Xun Melee Infantry

Northern Sabre Infantry

Although the Han's northern army was never a large force, it was a professional one. Every warrior within it was worth several of his locally-rallied counterparts. Such is necessary, when the charge is to defend against mysterious menaces beyond the border.

With sabres and shields in hand, these troops are made for the cut-and-thrust of melee, where they will remain until victory finds them, or death claims them.

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

• DISCIPLINED
  Does not suffer a morale penalty when the general dies. It can also rally after routing more often.
• RESISTANT TO FATIGUE
  Takes longer to feel fatigued.
• 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.
• Blocks melee attacks
  This unit is highly skilled in parrying and dodging incoming melee attacks.