1) In game’s time the Hellenistic world mainly used pikes.In fact pikes became further and further enlarged even reaching 24 feet and the phalangites wore more heavy armor and shields.Some extreamly heavy units created in that time also carrying a hoplon shield strapped in their shoulder (see above the grey pics of a monument in Delphi and pergamon).Experts say it shows a phalangiti armed in hoplon shield).These troops are extreamly slow and volnurable in flanks and rear (possibly the reason for the downfall of Macedonian-type phalanx) but deadly.Usually Pike phalanx consisted of 512 men.I could easily do that but to avoid make the game heavy for low end machines I kept unit size in 256 but i also halved upkeep and recruitment.This also had a fortunate effect that AI finds pike troops more cost effective and enlists more pikes as it should do.Hoplites were very few and a lot different than 4th century.After the invasion of Celts both the way hoplites fought changed also did their equipment and type.Most cities used lighter Iphikratean type of hoplites with leather or spolas armor, thureos shields, longer dory (like lances) and double size swords.These hoplites they could play also a “peltast” -ranged role and they usually fought like pikemen in close combat.Spear infantry of the game (thureos spears,peroiokoi,levy spears etc) are like that.They are light,form pike walls and can throw javelins altogether. Traditional hoplites were as heavy as before but much rarer (bigger costs) and also armed with lances and holding them with one hand.Spartans reformed mainly in pikes but their few hoplites they kept were lightly clothed (with an exomis cloth leaving the right shoulder free for better movement.{see pic nr}.Exception was their heavy troop (In the mod :kings 300,royals,mora skhititae the former heroes of Sparta). Finally they were few troops with a mix of the two extremes equipped with scale and thureos but fighting in the traditional way. Very few sword units existed and only after the phalanx defeat of the battle o Pidna from Legions they slightly appeared later on.Javelinmen have more ammo (9),speed but lighter javs.Peltast use ancyle javs reaching much bigger distances but fewer ammo (7) and speed.
{an exception is Thracian peltasts that are better than normal peltasts both in ammo capacity,representing better killing potential, and also in speed}
Iphicratean troops have the smallest number of ammo (5) and speed but they can form pike phalanx making them extremely useful flank protective troops. Finally there are also Athenian marines here.A land-Iphicratean type of unit but when on sea instead of transport uses trirems.Of course cost and upkeep is that of normal troops plus the cost of trirems so use wisely..and a brand newly made, more flexible Trireme with fire pots and a unit of plain horse archers for Athens left as Scythian on purpose because that they where actualy..
Auxilliaries now are available for all factions representing local troop recruitment (an easy way to make this mod save game compatible and avoid startpos changes).This is done through auxilliery buildings and troops are dressed in their native and not the faction’s colours and the same goes for mercenaries.Barbarians and easterners can recruit fewer types of auxillia.The ones close to their philosophy.E.g Germans can recruit Gauls but not Greek hoplites or Hastati..
Steppe people they dont recruit anyone..