Special Units

Pilani – though I considered naming them Triarii, but ultimately chose the archaic name as it better evokes their polearm-based weaponry. These warriors are the veterans of the legion and historically the last line to be committed, stepping into battle only when necessary. I picture them as Longbeards without beards – seasoned and grumbling! O tempora…O mores…as the Primus Pilus Cicero once said.

Funditores – basically a clear reference to the Balearic slingers and the perfect unit of small snipers to place a Goliath Venator in. All large monsters should cover their foreheads against a well-aimed rain of stones. Certainly skirmishers, possibly ambushers or scouts.

Luperci – the cultists of Sorania and the Hirpinian Wolves. Historically, Roman velites often wore wolf pelts, making this an easy choice to upgrade them into an elite skirmishing unit with a touch of fanaticism we all love in Warhammer. Naturally, like a true wolf pack, they excel at flanking tactics! The Luperci are clad in fur pelts akin to the Winter Wolf Cloaks of Middenheim, while an iconic weapon (whether polearms or hammers) is something I am still mulling over. Maybe the Forest Strider special rule?

Iron Pot Fighters – the small fighters of the Apuccinian gladiatorial games. To the Republic, they are athletic superstars, but when the sport consists of brutal one-on-one combat or slaying of savage beasts, such skills prove all too well on the battlefield. As history teaches us, there are many styles and schools: net and trident, sword and board, dual weapons and even the heavily armored Crupellarius.

Tilean Auxilia – these neighboring barbarians are actually quite effective cavalry. A classic cavalry option with classic horses feels right, but it’s a role for Manlings, not Halflings. Ah the Tilean Auxilia are fast cavalry only, not full-plate freelancers.

Capitoline Watch – a 4th-century BC tale tells how the honking of the sacred geese saved Rome when the Gauls attempted to sneak in under cover of night. Then Halflings have a certain affinity with farm animals, even if geese are no ordinary beasts: killing machines with black souls and fury burning in the eyes. This unit practically wrote itself…fearless, angry birds, weighing half a ton and bred for battle! Something like the Great Cave Squigs, but with even greater murderous fury, vicious beaks and soft feathers.

Legio Gallica – the name “Gallica” may be misleading as it has nothing to do with the Gallic peoples. Instead, I drew upon the other Latin meaning of the word: rooster. Thus, the entire unit is mounted on Rooster Magni, with legionary riders or Iron Pot fighters.

Hirpinian Wolf Chariot – nothing too strange here…the standard war chariot found in almost every army. The distinctive features in terms of lore are the draught beasts: Hirpinian Wolves, the most thematic choice in the Apuccini Mountains.

Apuccinian Ogres – it is no secret that Ogres roam across much of the Known World, nor that having Halflings as allies means never going hungry. These are already a classic combo in the lore, but I simply can’t shake the image of mercenary Ogres adorned like gladiators, legionaries or even senators. Two-meter-tall shields? Crossbows or Bellybows? I still need to think about the equipment options.

Carroballista – this ancient war machine was little more than a bolt thrower mounted on a chariot. Who am I not to bring it back into the army list? The fantasy difference lies in how it is pulled, most likely by white oxen, though I rather like the idea of an Ogre doing the job instead (much like those who open the Black Gates of Mordor in The Lord of the Rings). From this concept, siege towers and battering rams could easily follow.

Onagro – simply a stone thrower…perhaps I could make some kind of connection with the donkey, given its etymology. Something in the style of the Screaming Skull Catapult, maybe hurling loads of dung or a more Mootlander approach, flinging pots and cauldrons.

Scorpio – the classic Roman bolt thrower and in terms of Warhammer rules, I wouldn’t change it much at all. Up to two Scorpios could be taken as a single Special unit. And there it is: Ogre crew! After all, these hulking brutes are a fundamental part of the Apuccinian community. Even the Chaos Dwarfs make use of them for their artillery, so why shouldn’t the Little Republic do the same, especially when it pays with food?