Qi Melee Infantry

Sabre Infantry

The zhibeidao is a straight-bladed sword. Cheap and quick to master, it is a weapon ideal for equipping massed troops, particularly those with little training.

Sabre Infantry are better trained than their militia counterparts, but their swords and purpose remain the same - to target less mobile enemies and engage with them in close combat, clearing the way for more specialist units.

Unit Abilities

• Caltrops
  Simple nut husks, once trodden upon, cause extreme pain and slow movement.
• Smoke Screen
  Thick plumes of smoke obscure line of sight, making units seem temporarily invisible.
• Miasma
  The dense and tough undergrowth that plagues the jungles of the South is a hindrance to all those who try to penetrate into the heartlands of the Nanman.
• Circle
  The unit forms into a tight circle, presenting a defensive front from any angle.
• Loose
  The unit spreads apart, making it more difficult for arrows to hit them.
• Shield Wall
  The unit presents a wall of shields to the enemy - an offensive formation best used to push forward under arrow fire. However the formation cannot be maintained in melee combat.

Attributes

• HIDE IN FOREST
  Can hide in forests.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Role: frontline
  Frontline units are tough and able to withstand a beating; they will hold to the end, while others around flee. They are also adept at charging into enemy frontline units.
• Missile defence
  These troops carry shields to protect them from incoming missiles, but offer little defence against artillery.
• Weak against cavalry
  This unit is very vulnerable to cavalry charges, especially to the flanks.