Line Infantry

Line infantry is a military unit used by the Empire of Man's Imperial Army. Line infantry are the cornerstone of the Imperial Army, embodying the discipline, tactics, and martial prowess that it is known for. Comprising men drawn from the populace through both voluntary enlistment and impressment, these soldiers undergo rigorous training to master the art of linear warfare, employing smoothbore flintlock muskets and bayonets as their primary arms. Dressed in standardised uniforms that signify their allegiance and regiment, they are equipped to face the rigours of battle with both courage and cohesion. The line infantry's strategic role is both offensive and defensive, underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of combined arms tactics and formation-based manoeuvring. 
== Tactics and Function ==
The line infantry serve as the backbone of the Imperial Army. These rank and file soldiers are drilled extensively in the art of linear warfare, a tactic predicated on the disciplined formation of troops into long lines to maximise the effectiveness of their smoothbore muskets. This method of combat emphasises the importance of volley fire, where soldiers discharge their weapons in synchronised salvos, creating a relentless barrage intended to break the enemy's morale and ranks. The dense formations also facilitate the effective use of bayonets during close-quarters combat, a crucial aspect of engagement. The line infantry's primary function is to hold and seize ground, engaging the enemy in open battles where their superior firepower and disciplined coordination can be most effectively leveraged.
In the realities of battle, however, things often don't go according to plan or theory. In reality the organisation of the line infantry is often dependent on multiple factors. In a prolonged engagement, a breakdown of cohesion is almost inevitable. The sounds of battle drown out the cries of officers. Smoke makes accurate shooting harder. And the general chaos of a battle makes maintaining a steady line difficult. Nevertheless, Imperial line infantry are trained about as well as most could be in their situation.
== Recruitment and Training ==
Recruitment for the Empire's military is a process deeply ingrained in the socio-political fabric of the nation. Young men and women, often from rural or urban working classes, are drawn into the army primarily through voluntary enlistment, driven by the promise of steady pay and the allure of martial glory, but also conscription during times of dire need. Local nobility and landowners also play a significant role in raising regiments, leveraging their influence and resources to muster troops in support of the Empire's military endeavours. Once enlisted, recruits are registered into their respective regiments, marking the beginning of their transformation into disciplined soldiers of the line.
Training for these recruits is rigorous and designed to instil a sense of unwavering discipline and loyalty to the Empire. It encompasses a broad curriculum that includes physical conditioning, drill practice, and instruction in the use of the musket and bayonet. Drill practice, in particular, is emphasised to perfect the manoeuvres required for the linear formations and coordinated movements essential to the Imperial doctrine of warfare. Recruits are also schooled in the broader tactical doctrines of the Empire, learning the importance of cohesion, the dynamics of battlefield manoeuvring, and the value of combined arms operations. This comprehensive training regimen ensures that, upon completion, the line infantry are not merely soldiers in uniform but disciplined and effective warriors capable of executing the complex strategies upon which the Empire's military success is built.
== Arms and Equipment ==
The arms and equipment of the line infantry are reflective of the technological and tactical advancements of the Empire. The primary weapon issued to these troops is the smoothbore flintlock musket, a rifle renowned for its reliability and simplicity of operation. Accompanying the musket is the bayonet, a crucial piece of equipment that transforms the firearm into a pike for close combat. Soldiers are trained to load and fire their muskets with disciplined precision, working through the steps of priming, loading, and firing in unison to maintain a steady rate of fire on the battlefield.
In addition to their weaponry, line infantry are equipped with a standardised uniform, consisting of a woollen coat, breeches, and tricorn hat, coloured and styled to denote their regiment and Representative State. This uniformity not only fosters a sense of unity and belonging among the ranks but also serves practical purposes on the battlefield, allowing commanders to easily distinguish their troops amidst the chaos of combat. Standard equipment also includes a cartridge box, carried at the waist, which holds ready-to-use paper cartridges, a haversack for personal items and rations, and a canteen for water. This kit ensures that the infantryman is prepared for both the immediate demands of battle and the longer-term necessities of campaign life.
== Combat ==
Like most military units, line infantrymen work best when part of a larger army. In a fight, they will often prefer to utilise ranged combat rather than close-quarters melee. This reflects Imperial Army doctrine, which utilises superior firepower to overwhelm an enemy force. Even in small skirmishes this method is used. A squad of line infantrymen will form whatever firing line they can to engage their foes. Only if the situation calls for it will they break line and engage an enemy in melee. The two most common situations where this becomes the case is when an enemy is already significantly weakened, in which case a bayonet charge becomes the coup de grâce, or if the enemy gets so close that using their rifles becomes impractical. In a melee fight line infantrymen will utilise their bayonets and their rifle butts to hurt their foes as much as they can.
As well as standard line infantrymen, there are also armoured variations that are somewhat rarer. Instead of the standard issue padded armour that regular infantrymen use, they instead have metal breastplates. This armour might be gifted to them as a reward for heroic actions. It might be a sign of experience. Or it might simply be something the soldier has bought themself, or was given to them by loved ones back home. At any rate, this added armour does not change how they fight in any way - but it does make them harder to hurt.
When fighting line infantry, the most important thing to do is to disrupt their line. This can be done using a variety of methods, with explosives and magic being the most common two. When separated from their comrades, individual line infantrymen are less threatening. However, they still possess power firearms so a wise attacker will also attempt to swiftly close the distance between the infantryman and themselves. Up close, a line infantryman is still a threat, but significantly less so when compared to range-based fighting.
=== Loot ===
Typical line infantrymen are not particularly wealthy individuals, being the regular foot soldiers of the Empire. But there are still valuables to be found nevertheless, typically a combination of practical and personal items.
Among the most coveted items are the smoothbore flintlock muskets, complete with their bayonets, which are highly valued for their utility in battle. Additionally, cartridge boxes offer precious ammunition for these esteemed weapons. The infantryman's haversack might contain personal effects such as letters, small keepsakes, or a modest amount of coin. Practical items include the aforementioned ammunition, but also rations and other such necessities.
Uniform pieces, such as the tricorn hats and woollen coats, while specific in their regimental colours and designs, could be repurposed or sold. More often than not, though, these items are too damaged after a fight to be worth anything. Smaller effects, like belts, buckles, and even boots might fetch a price however, assuming they are also not damaged.
== Trivia ==
* The Imperial line infantry are, unsurprisingly, inspired by the line infantry of real life. They were the logical choice for the Empire's regular foot soldiers as they represented the bulk of the 18th century armies on which the Imperial Army is based.