The New French Republic
Who are the French?
When the last emperor died in the streets of Paris, the old France died with him, and so too did any hope for peace on Earth. With the outbreak of the Great War, so too was the New French Republic born, with its goal being the liberation of not only the workers of France, but of all workers, whether in factories on Earth or in the colonies of empires in the Aether beyond.
Rise from the ashes of the old world and take up the banner of the New Republic of France! Bring the light of the Commune to the rotting empires of old, and break the chains of the enslaved with the hammers and picks of liberty!
How do they play?
The New French Republic is the ultimate horde army, boasting vast numbers of low-cost infantry units and even cheap tanks and walkers. Their numbers should not be mistaken for simple quantity over quality, however, as their National Idea grants the army the ability to embrace the true collaborative spirit of the Commune, allowing them to enhance one another’s shooting and teach the enemy to regret their hubris.
France is not merely limited to simple cannon fodder, and while its elites are less grand than those of other nations, the low cost of French platoons allow for a skillful commander to maximize their effectiveness with the force synergies of the Republic!
Why should I collect them?
Low in points cost and high in numbers, the armies of France boast impressive spreads of lots of unique models and bold colors that invoke both the Napoleonic armies of old and the Soviet massed body tactics of the modern era. If you like to have large amounts of models on the table, or just love the old-world charms of the French aesthetics, then taking up the flag of the Commune might be for you.
It’s not all just hordes of infantry, either. Whatever you like to play, playing it the French way means you will be getting lots of it. Elite infantry like the Zouaves and Dragoons, or the reliable Liberté Tanks, or the rapid-striking Monowheels, all can be easily taken together and make for formidable armies that will test your opponent’s skill time and time again.
Where do I start?
Perhaps the most essential of units, any French Army Corps should consider starting with the reliable Republican Guard, the backbone of the revolution and the reliable standby for any France player. Supplement them with the watchful eye of some Commissaires and Infantry Officers to ensure they keep heart in the face of enemy fire, and perhaps some P28 Armored Trucks to get them into action quickly and decisively.
France relies heavily on the cooperation of its troops, and there is nothing that embodies the spirit of unity more than the reliable CAIM 38 “Danton” Battle Walker, using its high vantage point to support the infantry’s shooting. Rapid-striking Monowheel Chasseurs grant some much-needed firepower in the form of fast cavalry, and the Zouaves and Sapeurs provide your men with specialized support in the form of long-ranged hit-and-run attacks and the construction of fortifications and traps to entangle your foes and protect your troops.