Battle Hoe

The Battle hoe's were first introduced in the Battle of Cresvlits, firstly used by the socialists. They however were ineffective against the technologically advanced weaponry of the Cresvlits army.

Origins
Following the regrouping of the Socialist and Democratic forces in the nearby forests, a weapon shortage hit the Socialist army hard. Due to their high numbers, they had a hard time arming the volunteers and as such they needed to find a compromise. This came in the form of the Battle Hoes. Converted gardening tools, this was the perfect compromise and the perfect weapon of the Worker. The first generation saw makeshift battle hoes, with reinforced heads and/or sharpened heads. The concept was amazing, however how they were used was problematic. The Socialists used human wave tactics and the hoes were used as heavy hit weapons, this resulting in giant numbers of casualties. However the Cresvlits Army saw how good the Battle Hoes were, when used effectively.

After the Battle of Cresvlits
After the retreat of the Socialists in the forests, many of the Battle Hoes were left on the battle field. The Army took great interest in the discarded weapons, mostly the concept. A converted, cheap, reliable and effective tool, exactly what the army needed. Soon after the end of the civil strife, the second generation of Battle Hoes were born. Much more effective than first generation Battle Hoes, the improvements were many. As Cresvlits needed them to be used effectively, the General Staff devised Hit and Run tactics for the Hoes and when in direct combat the were specialists in crushing skulls, being able to punch through most helmets used. However they became redundant as more improvements were needed.

The Third Generation
The best and last generation at the moment of writing, it improved the many logistical problems that the second generation had. These improvements came at a time of need, when a turn in prospitian politics happened. There were also more variations of the weapon.

Firstly, the biggest change was the process of production of the Battle Hoes. With the entry of Bistritza into the Kingdom, a mountain based town, materials were much more easier to be obtained and as such a blacksmith was established, however the main production base remained in, the old Cresvlits, Donslau. The heads were now made out of cast iron, removing the need of molding, as the iron/other material was molten down and put in a mold, then cooled in cold spring water. This effectively removed a lot of the waiting, not only that, but also a lot of the handle was made of cast iron as well.

Tactics
Following the introduction of the generation 3 Battle hoes, the tactics of the Kingdom also changed in order to favor the use of this weapons. The tactics also came at a time when the Kingdom was fighting a weapon/army shortage with many believing that joining the army could be a sentence.

The "Haiducs" Doctrine
Using the terrain around the Kingdom was necessary for the Army, as it had thick forest to the north, to the west a river line and then more forests and to the south the old Acquindavian mountains. This presented the small nation with much protection and with an opportunity. Why not use the natural terrain against our enemies. As such the "Haiducs" Doctrine is built on guerilla warfare. Avoiding open confrontation against our enemies, attacking the enemy in the forests, while they move and/or while they stop for a rest, in small 3-4 groups of soldiers. The Gen. 3 Hoes were incredibly fast, and deadly if the enemy wasn't prepared and, as such, the tactic proved useful and effective.

Haiduc
Haiduc is the Romanian equivalent of Robin Hood. They existed during the transition from the medieval ages to modern times, as many of the had guns. They lived in forests and use to attack the rich and fight the police force at that time. They were rebels fighting against the rule of the Ottoman Empire. One revolt they were known for was the 1821 national revolution in Wallachia, led by Tudor Vladimirescu.

The "Valerian" Doctrine
Though the Hoes proved effective in offensive battles, being able to tear down defenses, they would find usage in the defense as well. Still being a hoe, and as such a good gardening tool, it could still plow the land. This in combination with some water, created mud, effectively slowing down most enemy advances. The "Valerian" Doctrine based on that. Using the Battle Hoes, the land will be made into mud and when the enemy is to come, they will get stuck in the mud, them being at the mercy of the armies arrows/cannons. This however could be easily prevented if the land was either sand/stone, but the Cresvlitsin Plains and most of Prospit being fertile soil, resulted in this tactic becoming a favorite amongst the defense generals of the Kingdom.

Double Handed Battle Hoe
Not rare sight on the battlefield, these elongated hoes, proved to be effective in the hands of capable soldiers. Wielded with no shield, these battle hoes were perfect in the hands of nimble/agile warriors who could deflect blows easily. In duels they were considered long-range weapons, being on the same levels as The Spear and The Halberd.

One Handed Battle Hoe
Even a more common sight on the battlefield, these short hoes, proved to be effective in the hands of conscripts and cadets. Wielded in combination with a shield, these battle hoes were perfect in open combat. Fast and small, yet packing nearly the same punch as a double handed version, they amazing in CQC. In duels, they were used either in akimbo version or rarely in single version. If used in the single version, they were always accompanied with another weapon, or the warrior would use fast and light attacks to wear down the opponent.