My beloved Triarii

[BiggBudd]

Goto luv the marian reforms, except the extra running costs. Better arty, named legions, but dont u miss them triarii ? When the battle gets tuff, and you send in the big boys to sort the mess out [ "go to the triarii" i believe was the term when u needed to send in the 3rd rank and go for broke ]. You knew they was gonna kick some butt for little loss, even against cav u nvr feared, only inf unit with a decent charge bonus pre/post reforms, and an alt attack to get them to get their swords out! But after the reforms there isnt a 3rd rank of inf, any special units saved for the turning point of battles.
Not to mention the best looking cards, best looking armour too!
Yep i really miss em, am I the only one?

[GaussSoldier]

A 2 rank formation with shield wall and guard mode activated could hold any unit. I will miss them, but I believe the auxilia spearmen are just as strong when used right.

[Garnier]

I keep my 1st and 2nd cohort in reserve (yes I form a second cohort, always keeping the best cohort other than the 1st in reserve, and after battles merging to make the most experienced cohort possible at the time.)

If the battle gets tough, those two cohorts can do some real damage.

[Teodosio]

dont u miss them triarii ? When the battle gets tuff, and you send in the big boys to sort the mess out [ "go to the triarii" i believe was the term when u needed to send in the 3rd rank and go for broke ].
Not to mention the best looking cards, best looking armour too!
Yep i really miss em, am I the only one?

The triarii are really good and from an emotional point of view I miss them; but rationally, there is a fair tradeoff: when you get the legionaries after the reform, you have a weaker third line but the first two are stronger! It's a fair exchange, otherwise it would be too easy!
Anyway, I do make for a third row after the reforms using the first cohort and the spear auxilia (I modded the formation so they are no longer placed behind the archers). The auxilia are just for cavalry; when things are going back the first cohort comes in, with its better stats and morale bonus it can tip the advantage.

I keep my 1st and 2nd cohort in reserve (yes I form a second cohort, always keeping the best cohort other than the 1st in reserve, and after battles merging to make the most experienced cohort possible at the time.)
If the battle gets tough, those two cohorts can do some real damage.

Garnier since it seemed to me that you are interested in the historical aspect, maybe you will appreciate this info I found on Internet. It seems that indeed the second-strongest cohort in each legion was the 8th or the 10th.

[Garnier]

Yeah I've been to that page before.

I just call it the 2nd cohort because it's easier.

[YouDied]

yea i agree with bigbudd. The triarii are the best looking units in the pre marius. They would always save me general from getting rushed by the comp

[Alatar]

Sheild wall? Does SPQR have shield wall?

[MadWolf]

Sheild wall? Does SPQR have shield wall?

Yes, click the loose-formation button to activate shield wall.

[Alatar]

THANK YOU!