Spearman

Spearman
Tier	1
Total Rice	30
Total Water	30
Total Training Time	25
Hitpoints	None
Melee	Piercing
Missile/Ranged	None
Strengths	Fire (-75%); Cutting (-50%); Explosive (-25%)
Weaknesses	Magic (+50%)
Prerequisite	Dragon Peasant trains at the Dojo.
Passive	Long Reach: Due to the length of their spears, Spearmen are immune to the effects of height in combat when they are attacking melee opponents.

I am the weapon. My naginata is merely an ally.

— Spearman

The Spearman is a unit of the Dragon Clan.

Overview

Dragon Clan peasants who show an aptitude in close-quarters fighting begin their training with the humble spear. From the dojo master, they learn the foundations of the martial arts: strength, speed, and poise. Opponents who pay attention only to the spear are often surprised when a Spearman lashes out only with his hands and feet in sharp, accurate strikes.

The spear is not the quickest of weapons although its reach helps when assaulting foes on higher ground. Nor is the spearman the most skilled of fighters. However, his training is simple and adaptable, forming the basis for the more advanced techniques of the Dragon.

Usage

The humble spearman is a basic tier 1 unit which is good to oppose to enemy tier 1 units in the early stage of the game. In the mid/late game stages, spearmen are only used because of their battle gears. Whirling Spear is the most useful battle gear: 4-5 spearmen with Whirling spear are able to take down a lot of enemy units (with normal or low armor against magic) at once, where as Stun Strike battle gear is commonly known as a useless one. It is highly advisable to combine Whirling Spear with Kabuki Warrior's Flash Powder, since the last one stops the enemies (making it easier to "whirl" the enemies, during the pursuits) and reduces their armor.

Battle Gear

	Stun Strike	Stamina: 70%		Whirling Spear	Stamina: 70%
Requirements: Shrine			Requirements: Fireworks Factory
Spearmen who spend time in meditation at the shrine may learn to strike with such speed and force as to render their opponents helpless with pain.			When the Fireworks Factory fuses black powder with a spear, the result is a whirling terror that sprays nearby foes with a shower of stinging sparks.

Gallery

Spearman Concept Art

Alpha screenshot, showcasing the early "spearmen".

Alpha screenshot, showcasing the early Dragon journey menu + Spearman's and DW's early weapons

Alpha Screenshot showing Spearmen against Brawlers & Ballistamen

Quotes (Move)

• "On the way!"
• "I'm off!
• "Done!"
• "Yes!"
• "As you command"
• "On it!"

Quotes (Attack)

• "For victory!"
• "FIGHT!"
• "To the death!"
• "ATTACK!!!"
• "For the Dragon!"
• "For honor!"
• "Crush them!"

Quotes (Kills)

• "For the Dragon!"
• "And this!"
• "DIE!"
• "(Triumphant laughter)"

Quotes (Heal)

• "Praise be"
• "Ahhhhhh!"

Quotes (Death)

• "Arghhhh!"

Notes

• Spearman was originally planned to have a naginata instead of spear, and he had it in alpha game stage. It is unknown why was it removed.

• Stun Strike animation is rather slow, the targeted unit is able to run out of its area before spearmen can even use it.
• Stun Strike is able to stun Zen Masters.
• Spearman is the official "informator" of the Dragon clan, as his voice is heard informing players about rice/water insufficiency and victory/defeat.