by Rudy Scott Nelson
This article includes De Bellis Antiquitis (DBA) Armies based on my research of the region. Additional comments are also provides as to the suitability of the region for DBA/DBM campaigns. With the greater variety in troop classifications found in De Bellis Multi??? (DBM) rules as compared to DBA, the various ethnic armies of the region can be better reflected using the DBM system. However as stated in previous issues, while I have DBM armies designed, it is a waste of effort to release them as most players use only official lists for tournament play. Needless to say, it is my opinion that the Burmese Army list III-9B is suitable only for the PAGAN dynasty of the Burmans 1050-1287 AD. Sources clearly indicate that certain ethnic groups were better known for certain fighting skills. The PAGAN dynasty introduced the use of War Elephants thus implies earlier PYU dynasty armies would have been mainly foot with some supporting cavalry. The Shan tribes were regarded as having better elephants with few elephants being located in the Lower Burma Talaing region. The Talaings were regarded as superior boatmen, but not seamen, and made extensive use of war canoes. Arakan troops were heavily influenced by the tactics and equipment dominant in Southern India Most Dynastic armies contained a core of full time guards often containing mercenaries. The bulk of the troops would be tribal levies with some only armed with a hammer and nails. Armies on campaign made extensive use of palisades and often constructed them on the march and prior to a battle. A Tribal army includes forces from small towns whose armies consisted of mainly one ethnic group. It also includes towns which are rebelling from a dynastic power. A chief’s bodyguard would have been better armored and armed than other troops thus giving them a Blade rating. Some sources indicate that crossbows were mainly dynastic guard/elite weapons and not used by levies. Some have been rated as 3Wb because of they nature for a rushed attack. More timid or subject troops should be rated as 3Aux or 7Hd or 2Ps. Shan receive SP ratings because of several notations about providing superior spearmen. TALAING- MON TRIBAL ARMY BURMAN TRIBAL ARMY SHAN TRIBAL ARMY ARAKAN TRIBAL ARMY A Dynastic army would include a core of a dominant ethnic group, which were reinforced by vassal and subject tribes from other groups. The arty elements are only if fighting other Burmese-Siam armies. If fighting other opponents, then the arty should be rated as a Handgunner/ 2Ps. PYU-VIKRAMA DYNASTIC ARMY Burmese sources indicate that until 1000 generals rode horses and elephants were not used in mass. Mersey implies that pre-elephant armies may have relied on chariots that were brought with them from India. Likewise Indian style bows or longbows would still have been in use. As later Pagan rulers still used Indian bodyguards, the Pyu may have also used them 1 x Cav or HCh (GEN), 2 x 3Cv or 2LH, 1 x 4Bld, 3 x 3LB/Bw, 2 x Ps or 3Wb or 7Hd, 3 x 3Wb or 3Ax The official DBA Burmese Army list III-9 is intended to reflect all dynastic Burmese armies from 1044-1526 AD regardless of compositions or changes in weapons. 1 x EL (Gen) , 2 x EL, 1 x 3Cv, 5 x 3Ax, 3 x 3Cb PAGAN-BURMAN DYNASTIC ARMY 1000-1300 HONSWADI-PEGU TALAING/ MON DYNASTIC ARMY (1287-1539) MROHAUNG-ARAKAN DYNASTIC ARMY. AVA- SHAN DYNASTIC ARMY (1364-1426, 1527-1555) AVA-BURMAN DYNASTY ARMY (1426-1527)
Outside Enemies of the Burmese according to the official DBA list
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