09-10-2009, 07:24 AM
The depth of the formation itself not restricted by the pilum. The main fighting tactic is shove with the shield and stab, the press off the formation forcing the enemy back. The pilum is mainly used in the first contact, then as a defensive weapon on a wall and perhaps during a rout, sending a missile after the fleeing enemy.
A advancing mob closes the distance pretty quick, so there is not really much time for more the two volleys of pila, given their limited range. I would not really think once the fighting at the shieldwall had started, back rankers would lob their pila over the heads of their comrades. However, it can not be ruled out, as that would really spoil the days of the deeper rankers of the enemy. In that case, a formation depth over five deep would be courting with disaster and only the back rank could throw, as to throw a pilum with someone standing beside you is a definate no-no.
A advancing mob closes the distance pretty quick, so there is not really much time for more the two volleys of pila, given their limited range. I would not really think once the fighting at the shieldwall had started, back rankers would lob their pila over the heads of their comrades. However, it can not be ruled out, as that would really spoil the days of the deeper rankers of the enemy. In that case, a formation depth over five deep would be courting with disaster and only the back rank could throw, as to throw a pilum with someone standing beside you is a definate no-no.
