Linebattle Events: Overview

Linebattles represent the organized, historical-immersion core of Holdfast: Nations At War. Unlike standard public play, these events are strictly regulated by administrators and community-led officers to simulate the rigid tactical formations of the Napoleonic Era.

Participation is split between Public Events (open to all players) and Private Events (restricted to established Regiments). Most events utilize Hardcore Settings, featuring increased projectile deviation, significant bullet drop, and enabled friendly fire.

1. Phases of Engagement

A standard linebattle round follows a strictly enforced three-phase structure:

Formation (Setup): Spawning is open for a fixed period. Players form lines at their respective spawn locations. Regiments pre-assign leadership, while public players join designated "Public Lines."
Live Combat: Once admins signal "LIVE" via global chat, maneuvers begin. Infantry lines must remain formed and shouldered to engage.
All Charge (AC): Triggered by a timer or stalemate. At this stage, firearm use is prohibited (with limited exceptions for Officer pistols). All units fix bayonets and engage in a final melee skirmish until one side is eliminated.

2. Standardized Combat Rules

While individual hosts may apply specific variations, the following rules constitute the universal "Hardcore" standard:

Rule Category	Regulation
Firing State	You may only fire when stationary and "shouldered" within a valid line.
Crouching	Generally prohibited. Allowed only for Skirmishers or the rear rank of a double-line.
Line Minimum	A line must typically contain 3+ Muskets to be combat-effective. If below this, the unit must merge or charge.
Spacing	Soldiers must maintain a "shoulder-to-shoulder" formation to count as a valid line.

3. Terminology & Regulatory Abbreviations

Administrators use specific terminology to issue warnings or "slay" (instantly kill) players violating immersion rules:

FOL (Fire Out of Line): Discharging a firearm while not part of a valid, shouldered formation.
FIC (Fire In Charge): Firing while in melee combat or while the line is currently charging.
ROL (Reloading Out of Line): In some "Realism" events, you must remain stationary and formed to reload.
OA (Officer Aiming): Targeting an enemy officer at close range is often restricted to preserve tactical leadership.
Ramboing: Acting as a lone wolf without a formation. This is the most common cause for administrative intervention.

4. Specialist Roles

Infantry Lines

Lines are the primary combat unit. Under an Officer, the rank-and-file utilize the Line Infantry Accuracy Buff (+10%–20% depending on orders). If an officer falls, a designated NCO or the next player in line should immediately assume command to maintain formation cohesion.

Skirmishers & Light Infantry

Skirmishers operate with looser constraints. They are permitted to fire without shouldering, utilize natural cover, and crouch. However, they are strictly limited in number and must maintain proximity to their assigned detachment.

Support Classes

Musicians & Flag Bearers: Provide passive reload and accuracy buffs. They must typically be shouldered to the main line.
Surgeons & Sappers: Non-combatant roles that roam the field to provide healing and fortifications. Firing rules for these classes are highly restrictive; check specific event "SOPs" (Standard Operating Procedures).

Artillery

Artillery availability is determined by the host. Crews are responsible for their pieces and must follow "Counter-Battery" rules—often prohibiting firing on enemy cannons until a specific time has elapsed in the round.

5. Progression & Personalization (Linebattle 2.0)

With the Linebattle 2.0 and Field Orders overhauls, Holdfast transitioned from a purely cosmetic system to a deep, character-focused progression model. Players now earn experience and currency to distinguish themselves on the battlefield through veteran appearances and specialized equipment.

The Global Soldier Rank

While each individual class (e.g., Line Infantry, Officer) has its own level, players also possess a Global Soldier Rank (Max 50). This rank is prominently displayed on your player card and serves as the primary gateway for unlocking higher-tier rewards and order categories.

Field Orders & Shillings

The Field Orders system is the primary method for earning Shillings, the in-game currency used to purchase items in the Armoury.

Active Orders: Players have four active order slots. To progress toward a reward, an order must be manually selected and "slotted" in the Armoury.
Tiered Progression: Orders are divided into six tiers, unlocked at Global Soldier Ranks 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50. High-tier orders provide significantly larger Shilling payouts.
Feats of Strength: These are long-term, high-difficulty challenges (e.g., "Kill 50 enemies with a bayonet while shouting") that reward exclusive character unlocks, legendary medals, and unique titles.

Customization Options

Unlockables are managed through the Armoury (Barracks) and are categorized by faction and era:

Category	Unlockables & Mechanics
Physical Appearance	Access to 15+ unique heads featuring period-accurate facial hair, battle scars, and accessories.
Voice Customization	Players can adjust the pitch of their character's voice for unique shouts and patriotic cheers.
Weaponry Skins	Unlock "Rusty," "Service," or "Decorated" variants for every firearm. Legendaries include Napoleon’s Sword and the Gold Frying Pan.
Equipment	Purchase specialized gear like Backpacks, which add a high-detail aesthetic to your soldier's silhouette.
Regiment Tags	Automated tag and rank formatting for Regiment members, allowing unit leaders to sync their members' names and icons automatically.

6. Tactical Note: Progression Clarity

Fact Check: Progression in Holdfast is strictly cosmetic and informational. Higher levels do not grant increased health, faster reload speeds, or better accuracy. This ensures that even with 500 hours of playtime, a veteran has no mechanical advantage over a new recruit in a linebattle.

7. Getting Involved

To find an event, consult the Official Holdfast Discord under the #event-notice channel.

Public Events: Usually held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.
Recruitment Rounds: Most events conclude with a "Recruitment Round" where regiments present their history to prospective new members.

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