Pedite
The most elite of the basic infantry. These troops are well trained and battle hardened. They are capable of holding the line and hold an impenetrable shield wall. They do not have a fixed roll within the legion and are to be used by a legate or the centurion of a century in the first cohort as a flexible response unit to the changing battlefield. They usually staff the First Cohort but can sometimes be deployed with the other cohorts or on their own.
Composition
Manpower
As Pedite are the most elite units and require pay to match their expertise Sunreach doesn't field too many of them. They are the least numerous basic infantry, but their presence on the battlefield makes the fight much simpler and easier. Pedites can also be groomed to become centurions and the more adept of them can even act as optios.
Equipment
Pedite carry standard legion gear. They wear Lorica Segmentata and wield a longsword and tower shield. They carry two pilum with them and are even given a cloak of resistance to further increase their toughness against magical attacks. They are are also given more advanced potions fitting of their status such as potions of haste and darkvision so they can fight even during the night. They also carry several potions of cure wounds to stabilize dying allies or ensure men can stay in the fight longer.
Structure
Pedite are usually in the first cohort and as such can only be commanded by a centurion of the first cohort or a Primi Ordine. Pedite can occasionally give orders to lower ranked soldiers, but usually are supposed to only relay orders from their centurions to the other soldiers or centurions of the other cohorts.
Tactics
Pedite use similar tactics to that of most legionnaires. They form their shield wall and wear the enemy down. Pedite can occasionally be sent out on their own in their contubernums, but this is highly advised against as they don't want pedites to be caught out and killed or worse, captured.
Training
Pedite get extensive training and are drilled personally by the current Praefuctus Castrorum, the Knight of Rust. Most soldiers are only trained by their leading centurion who is trained by the Knight of Rust, but Pedite need to earn their keep and as such require training from someone of the Knights caliber.
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