Stormwind Infantry Handbook: Vanguard

This chapter of the Stormwind Infantry Handbook serves as a basic guide to vanguard.

Acknowledgements:

Lord Maxen Montclair, Duke Westridge.

Sir Aliaes Loucelles, Knight of Westridge.

Sir Antegas Lemartes, Knight of Stormwind.

Vanguard
While burdened by heavy armor, the Vanguard can take down the toughest of melee opponents.

Donning the thickest armor available, vanguard are considered to be walking tanks. The vanguard's weapon, the claymore, is used to smash through hard to breach armored enemy formations.

Due to the weight of their armament, vanguard are slow to advance. They are held behind the front line until battle is joined, where they then emerge to contend with the heaviest armored enemies.

Vanguard Weaponry
Claymore

The two-handed style sword has enjoyed wide use throughout history. Early Human tribes often held tournaments in which opponents would duel to the death with massive blades. Today the Claymore and it's relatives are a favorite among heavy infantry assigned to smash through an enemy battle formation.

Vanguard are known to use Cavalier Two-Handers, similar in appearance to their longsword cousins but twice in length.

Equipment
Arms
 * Cavalier Two-Hander.

Armor
 * Platemail Helm.
 * Imperial Plate Pauldrons.
 * Imperial Plate Breastplate.
 * Common Gray Shirt.
 * Polished Scale Gloves.
 * Mail Combat Belt.
 * Platemail Leggings.
 * Imperial Plate Boots.

Combat
Thrust

The most effective and -deadly- way a linebreaker might wield a claymore is with a powerful thrust.

When performing a thrust, the linebreaker will grip his sword firmly and shove its tip forward to impale his enemy.

Should a thrust connect with the enemy's midmass, the sword will most likely make a lethal wound, destroying vital organs. Remember to keep your shield raised.

A thrusting attack is only to be used against enemies you have been directed to kill - not civilians.

Sweep

A claymore is a double-edged longblade, with which you may use in a slicing attack.

When performing a sweeping slice, the linebreaker will sweep his sword across his enemy.

While such requires less accuracy to successfully strike an opponent, most heavy armor is resistant to slicing attacks.

However, a claymore, with enough force, coupled with its weight, can bite into heavier armor. Bide your strength until you can unleash a powerful strike.

Self Defense

A linebreaker is able to deflect most melee attacks with his weapon, using the long blade of his claymore to block slicing or bludgeoning blows.

However, a claymore cannot deflect a thrust. A linebreaker's best defense in those circumstances would be to dodge or sidestep such attacks.

A Linebreaker's armor is thick, and will protect against most slashing or projectile attacks. Only strong melee thrusts will be able to puncture your armor's plates.