Huestes Reales
Las Huestes (Pelaxian for "[the] hosts") was a military unit of the Pelaxian Army - akin to the size of a division - during the reign of the De Pardo Monarchs and during the Carto-Pelaxian Commonwealth in the early modern period. They were the elite military units of the Pelaxian Monarchy and the essential pieces of the powerful land forces of the Pelaxian Empire, sometimes also fighting with the navy. The Huestes were one of the finest professional infantries in the world due to the effectiveness of their battlefield formations and were a crucial step in the formation of modern Sarpedonian armies, made up of professional volunteers, instead of levies raised for a campaign or hired mercenaries typically used by other countries of the time.
| Las Huestes | |
|---|---|
 Banner of the Huestes of Jerónimo I composed of 27 legions | |
| Founded | 1617 |
| Country |  Pelaxia |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role |
|
| Size | 100,000 (at its height) |
| Part of | Pelaxian Armed Forces |
| Garrison/HQ |
|
| Patron | Jerónimo I |
| Motto(s) | "Pelaxia mea natura, Termia mea fortuna, Caphiria sepulcrum meum." (Pelaxia my nature, Termia my fortune, Caphiria my grave) |
| Equipment | Arquebuses, muskets, sword and buckler, and pikes |
This force showcased its prowess in disciplined warfare, particularly with their utilization of heavy pikemen and the maneuvering expertise of "Rodeleros" ("Sword and Buckler Men") in the challenging swamp terrain. These tactics proved essential for navigating the challenging environment, where quicksand, dense foliage, and treacherous waterways demanded a unique approach. The clashes were marked by the grinding nature of swamp warfare, characterized by mud-soaked battles and grueling marches. The conflict gained a reputation for its gruesome nature, where soldiers contended not only with the enemy but also with the inhospitable environment. Firearm usage was limited, intensifying the reliance on close-quarter combat and skillful coordination of both big military formations and also more attritional tactits and lighter units.