User blog comment:Deathblade 100/Empire Builders or Destroyers? Praetorian Guard vs Persian Immortals/@comment-17814994-20150402091227

Elgb's "No Matter Who Wins... We're Enslaved" EDGES!!!

Range: I agree with Spartan, the Scorpion wasn't meant to be designed as a sniper. It was meant to penetrate tight shield walls and shatter infantry formations so the Roman legion can swoop in, divide, and conquer! The composite bow is lighter, more accurate, and has a more steady rate of fire. EDGE: Immortals

Spears: The pilum's point can pierce through armor and shield. The Romans actually carried three pilums with them; one thick pilum and two thin pilum. The former was used as a regular spear, while the latter is used as a javelin, and has the advantage of bending if it hits shield or armor. The persian spear is a great weapon, but the shape makes it impossible to penetrate Praetorian armor or even a cuirass. EDGE: Praetorian

Swords: Again the Romans gets the edge. Both weapons are excellent short swords but the gladius is amde of better quality steel. EDGE: Praetorian

Axes: The Sagaris was designed as a weapon, while the heavy and cumbersome dolabra is a tool. EDGE: Immortals

Special: Chariots beats daggers. Nothing more to add to that.

Deadliest Warrior: Praetorian Guard

I'm disagreeing with the anon below. Yes, the pilum and the scorpion aren't accurate enough to catch a fast moving and lightly maneuverable chariot, but the Romans aren't dumb enough to just let their guards be killed. Roman infantry, which is the bulk of the Praetorian recruits, were trained in how to beat chariots. They have this formation (I kinda forgot the name) of forming a sort of opening gate to trick the horse into charging, before stopping the animal from its tracks, and getting the rider and archer butchered (It's kinda fuzzy, but it was inspired by Alexander's own tactics)

Another advantage the Praetorian has, is their metallurgy. Immortal weapons might not pierce Praetorian armor, but the Praetorian's weapons will definately pierce Immortal armor and wicker shield.