Illyrian Epilektoi
Heavy Infantry(0.6.7)Side / Back
Short description
Capable and bloodthirsty heavy infantry hailing from the pirate havens of Illyria.
Description
Far and wide across the Greek and Roman worlds, the Illyrians are a byword for piracy, raids, and butchery. Their bloody legacy resounds across the ravaged coasts of Epirus, Italia, and Achaea; their skill as warriors acknowledged the world over. Yet, bravery and bloodlust are poor defense indeed against the lethal sting of an iron-tipped arrow or the stab of a Roman gladius. Therefore, Illyrian Heavy Infantry have made their entrance. Wearing bronze corselets, the distinctive Illyrian helm and bearing a large rectangular shield, these men are well-protected indeed. Yet their prowess at killing is in no way impeded by this armor; they remain free to use their lethal javelins and sharpened blades. Given half a chance, these men will rip apart all who stand in the way of their booty and loot.
Illyria was inhabited even in prehistoric times, but did not become truly known until the rise to prominence of their Greek neighbours to the south. From then on, they began to build their fearsome warlike reputation both by raids and by military attacks. Though the rulers of states tried periodically to subjugate and destroy them, they triumphed again and again; even kings fell to their mighty warcraft. They also acquired a mercenary reputation of good standing as well; rulers far and wide employed them in their campaigns. While dangerous on a local level, they did not become a political power until the reign of Bardyllis, who transformed the region into a true kingdom. Waging war against neighbours unceasingly, Illyria's apex of power came when Bardyllis defeated and killed the King of Macedon, Perdiccas. However, his successors took their revenge; Philip and Alexander both defeated the Illyrians in detail. When Alexander died, Illyria fragmented once more. Their doom came when Queen Teuta allowed the Romans a chance to interfere; she and Demetrius of Pharos both fell to the Romans' lethal legions. When Illyria was formally incorporated into the burgeoning Empire in 168BC, Rome gained a valuable territory and future recruiting ground; a prominent line of Emperors even sprung from Illyria.
Regardless of the political state of their homeland, the Illyrian Heavy Infantry will fight with a fervor unmatched throughout their locale, and, with skilled leadership, may even triumph over the mighty Romans.