This page is showing us the Imperial troops taking cover from massive explosion from the previous page. I recall being inspiredby by footage of U.S. troops doing similar maneuvers during the nuclear tests back in the 1950s.  

And the last panel has the Gothic vessel shattering a mountain. Anytime I can use Kirby crackle in a comic I'm a happy artist! I aspire to one day incorporate it into a Tales From The Smoking Wyrm cover, I just need the right subject matter to justify it...