Lion Elite Spearmen

The Lion Elite Spearmen served as a sort of cross between archery and infantry. They were an odd unit, largely obsolete, surpassed by trained archers centuries ago. However, spearmen remained as a traditional part of the Lion Clan Army. Masters of War, p. 107
== Founding ==
Some believed that the spearmen were formed because the Kami Akodo, who was a skilled archer, considered the bow to be a weapon for hunting rather than warfare. Other said that they were formed after Akodo lost an eye, a wound that limited his ability to use a bow. It would provide the Clan with ranged attack support in battle, but without using the bow that would remind their lord of his loss. The tribal warriors who followed Akodo were particularly skilled in the ways of the spear, and these spearmen formed the backbone of the Lion armies during the First War. Years later Matsu Shujo, one of Lady Matsu’s grandsons, organized their training and founded their first dojo. Naishou Province, p. 6
== Tactics ==
Each member carried a quiver filled with small nage-yari, which could be thrown or used in melee combat. Those who masteredthe nage-yari, used them with lethal force, firing them when the enemy approach close enough so that archers could no longer fire at them. Lion Elite Spearmen wore specialized and highiy stylized Light Armor which provided enough freedom of movement and a detachable quiver. In melee combat they were shock troops, suffering a sizable attrition rate. Masters of War, pp. 107-108
== Obsolete Unit ==
In modern times, these units were few in number and were considered by the other Great Clans to be something of a holdover from a simpler era. The school was maintained by the Matsu family and they formed the bulk of its students. Naishou Province, p. 7
== Known Technique ==
* Let Fly the Talons
* The Way of Magari-Yaritjutsu
* Strike Like the Lion
* Strike Through the Eagle
* Strike Like the Wind
* Strike With the Soul
== See also ==
* Lion Elite Spearmen/Meta
* Lion Elite Spearmen/CW Meta
== External Links ==
* Elite Spearmen (Hidden Emperor 1)
Category:Lion Clan Schools