User blog:El Alamein/Centurion vs. Hersir



It's a battle between an unstoppable force and an immovable object as the Roman Centurion, steely, experienced commander of the legion who drove Rome's war machine across the ancient world, leads his men against the Viking Hersir, the veteran leader of the Nordic raiders who rampaged their way into mainland Europe and terrorized the countryside! It's a battle of swords, shields, and formations as two professional soldiers renowned for their control of large bodies of troops cross blades in a violent battle to the death! The might of the legion will come head-to-head with the fury of the Viking horde, but when the last echoes of rage-filled war cries die with the men who bellowed them, only one will be the deadliest warrior!

Centurion




The Roman Centurion was an officer and veteran of the ancient Roman military. Selected for skill and proven military experience, they could also be promoted thanks to political influence. As the commander of a century, or around 80 legionaries, the centurion was a low-ranking but crucial part of the Roman war machine. Bridging the gap between the common soldier and the high-ranking officers, centurions were expected to effectively direct their men in battle, carrying out orders and adapting effectively as the situation demanded. They were also responsible for discipline and training outside the battlefield.

Weapons
|-| Sidearm=

Pugio


 * 9 inch blade
 * Stabbing weapon
 * Intended for use if gladius was lost/disarmed
 * -| Primary Weapon=

Gladius


 * 2.5 feet
 * 1.8 lbs.
 * Primarily a thrusting weapon; double-edged blade allowed for hacking/thrusting attacks
 * Knobbed hilt
 * -| Mid Range=

Pilum


 * 4-foot wooden shaft
 * 2-foot iron shank
 * 7.5 lbs.
 * Can be used in melee or thrown fashion
 * Tip bends on impact
 * -| Long Range=

Plumbata


 * Fletched iron head, weighted down with lead
 * 2-4 oz.
 * 80 m maximum range, 50 m effective range
 * -| Shield=

Scutum


 * Three sheets of wood, canvas, and leather layers
 * 22 lbs.
 * 41.5 in. x 16 in.
 * Iron boss
 * -| Armor=

Centurion

Galea


 * Bronze helmet
 * Leather neckguard
 * Bronze cheek guards
 * Crest holder

Lorica Segmentata

 Legionary
 * Iron cuirass fastened to leather straps
 * Padded subarmalis worn underneath
 * 20 lbs.

Leather Helm

 Lorica Hamata
 * Leather helm
 * Tanned, hardened animal hide
 * Bronze gilding


 * Iron mail shirt
 * Leather shoulder flaps
 * 33 lbs.
 * -| Formation=

Testudo



The Testudo formation was used as a means to provide cover while continuing an advance. The scutum shields would be employed to cover the front and top of the formation, providing defense against missiles. The soldiers would be able to stab out with their gladius swords upon contact while maintaining cover behind the shields. The sides and rear could also be protected in a similar fashion, but this greatly hampered mobility and reduced the effective combat surface area of the formation.

Hersir
"All the entrances, before you walk forward, you should look at, you should spy out; for you can't know for certain where enemies are sitting, ahead in the hall"

- First stanza of the Hávamál



The Viking Hersir was originally a noble who swore allegiance to a jarl or king. Over time, this position changed into a combat command role, giving the Hersirs control of around 100 Viking warriors. During the rapid expansion into mainland Europe and the subsequent warring that ensued, the Hersirs took on the role of battlefield coordinators and tactical leaders. As individuals of privileged social status, the Hersir was often well-trained and well-equipped, giving him the qualifications necessary to lead men into battle. They were also responsible for maintaining supply lines and communications overseas.

Weapons
|-| Sidearm=

Long Seax


 * 20 inch blade
 * Stabbing weapon
 * Single-edged blade
 * -| Primary Weapon=

Viking Sword

<p style="text-align:center;">
 * 3 feet
 * 2.4 lbs.
 * Primarily a slashing/hacking weapon; double-edged blade allows for thrusting attacks
 * Type H hilt
 * -| Mid Range=

Viking Spear

<p style="text-align:center;">
 * 6-foot wooden shaft
 * 12-inch iron tip
 * 8 lbs.
 * Melee weapon
 * -| Long Range=

Throwing Axe

<p style="text-align:center;">
 * 18-inch haft, 5-6 inch head
 * 1.3 lbs.
 * 15 m effective range, 30 m maximum range
 * -| Shield=

Viking Shield

<p style="text-align:center;">
 * Two layers of wood with three iron bands, iron handle nailed in back
 * 15 lbs.
 * 36 in x 37 in.
 * Iron boss
 * -| Armor=

Hersir

Conical Helmet

<p style="text-align:center;"> Ringmail Coat
 * Riveted iron helmet
 * Iron noseguard and eye guard
 * Sheepskin cap worn underneath

<p style="text-align:center;"> Viking Soldier
 * Iron mail coat
 * Leather jacket padding underneath
 * 25 lbs.

Leather Helm

<p style="text-align:center;"> Mail with Quilted Gambeson
 * Leather helm
 * Tanned, hardened animal hide
 * Leather noseguard and eye guard

<p style="text-align:center;">
 * Padded leather and cloth jacket
 * Mail worn over top
 * 30 lbs.
 * -| Formation=

Svinfylking

<p style="text-align:center;">

The Svinfylking, or Swine Array, formation was the Vikings' take on the wedge formation, which was utilized effectively to disrupt enemy shield wall formations. Heavily-armored melee fighters comprised the front of the wedge while archers and other ranged fighers provided support from the rear. This allowed forceful momentum that was deadly when employed properly, but was especially vulnerable to flanking as it was intended for use as a shock tactic.

X-Factors
|-| Training=

Centurion: 80

Hersir: 75

The Centurion was a member of the well-drilled Roman legion, which prided itself on military maintenance through constant training and discipline. The Viking Hersir was well-versed in the ways of war thanks to his noble upbringing, but as the Viking military was not as professional or rigid as the Roman legion, the Centurion has an advantage.


 * -| Combat Experience=

Centurion: 85

Hersir: 85

Both warriors are extremely seasoned veterans--the Centurion and the Hersir often received their positions based on prior combat experience (although it was possible for both to have received their position through social promotion as well). The Roman legion carved its way across southern and western Europe and north Africa, proving itself as an effective fighting force, but the Vikings themselves fought in battles from England and northern Europe to Greenland.


 * -| Discipline=

Centurion: 89

Hersir: 71

The Roman legion was superbly disciplined and was almost always to keep composure in battle, a testament to their battlefield effectiveness. The Viking military was certainly able to maintain formation but often the fighting was centered on individual feats of heroism over unit cohesion, so once the battle started formations had the potential to fall apart (although, over time, this was remedied as the Viking expeditions changed from raids to actual warfare).


 * -| Mobility=

Centurion: 68

Hersir: 88

Here the Vikings have a definitive advantage. The Romans relied heavily on their formations for protection and battlefield control, but this came at the cost of speed. Moving in formation is a slow process to ensure cohesion with large groups of men. The Viking formation was much looser, focused on momentum, and designed to be used as a shock tactic, making the Vikings much more mobile on the battlefield while still retaining their formation.


 * -| Physicality=

Centurion: 73

Hersir: 84

The Centurion and the men of the Roman legion were certainly physically fit, but many conscripts and auxiliaries were simply farmers or other civilians trained and paid to become soldiers. The Vikings, on the other hand, were physically imposing by nature, often towering over their foes and utilizing their size and strength to their advantage.


 * -| Endurance=

Centurion: 75

Hersir: 75

This is pretty much a wash. The Roman legion was famed for its ability to force marches long distances and remain ready for combat, while the Vikings were equally noted for being able to sail long voyages and live off the land while on campaign. Both are standard military men who can withstand more than the average Joe.

Battle
Will be one Centurion leading 100 legionaries vs. one Hersir leading 100 Viking warriors (because what's the point of having a 1-vs.-1 for warriors renowned for leading large groups of people? *cough Roman vs. Rajput cough*)

To be written

Expert's Opinion
To be determined