The Tenacus
Four Milities Linari and one Milities Primus form a Tenacus (plural tenaci). It is the smallest unit of soldiers in the republican army. The name, tenacus, comes from the ancient Corani word for a five-man tent. Indeed, even today, a Tenacus sleeps in the same shelter together.
Two Tenaci and their commanding officer, a Manus, form a Maniple. There are two types of Tenacus units:
- The reservists (also called veterans) serve 9 ten-days each calendar year.
- The regulars serve at least four full consecutive years before they may opt to become reservists.
Naming the Tenacus
The legion names each tenacus according to its rank within the legion. Grouped in twos beneath a Manus, the older regulars are refereed to as unit I and the younger are II. Only the first two Tenacus in a cohort are regulars. The rest are reservists.
A tenacus is listed as [Legion Name #]:[Manus]: [Tenacus] For example:
- Fobin I:I:I - these would be the oldest (and thus most experienced) Tenaci in the Fobin legion, first cohort.
- Fobin I:I:II - these would be the youngest - they would be serving their first four years of duty.
- Fobin I:II:I, Fobin I:III:I - these would be the older, more experienced reservists.
- Fobin I:II:II, Fobin I:III:II - these would be the younger reservists. They are used to fill in any gaps in the older reservists ranks.
CRIME & PUNISHMENT
Should a member of a tenacus commit a crime while on duty, chances are an investigation will rule that all of the tenacus is responsible. For they are not involved in the crime itself, they should have been aware of what their fellow member was doing and stopped it before the Legion had to get involved. The Legion assumes each tenacus will look after their own - providing care, assistance and even policing itself against transgressions. While this does provide more opportunity for even more transgressions, so long as the appearance is one of propriety, the Legion takes no immediate action. Since the tenacus is responsible to its members, and the Manus is responsible for his two tenacus, and so on and so forth - keeping illegal actions quiet can be very costly and difficult. This alone tends to limit the transgressions to minor actions.
Troublemakers, cowards and Morgathian Milities have much to worry about. While there is always an investigation, if the tenacus bands together - it is fairly easy to kill a member and claim it was an accident, or even an encounter with a brigand. If the tenacus is caught they will be tried and may be hung for murder; but the legion has a reputation for having its tenacus take care of their own problems.
Organization
The tenacus organizes around its leader, the Milities Primus. The tenacus works as a group of equals, with the Milities Primus having final say. Each member of the tenacus should be able to voice opinions to each other (including the Milities Primus) regardless of the situation. Such freedom is never a breach of protocol or discipline. However, the tenacus is expected to always obey orders given by the Milities Primus without discussion. This seeming contradiction allows the tenacus to work by consensus in all things, while surviving combat. To add to the complexity, the Milities Fabrica is the master of repairs, road building and camp set-up. He replaces the Milities Primus in such duties as leader of the tenacus, in that it is his orders that are to be obeyed. Otherwise he is treated as just another member of the tenacus. His word counts as one vote towards any decision.
The leader is the one who has to take the group's decisions to the Manus, the commanding officer of the Maniple. Such decisions are always taken "under advisement", but a good Manus relies heavily on his tenacus for advice. Still, most units try to provide a unified front to their Manus, even if they do not all agree. It is considered unseemly to be seen arguing about the question after the decision's been passed along. Tenacus who cannot reach decisions amicably are often disbanded and their members are placed in with other tenaci. The rare Milities that cannot get along with his fellow Milities tends to lead a very short life.
History
Historians cite the ancient corani tribal custom of using warriors in groups of five, but more recent scholars claim it is actually an imported Azeryani-custom. According to the "Ars Res Militaris et Imperatoria" (the Arts of Tactics and Strategy), five is the smallest number of milities that can scout and patrol in safety. Any less than five and they become a target for brigands. Any more than five and they attract too much attention. Practice, however, has shown that four milities or six work just as well as five.
The Tenacus, as it now exists, was formed in 622TR, one year after the founding of the Coranan Republic. It was officially named the Familias Tenacus - but the name has been shortened over time. The idea was originally to form tenacus from family units - so that the father, or oldest, would be the Milities Primus, and his (or her) sons, cousins, etc. would be the other Milities. Surprisingly the legion found that strangers worked better than family members as functional tenacus.
The legion trained its tenacus with short sword and spear originally, but opted for the cheaper javelins in 648TR. The javelin's ability to foul opponents shields made it most popular in a line-to-line fight; although many Milities still carry spears just in case. The towershield became popular during the early days of the Thardic League (circa 634TR) when battling Arlun's horsemen. The towershield provided more cover and helped the legionnaires better position themselves for attacks and defense.
The armour has improved over the past 50 years, allowing for more versatility and better coverage. The tenacus is becoming more and more armoured over time. Originally they were armoured in leathers, often with chests bare. Now it seems most Milities feel dangerously unarmoured if skin can be seen.
Equipment
The equipment carried by a Tenacus breaks into two types: the group ported and the Personal equipment.
Group Ported Equipment
The ported equipment is carried on the Tenacus's mule. If the mule is not present or able to follow, the ported equipment must either be left behind, or divided among the Tenaci.
Each legionnaire is responsible for his own equipment as well as his share of the group-ported equipment. If, by chance, he is able to bribe the wagon master to carry some of his goods and the wagon is attacked and the goods stolen, he must personally repay the legion for their replacement. If the item becomes broken or damaged (including javelins) he must pay for its replacement or repair. Should a piece of equipment fail inspection, the soldier will be fined for being "Out of Uniform" and has until the next inspection to both pay off his fine and have the equipment repaired.
Personal Equipment
A Milities purchases all his goods either directly from the legion, or from a legion-certified craftsman. If the equipment is not up to the qualifications specified in the Rex Equipmenta, the legionnaire must find a replacement at his own expense.
Legion "Donated" Equipment
A Milities Linari's is expected to have the following equipment:
Items marked with a price of 00d are given by the legion to the legionnaire. All other items must be purchased from the legion, or from another crafts master who abides by the legion standard. Refer to See Other Equipment.in the Tenacus article for more equipment that a Milities Linari should carry.
Each man carries his own waterskin. One liter of water weighs 2.5 lbs. Each Legionnaire caries one liter and is expected to have half available at the end of the day for cooking supper.
Other Equipment
The following equipment is not provided by the legion, but should be carried by the Tenacus none the less.
- Rope, 25-50' hemp or flax.
- Candles or lanterns or torches.
- Sacks or backpacks.
- Tinderbox.
- Oil Flasks (for lanterns).
- soap and grooming equipment.
- Weapon and armor oils.
- Wax (for waterproofing cloth cloaks),
- Eating Implements.
- Food.
- Tea or other drinks.
- Additional Water flasks (for the ale, sib, or other liquids).
- Extra sets of underclothes.
Standard Arms
These are the weapons every Milities Linari either brings to the legion, or purchases from them. They include:
- The Short Sword (wt: 2lbs, value: 90d): Designed with a narrow hilt, this short sword is best for thrusting, rather than slashing. Soldiers are taught to wield the sword in their right hand (regardless of handedness).
- Dagger (wt: 1lb, value: 24d): Every legionnaire has at least one dagger. While not a preferred combat weapon, Milities Linari learn how to throw the dagger with accuracy as well as to use it as an off-handed attack, if necessary.
- Light Javelins (wt: 3lbs ea. value: 48d ea.): These are the missile weapons of the Milities Linari. They usually carry at least two with them at all times. They are designed to penetrate enemy shield and partially break on impact to create a deterrent to mobility.
- Tower Shield (wt: 8lbs. value:96d): Carried by a strap on their left arm, the shield provides a hand grip just inside its rim. The front is decorated with maniple and cohort colors as well as the legion's design. Boss gores are not standard to the kit. Soldiers are taught to use the Tower Shield in their left hand (regardless of handiness).
Armor
The Milities Linari are the heavy foot of the Legion. Being footmen, they cannot wear plate. To deal with the total amount of armor worn, and the fatigue generated - the legionnaires regularly practice in their full kit and armor. The following four samples are considered heavy examples. Common modifications to these suits include:
- Removing the Quilt Gambeson and replacing it with bits of Kurbol or Leather.
- Adding leather gauntlets. (Coverage: Hands, WT: 0.8lbs, PR: 16)
- Adding a collar to the Brynie or Haulberk (Coverage: Neck, WT: 2.2lbs, PR: 115)
- Adding bits of Kurbol to cover the Elbows and forearms, knees and calves.
- Changing the Skull Cap to a Nasal helm. (Coverage: Skull, Nose, WT:3.6lbs, PR: 111)
- Wearing a leather
skirt (coverage: Hips, Groin, Thighs, WT: 3.6lbs, PR:) or Breaks
(coverage: Hips, Groin, Thighs and Knees, WT: 4.1lbs, PR:). - Removing the Ring or Mail Brynie/Haulberk and replacing it with bits of Kurbol or Leather.
Ring is more common than mail, mostly because of its price. Reservists tend to wear ring while regular units wear mail when they can. Because of the regular danger they face, only the poorest of Milities Linari replace their ring or mail with bits of kurbol and/or leather. Most Milities Linari prefer to add layers rather than remove them.
Tactics
During war, the Milities who are on duty are expected to remain in full-battle kit for all their active watches. Repair duties are cancelled, and are replaced by weapons training. Those not currently serving receive notification by legionnaire dispatch who informs a town by crying his news at the public crossroads.
The legionnaires then have one full day to report to their place of duty. So long as the legionnaire is hale and hole, he or she will be accepted for duty. When a reserve hears that he has been called up, it is a capital offence not to attend. A call out applies to all reserve troops regardless of any commitment to serve at any other time, and regardless of whether or not they have already served in that year. They may only be forced to serve for a trimester from the issue of the callout.
The Imperiator with the specific agreement of the Senate (by open vote) can order the reservists to remain out longer. Most reservists will continue to serve if required, out of a sense of duty, the hope of glory and the possibility of war plunder. The army pays the reservists at their standard rates during all the time that they are called up.
Tenacus Formations
The basis of Cohort formation is for the Maniples to form up in a continuous battle line (or "Linari") rather like a phalanx. This line formation is how the Milities Linari gained their names. Each Tenaci forms a column of the line, with the Milities Primus at the rear.
Battle Formation
Each Tenaci forms a column of troops with the Milities Primus in the rear-most position of each column. From here, he can see what is going on ahead of him, as well as being able to set his pike against a charge. The Tenaci are in pairs, the central two columns are formed from the 1st Maniple, the 2nd Maniple is to their right, and the 3rd Maniple is formed from the left-most pair of columns.
Skirmish Formation
In this formation, each Tenaci is formed as a cluster of five. The four Milities Linari/Fabrica form a square with the Milities Primus behind them. The order of the Tenaci and officers remains unchanged with each pair of Tenaci forming the 3rd, 1st and 2nd Maniples from left to right.
Battle Tactics
The Tenaci never move at a rate quicker than a fast jog, their equipment, armor and the need to stay in formation limits their speed. When the Tenaci charge an enemy, they start of at a slow jog. When they are within about 75 yards of the enemy they will each throw one of their light javelins at the enemy, in an attempt to disoriented them. Depending on their opponents action they may be halted by the Mani at this point, but mostly they will continue to close at a job and fire their second volley of javelins at about 40 yards from the enemy line. These javelins have a duel purpose, to inflict casualties, and to render their opponents shields useless. Lastly, when they are within 15 yards of the enemy they will draw their swords.
When they hit home, their first strike will be with their shields, using their momentum to try and knock the enemy backwards and off balance, they will then attack with their sword. If the Tenaci are counter-charged there may not be enough time to throw both javelins. In which case the javelins will be dropped by the first two ranks and their swords drawn instead. If possible the Tenaci will move forward another five yards so the javelins do not trip them up. The rear two ranks will throw their javelins into the enemy mass just before and just after contact to try and disrupt the enemies charge. If the Maniples are holding firm and they are charged by their opponents on foot, the front rank will draw their swords and face their shields against the charge (and if there is time pass their javelins to the man behind), while the rear ranks will shower the incoming force with javelins as they close.
When a tenaci is charged by horsemen, the tenaci form up on their Milities Primus - who plants his pike at a 45 degree angle (or less) in the ground before him and puts his foot atop it. The legionnaires then move two to each side and overlap their shields so that the horse must either charge the pike or be deflected down the sides. With swords at the ready, the legionnaires will swing or stab at the horse as he passes.
Duties and Obligations
The Tenacus has its own set of duties and obligations, things expected of it by the legion as well as the people of the Republic.
At a Fortification
The Tenacus tends to spend its free time either in playing games, badgering for permission to leave the fortification, eating or performing chores. Their dress, their weaponry and the amount of armour worn is totally dependant on what they are doing. While performing calestenics, for example, few sane Milities would be willing to be in full arms and armourment.
Duties within the fortification are many and varied. The Milities is expected to perform each task to its completion, unless ordered otherwise. Respect for senior officers and bonded craftsmen is always assumed. Slaves and lesser ranked soldiers, however, are not so lucky. Sexual conduct (from flirting to more serious affairs) is forbidden in public view. While few officers will try to stop a Milities from kissing a visitor, the Milities will probably be quickly assigned to cleaning the jacks with the rest of their Tenacus once the visitor departs.
The Tenacus is obligated to obey whatever commands given them by their commanding officers, of course. But they can be called to the walls, gates or general assembly by anyone on duty who calls for assistance. Any able-bodied Milities who does not reply to such a call is often given odorous duties to perform in their free hours rather than issued demerits. A false call for assistance, however, is considered a crime (Failing to Perform) and is treated accordingly.
Around the Fortification, assuming the Tenacus is on duty, they are assumed to be the law. It is their obligation to stop all physical fights, calm combatants down and bring offenders into the fortification where they can be jailed until such time as they receive a hearing (if necessary). They are expected to stop and catch thieves, foil assassins, stop and/or catch run-away and any myriad of other police-type actions.
When off-duty, they are still expected to carry themselves with a certain decorum. A Milities may not start a fight, and should they finish it with a weapon - the only acceptable excuse will be that it was in defense of their life or the life of someone else. A Milities may not thieve. If caught they are immediately removed from service until such time as the theft is recompensed. This means they will not be paid during this time. The legion does not have to accept them back either, although most are accepted if they are deemed sufficiently sorry.
One the Move
A Tenacus on the move has goals to achieve, but they may not break Republican law in reaching said goals, nor may they move into Foreign Lands without previous permission. On the move they are permitted to rest as needed, but usually they have a schedule to keep. Missing a schedule is excusable, if gargun heads, or bandit/raider bodies are brought as proof - but otherwise a late Tenacus may face fines or extra duties. The legion has a list of approximate times it takes a tenacus to go from place to place. Even when the Tenacus travels off the roads, there is no excuse for taking longer than the Legion's expected time. Usually this is twice the time it would take to walk the distance as the legion expects the Tenacus to encounter trouble. As an incentive, any extra time resulting in the Tenacus arriving early is given to the Tenacus as free time, whenever possible.
To travel off road is dangerous, but often expected. When it occurs, the tenacus's schedule is marked in days rather than watches. When on the move any traveller may ask the tenacus for assistance. This is usually in the form of an escort, but occasionally it also includes helping replace a wheel, finding lost animals, or even helping with the harvest. Officially the Tenacus cannot ask for payment for such things. Unofficially the persons being helped must pay the Tenacus a gratuity of at least 1f per person. Those that do not offer such a gratuity quickly earn a reputation, and find it more and more difficult to get help from legionnaires.
Regardless of what they are asked to do, the Tenacus cannot be late. If they must, a tenacus is expected to send a runner to their destination with a general explanation of the delay and the expected time for completion. More often, however, the tenacus will continue on its journey, promising to send back help as soon as it can.
In Foreign Lands
A Tenacus in foreign lands is a rare thing indeed, short of a state of war. If they are guarding an emissary they are expected to behave and obey all local laws. For the Legion will not save them from another, perhaps more vengeful, force of Law should they get caught.
Normally Tenaci are forbidden from entering a foreign land, as the legion prefers such sallies to occur in invasion-force masses. So, unless they are forerunners of an invasion force, it should not happen often.
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