Hi All
Reading the new army book I see and understand the ''The number of triarii cannot exceed 1/4 of the number of hastati and principes.''
but I cannot find any reference if Triarii must be taken
So can I take an army with only one TUG of 4 Triarii ?
Or must I have 1 Triarii for every 4 bases of Hastati ?
You do not have to take Triarii. That is why it is worded as it is.
Must confess that I don't see anything in the list notes that indicates they are optional:
Quote
Triarii may be deployed separately or combined with the hastati and principes. If combined, the hastati, principes and triarii form a TuG of 5, 4 hastati and principes and 1 triarii.
The number of triarii cannot exceed 1/4 of the number of hastati and principes.
I'd expect the note to state that they are optional or at least say something like "If used Triarii may be deployed ..."
I think it would be beneficial to make it explicit. On the basis of what is written I would say they are not optional if list checking.
They are optional.
It's not 100% clear historically that Triari were always present or in what numbers. The idea as far as I'm aware is that they can either be used in a unit of 5 or in a separate unit of 4. I think they should be optional and also be given the ability to make a unit of 6 as a unit of 4 is very weak. So 4 x 6 Hastati/principles and 1 x 6 Triari. But think realistically they should be an optional troop type in this period.
IMO the wording does not support them being optional. The wording needs changing, just stating it in a forum post is not enough (unless that forum post is the Official List clarifications ones of course ;D ).
Yes Nik I dont disagree. It could be stated clearly that they are optional.
Added to clarifications.
Richard
Many thanks ;D
Does the same optionality apply to the Later Campanian Triarii from 275 BCE?
Quote from: AlecJH on December 22, 2021, 08:20:30 AM
Does the same optionality apply to the Later Campanian Triarii from 275 BCE?
It does.