¬ Text used for building names and descriptions ¬ Lines that begin with this character are comments ¬ and should not be translated or altered ¬ Items inside curly brackets are tags and should not be translated ¬ The text following each tag on the same, or next line does need to be translated ¬ {barbarian_civ_peasant} Barbarian Tribesmen {barbarian_civ_peasant_descr} ;not required {barbarian_civ_peasant_descr_short} A member of a barbarian tribe, probably up to no good. ¬---------------- {barbarian_female_peasant} Barbarian Tribesmen {barbarian_female_peasant_descr} ;not required {barbarian_female_peasant_descr_short} A member of a barbarian tribe, probably up to no good. ¬---------------- {carthaginian_civ_peasant} Carthaginian Civilians {carthaginian_civ_peasant_descr} ;not required {carthaginian_civ_peasant_descr_short} A labouring Carthaginian peasant, looking to stay out of trouble. ¬---------------- {carthaginian_female_peasant} Carthaginian Civilians {carthaginian_female_peasant_descr} ;not required {carthaginian_female_peasant_descr_short} A labouring Carthaginian peasant, looking to stay out of trouble. ¬---------------- {eastern_civ_peasant} Eastern Workers {eastern_civ_peasant_descr} ;not required {eastern_civ_peasant_descr_short} An hard-working peasant, seeking to escape death at the hands of enemy soldiers. ¬---------------- {eastern_female_peasant} Eastern Workers {eastern_female_peasant_descr} ;not required {eastern_female_peasant_descr_short} An hard-working peasant, seeking to escape death at the hands of enemy soldiers. ¬---------------- {egyptian_civ_peasant} Egyptian Workers {egyptian_civ_peasant_descr} ;not required {egyptian_civ_peasant_descr_short} An Egyptian worker, trying to avoid being killed by his master's enemies. ¬---------------- {egyptian_female_peasant} Egyptian Workers {egyptian_female_peasant_descr} ;not required {egyptian_female_peasant_descr_short} An Egyptian worker, trying to avoid being killed by her ruler's enemies. ¬---------------- {greek_civ_peasant} Greek Citizens {greek_civ_peasant_descr} ;not required {greek_civ_peasant_descr_short} A Greek labourer, philosophically inclined to run away from danger! ¬---------------- {greek_female_peasant} Greek Citizens {greek_female_peasant_descr} ;not required {greek_female_peasant_descr_short} A Greek labourer, more interested in escape than the war! ¬---------------- ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 22/03/2004 13:57:59 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 21/04/2004 09:00:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 13/05/2004 15:33:26 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 03/06/2004 16:48:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 04/06/2004 15:48:58 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 16/06/2004 16:59:13 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 01/07/2004 09:00:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 07/07/2004 17:15:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 15/07/2004 17:00:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 22/07/2004 09:00:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 29/07/2004 09:00:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 05/08/2004 12:00:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 12/08/2004 09:53:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 19/08/2004 16:05:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 01/09/2004 09:00:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** {western_peasant_alemanni} Barbarian Peasants {western_peasant_alemanni_descr} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down. {western_peasant_alemanni_descr_short} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality. ¬---------------- {western_peasant_frank} Barbarian Peasants {western_peasant_frank_descr} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down. {western_peasant_frank_descr_short} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality. ¬---------------- {western_peasant_saxon} Barbarian Peasants {western_peasant_saxon_descr} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down. {western_peasant_saxon_descr_short} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality. ¬---------------- {western_peasant_celt} Barbarian Peasants {western_peasant_celt_descr} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down. {western_peasant_celt_descr_short} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality. ¬---------------- {chosen_axemen_alemanni} Chosen Axemen {chosen_axemen_alemanni_descr} Chosen Axemen are picked for their size as much as their skill with the axe. It is their job to hack a hole in an enemy line. It's that simple and brutal. Their two-handed axes are easily capable of splitting a man down to his guts through skull, breastbone and armour!\n\nThese are big men in every sense of the word. It takes weight and muscle to swing the blade with any kind of control at all. It takes a certain bloody-mindedness and brute courage to charge into an enemy battle line with only your skill to save you. These men are the assault specialists, and it is their job to keep on killing until no foe is left standing. {chosen_axemen_alemanni_descr_short} Chosen Axemen are picked for their size as much as their skill with the axe. It is their job to hack a hole in an enemy line. ¬---------------- {sword_heerbann} Sword Heerbann {sword_heerbann_descr} The Sword Heerbann is one of the basic 'backbone' units of a Frankish army. These men are good hand-to-hand fighters who, while not very disciplined, are at least very brave.\n\nTo carry a sword in battle is a mark of some distinction, as swords are expensive items and it needs considerable skill to make a good one. It is therefore a high-status item, and something that every warrior is proud to own. This pride gives the men of the heerbann extra strength, as they are too proud to be seen as cowards by their comrades-in-arms, and sometimes too proud to know when it is a good idea to run away and fight another day!\n\nIn addition to a good sword, each man in the heerbann usually has good-quality war gear. Every Frankish warlord worthy of the title makes sure he has a couple of heerbann units under his command. {sword_heerbann_descr_short} The Sword Heerbann is one of the basic 'backbone' units of a Frankish army. These men are good hand-to-hand fighters who, if not very disciplined, are at least very brave. ¬---------------- {axe_heerbann} Axe Heerbann {axe_heerbann_descr} The Axe Heerbann is one of the basic 'backbone' units of a Frankish army. These men are good, steady hand-to-hand fighters who suffer from the common 'barbarian' trait of being a little too eager for the fray.\n\nHowever, what they lack in discipline they make up for in killing power and courage. Every Frankish warlord will value at least one heerbann in an army that he leads!\n\nOnce in a heerbann, a warrior will be unwilling to shame himself before his comrades-in-arms by running from battle; this makes them proud men, and sometimes overly-keen to come to grips with the enemy. Acting in a subtle fashion, after all, is not usually a quality associated with an axe-wielding killer!\n\nIn addition to a single-handed war axe, every man in a heerbann will be given a shield and good war gear. These men are expected to stand toe-to-toe against an enemy, and thus need good protection. {axe_heerbann_descr_short} The Axe Heerbann is one of the basic 'backbone' units of a Frankish army. These men are good, steady hand-to-hand fighters who suffer from the common 'barbarian' trait of being a little too eager for the fray. ¬---------------- {saxon_keels} Saxon Keel {saxon_keels_descr} A Saxon Keel is a collection of cut-throats, bandits, pirates and murderous sea-scum - at least to their enemies! Lightly equipped, they are best used as raiders.\n\nArmed to the teeth, the keel - the term comes from the number of men needed to man a single 'keel' or ship - are as interested in plunder as conquest. They are not warriors first and foremost: they are men who fight to get what they want, regardless of what the legitimate owner thinks of their aims!\n\nThey are not heavily armoured or equipped, but they are effective enough fighters in the right circumstances. They are best suited to hit-and-run tactics, not a slugging match in a battle line against armoured soldiers. {saxon_keels_descr_short} A Saxon Keel is a collection of cut-throats, bandits, pirates and murderous sea-scum - at least to their enemies! Lightly equipped, they are best used as raiders. ¬---------------- {gallowglass} Gallowglasses {gallowglass_descr} Gallowglasses are a warrior elite among their people, armed with double-handed weapons and armoured in chainmail to boot. It is their task to hack a way into an enemy battle line.\n\nThe people of the north and west of the British Isles have a long tradition of producing heroic warriors, men loyal to the point of death to their lords, who would stand in line of battle and be the first to rush forwards to meet an enemy hand-to-hand. The 'gallogladh' or gallowglass is but one example.\n\nHistorically, the style of warfare in Scotland and Ireland changed little over the centuries, being much the same for hundreds of years. The fragmented and tribal nature of society meant that there was always a need for a group of brave, dedicated (they had no other duties beyond fighting) warriors such as these men. The gallowglass as a recognised type was a comparatively late arrival in Ireland from the Western Isles, but as a style of warfare the old ways didn't change much until the coming of gunpowder, a thousand years or more later. {gallowglass_descr_short} Gallowglasses are a warrior elite among their people, armed with double-handed weapons and armoured in chainmail to boot. It is their task to hack a way into an enemy battle line. ¬---------------- {lombard_archers} Lombard Archers {lombard_archers_descr} Lombard Archers are fine bowmen, their skills honed over years of hunting. They are experts at stalking and tracking their foes, and fearless in combat.\n\nLike all barbarian peoples, the Lombards prize the hunt as a worthwhile pastime for warriors. It trains young men in some of the arts of war: stealth, skill with weapons, patience, and the ability to take lives. As a bonus, it also puts food on the table all through the year. A wise warlord prizes these men for the ability to attack from a distance, although the self bow is not a superb weapon. Unlike the eastern compound bow, the self bow is a single piece of wood, and does not fall to pieces if it gets wet. However, the 'pull' and therefore the range of a self bow is not as impressive. {lombard_archers_descr_short} Lombard Archers are fine bowmen, their skills honed over years of hunting. They are experts at stalking and tracking their foes, and fearless in combat. ¬---------------- {chosen_archer_alemanni} Chosen Archers {chosen_archer_alemanni_descr} Chosen Archers are highly prized for their skills as excellent bowmen, being fleet of foot and expert hunters. They are armed with self bows and melee weapons, making them a useful addition to any barbarian army.\n\nAs chosen men, they are proud to be numbered among the best fighters to be found in their respective tribes and clans, a fact that makes them unlikely to run and lose face in the eyes of their fellows. If they have a weakness it is that the self bow is not a great weapon, being better suited to hunting than war. A single length of springy wood, it is nowhere near as powerful as the compound bow used by some from the east, but it is less likely to be damaged by wet conditions.\n\nChosen archers are always a welcome sight to a warlord, as they have the flexibility to be both archers and melee infantry and make a reasonable fist of both tasks. {chosen_archer_alemanni_descr_short} Chosen Archers are highly prized for their skills as excellent bowmen, being fleet of foot and expert hunters. They are armed with self bows and melee weapons.\n\n ¬---------------- {celtic_crossbowmen} Pictish Crossbowmen {celtic_crossbowmen_descr} Pictish Crossbowmen are light troops armed with crossbows of an early, less powerful design than the later medieval weapons. Although relatively slow-firing, these weapons are a useful addition to a warlord's arsenal.\n\nUnlike the later medieval version, this crossbow does not use a steel bow to provide the power, but a wooden one. It is easily spanned (set up to fire) by being pulled back with both hands. The flat trajectory of bolts make it quite deadly even against armoured opponents.\n\nAlthough it is not a very powerful weapon, it is an easy one to master. Unlike other archers, crossbowmen do not need long and constant practice to reach a deadly standard! {celtic_crossbowmen_descr_short} Pictish Crossbowmen are light troops armed with crossbows of an early, less powerful design than the later medieval weapons. ¬---------------- {celtic_kerns} Kerns {celtic_kerns_descr} Kerns are lightly armed, unarmoured skirmishers used by the Celtic tribes to harrass and wear down their enemies.\n\nArmed with small javelins, kerns are better in battle than the peasant stock from whom they are recruited. They are properly trained for war, given decent weaponry and let loose on the enemy! They are best employed as a screening force, to weaken an enemy before the main battle, or to pursue fleeing men and give them no rest. They cannot be expected to stand in a battle line and fight hand-to-hand.\n\nHistorically, the pattern of warfare among the Celtic people didn't change much until the coming of gunpowder weapons nearly 1000 years later. Constant warfare between lords in the Western Isles, Scotland and particularly Ireland made sure that there was always employment for soldiers. {celtic_kerns_descr_short} Kerns are lightly armed, unarmoured skirmishers used by the Celtic tribes to harrass and wear down their enemies. ¬---------------- {celtic_slingers} Slingers {celtic_slingers_descr} Slingers are highly skilled troops who can bombard enemies with a hail of cruel and effective missiles. They are at risk facing light cavalry units who can ride them down.\n\nA sling is one of the simplest and oldest weapons in the world, but one of the hardest to use well. Any small object can become a deadly missile for a slinger, but most are given a bag of cast lead bullets (around 25 grammes in weight or so) which fly more reliably than stones picked up on the battlefield. Sling bullets might seem harmless, but when hurled at speed and with accuracy they can bring down the strongest man, or even a horse: a skull will crack when a slinger hits home!\n\nThese tough hill men have usually relied on their slinging skills to put meat on the table all their lives. They are also capable of defending themselves, when they must, in hand-to-hand combat. {celtic_slingers_descr_short} Slingers are highly skilled troops who can bombard enemies with a hail of cruel and effective missiles. They are at risk facing light cavalry units who can ride them down. ¬---------------- {lombard_berserkers} Lombard Berserkers {lombard_berserkers_descr} Lombard Berserkers are dangerous men indeed. The repeated stress of battle, strong drink or the potent, drugged brews of witchery - or all three - make them into fearless, slavering beasts with swords.\n\nBerserkers must make an effort to drive themselves into the right state of mind, although some prefer stimulants to initiate their killing frenzy. Having driven themselves into a state of blind rage berserkers will attack anyone who stands nearby. They feel no pain, experience no fear and simply do not understand the concepts of mercy or restraint. Once the red mist has descended across their sight, there is no stopping them. Berserkers usually fight without armour. It's not unknown for them to fight without weapons from time to time, hurling themselves on enemies and attacking them tooth and nail! {lombard_berserkers_descr_short} Lombard Berserkers are dangerous men indeed. The repeated stress of battle, strong drink or the potent, drugged brews of witchery - or all three - make them into fearless, slavering beasts with swords. ¬---------------- {saxon_hearth_troops} Saxon Hearth Troops {saxon_hearth_troops_descr} Saxon Hearth Troops are the picked men sworn to defend a lord. They are well armed, heavily armoured and loyal to a fault, experts in the art of hand-to-hand combat.\n\nHearth troops are the elite warriors of the Saxon world, men who have no other tasks in life but to fight and enforce the will of their lord. These men have personally sworn an oath to the lord of their hall. They will give their lives in battle when ordered to do so without a second thought. Being recognised as warriors and worthy men, they have no other choice. In return for this unflinching loyalty they are entitled to a place by the fire, a roof over their heads, good food, drink, companionship, their lord's protection even if they have done wrong, and the sure knowledge that their lord and companions will avenge them if necessary. {saxon_hearth_troops_descr_short} Saxon Hearth Troops are the picked men sworn to defend a lord. They are well armed, heavily armoured and loyal to a fault, experts in the art of hand-to-hand combat. ¬---------------- {hounds_of_culann} Hounds of Culann {hounds_of_culann_descr} Hounds of Culann are dangerous men indeed. They are berserkers! The repeated stress of battle, strong drink or the potent brews of druids make them into slavering, blood-crazed beasts.\n\nThey must make an effort to drive themselves into the right state of mind, although some prefer stimulants to build up to their killing frenzy. Having driven themselves into a state of blind rage, hounds of Culann will attack anyone who stands nearby. They feel no pain, feel no fear and simply do not understand the concepts of mercy or restraint. Once the red mist has descended across their sight, there is no stopping them. They usually fight without armour, and it's not unknown for them to fight without weapons from time to time, hurling themselves on enemies and trying to bite them! {hounds_of_culann_descr_short} Hounds of Culann are dangerous men indeed. They are berserkers! The repeated stress of battle, strong drink or the potent brews of druids make them into slavering, blood-crazed beasts. ¬---------------- {frankish_paladins} Paladins {frankish_paladins_descr} Paladins are an elite guard: heavyweight cavalry who can be relied on in a crisis. They are best used to smash enemies, not as a pursuit or screening force.\n\nThe paladins are a copy of the tactics and style of the scholae palatinae (the Imperial Guards) of the Roman Empire, who were once the men charged with defending the palaces of the Palatine hill in Rome. Like the scholae palatinae, the paladins are well trained - unusually so for so-called 'barbarians' - well equipped and undoubtedly the elite of the Frankish army. Given that the Frankish way of war is usually to fight on foot, a cavalry force such as this can be a valuable addition to the army's ranks. {frankish_paladins_descr_short} Paladins are an elite guard: heavyweight cavalry who can be relied on in a crisis. They are best used to smash enemies, not as a pursuit or screening force. ¬---------------- {cavalry_alemanni} Barbarian Cavalry {cavalry_alemanni_descr} Barbarian Cavalry are a shock force, best used to push enemies on the verge of breaking into complete panic.\n\nThey are not truly heavy cavalry in the same sense as some of the eastern or steppe peoples use, but they can be a potent force if handled correctly. They should be used as a hammer to repeatedly charge home against the flank or rear of an enemy in the hope of defeating them. There is, however, one problem with this tactic: these men are, like many barbarian forces, hungry for glory and personal honour, and the need for discipline can sometimes overwhelm tactical sense! Barbarian cavalrymen are individually good fighters, but organised warfare does go against the grain. They are unlikely to be fully effective against properly formed up enemies, or spearmen. {cavalry_alemanni_descr_short} Barbarian Cavalry are a shock force, best used to push enemies on the verge of breaking into complete panic. ¬---------------- {noble_warriors_frank} Noble Warriors {noble_warriors_frank_descr} Noble Warriors are the elite who owe their position to birth and bravery in equal measure. They are therefore headstrong, fearless and difficult to restrain, but a powerful force in a fight.\n\nNaturally they expect and receive the best of everything, so their war gear is the finest that can be provided by the smiths. They are superb horsemen, as might be expected from those who have spent a lifetime in the saddle, but they lack the discipline of more 'civilized' cavalry. These are men for whom personal glory is the only measure of success, and so cohesion and discipline is often sacrificed in the rush to make the first 'kill' of a battle!\n\nThey are best used to break up enemy formations, fight against other (lighter) cavalry and pursue fleeing enemies. Faced with spearmen their pigheaded glory hunting is likely to result in many casualties! {noble_warriors_frank_descr_short} Noble Warriors are an elite who owe their position to birth and bravery in equal measure. They are therefore headstrong, fearless and difficult to restrain, but a powerful force in a fight. ¬---------------- {scotti_chariots} Scotti Chariots {scotti_chariots_descr} Chariots are an effective 'light cavalry' for the Celtic people. They have all the speed advantages of cavalry and also provide an excellent platform for attacking warriors.\n\nThe Celts are a people with a proud tradition in warfare, and among their habits to have survived is that the warriors ride into battle aboard chariots. They are just about the last Europeans to fight in this fashion. Fast, noisy and intimidating to enemies who are unlikely to have faced them before, the traditional Celtic chariot can cope with a wide range of rough terrain, something that foes have often been surprised to discover. The crew must act in concert, with a driver controlling the bucking vehicle while his passenger hurls javelins. If this fails to break an enemy they can even charge home, although they are better employed to chase down and destroy already fleeing foes! In a prolonged fight the charioteers will be at an inevitable disadvantage as they are only lightly armoured. {scotti_chariots_descr_short} Chariots are an effective 'light cavalry' for the Celtic people. They have all the speed advantages of cavalry and also provide an excellent platform for attacking warriors. ¬---------------- {druids} Druids {druids_descr} Druids are spiritual leaders among the Celts who inspire nearby friendly units to greater efforts. Their practical skills with sickles and sacrificial knives also come in handy during battle!\n\nAlthough the Druids are now threatened by the arrival of Christianity, this new and alien religion only seems to have strengthened their beliefs and confirmed them as the wise counsellors of their people. They are soothsayers, healers, wizards, spirit guides, judges, advisors and tutors to the people and the memory for their tribes too, preserving the stories of heroes and magic for future generations. As a result, they are inspirational on the battlefield, being almost the soul of the tribe.\n\nTheir war gear is nearly always of the best quality and they are mean fighters when needs must, but druids are best used behind the lines where their presence can stir the hearts of other warriors to great deeds worthy of a tale or two down the years... {druids_descr_short} Druids are spiritual leaders among the Celts who inspire nearby friendly units to greater efforts. Their practical skills with sickles and sacrificial knives also come in handy during battle! ¬---------------- {alemanni_warhounds} Warhounds {alemanni_warhounds_descr} Warhounds are bred for size and brutality, but then hunting men in battle is a dangerous business! Even their handlers approach these beasts with caution.\n\nOriginally used for hunting wild boar and even bears in the dark forests of Germania, these dogs have been conditioned to attack even armoured men, and those foolish enough to turn and run are seen as prey to be ripped apart. It takes discipline as well as bravery to stand against a slavering charge from these snarling, half-crazed and half-starved beasts who have been trained to drag men and horses down. Many are trained to run beneath horses and attack their vulnerable bellies!\n\nTheir handlers are often marked by scars and missing fingers - getting too close to their charges is dangerous, even for them! {alemanni_warhounds_descr_short} Warhounds are bred for size and brutality, but then hunting men in battle is a dangerous business! Even their handlers approach these beasts with caution. ¬---------------- {alemanni_onager} Onagers {alemanni_onager_descr} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They are, however, rather slow moving and difficult to target accurately.\n\nThey are named after the wild ass of the same name, a beast reputed to be stubborn, dangerous and with a tremendous kick. All three qualities can be true of the weapon as well.\n\nEach onager is powered by a thick, twisted rope of animal sinew, the strongest and most elastic substance available to military engineers. A single throwing arm is pushed vertically through the sinew and then pulled back and held. Once loaded, the catch is released and the arm flies forwards flinging the rock payload at the enemy as it slaps into a crossbar. The tremendous energy of the release, however, makes the whole machine judder and kick, hence the name.\n\nThey can be used to target slow-moving units, but they are particularly effective when suppressing enemy artillery or when used against fortifications and buildings. These weapons were, at one time, only used by so-called civilized armies. Over the years many people have learned to make and use these highly effective artillery pieces. {alemanni_onager_descr_short} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They are, however, rather slow moving and difficult to target accurately. ¬---------------- {frankish_onager} Onagers {frankish_onager_descr} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They are, however, rather slow moving and difficult to target accurately.\n\nThey are named after the wild ass of the same name, a beast reputed to be stubborn, dangerous and with a tremendous kick. All three qualities can be true of the weapon as well.\n\nEach onager is powered by a thick, twisted rope of animal sinew, the strongest and most elastic substance available to military engineers. A single throwing arm is pushed vertically through the sinew and then pulled back and held. Once loaded, the catch is released and the arm flies forwards flinging the rock payload at the enemy as it slaps into a crossbar. The tremendous energy of the release, however, makes the whole machine judder and kick, hence the name.\n\nThey can be used to target slow-moving units, but they are particularly effective when suppressing enemy artillery or when used against fortifications and buildings. These weapons were, at one time, only used by so-called civilized armies. Over the years many people have learned to make and use these highly effective artillery pieces. {frankish_onager_descr_short} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They are, however, rather slow moving and difficult to target accurately. ¬---------------- {frankish_ballistae} Ballistae {frankish_ballistae_descr} Ballistae are sinew-powered weapons that can hurl spear-like bolts with considerable accuracy. These are easily capable of passing straight through a target and skewering another man too.\n\nAlthough a ballista might look like an oversized crossbow its working principles are quite different. The two arms of the ballista are threaded through two ropes made from animal sinew, a naturally elastic material. When these sinews are twisted into ropes they act as enormous springs, so pulling back the arms works against this tension. When a ballista is cocked there is a huge amount of energy (literally) wound into the sinew ropes, and this is used to fire the bolt. Care has to be taken by the crew to make sure the two springs are equally tensioned otherwise the ballista itself will snap, probably killing anyone standing nearby.\n\nThe strength given by the sinew is also the ballista's most important weakness: the sinews do not hold their tension if they get wet, so a ballista will not work to full effect in any kind of damp or wet weather.\n\nOver the centuries the technology of the ballista has 'leaked' from civilized peoples like the Romans and Greeks to other, more barbarous folk. {frankish_ballistae_descr_short} Ballistae are sinew-powered weapons that can hurl spear-like bolts with considerable accuracy. These are easily capable of passing straight through a target and skewering another man too. ¬---------------- {chosen_warlord_alemanni} Chosen Warlord {chosen_warlord_alemanni_descr} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are an elite force, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision.\n\nGiven that he owes his authority to personal bravery as much as any tribal position, a warlord has to be willing to risk his own life in personal combat and stake the outcome of a battle on his own skills as a fighter as much as his grasp of command. A wise leader, therefore, makes sure that he has the best chance possible of coming through a fight alive so that he can inspire his men by example as well as by his mere presence. Politics and warfare mean that he must not just triumph, he must do so publicly and in brave style. {chosen_warlord_alemanni_descr_short} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are an elite unit, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision. ¬---------------- {frankish_paladin_bodyguard} Paladin Bodyguard {frankish_paladin_bodyguard_descr} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce paladins. These men are his elite guard, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision.\n\nGiven that he owes his authority to personal bravery as much as any tribal position, a warlord has to be willing to risk his own life in personal combat and stake the outcome of a battle on his own skills as a fighter as much as his grasp of command. A wise leader, therefore, makes sure that he has the best chance possible of coming through a fight alive so that he can inspire his men by example as well as by his mere presence. Politics and warfare mean that he must not just triumph, he must do so publicly and in brave style. {frankish_paladin_bodyguard_descr_short} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce paladins. These men are an elite guard, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision. ¬---------------- {saxon_warlord} Warlord {saxon_warlord_descr} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are an elite force, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision.\n\nGiven that he owes his authority to personal bravery as much as any tribal position, a warlord has to be willing to risk his own life in personal combat and stake the outcome of a battle on his own skills as a fighter as much as his grasp of command. A wise leader, therefore, makes sure that he has the best chance possible of coming through a fight alive so that he can inspire his men by example as well as by his mere presence. Politics and warfare mean that he must not just triumph, he must do so publicly and in brave style. {saxon_warlord_descr_short} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are an elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision. ¬---------------- {celtic_warlord} Warlord {celtic_warlord_descr} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are an elite force, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision.\n\nGiven that he owes his authority to personal bravery as much as any tribal position, a warlord has to be willing to risk his own life in personal combat and stake the outcome of a battle on his own skills as a fighter as much as his grasp of command. A wise leader, therefore, makes sure that he has the best chance possible of coming through a fight alive so that he can inspire his men by example as well as by his mere presence. Politics and warfare mean that he must not just triumph, he must do so publicly and in brave style. {celtic_warlord_descr_short} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are an elite force, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision. ¬---------------- {african_peasant} Peasants {african_peasant_descr} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down. {african_peasant_descr_short} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality. ¬---------------- {hillmen} Hillmen {hillmen_descr} These hardy, brutal men are fine irregular light warriors, wild and ill-disciplined but also brave.\n\nThey are recruited from the outlying regions and almost-deserted regions where life is hard and short. Joining an army is almost an escape from the harshness of everyday existence. Their skills in stealing goats, murder and general banditry stand them in good stead as fighters, but they are hardly biddable enough to be called soldiers. They are warriors at best, and killers first and foremost. Hillmen bear grudges, understand blood feuds and see the sword as the way of righting all wrongs! {hillmen_descr_short} These hardy, brutal men are fine irregular light warriors, wild and ill-disciplined but also brave. ¬---------------- {desert_archers_african} Desert Archers {desert_archers_african_descr} These hardy desert folk make excellent bowmen, as they cannot afford to waste a single shot when hunting.\n\nThey are tough men as a result of their harsh lives in the unforgiving sands and rocks of the desert. A punishing march across a trackless waste is the story of their everyday existence, so much so that going to war can seem like a pleasant diversion by comparison. At least when at war they have the chance to taste the good life, enjoy some of the comforts of civilization, and grow wealthy on plunder! {desert_archers_african_descr_short} These hardy desert folk make excellent bowmen, as they cannot afford to waste a single shot when hunting. ¬---------------- {mountain_men} Mountain Men {mountain_men_descr} Mountain Men are savage fighters, recruited from the toughest individuals who survive beyond the edges of society. They are strangers both to fear and any tactical sense!\n\nIf hillmen are recruited from the borders of settled lands, then mountain men are found well beyond those borders in the brutally harsh countryside that will not support even the most rudimentary farms. They normally scratch a living in the wilds but when called to fight are willing enough to leave their mountains in search of plunder. Glory means little to these men; discipline is something for soft townsfolk. Killing is something that has to be done to survive on a day to day basis, and they bring the same practical and merciless attitude to the battlefield. {mountain_men_descr_short} Mountain Men are savage fighters, recruited from the toughest individuals who survive beyond the edges of society. They are strangers to both fear and any tactical sense! ¬---------------- {berber_lancers} Berber Lancers {berber_lancers_descr} Berber Lancers are cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. If used against spear-armed infantry they will take casualties.\n\nThe cavalry spear is a weapon that puts all the weight of man and horse behind a single sharp point: a man-sized target can be run through regardless of how much armour he is wearing. However, once a rider has struck home with his spear, he is then vulnerable to counter attacks from any distance closer than the point. A cavalry charge with spears is an immediate event. If enemies are not killed outright, the best tactic for lancers is to break off, reform and attempt another charge. Staying to fight is an excellent way of dying!\n\nUnlike some other lancers, these Berbers do not wear heavy armour as they would soon boil to death in a desert! {berber_lancers_descr_short} Berber Lancers are cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. ¬---------------- {moorish_raiders} Moorish Raiders {moorish_raiders_descr} Moorish Raiders are highly skilled, light cavalry who are tenacious and skilled in battle, but a little wild and ill-disciplined.\n\nGrowing up in harsh, unforgiving lands, they must learn to ride and fight almost as soon as they can walk. Not to do so is to invite death, enslavement or worse.\n\nTheir wargear is chosen to help them survive in the heat and dust of the desert, and they are armed only with razor-sharp swords, a practical weapon when the heat is too oppressive to allow any likely opponent to benefit from armour. {moorish_raiders_descr_short} Moorish Raiders are highly skilled, light cavalry who are tenacious and skilled in battle, but a little wild and ill-disciplined. ¬---------------- {desert_cavalry} Desert Cavalry {desert_cavalry_descr} Desert Cavalry are highly skilled, lightly armoured archers who are both tenacious and skilled in battle.\n\nGrowing up in harsh lands, they must learn to ride and fight almost as soon as they can walk or invite death, enslavement or worse.\n\nTheir equipment is chosen to help them survive in the heat and dust of the desert, and they are armed with self bows, a simple weapon compared to the compound bow, but a practical one that can stand up to much hard usage. {desert_cavalry_descr_short} Desert Cavalry are highly skilled, lightly armoured, archers who are both tenacious and skilled in battle. ¬---------------- {desert_chieftain} Desert Chieftain {desert_chieftain_descr} A chieftain leads a personal guard of his ablest and fiercest warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at a moment of crisis.\n\nGiven that he owes his authority to personal bravery as much as any tribal position, a warlord has to be willing to risk his own life in personal combat and stake the outcome of a battle on his own skills as a fighter as much as his grasp of command. A wise leader, therefore, makes sure that he has the best chance possible of coming through a fight alive so that he can inspire his men by example as well as by his mere presence. Politics and warfare mean that he must not just triumph, he must do so publicly and in brave style. {desert_chieftain_descr_short} A chieftain leads a personal guard of his ablest and fiercest warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision. ¬---------------- {herdsmen_hun} Herdsmen {herdsmen_hun_descr} Herdsmen are tough, hardy men who look like peasants on horseback. Although not trained for war, they can fight when they must.\n\nAppearances can be deceptive, as a nomad peasant is still a nomad first and foremost. A life on the steppes quickly weeds out the weak and the unwary; wolves, raiders from other tribes and the savage winters toughen a man or they kill him.\n\nNomad people rely on their animals for their food and clothing, and without the tribe's herds and flocks they are nothing. Looking after the herds is, therefore, an important job but not necessarily one with much status. Herdsmen are expected to be out in all weathers, and be hard enough to fight off wolves and human predators if necessary. Their lack of wargear says more about their status relative to true warriors than their personal strengths. {herdsmen_hun_descr_short} Herdsmen are tough, hardy men who look like peasants on horseback. Although not trained for war, they can fight when they must. ¬---------------- {herdsmen_sarmatian} Herdsmen {herdsmen_sarmatian_descr} Herdsmen are tough, hardy men who look like peasants on horseback. Although not trained for war, they can fight when they must.\n\nAppearances can be deceptive, as a nomad peasant is still a nomad first and foremost. A life on the steppes quickly weeds out the weak and the unwary; wolves, raiders from other tribes and the savage winters toughen a man or they kill him.\n\nNomad people rely on their animals for their food and clothing, and without the tribe's herds and flocks they are nothing. Looking after the herds is, therefore, an important job but not necessarily one with much status. Herdsmen are expected to be out in all weathers, and be hard enough to fight off wolves and human predators if necessary. Their lack of wargear says more about their status relative to a true warrior than their personal strengths. {herdsmen_sarmatian_descr_short} Herdsmen are tough, hardy men who look like peasants on horseback. Although not trained for war, they can fight when they must. ¬---------------- {peasant_vandal} Peasants {peasant_vandal_descr} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down. {peasant_vandal_descr_short} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality. ¬---------------- {peasant_gothic} Peasants {peasant_gothic_descr} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down. {peasant_gothic_descr_short} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality. ¬---------------- {steppe_spearmen_hun} Steppe Spearmen {steppe_spearmen_hun_descr} Steppe Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. They are given a spear, a shield and a good lesson in obedience to their betters before being pushed into a battle line.\n\nSpearmen are the men that real steppe warriors look down upon from their lofty saddles. This can be rather foolish, as a man with a spear can kill even the bravest horseman, or stop him dead in his tracks when his horse (quite sensibly) refuses to charge headlong onto a sharp spearpoint. These men are worth bringing to a battle, as they can provide a solid anchor for a battleline when fighting cavalry, even if they are vulnerable to attack by missiles or swordsmen. {steppe_spearmen_hun_descr_short} Steppe Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. They are given a spear, a shield and a good lesson in obedience to their betters before being pushed into a battle line. ¬---------------- {steppe_spearmen_vandal} Steppe Spearmen {steppe_spearmen_vandal_descr} Steppe Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. They are given a spear, a shield and a good lesson in obedience to their betters before being pushed into a battle line.\n\nSpearmen are the men that real steppe warriors look down upon from their lofty saddles. This can be rather foolish, as a man with a spear can kill even the bravest horseman, or stop him dead in his tracks when his horse (quite sensibly) refuses to charge headlong onto a sharp spearpoint. These men are worth bringing to a battle, as they can provide a solid anchor for a battleline when fighting cavalry, even if they are vulnerable to attack by missiles or swordsmen. {steppe_spearmen_vandal_descr_short} Steppe Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. They are given a spear, a shield and a good lesson in obedience to their betters before being pushed into a battle line. ¬---------------- {gothic_spearmen} Gothic Spearmen {gothic_spearmen_descr} Goth Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. They are given a spear, a shield and a good lesson in obedience to their betters before being pushed into a battle line.\n\nSpearmen are the men that real warriors look down upon from their lofty saddles. This can be rather foolish, as a man with a spear can kill even the bravest warrior, or stop him dead in his tracks when his horse (quite sensibly) refuses to charge headlong onto a sharp spearpoint. These men are worth bringing to a battle, as they can provide a solid anchor for a battleline when fighting cavalry, even if they are vulnerable to attack by missiles or swordsmen. {gothic_spearmen_descr_short} Goth Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. They are given a spear, a shield and a good lesson in obedience to their betters before being pushed into a battle line. ¬---------------- {runaway_slave_spearmen} Runaway Slave Spearmen {runaway_slave_spearmen_descr} Runaway Slave Spearmen are the lowest of the low, given the worst weapons and no armour before being pushed into a battle line. These are the men that peasants look down upon.\n\nThese men will fight because they have no choice. They have thrown in their lot with the enemies of Rome, and must now triumph or face the consequences. Running away is a death sentence for slaves. The laws of Rome have been tightened over generations for peasants and small farmers, tying them to their land where they can be taxed to the hilt; laws on slavery have never been relaxed. The lot of slaves at the bottom of the system has just become even harsher. Christianity, with its promise of universal brotherhood, has merely made matters worse in some ways by giving hope but then not delivering earthly freedom. {runaway_slave_spearmen_descr_short} Runaway Slave Spearmen are the lowest of the low, given the worst weapons and no armour before being pushed into a battle line. These are the men that peasants look down upon. ¬---------------- {steppe_horde_horse} Steppe Horde Horsemen {steppe_horde_horse_descr} Steppe Horde Horsemen are highly skilled, lightly-armoured horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle.\n\nAlmost as a matter of course anyone from the steppes learns to ride as soon as they can walk (or before), and to use a bow shortly afterwards. Not to do so is to invite death or enslavement by others, or simply to go hungry.\n\nTheir equipment is similar to many other steppe horsemen, and cunningly designed so as to work perfectly. They use composite bows laminated from wood, sinew and horn to give tremendous power without needing a large bow or long pull.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {steppe_horde_horse_descr_short} Steppe Horde Horsemen are highly skilled, lightly armoured, horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle.This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {hun_horde_horse} Hun Horde Horsemen {hun_horde_horse_descr} Hun Horde Horsemen are highly skilled, lightly-armoured horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle.\n\nAlmost as a matter of course anyone from the steppes learns to ride as soon as they can walk (or before), and to use a bow shortly afterwards. Not to do so is to invite death or enslavement by others, or simply to go hungry.\n\nTheir equipment is similar to many other steppe horsemen, and cunningly designed so as to work perfectly. They use composite bows laminated from wood, sinew and horn to give tremendous power without needing a large bow or long pull.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {hun_horde_horse_descr_short} Hun Horde Horsemen are highly skilled, lightly armoured, horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle.This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {steppe_swordsmen_hun} Steppe Swordsmen {steppe_swordsmen_hun_descr} Steppe Swordsmen fight on foot with swords, shields and some armour protection. They are not quite heavy infantry, but are certainly too well armed to be considered light troops.\n\nWhile any sensible Hun from the steppes prefers to be on a horse there are occasions in battle when an infantryman has more utility than a cavalryman. These swordsmen are a recognition of this fact, and can fight well under most circumstances. They are certainly hardy enough to form a battle line, but they are best deployed against spearmen and similar 'unhandy' infantry. Against the heavy infantry of, for instance, the Saxons, these men will suffer excess casualties. {steppe_swordsmen_hun_descr_short} Steppe Swordsmen fight on foot with swords, shields and some armour protection. They are not quite heavy infantry, but are certainly too well armed to be considered light troops. ¬---------------- {steppe_swordsmen_vandal} Steppe Swordsmen {steppe_swordsmen_vandal_descr} Steppe Swordsmen fight on foot with swords, shields and some armour protection. They are not quite heavy infantry, but are certainly too well armed to be considered light troops.\n\nWhile any sensible steppe warrior prefers to be on a horse there are occasions in battle when an infantryman has more utility than a cavalryman. These swordsmen are a recognition of this fact, and can fight well under most circumstances. They are certainly hardy enough to form a battle line, but they are best deployed against spearmen and similar 'unhandy' infantry. Against the heavy infantry of, for instance, the Saxons, these men will suffer excess casualties. {steppe_swordsmen_vandal_descr_short} Steppe Swordsmen fight on foot with swords, shields and some armour protection. They are not quite heavy infantry, but are certainly too well armed to be considered light troops. ¬---------------- {bosphoran_infantry} Bosphoran Infantry {bosphoran_infantry_descr} Bosphoran Infantry are capable of acting as spearmen or going toe-to-toe with other infantry, making them a flexible addition to any battle line.\n\nOften little better than bandits in their homelands, Bosphorans are canny fighters and valued for the flexibility and infantry combat power that they bring to Sarmatian armies. They are good all-round troops, allowing the Sarmatians to concentrate on their own strengths as horsemen.\n\nBosphorans wear good quality scale armour, as might be expected for men found in Sarmatian employ, and carry a good selection of weapons into battle. {bosphoran_infantry_descr_short} Bosphoran Infantry are capable of acting as spearmen or going toe-to-toe with other infantry, making them a flexible addition to any battle line. ¬---------------- {gothic_warriors} Gothic Warriors {gothic_warriors_descr} Gothic Warriors are good, steady hand-to-hand fighters who suffer from the common 'barbarian' trait of being a little too eager for combat. What they lack in discipline they make up for in killing power and raw courage!\n\nEvery Goth warlord will value some of these men in his army, as they are unwilling to shame themselves before their comrades by running from battle. These warriors are proud men, and pride sometimes makes them overly-keen to get to grips with an enemy. Expense is never stinted when giving these men their war gear. They are expected to stand in line of battle, and never waver, and thus need practical protection. {gothic_warriors_descr_short} Gothic Warriors are good, steady hand-to-hand fighters who suffer from the common 'barbarian' trait of being a little too eager for combat. What they lack in discipline they make up for in killing power and raw courage! ¬---------------- {steppe_raiders} Steppe Raiders {steppe_raiders_descr} Steppe Raiders are expert archers armed with compound bows. Their skills mean that few enemies within arrow shot are safe!\n\nThese men are also capable of fighting hand-to-hand when necessary and giving a good account of themselves, but they are not as strong or as capable as regular foot warriors. Instead, they should be seen as good all-round fighters and in this capacity they can be a very useful tool for any warlord.\n\nTheir compound bows are powerful weapons, and ideally suited to the cold, mostly dry conditions of the steppes. They are not suited to wet conditions as the glue used to make them tends to weaken disastrously when damp! {steppe_raiders_descr_short} Steppe Raiders are expert archers armed with compound bows. Their skills mean that few enemies within arrow shot are safe! ¬---------------- {goth_raiders} Goth Raiders {goth_raiders_descr} Goth Raiders are expert archers. Few enemies within arrow shot are safe! They can also fight hand-to-hand when they must, making them a double threat to enemies.\n\nThe Goths would like to be seen as a peaceable, farming people but this is disingenuous. They would not have survived as a tribal unit if they weren't good fighters. The raiders, drawn from the Goths of the woods and forests, may not look impressive - or particularly clean - but this doesn't detract from their utility in battle. They should be seen as good all-round fighters, and as a result are a useful force for any warlord to lead. When they aren't shooting enemies, they can cut a few throats! {goth_raiders_descr_short} Goth Raiders are expert archers. Few enemies within arrow shot are safe! They can also fight hand-to-hand when they must, making them a double threat to enemies. ¬---------------- {steppe_heavy_spearmen_hun} Steppe Heavy Spearmen {steppe_heavy_spearmen_hun_descr} On the steppes cavalry may be king, but Steppe Heavy Spearmen are the regicides! These men should be the backbone of any infantry force that hopes to live while fighting on the plains.\n\nWith their stout spears and heavy shields these men are well equipped to fight against horsemen. Their armour also gives them a chance when fighting hand-to-hand or under attack from missile troops. Their status in the army, however, is not usually among the highest; the peoples of the steppe value horses and horsemen, not the poor man stuck in the mud with a spear! Often spearmen are recruited from the lesser, conquered peoples that the tribes have overrun in the past.\n\nClever commanders, however, recognise the need for balanced forces, and use these men to anchor their battle line on the defensive and to take and hold ground on the attack. {steppe_heavy_spearmen_hun_descr_short} On the steppes cavalry may be king, but Steppe Heavy Spearmen are the regicides! These men should be the backbone of any infantry force that hopes to live while fighting on the plains. ¬---------------- {steppe_heavy_spearmen_vandal} Steppe Heavy Spearmen {steppe_heavy_spearmen_vandal_descr} On the steppes cavalry may be king, but Steppe Heavy Spearmen are the potential regicides! These men should be the backbone of any infantry force that hopes to live while fighting on the plains.\n\nWith their stout spears and heavy shields these men are well equipped to fight against horsemen. Their armour also gives them a chance when fighting hand-to-hand or under attack from missile troops. Their status in the army, however, is not usually among the highest; the peoples of the steppe value horses and horsemen, not the poor man stuck in the mud with a spear! Often spearmen are recruited from the lesser, conquered peoples that the tribes have overrun in the past.\n\nClever commanders, however, recognise the need for balanced forces, and use these men to anchor their battle line on the defensive and to take and hold ground on the attack. {steppe_heavy_spearmen_vandal_descr_short} On the steppes cavalry may be king, but Steppe Heavy Spearmen are the regicides! These men should be the backbone of any infantry force that hopes to live while fighting on the plains. ¬---------------- {sarmatian_armoured_archers} Sarmatian Armoured Archers {sarmatian_armoured_archers_descr} Sarmatian Armoured Archers are steppe warriors, with all that implies about their skills as horsemen and archers! Their armour is heavy by the standards of other horse tribes.\n\nThe Sarmatians are an Iranian-speaking people who have dominated the southern steppes for centuries, a loose coalition of smaller tribes including the Scythians and Roxolani. Like most steppe peoples they use the compound bow in warfare, a weapon that is ideally suited to horse archers having a short but very powerful pull.\n\nTheir armour is often beautifully made from many plates of iron, bone and horn, sewn together with horse sinews and, perhaps thanks to Scythian influences, they are enormously fond of gold decorative touches. For all the beauty and strangeness of their armour, they are still a steppe warrior people, and dangerous foes! {sarmatian_armoured_archers_descr_short} Sarmatian Armoured Archers are steppe warriors, with all that implies about their skills as horsemen and archers! Their armour is heavy by the standards of other horse tribes. ¬---------------- {sarmatian_noble_cavalry} Sarmatian Noble Cavalry {sarmatian_noble_cavalry_descr} Sarmatian Noble Cavalry are an elite caste within their warrior tribes. As horsemen they have few equals; as heavy cavalry they are used to batter lesser enemies into submission.\n\nThe status of nobles in many horse cultures depends as much on being brave, unflinching and merciless as on birth. From the moment they can walk, nobility - the 'argaragantes' - are trained to fight and ride, skills that are vital on the steppes. The Sarmatians are master horsemen, and usually heavily armoured in suits made from many plates of iron, bone and horn, sewn together with horse sinews. In some cases Sarmatian armour was constructed from polished mares' hooves, cunningly fashioned to resemble the scales of dragons. Even horses could be armoured in this kind of style. This gave Sarmatians a particularly frightening aspect to many enemies. {sarmatian_noble_cavalry_descr_short} Sarmatian Noble Cavalry are an elite caste within their warrior tribes. As horsemen they have few equals; as heavy cavalry they are used to batter lesser enemies into submission. ¬---------------- {alan_noble_cavalry} Alan Noble Cavalry {alan_noble_cavalry_descr} Alan Noble Cavalry are among the heavyweights of the steppes: men who are trained to charge home into foes, breaking them through speed and shock. That said, they should not be thrown away in futile charges against spearmen.\n\nAlthough the Alans have been conquered by other steppe peoples, they have still managed to maintain their own tribal identity. They are master horsemen and formidable fighters, and this alone has made their conquerors co-opt them rather than put them all to the sword. These men are not a resource to be lightly cast aside.\n\nThe Alans have even been known to use the heads and flayed skins of their enemies as decorations for their horses, making them a macabre and terrifying spectacle. Their reputation for doing this makes them fearsome adversaries. {alan_noble_cavalry_descr_short} Alan Noble Cavalry are among the heavyweights of the steppes: men who are trained to charge home into foes, breaking them through speed and shock. That said, they should not be thrown away in futile charges against spearmen. ¬---------------- {steppe_lancers} Steppe Lancers {steppe_lancers_descr} Steppe Lancers are cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. They are vulnerable if used against spear-armed infantry.\n\nThe cavalry spear is a weapon that puts all the speed and weight of a man, his armour, and his horse into a single very sharp point. Given the long reach of a spear, this is a very dangerous weapon: a man-sized target can be run through regardless of how much armour he is wearing. However, once a rider has struck home with his spear, he is then vulnerable to counter attacks from any distance closer than the point. A cavalry charge with spears is an immediate event. If enemies are not killed outright, the best tactic for lancers is to break off, reform and attempt another charge. Staying to fight is an excellent way of dying! {steppe_lancers_descr_short} Steppe Lancers are cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. They are vulnerable if used against spear-armed infantry. ¬---------------- {steppe_nobles} Steppe Nobles {steppe_nobles_descr} Steppe Nobles are heavily armed and armoured warriors who are expected to charge into enemies and hack them to pieces.\n\nUnlike lancers, these men do not charge home, instead they cut their way through enemies with their swords. Once committed to a fight they triumph or die in the attempt! Like many nobles, they owe their status to birth and bravery in equal measure. Cowardice or slacking in the face of an enemy would be enough to wipe away any pretence of nobility.\n\nThese men are best used to cut down enemies who are already weakened. They can be used against other cavalry, but are probably too heavy to make an effective screen against light cavalry or catch horse archers. {steppe_nobles_descr_short} Steppe Nobles are heavily armed and armoured warriors who are expected to charge into enemies and hack them to pieces. ¬---------------- {tribal_cavalry} Tribal Cavalry {tribal_cavalry_descr} Tribal Cavalry are recruited from among the client tribes of the Huns. While they are not Huns, they are still horsemen from the steppes, and quite lethal in their own fashion!\n\nThese lesser people face a simple choice: die instantly beneath the blades and swords of the Huns, or agree to serve and fight for them. The wise choose to serve, and many steppe peoples can now be found as tribal cavalry. They are not as skilled or as disiciplined in war as the Huns, but they should not be mistaken for weaklings. A steppe horse-warrior is still a formidable fighting man, no matter whose banner he rides beneath! {tribal_cavalry_descr_short} Tribal Cavalry are recruited from among the client tribes of the Huns. While they are not Huns, they are still horsemen from the steppes, and quite lethal in their own fashion! ¬---------------- {steppe_horse_archers} Steppe Horse Archers {steppe_horse_archers_descr} Steppe Horse Archers are highly skilled, lightly-armoured horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle.\n\nAlmost as a matter of course anyone from the steppes learns to ride as soon as they can walk (or before), and to use a bow shortly afterwards. Not to do so is to invite death or enslavement by others, or simply to go hungry.\n\nTheir equipment is similar to many other steppe horsemen, and cunningly designed so as to work perfectly. They use composite bows laminated from wood, sinew and horn to give tremendous power without needing a large bow or long pull. {steppe_horse_archers_descr_short} Steppe Horse Archers are highly skilled, lightly armoured, horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle. ¬---------------- {mounted_arian_priests} Mounted Arian Priests {mounted_arian_priests_descr} Priests inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for war, although these men are mounted to keep up with the warriors of their people.\n\nChristianity is a new faith spreading from the East but it is still very much in its infancy. It has, however, already split up into sects and competing dogmas. The sect that has had most appeal to non-Romans is Arianism, a set of teachings that proposes that Christ is not part of God or the Trinity, but created by God and therefore not eternal, something that is regarded as heretical by the 'official' Churches of the Roman world. Despite the arcane arguments of theologians, there is much that is appealing to ordinary soldiers in the promise of personal salvation and a place in the afterlife, and priests are now an established part of many armies.\n\nAlthough they profess a pacifistic religion, the followers of Christ have had to adopt a more muscular attitude to warfare, particularly against pagans. A doctrine of 'just war' has started to emerge from the Church's more advanced scholars, but this does not extend to priests themselves getting involved in combat except in self defence. These men are expected to encourage, not set an example. {mounted_arian_priests_descr_short} Priests inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for war, although these men are mounted to keep up with the warriors of their people. ¬---------------- {hunnic_warlords} Warlord {hunnic_warlords_descr} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision.\n\nGiven that he owes his authority to personal bravery as much as any tribal position, a warlord has to be willing to risk his own life in personal combat and stake the outcome of a battle on his own skills as a fighter as much as his grasp of command. A wise leader, therefore, makes sure that he has the best chance possible of coming through a fight alive so that he can inspire his men by example as well as by his mere presence. Politics and warfare mean that he must not just triumph, he must do so publicly and in brave style. {hunnic_warlords_descr_short} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision. ¬---------------- {sarmatian_warlords} Warlord {sarmatian_warlords_descr} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision.\n\nGiven that he owes his authority to personal bravery as much as any tribal position, a warlord has to be willing to risk his own life in personal combat and stake the outcome of a battle on his own skills as a fighter as much as his grasp of command. A wise leader, therefore, makes sure that he has the best chance possible of coming through a fight alive so that he can inspire his men by example as well as by his mere presence. Politics and warfare mean that he must not just triumph, he must do so publicly and in brave style. {sarmatian_warlords_descr_short} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision. ¬---------------- {steppe_warlords} Warlord {steppe_warlords_descr} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision.\n\nGiven that he owes his authority to personal bravery as much as any tribal position, a warlord has to be willing to risk his own life in personal combat and stake the outcome of a battle on his own skills as a fighter as much as his grasp of command. A wise leader, therefore, makes sure that he has the best chance possible of coming through a fight alive so that he can inspire his men by example as well as by his mere presence. Politics and warfare mean that he must not just triumph, he must do so publicly and in brave style. {steppe_warlords_descr_short} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision. ¬---------------- {goth_warlords} Warlord {goth_warlords_descr} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision.\n\nGiven that he owes his authority to personal bravery as much as any tribal position, a warlord has to be willing to risk his own life in personal combat and stake the outcome of a battle on his own skills as a fighter as much as his grasp of command. A wise leader, therefore, makes sure that he has the best chance possible of coming through a fight alive so that he can inspire his men by example as well as by his mere presence. Politics and warfare mean that he must not just triumph, he must do so publicly and in brave style. {goth_warlords_descr_short} A warlord leads a personal guard of able and fierce warriors. These men are his elite, ready to be thrown into the fight at the moment of decision. ¬---------------- {sassanid_peasant} Peasants {sassanid_peasant_descr} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and the ability to follow orders from your betters, even on the battlefield.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle and driving peasants off their lands is the quickest and cheapest way of raising a large army. Although peasants are strong, they may also be stubborn and not that keen to fight, something that a wise general bears in mind. While a warrior is trained to battle, these men are trained to the plough and they will run if given a chance. That said, they can fight after a fashion and may do enough damage to make it worthwhile to drag them from the fields and put spears in their hands! {sassanid_peasant_descr_short} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and the ability to follow orders from your betters, even on the battlefield. ¬---------------- {levy_spearmen_sassanid} Levy Spearmen {levy_spearmen_sassanid_descr} Levy Spearmen are raised from the poorest in society: at best, they are men taken into the army in lieu of paying their taxes. They are given a spear, some rudimentary training, and told to obey!\n\nThey are reasonably capable enough on defence, but shouldn't be relied upon to fight for long against professional heavy infantry. Levies are useful for keeping cavalrymen in check - indeed, this is their main use.\n\nBeing low-status individuals - almost with the status of state slaves - and relatively expendable, levy spearmen are the last to receive equipment. Other than a spear, most are lucky to be given a cloth-covered wicker shield. This is good enough to make a man feel safe, but rarely enough to stop a good sword swing! {levy_spearmen_sassanid_descr_short} Levy Spearmen are raised from the poorest in society: men taken into the army in lieu of paying their taxes. They are given a spear, some rudimentary training, and told to hope for the best! ¬---------------- {mountain_slinger} Mountain Slingers {mountain_slinger_descr} Slingers are highly skilled troops who can bombard enemies with a hail of cruel and effective missiles. They are at risk facing light cavalry units who can ride them down.\n\nA sling is one of the simplest and oldest weapons in the world, but one of the hardest to use well. Any small object can become a deadly missile for a slinger, but most are given a bag of cast lead bullets (around 25 grammes in weight or so) which fly more reliably than stones picked up on the battlefield. Sling bullets might seem harmless, but when hurled at speed and with accuracy they can bring down the strongest man, or even a horse: a skull will crack when a slinger hits home!\n\nThese tough mountain men have usually relied on their skills to put meat on the table all their lives. They are also capable of defending themselves, when they must, in hand-to-hand combat. {mountain_slinger_descr_short} Slingers are highly skilled troops who can bombard enemies with a hail of cruel and effective missiles. They are at risk facing light cavalry units who can ride them down. ¬---------------- {kurdish_javelinmen} Kurdish Javelinmen {kurdish_javelinmen_descr} Kurdish Javelinmen are fleet-footed, tough skirmishers recruited from the harsh hill regions of the Sassanid Empire.\n\nThey are recruited from among the independent Kurds, a people who have a long tradition of irregular warfare, as they do not accept foreign overlords easily. They are best employed to harrass enemies and thin their ranks with missile volleys before the main battle is joined. They are capable of fighting hand-to-hand, but this is not their strength and against anyone other than other skirmishers they will suffer disproportionate casualties.\n\nThey carry little war gear other than their weapons, giving them their speed over rough terrain. {kurdish_javelinmen_descr_short} Kurdish Javelinmen are fleet-footed, tough skirmishers recruited from the harsh hill regions of the Sassanid Empire. ¬---------------- {desert_archers_sassanid} Desert Archers {desert_archers_sassanid_descr} These hardy desert folk make excellent bowmen, as they cannot afford to waste a single shot when hunting.\n\nThey are tough men as a result of their harsh lives in the unforgiving sands and rocks of the desert. A punishing march across a trackless waste is the story of their everyday existence, so much so that going to war can seem like a pleasant diversion by comparison. At least when at war they have the chance to taste the good life, enjoy some of the comforts of civilization, and grow wealthy on plunder! {desert_archers_sassanid_descr_short} These hardy desert folk make excellent bowmen, as they cannot afford to waste a single shot when hunting. ¬---------------- {sughdian_warriors} Sughdian Warriors {sughdian_warriors_descr} Sughdian Warriors are the finest infantry available to the Sassanid Empire. Tough, well disciplined, heavily armed and armoured, they are a match for most other civilized soldiers.\n\nTraditionally, eastern armies have always produced weak infantry types, men who are often little better - and no more willing - than military slaves. Sughdians, on the other hand, are a professional corps of fighters who can be expected to stand in a battle line and behave with great courage. Their equipment is lavish by the standards of previous times, and their armour is cleverly padded to give some relief under the hot sun. Sughdians should be seen as being the equals in many ways of the best of the Roman legions, and their superiors in some respects too! {sughdian_warriors_descr_short} Sughdian Warriors are the finest infantry available to the Sassanid Empire. Tough, well disciplined, heavily armed and armoured, they are a match for most other civilized soldiers. ¬---------------- {cataphracts} Cataphracts {cataphracts_descr} Cataphracts are super-heavy cavalry, with both man and horse armoured from head to toe. Few can withstand their ponderous lance charge!\n\nEastern peoples have long used heavily armoured - in this case completely armoured - horsemen in battle. Before the Sassanid dynasty took control, the Parthians had perfected these 'iron warriors' as their supreme battle-winning force.\n\nCataphracts are not the answer to every tactical problem. They are superb for breaking enemy formations, but they cannot be used for more 'traditional' cavalry duties such as pursuit and screening. They are an iron fist inside a spiked iron glove, ready to deliver their commander's punch to the enemies' collective throat! {cataphracts_descr_short} Cataphracts are super-heavy cavalry, with both man and horse armoured from head to toe. Few can withstand their ponderous lance charge! ¬---------------- {armoured_camel_riders} Armoured Camel Riders {armoured_camel_riders_descr} Armoured Camel Riders are tough warriors who can replace cavalry in desert conditions. They are effective thanks to the fear caused in horses by camels.\n\nThey are not the most powerful cavalry in the world, but as horses usually cannot stand the smell of camels this rarely matters in cavalry fights. Equipped with spears and large shields, they are not at their best in a protracted melee, but can be surprisingly effective when breaking up enemy formations - especially light cavalry. Recruited from among the desert tribesmen, these men are a specific answer to the problem of fielding cavalry along wild and waterless frontiers. {armoured_camel_riders_descr_short} Armoured Camel Riders are tough warriors who can replace cavalry in desert conditions. They are effective thanks to the fear caused in horses by camels. ¬---------------- {nomad_archer_cavalry} Nomad Archer Cavalry {nomad_archer_cavalry_descr} Nomad Archer Cavalry are highly skilled, lightly armoured, horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle.\n\nAlmost as a matter of course anyone from the borderlands learns to ride as soon as they can walk and to use a bow shortly afterwards. Not to do so is to invite death or enslavement by others.\n\nNomad equipment is similar to many other steppe horsemen, and they use composite bows cunningly laminated from wood, sinew and horn to give tremendous power without needing a large bow or long pull. {nomad_archer_cavalry_descr_short} Nomad Archer Cavalry are highly skilled, lightly armoured, horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle. ¬---------------- {elephants} Elephants {elephants_descr} War elephants are a rarity in war these days, but still terrible opponents to face. They can trample men and horses, and intimidate many just by their appearance on the battlefield.\n\nSome three metres tall at the shoulder, these animals are trained only to a limited degree. They cannot be relied upon to always do what they are told, and are known to run wild in battle, crushing friends and foe alike. For this reason each elephant driver is given a spike (to drive into the base of the elephant's skull) and mallet, so that he can kill his mount if necessary.\n\nAssuming that the elephants don't run amok, they are a valuable addition to the shock element of any army. They can also be used to batter down gates and wooden defences too. {elephants_descr_short} War elephants are a rarity in war these days, but still terrible opponents to face. They can trample men and horses, and intimidate many just by their appearance on the battlefield. ¬---------------- {sassanid_onagers} Onagers {sassanid_onagers_descr} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They are, however, rather slow moving and difficult to target accurately.\n\nThey are named after the wild ass of the same name, a beast reputed to be stubborn, dangerous and with a tremendous kick. All three qualities can be true of the weapon as well.\n\nEach onager is powered by a thick, twisted rope of animal sinew, the strongest and most elastic substance available to military engineers. A single throwing arm is pushed vertically through the sinew and then pulled back and held. Once loaded, the catch is released and the arm flies forwards flinging the rock payload at the enemy as it slaps into a crossbar. The tremendous energy of the release, however, makes the whole machine judder and kick, hence the name.\n\nThey can be used to target slow-moving units, but they are particularly effective when suppressing enemy artillery or when used against fortifications and buildings. {sassanid_onagers_descr_short} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They are, however, rather slow moving and difficult to target accurately. ¬---------------- {sassanid_ballistae} Ballistae {sassanid_ballistae_descr} Ballistae are sinew-powered weapons that can hurl spear-like bolts with considerable accuracy. These are easily capable of passing straight through a target and skewering another man too.\n\nAlthough a ballista might look like an oversized crossbow its working principles are quite different. The two arms of the ballista are threaded through two ropes made from animal sinew, a naturally elastic material. When these sinews are twisted into ropes they act as enormous springs, so pulling back the arms works against this tension. When a ballista is cocked there is a huge amount of energy (literally) tied into the sinew ropes, and this is used to fire the bolt. Care has to be taken by the crew to make sure the two springs are equally tensioned otherwise the ballista itself will snap, probably killing anyone standing nearby.\n\nThe strength given by the sinew is also the ballista's most important weakness: the sinews do not hold their tension if they get wet, so a ballista will not work to full effect in any kind of damp or wet weather. This is rarely a problem in the dry heartlands of the Sassanid Empire. {sassanid_ballistae_descr_short} Ballistae are sinew-powered weapons that can hurl spear-like bolts with considerable accuracy. These are easily capable of passing straight through a target and skewering another man too. ¬---------------- {clibinarii_immortals} Clibinarii Immortals {clibinarii_immortals_descr} A Sassanid general has a personal guard of able and fierce Clibinarii Immortals. These 'iron horsemen' are an elite to be used at the moment of crisis.\n\nThese 'immortals' are well trained, better armoured than almost every other soldier in the world, and brutally effective! Few other men can hope to stand against an attack by these super-heavy cavalry. The only thing that they have to fear - and this is true of all cavalrymen - is a unit of stalwart spearmen. Even a fully armoured horse will hesitate when faced with gleaming spearpoints.\n\nThese men are best used as a mobile 'hammer' to smash slow or static enemy units. They are not suited to pursuing fleeing enemies or driving off skirmishers. {clibinarii_immortals_descr_short} A Sassanid general has a personal guard of able and fierce Clibinarii Immortals. These 'iron horsemen' are an elite to be used at the moment of crisis. ¬---------------- {western_peasant} Peasants {western_peasant_descr} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does produce strong, obedient men. They are armed only with whatever weapons can be spared.\n\nLife as a peasant has always been hard within the Empire, but over the last few generations the poor have had the worst deal of all. The markets seem to have failed them; money has lost much of its worth, and even the comforting gods of crops and fields have been taken from them by the State. Added to this are new laws that tie them to the land so that they can be taxed 'properly'.\n\nStill, a life of drudgery does give a man strength, although being impressed into the army means a life of drudgery dotted with moments of pure terror. Peasants can fight when they must but they are reluctant soldiers. It will be obvious to any general that they would be happier with shovels in their hands rather than spears! {western_peasant_descr_short} Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does produce strong, obedient men. They are armed only with whatever weapons can be spared. ¬---------------- {eastern_archer} Eastern Archers {eastern_archer_descr} Centuries of warfare have taught the Roman army the value of archers. These men wear good armour to give them some protection in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nThe style of the Eastern Empire's archers is closely modelled on the enemies that Rome has faced from the East over the centuries including the Parthians and Sassanids. Most Eastern peoples use the compound bow, a powerful weapon that is constructed by laminating wood, horn and animal sinew, and this weapon has been copied in the Eastern half of the Empire. This bow is very powerful for its size but, thanks to the animal glues used, not one that is easy to maintain or that works well in damp conditions. For the most part this doesn't matter in the dry conditions that dominate the eastern half of the Roman world.\n\nExperience has taught Roman generals to value these troops, and their armour is a reflection of their usefulness and status. It's worth keeping them alive in battle for the firepower that they contribute to the army. {eastern_archer_descr_short} Centuries of warfare have taught the Roman army the value of archers. These men wear good armour to give them some protection in hand-to-hand combat. ¬---------------- {limitanei} Limitanei {limitanei_descr} Limitanei are the frontier or garrison troops of the late Roman Empire. It is their task to watch the borders and slow down enemy forces so that stronger, mobile armies can be deployed.\n\nThe Limitanei owe their existence to the military reforms of Constantine the Great. He divided the army into two types of troops: frontier garrisons, who were to slow down attackers, and a mobile field army to meet and defeat the enemy. He was criticised for this, as the limitanei - the soldiers on the 'limes' (pronounced LEE-mays) or frontier posts - were supposedly second class. Over time, however, the Limitanei settled down at their posts and became soldier-settlers with families and farms, rather than purely garrison troops.\n\nAlthough a militia of sorts and treated as second class by the mobile comitatenses, the limitanei are fairly well equipped and have good chainmail, helmets, spears and large shields when they fight. {limitanei_descr_short} Limitanei are the frontier or garrison troops of the late Roman Empire. It is their task to watch the borders and slow down enemy forces so that stronger, mobile armies can be deployed. ¬---------------- {legio_lanciarii} Legio Lanciarii {legio_lanciarii_descr} Legio Lanciarii are spear-armed legionaries, a force with some of the elite status of imperial guards. As well as spears they also carry javelins, making them a handy force for any Roman commander.\n\nHistorically, the 'Lanciarii' units seem to have been light infantry integral to the legions but, over time, these men were separated into larger detachments. Some then lost their original purpose, but kept the name of 'lanciarii', in much the same way that modern armies have kept fusileers, grenadiers, rangers and jagers, even though they are all infantrymen of one kind or another. The lanciarii do seem to have had an elite quality to them that made them distinctive elements of the field armies, and also seem to have been part of the (extended) imperial guard after the dissolution of the Praetorians. {legio_lanciarii_descr_short} Legio Lanciarii are spear-armed legionaries, a force with some of the elite status of imperial guards. As well as spears they also carry javelins, making them a handy force for any Roman commander. ¬---------------- {comitatenses} Comitatenses {comitatenses_descr} Comitatenses are the mobile field forces of the late Roman Empire. It is their task to meet enemies in the field, not to be garrisons on the frontier.\n\nThe comitatenses owe their existence to the military reforms of Constantine the Great. He divided the army into two types of troops: the other half of the system were the limitanei, or frontier troops. Originally, the comitatenses were regarded as an elite force personally associated with the Emperor, but the needs of Imperial defence soon meant that they were detached as regional field armies across the Roman world. Enemies would be allowed to penetrate the 'limes' (pronounced LEE-mays) or frontier line while being delayed by the limitanei, and then be destroyed in detail by the comitatenses.\n\nCommanded by 'comites' (the origin of the French aristocratic title 'Comte' and therefore 'Count'), these were well equipped and professional soldiers, even if not quite the equals of Caesar's legions. {comitatenses_descr_short} Comitatenses are the mobile field forces of the late Roman Empire. It is their task to meet enemies in the field, not to be garrisons on the frontier. ¬---------------- {comitatenses_first_cohort} Comitatenses First Cohort {comitatenses_first_cohort_descr} Comitatenses are the mobile field forces of the late Roman Empire. It is their task to meet enemies in the field, not to be garrisons on the frontier. These particular comitatenses - an elite of their kind - have been entrusted with a legionary standard. \n\nThe comitatenses owe their existence to the military reforms of Constantine the Great. He divided the army into two types of troops: the other half of the system were the limitanei, or frontier troops. Originally, the comitatenses were regarded as an elite force personally associated with the Emperor, but the needs of Imperial defence soon meant that they were detached as regional field armies across the Roman world. Enemies would be allowed to penetrate the 'limes' (pronounced LEE-mays) or frontier line while being delayed by the limitanei, and then be destroyed in detail by the comitatenses.\n\nCommanded by 'comites' (the origin of the French aristocratic title 'Comte' and therefore 'Count'), these were well equipped and professional soldiers, even if not quite the equals of Caesar's legions. {comitatenses_first_cohort_descr_short} Comitatenses are the mobile field forces of the late Roman Empire. It is their task to meet enemies in the field, not to be garrisons on the frontier. These men are entrusted with a legionary standard. ¬---------------- {foederati_infantry} Foederati Infantry {foederati_infantry_descr} Foederati Infantry are barbarian spearmen in Roman service, commanded by Roman officers. The combination of hardy barbarians with a little Roman discipline makes them effective fighters.\n\nThe Foederati were originally raised to deal with the problem of too few Romans being willing to serve in the armies of the Empire. Often Germans when the units were first raised, the Foederati were usually promised lands within Roman territory in exchange for their services to the Empire. As Imperial authority weakened, barbarians were able to move into Roman provinces, often under pressure from other tribes who were in turn being forced westwards and southwards by the encroaching steppe peoples.\n\nAs Foederati Infantry these barbarian warriors are the equivalent of the auxiliaries of earlier centuries. They are not heavily armoured infantry, but can be relied upon to give a good account of themselves in battle. {foederati_infantry_descr_short} Foederati Infantry are barbarian spearmen in Roman service, commanded by Roman officers. The combination of hardy barbarians with a little Roman discipline makes them effective fighters. ¬---------------- {auxilia_palatinii} Auxilia Palatina {auxilia_palatinii_descr} The Auxulia Palatina are heavy infantrymen, armed and equipped much as other late Roman soldiers. Their status as palace guards makes them something of an elite within the field armies of Rome.\n\nThe auxilia are not the same as the troops of the same name from before the military reforms of Constantine the Great and Diocletian. The Praetorian Guard was eventually disbanded, thanks to its habit of regularly murdering Emperors, and new forces were created to guard the palaces and persons of the royal family. The 'Auxilia of the Palatine Hill' is made up of well trained provincial Romans, with about one in five being non-Roman 'barbarians'. While they are a 'court guard' they are also a practical force that is expected to go on campaign, not stand around looking good in over-polished armour! They can be relied on to fight hard in most circumstances. {auxilia_palatinii_descr_short} The Auxulia Palatina are heavy infantrymen, armed and equipped much as other late Roman soldiers. Their status as palace guards makes them something of an elite within the field armies of Rome. ¬---------------- {equites_clibinarii} Equites Clibinarii {equites_clibinarii_descr} The Equites Clibinarii are the heaviest cavalry available to any Roman general. They are intended to batter enemy lines into submission.\n\nIf anything the clibinarii wear even more armour than catafractarii, the other heavy cavalry of the later Roman army. Not only the men but also the horses wear beautifully fitted scale and mail armour that can protect against most melee attacks and many missile weapons. This type of armoured cavalry force is a late development for the Empire, a practical response to many decades of warfare in the East against assorted Persian dynasties. Having faced such troops, Roman generals could see their worth!\n\nClibinarii are too slow moving to be used as anything other than a massively powerful hammer against an enemy battle line. They are armed for melee, not for the charge. This is not to say that they can be thrown into combat without care: any horse will die when skewered by a spearpoint. {equites_clibinarii_descr_short} The Equites Clibinarii are the heaviest cavalry available to any Roman general. They are intended to batter enemy lines into submission. They are armed for melee, not for the charge. ¬---------------- {equites_catafractarii} Equites Catafractarii {equites_catafractarii_descr} The 'iron horsemen' of the Equites Catafractarii are armoured from head to toe as are their horses. While relatively slow for cavalry, they are an almost-unstoppable force when they charge!\n\nThe fashion for heavily - in this case extremely heavily - armoured horsemen is one that the Roman state seems to have adopted as a result of its Eastern campaigns against the Parthian and the Sassanid Empires. Traditionally Roman cavalry was neither heavily armoured nor all that effective, but the catafractarii are both, particularly as a striking force against an ordered battle line. They are too slow to be used effectively against skirmishers or in pursuit, but they can be a hammer blow to enemy infantry!\n\nFew soldiers in the world are as well armoured as the equites catafractarii, but it is worth remembering that they are not invulnerable. {equites_catafractarii_descr_short} The 'iron horsemen' of the Equites Catafractarii are armoured from head to toe as are their horses. While relatively slow for cavalry, they are an almost-unstoppable force when they charge! ¬---------------- {scholae_palatinae} Scholae Palatinae {scholae_palatinae_descr} The Scholae Palatinae are the emperor's palace guards, a cavalry elite within the Roman army.\n\nThe military reforms carried out by Constantine the Great included formalising the comitatenses (field army) and limitanei (border troops), both types developed from the old legions. The Praetorian Guards, however, did not survive the reforms. They had become a threat to every Emperor with their constant conspiracies and loyalty only to themselves. As a result, the defences of the palaces were put in the hands of a new guard, one that was much more closely monitored for political - as well as military - reliabilty. The result is the scholae palatinae, a well trained, well equipped and undoubtedly elite force of Roman cavalry, something of a change for an army previously best known for its infantrymen. {scholae_palatinae_descr_short} The Scholae Palatinae are the emperor's palace guards, a cavalry elite within the Roman army. ¬---------------- {sarmatian_auxilia} Sarmatian Auxilia {sarmatian_auxilia_descr} Sarmatian Auxilia are armoured horsemen recruited to serve in the Roman army. They are superior horsemen, and provide much needed shock cavalry for Roman commanders.\n\nGiven the skills and savage determination that Sarmatians show in battle, it is unsurprising to find them used in Roman forces. They may be provided with Roman officers, but these men are often not quite tough enough to keep up with the Sarmatians they are supposed to be leading! Sarmatian Auxilia fight in their traditional style, and are equipped in a Roman 'interpretation' of their native armour.\n\nHistorically, Sarmatians were sent to many parts of the Empire as their reputation alone was useful for quelling intimidating enemies, both foreign and domestic. A large contingent, for example, were dispatched to Britannia before the province was left to fend for itself in 410 AD. Many of the Sarmatians appear to have stayed on. {sarmatian_auxilia_descr_short} Sarmatian Auxilia are armoured horsemen recruited to serve in the Roman army. They are superior horsemen, and provide much needed shock cavalry for Roman commanders. ¬---------------- {equites_auxilia} Equites Auxilia {equites_auxilia_descr} Equites Auxilia are light cavalrymen, used as a screening force for the infantry of the Roman army and in scouting duties.\n\nThe auxilia units in the Roman army were reorganised during the reforms carried out by Constantine and Diocletian over the previous century. Units were made smaller and 'handier', and mixed auxilia forces of infantry and cavalry were abandoned completely. They are not particularly heavily armoured and are not expected to do more than drive off light and missile troops in battle - they would certainly suffer against heavy cavalry forces or spearmen, for example. That said, the equites auxilia are more suited to fighting alongside the field armies of the comitatenses rather than used as garrison troops with the limitanei. {equites_auxilia_descr_short} Equites Auxilia are light cavalrymen, used as a screening force for the infantry of the Roman army and in scouting duties. ¬---------------- {foederati_cavalry} Foederati Cavalry {foederati_cavalry_descr} Foederati Cavalry are barbarian horsemen in Roman service, under the command of Roman officers. The combination of hardy barbarians with a little Roman discipline makes them effective light cavalry.\n\nBefore the army reforms of Diocletian and Constantine the Great, minorities were included in the Roman army as units of auxilia. After their reforms the same practice continued, but under the designation of foederati. With increasing numbers of barbarians within the Roman borders thanks to tribal migrations, whole units were incorporated into the army as "allies" under treaty (or 'foedus') to Rome. The foederati were therefore non-Romans who had agreed to fight for Rome, usually in return for the right to settle in Roman lands.\n\nThe Roman army has always been an infantry-heavy force, so the inclusion of barbarian cavalry within its ranks is a useful tactical addition. These men are relatively light cavalry, and valuable for scouting, screening and pursuit tasks. {foederati_cavalry_descr_short} Foederati Cavalry are barbarian horsemen in Roman service, under the command of Roman officers. The combination of hardy barbarians with a little Roman discipline makes them effective light cavalry. ¬---------------- {hippo_toxotai} Hippo-toxotai {hippo_toxotai_descr} Hippo-toxotai are the horse archers of the Eastern Empire, a style of warrior copied from the eastern enemies of Rome almost to the last chainmail ring.\n\nFighting against the Parthians and Sassanids over many campaigns showed Roman commanders the value of horse archers, particularly when facing slow-moving infantry. Never ones to reject a good military idea, the Romans adopted these troops in the eastern half of the Empire as 'hippo-toxotai', drawing on the Macedonian and northern Greek traditions of horsemanship in the process. Like the eastern originals hippo-toxotai are armoured, and are best described as 'medium archers' - they can be caught by light cavalry forces if carelessly deployed. Used to support infantry, they can be an effective harrassing force.\n\nThey are armed with compound bows, a good weapon in the dry climate of the east but one that reacts very badly to damp and wet conditions. {hippo_toxotai_descr_short} Hippo-toxotai are the horse archers of the Eastern Empire, a style of warrior copied from the eastern enemies of Rome almost to the last chainmail ring. ¬---------------- {equites_sagittarii} Equites Sagittarii {equites_sagittarii_descr} Equites Sagittarii are the armoured horse archers of the Western Roman Empire, and cavalry that are quite capable of fighting hand-to-hand when they must.\n\nWith enemies on all Rome's frontiers who favour the use of horse archers, it was only a matter of time before both halves of the Empire started using horse archers. The equites sagittarii were units that entered service to address this need; they were, however, also trained to fight as medium cavalry, using swords in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nIn the West these troops were (historically) limited in numbers, possibly because the climate did not suit the compound bows that horse archers need to be truly effective. These weapons tend to de-laminate - literally fall to bits - in damp weather (the glue used fails when wet) and damp is something that western and northern Europe has in abundance! The gradual collapse of the Empire's supply system to its armies probably didn't help matters either. As warriors, however, the equites sagittarii are an effective, if expensive, force. {equites_sagittarii_descr_short} Equites Sagittarii are the armoured horse archers of the Western Roman Empire, and cavalry that are quite capable of fighting hand-to-hand when they must. ¬---------------- {orthodox_priest} Orthodox Priest {orthodox_priest_descr} Priests inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for personal combat, and these men will quickly suffer in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nChristianity is a new faith spreading from the East throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, but it is still very much in its infancy. It has, however, already split up into sects and competing dogmas. These priests support the doctrine that the Eastern Patriarchs are the supreme authority on matters of faith, something that is hotly disputed by the Pope in Rome and the followers of Arius. Despite such divisions, there is much that is appealing to ordinary soldiers in the promise of personal salvation and a place in the afterlife, and priests are now an established part of many armies. Even Julian the Apostate, the last Emperor of the unified Roman world, could not halt the spread of Christianity.\n\nAlthough they profess a pacifistic religion, the followers of Christ have had to adopt a more muscular attitude to warfare, particularly against pagans. A doctrine of 'just war' has started to emerge from the Church's more advanced scholars, but this does not extend to priests themselves getting involved in combat except in self defence. These men are expected to encourage, not set an example. {orthodox_priest_descr_short} Priests inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for personal combat, and these men will quickly suffer in hand-to-hand combat. ¬---------------- {roman_priest} Catholic Priest {roman_priest_descr} Priests inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for personal combat, and these men will quickly suffer in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nChristianity is a new faith spreading from the East throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, but it is still very much in its infancy. It has, however, already split up into sects and competing dogmas. These priests support the doctrine that the Pope in Rome is the supreme authority on matters of faith, something that is hotly disputed by the Patriarchs of the East and the followers of Arius. Despite such divisions, there is much that is appealing to ordinary soldiers in the promise of personal salvation and a place in the afterlife, and priests are now an established part of many armies. Even Julian the Apostate, the last Emperor of the unified Roman world, could not halt the spread of Christianity.\n\nAlthough they profess a pacifistic religion, the followers of Christ have had to adopt a more muscular attitude to warfare, particularly against pagans. A doctrine of 'just war' has started to emerge from the Church's more advanced scholars, but this does not extend to priests themselves getting involved in combat except in self defence. These men are expected to encourage, not set an example. {roman_priest_descr_short} Priests inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for personal combat, and these men will quickly suffer in hand-to-hand combat. ¬---------------- {dromedarii} Dromedarii {dromedarii_descr} Dromedarii are auxilliary troops recruited in the desert provinces of the Eastern Empire to take the place of light cavalry in scorching desert conditions.\n\nAs light troops these men are most useful as screening and scouting forces, although they can be surprising effective against other cavalry especially when the enemy horses are unused to the repulsive (to horses) smell of camels. Recruited from among the local desert tribesmen, dromedarii are peculiar to the Eastern Roman Empire and a specific answer to the problem of fielding light cavalry along the frontier. What is remarkable is that the Roman Empire has become a net importer of military ideas by this time in its history. Other than for siege techniques, the flow of military ideas and technology is into the Empire, as the Romans are quite ready to introduce 'foreign' methods into their armies. {dromedarii_descr_short} Dromedarii are auxilliary troops recruited in the desert provinces of the Eastern Empire to take the place of light cavalry in scorching desert conditions. ¬---------------- {praeventores} Praeventores {praeventores_descr} Praeventores are spies and agents sent out beyond Rome's frontiers to watch and, when necessary, attack Rome's enemies. They fight as an irregular force, specialising in ambushes and nasty surprises.\n\nRome has long used spies to keep an eye on petty warlords along its frontiers. Praeventores are chosen men given the authority to deal with problems before they fully ripen. On the battlefield they are employed as scouts, spies and as military assassins, falling on unsuspecting enemies from any promising ambush spot. They are usually given the best of weapons, but little armour as this would hinder them in moving quietly. Praeventores are not men who fight fair, ever. {praeventores_descr_short} Praeventores are spies and agents sent out beyond Rome's frontiers to watch and, when necessary, attack Rome's enemies. They fight as an irregular force, specialising in ambushes and nasty surprises. ¬---------------- {roman_onagers} Onagers {roman_onagers_descr} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They are, however, rather slow moving and difficult to target accurately.\n\nThey are named after the wild ass of the same name, a beast reputed to be stubborn, dangerous and with a tremendous kick. All three qualities can be true of the weapon as well.\n\nEach onager is powered by a thick, twisted rope of animal sinew, the strongest and most elastic substance available to military engineers. A single throwing arm is pushed vertically through the sinew and then pulled back and held. Once loaded, the catch is released and the arm flies forwards flinging the rock payload at the enemy as it slaps into a crossbar. The tremendous energy of the release, however, makes the whole machine judder and kick, hence the name.\n\nThey can be used to target slow-moving units, but they are particularly effective when suppressing enemy artillery or when used against fortifications and buildings. These weapons were, at one time, only used by so-called civilized armies. Over the years many people have learned to make and use these highly effective artillery pieces. {roman_onagers_descr_short} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They are, however, rather slow moving and difficult to target accurately. ¬---------------- {roman_ballistae} Ballistae {roman_ballistae_descr} Ballistae are sinew-powered weapons that can hurl spear-like bolts with considerable accuracy. These are easily capable of passing straight through a target and skewering another man too.\n\nAlthough a ballista might look like an oversized crossbow its working principles are quite different. The two arms of the ballista are threaded through two ropes made from animal sinew, a naturally elastic material. When these sinews are twisted into ropes they act as enormous springs, so pulling back the arms works against this tension. When a ballista is cocked there is a huge amount of energy (literally) tied into the sinew ropes, and this is used to fire the bolt. Care has to be taken by the crew to make sure the two springs are equally tensioned otherwise the ballista itself will snap, probably killing anyone standing nearby.\n\nThe strength given by the sinew is also the ballista's most important weakness: the sinews do not hold their tension if they get wet, so a ballista will not work to full effect in any kind of damp or wet weather.\n\nOver the centuries the technology of the ballista has 'leaked' from civilized peoples like the Romans and Greeks to other, more barbarous folk, much to the discomfort of Roman soldiers! {roman_ballistae_descr_short} Ballistae are sinew-powered weapons that can hurl spear-like bolts with considerable accuracy. These are easily capable of passing straight through a target and skewering another man too. ¬---------------- {imperial_household_bodyguard} Imperial Household Bodyguard {imperial_household_bodyguard_descr} The Imperial Household Bodyguards are an elite force, equipped and trained to the highest standards, and loyal to the person of the Eastern Emperor. They are the perfect defenders of generals and family members on campaign.\n\nThese men are the 'comites dominorum nostrorum' (the companions of our lords) or the 'basilikon telos' in the Greek-speaking parts of the Empire, who are sworn to protect the persons of the Eastern Imperial household. The Praetorians were traditionally the guardians of the Emperors, but they became overmighty and too willing to kill their employers for political and financial advantage. It was quite clear that an Emperor who wished to die of old age would have to disband the Praetorians and create a new military elite that would be loyal to him. Under the tetrarchy the 'comites dominorum nostrorum' (the companions of our lords) came to fulfil many of the Praetorians' duties. Unlike the household guards in the Western Empire, foreigners are not the majority in their ranks. {imperial_household_bodyguard_descr_short} The Imperial Household Bodyguards are an elite force, equipped and trained to the highest standards, and loyal to the person of the Eastern Emperor. They are the perfect defenders of generals and family members on campaign. ¬---------------- {imperial_german_bodyguard} Imperial German Bodyguard {imperial_german_bodyguard_descr} The Imperial German Bodyguard are a foreign elite within the Western Roman army. They are well armed, well trained and brutally effective.\n\nThe 'germani custodes corporis' are loyal to the ruling family because they must be; their continued survival depends upon it. As barbarian foreigners they have few, if any, friends in the Roman army or political establishment. They can be trusted by the Imperial family because of this one fact. If the Emperor dies then they would soon be put to death by the Roman mob. As a result, the bodyguards are unlikely to turn against their masters.\n\nIn this they are the exact opposite of the old, disbanded Praetorians who had a nasty tendency to involve themselves in imperial politics and the imperial succession usually at the point of a sword and often for money. {imperial_german_bodyguard_descr_short} The Imperial German Bodyguard are a foreign elite within the Western Roman army. They are well equipped, well trained and brutally effective. ¬---------------- {coastal_levies} Coastal Levies {coastal_levies_descr} Coastal Levies are recruited to watch the shores of Romano-British lands against the threat of foreign, barbarian invaders. They are the descendants of the limitanei frontier troops of the Roman Empire proper.\n\nAlthough a militia of sorts the coastal levies are fairly well equipped and have good chainmail, helmets, spears and large shields when they fight. They are men who have settled and become farmers as much as soldiers, putting down roots in the areas where they are based, again like the limitanei of Rome.\n\nHistorically, these spearmen were originally the garrison troops for the 'Saxon Shore', the line of forts protecting the vulnerable south-east coast of Britannia from depredations by Saxon attackers. In 410 AD the then-Emperor Honorius cut off any chance of support for Britannia against the Saxons, leaving the provincials to look after their own affairs. These troops are part of that response. {coastal_levies_descr_short} Coastal Levies are recruited to watch the shores of Romano-British lands against the threat of foreign, barbarian invaders. They are the descendants of the limitanei frontier troops of the Roman Empire proper. ¬---------------- {british_legionaries} British Legionaries {british_legionaries_descr} British Legionaries are equipped, and fight, in the same fashion as 'proper' Romans - and indeed, they see themselves as being Roman rather than British. They are hard, dedicated warriors, determined to defend their people and homes.\n\nThese are men who fight in the old Roman way shoulder to shoulder against any foe, relying on disicipline and good drill to get them through a battle. Although not up to the standard of Caesar's legions, they can certainly fight. As a result, they are often quite successful against less disciplined barbarian warriors.\n\nHistorically, Britannia was abandoned by the Roman army before the Emperor actually cut the island off from any formal military support. The vacuum created was filled by a variety of locally raised soldiery, some of whom were every bit as effective as true Roman forces. {british_legionaries_descr_short} British Legionaries are equipped, and fight, in the same fashion as 'proper' Romans - and indeed, they see themselves as being Roman rather than British. They are hard, dedicated warriors, determined to defend their people and homes. ¬---------------- {graal_knights} Graal Knights {graal_knights_descr} Graal Knights are heavy cavalry drawn from the elite of Romano-British society. They keep alive the Roman and Christian traditions of militarism and piety in equal measure.\n\nWith the withdrawl of Roman forces from Britannia the local people have been forced to look to their own defence. These 'knights' have undertaken to defend good Christian folk against the pagans who threaten them in the outpost of the Empire. They are dedicated warriors, and draw upon the military traditions and skills that the Romans brought to their home islands, in particular the heavy cavalry skills of the Sarmatian auxiliaries who were once stationed in Britannia.\n\nGraal Knights can be relied on in battle to be first into a fight and amongst the last to leave the field. {graal_knights_descr_short} Graal Knights are heavy cavalry drawn from the elite of Romano-British society. They keep alive the Roman and Christian traditions of militarism and piety in equal measure. ¬---------------- {romano_british_monks} Monks {romano_british_monks_descr} Monks inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for personal combat, and these men will quickly suffer in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nChristianity is a faith that spread throughout the Roman Empire, and these monks keep alive the new tradition in Britannia. They support the doctrine that the Pope in Rome is the supreme authority on matters of faith.\n\nAlthough they profess a pacifistic religion, the followers of Christ have had to adopt a more muscular attitude to warfare, particularly against pagans. There is much that is appealing to ordinary warriors in the promise of personal salvation and a place in the afterlife.\n\nThese monks are expected to encourage others, not set an example. {romano_british_monks_descr_short} Monks inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for personal combat, and these men will quickly suffer in hand-to-hand combat. ¬---------------- {romano_british_warlords} Warlord {romano_british_warlords_descr} The departure of the Roman Army from Britannia created a power vacuum. Petty kings, warlords and even middle-ranking retired soldiers took power to defend their lands and their people.\n\nThe people of Britannia are conservative by nature and do not like sudden change. Although the Roman army has left, and the Empire itself has rejected their requests for help over the years, they still think of themselves as Roman citizens as well as Britons. A strong man who can command the loyalty of troops, provide security in the area he rules and at least give the appearance of upholding the old Roman ways will always find supporters.\n\nAs a result, it is a good idea to stick to the old Roman ways of warfare. That way any warlord can claim to be acting for the good of 'Rome' and Britannia! {romano_british_warlords_descr_short} The departure of the Roman Army from Britannia created a power vacuum. Petty kings, warlords and even middle-ranking retired soldiers took power to defend their lands and their people. ¬---------------- {generic_rebel_general} Rebel General {generic_rebel_general_descr} This general has a bodyguard of loyal cavalry to accompany him onto the field. These men are shock cavalry, able to deliver a devastating attack and like all general's guards, this unit is best committed to the fight at the point of crisis, when the general's inspirational leadership and the combat power of his men can tip the balance of a battle. {generic_rebel_general_descr_short} This general has a bodyguard of loyal cavalry to accompany him onto the field. ¬---------------- {eastern_rebel_generals} Rebel General {eastern_rebel_generals_descr} This rebel general has a bodyguard of loyal armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field. They are a flexible force and can be used in a variety of situations. Like all general's guards, this unit is best committed to the fight at the point of crisis, when the general's inspirational leadership and the combat power of his men can tip the balance. {eastern_rebel_generals_descr_short} This rebel general has a bodyguard of loyal armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field. ¬---------------- {barb_rebel_general} Rebel General {barb_rebel_general_descr} A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis.\n\nEvery warlord commands by right of personal courage as much as command skill, and this is doubly true of a rebel who has gone against the established order of his tribe and people. The warlord can inspire his men to greater efforts just by his presence, and also has enough men in his guard to be a significant force. {barb_rebel_general_descr_short} A barbarian warlord surrounds himself with fierce warriors as a personal guard. These spear-armed cavalry are an elite reserve for use in a moment of crisis. ¬---------------- {merc_herdsmen} Mercenary Herdsmen {merc_herdsmen_descr} Herdsmen are tough, hardy men who look like peasants on horseback. Although not warriors some have taken to fighting in preference to following the flocks.\n\nAppearances, though, can be deceptive as a nomad peasant is still a nomad first and foremost. A life on the steppes quickly kills the weak and the unwary; wolves, raiders from other tribes and the savage winters toughen a man or they kill him. Life as a mercenary is often easier, and certainly a way to a better life - or a shorter one!\n\nTheir lack of wargear says more about their status relative to true warriors than their personal strengths. {merc_herdsmen_descr_short} Herdsmen are tough, hardy men who look like peasants on horseback. Although not warriors some have taken to fighting in preference to following the flocks. ¬---------------- {merc_foederati_infantry} Mercenary Foederati Infantry {merc_foederati_infantry_descr} Foederati Infantry are barbarians in Roman service, commanded by Roman officers. Once their enlistment expires, it makes sense for them to become mercenaries and make a good living from their skills.\n\nThe Foederati were originally raised to deal with the problem of too few Romans being willing to serve in the armies of the Empire. Often Germans when the units were first raised, the Foederati were usually promised lands within Roman territory in exchange for their services to the Empire. As Imperial authority weakened, barbarians were able to move into Roman provinces, often under pressure from other tribes who were in turn being forced westwards and southwards by the encroaching steppe peoples.\n\nAs Foederati Infantry these barbarian warriors are the equivalent of the auxiliaries of earlier centuries. They are not heavily-armoured infantry, but can be relied upon to give a good account of themselves in battle. {merc_foederati_infantry_descr_short} Foederati Infantry are barbarians in Roman service, commanded by Roman officers. Once their enlistment expires, it makes sense for them to become mercenaries and make a good living from their skills. ¬---------------- {merc_veteranii} Mercenary Veteranii {merc_veteranii_descr} It is not unusual for units of Comitatenses to retire from the Roman army and go into business for themselves. Veteranii have only one trade, and it can pay very well!\n\nAs Roman Imperial power has weakened, the rewards of service for the Legions have often disappeared along with Imperial authority. Some units of Comitatenses have stayed together and now fight as mercenaries for whoever will pay them - a better fate than trying to scratch a living on a farm somewhere. Veteranii are equipped to the same standards as Comitatenses, and match the field forces of Rome in discipline and effectiveness. They are almost too good to be used as garrison troops, but in a battle can be relied upon to fight well.\n\nVeteranii are not above retaining their state-owned equipment when they leave Imperial employment, and so they are well equipped and armed for a mercenary force. They are usually the equals of any Comitatenses unit, but possibly not quite the equals of Caesar's legionaries of centuries ago. {merc_veteranii_descr_short} It is not unusual for units of Comitatenses to retire from the Roman army and 'go into business' for themselves as Veteranii. They have only one trade, but it can pay very well! ¬---------------- {merc_gallowglass} Mercenary Gallowglass {merc_gallowglass_descr} Gallowglasses are a warrior elite among their people, armed with double-handed weapons and armoured in chainmail. It is their task to hack a way into an enemy battle line.\n\nThe people of the north and west of the British Isles have a long tradition of producing heroic warriors, men loyal to the point of death to their lords, who would stand in line of battle and be the first to rush forwards to meet an enemy hand-to-hand. The 'gallogladh' or gallowglass is but one example, and they are not above fighting bravely for another's gold!\n\nHistorically, the style of warfare in Scotland and Ireland changed little over the centuries, being much the same for hundreds of years. The fragmented and tribal nature of society meant that there was always a need for a group of brave, dedicated (they had no other duties beyong fighting) warriors such as these men. The gallowglass as a recognised type was a comparatively late arrival in Ireland from the Western Isles, but as a style of warfare the old ways didn't change much until the coming of gunpowder, a thousand years or more later. {merc_gallowglass_descr_short} Gallowglasses are a warrior elite among their people, armed with double-handed weapons and armoured in chainmail. It is their task to hack a way into an enemy battle line. ¬---------------- {merc_kerns} Mercenary Kerns {merc_kerns_descr} Kerns are lightly armed, unarmoured skirmishers used by the Celtic tribes to harrass and wear down their enemies.\n\nArmed with small javelins, kerns are better in battle than the peasant stock from whom they are recruited. They are properly trained for war, given decent weaponry and let loose on the enemy! They are best employed as a screening force, to weaken an enemy before the main battle, or to pursue fleeing men and give them no rest. They cannot be expected to stand in a battle line and fight hand-to-hand.\n\nHistorically, the pattern of warfare among the Celtic people didn't change much until the coming of gunpowder weapons nearly 1000 years later. Constant warfare between lords in the Western Isles, Scotland and particularly Ireland made sure that there was always employment for soldiers. {merc_kerns_descr_short} Kerns are lightly armed, unarmoured skirmishers used by the Celtic tribes to harrass and wear down their enemies. ¬---------------- {merc_sughdian_warriors} Sughdian Warriors {merc_sughdian_warriors_descr} Sughdian Warriors are very fine mercenary infantry: tough, well disciplined, heavily armed and armoured, they are a match for most other civilized soldiers.\n\nTraditionally, eastern armies have always produced weak infantry types, men who are often little better - and no more willing - than military slaves. Sughdians, on the other hand, are a professional corps of fighters who can be expected to stand in a battle line and behave with great courage. Their equipment is lavish by the standards of previous times, and their armour is cleverly padded to give some relief under the hot sun. Sughdians should be seen as being the equals in many ways to the best of the Roman legions, and in some respects, even to their superiors! {merc_sughdian_warriors_descr_short} Sughdian Warriors are very fine mercenary infantry: tough, well disciplined, heavily armed and armoured, they are a match for most other civilized soldiers. ¬---------------- {merc_sarmatian_armoured_archers} Mercenary Sarmatian Archers {merc_sarmatian_armoured_archers_descr} Sarmatian Armoured Archers are steppe warriors, with all that implies about their skills as horsemen and archers! Not surprisingly, these skills command a premium in the mercenary marketplace.\n\nThe Sarmatians are an Iranian-speaking people who have dominated the southern steppes for centuries, a loose coalition of smaller tribes including the Scythians and Roxolani. Like most steppe peoples they use the compound bow in warfare, a weapon that is ideally suited to horse archers having a short, but very powerful pull.\n\nTheir armour is often beautifully made from many plates of iron, bone and horn, sewn together with horse sinews and, perhaps thanks to Scythian influences, they are enormously fond of gold decorative touches. For all the beauty and strangeness of their armour, they are still a steppe warrior people, and dangerous foes! {merc_sarmatian_armoured_archers_descr_short} Sarmatian Armoured Archers are steppe warriors, with all that implies about their skills as horsemen and archers! Not surprisingly, these skills command a premium in the mercenary marketplace. ¬---------------- {merc_graal_knights} Graal Knights {merc_graal_knights_descr} Graal Knights are heavy cavalry drawn from the elite of Romano-British society. They keep alive the Roman and Christian traditions of militarism and piety in equal measure.\n\nWith the withdrawl of Roman forces from Britannia the local people have been forced to look to their own defence. These 'knights' have undertaken to defend good Christian folk - sometimes for pay - against the pagans who threaten them in the far-flung corners of the Empire. They are dedicated warriors, and draw upon the military traditions and skills that the Romans brought to their home islands, in particular the heavy cavalry skills of the Sarmatian auxiliaries who were once stationed in Britannia.\n\nGraal Knights can be relied on in battle to be first into a fight and amongst the last to leave the field. {merc_graal_knights_descr_short} Graal Knights are heavy cavalry drawn from the elite of Romano-British society. They keep alive the Roman and Christian traditions of militarism and piety in equal measure. ¬---------------- {merc_vandal_lancers} Mercenary Vandal Lancers {merc_vandal_lancers_descr} Vandal Lancers are mercenary cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. They are vulnerable if used against spear-armed infantry.\n\nThe cavalry spear is a weapon that puts all the speed and weight of a man and his horse behind a single sharp point. Given the long reach of a spear, this is a very dangerous weapon: a man-sized target can be run through regardless of how much armour he is wearing. However, once a rider has struck home with his spear, he is then vulnerable to counter attacks from any distance closer than the point. A cavalry charge with spears is an immediate event. If enemies are not killed outright, the best tactic for lancers is to break off, reform and attempt another charge. Staying to fight is an excellent way of dying! {merc_vandal_lancers_descr_short} Vandal Lancers are mercenary cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. They are vulnerable if used against spear-armed infantry. ¬---------------- {merc_camel_raiders} Camel Raiders {merc_camel_raiders_descr} Camel Raiders are hard-faced warriors intended to replace cavalry in desert conditions. Like cavalry, they are best used to ride down scattered enemies or to screen the main force in battle. They are especially effective against cavalry thanks to the smell of their camels - horses cannot stand the strange smell of camels urine!\n\nCamels need careful handling - they are bad tempered beasts - and this is best left to the desert-born. Once recruited as 'light cavalry', however, they can be a very effective force, if not quite as disiciplined as other cavalry. They make up for any lack of cohesion by being individually skilled and savage. {merc_camel_raiders_descr_short} Camel Raiders are hard-faced warriors intended to replace cavalry in desert conditions. Like cavalry, they are best used to ride down scattered enemies or to screen the main force in battle. ¬---------------- {merc_sarmatian_auxilia} Sarmatian Mercenaries {merc_sarmatian_auxilia_descr} Sarmatian Mercenaries are armoured horsemen once recruited for the Roman army. With the end of their formal service, some Sarmatians choose to capitalise on their formal military skills.\n\nGiven the skills and savage determination that Sarmatians show in battle, it is unsurprising to find them under Roman officers, and even offering themselves for sale. They fight in their traditional style, and are equipped in a Roman 'interpretation' of their native armour and gear, exactly as they were as an auxilliary unit.\n\nHistorically, Sarmatians were sent to many parts of the Empire as their reputation alone was useful for quelling intimidating enemies, both foreign and domestic. These men took up the sword on their own account as Roman power crumbled. {merc_sarmatian_auxilia_descr_short} Sarmatian Mercenaries are armoured horsemen once recruited for the Roman army. With the end of their formal service, some Sarmatians choose to capitalise on their formal military skills. ¬---------------- {merc_moorish_raiders} Moorish Mercenaries {merc_moorish_raiders_descr} Moorish Raiders are highly skilled, light cavalry mercenaries who are tenacious and skilled in battle, but a little wild and ill-disciplined.\n\nGrowing up in harsh, unforgiving lands, they must learn to ride and fight almost as soon as they can walk. Not to do so is to invite death, enslavement or worse.\n\nTheir war gear is chosen to help them survive in the heat and dust of the desert, and they are armed only with razor-sharp swords, a practical weapon when the heat is too oppressive to allow any likely opponent to benefit from armour. {merc_moorish_raiders_descr_short} Moorish Raiders are highly skilled, light cavalry mercenaries who are tenacious and skilled in battle, but a little wild and ill-disciplined. ¬---------------- {merc_foederati_cavalry} Mercenary Foederati Cavalry {merc_foederati_cavalry_descr} Foederati Cavalry were barbarian horsemen in Roman service, under the command of Roman officers, making them effective light cavalry. Now, with their service over, they have turned mercenary, selling their skills to any who can pay.\n\nBefore the army reforms of Diocletian and Constantine the Great, minorities were included in the Roman army as units of auxilia. After their reforms the same practice continued, but under the designation of foederati. With increasing numbers of barbarians within the Roman borders thanks to tribal migrations, whole units were incorporated into the army as "allies" under treaty (or 'foedus') to Rome. The foederati were therefore non-Romans who had agreed to fight for Rome, usually in return for the right to settle in Roman lands, a promise that was not always honoured by Rome.\n\nThe Roman army has always been an infantry-heavy force, so the inclusion of barbarian cavalry within its ranks is a useful tactical addition. These men are relatively light cavalry, and valuable for scouting, screening and pursuit tasks. {merc_foederati_cavalry_descr_short} Foederati Cavalry were barbarian horsemen in Roman service, under the command of Roman officers, making them effective light cavalry. Now, with their service over, they have turned mercenary, selling their skills to any who can pay. ¬---------------- {merc_hippo_toxotai} Mercenary Hippo-toxotai {merc_hippo_toxotai_descr} Hippo-toxotai are mercenaries, once horse archers in the pay of the Eastern Empire. They are a fashion copied from the eastern enemies of Rome.\n\nFighting against the Parthians and Sassanids over many campaigns showed Roman commanders the value of horse archers, particularly when facing slow-moving infantry. Never ones to reject a good military idea, the Romans created the 'hippo-toxotai', drawing on the Macedonian and northern Greek traditions of horsemanship in the process. Like the eastern originals hippo-toxotai are armoured, and are best described as 'medium archers' - they can be caught by light cavalry forces if carelessly deployed. Used to support infantry, they can be an effective harrassing force. These mercenaries are just as effective as the hippo-toxotai in state service.\n\nThey are armed with compound bows, a good weapon in the dry climate of the east but one that reacts very badly to damp and wet conditions. {merc_hippo_toxotai_descr_short} Hippo-toxotai are mercenaries, once horse archers in the pay of the Eastern Empire. They are a fashion copied from the eastern enemies of Rome. ¬---------------- {merc_equites_veteranii} Mercenary Equites Veteranii {merc_equites_veteranii_descr} Equites Veteranii are light cavalrymen, once scouts and screening forces for Roman infantry. They now find work as mercenaries, rather than retiring to be poor farmers.\n\nThese horse units were made smaller and 'handier' as a result of Constantine's army reforms. They are not particularly heavily armoured and are not expected to do more than drive off light and missile troops in battle - they would certainly suffer against heavy cavalry forces or spearmen, for example. That said, the equites veteranii are suited to fighting alongside the field armies rather than being used as garrison troops. {merc_equites_veteranii_descr_short} Equites Veteranii are light cavalrymen, once scouts and screening forces for Roman infantry. They now find work as mercenaries, rather than retiring to be poor farmers. ¬---------------- {merc_elephants} Mercenary Elephants {merc_elephants_descr} War elephants are a rarity in war these days, and particularly prized when they become available as mercenaries. They can trample men and horses, and intimidate many just by their appearance on the battlefield.\n\nSome three metres tall at the shoulder, these animals are trained only to a limited degree. They cannot be relied upon to always do what they are told, and are known to run wild in battle, crushing friends and foe alike. For this reason each elephant driver is given a spike (to drive into the base of the elephant's skull) and mallet, so that he can kill his mount if necessary.\n\nAssuming that the elephants don't run amok, they are a valuable addition to the shock element of any army. They can also be used to batter down gates and wooden defences too. {merc_elephants_descr_short} War elephants are a rarity in war these days, and particularly prized when they become available as mercenaries. They can trample men and horses, and intimidate many just by their appearance on the battlefield. ¬---------------- {merc_onagers} Mercenary Onagers {merc_onagers_descr} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. While they are slow moving and difficult to target accurately there is always a demand for mercenaries who can handle these powerful engines. \n\nThey are named after the wild ass of the same name, a beast reputed to be stubborn, dangerous and with a tremendous kick. All three qualities can be true of the weapon as well.\n\nEach onager is powered by a thick, twisted rope of animal sinew, the strongest and most elastic substance available to military engineers. A single throwing arm is pushed vertically through the sinew and then pulled back and held. Once loaded, the catch is released and the arm flies forwards flinging the rock payload at the enemy as it slaps into a crossbar. The tremendous energy of the release, however, makes the whole machine judder and kick, hence the name.\n\nThey can be used to target slow-moving units, but they are particularly effective when suppressing enemy artillery or when used against fortifications and buildings. These weapons were, at one time, only used by so-called civilized armies. Over the years many people have learned to make and use these highly effective artillery pieces. {merc_onagers_descr_short} Onagers are artillery weapons that can fling rocks and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. While they are slow moving and difficult to target accurately there is always a demand for mercenaries who can handle these powerful engines. ¬---------------- {merc_ballistae} Mercenary Ballistae {merc_ballistae_descr} Ballistae are sinew-powered weapons that can hurl spear-like bolts with considerable accuracy. There is always a demand for mercenaries who can handle these engines of death!\n\nAlthough a ballista might look like an oversized crossbow its working principles are quite different. The two arms of the ballista are threaded through two ropes made from animal sinew, a naturally elastic material. When these sinews are twisted into ropes they act as enormous springs, so pulling back the arms works against this tension. When a ballista is cocked there is a huge amount of energy (literally) tied into the sinew ropes, and this is used to fire the bolt. Care has to be taken by the crew to make sure the two springs are equally tensioned otherwise the ballista itself will snap, probably killing anyone standing nearby.\n\nThe strength given by the sinew is also the ballista's most important weakness: the sinews do not hold their tension if they get wet, so a ballista will not work to full effect in any kind of damp or wet weather.\n\nOver the centuries the technology of the ballista has 'leaked' from civilized nations like the Romans and Greeks to other, more barbarous folk, much to the discomfort of civilized people! {merc_ballistae_descr_short} Ballistae are sinew-powered weapons that can hurl spear-like bolts with considerable accuracy. There is always a demand for mercenaries who can handle these engines of death! ¬---------------- {roman_civ_peasant} Roman Civilians {roman_civ_peasant_descr} ;not required {roman_civ_peasant_descr_short} A Roman peasant, running away when he should be working hard! ¬---------------- {roman_female_peasant} Roman Civilians {roman_female_peasant_descr} ;not required {roman_female_peasant_descr_short} A Roman peasant, running away when she should be working hard! ¬---------------- ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 16/03/2005 09:00:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** {celtic_spearman} Pictish Spearmen {celtic_spearman_descr} Pictish Spearmen are men from the lowest rungs in society. They are given a spear, a shield and a couple of days training before being thrust into the thick of battle. They are expected to stand their ground and so keep cavalry at a respectful distance.\n\nTheir battle skills are not learned in the field, if they are learned at all. These are defensive troops and good for holding a position against attack, but they should not necessarily be expected to match the more skilled warriors in an army. They are vulnerable to other infantrymen and missile-armed fighters, but they are of Celtic stock and made of stern stuff when the battle cry is voiced and the shields clash! {celtic_spearman_descr_short} Pictish Spearmen are men from the lowest rungs in society. They are given a spear, a shield and a couple of days training before being thrust into the thick of battle. They are expected to stand their ground and so keep cavalry at a respectful distance. ¬---------------- {barb_horde_peasants} Horde Peasants {barb_horde_peasants_descr} Horde Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {barb_horde_peasants_descr_short} Horde Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, and this unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {francisca_heerban} Francisca Heerbann {francisca_heerban_descr} The Franks are famed for using the francisca, a specialised throwing axe, in battle. The men of a Francisca Heerbann are particularly expert in the use of this weapon.\n\nThese are lightly equipped and lightly armoured warriors whose job is to create a gap in an enemy formation that cannot be defended properly.\n\nThe francisca is a dangerous weapon to face, as it can be thrown in a tomahawk-like fashion with limited accuracy but terrible effect: it is capable of splitting a man's skull open when thrown by an expert. The accuracy is of less importance than might be expected: some modern tests have shown that the axe-head of a francisca is very heavy and makes the flight of the axe unpredictable - and downright scary when you are on the receiving end because it's almost impossible to get out of the way! {francisca_heerban_descr_short} The Franks are famed for using the francisca, a specialised throwing axe, in battle. The men of a Francisca Heerbann are particularly expert in the use of this weapon. ¬---------------- {frankish_raiders} Raiders {frankish_raiders_descr} Frankish Raiders are light cavalrymen, best able to harass and pursue enemies rather than charge home. They are also useful in driving off enemy skirmishers and missile troops.\n\nAs a people, the Franks are natural-born infantrymen. They prefer to fight with their feet solidly planted on good ground, fighting shield-to-shield against their enemies. They are, however, wise enough to realise that some force is required to screen their stolid infantry warriors before battle is joined, and to keep the enemy from outflanking them too easily after the fight starts. This is why a wise Frankish warlord prefers to have a few horsemen under his command: the risk of being ridden down keeps the enemy from being too bold! {frankish_raiders_descr_short} Frankish Raiders are light cavalrymen, best able to harass and pursue enemies rather than charge home. They are also useful in driving off enemy skirmishers and missile troops. ¬---------------- {saxon_sea_raiders} Saxon Sea Raiders {saxon_sea_raiders_descr} Saxon Sea Raiders are cut-throats, bandits, pirates and murderous sea-scum on horseback! They are best used as light cavalry to pursue broken enemies and drive off skirmishers. Although heavily armed they are best suited to hit-and-run tactics, not a slugging match in a battle line against armoured soldiers.\n\nThese men are the crew of a single 'keel' (a ship), mounted on light ponies to give a Saxon raiding force a scouting force. They are reasonably good warriors, but they are not 'professional' cavalry: they are hard men who fight for plunder and glory. That still makes them an effective light cavalry unit in the right circumstances. {saxon_sea_raiders_descr_short} Saxon Sea Raiders are cut-throats, bandits, pirates and murderous sea-scum on horseback! They are best used as light cavalry to pursue broken enemies and drive off skirmishers. ¬---------------- {steppe_horde_peasants} Steppe Horde Peasants {steppe_horde_peasants_descr} Steppe Horde Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {steppe_horde_peasants_descr_short} Steppe Horde Peasants are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs. This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {steppe_horde_spearmen} Steppe Horde Spearmen {steppe_horde_spearmen_descr} Steppe Horde Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. They are given a spear, a shield and a good lesson in obedience to their betters before being pushed into a battle line.\n\nSpearmen are the men that real steppe warriors look down upon from their lofty saddles. This can be rather foolish, as a man with a spear can kill even the bravest horseman, or stop him dead in his tracks when his horse (quite sensibly) refuses to charge headlong onto a sharp spearpoint. These men are worth bringing to a battle, as they can provide a solid anchor for a battleline when fighting cavalry, even if they are vulnerable to attack by missiles or swordsmen.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {steppe_horde_spearmen_descr_short} Steppe Horde Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {hun_horde_spearmen} Hun Horde Spearmen {hun_horde_spearmen_descr} Hun Horde Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. They are given a spear, a shield and a good lesson in obedience to their betters before being pushed into a battle line.\n\nSpearmen are the men that real steppe warriors look down upon from their lofty saddles. This can be rather foolish, as a man with a spear can kill even the bravest horseman, or stop him dead in his tracks when his horse (quite sensibly) refuses to charge headlong onto a sharp spearpoint. These men are worth bringing to a battle, as they can provide a solid anchor for a battleline when fighting cavalry, even if they are vulnerable to attack by missiles or swordsmen. \n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {hun_horde_spearmen_descr_short} Hun Horde Spearmen are recruited from amongst the young and low-status members of a tribe. This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {hunnic_elite_warriors} Hunnic Elite Warriors {hunnic_elite_warriors_descr} Hunnic Elite Warriors are the fighting pinnacle of their tribe: horsemen almost without peer, aggressive and cunning in battle.\n\nThe Huns are believed by enemies to be half-human monsters, bonded to the shaggy beasts that they ride. Perhaps they are even centaurs! The Huns don't care, as long as their very appearance causes even strong men to quail. The fact that they are savage warriors merely backs up this impression, and means that these elite fighters start any battle with an advantage!\n\nTheir normal tactic is to wait until archers have torn the enemy ranks apart before crashing home to cause even more mayhem! {hunnic_elite_warriors_descr_short} Hunnic Elite Warriors are the fighting pinnacle of their tribe: horsemen almost without peer, aggressive and cunning in battle. ¬---------------- {gothic_lancer} Goth Lancer {gothic_lancer_descr} Goth Lancers are cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. They are vulnerable if used against spear-armed infantry.\n\nThe cavalry spear is a weapon that puts all the speed and weight of a man, his armour, and his horse into a single very sharp point. Given the long reach of a spear, this is a very dangerous weapon: a man-sized target can be run through regardless of how much armour he is wearing. However, once a rider has struck home with his spear, he is then vulnerable to counter attacks from any distance closer than the point. A cavalry charge with spears is an immediate event. If enemies are not killed outright, the best tactic for lancers is to break off, reform and attempt another charge. Staying to fight is an excellent way of dying! {gothic_lancer_descr_short} Goth Lancers are cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. They are vulnerable if used against spear-armed infantry. ¬---------------- {hunnic_heavy_cavalry} Hunnic Heavy Cavalry {hunnic_heavy_cavalry_descr} Hunnic Heavy Cavalry are heavily armed and armoured warriors who are expected to charge into enemies and hack them to pieces.\n\nUnlike lancers, these men do not charge home, instead they cut their way through enemies with swords, and remain in the fight until victory or death has been achieved! Like all cavalry, though, they are tactically agile enough to withdraw from a fight and attack elsewhere on the field.\n\nThese men are best used to cut down enemies who are already weakened. They can be used against other cavalry, but are probably too heavy to make an effective screen against light cavalry or catch horse archers. {hunnic_heavy_cavalry_descr_short} Hunnic Heavy Cavalry are heavily armed and armoured warriors who are expected to charge into enemies and hack them to pieces. ¬---------------- {gothic_warrior_nobles} Goth Noble Warriors {gothic_warrior_nobles_descr} Goth Noble Warriors are heavily armed and armoured warriors who are expected to charge into enemies and hack them to pieces.\n\nUnlike lancers, these men do not charge home, instead they cut their way through enemies with their swords. Once committed to a fight they triumph or die in the attempt! Like many nobles, they owe their status to birth and bravery in equal measure. Cowardice or slacking in the face of an enemy would be enough to wipe away any pretence of nobility.\n\nThese men are best used to cut down enemies who are already weakened. They can be used against other cavalry, but are probably too heavy to make an effective screen against light cavalry or catch horse archers. {gothic_warrior_nobles_descr_short} Goth Noble Warriors are heavily armed and armoured warriors who are expected to charge into enemies and hack them to pieces. ¬---------------- {hunnic_archers} Hunnic Archers {hunnic_archers_descr} Hunnic Archers are highly skilled, lightly armoured, horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle.\n\nAlmost as a matter of course anyone born into a Hun family learns to ride as soon as they can walk (or before), and to use a bow shortly afterwards. Not to do so is to invite death or enslavement by others, or simply to go hungry.\n\nTheir equipment is similar to many other steppe horsemen, and cunningly designed so as to work perfectly. They use composite bows laminated from wood, sinew and horn to give tremendous power without needing a large bow or long pull. {hunnic_archers_descr_short} Hunnic Archers are highly skilled, lightly armoured, horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle. ¬---------------- {alan_horse_archers} Alan Horse Archers {alan_horse_archers_descr} Alan Horse Archers are highly skilled, lightly armoured, steppe warriors and, like most steppe peoples, they are tenacious and skilled in battle.\n\nAs a people the Alans have been forced to bow at the knee to many masters, but they have kept alive their skills as both horsemen and archers. Indeed, it is these skills that make them valuable additions to the ranks of many armies - they are too useful, even in defeat, to put to the sword in true steppe fashion!\n\nTheir equipment is similar to many other steppe horsemen: they use composite bows cunningly laminated from wood, sinew and horn to give tremendous power without needing a large bow or long pull. {alan_horse_archers_descr_short} On the wide open steppes horse archers are kings! The Alans have a long tradition of excellent horsemanship and archery. ¬---------------- {gothic_horse_archers} Goth Horse Archers {gothic_horse_archers_descr} Goth Horse Archers are highly skilled, lightly armoured, horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle.\n\nAlmost as a matter of course Goths learn to ride as soon as they can walk (or before), and to use weapons shortly afterwards. Not to do so is to invite death or enslavement by others.\n\nTheir equipment is similar to many other steppe horsemen, and designed so as to be efficient and easy to maintain. They use composite bows cunningly laminated from wood, sinew and horn to give tremendous power without needing a large bow or long pull. {gothic_horse_archers_descr_short} Goth Horse Archers are highly skilled, lightly armoured, horsemen who are both tenacious and skilled in battle. ¬---------------- {arian_priests} Arian Priests {arian_priests_descr} Arian Priests inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their Christian prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for personal combat, and these men will quickly suffer in hand-to-hand combat.\n\nChristianity is a new faith spreading from the East but it is still very much in its infancy. It has, however, already split up into sects and competing dogmas. The sect that has had most appeal to non-Romans is Arianism, a set of teachings that proposes that Christ is not part of God or the Trinity, but created by God and therefore not eternal, something that is regarded as heretical by the 'official' Churches of the Roman world. Despite the arcane arguments of theologians, there is much that is appealing to ordinary soldiers in the promise of personal salvation and a place in the afterlife, and priests are now an established part of many armies.\n\nAlthough they profess a pacifistic religion, the followers of Christ have had to adopt a more muscular attitude to warfare, particularly against pagans. A doctrine of 'just war' has started to emerge from the Church's more advanced scholars, but this does not extend to priests themselves getting involved in combat except in self defence. These men are expected to encourage, not set an example. {arian_priests_descr_short} Arian Priests inspire nearby troops to acts of great bravery through their Christian prayers and blessings. The religious life, as you'd expect, is not much of a training for personal combat, and these men will quickly suffer in hand-to-hand combat. ¬---------------- {bucellarii} Bucellarii {bucellarii_descr} Bucellarii are fighting men who are not employed directly by the Roman state but are paid retainers directly employed by some military commanders. The state has little to do with their training or equipment, but they are useful force to have under command.\n\nRich men in the Roman world have always needed protection but the custom of keeping armed retainers has grown within the Empire. Merchants employed men as caravan guards, but the habit spread to include generals, praefects and even (before they were dissolved) Praetorian leaders. When they are placed at the service of the state, the 'informal' military status of the bucellarii is conveniently ignored! Among some bucellarii there were two classes of retainers (particularly in the Greek-speaking part of the Empire): the 'doryphoroi' or spear-carriers as an officer class, and the 'hypaspistai' or shield-bearers as the rank-and-file. These titles did not reflect their weaponry or tactics.\n\nBucellarii are usually armed to a high standard and skilled with both missile and hand-to-hand weapons. As might be expected of such professionals, they are capable soldiers. {bucellarii_descr_short} Bucellarii are fighting men who are not employed directly by the Roman state but are paid retainers directly employed by some military commanders. The state has little to do with their training or equipment, but they are still a useful force! ¬---------------- {merc_bucellarii} Mercenary Bucellarii {merc_bucellarii_descr} Bucellarii are fighting men raised by rich Romans for private armies. Once released from service, it is natural for them to continue in their chosen trade. \n\nRich men in the Roman world have always needed protection but the custom of keeping armed retainers has grown within the Empire. Merchants employed men as caravan guards, but the habit spread to include generals, praefects and even (before they were dissolved) Praetorian leaders. Among some bucellarii there were two classes of retainers (particularly in the Greek-speaking part of the Empire): the 'doryphoroi' or spear-carriers as an officer class, and the 'hypaspistai' or shield-bearers as the rank-and-file. These titles did not reflect their weaponry or tactics.\n\nBucellarii are usually armed to a high standard and skilled with both missile and hand-to-hand weapons. As might be expected of such mercenaries, they are capable soldiers. {merc_bucellarii_descr_short} Bucellarii are fighting men raised by rich Romans for private armies. Once released from service, it is natural for them to continue in their chosen trade. ¬---------------- {merc_alan_horse_archers} Mercenary Alan Horse Archers {merc_alan_horse_archers_descr} Alan Horse Archers are highly skilled, lightly armoured, steppe warriors and, like most steppe peoples, they are tenacious and skilled in battle.\n\nAs a people the Alans have known many masters, but they keep alive their skills as both horsemen and archers. Indeed, it is these skills that make them valuable additions to the ranks of many armies - warriors this cunning are always worth hiring!\n\nTheir equipment is similar to many other steppe horsemen: they use composite bows cunningly laminated from wood, sinew and horn to give tremendous power without needing a large bow or long pull. {merc_alan_horse_archers_descr_short} On the wide open steppes horse archers are kings! The Alans have a long tradition of excellent horsemanship and archery, and of selling their skills to others. ¬---------------- ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 12/04/2005 09:00:00 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** {barb_horde_raider} Horde Raiders {barb_horde_raider_descr} Horde Raiders are light cavalrymen, best able to harass and pursue enemies rather than charge home. They are also useful in driving off enemy skirmishers and missile troops.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {barb_horde_raider_descr_short} Horde Raiders are light cavalrymen, useful in driving off enemy skirmishers and missile troops. This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {barb_horde_chosen_swordsmen} Horde Chosen Swordsmen {barb_horde_chosen_swordsmen_descr} Horde chosen swordsmen are among the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with the finest swords available.\n\nWhile superbly skilled and extremely tough, they are not naturally inclined to fight as a group. Personal glory and the need to be first amongst the enemy ensure that they are headstrong and ill-disciplined. They are, however, very well equipped with the finest swords that the smiths can make, along with chainmail armour and large shields. They are an intimidating sight for any enemy.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {barb_horde_chosen_swordsmen_descr_short} Horde chosen swordsmen are some of the best fighting individuals in their tribe. The unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {golden_band} Golden Band {golden_band_descr} Every tribe needs its heroic warriors: men who stand head and shoulder above the rest. Men who laugh at danger! Men who show no fear no matter what the odds!\n\nLarger than life, the Golden Band are such men. They are heroes in a culture that values its heroes above gold itself. Every act that these men perform reflects directly on the honour of their people. Their victories are celebrated in songs and epic tales; their deaths - their noble and worthy deaths - are the stuff of legend, told anew to inspire fresh generations of warriors.\n\nThese men are expected to carry the day in battle, or die trying. As a result, they get the best of everything, but there is an implicit contract in all this hero-worship. They are expected to give their all when required, even to fight on when all hope of victory has long gone. It is a noble way for a warrior to live, and a harsh one. {golden_band_descr_short} Every tribe needs its heroic warriors: men who stand head and shoulder above the rest. Men who laugh at danger! Men who show no fear no matter what the odds! ¬---------------- {night_raiders_alemanni} Night Raiders {night_raiders_alemanni_descr} Night raiders are lightly armed shock troops whose appearance alone is fearful. They are experts at ambush tactics, and might not survive long in a 'fair' fight.\n\nNight raiders are lightly armed infantry who use their fearsome appearance and reputation as psychological weapons.\n\nThese warriors come from the remotest forests in Germania, and strike fear into many simply by their uncompromising savagery and bizarre behaviour. Before battle they daub themselves with dyes and mud to break up and camouflage their shape. Armoured by stealth alone, they charge home, wild-eyed and howling, when the moment is right. Any enemy is either quickly cut down or the night raiders run off and hide once more, only emerging to strike somewhere equally unexpected. Opponents who live are convinced that they are malicious spirits sent by pagan gods to frighten good folk! {night_raiders_alemanni_descr_short} Night raiders are lightly armed shock troops whose appearance alone is fearful. They are experts at ambush tactics, and might not survive long in a 'fair' fight. ¬---------------- {berber_axemen} Berber Axemen {berber_axemen_descr} Berber Axemen are recruited from among desert dwellers, and given rudimentary training with axes and shields. It is their task to hack a way through an enemy formation.\n\nThis is a job that requires little subtlety, but a good deal of raw courage and bloodymindedness. These men are very handy against other infantry, but somewhat vulnerable when attacked by, or attacking, cavalry. Their light equipment does mean that they can run away quickly and then be sent back into a different fight!\n\nBerber Axemen do not tire easily, and they shrink from few enemies. {berber_axemen_descr_short} Berber Axemen are recruited from among desert dwellers, and given rudimentary training with axes and shields. It is their task to hack a way through an enemy formation. ¬---------------- {steppe_horde_chosen_warriors} Steppe Horde Chosen Warriors {steppe_horde_chosen_warriors_descr} Steppe Horde Chosen Warriors are among the best fighting individuals in their tribe.\n\nWhile superbly skilled and extremely tough they are not naturally inclined to fight as a coherent group, but they are an intimidating sight! Personal glory and the need to be first amongst the enemy ensure that they are headstrong and ill-disciplined. They are, however, equipped with fine swords, decent armour and shields.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {steppe_horde_chosen_warriors_descr_short} Steppe Horde Chosen Warriors are among the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with fine swords and shields. This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {hun_horde_chosen_warriors} Hun Horde Chosen Warriors {hun_horde_chosen_warriors_descr} Hun Horde Chosen Warriors are among the best mounted fighting individuals in their tribe. While superbly skilled and extremely tough, they are not naturally inclined to fight as a coherent group. Personal glory and the need to be first amongst the enemy ensure that they are headstrong and ill-disciplined. They are, however, equipped with fine swords, decent armour and shields. They are an intimidating sight for any enemy.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {hun_horde_chosen_warriors_descr_short} Hun Horde Chosen Warriors are among the best fighting individuals in their tribe, and armed with fine swords and shields. This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {western_archer} Archers {western_archer_descr} Centuries of warfare have taught the Roman army the value of archers. These men wear no armour as they are not expected to fight in melee.\n\nWhile archers from the eastern parts of the Empire are equipped with composite bows, those raised in Western areas are armed with the simpler self bow, carved from a single piece of wood. While the self bow is not as powerful as a compound bow, it does have one major advantage over the Eastern weapon: it is not useless in the damp conditions of western and northern Europe! Bowstrings will always stretch and become useless when wet, but a compound bow will actually fall to pieces as the glue used to make it weakens as the damp gets in. A self bow has nothing to 'go wrong' when it gets damp, and need only be dried out to be as good as new, an important consideration for any Western Roman soldier.\n\nEven so, these archers are a supporting arm to other troops, and are not expected to stand and fight. They wear no armour so that they can move swiftly in battle. {western_archer_descr_short} Centuries of warfare have taught the Roman army the value of archers. These men wear no armour as they are not expected to fight in melee. ¬---------------- {merc_hounds_of_culann} Hounds of Culann {merc_hounds_of_culann_descr} Hounds of Culann are dangerous mercenaries indeed. They are berserkers! The stress of battle, strong drink or the drugged brews of druids make them into slavering, blood-crazed beasts!\n\nThey must make an effort to drive themselves into the right state of mind, although some prefer stimulants to start their killing frenzy. Having driven themselves into a state of blind rage Hounds of Culann will attack anyone who stands nearby. They feel no pain, know no fear and simply do not understand the concepts of mercy or restraint. Once the red mist has descended across their sight, there is no stopping them. They usually fight without armour, and it's not unknown for them to fight without weapons from time to time, hurling themselves on enemies and trying to savage them with their teeth! {merc_hounds_of_culann_descr_short} Hounds of Culann are dangerous mercenaries indeed. They are berserkers! The stress of battle, strong drink or the drugged brews of druids make them into slavering, blood-crazed beasts! ¬---------------- {merc_golden_band} Mercenary Golden Band {merc_golden_band_descr} Every tribe needs its heroic warriors: men who stand head and shoulder above the rest. Men who laugh at danger! Men who show no fear no matter what the odds! Men who will take gold to slaughter any enemy!\n\nLarger than life, the Golden Band are such men, and mercenary to their heroic core! They are heroes from a culture that values its heroes above life itself. Their victories are celebrated in songs and epic tales; their deaths - their noble and worthy deaths - are the stuff of legend, told anew to inspire fresh generations of warriors.\n\nThese men are expected to carry the day in battle, or die trying. As a result, they get the best of everything, but there is an implicit contract in all this hero-worship. They are expected to give their all when required, even to fight on when all hope of victory has long gone. It is a noble way for a warrior to live, and a harsh one. {merc_golden_band_descr_short} Every people needs its heroic warriors: men who stand head and shoulder above the rest. Men who laugh at danger! Men who show no fear no matter what the odds, providing the pay is right! ¬---------------- ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 13/05/2005 12:12:01 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** {spear_warband_alemanni} Spear Warband {spear_warband_alemanni_descr} Spear Warbands are raised from among the young and low-status men of a tribe. They are capable defensive fighters, but they should not be mistaken for full-blooded warriors!\n\nEach man is given a spear, some brief training, and sent into battle to learn the trade of war while fighting or to die in the process. Their spears make them good against cavalry, but they can lack the discipline of more 'civilized' troops. The one tactic that they can employ to great effect is the 'hedgehog' or schiltron, when they form a solid circle of men all facing outwards presenting a ring of spear points to the enemy. They can't move when holding ground like this, but any horsemen will dash themselves to pieces against the hedgehog's spines!\n\nThey are, of course, vulnerable to missile fire at all times and other foot troops if caught out of formation. {spear_warband_alemanni_descr_short} Spear Warbands are raised from among the young and low-status men of a tribe. They are capable defensive fighters, but they should not be mistaken for full-blooded warriors! ¬---------------- {barb_horde_spearman} Horde Spearmen {barb_horde_spearman_descr} Horde Spearmen are raised from among the low-status men of a tribe. They are given a spear, some simple training, and then bullied into the battle line. They are well enough trained to understand that as spearmen they should do reasonably well against cavalry, as no horse willingly charges into a row of spear points.\n\nOverall then, spearmen are good defensive units for a barbarian general. They can form an anchor for a battle line while more competent warriors do the real killing.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {barb_horde_spearman_descr_short} Horde Spearmen are raised from among the low-status men of a tribe. This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {barb_horde_hunter} Horde Hunters {barb_horde_hunter_descr} Horde Hunters are light bowmen who can also, in a crisis, fight in hand-to-hand combat. Drawn from among the forest-dwellers and hunting folk, they are experts in using stealth and concealment to close on their prey.\n\nHunting is an important part of life for all the Germanic tribes. It puts food on the table throughout the year - fresh meat is always welcome - and trains young men in some of the arts of war: patience, killing, and a tolerance for blood. These men are useful to any Germanic leader, as his other warriors are often mostly infantry, and the hunters' ability to strike down an enemy at a distance is not one to be lightly discarded.\n\nThey are unarmoured troops, so will not survive for long in melee, or when caught by light cavalry. Their self bow is an adequate weapon, but no match for the compound weapons used by nomads and eastern troops. This unit will disband when the hordes settle in a new homeland. {barb_horde_hunter_descr_short} Horde Hunters are light bowmen who can also, in a crisis, fight in hand-to-hand combat. They are experts in using stealth and concealment to close on their prey. This unit will disband when a new homeland is reached. ¬---------------- {saxon_hunters} Hunters {saxon_hunters_descr} Hunters are light bowmen who can also, in a crisis, fight in hand-to-hand combat. Drawn from among the forest-dwellers and hunting folk, they are experts in using stealth and concealment to close on their prey.\n\nHunting is an important part of life for all the Germanic tribes. It puts food on the table throughout the year - fresh meat is always welcome - and trains young men in some of the arts of war: patience, killing, and a tolerance for blood. These men are useful to any Germanic leader, as his other warriors are often mostly infantry, and the hunters' ability to strike down an enemy at a distance is not one to be lightly discounted.\n\nThey are unarmoured troops, so will not survive for long in melee, or when caught by light cavalry. Their self bow is an adequate weapon, but no match for the compound weapons used by nomads and eastern troops. {saxon_hunters_descr_short} Hunters are light bowmen who can also, in a crisis, fight in hand-to-hand combat. They are experts in using stealth and concealment to close on their prey. ¬---------------- {noble_cavalry_alemanni} Barbarian Noble Cavalry {noble_cavalry_alemanni_descr} Barbarian Noble Cavalry are the elite of their people, who owe their position to birth and bravery in equal measure. They are therefore headstrong, fearless and difficult to restrain, but a powerful force in a fight.\n\nNaturally they expect and receive the best of everything, so their war gear is the finest that can be provided by the smiths. They are superb horsemen, as might be expected from those who have spent a lifetime in the saddle, but they lack the discipline of more 'civilized' cavalry. These are men for whom personal glory is the only measure of success, and so cohesion and discipline is often sacrificed in the rush to make the first 'kill' of a battle!\n\nThey are best used to break up enemy formations, fight against other (lighter) cavalry and pursue fleeing enemies. Faced with spearmen their pigheaded glory hunting is likely to result in many casualties! {noble_cavalry_alemanni_descr_short} Barbarian Noble Cavalry are the elite of their people, who owe their position to birth and bravery in equal measure. They are therefore headstrong, fearless and difficult to restrain, but a powerful force in a fight. ¬---------------- {saxon_mounted_nobles} Mounted Nobles {saxon_mounted_nobles_descr} Saxon Mounted Nobles are the best horsemen available to a Saxon warlord. They can be headstrong and difficult to restrain but a powerful force.\n\nNaturally they expect the best of everything, so their war gear is the finest that can be provided by Saxon smiths. They are fairly expert horsemen, although riding is not the natural accomplishment of a Saxon, and they lack the discipline of more 'civilized' cavalry. Cohesion and discipline is often sacrificed in the rush to meet the enemy!\n\nThey are best used to counter other (lighter) cavalry and pursue fleeing enemies. Faced with spearmen their lack of discipline is likely to result in many casualties on their part. {saxon_mounted_nobles_descr_short} Saxon Mounted Nobles are the best horsemen available to a Saxon warlord. They can be headstrong and difficult to restrain but a powerful force. ¬---------------- {noble_clansmen_celt} Noble Clansmen {noble_clansmen_celt_descr} Noble Clansmen are an elite who owe their position to birth and bravery in equal measure. They are therefore headstrong, fearless and difficult to restrain!\n\nNaturally they expect the best of everything, so their war gear is always of the finest. They are accomplished horsemen but they lack the discipline of more 'civilized' cavalry. These are men for whom personal glory is the only measure of success, and so cohesion is often sacrificed in the rush to make the first 'kill' of a battle!\n\nThey are best used to fight against other cavalry and pursue fleeing enemies. Faced with spearmen their glory hunting is likely to result in many dead. {noble_clansmen_celt_descr_short} Noble Clansmen are an elite who owe their position to birth and bravery in equal measure. They are therefore headstrong, fearless and difficult to restrain! ¬---------------- {burgundian_lancer} Burgundian Lancers {burgundian_lancer_descr} Burgundian Lancers are cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. They are vulnerable if used against spear-armed infantry.\n\nThe cavalry lance is a weapon that puts all the speed and weight of a man, his armour, and his horse into a single very sharp point. Given the long reach of the weapon, it is very dangerous: a man-sized target can be run through regardless of how much armour he is wearing. However, once a rider has struck home with his lance, he is then vulnerable to counter attacks from any distance closer than the point. A cavalry charge with lances is an immediate event. If enemies are not killed outright, the best tactic for lancers is to break off, reform and attempt another charge. Staying to fight is an excellent way of dying! {burgundian_lancer_descr_short} Burgundian Lancers are cavalry best used to charge into enemy formations in an attempt to break them through shock and impact. They are vulnerable if used against spear-armed infantry. ¬---------------- {celtish_wolfhounds} Wolfhounds {celtish_wolfhounds_descr} Wolfhounds are bred for size and brutality, but then hunting wolves is a dangerous business, and hunting men even more so! Even their handlers approach these beasts with caution.\n\nOriginally used for hunting wolves - and maybe even crossed with wolves from time to time - these dogs have been conditioned to attack men. Those foolish enough to turn and run are simply prey to be ripped apart. It takes discipline as well as bravery to stand against a slavering charge from these snarling, half-crazed and half-starved beasts who have been taught to drag men and horses down. Some can run beneath horses and attack their vulnerable bellies!\n\nWolfhound handlers are often marked by scars and missing fingers - getting too close to their charges is dangerous! {celtish_wolfhounds_descr_short} Wolfhounds are bred for size and brutality, but then hunting wolves is a dangerous business, and hunting men even more so! Even their handlers approach these beasts with caution. ¬---------------- {hun_horde_peasants} Horde Herdsmen {hun_horde_peasants_descr} Horde Herdsmen are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs and an acceptance of grim reality.\n\nMen, no matter how untrained or unready for war, are always useful in battle - the enemy can be weakened simply by having to hack a way through the press of bodies. Forcing peasants to leave the land and fight is cheap and quick even if it does damage the prospects for the next harvest. This is an important consideration when famine may only be one failed harvest away. Still more of a problem is the reluctance of these men to fight well in a situation they neither know nor care about. That said, these men can fight; maybe they are not experts, but every enemy they kill is one less for proper warriors to face down.\n\nThis unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. {hun_horde_peasants_descr_short} Horde Herdsmen are reluctant warriors at best, but a life of endless toil and drudgery does at least produce strong backs. This unit will disband when the horde settles in a new homeland. ¬---------------- {camel_raiders} Camel Raiders {camel_raiders_descr} Camel Raiders are hard-faced warriors intended to replace cavalry in desert conditions. Like cavalry, they are best used to ride down scattered enemies or to screen the main force in battle. They are especially effective against cavalry thanks to the smell of their camels - horses cannot stand the strange smell of camel urine!\n\nCamels need careful handling - they are bad tempered beasts - and this is best left to the desert-born. Once recruited as 'light cavalry', however, they can be a very effective force, if not quite as disiciplined as other cavalry. They make up for any lack of cohesion by being individually skilled and savage. {camel_raiders_descr_short} Camel Raiders are hard-faced warriors intended to replace cavalry in desert conditions. Like cavalry, they are best used to ride down scattered enemies or to screen the main force in battle. ¬---------------- {sassanid_heavy_onager} Heavy Onagers {sassanid_heavy_onager_descr} Heavy Onagers are huge artillery weapons that fling devastating boulders and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They need a large crew and are vulnerable to swift-moving enemies. These weapons are best used in siege warfare, where their battering power can bring down the strongest walls over time. They can also be used to batter holes in enemy formations. Against close-packed ranks of troops their fire is particularly deadly.\n\nThese artillery pieces are named after the wild ass or onager, a beast reputed to have a tremendous kick and a bad temperament. These qualities can be true of the weapon as well! Each onager is powered by a thick, twisted rope of animal sinew, the strongest and most elastic substance available to military engineers. A single throwing arm is pushed vertically through the sinew and then pulled back and held. Once loaded with either a mighty rock or a firepot, the catch is released and the arm flies forwards flinging the payload enormous distances. The power of the release makes the whole machine judder and kick, hence the name. They do, however, need a relatively large crew to operate at full effectiveness, as there is much physical labour involved in just cocking the mechanism before a shot! {sassanid_heavy_onager_descr_short} Heavy Onagers are huge artillery weapons that fling devastating boulders and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They need a large crew and are vulnerable to swift-moving enemies. ¬---------------- {plumbatarii} Plumbatarii {plumbatarii_descr} Plumbatarii are Roman legionaries who have been armed with iron darts. They can hurl these with deadly effect and yet still fight hand-to-hand with enemy units.\n\nPlumbatae are lead-weighted iron darts, around 60cm in length, that are carried clipped to the back of a legionary's shield. Each is carefully constructed so that the lead weight on the shaft makes the dart arc and fall sharp end down at the end of its flight. The Plumbatarii carry a substantial number of darts to rain down on enemies (there is debate as to whether these were thrown overarm or with an underarm action). They are also armed and armoured in the usual fashion of Roman soldiers, and quite capable of fighting in the battle line as well. This makes them a valuable and flexible unit for any infantry commander. {plumbatarii_descr_short} Plumbatarii are Roman legionaries who have been armed with iron darts. They can hurl these with deadly effect and yet still fight hand-to-hand with enemy units. ¬---------------- {roman_heavy_onager} Heavy Onagers {roman_heavy_onager_descr} Heavy Onagers are huge artillery weapons that fling devastating boulders and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They need a large crew and are vulnerable to swift-moving enemies. These weapons are best used in siege warfare, where their battering power can bring down the strongest walls over time. They can also be used to batter holes in enemy formations. Against close-packed ranks of troops their fire is particularly deadly.\n\nThese artillery pieces are named after the wild ass or onager, a beast reputed to have a tremendous kick and a bad temperament. These qualities can be true of the weapon as well! Each onager is powered by a thick, twisted rope of animal sinew, the strongest and most elastic substance available to military engineers. A single throwing arm is pushed vertically through the sinew and then pulled back and held. Once loaded with either a mighty rock or a firepot, the catch is released and the arm flies forwards flinging the payload enormous distances. The power of the release makes the whole machine judder and kick, hence the name. They do, however, need a relatively large crew to operate at full effectiveness, as there is much physical labour involved in just cocking the mechanism before a shot! {roman_heavy_onager_descr_short} Heavy Onagers are huge artillery weapons that fling devastating boulders and incendiary pots at enemy formations and defences. They need a large crew and are vulnerable to swift-moving enemies. ¬---------------- {merc_bosphoran_infantry} Bosphoran Mercenaries {merc_bosphoran_infantry_descr} Bosphoran Infantry mercenaries are capable of acting as spearmen or going toe-to-toe with other infantry, making them a flexible addition to any battle line.\n\nOften little better than bandits in their homelands, Bosphorans are canny fighters and valued for the flexibility and infantry combat power that they bring to Sarmatian armies. They are good all-round troops, allowing the Sarmatians to concentrate on their own strengths as horsemen.\n\nBosphorans wear good quality scale armour, as might be expected for men found in Sarmatian employ and carry a good selection of weapons into battle. {merc_bosphoran_infantry_descr_short} Bosphoran Infantry mercenaries are capable of acting as spearmen or going toe-to-toe with other infantry, making them a flexible addition to any battle line. ¬---------------- {merc_vandal_raiders} Vandal Raider Mercenaries {merc_vandal_raiders_descr} Vandal Raider Mercenaries are expert warriors armed with compound bows. Their skills mean that few enemies within arrow shot are safe!\n\nThese men are also capable of fighting hand-to-hand when necessary and giving a good account of themselves, but they are not as strong or as capable as regular foot warriors. Instead, they should be seen as good all-round fighters and in this capacity they can be a very useful tool for any warlord.\n\nTheir compound bows are powerful weapons, and ideally suited to the cold, mostly dry conditions of the steppes. They are not suited to wet conditions as the glue used to make them tends to weaken disastrously when damp! {merc_vandal_raiders_descr_short} Vandal Raider Mercenaries are expert mercenaries armed with compound bows. Their skills mean that few enemies within arrow shot are safe! ¬---------------- {merc_wolfhounds} Mercenary Wolfhounds {merc_wolfhounds_descr} Wolfhounds are bred for size and brutality, but then hunting wolves is a dangerous business, and hunting men more so! Even doing the job for good money doesn't make it any easier!\n\nOriginally used for hunting wolves - and maybe even crossed with wolves from time to time - these dogs have been conditioned to attack men. Those foolish enough to turn and run are simply prey to be ripped apart. It takes discipline as well as bravery to stand against a slavering charge from these snarling, half-crazed and half-starved beasts who have been taught to drag men and horses down. Some can run beneath horses and attack their vulnerable bellies!\n\nWolfhound handlers are often marked by scars and missing fingers - getting too close to their charges is dangerous! {merc_wolfhounds_descr_short} Wolfhounds are bred for size and brutality, but then hunting wolves is a dangerous business, and hunting men more so! Even doing the job for good money doesn't make it any easier! ¬---------------- ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 21/05/2005 12:12:01 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** {naval_bireme} Bireme {naval_bireme_descr} A bireme is a small galley with a ram at the prow. It is powered by sail and two banks of oars.\n\nThe ship has a good turn of speed and is fairly "handy" with a good crew - the ram makes the bireme a weapon rather than just transport for fighting men. A bireme is outclassed in combat by a trireme's speed and weight, but its combat power should not be underestimated. {naval_bireme_descr_short} A bireme is a small galley with a ram at the prow. It is powered by sail and two banks of oars. ¬---------------- {naval_trireme} Trireme {naval_trireme_descr} A trireme is a powerful warship, propelled by three banks of oars and a sail. It can ram opposing ships and launch boarding actions.\n\nOriginally a Greek design, it has been widely copied because of its good qualities. Skilled oarsmen are needed, but then this gives the ship tremendous power in a 'sprint' at ramming speed. As might be expected, the trireme is its own main weapon, as it carries an iron-tipped ram on the bow at the waterline. Once an enemy ship has been rammed or had its oars smashed, the crew back water to withdraw before seeking another target. {naval_trireme_descr_short} A trireme is a powerful warship, propelled by three banks of oars and a sail. It can ram opposing ships and launch boarding actions. ¬---------------- {naval_quinquireme} Quinquireme {naval_quinquireme_descr} A quinquireme is a powerful, but lumbering, warship intended for fleet actions. Its mass makes it hard to sink.\n\nThe bulk of the crew are rowers as there are five men to each oar; this pulling power is good, but maintaining ramming or battle speed is very tiring for the men. Consequently, quinquiremes also carry a detachment of marines and some shipboard artillery as means of attack - when you can't be sure of ramming an opponent, bombardment or boarding become the most effective tactics. {naval_quinquireme_descr_short} A quinquireme is a powerful, but lumbering, warship intended for fleet actions. Its mass makes it hard to sink. ¬---------------- {naval_corvus} Corvus Quinquireme {naval_corvus_descr} A corvus quinquireme is a powerful warship intended for fleet actions, and a refinement of the basic quinquireme design. Its sheer size makes it hard to sink.\n\nThe bulk of the crew are rowers as there are five men to each oar; this pulling power is good, but maintaining ramming or battle speed is very tiring.\n\nThe corvus was developed by Rome during the first Punic War as a means of turning sea battles into land battles, and allowing its superior infantry to become decisive. It is an iron 'beak' on a hinged walkway that is designed to smash down into enemy decking doing two jobs in one: making a bridge for the marines to cross, and locking the two ships together so that the battle has to be fought on the quinquireme captain's terms. {naval_corvus_descr_short} A corvus quinquireme is a powerful warship intended for fleet actions, and a refinement of the basic quinquireme design. Its sheer size makes it hard to sink. ¬---------------- {naval_decere} Decere {naval_decere_descr} The mighty deceres is a dreadnought in the ancient Mediterranean. In size, number of men and fighting potential it dwarfs all other vessels. A deceres is among the largest ships afloat, and is crewed by anything up to 850 men - most, of course, being rowers.\n\nIts combat power is formidable. Apart from a couple of fighting towers, a deceres also carries onagers and ballistae to bombard enemies, plus a large contingent of marines for boarding and defence. At least one ballista will also be set up to fire a harpoon-like grappling hook (called a harpago) at enemy vessels so that they can be dragged alongside and destroyed.\n\nAs a tactic the harpago has much to recommend it over, say, the grappling 'corvus' of smaller ships, because it allows enemies to be snagged at greater range. {naval_decere_descr_short} The mighty deceres is a dreadnought in the ancient Mediterranean. In size, number of men and fighting potential it dwarfs all other vessels. ¬---------------- {naval_boats} Boats {naval_boats_descr} These vessels are seaworthy, but small, craft capable of carrying a small cargo or a few men along coastal routes. Like other ships of the time these craft use sail when cruising and oar-powers when in combat.\n\nThis type of boat represents the various flat-bottomed Celtic curachs, the sea-worthy Germanic narrow boats, and African byblos ships, for example. Most barbarians lack the 'civilized' ship-building skills of the Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans, but within their limitations these are sturdy craft. The almost-instinctive seamanship of their crews helps them travel surprisingly long distances without danger. {naval_boats_descr_short} These vessels are seaworthy, but small, craft capable of carrying a small cargo or a few men along coastal routes. ¬---------------- {naval_large_boats} Large Boats {naval_large_boats_descr} Large boats are battle-worthy craft, with crews large enough to fight boarding actions when required. These boats are not a match, however, for ships of more 'civilized' peoples. These ships, however, have better sea keeping qualities than many craft developed for the relatively calm waters of the Mediterranean. They can carry large cargoes - or raiding parties - across many trackless miles of sea. {naval_large_boats_descr_short} Large boats have crews large enough to fight boarding actions when required. These boats are not a match, however, for ships of more 'civilized' peoples. ¬---------------- {naval_pirates} Pirate Ships {naval_pirates_descr} The pirate vessel of choice is the bireme, a swift, deadly predator when hunting slow and undefended merchant ships, and one that can outrun larger warships when cornered. A bireme combines power and good handling in a vessel that does not need too large a crew. \n\nPirates sail from every remote cove, every lawless harbour and every independent city (and a few cities that are supposedly law-abiding) along the Mediterranean coast. They are like flies - always present when there are rich pickings, and only temporarily driven off by the wave of an imperial hand. Kill one fly, and more come in its place.\n\nAs well as menacing trade, pirates can sometimes gather in sufficient strength to threaten even the great naval powers. {naval_pirates_descr_short} The pirate vessel of choice is the bireme, a swift, deadly predator when hunting slow and undefended merchant ships. ¬---------------- ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 01/06/2005 12:12:01 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** {sarmatian_virgin_archers} Sarmatian Virgin Foot Archers {sarmatian_virgin_archers_descr} Sarmatian Virgin Foot Archers are an all-female corps of warriors, a deeply shocking idea to 'civilized' sensibilities. They are fully the match of their men-folk with the compound bow.\n\nThe Sarmatian people are purportedly the children of the Scythians and the Amazons, and these women live up to such dangerous antecedents. They are reputed to scorch their own right breasts with hot irons so that their use of the bow will not be impeded in any way - a harsh act, but one that they undergo as part of their rites of passage. They are also supposed to kill an enemy in battle before they can marry the warrior of their choice.\n\nThe compound bows they use are a standard item of warrior equipment on the steppes, a weapon made from laminations of wood, horn and sinew. The compound bow does not take kindly to damp conditions, as the glue used to make it will fail if it becomes too damp. {sarmatian_virgin_archers_descr_short} Sarmatian Virgin Foot Archers are an all-female corps of warriors, a deeply shocking idea to 'civilized' sensibilities. They are fully the match of their men-folk with the compound bow. ¬---------------- {steppe_warriors} Steppe Warriors {steppe_warriors_descr} Steppe Warriors are the fighting elite of their tribe: horsemen almost without peer, aggressive and cunning in battle.\n\nTheir appearance on any battlefield should be enough to worry a lesser foe, and bring real fear to the hearts of any infantry. It is the task of these savage warriors to wait until a hole has been torn in the enemy ranks by arrow fire, then to ride forward to complete the job of killing. That these men are extremely good at killing - and have been given some of the best weaponry and armour available to their people - merely makes them all the more frightening!\n\nThey are best used to cut down enemies quickly and then retreat, awaiting a fresh opportunity to strike in another part of the battle. {steppe_warriors_descr_short} Steppe Warriors are the fighting elite of their tribe: horsemen almost without peer, aggressive and cunning in battle. ¬---------------- {hunnic_lancers} Hun Lancers {hunnic_lancers_descr} On the vast steppes, the horseman is master of all lands beneath the sky. Only the toughest men can thrive in these barren lands, and the Huns are among the toughest of men. The Huns are horsemen almost without equal, going everywhere on their small, but extremely tough, ponies. As a completely nomadic people the Huns are utterly dependent on their horses, especially in times of war; they learn to ride almost as soon as they can walk, and might as well have been born in the saddle. Their enemies even believe them to be some kind of terrifying centaur-like half-men. The Hun habit of binding the skulls of their children to change their shape helps, of course, but it is their uncompromising savagery that sets them apart.\n\nThey are best employed when an enemy has already been harried by horse archers and is almost on the point of defeat. Their light lances are perfect weapons for sticking a man without being unwieldy. The howling aggression of these men is often enough to unnerve even the strongest foes! {hunnic_lancers_descr_short} On the vast steppes, the horseman is master of all lands beneath the sky. Hun lancers are able to move like the wind, instilling fear with their unearthly cries and howls as they charge home. ¬---------------- {sarmatian_virgin_cavalry} Sarmatian Virgin Cavalry {sarmatian_virgin_cavalry_descr} Sarmatian Virgins are an all-female corps of warriors, and deeply shocking to Roman and Greek sensibilities. They are fully the match of their men-folk in battle skills, and maybe even more dangerous in combat.\n\nSarmatian Virgins are reputed to scorch their own right breasts with hot irons so that these will not impede the use of their weapon arms in combat. Supposedly, they are not allowed to marry until they have slaughtered an enemy in combat, something that makes them keen to enter the fray!!\n\nThey are also skilled horsewomen, and well able to keep up with the highly mobile forces that the Sarmatians employ. {sarmatian_virgin_cavalry_descr_short} Sarmatian Virgins are an all-female corps of warriors, something deeply shocking to Roman and Greek sensibilities. They are fully the match of their men-folk in battle skills. ¬---------------- {sarmatian_virgin_archers_horse} Virgin Horse Archers {sarmatian_virgin_archers_horse_descr} Sarmatian Virgins are an all-female corps of warriors, and deeply shocking to Roman and Greek sensibilities. They are fully the match of their men-folk in battle skills, and maybe even more dangerous in combat.\n\nSarmatian Virgins are reputed to scorch their own right breasts with hot irons so that these will not impede the use of the bow in combat. Supposedly, they are not allowed to marry until they have slaughtered an enemy in combat!\n\nThey are also skilled horsewomen and archers, armed with the compound bow that is the weapon of choice of most steppe fighters. They are well able to keep up with the highly mobile forces that the Sarmatians employ. {sarmatian_virgin_archers_horse_descr_short} Sarmatian Virgins are an all-female corps of warriors, and this is deeply shocking to Roman and Greek sensibilities. They are fully the match of their men-folk in archery and horse skills. ¬---------------- {clibinarii} Clibinarii {clibinarii_descr} Clibinarii are super-heavy cavalry, with both men and horses armoured from head to toe, intended to wear down an enemy in close attacks.\n\nEastern peoples have long used heavily armoured - in this case completely armoured - horsemen in battle. Long before the Sassanid dynasty took control, the Parthians had perfected these 'iron warriors' as part of a supreme battle-winning force.\n\nClibinarii are not a perfect answer to every tactical situation. They are superb for grinding down enemy formations, but they cannot be used for more 'traditional' cavalry duties such as pursuit and screening. They are an iron fist inside an iron glove, ready to pummel enemies into submission. {clibinarii_descr_short} Clibinarii are super-heavy cavalry, with both men and horses armoured from head to toe, intended to wear down an enemy in close attacks. ¬---------------- {carriage_ballistae} Carriage Ballistae {carriage_ballistae_descr} Carriage Ballistae are small artillery pieces carried on the back of carts into battle. They can be moved relatively quickly to a crisis point to put down heavy missile fire on enemy troops, then moved back out of trouble if necessary.\n\nLike other ballistae these fire bolts that can easily pass right through a man. While they might look like oversized crossbows the working principles are different. The two arms of each ballista are threaded through ropes made from animal sinew. When these sinews are twisted into ropes they act as springs, so pulling back the arms works against the sinew, producing the energy needed to fling a large bolt towards the target. Care has to be taken to make sure the sinew ropes are equally tensioned otherwise the ballista breaks, injuring anyone standing nearby. Mounting a ballista on a cart is merely an improvement in mobility for the weapon.\n\nVegitius wrote about the use of carriage ballistae in his classic treatise on Roman warfare, seeing them as a valuable asset for any army commander. {carriage_ballistae_descr_short} Carriage Ballistae are small artillery pieces carried on the back of carts into battle. They can be moved relatively quickly to a crisis point to put down heavy missile fire on enemy troops, then moved back out of trouble if necessary. ¬---------------- {roman_repeating_ballistae} Repeating Ballistae {roman_repeating_ballistae_descr} Repeating ballistae are ingenious hand-cranked artillery weapons. As long as they are kept supplied with bolts and and the crew keep working, they will send out a stream of deadly missiles.\n\nAlthough a ballista might look like an oversized crossbow its working principles are quite different. The two arms of the ballista are threaded with twisted animal sinew, a naturally elastic material. When these are pulled back energy is stored in the sinew, and used to throw a bolt when the firing catch is released. In this much, the repeating ballista resembles its larger cousin.\n\nHowever, an extra refinement has been added to the repeating ballista. A hand crank links to a chain drive that drags back the 'string' and locks it in place for each shot. As the weapon is fully tensioned, a top-feed magazine feeds a bolt into the launching groove and the firing catch is released. The weapon fires and, providing the operator simply keeps on working the crank, the whole operation repeats. As long as extra crewmen are available to take over when the operator tires and to refill the bolt magazine, the weapon can put out a withering fire. Although the weapon isn't very accurate, it can be devastating against massed ranks of men.\n\nThe repeating ballista was originally a Roman innovation, but other nations have been clever and cunning enough to copy it. {roman_repeating_ballistae_descr_short} Repeating ballistae are ingenious hand-cranked artillery weapons. As long as they are kept supplied with bolts and and the crew keep working, they will send out a stream of deadly missiles. ¬---------------- {merc_armoured_camel_riders} Armoured Camel Mercenaries {merc_armoured_camel_riders_descr} Armoured Camel Mercenaries are tough soldiers who can replace cavalry in desert conditions. They are effective partly thanks to the fear caused in horses by camels.\n\nThey are not the most powerful cavalry in the world, but as horses usually cannot stand the smell of camels this rarely matters in cavalry fights. Equipped with spears and large shields, they are not at their best in a protracted melee, but can be surprisingly effective when breaking up enemy formations - especially light cavalry. Recruited from among the desert tribesmen, these men are a specific answer to the problem of fielding cavalry in wild and waterless regions. {merc_armoured_camel_riders_descr_short} Armoured Camel Mercenaries are tough soldiers who can replace cavalry in deserts. They are effective partly thanks to the fear caused in horses by camels. ¬---------------- ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 23/06/2005 12:12:01 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** {levy_spearman_frank} Levy Spearmen {levy_spearman_frank_descr} Levy Spearmen are raised from among the low-status men of a tribe. They are given a spear, some simple training, and then bullied into the battle line.\n\nThey are well enough trained to understand that they can do reasonably well against cavalry, as no horse willingly charges into a row of spear points.\n\nOverall then, levy spearmen are good defensive units for a barbarian general. They can form an anchor for a battle line while more competent warriors do the real killing. {levy_spearman_frank_descr_short} Levy Spearmen are raised from among the low-status men of a tribe. They are given a spear, some simple training, and then bullied into the battle line. ¬---------------- {levy_spearman_saxon} Levy Spearmen {levy_spearman_saxon_descr} Levy Spearmen are raised from among the low-status men of a tribe. They are given a spear, some simple training, and then bullied into the battle line.\n\nThey are well enough trained to understand that they can do reasonably well against cavalry, as no horse willingly charges into a row of spear points.\n\nOverall then, levy spearmen are good defensive units for a barbarian general. They can form an anchor for a battle line while more competent warriors do the real killing. {levy_spearman_saxon_descr_short} Levy Spearmen are raised from among the low-status men of a tribe. They are given a spear, some simple training, and then bullied into the battle line. ¬---------------- ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬* ¬***** Changes made after 03/07/2005 12:12:01 ¬* ¬**************************************************************************************** ¬**************************************************************************************** {roman_scorpion} Scorpions {roman_scorpion_descr} Roman scorpion is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like a large bow laid sideways on a frame. It has a tremendous range and can skewer a man with a single shot!\n\nWhile a scorpion might look like a huge bow, its working principles are rather different. The two arms are pushed through ropes made of tough animal sinew which is then twisted, becoming a hugely powerful spring, pulling each arm forwards. The arms are pulled back, creating even more tension, the scorpion is loaded with a missile, and then this is shot at the enemy with considerable force and accuracy.\n\nProviding care is taken to make sure that the two sinew bundles are under the same tension, the scorpion is a very accurate weapon, but because sinew is sensitive to damp a scorpion may not work properly in wet weather. {roman_scorpion_descr_short} A Roman scorpion is a sinew-powered weapon that looks like a large bow laid sideways on a frame. It has a tremendous range and can skewer a man with a single shot! ¬---------------- {merc_alan_noble_cavalry} Mercenary Alan Nobles {merc_alan_noble_cavalry_descr} Alan Noble Cavalry are among the heavyweights of the steppes: men who are trained to charge home into foes, breaking them through speed and shock. That said, they should not be thrown away in futile charges against spearmen.\n\nAlthough the Alans have been conquered by other steppe peoples, they have still managed to maintain their own tribal identity. They are master horsemen and formidable fighters, and this alone has made them mercenaries worth their keep! These men are not a resource to be lightly cast aside.\n\nThe Alans have even been known to use the heads and flayed skins of their enemies as decorations for their horses, making them a macabre and terrifying spectacle. Their reputation for doing this makes them fearsome adversaries. {merc_alan_noble_cavalry_descr_short} Alan Noble Cavalry are among the heavyweights of the steppes: men who are trained to charge home into foes, breaking them through speed and shock. That said, they should not be thrown away in futile charges against spearmen. ¬----------------