All throughout the feudal period of Japan, there had been a place for the lowest-class warrior, the Ashigaru, on the battlefield. Despite the lack of fighting skills, such as a Samurai’s, the Ashigaru was nevertheless an important part of the overall battlefield strategy, overcoming more skilled opposition with sheer numbers. The Ashigaru became a central force in group combat, forming the backbone of the army.
The Ashigaru Yari were light-foot soldiers outfitted with typical conical helmets, minimal armor, and spears. Their level of training varied but a good army of Ashigaru would hold their ranks and provide the needed support on the battlefield. It is this discipline that Einar sought in the Ashigaru Yari to support his warriors and battlefield strategy. Even on Valhalla, the Ashigaru have a place to fight among the most powerful warriors ever assembled by Einar.
Stats
- Life: 1
- Move: 5
- Range: 1
- Attack: 2
- Defense: 1
- Points: 40
- Figures Per Squad: 4
Abilities
- Encircle Special Attack: Range 1 Attack 6
If 3 Ashigaru Yari you control are adjacent to the same enemy figure, they may roll their attack dice as one combined attack. The defending figure compares height to the lowest Ashgaru Yari to determine any height advantage. If Encircle Special Attack is used, the 4th figure that moved this turn cannot attack.
Synergy
- Hatamoto Taro: Heroic Defense Aura
As Ashigaru, the Ashigaru Yari may benefit from Hatamoto Taro’s Heroic Defense Aura. - Kato Katsuro: Kato Katsuro's Command
As Ashigaru Yari, the Ashigaru Yari may benifit from Kato Katsura's Command Ability. - Sacred Band: Disciplined Army Defense Bonus
Having a "Disciplined" Personality, the Ashigaru Yari are compatible the Sacred Band's Disciplined Army Defense Bonus.
Behind the Game
A yari is a Japanese spear used in pre-modern Japan, however the word as no meaning in the English language, so these units are usually referred to as Ashigaru Spearmen and are called so throughout this wiki. However this page still calls them "Yari" to make it easier to search for them.
Encircle Special Attack: Attacking with a fourth Yari
Q. If I don't move a fourth Ashigaru Yari, can I attack with it after using Encircle Special Attack?
A. No. Moving 0 spaces is still considered a move.
