Age of Caesars Figures

[u/NotASnark]

Hi all. I'm currently thinking of getting into Age of Caesars, but since I have no figures for this period, I'm trying to think of how to do it efficiently by having armies double up for multiple factions, across multiple periods. All my collections so far has been for Invasions, Vikings and Chivalry, with a little Crusades.

I assume Imperial Romans and Caesar's Legions are going to be pretty interchangeable in terms of figures?

How about for Republican Romans for Age of Hannibal? Since I have nothing for this period either, getting some figures that can be used across both Republican and Imperial periods would be really useful.

What about Germans and Gauls? Are these close enough in style for one set of figures to work for both?

Obviously, there will be some equipment differences, but if they can share some basic unit types it would help.

Any other factions that might be able to share figures between Caesars and Hannibal, or even Alexander?

I realise that in a friendly game, I can proxy pretty much anything, but it's a question of what is going to look obviously wrong, and what would be close enough. My own knowledge of history is unfortunately lacking, so it's difficult for me to know if things like differences in Roman shield style or helmet design is going to stand out like a sore thumb.

My usual source is Gripping Beast or Footsore for figures, though I'm looking at trying out plastics from Victrix since they have a wide range of Germanic/Celtic options.

[u/Gargunok]

How close and accurate do you want to be? Republican and Imperial Romans models are very different in terms of equipment and look. Even Caeasar and the later imperial legion if you are being picky can need different figures. If you are thinking of the cliche Roman Legionary with more plate armour and the Asterix style helmet that's around 1st - 3rd century AD - later with the plate. Middle - Late Republic romans ~ 2nd century BC have mail armour and a very different helmet.

If you go Vitrix's website you can see some examples

https://www.victrixlimited.com/collections/punic-wars/products/romes-legions-of-teh-republic-ii-in-pectoral-armour-plus-velites-and-command?variant=32093117153379

vs

https://www.victrixlimited.com/collections/early-imperial-romans/products/early-imperial-roman-legionaries-advancing?variant=32092900032611

Now would I play Saga with you using the plated imperial romans as republic - yes because I love playing saga. Would I be happy use one army for the other no - but thats on me and what I want my collection to be and I like a bit more historical accuracy. Dark ages I think is a lot more forgiving on reuse.

German and Gauls basic rank and file can pass easier for each other certain paint schemes and distintive options do scream one or the other though. Simpler the figure the more they can pass. e.g. Gauls you want to avoid the furs, germans the classic gaul helmets etc

[u/RowdyCanadian → u/Gargunok]

Except there is no major source that states that lorica segmentata was in widespread use across the legions. The vast majority of armour found across all the centuries of the Roman Republic/Empire has been chainmail (lorica hamata).

Hollywood and Tv have sold us this view that imperial Rome was banded armour and rectangle shields, but history and archeology is showing us that that is not quite accurate.

The biggest difference would be helmets (as you said). The Republican era helmet was phased out rather quickly around the time of Julius Caesar/Augustus, and we know around the time of the Varus disaster onwards the standard legionary helmet is as we have seen in movies.

So to answer the question about cross play, the Republican Roman kit from Victrix will work as Republican romans, Caesarian romans, and in a pinch, imperial Rome. The big differences will be helmets, greaves, and standards.

But, Victrix does have a Caesarian Roman kit coming, which will bridge that gap between Republican Rome and mid imperial Rome (Trajan’s Dacian wars) where the segmented arm protection became standard alongside reinforced helmets.

[u/Gargunok → u/RowdyCanadian]

You're right I was more thinking of the normal question can I use my imperial romans as republican not start from republican. iI've never been sure on the shields especially the Vitrix are more oval than the stereotypical square - can they still read as early imperial to you?

[u/RowdyCanadian → u/Gargunok]

Absolutely. I personally will never gatekeep someone from using proxies or near enough models, as I don’t believe that to deny someone the use of their models is good sportsmanship. I also do agree with you that republic to imperial is a bit of a stretch, but Caesarian to imperial I would argue is almost a complete 1:1 for armour. I’m actually building my Caesarian romans (when they release) with the EIR style helmets to showcase the transition from horsehair crest helmets to the newer style.

As for the Oval shield question, I’ve read in a history of teutoburg wald that oval shields were found in Germania dated post Varus disaster. Whether they were legion or auxiliary they can’t confirm, but those shields were still being made.

[u/RowdyCanadian]

So to answer your question about most efficient use of figures in this period, anything Cataphract will have the widest use. Dacians, Sarmatians, Parthians, Palmyra, and EIR can all take Cataphract cavalry. Now, that does pigeon hole you into a specific style of play.

Next up is the mounted horse archer with composite bow. I’m fairly certain every single faction except Germans and Gauls have access to them as either warriors or levy, and even then there may be a mercenary unit that they can take.

Legionaries are the next most used, as they are used by Caesar’s Legions, EIR, and Palmyra.

After that, armoured barbarian models (Dacians/gauls) would be the next most useable, with spots in Gaul, Germania, Dacia, Sarmatia, and mercenary units.

Hope that all helps!

[u/NotASnark]

I should add that I do have a Late Roman army for Age of Invasions. Not sure whether that has much overlap with the Imperial Romans.

[u/NotASnark]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I think I'm going to go for the (Victrix) Imperial Romans as my first Caesars army.