!

{roman_arcani_descr_short}
Arcani are small units of elite stealth troops well suited for laying ambushes for enemy skirmishers and missile troops.

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{roman_wardogs}	Wardogs

{roman_wardogs_descr}
Hardy (handlers)\n\nWardogs 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. Wardogs 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.\n\nTheir handlers are brave, hardy and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing!

{roman_wardogs_descr_short}
Wardogs are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild boar!

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{roman_incendiary_pigs}	Incendiary Pigs

{roman_incendiary_pigs_descr}
Hardy (handlers)\n\nIncendiary pigs are 'one shot' weapons intended to spread panic and terror amongst enemies, particularly mounted troops.\n\nThe pigs are coated in pitch, tar and oil, and herded towards the enemy. At the right moment, the pigs are ignited by their handlers and, not unnaturally, they run away in pain and terror - hopefully towards the enemy. Apart from goring anyone foolish enough to get in their way, the pigs are tremendously disruptive to formations. They are also very frightening for elephants in particular, and this is their main use in warfare.\n\nPigs can only be fired up once during a battle, and few survive for long. 

{roman_incendiary_pigs_descr_short}
Incendiary pigs are 'one shot' weapons intended to spread panic and terror amongst enemies, particularly elephants.

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{roman_samnite_gladiator}	Samnite Gladiators

{roman_samnite_gladiator_descr}
Beyond Elite!\nImpetuous\nVery Hardy\nSapping Ability\n\nSamnite gladiators are more than just soldiers. They are superb individual fighters, unmatched by any ordinary warriors. They fight wearing little armour - their lot in life isn't necessarily to live, but to die in an entertaining manner. Samnites would normally fight as one half of a matched pair, but on a battlefield they form a unit all of their own.\n\nThey are a specialised elite, one that cares little for personal safety as the only way to attain any reward is through victory! Gladiators, after all, are part of the damnati: the disgraced, the condemned, the untouchables in society. There is nowhere else for them to go in the search for freedom. 

{roman_samnite_gladiator_descr_short}
Samnite gladiators are more than mere soldiers - they are superb individual fighters, unmatched by ordinary warriors.

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{roman_mirmillo_gladiator}	Mirmillo Gladiators

{roman_mirmillo_gladiator_descr}
Beyond Elite!\nImpetuous\nVery Hardy\nSapping Ability\n\nMirmillo gladiators are superb individual fighters, unmatched by any ordinary soldiers. They wear apparently impractical armour, but then it is designed to stop a quick kill in the arena, not necessarily keep them alive in a battle. They would normally fight singly as half of a matched pair, against another style of fighter, but on a battlefield they form a unit all of their own.\n\nThey care little for personal safety as they are part of the damnati: the disgraced, the condemned, the untouchables in society. They fight; they win; they may gain freedom... eventually. 

{roman_mirmillo_gladiator_descr_short}
Mirmillo gladiators are superb individual fighters, unmatched by ordinary warriors.

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{roman_light_cavalry}	Equites

{roman_light_cavalry_descr}
Can Form Wedge\n\nEquites are light cavalrymen armed with spears. In the Roman system of war, they are intended to drive off skirmishers and pursue fleeing enemies. The word equites means 'horsemen', and they are recruited from among the well-off sections of society. They wear little armour and only carry spears and shields. As a result, they can charge enemies, but may be cut to pieces by a prepared defensive line of spearmen if these were attacked head on. Instead, they should be used against the flanks or rear of units, or to keep missile troops and skirmishers away from the main Roman heavy infantry (who are the real killers of a Roman army).\n\nHistorically, equites were drawn from the equestrian classes - literally the rich people who could afford to own horses - and they spent their own money on both horse and war gear.

{roman_light_cavalry_descr_short}
Equites are light cavalrymen armed with spears. In the Roman system of war, they are intended to drive off skirmishers and pursue fleeing enemies.

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{roman_cavalry_auxillia}	Cavalry Auxilia

{roman_cavalry_auxillia_descr}
Can Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nCavalry auxilia are javelin-armed mounted skirmishers who strike quickly and retire with equal and prudent haste. They do not wear armour, but do carry shields and swords so that they can fight in their own defence should the need arise. They are, however, best used to harass a mass of enemy units such as heavy infantry. Such targets cannot hope to catch them! They are not ideally suited to fighting other skirmishers, as many of their javelins will be wasted against targets that can dodge, but they can be very useful in harrying fleeing enemies and driving them from the field.

{roman_cavalry_auxillia_descr_short}
Cavalry auxilia are javelin-armed mounted skirmishers who strike quickly and retire with equal (and prudent) haste.

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{roman_heavy_cavalry}	Legionary Cavalry

{roman_heavy_cavalry_descr}
Superior\nDisciplined\nHardy\nCan Form Wedge\n\nLegionary cavalry are a heavy force of spear-armed cavalry who charge home using shock and mass to achieve victory. They are tough, disciplined riders - a notable advantage compared to many cavalry units who are composed of headstrong and impetuous 'nobility'. They are probably wasted when used to ride down skirmishers and missile troops, but they have the power to be able to smash heavier infantry formations apart, and severely disrupt other cavalry. They must, however, take care when attacking prepared spearmen, and should certainly avoid a frontal charge in this case whenever possible.\n\nThey wear good armour and carry shields; their weapons are the spear (lancea) and long sword (spatha), both of which are deadly in the hands of an expert.\n\nHistorically, Rome's best cavalry forces were organised into wings (or alae, singular ala) rather than cohorts, and recruited from among horse-culture minorities within Rome's borders. Generally, this meant that cavalry were predominantly non-Italian, the opposite of the legionaries' composition. Romans had developed the art of fighting as infantry, and relied on others to provide what they considered to be the supporting arms such as cavalry.

{roman_heavy_cavalry_descr_short}
Legionary cavalry are a heavy force of spear-armed cavalry who charge home using shock and mass to achieve victory.

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{roman_praetorian_cavalry}	Praetorian Cavalry

{roman_praetorian_cavalry_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nCan Form Wedge\n\nPraetorian cavalry are an elite within the elite: dedicated bodyguards who serve as heavy cavalry. Praetorian training is, as might be expected, demanding and thorough. These men are some of the best, toughest, most unflinching soldiers in Rome - and good cavalrymen to boot! As heavy cavalry, it is their task to smash enemy formations and drive them from the field, fighting with their cavalry-pattern swords (longer than the original legionary gladius) once close combat is joined.\n\n\n\nHistorically, the original praetorians were men chosen to guard the tent (the praetorium) of the legion's legate. These men came to act as bodyguards for all important generals, and then became an elite quite separate from the originating legions. It was under the Emperors that the Praetorians developed a taste for conspiracy and murder, eventually even auctioning the Empire to the highest bidder!

{roman_praetorian_cavalry_descr_short}
Praetorian cavalry are an elite within the elite: dedicated bodyguards who serve as heavy cavalry.

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{roman_generals_guard_cavalry_early}	Roman General

{roman_generals_guard_cavalry_early_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis 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.\n\nLike 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.

{roman_generals_guard_cavalry_early_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{roman_ballista}	Ballistas

{roman_ballista_descr}
Hardy (crew)\n\nA Ballista is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like an enormous crossbow. It has tremendous range and can skewer files of men with a single bolt!\n\nWhile a Ballista might look like a huge crossbow, its working principles are rather different. The two arms are pushed through ropes made of tough animal sinew. This naturally elastic material is then twisted, and becomes a hugely powerful spring, pulling each arm forwards. The arms are pulled back, creating even more tension, the Ballista is loaded with a missile, and then this is shot at the enemy with considerable force.\n\nProviding care is taken to make sure that the two sinew bundles are under the same tension, the Ballista is a very accurate weapon, but because sinew is sensitive to damp a Ballista does not work well in wet weather.

{roman_ballista_descr_short}
A Ballista is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like an enormous crossbow. It has tremendous range and can skewer files of men with a single bolt! 

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{roman_scorpion}	Scorpions

{roman_scorpion_descr}
Hardy (crew)\n\nA Roman scorpion is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like a large bow laid sideways on a frame. It has a tremendous range and can skewer a man with a single shot!\n\nWhile a scorpion might look like a huge bow, its working principles are rather different. The two arms are pushed through ropes made of tough animal sinew which is then twisted, becoming a hugely powerful spring, pulling each arm forwards. The arms are pulled back, creating even more tension, the scorpion is loaded with a missile, and then this is shot at the enemy with considerable force and accuracy.\n\nProviding care is taken to make sure that the two sinew bundles are under the same tension, the scorpion is a very accurate weapon, but because sinew is sensitive to damp a scorpion may not work properly in wet weather.

{roman_scorpion_descr_short}
A Roman scorpion is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like a large bow laid sideways on a frame. It has a tremendous range and can skewer a man with a single shot! 

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{roman_onager}	Onagers

{roman_onager_descr}
Hardy (crew)\nFires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe 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. \n\nThe 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).\n\nThe onager can also be used to launch incendiary missiles such as firepots, making it a versatile piece of artillery to any commander.

{roman_onager_descr_short}
The onager is a versatile catapult that can launch boulders or incendiary firepots at enemy troops and fortifications.

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{roman_repeating_ballistae}	Repeating Ballistas

{roman_repeating_ballistae_descr}
Hardy (crew)\n\nThe repeating ballista is a semi-automatic artillery weapon. As long as it is loaded with bolts and cranked it will keep firing. The basic design is similar to a ballista: twisted animal sinew ropes provide the power. There is an ingenious winding mechanism that draws back the arms, drops a bolt into place and then releases a catch - and all this happens repeatedly as long as a windlass is turned.\n\nThis makes it a perfect weapon for creating a 'beaten zone' or targeting large enemy formations, when speed of fire is more important than pinpoint accuracy.

{roman_repeating_ballistae_descr_short}
The repeating ballista is a semi-automatic artillery weapon. As long as it is loaded with bolts and cranked it will keep firing.

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{generic_rebel_general}	Rebel General

{generic_rebel_general_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis 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.\n\nLike 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.

{generic_rebel_general_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{eastern_rebel_generals}	Rebel General

{eastern_rebel_generals_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis rebel general has a bodyguard of loyal and mail-armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with javelins, they can stand off from enemies and pepper them with missiles but, thanks to their heavy mail, shields, and swords, can also charge home and fight effectively in 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.

{eastern_rebel_generals_descr_short}
This rebel general has a bodyguard of loyal and mail-armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{barb_rebel_general}	Rebel General

{barb_rebel_general_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Unit\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and this is doubly true of a rebel who has gone against the established order of his tribe and people. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, leather armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men in his guard to be a significant force.

{barb_rebel_general_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

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{judean_zealots}	Judean Zealots

{judean_zealots_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThese are fanatical and dangerous warriors who will gladly sacrifice themselves in battle if this brings victory and freedom closer. Long downtrodden by a succession of conquerors, the people of Judea have substituted courage for war gear when in battle. Although poorly armed as spearmen, these men will sacrifice themselves.\n\nTheir ranks are swelled by deserters from many armies as well as by the professional warriors of the temple guard, but they are often chaotically organised into many separate groups, sects, fronts, movements, factions and so on. Their loyalty may be to Judea, but each group is its own 'one true' resistance movement, or peoples' front, or popular front.

{judean_zealots_descr_short}
These are fanatical and dangerous warriors who will gladly sacrifice themselves in battle if this brings victory and freedom closer.

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{merc_peltast}	Mercenary Peltasts

{merc_peltast_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nMercenary peltasts are lightly equipped, fast-moving skirmishers who wear down enemies with a hail of accurately thrown javelins. \n\nTheir strength lies in their ability to move through broken or rough terrain, and to stay away from enemies. They also carry straight swords and small shields (the pelte that gives them their title). \n\nAs a result, they can fight quite effectively against other units of skirmishers but are vulnerable if caught in the open by cavalry. They are, however, perfect for use in tactical ambushes, attacking careless enemies who have not spotted them.

{merc_peltast_descr_short}
Mercenary peltasts are efficient skirmishers who can defeat other light troops in close combat, but are vulnerable to cavalry attacks. 

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{merc_illyrian}	Illyrian Mercenaries

{merc_illyrian_descr}
Impetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nIllyrian mercenaries are aggressive barbarian skirmishers accustomed to operating in rough terrain who are liable to attack without orders. They come from the tribes in the western Balkans. These troops are unruly skirmishers equipped with javelins and large shields, as well as short swords for close combat.\n\nThe Illyrian tribes are experienced land and sea raiders, and their chief joy is the prospect of plunder! One of the more famed Illyrian kings, Bardylis, built his success and reputation on the basis of his equitable distribution of the spoils after each successful battle. This expectation of loot contributes to their occasional over-enthusiasm to get into a fight.\n\nThese troops are effective ambushers, and they have good prospects of defeating most other skirmishers in combat.

{merc_illyrian_descr_short}
Illyrian mercenaries are aggressive barbarian skirmishers accustomed to operating in rough terrain who are liable to attack without orders.

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{merc_samnite}	Samnite Mercenaries

{merc_samnite_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nSamnite mercenaries are relatively dependable light infantry but should not be expected to hold crucial sections of a battle line. They are not capable of standing up to professional heavy infantry, but their spears, bronze breastplates and large shields make them suited to fighting against light and medium cavalry.\n\nThe Samnites come from the Apennine highlands of central and southern Italy. Having lost the battle for regional supremacy to the Romans, they often served in the invading armies of Rome's enemies.

{merc_samnite_descr_short}
Samnite mercenaries are dependable light infantry, but should not be expected to hold crucial sections of a battle line.

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{merc_thracian}	Thracian Mercenaries

{merc_thracian_descr}
Impetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThracian mercenaries are fearsome barbarian warriors, experts with the rhomphaia, a deadly bladed weapon that can cleave enemy infantry. These troops fight in loose formations, as they need space to wield their weapons to full advantage. They are best employed to cut into tightly packed enemy units, but can also give a good account of themselves against light cavalry.\n \nThe rhomphaia itself is a frightening weapon, used either one or two-handed. It comprises a curved, poleaxe weapon, and as the blade is sharpened along the inner edge, the damage on the blow is done with a pulling motion. When used properly, a rhomphaia can easily hack off limbs or decapitate an enemy.\n\nThracians are renowned for their love of battle, and victorious warriors often return to camp singing songs and displaying severed heads impaled on their rhomphaias. This love of a good fight also encourages them to attack from time to time without orders. A Greek writer once said that they could conquer the world - if they ever stop fighting each other for long enough!

{merc_thracian_descr_short}
Thracian barbarians are best used to hack through enemy infantry. They are not subtle warriors! 

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{merc_bastarnae}	Bastarnae Mercenaries

{merc_bastarnae_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThe Bastarnae are a particularly ferocious tribe from the northern Balkans who rejoice in man-to-man combat. Some scribes would have it that there are no fiercer men in battle, and they are a formidable resource for any commander: they are highly unlikely to break and run.\n\nEven their weapon of choice - the rhomphaia - is a cruel looking, curved blade sharpened on the inner edge, like a sickle. With one blow, this weapon is capable of severing an arm or leg. Each Bastarnae warrior also carries a small shield, which other than his helmet is his only protection, not that this lack of armour worries these fearless fighters for a moment!\n\nOften tattooed and with blue-dyed hair, the only concern with such battle-hungry fighters is that they are liable to fling themselves into the fray at the earliest opportunity. 

{merc_bastarnae_descr_short}
Fierce warriors adept at close quarters against other infantry, Bastarnae may attack without orders.

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{merc_sarmatian_cavalry}	Sarmatian Mercenaries

{merc_sarmatian_cavalry_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nSarmatian mercenaries are heavy cavalry from the tribes of the steppes. They are superb warriors, heavily armoured and well equipped, and an almost unstoppable force when at full charge.\n\nThey wear chainmail tunics that hang down to their knees, reinforced with scales of animal horn. Each Sarmatian cavalryman carries a two-handed lance (called a kontos), and this is used during a full charge into melee. If the enemy doesn’t break each man also carries a sword, but no shield. As with many ‘elites’, they are not averse to charging worthy enemies without orders. \n\nThe Sarmatians are almost notorious for their widespread banditry, and many serve as mercenaries. Historically, thousands were sent to Britannia under the Emperors where many settled after garrison duty.

{merc_sarmatian_cavalry_descr_short}
Sarmatian mercenaries are superb heavy cavalry, notwithstanding their reputation for banditry. 

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{merc_horse_archers}	Scythian Mercenaries

{merc_horse_archers_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nScythian mercenaries are superb horse archers, well able to inflict losses as they harass enemies.\n\nHorse-archery is the defining characteristic of warfare on the wide-open steppes, and these mercenaries are extremely accomplished horsemen and archers\n\nTheir tactics are often to circle the enemy, thickening the air with arrows until they are sufficiently weakened for heavier troops to launch a full assault. Their good horsemanship means catching them with a counter-charge is difficult, even with light cavalry, and they possess enormous stamina, hardened by crossing vast distances on the plains of their homelands.\n\nThe Scythians are not the most refined of races, covering their quivers with human skin, and not washing themselves for months. In camp, they are usually best well away from more 'civilised' units!

{merc_horse_archers_descr_short}
Scythian mercenaries are superb horse archers, well able to inflict losses as they harass enemies.

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{merc_spanish_infantry}	Spanish Mercenaries

{merc_spanish_infantry_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nThese Spanish mercenaries are well-equipped light infantry, sometimes referred to as scutarii by the Romans because of their large oval shields (the Latin for shield being ‘scutum’). Armed with heavy javelins as well as swords, they fight by bombarding the enemy and then closing to fight hand to hand, in a similar way to Roman legionaries.\n\nCenturies of feuding among the Spanish hill tribes have hardened the people so there is no shortage of tough, brave warriors.\n\nHistorically, the design of the later Roman legionary sword (or gladius) was influenced by the blades carried by these men. The design was adopted after Roman armies had faced large formations of scutarii during the First Punic War.

{merc_spanish_infantry_descr_short}
Spanish mercenaries are general purpose light infantry, although they can skirmish if necessary.

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{merc_eastern_infantry}	Eastern Mercenaries

{merc_eastern_infantry_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nThese mercenaries are spearmen, though their lack of armour and training means they can't match most professional infantry. They carry a 2m long spear and a large shield.\n\nMany of these mercenaries would once have been peasants or urban poor recruited into the standing army of an Eastern kingdom; with no homes to return to, they have taken to a life of soldiering.\n\nWhile they may be numerous, they are often not well paid by their captains, and their motivation can be a little bit suspect. Individually they are not skilled fighters, but as a group they can be used to hold a line against lighter cavalry and lower-quality infantry.

{merc_eastern_infantry_descr_short}
Spearmen provide effective defence against cavalry, but are vulnerable to missiles because of their close-packed ranks.

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{merc_rhodian_slingers}	Rhodian Slingers

{merc_rhodian_slingers_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nThese superior mercenaries from the island of Rhodes are famed for their ability as slingers. They can maintain a sustained and concentrated barrage on an enemy before rapidly falling back to avoid hand-to-hand combat.\n \nRhodian slingers carry a shoulder bag with lead shot and several spare slings suitable for various ranges (a shot typically weighs no more than 55g - a couple of ounces). Trained from infancy, these missile troops also include men drawn from the hilly areas of mainland Greece.\n\nThey carry only a small shield for protection, and are best kept out of hand-to-hand combat. They are, however, highly mobile and don’t tire easily.

{merc_rhodian_slingers_descr_short}
Mercenary slingers from Rhodes are famed as superior missile troops, although they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.

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{merc_cretan_archers}	Cretan Archers

{merc_cretan_archers_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nThe archers of Crete are famed for their abilities. They can rain arrows on their opponents, not just bombard them!\n\nThese men can be used to soften up a battle line before the main fight is joined, or be placed behind a line of defensive troops such as spearmen. If left unprotected they are vulnerable to attacks by cavalry and light skirmishers, as they have little chance of lasting for long in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nHistorically, the term ‘Cretan’ came to represent a fighting style rather than an area of origin, so many of these mercenaries are from elsewhere in the Greek world. Those originally from Crete are highly valued in cities and towns on the mainland as archery instructors.

{merc_cretan_archers_descr_short}
The archers of Crete are famed for their abilities. They can rain arrows on their opponents, not just bombard them!

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{merc_greek_hoplites}	Mercenary Hoplites

{merc_greek_hoplites_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nHoplites are spearmen that are most effective in the formidable, if slightly inflexible, phalanx formation: a tight block of men presenting many spear points to the enemy. Operating in such a fashion, these units are a powerful force against infantry or cavalry. Hoplite tactics are simple: a unit generally approaches in normal order, and then closes up into a phalanx so that each soldier is protected by the overlapping shield of his neighbour. It is simply a matter of closing with the enemy as quickly as possible to decide the battle. \n\nThe basis of military power in ancient Greece was the hoplite and his willingness to fight alongside his fellow citizens, but now these troops are some of the most effective mercenaries in the known world. Hoplites wear a hardened leather cuirass breastplate, and carry both a round shield (the hoplon) and a thrusting spear. This spear has a bronze butt-spike to plant in the ground (bronze, unlike iron, does not rust), which doubles as a weapon if the spear shaft breaks.

{merc_greek_hoplites_descr_short}
Hoplites are spearmen who are most effective in the formidable, if slightly inflexible, phalanx formation. 

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{merc_libyan_infantry}	Libyan Mercenaries

{merc_libyan_infantry_descr}
Can Hide in Long Grass\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nLibyan mercenaries are skirmishers. They work well in rough terrain but are vulnerable if caught in the open by cavalry. These mercenaries are used to break up enemy units with a shower of javelins - a traditional weapon in Libya - as the battle lines close on each other. They cannot be expected to fight well in a melee. They are generally similar to the peltasts of other nations: light infantry who carry javelins, swords and small shields (usually fashioned from hardened ostrich hide). Other than a leather cap they wear no armour. \n\nThey are mobile enough to stay out of trouble but are, as is so often the case with skirmishers, vulnerable when caught on open ground. They are best used in broken and wooded terrain, where they can hide and ambush enemy formations before the main battle is joined.

{merc_libyan_infantry_descr_short}
Libyan mercenaries are skirmishers. They work well in rough terrain but are vulnerable if caught in the open by cavalry.

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{merc_numidian_cavalry}	Numidian Mercenaries

{merc_numidian_cavalry_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nNumidian cavalry are superb mounted skirmishers who weaken the enemy with javelins. Numidia produces the finest cavalry in all Africa, if not the Western Mediterranean world. Armed with javelins, these mercenaries can be a nightmare for an opponent as it can prove practically impossible to pin them down in combat!\n\nTheir tactics are to pelt the enemy with deadly volleys of javelins, and then swiftly retreat. If the enemy stand, they are slaughtered with volleys of javelins. If they run, the Numidian cavalry can ride them down!\n\nInstinctive riders, the Numidians are famed for not using a saddle or reins, using only a stick to direct their horses. Nevertheless, they manoeuvre with 'the grace of a flock of birds'. Having adapted to the broken expanses of their homelands, Numidian cavalry also have great stamina. 

{merc_numidian_cavalry_descr_short}
Numidian cavalry are superb mounted skirmishers who weaken the enemy with javelins.

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{merc_arab_cavalry}	Arab Cavalry

{merc_arab_cavalry_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Wedge\n\nBands of desert cavalrymen are often drawn towards the Mediterranean world to offer their services to the highest bidder as tough light cavalry who are at home in hot, dry conditions. They make excellent scouts, and can sweep down on a broken foe or an exposed unit of skirmishers, but their lack of formal military training means they are at a disadvantage in a serious fight.\n\nArmed with scimitar-style swords and equipped with shields made from woven reeds, they wear no armour due to the heat of the desert sun. Instead, they cover themselves with traditional robes, which are also protection against roaring sandstorms.

{merc_arab_cavalry_descr_short}
Desert-dwelling cavalry make excellent scouts, especially in harsh conditions, but they are not equipped for prolonged combat.

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{merc_balearic_slingers}	Balearic Slingers

{merc_balearic_slingers_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nThese superior mercenaries from the Balearic Isles are famed for their ability as slingers. They can maintain a sustained and concentrated barrage on an enemy before rapidly falling back to avoid hand-to-hand combat.\n\nSlingers carry a shoulder bag with lead shot and several spare slings suitable for various ranges (a shot typically weighs no more than 55g - a couple of ounces). Trained from infancy, these missile troops carry only a small shield for protection, and are best kept out of hand-to-hand combat. They are, however, highly mobile and don’t tire easily.\n\nHistorically, Balearic mercenaries didn't always get paid in gold for their services. They weren't averse to payments in kind, such as wine and women!

{merc_balearic_slingers_descr_short}
Mercenary slingers from the Balearic isles are famed as superior missile troops, although they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.

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{merc_barbarian_infantry}	Barbarian Mercenaries

{merc_barbarian_infantry_descr}
Impetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nThe men of a spear warband are effective against cavalry and most infantry, but lack the discipline of more 'civilized' troops. Their spears, however, make them valuable defensive warriors for any commander, and in common with other barbarians they are expert at using cover to hide.\n\nThe warband is the basic unit of any barbarian army. These particular warriors have given their loyalty to a strong leader rather than their tribe. Each warrior is protected by a combination of a large shield and clothing made from furs and leather.

{merc_barbarian_infantry_descr_short}
The men of a spear warband are effective against cavalry and most infantry, but lack the discipline of more 'civilized' troops.

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{merc_barbarian_cavalry}	Barbarian Cavalry Mercenaries

{merc_barbarian_cavalry_descr}
Impetuous\nCan Form Wedge\n\nMercenary barbarian cavalry ride sturdy and sure-footed horses, and are excellent light cavalry, useful as scouts and to pursue fleeing enemies. They are drawn from the elite of their tribe and, even though they are now mercenaries, fight bravely to justify their status. This can lead them to be headstrong, and difficult to restrain before a fight, as personal glory gained in battle is always welcome. Their war gear of spears and shields is the very finest that can be provided.\n\nThey are best used to break weakened enemy formations, fight against other cavalry and pursue fleeing enemies. While they are brave men and superb horsemen, they lack the cohesion of more 'civilized' cavalry, and may not be as effective in a hand-to-hand fight. Shock and initial impact are their main weapons.

{merc_barbarian_cavalry_descr_short}
Mercenary barbarian cavalry ride sturdy and sure-footed horses, and are excellent light cavalry, useful as scouts and to pursue fleeing enemies.

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{merc_elephants}	Mercenary War Elephants

{merc_elephants_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nFrightens Cavalry\nFrightens Infantry\nCan Run Amok\n\nWar elephants are large, fierce and unpredictable beasts, and terrifying in battle. They are the ultimate shock troops available to any commander. They are used to break enemy lines and simply intimidate enemies into running away.\n\nEach elephant carries a tower with two archers, but they can also gore and trample opponents. The catch with elephants is that they can panic when injured and run amok. In this case, anyone who gets in the way is in danger, regardless of whether or not they are friend or foe. Elephant drivers have been known to carry chisels and mallets so that they can kill panicked animals with a blow to the base of the skull before the beasts can cause too much chaos.

{merc_elephants_descr_short}
War elephants are large, fierce and unpredictable beasts, and terrifying in battle. They are the ultimate shock troops available to any commander. 

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{naval_quinquireme}	Quinquireme

{naval_quinquireme_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nA quinquireme is a powerful, but lumbering, warship intended for fleet actions. Its mass makes it hard to sink.\n\nThe bulk of the crew are rowers as there are five men to each oar; this pulling power is good, but maintaining ramming or battle speed is very tiring for the men. Consequently, quinquiremes also carry a detachment of marines and some shipboard artillery as means of attack - when you can't be sure of ramming an opponent, bombardment or boarding become the most effective tactics.

{naval_quinquireme_descr_short}
A quinquireme is a powerful, but lumbering, warship intended for fleet actions. Its mass makes it hard to sink. 

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{barbarian_civ_peasant}	Barbarian Tribesmen

{barbarian_civ_peasant_descr}
;not required

{barbarian_civ_peasant_descr_short}
A member of a barbarian tribe, probably up to no good.

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{barbarian_female_peasant}	Barbarian Tribesmen

{barbarian_female_peasant_descr}
;not required

{barbarian_female_peasant_descr_short}
A member of a barbarian tribe, probably up to no good.

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{carthaginian_civ_peasant}	Carthaginian Civilians

{carthaginian_civ_peasant_descr}
;not required

{carthaginian_civ_peasant_descr_short}
A labouring Carthaginian peasant, looking to stay out of trouble.

¬----------------

{carthaginian_female_peasant}	Carthaginian Civilians

{carthaginian_female_peasant_descr}
;not required

{carthaginian_female_peasant_descr_short}
A labouring Carthaginian peasant, looking to stay out of trouble.

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{eastern_civ_peasant}	Eastern Workers

{eastern_civ_peasant_descr}
;not required

{eastern_civ_peasant_descr_short}
An hard-working peasant, seeking to escape death at the hands of enemy soldiers.

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{eastern_female_peasant}	Eastern Workers

{eastern_female_peasant_descr}
;not required

{eastern_female_peasant_descr_short}
An hard-working peasant, seeking to escape death at the hands of enemy soldiers.

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{egyptian_civ_peasant}	Egyptian Workers

{egyptian_civ_peasant_descr}
;not required

{egyptian_civ_peasant_descr_short}
An Egyptian worker, trying to avoid being killed by his master's enemies.

¬----------------

{egyptian_female_peasant}	Egyptian Workers

{egyptian_female_peasant_descr}
;not required

{egyptian_female_peasant_descr_short}
An Egyptian worker, trying to avoid being killed by her ruler's enemies.

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{greek_civ_peasant}	Greek Citizens

{greek_civ_peasant_descr}
;not required

{greek_civ_peasant_descr_short}
A Greek labourer, philosophically inclined to run away from danger!

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{greek_female_peasant}	Greek Citizens

{greek_female_peasant_descr}
;not required

{greek_female_peasant_descr_short}
A Greek labourer, more interested in escape than the war!

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{egyptian_cavalry}	Desert Cavalry

{egyptian_cavalry_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Wedge\n\nDesert 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.\n\nThey are well suited to hunting down skirmishers and other infantry, but may suffer undue casualties against heavier cavalry forces.\n\nThese 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.

{egyptian_cavalry_descr_short}
Desert cavalry are fast moving horsemen armed with axes for close combat.

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{roman_velite_gladiator}	Velite Gladiators

{roman_velite_gladiator_descr}
Beyond Elite!\nImpetuous\nVery Hardy\nSapping Ability\n\nVelite gladiators are more than mere light infantrymen - they are superb individual fighters, unmatched by any ordinary warriors. They fight wearing little armour - their lot in life isn't always to live through a fight, but to die in an entertaining manner. The style of the velite is one that uses only a spear and shield combination, relying on natural agility to avoid injury and death.\n\nGladiators are used in battle as a specialised elite, one that cares little for personal safety - the only way to attain freedom is through victory! Gladiators, after all, are part of the damnati: the disgraced, the condemned, and the untouchables in society. There is nowhere else for them to go.

{roman_velite_gladiator_descr_short}
Velite gladiators are more than mere light infantrymen - they are superb individual fighters, unmatched by any ordinary warriors.

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{merc_bedouin_archers}	Bedouin Archers

{merc_bedouin_archers_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\nFrightens Cavalry\n\nThese mercenaries are light camel archers from the nomadic tribes of Arabia. They are rugged men used to harsh conditions and neither they nor their camel steeds tire quickly. With their excellent mobility they can shower an enemy with arrows and retreat from the first signs of trouble. In addition, cavalry are unlikely to be successful when sent in pursuit because the strange - and strong - smell of camels is deeply unsettling for horses.\n\nThese men are masters of the bow, but then life in the desert is harsh and those who do not master survival skills are unlikely to live for long. Although they have defensive weaponry, they should not be sent into a melee unless the situation is dire and nothing else can be done. 

{merc_bedouin_archers_descr_short}
These mercenaries are light camel archers from the nomadic tribes of Arabia. They are rugged men used to harsh conditions.

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{barb_chariot_light_briton}	British Light Chariots

{barb_chariot_light_briton_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nFrightens Infantry\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nLight 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.

{barb_chariot_light_briton_descr_short}
Light chariots are very fast, very noisy and combine the swiftness of cavalry with the 'staying power' of infantry. 

¬----------------

{barb_chariot_heavy_briton}	British Heavy Chariots

{barb_chariot_heavy_briton_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nFrightens Infantry\n\nHeavy 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.\n\nEvery man carries a fine sword, and is equipped with a good mail coat and a shield, while his chariot is pulled by two horses.\n\nThey 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.

{barb_chariot_heavy_briton_descr_short}
Heavy chariots are ridden into battle by elite tribal nobles. They are shock troops, relying on speed and shock to break enemy formations.

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{barb_chariot_heavy_slave}	British Heavy Chariots

{barb_chariot_heavy_slave_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nFrightens Infantry\n\nHeavy 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.\n\nEvery man carries a fine sword, and is equipped with a good mail coat and a shield, while his chariot is pulled by two horses.\n\nThey 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.

{barb_chariot_heavy_slave_descr_short}
Heavy chariots are an elite in ridden into battle by tribal nobles. They are shock troops, relying on speed and shock to break enemy formations.

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{roman_principes}	Principes

{roman_principes_descr}
Disciplined\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nPrincipes are older, more reliable soldiers who have seen some service. It is their task to be the second line of a legion and carry on the fight once the hastati are spent. They are supposed to carry on the 'wearing down' fight and exhaust the enemy. They are, as a result, capable soldiers and unafraid of combat.\n\nThey are armed with two pila that are thrown at the enemy at close range before they close to fight hand-to-hand. They are each equipped with a sword, a bronze helmet, a large shield and chain armour. The pilum (plural, pila) is a cleverly designed spear with a soft iron shaft behind the point; it bends on impact so that it can’t be thrown back and if it’s stuck in someone or something it is a real hindrance to movement - always assuming whoever it's stuck in isn't dead!\n\nHistorically, principes spent their own money on their equipment and, being older, were in a position to buy better gear than the young hastati. This, along with the age and property requirements, was why they fought as principes.

{roman_principes_descr_short}
Principes are older, more reliable soldiers who have seen some service. They fight as heavy infantry in the second line of battle.

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¬***** Changes made after 13/05/2004 15:33:26
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{egyptian_peltast}	Skirmishers

{egyptian_peltast_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nEgyptian 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.\n\nSkirmishers 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!\n\nOddly, 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. 

{egyptian_peltast_descr_short}
Egyptian skirmishers rush forward to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then hope to withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised. 

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¬***** Changes made after 03/06/2004 16:48:00
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{merc_cilician_pirate}	Cilician Pirates

{merc_cilician_pirate_descr}
Superior\nImpetuous\nSapping Ability\n\nThese Cilician mercenaries are excellent and well-armed skirmishers, if somewhat hot-headed! They try to weaken less mobile enemy formations by showering them with harpoons before closing to finish the job with their hand axes.\n\nThe eastern Mediterranean is often a stamping ground for buccaneers and pirates, most notorious among them the Cilicians from the south-eastern coast of Asia Minor. Used to a lawless, brutal life as marines aboard ship, these troops are a merciless force, prepared to give and receive no quarter and not always keen to obey orders.\n\nAlthough there is a lucrative career to be had capturing ships' crews to sell as slaves, many Cilicians seek employment in foreign armies. Their lust for loot and others’ lives makes them inclined to attack first and think later.

{merc_cilician_pirate_descr_short}
These Cilician mercenaries are excellent and well-armed skirmishers, if somewhat hot-headed!

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¬***** Changes made after 04/06/2004 15:48:58
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{carthaginian_infantry}	Iberian Infantry

{carthaginian_infantry_descr}
Sapping Ability\n\nIberian 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.

{carthaginian_infantry_descr_short}
These infantry are the steady backbone of the armies of Carthage and Spain. Reliable, well-armed and tough, they are armed with falcatas to cut a path into an enemy line.

¬----------------

{scutarii}	Scutarii

{scutarii_descr}
Impetuous\nExpert at Hiding in Forests\n\nScutarii are well-equipped light infantry armed with swords, shields and heavy javelins.They are called by the Romans because of their distinctive, large, oval shields (the Latin for shield being ‘scutum’). They fight with heavy javelins and swords, peppering the enemy with missiles before closing up for hand-to-hand combat. Centuries of feuding among the hill tribes have hardened the people so there is no shortage of tough and cunning warriors - they are quite handy when springing tactical ambushes on enemy units.\n\nHistorically, the design of the later Roman legionary sword (or gladius) was influenced by the blades carried by these men. The design was adopted after Roman armies had faced large formations of scutarii during the First Punic War.

{scutarii_descr_short}
Scutarii are well-equipped light infantry armed with swords, shields and heavy javelins.

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{greek_hoplite_militia}	Militia Hoplites

{greek_hoplite_militia_descr}
Can Form Phalanx\nSapping Ability\n\nMilitia hoplites are levies drawn from cities and thrust into battle with a little training. They fight best as spearmen, and are armed with long spears and each carries the large round hoplon shield which gives them their name. As a type of infantry hoplites have been around for centuries and have changed little in tactics or equipment. These men wear no armour, but then they are drawn from the poorer classes and it is traditional for citizens to provide their own war gear when called into the army. The cities of the Greek world have a long tradition of the people defending their own cities from invaders.\n\nThey are at their best when used as a solid block of spearmen and can form a phalanx to attack the enemy.

{greek_hoplite_militia_descr_short}
Militia hoplites are levies drawn from cities and thrust into battle with a little training.

¬----------------

{merc_bedouin}	Bedouin Warriors

{merc_bedouin_descr}
Hardy\nCan Form Wedge\nFrightens Cavalry\n\nThese mercenaries are light camel riders from the nomadic tribes of Arabia. They are rugged men used to harsh conditions and neither they nor their camel steeds tire quickly. They are best employed against light cavalry and horse archers, if only because of the effects that camels have on horses unused to their distinct aroma. Their speed also makes them useful against skirmishers and foot missile troops.\n\nThey carry swords and shields, but do not bother with armour - hardly surprising given that the desert conditions of their homelands make wearing armour foolish indeed - unless the prospect of broiling to death is appealing!

{merc_bedouin_descr_short}
These mercenaries are light camel riders from the nomadic tribes of Arabia. They are rugged men used to harsh conditions and neither they nor their camel steeds tire quickly.

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{barb_wardogs_briton}	Warhounds

{barb_wardogs_briton_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nWarhounds 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.\n\nTheir handlers are brave, foolhardy and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing!

{barb_wardogs_briton_descr_short}
Warhounds are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild boar!

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{barb_wardogs_dacian}	Warhounds

{barb_wardogs_dacian_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nWarhounds 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.\n\nTheir handlers are brave, foolhardy and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing!

{barb_wardogs_dacian_descr_short}
Warhounds are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild boar!

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{barb_wardogs_gaul}	Warhounds

{barb_wardogs_gaul_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nWarhounds 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.\n\nTheir handlers are brave, foolhardy and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing!

{barb_wardogs_gaul_descr_short}
Warhounds are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild boar!

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{barb_wardogs_german}	Warhounds

{barb_wardogs_german_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nWarhounds 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.\n\nTheir handlers are brave, foolhardy and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing!

{barb_wardogs_german_descr_short}
Warhounds are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild boar!

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{barb_wardogs_scythian}	Warhounds

{barb_wardogs_scythian_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nWarhounds 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.\n\nTheir handlers are brave, foolhardy and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing!

{barb_wardogs_scythian_descr_short}
Warhounds are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild boar!

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{barb_ballistas_dacian}	Ballistas

{barb_ballistas_dacian_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nA Ballista is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like an enormous crossbow. It has tremendous range and can skewer files of men with a single bolt!\n\nWhile a Ballista might look like a huge crossbow, its working principles are rather different. The two arms are pushed through ropes made of tough animal sinew. This naturally elastic material is then twisted, and becomes a hugely powerful spring, pulling each arm forwards. The arms are pulled back, creating even more tension, the Ballista is loaded with a missile, and then this is shot at the enemy with considerable force.\n\nProviding care is taken to make sure that the two sinew bundles are under the same tension, the Ballista is a very accurate weapon, but because sinew is sensitive to damp a Ballista does not work well in wet weather.

{barb_ballistas_dacian_descr_short}
A Ballista is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like an enormous crossbow. It has tremendous range and can skewer files of men with a single bolt! 

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{carthaginian_peltast}	Skirmishers

{carthaginian_peltast_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nSkirmishers 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.\n\nWhen 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. 

{carthaginian_peltast_descr_short}
Skirmishers rush forward to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised. 

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{egyptian_nile_infantry}	Nile Spearmen

{egyptian_nile_infantry_descr}
Sapping Ability\nCan Form Phalanx\nHighly Trained\n\nThese 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.\n\nThese men are better trained than some other Egyptian forces, such as Nubian spearmen, and will hold more often as a result.

{egyptian_nile_infantry_descr_short}
These well trained spearmen are the mainstay of many Egyptian armies, thanks to their all-round defensive abilities.

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{egyptian_chariot}	Egyptian Chariots

{egyptian_chariot_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nFrightens Infantry\n\nChariots 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.\n\nEach chariot is pulled by powerful horses, and the deserts are an ideal place for them to be used to full effect.

{egyptian_chariot_descr_short}
Chariots are fearsome devices, and the mail-armoured, elite crews carry swords to cut down opponents.

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{greek_pigs}	Incendiary Pigs

{greek_pigs_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nIncendiary pigs are 'one shot' weapons intended to spread panic and terror amongst enemies, particularly mounted troops.\n\nThe pigs are coated in pitch, tar and oil, and herded towards the enemy. At the right moment, the pigs are ignited by their handlers and, not unnaturally, they run away in pain and terror - hopefully towards the enemy. Apart from goring anyone foolish enough to get in their way, the pigs are tremendously disruptive to formations. They are also very frightening for elephants in particular, and this is their main use in warfare.\n\nPigs can only be fired up once during a battle, and few survive for long. 

{greek_pigs_descr_short}
Incendiary pigs are 'one shot' weapons intended to spread panic and terror amongst enemies, particularly elephants. 

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{greek_ballistas}	Ballistas

{greek_ballistas_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nA Ballista is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like an enormous crossbow. It has tremendous range and can skewer files of men with a single bolt!\n\nWhile a Ballista might look like a huge crossbow, its working principles are rather different. The two arms are pushed through ropes made of tough animal sinew. This naturally elastic material is then twisted, and becomes a hugely powerful spring, pulling each arm forwards. The arms are pulled back, creating even more tension, the Ballista is loaded with a missile, and then this is shot at the enemy with considerable force.\n\nProviding care is taken to make sure that the two sinew bundles are under the same tension, the Ballista is a very accurate weapon, but because sinew is sensitive to damp a Ballista does not work well in wet weather.

{greek_ballistas_descr_short}
A Ballista is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like an enormous crossbow. It has tremendous range and can skewer files of men with a single bolt! 

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{naval_bireme}	Bireme

{naval_bireme_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nA bireme is a small galley with a ram at the prow. It is powered by sail and two banks of oars.\n\nThe ship has a good turn of speed and is fairly "handy" with a good crew - the ram makes the bireme a weapon rather than just transport for fighting men. A bireme is outclassed in combat by a trireme's speed and weight, but its combat power should not be underestimated.

{naval_bireme_descr_short}
A bireme is a small galley with a ram at the prow. It is powered by sail and two banks of oars.

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{naval_trireme}	Trireme

{naval_trireme_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nA trireme is a powerful warship, propelled by three banks of oars and a sail. It can ram opposing ships and launch boarding actions.\n\nOriginally a Greek design, it has been widely copied because of its good qualities. Skilled oarsmen are needed, but then this gives the ship tremendous power in a 'sprint' at ramming speed. As might be expected, the trireme is its own main weapon, as it carries an iron-tipped ram on the bow at the waterline. Once an enemy ship has been rammed or had its oars smashed, the crew back water to withdraw before seeking another target.

{naval_trireme_descr_short}
A trireme is a powerful warship, propelled by three banks of oars and a sail. It can ram opposing ships and launch boarding actions.

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{naval_corvus}	Corvus Quinquireme

{naval_corvus_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nA corvus quinquireme is a powerful warship intended for fleet actions, and a refinement of the basic quinquireme design. Its sheer size makes it hard to sink.\n\nThe bulk of the crew are rowers as there are five men to each oar; this pulling power is good, but maintaining ramming or battle speed is very tiring.\n\nThe corvus was developed by Rome during the first Punic War as a means of turning sea battles into land battles, and allowing its superior infantry to become decisive. It is an iron 'beak' on a hinged walkway that is designed to smash down into enemy decking doing two jobs in one: making a bridge for the marines to cross, and locking the two ships together so that the battle has to be fought on the quinquireme captain's terms.

{naval_corvus_descr_short}
A corvus quinquireme is a powerful warship intended for fleet actions, and a refinement of the basic quinquireme design. Its sheer size makes it hard to sink. 

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{naval_decere}	Decere

{naval_decere_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nThe mighty deceres is a dreadnought in the ancient Mediterranean. In size, number of men and fighting potential it dwarfs all other vessels. A deceres is among the largest ships afloat, and is crewed by anything up to 850 men - most, of course, being rowers.\n\nIts combat power is formidable. Apart from a couple of fighting towers, a deceres also carries onagers and ballistae to bombard enemies, plus a large contingent of marines for boarding and defence. At least one ballista will also be set up to fire a harpoon-like grappling hook (called a harpago) at enemy vessels so that they can be dragged alongside and destroyed.\n\nAs a tactic the harpago has much to recommend it over, say, the grappling 'corvus' of smaller ships, because it allows enemies to be snagged at greater range.

{naval_decere_descr_short}
The mighty deceres is a dreadnought in the ancient Mediterranean. In size, number of men and fighting potential it dwarfs all other vessels.

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{naval_boats}	Boats

{naval_boats_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nThese vessels are seaworthy, but small, craft capable of carrying a small cargo or a few men along coastal routes. Like other ships of the time these craft use sail when cruising and oar-powers when in combat.\n\nThis type of boat represents the various flat-bottomed Celtic curachs, the sea-worthy Germanic narrow boats, and African byblos ships, for example. Most barbarians lack the 'civilized' ship-building skills of the Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans, but within their limitations these are sturdy craft. The almost-instinctive seamanship of their crews helps them travel surprisingly long distances without danger.

{naval_boats_descr_short}
These vessels are seaworthy, but small, craft capable of carrying a small cargo or a few men along coastal routes.

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{naval_large_boats}	Large Boats

{naval_large_boats_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nLarge boats are battle-worthy craft, with crews large enough to fight boarding actions when required. These boats are not a match, however, for ships of more 'civilized' peoples. These ships, however, have better sea keeping qualities than many craft developed for the relatively calm waters of the Mediterranean. They can carry large cargoes - or raiding parties - across many trackless miles of sea.

{naval_large_boats_descr_short}
Large boats have crews large enough to fight boarding actions when required. These boats are not a match, however, for ships of more 'civilized' peoples.

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{naval_pirates}	Pirate Ships

{naval_pirates_descr}
This has been added for a code fix. Do not re-translate. Please speak to Luci\n\nThe pirate vessel of choice is the bireme, a swift, deadly predator when hunting slow and undefended merchant ships, and one that can outrun larger warships when cornered. A bireme combines power and good handling in a vessel that does not need to large a crew. \n\nPirates sail from every remote cove, every lawless harbour and every independent city (and a few cities that are supposedly law-abiding) along the Mediterranean coast. They are like flies - always present when there are rich pickings, and only temporarily driven off by the wave of an imperial hand. Kill one fly, and more come in its place.\n\nAs well as menacing trade, pirates can sometimes gather in sufficient strength to threaten even the great naval powers.

{naval_pirates_descr_short}
The pirate vessel of choice is the bireme, a swift, deadly predator when hunting slow and undefended merchant ships.

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{carthaginian_cavalry}	Iberian Cavalry

{carthaginian_cavalry_descr}
Can Form Wedge\n\nIberian cavalry 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. 

{carthaginian_cavalry_descr_short}
Iberian cavalry are best used to ride down skirmishers and pursue fleeing enemies.

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{roman_medium_cavalry}	Roman Cavalry

{roman_medium_cavalry_descr}
Can Form Wedge\n\nRoman cavalry are auxiliary spear-armed cavalry who have a screening role in a Roman army. They should be used against the flanks or rear of units, or to keep missile troops and skirmishers away from the main Roman heavy infantry (who are the real killers of a Roman army).\n\nThey wear little armour and only carry spears and shields. As a result, they can charge enemies, but may be cut to pieces by a prepared defensive line of spearmen if these were attacked head on.\n\nHistorically, Roman cavalry only came into existence after the army reforms of Gaius Marius as a replacement force for the equites. The property qualifications for fighting as cavalry in the army were abandoned and the army made professional. They were organised into 'wings' called alae rather than cohorts.

{roman_medium_cavalry_descr_short}
Roman cavalry are auxiliary spear-armed cavalry who have a screening role in a Roman army.

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{warband_dhaxe_german}	Chosen Axemen

{warband_dhaxe_german_descr}
Elite\nImpetuous\nHardy\nExpert at Hiding in Woods\n\nDouble-handed axes are intimidating weapons, especially in the hands of chosen axemen. These men can hack a hole in almost any enemy battle line. Chosen axemen are an elite among tribal warriors, selected for their physical size, strength, bravery and - some would say - pig-headedness. They are the assault troops of any barbarian army, the men whose only job is to smash any organised resistance and keep on killing until no foes remain. Fear is completely alien to them, as is any concept of mercy to a foe or a weakling among their own kind. They are fantastically strong men - and need to be to wield their enormous two-handed axes with any degree of skill and control.\n\nThe axes are easily capable of cleaving a man down to his breastbone even through armour. Chosen axemen themselves disdain armour as a sign of cowardice.

{warband_dhaxe_german_descr_short}
Double-handed axes are intimidating weapons, especially in the hands of chosen axemen. These men can hack a hole in almost any enemy battle line.

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{carthaginian_heavy_onagers}	Heavy Onagers

{carthaginian_heavy_onagers_descr}
Fires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe heavy onager is an enormous catapult built using the same basic design as its sibling and capable of smashing down stone fortifications. It is powered by a twisted bundle of animal sinew ropes, and is slow to wind back and reload. Its missiles are devastating, and it can also fire incendiary firepots.\n\nRange is no more than the smaller onager and this makes the heavy onager susceptible to counter fire. Often, it is best employed alongside smaller artillery to deal with enemy fire.

{carthaginian_heavy_onagers_descr_short}
The heavy onager is a siege engine capable of reducing even stone ramparts to rubble, but can be vulnerable to enemy catapults.

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{egyptian_heavy_onagers}	Heavy Onagers

{egyptian_heavy_onagers_descr}
Fires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe heavy onager is an enormous catapult built using the same basic design as its sibling and capable of smashing down stone fortifications. It is powered by a twisted bundle of animal sinew ropes, and is slow to wind back and reload. Its missiles are devastating, and it can also fire incendiary firepots.\n\nRange is no more than the smaller onager and this makes the heavy onager susceptible to counter fire. Often, it is best employed alongside smaller artillery to deal with enemy fire.

{egyptian_heavy_onagers_descr_short}
The heavy onager is a siege engine capable of reducing even stone ramparts to rubble, but can be vulnerable to enemy catapults.

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{greek_heavy_onagers}	Heavy Onagers

{greek_heavy_onagers_descr}
Fires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe heavy onager is an enormous catapult built using the same basic design as its sibling and capable of smashing down stone fortifications. It is powered by a twisted bundle of animal sinew ropes, and is slow to wind back and reload. Its missiles are devastating, and it can also fire incendiary firepots.\n\nRange is no more than the smaller onager and this makes the heavy onager susceptible to counter fire. Often, it is best employed alongside smaller artillery to deal with enemy fire.

{greek_heavy_onagers_descr_short}
The heavy onager is a siege engine capable of reducing even stone ramparts to rubble, but can be vulnerable to enemy catapults.

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{roman_heavy_onager}	Heavy Onagers

{roman_heavy_onager_descr}
Hardy (crew)\nFires Incendiary Missiles\n\nThe heavy onager is an enormous catapult built using the same basic design as its sibling and capable of smashing down stone fortifications. It is powered by a twisted bundle of animal sinew ropes, and is slow to wind back and reload. Its missiles are devastating, and it can also fire incendiary firepots.\n\nRange is no more than the smaller onager and this makes the heavy onager susceptible to counter fire. Often, it is best employed alongside smaller artillery to deal with enemy fire.

{roman_heavy_onager_descr_short}
The heavy onager is a siege engine capable of reducing even stone ramparts to rubble.

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{carthaginian_elephant_african_cataphract}	Armoured Elephants

{carthaginian_elephant_african_cataphract_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Run Amok\nFrightens Infantry\nFrightens Cavalry\n\nArmoured elephants are the most fearsome creatures to be found on a battlefield. Little can stand before these armoured giants.\n\nEach elephant has heavy armour that protects it from missiles and hand-held weapons. 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.\n\nArmoured elephants can run amok, causing havoc in the process to anyone nearby.

{carthaginian_elephant_african_cataphract_descr_short}
Armoured elephants are the most fearsome creatures to be found on a battlefield. Little can stand before these armoured giants.

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{greek_elephant_armoured}	Armoured Elephants

{greek_elephant_armoured_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nCan Run Amok\nFrightens Infantry\nFrightens Cavalry\n\nArmoured elephants are the most fearsome creatures to be found on a battlefield. Little can stand before these armoured giants.\n\nEach elephant has heavy armour that protects it from missiles and hand-held weapons. 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.\n\nArmoured elephants can run amok, causing havoc in the process to anyone nearby.

{greek_elephant_armoured_descr_short}
Armoured elephants are the most fearsome creatures to be found on a battlefield. Little can stand before these armoured giants.

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{amazon_chariots}	Amazon Chariots

{amazon_chariots_descr}
Elite\nFrightens Infantry\nCan Form Cantabrian Circle\n\nLegendary warriors from the land beyond the north wind, these cruel and beautiful women are dangerous indeed to all who oppose them in battle. Many warriors misjudge their alluring appearance, a mistake that few ever live long enough to regret! The thundering sound of their chariots is often enough to un-man even the strongest enemies.\n\nRiding chariots into battle, the Amazon way of warfare relies on using their composite bows to pepper enemies at a distance, before closing to hack enemies to pieces. In either case, they are well protected by the speed of their chariots and by the high quality armour that they wear. 

{amazon_chariots_descr_short}
Legendary warriors from the land beyond the north wind, these women are dangerous indeed to all who oppose them in battle.

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{cheat_oliphants}	Yubtseb Elephants

{cheat_oliphants_descr}
These mysterious creatures from the middle principalities of farthest Terra Nova are the children of of G'nitek'ram, the God of Shiny Things That Man Does Not Need But Desires Anyway. Dark and foul are the ceremonies that summon them; great and scary are their tusks; terrible is their gaze; unwashed are their riders; cruel and unforgiving their masters! Flee in terror! Run for the hills!


{cheat_oliphants_descr_short}
These terrible creatures are fearsome monsters indeed, called forth from the farthest corners of distant lands to strike terror into the very souls of enemies.

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{barb_chieftain_cavalry_dacian}	Barbarian Chosen Warlord

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_dacian_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\nCan Form Wedge\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, mail armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_dacian_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

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{barb_chieftain_cavalry_gaul}	Barbarian Chosen Warlord

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_gaul_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\nCan Form Wedge\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, mail armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_gaul_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

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{barb_chieftain_cavalry_german}	Barbarian Chosen Warlord

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_german_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, mail armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{barb_chieftain_cavalry_german_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

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{carthaginian_generals_cavalry}	General's Armoured Bodyguard

{carthaginian_generals_cavalry_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with spears, these armoured 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.\n\nLike 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.

{carthaginian_generals_cavalry_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{east_generals_cavalry_early}	Eastern General

{east_generals_cavalry_early_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis general has a bodyguard of loyal and mail-armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with javelins, they can stand off from enemies and pepper them with missiles but, thanks to their chainmail armour, shields, and swords, can also charge home and fight effectively in 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.

{east_generals_cavalry_early_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal and mail-armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{east_generals_cavalry}	Armoured Eastern General

{east_generals_cavalry_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis general has a bodyguard of loyal and heavily armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with lances, these men are superb shock cavalry, able to deliver a devastating and almost unstoppable charge; they are then equipped with maces so that they can fight effectively in continued hand-to-hand combat.\n\nLike 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.

{east_generals_cavalry_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal and heavily armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{egyptian_general_early}	Egyptian Chariot General

{egyptian_general_early_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis 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.\n\nEgyptian 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.

{egyptian_general_early_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of chariot archers to accompany him onto the field. Armed with bows and swords, these men are a powerful and flexible force.

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{egyptian_generals_bodyguard}	Egyptian Cavalry General

{egyptian_generals_bodyguard_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis general has a bodyguard of loyal and armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with spears, these men are excellent shock cavalry, able to deliver a devastating charge; they are equipped with swords so that they can fight effectively in continued hand-to-hand combat.\n\nLike 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.

{egyptian_generals_bodyguard_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal and armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{greek_generals_guard_cavalry}	General's Armoured Bodyguard

{greek_generals_guard_cavalry_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed and armoured 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, even though they do not carry shields.\n\nLike 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.

{greek_generals_guard_cavalry_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed and armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{roman_generals_guard_cavalry}	Roman Armoured General

{roman_generals_guard_cavalry_descr}
Elite\nDisciplined\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nThis general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed and armoured 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.\n\nLike 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.

{roman_generals_guard_cavalry_descr_short}
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed and armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field.

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{roman_civ_peasant}	Roman Civilians

{roman_civ_peasant_descr}
;not required

{roman_civ_peasant_descr_short}
A Roman peasant, running away when he should be working hard!

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{roman_female_peasant}	Roman Civilians

{roman_female_peasant_descr}
;not required

{roman_female_peasant_descr_short}
A Roman peasant, running away when she should be working hard!

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{barb_scythian_chieftain_cavalry_scythian}	Barbarian Chosen Warlord

{barb_scythian_chieftain_cavalry_scythian_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nA barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with lances, heavy mail and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{barb_scythian_chieftain_cavalry_scythian_descr_short}
A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These lancer cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

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{thracian_generals_guard_cavalry}	General's Armoured Bodyguard

{thracian_generals_guard_cavalry_descr}
Elite\nHardy\nInspires Friendly Units\n\nA warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as tactical skill, and must prove himself in battle. He and his guards are equipped as cavalry with spears, leather armour and shields so that they can dash to any point on the battlefield and fight. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men to be a significant force should the need arise.

{thracian_generals_guard_cavalry_descr_short}
A warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. 

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{egyptian_infantry}	Desert Axemen

{egyptian_infantry_descr}
Superior\nHardy\nSapping Ability\n\nThese 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.\n\nThey 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.

{egyptian_infantry_descr_short}
These superior soldiers are recruited from among desert dwellers, and are equipped with shields and sharp axes.

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{iberian_spearmen}	Scutarii Lanceari

{iberian_spearmen_descr}
Scutarii Lanceari are similar to the Iberian Scutarii, but wield a spear rather than a sword. They also do not throw javelins before a charge. Well armoured yet mobile, these units are suited to defending Iberian cities from most invaders.

{iberian_spearmen_descr_short}
Mobile spearmen, best used for defense.

¬----------------

{iberian_caetrati}	Caetrati

{iberian_caetrati_descr}
The Caetrati are the basic infantry of the Iberians. They are light troops well suited to the hit-and-run guerrilla tactics the Iberians were famous for historically.
\n\n
Caetrati carry a number of javelins made completely of iron (a soliferum) which can punch through shields and armour. They also carry a falcata sword like those used by the Scutarii.
\n\n
They are good for skirmishing with the foe, and unlike other skirmish troops they can stand a little melee combat. However, they should not be expected to hold a battle line against anything much tougher than barbarian warbands.

{iberian_caetrati_descr_short}
Caetrati are light troops with powerful javelins, who can also fight in a melee if needs be.

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{iberian_cavalry}	Caetrati Cavalry

{iberian_cavalry_descr}
Caetrati cavalry are missile cavalry good for hit and run attacks to thin out the enemy formation or to lure them into traps. Like their infantry counterparts they are also decent at melee combat, but since they lack spears they don't have a particularly powerful charge.

{iberian_cavalry_descr_short}
Light cavalry decent in melee combat with an ample stock of missles to thin out the enemy.

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{heavy_scutarii}	Heavy Scutarii

{heavy_scutarii_descr}
The Heavy Scutarii are well armed and armoured heavy infantry. They can go head to head with a Roman fighter and sometimes even come out on top.
\n\n
Wearing chainmail as well as the traditional 'pectoral' breastplate and armed with a falcata, they throw javelins at their foe before charging them.
\n\n
They are strong mainline troops, more experienced and hardy than the standard Scutarii.

{heavy_scutarii_descr_short}
The Heavy Scutarii are well armed and armoured heavy infantry that are more than a match for even some Roman troops.

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{cantabrian_cavalry}	Cantabrian Cavalry

{cantabrian_cavalry_descr}
Cantabrian cavalry are some of the best skirmish cavalry in the west of the known world. Only the horsemen of Numidia can claim to be more effective.
\n\n
Historically, the horsemen of Cantabria created the manoeuver known as the Cantabrian circle. This involves the horsemen riding in a circle whilst loosing their missiles, so that they are harder for enemy missile troops to hit.

{cantabrian_cavalry_descr_short}
Powerful skirmish cavalry who can form a Cantabrian circle.

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{celtiberian_swordsmen}	Celtiberian Swordsmen

{celtiberian_swordsmen_descr}
These powerful swordsmen hail from the Celtic-influenced tribes of central Iberia. Wielding large Celtic style swords, they are good in melee combat. However, their lack of armour can make them vulnerable in a prolonged fight.

{celtiberian_swordsmen_descr_short}
Good offensive swordsmen. Poor armour.

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{lanceari_cavalry}	Lanceari Cavalry

{lanceari_cavalry_descr}
The lanceari cavalry are medium cavalry. Wielding the lancea (spear) and a large shield, they are shock troops that can be used to flank enemies or smash through the lines of weaker troops from the front. However, they are (like all cavalry) poor at fighting spearmen, especially from the front.

{lanceari_cavalry_descr_short}
Medium cavalry with a powerful charge.

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{thracian_hoplites}	Veteran Hoplites

{thracian_hoplites_descr}
After the reign of Alexander the Great, some Thracian tribes became Hellenised. This cultural change spread through the Odrysian Kingdom, leading to many changes in language and military style. These hoplites are Thracian natives trained to fight in a Greek-style phalanx formation. Equipped with large shields and spears, they are hardy troops who can be relied upon to hold a line. Although their spears are shorter than those of their pike-wielding counterparts, the men are veterans of the battlefield and know how to defend themselves.

{thracian_hoplites_descr_short}
Veteran armoured warriors who fight in a phalanx.

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{thrace_peltast}	Triballi Peltasts

{thrace_peltast_descr}
Expert at Hiding in Forests\nCan Hide in Long Grass\nSapping Ability\n\nTriballi peltasts are the originators of, and still the best of the best at, the peltast role. They advance at speed to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised. They are skirmishers and it is their task to harass and disrupt enemy units before the main battle lines clash. They are also adept at staging tactical ambushes.\n\nPeltasts 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, and this isn't much protection should they be caught by cavalry.

{thrace_peltast_descr_short}
Thracian peltasts advance at speed to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised.

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{thrace_heavy_peltast}	Thureophoroi

{thrace_heavy_peltast_descr}
The thureophoroi was a type of infantry soldier who carried a large oval shield called a thureos which had a type of metal strip boss and a central spine. They were armed with a long thrusting spear and javelins. They also usually wore an iron or bronze Macedonian helmet. The thureos was probably originally an adapted form of a Celtic shield. Thracian and Illyrian infantry probably adopted the shield before their Greek counterparts. However it has been suggested that the thureos was brought to Greece after Pyrrhus of Epirus' campaigns in Italy, as his Oscan allies and Roman enemies used the scutum.
\n
Thureophoroi are usually distinguished from both skirmishers and the phalanx and seem to have operated in a role intermediate between the two types. They often supported light troops and seemed to be capable of operating in a similar manner to peltasts. The thureophoroi were well suited to the tactical needs for smaller states, mainly border defense. They were mobile and could rapidly advance over varied terrain. According to Plutarch, they could fight as skirmishers and then fall back, assume spears and tighten the ranks.

{thrace_heavy_peltast_descr_short}
Thureophoroi are usually distinguished from both skirmishers and the phalanx and operate in a role intermediate between the two types.

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{thrace_lancer}	Getic Lancers

{thrace_lancer_descr}
Getic lancers are light cavalry armed with spears and swords. They are drawn from the northenmost tribes in the Thracian area, the Getae. Renouned for their cavalry prowess, these tribes provide most of the horsemen for the Thracian army. These lancers have a good charge, but will not last long in a sustained melee due to their lack of armour.

{thrace_lancer_descr_short}
Getic lancers are light cavalry armed with spears and swords.

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{thrace_cavalry}	Thracian Noble Cavalry

{thrace_cavalry_descr}
These are the elite cavalry in the Thracian army. Noblemen who can afford good armour and horses, and armed with spears for the charge and swords for the melee they are formidable shock cavalry who can stand a fight. 

{thrace_cavalry_descr_short}
The elite shock cavalry in available to Thrace.

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{thrace_horse_archers}	Getic Horse Archers

{thrace_horse_archers_descr}
Getic Horse Archers are Getae tribesmen who fight in a manner influenced heavily by the Scythians. That is, they are mounted bowmen who can be used to harrass slow moving enemy formations and disrupt their lines. However, their lack of protection makes them vulnerable in melee combat.

{thrace_horse_archers_descr_short}
Mounted bowmen who can be used to harrass slow moving enemy formations and disrupt their lines.

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{thrace_light_hoplite}	Hoplites

{thrace_light_hoplite_descr}
After the reign of Alexander the Great, some Thracian tribes became Hellenised. This cultural change spread through the Odrysian Kingdom, leading to many changes in language and military style. These hoplites are Thracian natives trained to fight in a Greek-style phalanx formation. Equipped with shields and spears, they are reliable troops who can hold a line when needed. They lack mobility however, like all phalanx units.

{thrace_light_hoplite_descr_short}
Lightly armoured warriors who fight in a phalanx.

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{getic_warrior}	Getic Warriors

{getic_warrior_descr}
Getic warriors are heavy infantry armed with swords and large thureos shields. They are drawn from the northenmost tribes in the Thracian area, the Getae. These warriors are not among the highest status members of their tribe, being unable to afford horses. However they are fearsome warriors who know how to defend themselves in a melee.

{getic_warrior_descr_short}
Getic warriors are heavy infantry armed with swords.

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{thrace_thorakitai}	Thorakitai

{thrace_thorakitai_descr}
Thorakitai were used in armies of the Hellenistic Period in a variety of tactical situations. They were a type of armoured but mobile infantry who did not require a rigid formation to be effective in combat. From their name we can deduce that most wore armor and helmet. They bore a thureos (or thyreos), an oblong shield, and were armed with sword, javelins and spear, which were used according to their tactical use. It seems that the thorakitai were heavily armored thureophoroi, able to bear swords and do battle in formation as well as irregularly attack the enemy in situations when such an action was required for tactical reasons, like to exploit or challenge rough terrain.

{thrace_thorakitai_descr_short}
Thorakitai are ultra-heavy peltasts. Excellent both at range and in melee.
