Infantry

Infantry is the backbone of an army. Armed with various weapons and commonly wielding a shield, the 'sword and board' tactic of organized warfare has forever changed combat on the battlefield. Members of an infantry unit can range from scarcely trained commoners brandishing pitchforks to seasoned, professional soldiers wielding a pike and solid round shield.

While there are many types of Infantrymen they all share one thing in common: they are on foot and do not usually wield any missile weaponry. Lacking the charge of a cavalry unit, or the range of archers, infantry prefer to get close and personal with their adversaries. Over time professional militaries have devised effective maneuvers and formations to maximize the strength of a unit type or to minimize the damage done by another.

Lords and Kings of the land rely heavily on infantry to bolster their ranks, secure their walls and safeguard their palaces. The greatest leaders understand that a diverse military composition can easily be the difference between success and failure for their holdings. Less expensive than cavalry, more diverse than archers and far more mobile than artillery, infantry has well established its place in war as a fundamental element to fiefdom, kingdom and national security.

There are six infantry classes available: Brigadier, Halberdier, Pikeman,

Swordsman, Greatsword, and Man-at-arms. Each tackles combat in a unique and formidable manner while specializing in either a specific weapon or weapon category. Individually these combatants are a force not to overlook; a well-trained unit of Infantrymen in the hands of a seasoned general are lethal.

Brigadiers are skilled in one-handed weapons and often proficient with small shields and medium armor. They specialize in the construction and operation of siege equipment and artillery. Brigadiers are professional soldiers that are not commonly found spelunking or adventuring. You will find them in large battles in nearly every siege of a fortified holding.

Halberdiers, on the other hand, are experts in the use of polearms and heavy armor. Their namesake comes from one of their favorite weapon choices: the halberd. However, a highly skilled Halberdier will be experienced in many polearm weapons and trained in various formations.

Like Halberdiers, Pikemen are efficient at the use of polearms, but they prefer shields and often choose lighter protection in favor of greater maneuverability. Pikemen are a natural defense to a charge of heavy cavalry. The formation, spear wall, is a deadly tactic that can minimize the impact of nearly any charge.

Probably the most common specialist in the infantry is the Swordsman. Armed with one-handed swords and shields they can wear anything from cloth armor to plate mail. Many an adventurer has been a Swordsman of note. Their ability to deal damage while avoiding it themselves in tight situations and enclosures makes them a hardy complement to any adventuring party. Their versatility is their strength.

Unlike Swordsmen, Greatswords are proficient in the use of two-handed swords and an unlimited array of armor types. They use their weapons not only to decimate their foes but also to parry oncoming attacks. A unit of Greatswords is a devastating force on the battlefield, but awkward in tighter enclosures.

No other specialist is as versatile as the Man-at-arms. They may not be as efficient with any one type of weapon, but they make up for it with their ability to pick-up nearly any weapon and use it with deadly competence. They can wear any type of armor, wield any shield types and are often employed as drillmasters by kings and queens due to their skillfulness.