In the early 17th century, a new era of warfare dawned. Gustav II Adolf of Sweden revolutionized the battlefield with his innovative use of linear infantry tactics. His armies, organized into lines of disciplined musketeers, could unleash a devastating barrage of fire, leaving a profound impact on Europe. By the latter stages of the Thirty Years' War, both the Habsburg Empire and the Electors of the Rhine had adopted similar reforms, forever changing the face of warfare.
Background Story:
- In the long years of war, if one were to ask which kind of people were most common, the answer would undoubtedly be the mercenaries who traversed between various factions. These seasoned arquebusiers never fought for honor; rather, they viewed chaos as a ladder, aiming to seize fame in the midst of conflict. The northern nation, with its small territory and a population fewer than the Rhineland states, found itself in greater need of their strength to partake in this grand war. Interestingly, these fickle mercenaries ended up staying within the army of the Northern Lion, even becoming the backbone of the military. In their own words: "We can smell victory here." Gustav II Adolf devised new tactics for these experienced veterans. Utilizing rapid maneuvers and shooting, their great gunpower can overwhelm enemies many times their number. When cavalry charged like a torrent, they would counter with their swinefeather spears, sending the enemy straight to hell. These veterans, who had brushed shoulders with death countless times, were adept at handling any situation on the battlefield.
- "You lads, stick with me! There may be plenty of kings in this world, but there's only one who knows how to fight." — Mercenary leader, Monroe.
Unit Inspiration:
- They are composed of British mercenaries recruited by Sweden, capable of repelling enemies with portable anti-horse stakes and inflicting significant casualties on the enemy using modern volley fire techniques. They maintain strict military discipline, possess exquisite skills, and fully utilize the Gustavian formation's tactic of firing in lines. The portable pigtail gun stock they carry provides significant assistance for their precise shooting. Moreover, when they insert the gun stock into the ground, forming variously shaped anti-horse stakes, the strategic value is self-evident, forcing would-be aggressors to disarm and surrender.
Featured Gameplay:
- Having relatively short attack range but powerful burst damage, strict military discipline, and exquisite skills.
- Having a gunstock provides higher accuracy, but when the gunstock is inserted into the ground, it generates Cheval de Frise sufficient to deter enemies.
Unit skill:
- Skill 1: Attack Area (continuous shooting into a designated area)
- Skill 2: Gale Strike (Six column formation instantly transforms into three columns, then opens fire simultaneously, providing powerful firepower suppression to the target area.)
- Skill 3: Spears & Thorns (insert the butt into the ground within a certain range to form a strong Cheval de Frise)
Note: The final effect is subject to the actual in-game performance after the season launch.