Symmachean Paladins: Unit Overview

  • Type: Melee Infantry (Buckler Shield)
  • Era: Heroic
  • Leadership Cost: 235
  • Unit Size: 28 soldiers
  • Damage Types: Primarily Piercing and Blunt
  • Defensive Stats: High across all damage types

The Symmachean Paladins are elite knights from various western orders of chivalry, united under the banner of the Symmachean Brotherhood. They are renowned for their resilience, battlefield healing capabilities, and formidable presence in both offensive and defensive operations.

Traits & Formations

Traits:

  • Symmachean Brotherhood: Enhanced protection compared to their Heraldic counterparts.
  • Paladin Combat Method: While shields are raised, frontal damage is reduced by 36%.
  • Blessed: Access to Battle Prayer, allowing self-healing and healing of nearby allies.
  • Fire-Resistant: Reduced vulnerability to thermal weapons.
  • Weak Spot: Increased damage taken from rear attacks (+10%).

Formations:

  • Dispersed: Reduces damage from ranged attacks.
  • Block: Enhances defensive capabilities against frontal assaults.
  • Shield: 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.
  • Battle Prayer (35s cooldown): Restores 8% health to the unit and nearby allies, followed by 350 health every 0.5 seconds for 6 seconds. Note: Activating this puts the unit into „attack“ mode.

Mastery

📈 Veterancy Paths

The Symmachean Paladins offer two primary veterancy paths, each catering to different playstyles:

Top Path (Offensive Focus):

  • Second Wind: Reduces Shield Rush cooldown.
  • Force: Increases piercing armor penetration.
  • Nerves of Steel: Reduces Battle Prayer cooldown.
  • In the Blink of An Eye: Increases critical value.
  • Pious: Further reduces Battle Prayer cooldown.

Bottom Path (Defensive Focus):

  • The Soldier’s Life: Increases health.
  • Stand Fast: Enhances blocking capabilities.
  • Toughen Up: Boosts piercing defense.
  • Improved Supplies: Reduces ranged damage taken.
  • Rearguard: Decreases damage from rear attacks.
  • Thick Armour: Increases all defenses by 10%.

Note: Choosing between these paths depends on your preferred playstyle. The top path enhances offensive capabilities and reduces cooldowns, while the bottom path focuses on survivability and defense.

📜 Recommended Doctrines

To maximize the effectiveness of Symmachean Paladins, consider equipping the following doctrines:

These doctrines synergize well with the unit’s inherent strengths, bolstering both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Comparison with Similar Units

When compared to other sword and shield units:

  • Men-at-Arms: While sturdy, they lack the healing capabilities and advanced formations of the Paladins.
  • Palace Guards: Offer higher offensive capabilities but lack the defensive resilience of Symmachean Paladins.

Symmachean Paladins stand out for their defensive prowess and adaptability, especially when fully upgraded and properly supported.

Final Thoughts

Symmachean Paladins are a formidable 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.