Ghurid Sultanate

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"A javelin is a metaphor for life: it goes up fast, it goes down even faster, then it hits you in the face, and then you die." -- In times of war, every able bodied is expected to fight for his lord, be it rich or poor. Those too poor to afford even the cheapest form of armour and weaponry are listed in the skirmishers: without armour, save for a helmet and a small shield made of scrap material, and too unskilled to use bows, these men use javelines to hit the enemy from the distance. Even in their hands, javelines are still deadly weapons, capable of killing even an armoured swordsman, and their light equipment (further enhanced by their cowardice) means they can easily retreat from any pursuing infantry, harassing them in the process. However, should they be forced to fight, or hunted down by cavalry, the best a commander can do is pray for their souls

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Camels were often used as beasts of burden for Iranian, Arabic, Turkish and Mongol armies, but they also found use as a battle mount. While not as reliable as horses as they would often run away when feeling pain, their resistance to the elements and their ability to frighten other animal mounts made them quite useful at times.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Dhanuks ('archers') form a significant part of the indian infantry. They are armed with bamboo or cane self bows, who have excellent power in closer ranges and are better fit to the hot and humid climate of India. As with the vast majority of indian soldiers, they wear no real armour.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

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

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

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Ghaznavids are best known for their great use of war elephants and the Ghurid successor in Delhi would eventually adopt elephants into their military. A terrifying force on the battlefield, Turks would eventually be able to overcome their power with their light cavalry, but dynasties that establish themselves in India were quick to adopt them into their own armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Khalaj are a tribe of Turks that migrated from Central Asia and absorbed into Afghan tribal society. They still excel at the same things as typical Turkish tribesmen do, such as mounted combat and archery. Khalaj became an important source of manpower for the Ghurids, and later Sultans in Delhi, being reliable soldiers and eager for warfare. According to an account, when Mu'izz ad-Din was badly injured in the Ghurid defeat at Tara'in in 1191, it was a Khalaj who jumped from his mount to keep Mu'izz ad-Din from falling from his.

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

When discussing reasons for the success of Muslims in India during the Ghurid period, one of the main military technology development that the Muslims had over the Indian kingdoms was the crossbow, 'nawak'. The piercing bolts gave the Muslims the ability to effectively pierce the heavy armour of the Indians while the latter had no such answer.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Originally a name used for the noble cavalry of the Sassanid noble cavalry, Savaran ('horsemen') became a term to describe cavalrymen, typically well-trained and armoured.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Sawar-i Barahna wa-Jarida ('naked and battle-ready horsemen') are one of the named units from the Ghurid military. Consisting of picked light horse archers from Turkish tribes in Afghanistan, namely the Khalaj, their role in the crushing victory of the Ghurids in Tara'in is to be noted. Split into 4 groups of up to 10 000 riders, the horse archers of Mu'izz ad-Din peppered the Indians for a full day, completely demoralizing and breaking the cohesion of Privthiraj Chauhan's troops, before they joined the charge of the main body of heavy cavalry in a single charge, routing the much larger Indian force in a single sweep.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

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

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Tajiks were the Iranian-speaking settled population in Afghanistan (amongst other places, such as Khorasan). While best known for their contributions as administrators and scholars, tajik volunteers and levies played a certain role in military affairs, though to a much lesser degree as the tribal groups and Ghulaman.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Ghaznavids are best known for their great use of war elephants and the Ghurid successor in Delhi would eventually adopt elephants into their military. A terrifying force on the battlefield, Turks would eventually be able to overcome their power with their light cavalry, but dynasties that establish themselves in India were quick to adopt them into their own armies. Privthiraj Chauhan notably used heavily armoured elephants, making them look like mountains of metal. One of the few surviving military artifacts of the Ghurid and Sultanate period is elephant barding made of scales.

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

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"A javelin is a metaphor for life: it goes up fast, it goes down even faster, then it hits you in the face, and then you die." -- In times of war, every able bodied is expected to fight for his lord, be it rich or poor. Those too poor to afford even the cheapest form of armour and weaponry are listed in the skirmishers: without armour, save for a helmet and a small shield made of scrap material, and too unskilled to use bows, these men use javelines to hit the enemy from the distance. Even in their hands, javelines are still deadly weapons, capable of killing even an armoured swordsman, and their light equipment (further enhanced by their cowardice) means they can easily retreat from any pursuing infantry, harassing them in the process. However, should they be forced to fight, or hunted down by cavalry, the best a commander can do is pray for their souls

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Camels form part of the Indian landscape, most notably in modern-day Rajasthan. Camel-riding soldiers have been part of Indian military history for some time (and is still used to this day) due to their incredible endurance and ability as beasts of burden.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Dhanuks ('archers') form a significant part of the indian infantry. They are armed with bamboo or cane self bows, who have excellent power in closer ranges and are better fit to the hot and humid climate of India. As with the vast majority of indian soldiers, they wear no real armour.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Ghaznavids are best known for their great use of war elephants and the Ghurid successor in Delhi would eventually adopt elephants into their military. A terrifying force on the battlefield, Turks would eventually be able to overcome their power with their light cavalry, but dynasties that establish themselves in India were quick to adopt them into their own armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Jagir is the North Indian implementation of the Iqta system prevalent across the Muslim world. Jagirdars were expected to maintain and supply troops along with joining the Sultanate army. One important change during the 14th century was that the power of the nobility was heavily curbed by the central power in Delhi, namely preventing them from amassing large personal armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Khalaj are a tribe of Turks that migrated from Central Asia and absorbed into Afghan tribal society. They still excel at the same things as typical Turkish tribesmen do, such as mounted combat and archery. Khalaj became an important source of manpower for the Ghurids, and later Sultans in Delhi, being reliable soldiers and eager for warfare. According to an account, when Mu'izz ad-Din was badly injured in the Ghurid defeat at Tara'in in 1191, it was a Khalaj who jumped from his mount to keep Mu'izz ad-Din from falling from his.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Sipahsalar was a high ranking officer and lead large number of soldiers into battle. Battlefield commanders were traditionaly flanked by bodyguards ('jandars'). Such a figure's askar would probably be ghulaman, heavily armed and armoured, and most importantly, loyal.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Khwud-aspas were irregular cavalrymen that joined the mustered armies of the Sultanate, joining with their own mounts (as the name indicates, literally meaning 'with own horse'). Notable among the Sultanate forces were Mongol and Turkish adventurers looking for wealth in warfare.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

From the account of Barani, it is understood that the Murattab is the top soldier in the Khilji and Tughluq army. They were expected to provide their own mounts due to their large salary, horses Barani mentions being heavily barded. They were supposedly armed enough for 2 men and while the Do-aspa could 'bring in ten Mongols yoked together', a single Murattab 'drove a hundred before him'.

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

When discussing reasons for the success of Muslims in India during the Ghurid period, one of the main military technology development that the Muslims had over the Indian kingdoms was the crossbow, 'nawak'. The piercing bolts gave the Muslims the ability to effectively pierce the heavy armour of the Indians while the latter had no such answer.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Tajiks were the Iranian-speaking settled population in Afghanistan (amongst other places, such as Khorasan). While best known for their contributions as administrators and scholars, tajik volunteers and levies played a certain role in military affairs, though to a much lesser degree as the tribal groups and Ghulaman.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

The greatest warriors of India, the Rajputs were the equivalent of European knights, ruling over large amounts of land as some kind of feudal lords. They were well-trained in combat and thought of it as a chivalrous endeavour, and with their heavy armour, could fight any soldier once in melee combat. Numerous Rajput kingdoms fell to Muslim invaders, but they were never completely conquered and successfully kept fended off enemies in the region of Mewar until its conquest by the Mughals under Akhbar. A fair few Rajput clans submitted to the Sultans of Delhi, but it was not uncommon for Rajputs to charge out to certain death rather than sue for peace, a practice called Saka.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Paik is the generic term for infantry in Muslim India. Largely made up of Indians, their organization and role are a heirloom from the Rajput dynasties of prior centuries. Peasants would be allowed to exploit land from feudal lords in exchange for service, namely military. The local nobles would then raise these semi-professional soldiers for war when called to arms by the Rajput clans, which continued under Muslim rulers who kept the status quo in exchange for loyalty and tax revenue. Paiks would typically not wear armour, save for a shield.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Sawar-i Barahna wa-Jarida ('naked and battle-ready horsemen') are one of the named units from the Ghurid military. Consisting of picked light horse archers from Turkish tribes in Afghanistan, namely the Khalaj, their role in the crushing victory of the Ghurids in Tara'in is to be noted. Split into 4 groups of up to 10 000 riders, the horse archers of Mu'izz ad-Din peppered the Indians for a full day, completely demoralizing and breaking the cohesion of Privthiraj Chauhan's troops, before they joined the charge of the main body of heavy cavalry in a single charge, routing the much larger Indian force in a single sweep.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Sipahsalar was a high ranking officer and lead large number of soldiers into battle. Battlefield commanders were traditionaly flanked by bodyguards ('jandars'). Such a figure's askar would probably be ghulaman, heavily armed and armoured, and most importantly, loyal.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

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

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Afghans, from various backgrounds, were the main source of infantry for the Ghurid military. From volunteers (muttawwi'a) to urban militias to tribesmen, the Afghans could generally count on quality armour, as the region's rich deposits in iron allowed them to have a thriving industry, very well known across the Muslim world for their high-quality mail and lamellar armours.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"A javelin is a metaphor for life: it goes up fast, it goes down even faster, then it hits you in the face, and then you die." -- In times of war, every able bodied is expected to fight for his lord, be it rich or poor. Those too poor to afford even the cheapest form of armour and weaponry are listed in the skirmishers: without armour, save for a helmet and a small shield made of scrap material, and too unskilled to use bows, these men use javelines to hit the enemy from the distance. Even in their hands, javelines are still deadly weapons, capable of killing even an armoured swordsman, and their light equipment (further enhanced by their cowardice) means they can easily retreat from any pursuing infantry, harassing them in the process. However, should they be forced to fight, or hunted down by cavalry, the best a commander can do is pray for their souls

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Camels form part of the Indian landscape, most notably in modern-day Rajasthan. Camel-riding soldiers have been part of Indian military history for some time (and is still used to this day) due to their incredible endurance and ability as beasts of burden.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Dhanuks ('archers') form a significant part of the indian infantry. They are armed with bamboo or cane self bows, who have excellent power in closer ranges and are better fit to the hot and humid climate of India. As with the vast majority of indian soldiers, they wear no real armour.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Ghaznavids are best known for their great use of war elephants and the Ghurid successor in Delhi would eventually adopt elephants into their military. A terrifying force on the battlefield, Turks would eventually be able to overcome their power with their light cavalry, but dynasties that establish themselves in India were quick to adopt them into their own armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Jagir is the North Indian implementation of the Iqta system prevalent across the Muslim world. Jagirdars were expected to maintain and supply troops along with joining the Sultanate army. One important change during the 14th century was that the power of the nobility was heavily curbed by the central power in Delhi, namely preventing them from amassing large personal armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Khalaj are a tribe of Turks that migrated from Central Asia and absorbed into Afghan tribal society. They still excel at the same things as typical Turkish tribesmen do, such as mounted combat and archery. Khalaj became an important source of manpower for the Ghurids, and later Sultans in Delhi, being reliable soldiers and eager for warfare. According to an account, when Mu'izz ad-Din was badly injured in the Ghurid defeat at Tara'in in 1191, it was a Khalaj who jumped from his mount to keep Mu'izz ad-Din from falling from his.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Bahlul Khan Lodi being a great admirer of Mongol bravery and quality as soldiers, he settled many princes and kept a large retinue of Mongol soldiers called the Khasa Khali, on top of recruiting several thousand into the royal army.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Khwud-aspas were irregular cavalrymen that joined the mustered armies of the Sultanate, joining with their own mounts (as the name indicates, literally meaning 'with own horse'). Notable among the Sultanate forces were Mongol and Turkish adventurers looking for wealth in warfare.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

From the account of Barani, it is understood that the Murattab is the top soldier in the Khilji and Tughluq army. They were expected to provide their own mounts due to their large salary, horses Barani mentions being heavily barded. They were supposedly armed enough for 2 men and while the Do-aspa could 'bring in ten Mongols yoked together', a single Murattab 'drove a hundred before him'.

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

When discussing reasons for the success of Muslims in India during the Ghurid period, one of the main military technology development that the Muslims had over the Indian kingdoms was the crossbow, 'nawak'. The piercing bolts gave the Muslims the ability to effectively pierce the heavy armour of the Indians while the latter had no such answer.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Tajiks were the Iranian-speaking settled population in Afghanistan (amongst other places, such as Khorasan). While best known for their contributions as administrators and scholars, tajik volunteers and levies played a certain role in military affairs, though to a much lesser degree as the tribal groups and Ghulaman.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The greatest warriors of India, the Rajputs were the equivalent of European knights, ruling over large amounts of land as some kind of feudal lords. They were well-trained in combat and thought of it as a chivalrous endeavour, and with their heavy armour, could fight any soldier once in melee combat. Numerous Rajput kingdoms fell to Muslim invaders, but they were never completely conquered and successfully kept fended off enemies in the region of Mewar until its conquest by the Mughals under Akhbar. A fair few Rajput clans submitted to the Sultans of Delhi, but it was not uncommon for Rajputs to charge out to certain death rather than sue for peace, a practice called Saka.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

The greatest warriors of India, the Rajputs were the equivalent of European knights, ruling over large amounts of land as some kind of feudal lords. They were well-trained in combat and thought of it as a chivalrous endeavour, and with their heavy armour, could fight any soldier once in melee combat. Numerous Rajput kingdoms fell to Muslim invaders, but they were never completely conquered and successfully kept fended off enemies in the region of Mewar until its conquest by the Mughals under Akhbar. A fair few Rajput clans submitted to the Sultans of Delhi, but it was not uncommon for Rajputs to charge out to certain death rather than sue for peace, a practice called Saka.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Paik is the generic term for infantry in Muslim India. Largely made up of Indians, their organization and role are a heirloom from the Rajput dynasties of prior centuries. Peasants would be allowed to exploit land from feudal lords in exchange for service, namely military. The local nobles would then raise these semi-professional soldiers for war when called to arms by the Rajput clans, which continued under Muslim rulers who kept the status quo in exchange for loyalty and tax revenue. Paiks would typically not wear armour, save for a shield.