Organization & Small Unit Tactics (578 CY):

Regular Forces:

  Infantry Companies [41] (225 men, dwarves, elves, or gnomes):

    7 Privates, 1 Lance Corporal, 1 Corporal per Squad;

    6 Squads (one of the six squads led by a Sergeant or Subaltern), plus 1 Lieutenant per Platoon;

    4 Platoons (One of the four platoons led by a 1^st Lieutenant), plus 1 Drummer, 1 Scout, 1 Subaltern, 1 Sergeant Major, and 1 Captain per Company.   

Guidon[42]: Grey w/Black Number; Attached to a longspear. 

    Three platoons in each infantry company were longspearmen, the other platoon consisted of missile weapon troops (qv).[43] Each company had an ensign (tribune/subaltern) who carried the company guidon. This was generally the first duty position for a new subaltern before moving on to a staff position or an assistant platoon leader slot, particularly if they were non-prior service. Inexperienced subalterns generally served under the 1^st Lieutenant i.e., the most experienced platoon leader mentored what was usually the least experienced assistant platoon leader. In the other platoons, the experienced sergeant could advise the less experienced platoon leaders. 

    Three of the assistant platoon leaders, who were simultaneously squad leaders, were usually sergeants, the fourth a subaltern. Those subalterns who served as assistant platoon leaders were those who have either previously served as NCOs, or those who at least had time to get grounding as an ensign. 

    Each company had one scout. Other than the basic requirements of the rank of Scout (qv), there are no other specific requirements; selection was left to the company commander’s judgement (with the cohort commander’s say-so). Skill in stealth and observation, fieldcraft, languages (enemy or friendly) were the usual criteria, although sometimes a battle mage was selected for some unusual firepower (and because they did not make very good spearmen), or a cleric or paladin as a company medic. Invisibility and divination abilities sometimes got the nod.  

    Lexnol lightened the physical aspects of the Great Kingdom’s disciplinary system; Ratik no longer issued the vinestaff to officers or NCOs.[44] The Company Sergeant Major generally carried a halberd as a badge of position and for defense of the ensign.

     A spear platoon generally lined up at close-arm interval, two ranks deep, with three squads in the front rank and the other three in the second rank. The three spear platoons lined up side-by-side (total company frontage: nine squads). The missile platoon generally stood in the third rank for protection, each of three of its squads behind the rightmost and leftmost squads.[45] The missile troops could also form a skirmish line in front of the company, 10 to 50 yards in front the spearmen, moving out and back at the double-time. On command, the entire company could spread out in skirmish order if necessary (e.g. if faced with the threat of fireball or dragon’s breath), but this was rarely necessary against the Bone march humanoids. The command element (captain, ensign, drummer, and sergeant major) were generally centered 10 yards in front of the company during an advance, on the right during an attack, and 10 yards to the rear on defense. Scouts were generally sent ahead during march, and lined up on either flank with the missile troops in combat. 

Volunteer Borderer Companies[46] (225 men):

    7 Privates, 1 Lance Corporal, 1 Corporal per Squad;

    6 Squads (one of the six led by a Sergeant or Subaltern), plus 1 Lieutenant per Platoon;

    4 Platoons (one of the four led by a 1^st Lieutenant), plus 1 Bugler, 1 Scout, 1 Subaltern, 1 Sergeant Major, and 1 Captain per Company.

    Guidon: Dk. Green w/Yellow Number. 

    Three of the platoons carried either shortbows or slings, depending on the district of origin. The fourth platoon carried light crossbows. In close order, it mirrored the infantry platoon’s set up with the bow or sling subbing for the spear and the crossbow in the rear or in skirmish order out front, borderers typically fought in skirmish order. Borderers often performed patrols as independent platoons (with two squads of crossbowmen attached) or even as independent squads. The command element and scout generally formed up as in the infantry. 

  Cavalry Companies[47] (125 men):

    3 Troopers, 1 Lance Corporal, 1 Corporal per Squad;

    6 Squads (one of the six led by a Lieutenant; another led by a Sergeant or Subaltern,) per Platoon;

    4 Platoons (1^st of 4 led by a 1^st Lieutenant) plus 1 Bugler, 1 Scout, 1 Subaltern (guidon), 1 Sergeant Major, and 1 Captain per Company.

    Guidon: Yellow w/Blue Number; Cavalry guidons are attached to lances. 

    Cavalry companies reversed the usual ratio of assistant platoon sergeants i.e., three subalterns and one sergeant were typical, instead of one and three. In the cavalry, the platoon leader was also a squad leader. Cavalry sergeants major generally carried a lance like everyone else. When mounted, Each a platoon fought one deep. The Company’s platoons could fight all four across, two abreast and two deep (with the second platoon generally with a 50 yards behind), or in column (four platoons deep, 50 yards interval). When skirmishing, platoons two-by-two were common, with the forward platoon dismounted and the rearward platoon ready to support, preferably from a reverse slope. While skirmishing on foot, one of each squad’s five men was a horse-holder; Not the squad leader, who was needed for control, and typically the best shot, nor the junior trooper (the least experienced and least trustworthy). 

  Sapper Companies (117 dwarves and/or gnomes):

    7 Privates, 1 Lance Corporal, 1 Corporal per Squad;

    3 Squads (one of the six led by a Sergeant or Subaltern), plus 1 Lieutenant per Platoon;

    4 Platoons (one of the four led by a 1^st Lieutenant), plus 1 Drummer, 1 Scout, 1 Subaltern, 1 Sergeant Major, and 1 Captain per Company.

    Guidon: Red w/Black Number. 

    There were no sapper companies in the regular army, only platoons, but the dwarvish and gnomish community levies occasionally supplied company-sized sapper units.[48] 

Marine Companies (117 men):

    7 Privates, 1 Lance Corporal, 1 Corporal per Squad;

    3 Squads (one of the six led by a Sergeant or Subaltern), plus 1 Lieutenant per Platoon;

    4 Platoons (one of the four led by a 1^st Lieutenant), plus 1 Drummer, 1 Scout, 1 Subaltern, 1 Sergeant Major, and 1 Captain per Company.

    Guidon: Lt. Blue w/White Title. 

    The Marine Company had no permanently assigned vessels until after 586 CY. Instead, a squad or platoon was assigned to Ratik-flagged vessels and crews that had been temporarily called to duty.[49] 

Caravel Crew (21 men):

      12 Privates, 2 Lance Corporals, 2 Craftsmen, 2 Corporals, 1 Sergeant, 1 Subaltern, 1 Lieutenant.

      Banner: Ratik 

     Ratik did not have an active duty naval force as of 586 CY (the Marine Company suffices), but all vessels and crews were liable to 56 days’ service. Technically, each crew and vessel were awarded their own unique complement, but the above was typical for the new-style caravels.  The official ranks used army terminology, but the lieutenant was the ship’s captain (and addressed as such, or “skipper”), the subaltern was the first mate, the sergeant was the boatswain, the corporals were often the boss of the top and the boss of the forecastle, the lance corporals were the boss’ mates, and the craftsmen were usually the ship’s carpenter and the sailmaker. Assigned Marines typically handled any artillery. 

  Knarr Crew (12 men):

      6 Privates, 1 Lance Corporal, 2 Craftsmen, 1 Corporal, 1 Subaltern, 1 Lieutenant.

      Banner: Ratik 

      Typically, the lieutenant was the ship’s skipper, the subaltern was the first mate, the corporal was the boatswain, the lance corporals was usually the boatswain’s mate, and the craftsmen were usually the ship’s carpenter and the sailmaker. Assigned Marines typically handled any artillery. 

  Pinnace Crew (9 men):

      5 Privates, 1 Lance Corporal, 1 Corporal, 1 Sergeant, 1 Subaltern.

      Guidon: Ratik. 

      Typically, the subaltern was the boat’s captain, the sergeant was the first mate, the corporal was the boatswain, and the lance corporal was usually the boatswain’s mate. 

Cohort Headquarters [50] (35 men*):

    2 Scouts, 1 Sr. Scout per Scout Team;

    2 Wizards, 1 Sr. Wizard per Arcane Spellcaster Team;

    2 Priests, 1 Sr. Priest per Divine Spellcaster Team;

    1 Apprentice Craftsman, 1 Craftsman, 1 Sr. Craftsman per Armorer Team;

    1 Apprentice Craftsman, 1 Craftsman, 1 Sr. Craftsman per Blacksmith-Farrier Team;

    1 Apprentice Craftsman, 1 Craftsman, 1 Sr. Craftsman per Carpenter Team;

    1 Apprentice Craftsman, 1 Craftsman, 1 Sr. Craftsman per Fletcher-Bowyer Team;

    1 Apprentice Craftsman, 1 Craftsman, 1 Sr. Craftsman per Leatherworker Team;

    1 Apprentice Craftsman, 1 Craftsman, 1 Sr. Craftsman per Mason Team;

    1 Apprentice Craftsman, 1 Craftsman, 1 Sr. Craftsman per Weaponsmith Team;

    1 Commander, 1 Sergeant Major, 2 Subalterns, 1 Commander’s Bugler per HQ Element

    [*Not inc. 8 Teamsters & 1 Servant, or the cadre for a training company; These were temporarily assigned from the feudal or provincial levies. Teamsters and Servants were payed ½ gp /month.]

    Banner: Dk. Blue w/Gold Cohort Name (or Provincial Banner). 

    In addition to the regulars, each of Ratik’s 11 freeholds, the 3 dwarvish clans, the 3 gnomish communities, and the elves each had a cohort HQ.[51] As with the regulars, Archbaron Lexnol controlled promotions. To some extent, Lexnol avoided favoritism and nepotism, although the freehold of Devonmeek seemed to be a challenge;[52] The cowardly Ratikkan scout encountered by a band of barbarian adventurers who were searching for the Blades of the Corusk might have been from Devonmeek’s provincial staff.[53]

  Brigade Headquarters [54] (15 men**):

    1 Scout, 1 Sr. Scout, 1 Ranger per Scout Team;

    1 Wizard, 1 Sr. Wizard, 1 Master Wizard per Arcane Spellcaster Team;

    1 Priest, 1 Sr. Priest, 1 Master Priest per Divine Spellcaster Team;

    1 Sr. Commander, 1 Lieutenant, 2 Subalterns, 1 Sergeant Major, and 1 Sr. Commander’s Bugler per HQ Element

    [**Not inc. 3 Teamsters & 2 Servants. These are temporarily assigned from the feudal or provincial levies]

    Banner: Dk. Blue w/Gold Name. 

Army Headquarters[55] (47 men***):

    5 Rangers, 1 Lieutenant in Special Scout Team;

    5 Master Wizards, 1 Lieutenant in Special Wizard Team;

    5 Master Priests, 1 Lieutenants in Special Priest Team;

    1 Sr. Craftsman, 1 Master Craftsman in Special Armorer Team;

    1 Sr. Craftsman, 1 Master Craftsman in Special Blacksmith-Farrier Team;

    1 Sr. Craftsman, 1 Master Craftsman in Special Carpenter Team;

    1 Sr. Craftsman, 1 Master Craftsman in Special Fletcher-Bowyer Team;

    1 Sr. Craftsman, 1 Master Craftsman in Special Leatherworker Team;

    1 Sr. Craftsman, 1 Master Craftsman in Special Mason Team;

    1 Sr. Craftsman, 1 Master Craftsman in Special Weaponsmith Team;

    5 Subalterns, 1 Lieutenant in Archbaron’s Aide Team;

    1 Archbaron, 1 Field Marshal, or General, 1 Herald (LT), 1 Lieutenant, 1 Sergeant Major, 3 Bodyguard Sergeants, 1 Archbaron’s Bugler, in HQ Element

    [***Not inc. 13 Teamsters & 8 Servants; These are temporarily assigned from the feudal or provincial levies]

    Banner: Ratik.     

(See Appendix 5 for additional details) 

Higher-Level Table of Organization and Locations for the Ratikkan Regular Army (Spring 578 CY) [56]: 

 Northern District (735*):

    Timberway Cohort HQ;

    5^th Infantry Company (Longspear & Shortbow);

    6^th Infantry Company (Longspear & Shortbow);

    1^st Cavalry Company (Shortbow & Lt. Crossbow);

    5^th Sapper Platoon. 

 Western District (960*):

    Rakers Cohort HQ;

    3^rd Infantry Company (Longspear & Lt. Crossbow);

    4^th Infantry Company (Longspear & Shortbow);

    2^nd Volunteer Borderer Company (Sling & Lt. Crossbow);

    1^st Cavalry Company;

    4^th Sapper Platoon. 

  Central District (937*):

    Archbaron’s HQ;

    Central Bde. HQ;

    Marner Cohort HQ;

    1^st Infantry Company (Longspear & Shortbow);

    2^nd Infantry Company (Longspear & Lt. Crossbow);

    2^nd Cavalry Company;

    3^rd Cavalry Company;

    1^st Marine Co.;

    1^st Sapper Platoon. 

  Southwestern District (875*):

    S.W. Bde. HQ;

    Ratikhill Cohort HQ;

    7^th Infantry Company (Longspear & Lt. Crossbow);

    8^th Infantry Company (Longspear & Shortbow);

    3^rd Volunteer Borderer Company (Sling & Lt. Crossbow);

    4^th Cavalry Company;

    2^nd Sapper Platoon. 

Southeastern Distirict (750*):

    S.E. Bde. HQ;

    Loftwood Cohort HQ;

    9^th Infantry Company (Longspear & Shortbow);

    10^th Infantry Company (Longspear & Shortbow);

    4^th Volunteer Borderer Company (Shortbow & Lt. Crossbow);

    3^rd Sapper Platoon.

[*Not inc. Teamsters, Servants, members of garrisons, the cadre for a training company from the feudal or provincial levies, the feudal or provincial levies, or the volunteer borderer reserves] 

By 586, most of the army was based in Ratikhill, but each unit still drew its recruits from its home districts.[57] 

Local Full-Time Forces: 

     Most communities had some sort of full-time local force. Whenever the archbaron or the local authorities called up a freehold’s levy, local full-timers provided most of the officer and NCO cadre. Examples included the City of Marner’s troops; Two platoons of gnomes stationed in The Bastion, one of Artillerists, one of “Quartermasters” (including a large number of illusionists). These reported directly to the archbaron in his role as freeholder of Marner. Additionally, the Marner Guilds supported one platoon of human spearmen and another of archers.[58] Other examples of local forces were Bredivan’s troops, or Ratikhill’s “Hill Patrol”.[59] Local forces’ gear mirrored the archbaron’s regulars, with minor additions (e.g., Bredivan’s local regulars were issued large wooden shields in addition to their other gear.[60] 

Levied Troops: 

     When not on active duty, subjects of Ratik were liable for 56 days of feudal or provincial service every year.[61] Although some Ratikkans owed feudal service to a particular lord, the majority owed their service to one of the 11 freeholds, the 3 dwarven clans, the 3 gnome settlements, or the elven community, each of which was authorized one cohort headquarters. Whether levied through the community or by feudal obligation, organization and equipment was supposed to mirror the regulars. 

     There were generally more priests and magic users than positions for them in a freehold’s cohort headquarters staff, so they often officially served in a company, but actually spent their time on other duties. This was particularly true of gnomes, whose illusionists were a key element of the Ratikkan plan during the Battle of the Loftwood in 578.[62] Some were directly mobilized from the School of Wizardry in Ratikhill.[63] Older, less-than-fit spellcasters often spent their yearly service creating or recharging magic items.  

     Archbaron Lexnol strongly controlled and limited promotions in the levied forces, requiring the same active duty time-in-grade and time-in-service for NCOs, subalterns, and officers as on active duty, and limiting the overall number of promotions to those who had successfully performed in the prerequisite position (see “Ranks”). This often resulted in companies commanded by first lieutenants, or corporals in company sergeant major slots). Nevertheless, many of these men, called up from civil life, were usually older, and often more experienced, than their active duty counterparts, with powers to match (particularly scouts, priests and arcanists). 

Volunteer Borderer Reserves: 

     When a volunteer borderer’s enlistment ended, he transferred to the Volunteer Borderer Reserve.[64] This duty (56 days per year) superseded that normally owed to the freehold. The veteran usually served with the veteran’s local volunteer borderer reserve company or in the company in which he completed his active duty service, at the archbaron’s discretion. 

The Navy: 

     Ratik had no active duty naval vessels as of 586, but Ratik-flagged merchant vessels (of which there are over 50 of various sizes) were liable for 56 days of national service along with thr officers and crew.[65] This was usually for the transport of troops or supplies. Marine squads sometimes served aboard vessels, particularly if a vessel’s mission was combat. 

Military Retirees: 

     As in the days of the Great Kingdom, regulars could retire with 25 years’ active service, receiving one-tenth of their active duty pay per month. This retainer subjected them to an additional 56 days’ recall per year at the archbaron’s discretion.[66] The less fit were used for training or (in the case of spellcasters) creating or recharging magic items. 

The Gray Riders of Ratik: 

      The Gray Riders were a small number of highly skilled and experienced riders who relayed classified military and political messages within Ratik and to neighboring countries. In some cases, riders had magical or flying mounts. There were full-time stations in Marner and Ratikhill.[67]    

Mercenary Units: 

     The archabron authorized small mercenary units for brief periods of time, often for specific missions. All members of these units enlisted as privates, troopers, or marines, with the pay and benefits as such, although special bonuses were always added by contract. There would also be an officer or subaltern as a supervisor, advisor, and (perhaps), translator. Examples included the hiring of Queg’s Wavewyrm in 578, and the posse which recovered the Seal of the Grand Alliance in 580.[68] The archbaron also issued letters of marque and reprisal to vessels or groups of adventurers.

Endnotes: 

[41] Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”,15; 

    McNab, The Roman Army, tables on pp. 33, 133; 

    Michael, Armies of Medieval Burgundy, pp. 12-13, table on pp. 12-13, Table B on p. 13, p. 11, 12-13. 

   During the Loftwood Campaign (578), Ratik had “the standing army of 2,250 foot and 500 horse…”  If each volunteer borderer company had 225 men, then the 2,250 foot were probably divided into 10 companies of 225 men each. This is similar to Charles the Bold’s “Ordinnance of 1473” organization, in which each “Lance” had 9 men, each “Chambre” had 6 Lances (Michael’s table has it misprinted as “16”), and each Squadron had 4 Chambre plus 1 Lance with a total of 225 men. I modernized the TO a little by making the squads of one “type”. The HQ element of a Roman company had a commander (centurion), optio (executive officer or first sergeant), a signifier (ensign), and a cornice (hornist).

[42] Michael, Armies of Medieval Burgundy, guidons and banners described on pp. 13-14, 34-36; illustrated on plate D. 

[43] Michael, Armies of Medieval Burgundy, pp. 12-13, table on pp. 12-13, Table B on p. 13, p. 11, 12-13. 

   In Charles the Bold’s “Ordinnance 1473” organization, each “Lance” had 9 men: 1 mounted man-at-arms, 1 swordsman, 1 valet, 3 archers, 1 crossbowman, 1 pikeman, and 1 handgunner. Based on the description of Ratik’s army being spear heavy, I reversed the proportion of spearmen and missile troops, and made the platoons each of one “type”.

[44] D’Amato, Roman Centurions 31 BC- AD 500, captions to photos on pp. 6, 12, 13, 15, 36, 37, 39, 45, 46, plate G1 on p. 47; A centurion’s investiture with presentation of vinestaff is illustrated on plate D and described on p. 45;  

    Simkins, The Roman Army for Caesar to Trajan, 32. 

[45] Bartlett, English Longbowman, plate J, description on p. 62; 

    Michael, Armies of Medieval Burgundy, 14. 

  An extrapolation from Burgundian practice; illustration on p. 32 has bowmen in front of pikemen… 

[46] Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, 15; 

   Michael, Armies of Medieval Burgundy, pp. 12-13, table on pp. 12-13, including Table B. 

   During the Loftwood Campaign (578), “the standing army… was augmented by four companies of borderers (900 men) and the cadres for four more such units.”  This explicitly puts the strength of each volunteer borderer company at 225 men (assuming equal strengths). I assume that the borderers’ Squad and Platoon level organization was similar to that of the infantry.

[47] Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, 15; 

   Michael, Armies of Medieval Burgundy, pp. 12-13, table on pp. 12-13, including Table B. 

   During the Loftwood Campaign (578), Ratik had “the standing army of 2,250 foot and 500 horse…”  I assume that the organization for cavalry companies was similar to that of the infantry and the borderer companies (qv), but smaller, and 4 companies, each of 125, fits “500”, but to make it fit “125”, I assumed that each platoon leader was simultaneously the leader of squad.

[48] David Cook, (Greyhawk) Wars (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1991), Ratik Card; 

    Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, 14. 

    Gygax doesn’t mention any dwarvish or gnomish units in the regular army (the 3,000 gnomes who fight at the Loftwood are local levies), but I assume that those dwarves and gnomes who live in the 11 freeholds would have to serve somewhere. Putting them in sapper platoons seems reasonable. The sapper platoons would be a partial contribution to the “Gnome” and “Dwarf” counters listed for Ratik’s military in Greyhawk Wars. 

[49] Cook, (Greyhawk) Wars, Ratik Card. 

    Apparently, Ratik’s navy is small enough to not appear (in game terms) during the Greyhawk Wars. I assume that each infantry counter equals 2,000 men, each cavalry counter equals 1,000 men plus 1,000 mounts, and that the ship counters equal enough vessels to be manned by 1,000 men. 117 men, plus the 5-20 crewmen per mobilized vessel, is small enough to sail beneath the Zeb Cook’s radar, I assume. 

[50] Michael, Armies of Medieval Burgundy, Table A on p. 8. 

     I largely made this up, but in 1417, a Burgundian army of 10,534 men on campaign had 1 priest, 3 heralds, 53 minstrels, and 64 trumpeters. 

[51] Author Unknown, Ratik Gazeteer 593, “General Information on Ratik”.

     The list of provincial noble houses, from (roughly) north to south as of 593: Ulthek; Keth; Abonhoth; Cormick; Marner; Devonmeek; Loegrim; Fadric; Optwall; Bredivan; Bresht. Dwarven clans: Ukamanini; Ukakane; Ukaloa. Gnome communities: Nonizhold/Daberestead; Two others.

I assume that the noble houses, each dwarven clan, three gnomish communities, and the elves (who provided about 600 troops to the Battle of the Loftwood in 578) are allowed one cohort HQ each.

I assume that Ulthek, Keth, and Abonhoth contribute conscripts to the Northern District. Marner and part of Cormick contribute conscripts to the Central District. The other part of Cormick, Devonmeek, and part of Loegrim contribute conscripts to the Western District. The other part of Loegrim, part of Optwall, and Bresht contribute conscripts to the Southwestern District, and the other parts of Fadric and Optwall, plus Bresht, contribute conscripts to the Northern District. The dwarven clans, the gnome communities, and the elves to not contribute conscripts to Ratik’s army, but do so through frequent call-ups of their levies. Those non-humans who are part of human communities are liable for conscription to the national army and the local levies, just as humans are.

[52] Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, 14. 

   At battle of the Loftwood 578, Ratik’s forces included about 4,000 levies and militia, about 3,000 gnome levies and militia, and 600 elves. Most of the levies and militia probably came from the southeastern freeholds. One cohort HQ for several freeholds, 3 gnomish communities (all in the SE), plus 1 for the elves would cover it.  I assume that the following levied companies served at the battle: 12 SE infantry; 1 SE cavalry; 1 infantry from the Central district; 1 SW infantry; 1 SW cavalry; 2 W infantry. There were 15 gnomish companies (5 per community), and 3 elvish companies. 

     Author Unknown, “General Information on Ratik”, Ratik Gazeteer 593, “House Devonmeek”. 

     In 593, Devonmeek’s War Minister, Jennia Devonmeek, is described as spending “much of her time designing new uniforms and crests and motifs.” Part of their problem is being “situated far enough inland to be left out of most border skirmishing.” Being away from the southern border with the bone March and away from the sea seems to shield Devonmeek’s militia is described as being over-dressed and (relatively?) inept, and as over-rated “clowns” despite the fact that other Houses pay high prices to Devonmeek to augment their own forces [Note: This seems to be something of a contradiction]. As a creative note, whatever community it is that inspired the creation of the Freehold of Devonmeek must have really gotten up someone’s craw…  

[53] Dale Henson, Howl from the North, (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, Inc., 1991), pp. 15-16. 

[54] Michael, Armies of Medieval Burgundy, Table A on p. 8. 

     I largely made this up, but in 1417, a Burgundian army of 10,534 men on campaign had 1 priest, 3 heralds, 53 minstrels, and 64 trumpeters. 

[55] Michael, Armies of Medieval Burgundy, Table A on p. 8. 

     I largely made this up, but in 1417, a Burgundian army of 10,534 men on campaign had 1 priest, 3 heralds, 53 minstrels, and 64 trumpeters. 

[56] Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, 15. 

   Gygax’s describes the regulars as “the standing army of 2,250 foot and 500 horse” augmented by companies of borderers 9900 men).” Assuming 225 men per infantry or borderer company, and 125 per cavalry company, gives 10 infantry companies, 4 borderer companies, and 4 cavalry companies. I thought I’d divide the infantry equally between the districts, give one borderer company to each of the four districts that lay on the borders, and keep the cavalry out of the Timberway or Loftwood. 

[57] Author Unknown, “General Information on Ratik,” Ratik Gazeteer 593, “Recent History”, “Notable Sites: House Bredivan”, “Notable Sites: House Bresht”;

    Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, 15; 

    Gary Gygax, Saga of Old City (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1985), 227, 228. 

    In the Dragon article, Lexnol considered moving on Dekspoint and Johnsport in late 578 or 579, but it seems nothing came of it.  In Saga, Gygax stated that Ratik actually besieged Spinecastle and captured Johnsport in 579, but that was obviously a temporary state of affairs. 

[58] Author Unknown, Ratik Gazeteer 593, “The Capital City of Marner”. 

I reduced the two human “companies” to platoons. This could be explained as Marner’s platoons being relatively large, or perhaps the guilds expanded them after 586. 

[59] Lau, The Ungoblin RTK 3-05; 

     Author Unknown, Ratik Gazeteer 593, “House Bresht”. 

[60] Lau, The Ungoblin RTK 3-05. 

     Bredivan troops’ large wooden shields. 

[61] Sargent, The Marklands, p. 11.  

For the Spring 584 CY, Carl Sargent describes Furyondy’s feudal service as the “traditional two months each year.” 

[61] Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, 15. 

    Illusionists (mostly gnomish, one assumes) both deceived the Vile Rune as to the Ratikkan’s strength and concealed a large part of the army. 

[63] Author Unknown, Ratik Gazeteer 593, “Notable Persons”. 

    Archbaron Lexnol selected Sir Hengon Mogotten for the position of “War Wizard of Ratikhill”, presumably sometime before his psychological collapse after Alain’s purported death in 586. Sir Hengon also heads the Ratikhill School of Wizardry. It is not clear whether Sir Mengon holds this position as a member of the regular army, as a feudal (court) official, or both in 591. 

[64] Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, 15. 

   For 578, “the standing army of 2,250 foot and 500 horse was augmented by four companies of borderers (900 men) and the cadres for four more such units.” Since Ratik’s human population pool was already a bit “dry”already, I assumed that the cadre were for recalled reservists.  

[65] Cook, (Greyhawk) Wars, Ratik Card. 

    Ratik was not awarded any navy counters in the game. This does not mean that Ratik did not have any sort of naval forces (which seems unlikely), but that they did not have a large enough force to “count” at any one time. 

     Cruel Summer Lord, “The Aerdy East, Part 3”, see “Ratik: Military Structure”: http://www.canonfire.com/cf/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=456 

     I assume that CSL meant 20 active vessels. In my campaign [currently 578], the Navy (such as it is) is mobilized on a system similar to the English Cinque Ports, as described above. Since my study covers 576-586 CY, this description allows for the establishment on a full-time navy sometime after 586. 

     Alternately, you could interpret CSL's description as meaning that a maximum of 20 or so vessels are mobilized at any particular time. This would imply a total merchant marine/fishing fleet of between 50-100 vessels. The high-end figure is a lot for a nation of over 30,000 some adult humans, but not impossible. The low end is reasonable, particularly for a country that is highly sea-going (see below). 

     Brian Lavery, Nelson’s Navy (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press; Reprint London: Conway Maritime Press, 1989), p. 26, 118, 269. 

     The “dominion” parts of the British Empire had over 10,000,000 people in 1792, 16,079 vessels, and 118,286 merchant mariners. If Ratik’s human population in 578 was 35,000, then Ratik could easily have more 50 merchant vessels. 

     Gygax, A Guide to the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting, pp. 18, 32. 

     Ratik’s estimated human population was 35,000 in 576 CY; Definition of “fighting males” on p. 18. 

     Gygax, Glossography for the Guide to the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting, p. 3. 

     Based on the calculation for those capable of bearing arms and those suitable for man-at-arms training, the definition for “total human population” seems to be for the total population, minus garrisons. 

     Sargent, Atlas of the Flanaess, described on Reference Card #2, definition on pp. 21-22. 

      Ratik’s estimated number of “relatively able bodied adults” was 36,000 in 585 CY; definition on pp. 21-22. This is a healthy increase over 576 CY, possibly a combination of natural increase, the acceptance of Bone March refugees (and from other places as well, perhaps) as permanent residents, minus relatively few losses during the Greyhawk Wars. 

      Holian, Mona, Reynolds, and Weining, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer,  18, 19, 89. 

      The human population of Ratik in mid-590 (109,415) seems to be for the “overall population” based on the definition on p. 19. This contradicts the usual D&D 3.5 format, found in table 5-2, p. 137, and used for towns and cities as on p. 18. This is a notable increase over 585 CY, possibly including most of the remaining Bone March refugees. 

[66] D’Amato, Roman Centurions 31 BC- AD 500, 3-5; 

     McNab, The Roman Army, 146, 149-150, 152; 

     Simkins, The Roman Army for Caesar to Trajan, 10. 

   I assume that the Great Kingdom’s retirement, and Ratik’s, would be 25 years, as with Rome. Historically, legionnaires got lump sum payments upon retirement (cash or land), but I decided to go with a monthly stipend; Keeps them on a leash… 

[67] Matt Lau, The Whispering Tide RTK 3-06 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure, 4, 7-8. 

    Described in The Whispering Tide. The service must be fairly numerous and established enough to be well known; Anyone can recognize a rider with either a “Knowledge (Local)” or “Knowledge (Heraldry) DC check of 5.

       Author Unknown, Nyrond Gazeteer 593, “Royal Mail Service”. 

    I considered the possibility that the Gray Riders were one of Lexnol’s recent innovations, but Nyrond had a Royal Mail Service that pre-dated the Greyhawk Wars. I assume that the concept dates back to the Great Kingdom’s heyday, although I couldn’t find anything about it in Ivid the Undying. At the very least, I assume that the Gray Riders existed in some form before 563.       

[68] Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, 15. 

    Gygax highlights Queg’s band at the battle of the Loftwood.; I invented the name of Queg’s vessel for my own campaign. The presence of an advisor/translator is my assumption. 

     Gygax, Glossography for the Guide to the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting, 29-30; 

     Holian, Mona, Reynolds, and Weining, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, 91. 

    The party that recovered the seal seems to have been such a group.    

Bibliography: 

Author Unknown (presumably the Nyrond triad for the Living Greyhawk Campaign). Nyrond Gazeteer 593. [military descriptions as of 592 CY] 

Author Unknown (presumably the Ratik triad for the Living Greyhawk Campaign). Ratik Gazeteer 593. 

Abbott, Peter and Nigel Thomas. Germany’s Eastern Front Allies. London: Osprey Publishing, 1982: Reprint 1985. 

Baker, Rich and Skip Williams.  Combat and Tactics [AD&D2]. No Place of Publishing given; presumably Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995.

Bambra, Jim. The Complete Book of Dwarves. Lake Geneva: TSR, 1993.

Bartlett, Clive. English Longbowman. London: Osprey, 1995.  

Breault, Mike and Thomas M. Reid. Glory of Rome. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993. 

Bukhari, Emir. Napoleon’s Dragoons and Lancers. Botley, Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 1976. 

Bukhari, Emir. Napoleon’s Hussars. London: Osprey Publishing, 1978. 

Collins, Noonan, and Stark. Complete Warrior. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2003. 

Collins, McDermott, and Schubert. Heroes of Battle. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2003. 

Cook, David. (Greyhawk) Wars. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1991. 

Cook, Monte, and Jonathan Tweet, Skip Williams. Dungeon Master’s Guide (v. 3.5). Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2003. 

Cook, Monte, and Jonathan Tweet, Skip Williams. Player’s Handbook (v. 3.5). Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2003. 

Cruel Summer Lord, “Living Greyhawk Gazetteer Addendum: The Aerdy East, Part 3”, Canonfire. (posted 10 JUL 2004), see “Ratik”. Accessed 27 SEP 2019: http://www.canonfire.com/cf/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=456

D’Amato, Rafaele. Roman Centurions 31 BC- AD 500. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2012. 

Durham, Keith.  The Border Reivers. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 1995. 

Fosten, Bryan. Wellington’s Light Cavalry. Botley, Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 1982. 

Fosten, Bryan. Wellington’s Heavy Cavalry. Botley, Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 1982. 

Fowler, Jeffery. Axis Cavalry in World War II. Botley, Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2001. 

Gygax, Gary. Dungeon Master’s Guide [AD&D1]. No place of publishing given; presumably Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1979. 

Gygax, Gary. “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, Dragon #57 (January 1982): pp. 13-16. 

Gygax, Gary. A Guide to the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983. 

Gygax, Gary. Glossography for the Guide to the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983. 

Gygax, Gary. Monster Manual [AD&D1]. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1977; Reprint 1979. 

Gygax, Gary. Saga of Old City. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1985. 

Gygax, Gary. “Warhorses and Barding”, Dragon Magazine #74 (June 1983): pp. 4, 6. 

Henson, Dale. Howl from the North. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1991. 

Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. 

Lau, Matt, Empty Coffers RTK[m]3-03 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure. 

Lau, Matt. Enemy Lines RTK[m]2-05 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure. 

Lau, Matt. Reflections RTK 0-01 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure. 

Lau, Matt, Scalphunt RTK[m]3-01 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure. 

Lau, Matt. The Ungoblin RTK 3-05 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure. 

Lau, Matt. The Whispering Tide RTK 3-06 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure. 

Lavery, Brian. Nelson’s Navy. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press; Reprint London: Conway Maritime Press, 1989. 

Kuntz, Rob. “The Great Kingdom and the Knights of Doom”, Dragon #59 (March 1982): pp. 24-25. 

McNab, Chris. The Roman Army. NY: Metro Books, 2013; Reprint Osprey Publishing, 2010. 

Michael, Nicholas. Armies of Medieval Burgundy. London: Osprey Publishing, 1983; Reprint 1989. Art by Gerry Embleton. 

Mohan, Kim. Advance Dungeon & Dragons Wilderness Survival Guide. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1986. 

Nicolle, David. Arthur and the Anglo-Saxon Wars. London: Osprey Publishing, 1984. Art by Angus McBride. 

Phillips, T.R., ed. The Roots of Strategy, Epitome of Military Science by Flavius Vegetius Renatus. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1985. 

Salas, Dan. “Rel Mord”, Fate of Istus. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989. 

Sargent, Carl. Atlas of the Flanaess: From the Ashes. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992. 

Sargent, Carl. The Marklands. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993. 

Sargent, Carl, and Rik Rose. Greyhawk: Folk, Feuds, and Factions. Lake Geneva, TSR, 1989. 

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