Ayyubid Sultanate

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Ahdath, literally "young men", a kind of urban militia which plays a considerable role in the cities of Syria and Upper Mesopotamia from the 4th/ioth to the 6th/12th centuries, and is particularly well known at Aleppo and Damascus. Officially, its role is that of a police, charged with public order, fire-fighting, etc., and also, in time of need, with military defence in reinforcement of the regular troops. (The Encyclopaedia of Islam, A-B, Vol. 1 (Brill, 1986) p. 256)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

The Ahdath, literally "young men", a kind of urban militia which plays a considerable role in the cities of Syria and Upper Mesopotamia from the 4th/ioth to the 6th/12th centuries, and is particularly well known at Aleppo and Damascus. Officially, its role is that of a police, charged with public order, fire-fighting, etc., and also, in time of need, with military defence in reinforcement of the regular troops. (The Encyclopaedia of Islam, A-B, Vol. 1 (Brill, 1986) p. 256)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Infantry were never counted as a part of an Ayyubid or Mamluk army proper. Mamluk infantry units were irregulars recruited ad-hoc in times of military campaigns, usually from Arab, Kurdish, Turkoman, and Druze tribes of the Levant. Principally they were utilized for garrisoning fortresses, sieges, amphibious assaults, and occassionally accompanying the Mamluk field army. Mamluk manuals states that the infantry are to hold the line if the army were caught unprepared, until the cavalry can mount up and organize themselves. As attested by Al-Maqrizi report of a 1354 battle, the front line kneels in shieldwall, spears held from the their chest, archers stood right behind ready to shoot at the enemies’ face, as cavalry stood in safety. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 42, 77)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Ghazi, in the medieval warfare context, can best be described as warriors on Holy warfare for Islam. Typically a good way to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world, rulers could also invoke Jihad as a way to bolster their manpower for campaigns, as there was no shortage of religious zealots and people looking for plunder.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition of the Faction
• Cheaper to field for the faction

Description

'Urban at-Ta'a = "Obedient Arabs" Bedouin Nomads loyal to the central authority, serving as light cavalry, scouts, raiders, and screening force. Some Arab tribes were tasked with supplying horses to the Barid postal service, and guarding roads south to Sudan. Mamluk-Bedouin Arab relation are not a smooth one, as the tribes tend to be unruly and disobedient. The Mamluks did not refrain from employing the harshest and cruellest measures in order to suppress the revolting Urban. Unfortunately for the Mamluks it is to no avail, the 'Urban keep revolting - they dominated Upper Egypt and Sudan, and in 15th, even spread their power over Lower Egypt (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, p.23-31) Each region fielded draws different composition of auxiliaries, with Egyptian and Damascene armies utilizing most of the Bedouins of Central Arab and Egyptian Delta (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977) p. 73)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition of the Faction
• Cheaper to field for the faction

Description

'Urban at-Ta'a = "Obedient Arabs" Bedouin Nomads loyal to the central authority, serving as light cavalry, scouts, raiders, and screening force. Some Arab tribes were tasked with supplying horses to the Barid postal service, and guarding roads south to Sudan. Mamluk-Bedouin Arab relation are not a smooth one, as the tribes tend to be unruly and disobedient. The Mamluks did not refrain from employing the harshest and cruellest measures in order to suppress the revolting Urban. Unfortunately for the Mamluks it is to no avail, the 'Urban keep revolting - they dominated Upper Egypt and Sudan, and in 15th, even spread their power over Lower Egypt (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, p.23-31) Each region fielded draws different composition of auxiliaries, with Egyptian and Damascene armies utilizing most of the Bedouins of Central Arab and Egyptian Delta (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977) p. 73)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition of the Faction
• Cheaper to field for the faction

Description

'Urban at-Ta'a = "Obedient Arabs" Bedouin Nomads loyal to the central authority, serving as light cavalry, scouts, raiders, and screening force. Some Arab tribes were tasked with supplying horses to the Barid postal service, and guarding roads south to Sudan. Mamluk-Bedouin Arab relation are not a smooth one, as the tribes tend to be unruly and disobedient. The Mamluks did not refrain from employing the harshest and cruellest measures in order to suppress the revolting Urban. Unfortunately for the Mamluks it is to no avail, the 'Urban keep revolting - they dominated Upper Egypt and Sudan, and in 15th, even spread their power over Lower Egypt (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, p.23-31) Each region fielded draws different composition of auxiliaries, with Egyptian and Damascene armies utilizing most of the Bedouins of Central Arab and Egyptian Delta (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977) p. 73)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Murtaziqa were full-time enlisted soldier, given rizq (wage).The term Murtaziqa may mean common mercenary in modern Arabic parlance with all of its connotations, but in the specific context of Medieval Maghrib administration it means any regularly paid soldiers. Under Almohads, the Murtaziqa were paid 3 times per year, and 4 under the Hafsids. (Dominique Sourdel, Jacinto Bosch Vilá 'Regierung und Verwaltung des vorderen Orients in islamischer Zeit: Teil 2, Volume 2' (Brill, 1979) pp. 139;

Strengths & weaknesses

• Capable of both Melee and Ranged fighting

Description

Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. As time went on since the Abbasid implementation of the Ghulam system, they grew into some form of praetorian guard, playing kingmaker for the Caliphate. Regardless, Muslim rulers found Ghulaman to be indispensable for both their protection and to counter-balance the ambitions of powerful amirs. Many dynasties came from freed Ghulaman, Mamluks, who were put into important positions of power and emancipated during power struggles, notable examples including Egypt, Northern India and Khwarazm.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Amir Mi'a Muqaddam Alf, may have 100 Mamluks and Commands 1000 Halqa horsemen, but Commander of the Mamluk Army, the Atabak al-Asakir may have up to 500-1000 Mamluks under his command. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 467-470)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Al-Akrad, the Kurdish units of the Late Ayyubid Army came from several sources. Either from mercenaries who offered their services, Tribal units, and Wafidiyya or refugees. In the time of Salahuddin al-Ayyubi, there were 4 tribes that functioned as separate units, but grouped together in order of battle as a single block. Those were the Hakkariyya, Humaydiyya, Zarzariyya, and Mihraniyya. Salahuddin’s own Hadhbani tribe supplied a large number of Ayyubid Amirs, even though the tribe never mentioned to form a single unit. Within the Wafidiyya, there were two Kurdish groups, the Qaymariyya and Shahrazuriyya (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977), pp. 90-93) Together with the Turkmen, Kurdish tribes were made military settlers by the Mamluks throughtout Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, p.15)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

The Jund are the standing army comprised of raised militia and paid soldiers either by salary, or more commonly by land grant forming military colonies. Originally in the Ummayad era, it specifically means military colonies, districts, and barracks, and the regiments it housed who were capable of long expeditions. Along time, the term come to describe the army as a whole. (The Encyclopaedia of Islam, C-G, Vol. 2 (Brill, 1993) p 601)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

The Jund are the standing army comprised of raised militia and paid soldiers either by salary, or more commonly by land grant forming military colonies. Originally in the Ummayad era, it specifically means military colonies, districts, and barracks, and the regiments it housed who were capable of long expeditions. Along time, the term come to describe the army as a whole. (The Encyclopaedia of Islam, C-G, Vol. 2 (Brill, 1993) p 601)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

The Jund are the standing army comprised of raised militia and paid soldiers either by salary, or more commonly by land grant forming military colonies. Originally in the Ummayad era, it specifically means military colonies, districts, and barracks, and the regiments it housed who were capable of long expeditions. Along time, the term come to describe the army as a whole. (The Encyclopaedia of Islam, C-G, Vol. 2 (Brill, 1993) p 601)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Sultan As-Salih Al-Ayyubi in his rise to power transformed the Ayyubid Sultanate in several ways. First, he attempted to change the Sultanate from a confederation of principalities where the Ayyubid Sultan was the primus inter pares, into a centralized autocratic state. Second, to centralize the military power, he recruited Mamluk in en-masse. These changes led to the foundation of the later Mamluk sultanate. Amongst the purchased Mamluks he trained to be the new core of the army, he organized into two units: The 200-men strong Jamdariyyah and the 800-men strong Bahriyyah. The Bahriyyah namesake was the river island barrack they were based in. (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977), pp. 94-97)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Sultan As-Salih Al-Ayyubi in his rise to power transformed the Ayyubid Sultanate in several ways. First, he attempted to change the Sultanate from a confederation of principalities where the Ayyubid Sultan was the primus inter pares, into a centralized autocratic state. Second, to centralize the military power, he recruited Mamluk in en-masse. These changes led to the foundation of the later Mamluk sultanate. Amongst the purchased Mamluks he trained to be the new core of the army, he organized into two units: The 200-men strong Jamdariyyah and the 800-men strong Bahriyyah. The Bahriyyah namesake was the river island barrack they were based in. (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977), pp. 94-97)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Even though the Composite Bow is the Mamluk's main ranged weaponry, a Mamluk archery manual from 1386 contains a section about shooting Crossbow from horseback. The crossbow is a Qaws ar-Riqab (stirrup crossbow), used with jabbadh (belt) and khattaf (double hook) (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 110)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Infantry were never counted as a part of an Ayyubid or Mamluk army proper. Mamluk infantry units were irregulars recruited ad-hoc in times of military campaigns, usually from Arab, Kurdish, Turkoman, and Druze tribes of the Levant. Principally they were utilized for garrisoning fortresses, sieges, amphibious assaults, and occassionally accompanying the Mamluk field army. Mamluk manuals states that the infantry are to hold the line if the army were caught unprepared, until the cavalry can mount up and organize themselves. As attested by Al-Maqrizi report of a 1354 battle, the front line kneels in shieldwall, spears held from the their chest, archers stood right behind ready to shoot at the enemies’ face, as cavalry stood in safety. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 42, 77)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Incendiary weapons became a mainstay of the battles during the Crusades, most importantly in siege warfare. Nafta grenades were the favoured weapons of the Muslims, even being imported all the way into India. Dedicated soldiers would be tasked with using such dangerous weapons and wear special coats less vulnerable to the flames.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The mainstay of the Ayyubid army were Kurdish and Turkish horse archers. The Qaraghulam were Ghulam Turkish Horse Archers of the Sultan's central army - in 1181 during the rule of Salahuddin al-Ayyubi, he had 1153 Qaraghulam. (Darakshan Anjum, "State and Civilization Under the Syro-Egyptian Ayyubids (1171-1250). Aligarh Muslim University (2002) p. 72) Note that the "Qara" or black in the name does not denote Black Africans, since Salahuddin has disbanded the old Fatimid army, and mounted archery is the fighting style of the Turks. Most likely, Qara refers to the Turks from the North, denoted by Black in the traditional Turkish Colour-Cardinal Directions association.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

The Fatimid Era Black Sudanese Army was crushed by Salahuddin al-Ayyubi in a revolt in 1169, and the unit disbanded. The Sudanese in Ayyubid service at Arsuf 1191 and Damietta 1221 therefore must be a new unit. The Ayyubid Sudanese Army however was much smaller, and continue to dwindle so much that in the time of the Bahriyyah Mamluk’s ascension to power the Sudanese unit has disappeared. (Ian Heath, Armies and Enemies of the Crusade 1096-1291 (Wargames Research, 1978) p. 22; Darakshan Anjum, "State and Civilization Under the Syro-Egyptian Ayyubids (1171-1250). Aligarh Muslim University (2002) p. 71)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Halqa means Ring or Circle, and Al-Halqa al-Khassah were the Ayyubid Sultan's elite inner circle guard. They were composed of knights with small fiefs and free small landholders serving the central administration, although sometimes a Mamluk can be a member of the Halqa. The Halqa al-Khassah holds prestigious position especially in Salahuddin's reign, and even at the early Mamluk era, where they occupied the same place side-by-side with the Bahriyya Mamluks. This were not to last however, as the Mamluks in their land redistribution in order to centralise power rendered the Halqa powerless. (Darakshan Anjum, "State and Civilization Under the Syro-Egyptian Ayyubids (1171-1250). Aligarh Muslim University (2002) p. 72; David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 448-449)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Axe-bearing Royal Guards were a common symbol of a Sultan's power in the Middle East. Jean de Joinville described 30 Halqa members in 1250 carrying dane-axes hung on their necks. (Ian Heath, Armies and Enemies of the Crusade 1096-1291 (Wargames Research, 1978) p. 93) In Mamluk era, Sultan al-Näsir Muhammad Qaläwün used to go to the hippodrome (maydän) in an impressive procession. A group of Kurdish axe-bearers (tabardäriyya) went on foot in front of him with their drawn axes (atbär) (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, p.22)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Kitāb al-Khiṭaṭ al-Maqrīzīyah defined the Tawashiyya as an holder of an income ranging from 700 and 1,000 and 1,200 dinars; which has a baggage train (barak) composed of ten or less heads of animals, including pure-bred horses, ordinary horses, mules, and camels; and has a page who carries his arms. In the year 1181 Salahuddin reorganised the regular forces in Egypt. The number of the troops amounted to 8.640 - 6876 of them were Tawashiyya. From their names, the Tawashiyya were Arabs, possibly also Kurds, and not Mamluks. Amirs of the Ayyubid era brought Tawashiyya in their retinues instead of Mamluks, up to early Mamluk era. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 464-466; Darakshan Anjum, "State and Civilization Under the Syro-Egyptian Ayyubids (1171-1250). Aligarh Muslim University (2002) p. 72)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

At-Turkman at-Ta'a = "Obedient Turkmen" Turkmen loyal to the central authority. Turkmen were the most favoured of Mamluk Sultanate's auxiliaries. Together with the Kurds, they were settled to guard Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine from threats. Some Turkmen tribes were given the honor and task of running the Barid postal network and supplying the Sultanate with warhorses. (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, pp.14-21) Each region fielded draws different composition of auxiliaries, with Syrian armies utilizing most of the Turkmen (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977) p. 73)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Wafidiyya = "Refugees" unit formed from people displaced by the Mongol Invasion. They especially includes Mongol defectors and Muslim soldiers from destroyed realms - Persians, Turkomans, Kurds; excellent horsemen from the get-go which the Mamluks need not to provide training. (Reuven Amitai-Preiss 'Mongols and Mamluks The Mamluk-Īlkhānid War, 1260-1281' (Cambridge University Press: 1995) Within the Wafidiyya, there were two Kurdish groups, the Qaymariyya and Shahrazuriyya (The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, p. 92-93) In Mamluk Sultanate, they enter the ranks of the Sultan's Halqa, or as Tawashiyya under the Amirs. Later on, as the Wafidiyya influx dwindled, Amirs no longer has a cheap source of experienced troops; therefore it forces the Amirs to buy an all-Mamluk retinue if he wants his personal troops to have any value at all at the battlefield, no matter the high expenses. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 472-475)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

It is slow to reload and lacks the distance of drawn bows but makes up for it in power.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

These knights dominate both society and the battlefield in medieval Europe. Under the feudal system each man owes military service to his lord in return for protection, a grant of land, and the peasants to work it. Trained as warriors from birth, their favourite tactic is the headlong charge. Despite the simple tactics, their strong armour, heavy lances, and martial prowess mean that only the most resolute can resist them

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Knights would often dismount and fight on foot when the situation demanded it. Dismounted they make excellent heavy infantry.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Squires are used to do what a knight would consider too low, and mounted sergeants are used to do what a squire would consider too low even for him" -- "Since common peasant couldn't afford a horse, but there was still the need for a rapid scout unit (and noble knights considered scouting a dishonourable task), trusted sergeants who showed cunning behaviour were given second-choice horses and used as a light and fast cavalry force, usually sent ahead of the main army to scout the area and harass enemy light troops or carriages. Being fast, they can easily outmanoeuver infantry and heavy cavalry, allowing them to hit fast and hard unprotected targets such as archers or supply convoys, but they should never be used against actual cavalry and trained infantry."

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"To be ranked a servant may seem ridiculous to a noble, but for most, it is the best they can hope to achieve" -- Coming from the Latin term "servientem", meaning "servant", sergeant is a rank used in almost every European army of the time (and still today). While each nation had its own technical meaning for the rank, generally the sergeant was the highest rank a low-born commoner could aspire to, since all higher offices were reserved for the nobles. Being promoted sergeant required that a soldier had survived many battles, and had performed many acts of valour (usually visible from the scars most sergeants sported), and meant better equipment and a higher salary (usually a larger part of the loot), which for most soldiers could mean the difference between returning to their homes as a serf and becoming an actual free land-owner. Usually sergeants oversaw training and equipment of small units, and led them in battle. Sometimes, sergeants were grouped together and used as a powerful fist to break the enemy lines, or to defend a focal point: well armed and experienced, these veterans are not to be underestimated.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

It is slow to reload and lacks the distance of drawn bows but makes up for it in power.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

These knights dominate both society and the battlefield in medieval Europe. Under the feudal system each man owes military service to his lord in return for protection, a grant of land, and the peasants to work it. Trained as warriors from birth, their favourite tactic is the headlong charge. Despite the simple tactics, their strong armour, heavy lances, and martial prowess mean that only the most resolute can resist them

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Knights would often dismount and fight on foot when the situation demanded it. Dismounted they make excellent heavy infantry.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Squires are used to do what a knight would consider too low, and mounted sergeants are used to do what a squire would consider too low even for him" -- "Since common peasant couldn't afford a horse, but there was still the need for a rapid scout unit (and noble knights considered scouting a dishonourable task), trusted sergeants who showed cunning behaviour were given second-choice horses and used as a light and fast cavalry force, usually sent ahead of the main army to scout the area and harass enemy light troops or carriages. Being fast, they can easily outmanoeuver infantry and heavy cavalry, allowing them to hit fast and hard unprotected targets such as archers or supply convoys, but they should never be used against actual cavalry and trained infantry."

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"To be ranked a servant may seem ridiculous to a noble, but for most, it is the best they can hope to achieve" -- Coming from the Latin term "servientem", meaning "servant", sergeant is a rank used in almost every European army of the time (and still today). While each nation had its own technical meaning for the rank, generally the sergeant was the highest rank a low-born commoner could aspire to, since all higher offices were reserved for the nobles. Being promoted sergeant required that a soldier had survived many battles, and had performed many acts of valour (usually visible from the scars most sergeants sported), and meant better equipment and a higher salary (usually a larger part of the loot), which for most soldiers could mean the difference between returning to their homes as a serf and becoming an actual free land-owner. Usually sergeants oversaw training and equipment of small units, and led them in battle. Sometimes, sergeants were grouped together and used as a powerful fist to break the enemy lines, or to defend a focal point: well armed and experienced, these veterans are not to be underestimated.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Squires are used to do what a knight would consider too low, and mounted sergeants are used to do what a squire would consider too low even for him" -- "Since common peasant couldn't afford a horse, but there was still the need for a rapid scout unit (and noble knights considered scouting a dishonourable task), trusted sergeants who showed cunning behaviour were given second-choice horses and used as a light and fast cavalry force, usually sent ahead of the main army to scout the area and harass enemy light troops or carriages. Being fast, they can easily outmanoeuver infantry and heavy cavalry, allowing them to hit fast and hard unprotected targets such as archers or supply convoys, but they should never be used against actual cavalry and trained infantry."

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"I... do profess and promise chastity, giving up all property, and obedience to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary and to you...Master of the Teutonic Order, and to your successors, according to the Rules and Regulations of the Order. And I will be obedient to you, and to your successors, even unto death." -- The Ritterbrüder are the highest ranking members of the Teutonic Order, taking an additional vow of chastity: usually members of great German noble houses, these men fear no enemy, both in politics and on the battlefield. Armed and equipped with the finest products of the Empire's most renowned blacksmiths, the Ritterbrüder ride into battle atop powerful steeds, pride and joy of generations of breeding.Their charge can shatter all but the most stubborn pike formations, and usually their enemies don't even try to resist, breaking formation in a desperate attempt to flee their doom, only to be trampled upon by their stallions. The Ritterbrüder however aren't invincible, as all this armour makes their charge quite slow: as such, light skirmishers can safely shower them in arrows and javelins, only to retreat when the Ritterbrüder try to chase them. Thus, they must be supported by light troops, otherwise they might find themselves cornered and taken out one by one by a cunning foe.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Half-brother, Double the fury" -- The Haldbrüder were full-fledged members of the Order, but ranked lower since they took only half the oath (they didn't take the chastity vow). Still, their zeal, fanatism and martial prowess match their higher ranking brothers. Being usually members of minor noble houses, they can afford horses and finely crafted armours, and as such serve as medium shock cavalry, trampling over lesser enemies while the Ritterbrüder engage the enemy elite troops. Since their armours aren't as heavy as the ones used by the Ritterbrüder, they are better at flanking the enemy and fighting against the fast Lithuanian cavalry.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

These artillery pieces resemble giant crossbows, on a simple wheeled carriage. They can hurl javelins with great accuracy, and the power of these machines means that their bolts can pierce any armour.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

These artillery pieces resemble giant crossbows, on a simple wheeled carriage. They can hurl javelins with great accuracy, and the power of these machines means that their bolts can pierce any armour.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Constructed of wood and capable of flinging stones large enough to crush a man's head, the catapult was a common site on the ancient Roman battlefield. Now in the medieval era, the catapult is being replaced by newer and more powerful weapons.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Constructed of wood and capable of flinging stones large enough to crush a man's head, the catapult was a common site on the ancient Roman battlefield. Now in the medieval era, the catapult is being replaced by newer and more powerful weapons.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The counter-weight Trebuchet is an evolution of the man-powered mangonel and catapults dating back before the 11th century. It has quickly spread throughout the world as an effective siege engine capable of lobbing large wall- crushing boulders.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

2/3rds of an Amir's Iqta revenue has to be for the recruitment and maintenance of his retinue, and that must include a number of both Mamluk and non-Mamluk horsemen. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 40-41) The number of Mamluk an Amir may have depends on his rank; the lowest is Amir of 5, followed by Amir of 10 and 20. Amir al-Tablkhanah or Amir with a Marching Band may have 40 to 80 Mamluks. The highest Amir was the Amir Mi'a Muqaddam Alf, or the Amir of 100 Mamluks and Commander of 1000 horsemen. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 467-470)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Infantry were never counted as a part of an Ayyubid or Mamluk army proper. Mamluk infantry units were irregulars recruited ad-hoc in times of military campaigns, usually from Arab, Kurdish, Turkoman, and Druze tribes of the Levant. Principally they were utilized for garrisoning fortresses, sieges, amphibious assaults, and occassionally accompanying the Mamluk field army. Mamluk manuals states that the infantry are to hold the line if the army were caught unprepared, until the cavalry can mount up and organize themselves. As attested by Al-Maqrizi report of a 1354 battle, the front line kneels in shieldwall, spears held from the their chest, archers stood right behind ready to shoot at the enemies’ face, as cavalry stood in safety. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 42, 77)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Ghazi, in the medieval warfare context, can best be described as warriors on Holy warfare for Islam. Typically a good way to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world, rulers could also invoke Jihad as a way to bolster their manpower for campaigns, as there was no shortage of religious zealots and people looking for plunder.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Awlad an-Nas were the sons of Mamluks, free Muslims by birth unlike their fathers. Therefore, they cannot join the prestigious ranks held by Mamluks; as freeborns are inferior in status in the Realm of the Mamluks. In the Army, they comprised the elites of the Ajnad al-Halqa. The Awlad an-Nas may rise to become an Amir when the Sultan need them to curb the influence of some Mamluk faction. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 456; Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 42)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition of the Faction
• Cheaper to field for the faction

Description

'Urban at-Ta'a = "Obedient Arabs" Bedouin Nomads loyal to the central authority, serving as light cavalry, scouts, raiders, and screening force. Some Arab tribes were tasked with supplying horses to the Barid postal service, and guarding roads south to Sudan. Mamluk-Bedouin Arab relation are not a smooth one, as the tribes tend to be unruly and disobedient. The Mamluks did not refrain from employing the harshest and cruellest measures in order to suppress the revolting Urban. Unfortunately for the Mamluks it is to no avail, the 'Urban keep revolting - they dominated Upper Egypt and Sudan, and in 15th, even spread their power over Lower Egypt (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, p.23-31) Each region fielded draws different composition of auxiliaries, with Egyptian and Damascene armies utilizing most of the Bedouins of Central Arab and Egyptian Delta (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977) p. 73)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition of the Faction
• Cheaper to field for the faction

Description

'Urban at-Ta'a = "Obedient Arabs" Bedouin Nomads loyal to the central authority, serving as light cavalry, scouts, raiders, and screening force. Some Arab tribes were tasked with supplying horses to the Barid postal service, and guarding roads south to Sudan. Mamluk-Bedouin Arab relation are not a smooth one, as the tribes tend to be unruly and disobedient. The Mamluks did not refrain from employing the harshest and cruellest measures in order to suppress the revolting Urban. Unfortunately for the Mamluks it is to no avail, the 'Urban keep revolting - they dominated Upper Egypt and Sudan, and in 15th, even spread their power over Lower Egypt (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, p.23-31) Each region fielded draws different composition of auxiliaries, with Egyptian and Damascene armies utilizing most of the Bedouins of Central Arab and Egyptian Delta (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977) p. 73)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition of the Faction
• Cheaper to field for the faction

Description

'Urban at-Ta'a = "Obedient Arabs" Bedouin Nomads loyal to the central authority, serving as light cavalry, scouts, raiders, and screening force. Some Arab tribes were tasked with supplying horses to the Barid postal service, and guarding roads south to Sudan. Mamluk-Bedouin Arab relation are not a smooth one, as the tribes tend to be unruly and disobedient. The Mamluks did not refrain from employing the harshest and cruellest measures in order to suppress the revolting Urban. Unfortunately for the Mamluks it is to no avail, the 'Urban keep revolting - they dominated Upper Egypt and Sudan, and in 15th, even spread their power over Lower Egypt (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, p.23-31) Each region fielded draws different composition of auxiliaries, with Egyptian and Damascene armies utilizing most of the Bedouins of Central Arab and Egyptian Delta (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977) p. 73)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Murtaziqa were full-time enlisted soldier, given rizq (wage).The term Murtaziqa may mean common mercenary in modern Arabic parlance with all of its connotations, but in the specific context of Medieval Maghrib administration it means any regularly paid soldiers. Under Almohads, the Murtaziqa were paid 3 times per year, and 4 under the Hafsids. (Dominique Sourdel, Jacinto Bosch Vilá 'Regierung und Verwaltung des vorderen Orients in islamischer Zeit: Teil 2, Volume 2' (Brill, 1979) pp. 139;

Strengths & weaknesses

• Capable of both Melee and Ranged fighting

Description

The Sayfiyya were Mustadakhamun Mamluk of ex-Amir Mamluks transferred to the Sultan’s service after their Amir’s death or dismissal. In the Sultaniyya Mamluk pecking order, they’re at the bottom. Unlike Qaranisa Mamluks, they came from many Amir backgrounds instead from a single Sultan’s Julban, hence they have no single clique to bond into. In effect politically they are rather indifferent. Lannoy in the 15th Century noted they were armed with swords as their namesake, serving on foot. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army I, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 2 (1953), pp. 204, 220-222)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Amir Mi'a Muqaddam Alf, may have 100 Mamluks and Commands 1000 Halqa horsemen, but Commander of the Mamluk Army, the Atabak al-Asakir may have up to 500-1000 Mamluks under his command. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 467-470)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

The Jund are the standing army comprised of raised militia and paid soldiers either by salary, or more commonly by land grant forming military colonies. Originally in the Ummayad era, it specifically means military colonies, districts, and barracks, and the regiments it housed who were capable of long expeditions. Along time, the term come to describe the army as a whole. (The Encyclopaedia of Islam, C-G, Vol. 2 (Brill, 1993) p 601)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Ajnad al-Halqa were the non-mamluk cavalry force of the Mamluk Sultanate, recruited from native Egyptians and sons of Mamluk. Once the elites of the Ayyubid army, they fell into mere sidekicks of the Mamluks and garrison guards. Due to the fief redistributions, their lands dwindles to the point that in the late 14th century some of them cannot afford horses anymore, therefore must serve alongside the Mamluks as infantry. The constant deterioration of the Halqa reached to a point where most of the Halqa were considered unfit for duty (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 451-456; Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 41-42)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

Ajnad al-Halqa were the non-mamluk cavalry force of the Mamluk Sultanate, recruited from native Egyptians and sons of Mamluk. Once the elites of the Ayyubid army, they fell into mere sidekicks of the Mamluks and garrison guards. Due to the fief redistributions, their lands dwindles to the point that in the late 14th century some of them cannot afford horses anymore, therefore must serve alongside the Mamluks as infantry. The constant deterioration of the Halqa reached to a point where most of the Halqa were considered unfit for duty (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 451-456; Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 41-42)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

Ajnad al-Halqa were the non-mamluk cavalry force of the Mamluk Sultanate, recruited from native Egyptians and sons of Mamluk. Once the elites of the Ayyubid army, they fell into mere sidekicks of the Mamluks and garrison guards. Due to the fief redistributions, their lands dwindles to the point that in the late 14th century some of them cannot afford horses anymore, therefore must serve alongside the Mamluks as infantry. The constant deterioration of the Halqa reached to a point where most of the Halqa were considered unfit for duty (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 451-456; Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 41-42)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

The first Arquebus unit of the Mamluk Sultanate were comprised of Awlad an-Nas, whose monthly pay in the year of 1490 were 1000 Dirham or less, a meagre pay. The Tabaqa al-Khamisa, "The fifth barracks" the arquebus unit raised later in 1510 were called so because they have separate payday so they won't mingle with the higher status Mamluk getting their pay in the previous 4 paydays. Sultan An-Nasir once made an Arquebus unit of Black Abid, ended up with the Sultan assassinated and the Black Abid slaughtered by the Royal Mamluks in 1498. (David Ayalon, ‘Gunpowder and Firearms in The Mamluk Kingdom: A Challenge to Mediaeval Society’ (Vallentine Mitchell & Co., London: 1956) pp. 59-74)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Harfush, plural Harafisha, literally means Rabble. In Mamluk era, The harafish represent the lowest element in the strata of Mamluk society, forming guild-like organization in the urban centres of Cairo and Damascus. In context of Mamluk military however, the Ayyubid decentralized organization and Mamluks’ disdain for infantry led them to call what they see as amorphous masses of their infantry this way, even though there are professionals or trained specialists in it. (David Nicolle, Campaign 161: The Third Crusade 1191 (Osprey Publishing, 2006) 34-35)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Harfush, plural Harafisha, literally means Rabble. In Mamluk era, The harafish represent the lowest element in the strata of Mamluk society, forming guild-like organization in the urban centres of Cairo and Damascus. In context of Mamluk military however, the Ayyubid decentralized organization and Mamluks’ disdain for infantry led them to call what they see as amorphous masses of their infantry this way, even though there are professionals or trained specialists in it. (David Nicolle, Campaign 161: The Third Crusade 1191 (Osprey Publishing, 2006) 34-35)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

The Khassakiyya Mamluk were the Sultan’s Elite Corps of Bodyguards and select retinue. Most Mamluk Amirs reached their position via membership in the Khassakiyya corps. Al-Qalqashandi adds that they are differentiated by their brocaded tiraz band given to them, and they are admitted to bear their swords in the sultan’s presence, even privately. To be a Khassakiyya, one must be a Mushtarawat or Mamluk bought and freed by the reigning Sultan, and distinguishes himself from the ranks of the Julban. Their number fluctuate over time. At first they numbered 24 to 40 men, then 80, then increased to 400. One source even claim that there were increased to 1000 during the rule of an-Nasir Faraj in the early 15th Century. His successors scaled them down to 80, then 40 again. During the reign of al-Qansuh Ghawri they were increased again to 800 in 1503, and later to 1200 at the Mamluk defeat to the Ottomans in 1517. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army I, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 2 (1953), pp. 213-215)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

The Mushtarawat, or Ajlab or Julban in Circassian Mamluk era, “Recruits” were the Mamluks who were bought and freed by the reigning Sultan. Therefore, they have a tighter knit of solidarity than the other Sultan’s Mamluks originating from the previous Sultan nor those taken from the Amirs. And such, the Sultans show heavy favoritism towards them, as they form the main support base of the current Sultan. Therefore the newly ruling Sultan will gradually replace the position of the Qaranisa Mamluk with his own Mushtarawat to secure his power. They even held back in battles to preserve their numbers compared to the Qaranisa. Due to their newly recruited status the Julban lack experience compared to the other Mamluks, but their privileged position means infractions are merely punished lightly. This lead them in the later era to be known as corrupt bullies. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army I, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 2 (1953), pp. 206-213)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

The Qaranisa Mamluks were Mamluks liberated by the previous Sultan. Therefore they get no such treatment the Julbans received from the current ruling Sultan, often sidelined and sometimes antagonized if there are grudges between the previous and current ruling Sultan. However due to their seniority they are long-standing veterans - which is the original definition of the term; and were battle-hardened precisely because ruling Sultans would rather deploy them in the field instead of their precious Julban. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army I, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 2 (1953), pp. 217-220; Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army III, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.16, No. 1 (1954), p. 73, 85)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Even though the Composite Bow is the Mamluk's main ranged weaponry, a Mamluk archery manual from 1386 contains a section about shooting Crossbow from horseback. The crossbow is a Qaws ar-Riqab (stirrup crossbow), used with jabbadh (belt) and khattaf (double hook) (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 110)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Infantry were never counted as a part of an Ayyubid or Mamluk army proper. Mamluk infantry units were irregulars recruited ad-hoc in times of military campaigns, usually from Arab, Kurdish, Turkoman, and Druze tribes of the Levant. Principally they were utilized for garrisoning fortresses, sieges, amphibious assaults, and occassionally accompanying the Mamluk field army. Mamluk manuals states that the infantry are to hold the line if the army were caught unprepared, until the cavalry can mount up and organize themselves. As attested by Al-Maqrizi report of a 1354 battle, the front line kneels in shieldwall, spears held from the their chest, archers stood right behind ready to shoot at the enemies’ face, as cavalry stood in safety. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 42, 77)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Incendiary weapons became a mainstay of the battles during the Crusades, most importantly in siege warfare. Nafta grenades were the favoured weapons of the Muslims, even being imported all the way into India. Dedicated soldiers would be tasked with using such dangerous weapons and wear special coats less vulnerable to the flames.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

The Khassakiyya Mamluk were the Sultan’s Elite Corps of Bodyguards and select retinue. Most Mamluk Amirs reached their position via membership in the Khassakiyya corps. Al-Qalqashandi adds that they are differentiated by their brocaded tiraz band given to them, and they are admitted to bear their swords in the sultan’s presence, even privately. To be a Khassakiyya, one must be a Mushtarawat or Mamluk bought and freed by the reigning Sultan, and distinguishes himself from the ranks of the Julban. Their number fluctuate over time. At first they numbered 24 to 40 men, then 80, then increased to 400. One source even claim that there were increased to 1000 during the rule of an-Nasir Faraj in the early 15th Century. His successors scaled them down to 80, then 40 again. During the reign of al-Qansuh Ghawri they were increased again to 800 in 1503, and later to 1200 at the Mamluk defeat to the Ottomans in 1517. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army I, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 2 (1953), pp. 213-215)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Axe-bearing Royal Guards were a common symbol of a Sultan's power in the Middle East. Jean de Joinville described 30 Halqa members in 1250 carrying dane-axes hung on their necks. (Ian Heath, Armies and Enemies of the Crusade 1096-1291 (Wargames Research, 1978) p. 93) In Mamluk era, Sultan al-Näsir Muhammad Qaläwün used to go to the hippodrome (maydän) in an impressive procession. A group of Kurdish axe-bearers (tabardäriyya) went on foot in front of him with their drawn axes (atbär) (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, p.22)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

At-Turkman at-Ta'a = "Obedient Turkmen" Turkmen loyal to the central authority. Turkmen were the most favoured of Mamluk Sultanate's auxiliaries. Together with the Kurds, they were settled to guard Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine from threats. Some Turkmen tribes were given the honor and task of running the Barid postal network and supplying the Sultanate with warhorses. (David Ayalon, The Auxiliary Forces of the Mamluk Sultanate, pp.14-21) Each region fielded draws different composition of auxiliaries, with Syrian armies utilizing most of the Turkmen (R. Stephen Humphreys,The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, Studia Islamica , 1977, No. 45 (1977) p. 73)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Wafidiyya = "Refugees" unit formed from people displaced by the Mongol Invasion. They especially includes Mongol defectors and Muslim soldiers from destroyed realms - Persians, Turkomans, Kurds; excellent horsemen from the get-go which the Mamluks need not to provide training. (Reuven Amitai-Preiss 'Mongols and Mamluks The Mamluk-Īlkhānid War, 1260-1281' (Cambridge University Press: 1995) Within the Wafidiyya, there were two Kurdish groups, the Qaymariyya and Shahrazuriyya (The Emergence of the Mamluk Army I, p. 92-93) In Mamluk Sultanate, they enter the ranks of the Sultan's Halqa, or as Tawashiyya under the Amirs. Later on, as the Wafidiyya influx dwindled, Amirs no longer has a cheap source of experienced troops; therefore it forces the Amirs to buy an all-Mamluk retinue if he wants his personal troops to have any value at all at the battlefield, no matter the high expenses. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 472-475)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

These knights dominate both society and the battlefield in medieval Europe. Under the feudal system each man owes military service to his lord in return for protection, a grant of land, and the peasants to work it. Trained as warriors from birth, their favourite tactic is the headlong charge. Despite the simple tactics, their strong armour, heavy lances, and martial prowess mean that only the most resolute can resist them

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Knights would often dismount and fight on foot when the situation demanded it. Dismounted they make excellent heavy infantry.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

These knights dominate both society and the battlefield in medieval Europe. Under the feudal system each man owes military service to his lord in return for protection, a grant of land, and the peasants to work it. Trained as warriors from birth, their favourite tactic is the headlong charge. Despite the simple tactics, their strong armour, heavy lances, and martial prowess mean that only the most resolute can resist them

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Knights would often dismount and fight on foot when the situation demanded it. Dismounted they make excellent heavy infantry.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Half-brother, Double the fury" -- The Haldbrüder were full-fledged members of the Order, but ranked lower since they took only half the oath (they didn't take the chastity vow). Still, their zeal, fanatism and martial prowess match their higher ranking brothers. Being usually members of minor noble houses, they can afford horses and finely crafted armours, and as such serve as medium shock cavalry, trampling over lesser enemies while the Ritterbrüder engage the enemy elite troops. Since their armours aren't as heavy as the ones used by the Ritterbrüder, they are better at flanking the enemy and fighting against the fast Lithuanian cavalry.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"I... do profess and promise chastity, giving up all property, and obedience to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary and to you...Master of the Teutonic Order, and to your successors, according to the Rules and Regulations of the Order. And I will be obedient to you, and to your successors, even unto death." -- The Ritterbrüder are the highest ranking members of the Teutonic Order, taking an additional vow of chastity: usually members of great German noble houses, these men fear no enemy, both in politics and on the battlefield. Armed and equipped with the finest products of the Empire's most renowned blacksmiths, the Ritterbrüder ride into battle atop powerful steeds, pride and joy of generations of breeding.Their charge can shatter all but the most stubborn pike formations, and usually their enemies don't even try to resist, breaking formation in a desperate attempt to flee their doom, only to be trampled upon by their stallions. The Ritterbrüder however aren't invincible, as all this armour makes their charge quite slow: as such, light skirmishers can safely shower them in arrows and javelins, only to retreat when the Ritterbrüder try to chase them. Thus, they must be supported by light troops, otherwise they might find themselves cornered and taken out one by one by a cunning foe.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The first primitive gunpowder siege artillery, bombards were created in China and Western Europe in the early 14th century and spread to the rest of the world by the late 14th century. They are forged from bronze or iron, and designed to fire stone balls that crumble enemy defences.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

2/3rds of an Amir's Iqta revenue has to be for the recruitment and maintenance of his retinue, and that must include a number of both Mamluk and non-Mamluk horsemen. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 40-41) The number of Mamluk an Amir may have depends on his rank; the lowest is Amir of 5, followed by Amir of 10 and 20. Amir al-Tablkhanah or Amir with a Marching Band may have 40 to 80 Mamluks. The highest Amir was the Amir Mi'a Muqaddam Alf, or the Amir of 100 Mamluks and Commander of 1000 horsemen. (David Ayalon, Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army II, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol.15, No. 3 (1953), pp. 467-470)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Infantry were never counted as a part of an Ayyubid or Mamluk army proper. Mamluk infantry units were irregulars recruited ad-hoc in times of military campaigns, usually from Arab, Kurdish, Turkoman, and Druze tribes of the Levant. Principally they were utilized for garrisoning fortresses, sieges, amphibious assaults, and occassionally accompanying the Mamluk field army. Mamluk manuals states that the infantry are to hold the line if the army were caught unprepared, until the cavalry can mount up and organize themselves. As attested by Al-Maqrizi report of a 1354 battle, the front line kneels in shieldwall, spears held from the their chest, archers stood right behind ready to shoot at the enemies’ face, as cavalry stood in safety. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 42, 77)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Ghazi, in the medieval warfare context, can best be described as warriors on Holy warfare for Islam. Typically a good way to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world, rulers could also invoke Jihad as a way to bolster their manpower for campaigns, as there was no shortage of religious zealots and people looking for plunder.