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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.
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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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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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.
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3)
4)
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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
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WS
BS
Ld
Pts
10
160
110
80
Huey Tlatoani
or Tlatoani
Tlacetecatl
Tlacochcalcatl
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
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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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
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.
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.
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
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).
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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Cuachiqueh/
Ontontin
QUAUHPOYOHUALTZIN
M
WS
BS
Ld
WS
BS
Ld
Pts
15
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.
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TEOTUACAN BOWMEN
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
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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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SPECIAL THANKS
Many thanks to WAB Forum members for providing the
template and their great support.
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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