Ochalean Heavy Infantry ("Crab Soldier") - 5e Battle Master Fighter re-skin
by Marc SaindonThis is the professional soldier, inspired by the first regiments (F3 heavy infantry) of the Ochalean featured in the almanachs. In game mechanics, they work as Battle Masters.
"Crab Soldiers" are more experienced that the basic conscript (hence the level 3 for the basic 3). They get better (heavier) armor that give them their crustacean surname, and have been trained intensively in drill to perform many maneuvers to counter their reduced mobility -- some flanking maneuvers remind people of crabs walking sideways. They are also better paid and better fed, so they end up on the stockier side of the army.
If you ask the Ochalean Ministry of War, the Crab Soldier is designed as the second wave of attack: you might soften an enemy with artillery, a rain of arrows, cavalry raids, or shock troops to break defensive lines, but then you send in the heavy infantry to finish the job. The generals will also claim they work defensively as well: they know encirclement tactics ("pincer maneuvers") and false breach ruses. Officials will state that a squadron of them can perform riot control during food shortage. While all of this is true, the real goal of these units is to counter the Thyatian legions' spears. This has been pre-meditated treachery centuries ago in closed circles, but like historical spanish Rodeloros, well-trained heavy infantry can pierce through spear defenses. With Ochalea declaring itself independent in 1007 AC, it may have to eventually use their heavy infantry for its real designed purpose against invading Thyatian.
Crab Soldiers often have a "job first" mentality (some might call it "crabby") that would allow them to get along great with Dwarves of Rockhome should they ever manage to meet. Discharged or retired soldiers often work as town guards, mercenaries or tavern bouncers. They have trouble letting go their glory days. Adventuring Crab Soldiers are usually sent on special missions, bodyguards, or part of a small squadron that protect a given sector for local threats. Others might be promoted to officer ranks, and while looked down upon by their new fellows because of their lowly origins, once the fighting starts, they are the backbone on which others rely.
(sorry for the puns)
(Image from: https://www.deviantart.com/vega218/art/Ancient-Armor-850165074) (rather than lion motifs, though, use crab or lobster insignia)