[Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Good morning!
I am in the process of stating up generic enemies for GMs to use in campaigns based out of the Basic Set. I'm putting them in the easy to read format that DF uses to present their monsters, but for other enemies from a wide variety of campaigns.

This first set is to present realistic challengers from TL0-TL4, please review these and let me know what you think. Are they realistic? Is there anything I should add or remove? Are there iconic figures from history that I missed?

(Some more questions before I get to the list)
Do I need to go back and add notes for specific weapons? ranged weapons’ shots, accuracy, range? How about reach for melee weapons?
Is Combat Reflexes realistic for (Roman legionnaires, Spartans, Eagle/Jaguar warriors, knights/samurai, modern soldiers, etc.)?
What about High Pain Threshold?
What sort of relevant disadvantages should I put on these quick reference sheets?

TL0
Neanderthal Hunter
ST: 13 HP: 13 Speed: 5.50
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 5
IQ: 10 Per: 11
HT: 11 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8 Parry: 9 DR: 1* (See notes)
Weapons (12): Axe (2d+1(0.5) cutting), Light Club (2d crushing), or Spear (One hand 1d+3(0.5) impaling or two hands 1d+4(0.5) impaling).
Traits: Dislikes Strangers, Dislikes large groups, Distinctive features: Neanderthal brow, Dull, Damage Resistance 1 (Skull Only), Feature: Temperature comfort zone is much lower than ordinary humans, the zone is somewhere around 25* to 80*.
Skills: Either Axe/Mace-12, Broadsword-12, or Spear-12. Area Knowledge-10; Armoury (melee or ranged weapons)-10; Camouflage-11; Machinist-10; Naturalist-11; Navigation-10; Running-11; Stealth-11; Survival-11; Tracking-11.
Notes: Axes and Spears are made of stone (p. B275). Neanderthals have an additional 1 DR on the skull.
Notable gear includes: Axe ($50, 4 lbs) or Light Club ($5, 3 lbs); Fur Loincloth and Tunic (covering groin and torso), $35, 2 lbs; Personal Basics, $5, 1 lb; Sleeping Fur, $50, 8 lbs; Spear $40, 4 lbs.


Eagle or Jaguar Warrior.
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 4*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 7*+1 Parry/Block: 9+1 DR: 1*
Weapons (13): Axe (1d+4*(0.5) cutting), Macuahuitl (1d+3*(0.5) cutting or 1d crushing), Light Club (1d+2 crushing), or Spear (One hand 1d+2*(0.5) impaling or two hands 1d+3*(0.5) impaling).
Ranged Weapons (13): Atlatl Dart (1d+1*(0.5) impaling), Bow (1d+1*(0.5) impaling), or Sling (1d+1 piercing).
Traits: Fit. Callous, Likes: Prefers to capture enemies rather than kill them.
Skills: Either Axe/Mace-13, Broadsword-13, or Spear-13. Either Bow-13, Sling-13, or Spear Thrower-13. Shield-12, Knot-Tying-11, Stealth-11.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. Weapons are made of obsidian (p. B275), losing 1 damage if used to parry or striking DR 2+.
Noteable gear includes: Their main melee weapon, a small shield, and a ranged weapon (with the Atlatl being for the most elite warriors). Cloth armor, cloth greaves, and wooden helmet (covering arms, torso, groin, and skull), $55, 8 lbs. Small shield $40, 8 lbs.

Caveman Hunter
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.50
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 5
IQ: 10 Per: 11
HT: 11 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8 Parry: 9 DR: 1*
Weapons (12): Axe (1d+3(0.5) cutting), Light Club (1d+2 crushing), or Spear (One hand 1d+1(0.5) impaling or two hands 1d+2(0.5) impaling).
Traits: Duty to their Tribe.
Skills: Either Axe/Mace-12, Broadsword-12, or Spear-12. Area Knowledge-10; Armoury (melee or ranged weapons)-10; Camouflage-11; Machinist-10; Naturalist-11; Navigation-10; Stealth-11; Survival-11; Tracking-11.
Notes: The hunter only has one weapon, choose between an Axe, Light Club, or Spear. Axes and Spears are made of stone (p. B275).
Noteable gear includes: Fur Loincloth and Tunic (covering groin and torso), $35, 2 lbs. Personal Basics, $5, 1 lb. Sleeping Fur, $50, 8 lbs. And their weapon of choice.


TL2:
Early Imperial Roman Legionnaire
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 3*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 6*+3 Parry/Block: 9+3 DR: 5 (see notes)
Shortsword, Gladius (13): 1d+1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling.
Javelin, Pilum (13): 1d impaling.
Dagger, Pugio (12): 1d-2 impaling.
Composite Bow, Arcum (13): 1d+2 impaling.
Sling, Funda (13): 1d+2 piercing.
Traits: Fit. Shield-Wall Training.
Skills: Brawling-11, Hiking-12, Knife-12, Shield-13, Shortsword-13, Soldier-12, Wrestling-11. Archers and Slingers have Bow-13 and Sling-13, respectively. Centurions will have Leadership-11, Strategy-11, Tactics-11, and Teaching-10.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. Makes HT rolls at 11, due to Fit. The legionnaire only has DR 5 on their torso, DR 4 on their skull and face, and DR 2 on their feet.
Noteable gear includes: Boots $80, 3 lbs; Gladius $400, 2 lbs; Legionary Helmet $150, 6 lbs; Lorica Segmentata $680, 26 lbs; Pilum, $30, 2 lbs; Pugio $20, 0.25 lbs; Scutum $90, 25 lbs;
Archers are equipped with Arcum $900, 4 lbs; a Hip Quiver $15, 1 lb; holding 20 arrows $40, 2 lbs. Slingers are equipped with Funda $20, 0.5 lbs, and use lead bullets (p. B276) carrying 20 of them in a pouch $10, 1 lb.


Spartan Warrior
ST: 13 HP: 13 Speed: 5.75
DX: 12 Will: 11 Move: 3*
IQ: 10 Per: 11
HT: 11 FP: 11 SM: 0
Dodge: 7*+3 Parry/Block: 11+3 DR: 5 (see notes)
Spear (15): 1d+2 impaling.
Shortsword (14): 2d-1 cutting or 1d impaling.
Punch (14): 1d+1 crushing.
Kick (12): 1d+2 crushing.
Traits: Combat Reflexes, Fearlessness 1, Fit, High Pain Threshold, Shield-Wall Training.
Skills: Hiking-13, Karate-14, Running-13, Shield-14, Shortsword-14, Soldier-14, Spear-15, Stealth-12, Survival-12, Wrestling-14. Leaders will have Strategy-12 and Tactics-12.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. Makes HT rolls at 12, due to Fit. The Spartan only has DR 5 on their torso, DR 3 on their skull, face, arms, and legs. The skills in Karate and Wrestling represent training in pankration.
Noteable gear includes: Bronze Armbands $180, 9 lbs; Bronze Cuirass (Lorica Segmentata stats) $680, 26 lbs; Bronze Greaves $270, 17 lbs; Bronze Helmet $160, 7.5 lbs; Shortsword $400, 2 lbs; Spear $40, 4 lbs; Large Shield $90, 25 lbs.

Classical Hoplite
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.00
DX: 10 Will: 10 Move: 4*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 7*+2 Parry/Block: 9+2 DR: 1* (see notes)
Spear (12): 1d+1 impaling.
Shortsword (11): 1d+1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling.
Traits: Advantages and/or Disadvantages
Skills: Shield-12, Shortsword-11, Soldier-12, Spear-12.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. The Hoplite only has DR 1* on their torso from their linothorax armor, they have DR 3 on their skull and face.
Noteable gear includes: Bronze Helmet skull/face $160, 7.5 lbs; Cloth Armor $30, 6 lbs; Medium Shield $60, 15 lbs; Shortsword $400, 2 lbs; Spear $40, 4 lbs.


TL3:
English Longbowman.
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 4*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 7* Parry: 8 DR: 4/2 (see notes)
Longbow (13): 1d+2 impaling or 1d+2(2) piercing.
Axe (11): 1d+3 cutting.
Knife (11): 1d-1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling.
Traits: Arm ST +2 (bows only).
Skills: Axe/Mace-11, Bow-13, Fast-Draw (Arrow)-13, Soldier-11.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. The longbowman only has DR 4/2 on their torso and groin, and DR 4 on their skull.
Noteable gear includes: Axe $50, 4 lbs; Large Knife $40, 1 lb; Longbow $200, 3 lbs; Mail Hauberk $230, 25 lbs; Pot Helm $100, 5 lbs; Two Hip Quivers $30, 2 lbs; one holding 20 arrows and one holding 20 bodkin point arrows (p. B277) $80, 4 lbs.
Foot-soldier, Levy.
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.00
DX: 10 Will: 10 Move: 4*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 7*+2 Parry/Block: 8+2 DR: 2 (See notes)
Spear (11): 1d+1 impaling.
Knife (11): 1d-1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling.
Traits: Typically a Duty to their lord.
Skills: Knife-11, Shield-11, Spear-11, Soldier-11.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. The foot-soldier only has DR 2 on their torso and DR 4 on their skull.
Noteable gear includes: Large Knife $40, 1 lb; Leather Armor $100, 10 lbs; Medium Shield $60, 15 lbs; Pot Helm $100, 5 lbs; Spear $40, 4 lbs.

Crossbowman, Levy.
ST: 10 HP: 10 Speed: 5.00
DX: 10 Will: 10 Move: 4*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 7* Parry: 7 DR: 2 (See notes)
Crossbow (12): 1d+2 impaling.
Knife (11): 1d-2 cutting or 1d-2 impaling.
Traits: Typically a Duty to their lord.
Skills: Crossbow-12, Knife-11, Soldier-11.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. The crossbowman only has DR 2 on their torso and DR 4 on their skull.
Noteable gear includes: Crossbow $150, 6 lbs; Large Knife $40, 1 lb; Leather Armor $100, 10 lbs; Pot Helm $100, 5 lbs; a Hip Quiver $15, 1 lb; holding 20 bolts $40, 2 lbs.

Viking Raider
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 5
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8*+2 Parry/Block: 9+2 DR: 4/2
Weapons (13): Axe (1d+3 cutting), Broadsword (1d+2 cutting or 1d+1 impaling), or Spear (1d+1 impaling (one hand) or 1d+2 impaling (two hands)).
Bow (12): 1d+1 impaling.
Knife (12): 1d-1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling.
Traits: Fit.
Skills: Axe/Mace-13, Broadsword-13, or Spear-13, Boating-12, Bow-12, Knife-12, Navigation-12, Seamanship-12, Shield-12, Swimming-11, Wrestling-11.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. Makes HT rolls at 11, due to Fit. The viking raider only has DR 4/2 on their torso and groin, and DR 4 on their skull. Only half of any group of viking raiders carry bows.
Noteable gear includes: Axe $50, 4 lbs or Spear $40, 4lbs; Large Knife $40, 1 lb; Longbow $200, 3 lbs; Mail Hauberk $230, 25 lbs; Medium Shield $60, 15 lbs; Pot Helm $100, 5 lbs; a Hip Quiver $15, 1 lb; holding 20 arrows $40, 2 lbs.
Wealthy vikings will be equipped with a Thrusting Broadsword instead of an Axe, $600, 3 lbs.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

(Part 2!)
Knight Templar
ST: 12 HP: 12 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 3
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 6+2 Parry/Block: 9+2 DR: 4/2 (see notes)
Broadsword (13): 1d+3 cutting or 1d+1 impaling.
Spear (13): 1d+1 impaling.
Traits: Fit.
Skills: Broadsword-13, Lance-13, Shield-13, Spear-13, Soldier-10, Riding-13, Wrestling-11.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. Makes HT rolls at 11, due to Fit. The knight Templar only has DR 4/2 on the arms, groin, legs, and torso, DR 6 on the skull and face, DR 4 on their hands, and DR 2 on their feet.
Noteable gear includes: Barrel Helm $240, 10 lbs; Boots $80, 3 lbs; Gauntlets $100, 2 lbs; Mail Leggings and Sleeves $180, 24 lbs; Mail Hauberk 4/2 $230, 25 lbs; Medium Shield $60, 15 lbs; Spear $40, 4 lbs; Thrusting Broadsword $600, 3 lbs.


Agincourt Knight
ST: 12 HP: 12 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 2
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 7+2 Parry/Block: 9+2 DR: 6 (see notes)
Broadsword (13): 1d+3 cutting or 1d+1 impaling.
Greatsword (13): 1d+5 cutting or 1d+2 impaling.
Lance (13): 1d+4 impaling for mounted combat at move 6.
Mace (13): 1d+5 crushing.
Traits: Fit.
Skills: Axe/Mace-13, Broadsword-13, Lance-13, Shield-13, Soldier-10, Two-Handed Sword-13, Riding-13, Wrestling-11.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance while on foot. Makes HT rolls at 11, due to Fit. The Agincourt knight only has DR 6 on the arms, groin, legs, and torso, DR 7 on the face, neck, and skull, DR 5 on their hands, and DR 4 on their feet. The Agincourt knight rides a Warhorse (p. B460) equipped with full plate barding (p. B286), this puts the Warhorse into extra heavy encumbrance and brings their Move to 6.
Noteable gear includes: Greathelm $340, 10 lbs; Heavy Gauntlets $250, 2.5 lbs; Steel Corselet $1,300, 35 lbs; Lance $60, 6 lbs; Mace $50, 5lbs; Medium Shield $60, 15 lbs; Plate Arms and Legs $2,100 35 lbs, Sollerets $150, 7 lbs; Thrusting Broadsword $600, 3 lbs.
Large two-handed swords were in vogue at the time of the Agincourt Knight, if using those, replace the Broadsword and Shield with a Thrusting Greatsword $900, 7 lbs.

TL4
Caribbean Pirate
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.00
DX: 10 Will: 10 Move: 5
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8 Parry: 9 DR: 0
Melee Weapons (12): Cutlass (1d+1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling), Saber (1d cutting or 1d impaling), or Knife (1d-1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling).
Pistol (12): Shot (2d-1 pi+) or Pistol Whip (1d+1 crushing).
Musket (12): 4d pi++.
Musket Clubbing (11): 1d+4 crushing.
Traits: None.
Skills: Boating (unpowered)-12, Boating (sailboat)-12, Brawling-11, Climbing-10, Fast-Draw (Ammo)-11, Guns (Musket)-12, Guns (Pistol)-12, Knife-12, Stealth-10, Two-Handed Axe/Mace-11. One of Saber-12 or Shortsword-12. Captains have Cartography-12, Navigation-12, Shiphandling-12, and Tactics-12.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Pirates either have a Saber or a Cutlass. Only half of any group of pirates carry muskets.
Noteable gear includes: Flintlock Pistol $200, 3 lbs; Flintlock Musket $200, 13 lbs; Large Knife $40, 1 lb. A Cutlass $300, 2 lbs or a Saber $700, 2 lbs.

Royal Navy Seaman
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.00
DX: 10 Will: 10 Move: 5
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8 Parry: 9 DR: 0
Melee Weapons (12): Hatchet (1d+1 cutting), Smallsword (1d impaling), Spear (two hands 1d+2 impaling).
Pistol (12): Shot (2d-1 pi+) or Pistol Whip (1d+1 crushing).
Musket (12): 4d pi++.
Musket Bat (11): 1d+4 crushing.
Traits: None.
Skills: Axe/Mace-12, Boating (unpowered)-12, Boating (sailboat)-12, Brawling-11, Fast-Draw (Ammo)-11, Guns (Musket)-12, Guns (Pistol)-12, Spear-12, Two-Handed Axe/Mace-11. Officers have Cartography-12, Navigation-12, Shiphandling-12, Smallsword-12 and Tactics-12.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Seamen typically would use axes and spears in boarding action with pistols being rarely issued to them. Officers carry a pistol and a smallsword.
Noteable gear includes: Flintlock Pistol $200, 3 lbs; Flintlock Musket $200, 13 lbs; Hatchet $40, 2 lbs; Spear $40, 4 lbs; Smallsword $400, 1.5 lbs.

Musketeer of the Guard.
ST: 10 HP: 10 Speed: 5.00
DX: 10 Will: 10 Move: 4*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 7* Parry: 9 DR: 0
Melee Weapon (12): Rapier (1d-1 impaling) or Saber (1d-1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling).
Musket (12): 4d pi++.
Traits: None.
Skills: Fast-Draw (Ammo)-12, Guns (musket)-12, Riding-12. One of Rapier-12 or Saber-12.
Class:
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance while on foot.
Noteable gear includes: Boots $80, 3 lbs; Matchlock Musket $150, 20 lbs. One of a rapier $500, 2.75 lbs or a saber $700, 2 lbs.

Ninja Saboteur. Sengoku period.
ST: 10 HP: 10 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 11 Move: 5
IQ: 11 Per: 11
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8 Parry: 9 DR: 0
Thrown Weapon (12): Small Knife (1d-3 impaling).
Staff (12): 1d+2 crushing.
Punch (12): 1d-2 crushing.
Throwing (12): Black Powder Bomb (3d cr ex [1d], fuse 3-5).
Traits: Fit and Flexibility.
Skills: Acting-12, Camouflage-13, Chemistry-12, Climbing-13, Disguise-13, Escape-13, Explosives (Fireworks)-13, Fast-Talk-12, Forced Entry-12, Forgery-12, Holdout-12, Hiking-11, Judo-12, Karate-12, Knife-12, Observation-12, Running-11, Staff-12, Stealth-13, Survival (Mountain, Forest, etc.)-12, Swimming-11, Thrown Weapon (Knife)-12, Throwing-12, Tracking-11.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Ninjas are primarily used for scouting via espionage and use their infiltration skills to obtain vital information to pass on to others. Their other job was sabotage, typically from arson.
Noteable Gear includes: A disguise of some type, typically what a local peasant would wear $120, 2 lbs. Climbing gear $20, 4 lbs; Grapnel $20, 2 lbs; Personal Basics $5, 1 lb; Rope $5, 1.5 lbs. If they do carry weapons it would be items that any peasant was allowed to own, such as a quarterstaff ($10, 4 lbs) or a small knife ($30, 0.5 lbs). Saboteurs also carried bombs (use Black Powder p. B277), early smoke grenades (effects as per Smoke p. B439) and incendiaries to help them commit arson.

Ninja Assassin. Sengoku period.
ST: 10 HP: 10 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 11 Move: 5
IQ: 11 Per: 11
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8 Parry: 9 DR: 0
Blowpipe (12): 1d-3 pi-.
Thrown Weapon (12): Small Knife (1d-3 impaling) or Shuriken (1d-3 cutting).
Katana (12): 1d+1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling.
Punch (12): 1d-1 crushing.
Spear (12): 1d+1 impaling.
Short-bow (12): 1d-2 impaling.
Arsenic (HT-2): Digestive poison, one-hour delay, 1d toxic hourly, for eight cycles.
Cyanide (No HT roll to resist): Follow-up poison, 4d toxic.
Traits: Fit and Flexibility.
Skills: Acting-12, Blowpipe-12, Bow-12, Broadsword-12, Camouflage-13, Climbing-14, Disguise-13, Escape-14, Fast-Talk-12, Forced Entry-13, Holdout-12, Hiking-11, Judo-13, Karate-13, Knife-12, Observation-12, Poison-12, Running-11, Spear-12, Staff-12, Stealth-13, Survival (Mountain, Forest, etc.)-12, Swimming-11, Throwing-12, Thrown Weapon (Knife)-12, Thrown Weapon (Shuriken)-12, Tactics-11, Tracking-11.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Assassin ninja typically attack from stealth, allowing them to Evaluate and then All-Out (Accurate) for Vitals, Neck, or Skull hits.
Noteable gear includes: A disguise of some type, typically what a local peasant would wear $120, 2 lbs. Climbing gear $20, 4 lbs; Grapnel $20, 2 lbs; Rope $5, 1.5 lbs. Assassins also employed various poisons: typically Arsenic or Cyanide (p. B439). Ninja carried eggshells filled with irritants to blind pursuers.
Choose two weapons from the following: blowpipe, katana, spear, short-bow, quiver/arrows, pouch/darts, throwing knife, shuriken

Sengoku period Samurai.
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 2*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 5* Parry: 9 DR: 4 (see notes)
Katana (13): 1d+3 cutting or 1d impaling.
Longbow, Yumi (13): 1d+1 impaling.
Naginata (13): Polearm (1d+3 cutting or 1d+2 impaling), Two-Handed Sword (1d+4 cutting), Staff (1d+3 crushing or 1d+1 crushing)
Shortsword, wakizashi (13): 1d+1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling.
Traits: Fit.
Skills: Bow-13, Broadsword-13, Polearm-13, Riding-12, Shortsword-12, Staff-13, Two-Handed Sword-13.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance while on foot. Makes HT rolls at 11, due to Fit. The samurai has DR 4 everywhere except for DR 2 on their feet. Equip the samurai with either a Naginata or a Longbow along with their Katana and Wakizashi. The samurai rides a Warhorse (p. B460) equipped with scale barding (p. B286), this puts the Warhorse into extra heavy encumbrance and brings their Move to 8.
Noteable gear includes: Boots $80, 3 lbs; Face Mask $100, 2 lbs; Gauntlets $100, 2 lbs; Hip Quiver $15, 1 lb; holding 20 arrows $40, 2 lbs; Katana $650, 5 lbs; Longbow $200, 3 lbs; Naginata $100, 6 lbs; Pot-Helm $100, 5 lbs; Scale Armor $420, 35 lbs, Scales Leggings and Sleeves $460, 35 lbs; Wakizashi $400, 2 lbs.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Lots of good work there!

Things to add to make them even more off-the-shelf usable would be a stat line for their primary weapons, a summary of their reaction modifiers, and some highlight of abilities (if any) the GM should be rolling for them as they enter action/play.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

The musketeer feels like he's a very much tamed down version of the three musketeers rather than an actual musketeer. The French Guard was an odd duck in being named after musketeers. These were elite soldiers who should have boosted physical stats and decent skills. They were also skilled in horseback combat: you should be comparing them to knights and samurai in terms of skill level, and perhaps better, as they were picked troops, rather than generic.

A proper musketeer (the ones that actually fought in all the wars) would have his musket, the soldier skill, and a very poorly trained in hand to hand weapon like a short spear or a sword. Actually, he's as likely to have points in fast draw for loading his weapon as he is to know how to actually aim it.

Along side musketeers would be pikemen (a classic unit), creating the classic "pike and shot".

Another classic at TL4 is the "Man at Arms": a foot soldier clad in full plate and armed with a polearm of some sort. Nastily effective if no one is using guns on a large scale.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

From what I gathered in my research (though admittedly not very thorough) was that the elite guard were limited to the Garde du corps, Gardes suisses, and the dragoons (the cavalry branch). This left the rest of the musketeers of the guard open to the lower class (and to what I could tell) not the best fighters. I will note that I don't actually know what I'm talking about, just what I picked up in reading about them.
It looks like I will need to add a Garde du Corps as an elite version (ST 11, DX 11) and give them riding. Though missing the soldier skill is a glaring oversight. I'll go back and add that and update with fast draw ammo.

Did the musketeers that were cavalry use a specific mounted weapon, or just stick to their muskets?

I did see that the Swiss Pikemen were rather fierce-some, I'll go and add a Man at Arms to cover them.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Haven't had time to read it all, but two things I noticed while scanning it:

1) Roman Legionnaire should have higher HT on average, hiking and other endurance activities are what they did. I would expect the average Legionnaire to be more fit than HT10 with the fit advantage. They also should probably be stronger than ST11, they did train with double weight gladii and scutums.

2) English Longbowmen should be stronger than ST11, at least in the arms. War bows started at 80 lbs and English bows were often much heavier. There are very few people who can pull that kind of weight and it requires extensive training and continuous upkeep.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I was wondering if the Legionnaires were too low on those stats as well. Thanks!

My longbowmen have Arm Strength 2 to go with their bows, I figured that would work for training to shoot their warbows.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Your hunters should have only spears. One does not hunt with clubs and axes. Also they should be wield axe and club with a single skill.

Roman legionaries should not have bow or sling. Those were wielded by auxillia usually foreigners.

Your Spartan and hoplite should have long spears or even pikes.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Oops, I missed that (was reading it on my phone). That is a good move. You should also probably give them the Strongbow perk from [MA]. That would give +1 to ST for bows at skill DX+1 and +2 ST for bows at skill DX+2. That would give you a ST15 bow if the soldier knows bow at DX+2, which is equivalent to a 2 handed lifting ST of 90 lbs.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

One of my sources for neanderthal theorized that they would hide and jump on their prey, smashing them with axe or club. I find that hilarious enough to leave on them. However, I will go and remove that on my cavemen hunters.

Man, I could have sworn I read about legionnaire archers/slingers. I guess I'll split them up into Legionnaire and Auxillia.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Spartan Warriors in the era of the Peloponnesian War (and probably would not have worn bronze torso armor, and often no torso armor at all). Hoplites seem to have gone from heavier armor to less over the course of the classical period, increasingly relying on their shield. Even during the Persian Wars they mostly would have been wearing textile armor on their torso.

Viking Raiders would only rarely wear torso armor. It would have been mail armor, but the vast majority wore only regular clothing (though they may have worn textile armor, there just is no surviving evidence of it).

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I'd completely separate the musketeers of the guard from classic musketeers: the royal guard is a bunch of (ambitious) young nobles getting safe military service before moving onto better things, like captainships. They may receive nominal or even good training with the musket, but their main training is that of the nobility of the time: fencing and horseback riding are a result of the segment of the population from which they are drawn, not of any military drill.

Cavalry that uses ball and shot is not considered a musketeer, but pistol cavalry (and proper cavalry). Dragoons are troops that dismount to fight: any soldier called a musketeer that rode a horse into battle would be a dragoon. Its like the difference between an armor column and mechanized infantry.

Most Musket troops of the age (and everyone used them, not just the french -- the Spanish and Swedish were renowned for their musket troops) would not know how to ride, and their sword play would be quite indifferent, but they would actually treat the musket as their primary weapon, unlike the king's guard.

I hope this helps.

Also, Men at arms and swiss pike are very different.

It appears I'm opinionated enough I should just put up writeups myself!

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

In our surviving oldest laws, it is specified what kind of armaments were required to be part of the levy - helmet, shield and a weapon (typically spear or axe). As you say, torso armor was not specified and was probably rare.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I've heard it argued that such armor would be much more common in the front rank compared to the back ranks.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Update based on all your guys' suggestions, thanks!

Caveman Hunter
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.50
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 5
IQ: 10 Per: 11
HT: 11 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8 Parry: 9 DR: 1*
Spear (12): One hand 1d+1(0.5) impaling or two hands 1d+2(0.5) impaling.
Thrown Spear (12+2): 1d+2(0.5) impaling, Range 11/16, Shots T(1), Bulk -6.
Traits: Duty to their Tribe.
Skills: Area Knowledge-10; Armoury (melee or ranged weapons)-10; Camouflage-11; Machinist-10; Naturalist-11; Navigation-10; Spear-12, Stealth-11; Survival-11; Thrown Weapon (Spear)-12, Tracking-11.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Spears are made of stone (p. B275).
Notable gear includes: Fur Loincloth and Tunic (covering groin and torso), $35, 2 lbs. Personal Basics, $5, 1 lb. Sleeping Fur, $50, 8 lbs, Spear $40, 4lbs.

Early Imperial Roman Legionnaire
ST: 12 HP: 11 Speed: 5.50
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 3*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 11 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 6*+3 Parry/Block: 9+3 DR: 5 (see notes)
Shortsword, Gladius (13): 1d+2 cutting or 1d-1 impaling.
Javelin, Pilum (13): 1d impaling.
Dagger, Pugio (12): 1d-2 impaling.
Traits: Fit. Shield-Wall Training.
Skills: Brawling-11, Hiking-12, Knife-12, Shield-13, Shortsword-13, Soldier-12, Thrown Weapon (Spear)-13, Wrestling-11. Centurions will have Leadership-11, Strategy-11, Tactics-11, and Teaching-10.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. Makes HT rolls at 12, due to Fit. The legionnaire only has DR 5 on their torso, DR 4 on their skull and face, and DR 2 on their feet.
Notable gear includes: Boots $80, 3 lbs; Gladius $400, 2 lbs; Legionary Helmet $150, 6 lbs; Lorica Segmentata $680, 26 lbs; Pilum, $30, 2 lbs; Pugio $20, 0.25 lbs; Scutum $90, 25 lbs.

Roman Auxilia, Sagittarii
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 4*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 7* Parry: n/a DR: 4/2 (see notes)
Composite Bow, Arcum (13): 1d+2 impaling.
Traits: Fit.
Skills: Bow-13, Hiking-12, Soldier-12.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance. Makes HT rolls at 11, due to Fit. Sagittarii only have DR 4/2 on their groin and torso, and DR 3 on their skull.
Notable gear includes: Arcum $900, 4 lbs; Bronze Pot-Helm $160, 7.5 lbs; Hip Quiver $15, 1 lb; holding 20 arrows $40, 2 lbs; and Mail Hauberk $230, 25 lbs.

Roman Auxilia, Funditores
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 5
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8 Parry: n/a DR: 0
Sling, Funda (13): 1d+2 piercing.
Traits: Fit.
Skills: Hiking-12, Sling-13, Soldier-12.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Makes HT rolls at 11, due to Fit. Notable gear includes: Funda $20, 0.5 lbs, and use lead bullets (p. B276) carrying 20 of them in a pouch $10, 1 lb.

Viking Raider
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.25
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 5
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 8+2 Parry/Block: 9+2 DR: 0 (see notes)
Weapons (13): Axe (1d+3 cutting), Broadsword (1d+2 cutting or 1d+1 impaling), or Spear (1d+1 impaling (one hand) or 1d+2 impaling (two hands)).
Bow (12): 1d+1 impaling.
Knife (12): 1d-1 cutting or 1d-1 impaling.
Traits: Fit.
Skills: Axe/Mace-13, Broadsword-13, or Spear-13, Boating-12, Bow-12, Knife-12, Navigation-12, Seamanship-12, Shield-12, Swimming-11, Wrestling-11.
Class: Mundane.
Notes: Makes HT rolls at 11, due to Fit. The Viking raider only has DR 4 on their skull. Only half of any group of Viking raiders carry bows. Wealthy Vikings will be equipped with either Cloth Armor ($30, 6 lbs) or a Mail Hauberk ($230, 25 lbs) and Thrusting Broadsword ($600, 3 lbs) instead of an Axe. Additional armor reduces move and dodge by 1.
Notable gear includes: Axe $50, 4 lbs or Spear $40, 4lbs. Large Knife $40, 1 lb; Longbow $200, 3 lbs; Medium Shield $60, 15 lbs; Pot Helm $100, 5 lbs; a Hip Quiver $15, 1 lb; holding 20 arrows $40, 2 lbs.

Dragoon Musketeer.
ST: 11 HP: 11 Speed: 5.00
DX: 11 Will: 10 Move: 4*
IQ: 10 Per: 10
HT: 10 FP: 10 SM: 0
Dodge: 7* Parry: 9 DR: 4 (skull only)
Melee Weapon (11): Rapier (1d impaling), Saber (1d cutting or 1d impaling), or Spear (1d+2 impaling).
Musket (13): 4d pi++.
Pistol (12): Shot (2d-1 pi+)
Traits: None.
Skills: Fast-Draw (Ammo)-13, Guns (musket)-13, Guns (Pistol)-12, Riding-13, Soldier-12. One of Rapier-11, Saber-11, or Spear-11.
Class:
Notes: Move and dodge reduced from encumbrance while on foot.
Notable gear includes: Boots $80, 3 lbs; Flintlock Pistol $200, 3 lbs; Matchlock Musket $150, 20 lbs; Pot-Helm $100, 5 lbs. One of Rapier $500, 2.75 lbs, Saber $700, 2 lbs, or Spear $40, 4 lbs.



Change log: Reduced cavemen hunter to just a spear
Roman legionnaire split into Auxilia (archer and slinger)
Viking Raider removed armor, option for wealthier vikings
Musketeer changed to a Dragoon, updated.
(Not shown) updated spears on Spartan and Hoplite to the Long Spear.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I think Ability at DX+2 for primary skills should qualify for soldiers with good training but without much experience. Veterans should have their primary weapon skill at DX+3 or even DX+4 for elite corps like English Bowmen and Varangian Guards. Skill at DX+5 or DX+6 only for very hardened veterans and weapon masters.

ST 12-13 as average for Spartans and Legionnaires seems too high. The average soldier would have ST 10-11 with +1 or +2 Lifting ST.
ST 12 is more appropriate for units like Doppelsoldners, Varangians, Grenadiers and Cuirassiers.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Your hoplites and Spartans need psiloi (skirmishers) too. Bow or sling are fine, peltasts (javelins and a distinctive crescent shaped shield) are iconic.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Some ancient and medieval sources talk about that, but remember that there might be 3 byrnies among the 50 men in a longship! So "much more common" is relative.

We don't have much evidence on the exact numbers, but even in days with much more specialization and better tools and economies of scale, mail was terribly expensive.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I disagree that ST12 is too high for an average Legionnaire or Spartan soldier. You are talking about two types of professional soldiers in an era that specifically required strength as key to weapon use. While I am less familiar with the specific Spartan training methods (it has been a while since I read about them, so the details are a bit foggy), I do know that they were intense and started at a young age. As for the Legionnaires, we know they specifically trained both strength and endurance intensively. ST12 is not that ridiculous, I was at least ST12 as a football player in High School judging by the lifting definitions of GURPS ST, and that was in explosive, fast lifts.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I don't think the spartans were big on peltasts. IIRC, that was one of the ways they were finally defeated.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Sparta went down to early imperial Roman legions, not big users of skirmishers either.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Vegetius says something about legionaries being required to train with slings.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

There was one battle where they were defeated by peltasts but it was specifically because they were without their own skirmishers on that occasion. Usually the Spartans used peltasts and psiloi just like everyone else.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

The problem with this argument is that textile armour weighs more than bronze armour. The whole point of going to the trouble and expense of using metal to make armour is that it weighs less than any other available material. We know that the Greeks moved away from metal armour in favour of leather and textiles but it wasn't to reduce weight.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

By the time they faced the legions they were long past their prime. Besides, the triplex acies system was just superior to the phalanxes used by the Spartans.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

They're surely well trained, but the average size of most ancient Mediterraneans wasn't much impressive. Anyway, the main problem isn't the BL, but the ST-based damage table. According to the table, a ST 13 Neanderthal with a light club is capable to smash through plate armor (2d crushing)! That's why I'd prefer to assign them ST 10-11 with one or two points of Lifting ST.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Huh? The Romans were extensive users of skirmishers. They called the troops Velites and they weren't even auxiliaries: they were part of the legion proper. They needed them because the purpose of the roman cavalry was to distract other people's cavalry while the infantry did all the real work. When that's who you have for Calvary, you need good skirmishers. Or at least decent ones, and the Romans had them.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Velites ceased to exist by the end of the Samnite wars. Before the introduction of the gladius and pilum and the organization of stereotypical legions in the mid-republican period.

They realized the folly of not having skirmisher during the second Punic war, and rushed out to hire Cretan archers and Balearic slingers.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I wasn't really referring weight, rather heavy as in heavily protected (poor choice of words). They were opting for less protective armor or no torso armor at all, regardless of the weight. I imagine this most likely had to do with cost, more hoplites could serve if they didn't have to buy such expensive armor. My point was bronze torso armor was mostly abandoned for less protective torso armor or none all.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I see what your objection is. I handle the ST damage armor penetration problem differently, mostly by giving various armor divisors to muscle powered weapons (1, 1/2, or 1/3 depending on the weapon type) since RAW armor penetration at ST 10 is still too high in many cases. It seems to solve that pretty well. I have less problem with the scaling of wounding, fixing that is too much of a departure from RAW to me and I have no problem with the progression of thr damage, just its starting penetration.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I'd not include Dull if you're looking at a realistic representation. There's zero evidence that Neanderthals were in any way mentally deficient when compared to modern humans.

Here's an interesting thought, however; Neanderthal males were highly asymmetrical in their upper bodies, with up to 50% asymmetry between right (bigger) and left (smaller) sides. Modern humans are typically 4-13% asymmetrical. (I am one of the 'most right-handed people' my physio has ever met, according to her; and I barely tip the scales at 9% asymmetry.) It's theorized that this could be a muscle specialization--left hand for delicate tasks, right hand for brute strength tasks--but the simpler explanation to my mind is the theory that it is an artifact of constant use of the one-handed scrapers that are the iconic Neanderthal tool find. Female Neanderthals also show signs of right-handed asymmetry; but the small sample sizes for females makes it difficult to be certain if this is reflective or an accident of sampling.

This asymmetry would suggest that they scraped right-handedly, and used swinging weapons right-handedly, but used thrusting weapons left-handedly. The asymmetry would suggest that they get a base ST 11, but add several levels of (3pt) Arm Strength (right side only). The lack of symmetry would also suggest that they would not get the Off Hand Weapon Training perk or skill, as it suggests being equally proficient with both hands, which would be clearly inaccurate, given that high a level of asymmetry.

Oh, and the fact that their right-handedness is even more prevalent than in humans suggest that they were a highly co-operative society.

I do not understand the rationale behind the one-weapon rule; it seems irrational. A hunter would carry a scraping tool, a knife, and some type of bush tool (a hand axe, for instance). Once you've killed the animal, you have to bleed it, then butcher it. Even if you don't use fire, you'll still need to clear brush for a shelter.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Do you apply an armor divisor (0.5) for sw attacks of swords, unarmed attacks, staffs, batons and other weapons made of wood or without a small surface area of impact (axe blades, flanges, etc.)?

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Looked into it. Velites certainly lasted longer than the Samnite wars, as they are described in official sources as fighting in the Punic wars. According to the wikipedia article on them, they were disbanded in the Marian reforms, and the start of the late republic, which sounds fairly plausible. That's also after the roman conquest of Greece (including Sparta).

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Basically unbalanced cr weapons and all pi weapons are (1), balanced cr, unbalaced cut, and all imp weapons are (1/2), and balanced cut are (1/3).

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

There are some exceptions to this general rule and I expand the blunt trauma through armor rules because that becomes important. I have playtested it with six newbees and it worked well--it encoraged thrusting through light armor instead of swinging, even by a ST16 character.

I will probably post a full house rule write-up soon.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Shouldn't the Legionnaire have Thrown Weapon (Spear)-13 listed in skills for the pilum? I see the pilum was written up in the brief table of the weapons/skills/damage and the equipment.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I'll try a mediated version of this: armor divisor (0.66) [+50% DR] for balanced cr weapons, unbalanced cut weapons, imp weapons and slings with lead bullets, armor divisor (0.5) for balanced cut weapons and slings with stone or terracotta bullets.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

The problem with this is that you are still getting one handed swords from a ST 10 guy able to cut through light mail and medium gamberson 1/6 times, which just doesn't seem realistic. You also get a ST11 guy thrusting through the same armor on average with the same weapon (unless you round the (.66) up, then it is 1/3 of the time). Light mail voiders and medium gamberson performs better than this in testing, even the cheaply built modern stuff.

Suggestion -- generic medieval mercenary
 

Perhaps a variation on the man at arms -- but IIRC in the late medieval era lots of troops, horse & foot, were mercs.

Also the guards of many a castle (and presumably PCs will be venturing into castles at times) were mercenaries.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Not if you combine this with the "Blunt Trauma and Edged Weapons" rule (Low Tech, p. 102): against Light Mail, a ST 10 man with a broadsword (1d+1 cut) could only inflict one point of crushing damage if he rolls 6.

Re: Suggestion -- generic medieval mercenary
 

A mercenary is a soldier who serves in a foreign army. Most troops at this time served in the country in which they were raised. So they were professional soldiers, not mercenaries.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

True, and that could work for cuts. But other kinds of damage still get through armor too easily (unless you extend the LT rule to cover imp, but that does not make sense for most thrusts). My rule was meant to completely replace that LT rule and be simpler at the same time (no figuring out thresholds and how multiple layers interact). Still, I did have to lower and change the blunt trauma thresholds, but I also like the flavor of blunt trauma more than cr.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Khoi-San do hunt with clubs, but it's a different method: they run the animal down over several km until it's too tired to bolt, and then club it to death. :D

Re: musketeers, the musket in Low-Tech has minimum ST 12, so I'd say make your musketeers beefier or give them caravels.

Oh, and this is a brilliant thread. Chapeau!

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I read somewhere that Neanderthals were wiped out by homo sapiens because they didn't have as good as tool making mental facilities as our ancestors. So I'll consider removing it.
As to the one weapon rule, that's a carry over from a caveman template I found somewhere on the internet. I should get rid of it.

Thanks! there's a couple reasons why I showed this to the forum, and catching stuff like that is one of them. I've gone back and edited it.

Sweet, definetly giving them more equipment and keeping those skills then. Probably going to add Running as well.

Basic Set has a musket at ST 10, but it also includes the rifle rest.

The intent of these writeups was to be mostly compatible with the Basic Set and not rely too heavily on supplements. (Though how can you have Spartans and Roman Legionnaires without Shield Wall Training?)

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I feel like it should be mentioned that mail and scale were also in common use by the Romans.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Indeed, mail was more common than lorica segmentata. There is some debate, however, about scale armor. As I understand it, there is some evidence for true scale armor worn by standard bearers. However, what most people think of as scale armor is actually lorica hamate (mail) with small metal scales threaded through the mail. This was reserved mostly for high ranking officers and must have been extremely expensive to make. Loadouts: Low-Tech pg. 23 calls this Hamata Squamataque, and it is DR5/3*, but is lighter than heavy mail and more expensive.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Very old thinking.

Current tidbits about Neanderthal: their blood clotted more quickly than homo sapiens sapiens--an advantage when fighting close-range with prey, a disadvantage when it comes to heart disease; they were lactose-intolerant; it's possible that male Neanderthal/human hybrids were infertile, while female hybrids were not; it's possible that they had what we would consider hyperactive immune systems, and were actually wiped out by allergies when non-native plants moved north through Europe during climate change following the Ice Age. Then there is the increased risk for Crohn's disease, and the Type-2 diabetes....

Basically, the current thinking all boils down to Neanderthal had too small & too localized a breeding population, and were wiped out by accumulated in-breeding. We just took advantage of their gap in the eco-system.

Or, possibly, it was the wolf that did it. We had wolves (dogs); they did not. Makes running down prey animals so much easier.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I was wondering if Neanderthals were ever recorded as having dogs. In a TL0 setting you almost can't overstate the advantages of having a loyal canine companion. Their senses of hearing and smell would give you an astounding advantage.

We still have guard dogs and hunting dogs even now.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Dogs were domesticated ~15,000 years ago, Neanderthals went extinct ~30,000 years ago.

Well--
 

There were exceptions. IIRC the condottieri of the fourteenth/fifteenth centuries were almost always Italians themselves, but still known as mercenaries. For Germany, Fritz Redlich in his "The German Military Enterpriser and his Work Force" talks about the sixteenth & seventeenth centuries, but does look at the antecedents of mercenary use in the fourteenth/fifteenth centuries. All the employees of the above were German.

Troops of the late Middle Ages and the early modern era serving for pay, rather than to fulfill a feudal obligation, tended to be known as mercenaries despite their national origins.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

Roman scale armour (plumata/squamata) was more common than hamata squamataque but probably not as common as mail.

Re: Well--
 

We have a pretty clear definition of the word "mercenary". The majority of fighters in late medieval armies and castle garrisons don't fit that definition.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

I read that too, but man, Roman Legionnaires without the lorica segmentata just seems so...lame on paper. I decided I prefered the named Roman armor from Basic than using mail/scale. YMMV.

Re: [Basic] Realistic Low Tech Challengers
 

In the Loadouts book I avoided the issue by including two different legionaries; a Republican one with mail and an Imperial one with segmentata.

Re: Well--
 

And both Italy and Germany were divided into many small polities at the time. They did not become unified counties with national governments until the nineteenth century.

Re: Well--
 

Find a fourteenth/fifteenth century map of Europe and point at the state called Italy.

Re: Suggestion -- generic medieval mercenary
 

That doesn't appear quite right. Checking the Geneva Conventions, we get:

1. is specially recruited locally or abroad in order to fight in an armed conflict;
   So if you show up and offer services, not a mercenary?
2. does, in fact, take a direct part in the hostilities;
   Not a mercenary if you don't actually fight. I guess they're classed as non-combatants if they don't?
3. is motivated to take part in the hostilities essentially by the desire for private gain and, in fact, is promised, by or on behalf of a Party to the conflict, material compensation substantially in excess of that promised or paid to combatants of similar ranks and functions in the armed forces of that Party;
   Unclear what this means if the Party does not have regular armed forces.
4. is neither a national of a Party to the conflict nor a resident of territory controlled by a Party to the conflict;
   That approaches your definition, though it's not specific to nations.
5. is not a member of the armed forces of a Party to the conflict; and
   So you can recruit foreigners all you want as long as you actually include them in your own armed forces.
6. has not been sent by a State which is not a Party to the conflict on official duty as a member of its armed forces.
   So 'military advisors' are not mercenaries. Even if paid.