Early Roman Republic - Triarii

[Sir_Red]

So I am about 50 turns in, (on 2 tpy and 2x unit size) and I have a few questions on Triarii.

1. Is there any need to supplement them with Hastati and Principes? It seems that if I can afford Triarii I should just use them (plus cav and some seige), as they are absolute tanks
2. Does anyone else find that with square formation on that Triarii are unstoppable? I have had some Heroic battles now where I have overcome enemies (twice in the same turn for one particualr legion) of 3x my size (admittedly against mainly celtic spearmen and slingers though)
3. Am I best of to continue using square formation when in defensive mode or does a defensive testudo offer better protection against a charging enemy?

[Yadz]

So I am about 50 turns in, (on 2 tpy and 2x unit size) and I have a few questions on Triarii.1. Is there any need to supplement them with Hastati and Principes? It seems that if I can afford Triarii I should just use them (plus cav and some seige), as they are absolute tanks2. Does anyone else find that with square formation on that Triarii are unstoppable? I have had some Heroic battles now where I have overcome enemies (twice in the same turn for one particualr legion) of 3x my size (admittedly against mainly celtic spearmen and slingers though)3. Am I best of to continue using square formation when in defensive mode or does a defensive testudo offer better protection against a charging enemy?

1. Historically,roman army uses greek army style, with spears and phalanx as the main composition. As you can see,triarii are spear armed units. Triarii are usually composed of rome's elite family members. There was a time in history,when these units were almost wiped out in a battle, with rome losing almost of his elite family that runs the gov't. These accident ends up in rome's redeveloping their army organization, leaving greek tactics and embracing the manipular tactics that we have now. Triarii should be used as reserve only,as they are too expensive. It is not that necessary to use them most in a stack,as it will nt be economically friendly. You may use hastati in the first line to tear and tire the enemy, principes on 2nd line to fill the gaps,triarii as support in the middle,or attacking the rear through a flank swing.2222. Square formation is usually used against heavy odds as to situation as when their flanked,and attack from the rear. The square will help them fight effectively.3333. I usually used defensive testudo when charge. That is,in this formation,they will easily defend themselves from missile attack,and receive the charge more effective.

[karamazovmm]

best thing to do before you hit legionaries? hire only hastati.

4 cavalry, 3 velites, 4 ballista, and the rest is hastati with a triari general

nothing early game beats that, after that its legionaire time, which is a great improvement from the hastati

[Ritterlichvon86]

I hate such a playing style. I always play with Velites Hastati Principe Triarii in a more historical fashion, until 180BC and just a few light cav (Equites) for scouting and support, and also use Socii as support for certain roles, such as Heavy Cav. For the Legions afterwards, my cavalry and auxiliaries will be Celtic, German or from Gaul.