The Gran Military Encyclopedia of Oleon

[blackdeathgr]

Unit Name: 4eme infanterie du bois

Unit type/specifications: Light Infantry

Officer (l), private (r)

Uniform Description: Private, blue jacket with black, gold and white facings and white epaulets, white trousers, standard army tricorn. Officer, blue jacket with white facings and golden epaulets, white trousers, bicorn with white feathers on top.

Equipment Description: Private, standard issue musket. Officer, sabre and/or pistol

Recruitment center: Oleon border provinces

Unit history and description:

The elaborate, near-feudal system of Oleon, dictated that the guarding of the border provinces fell in two hands; the kingdom and the people living in these provinces. To entice people to move and more importantly remain in border provinces, the government had a land-lease system that in essence gave farmers free land to cultivate and work, provided that they stay fit and properly drilled and equiped for war, be it at their own provinces or overseas such as the colonisation of Oleon. Those farmer soldiers were harsh but hard working people and they surely knew how to fight. Their knowledge of irregular warfare rough terrains, be it forests, mountains or even grasslands, saw their use in countless fights as light infantry, and a most effective one. They may lack the discipline of the famous Oleonaisse line infantry or their of noble descendance officers, but they surely know their weapons.

Campaigns: Juniper War, Colonization of Le Bellan, The Grand Defense of Oleon

Unit motto: "Toujours persévére" (always persevere)

More about the unit:

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by blackdeathgr

[Keymonus]

Unit Name: Rimbaud's Raiders (officially 1ere compagnie chasseurs coloniaux de Astrapi)

Unit type/specifications: Light Infantry/ Chasseurs

Tristan Rimbaud, now Regiment General (left); a private, with the typical fighting equipment (right)

Uniform Description: Blue jacket with white facings, white trousers, wide-brimmed hat; officers have white epaulets and sometimes a feather on the hat.
However, the soldiers often replace parts of the uniform with hunting or native clothes. Indigenous scouts wear their traditional costumes and, sometimes, a blue jacket

Equipment Description: Standard infantry flintlock musket and a saber or a tomahawk for melee combat. Several soldiers carry additional weapons, such as knives and pistols. A few marksmen use hunting rifles (accurate, but expensive and very slow to reload) instead of the standard musket.

Recruitment center: Astrapi

Unit history and description:

As the nickname suggests, the Raiders are a semi-regular unit, equipped and trained on the personal initiative of their commander, Captain Tristan Rimbaud. The 1ere Compagnie was formed with brave and though men with extensive combat experience and, in most cases, nothing left to lose: veterans who couldn't find their place in society, inmates, little criminals, even some former pirates... all those men received a second chance. Moreover, in Rimbaud's Raiders, wages are higher, food is better and discipline is less severe than in regular army, but the price for this is a great danger. Since their recruitment in early 618, in fact, the Raiders were deployed in all the crisis scenarios of the New World: from their baptism of fire in Fatu Hiva campaign to the long civil war of Charlatan Bay, from the foundation of Fort Arltrees to the jungle skirmishes on El Oleonda, these soldiers always operated as an independent unit, usually far from the bases and the main body of the army.

With their high mobility and irregular tactics, including guerrilla and cooperation with local, controversial allies, the Rimbaud's Raiders achieved results impossible to obtain for a conventional unit: their long-range raids in hostile territories and their unexpected assaults to enemy strongholds often proved determinant for the victory.

Due to the lack of discipline and the dubious origin of the soldiers, several traditionalist officers despise the Raiders, considering them brigands and marauders rather than real soldiers... something not so far from the truth, but exactly the daring scoundrels that Oleon needs to hit his enemies hard!

Campaigns: Garrison duties on Ile de Zeus, The Dark Happenings of Fatu Hiva, Charlatan Bay Civil War (both as a unit and with individual soldiers in the Volunteer Expeditionary Force), The Battle for El Oleonda, Second Terraversan War (Raid Against the Coastal Defenses, Siege of King’s Port), Seawatch campaign

Unit motto: On the frontline and beyond!

More about the unit:

 

You can find more also in Challenge II and III of the Era II, and in Charlatan Bay storyline

Edited February 27 by Keymonus

[Keymonus]

After some delay, everything is completely updated. Some details are still to be defined (such as the correct unit classification in regiments), but soon everything will be fixed.

Edited July 17, 2020 by Keymonus

[Darnok]

Such a great little project, well done everybody so far! I hope we see more of this, from all factions (and maybe even trade companies).

 

[Khorne]

Unit name: Tirailleurs de Guelph

Type: Guelphian irregular infantry, excelling at tracking and sharpshooting

Uniform description: Short blue coat, decorated with native artwork, dark green sash, short trousers and distinctive red fez

Equipment description: Rifle, backpack, many soldiers also carry indigenous knives

Recruitment center: Guelph only, mostly drawn from desert tribesmen 

Unit history and description: 

While the Légionnaires and Marsouins Coloniales may make up the larger part of the Guelphian lines, one should not forget the Tirailleurs. These are elite light infantry, drawn from the inland tribesmen of New Oléon. Accustomed to the climate and a semi-nomadic lifestyle, these men are expert trackers and crack sharpshooters.

They are the quintessential unit of the sometimes hard frontier life in Guelph and are known for their tenacity on the battlefield, high morale and loyalty. The first Tirailleurs were drawn from desert tribesfolk loyal to the Crown of Oléon during the War of the Guelphian Succession. Later these were formed into actual army units after proving their worth on the battlefield many times over.

Even more so than that of the Marsouins, their uniforms are directly based on clothing of the native populace. The fez in particular is worn with great pride by members of the Tirailleurs.

Campaigns: War of the Guelphian Succession, Pacification of Guelph and many others

Motto:

More about the unit:

 

[Khorne]

Unit name: Fusiliers Marins - Naval Infantry

Type: Line infantry, part of the Navy

Standard battle dress (l.) and casual or hot weather dress (r.)

Uniform description: The standard uniform is almost identical to the bluecoated line infantry units of the Army. The Fusiliers Marins however are distinct by their very recognizable red scarfs and fully blue uniform, trousers included. The casual dress, worn to complete work when at sea or on base, comprises of a signature striped shirt and garrison cap, completed again with the red scarf and blue trousers. The Fusiliers Marins are also allowed to wear this uniform into battle during hot or arid condition and many chose to do so, as it is less cumbersome than the traditional full battle dress.

Equipment description: Standard issue musket and gear.

Recruitment center: Port cities and fishing villages are usually the recruitment bases 

Unit history and description: 

Not quite an elite unit such as the Guelphian Marines Coloniales, the Fusiliers Marins are still an adequate unit that will hold their ground in combat. Their level of training is on par with that of the regular line infantry units of the Army, except that the Fusiliers Marins are also drilled extra in close quarter combat and sea-to-land based missions and tactics. This stems from the core duties of the Fusiliers: protecting Oléon's assets at sea and boarding enemy ships during naval combat.

While not at sea, these men can be found on guard duty in one of Oléon many naval bases.

As is also the case with their Guelphian cousins, the ranks of the Fusiliers are also mainly filled with adventure seekers and people with a mariner background. The Fusiliers have a high morale and excellent esprit de corps. They take great pride in their somewhat unique role and many unofficial rites of passage and other traditions in the unit only further this feeling.

Campaigns: Liberation of Terraversa and many others

Motto: "Oleonis Domus, Mare Amicus" (Oléon is our Home, the Sea our Friend)

More about the unit:

 

[merc]

Unit name: Chasseurs a pied 11eme Compagnie

Type: Light Infantry

 

Uniform description: The Colonial Olean troops wear a short blue coat emblazed with the Fleur De Lis or a blue and white coat, a morion or musketeers hat, and a black scarf with a black cloak.

Equipment description: Sharpshooters muskets, longer barreled pistols, and cavalry sabers.

Recruitment center: New Oleon, and the Western Oleon Colonies

Unit history and description: This newly formed unit was placed under the charge of Captain Jean-Batiste De Moncey while the unit was new, many of the officers were veterans from other units. They are designated as a foot Chasseur unit and deployed for rapid action. Within the unit is a mixture of both colonial Olean troops and Guelph Tirailleurs The battle for Terraversa will be the units first engagement.

Campaigns: Liberation of Terraversa

Unit motto: Celeritas Clavis Est

More about the unit:

 

Edited December 10, 2022 by merc
a little change in oleonese language & formatting

[Keymonus]

Unit Name: El Oleonda Ragamuffins (formally 1ere Compagnie Milice Coloniale de Fort Arltrees)

Unit type/specifications: Light Infantry/ Militia

Officer (left); Privates (center and right)

Uniform Description: Blue jacket with white facings (the standard “bluecoat”). The white trousers and the shako are replaced with civilian or native clothes (brown or tan hunting trousers, often ponchos and kerchiefs, felt hats or berets). Leather belts and cartridge bags are often carried.

Equipment Description: Flintlock muskets (standard issue muskets or hunting weapons). Often one or more flintlock pistols. A variety of sword, hatchets, and machetes, both for melee combat and for moving in thick jungle.

Recruitment center: Fort Arltrees

Unit history and description: 

Formed with the first wave of colonists, mainly hunters and adventurers, the aim of this militia unit is the defense of Fort Arltrees from any external threat, may that come from Lotii soldiers or stragglers or, more recently, from Corrish attacks. While the settlement is fortified, it would be difficult to defend against superior forces. Therefore, the Ragamuffins (from their untidy and irregular uniforms) are prepared for a dynamic defense in the jungle, ambushing and hunting the enemies far from the town. Absolutely unprepared for conventional fighting, these soldiers are still formidable in their own environment, a jungle they know as their own pockets... on El Oleonda the enemies would only find their own graves!

Campaigns: The Battle for El Oleonda (last phases), Seawatch campaign

Unit motto: “Adversus et Admorsus”

More about the unit:

The full platoon

Edited February 27 by Keymonus

[Keymonus]

On 10/17/2020 at 2:38 AM, merc said:

Unit name: Chasseur's a pied 11eme Compangie

Type: Light Infantry

 

 

Uniform description: The Colonial Olean troops wear a short blue coat emblazed with the Fleur De Lis or a blue and white coat, a morion or musketeers hat, and a black scarf with a black cloak. The Guelph Tirailleurs wear the traditional short blue coat, decorated with native artwork, dark green sash, short trousers and distinctive red fez. 

Equipment description: Sharpshooters muskets, dragoon carbines, longer barreled pistols, and cavalry sabers. Some of the Tirailleurs have been know to carry traditional close quarter weapons.

Recruitment center: New Oleon, and the Western Oleon Colonies

Unit history and description: This newly formed unit was placed under the charge of Captain Jean-Batiste De Moncey while the unit was new, many of the officers were veterans from other units. While designated as a Chasseur unit, they formed more of a foot unit than a cavalry unit although they are trained to also use horses when necessary. Within the unit is a mixture of both colonial Olean troops and Guelph Tirailleurs Their formal function of the unit is akin to scouts and skirmishers. The battle for Terraversa will be the units first engagement.

Campaigns: Liberation of Terraversa

Unit motto: N/A

More about the unit:

 

 

@merc, while the design of each soldier is nice and original, I’d suggest you to split them in separate posts... I think you have a light infantry/tirailleur unit from New Oleon, a light infantry/musketeer unit from the motherland or the colonies and heavy cavalry/courassiers. Even though they fight as a single group and have the same commander (something you can say) I would at least separate infantry and cavalry.

[merc]

On 11/3/2020 at 8:04 AM, Keymonus said:

@merc, while the design of each soldier is nice and original, I’d suggest you to split them in separate posts... I think you have a light infantry/tirailleur unit from New Oleon, a light infantry/musketeer unit from the motherland or the colonies and heavy cavalry/courassiers. Even though they fight as a single group and have the same commander (something you can say) I would at least separate infantry and cavalry.

I debated whether to split the tirailleurs from the post. As for the others, the unit is supposed to be light infantry (chassuer a pied is a fancy word for light infantry) that is trained for rapid action. I will modify the text to reflect what they really are along with a reshoot of the unit. The horse in the background was more for show but they are not a cavalry unit. is the musketeer’s torso officially designated for musketeer’s units only or can they be used in other areas?

[Keymonus]

38 minutes ago, merc said:

I debated whether to split the tirailleurs from the post. As for the others, the unit is supposed to be light infantry (chassuer a pied is a fancy word for light infantry) that is trained for rapid action. I will modify the text to reflect what they really are along with a reshoot of the unit. The horse in the background was more for show but they are not a cavalry unit. is the musketeer’s torso officially designated for musketeer’s units only or can they be used in other areas?

Don’t worry too much, it was just a minor suggestion concerning uniformity. However, as you did in your storyline post, you can simply specify a little more that it is a composite unit including tirailleurs and “metropolitan” light infantry (1 platoon and 2 platoons), add a little of story here (e.g. the former acting as trackers). There Fleur the lis jacket is perfectly fine, I often used it for my officers or for some soldiers too!

[Keymonus]

El Oleonda militia added to the encyclopedia!

[merc]

Unit name: Chevau-leger Lanciers de New Oleon

Unit type/specifications: Light Cavalry

Uniform description: Single or double breasted tunic in blue or navy, white scimitar belt, white trousers with dark green sash, brown boots, and a white turban. Some have been known to adorn their turbans with a sarpech. 

Equipment description: Long-shafted lance with a pennon and scimitar for close quarters

Recruitment center: New Oleon

Unit history and description:

Campaigns: War of Guelphian Succession (Olean Side), Pacification of Guelph (Olean Side)

Unit motto: 

Edited November 11, 2020 by merc

[Keymonus]

1 hour ago, merc said:

------

Nice and iconic cavalry unit! I had seen it before on Flickr, and I'm glad to see them officially enter in the BoBS lore!

[Jeff of Clubs]

I know. It's been over a year on here but I am absolutely loving this thread! Plus we are supposed to be preparing for a Lotus war at the moment? I hope you don't mind but I'm gonna stick some in here. Apologies if they step on other's lore. If so, please let me know and I'll edit the post accordingly. To Arms!

Sample of line infantry formations in the New Haven Sea, circa 621AE:

Known as 'Crown' or 'Royal' Infantry, the numbered line regiments of Oleon comprise a large portion of the empire's infantry. The moniker comes from the fact that these regiments are founded and maintained by the royal treasuries of Oleon. 

Uniform: Blue, woolen, army pattern shell-jacket with black and gold breast trim with infantry service branch epaulets. Standard-issue infantry trousers and boots. Due to New Haven's distance from Oleon's main production base, endemic supply issues plague units stationed there. As a consequence, fusilier '2' (above) is wearing non-regulation, civilian trousers procured locally.

Equipement: Charleville Model 576 smoothbore infantry musket with socket bayonet/ some regiments still use short swords, cartridge box with 60 paper cartridges and ball/some regiments are still operating with powder-horns, backpack, haversack, canteen, bedroll, tent-quarter. Backpacks and bebrolls are commonly stored while on garrison duty fusilier '3' above. The Sergeant '1' (above) Is carrying a guidon spear and wears a tricorne and white gloves. These fineries are reserved for ceremony and are not likely to be seen on campaign.

Mustering Center: across the greater empire.

Sample of Miscellaneous Formations. New Haven Sea. 621AE:

With its distance from the homeland, supply issues are ubiquitous accross all services. Although officers '1' (above), can afford to privately purchase their own uniforns, enlisted men '2' (above) of the naval infantry are left to the mercies of callous quartermasters and the local economies.

The Compagnies Oleon de la Marine function as the professional heart of provincial armies raised in the New Haven Sea. Few in number, these troops continue their traditional penchant for asymmetric warfare in addition to being disciplined and capable line infantry companies. Provincal militia and native allied warbands are often seconded to a battalion or company of these troops for the course of a given campaign.

Uniform: Fusilier '2' (above) is wearing an army pattern shell coat with infantry branch epaulets.  Idealy he is supposed to be wearing the standard continental white trousers of the infantry but has a pair of civilian trousers instead. Both of these uniform articles are as a consequence of supply issues. He sports his service's iconic chechia cap.

The artillerist '3' (above) is wearing a white jacket with blue breast facings, likely the work of a local manufacturer with limited access to blue dye. He wears the red trousers of the artillery service, standard issue shako, and wears the epaulets of the infantry branch indicating that his battery is an organic component of a Crown infantry brigade.

Equipement: As Line Infantry above

Mustering grounds and HQs for the Compagnies Oleon de la Marine are found in every major port within the empire.

12e Batterie Royale is mustered from Fort Arltrees.

Thanks for reading! I'm a big fan of Osprey publishing obviously. Hoping to see more of all yours as the conflict heats up!

Edited January 4, 2022 by Jeff of Clubs

[Keymonus]

Lovely units! This is exactly what I had in mind when we opened this thread!

BTW, the musket attached to soldier 3’s back is a great idea!

It was inactive since a lot of time, but it’s a thread made up of progressive additions, so it’s perfectly fine bumping it up (while doing it with regular builds may be a little “unpolite”). I’m glad that someone still finds the Encyclopedia now and then… if you like it, know that also the Corries have a similar page, I think it was called “Military Index”.

If in the future you want to create other posts for single units (ie. your 12e Batterie) I just ask you to follow the instructions, while for more general things your style is perfectly fine!

Edited January 4, 2022 by Keymonus

[Jeff of Clubs]

On 1/4/2022 at 12:23 PM, Keymonus said:

Lovely units! This is exactly what I had in mind when we opened this thread!

BTW, the musket attached to soldier 3’s back is a great idea!

It was inactive since a lot of time, but it’s a thread made up of progressive additions, so it’s perfectly fine bumping it up (while doing it with regular builds may be a little “unpolite”). I’m glad that someone still finds the Encyclopedia now and then… if you like it, know that also the Corries have a similar page, I think it was called “Military Index”.

If in the future you want to create other posts for single units (ie. your 12e Batterie) I just ask you to follow the instructions, while for more general things your style is perfectly fine!

Thanks! Gotcha. Will do.

[Ross Fisher]

Unit name: 1ere Légion Pénale

Type: Light Infantry

Uniform description: Grey and white striped penal fatigues. Grey fatigue trousers and forage caps. 

Non-commisioned officers distinguished by black infantry shako, black epaulettes. 

Gear frequently embellished, defaced, or augmented by legionnaires. Any irreparable damage results in time added to sentence.

Commissioned officers and soldiers who have completed their sentence are permitted to wear civilian clothing.

Equipment description: Standard infantry musket. 

Recruitment center: Royal Courts of Justice, Granoleon. 

Unit history and description: With increasing instability in the kingdom, the dungeons of the nation are becoming over-full of criminals. 

Keen to solve two problems at once, Chancelier Calida proposed that petty criminals be shipped off to Oleon's colonial territories, to fight against insurrection, and to help provide labour for new infrastructure. 

The judges have only been too keen to support this initiative, sending waves of criminals overseas to face uncertain futures. 

Moreover, the new bottom tier of commissions available has allowed ambitious groups of lower-class gentlemen a chance to earn rank within the military. 

The Légion hasn't been a runaway success; desertion is rife, and the wisdom of arming criminals has been brought into question on more than one occasion. Nonetheless, for now, the Légion persists.

Campaigns: Pacification of Guelph

Unit motto: Tempus fugit

More about this unit: 

 

Edited June 16, 2022 by Ross Fisher

[Jeff of Clubs]

4 hours ago, Ross Fisher said:

 

The Légion hasn't been a runaway success; desertion is rife, and the wisdom of arming criminals has been brought into question on more than one occasion. Nonetheless, for now, the ...

Ha ha! Epic. I was musing on this, as I have a bunch of manacles and chain pieces, I was thinking of mercilessly shackling them into formations. This was a fun read

[Khorne]

Unit name: Armée de l'Orient

Type: Line infantry

Uniform description: Standard blue coat, black jingasa helmet, short blue pantaloons

Equipment description: Standard musket, backpack, sometimes traditional Lotii blades are also carried into combat

Recruitment center: Jiangkai, El Oleonda 

Unit history and description: 

After the incorporation of the Jiangkai territory into the Oléonese empire, the government was eagerly looking for measures to uphold the security of its newly acquired territory and defend it from the prying hands of the defeated Lotus Empire.

The regular army of Oléon already stretched thin throughout multiple campaigns and theaters of war, the administration was quick to grant the permission to levy locally raised forces, consisting of Lotii colonials pledging their loyalty to the Kingdom of Light.

Donning the blues of the Oléonese army, they serve as line infantry ready to defend hearth and home. Trained in similar ways to regular Oléonese infantry, their level of capability is on par with other units of the Oléonese army.

Campaigns: 

Motto:

More about the unit:

[Ross Fisher]

An important note on the distinctions between "classic" Oleonaise naval uniforms.

The "classic" Oleonaise uniform has changed significantly over the years. It was originally introduced last century as a way to standardise the navy, and reduce the risk of "friendly fire" in port. Here are our notes on the more widespread iterations, from left to right, with the year of introduction:

589 - The classic; gold braided, double-breasted blue jacket with red and white striped shirt and brown belt. 

596 - A poorer relation; the single-breasted blue jacket with brown shirt and black belt. 

609 - A significant improvement; once again the mainstay was the double-breasted and gold braided blue jacket. For the first time this uniform sported pleats at the tail. The only downside was a poor quality linen shirt, which tore easily. This was more than made up for by the introduction of a quality cross-belt. 

609 - Another long-running success; while often seen armless, the full-sleeved single-breasted blue jacket is proper. While obviously a cheaper design than the other version introduced the same year, it stood the test of time where its counterpart failed. Many attribute this to the simple design, and return to the red and white striped shirt.

615 - Another instantly-recognisable member of the family. Once again a double-breasted gold braided blue jacket, this time in a high navy cut. And, once more, the beloved red and white striped shirt returned. This uniform had some flaws, particularly the bunching around the rear pleats and loose fit around the chest. Nonetheless, it had class. 

620 - The swaggering prodigal child; A single-breasted gold-trimmed blue jacket. Quality tailoring was clearly visible, particularly along the rear seams. Furthermore, the old red and white shirt was referenced with a white silk shirt and brazen red sash. Both belt and cross-belt were in evidence. Many get hot under the collar thinking about this uniform. We can only hope that future designs reflect a return to more sober approaches.

Edited February 22, 2022 by Ross Fisher

[Pierre Le brick]

What set is the last one from?

 

[Ross Fisher]

@Pierre Le brick its only in the one set: the creator Pirate Ship: 31109-1

[Pierre Le brick]

1 hour ago, Ross Fisher said:

@Pierre Le brick its only in the one set: the creator Pirate Ship: 31109-1

Thanks

[Keymonus]

Unit name: 1st Colonial Mountain Artillery Company

Type: Light artillery and light infantry (chasseurs)

Uniform description: Gunners wear the standard bluecoat with dark green epaulets (gold for officers), blue-grey trousers, and black beret (black cap for officers and chief gunners). Chasseurs wear a simple bluecoat without epaulets, green trousers, green cape (sailcloth waterproofed with tar), and black tricorn (shako for officers).

Equipment description: 6-pounder mountain cannons. A shortened version of the standard infantry musket.

Recruitment center: Fort Arltrees. All the soldiers (recruited among the colonists or drawn from other units) are native to the mountain regions of Oleon and Altonia.

Unit history and description:

The unit was formed in early 622 in Fort Arltrees to secure the road from Fort Arltrees to Jiangkai. Since the shortest trail between the settlements crosses the highest mountain range of the known New World, soldiers with special equipment and training were required for the task.
The first company of mountain artillery was specifically formed to move and fight on the difficult high grounds of El Oleonda. The unit is equipped with light cannons that can be easily disassembled and transported on mules, together with ammunitions and supplies.

Both the artillerymen and the chasseurs (the light infantry accompanying the cannons) were recruited among the colonists coming from mountain regions of Oleon, and also include a few Altonian immigrants. These men spent their whole life walking along the mountain trails, leading their cows on the high meadows or carrying goods from a tiny village to another one: thus, they are renowned for their endurance and for their autonomy.

As in their daily life in the motherland, the bluecoats can rely on a robust breed of Oleander mules to carry weights up and down the mountains. Stronger and less delicate than horses, they can deal with mountain trails without problems. Some mules are also equipped with a saddle, and can be riddden by the soldiers in case of need: they may not be as elegant as thoroughbred Guelphian horses, but still mules represent invaluable companions for Oleander mountain infantry.

 

Campaigns: Seawatch campaign 

Motto: Inveniam viam aut faciam! (I’ll find a way or I’ll create one!)

Additional pictures:

A 6-pounder cannon in battery

Soldiers and mules carrying a cannon up a mountain slope.

 

Edited February 27 by Keymonus