Intel File: Keisotsu-Butai
Intel File: Keisotsu-Butai
To appease the growing unrest in Japan, the Yu-Jing Emperor passed a decree allowing for the formation of Japanese only regiments – the Keisotsu Butai. These regiments had their own culture and uniforms and were allowed to speak Japanese. The dream of a greater identity for the second class Japanese citizens was soon undermined as the Keisotsu were given inferior equipment, training and sent to the front lines of the most dangerous conflicts to be cannon fodder. Rather than deter the nationalise of the Keisotsu, it just strengthened it and from within the Keisotsu’s ranks rose the Kempeitai who started to lead Keisotsu soldiers in shadowy operations and open revolt of their Yu King masters.
Profile Overview
The Keisotsu-Butai are the basic line troopers of the Japanese Sectorial army, but every great force is build upon the foundations of the lowliest unit. In the JSA they have AVA – Total, but they are also available in Yu Jing and make a cheaper choice than the Zanshi.
Looking over their statics, they have a BS of 10 which is below the average of 11 for line troopers and CC is a respectable 14. Their PH is also a pretty poor 10 but their WP is however a respectable 12. As Line Troopers they have a standard ARM of 1 and BTS 0 – extra crunchy.
All Keisotsu also have the special skill Valour: Courage – so not only do they auto pass guts rolls, they do not enter into retreat! They may also form link teams with Keisotsu (as well as adding a Kempeitai and Yuriko Odo).
Keisotsu come with a variety of weapon and specialist loadouts.
Combo Rifle (9) – The basic version of the Keisotsu, and also the basic template for the specialists. They also have a pistol and knife.
Forward Observer (10) – The cheapest specialist option – they are also great in the ARO with their Flash Pulse. As a technical weapon it uses WP not BS and with a WP of 12 and a good range up to 24″ this makes a better option that shooting back. In a 5 man link at good range this becomes a Burst 2 WP 18 attack.
Paramedic (11) – My least favourite specialist. At a cost of 11 they are more expensive than the FO who is usually my stock specialist. The Medkit comes of course with access to the MediKit pistol but with the target needing to roll PH-3 to revive – ofter paramedics are far more effective that the opponents troopers at killing your own troopers
Hacker (17/0.5SWC) – While their WP of 12 may not be as good as other hackers, having a basic hacker to do programs like U-Turn, Hack Transport Aircraft and buff remotes with assisted fire can be invaluable. Also with the changes in HS3N they can now do Entire Order actions without dropping out of the link
Combi Rifle + Light Grenade Launcher (13/0.5 SWC)– A very situational weapon. The LGL can be used for Speculative fire – and while in a 5 man link this gives a BS of 10 inside 16″ (10 + 3 Range +3 Link -6 Spec Fire), but only a burst of 1. The Keisotsu LGL is however much cheaper in SWC than the Zanshi and Celestial Guard versions which cost 1.0 SWC!
HMG (17/1.0 SWC) – With good range and an excellent rate of fire, even with a BS 10 the HMG is respectable. In a 5 man link they becomes a BS 16 in good range with a Burst of 5, and Damage 15!
Missile Launcher (14/1.5 SWC) – My most popular special weapon load out in a 5 man link, at burst 2 and a BS of 16 at ranges over 24″ this powerful weapon can deliver 2 missiles with Damage 14 and Explosive/AP (Anti Tank) or Explosive/Template (Burst). This weapon is powerful enough to make anyone keep their head down and can take on HI and TAGs with ease.
Multi-Sniper (17/1.5 SWC) – My least favourite SWC option Usually Keisotsu want to be mobile to go get objectives which isn’t compatible with being a sniper in a nest.
Finally Keisotsu may also be your Lieutenant, but at a hefty cost of 1.0 SWC (which was reduced from 2.o pre-HS3N). JSA have limited LT options and they all tend to be obvious main character units, so spending the SWC on hiding your LT and a Keisotsu could be a sound tactic – albeit expensive!
Link Team Options
Although only a Line Trooper the Keisotsu can make a cheap and effective Fire Team: Core, either on their own or with Kempeitai and Yuriko Odo.
All Keisostu-Link
Forward Observer (10), Paramedic (11), Hacker (17), HMG (14), Missile Launcher (17), Total Cost 69 (3.0 SWC).
This team allows you to have a variety of specialists and is able to operate at a variety of range bands from long range missile launcher shots >32″ to HMG between 16-32″ and the Combi at less that 16″. It also give you the Hacker option for buffing REMs and each type of specialists for nailing those classified’s.
Keisotsu-Butai Elite Strike Team
Yuriko Odo (Panzerfaust – 24), Kempeitei (Boarding Shotgun, Chain of Command – 23), Missile Launcher (17), Forward Observer (10), Hacker (17), Total Cost 91 (2SWC).
The most elite load out – led by Yuroko Odo who is not only a specialist Engineer, but also has a disposable (2) Panzerfaust which can be shooting at 16-32 on BS 18! The Kempeitai Chain of Command allows you to take a more risky stance with your LT (like Asuka Kisuragi)
Secondary Links
Keisotsu can also make an effective second link alongside Domurai or Domaru/Haramaki links you can then spend your command token to form the Keisotsu into a link and move the up the table with order efficiency to get them to objectives.
Example List
In this list the Keisotsu form their own Combat Group acting as a tough fire team to fight and specialist/objective grabbers while the 1st combat group can engage the enemy head on.
Masters List A JSA
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GROUP 1 6 Order / 2 Imp/ 3 Ex Imp
YOJIMBO Contender, Nanopulser, Smoke Grenades, CrazyKoalas (2) / Pistol, DA CCW. (0 | 21)
ASUKA KISARAGI Lieutenant Combi Rifle + Light Flamethrower / Assault Pistol, Knife. (0 | 27)
ARAGOTO Hacker (Assault Hacking Device) Combi Rifle + Light Shotgun / Pistol, Knife. (0.5 | 30)
NINJA Hacker (Killer Hacking Device) Tactical Bow / Pistol, DA CCW, Knife. (0 | 29)
RAIDEN (Minelayer, X Visor) Heavy Rocket Launcher, Antipersonnel Mines / Pistol, Knife. (1.5 | 21)
HÙSÒNG Yaókòng HMG / Electric Pulse. (1 | 25)
RUI SHI Spitfire / Electric Pulse. (1 | 20)
WARCOR (Aerocam) Flash Pulse / Stun Pistol, Knife. (0 | 3)
GROUP 2 6 Orders
KEISOTSU Combi Rifle / Pistol, Knife. (0 | 9)
KEMPEI (Chain of Command) Boarding Shotgun / Pistol, CCW, Electric Pulse. (0 | 21)
KEISOTSU Hacker (Hacking Device) Combi Rifle / Pistol, Knife. (0.5 | 17)
YURIKO ODA Combi Rifle, Panzerfaust, D-Charges, Antipersonnel Mines / Pistol, CCW. (0 | 24)
KEISOTSU Missile Launcher / Pistol, Knife. (1.5 | 14)
SAITO TOGAN Combi Rifle, Smoke Grenades / Pistol, EXP CCW, Knife. (0 | 39)
6 SWC | 300 Points