New Armati Army Lists

Numidians
Age of Empires (3)

This list was designed by Peter Morrison.

Key Units = &
CR: H: 3; L: 5; BP: 3; Init: 6
Unit
3-LC& (Numidians)

FV

PROT

2[0]0 +1

Weapons
Javelins

2-HC& (Spanish/Gauls) 4[0]0 +1

Javelins/Swords

2-LI (Numidians)

3[1]2 +1

Javelins

2-SI (Numidians)

3[1]2 +2

Javelins

Bonus Units
Unit

FV

PROT Weapons/(cost)

9-LC& (Numidians)

2[0]0 +1

Javelins (3)

5-LI (Numidians))

3[1]2 +1

Javelins (2)

2-EL& (Small African)) 4[3]1 +1

Various (5)

6-SI (Numidians)

3[1]2 +2

Javelins (1)

3-LHI& (Numidians)

4[1]2 +1

Javelins (3)

Terrain: 3 selections: 2 GR, 1 SH, 1 WD/RG

LHI may only be used when in contact with an elephant and in the same formation. The formation point must
be taken from the heavy list. This unit is an exception to the rule in Armati 4: Command Systems. This is the
only way to accurately represent a historical formation utilised by the Numidians.
Note that any LHI next to an elephant that is destroyed is also destroyed on a throw of 5 or 6 by the
Numidian general.
LI may support HC only.
Background
This army presents serious problems for those wishing to create an army list Numidian. Cavalry was not
equipped for hand to hand combat any more than the infantry and when attacked by Roman, Spanish and

Celtic cavalry who were accustomed to charging home and equipped to do so, they could only flee. "This
being perceived, the legionaries immediately halted; and the cavalry, though few in number, boldly charged
the vast multitude of the enemy. An incredible event occurred, that less than thirty Gallic horse repulsed two
thousand Moors, and drove them into the town. Having thus repulsed the enemy and compelled them to retire
behind theirwalls." [Sallust, the Jugurthine war. 11.6]
It would be easy to think this text indicates complete cowardice on the part of Numidians, but this is not so.
The Numidians had a way of fighting that was only matched by bow armed horsemen; that is they fought only
with missiles and in fact would not close except on the flank or rear of disordered infantry. They would
however, return to the attack once an enemy tired or ceased pursuit. The infantry fought in a similar way, but
was much less reliable than the cavalry. The use of units and standards had been acquired by the Romans and
elephants were used to bolster the infantry.
Infantry units were often stiffened by Elephants of the African type. " As soon as the enemy came close both
sides charged with loud shouts. The Numidians stood their ground only as long as they thought they could rely
on their elephants for protection. When they saw the beasts getting entangled in the branches of trees, with
the result that they were separated and could be surrounded by the enemy, they took to their heels. Most of
them, dropping their arms escaped unhurt, thanks to the proximity of a hill and the approaching dark. Four
elephants were killed and all the remaining forty killed." [Sallust, The Jugurthine War. 53]
These warriors were invaluable in the armies of Rome and Carthage and gave both nations a good fight when
they clashed with them.
Optional Rules
For more realism the following rules are suggested as a try out:
Numidian LC Can throw javelins to 6" range and do not fight a frontal melee as normal. They always fire their
javelins at an enemy even if in melee contact. Compare the missile score ( deducting PROT factors) with the
melee score.
1. If the Numidians inflict a BP they managed to survive contact - carry on.
2. If they lose and are not destroyed, they must break off during the move and out run the unit they were
fighting, or be destroyed. (Don't lose the evade throw!)
NB: I do not believe this is the way all LC should fight and would only allow this to LC that did not carry
melee weapons.
Alternatively, give the LC a FV of 1 fighting the front of any enemy unit.
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Balisarian (Gothic Wars) Byzantine: 533-550

Triumph of Cavalry (4)

This list was designed by Steve Phenow.

Key Units = &
CR: H: 5; L: 3; BP: 2; Init: 8
Units (Belisarios' Comitatus)

FV

PROT

Weapons

2-HC& (d!) (Boukeellari Kataphractoi) 5[2]0 +2

Lances/Bows

1-HC& (Boukellari Gothic Warriors)

Lances

5[0]0 +1

1-LC& (d) (Boukellari Bulgarian Huns) 2[0]0 +1

Various/Bows

Bonus Units
Milites Comitatenses Units
4-HC& (d) (Hippo-Toxotoi)

FV

PROT Weapons/(cost)

4[1]0 +1

Various/Bows (5)

2-LC& (d) (Hunnic Foederati) 2[0]0 +1

Various/Bows (4)

4-SI (Isurian)

2[1]1 +2

Bows (1)

2-SI (Isurian)

3[1]2 +2

Javelins (1)

Limitanii Units

FV

PROT Weapons/(cost)

2-FT&* (Regi. Aux. Pal.)

5[1]1 +1

Javelins (3)

1-SI

2[1]1 +2

Bows (1)

1-SI

3[1]2 +2

Javelins (1)

1-LHI* (The Num. Fel. Theod.) 4[1]2 +1

Javelins (3)

Moorish Symmachoi Units

FV

PROT Weapons/(cost)

2-LC

2[0]0 +1

Javelins (3)

4-SI

3[1]2 +2

Javelins (1)

Gothic Symmachoi Units

1-HC& (Warriors)

FV

PROT Weapons/(cost)

5[0]0 +1

Lances (5)

1-SI& (servants)

2[1]1 +2

Bows (1)

Terrain 2 selections: 2 GR, 1 SH, 1 RG

*Limitanii: If any of the Regi. Aux. Pal. is bought, all but the LHI must be bought. This unit is mentioned as
fighting in Africa but not in Italy. The Num. are mentioned as fighting in Italy.
Historical Notes, these is based on the writings of Prokopias' African and Italian wars hereafter known as the
Gothic Wars...
1. The High Initiative! This army is always assumed to commanded by Dux Belisarios, Magister Pedes, one
of the foremost great captains of ancient history, and a highly aggressive commander. No number less would
do.
2. The Core. The Comitatus: The Germanic practice of comitatus: the "war-band" of followers surrounding a
leader to whom the soldiers are bound by a personal tie of blood or oaths, had by now become deeply
ingrained in the Roman army. Beginning with the Foederati, it had been copied by the national army, allowing
rich and distinguished officers to raise bodies of men for their own service, rather then just giving them
command of existing army units.
The Boukellari Kataphractoi are the Armenian and Thracian personal bodyguard of Belisarios. I have
assumed, that since he had them whereever he went, they should be in the Core.
If they dismount they become 5[1]1 +1 bow and lance armed foot. Even though the evidence is slight, I also
assume that at least the front rank is riding armored horses.
The word Boukellari comes from the Latin word "Buccellum," which is white house hold made bread, more
tasty and desired as opposed to usual flat ration-biscuit cooked in the field -- much like San Francisco Sour
Dough bread over Roman meal bread.
The troops who took the personal oath were called "buccellani" which is the Greek "boukellari." Interestingly,
these men were not counted as not a part of the Roman army, but as their master's men. If he was unable to
pay them, they were free to seek employ elsewhere.
The Comitatenses. This is paid by the Imperial treasury and is a field force assigned by the Emperor to the
Dux or Strategos' command
Hippo Toxotoi or Stratiotai. Toxotoi (later called stratiotai) are derived from the Hunnic model, introduced
into the Roman Army by Leo. They are based on Prokopias excellent discription: "Now our mounted
bowmen are very different. They come to the fight armored to the knee. They bear bow and sword, and for
the most part a spear (a lanceia not a contus, or a hasta. sfp) also, and a little shield on the left shoulder,
fastened with a strap, not a handle, (i.e. strapped to the arm covering the armpit to the point of the elbow
leaving the lower arm free to work the bow, definitely Hunnic) are splendid riders, can shoot while galloping
at full speed, and can keep up the arrow-flight with equal ease whether they are advancing or retreating. They
draw the string not to the breast, but to the face, or even to the right ear (Hunnic), so that the missile flies so
strongly as always to inflict a deadly wound, piercing both shield and body armor with ease.
Yet there are men who in antique prejudice despise our horsemen since they use the bow, out of mere
ignorance and folly. For it is clear and obvious that the grandest military results in the wars of our own day

have been attained by the use of this very arm." ["De Belle Persico"] Persian Wars I. 1. 25-40.
These are the regular Roman horse as described above. Since they are armed with a bow and spear they are
rated as 4s. They are used as HC here, but could operate as LC if necessary. As for their dismounted ability,
which was highly regarded, if they dismount they become 4[1]2 +1 javelin and bow armed LI. They must
dismount at the start of a game the same as the kataphractoi. They cannot fire bows and throw javelins in the
same missile phase. (Sorry!)
Isaurians were from the mountainous area of southeast Anatolia. They sound much like Kappadoikians in
their military methods and temperament. Leo first inducted them to offset the Germanic presence in the
Eastern Army. They were recruited as part of the Roman army so they were members, not allies. Under Zeno
they became the mainstay of the Roman LI.
Moorish Symmachoi
If the story that Prokopias relates is true, then this is another example of how the other nations held the
Romans in high regard. Once the army landed in Africa, Moorish (Numidian) chieftans approached Belisarios
and asked him if he was from the Romans. When he replied yes, the chieftans requested that the Emperor's
image be presented to the people, so that they could be recalled to their old alliance. He gave them the
Emperor's seal, and they raised a body of horse and foot for his use, based on a compact signed over 200
years ago, before any of the them of were born! Such was power of the legend of Rome.
Gothic Symmachoi
Even though they were Arians, Gothic heavy horse was still prized as one of Belisarios most important arm.
In Italy, he always tried to have several units answering to him, personally.
While this is start, it probably has some inaccuracies in it due to lack of complete information. However
based on historic sources I would say this is fairly true to history.
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Alternative Montrose Scots

English Civil War

This list was designed by Graham R. Bryson.

Key Units = &
CR: H: 2; L: 4; BP: 3; Init: 5

Unit

FV

Weapons

5-LHI (HIghlanders)&* 3[1]2 Sw/Sh/Musket

2-FT (Irish)&**

4[1]0 Musket

2-FT (Gordons)&**

3[0]0 Musket

2-SI

2[1]1 Musket
Bonus Units
Unit

FV

Weapons/(cost)

2-HC&

4[1]0 Sw/Pistols (4)

1-DR

1[0]0 Musket (3)

6-LHI (Highlanders)&* 3[1]2 Sw/Sh/Musket (4)

2-FT (Irish)&**

4[1]0 Musket (4)

2-SI

2[1]1 Musket (2)

1-ART

2[0]0 Medium (3)

Terrain: 3 selections: 2 GR, 2 SH, 2 RG, 2 W.

* Highlanders may only fire immediately before contact (same rule as for reiter).
** Irish and Gordon FT units fire @ +1.
Some time ago I and Keith Frye discussed WB units in the Irish Confederate list (see his list elsewhere) and
whether the rules and lists allowed a reasonably accurate reflection of the battles involving Montrose and
MacColla against the Covenanters.
While Keith and I had some fundamental differences good points were made (I hope by both of us). In light
of the discussions I and other club members have examined how best to reflect the nature of the Highlanders
after MacColla's reforms for the ECW period up until the Jacobite Rebellions.
The main difficulty is that Armati has no separate morale component (not necessarily a bad thing in itself). As
a result when warband are deprived of impetus their historical tactics, which were regularly but not universally
successfull, cannot be recreated, or at least non historical tactics become infinitely more preferable.
To try and reflect the flavour of the battles I have drawn up this army list with regard to some principles:
1. Highlanders were not superhumans. They had a reputation for wildness but mostly as cattle thieves.
Against regular trained troops who would stand their ground they would be likely to lose.
2. They were more mobile than regular forces, especially in rough terrain.
3. They were able to break regular forces, sometimes of good quality, during the initial charge.
4. Pike/Shot units of the period were not as deep as the earlier period.

5. Highlanders did have firearms but were reluctant to get into a firefight.
6. As little damage as possible to the rules and lists should be done to accomadate the Montrose Army,
which is an anomaly.
The solution hit on is that the Highlanders should be designated not as WB but as Sword and Buckler
(Broadsword and Targe) LHI. Sword and Bucklermen do brake pikes at first contact. To compensate, the
FV has been reduced. The FV of the Irish has been increased and the FV 5 cavalry and foot deleted.
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Irish Confederate
English Civil War

This list was designed by Keith Frye.

Key Units = &
CR: H: 4; L: 3; BP: 3; Init: 4
Unit

FV

Weapons

1-HC&

4[1]0 Various

1-LC&

3[0]0 Various

5-FT&

5[0]0 Pikes/Muskets

1-WB& (Gaels) 5[1]2 Various

4-SI

2[1]1 Muskets
Bonus Units

Unit

FV

Weapons/(cost)

1-HC& (Gentry)

5[1]0 Swords/Pistols (5)

1-HC&

4[1]0 Swords/Pistols (4)

1-LC&

3[0]0 Various (4)

2-FT&

4[0]0 Pikes/Muskets (3)

2-FT&* (Munstermen)

5[0]0 Pikes/Muskets (4)

1-FT& (Spanish Veterans) 6[0]0 Pikes/Muskets (5)

1-FT&**

3[0]0 Muskets (3)

4-WB& (Antrim Scots)

5[1]2 Various (3)

2-LI (Ulstermen)

4[1]2 Javelins/Skeans (3)

2-SI

2[1]1 Muskets (2)

2-ART

2[0]0 Light (3)

Terrain: 3 selections: 3 GR, 1 SH, 1 RG, 1 W.

*These units have a lower musket to pike ratio and fire at -1 penalty.
**This unit has a higher musket-to-pike ratio and fires at a +1 bonus.
The Light Cavalry has been added to represent the "Old Horse" that is mentioned in contemporary
documents. The Spanish Veterans can be used to represent either the interference of foreign princes, or
O'Neill's regiment that was made up of Irish veterans of Flanders.
The addition of a warband (Gaels) represents an ad-hoc collection of clansmen from beyond the Pale.
Historically, they are not always present, but neither did the Scottish Army of the Covenant always have
Highlanders; their inclusion is meant to provide some colour and tactical flexibility. The LI Ulstermen may
throw their javelins per the Armati rules.
The Native Irish reliance upon defending difficult ground has been represented by allowing the Irish General
considerable leeway in selecting terrain.
This army has managed to hold its own against the Early Parliamentarians and Scots Covenanters. It still
wants trying out against the New Model Army. As with the other ECW/TYW armies, we've found it
operates better with an additional Heavy Division.
Primary Sources
Irish Battles: A Military History of Ireland. G.A. Hayes-McCoy
The Irish at War. Ed. G.A. Hayes-McCoy
The Earl of Castlehaven's Memoirs of the Irish Wars. Castlehaven, James Touchet, Earl of
An English Army for Ireland. Ian Ryder
Scots Armies of the 17th Century. Stewart Reid
An Introduction to The Confederate Wars in Ireland, Sean Sweeney (article, 'Wargames Illustrated' #145,
Oct. '99.)
Secondary Sources:
Modern Ireland 1600 -1972, R.F. Foster

A Military History of Ireland. Ed. Bartlett & Jeffery

Limerick, its history, etc. Maurice Lenihan
Contemporary History of affairs in Ireland, 1641 - 1652. Gilbert, J.T.
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Khmer 800 AD - 1300 AD

Age of Chivalry (5)

This list was designed by Geoff Waldon.

Key Units = &
CR: H: 3; L: 4; BP: 2; Init: 5
Unit
2-EL&

FV

PROT Weapons

5[3]2 +1

Various

2-LHI& (Jacketed Spearmen) 5[1]2 +1

Javelins

1-LHI& (Jacketed Spearmen) 4[1]2 +1

Javelins

5-SI

Bows

2[1]1 +2
Bonus Units
Unit

2-EL&

FV

PROT Weapons/(cost)

5[3]2 +1

Various (6)

3-LHI& (Jacketed Spearmen) 5[1]2 +1

Javelins (4)

1-LHI& (Ph'kakmen)

6[1]2 +1

Axes (5)

1-HC&

4[0]0 +1

Various (4)

1-2CH&

4[1]0 +1

Various (4)

4-LI&

4[1]2 +1

Javelins (3)

2-LI

2[1]1 +1

Bows (2)

2-SI

2[1]1 +2

Bows (1)

Terrain: 3 selections: 1 GR, 1 SH, 1 RG, 3 W

This list is mainly a concoction from various other lists. Your well considered comments would be
appreciated.
LI or LHI not armed with bow may be formed into divisions with elephants. In which case for each such
division formed 1:H and 1:L division command point is used.
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Alternative Ancient Germans

Age of Empires (3)

This list was designed by Peter Morrison.

Key Units = &
CR: H: 5; L: 3; BP: 2; Init: 4
Unit

FV

PROT Weapons

3-LI (Smaller/Eastern Tribes) 4[1]2 +1

Javelins

3-WB& (Tribal Bands)

5[1]3 +1

Various

2-SI (Hundreds)*

3[1]2 +2

Javelins

1-SI

3[1]2 +2

Slings

1-HC&

4[0]0 +1

Spears

Bonus Units
Unit

FV

PROT Weapons/(cost)

8-WB& (Suebi)

5[1]3 +1

Various (3)

4-FT&** (Chatti)

6[1]1 +1

Various (4)

2-SI (Young Men)

3[1]2 +2

Javelins (1)

1-SI

2[1]2 +2

Bows (1)

2-HC& (Nobles)

4[0]0 +1

Spears (4)

1-HC&*** (Batavii/Tencteri) 5[0]0 +1

Spears (5)

1-HC& (Sarmatians)

Lances (5)

5[0]0 +1

Terrain: 3 selections: 3 GR, 1 SH, 2 W

* Hundreds may operate in support of German Cavalry
** Chatti may not be used with Sarmatians and Chatti must always be in the same (1) division. Chatti May
operate in Deep or Shallow formation, but always operate as slow WB - BP:4. Move: 6"
*** Batavii\Tencteri may not be used with Sarmatians
NB: the numbers of core units in the compulsory section has been reduced for three reasons:
1. This more closely simulates the local tribal arrays.
2. The bonus units show the types chieftens would want to call on for help.
3. This allows the German to acquire more BPs and thus increases the Germans chances of being able to
make numbers count.
Harii - Those using Eastern Germans (option to use Sarmatians) might consider using half the WB as the
powerful Harii - They paint their bodies and shields black (See the Foundry website for an imaginative
interpretation of this.)
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