Elite Imperial Spearmen are a 4-star Heroic (Chivalric) melee infantry unit renowned for their tanky frontline presence. Clad in heavy armour and wielding long spears with massive tower shields, they excel at holding choke points, forming unbreakable spear walls, and shrugging off ranged volleys. Their core strengths lie in Iron Will veterancy for bleed resistance, Stand Fast for enhanced blocking, and Shoulder to Shoulder bonuses that boost non-Dispersed damage. With high soldier count and multiple defensive formations (Shield Wall, Schiltron, Turtle), they anchor any battle line.

Unit Acquire Method

Unlockable in the Melee Infantry honour tree for 15,000 Honour, or instantly via 20× Imperial Spearmen Signaculum.

Traits

  • Heavy Shields – Massive tower shields give excellent frontal protection but none to flanks or rear.
  • Shieldbearers – Reduces incoming ranged damage when shields are raised.
  • Insulated – Resistant to fire damage and takes reduced damage when ablaze.
  • Sluggish – High armour slows turn and acceleration, requiring careful positioning.

Formations & Orders

Formations

  • Shield Wall – Tightly packed front-facing wall; boosts block and defence.
  • Schiltron – Circular all-around spear ring; locks down central point.
  • Turtle – Full 360° shield coverage; ideal when surrounded.

Orders

  • Advance (Shielded) – Move forward with shields raised, maintaining block.
  • Cover Commander – Rapidly rush back to your hero’s position; preserves tight formation.

Tips & Tricks

  • Anchor Choke Points: Deploy in Schiltron at narrow passes; hold until reinforcements arrive.
  • Shield Wall Charge: Briefly switch to Shield Wall, then Advance (Shielded) to push back weakened foes.
  • Exploit Unfailing Defence: Pop out of non-Dispersed formation to trigger Unfailing Defence when under heavy fire.

Pros / Cons

Pros:

  • Exceptional durability with massive shields and high block values.
  • Multiple defensive formations for any tactical scenario.
  • Built-in regeneration and stun immunity enhance staying power.

Cons:

  • Lacks any dedicated charge or offensive orders; purely static defence.
  • Sluggish mobility; vulnerable to fast flanking units.
  • High Honour cost and slot size limit army flexibility.