[COR-FotL-Cat1A] Heavy troops of the Lotus

[Bregir]

On El Oleonda, the Halosian empires are facing enemies fielding arms and tactics much different from what doctrines have evolved to counter over the last decade. The closely choreographed battles between infantry of the line, heavy cavalry, and carefully placed artillery of Halosian armies must now measure up to different foes: The nations of the deep south.

By now, a somewhat known enemy, the Lotus Empire is known to field numerous, well-equipped armies with high morale and a focus on the collective as a fighting force. While some troops are equipped with somewhat archaic weapons, they are of high quality and wielded with great skill.

Left to right:

Pikemen of the Long Lance: Equipped with a long blade on a pole, and heavily armoured, these troops make up the defensive core of many regiments. Used to screen weaker troops, and to protect against cavalry, they are resilient to shock, although their long weapons make them less effective in close quarters fighting. Often fielded én-masse like hoplites of old, they are however a frightening foe.

Commander and banner carrier: Lower level commanders of Lotus troops are expected to join in at the melee, and hence come equipped with swords and lances. Always followed by their banner carrier and bodyguard, they direct troops from the front lines.

Dragonhead Rocket Cart: While muskets are still relatively new in the Lotus arsenal, gunpowder has been used for rocket artillery in centuries, and few can match the skill and terror of a Lotus rocket barrage. The Dragonhead rocket is a short range, relatively high precision weapon often employed just behind Lotus lines, firing screaming, smoke-fuming dragonhead rockets at enemy positions and formations, often causing great terror, and apart from the potentially deadly explosion strong fumes of sulfurous smoke is spread over the impact area to great discomfort for advancing troops.

Hand-cannoneer: As with rockets, the Lotus Empire has found other uses of gun powder. One such is the hand-cannon. Deployed and operated by skilled artillerymen, these hand-cannons can lop grenades accurately much farther than the bombs of a Halosian grenadier, and much more accurately than from a howitzer or mortar. While slow to reload, the explosive charges and shrapnel can wreak havoc amongst enemy troops.

 

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PS. My (new...) phone always struggles in less than perfect light conditions, so sorry for the grainy pics...

[evancelt]

A fearsome bunch! Nicely done. The dragonhead rocket card is excellent! I like the rocker pieces as shields.

[Spud The Viking]

More super troops!

Not sure why, but they fit right into my image of the Boxer Rebellion, especially that rocket cart!

[Professor Thaum]

Superb ones, the two cannoneer are killer ()

The pikemen are really nice too

[Jeff of Clubs]

Nice work. Always good to see more ordinance. Realy dig the hand cannon

[NOD]

Great selection of soldiers. I like the Dragonhead Rocket Cart and the Hand-cannoneer.

[Justsomebrix]

Great figs! Love the hand cannon

[Captain Braunsfeld]

Fine troops! And fine explanation who everyone is.