Gudersnipe Army

The official name for Laytami's millitary forces as they came into view during the Second Chaotic Period. This army would capture and hold key terratories that would later go on to become the Gudersnipe Foundation. Though it is difficult to destinguish exactly when the Gudersnipe Army became the Gudersnipe Foundation, it is generally accepted that "Gudersnipe Army" is an antiquated term and refers to a specific era of Gudersnipe History.

History

The army appeared at the begining of the Second Chaotic Period, though they are essentially credited with creating it by destroying the Marcon Alliance.

No base of operations was ever identified for the army, they simply appeared "out of nowhere" seemingly throughout the then known worlds. Their tactics were brutal, effiecient, and fast. Throughout the Second Chaotic Period, they systematically destroyed most of the major multi-world nations that had formed and dominated during the Dynastic Period.

At the end of the Mage Wars, the Gudersnipe Army ceased it's campaign, and instead focused on strengthening it's control of captured teritories.

When the Gudersnipe Foundation was officially established in A.Y. 110, the Gudersnipe Army was essentially disbanded, though it was really a fluid transition from one to the other.

Armament and Tactics

The Gudersnipe Army was armed primarily with the Lance, body armor, and a wide range of explosives. Most of the basic field equipment was present in one form or another. Even advanced cultures of the era were dominated by the technological superiority of the Army soldiers.

Every soldier was also a skilled magic-user. Many arguments rage over whether or not the Gudersnipe Army actually employed magic, or if their technology just seemed like magic to the less advanced cultures. However, several notable historians at the time who were able to spot the different between magic and technology stated that the army used both.

Their cheif tactic was a direct, large-scale assualt aimed precisely at destroying the enemy's leadership. large displays of force were often encorporated, including air-burst nuclear detonations behind the advancing army. This had the dual impact of blinding anyone looking directly at it, and proving that the army's decision to attack rather than oblierate meant they sought to seize control. Many cities surrendered, rather than give way to the invaders, and prospered through capitulation.

Few nations were actually razed in the manner of the Marcons. While the Marcon Alliance was delibrately and savagely destroyed, most other nations of the time were simply broken up or taken over. The Foundation gained a lot of it's early territories without ever fireing a shot.

Size

The size of the original Gudersnipe Army has been variously estimated at as small as a few hundred to upwards of several billion. Judgeing by the amount of territory they were able to capture and control, it was likely on the larger side.