Battle Hoe

The Battle Hoe is a mostly Cresvlitsin based weapon, with its origins in Hoes, gardening tools commonly used by the peasantry. First used by the Socialist army during the Cresvlitsin Crisis, it was adapted and soon adopted by the Cresvlitsin army as its weapon of choice, due to it fitting into the Cresvlitsin plans. Ever since then, it became the symbol of Cresvlitsin presence, wherever the Battle Hoe was.

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, many improvements were made, such as an reinforced steel head and sharper tips. 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.

After Cresvlits
With the nation in shambles, many exiles fled with the Old King to the Coldfront Icebergs, where they made small communities. As they weren't integrated as a culture within the Arcadian Altenate, only when Eldia broke free, did the Cresvlitsin reuse the Battle Hoes, specifically the 3rd Generation ones. As Eldian State reorganized themselves, the Cresvlitsin created the C.B.E.C. (The Cresvlitsin Battle Engineer Core), support companies and units, made for defense, being able to build defenses, forts, and other necessary field buildings in hours/days. They were mostly made up of former Cresvlitsin soldiers or reserve personnel, and they act as the main defense force of Eldia. The "Valerian" Doctrine is preserved, just slightly changed due to the more harsher terrain of Eldia, however the "Hrebenčuk" Doctrine suffered massive changes, as the Cresvlitsin acted in attack as storm-troops, using their massive knowledge of defense to break through their opponents.

Even in death we serve
A big hit to the morale of the many Cresvlitsin was the death of their old king, Leuvis George Krieger. His death was mourned, but the circumstances sparked some suspicions within the higher echelons of the CBEC. With the investigation resulting in a cover-up and the discovery of Zodd, the real prince of Eldia and heir of the Legion, the court plotted their next move. With the Cresvlitsin being the main force of the coup, the group move on to Hightower. Soon within the walls of the towers garden, a battle broke out between the Battle Engineers and the veteran centurions of the Legate Platon. Alexandru Barlog, Armand Staindall, Rohl Valerian and the whole CBEC died in the battle, managing to leave only a few centurions standing, and injuring the beast that was the Legate. After some discussion between the Heir, the Legate and the Caesar, the coup succedded, with Caesar Helios being sent to the Morian wastes, and Zodd taking his place.

The Disastrous Results
With the death of so many Cresvlitsin, the Old King, and most of the GSC, CBEC's higher leadership, the CBEC and St. Joachim were left crippled. The Cresvlitsin faced such harsh happenings once, but not of this magnitude. The single thing that the Battle proved was that the Battle Hoe was extremely effective, even against more prepared and veteran foes. Yet for what cost?

PROTOCOL FINALUM
It's unknown what the protocol entails, when it was drafted, and what purpose it serves. For now we know one thing. This protocol is the end of the Cresvlitsin as a whole. The CBEC is dissolved, the soldiers lay down their weapons, and the Cresvlitsin are left with a choice: Either die or disappear, or convert to Eldian. Why this has happened is unknown. Many point out, that the Cresvlitsin probably have done this to survive, sacrificing their culture, for the future of their kids.

The Battle Hoes, forevermore
With the death of the CBEC, all Battle Hoes were confiscated, the plans hidden around the world, and the development of the Gen. 4 halted and destroyed. Only one prototype lives, yet it is unknown where. Ironically, the battle that ended the Cresvlitsin, proved the effectiveness of the weapons. Many Battle Hoes were burned, some where sent to Highertower, and some were transported to an undisclosed location. Their fate is currently unknown, either being forgotten and becoming a relic of a long lost culture, of a rich past, or becoming a weapon used by many around the world.

In Folklore
Seen as a traditional Cresvlitsin weapon, many of the heroes in folklore stories are armed with them, defeating unbelievable foes, such as dragons and orcs. Kids in Donslau play with makeshift Battle Hoes, pretending to be such heroes, and at one point, even the villains begun using such weaponry against the valiant heroes. The sight of a Battle Hoe brings happiness and relief to many Cresvlitsin, as the Battle Hoes are exclusively used by them, since their own kin are around to help, giving of a sentiment of security. Many people regard this as noble weapons and the mere sight of them is a blessing. They are also regarded as the peoples weapon, used to defend and exact the will of the Cresvlitsin, another reason why they are held in high regard.

Internationally
With the creation of the CBEC, and Leuvis's international diplomat carrer, the Battle Hoes have taken center-stage in many diplomatic affairs, appearing in the hands of guards and security personnel of the Diplomatic missions, making small appearances in Haven, Dalleton and in Solar Pyrrhus. This limited exposure is due to the lack of a market version of the Battle Hoe, which the CBEC Higher Echelons hoped to resolve with the Gen. 4, but with the untimely death of Leuvis, the complete destruction of the CBEC and the mass cultural convertion of the last Cresvlitsin, everything was scrapped. This, however, provided the Battle Hoe with a interesting fate. It could see international usage, if the plans were sold on the world market, allowing for a world wide access to the weapons.

Current Usage
Currently the main forces using the Battle Hoes reside in the St. Joachim Archipelago, totaling around 1000 Battle Hoes in service, with more in reserve. These are the current forces of the CBEC, who have been stationed and have been working around the country, building infrastructure and fortifications at a rapid pace. With the dissolution of the CBEC, these Battle Hoes were released in the wild, with the hope to open world-wide access to them. However, they were not the single in possession of them. Back in Donslau, the main garrison there, still uses Battle Hoes, however in a small number, that being of around 100-200 Battle Hoes in service. They have also made their way to Kais Termina, with the former Cresvlitsin nobles residing there.

Tactics
Following the introduction of the generation 3 Battle hoes, the tactics of the Kingdom changed in order to favor the use of this weapons. The tactics came at a time when the Kingdom was fighting a weapon/army shortage with many believing that joining the army could be a death sentence. These doctrines served the Kingdom well, and even after its death, they continued to be used by the Cresvlitsin, the "Staindall" Doctrine being developed for them. All of the doctrines were however discontinued after the end of the CBEC and the death of both Rohl Valerian and Armand Staindall.

The "Hrebenčuk" 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 "Hrebenčuk" Doctrine was built on the guerilla warfare doctrine. Avoiding open confrontation against enemies, attacking them in the forests, while they were moving and/or while they were stopping for a rest, in small groups of 3-4 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. This tactic, however, was lost to time. With the dissolution of the Kingdom, and mass migration of the Cresvlitsin, the tactic became outdated, and as Sir Mathew Hrebenčuk died during a hunt, the tactic was left back home in Donslau.

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 fact alone. Using the Battle Hoes, the land was made into mud and when the enemy came, they got stuck in the mud, them being at the mercy of the army's 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. With the Kingdom gone, the tactic risked to disappear as well, but due to Rohl Valerian still being alive, and working with Armand Staindall to remake a better doctrine, the "Valerian" Doctrine became an integral part of the "Staindall" Doctrine, where it was adapted to the new scenery.

The "Staindall" Doctrine
With the disappearance of The Kingdom of Cresvlits, the Hoes remained without a home, and without an army. Though it still found used by the local garrisons of the towns, no official force used them. When, after Eldia's break from Arcadia, the Cresvletsin reorganized, forming the CBEC, the Battle Hoes found a new home, a new force to fight for, being used by the same people who made them. However, the change in scenery, affected the tactics used before.

With this Armand Staindall, weapon maker and part of Leuvis Krieger's inner circle, formulated a new Doctrine, made to adapt the former two doctrines to the new scenery, and took a more international view, making the CBEC an actual defense powerhouse, not just home defense.



The "Serdonix" Part
In defense, the Valerian Doctrine was barely touched, but still suffered some modifications. With a much more harsher terrain, instead of creating mud, they made holes filled with berry bushes, used the huge amount of spruce wood available to make literal forts within a short amount of time, with the record being 2 days.

The "Sturm" Part
In offense, the "Hrebenčuk" doctrine fell with the fall of Cresvlits. This meant that "guerrilla warfare" was off the table. With that, Armand, decided to turn the defense masterminds into storm troops, using the tactical, psychological and experience advantage to deliver a deafening blow to their enemies. Since the CBEC are experienced into defending, they know their way around fortifications. But the biggest advantage, the Cresvlitsin have, is the psychological advantage. No one would expect the men, who to stay behind and always fight on defense, to come at them with their sturdy Battle Hoes. This Part bases on that advantage alone. Using terror tactics, they attack fiercely and breaking through, beginning to wreaking havoc on the flanks, trying to distract and tie down as many resources as possible, allowing the rest of the attack to succeed.

The "Frozen Seas" Part
After Cresvlits, the Cresvlitisn found their new home on the Icebergs of the Frozen Sea. With this, plus the international view Armand had for the CBEC, tactics had to be drafted for some sort of an amphibious attack doctrine. This necessity and the defense capability of the Cresvlitsin, made them the perfect candidates to be those who would land first on foreign beaches and secure the beach head. This type of tactic is experimental and very hard to sustain, due to naval superiority having to be kept in order for it to be effective.

In Combat
As the Doctrines provide an overall take on how the Battle Hoes were used, in CQC they are special. They act as Quarterstaffs, however, due to their heads, they have some small differences. The basic attack pattern is the same as plowing the land, delivering a lethal blow directly to the head, in most situations piercing through helmets. If countered, the general consensus is, that due to the piercing capabilities of the Battle Hoes, managing to land a hit with the head could result into lethality. This knowledge is combined with Quarterstaff moves and combos to throw the enemy off balance, and/or open a hole in the opponents defense to land a successful strike.

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 were 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, if not, the warrior would use fast and light attacks to wear down the opponent.

Ceremonial Battle Hoe
A Double Handed Battle Hoe, made out of gold, exclusively used for ceremonial purposes. They are still sharp and usable in combat, however they never have been used as such. They are generally given to Generals, High Position Individuals, Heroes or as gifts from the Kingdom. They were never used in duels

The Double Headed Double Handed/One Handed Battle Hoe
A prototype battle hoe, it was rejected due to its lethality, removing one of the single blunt parts of the battle hoe, making pacification or capture much more harder. However, it saw usage in duels.

The Multitool Battle Hoe
A makeshift battle hoe, used in the Battle of Cresvlits. Severely underpowered and ineffective, it combined a sword, axe and hoe into one weapon. The Battle hoe was never touched by the army, and never saw usage after the Battle of Cresvlits.

The Maltrov Model Battle Hoe
A Gen. 2 Battle Hoe, intended to be sold on the world market. Scrapped due to it removing many of the improvements of the Gen. 2 Battle Hoes and completely flopping.

The Gen. 4 Battle Hoe
Currently in development, it's an extensive overhaul of the Battle Hoe, keeping the original intention and design alive, but taking it in a new direction. The progress is slow and steady, as the CBEC is constructing simultaneously their HQ, Hightower and many other small infrastructural projects across Legion territory.

"The Future of the Battle Hoes is bright, as the current developments show. It's just a question of how good will they turn out and how much dedication will they receive. The future of a possible international market model, also hangs on this success, as we might see some interesting ideas being brought up for that purpose. Godspeed Cresvlitsin, we are all with you!" -Unknown Observer

It's development stage is currently unknown as the Cresvlitsin have been hit with the death of Leuvis, their Old King. With this, Armand Staindall took control, there still being some chaos in the High Ranks of the CBEC. The development stopped when after the Battle at the Hightower, PROTOCOL FINALUM being enagged afterwards, ending the Cresvlitsin. Only one prototype remains.

The Legendary Battle Hoes
Legendary Battle Hoes are one of a kind Battle Hoes, who have seen usage, and are regarded as artifacts, due to their special abilities and weirdness. Most of them are considered myths by the average commoners, while some do exist, however it's unknown where most of them are, currently.

"Krause"
The Gen. 1 Battle Hoe once held by Reikard Yurinkov, leader of the Socialist Army, who stood against the Cresvlitsin Army, it's extremely sturdy and capable. This is considered by many to be the first Battle Hoe ever created, and it lives up to its name. In the first hours of the Battle of Cresvlits, this Battle Hoe alone killed 20 elite troopers, all of them sent to kill Reikard specifically. However, somewhere down the line, Reikard lost the Hoe, and his Army was forced to retreat causing his death. The Battle Hoe was soon retrieved, and now sits in a dusty storage room somewhere in Coldfront.

"Staindall"
A Gen. 3 Battle Hoe created by Armand Staindall, its head is coated in coal, it basing its main attack on a chemical reaction, igniting the coal, burning the person who the Battle Hoe struck alive. Barbaric, but effective, the Battle Hoe saw combat only in testing, and was at one point held at ceremonies by Armand. Dangerous, at some point it was put in a secure vault in Donslau. It, however, was taken out and used to protect the initial refugees fleeing Donslau for Coldfront, and ever since then, the "Staindall" Battle Hoe was lost to time.

"The Gen. 4 Prototype: The Cresvlitsin Turnover "
The single prototype of the Gen. 4 Battle Hoe, specifically a double handed version, made out of netherite. It improved on nearly everything the Gen. 3 had, adding some interesting abilities. Not only it brought back the coal ignition of the "Staindall" Battle Hoe, the sturdiness and reliability of the "Krause", it also added a more stronger head, more focused on plowing and destruction of fortifications then piercing and CQC. The big change that came with this new generation, was the removal of the blunt-side of head and the introduction of a two spikes, these being made specifically for piercing armor and helmets. This change, did make the weapon more lethal, but overall improved the weapon, allowing the weapon to not depend on only one head for all usages, but to split the burden, so it can become even more effective in combat. Many claimed for it to be over-tuned, but instead, it proved very expensive to mass produce. Before the dissolution of the CBEC, this whole problem was being addressed.

This specific model got its name, from the testing period. A veteran centurion was called in to fight a recruit with the prototype Battle Hoe. Most of the battle, the centurion completely dominated the recruit, as expected, yet he barely managed to land a hit. Towards the end, however, the recruit managed to do the unthinkable. To the shock the experts watching, in one attack, he destroyed the armor of the centurion, piercing his helmet, killing him instantly. The hit also set the corpse on fire. The spectators all stated the same line: "It was a Cresvlitsin Turnover!".

Currently the Battle Hoe is presumably somewhere in Moria, along with the blueprints for the Prototype Gen. 4 Battle Hoes and a copy of the blueprints for Gen. 3 Battle Hoes, in a cache, well hidden within the Morian deserts.