Post by Administrator on Aug 19, 2008 21:56:52 GMT -5
Roman Archers
missile infantry | 40 Men
Sapping Ability
Roman archers are supporting troops for heavier infantry, very much a secondary role in Roman warfare. They are missile troops almost exclusively, as their lack of armour and poor hand weapons mean that only a heartless or desperate commander would deliberately order them to fight in hand-to-hand combat. Archery is not really a significant part of the Roman way of warfare, but the need for some missile troops is obvious to Roman commanders, and hence these archers are recruited from among the peasant classes.
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Archer Auxilia
missile infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Sapping Ability
Archer auxilia are supporting troops for the heavier legionary infantry, an important secondary role in Roman warfare. They are not expected to fight in hand-to-hand combat and are not given the war gear to do so for long; their job is to provide supporting fire and let the legionaries fight the main battle. Because the Roman army is standardised around its heavy infantry legionaries other types of troops are recruited as auxiliaries. Their training is very nearly as vigorous as that of the legionaries and discipline in auxilia units is certainly as harsh and uncompromising.
Historically, with the changes introduced by Gaius Marius professional auxiliaries were recruited to serve alongside the now-professional legionaries; a wholesale shake-up of the Roman military machine saw the whole army being put on a full time, service-for-life footing, with auxiliaries being rewarded with Roman citizenship at the end of their military careers.
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Light Auxilia
missile infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Expert at Hiding in Forests
Can Hide in Long Grass
Sapping Ability
Light auxilia are skirmishers who act as a screening force for heavier troops. They also break up enemy formations with showers of javelins which have a longer range than the iron-shafted heavy pila carried by Roman legionaries. These auxilia do not wear armour and so cannot be expected to last long in hand-to-hand combat but they can fight if they must. Their training is very nearly as vigorous as that of the legionaries so they do not tire easily, and discipline in auxilia units is certainly as harsh and uncompromising
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Principes
heavy infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Sapping Ability
Principes are older, more reliable soldiers who have seen some service. It is their task to be the second line of a legion and carry on the fight once the hastati are spent. They are supposed to carry on the wearing down fight and exhaust the enemy. They are, as a result, capable soldiers and unafraid of combat.
They are armed with two pila that are thrown at the enemy at close range before they close to fight hand-to-hand. They are each equipped with a sword, a bronze helmet, a large shield and chain armour. The pilum (plural, pila) is a cleverly designed spear with a soft iron shaft behind the point; it bends on impact so that it can’t be thrown back and if it’s stuck in someone or something it is a real hindrance to movement - always assuming whoever its stuck in isnt dead.
Historically, principes spent their own money on their equipment and, being older, were in a position to buy better gear than the young hastati. This, along with the age and property requirements, was why they fought as principes.
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Triarii
spearmen infantry | 40 Men
Hardy
Disciplined
Sapping Ability
Triarii are tough heavy spearmen who make up the third and most senior part of a Roman Legion before the military Reforms of Gaius Marius. They carry a long "hoplite-style" spear (the hasta) which is used to thrust, a long shield and a gladius. They are the oldest veteran soldiers, and well armoured – hardly surprising, given that they are also drawn from the richest section of society.
The triarii are the last available line in early-pattern Republican Legions. "Going to the triarii" is a Roman saying meaning carrying on to the bitter end, and if they are used it’s a sign that the moment of decision in a battle has arrived.
Historically, triarii spent their own money on their equipment and could afford to buy the best of everything.
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Auxilia
light infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Sapping Ability
Auxilia are highly disciplined and tough spearmen who provide support to Roman legionaries in battle. They are defensive infantry, expected to protect the flanks of the heavier legionaries from cavalry and similar threats; their training is at least as harsh as that of the legionaries and produces men with a similar level of discipline and hardiness. These troops need to keep up with other Roman forces, and so cannot be allowed to tire easily. They are recruited from among non-Romans within the Empire, and this is easy because Roman citizenship is far from being universal.
Historically, Roman commanders made sure that auxilia were always stationed far away from home so that there was no temptation to acts of rebellion. The changes introduced by Gaius Marius meant that professional auxiliaries were recruited to serve alongside the now-professional legionaries; a wholesale shake-up of the Roman military machine saw the whole army being put on a full time, service-for-life footing, with auxiliaries being rewarded with Roman citizenship at the end of their military careers.
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Early Legionary Cohort
heavy infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
Roman legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.
Every legionary’s chainmail armour, the lorica hamata, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, legionaries close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.
Historically, these legionaries only came to be after the army reforms of Gaius Marius. He abandoned property and age requirements for the legions, and made the Roman army into a professional force. No longer would a man have to provide his own war gear; he would be paid, serve a term of 25 years and then retire with enough land to give him a pension for the remainder of his days.
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Early Legionary First Cohort
heavy infantry | 60 Men
Legionary Eagle
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
The Roman first cohort consist of well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat carrying the symbol of Roman power, a Legionary Eagle. This is inspirational for other Roman troops. Legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.
Every legionary’s chainmail armour, the lorica hamata, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, the first cohort close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.
Historically, these cohorts came to be after the army reforms of Gaius Marius. He made the Roman army into a professional force. Men served a term of 25 years and then retired with enough land to give them pensions for the remainder of their days. The best legionaries in each legion would naturally gravitate through seniority into the first cohort.
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Legionary Cohort
heavy infantry | 40 Men
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
Roman legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.
Every legionary’s flexible banded armour, the lorica segmenta, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, legionaries close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.
The lorica segmenta armour was adopted because it was cheaper to make and offered more protection as the earlier chainmail.
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Legionary First Cohort
heavy infantry | 60 Men
Legionary Eagle
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
The Roman first cohort consists of well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat carrying the symbol of Roman power, a Legionary Eagle. This is inspirational for other Roman troops. Legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.
Every legionary’s banded metal armour, the lorica segmenta, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, the first cohort close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.
Historically, the lorica segmenta was slightly easier and cheaper to manufacture than chainmail, an important consideration when Rome had so many troops in the field.
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Urban Cohort
heavy infantry | 40 Men
Beyond Elite.
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
An urban cohort is made up of elite legionaries, recruited because of their superb soldiering skills and loyalty. These are heavy infantry who, when not performing garrison duties in the vital cities of the empire, fight as heavy infantry - the men who do the real work in a Roman army.
Training for any man in an urban cohort is demanding and produces incredibly tough men. The results are the best, toughest, most unflinching soldiers in the Roman world, men who will stop at little to achieve their goals. The urban cohorts are equipped with the same gear as legionaries - it is the men inside the uniform that make them effective - and wear banded armour, the lorica segmenta, metal helmets and carry large shields. They fight with two pila (singular, pilum), throwing spears with soft iron shafts that are designed to bend as soon as they hit making them impossible to fling back. They also carry short stabbing swords for close work.
Historically, the urban cohorts were a police force for Rome established by Augustus, and were commanded to keep order. Although outnumbered, they were a counterbalance of sorts to the power of the Praetorian Guards within the city. Life in the urban cohorts was better than in the line legions, as pay and service conditions were better. Other urban cohorts were established in the larger cities of the Empire in later years, and the prefect in charge of the cohorts often became an important political figure.
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Arcani
heavy infantry | 16 Men
Elite
Hide Anywhere
Very Hardy
Sapping Ability
They are a shadowy part of the Roman army organised in small groups and competent in camouflage and deception. The arcani exist almost as a secret society whose very name should not be spoken.
The armour they wear is finely crafted so that while it offers great protection, it will not slow or tire the fantastically fit arcani troops. Their face masks mean opposing troops may even flee in terror when surprised by a group of these blood-thirsty killers.
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Wardogs
light handler | 12 Men
Hardy (handlers)
Wardogs are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild boar. The beasts are muscular and powerful. Originally bred for hunting large prey, they are now trained to hunt and attack men. Wardogs are usually unleashed on an enemy to break a line and unnerve opponents. Few men are able to stand steadily in the face of a snarling and partially-starved beast. The dogs are trained to bite and hold on, dragging down their human targets, and hamstringing horses.
Their handlers are brave, hardy and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing.
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Incendiary Pigs
light handler | 12 Men
Hardy (handlers)
Incendiary pigs are one shot weapons intended to spread panic and terror amongst enemies, particularly mounted troops.
The pigs are coated in pitch, tar and oil, and herded towards the enemy. At the right moment, the pigs are ignited by their handlers and, not unnaturally, they run away in pain and terror - hopefully towards the enemy. Apart from goring anyone foolish enough to get in their way, the pigs are tremendously disruptive to formations. They are also very frightening for elephants in particular, and this is their main use in warfare.
Pigs can only be fired up once during a battle, and few survive for long.
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Samnite Gladiators
heavy infantry | 20 Men
Beyond Elite.
Impetuous
Very Hardy
Sapping Ability
Samnite gladiators are more than just soldiers. They are superb individual fighters, unmatched by any ordinary warriors. They fight wearing little armour - their lot in life isnt necessarily to live, but to die in an entertaining manner. Samnites would normally fight as one half of a matched pair, but on a battlefield they form a unit all of their own.
They are a specialised elite, one that cares little for personal safety as the only way to attain any reward is through victory. Gladiators, after all, are part of the d**nati: the disgraced, the condemned, the untouchables in society. There is nowhere else for them to go in the search for freedom.
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Cavalry Auxilia
missile cavalry | 27 Men
Can Form Cantabrian Circle
Cavalry auxilia are javelin-armed mounted skirmishers who strike quickly and retire with equal and prudent haste. They do not wear armour, but do carry shields and swords so that they can fight in their own defence should the need arise. They are, however, best used to harass a mass of enemy units such as heavy infantry. Such targets cannot hope to catch them. They are not ideally suited to fighting other skirmishers, as many of their javelins will be wasted against targets that can dodge, but they can be very useful in harrying fleeing enemies and driving them from the field.
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Roman Cavalry
heavy cavalry | 27 Men
Can Form Wedge
Roman cavalry are auxiliary spear-armed cavalry who have a screening role in a Roman army. They should be used against the flanks or rear of units, or to keep missile troops and skirmishers away from the main Roman heavy infantry (who are the real killers of a Roman army).
They wear little armour and only carry spears and shields. As a result, they can charge enemies, but may be cut to pieces by a prepared defensive line of spearmen if these were attacked head on.
Historically, Roman cavalry only came into existence after the army reforms of Gaius Marius as a replacement force for the equites. The property qualifications for fighting as cavalry in the army were abandoned and the army made professional. They were organised into wings called alae rather than cohorts.
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Legionary Cavalry
heavy cavalry | 27 Men
Superior
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Form Wedge
Legionary cavalry are a heavy force of spear-armed cavalry who charge home using shock and mass to achieve victory. They are tough, disciplined riders - a notable advantage compared to many cavalry units who are composed of headstrong and impetuous nobility. They are probably wasted when used to ride down skirmishers and missile troops, but they have the power to be able to smash heavier infantry formations apart, and severely disrupt other cavalry. They must, however, take care when attacking prepared spearmen, and should certainly avoid a frontal charge in this case whenever possible.
They wear good armour and carry shields; their weapons are the spear (lancea) and long sword (spatha), both of which are deadly in the hands of an expert.
Historically, Romes best cavalry forces were organised into wings (or alae, singular ala) rather than cohorts, and recruited from among horse-culture minorities within Romes borders. Generally, this meant that cavalry were predominantly non-Italian, the opposite of the legionaries composition. Romans had developed the art of fighting as infantry, and relied on others to provide what they considered to be the supporting arms such as cavalry.
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Praetorian Cavalry
heavy cavalry | 27 Men
Elite
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Form Wedge
Praetorian cavalry are an elite within the elite: dedicated bodyguards who serve as heavy cavalry. Praetorian training is, as might be expected, demanding and thorough. These men are some of the best, toughest, most unflinching soldiers in Rome - and good cavalrymen to boot. As heavy cavalry, it is their task to smash enemy formations and drive them from the field, fighting with their cavalry-pattern swords (longer than the original legionary gladius) once close combat is joined.
Historically, the original praetorians were men chosen to guard the tent (the praetorium) of the legions legate. These men came to act as bodyguards for all important generals, and then became an elite quite separate from the originating legions. It was under the Emperors that the Praetorians developed a taste for conspiracy and murder, eventually even auctioning the Empire to the highest bidder.
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Roman General
heavy cavalry | 12 Men
Elite
Disciplined
Hardy
Inspires Friendly Units
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with spears, these men are shock cavalry, able to deliver a devastating charge attack; they are then well trained enough to fight effectively in continued hand-to-hand combat.
Like all generals guards, this unit is best committed to the fight at the point of crisis, when the generals inspirational leadership and the combat power of his men can tip the balance.
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Peasants
light infantry | 60 Men
Sapping Ability
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but numbers are useful in all armies. Forcing peasants to fight is one way of getting lots of men in the field quickly and cheaply. They have little tactical sense, and even less willingness to fight - they would rather be defending their own homes than be dragged to a battle they neither care about nor understand. If nothing else, they are useful when theres digging to be done. They are, however, experts at reading the land and hiding whenever there is cover.
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Hastati
light infantry | 40 Men
Hardy
Sapping Ability
Hastati are among the younger men in an early Republican Legion, and form the front line in any battle. They are supposed to wear down an enemy and hold him before the next Roman battle line attacks and carries on the fight. They are, as a result, capable troops in their own right.
They are armed with two pila that are thrown at the enemy at close range before they close to fight hand-to-hand. They are equipped with a sword, a bronze helmet, a large shield and a breastplate. The pilum (plural, pila) is a cleverly designed spear with a soft iron shaft behind the point; it bends on impact so that it can’t be thrown back and if it’s stuck in someone or something it is a real hindrance to movement.
Historically, hastati spent their own money on their equipment and often couldn’t afford anything much better. This, along with the age and property requirements, was why they fought as hastati.
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Velites
missile infantry | 40 Men
Expert at Hiding in Forests
Can Hide in Long Grass
Sapping Ability
Velites are light skirmishing troops who screen the main battle line of an early-pattern Legion as it advances.
They are armed with javelins and a stabbing sword, and carry a small round shield but no other protection. It is their task to harass the enemy before the main combat begins.
Velites are recruited from younger citizens, who lack the experience (or the money for their own gear) to fight as hastati or other heavy infantry.
Roman velites become outdated after the Marius Reforms. Historically, Marius put the Roman army on a professional footing, and abandoned all property and age requirements in the process. Roman citizens would no longer go to war as-and-when as a civic duty; they would fight in future as full-time citizen-mercenaries in the Legions.
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Town Watch
light infantry | 40 Men
Sapping Ability
The town watch are local workers and peasants given enough training to defend their homes and keep order in the streets. They are no substitute for fully trained Roman legionaries, but then they are not expected to be more than a citizen militia with an interest in keeping the peace (and possibly they might have some fire fighting duties). They do not have much equipment, as the most they are expected to do is stand behind their spears and shields, and then hold position when charged. By and large, this they manage to do.
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Equites
light cavalry | 27 Men
Can Form Wedge
Equites are light cavalrymen armed with spears. In the Roman system of war, they are intended to drive off skirmishers and pursue fleeing enemies. The word equites means horsemen, and they are recruited from among the well-off sections of society. They wear little armour and only carry spears and shields. As a result, they can charge enemies, but may be cut to pieces by a prepared defensive line of spearmen if these were attacked head on. Instead, they should be used against the flanks or rear of units, or to keep missile troops and skirmishers away from the main Roman heavy infantry (who are the real killers of a Roman army).
Historically, equites were drawn from the equestrian classes - literally the rich people who could afford to own horses - and they spent their own money on both horse and war gear.
missile infantry | 40 Men
Sapping Ability
Roman archers are supporting troops for heavier infantry, very much a secondary role in Roman warfare. They are missile troops almost exclusively, as their lack of armour and poor hand weapons mean that only a heartless or desperate commander would deliberately order them to fight in hand-to-hand combat. Archery is not really a significant part of the Roman way of warfare, but the need for some missile troops is obvious to Roman commanders, and hence these archers are recruited from among the peasant classes.
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Archer Auxilia
missile infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Sapping Ability
Archer auxilia are supporting troops for the heavier legionary infantry, an important secondary role in Roman warfare. They are not expected to fight in hand-to-hand combat and are not given the war gear to do so for long; their job is to provide supporting fire and let the legionaries fight the main battle. Because the Roman army is standardised around its heavy infantry legionaries other types of troops are recruited as auxiliaries. Their training is very nearly as vigorous as that of the legionaries and discipline in auxilia units is certainly as harsh and uncompromising.
Historically, with the changes introduced by Gaius Marius professional auxiliaries were recruited to serve alongside the now-professional legionaries; a wholesale shake-up of the Roman military machine saw the whole army being put on a full time, service-for-life footing, with auxiliaries being rewarded with Roman citizenship at the end of their military careers.
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Light Auxilia
missile infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Expert at Hiding in Forests
Can Hide in Long Grass
Sapping Ability
Light auxilia are skirmishers who act as a screening force for heavier troops. They also break up enemy formations with showers of javelins which have a longer range than the iron-shafted heavy pila carried by Roman legionaries. These auxilia do not wear armour and so cannot be expected to last long in hand-to-hand combat but they can fight if they must. Their training is very nearly as vigorous as that of the legionaries so they do not tire easily, and discipline in auxilia units is certainly as harsh and uncompromising
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Principes
heavy infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Sapping Ability
Principes are older, more reliable soldiers who have seen some service. It is their task to be the second line of a legion and carry on the fight once the hastati are spent. They are supposed to carry on the wearing down fight and exhaust the enemy. They are, as a result, capable soldiers and unafraid of combat.
They are armed with two pila that are thrown at the enemy at close range before they close to fight hand-to-hand. They are each equipped with a sword, a bronze helmet, a large shield and chain armour. The pilum (plural, pila) is a cleverly designed spear with a soft iron shaft behind the point; it bends on impact so that it can’t be thrown back and if it’s stuck in someone or something it is a real hindrance to movement - always assuming whoever its stuck in isnt dead.
Historically, principes spent their own money on their equipment and, being older, were in a position to buy better gear than the young hastati. This, along with the age and property requirements, was why they fought as principes.
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Triarii
spearmen infantry | 40 Men
Hardy
Disciplined
Sapping Ability
Triarii are tough heavy spearmen who make up the third and most senior part of a Roman Legion before the military Reforms of Gaius Marius. They carry a long "hoplite-style" spear (the hasta) which is used to thrust, a long shield and a gladius. They are the oldest veteran soldiers, and well armoured – hardly surprising, given that they are also drawn from the richest section of society.
The triarii are the last available line in early-pattern Republican Legions. "Going to the triarii" is a Roman saying meaning carrying on to the bitter end, and if they are used it’s a sign that the moment of decision in a battle has arrived.
Historically, triarii spent their own money on their equipment and could afford to buy the best of everything.
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Auxilia
light infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Sapping Ability
Auxilia are highly disciplined and tough spearmen who provide support to Roman legionaries in battle. They are defensive infantry, expected to protect the flanks of the heavier legionaries from cavalry and similar threats; their training is at least as harsh as that of the legionaries and produces men with a similar level of discipline and hardiness. These troops need to keep up with other Roman forces, and so cannot be allowed to tire easily. They are recruited from among non-Romans within the Empire, and this is easy because Roman citizenship is far from being universal.
Historically, Roman commanders made sure that auxilia were always stationed far away from home so that there was no temptation to acts of rebellion. The changes introduced by Gaius Marius meant that professional auxiliaries were recruited to serve alongside the now-professional legionaries; a wholesale shake-up of the Roman military machine saw the whole army being put on a full time, service-for-life footing, with auxiliaries being rewarded with Roman citizenship at the end of their military careers.
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Early Legionary Cohort
heavy infantry | 40 Men
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
Roman legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.
Every legionary’s chainmail armour, the lorica hamata, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, legionaries close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.
Historically, these legionaries only came to be after the army reforms of Gaius Marius. He abandoned property and age requirements for the legions, and made the Roman army into a professional force. No longer would a man have to provide his own war gear; he would be paid, serve a term of 25 years and then retire with enough land to give him a pension for the remainder of his days.
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Early Legionary First Cohort
heavy infantry | 60 Men
Legionary Eagle
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
The Roman first cohort consist of well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat carrying the symbol of Roman power, a Legionary Eagle. This is inspirational for other Roman troops. Legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.
Every legionary’s chainmail armour, the lorica hamata, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, the first cohort close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.
Historically, these cohorts came to be after the army reforms of Gaius Marius. He made the Roman army into a professional force. Men served a term of 25 years and then retired with enough land to give them pensions for the remainder of their days. The best legionaries in each legion would naturally gravitate through seniority into the first cohort.
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Legionary Cohort
heavy infantry | 40 Men
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
Roman legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.
Every legionary’s flexible banded armour, the lorica segmenta, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, legionaries close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.
The lorica segmenta armour was adopted because it was cheaper to make and offered more protection as the earlier chainmail.
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Legionary First Cohort
heavy infantry | 60 Men
Legionary Eagle
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
The Roman first cohort consists of well-armed and armoured infantrymen, who go into combat carrying the symbol of Roman power, a Legionary Eagle. This is inspirational for other Roman troops. Legionaries are tough, professional troops with good armour and superb weapons. Their hallmarks are discipline, obedience and tactical flexibility. When approaching enemy fortifications, for example, they can use the turtle formation, or testudo, overlapping their shields for protection.
Every legionary’s banded metal armour, the lorica segmenta, is of very good quality, as is the rest of his gear: a metal helmet and a large curved shield. They fight with two throwing spears (the pilum, plural pila) and a short stabbing sword, the gladius. Each pilum has a soft iron shaft behind the piercing head that is designed to bend as soon as it hits a target, making it impossible to pull out and throw back. Embedded in a shield a pilum hampers an enemy. Embedded in a man, it usually kills. Once the pila have been thrown, the first cohort close and continue fighting with the stabbing gladius.
Historically, the lorica segmenta was slightly easier and cheaper to manufacture than chainmail, an important consideration when Rome had so many troops in the field.
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Urban Cohort
heavy infantry | 40 Men
Beyond Elite.
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Use Testudo Formation
Sapping Capability
An urban cohort is made up of elite legionaries, recruited because of their superb soldiering skills and loyalty. These are heavy infantry who, when not performing garrison duties in the vital cities of the empire, fight as heavy infantry - the men who do the real work in a Roman army.
Training for any man in an urban cohort is demanding and produces incredibly tough men. The results are the best, toughest, most unflinching soldiers in the Roman world, men who will stop at little to achieve their goals. The urban cohorts are equipped with the same gear as legionaries - it is the men inside the uniform that make them effective - and wear banded armour, the lorica segmenta, metal helmets and carry large shields. They fight with two pila (singular, pilum), throwing spears with soft iron shafts that are designed to bend as soon as they hit making them impossible to fling back. They also carry short stabbing swords for close work.
Historically, the urban cohorts were a police force for Rome established by Augustus, and were commanded to keep order. Although outnumbered, they were a counterbalance of sorts to the power of the Praetorian Guards within the city. Life in the urban cohorts was better than in the line legions, as pay and service conditions were better. Other urban cohorts were established in the larger cities of the Empire in later years, and the prefect in charge of the cohorts often became an important political figure.
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Arcani
heavy infantry | 16 Men
Elite
Hide Anywhere
Very Hardy
Sapping Ability
They are a shadowy part of the Roman army organised in small groups and competent in camouflage and deception. The arcani exist almost as a secret society whose very name should not be spoken.
The armour they wear is finely crafted so that while it offers great protection, it will not slow or tire the fantastically fit arcani troops. Their face masks mean opposing troops may even flee in terror when surprised by a group of these blood-thirsty killers.
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Wardogs
light handler | 12 Men
Hardy (handlers)
Wardogs are bred for a savage nature and great size, but then hunting men is only a little more dangerous than hunting wild boar. The beasts are muscular and powerful. Originally bred for hunting large prey, they are now trained to hunt and attack men. Wardogs are usually unleashed on an enemy to break a line and unnerve opponents. Few men are able to stand steadily in the face of a snarling and partially-starved beast. The dogs are trained to bite and hold on, dragging down their human targets, and hamstringing horses.
Their handlers are brave, hardy and not easily intimidated: many have fingers, hands or even chunks of limbs missing.
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Incendiary Pigs
light handler | 12 Men
Hardy (handlers)
Incendiary pigs are one shot weapons intended to spread panic and terror amongst enemies, particularly mounted troops.
The pigs are coated in pitch, tar and oil, and herded towards the enemy. At the right moment, the pigs are ignited by their handlers and, not unnaturally, they run away in pain and terror - hopefully towards the enemy. Apart from goring anyone foolish enough to get in their way, the pigs are tremendously disruptive to formations. They are also very frightening for elephants in particular, and this is their main use in warfare.
Pigs can only be fired up once during a battle, and few survive for long.
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Samnite Gladiators
heavy infantry | 20 Men
Beyond Elite.
Impetuous
Very Hardy
Sapping Ability
Samnite gladiators are more than just soldiers. They are superb individual fighters, unmatched by any ordinary warriors. They fight wearing little armour - their lot in life isnt necessarily to live, but to die in an entertaining manner. Samnites would normally fight as one half of a matched pair, but on a battlefield they form a unit all of their own.
They are a specialised elite, one that cares little for personal safety as the only way to attain any reward is through victory. Gladiators, after all, are part of the d**nati: the disgraced, the condemned, the untouchables in society. There is nowhere else for them to go in the search for freedom.
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Cavalry Auxilia
missile cavalry | 27 Men
Can Form Cantabrian Circle
Cavalry auxilia are javelin-armed mounted skirmishers who strike quickly and retire with equal and prudent haste. They do not wear armour, but do carry shields and swords so that they can fight in their own defence should the need arise. They are, however, best used to harass a mass of enemy units such as heavy infantry. Such targets cannot hope to catch them. They are not ideally suited to fighting other skirmishers, as many of their javelins will be wasted against targets that can dodge, but they can be very useful in harrying fleeing enemies and driving them from the field.
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Roman Cavalry
heavy cavalry | 27 Men
Can Form Wedge
Roman cavalry are auxiliary spear-armed cavalry who have a screening role in a Roman army. They should be used against the flanks or rear of units, or to keep missile troops and skirmishers away from the main Roman heavy infantry (who are the real killers of a Roman army).
They wear little armour and only carry spears and shields. As a result, they can charge enemies, but may be cut to pieces by a prepared defensive line of spearmen if these were attacked head on.
Historically, Roman cavalry only came into existence after the army reforms of Gaius Marius as a replacement force for the equites. The property qualifications for fighting as cavalry in the army were abandoned and the army made professional. They were organised into wings called alae rather than cohorts.
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Legionary Cavalry
heavy cavalry | 27 Men
Superior
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Form Wedge
Legionary cavalry are a heavy force of spear-armed cavalry who charge home using shock and mass to achieve victory. They are tough, disciplined riders - a notable advantage compared to many cavalry units who are composed of headstrong and impetuous nobility. They are probably wasted when used to ride down skirmishers and missile troops, but they have the power to be able to smash heavier infantry formations apart, and severely disrupt other cavalry. They must, however, take care when attacking prepared spearmen, and should certainly avoid a frontal charge in this case whenever possible.
They wear good armour and carry shields; their weapons are the spear (lancea) and long sword (spatha), both of which are deadly in the hands of an expert.
Historically, Romes best cavalry forces were organised into wings (or alae, singular ala) rather than cohorts, and recruited from among horse-culture minorities within Romes borders. Generally, this meant that cavalry were predominantly non-Italian, the opposite of the legionaries composition. Romans had developed the art of fighting as infantry, and relied on others to provide what they considered to be the supporting arms such as cavalry.
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Praetorian Cavalry
heavy cavalry | 27 Men
Elite
Disciplined
Hardy
Can Form Wedge
Praetorian cavalry are an elite within the elite: dedicated bodyguards who serve as heavy cavalry. Praetorian training is, as might be expected, demanding and thorough. These men are some of the best, toughest, most unflinching soldiers in Rome - and good cavalrymen to boot. As heavy cavalry, it is their task to smash enemy formations and drive them from the field, fighting with their cavalry-pattern swords (longer than the original legionary gladius) once close combat is joined.
Historically, the original praetorians were men chosen to guard the tent (the praetorium) of the legions legate. These men came to act as bodyguards for all important generals, and then became an elite quite separate from the originating legions. It was under the Emperors that the Praetorians developed a taste for conspiracy and murder, eventually even auctioning the Empire to the highest bidder.
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Roman General
heavy cavalry | 12 Men
Elite
Disciplined
Hardy
Inspires Friendly Units
This general has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with spears, these men are shock cavalry, able to deliver a devastating charge attack; they are then well trained enough to fight effectively in continued hand-to-hand combat.
Like all generals guards, this unit is best committed to the fight at the point of crisis, when the generals inspirational leadership and the combat power of his men can tip the balance.
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Peasants
light infantry | 60 Men
Sapping Ability
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but numbers are useful in all armies. Forcing peasants to fight is one way of getting lots of men in the field quickly and cheaply. They have little tactical sense, and even less willingness to fight - they would rather be defending their own homes than be dragged to a battle they neither care about nor understand. If nothing else, they are useful when theres digging to be done. They are, however, experts at reading the land and hiding whenever there is cover.
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Hastati
light infantry | 40 Men
Hardy
Sapping Ability
Hastati are among the younger men in an early Republican Legion, and form the front line in any battle. They are supposed to wear down an enemy and hold him before the next Roman battle line attacks and carries on the fight. They are, as a result, capable troops in their own right.
They are armed with two pila that are thrown at the enemy at close range before they close to fight hand-to-hand. They are equipped with a sword, a bronze helmet, a large shield and a breastplate. The pilum (plural, pila) is a cleverly designed spear with a soft iron shaft behind the point; it bends on impact so that it can’t be thrown back and if it’s stuck in someone or something it is a real hindrance to movement.
Historically, hastati spent their own money on their equipment and often couldn’t afford anything much better. This, along with the age and property requirements, was why they fought as hastati.
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Velites
missile infantry | 40 Men
Expert at Hiding in Forests
Can Hide in Long Grass
Sapping Ability
Velites are light skirmishing troops who screen the main battle line of an early-pattern Legion as it advances.
They are armed with javelins and a stabbing sword, and carry a small round shield but no other protection. It is their task to harass the enemy before the main combat begins.
Velites are recruited from younger citizens, who lack the experience (or the money for their own gear) to fight as hastati or other heavy infantry.
Roman velites become outdated after the Marius Reforms. Historically, Marius put the Roman army on a professional footing, and abandoned all property and age requirements in the process. Roman citizens would no longer go to war as-and-when as a civic duty; they would fight in future as full-time citizen-mercenaries in the Legions.
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Town Watch
light infantry | 40 Men
Sapping Ability
The town watch are local workers and peasants given enough training to defend their homes and keep order in the streets. They are no substitute for fully trained Roman legionaries, but then they are not expected to be more than a citizen militia with an interest in keeping the peace (and possibly they might have some fire fighting duties). They do not have much equipment, as the most they are expected to do is stand behind their spears and shields, and then hold position when charged. By and large, this they manage to do.
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Equites
light cavalry | 27 Men
Can Form Wedge
Equites are light cavalrymen armed with spears. In the Roman system of war, they are intended to drive off skirmishers and pursue fleeing enemies. The word equites means horsemen, and they are recruited from among the well-off sections of society. They wear little armour and only carry spears and shields. As a result, they can charge enemies, but may be cut to pieces by a prepared defensive line of spearmen if these were attacked head on. Instead, they should be used against the flanks or rear of units, or to keep missile troops and skirmishers away from the main Roman heavy infantry (who are the real killers of a Roman army).
Historically, equites were drawn from the equestrian classes - literally the rich people who could afford to own horses - and they spent their own money on both horse and war gear.