Unit Classification & General Capabilities

  • Unit Type: Heavy Melee Infantry (Shield & Sword)
  • Era Classification: Tier V
  • Leadership Requirement: 280
  • Unit Cohort Size: 28 warriors
  • Mobility: Moderate
  • Sustainability: Exceptional durability, especially under ranged and sustained melee pressure | Weak against shield breaker and impact dmg

The Shield Maidens represent an apex in defensive infantry doctrine, synthesizing historical Norse martial archetypes with high-tier mechanical resilience. Deployed most effectively in spatially constrained theatres, they excel at territorial denial, attrition-based engagements, and disruption of hostile infantry cohesion.

Defining Traits & Operational Attributes

  • Shieldbearers: Substantial mitigation of ranged projectile damage while bracing
  • Disruption Proficiency: Effective at breaking formations and interrupting enemy momentum
  • Thermal Resistance: Lower susceptibility to incendiary effects
  • Stand Firm: Less damage from Cavalary while wielding spears

Tactical Toolkit & Special Abilities

Freyja´s Charge will increase allied Damage output for a short duration

Veterancy Development Paths

Aggressive Disruption Specialization (Top Path)

  • Amplifies Shield Push efficacy and knockback force
  • Grants temporary offensive bonuses post-skill activation
  • Optimized for dismantling shieldless or lightly armoured formations

Fortified Defense Specialization (Bottom Path)

  • Enhances damage mitigation and block recovery in braced stance
  • Increases resistance to charge-based abilities
  • Ideal for static defense and attrition warfare

Strategic Insight: Graduate-level players may consider hybridizing both trees for situational versatility in TW and siege contexts.

Recommended:

Recommended Doctrinal Enhancements

Deployment Principles & Strategic Utilization

  • Choke Point Control: Optimal performance in narrow architectural channels such as gateways or stairwells
  • Infantry Formation Disruption: Effective as a vanguard shock unit when paired with AoE or cavalry follow-up
  • Hero/Artillery Shielding: Operates as a high-durability screen, absorbing and deflecting incoming threats

Tactical Vulnerabilities & Countermeasures

  • Thermal Explosives: Highly vulnerable to prolonged AoE fire effects
  • Cavalry Overrun: Massed mounted charges can overwhelm if bracing fails
  • Flank Exposure: Must be integrated with supporting lines to prevent envelopment

Analytical Conclusion

Shield Maidens function not as damage-centric executors but rather as force multipliers within the defensive infantry domain. Their strength lies in persistence, tactical spacing, and crowd control. With appropriate veterancy progression and doctrinal support, they become a cornerstone for mid- to late-game siege doctrine and TW gridlock scenarios.

„Where they stand, others follow — where they fall, others hesitate.“