User blog comment:Deathblade 100/Conquerors, Legions and Blood: Roman Empire vs Alternate Aztecs (Crusaders Kings 2)/@comment-379205-20200208014450

119's "Montezuma's Revenge" Edges

Infantry: Now, at first glance, the Aztecs have the numerical advantage, however, there is more to it than that- the Romans far better armed, with steel swords, armor, and javelins, and are highly trained professional soldiers. The Aztecs are equipped with a wood and obsidian macuahuitl, as well as a wooden shield. Now, let's look at the weapons and shields, as well as the tactics behind them. The macuahuitl is described as capable of causing devastating damage, including decapitating a horse, however, it is heavier than most European swords and slower to attack with. While the shield with give some protection, being only able to use one hand will also limit the power of the Aztec's strikes. Also, the obsidian blades were described as likely to shatter on impact with metal swords or armor, which the Romans have, meaning most areas of the Roman's body will be protected from the macuahuitl. By contrast, the Romans were trained to hold their scuta in a wall (or a testeudo of facing arrows or javelins) formation and thrust between the gaps while slowly advancing forwards, thrusting after every step. This tactic was specifically designed to defeat enemies using long slashing swords, which, like the macuahuitl tend to be slower to attack- as the enemy prepares for a strike, the Roman soldiers would have already thrust their swords into their torso. In addition to this, the pila will thin out the numbers of the Aztecs as they charge, and, even if they are blocked with a shield, the pilum is designed to render the shield useless and force the user to drop it. The training and discipline of the Romans will also mean they will be likely to hold the line and maximize their protection against the Aztec's weapons. Edge: Roman Empire

TO BE CONTINUED