Non-Legionary [Auxiliary] Cavalry force. Some are organized as Vexillatio, others as Cuneus or individual Ordo. The distinction between Legionary and Ala is of less importance than the Border/Field army classification.
Levy of fixed size, of food and/or coin, collected annually by either a Cais or Vicarii.
Forces raised in addition to legionary forces. Now used for professional infantry in well-trained force that is more suited to combat in rough terrain than Legionaries, or Cavalry that is the virtual equal [or often better] than Legionary equivalents.
Older Auxilium have either all-javelin or all-archer makeup, whereas 'modern' ones have a mixture within each Ordo.
Border Legions, or other forces, are of lower quality than Field Army forces.
The name of an officer who collects the Annona, on behalf of the Emperor or one of his local deputies. Differs from the Vicarius, who reports directly to the Emperor, the Cais will more often report to intermediate Lords, who themselves may be visited by a Cais or Vicarius. This is, to some extent, the start of a feudal system.
The Military arm, mounted on Horses. The type of Cavalry depends on the type of horse, the training and equipment. The Cavalry was divided into Legionary Cavalry and Allies [or Alae].
Small inexpensive horse used for pulling carts. A peasant horse. Not trained for battle, or the hunt. Often placid and slow, and probably qualifies as a Nag. These may cost about 80 Denarii.
Literally 'a hundred', and can be a measure of years. Also a measure of Military Troops, generally 80 men. The Cavalry equivalent is a Turma of 30 men, which has a Centurion commanding.
A Charger is a Horse, suited for use by Cavalry that charges home. These horses are War-trained and thus not usually phased by combat and other noise. They do not fight independently under normal circumstances. Cost is about £10.
The virtues of Chivalry are Energetic, Generous, Just, Merciful, Modest and Valorous. A knight who is all these things is rare, but all knights should strive to be Chivalric. The ideals of Chivalry form the underlying principle of Knighthood, and any who claim to be Knights should also be chivalric.
Knights and many Lords follow the rules of Hospitality, which are also part of the Code of Chivalry.
The quality of Legion or other forces raised in a City, for it's defence is generally lower than Border or Field Army forces.
A district, usually centered on a city/town, with full Civilian authority, and thus outside of the authority of the Military governor. Later all Civitae were given full citizenship rights.
Major division of the old Legio, and of 480, or in a few cases 960, men. It was divided into two Maniples, which are now known as Ordines. Border army forces still have Cohorts, which are organized, generally, in Maniples and Centuries.
City founded from army veterans given land in the area. Often a single Legion or Auxilium supplied the vast majority of Veterans that so retired. They are rich recruiting grounds for forces, as the descendants of the veterans have a good military background.
A Military Commander of the highest rank in Britain. The Magister Militum in Gaul outranks the Comes, in theory. The Comes Britannicum outranks the Comes Litoris Saxionicae [CLS].
A military officer with the express task of commanding troops within a City or Fortress. He is responsible to the Civilian [or other] authority within the City, but otherwise has full command of all military forces for defence. Originally known as Comes Stabilisi, this title is rarely used as such, the contracted form, Constable, being universal in Britain. He is outranked by Comes, and Duces.
Consularis [Consular Governor]
One of the vicarii Ranks, and the highest below Vicarius.
A Lord who is a landholder of significant power, yet not wishing, willing or able to claim the titles Duke or King. Some use Comes in Latin and some Comes are referred to as Count in languages other than Latin. The Comes Litoris Saxionicae [Count of the Saxon Shore] has developed into a powerful landholder, having started as a military officer.
A large and fast light Horse, used by Cavalry that travel fast, and as a riding animal by those who have several horses. Many are trained for battle, and most are trained for the hunt. Cost is about £5.
The name means Wedge and refers to a Cavalry force of 8 Turmae. [Therefore about 240-256 men.] Ideally 256 men, so as to form a wedge of that size.
The Cymric part of the Royal Guard. It is Infantry fighting in native Cymric style. The commander is known as Praefectus Cymbrogi.
The area of a Dominium that is personally ruled by the Lord.
The Penny, or basic coin of currency. 240 make a Librum [Pound]. Used d. as a symbol, as 240 d.
A large war-trained Horse. These horses are very rare, and indeed were only found in the far east, where they serve as mounts for heavily armoured Cavalry. Now there may be a few in Britain, but they are rare and valuable. Cost is well above £10, although no fixed price can be given.
Emperor Diolectin created these divisions of the Empire. Britain is a single large Diocese. It is divided into five Provinces. [See Vicarius]
The area ruled by a Noble Lord. This is split into his Demesne, and Territory.
A standard in the form of a dragon. This is the standard type for units of Ordo size.
A powerful Lord who rules with almost Royal power, wanting to distinguish his rule from that of a mere Dux, yet not claim the title King.
A Military title meaning, literally, Leader. The power of Duces varies from just above that of Praetor, to near that of Kings. Now also a Civilian title. Some powerful Duces prefer the term Duke, which they take to outrank a Comes [Count] even though a Comes outranks a Dux.
The Latin for Knight, and a term used in the Roman Republic for a man of Equestrian status who provided his own horse and equipment, and fought as Cavalry in the Legion. Now used as a term for good quality forces of Cavalry, in the field army of a Roman Officer. A return to the old system of Equites being men of high birth and high Military ability, fighting as 'Knights', exists to a certain extent and is growing, but they differ at this time from any other Cavalry, except there is an increased use of the Spear as a weapon, as against the traditional Javelin, or even Bows.
British Nobles fighting as Cavalry tend to call themselves 'Nobles' or 'Equites' in Latin, but the preferred weapon is still Javelin.
This is a System where the highest authority in the land divides the land between his 'Tenants in Chief' who in turn divide the land up between their tenants, and so on through any number of levels. This system is different from the Roman system where Land can be owned by individuals, or families, as it claims all land is owned by the Emperor.
The division of land into large areas, ruled by subordinate Kings or Dukes, responsible for local order and providing the Emperor with specified tax and troops, is favoured as it reduces the burden on the Imperial power, and is a virtual necessity in a large powerful Empire. It also makes it clear who is responsible for what, and simplifies law making and enforcement.
The senior of the three forces of the Royal Guards. A force made up of King's Sons and others, such as the sons of Duces, Comes and other men of power.. It is an Elite cavalry force of the Emperor, and under the direct authority of the Chief-of-Staff, Vortigern, Duke Gewessi. The commander of this force is known as Dux Fideles.
The purpose is to provide hostages against possible disloyal actions of Lords against the Emperor, and to get the various Lords accustomed to working with each other, and the Emperor, before they take up their posts as great landed Lords.
Men of great promise are transferred here to also be accustomed to dealing with such powerful men, before being transferred to command posts throughout the Empire of Britain.
The Field Army forces are of higher quality than the Border Legions, and of higher quality than the City and Militia Legions.
The Roman province of Gaul originally covered Europe from Italy to Spain to the red sea, and to the Rhine. It is thus modern France and more. It is now divided into areas ruled by Rome, as Gaul, and areas free of Roman rule.
Troops that are said to be green are inexperienced and thus their reaction to combat is unknown. Troops that are no longer green may later become veterans.
This is the welcoming of strangers, and giving them the benefit of bed and table, without charge. Religious institutions often ask for a 'suitable donation', while Nobles often expect News and Stories, and rarely entertain commoners.
Honour is ones personal integrity, being honest even with oneself and acting in all ways 'with honour'. Breaking the laws of Hospitality or Chivalry are ways to lose Honour!
Horses are the mounts of Cavalry, and can be Carthorse, Charger, Courser, Destrier, Nag, Palfrey, Rouncy or Sumpter. They are of extra value if White or Black.
The Military arm, on foot. They are Legionary, Auxilium or Tribal.
Latin is REX. This is the holder of supreme power in a larger area, or a ruler with some ancient right to Kingship. Generally Romans dislike this term, and prefer Praetor and Dux. Some of either of these may outrank a King of lower power. The Title Imperator [Emperor] is in theory higher than all Kings, and may also be thought of as King-of-Kings.
A Mounted Warrior of the Social Elite. The Latin is Equites, and most such warriors qualify as Cavalry. A true Knight follows the rules of Chivalry, and fights with Lance, and heavy Armour. Few such exist, although the stories of hospitality and Honour, and Chivalric ideals are known to those who care to listen.
Latin form of the name Legion. A force of Legionary Infantry, possibly with some Legionary Cavalry.
Originally a force of Roman Infantry, of 6,000 men but now of varying size. Initially of 10 Cohortes, and now of a varying number. The term Legio generally refers to a remnant of older style Legions, and thus to a force of a number of Cohortes, plus a small headquarters staff, and a small force of Cavalry.
The standard for a Legio is the Golden Eagle.
A force of Roman Infantry in the new style. A Legione is about 1,200 men strong, with about 30 Officers and messengers on horse back, and the rest organized as 6 x 200 man Ordines. The standard for a Legione is an Eagle, or the standard of the home City. Unlike older Legio, the Legione has archers in the ranks.
Levy
A raising of a resource as a tax. Can be goods, money or food, or military forces. Some serve the levy as Military Service in lieu of other taxes, or for a land grant, which is the start of a feudal system. Some are simply conscripted on the spot.
Levy military forces are best described as feudal if the quality is good, since they are professional soldiers or at least fairly sure of why they are fighting. Feudal Levies serving in return for land rights are serving from choice and benefit from the arrangement.
Normal Levies, described as Levies, do not generally have any qualities of professionalism or other values that make good soldiers.
A pound, a fairly large sum of money, equal to 240 Denarii. The symbol is £, thus £1 for one.
'Shore', coastline.
The highest of all Military Ranks below Imperator [Emperor]. The only officer of such rank known by those in Britain, is in Gaul. He is the theoretical superior to the Comes Britannicum, but it is generally not known if the position is still filled.
A Mercenary is a soldier who is paid for a specific service or job. They can be Mercenary Guards who guard a place or caravan, or mercenary elements in an Army, usually invading. Some mercenaries are guards in one place for their entire careers, but most move around. Mercenaries tend to have no ties to local population, are so not affected by popular sentiment. They tend to be well trained and equipped, and highly disciplined, and professional.
Mercenaries do not have any allegiance beyond that bought by the employer, although many maintain a professional attitude that states that they do not swap sides, or desert for higher pay.
Troops raised for an ally, in ones own country, but paid by the ally may be mercenaries, but are more often Tribal levies or professional forces.
A Nag is any Horse that is not suited for anything but carriage of goods. It may be a Carthorse or a better horse that has become broken or old. Cost about 50d.
Navy forces are either Modern or Roman or Mixed. Roman Naval forces are of 'Picti' Biremes, and rely upon large tough hull and forces of Marines, and also have a working 'ram' device. Modern Naval vessels are long sleek vessels, smaller in displacement than the Picti, and very fast and maneuverable. The smaller vessels carry about 70 or 80 men, and two of these would be needed to over power a Picti with numbers of Marines. However a Picti vessel can not hope to catch a modern vessel, whereas a modern vessel can choose to engage or not, almost at will.
Non-Warships are wider and sail well, but have insufficient men to row effectively. They are fast under sail, although slowed when fully laden.
Fishing boats and small boats [such as Curraughs] are suited to their tasks, and are far smaller than the above, and rarely used for anything other than their intended purpose. Curraughs have been known to be used to transport Irish raiders, and Fishing boats to transport troops across small stretches of sea. Both are very vulnerable to warships.
The Nobles are the men of the Empire, or any state, that make up the upper strata of society, below the Imperial/Royal families who are themselves Noble too. Nobility can be found in a man outside of these privileged classes, but is rarer as it takes the traditions and upbringing of nobility to engender the true Noble spirit.
A military unit of 'Nobles' tends to be professional in it's weapons use, and of high morale.
A Numerus [plural Numerii], is a 'locally raised auxiliary infantry force'. They supplement Legions an Auxilium, and when first raised are generally equipped and fight in 'traditional' fashion, and then over time are trained to fight like Auxilium in Roman Fashion. Unlike 'proper' auxilium they do not have archers in the ranks.
A 'Battalion', a major division of a Vexillatio or Legio/Legione/Cohort. In almost all cases an Ordo is an independent tactical force within the larger force. Generally 200 men when Infantry [4 or 5 Centuries], 100 men when Cavalry [3 Turmae]. The standard borne by an Ordo is the Draco.
A guard honorific, used mainly for Auxilium Infantry. The quality of the one Palatinum unit in Britain is unsurpassed by any other infantry force. The term Palatine is used to mean 'of the Palace'.
A Palfrey is a Horse especially suited for riding, calm and gentle, they are used as mounts for women, or for Cavalry who wish to ride easy until the need to change to a combat horse is needed. Also used by children and Pages, etc, when they can be afforded.
The middle ranking of the three Royal Guards units that form the command of the Chief of Staff, and bodyguard of the Emperor. They were dissolved after one of their number killed Emperor Constans. The commander was known as Praefectus Picti. See Battle of the Flight.
Commander of a force of, usually, 3 Ordines, and thus of 600 Infantry or 300 Cavalry strength. See also :- Praefectus
The normal rank for a vicarii of the five provinces of Britain. Reports to the Vicarius.
A Civilian authority in the Roman style, generally running a fairly large City. As the ultimate civilian authority in a non-Military area, a Praetor outranks the commanders of the Military forces raised within the City for it's defence. He does not, however, have any authority over the Military units assigned to the City from Field Armies or other mobile forces, except in relation to off duty crimes and punishment. The Praetor will have a Military officer, called a Constable, to command the military forces in the City. When such forces leave the city a Vice-Comes is appointed.
Old Guard Legion name, and also used by many Emperors for Guard forces of various types. Schola is the name now given to some of these when Cavalry, and Canditati for close bodyguards, Domestici et Protectores for a sort of staff college and bodyguard. The name Fideles is used for this last in Britain.
A 'Governor'. Can be of variety of powers, and full titles include Procurator Regionaris, Procurator Fiscali.
A Professional is somebody paid to do the job they do. It is used mainly, in fact, to show that they are skilled to an acceptable level. Professional soldiers are able to efficiently use the weapons of their troop type.
A unit is said to be Professional if it is drilled to a high level, and thus able to make maneuvers as a unit. If it is said to be 'of professional warriors' then it is not so well drilled, but the individual soldiers are trained with weapons. Nobles are generally professional with weapons, as are mercenaries, whereas regular units tend to be professional units, even if individual weapon skills are less.
A division of a Diocese. There are five Provinces in the Diocese of Britain.
A Horse slow, hardy and used as a riding horse if nothing better can be afforded. Cost is about £1.
The Guards of the Emperor consist of the Fideles, Picti and Cymbrogi.
A Horse slow, steady and used to carry a pack. Cost is about 100d.
That part of a Dominium that is not ruled by the Lord directly. It may be ruled by subordinate Lords, or ungoverned.
A term implying that the force or government institution is of non-Roman style and substance. Tribal Cavalry can be of good quality, and well-mounted, a fierce opponent but undisciplined. Tribal Infantry is often brave but of little value compared to Roman equivalents.
A Cavalry force of about 30 or 32 men. It is part of a Vexillatio, Cuneus or Ala. The plural is Turmae.
A Veteran is a soldier who has served the regulation twenty years in the army, and thus can retire with land and/or citizenship rights. Many cities are Coloniae [Colonies], founded from retiring veterans.
The term is also used for a unit that has seen extensive battle action and can be relied upon not to panic. The opposite, to a certain extent, is Green.
A unit of Roman Cavalry with an official strength of about 300, or 310 men. Originally any force detached from a Legion was called a Vexillatio as it carried a Vexillium [Standard hanging form a pole]. Now only used for Cavalry forces. See also Draco.
Officer who runs the tax-collecting organization of Britain. The Vicarius Britannicum is based in Londinium [London], and has a number of vicarii of various ranks [Consularis and Praesides]in five Provinces. See also Vicarius.
A Military post, used in two areas. One is as a Subordinate to a Comes, the other an officer commanding the forces of a City when sent on a detached mission from the City.