Ischyroi Orditon (Elite Dacian Infantry)

Ischyroi Orditon (Elite Dacian Infantry)
Ischyroi Orditon (Elite Dacian Infantry)
Primary Weapon	Type: sword Attack: 12 Charge: 8 Lethality: 0.225
Secondary Weapon	Type: spear Attack: 17 Charge: 8 Lethality: 0.13 Attributes: Light spear
Defence	Armour: 13 Shield: 3 Skill: 10
Recruitment	Soldiers: 30 Cost: 3123 Upkeep: 781 Turns: 1
Mental	Morale: 16 Discipline: disciplined Training: highly_trained
Other	Hit Points: 1 Mass: 1.18 Attributes: Can board ships, Can hide in forest, Hardy Formation: square Side/Back spacing: 0.8/1 Mount effects: elephant -1 Ownership: Getai

The Ischyroi Orditon are an elite infantry guard, pride of the Getic army, and a well-equipped, well-disciplined, and highly motivated force on the battlefield.

Description

The Ischyroi Orditon, or "Mighty men of the Ordes," are the elite guard among the Getai. They trace their lineage back to the old capital at Helis, are the pinnacle of the Getic noble infantry. As the nobility of the tribe of the Ordes, they are equipped and supported by the Basileus, and unlike the tarabostes lords in their far-removed hillforts, the warrior lords of the Ordes are loyal retainers--and frequently family members--of the Getic kings. Armed with a long thrusting spear and either a sica or Keltic sword, they can be very effective in close combat with infantry and even cavalry. Protected by an iron Thraikian helm with a large iron crest, imported from Hellas, a large oval shield with a strong iron boss, a coat of mail, and occasionally greaves, they are one of the most heavily armored units in any Getic army. They are an expensive unit to train and maintain, but they are a valuable force on the battlefield, capitalizing on Getic fierceness and borrowed Hellenic and Keltic techniques to stand toe-to-toe with enemy heavy infantry.

Historically, after the Galatai destroyed Helis, the surviving population moved north of the Istros and rebuilt their capital at Argedava, now known as Popesti. What had been an insignificant fishing and agricultural settlement quickly became one of the largest in all of the Getic lands. The population at Helis had already been well-acquainted with advanced metallurgy, and traded extensively with Skythians, Kelts, and especially Hellenes. This did not change at Argedava, which--judging from archaeological remains--became the source for the best-equipped and most disciplined Getic soldiers.

Usage

The elite guard of Getai. They are able to battle against the best troops of any faction, and are effective against both infantry and cavalry. They can be used as to defend the line, as assault infantry or as reserve. Heavily armored and equipped with good shields, they are able to shrug off missile attacks from the front from which most Getic units would find themselves torn apart.

However, keep them from being attacked by axe-men or falxmen, their limited AOR means that great care must be made so that they will not experience too many casualties.

Ischyroi Orditon AOR

Ischyroi Orditon Art