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.

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.

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.