06-26-2007, 12:56 AM
Quote:I suspect when the front ranks have engaged the enemy, the rear ranks would close up and push, with the file closers actively ensuring the whole formation is tight, pushing the unwilling forward. Any weapon released would be useful, but there would be little room to throw a insult or swing a cat let alone find the room to swing a dart!
That's why it would only be your back rank throwing the plumbatae,
John, as they are the ones with room to swing cats. In fact, that's a
good idea for a late-Roman missile. Throw cats over your front ranks'
heads and into the enemy. I find two underarm swings with the tail
and then letting them go at 45 degrees works best.
Quote:Any sign of the formation loosening, or rear ranks looking behind them for a route of possible escape, would be fatal for the unit as a whole. It would encourage the enemy to push all the harder. Hard to hand is a pushing match, and the push needs to be co-ordinated and involve everyone in the unit.
Well you can throw your cats over into the enemy's back rank to
loosen them up a bit, making it easier for your own front-rankers
to push them backwards. And if your own men start to break and
run, just shake your cat (or plumbata) in their face... :wink:
Ambrosius/Mike
"Feel the fire in your bones."