Men-at-Arms Unit Guide

Unit Details

• Acquisition: Unit Tree
• Unlocked Via: 15,000 Honour
• Type: Melee Infantry - Buckler Shield
• Era: Heroic Era

Knights fighting on foot as heavy infantry are usually referred to as "men-at-arms". They have superior training and kit compared to the bands of squires who usually accompany them, though they frequently take on similar roles in a battle. Men-at-Arms excel as assault troops in a siege, and are equally capable in defence. Men-at-Arms make an excellent honour guard for any general who prefers to fight on foot, and are trained to defend their commander to the death.

Core Unit Statistics

Unit Traits:

• Heavy Armour: This unit wears heavy armour, making it difficult to harm.
• Melee Masters: This unit has excellent melee combat abilities.
• Assault Troops: This unit is best used to charge the enemy, as they will cause more damage while attacking.
• Fire-Resistant:  This unit's armour is less vulnerable to thermal weapons than other units of the same era.
• Shieldbearers: Ranged damage is reduced while unit is using shields.

Formations:

• Dispersed: The unit forms a spread-out square formation to lessen the impact of ranged attacks.
• Block: A dense formation intended to enhance the unit's defences.

Unit Orders:

• Shield Rush: Order your unit to charge in a designated direction, inflicting high damage on enemies hit along the way. Charging soldiers take less
  damage.
• Cover Commander: Order your unit to rush to your side.

Veterancy Paths:

Base Path:

• The Soldier's Life (1): Increases health by 3%.

Top Path:

• Hone (3): Each level increases slashing armour penetration by 5%.
• Stand Fast (3): Each level increases blocking by 40.
• Razor-Sharp (3): Each level increases slashing damage by 2%.
• In the Blink of An Eye (2): Each level increases critical value by 4%.
• Force (2): Each level increases piercing armour penetration by 5%.
• Shield Bash (1): Unlocks passive skill: Shield Bash.

Middle Path:

• Sword Blocking (1): Block status is maintained while attacking.
• Stand Fast (3): Each level increases blocking by 40.
• Cold Blood (3): Each level increases piercing damage by 2%.
• Iron Will (2): Each level reduces bleed damage when armour is pierced by 5%.
• Defensive Training (1): Reduces damage by 5%. Increases Block by 80.

Bottom Path:

• Bloodbath (2): Each level increases slashing defence by 3%.
• Stand Fast (1): Unlocks Shield formation
• Hidden Guard (2): Each level increases damage whilst in shield formation by 5%.
• Toughen Up (3); Each level increases piercing defence by 3%.
• Preparedness (2): Each level reduces ranged damage taken by whilst in shield formation by 10%.
• Rearguard (2): Reduces damage taken from rear attacks by 5%.
• Pious (1): Restores 250 health per second for 15 seconds.
• Favoured (1): Cannot be stunned by ordinary attacks whilst in shield formation. Increases all types of defence by 50.

Unit Mastery:

1. Body of Steel: Increases maximum health by 360.
2. Iron Armour: Increases slashing defence by 100.
3. Body of Steel: Increases maximum health by 420.
4. Iron Armour: Increases piercing defence by 100.
5. Self-sacrifice; The unit will rush nearby enemies when using the Cover Commander skill. This can trigger once every 9 seconds.
6. Sure-Footedness: Increases charge damage by 400.
7. Pike-Breaker: Increases damage versus polearm units by 400.
8. Gift of Service: Restores 3% health per second when using the Cover Commander skill.

Unit Kit Crafting