testudo

[spqr_arcani]

Hey guys,

I just noticed that when I wanted to put my legionnaires in testudo mode, they go into protective formation like the peltasts/skirmishers/archers.

Was this intended?

I read somewhere in the forum that historically, testudo was only used in sieges. I tried assaulting Ptolomais Hormos in a 0-cycle strike (brought ballistas) and still no testudo.

Anyone got testudo to work? Is it possible at all?

[Erakarhu]

I believe you cant use testudo.

[florin80]

The testudo formation is not implemented in vanilla RTRPE. Are you sure you`re not using some other mini mod on top?
Testudo can be added in easily. In export_descr_unit (from Rome - Total War/data). Like this(the entry bellow is form vanilla RTW):

type             roman legionary cohort i
dictionary       roman_legionary_cohort_i      ; Early Legionary Cohort
category         infantry
class            heavy
voice_type       Heavy_1
soldier          roman_legionary_cohort_i, 40, 0, 1.3
officer          roman_standard
attributes       sea_faring, hide_forest, can_sap, hardy
formation        1, 2, 2, 3, 4, square, testudo
stat_health      1, 0
stat_pri         13, 3, pilum, 35, 2, thrown, blade, piercing, spear, 25 ,1
stat_pri_attr    prec, thrown ap
stat_sec         9, 3, no, 0, 0, melee, simple, piercing, sword, 25 ,1
stat_sec_attr    no
stat_pri_armour  7, 5, 5, metal
stat_sec_armour  0, 1, flesh
stat_heat        4
stat_ground      2, 0, 0, 0
stat_mental      10, disciplined, highly_trained
stat_charge_dist 30
stat_fire_delay  0
stat_food        60, 300
stat_cost        1, 610, 210, 70, 100, 610
ownership        romans_julii,romans_brutii,romans_scipii,romans_senate

[Ceki]

Nope in vanilla RTRPE Romans can't use testudo, while eastern imitations can use shield wall. Maybe someone fix that in patch...

[Tiberius Tosi]

I'm not sure how much Roman legions would have historically used the testudo formation during the RTR timeframe. From what I have read it was more implemented into sieges later during the Empire, before then the Leggionaires usually only did it to show off during a Triumph. I know especially Pre-Marian reforms the testudo was probably not used much if at all.