Unit Description

Elite Imperial Javelineers are a heroic-era javelin infantry unit that combine potent armour-piercing throws with solid melee follow-up skills. They field 30 soldiers and excel at disrupting enemy formations with ranged barrages before closing in with shield-aided melee. Their “Marksmen” order lets them catch fleeing foes, and veterancy unlocks formations, shield-bashes, and enhanced javelin effects for devastating late-game performance.

Unit Acquire Method

Unlockable from the Chivalric-era Melee Infantry tree for 15,000 Honour, or instantly via 20× Imperial Javelineer Signaculum.

Traits

  • Melee Masters – Excellent in close-quarters combat once enemy lines break.
  • Heavy Javelins – Superior stopping power per throw, at the cost of reduced ammo capacity.
  • Shieldbearers – Buckler shields significantly cut incoming ranged damage.
  • Fire-Resistant – Armour grants extra protection against thermal and incendiary attacks.

Formations & Orders

Formations

  • Shield – Tight defensive rank boosting block efficacy.
  • Column – Two-line formation granting +15 % melee damage on charges.
  • Schiltron (via veterancy) – Circular, all-around defence for 360° protection.

Orders

  • Throw Javelin (10 s CD) – Each soldier hurls a javelin at the nearest foe.
  • Directed Throw (10 s CD) – Targets a specific enemy with a focused javelin.
  • Marksmen (30 s CD) – Homing javelins that track targets outside direct line of sight.
  • Shield Bash (veterancy unlock) – Shields concuss foes, opening them to follow-up attacks.

Tips & Tricks

  • Start Dispersed, then tighten into Shield when advancing to minimize arrow losses and maximize defence.
  • Chain Throws: Follow a Directed Throw on key units with Marksmen to finish fleeing enemies.
  • Unlock and Time Shield Bash immediately after a javelin volley for a stun-and-strike combo.

Pros / Cons

Pros:
• Armour-piercing javelins shred heavy units and shields
• Strong melee follow-through with shield orders
• Versatile formations for both offence and defence

Cons:
• Limited ammo due to heavy javelins
• High Leadership cost limits army build flexibility
• Relies on veterancy for full skill set