Germanic barbarian tribes first start to appear in the histories of Rome around 150 BC with a series of large scale migrations into Italy and Gaul reaching as far as Spain. They fought continually against Romans and Gauls for several hundred years. The Romans lived with the constant fear of German invasion at the turn of the second century BC. A number of Roman consular armies were successively defeated over a period of years, with a total of close to a quarter of a million Legionaries killed. This massive manpower loss was a constant drain on the Republic, but the feared large-scale invasion was not to come until 116 BC onwards when a large confederation of tribes consisting of the Cimbri, Teutones, Tigurini, Marcomanni and Cherusci invaded Italian Gaul, Gaul and Italy in a three pronged attack.
After the tribes defeated the Romans at Arausio in 105BC, the task fell to the Roman General Gaius Marius to defeat their assault. He finally did this at the battle of Vercellae in 101 BC. The Germans continued to be a menace to the Roman Empire. The Rhine and Danube frontiers continued to have the largest numbers of permanently stationed Legions to defend them (against the Germans). Caesar fought German tribes such as the Tencteri and Suebi as a prelude to, and during his Gallic campaigns. The German army of Ariovistus severely pressed Caesar's five Legions at the Vosges in 58 BC but was eventually beaten after a hard struggle.
Conflict with the Germans continued constantly over the years. Three Legions under Varrus were wiped out at the Teutoberger Wald (9 AD), which was followed by the campaigns of Germanicus including the battles of Agrivarii (15 AD) and Idistaviso (16 AD). Constant contact with the Romans was not to diminish the German's ferocity, but contact with Roman weaponry and tactics eventually evolved the Germans. In time they became the later German tribes named Franks, Alemanni, Vandals, Goths and Anglo Saxons whose migrations were eventually to bring about the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of medieval Europe.
Weaponry and TacticsThe Germans fought in 'warband' fashion similar to the Gauls, Dacians and Britons - relying on the ferocity of their charge and the bravery of their warriors. Their formation was, however much denser than other warbands and they did not break as easily as Gauls if they did not meet with initial success. Their determination, physical stature and bravery made them very effective, feared and respected hand to hand fighters. Unlike Gauls and Britons, the German's primary weapon was not the sword, but a light throwing spear called the 'Framea' and their sole protection consisted of long shields similar to those of the Celts. Very few Germans owned swords, even fewer owned armour and fewer still owned helmets. These would be more likely to be found amongst rich noblemen, and the noble cavalry. Their shields were brightly painted, but their clothing was generally drab natural textile colours. Their primary clothing was the cloak, with loincloth, trousers and perhaps tunic depending upon the individual's wealth. They had fair skin and blond to fair hair. Different tribes wore different hairstyles, however the majority wore beards and long hair, sometimes twisted into the 'Suebian topknot', a hairstyle thought of as particularly German, and named after one of the tribes amongst whom it was noted.
The Germans also utilised good quality cavalry, normally from the nobility, which was supported by specially picked light infantry making it particularly effective. Some tribes, notably the Tencteri, utilised light cavalry as well. German cavalry seems to have had the upper hand against Gallic cavalry, and was used extensively by Caesar and later emperors as auxiliaries. Indeed Germans later formed the basis for a number of cavalry 'guards' units within the Roman Empire. Other skirmishing infantry were also used, lightly armed with javelins and a very few with bows.
The Early Germans In WABThe Early Germans make a beautiful WAB army. The spectacle of your Germanic horde with their bright barbaric shields in a huge mass is something to behold. Army composition-wise, I like to stick to the composition of historical German armies as much as possible. The army should be made up primarily of warband infantry, with cavalry numbering about one tenth of the number of warbands. The cavalry should have an equal number of light infantry supporting them, and some additional light infantry should be included for skirmishing (once again about 1/10th of the numbers of warbands.
Warbands can be split into tribal contingents with a chieftan or warlord leading them and under their own tribal standards. The germans did not have fanatics like the Gaesati or Soldurii amongst the Gauls, but some tribes (like the Chatti) were particularly savage. I like to keep my warbands BIG. In recent 2000pt games I have fielded two units of 100 each or three units of 64 each. The reasons for this are to make use of the warbands rule (I have to outnumber them!) plus the psychological effect upon my opponent. No I'm not talking about the psychology of his army - I'm talking about the player himself. Most players get freaked out when facing such a huge horde and its always satisfying to deploy your army from edge to edge in 4 ranks.
Tactics are simple. Line the warbands up and move as fast as you can towards the enemy. However, you must make every attempt to ensure that you get the charge - this is the vital and often very difficult part. Your cavalry and skirmishers should be used to protect the flanks of the warbands and to chase off enemy cavalry and skirmishers. German cavalry is particularly effective in big units against Gallic cavalry because they cause fear in them - quite handy. Do not get flanked! If you do, your warbands are useless, so use terrain and other units to prevent it. The German warbands are quite good in a standup fight because they are stubborn, but you must pick your targets carefully. You don't want your large warbands being held up by small 'stubborn' units and then getting flanked by others - you must maintain the momentum.
Happy hunting, and don't give those damned Gauls and Romans an inch of breathing space. Remember, its only a matter of time before both their empires will be ours anyway - history says so!
EARLY GERMAN ARMY LIST 150BC - 250AD ARMY SELECTION| Characters | Up to 1/3 of the points value of the army |
| Warband | At least1/3 of the points value of the army |
| Cavalry | Up to 1/3 of the points value of the army |
| Supporting Infantry | Up to 1/4 of the points value of the army |
| Wagon Laager | Up to 1/4 of the points value of the army |
All units may have a leader (+5 pts), musician (+5 pts) and Standard Bearer (+5 pts) except that skirmishers may not include a standard bearer.
CHARACTERS
Characters represent the leaders and warriors of renown amongst your German tribes. They should be chosen to lead your tribal contingents and perhaps boost your fighting power. Please note that the Germans were not particularly religious, so a Shaman is not included as an option.
0-1 Warlord............140 pts
The army may be led by a single powerful warlord (chieftan) representing the leader of a large tribe or leader of several smaller tribal contingents.
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | |
| Warlord | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 7 |
Equipment: sword
Options:May have throwing spear (+2 pts), javelins (+2 pts), light armour (+3 pts), shield (+2 pts). May ride a horse (free, increases movement to )
Special Rules: The warlord is the army's general. Any unit within 12" of him may use his leadership value when testing against leadership. The warlord is subject to the rules for warbands as described in the Psychology section of the game rules.
0-1 Battle Standard........50 pts
The army may have a single battle standard representing a sacred tribal totem or the chieftan's personal standard. The standard is carried by one of his most trusted retainers.
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | |
| Battle Standard | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
Equipment: sword
Options:May have throwing spear (+2 pts), javelins (+2 pts), light armour (+3 pts), shield (+2 pts). May ride a horse (free, increases movement to 8)
Special Rules: Any unit within 12" of the Battle Standard can re-roll the dice if it fails a break test. The Standard Bearer is subject to the rules for warbands as described in the Psychology section of the game rules.
Chieftans.............70 pts
Chieftans represent the leaders of different tribal contingents in the army. Chieftans are particularly fearsome or experienced warriors, rising to their position through their own strength and reputation. Chieftans should probably only be selected on a ratio of one per unit of Warband or Cavalry at maximum.
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | |
| Chieftans | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
Equipment: sword
Options:May have throwing spear (+2 pts), javelins (+2 pts), light armour (+3 pts), shield (+2 pts). May ride a horse (free, increases movement to 8)
Special Rules: A chieftan is subject to the rules for warbands asdescribed
in the Psychology section of the game rules.
WARBAND
German Warbands were noted for the ferocity and resistance of the warriors. They fought as a more cohesive force and in closer order than Gallic or other warbands of the period, relying more upon the strength of the warband rather than individual prowess. Warriors were almost universally armed with the 'framea', a light throwing spear and a shield. Note that some throwing spears were retained in hand to thrust, so count as hand weapons in hand to hand combat. Some wealthier men may have had swords and light armour, but their numbers are too small to warrant these being offered as options. The player should also ensure that he issues the 'Barritus', a particularly fearsome German warcry, before declaring his charges!
Warriors..............7 points per model
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | |
| Warriors | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
Equipment: shields and throwing spears
Options:May have javelins (+1 pts). One unit may be upgraded to 'hatred' of the enemy (+2 pts per model), as described in the psychology section of the game rules, to represent the Chatti or some other particularly savage tribe.
Special Rules: German warriors are 'stubborn' as described in the psychology section of the game rules. Warriors are subject to the rules for warbands as described in the Psychology section of the game rules.
CAVALRY
The German tribes' nobility often fought mounted, and by all accounts were quite effective. As the wealthier men of the tribe, they could be expected to have swords, armour and helmets. Each German cavalryman was normally supported by a specially picked light infantryman who either rode on the horse with its rider then dismounted close to battle or held on to the horses mane and ran alongside (fit men!). German cavalry had such a fearsome reputation that it served as mercenary cavalry for many years in Roman armies, eventually being formed into 'guards' cavalry units.
Cavalry............28 pts per model
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | |
| Cavalry | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
Equipment: shields, hand weapons and throwing spears
Options:May have javelins (+1 pts), light armour (+2 pts)
Special Rules: German cavalry are 'stubborn' as described in the psychology section of the game rules. German cavalry cause fear in Gallic cavalry. Cavalry are subject to the rules for warbands as described in the Psychology section of the game rules.
German cavalry may be supported by German light infantry. Javelin armed Light infantry (purchased seperately) up to the same number as cavalry may be combined into the same unit. The infantry are 'carried' by the cavalry, which reduces the cavalry movement by 1" until the infantry are dropped off. Cavalry cannot charge carrying infantry, and if charged while loaded with infantry will automatically flee (at the reduced speed). The infantry can be dropped off at any point along the cavalry's route and will then act as a detachment of the cavalry unit. It can form ranks behind the unit, conferring up to 1 rank bonus for warband leadership only. It can also act as a skirmish unit which must remain within 2" of the main cavalry unit itself, but otherwise acts as a normal skirmisher unit. Light infantry use the cavalry leadership when acting as part of the unit.
Light Cavalry...........13 pts per model
Light cavalry were used in small numbers by most tribes and in greater numbers by some (for example the Tencteri). It was used to scout, skirmish and harrass the enemy as well as protect the warbands and cavalry from enemy skirmishers.
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | |
| Light Cavalry | 8 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
Equipment: buckler, javelins
Options: shield (+1 pt), hand weapon (+1 pt)
Special Rules: German light cavalry are 'stubborn' as described in the psychology section of the game rules. Light cavalry are subject to the rules for warbands as described in the Psychology section of the game rules.
SUPPORTING INFANTRY
The Germans, like other barbarians, used the poorer warriors and youths as light infantry skirmishers. Some were hand picked to support the cavalry as described above, whilst others were used in a more traditional skirmisher role. The majority were armed with javelins and light shields, but a small number could instead be armed with bows.
Skirmishers...............3 pts per model
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | |
| Skirmishers | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
Equipment: javelins and buckler
Options: handweapon (+1 pts), shield (+1 pts), replace javelin & buckler with bow (+1 pt)
Special Rules: Skirmishers can skirmish! Skirmishers are subject to the rules for warbands as described in the Psychology section of the game rules. Skirmishers can support cavalry (see cavalry special rules)
WAGON LAAGER
The Germans during this period were often migrating (attempting to anyway!) from their previous homelands into the more civilised regions of Italy, Gaul the Balkans and Spain. As such they did not have permanent settlements, but lived out of a wagon laager which contained all of their possessions, families and tribal wealth. When halted or in danger, the wagons were circled to form a defensive obstacle which could be defended by warriors or even the women and old folk. A german army may take up to 25% of its points value as wagon laager which can be placed anywhere on its own side of the table. Wagon Laager sections are of 6" length and each comes with 3 civilian models. Suitable models of wagons, barricades and civilians should be provided if this option is to be used. The laager counts as a wall for shooting (hard cover) and a defended obstacle for hand to hand combat. If troops are put inside the laager ,they will defend it, otherwise use the stats for civilians below. If captured the wagon laager gives your opponent 300 VP's.
Wagon Laager...............30 pts per 6" section with 3 civilians
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | LD | |
| Civilians | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
Equipment: javelins and improvised weapons
Options: none
Special Rules: Civilians may only be set up in the wagon laager. Civilians are subject to hatred if the laager is attacked and frenzy if the laager is breached. They cannot be set up in formation, but must adopt skirmish formation.
Hope everyone likes this list.