Oleander Ardens
07-08-2004, 14:10
The Reatic faction
…videre Raeti bella sub Alpibus
Drusum gerentem; Vindelici – quibus
mos unde deductus per omne
tempus Amazonia securi
dextras obarment, quarere distuli,
nec scire fas est omnia - …
Horaz (Odi, IV, IV, 17-22)
In his tribute to the conquerer of the Alps Horaz catches well the aura of mystery which lay own the alpine tribes. Rome, already a grown empire which dominated all Italy, Iberia, Gaul, Northern Africa, Greece, Asia Minor to name just a few, has never paid much attention on the Alps, in which “grim and fast” people dwelled. The Raetians, as they were called by the Romans for unknown reason were famous for their good wine and their raids into the fertile lands of northern Italy. The old Como, inhabited by Gauls was razed to the ground in one of this raids which enraged their celtic and italic neighbors. “Robbers, Bandits” are just a few of the pleasant nicknames given them by the Roman writers and the formal tribal name of an “Raetic” tribe, the Briganti is still present in many western languages, like in Italian (Briganti = robbers) or in German (Briganten = robbers).
Still the Raetic tribes were only subdued in 15 BC in a brilliantly led Campaign with overwhelming force by Drusus which effectively ended a continues local cultural development of over thousand years. Influenced by the Urnenfeld and Hallstatt culture in the North before the great Storm of the celtic tribes raced over Europe and by the Etruscans and Venetii in the South they seem to have been a non-indoeuropean collection of tribes. The adopted the writing from the Etruscans since the 5century BC, Weapons from the Celtic and Italic people but still remained culturally distinct and independent. Even the feared Celts did not dare to conquer their lands as for little to gain they could have lost much…
Oleander Ardens
07-08-2004, 14:12
Armament:
Raetic weapons for the hand-to-hand fight
The Waraxes: Mentioned by Horaz in his Odi, the Raetians were unique in Central Europe in making great use of them. The findings and rockcarving fortify this thesis. It seems that the Raetians got influenced by the Hallstatt culture in it’s way to fight. There were basically two types of waraxes:
a) Smaller iron Lappenbeile and Lochbeile , similar to the ones used by the typical Hallstatt warrior. The were handy, compact weapons, ideal in combination with a medium shield and well able to pierce armor. There are also some very narrow axe-blades similar two oriental examples (-> see also Samnite axes)
b) Larger Hellebardenaexte or asce-alabarde : A heavy axehead with single barded or double-barded blade. The shape is therefor similar to the Danish waraxe or the Halebards (or large axes for chopping trees). It is highly likely that this axes were use for warfare, as they were found together with other weapons and both the pictorial and literal evidence points this way. The only picture of a warrior wielding such an axe shows a long-shafted weapon who should made an deep impact on the enemys…
La Tene’ Swords: The great Celtic victories and the new-established Celtic settlements executed great influence over the armament and clothing of the the alpine tribes. The long celtic slashing sword was adopted by parts of the Ratic warriors, as was chainmail.
Raetian Gladius: After the expansion of the Empire right to the slopes of the Alps, the Gladius became a model for the Alpine tribes and the shorter swords similar to the “Roman” one were used too – best if imported from the Noricum.
The lance: Since the adoption of the Phalanx in the 5th century BC the alpine tribes fought partially in such an array with special lances with long lanceheads. Some had very narrow, armorpiercing points. Beside the waraxe, javelin and pilum the basic weapon of the alpine tribes.
The Haumesser: The alpine tribes used often a large, curved battleknife, to some degree similar to the Falcata as a dangerous weapon. One should not underestimate them as they are often only slightly smaller than a gladius and well suited both for stabbing and hacking..
Raetic weapons for ranged combat:
The alpine pilum:Since the 5th century BC etruscan and italic tribes used a weapon very similar ro the later Roman pilum. The main difference is the small oval-shaped point instead of the pyramidal one of the later Roman pilums. The alpine tribes, like the Celts living in Italy adopted this weapon at least in the third century BC as a finding in Carinzia shows. In the second and first century BC the Raetians manufactured also Roman pilums. Two of such pilums, in the spirit of the classical Hallstatt warrior were widely used by the Reatians.
The javelins: Beside the pilum the classical javelin with the throwing sling was also used widely, as the Stele from the Stilfers Joch (Southtyrol) proves.
The warbow: The iron broad-cutting arrowheads found in Wiesing-Buchberg (Tyrol) in the stratus of the destruction of the settlement show that archers were not only used for hunting as shown in some carvings. The bow was most likely a longbow, which was developed in central Europe at least some 5000 years ago, most likely similar to the Nydam type.
The helmets
Basically two helms have been in use:
a) The alpine Negau helm, usually of bronze, which is, as the name says an adoption of the central-italian, illyric (slovenian) and etruscan types.
b) The iron Celtic helm which was used all around Europe, with the neck-guard and triangular cheekguard.
c) A round leather cap
The Negau helm might be crested or carry a small bornze crest, like the Etruscans and the ones on in the Hallstatt art, and should be used mostly with the “Etruscan” linen armor...
The Celtic one could also be outstaffed with Horns, like the ones the helm of the divine standard bearer in the stela of the Stilfser Joch (Southtyrol)
Armor
There may be three types:
a) “Etruscan” linen armor: yes typical “greek” armor: See the local warrior statues found in Sanzeno
b) Chainmail: Introduced by the Celts it was surly used by the local population
c) Interwoven leathstrips like the ones worn by the hornblower on the Stela mentioned already..
Shields
a) Medium round shield, not unlike the perma of the Velite
b) The Tierhaut shield, a unique Hallstatt and alpine form, you got to see a pic to understand what I’m talking about
c) Large Oval shield of venetian, celtic or Hallstatt influence
d) Rectangular shield like the one of the Axeman seen in the rockcarvings of Pasbardo (BS), Italy
e) A large small hexagonal celtic rider-shield
Oleander Ardens
07-08-2004, 14:13
The Raetic units
General appearance:
As they were presumably a non-indogerman tribe with a language loosely related with the etruscans it seems best to give them dark hair and a medium stature. The warriors all seem to be cleanshaven. The Cloths are possibly similar to the ones used in the Hallstatt periode, bracae may have been adopted in some occasion, especially by the cavalry.
Light infantry:
Raetic skirmisher (Medium round shield, a bunch of javelins, a large battleknife, an armor of interwoven leather straps, a cap of leather, no bracae, leather shoes)
Decent moral, high charge, good attack, decent defense, poor defense, high stamina, fast, expert ambusher
The grim alpine tribes provide excellent nimble javelinmen, which are second to none in difficult terrain. The rough territory of Alps and the hard live hardens the youth of the Raetic people and gives them great endurance, so that they can, lightly armored as they are outrun most enemy. Their far-flying javelins and their skill at ambushing is widely feared. The medium shield and large battleknife enables them to hold their own against most light infantry.
Building requirements: Very low, basic unit;
Raetic Archer ( Longbow, small quiver with ~15 arrows, a small battleaxe, small shield, same outfit as the skirmisher)
Decent moral, high charge, good attack, decent defense, poor armor, high stamina, fast, armorpiercing, expert ambusher
The rough alpine ground forces their inhabitants to struggle for survival, and forces them to no solely rely on farming. The need to protect the cattle alone, high up in the Alps and the importance of hunting produces skilled archer which suit well the dominant fighting style of the Raetian tribes. The large longbow may be easily out-ranged by the composite bow of the civilized world but can throw the heavy broad-cutting arrow with deadly force over a long range and suits well the shooting style of this men. With only a small amount of arrows in their quivers they prefer the accurate direct shoot over the arrowshower of their eastern relatives. And their enemy should be aware that the Aconitum, which produces the deadliest European poison grows in large numbers on the slopes of the Alps…
Building req: Low, basic unit
Light Karapas’na Reatia ( large Waraxe, rectangular medium shield, the interwoven armor, a Battleknife, leather shoes)
Very high moral, unstoppable charge, very good attack, good defense, poor armor, high stamina, fast, armorpiercing, expert ambusher, elite, impetuous
Devoted to Warriorgodness Reatia they form a band of highly motivated warriors. They wield the large Waraxe singlehanded with great skill and can afflict their enemy horrible wounds as no shield and no armor can stop the path of the heavy blade. Their defense depends largely on their medium rectangular shield, which bears the symbol of Raetia, an iron stylized horse. Their speed ensures that no armored footsoldier can flee from their axes;
They will cover the battlefield with the corpses of their enemys as well as with theirs to win greater glory
Building req: Low normal ones, higher religious ones, advanced unit;
Medium infantry:
Raetic warband (Bronze Negau Helm, linen armor, Tierhaut shield two alpine pilums, small battleaxe, leather shoes)
Good moral, great charge, good attack, good defense, decent-good armor, good stamina, armorpiercing, good ambusher
This men will form the backbone of most Raetic armys, as they can hold their own rather well against most opponents, have an armorpiercing attack, a large shield and can throw two pilums before engaging the enemy. This makes out of them very versatile infantry. They prefer to fight in close formations and are well suited for broken ground, but may lack the discipline of the infantry of the civilized world.
Building req: Medium, basic unit;
Raetic Spearmen (Leather cap, linen armor, Tierhaut shield, long lance, small battleaxe, leather shoes)
Good moral, decent charge, decent attack Phalanx, good attack Axe, high defense Phalanx, good defense Axe, decent armor, good stamina, armorpiercing, can form Phalanx, good ambusher
Rallied from all the alpine tribes this men can both fight in deep formations, forming a phalanx with their large shields and long lances or in looser ones, using their battleaxes. Their lances give them the edge over almost all cavalry units and their axes can hurt even heavy armored enemys. This men are usually always present in any Raetic army…
Building req: Medium, basic unit;
Dismounted Raetic Lanciarii (Celtic helm, linen armor, hexagonal celtic shield, a pair of alpine lances, bracae, Celtic sword)
Good moral, good charge , decent attack Spear, high attack Sword decent defense Sword, high defense sword, good armor, high stamina
Lined up in the battleline they can attack the enemy from afar, form a phalanx or charge with their swords. Only their lack of numbers puts them in a seriuos disadvantage against other medium infantry, put they should in any case hold the battleline for a reasonable time
Buiding req: By dismounting Raetic Lanciarii
Raetic imitation legionaire ( Celtic helm, chainmail, Tierhaut shield, larger gladius- style sword, two Roman pilums, leather shoes)
High morale, great charge, good attack, high defense, good - very good armor, good stamina
The rise of Rome left his traces in the equipment of Raetians. Wealthier warriors increasingly used shorter swords, Roman pilums, celtic chainmail and helms and combined it with their unique shields. The result is a more mobile and less encumbered but less disciplined and steadfast warrior. He can stand up to most enemys and his greater agility may give him in difficult terrain even the edge over the original.
Building req: High, advanced unit;
Heavy infantry:
Raetic noblemen (Celtic iron helm, chainmail, large oval shield, long lance, long Celtic sword, leather rider shoes, bracae)
Very high moral, good charge, good attack with lance, very high defense lance, high attack sword, high defense with sword, elite, good stamina, can form Phalanx, high-very high armor
When the Raetic Noblemen cavalry dismounts it will form an elite infantry unit which small numbers should not deceive the enemy. Clad in fine mail, equipped with the best weapons they can get hold of and high in spirit they will put against any enemy a more than a good fight, although their relative small numbers may force them to combat often well outnumbered. Their phalanx is well ordered and their ability in single combat will let them live for long and their enemies for a short time..
Building req: By dismounting Raetic Noblemen Cavalry
Heavy Karapas’na Reatia: ( longshafted waraxe, chainmail, Horned Celtic Iron Helm, Battleknife, bracae, leather shoes)
Stellar morale, very high charge, very high attack, high defense, very good armor, armorpiercing, elite, good stamina
Devoted to Raetia, this men are the true elite of the Alpine tribes. Few in numbers they are heavily armored and carry only the distinct rectangular shield and wield a longshafted waraxe. Only few enemys may withstand their fury, and even heavy cavalry will suffer against them as their large axes have a long reach. No shield and no armor can deflect a fierce hit from it, making it a rightly feared weapon. Even when the enemy overcomes them they will pay a heavy price indeed as their stellar moral will let them fight until they are cut down
Buiding req: Very high, highly advanced unit.
Light Cavalry
Raetic horsemen (leather cap, leather armor, bunch of javelins, small waraxe, medium round shield)
[I]Decent morale, good charge, high attack, poor defense, poor armor, armorpiercing, very fast, high stamina, may use Cantiberian circle
The Raetic Horsemen are a fine light cavalry which don’t use a saddle, and made like the Celtic cavalry such an impression on the Romans that they adopted Reatic cavalry training methods. Riding small sturdy horses and used to the dense forests and steep hills of the Alps they fight well also in difficult terrain. They will dart in and throw their javelins into ordered enemy formations to wheel back to attack again, as they can not risk a fight against them. Loosely oreded infantry on the other hand may well get charged and rounded up.
Can dismount into Ratic Skirmishers
Bilding req: Low, basic unit
Medium Cavalry
Raetic Lanciarii ( Celtic helm, linen armor, a pair of narrow-headed lances, hexagonal celtic shield, bracae, Celtic sword)
Good moral, very high charge, good attack, decent defense, good armor, fast, high stamina
The wealthier warriors form small units of light shockcavalry with the ability to engage from afar. Well equipped, and riding good horse with the fourhorned celtic saddle they should not be underestimated. Even if they lack the push of heavy cavalry they can break with the mix of speed and attackpower medium infantry or even heavy one if they get in the rear of them. This men form usally a good part of the Raetic raiders..
Can dismount into dismounted Lanciarii
Building req: high req, advanced unit
Heavy Cavalry
Karapas’na Reatia Cavalry: ( longshafted waraxe, chainmail, Horned Celtic Iron Helm, Battleknife, bracae leather shoes)
Stellar morale, high charge, very high attack, high defense, very good armor, armorpiercing, elite, good stamina
As the mounted counterpart of the heavy Karapas’na Reatia they share with them the Devotian to Raetia and the heavy equipment and are like them the pride of the Alpine tribes. Few in numbers they wear a long chainmail and carry their typical square shield. Only few enemys may withstand their fury. No shield and not armor can deflect a fierce hit from it, making it a rightly feared weapon. Even when the enemy overcomes them they will pay a heavy price indeed as their stellar moral will let them fight until they are cut down..
Can dismount into Heavy Karapas’na Reatia
Buiding req: Very high, very advanced unit
Raetic Noblemen cavalry: (long lance with small long lancehead, chainmail, Celtic Iron Helm, long slashing sword, oval shield, bracae
Very high moral, unstoppable charge, high attack, high defense, very good armor, elite, good stamina, impeteous
Noblemen cavalry units are formed by the wealthy tribesmen and are clad mostly in celtic fashion. There are a galant sight on their warhorses wearing bright armor and a colourful shield after Raetic fashion. This men are well capable to break up even better infantry units frontally, although this will cost the live of many men and are also dangerous once their feared lances break, as their swords are long and grim. Even though their charge is furious it will make little impression against well ordered heavy infantry. Sometimes their desire for greater glory will bring them in difficult situations where only their bravery can get them out ..
Building req: Very high, Highly advanced unit
Special Units:
Every unit should be accompanied by a Hornblower and a Standardbearer, like shown on the stela mentioned often before.
The Raetic standard should be fixed on a long lance and show two rising Horses facing each other with a small fish above them in the center…
Any questions, doubts, corrections, tips as well as advices and critic are welcomed
Cheers
OA
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