The Cortesian Punitive Expedition To Lionia

The Ras has assembled a sizable fore to resist the recent invasion by Cortesia. Redia has given free passage to the Cortesians to pass through its colonial possessions. (The Redians were unsatisfied with the rate of reparations paid by Lionia after its defeat by Redia some decades previously).

The Cortesian general has heard reports of an enemy army twice the size of his own. However, 70% of the Lionians lacked firearms. His confidence was accompanied by boasts about the superiority of 'Latin manliness' versus 'natives just out of the trees'. Some of Cortesia's best troops had been sent and the militias left at home to guard villages from bandits.

The general might well be underestimating his opponents. The Ras has embarked on a modernization plan,admittedly still in its early phase, but he possess modern artillery ad has been purchasing modern firearms for his warriors. Besides, even the shield and spear armed men had such courage that they would not hesitate to die for their emperor.


                                 Lionians mass and shout, as one, the name of the emperror

      The Ras 9in red) can be seen here with his bodyguard. He sports the latest Peabody rifle and a lion main headdress.

     Despite the acquisition of relatively modern firearms warriors do not readily relinquish their traditional shields. This might be partly due to the high level of gold and silver shield ornamentation - a high sign of status and wealth.

             Some warriors also possess pistils, ranging from old flintlocks to modern revolvers.

                          The Cortesians receive the blessing of the priest. Many of them keep their crucifixes close to their hearts; more than one soldier has been literally 'saved' this way when a bullet has been deflected.

       Some of the 'cavalry' is really mounted infantry, trained to dismount and shoot from cover.

                                                   El Generalismo and his bodyguard.

                           The elite Contra regiment, made up mostly of mercenary veterans from other wars. Among its ranks are Hermans, Redians, Blusians and Amerigans. It acquitted itself well in the Cortesian civil war when the 'Hell bound' Juaristas were vanquished.

                                            An observation eye view of the Lionians.

                                                      Morning fog lifts from the scene.