Khitans

[StevieTC]

Just a couple of thoughts really about Khitans as the DBM Khitan Liao was one of my armies. Although my CD version of 30 years of Slingshot failed (both disks became unreadable for no reason on several computers), I recall an article in one issue suggesting that the information on how they were armed was different to current thinking.

Therefore, this is sort of from memory, however as I recall each "Soldier" had to supply a forager and an orderly along with the "kitchen sink" of equipment. However, it seems that some of this equipment may have been for use by the men he supplied.

In respect of shields, the article suggests that there is no evidence that they had shields at all, relying on horse and body armour only. As for weapons, it seems difficult to think of anyone fighting whilst carrying such an array of hardware. They seem to have had a number of long spears suggesting, perhaps, using them as lances.

It may be worth digging out this for anyone with this set of CDs and considering when doing the Khitan list.

The other troop type of interest is the women, children and old men driven ahead of the army. Oh I did enjoy watching these die, although I enjoyed watching them wipe out a Persion cavalry wing once as well (but thats a different rules set).

Despite loving these troops, how widespread was there use in reality and does it show a weakness in the Khitans armour to bow fire, requiring such a practice ?

Finally, the DB mass of Chinese Hd. Again, I recall mention that in fact as least some were drilled foot rather than just a rabble.

Anyway, one this basis, I came up with the following thoughts
Soldiers Cav - Superior, Armoured, Bow*, Lancer, Swordsmen
Foragers Cav - Average, Protected (or poss Armoured), Bow, (poss swordsmen)
Orderlies Lt Horse - Average, Unprotected, Bow
All Drilled

However, I have also considered Cataphracts for the soldiers - not entirely out of context in the region at the time.

1 BG of Chinese militia available as Unprotected, Drilled Average Medium foot, Defensive Spear. (the rest as mob)

I admit not to being a scholar on this area and know only the fragmented snippets of info picked up along the way.

Stephen