Highland Footmen

The Highland Footmen are a military unit within the Commonwealth of Lorenthal, a sizable force of heavy infantry recruited from the north of the country and renowned for their history of service in battle. They are one of the largest independent forces within the Commonwealth, marching under the orders of their Captain and none other, not even the High Protector. This unique relationship between the Footmen and the crown stems from centuries past when Lorenthal was split into two nations. Years of warring between the men of the Highlands and the south of Lorenthal had seen the south find further and further success, but the soldiers of the Highland refused to surrender their rights. Thus, the treaty that finally united the two was one that came with many concessions: Chief among them was that though the Highlands would answer to the Crown, the majority of their infantry would be organized into one branch and would fight under their own discretion. The Highland Footmen would serve Lorenthal only if they deemed it necessary to commit themselves, and during the Lorenthalian Civil War remained neutral. They have since been treated with distrust for their inaction, though their unscathed numbers make them a force to be reckoned with that needs to be dealt with carefully.

In battle, the Highland Footmen represent their people and are their most important line of defense. They are given plate mail and fine iron and steel weapons with which to protect them. They fight as organized line infantry, wielding spears and shields to defend against the enemy before closing the distance with longswords. Their discipline is paramount to their success, the Footmen marching and listening to orders based off the changing music of the drummers and trumpeters that march with them. They are valued highly, and should they commit to battle then truly it is a matter of grave importance.