Early Frankish

Is there an Early Frankish list?

I get the impression that there might have been but I've not been able to find it.

Doesn't seem to be. Could just go off the Alamanni list probably wouldn't be far wrong

About the only difference in the lists is that Early Frankish wouldn't have the T archers (or all that many S archers)

Just replace T archers with more warband

Jim

Thanks for the responses.

I see the Franks actually appear in the Alamanni list as allies, although not differentiated in factors from other Germanic foot.

I know in some rules the Frankish use of the francisca is equated with the pilum, but I suppose it's unlikely that barbarian tribal warriors would really compare with trained and fully equipped Romans...

A lot of the Germanic tribes used heavier throwing spears than their ancestors did, but I'd be wary about counting this as pilum because there wasn't the drill that came with it.
Also given the fact that each man would be responsible for his own equipment some men would be well armed and equipped and have a couple of spears for throwing, others might only have one decent spear that they used in melee.

I've seen interesting debates about the use of the francisca. One issue is that because it is unbalanced it spins when you throw it. Hence the blade is the leading bit at 10 yards, 20 yards and 30 yards (figures made up purely for example.)
Therefore if you're hit by one at 15 yards you get a poke with a blunt stick.
But others say that the unbalanced nature of the weapon means that if it hits a line of shields it bounces up into the air and descends on people behind without shields or armour.

I think that 'warband' are effective enough and that the effect of their weaponry is adequately represented in the 'big picture' that Impetus provides

That being said, if somebody is willing to drill thirty of forty adult males to throw francisca and get another hundred or so to form a shield wall and advance against them I'd be happy to watch.

(from a safe distance)

Happy? I'd probably buy a ticket

Jim

Jim Webster wrote:
I think that 'warband' are effective enough and that the effect of their weaponry is adequately represented in the 'big picture' that Impetus provides

Yes exactly how I feel about it also....I see the francisca as an interesting nuance but not enough to warrant anything over and above their usual 'warband' status.