Pikemen

Imperial pikemen represent a martial tradition that, despite the ascendancy of gunpowder infantry, continues to play a vital role within the Imperial Army. Recruited primarily from among the lower social strata, these soldiers are distinguished by their use of the long pike - a weapon that demands both individual prowess and collective discipline. Their training emphasises physical conditioning, mastery in manoeuvring their unwieldy arms, and the tactical acumen to form defensive and offensive formations against cavalry and foot soldiers. Equipped with pikes, sidearms, and protective gear tailored to balance mobility with defence, pikemen embody a blend of historical warfare techniques and the tactical necessities of contemporary battlefields. Despite the technological shifts in military doctrine, the persistence of pikemen within the Empire's forces underscores their enduring significance, bridging the past with the present in the ever-evolving art of war.
== Tactics and Function ==
In the military structure of the Empire of Man, pikemen, though considered somewhat outdated by the advent of widespread musket use and the dominance of firearm-based tactics, still hold a crucial, if niche, role within the army. These troops, armed with long pikes, are primarily tasked with the protection of the more vulnerable units from cavalry charges, a threat that remains potent on contemporary battlefields. The pike, with its extensive reach, forms an effective barrier against mounted troops, deterring or breaking the momentum of horsemen before they can close in on exposed units. In formation, pikemen are often arrayed in squares or phalanxes, creating a bristling hedge of points that can prove formidable to both cavalry and infantry attempting to penetrate or outflank the front lines.
Beyond their defensive role, pikemen are also employed in offensive operations where the terrain or specific tactical needs limit the effectiveness of firearms. In the dense woods or urban environments where the line of sight is restricted, and the range advantage of muskets is negated, the pikemen can press the advantage with their ability to engage in close quarters. Furthermore, they serve as a psychological tool against enemy forces, presenting a daunting obstacle that must be overcome. Despite their perceived outdatedness in a nation whose military doctrine increasingly revolves around gunpowder weapons, the pikemen of the Empire embody a blend of traditional martial prowess and tactical utility, bridging the gap between the old ways of war and the evolving dynamics of modern military strategy.
== Recruitment and Training ==
Recruitment for the pikemen, much like their line infantry counterparts, draws predominantly from the lower classes of society - farmers, labourers, and the urban poor. However, given the pikemen's unique role and the decreasing prominence of their armament in contemporary warfare, recruiters often look for individuals with particular physical attributes, such as height and strength, that would enable them to wield the long pikes effectively. Volunteers are motivated by various factors, from the prospect of regular pay to the allure of serving the Empire, despite the declining status of their chosen arm. Occasionally, seasoned veterans, nostalgic for the days when pike formations were the epitome of battlefield dominance, join or re-enlist, bringing valuable experience to these units.
The training regimen for pikemen is rigorous, focusing on physical conditioning to ensure that the recruits can manage the weight and balance of their pikes over extended periods. Drill practices are paramount, with emphasis placed on maintaining formation integrity, manoeuvring in tight quarters, and executing precise movements to present an impenetrable front to both cavalry and advancing infantry. Recruits are taught the historical significance of their role and the tactical scenarios where their contribution could be decisive. This training not only prepares them for the physical demands of battle but also instils a sense of pride and purpose, reinforcing their importance in an army where the shadow of obsolescence looms large.
== Arms and Equipment ==
The primary armament of the pikemen is the pike itself - a long shaft of wood, typically ranging from 15 to 18 feet in length, topped with a sharp metal point. This formidable weapon is designed for thrusting and holding off enemy cavalry and infantry at a distance, its effectiveness lying in the collective discipline of the pikemen to form impenetrable barriers. The length and weight of the pike demand considerable physical strength and training to be used effectively, especially in the maintenance of formation and manoeuvrability on the field. In addition to their pikes, pikemen may carry sidearms such as swords or daggers for close combat situations where the pike is less practical. This combination of arms ensures that the pikemen are prepared for a range of combat scenarios, from repelling cavalry to engaging enemy foot soldiers who breach their formations.
The equipment of pikemen, while simpler than that of their musket-armed counterparts, is no less essential for their role on the battlefield. They wear uniforms that, while perhaps not as heavy as the full armour of earlier centuries, still offer some protection against light melee and ranged attacks. This typically includes a thick coat or jerkin, breeches, and sturdy boots, along with a metal helmet or morion to protect the head. The pikemen's attire is designed to offer a balance between protection and mobility, allowing them to manoeuvre their pikes effectively while withstanding the rigours of combat. Their defensive gear might also include a small shield or buckler, used in the left hand to parry blows when engaged in close quarters. This array of arms and equipment equips the pikemen to fulfil their essential defensive and offensive roles within the Empire's army.
== Combat ==
Like most military units, line infantrymen work best when part of a larger army. In a fight they will utilise a combination of formation-based tactics and the superior reach provided by their weapons to keep the battle in their favour. This traditionally means long lines of pikes, similar to what line infantry utilise, but other formations like the square and wedge are used as well. Normally, pikemen will keep their method of combat defensive - which reflects their typical role as part of a wider army but will happily go on the offensive if they think it tactically preferable to do so. A combination of the pikemen's thick armour and supporting shield means that it is surprisingly difficult to actually harm pikemen for most individuals. Only those with enough luck or experience will find this issue manageable.
When combatting pikemen, it is preferable to break up their formation. This can be done using explosives, trickery, or magic - with the latter being perhaps the easiest. When separated, pikemen become significantly less threatening. However, be aware of their reach, which is superior to most melee weapons, as well as their thick armour. Up close, individual pikemen are still a threat - though less so than as a group. That being said, perhaps the safest way to take down pikemen is to utilise ranged-based fighting, as pikemen themselves possess no ranged capabilities of their own.
=== Loot ===
Pikemen, being typical foot soldiers, often do not have too much of value on them. But an observant and knowledgeable individual still might find something of use on them.
Loot taken from pikemen typically includes items of both practical and personal value. The most significant of these is the pike itself, a long and unwieldy weapon, yet invaluable for its utility in certain tactical contexts or as a collectable/trophy. Alongside the pike, sidearms such as short swords or daggers are somewhat common finds. Personal gear like metal helmets, buckler shields, and the pikemen's distinctive uniforms - thick padded coats and breeches - can be repurposed or sold, with their condition varying from the well-kept to the battle-worn (usually the latter).
In addition to martial equipment, personal items carried by pikemen, such as small trinkets, coins, or letters, offer a glimpse into the individual lives of these soldiers. Such artefacts, while not usually of significant monetary value, hold sentimental value and shed some light on the life they led. These items can be sold for profit, if one is so inclined, or perhaps held onto for their value outside of simple economics.
== Trivia ==
* Imperial pikemen are, unsurprisingly, inspired by military pikemen of real-life. In particular, they are mostly reflective of the pikemen during the early 18th century. By this time, pikemen were very much outdated but were still used by countries who could not afford muskets en-masse. In Magnula, I tried to give them an actual use, contrary to the real-life context, as a support unit.