Unit Overview

  • Type: Melee Infantry (Sword & Shield)
  • Era: Heroic
  • Leadership Cost: 235 (can be reduced with doctrines)
  • Damage Types: Balanced between piercing, slashing, and blunt
  • Defensive Stats: High across all damage types

Men-at-Arms are renowned for their durability and versatility on the battlefield. They excel in both offensive pushes and defensive holds, making them a staple in many compositions.

Traits & Formations

  • Heavy Armour: Provides substantial resistance to all damage types.
  • Melee Masters: Enhanced melee combat capabilities.
  • Assault Troops: Increased damage when initiating attacks.
  • Fire-Resistant: Reduced damage from thermal weapons.
  • Shieldbearers: Decreased ranged damage when shields are raised.

Formations:

  • Dispersed: Reduces damage from ranged attacks.
  • Block: Enhances defensive capabilities against frontal assaults.
  • Shield (Unlocked via Veterancy): Provides superior frontal defense, ideal for holding choke points.

Unit Orders

  • Shield Rush (40s cooldown): Orders the unit to charge forward, dealing significant damage and reducing incoming damage during the charge.
  • Cover Commander (No cooldown): Commands the unit to rally to the player’s side, useful for repositioning or protecting the commander.
  • Mastery: Every 9 Seconds the unit performs a fast high DMG bash during Cover Commander

Veterancy Paths

Men-at-Arms offer three distinct veterancy paths, each catering to different playstyles

**NOTE: Top Vetline is conflicting with the mastery charge… So not worth taking it till they fix!!!!!!!!**

Note: Combining elements from multiple paths can optimize the unit for specific roles, such as frontline tanking or flanking maneuvers.

Recommended Doctrines

To maximize the effectiveness of Men-at-Arms, consider equipping the following doctrines:

Mastery

Tactical Applications

Offensive Strategies:

  • Flanking Maneuvers: Utilize Cover Commander to reposition and strike enemy units from the sides or rear.
  • Siege Assaults: Lead charges using Shield Rush to break through enemy lines during sieges.

Defensive Strategies:

  • Choke Point Control: Employ Shield Formation to hold narrow passages against enemy advances.
  • Commander Protection: Keep them close using Cover Commander to shield the commander from threats.

Their versatility allows them to adapt to various battlefield scenarios, making them invaluable in both offensive pushes and defensive holds.

Comparison with Similar Units

When compared to other sword and shield units:

  • Palace Guards: Offer higher offensive capabilities but lack the defensive resilience of Men-at-Arms.
  • Prefecture Guards: Provide a balance between offense and defense but may not match the specialized formations and traits of Men-at-Arms.

Men-at-Arms stand out for their defensive prowess and adaptability, especially when fully upgraded and properly supported.

Final Thoughts

Men-at-Arms are a formidable T4 unit that, when utilized effectively, can turn the tide of battle. Their combination of durability, versatility, and tactical utility makes them a valuable asset in any commander’s roster. Investing time in mastering their formations, veterancy paths, and doctrines will yield significant dividends on the battlefield.