WAB FORUM ARMIES

THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Almost a millennium ago, in what is now northern
Mexico; semi-nomadic tribes of Nahuatl speaking Chichimecs
began moving southward. They were drawn by the vacuum left
by the collapse of the faltering Toltec Empire. Each tribe
eventually settled an area that became known by the name of the
tribe, such as Matlatzinca, Colhua, Huexotzinca, Tlaxcalteca,
Mixteca, etc. Some of these tribes will play an important role in
the conquest of Mexico and are described in the various lists.
Of greatest import was a small group of Chichimecs
who came from the (semi-mythological) land of Aztlan, the
place of the Caves. While they called themselves the Mexica
(meh-Shee-cah), they have become more popularly known as the
Aztecs, or those from Aztlan. The beginning of their great, but
short lived empire began somewhat inauspiciously. They found
themselves newcomers and relative barbarians in the populous
Central Valley of Mexico, and survived by becoming mercenary
warriors for hire. To achieve a degree of legitimacy, they selected
Acamapictli, a noble from the city of Cohuacan as their King.
The marriage of Acamapictli and his family with the daughters of
prominent Mexica formed the basis of the nascent Aztec nobility.
The Aztecs eventually became tributaries of the Tepanecs of the
western Central Valley. For their tribute and military services,
the Aztecs were given a swampy island in the middle of Lake
Texcoco. Here, they formed what was to become, their capital
city of Tenochtitlan in about 1345 AD. This situation lasted until
the assassination of the 3rd Aztec king, Chimalpopoca,
Acamapictlis grandson. This became a watershed in Aztec
political development. They then chose Itzcoatl, a powerful
military leader as their new King, or Huey Tlatoani (Great
Speaker). From now on, military merit, not simply hereditary
selection, became the means by which the Aztecs selected their
rulers.
It just so happened that at this time the Tepanecs were
undergoing a civil war of succession themselves. Itzcoatl roused
the leaders of other dissatisfied tributary cities, specifically
Tetzcoco and Tlacopan, and together they crushed the badly
divided Tepanecs. This became the nucleus of the Triple Alliance
of Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco and Tlacopan, and the Aztec Empire
was born. The Triple Alliance now demanded tribute from the
rest of the cities in the Central Valley, from which they became
wealthy enough to develop a well trained, large, professional,
standing army. Expansion brought further wealth, power and
tributary client states, but it also made enemies from powerful
neighbours. Chief among these were the similar, yet smaller
hegemonies of the Tarascan Nation of the Michoacan valley to
the west, and the Talaxcaltec led nation of the Pueblo Valley to
the east. What gave the Aztecs the edge was the size and power
of its army.

The Aztec Army was highly disciplined, well

organized, and well trained. They can be considered the epitome
of what was, essentially, a Stone Age culture. And as such, they,
with the other Mesoamerican and South American empires, were
utterly crushed by the European invaders. Tactics consisted of
Commanders looking for and exploiting the enemys flanks and
weak spots, against which elite shock troops would be sent.
Commanders also made use of intelligence gathering, double
envelopment, ambushes, and feigned flight to achieve victory.
However, the main objective in many conflicts was not to force
their enemy off of the field. It was rather to capture high ranking
enemy combatants in stylized Flower Wars to be used in
sacrificial rites. In that regard, most hand to hand weapons were
ideally designed to wound and restrain their victims rather than
kill them outright. Troops and support crew in the rear would
then bind up the victims for transport off the field. In light of the
total war concept brought by the Europeans, this trait of Aztec
combat proved to be somewhat disadvantageous.
Throughout this list the term Aztec will apply to any
warrior in the army of the Triple Alliance and its tributary client
states.

SPECIAL RULES
Fleet of Foot
The Spanish chroniclers noted that the Meso-American combat
units displayed great agility and were quick to manoeuvre on the
field of battle. All Aztecs have a basic movement rate of 5, and
a charge distance of 10. They have the usual movement penalty
if they move through woods or other difficult and impassable
terrain. They were used to fighting in unfavourable terrain and,
therefore, retain their rank bonus when doing so.
Open Order
Most Aztecs (or more properly called Mexica) fought in
special 200 man combat units called Tzontli. These Tzontli
formations were never a tightly ranked as were their European
counterparts. They also did not break out into skirmish
formations as is understood within the WAB game system. They
are all considered Open Order, however, like light troops, they
count a 2+ rank bonus. Unlike Light Troops, Open Order Aztecs
may not skirmish.
Feigned Flight
Units of Meso-American and South American combatants
frequently used feigned flight as a means to draw out the enemy,
leaving them vulnerable to attack by other close combat troops. If
any units with this ability choose to flee as a charge reaction,
they will rally immediately at the end of their move and may
reform in any direction. If the feigning warriors are caught by
the charging enemy, they are not destroyed. This is then treated
like a normal charge situation. Beware, that any units below 5
figures will auto-Break from any lost combat and may not Rally.
Feigned flight may not be used in response to an Insult move by
the enemy, or for overruns.
Mixed Weaponry
Units of Mesoamerican troops sometimes would be equipped
with different weapons of different abilities and qualities. In
close combat the attacker must declare which of his models in
base contact attack specific models, such as a 2-handed weapon
figure, or a spearman figure. For casualties remove the targeted
figure or one similarly armed. Differently armed figures should
be obvious to your opponent.

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Capture
In some forms of combat, most notably the Xochiyaoyotl
(Flower Wars), the main objective in battle was to capture as
many enemies as possible, for their use as sacrificial victims. Of
course, the Aztecs also took part in normal conflicts (Yaoyotl)
where capturing opponents played only a small role. The capture
of an enemy warrior occurs during hand to hand combat only. A
unit with the capture ability fights its combat as usual. When the
enemy player rolls his Save Roll, every roll of a 1 on the D6 is
not only a failed Save but is considered a Capture. If the figure
did not have a Save Roll, (either because they wore no armour
or due to weapons modifiers), the figure is obviously killed
outright. Throw a D6 for each of these figures anyways. On a roll
of 1, they too are considered wounded and captured, and not
killed. Each captured victim counts for a further 1 point bonus
towards combat resolution. This represents the added enthusiasm
and esteem brought on by the capture.
Ambush
If a Pochteca unit is employed, then this unit benefits from the
Ambush special rule. This unit always sets up last, anywhere on
the table, outside the opponents deployment zone, and out of the
enemys sight.
Combined Units
With a few exceptions, all Aztec Tzontli are considered
combined units. Unlike most European combat units which are
made up of similarly attired, equipped and trained men, Aztec
units are made up of dissimilarly attired, equipped and trained
individuals that all come from the same Calpulli ( barrio or
neighbourhood) of their respective cities and towns.
A novice warrior, fighting in his first combat may find himself
next to a veteran Jaguar warrior whose military exploits are
renowned throughout the city. In fact, this interspersing of
different level warriors was deliberate. In this way, the veteran
warriors could look after the novices, give them in the field
training, and perhaps even assist in their first capture. However,
it is far too complicated to represent this adequately in the game
of WAB where every fighter would have a different capability.
We will simplify this situation by having Tzontli made up of the
main type of warrior and special Military Order warriors who
will take the front rank(s). (The Military Orders are known as the
Cuauhtlocelotl or Eagle-Jaguar Warriors).
This means the warriors within the Tzontli may have different
specifications, different armour, and different weapons. Losses
from missile fire are allocated at 50% of the Cuauhtlocelotl and
50% of the main warrior type. Losses from hand to hand combat
must be removed according to troop type in contact with the
enemy. As long as the front rank contains 50 % or greater
Cuauhtlocelotl you may use the Ld rating of the Cuauhtlocelotl.
If the front rank falls below 50% then the units Ld is that of the
rear rank troops.
Leaders and Standard Bearers
The commanders of combat units, wore brightly coloured
standards attached to wooden frameworks strapped to their
chests. The finery and complexity of the design was an indication
of the rank and esteem of that particular warrior. This was a way
that the soldiers under his command could easily find their
leader. These were typically warriors of the Military Orders
class.
In WAB terms the Leader and Standard Bearer of the unit are the
same figure. If the combat unit is a combined unit of

Cuauhtlocelotl and regular Aztec warriors then the LeaderStandard Bearer will be a Cuauhtlocelotl warrior. If the combat
unit is of a single type of Aztec warrior then the Leader-Standard
Bearer will still be a Cuauhtlocelotl warrior. The normal rules for
Leaders and Standard Bearers still apply.
The cost is +5pts in addition to the cost of the Cuauhtlocelotl
warrior. Please note: you may not capture the standard due to the
unit breaking and fleeing. There is no standard to drop! A fleeing
unit must be run down and destroyed in order to count the
standard as captured.

Terror
All Aztecs suffer from Terror of War Dogs and Horses. The
various codices do mention the war dogs of the Conquistadors
however there are no references to them being used in battle. The
Conquistadors utilized war dogs extensively in the pacification of
the Caribbean islands, and it would seem odd for them not to be
used in the Conquest of Mexico. They are included in this list for
completeness. In all their campaigns, the Spanish came to rely
heavily of the small cavalry units at their disposal.
Atlatl
The atlatl or spear thrower was used ubiquitously throughout
Mesoamerica by veteran skilled warriors. Research (Hassig, et al)
has shown that, when compared with hand thrown weapons, an
Atlatl provides a greater increase in the distance thrown, a greater
power to the throw, and a greater armour piercing ability.
Therefore, the atlatl counts as a javelin, but with a range of 12.
Due to the fact that many authors attest to its armour piercing
ability, the Tlocochtli (atlatl dart) strikes with a -1 save modifier
when thrown at 6 or less.
Due to the motion required to launch a missile from an atlatl,
massed archery rules for atlatl may not be used.
Hatred
All Aztecs hate the Tlaxcalan, Huexotzincan, and Otomi warriors
when they are in the employ of the Conquistadors. Units of Aztec
Priests hate all units that contain an enemy Priest and/or
Character.
These are both subject to Hatred Rules #2 and #3 only, as
described in the main rule book.
Cuachiques
The Cuachiqueh and Ontontin were similar rankings and
basically performed the same roles within the Aztec army. For
simplicitys sake, these positions have been combined into a
single warrior status and are collectively known in this list as
Cuachiqueh. These are special warriors who have turned down
promotions into Leadership positions to accept highly prestigious
yet dangerous combat roles. Cuachiques fought in small groups
made up of pairs of warriors. Each Cuachique had sworn neither
to flee if faced by twenty enemies, nor to retreat one step even if
this meant death. They were either placed before the army to
commence the battle and hurl insults, or were held in reserve to
bolster morale and act as a defence block should the army fail.
The battles usually started with the Cuachiques performing
insults, pantomimes, and acting in skits of a derogatory and

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THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST
inflammatory nature, all for the benefit of the enemy soldiers.
This would even involve providing entertaining obscene sexual
gestures involving exposure of the buttocks (mooning) and
genitals. Should Aztec warriors flee from combat, the
Cuachiques would intercept the enemy pursuers, in a suicidal
attempt to save their colleagues. As they fought in rather unique
ways, they have their own special rules:

The detachment uses its own Ld for Morale checks,

not that of the Parent Tzontli (unless the Tlatoani is
within 12 as normal). A unit that is a detachment is
helpful in the following three ways:
1) Detachment Support Fire:

Chicunauhpanquetzaliztli
The Cuachiqueh wore the distinct
Chicunauhpanquetzaliztli standard, and the yellow
Tlahuiztli feathered war suit. It was a privilege to
accept and wear these distinct outfits and the
Cuachiques were recognized anywhere on the
battlefield.
This means that any units of Cauchiques, regardless
of how many there are, are treated as if they had a
Standard Bearer, and thereby, receive a 1+ combat
resolution to any combat they partake in. Normal
Standard Bearer rules apply.
Stubborn
Cuachiques are Stubborn and thereby ignore the
results of the first Break test.
Immune to Panic
Cuachiques are required to provide a rear guard
action to protect fleeing comrades. Therefore, the
fact that there are broken and fleeing troops nearby
does not bother them. Cuachiques never take panic
tests due to destroyed or fleeing friendly units. They
do not take a Panic Test if their Parent unit (see
below) is destroyed or is fleeing, however they do
take a Panic Test for the death of the Army General.
Detachments
Cuachiques traditionally fought in groups of pairs.
You may have a single Cuachique unit or
detachment of as little as 2 or as big as 10 warriors.
Their job was to protect the main combat units
especially when these units had to fall back or flee.
The Cuachiques would then provide a near suicidal
rear guard action to protect their colleagues.

In the enemy Movement phase, after a Charge has been

declared, the detachment may elect to stand and shoot
against the enemy charging the Parent Tzontli, if the
detachment is not charged itself or plans to perform a
detachment counter-charge.
The detachment can offer support fire regardless of the
distance the enemy unit starts its charge from and does
not suffer a -1 to Hit modifier, as they are not being
charged themselves.
However, regardless of the distance, the Cuachiques do
not have the -1 armour Save modifier from short range
atlatl fire. In the example above, the Cuachique
detachment (in yellow) may fire its Atlatl at the enemy
unit (in green) as they charge the Parent Tzontli (in red).
Of course, the Parent Tzontli may also fire as a charge
reaction as normal.
2) Detachment Counter-charge:

To represent this in WAB, the Cuachique unit may

form a detachment of the Parent combat unit.
Since there are only so many Cuachiques available
in the army, they would not be able to form
detachments for every Aztec unit. Detachments can
only be made for senior combatants. Therefore, no
Novice units may be accompanied by detachments.
What are Detachments and what do they do?
A detachment is a normal combat unit and is
completely separate and independent of its Parent
combat unit, or Tzontli. At anytime, during the
battle, it must be within 3 of its Parent unit in order
to use the detachment special rules. The Parent
Tzontli may not be fleeing or have declared a Flee
reaction to a charge. If it does so, the Cuachique unit
loses its detachment ability. A detachment may
consider any Aztec unit its Parent as long as it is
large enough and does not contain Novices

In the enemy movement phase, after a Charge has been

declared, a Cuachique detachment may counter charge the
enemy unit that is charging the Parent Tzontli, unless it
has been charged itself or if it decides to use Support Fire.

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THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST
After the enemy has moved all its charging units, but
before remaining movement, the Cuachique detachment
makes a normal charge against the enemy. If it can draw a
line of sight to the flank, and has the movement to reach
it, the detachment can do a flank attack. This is even if it
should have charged to the front according to the normal
rules for charges.
The counter charge will not cause Panic in the Enemy
unit but may reduce rank bonus if the usual conditions are
met (more than 5 models, formed units, etc.) In combat
resolution, resolve the detachments attacks first, then the
attacking enemy unit, and then the attacks of the charged
Parent Tzontli.

3) Detachment Supporting Charges:

In the Aztec movement phase, during Charge

declarations, a Cuachique detachment may make a
supporting charge by hitting the flank of an enemy unit
engaged to the front by the charging Parent Tzontli (or
indeed hitting the rear of the enemy unit charged in the
flank by the Parent Tzontli).
Declare both charges at the same time. If the Parent
Tzontli charge fails (failed Psychology test, out of range,
enemy Flee response, etc.) then the detachments Support
Charge will also fail, automatically. The normal Failed
Charge movements then apply. After the Parent Tzontli
has charged and after all other Aztec chargers have
moved, but before all remaining moves, the detachment
can charge the same target as the Parent Tzontli. If it can
draw a line of sight to the flank, and has the movement to
reach it, the detachment can do a flank attack. This is
even if it should have charged to the front according to
the normal rules for charges. The charge will not cause
Panic in the Enemy unit but may reduce rank bonus if the
usual conditions are met (more than 5 models, formed
units, etc.)

In the above example, the Parent Tzontli has declared a

charge and has successfully engaged the enemy unit. The
Cuachique detachment has also declared a charge, and
has the line of sight, and the distance to engage the enemy
also, this time on the flank.
If the Parent Tzontli fails to contact the enemy due to a
failed Charge then it moves ahead as a failed Charge
movement as usual. The Cuachique detachment has then
also failed its charge attempt and acts accordingly.
Now assume a detachment counter charge or a
detachment supporting charge has successfully occurred.
So what happens now? A hand to hand melee is fought as
normal. The possible results of this melee are:
1)
2)

3)
4)

The enemy loses combat but passes its Break test

and stays. Treat as usual with overlaps, etc.
The enemy loses combat and fails its Break test and
must flee. Treat as usual. Both the Parent Tzontli and
Cuachique detachment may or may not decide to
pursue in the normal manner. Remember, they are
separate independent units. However, if they are ever
separated by more than 3 (in the example of the
Parent Tzontli which decides to pursue the fleeing
Enemy but the detachment doesnt), then the
Cuachique warriors lose their detachment abilities.
If, later in the battle, they reunite to within 3, then
the detachment abilities come into play again.
The Aztecs lose combat but pass break test and stay.
Treat as usual with overlaps, etc.
The Aztecs lose combat, fail their Break test and
must flee. Roll to see how far the Parent Tzontli
flees and move as normal. The Cuachique
detachment is Stubborn and ignores the results of the
first Break Test. It therefore, stays and locks the
enemy unit in place. The Enemy unit may not pursue
the fleeing Parent Tzontli which is thereby saved
from possible destruction from being over run.

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THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST
Musicians
All regular combat units of the Aztecs may have a musician. The
musician is of the type as those Aztec warriors which are found
in the front rank(s) of the unit. The cost is +5pts in addition to the
cost of the warrior. Cauchique units or detachments do not have
musicians. Playing a flute or drum would be demeaning to these
warriors.
War Canoe
The Aztec player may use 5 war canoes for every Spanish
Brigantine used. Each canoe holds a 6 warrior crew (from any
list), and may be armoured at the prow.
The Parent Tzontli flees but the Cuachique detachment
stays in combat.
Move one of the Cuachique warriors to face backward to
indicate that the Cuachiques have used up their
Stubborn ability (remember that the Cuachique warriors
are now not a detachment if the Parent Tzontli is more
than 3 away). Fight the next combat in the next Combat
phase as normal. Remember, units under 5 figures cannot
Rally and that the Chicunauhpanquetzaliztli counts as a
standard.
If a detachment is charged by an enemy unit, the Parent
Tzontli may not Support Fire, Counter-charge or Support
Charge. These are abilities of detachments and not that of
the Parent Tzontli.
Insult
During the Aztec players Shooting Phase, a Cuachiqueh unit may
elect to forgo shooting in order to fire off an Insult. All the
typical requirements for shooting must still be present, the
shooter and the target unit must be unengaged, the target unit
must be within line of sight and within range, etc.
Think of Insult as a special form of shooting. The range of an
Insult is 8 and no To Hit roll or To Wound roll is required.
An Insult always works. The target unit that has been Insulted
takes an immediate Ld test at a -1 penalty (due to the personal
and graphic nature of the pantomime).
As the insults are of a personal nature, the target unit cannot
benefit from the Ld of the Army General (unless he is part of the
target unit).
If the Ld test is passed, then all is well and nothing happens. If
the Ld test has failed, then the target unit must make a full
movement towards the insulting Cuachique unit. If during this
movement, they contact the Cuachique unit or any other Aztec
unit, then this counts as a successful Charge with no Charge
response other than Hold available.
It is treated like an overrun so the Aztec player should exercise
some caution. Insult is used to break up a defensive shield wall
but may have some unwanted consequences.
Also, only one unit may be targeted for Insult by any one
Cuachique unit. Therefore, two Cuachique units wishing to use
Insult must select two separate target units. No enemy unit may
be Insulted more than once per phase. An enemy unit can only
pay attention to one insulting Cuachique unit at a time.

War canoes move 6 and may move and turn in any direction.
The canoes do not have a charge move, (i.e., no 12 canoe double
movement).
If a canoe touches a brigantine the Aztecs have successfully
assaulted the ship. This is considered a successful charge. Any
Aztecs, within the 8 charge range (the normal 10charge
distance -2 penalty for climbing up the boat) they are in hand to
hand combat.
The Spanish crew is now in combat and cannot sail away in their
next move. The first combat gives the Spanish crew a +1 combat
resolution due to higher ground. If the brigantine, during its
normal forward or backward movement, contacts a canoe, then
the canoe is rammed and sinks, and the crew is considered
drowned or otherwise considered out of action.
All boats are considered stable objects and so there are no Mv
penalties for shooting.
Use of war canoes and Brigantines would be typically used
during the Noche Triste (canoes only) and Siege of Tenochtitlan
scenarios.
Make sure you use a clearly delineated Lake Texcoco region with
dangerous shallow areas, islands (with appropriately stationed
Aztec warriors) and causeways (also brimming with brave Aztec
warriors!).

ARMY COMPOSITION
Characters 25% of the point value of the army may be spent on
characters.
Warriors: up to 100% of the points value of the army may be
spent on Combat Units
At least one unit of Priests must be taken for every 2000 points in
the army
Uncommon warriors:
At least one unit of Priests must be taken for every 2000 points in
the army
You may have 1 unit of Cuachiqueh, for each formed
Cuauhtlocelotl, Warrior Priest and Captive Taking Tzontli
0-1
Unit of Pochteca may be taken per army
0-2
0-1

May have up to 2 units of Cuauhtlocelotl warriors

Teohuacan Bowmen may be taken in the army

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THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST
CHARACTERS
The Aztec Army, for WAB purposes must be led by an Army
General. In some precedents, the Huey Tlatoani (Revered
Speaker or Emperor) may have led the Aztec Army and the
specifications for Montezuma II or Cuauhtmoc are included for
this purpose.
He is assisted by his four senior officials, who serve him as the
leaders of the 4 quarters (the Campans) of Tenochtitlan. (Later
Tlatelolco would become the fifth district).
The Tlacetecatl (Cutter of Men) is considered the General in
the absence of the Emperor, and is assisted by the Tlacochcalcatl
(Master of the House of Darts).
There is also the Ezhuahuacatl (Blood Shredder), and the
Quauhnochtli (Master of the House of Darkness), but their
military importance is not fully understood. Another Lord, by the
title of Cihuacoatl (Serpent-Women), is the chief religious figure
and deputy Minister.

0-1 ARMY GENERAL

M

WS

BS

Ld

Pts

10

160
110
80

Huey Tlatoani
or Tlatoani
Tlacetecatl

Tlacochcalcatl

Equipment: Maquahuitl, armoured Tzitzimitl Demon Suit or

Tlahuitzli Suit and Chimalli. May have Tepoztopilli (+2pts),
Long Tepoztopilli (+3pts). May not use Chimalli if have 2
handed Maquahuitl. May have Atlatl (+3pts). May be Drilled
(+2pts). May be Stubborn (+3pt).

N.B. The allocation of these Aztec titles into the WAB definitions
of Army General, Army Standard Bearer and Heroes is totally
arbitrary and may not fully represent reality

WARRIORS
The Aztec army proper consisted of a multitude of 400 man
combat units called Tzontli. Each Tzontli was made up of 20
Pantli of 20 men each. We cannot really tell if the Pantli was an
actual combat unit per se. The initial chroniclers do not make
mention of combat units as small as 20 men. 20 Tzontli would
then make up an 8000 man Xiquipilli unit.
While there is no formal size and scale found within WAB, it
may be helpful to consider your entire army as a Xiquipilli.
The separate units within your army would be the Tzontli. This
list uses the terms Tzontli and combat unit interchangeably. All
the men making up the Tzontli came from the same Calpulli or
neighbourhood. The Leader-Standard Bearers, as stated before,
are all Cuauhtlocelotl warriors.
The Aztec warriors were made up of a bewildering array of ranks
that depended upon the military prowess in capturing certain
enemy warriors in ritualized combat. The complexity of the
ranking system rivals that of a modern day army, and is still not
fully understood. In the interest of game playability, this ranking
system has been grossly condensed and simplified.
Let us look at the different troops that make up the Aztec Army:

NOVICES

If you take the Huey Tlatoani or Tlatoani, then he is the Army

General.
If you wish, for fighting smaller engagements, you may select the
Tlacetecatl or the Tlacochcalcatl as Army Generals (+25pts).
These Characters may be placed in any formed units you wish. If
you choose to take a Cuauhtlocelotl Royal Guard Tzontli, then
the Army General must be in this unit.

0-1 ARMY STANDARD BEARER

Once you have selected an Army General, you may wish to take
an Army Standard Bearer. In the above table select the Character
immediately below your selection of Army General. This is your
ASB (+15pts).
Special Rules: General. Army Standard Bearer. Stubborn.
Capture. Drilled. Stubborn. Atlatl.

These are the most basic warriors. They are made up of

Macehualtin (commoners) and are Novice warriors from the
Telpochcalli schools. They are trained, unarmoured, and have not
captured any enemy in combat.
M WS BS S T W I A Ld Points
Novice
3
3
3 3
1 2 1
6
6
Warriors 5
Equipment: Maquahuitl and a Chimalli. May have Tepoztopilli
(+1pt).
Special Rules: Capture.

CAPTIVE TAKING WARRIORS

These are the Tlamani warriors who have captured 1 or 2
captives in combat and the Tequihuahqueh warriors who have
captured 3 to 4 captives in battle. For simplification, they have
been combined into a single class of warriors. They have been
given gifts from the emperor for their achievements and are
allowed to wear specific clothing and armour appropriate to their
level.

HEROES
These are the generic Teteuctin (Lords). The Spanish chroniclers
were not really interested in the subtleties and intricacies of
Aztec military command. As such, they generally described the
Aztec Leadership by using rather vague and simplistic terms such
as Cacique (Chief) or Warlord.
M WS BS S T W I A Ld
Pts
Cihuacoatl
Tetuectin
5
4
4
4 3
2 5 2
8
55
Equipment: Maquahuitl, armoured Tzitzimitl Demon Suit or
Tlahuitzli Suit and Chimalli. May have Tepoztopilli (+2pts), or 2
handed Maquahuitl (+3pts).
May not use Chimalli if have 2 handed Maquahuitl. May have
Atlatl (+3pts). May be Drilled (+2pts). May be Stubborn (+3pt).

WS

BS

Pts

5
4
3
3 3
1 3 1
7
9
Equipment: Maquahuitl, Ichcahuipilli and a Chimalli. May have
Tepoztopilli (+2pt), 2-Handed Maquahuitl (+3pt). Use of
Chimalli is not allowed if you use the 2-handed Maquahuitl in
combat. May also have atlatl (+2pt).
Special Rules: Capture.
Note: you must have 1 Novice Tzontli for every Captive Taking
Tzontli.

PRIEST UNITS

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Ld

Tlamani
Tequihuahqueh
Warriors

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THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST
It seems that the orders of the Priesthood were also a military
order in of themselves. A small contingent of the children of
Macehualtin commoners and those of the Nobility were allowed
to study in the Calmeca schools and become Priests. Together
with their rigorous religious training, they also received training
in the martial arts. One can assume that they were better trained
and equipped than those of the regular Telpochcalli schools.
The Priestly orders also had a complex military hierarchy, similar
to the regular Aztec warriors, and also based on the number of
captives taken. Rather than duplicate this hierarchy, I have
decided to reduce these all to a single composite Warrior Priest
class.
You must take at least 1 Priest Tzontli for each 2000pts of your
army.

WARRIOR PRIESTS
This comprises the military component of the priesthood. They
have been given gifts from the emperor for their achievements
and are allowed to wear specific clothing and armour appropriate
to their level. They may take a musician at (+5pts).
M

WS

BS

Ld

Special Rules: Skirmisher.

UNCOMMON WARRIORS
EAGLE-JAGUAR WARRIORS
These are the Military Orders which are made up from elite
warriors who have captured 5 or more captives in combat. They
have been allowed into the religious warrior society collectively
known as the Cuauhtlocelotl (Eagle-Jaguar) for their
achievements and are allowed wearing specific clothing
appropriate to their level. These warriors were generally given
positions of leadership.
You may have up to 2 units of Cuauhtlocelotl warriors. These 2
units can be found in one of 3 formations.
1.

This Tzontli may be drilled at +2 pts for every figure in the

unit. This unit may also be Stubborn for +3pts per figure. In
this case, the musician is a considered a Cuauhtlocelotl
warrior.

Points

Warrior
Priest
5
4
3
3 3 1 4 1
7
10
Equipment: Maquahuitl, Ichcahuipilli and a Chimalli. May have
Tepoztopilli (+2pt), 2-Handed Maquahuitl (+3pts). Use of
Chimalli is not allowed if you use the 2-handed Maquahuitl in
combat. May also have atlatl (+2pt).

2.

Special Rules: Capture. Hatred #2 and #3 towards units

containing an enemy Priest or Character.

SKIRMISHERS

M WS BS S T W I A Ld
Slingers
5
2
3
3 3
1 3 1
5
Bowmen
5
2
3
3 3
1 3 1
5
Equipment: Hand weapons, Tlahuitolli (bow and arrow) or
Tematlatl (sling). May take Chimalli (+1pt

Points
5
5

You may have a second Tzontli of Cuauhtlocelotl warriors,

but they may not be the Royal Guard and, therefore, may
not have the Drilled or Stubborn ability.
Prior to deployment, the Aztec player may split up this
single Tzontli of Cuauhtlocelotl and place them into the
Novice and Captive Taking Tzontlis. The Cuauhtlocelotl
warriors must be positioned in the front ranks and cannot
amount to more that 25% of the figures in the Tzontli. In
this case, the musician is, again, a Cuauhtlocelotl warrior.
As long as half or more of the figures in the front rank are
Cuauhtlocelotl, the Tzontli uses their Leadership value.
Casualties from missile fire and hand to hand combat are
determined as usual for combined formations.

Leader-Standard Bearer
Remember, you must purchase a Military Order (Cuauhtlocelotl)
Warrior as the Leader-Standard Bearer for the Priest Tzontli.
Add +1 pt cost to give him the Hatred ability beyond his cost and
the cost of the standard (19 pts in total).

Slingers and bowmen came from the macehualtin or commoner

class of combatant. These missile weapons, carried by the
macehualtin, were considered beneath the dignity of those who
were trained in the Telpochcalli or Calmeca.
The missile weapon of choice for the trained warriors was the
Atlatl. The commoners were usually called up for military
service depending on the needs of the Xiquipilli and/or what the
campaign required.
The Slingers and Bowmen fought in a looser formation than did
the combat units. They were not trained in the Telpochcalli and
were not trained to fight in close formation with the traditional
Maquahuitl or Tepoztopilli.
They did not have any training in capturing enemy combatants.
In WAB terms they would be considered skirmish order
formation. They follow the usual WAB regulations for
Skirmishers.

If you decide to field a Tzontli made up of Cuauhtlocelotl

warriors, then this can become a Royal Guard unit, and
the Army General must be contained within this unit.

3.

You must use single Cuauhtlocelotl figures as LeaderStandard Bearers for Novice, Captive Taking and Priestly
Tzontli (more on them later). In this case, the musician is
from the respective class of warriors making up the Tzontli.
Since the front rank of the Tzontli contains only one EagleJaguar Warrior, the Tzontli uses the Ld of the main troop
type within the Tzontli.

M WS BS S T W I A Ld Points
Cuauhtlocelotl
Military Order 5
4
4
3 3
1 4 1
8
13
Equipment: Maquahuitl, Ichcahuipilli, Atlatl and a Chimalli. May
have Tepoztopilli (+2pt), 2-Handed Maquahuitl (+3pts. Use of
Chimalli is not allowed if you use the 2-handed Maquahuitl in
combat. May also have atlatl (+3pt). Royal Guard may be Drilled
(+2pts) and Stubborn (+3pts).
Special Rules: Capture. Royal Guard. Drilled. Stubborn.
Standard Bearers.

CUACHIQUEH
The Cuachiqueh and the Ontontin typically fought in groups of
pairs.

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THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST
Pochteca
Equipment: Tepoztopilli and Ichcahuapilli. May have a Chimalli
(+1pt).
Special Rules: Ambush. May not Capture.

You may have 1 unit of Cuachiqueh, for each formed

Cuauhtlocelotl, Warrior Priest and Captive Taking Tzontli.
Cuachique units may be between 2 and 10 figures in size, and
cannot be larger than half the size of any unit that may be the
Parent Tzontli. If they are within 3 of any of these units they
may benefit from the Detachment ability. Skirmisher units also
do not count as a Parent Tzontli.

Cuachiqueh/
Ontontin

QUAUHPOYOHUALTZIN
M

WS

BS

Ld

WS

BS

Ld

Pts

15

Equipment: Maquahuitl, Ichcahuipilli, Atlatl and a Chimalli. May

have Tepoztopilli (+2pt), 2-Handed Maquahuitl (+3pts). Use of
Chimalli is not allowed if you use the 2-handed Maquahuitl in
combat.
Special Rules: Capture. Insult. Chicunauhpanquetzaliztli
Standard. Immune to Panic. Stubborn. Detachments

POCHTECA
The Pochteca were a Guild of long distance traders who worked
concurrently for their own monetary gain and power, and for the
political gains of the government of Tenochtitlan. At times they
acted as spies and at other times as agents of provocation for
the state. There was a great inherent risk in this profession and,
over the years, they developed appropriate martial skills in
response to the growing threat to their well being.
You may have 0-1 Pochteca unit. These are rather simple as there
are only 2 pantli available: unarmoured Novice Pochteca and
armoured Veteran Pochteca. Each Pochteca Tzontli may be led
by the Pochteca Chief Guildsman called a Quauhpoyohualtzin.
You must take him if you want a Leader-Standard Bearer. You
may take all Novice Pochteca. You may take a mixture of Novice
Pochteca and up to 50% Veteran Pochteca.
The Veteran Pochteca would take the front ranks and if at least
half of the front rank is made up of Veteran Pochteca then the
Tzontli uses their Ld value. (Obviously, if the Tzontli has a
Quauhpoyohualtzin then his Ld value is used). As usual,
casualties from shooting are taken 50:50 from both these
Pochteca troop types.

5
4
4
3 3
1
4 1
8
12
Equipment: Tepoztopilli, Ichcahuipilli, Atlatl and a Chimalli.
May have 2-Handed Maquahuitl (+3pts). Use of Chimalli is not
allowed if you use the 2-handed Maquahuitl in combat. May be
Standard Bearer (5pts) for the Pantli
Special Rules: Ambush. Standard Bearer. May not Capture.

0-1

TEOTUACAN BOWMEN

Bernal Diaz has made mention of the Teohuacan archers who,

due to their great skill, could fire 3 arrows in the same time it
would take a normal archer to fire 1 arrow.
M WS BS S T W I A Ld Points
Teohuacan
5
2
4
3 3
1 3 1
7
7
Bowmen
Equipment: Hand weapons, Tlahuitolli (bow and arrow) May
take Chimalli (+1pt).
Special Rules: Skirmisher, The Teotuacan archer unit must be the
smallest archer unit in size.

SPECIAL UNITS
CHIMALACALLI CANOES
An Aztec army may have 5 canoes for every Spanish Brigantine.
Each has a crew of 6 chosen from any list.
Crewmembers are considered skirmishers when disembarked
from canoe.
The canoe may have an armoured prow (+10pts) which gives all
crew 1+ armour save from missile attacks from the front 90
degree arc only.
The canoe is a stable platform; therefore there is no shooting
penalty due to movement.

The Pochteca had their own Tzontli and were trained warriors in
addition to their mercantile responsibilities. However they were
not trained as well with a Maquahuitl as the Telpochcalli and
Calmeca trained warriors. Also carrying an obvious weapon like
a Maquahuitl would give away their cover as civilian traders.
They would have fought with their long walking sticks which act
as Tepoztopilli and, for WAB purposes, are treated like Thrusting
Spears. They also were not trained for, or adequately supported,
to have the Capture ability. May have a Musician from
whichever Pochteca inhabit the front rank(s) (+5pts).
M WS BS S T W I A Ld
Novice
Pochteca 5
3
3
3 3
1 3 1
6
Equipment: Tepoztopilli. May have a Chimalli (+1pt).
Special Rules: Ambush

Veteran

M
5

WS
4

BS
3

S
3

T
3

W
1

I
3

A
1

Ld
7

Points
6

Points
8

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Points

Chief
Pochteca

v 0.1

WAB FORUM ARMIES

THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST
GLOSSARY
Lexicon and Pronunciation of Aztec Military Terms
Note: The emphasis on pronouncing Nahuatl words is on the
second last syllable.
Mexica (meh-Shee-cah)
The name used by the Aztecs to describe themselves
Tenochtitlan (ten-osh-Teet-lahn)
The capital city of the Aztecs (Modern day Mexico City)
Huey Tlatoani (Hue-ee tlat-oh-Ahn-ee)
The Great Speaker. The overall ruler of the Triple Alliance.
Tlacetecatl (tla-set-eh-Cat-ill)
The Cutter of Men. Military Commander.
Tlacochcalcatl (tla-koch-cal-Cat-ill)
The Master of the House of Darts. Military Commander
Cihuacoatl (chi-wha-Coat-ill)
The Serpent Woman. Chamberlain and chief religious official.
Tetuectin (te-two-Ek-tin)
Aztec Lords
Pochteca (poch-Tek-ah)
Semi-autonomous Guild of long distance traders.
Quauhpoyohualtzin (kway-po-yo-Wallt-zin)
Leader of Pochteca traders.
Maquahuitl (mack-wa-Wheat-ill)
Double edged Obsidian glass sword. This sword may slash but
not thrust. It counts as hand Weapon.
2 handed Maquahuitl
2 handed Great Weapon version of maquahuitl. It counts as 2
handed weapon.
Tepoztopilli (te-pause-toe-Pill-ee)
Obsidian glass tipped thrusting spear. It counts as thrusting spear.
Atlatl (at-ill-At-ill)
Spear or dart throwing stick.. It has its own special rules. It
counts as a javelin with a 12 range. And has a -1 Save if wounds
at 6 or less.
Tlocochtli (tlow-Koch-tlee)
Fire hardened dart thrown from atlatl
Chimalli (chee-Mall-ee)
Shield. Wooden shield is Cuauhchimalli (kwah-chee-Mall-ee)
and Cane shield is Otlachimalli (ot-la -chee-Mall-ee). Both
have same characteristics. They all count as small shield.
Ichcahuipilli (ish-ka-wha-Pill-ee)
Light armour vest made from densely woven cotton or magauy
fibres. This counts as Light armour.
Tlahuitzli (tla-Wheat-zlee)
This is a war suit worn over the armoured vest. It is something
only the highest Nobles wear. It counts as Heavy armour since
one assumes an Ichahuipilli is worn also. No Movement Penalty
is assessed.
Tzitzimitl (zee-zee-Meet-ill)
This is also known as the Demon suit. This counts as a more
fearful version of the Tlahuitzli.
Tlahuitolli (tlah-wheat-Tall-ee)
Aztec bow. It is a composite bow.
Yoamitl (yo-ah-Meet-ill)
Viburnum arrows.
Tematlatl (te-maht-Laht-ill)
Maguay fibre sling. It counts as a regular Sling.
Tlamani (tlah-Manh-ee)
This is an Aztec Warrior who has successfully captured 1 or 2
captives.
Tiahcauah (tea-Ah-kwah)

This is an Aztec Warrior who has successfully captured 3

captives.
Tequihuahque (te-kweh-Haw-kway)
This is an Aztec Warrior who has successfully captured 4
captives.
Cuauhtlocelotl (kwot-ill-os-el-Ot-ill)
These are Aztec Warriors who are members of the Eagle-Jaguar
Military Orders.
Cuachique (Kwah-cheek)
The Well Shorn Ones. Highly specialized Aztec warriors.
Otomitl (oh-toe-Meet-ill)
Those like the Otomi. Named after the enemy Otomi warriors.
Similar rank to the Cuachiqeh
Yao (Yow)
War
Xochiyaoyotl (shaw-she-yow-Yacht-ill)
The Flower Wars. Ritualized, smaller scale warfare, where the
emphasis is on training warriors and gaining Captives.
Xiquipilli (shi-kwi-Pill-ee)
It is a combat unit made of 8000 men.
Tzontli (Zont-lee)
It is a Combat unit made of 400 men. 20 Tzontli make a
Xiquipilli.
Pantli (Pant-lee)
A unit of 20 men of which 20 make up a Tzontli. The Pantli was
probably not a Combat unit per se, rather an organizational unit.
Macehualtin (mass-se-Wall-tin)
Commoners or non-professional, un-trained warriors.
Pipil (pi-Pill)
The Nobility.
Telpochcalli (tell-poch-Cal-ee)
Public schooling with an emphasis on military training. Each
Calpulli (barrio) of the city contained a Telpochcalli
Calmeca (cal-Mek-ah)
More rigorous version of the Telpochcalli. Students were
generally from the Pipil with a small smattering of Macehualtin.
While military training was still paramount, an added emphasis
on religious, administrative and cultural training was also
present. Discipline was extremely harsh.
Chimalacalli (chim-al-a-Cal-ee)
Armoured War Canoe.
Teohuacan (tay-who-AH-kahn)
A town within the Aztec hegemony renowned for their archers.

REFERENCE WORKS
Anawalt, Patricia and Berdan, Frances, The Essential Codex
Mendoza, University of California Press, 1997, ISBN 0-52020454-9
Brown, Kathryn and Stanton, Travis, eds., Ancient
Mesoamerican Warfare, Altamira Press, 2004, ISBN 0-75910283-X
Cocker, Mark, Rivers of Blood, Rivers of Gold, Grove Press,
1998, ISBN 0-8021-1666-3
Cortes, Hernan, Letters from Mexico, Pagden translation, Yale
University Press, 1986, ISBN 0-300-09103-6
Diaz Del Castillo, Bernal, The Discovery and Conquest of
Mexico, Maudsley translation, Da Capo Press, 2003, ISBN 0306-81319-X
Diaz, Gisele and Rodgers, Alan, The Codex Borgia, Dover
Publications, 1993, ISBN 0-486-27569-8

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v 0.1

WAB FORUM ARMIES

THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST
Gruzinski, Serge, The Aztecs : Rise and Fall of an Empire,
Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1992, ISBN 0-8109-2821-3
Hassig, Ross, War and Society in Ancient Mesoamerica,
University of California Press, 1992, ISBN 0-520-07734-2

SPECIAL THANKS
Many thanks to WAB Forum members for providing the
template and their great support.

Hassig, Ross, Mexico and the Spanish Conquest, Longman

Press, 1994, ISBN 0-582-06828-2
Hassig, Ross, Aztec Warfare: Imperial Expansion and
Political Control, University of Oklahoma Press, 1988, ISBN 08061-2773-2
Heath, Ian, Armies of the 16th Century Vol 2, Foundry Books,
1999, ISBN 1-901543-03-X
Leon-Portilla, Miguel, Aztec Thought and Culture, University
of Oklahoma Press, 1963, ISBN 0-8061-2295-1
Leon-Portilla, Miguel, trans., The Broken Spears, Beacon Press,
1992, ISBN 0-8070-5501-8
Mann, Charles, 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before
Columbus, Alfred Knopf, 2005, ISBN 0-7394-6441-8
Pohl, John, Aztec Warrior, Osprey Publishing, 2001, ISBN 978184-176148-0
Pohl, John, Aztec, Mixtec and Zapotec Armies, Osprey
Publishing, 1991, ISBN 1-85532-159-9
Pohl, John, The Conquistador: 1492-1550, Osprey Publishing,
2001, ISBN 1-84176-175-3
Pohl, John, Aztecs and Conquistadors, Osprey Publishing,
2005, ISBN 1-84176-934-7
Robinson III, Charles, The Spanish Invasion of Mexico, Osprey
Publishing, 2004, ISBN 1-84176-563-5

A sample Aztec 2000pt Army

Tlacetacatl- Army General, atlatl, drilled, stubborn
118pts
Tlacochcalcatl- Army Standard Bearer, atlatl, drilled, stubborn
88pts
13 Eagle Jaguar warriors- atlatl, drilled, stubborn, musician,
standard
283pts
total 489pts
6 man Cuachique detachment for above
90pts
5 Eagle Jaguar warriors- atlatl, musician, standard
90pts
15 Novices- 5 tepoztopilli
95pts
Total 185pts
5 Eagle Jaguar warriors- atlatl, musician, standard
90pts
15 Novices- 5 tepoztopilli
95pts
Total 185pts
5 Eagle Jaguar warriors- atlatl, musician, standard
90pts
15 Tlamani and Tequihuahqueh - 5 tepoztopilli
145pts
Total 235pts
10 man Cuachique detachment for above
150pts

Sahagun, Fra Bernardino de, The Florentine Codex: Vol. VIII,

Monographs of the School of American Research, 1982, ISBN 087480-082-X

1 Eagle Jaguar warrior- atlatl, hatred, standard

22pts
19 Warrior priests- 5 tepoztopilli, musician
205pts
Total 227pts

Soustelle, Jacques, Daily Life of the Aztecs, Stanford University

Press, 1961, ISBN 0-8047-0721-9

10 man Cuachique detachment for above

150pts

Thomas, Hugh, The Conquest of Mexico, Pimlico Press, 2004,

ISBN 1-8441-3743-0

Quauhpoyohualtzin- 2 handed Maquahuitl, standard bearer

20pts
7 Veteran Pochteca- shield
63pts
7 Novice Pochteca- shield
49pts
total132pts

INTERNET LINKS
WAB Forum
http://wabforum.co.uk
Cronofuss informative site
http://www.chronofus.net/php/index.php?c=6&sid=47ca8bf
18c30f8b947344692fcf0a623
and
http://www.chronofus.net/wargames/aztecs/army.htm
http://www.balagan.org.uk/war/iberia/1492/mexico/painting_gui
de_aztec.htm

11 Bowmen skirmishers
55pts
10 Bowmen skirmishers
50pts
10 Slinger skirmishers
50pts
Total

1998pts

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THE AZTEC ARMY OF THE CONQUEST

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