Victirix EIR kit bash - making Auxillary slingers or archers in Britannia?

[Flinty]

I was wondering if anyone had tried slotting the Balearic or Greek slingers arms onto the Victrix EIR Auxilliary bodies? - before I spend the cash and find its a total non-starter.

EDIT:
Actually I have just realised I'm being a bit thick (true to form as usual).
I know there is archaeological evidence for Roman sligshot in the UK, but I imagine it would be unusual to find a dedicated 'unit' within an auxiliary force operating here (outside of specialist/siege operations e.g. Hod Hill and Maiden Castle).
I seem to think (probably erroneously) that it would be more likely to come across Auxiliary archers, and they might indeed wear something similar to the infantry.
Am I sort of right?

Please bear in mind this is for my version of Infamy, so I'm playing 'Historical Fiction' games and not historical simulation.

Thanks.

[dadlamassu]

I had a long(ish) discussion on various fora about legionary slingers. There is documentary evidence that legionaries were trained in the use of the sling amongst other things.  Whether this training is relevant to all periods is difficult to say with certainty.  "Greece and Rome at War" by Peter Connolly p217 summarises as "He (the recruit) was given a general training in stone slinging, swimming and riding. He learned how vault onto horseback and to mount and dismount fully armed, with shield, from either side - quite a feat before stirrups appeared."  That said many of the recruits into the Legions and Auxiliaries very probably knew how to use sling or bow (for hunting). Some probably also knew how to ride before enlisting depending upon which part of the empire they came from or their regional/societal customs and traditions.

I have not tried to arm Auxiliaries with slings (yet) but intend to do so.  I use Warlord figures and armed half of one of my cohorts with slings from Dark Age figures in a simple hand swop. 

Some Auxiliaries will get the same treatment soon.  I suspect that the same can be be done with Victrix figures.  All you need is a supply of slings! Or make your own from paper stiffened with PVA glue and a small seed inserted for the slingshot.
See also https://sisolders.wordpress.com/category/romans/

He modified Warlord auxiliaries

A similar conversion would be possible for archers if you have bows and quivers in your "bits box".






 

[Flinty]

Cheers Chap,

Very useful summary and nice conversions. I shall persevere and see what they look like.

[genew492]

Thank you. Good ideas. Victrix has photos of their upcoming Roman archers on the Victrix Face Book page. 

[Flinty]

Cheers genew492, I always forget FB pages - problem solved then!

The Western Archers should give some nice variety to the Auxiliary infantry poses as well.

[Flinty]

In case you don't do facebook - preview from the Victrix page.