sweboz: germanic cuneus?

**belliger** · 03-07-2010, 17:02

hi all.
as we all know, stated by tacitus, :
the germanic tirbes used as shock troops, the best hundred warriors of their district, surrounding the leader (the s.c. herzog), and attacked in a triangle formation, called 'cuneus'.

but, as far as i am facing sweboz, haven't seen any cuneus used by them, (should be the bodiguards to use it).

is because they are infantry units? is not possible to give them the cuneus as formation with the RTW engine?

thanks all.

**ARCHIPPOS** · 03-07-2010, 17:45

So are you suggesting that the Sweboz FM bodyguard get the "wedge formation" special ability ???

**belliger** · 03-07-2010, 19:09

Originally Posted by ARCHIPPOS

So are you suggesting that the Sweboz FM bodyguard get the "wedge formation" special ability ???

well... yes. it might be historically more accurate.
i don't know if it is possible to give this ability to an infantry unit.
then, this would be the preferred formation form AI when this kind of unit is attacking.

**Arthur, king of the Britons** · 03-07-2010, 19:16

Interesting, I believe the vikings used a similar formation called "Svinfylking" (in swedish) "Swine formation"
Not sure if this is possible to represent ingame though due to hardcode stuff.

**ziegenpeter** · 03-08-2010, 12:39

Well I will look up for my sources but I also read the theory that the Eberschnauze could have been more the result of how masses of human in movement behave rather than a wedge formed on purpose.
In that case it would have been more a arc or crescent shape. This sounds quite compelling to me since I don't see any point in having one single guy in the front. Wedges work for dense materials but in a crowd the first guys would be very easy to slaughter... imho

**ARCHIPPOS** · 03-08-2010, 13:26

Originally Posted by ziegenpeter

Well I will look up for my sources but I also read the theory that the Eberschnauze could have been more the result of how masses of human in movement behave rather than a wedge formed on purpose.
In that case it would have been more a arc or crescent shape. This sounds quite compelling to me since I don't see any point in having one single guy in the front. Wedges work for dense materials but in a crowd the first guys would be very easy to slaughter... imho

Here's substantial historical proof yo !!!

Also check this (2:16)

**Macilrille** · 03-08-2010, 17:24

Svinefylkning can be very effective in the right circumstances. I am knackered and busy right now, so can say no more, but take my word; they can work.

**Phalanx300** · 03-08-2010, 18:16

I believe the Romans used wedges as well against Boudica.

And the Swine head formation or wedge formation was used by Germanics. I believe the Suebi formed multiple wedges against Ceasar?

**Ludens** · 03-08-2010, 20:19

Originally Posted by Phalanx300

I believe the Romans used wedges as well against Boudica.

At the battle of Watling street. However, we don't know exactly how big these wedges were: whether it involved a few men or entire cohorts.

AFAIK the wedge formation is hardcoded to be for cavalry only. It's possible to designate the Germanic BG as cavalry, but that opens up another can of worms. Never mind that the interface allows for only one "special function" button on the interface (and generals get the rally special function automatically) and that the in-game effect of the wedge is questionable. So I am afraid I don't see how this would work.