Medieval Kingdoms 1212 AD Faction Guide

Catholic Kingdoms

Duchy of Lesser Poland

"Behold, they sent you two swords, the swords of violence and of pride, and have lost many thousands of them, having been utterly defeated."

Faction trait

First Amongst the Piasts

  • Royal City of Krakow+20% wealth from local commerce & jewish community buildings have no cost or public order penalties
  • Strzelcy Retainers+10% rate of fire & -10% upkeep cost for missile cavalry
  • German Settlers-20% construction cost for buildings & +0.5% foreigner pop growth
  • Piast Fragmentation-1 authority

Units

Early Tier 1

Command

Melee Infantry

Shock Infantry

Spear Infantry

Bow Infantry

Crossbow Infantry

Crossbow Cavalry

Shock Cavalry

Artillery

High Tier 2

Command

Melee Infantry

Pike Infantry

Polearm Infantry

Shock Infantry

Spear Infantry

Bow Infantry

Crossbow Infantry

Bow Cavalry

Crossbow Cavalry

Shock Cavalry

Skirmisher Cavalry

Artillery

Late Tier 3

Command

Melee Infantry

Pike Infantry

Polearm Infantry

Shock Infantry

Spear Infantry

Bow Infantry

Crossbow Infantry

Handgunner Infantry

Crossbow Cavalry

Shock Cavalry

Artillery

Early · Tier 1

Ballista

  • Artillery
  • 40 men
Recruitment cost519
Upkeep156
Melee attack25
Weapon damage28
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour15
Health100
Morale35
Speed20
Missile damage105
Ammo18
Range200

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.

Early · Tier 1

Bastion Ballista

  • Artillery
  • 4 men
Recruitment cost519
Upkeep156
Melee attack25
Weapon damage28
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour15
Health100
Morale35
Speed14
Missile damage105
Ammo18
Range200

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.

Early · Tier 1

Catapult

  • Artillery
  • 40 men
Recruitment cost719
Upkeep216
Melee attack25
Weapon damage28
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour15
Health100
Morale35
Speed10
Missile damage200
Ammo18
Range225

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.

Early · Tier 1

Bastion Catapult

  • Artillery
  • 4 men
Recruitment cost719
Upkeep216
Melee attack25
Weapon damage28
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour15
Health100
Morale35
Speed14
Missile damage200
Ammo18
Range225

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.

Early · Tier 1

Trebuchet

  • Artillery
  • 40 men
Recruitment cost819
Upkeep246
Melee attack25
Weapon damage28
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour15
Health100
Morale35
Speed10
Missile damage350
Ammo18
Range400

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.

Early · Tier 1

Hospitaller Crossbow Sergeants

  • Crossbow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost662
Upkeep199
Melee attack30
Weapon damage28
Charge15
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed30
Missile damage48
Ammo27
Range135

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Early · Tier 1

Hospitaller Knights

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1412
Upkeep423
Melee attack40
Weapon damage28
Charge150
Melee defence26
Armour55
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

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

Early · Tier 1

Dismounted Hospitaller Knights

  • Melee Infantry
  • 140 men
Recruitment cost922
Upkeep276
Melee attack40
Weapon damage28
Charge25
Melee defence26
Armour55
Health100
Morale50
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Early · Tier 1

Hospitaller Mounted Sergeants

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost792
Upkeep238
Melee attack30
Weapon damage29
Charge100
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed90

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."

Early · Tier 1

Hospitaller Sergeant Spearmen

  • Spear Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost542
Upkeep163
Melee attack34
Weapon damage29
Charge20
Melee defence19
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed30

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.

Early · Tier 1

Templar Crossbow Sergeants

  • Crossbow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost662
Upkeep199
Melee attack30
Weapon damage28
Charge15
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed30
Missile damage48
Ammo27
Range135

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Early · Tier 1

Templar Knights

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1412
Upkeep423
Melee attack40
Weapon damage28
Charge150
Melee defence26
Armour55
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

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

Early · Tier 1

Dismounted Templar Knights

  • Melee Infantry
  • 140 men
Recruitment cost922
Upkeep276
Melee attack40
Weapon damage28
Charge25
Melee defence26
Armour55
Health100
Morale50
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Early · Tier 1

Templar Mounted Sergeants

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost792
Upkeep238
Melee attack30
Weapon damage29
Charge100
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed90

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."

Early · Tier 1

Templar Sergeant Spearmen

  • Spear Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost542
Upkeep163
Melee attack34
Weapon damage29
Charge20
Melee defence19
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed30

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.

Early · Tier 1

Sarianten

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost792
Upkeep238
Melee attack30
Weapon damage29
Charge100
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed90

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."

Early · Tier 1

Ritterbrüder

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1412
Upkeep423
Melee attack40
Weapon damage28
Charge150
Melee defence26
Armour55
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

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.

Early · Tier 1

Sarientbrüdern

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost887
Upkeep266
Melee attack36
Weapon damage29
Charge100
Melee defence22
Armour25
Health100
Morale40
Speed90

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.

Early · Tier 1

Archer Sergeants

  • Bow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost662
Upkeep199
Melee attack30
Weapon damage28
Charge15
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed30
Missile damage39
Ammo27
Range150

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.

Early · Tier 1

Axemen

  • Shock Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost321
Upkeep96
Melee attack20
Weapon damage28
Charge20
Melee defence10
Armour5
Health100
Morale20
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Early · Tier 1

General's Bodyguard

  • Command
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost1462
Upkeep438
Melee attack40
Weapon damage28
Charge150
Melee defence26
Armour55
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Early · Tier 1

King's Bodyguard

  • Command
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost1462
Upkeep438
Melee attack40
Weapon damage28
Charge150
Melee defence26
Armour55
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Early · Tier 1

Polish Knights

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1322
Upkeep396
Melee attack36
Weapon damage28
Charge150
Melee defence22
Armour55
Health100
Morale40
Speed75

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

Early · Tier 1

Levy Crossbowmen

  • Crossbow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost434
Upkeep130
Melee attack20
Weapon damage19
Charge10
Melee defence10
Armour15
Health100
Morale20
Speed36
Missile damage48
Ammo27
Range135

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Crossbow militia are inexpensive units formed to protect settlements. Being able to train townsfolk quickly in the use of the crossbow allows these units to be garrisoned frequently and the stopping power of the crossbow can make their withering fire lethal.

Early · Tier 1

Levy Spearmen

  • Spear Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost344
Upkeep103
Melee attack24
Weapon damage29
Charge15
Melee defence13
Armour15
Health100
Morale20
Speed36

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Town Militia are commoners and peasants levied into local militias to defend settlements and bolster armies These units are useful in homeland defence, but cannot be expected to endure for long campaigns.

Early · Tier 1

Mounted Crossbowmen

  • Crossbow Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost762
Upkeep229
Melee attack30
Weapon damage28
Charge25
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed100
Missile damage48
Ammo27
Range135

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Many European Armies devised small companies of mounted crossbowmen: these men use a smaller crossbow than their foot counterparts, easier to reload and aim while riding, at the cost of range and penetration. While not as skilled as their infidel counterparts, and despised by the noble knights for their dishonorable way of fighting, mounted crossbowmen serve well their purpose, harassing enemy flanks and slow units from afar, and fleeing as soon as they try to retaliate. They should never be expected to fight in close combat, for they possess neither the training, nor the equipment, nor the guts.

Early · Tier 1

Mounted Sergeants

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost792
Upkeep238
Melee attack30
Weapon damage29
Charge100
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed90

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."

Early · Tier 1

Sergeant Crossbowmen

  • Crossbow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost662
Upkeep199
Melee attack30
Weapon damage28
Charge15
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed30
Missile damage48
Ammo27
Range135

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Early · Tier 1

Sergeant Spearmen

  • Spear Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost542
Upkeep163
Melee attack34
Weapon damage29
Charge20
Melee defence19
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed30

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.

Early · Tier 1

Sergeants

  • Melee Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost562
Upkeep169
Melee attack30
Weapon damage28
Charge25
Melee defence16
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed30

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.

High · Tier 2

Bombard

  • Artillery
  • 40 men
Recruitment cost946
Upkeep284
Melee attack25
Weapon damage33
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour20
Health100
Morale35
Speed14
Missile damage350
Ammo18
Range500

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.

High · Tier 2

Hospitaller Knights

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1632
Upkeep490
Melee attack40
Weapon damage39
Charge180
Melee defence26
Armour85
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

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

High · Tier 2

Dismounted Hospitaller Knights

  • Shock Infantry
  • 140 men
Recruitment cost1127
Upkeep338
Melee attack43
Weapon damage48
Charge50
Melee defence26
Armour85
Health100
Morale50
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

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

High · Tier 2

Templar Knights

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1632
Upkeep490
Melee attack40
Weapon damage39
Charge180
Melee defence26
Armour85
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

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

High · Tier 2

Dismounted Templar Knights

  • Shock Infantry
  • 140 men
Recruitment cost1127
Upkeep338
Melee attack43
Weapon damage48
Charge50
Melee defence26
Armour85
Health100
Morale50
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

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

High · Tier 2

Halbbrüdern

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1229
Upkeep369
Melee attack36
Weapon damage31
Charge140
Melee defence22
Armour40
Health100
Morale40
Speed90

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.

High · Tier 2

Ritterbrüder

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1632
Upkeep490
Melee attack40
Weapon damage39
Charge180
Melee defence26
Armour85
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

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.

High · Tier 2

General's Bodyguard

  • Command
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost1682
Upkeep505
Melee attack40
Weapon damage39
Charge180
Melee defence26
Armour85
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

High · Tier 2

German Men at Arms

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 60 men
Recruitment cost1499
Upkeep450
Melee attack36
Weapon damage39
Charge180
Melee defence22
Armour85
Health100
Morale40
Speed75

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

PLACEHOLDER

High · Tier 2

The Great Banner of Krakow

  • Command
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost1682
Upkeep505
Melee attack40
Weapon damage39
Charge180
Melee defence26
Armour85
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

High · Tier 2

Communal Voulgiers

  • Polearm Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost630
Upkeep189
Melee attack33
Weapon damage37
Charge40
Melee defence16
Armour40
Health100
Morale35
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

The voulge is a polearm related to simple harvesting tools but turned into a weapon of war. Having a large, slightly curved slashing blade on the top, this weapon in the hands of Voulgiers can deliver severe and oft fatal wounds to any unfortunate victims.

High · Tier 2

Heavy Axemen

  • Shock Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost747
Upkeep224
Melee attack38
Weapon damage48
Charge50
Melee defence16
Armour55
Health100
Morale35
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

High · Tier 2

Pavise Crossbowmen

  • Crossbow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost947
Upkeep284
Melee attack30
Weapon damage33
Charge15
Melee defence16
Armour40
Health100
Morale35
Speed30
Missile damage53
Ammo27
Range130

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

While the crossbow is relatively easy to use and powerful, it leaves the user quite vulnerable during the slow reload process. These men brought large pavise shields, which they use to take cover while they reload.

High · Tier 2

King's Bodyguard

  • Command
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost1682
Upkeep505
Melee attack40
Weapon damage39
Charge180
Melee defence26
Armour85
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

High · Tier 2

Polish Knights

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1542
Upkeep463
Melee attack36
Weapon damage39
Charge180
Melee defence22
Armour85
Health100
Morale40
Speed75

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

High · Tier 2

Levy Crossbowmen

  • Crossbow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost451
Upkeep135
Melee attack20
Weapon damage22
Charge10
Melee defence10
Armour20
Health100
Morale20
Speed36
Missile damage48
Ammo27
Range135

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Crossbow militia are inexpensive units formed to protect settlements. Being able to train townsfolk quickly in the use of the crossbow allows these units to be garrisoned frequently and the stopping power of the crossbow can make their withering fire lethal.

High · Tier 2

Levy Pikemen

  • Pike Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost318
Upkeep95
Melee attack20
Weapon damage20
Charge30
Melee defence12
Armour20
Health100
Morale20
Speed36

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Not the Tradition of the Faction
  • Increased Cost

Description

Town Militia are commoners and peasants levied into local militias to defend settlements and bolster armies These units are useful in homeland defence, but cannot be expected to endure for long campaigns.

High · Tier 2

Levy Spearmen

  • Spear Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost366
Upkeep110
Melee attack24
Weapon damage31
Charge15
Melee defence13
Armour20
Health100
Morale20
Speed36

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Town Militia are commoners and peasants levied into local militias to defend settlements and bolster armies These units are useful in homeland defence, but cannot be expected to endure for long campaigns.

High · Tier 2

Levy Voulgier

  • Polearm Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost301
Upkeep90
Melee attack23
Weapon damage37
Charge35
Melee defence10
Armour20
Health100
Morale20
Speed36

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

The voulge is a polearm related to simple harvesting tools but turned into a weapon of war. Having a large, slightly curved slashing blade on the top, this weapon in the hands of Voulgiers can deliver severe and oft fatal wounds to any unfortunate victims.

High · Tier 2

Lithuanian Archers

  • Bow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost797
Upkeep239
Melee attack35
Weapon damage33
Charge15
Melee defence16
Armour40
Health100
Morale35
Speed30
Missile damage39
Ammo27
Range150

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

High · Tier 2

Lithuanian Cavalry

  • Skirmisher Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost747
Upkeep224
Melee attack30
Weapon damage31
Charge35
Melee defence16
Armour40
Health100
Morale35
Speed100
Missile damage68
Ammo8
Range75

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

High · Tier 2

Lithuanian Horse Archers

  • Bow Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost847
Upkeep254
Melee attack30
Weapon damage33
Charge25
Melee defence16
Armour40
Health100
Morale35
Speed100
Missile damage39
Ammo27
Range150

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

High · Tier 2

Mounted Crossbowmen

  • Crossbow Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost860
Upkeep258
Melee attack30
Weapon damage33
Charge25
Melee defence16
Armour40
Health100
Morale35
Speed100
Missile damage48
Ammo27
Range135

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Many European Armies devised small companies of mounted crossbowmen: these men use a smaller crossbow than their foot counterparts, easier to reload and aim while riding, at the cost of range and penetration. While not as skilled as their infidel counterparts, and despised by the noble knights for their dishonorable way of fighting, mounted crossbowmen serve well their purpose, harassing enemy flanks and slow units from afar, and fleeing as soon as they try to retaliate. They should never be expected to fight in close combat, for they possess neither the training, nor the equipment, nor the guts.

High · Tier 2

Mounted Sergeants

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost885
Upkeep265
Melee attack30
Weapon damage31
Charge100
Melee defence16
Armour40
Health100
Morale35
Speed90

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."

High · Tier 2

Pavise Spearmen

  • Spear Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost697
Upkeep209
Melee attack34
Weapon damage31
Charge20
Melee defence19
Armour40
Health100
Morale35
Speed24

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

High · Tier 2

Sergeants

  • Melee Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost660
Upkeep198
Melee attack30
Weapon damage33
Charge25
Melee defence16
Armour40
Health100
Morale35
Speed30

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.

Late · Tier 3

Bastion Cannon

  • Artillery
  • 4 men
Recruitment cost972
Upkeep292
Melee attack25
Weapon damage40
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed14
Missile damage450
Ammo18
Range500

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Late · Tier 3

Culverin

  • Artillery
  • 40 men
Recruitment cost1072
Upkeep322
Melee attack25
Weapon damage40
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed14
Missile damage550
Ammo18
Range600

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

This fearsome artillery piece is the pinnacle of late Medieval gun engineering. With greater range, damage and accuracy than all the guns that come before it, no enemy emplacements nor troops can stand up to its fearsome bombardment

Late · Tier 3

Great Bombard

  • Artillery
  • 40 men
Recruitment cost1572
Upkeep472
Melee attack25
Weapon damage40
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed10
Missile damage3000
Ammo18
Range750

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

The Gun to end all Guns. The Great Bombard is made for one purpose only, the utter destruction of enemy defences. This massive Bombard fires a stone ball weighing well over half a ton, obliterating any but the most massive walls in one shot. Unfortunately the down side of all this firepower is that it takes an eternity to reload.

Late · Tier 3

Mortar

  • Artillery
  • 40 men
Recruitment cost1172
Upkeep352
Melee attack25
Weapon damage40
Charge15
Melee defence11
Armour25
Health100
Morale35
Speed14
Missile damage50
Ammo18
Range500

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Resembling the iron bowl from which it gains its name, the Mortar was created to lob shots over intervening walls. Useful in dealing with units skulking behind walls for protection, or to whittle away besieging troops outside your own walls. The mortar's capabilities makes it an excellent siege weapon for both attacker and defender.

Late · Tier 3

Hospitaller Knights

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1756
Upkeep527
Melee attack40
Weapon damage46
Charge195
Melee defence26
Armour100
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

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

Late · Tier 3

Dismounted Hospitaller Knights

  • Shock Infantry
  • 140 men
Recruitment cost1233
Upkeep370
Melee attack48
Weapon damage54
Charge55
Melee defence26
Armour100
Health100
Morale50
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Late · Tier 3

Halbbrüdern

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1412
Upkeep423
Melee attack36
Weapon damage40
Charge165
Melee defence22
Armour55
Health100
Morale40
Speed75

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.

Late · Tier 3

Ritterbrüder

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1756
Upkeep527
Melee attack40
Weapon damage46
Charge195
Melee defence26
Armour100
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

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.

Late · Tier 3

German Men at Arms

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 60 men
Recruitment cost1823
Upkeep547
Melee attack36
Weapon damage46
Charge195
Melee defence22
Armour100
Health100
Morale40
Speed70

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Late · Tier 3

General's Bodyguard

  • Command
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost2006
Upkeep602
Melee attack40
Weapon damage46
Charge195
Melee defence26
Armour100
Health100
Morale50
Speed70

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Late · Tier 3

The Great Banner of Krakow

  • Command
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost1806
Upkeep542
Melee attack40
Weapon damage46
Charge195
Melee defence26
Armour100
Health100
Morale50
Speed75

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Late · Tier 3

Halberdiers

  • Polearm Infantry
  • 140 men
Recruitment cost792
Upkeep238
Melee attack39
Weapon damage45
Charge45
Melee defence22
Armour55
Health100
Morale40
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Trained and equipped to fight with long halberds, these troops can fend off cavalry and crush many kinds of enemies depending on what part of the halberd they hit them with.

Late · Tier 3

Pavise Handgunners

  • Handgunner Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost1107
Upkeep332
Melee attack30
Weapon damage40
Charge15
Melee defence16
Armour55
Health100
Morale35
Speed30
Missile damage70
Ammo32
Range120

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

First finding use in the 14th century, gunpowder weapons became more and more available over time, with lower costs of productions from local manufacturing of gunpowder. Firearms would become a staple of 15th century armies and eventually surpass all other missile weapons as better designs became available.

Late · Tier 3

Heavy Axemen

  • Shock Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost916
Upkeep275
Melee attack33
Weapon damage56
Charge55
Melee defence16
Armour85
Health100
Morale35
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Late · Tier 3

King's Bodyguard

  • Command
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost2006
Upkeep602
Melee attack40
Weapon damage46
Charge195
Melee defence26
Armour100
Health100
Morale50
Speed70

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Late · Tier 3

Polish Knights

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1666
Upkeep500
Melee attack36
Weapon damage46
Charge195
Melee defence22
Armour100
Health100
Morale40
Speed75

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

Late · Tier 3

Junior Knights

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 70 men
Recruitment cost1115
Upkeep334
Melee attack36
Weapon damage33
Charge100
Melee defence22
Armour55
Health100
Morale40
Speed90

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Not the Tradition of the Faction
  • Increased Cost

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

Late · Tier 3

Levy Crossbowmen

  • Crossbow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost482
Upkeep145
Melee attack20
Weapon damage27
Charge10
Melee defence10
Armour25
Health100
Morale20
Speed36
Missile damage48
Ammo27
Range135

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Crossbow militia are inexpensive units formed to protect settlements. Being able to train townsfolk quickly in the use of the crossbow allows these units to be garrisoned frequently and the stopping power of the crossbow can make their withering fire lethal.

Late · Tier 3

Levy Pikemen

  • Pike Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost337
Upkeep101
Melee attack20
Weapon damage24
Charge35
Melee defence12
Armour25
Health100
Morale20
Speed36

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Town Militia are commoners and peasants levied into local militias to defend settlements and bolster armies These units are useful in homeland defence, but cannot be expected to endure for long campaigns.

Late · Tier 3

Levy Spearmen

  • Spear Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost437
Upkeep131
Melee attack24
Weapon damage33
Charge15
Melee defence13
Armour25
Health100
Morale20
Speed30

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Town Militia are commoners and peasants levied into local militias to defend settlements and bolster armies These units are useful in homeland defence, but cannot be expected to endure for long campaigns.

Late · Tier 3

Levy Voulgier

  • Polearm Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost327
Upkeep98
Melee attack23
Weapon damage45
Charge40
Melee defence10
Armour25
Health100
Morale20
Speed36

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

The voulge is a polearm related to simple harvesting tools but turned into a weapon of war. Having a large, slightly curved slashing blade on the top, this weapon in the hands of Voulgiers can deliver severe and oft fatal wounds to any unfortunate victims.

Late · Tier 3

Lithuanian Archers

  • Bow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost895
Upkeep268
Melee attack35
Weapon damage40
Charge15
Melee defence16
Armour55
Health100
Morale35
Speed30
Missile damage39
Ammo27
Range150

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Late · Tier 3

Mounted Crossbowmen

  • Crossbow Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost895
Upkeep268
Melee attack35
Weapon damage40
Charge25
Melee defence16
Armour55
Health100
Morale35
Speed100
Missile damage48
Ammo27
Range135

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Many European Armies devised small companies of mounted crossbowmen: these men use a smaller crossbow than their foot counterparts, easier to reload and aim while riding, at the cost of range and penetration. While not as skilled as their infidel counterparts, and despised by the noble knights for their dishonorable way of fighting, mounted crossbowmen serve well their purpose, harassing enemy flanks and slow units from afar, and fleeing as soon as they try to retaliate. They should never be expected to fight in close combat, for they possess neither the training, nor the equipment, nor the guts.

Late · Tier 3

Pavise Crossbowmen

  • Crossbow Infantry
  • 130 men
Recruitment cost1047
Upkeep314
Melee attack30
Weapon damage40
Charge15
Melee defence16
Armour55
Health100
Morale35
Speed30
Missile damage55
Ammo27
Range140

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

While the crossbow is relatively easy to use and powerful, it leaves the user quite vulnerable during the slow reload process. These men brought large pavise shields, which they use to take cover while they reload.

Late · Tier 3

Pavise Spearmen

  • Spear Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost777
Upkeep233
Melee attack34
Weapon damage33
Charge20
Melee defence19
Armour55
Health100
Morale35
Speed24

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Late · Tier 3

Dismounted Junior Knights

  • Melee Infantry
  • 160 men
Recruitment cost695
Upkeep208
Melee attack35
Weapon damage40
Charge25
Melee defence16
Armour55
Health100
Morale35
Speed30

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.

Late · Tier 3

Gussars

  • Shock Cavalry
  • 80 men
Recruitment cost779
Upkeep234
Melee attack30
Weapon damage40
Charge115
Melee defence16
Armour15
Health100
Morale35
Speed110

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Ordinary Unit

Description

Ottoman raiding tactics forced Serbs to put more emphasis on light cavalry. In 15th century appeared hussars - regiments of light horseman, experts in raiding an counter raiding.Word hussar probably originates from Serbian gusar which means pirate, marauder.Many gusars were refugees from Ottoman onslaught. Having lost their land they turned to military profession as source of income, becoming well regarded mercenaries in Hungary, Poland and beyond.Gusars used specially produced long, but lightweight, lance to great advantage. It gave them greater reach than Turkish light lancers, their main opponents. Only protection of hussar was large shield, since all armor was sacrificed for speed.