Irregulars

Imperial irregulars, a motley assembly of volunteer tag-alongs and conscripts, serve as a versatile auxiliary force adept in unconventional warfare. Drawing from all across Imperial society, they bring a wide array of personal skills and improvised tactics to the battlefield, enabled by their varied mix of scavenged and personal weaponry. Lacking the formal training and standardisation of regular troops, irregulars compensate with adaptability and resourcefulness, undertaking roles from scouting and intelligence to guerrilla actions and raids. Though not often considered in Imperial military strategy, as they are not guaranteed to show up, they nevertheless are considered a useful boon for most commanders.
== Tactics and Function ==
Irregulars occupy a unique position on the battlefield, diverging from the disciplined formations and standardized training of the regular Imperial Army. Comprising mainly of volunteer tag-alongs and, to a lesser extent, conscripts, these units bring a degree of unpredictability and flexibility to military engagements. Their tactics are marked by improvisation and adaptability, often tailored to the specific skills and experiences of their members, ranging from skirmishing and scouting to sabotage and guerrilla actions. Lacking the formal training of regular soldiers, irregulars rely on their familiarity with local terrains and unconventional warfare techniques to harass and unsettle enemy forces, making them particularly effective in fluid and dynamic combat scenarios.
Functionally, irregulars serve as auxiliary forces that can perform a variety of roles on the periphery of the main army. They are frequently deployed to scout enemy positions, gather intelligence, and execute raids on supply lines and outposts, exploiting their ability to move stealthily and strike unexpectedly. In more conventional battles, they may act as light infantry, using hit-and-run tactics to disrupt enemy formations or provide support to regular units by engaging in flanking manoeuvres or securing key positions. Their presence adds a layer of versatility to the Empire's military strategy, enabling commanders to apply pressure across a broader front and adapt quickly to the evolving conditions of the battlefield, all while conserving the strength and cohesion of the main fighting force.
== Recruitment and Training ==
Recruitment for irregular units within the Empire of Man is an informal and varied process, largely dependent on the specific circumstances and needs of the military at the time. Unlike the regular army's structured enlistment protocols, irregular forces are composed of volunteers from a broad spectrum of society, including farmers, artisans, and even adventurers, drawn to service by a mix of personal conviction, the promise of loot, or the thrill of battle. There is also, of course, conscription but, though historically it has been a major recruiter for the Imperial Army, in recent times it is a practice that the Empire has attempted to pivot away from. This results in a diverse but highly motivated force, ready to undertake the unconventional or particularly hazardous duties that lie outside the purview of the regular army.
Training for these troops, if any occurs at all, is similarly unorthodox, focusing less on drill and discipline and more on leveraging the unique skills and knowledge that the volunteers bring. Leaders within irregular units, often chosen for their experience or natural leadership abilities, provide guidance on guerrilla tactics, survival skills, and the basics of combat. The emphasis is on quick, adaptive learning, with more specific skill-based training unfacilitated Sometimes, smaller units of irregulars will organise their own training exercises in order to operate as a more effective fighting unit, but this is something left very much to the discretion of the irregulars themselves rather than it be enforced by the army's leadership.
== Arms and Equipment ==
The arms and equipment of Imperial irregulars are as varied as their backgrounds, largely comprising whatever personal or scavenged weaponry can be acquired. Unlike the standardised armaments of the regular army, irregulars often carry a mishmash of older muskets, pistols, edged weapons such as sabres or knives, and even improvised arms like farm tools. It is incredibly rare for a whole unit of irregulars to be uniformly equipped. While this lack of standardisation can complicate supply and maintenance, it also allows irregulars to adapt their armaments to the specific needs of their operations, be it stealth and speed for scouting missions or firepower for ambushes.
In terms of equipment, irregulars similarly make do with a mix of military gear, civilian attire, and whatever else they can fashion or find. Protective gear is minimal, prioritising mobility, and is often little more than their regular civilian clothes with additional padding. Backpacks, if used, are equally likely to be of civilian origin, carrying supplies for several days to allow for operations deep behind enemy lines or in isolated areas.
== Combat ==
Like most military units, colonial militia work best when part of a larger army. In the case of the irregulars, however, this is more of a guideline than a rule. In a fight, irregulars are best used in attack-support roles. Their proficiency with dual wielding means that these soldiers can overwhelm their enemies with firepower and force rather than relying on advanced tactics. Numbers, to, provide a useful boon for irregulars, as they fight better as part of small teams rather than alone.
=== Loot ===
Loot acquired from irregulars often comprises a wide array of personal and military items. Among the most common finds are aged flintlock pistols and sabres, their wear indicative of extensive use across numerous skirmishes. These weapons, while not as pristine as those issued to regular troops, carry a historical allure. Additionally, improvised weaponry, including bladed tools adapted for combat, speaks to the resourcefulness of irregular forces in utilising whatever materials are at hand.
Beyond weaponry, personal belongings taken from irregulars can offer a window into the daily lives and cultures of these fighters. Makeshift amulets, letters, and small personal keepsakes may be found, alongside more practical items like maps, compasses, and flasks.
== Trivia ==
Imperial Irregulars are inspired by real-life irregular infantry, which essentially means any non-typical part of a military. In this specific context, irregular refers to mostly untrained soldiers that are not a part of the regular army.