Roman governors had imperium, which meant the power to rule in the name of
the Senate and Roman people. This included the authority to raise an lead
armies. Praetorian imperium was a lesser imperium than Consular imperium.
Propraetorian imperium was a lesser imperium than Proconsular imperium. In
theory, Proconsuls had lesser imperium than Consuls, but some of Rome’s
worst defeats in this era were in part the result of Proconsuls with higher
prestige refusing the orders of the Consul. Similarly, Praetors theoretically
outranked Propraetors, but in practice they were equals.
One key difference in propraetorian and praetorian imperium and proconsular and consular imperium lay in boundaries. Inside their province, the propraetor and proconsul exercised their authority. Outside their province, they had none. Serving Consuls and Praetors had authority over any Roman army in any province or in Italy.
The other key difference is in levels of troops normally authorized. Praetors historically commanded one legion of Romans and one allied wing. By 120BC, the allied wing had trnasformed into an Italian legion. So normal praetorian authority included two legions, plus attached troops. Consuls normally commanded an army twice that size. In their provinces, propraetors and proconsuls were expected to supplement this with local troops as necessary, which would include militia and/or mercenaries (4Ax, 2LH, 2Ps) and supporting auxiliaries (3Ax, 2Ps, 3Cv etc).
Praetorian Imperium:
In the campaign, praetorian and propraetorian imperium is represented by boundary
limits in their commission from the Senate. These officials were usually limited
to one province, frequently subordinated to a consul or proconsul. They command
an army that intially is equivalent to 1DBA army. They are authorized to recruit
up to 12 more elements, but must spend personal funds for this. They can have
an allied contingent up to 12 elements strong (in place of the extra elements).
They can command troops assigned to them above these limits by a consul or
proconsul who has authority over them, for example a PC consul conducting a
foreign war, or a PC proconsul for whom they are legates, or subordinated by
an Imperium Maius.
Their imperium can be further augmented if authorized by the Senate approving
Friend and Ally Status. An ally contingent led by a Senate-approved Friend
and Ally general does not count against the propraetor/praetor’s imperium.
Also, if the Senate approves extra Roman generals for the praetor/propraetor’s
army, each extra general increases the propraetor/praetor’s imperium
by 12 elements. Events such as ‘veterans flock to the standards’ or ‘add
two auxiliary elements’ temporarily increase the imperium by the added
elements, but once the force has been reduced by casualties, normal imperium
is restored. ‘Vir militaris’ increases the imperium by 2 elements
for each Roman general in the praetor/propraetor’s command for as long
as it remains in effect. A Senate-passed emergency decree increases this imperium
for as long as the emergency decree remains in effect. A LEX Capite Censi permanently
increases the propraetor/praetor’s imperium by 2 elements for each Roman
general he employs if he commands a Marian army.
If a propraetor/praetor becomes a Public Enemy and leads his army against Rome, these restrictions no longer apply.
Proconsular Imperium
The ‘proconsular’ army normally consisted of 4 legions, or 2 DBA
armies. The second general in a consular army is normally an NPC legate of
praetorian authority, although in crowded games he can be PC. Like a propraetor,
the proconsular authority is limited to his province/command. Unlike the propraetor,
the limit to his authority includes two ally contingents. Otherwise the limit
is his pocketbook, and rules on numbers of auxiliaries/mercenaries permitted
per general. Proconsular governors must still apply to the Senate for additional
Roman generals (after the first) and additional legionnaires.
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