As in EB, this unit is not a Reform Unit (though we considered it), but rather a high Lvl MIC unit. It should be recruitable when building a Lvl IV MIC.
Germanic Pikeman of EB 1.2
https://www.europabarbarorum.com/i/u...eutagardaz.gif
Quote:
The Speutagardaz ("Pike-fence") is a unit of hard-nosed, disciplined warriors that fight together in a very dense formation, unlike most other Germanic warbands. During their years of constant battle with hostile nations, they've developed new strategies for combat and defense, and learned early to form an impenetrable burdahagon ("shield-wall") to repel their attackers. Their chosen weapon, the speutan (pike) is a deadly and intimidating weapon with a long spearhead, which makes these warriors capable of punching through almost any type armor from great distances, and are universally feared for their abilities against cavalry formations.
Historically, the Speutagardaz naturally developed through native innovation as spear and shield tactics were refined. Their pikes were adapted to the armor and the cavalry tactics of numerous enemies. They array their spears and shields in a "fence"-like forest of death, supplying them perfect protection as their strong pikes reach out and menace the approaching forces. The Germanic pike (speutan) was a deadly weapon with a long, 40 to 45 cm spearhead. In texts of historical warfare, they are always called 'enormous' or 'over-long' (prealonga hastas).
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This type of unit represents a specialised and disciplined elite of the (semi)professional warrior component in the Sweboz (and Cimbrii) army. The Speudogordōz is a Pike/Phalanx unit armed with a long two-handed spear fitted with a large head, a large circular or semicircular shield and a Kampfmesser/Sax as backup for when things get really close. Some would probably wear simple helmets and light armour as well, but nothing has been found.
This is one of the specialised elite units of the Sweboz faction, supplementing the Herunoudōzez and being generally formed of the same type of men, if slightly older.
Face&Hair
The Speudogordōz is a disciplined elite unit; it thus consists of men from mid-twenties to 50-ish. The steadiness of older men suits this unit well, while the more impetuous young men fit the Herunoudōzez better. Scars and a grizzled, battle-hardened appearance is suitable for this unit.
Hair colour should be from light blond to brown and red, but with a good few having some grey hair, and the hairstyle should be mostly Suebian Knot for Sweboz, various styles for Rebels. Beards would range across the full spectre of Germanic beards as well as some clean shaven men (as pointed out in another thread, many depictions of themselves were clean shaven).
Early on, some of this unit would wear leather “helmets” or skullcaps and possibly light armour (leather), if possible an upgrade should see more of this in the late period and possibly some mail and metal helmets like their Herunoudōzez counterparts.
Clothing
If we can do an upgradable Speudogordōz, the early version should ideally be a mix of full clothed and bare chested warriors while the later would mostly wear clothes.
The fully clothed warriors should wear similar clothes like the Dugunthiz unit but of better quality and more colorful. They are not nobles, but they are wealthy enough for dyed clothing.
Speudogordōz wear tight fitting trousers with or without leg wrappings and leather shoes and many would have a high quality cloak dyed in several colours. The latter would have checkered or tartan patterns and some with tassels at the edges like the one found at Thorsberg.
The present tunics would either be long sleeved or a combination of a long sleeved tunic and a sleeveless tunic. Belts would be "rope" of cloth or leather, or Celtic type. And if we do an upgradable version the late belts should be leather, iron belt buckle and fibula to secure the cloaks.
War Equipment
The main weapon of this unit would be a long and sturdy lance/two-handed spear with a large head, Types A, B, D and F would be suitable for this unit. We do not know the actual length of the spear, my guess would be 3- 4 m. (my own is 3 m) and it would be held in two hands. Protection would mainly be from a medium to large circular shield with a late type shield boss, and as backup the unit would have a large Kampfmesser/Sax.
