Claymores Unit Guide

Unit Details

• Season 10: Highlanders
• Acquisition: Seasonal Challenges
• Unlocked Via: Seasonal Unit Challenges
• Type: Melee Infantry - Special
• Era: Heroic Era

Recruit warriors from the far reaches of the Highlands when three brand-new Seasonal Units arrive in Season X: Highlanders. The second of these new Units is a heroic band of greatsword-wielding warriors: the Claymores (4-Star).

Originating in Scotland and brandished in battles between 1400–1700 by Highland Scots, a claymore is often referred to as The Blade of Scotland. The unique weapon was created in the early Renaissance period, and the name is derived from the Gaelic word “claidheamohmor”, meaning “great sword”. The word ‘greatsword’ is attributed to any two-handed double-edged sword, whereas a ‘claymore’ is the term for the similar yet basket-hilted blade historically used by Scottish Highlanders.

While greatswords are often cumbersome due to their immense size and weight, the claymore had ample slashing power and, in close quarters, could hack through an enemy formation like a hot knife through butter.

In Conqueror’s Blade, the Highlander clans march into battle at the side of their chieftain, and there is no greater honour that can be bestowed upon a soldier than to be entrusted with one of the prized claymores; forged by the most skilled swordsmiths in the land and capable of cutting through steel mail and flesh alike.

Going all-out with every attack, the Claymores make excellent shock troops by charging into battle, gaining defence as they attack. The enemies of the clans dread conflicts where they must face these fearless warriors, particularly after the Battle of Gallows Hill, where thirty claymore-armed warriors held off many times their own numbers in the face of a furious barrage from the Loegrians.

Core Unit Statistics

Unit Traits:

• For Freedom - Each time a Claymore warrior attacks and hits an enemy, all defences are increased by 40 points. Stackable up to 5 times.
• Fearless Heart - When a Claymore unit uses a skill other than "For Freedom" it will get a "Heart of Bravery" effect. For 5 seconds, it will get to ignore an extra 10% damage. Every time it attacks, it will restore 150 Health on itself and nearby allies. Stackable up to 5 times. It also reduces melee damage taken by 20% for 2 seconds. This effect will become stronger when using "For Freedom" restoring 300 points of Health and reducing melee damage taken by 35%.
• Highlanders - For the duration of Season X this unit's Leadership cost is reduced by 10%.
• All-out Attack - Highland Warriors go all out on every attack. "Highland Charge" and "Claymore Strike" share a cooldown. After using "For Freedom", the unit enters a weakened state in which movement speed and attack speed are reduced by 50%, damage dealt is reduced by 40%, and damage taken is increased by 40%. Lasts 10 seconds.

Formations:

• Dispersed - The unit spreads out a little to lessen the damage from ranged attacks.
• Column - A narrow formation effective for charging under enemy fire.

Unit Orders:

• Highland Charge - The unit charges toward the target, inflicting damage to enemies along the way (with 'For Freedom', the charge inflicts greater damage to Blocking). After the charge ends, the unit gains the 'Fearless Heart' effect.
• Claymore Strike - The warrior swings their swords, dealing damage to nearby enemies (with 'Freedom of Faith', enemies will be knocked back). The unit also obtains the 'Fearless Heart' effect.
• For Freedom! - The Claymores roar for freedom, empowering their other skills and Unwavering Heart for 15 seconds. They gain 40% damage reduction, 20% increased damage, and 2,000 maximum health. Once the skill runs out, the Claymores are weakened for 10 seconds, reducing their movement and attack speed by 50%, damage by 40%, and increasing the damage they take by 40%. 

Veterancy Paths:

Core Path:

• The Soldier's Life (2): Each level increases health by 3%.

Top Path:

• Razor-Sharp (3): Each level increases slashing damage by 3%.
• The Soldier's Life (2): Each level increases health by 3%.
• Reflexes (2): Each level increases ranged resistance by 5%.
• Hone (3): Each level increases slashing armour penetration by 3%.
• Cold Blood (3): Each level reduces Highland Charge and Claymore Stroke cooldown by 2 seconds.
• Move as One (2): Each level increases movement speed by 5%.
• Razor-Sharp (2): Each level increases slashing damage by 3%.
• Vigorous Strike (2): Each level increases Claymore Strike damage by 5%.
• Gale Force (1): Increases damage dealt during "For Freedom!" by 15%.

Bottom Path:

• Toughen Up (2): Each level increases piercing defence by 3%.
• The Soldier's Life (2): Increases health by 3%.
• Reflexes (3): Each level reduced ranged damage taken by 5%.
• Fear Nothing (3): Each level reduces damage taken during Highland Charge by 5%.
• A Hundred Paces (1): Each level reduces Highland Charge and Claymore Strike cooldown by 2 seconds.
• Bloodbath (2): Each level increases slashing defense by 3%.
• The Soldier's Life (3): Increases health by 3%. 
• Unwavering (3): Each level reduces damage taken during Courageous Heart by 3%.
• Profound (1): Increases maximum health during "For Freedom!" by 2,000.

Unit Kit Crafting

Lore Books:

Claymores: Part 1

[The text is quite long, but you are able to glean a few details:]
Claymores developed from the longswords used by knights, but were made longer so as to save the wielder from having to carry a shield. This required the bearer to wear full plate armour. In the Highlands however, the clan warriors would wear light armour instead and rely on mobility and swordsmanship to protect them.

Related Information:

• Season 10: Highlanders
• Houndsmen (5.0 Stars)
• Bagpipers (3.0 Stars)