Xarkanoth at 13:27, 7 July 2026

2026-07-07T13:27:11Z

Maintenance script at 02:22, 9 February 2026

2026-02-09T02:22:26Z

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{{Release_page_header|title=Linebattles • Rules & How They Work}}
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{{Release_TOC|content=
<div class="hf-toc-category">On this page</div>
<div>[[#overview|Overview]]</div>
<div>[[#phases|Phases of a Linebattle]]</div>
<div>[[#combat-rules|Combat Rules]]</div>
<div>[[#terms|Common Terms & Abbreviations]]</div>
<div>[[#lines|Lines]]</div>
<div>[[#support|Support]]</div>
<div>[[#artillery|Artillery]]</div>
<div>[[#skirmishers|Skirmishers]]</div>
}}
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{{Release_section
|id=overview
|title=Overview
|content=
Linebattles are formal, admin-run events focused on formations, discipline, and single-life rounds. They are the premier organised play format in Holdfast: Nations At War, where regiments compete in structured matches with strict rules governing how classes may be used.

Linebattles typically take place on open-field maps and emphasise coordinated volley fire, officer commands, and tactical manoeuvring over individual skill. Each round is usually single-life — once you die, you spectate until the next round begins.
}}

{{Release_section
|id=phases
|title=Phases of a Linebattle
|content=
A typical linebattle round follows a structured flow:

# '''Muster Phase:''' Regiments form up at their spawn points. Officers organise their lines, musicians take position, and the admin announces the start.
# '''March Phase:''' Lines advance toward the centre of the map. Firing before the admin calls "Fire at Will" or a similar command may be penalised.
# '''Engagement Phase:''' Lines exchange volleys. Officers call fire orders, musicians play to buff accuracy, and surgeons tend to the wounded.
# '''Melee Phase:''' When lines close distance, officers may call a charge. Bayonets and sabres decide the outcome.
# '''Resolution:''' The round ends when one side is eliminated or the timer expires. The admin announces the winner and a new round begins.
}}

{{Release_section
|id=combat-rules
|title=Combat Rules
|content=
Rules vary by event organiser, but common linebattle rules include:

* '''No Rambo / Lone-Wolfing:''' You must stay with your regiment's formation. Running off alone to flank is typically forbidden.
* '''No Crouching in Line:''' Line infantry must remain standing when in formation (crouching gives an unfair accuracy advantage).
* '''Fire on Command:''' You may only fire when your officer gives the order, unless "Fire at Will" has been called.
* '''No Spawn Camping:''' Attacking the enemy spawn area is prohibited.
* '''Class Limits:''' Each regiment is typically limited in the number of artillery, cavalry, and skirmisher slots they can use.
* '''No Intentional Team Killing:''' Friendly fire is on — accidents happen, but deliberate TKing results in removal.
* '''Admin Commands:''' The event admin's word is final. Follow all admin instructions during the event.
}}

{{Release_section
|id=terms
|title=Common Terms & Abbreviations
|content=
{{{!}} class="wikitable"
! Term !! Meaning
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''LB''' {{!}}{{!}} Linebattle
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''FaW''' {{!}}{{!}} Fire at Will — open fire at your own discretion
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''AoF''' {{!}}{{!}} All or Fire — everyone fires a single volley simultaneously
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Charge''' {{!}}{{!}} Officer command to rush the enemy with bayonets/sabres
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Ramboing''' {{!}}{{!}} Breaking from your line to fight alone (usually against the rules)
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Reg''' {{!}}{{!}} Regiment — an organised group of players
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''NCO''' {{!}}{{!}} Non-Commissioned Officer (Sergeant class)
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''CO''' {{!}}{{!}} Commanding Officer (Officer class)
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Skirms''' {{!}}{{!}} Skirmishers — light infantry and riflemen operating outside the line
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Arty''' {{!}}{{!}} Artillery
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Cav''' {{!}}{{!}} Cavalry
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''GG''' {{!}}{{!}} Good Game — said at the end of a round
{{!}}}
}}

{{Release_section
|id=lines
|title=Lines
|content=
The core of any linebattle is the infantry line. Regiments form shoulder-to-shoulder lines of musketmen, led by an Officer and supported by an NCO (Sergeant).

* '''Forming Line:''' When the Officer issues "Form Line," all infantry should stand in a straight row, shoulder-to-shoulder, facing the enemy.
* '''Volley Fire:''' The Officer calls "Make Ready," then "Fire!" for a coordinated volley. This maximises the Line Fire accuracy buff.
* '''Dressing the Line:''' Keeping the line straight and filling gaps left by casualties is essential. NCOs help maintain formation discipline.
* '''Movement:''' The Officer calls "Break Rank & Follow" to reposition. The line moves as a group, then reforms at the new location.
}}

{{Release_section
|id=support
|title=Support
|content=
Support classes enhance the fighting capability of the line:

* '''Musicians''' (Drummers, Fifers, Bagpipers) provide accuracy and reload speed buffs. They should remain close to the line but slightly behind to avoid being targeted.
* '''Surgeons''' heal wounded soldiers to preserve reinforcement tickets. They prioritise injured players visible by their health bars.
* '''Flag Bearers''' carry the standard to provide reload speed buffs. Keeping the flag raised near the line is their primary duty.
}}

{{Release_section
|id=artillery
|title=Artillery
|content=
Artillery in linebattles is tightly regulated due to its destructive power:

* '''Placement:''' Artillery is typically positioned on flanks or elevated ground behind the main line.
* '''Targeting:''' Cannoneers should target enemy lines with round shot, not individual players. Grape shot is reserved for close-range defence.
* '''Limits:''' Most events limit the number of artillery pieces per regiment (commonly 1–2 cannons per reg).
* '''No Friendly Fire:''' Extreme care must be taken to avoid hitting friendly lines. Repeated friendly fire from artillery may result in removal.
}}

{{Release_section
|id=skirmishers
|title=Skirmishers
|content=
Skirmishers (Light Infantry and Riflemen) operate outside the main line under special rules:

* '''Engagement Range:''' Skirmishers typically have a minimum engagement distance — they cannot fire from within a certain range of the enemy line.
* '''No Line Interference:''' Skirmishers must not stand in or obstruct the main infantry lines.
* '''Target Priority:''' Skirmishers often target enemy officers, musicians, and artillery crew to disrupt the enemy's command and support structure.
* '''Limits:''' The number of skirmishers per regiment is usually capped (commonly 2–4 per reg depending on event rules).
}}

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Linebattle - Revision history

Xarkanoth at 13:27, 7 July 2026

Maintenance script at 02:22, 9 February 2026