Sabellic Javelineers

Summary
Javelineers are flexible missile skirmishers available to the Sabellic and Sicilian faction groups in the mid-late game, capable of providing good missile support while also being able to hold their own in melee engagements against light units.

"Flexible light infantry that can fight reasonably well in ranged or melee combat. Their light javelins allow them to move faster than spearmen, but without shields they are much less effective at blocking charges."

- In-game Description

History
Javelineers represent missile skirmishers that are more advanced than the earlier Leves, being much more proficient in the guerilla style tactics that many of the inland Italic tribes, such as the Samnites, were known for.

Tactics
Javelineers have a good missile attack with a longer range but lower damage than the Light and Heavy Pilum Swordsmen that they are meant to support, and are much better at ranged combat than the early-game Leves. Their melee stats are roughly equivalent to those of early-game melee brigades such as Spearmen, but enemy factions will likely be fielding heavier melee units by the time Javelineers are unlocked through the skill tree. As such, they are best relegated to a missile support role, but the player may also use them to charge enemy missile brigades or to outflank infantry that is already pinned down by heavier units, if such an opportunity arises.

Sabellic Javelineers are exactly identical to Latin Velites but with a less specifically Roman name. They are comparable to Greek and Illyric Peltasts, though the Peltasts are available immediately at the beginning of the game when there are still more lightly armoured brigades around that they are more effective against. Javelineers also have larger brigade sizes than Peltasts while dealing less missile damage on a per-soldier basis.