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The Samnites were the dominant power throughout central Italy during the fourth century. They displaced the Opici, even though they ended up adopting the Oscan language. Their central city was Malventum, located in the heart of Samnium. Their position inevitably would put them in conflict with the rising power of Rome. They were a warlike people, and divided up into four main tribes; the Pentri, the Caraceni, the Caudini and the Hirpini.
While they were ultimately the losers to the Romans, things were not inevitable. They would defeat the Romans during the first Samnite War, and give them one of their most humiliating defeats at the Battle of the Caudine Forks. For a time, they were the most feared enemies of Rome, and even though conquered, it took centuries to completely subdue these proud people.
In battle, the Samnites were fierce and clever. They were masters of mountain warfare, and ambushes. Their military system was inspiration of the Roman legion, and would cause them to adapt like few other enemies. They were described as the most ferrocious of warriors to fight as Gladiators.
Units
Opici Hastati
These men are drawn from the more civillized Opici people. They have been greatly influenced by the Greek colonists, and fight as hoplites. You can see they carry the large hoplon shield, and long spear. While not as fierce as the Samnites, they are a solid, and disciplined heavy infantry that can hold the line well.
Samnitis Maniple
Here you may see some striking similiarities to the Roman legions. This unit is equipped with two javelins, one to be thrown before the charge, and the other often held on to during battle as a melee weapon; acting as a short spear. They carry a large, oval shield that is wider at the top, and offers excellent protection against all threats.
Legio Linteata
-Gold
These were the elites of the Samnite army, and also the backbone of the army. All members started by taking a sacred oath that they would never fail to answer the call to go to battle, or otherwise would kill themselves, and all their loved ones. Those who refused were put to death. Following this, 10 warriors were picked, and from there they eached picked a buddy, and this went on until the legion was 16,000 men strong.
These men were then equipped in highly decorated gold armor, colorful plumes and tunics to intimidate their opponents. They carry the large, oval shield. It is wide at the top to protect the chest. On their left leg they wear a thick osca that offers extra protection and support.
-Silver
Besides these men, though, there were 20,000 men of lesser status. They were equipped in a similiar fashion, but their armor was made of silver instaed of gold. Unlike those with the gold shields, they wore plane linen.
Opici Equites
These light cavalry units are drawn from the native Opici people. They are mainly used as scouts, and to conduct quick raids on the enemy. They are suited best to the mountainous environment of Samnium, and can do quite a bit of damage if able to attack the flank of the enemy. They are highly mobile, but lightly armed. They should not be put in prolonged combat.
Samnitis Equites
This heavy Samnites are drawn from the richest of the nobles. They are heavier than the Opici cavalry units, with their longer lances and gold shields. These troops have a powerful charge in battle, and are especially skilled for the mountainous environment of their homeland. They will have a natural advantage over most threats on the Italian Pensinula.
Well, that was our very first weekly preview. Hopefully, not our last. You can expect the same thing next Sunday. Be warned, this is hardly all we have in store for the Samnites, and you can still expect a few surprises in game. Unit names will most likely be reworked, and are just in ROUGH Latin right now.
I would like to thank the following people for their help in this week's update:
-Caius, who made all these units and produced the pictures of the units. He did great work as always
-Najak, who designed the preview
-Hormiga, who helped with the translations to the best of his ability
-Sfinx, who made the faction icon for the Samnites
-Turnus, who designed this unit list
Finally, here is our new Samnium Banner:
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