RTR Megas Alexandros - Res Publica Preview

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The Italian peninsula stands at a crossroad. The Greek colonies are being attacked from all sides by barbarians. The greatest warriors of Greece failed to protect them, and there hope now lies in the hands of Alexander of Epirus. Gauls raid and plunder in the North as they please. The Campanians in the South are at risk from being completely overrun by the warlike Samnites. Order is needed, and only one power can bring this to the people of Italy.

Rorarii
Rorarii are drawn from the fifth, and poorest class of Rome. They are armed with simply a sling, and maybe a small dagger if they are lucky. They can not withstand any prolonged combat, due both to their lack of equipment and poor morale. They still serve some use, as they are able to keep enemy missile troops from harassing the heavy infantry. Their numbers were still small, probably around 300. They were often stationed with the cavalry on the wings, or held in the back.

Leves
Leves are drawn from the fourth class of Roman society. They are slightly better equipped, as they are armed with javelins, and a leather parma. They are able to hold up better then the Rorarii, and are more effective anti-missile troops. They still suffer from rather low morale, though, and are to be used sparingly. These men were 300 in number, and attached to the Hastati in battle in the front of the line.

Accensi
Accensi are the least dependable heavy infantry of the Romans. They can afford their own shields, as well as metal helmets and spears. Because of their lack of fighting spirit, these men were often kept in reserve behind the Triarii. They were still fairly small in number, probably only a few hundred men in each legion.

Hastati Socii
These are the Hastati of the allied legions. Typically they served on the right or left of the Romans themselves. Historically, as Rome conquered new land they made them into partial or full citizens, in which case they were forced to provide soldiers for the Roman military. Through good policy, though, Rome was albe to win their loyalty, making these men very dependable heavy infantry comparable to any in the world. In the fourth centur, the Hastati would serve in the second line behind the Principes, with the Triarii and Accensi in the back. In the early fourth, to late third century the hastati became the first line of battle. These men are equipped with javelins and a hasta. Later, they would switch entirely to the Gladius. The hasta, or short lance, is where they draw their name from. The Hastati came from the third class of Roman society.

Principes Socii
Like the Hastati Socii, these men are drawn from the conquered people of Italy. As said above, the Principes originally served as the first line of battle, but eventually grew into the first line. These men would serve right or left of center of the Romans themselves in battle. They are equipped similiar to the Hastati, with a hasta and javelins, but later switched fully to the Gladius. The Principes were from the second class of Roman society, and could afford better armor and equipment the Hastati generally.

Triarii Socii
The allied Triarii. They serve in the third line of battle, and are the last resort in battle.

Hastati (Early)
The Roman hastati are 1200 in number in the average legion. They use the hasta instead of the gladius, but fight in a looser formation then the traditional phalanx. They carry the scutum, wear a metal helmet, and carry to javelins to throw before battle.

Principes (Early)
The early Principes were divided and armed much like the Hastati. They were 1200 in number, carried the hasta, and javelins. Their main advantage is their experience, and heavier cuirass.

Triarii Armati
Up until the early fourth century, the Triarii continued to be equipped as hoplites. They most likely carried the circular hoplon shield. At the same time, they were still able to fight in the manipular order. The Triarii were only used as a last resort, as I'm sure you all know. They were 600 in number in the Roman legion throughout the fourth and third century.

Triarii (Late)
The Triarii, as stated, remained the same in number for some time, and were always kept in the third line. Their equipment is similiar, but these men are now equipped in scaled armor, and carry a scutum.

Equites
The Roman cavalry of the fourth and third century was an afterthought to the Romans. They were used more as an anti-cavalry force, or to chase routing enemies. At this time, the Roman cavalry was armed with a cheap leather parma and helmet that offered little protection, and were as good as useless in the rain. They carry just a short thrusting spear and sword. While fairly heavy, these men won't be able to resist a dedicated force of cavalry, and they should be used carefully. In the Roman legion, they were just 300 in number.

Equites Socii
The Roman allied cavalry was, like the allied infantry, drawn from the conquered lands of Italy. They armed similiarily to the Roman cavalry, but are equipped with javelins instead of a thrusting spear. Some of these people are still superior to the Romans as riders, and they are a larger force of 600 men in the Allied legion. They served on the flanks, or even behind the enemy as did the Roman cavalry.


I would like to thank the following people for this preview:
-Caius, who made these units
-CannonUK, who designed those shields.
-Najak, who designed the preview.