A couple weeks ago, I announced the pre-order for the Triarii unit patches. Well, they’re out of preorder, since the first run just got here yesterday. The pre-orders are going out today. The Triarii were named after the third rank of the Republican Roman legions before the Marian Reforms. While Marius effectively turned the legions into a heavy-infantry-centric professional force, there was a greater variation in the ranks of the citizen-soldier army that preceded it. The basic unit was the maniple, which was deployed in three lines: hastati, principes, and triarii. The hastati were younger, poorer, lighter-armed and armored front line troops. Principes were better-equipped spearmen who formed the second rank. The triarii were the veterans, oldest and wealthiest, with the best and heaviest armor and weapons. They were the final effort, the last ditch when the ranks ahead of them had broken. It was that historical example that led Colonel Santiago to name his paramilitary NGO “The Triarii.” Dedicated to stepping in where the government was either breaking down or deliberately ignoring its responsibilities for political purposes, the Triarii were to be the last ditch defense of the Republic as it had been founded. The helmet in the center
Triarii Patches Update
So, given the expressed interest, I started working on getting some Triarii patches made. I went a bit of a different route this time, but the end results are on the way, and they’re awesome. Unlike the Praetorian Security patches, these are embroidered, and only in green. Most of that was a cost measure, since I still have an awful lot of Praetorian patches in stock. If we sell enough, maybe we can do a run in tan. I still don’t have them in hand, but they should be here the week after Christmas. The preorder, however, is up, so if you order them now, I’ll get them out as soon as they get here. I’ve seen at least one homemade Triarii badge, so now’s the time to make it official. Preorder your patch here.
November Update
While Blood Debt is just around the corner, there are some other things going on. Last night, I released the second American Praetorians Box Set – The Americas Duology. Some who have come to my work through Brannigan’s Blackhearts or Maelstrom Rising might or might not have read the American Praetorians series. Now the entire series (in ebook, at least) can be had for about half the price of the individual books. Part of why I released this now is because of Lex Talionis. Many factors have changed or accelerated since I wrote that book in 2017, but some of it remains as timely as ever. It was, in many ways, intended to be a cautionary tale. A parable of what we were heading for if we kept letting outrage rule. In many ways, I think I might not have gone quite deep enough with it. Some of the digging I’ve done since has exposed the faction I described as “Sulla” as more extensive and real than I’d imagined four years ago. Perhaps some elements will work themselves in to later series. In other news, after receiving some good feedback on the questionnaire I put up a couple weeks ago, I have decided to finally
Triarii Patch Interest
I’ve gotten some more inquiries about Triarii patches lately. So far, I’ve held off because I still have quite a few Praetorian patches in stock. It’s a non-trivial up-front expense. However, I might have an avenue to get some made now. SO, I need some solid numbers. If you are interested in a Triarii patch (subdued green only for now), go ahead and follow the link and let me know. Triarii Patch Interest Questionnaire
They’re Back!
That’s right, all three shirt colors have been restocked, in large. There are only eight shirts per color so get yours while they last!
Quick Gear Update
Just a quick note to let you all know that size large shirts (in all colors) have been reordered. I expect them to arrive in about two weeks time and will post again when they are available in the store.
Giveaway and Sale
I’m having a little giveaway to celebrate the launch of Alone and Unafaraid, starting at midnight tonight and running through midnight on August 27th. The grand prize winner will receive a signed copy of each American Praetorians book. Two other winners will receive a signed copy of Alone and Unafraid. Additionally, all hats, caps and patches are 25% off, until the end of the giveaway. Use the coupon code HillBilly at checkout.