| 12 Jun 2008 |
Marius Legions RuleStarting with Aquae Sextae and all later battles in this expansion, Medium Roman Infantry units are armed with pilum and sword. These units are now missile weapon capable units and must follow the rules for Ranged Combat units. The unit has a range of two hexes and will roll 1 battle die when it holds or moves only one hex. Before Marius’ reforms, the maniple had been the legion’s tactical unit. Now it was the cohort – ten to each Marian legion. He abolished the old classes of velites, hastate, principes and triarii. All Marian legionnaires were equipped and organized in a standard way. Each was armed with the pilum - an iron-headed javelin 6 feet 9 inches long, a short sword, and a coat of armor. Marius also hired soldiers from the proletariat, creating a professional army, rather than the earlier militia-based force. Finally, Marius abolished the distinctions between Roman and allied Italian soldiers, incorporating all into his new legions. Each legion became a permanent organization, with its own numeric designation and an eagle as its sacred standard. Julian Legions RuleWhen the Julian Legions Rule is in effect, all Roman Heavy infantry (red square symbol) and Medium infantry (blue triangle symbol) units are armed with pilum and sword and will follow the rules for Ranged Combat units, per the Marius Legions Rule. The unit has a range of two hexes and will roll 1 battle die when it holds or moves only one hex. It may not use Ranged Fire if it moves two hexes. In addition, all Roman Heavy infantry (red square symbol) and Medium infantry (blue triangle symbol) units may move one hex and close combat as normal, or may move 2 hexes and not battle. By the time Caesar was appointed proconsul for Gaul, the legion’s training and battle experience had made it the most agile and effective fighting formation in the known world (when commanded competently). The number of veteran legions had also steadily increased. The numerous Heavy Roman foot units depicted in battles here are equipped no differently than their Medium Roman foot counterparts - they simply have the combat experience to be more effective in battle. The veteran legions played a prominent role on the battlefield and were extremely loyal to their commanders. The rule for Julian Legions can be retrofitted back into all scenarios in Expansion #2 from the River Sabis 57 BC through Cefn Carnedd 51AD, except for the two Teutoburger scenarios where terrain and poor Roman command severely hampered Roman mobility. Julius Caesar Rule |
