Commune of Milan

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

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Militias are a common sight in Europe's battlefield, where the mere idea of a standing army was unknown. These men were expected to protect their homes by themselves, and were given little training and equipment, not being expected to do much more than holding off the enemy for a while before dying or fleeing. Italian militias were different, for they were volunteers who trained in certain days of the week, while still having jobs and families of their own, and were equipped by the city (or, in big cities, by their district of birth): as such, they firmly believe in their role of protectors of the city, which they show in painting the city's emblem or patron saint on their shield, and with medium armour and training they are not to be underestimated, though they will probably be slaughtered against professional soldiers

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"A keen eye and a steady hand can rain death on unsuspecting foes" Italian states do not possess the culture of the bow their northern counterpart, like England, cutivate since ancient times. However, bows are easy to produce, and a bow militia can be trained in a short time, should the need for ranged troops arise. A commander should use these archers to unleash volleys of arrows upon the enemy from the distance as a light support, but they will be slaughtered by any coming foe.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Even if they aren't knights, their horses will still trample enemies under their hooves" "The berrovieri are a light cavalry force, mainly used for the protection of communal officers who travelled while performing their duties. In battle they are commonly used for scouting ahead of the main army, and as a flanking force. Although not heavily armed, their horses are fast and resilent, and can easily escape heavy cavalry or hit the rear of an unprepared infantry force. If used as a foot infantry, they are fairly well equipped and trained, being semi-professional soldiers, and can deal a good amount of damage to light and medium troops, but are not expected to resist for long in prolonged combat or against elite forces".

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"War is but another way of negotiating for a merchant: blood instead of ink and human lives instead of coins" "Although more of a symbol than an actual ruler, power mostly residing in the "Maggior Consiglio" (Major Council) of the oldest and most respected merchant families, the Doge of Venice is still the city's most prominent merchant, a man who possesses more money in his pocket than most kings in their treasure chambers, and a charismatic leader: many Doges led personally the fleets and armies of Venice, be it to protect the city from assaults or to secure a new trade route. In battle the Doge is easily recognised for his hat, a symbol of his charge, and surrounded by the most elite of the city's defenders, ready to lay down their lives for the Most Serene Republic of Venice."

Strengths & weaknesses

• Carrocio

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Carroccio is a wagon bearing the city's standard. It acts as an inspirational focal point for the entire army, driving the men to new heights of bravery. It is guarded by an elite unit, who protect it with their lives.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

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

"Use fire against fire, even if it burns you" -- Zaffones is an ancient Italian derogatory term, indicating bandits and marauders who frequently plundered farms and small fillages, since in the Europe of the time there was no police or any other local defence force. Usually, they were hunted like ferocious beasts (wich they resembled for their vicious ways), but in times of war they were higly priced for their fearlessness and ferocity, and were used to strike fear in the local population, pillaging, murdering and raping anyone and anything they could. Due to their role of fast-hitting infantry or cavalry, they are lightly armoured, but wield fearsome weapons such as spiked maces, which they use to inflict grievous wounds upon anyone unlucky enough to stand against them. Even if they are well trained, they are no professionals, and will quickly lose their advantage against regular well-equipped forces.

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

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

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

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.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Militias are a common sight in Europe's battlefield, where the mere idea of a standing army was unknown. These men were expected to protect their homes by themselves, and were given little training and equipment, not being expected to do much more than holding off the enemy for a while before dying or fleeing. Italian militias were different, for they were volunteers who trained in certain days of the week, while still having jobs and families of their own, and were equipped by the city (or, in big cities, by their district of birth): as such, they firmly believe in their role of protectors of the city, which they show in painting the city's emblem or patron saint on their shield, and with medium armour and training they are not to be underestimated, though they will probably be slaughtered against professional soldiers

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.

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

"The mainstay of the Republic's land armies, swordsmen are expected to hold the line and kill in the name of Venice" -- An old motto recited by Venice's elders recited "seed the sea, it will bear better fruits than the earth", and following it the Republic never colonised much land, preferring the control of the major trade routes over far-stretching domains. However, with enemies lurking just the other side of the lagoon, the need for a regular land army arises more than ever, and lines over lines of swordsmen are sent into the fray: trained and equipped taking money from the bottomless coffers of Venice, these men can dispatch the enemies of the Most Serene with ease, and resist heavy assaults for a prolonged time

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

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

"A keen eye and a steady hand can rain death on unsuspecting foes" Italian states do not possess the culture of the bow their northern counterpart, like England, cutivate since ancient times. However, bows are easy to produce, and a bow militia can be trained in a short time, should the need for ranged troops arise. A commander should use these archers to unleash volleys of arrows upon the enemy from the distance as a light support, but they will be slaughtered by any coming foe.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Even if they aren't knights, their horses will still trample enemies under their hooves" "The berrovieri are a light cavalry force, mainly used for the protection of communal officers who travelled while performing their duties. In battle they are commonly used for scouting ahead of the main army, and as a flanking force. Although not heavily armed, their horses are fast and resilent, and can easily escape heavy cavalry or hit the rear of an unprepared infantry force. If used as a foot infantry, they are fairly well equipped and trained, being semi-professional soldiers, and can deal a good amount of damage to light and medium troops, but are not expected to resist for long in prolonged combat or against elite forces".

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

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.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Fighting is much safer than trading in the Italian city-states: at least you can see where the danger comes from!" -- As the more famous Republic of Venice, the Republic of Genoa is ruled by a "Doge", elected for life by the most prominent merchant families. Genoa's political life, however, wasn't as "serene" as Venice, and civil strife and economical rivalry caused the death or exile of many Doges and prominent politicians. As such, the task that befalls on Genoese bodyguards is much heavier than their foreign counterparts, since they have to protect their general from both friend and foe! Genoese bodyguards are highly trained and equipped with the most finely crafted weapons and armours the Republic can pay (and the Republich is very, very rich). Still, their most valued quality is their unyielding loyalty, which brings them to throw themselfes between their liege and any coming danger, sacrificing their lives if necessary.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Use fire against fire, even if it burns you" -- Zaffones is an ancient Italian derogatory term, indicating bandits and marauders who frequently plundered farms and small fillages, since in the Europe of the time there was no police or any other local defence force. Usually, they were hunted like ferocious beasts (wich they resembled for their vicious ways), but in times of war they were higly priced for their fearlessness and ferocity, and were used to strike fear in the local population, pillaging, murdering and raping anyone and anything they could. Due to their role of fast-hitting infantry or cavalry, they are lightly armoured, but wield fearsome weapons such as spiked maces, which they use to inflict grievous wounds upon anyone unlucky enough to stand against them. Even if they are well trained, they are no professionals, and will quickly lose their advantage against regular well-equipped forces.

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

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

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.

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

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

"A farming tool remains a farming tool even in battle: the harvest is, however, completely different" -- In a world where most levies were mere farmers, thrown into the fray with no equipment nor training, it is no surprise that said farmers usually brought their farming tools with them: after all, while most didn't know which end of a spear to point at the enemy, they were unrivalled masters with scythes, pitchforks, billhooks, and so on. It took little time for generals and blacksmiths to invent weapons based on such tools, so that paesant levies could use actual weapons instead of mere tools, and be easily trained on their use thanks to the familiarity. The bill is one of the most common amongst such weapons: based on the billhook, it is widely used against cavalry, featuring a hook for grabbing a knight's leg and dragging him to the ground, and a sharp blade for killing him once he is dismounted, and usually stunned from the fall. Billmen levies are thus effective and cheap anti-cavalry forces. Actual training and equipment only add to their worth.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Militias are a common sight in Europe's battlefield, where the mere idea of a standing army was unknown. These men were expected to protect their homes by themselves, and were given little training and equipment, not being expected to do much more than holding off the enemy for a while before dying or fleeing. Italian militias were different, for they were volunteers who trained in certain days of the week, while still having jobs and families of their own, and were equipped by the city (or, in big cities, by their district of birth): as such, they firmly believe in their role of protectors of the city, which they show in painting the city's emblem or patron saint on their shield, and with medium armour and training they are not to be underestimated, though they will probably be slaughtered against professional soldiers

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

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.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Militias are a common sight in Europe's battlefield, where the mere idea of a standing army was unknown. These men were expected to protect their homes by themselves, and were given little training and equipment, not being expected to do much more than holding off the enemy for a while before dying or fleeing. Italian militias were different, for they were volunteers who trained in certain days of the week, while still having jobs and families of their own, and were equipped by the city (or, in big cities, by their district of birth): as such, they firmly believe in their role of protectors of the city, which they show in painting the city's emblem or patron saint on their shield, and with medium armour and training they are not to be underestimated, though they will probably be slaughtered against professional soldiers

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.

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

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

"Just like going through a forest full of blackberry, only with blades instead of thorns" -- Since the times of Alexander the Great, pikemen have maintained the same function, which is to slaughter cavalry and present an impregnable wall against anything which may come their way, and they are still deadly efficient in fulfilling it. While the most famous pikemen come from Switzerland and Flanders, and are rightly renowed all across Europe, every nation deploys its own pike companies. A wise commander will deploy pikemen in the center, their sides well protected, for pikemen suffer from flank and rear attacks more than any other troops, and will provide them ranged support against enemy archers, since they don't have shields.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"A farming tool remains a farming tool even in battle: the harvest is, however, completely different" -- In a world where most levies were mere farmers, thrown into the fray with no equipment nor training, it is no surprise that said farmers usually brought their farming tools with them: after all, while most didn't know which end of a spear to point at the enemy, they were unrivalled masters with scythes, pitchforks, billhooks, and so on. It took little time for generals and blacksmiths to invent weapons based on such tools, so that paesant levies could use actual weapons instead of mere tools, and be easily trained on their use thanks to the familiarity. The bill is one of the most common amongst such weapons: based on the billhook, it is widely used against cavalry, featuring a hook for grabbing a knight's leg and dragging him to the ground, and a sharp blade for killing him once he is dismounted, and usually stunned from the fall. Billmen levies are thus effective and cheap anti-cavalry forces. Actual training and equipment only add to their worth.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"With heavy armour, large shields, and long spears, these men are a moving bulwark" -- The "targa" is a type of large, rectangular wooden shield, covered with a thin iron patina, widely used by Italian spearmen: it was large but not too heavy, and easy to use, thus providing excellent protection. Targonieri are a semi-professional force, trained by the many free cities of Italy to protect themselves from any would-be conqueror, and they fulfill the role perfetly. On the battlefield, they form an unbreakable wall against both cavalry and infantry, laughing as arrows and crossbow bolts harmlessly dot their shields. They are among the few soldiers in Europe trained to fight in phalanx formation, each soldier protecting and helping the other, as the ancient Greek hoplites did: this makes them able to prevail even against èlite forces, better equipped but used to fight as single champions rather than a coordinated force. Their only weakness lies in their weapon: spears are slow weapons, best used defensively, and a wise commander should not waste them against professional swordsmen or two-handed weapon wielders

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

PLACEHOLDER

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

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.

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.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"A keen eye and a steady hand can rain death on unsuspecting foes" Italian states do not possess the culture of the bow their northern counterpart, like England, cutivate since ancient times. However, bows are easy to produce, and a bow militia can be trained in a short time, should the need for ranged troops arise. A commander should use these archers to unleash volleys of arrows upon the enemy from the distance as a light support, but they will be slaughtered by any coming foe.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"Even if they aren't knights, their horses will still trample enemies under their hooves" "The berrovieri are a light cavalry force, mainly used for the protection of communal officers who travelled while performing their duties. In battle they are commonly used for scouting ahead of the main army, and as a flanking force. Although not heavily armed, their horses are fast and resilent, and can easily escape heavy cavalry or hit the rear of an unprepared infantry force. If used as a foot infantry, they are fairly well equipped and trained, being semi-professional soldiers, and can deal a good amount of damage to light and medium troops, but are not expected to resist for long in prolonged combat or against elite forces".

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

"Genoa's most priced merchandise is not spices or gems, but its crossbowmen" -- Genoese crossbowmen were among the most renowned mercenaries of the time: they were trained and equipped by the Republic, one company always acting as the personal botyguard of the Doge, and showed great professionality, since their reputation directly reflected upon their motherland. Their strict adherence to the terms of the contract had however a negative side: a legend tells that a Genoese company, hired to fight till sunset, fought with honour until sunset, and then left precisely the moment the sun desappeard, even though the battle was still going! Any foreign nation which needlessly endangered or wasted a crossbowmen company was banned from any negotiation with Genoa. In battle, Genoese crossbowmen rain death upon the enemy with their crossbows, finely crafted by the best smiths of the city, and are easily recognised for their "pavese", a great shield decorated with the image of a patron saint or the Red Cross of Genoa, carried upon the shoulders: while reloading, a crossbowman turns his body, presenting the shield to the enemy, and so protecting himself from enemy fire. For their personal protection, they are protected by medium armour, and are quite proficient in the use of the sword.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"War is but another way of negotiating for a merchant: blood instead of ink and human lives instead of coins" "Although more of a symbol than an actual ruler, power mostly residing in the "Maggior Consiglio" (Major Council) of the oldest and most respected merchant families, the Doge of Venice is still the city's most prominent merchant, a man who possesses more money in his pocket than most kings in their treasure chambers, and a charismatic leader: many Doges led personally the fleets and armies of Venice, be it to protect the city from assaults or to secure a new trade route. In battle the Doge is easily recognised for his hat, a symbol of his charge, and surrounded by the most elite of the city's defenders, ready to lay down their lives for the Most Serene Republic of Venice."

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

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.

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

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Militias are a common sight in Europe's battlefield, where the mere idea of a standing army was unknown. These men were expected to protect their homes by themselves, and were given little training and equipment, not being expected to do much more than holding off the enemy for a while before dying or fleeing. Italian militias were different, for they were volunteers who trained in certain days of the week, while still having jobs and families of their own, and were equipped by the city (or, in big cities, by their district of birth): as such, they firmly believe in their role of protectors of the city, which they show in painting the city's emblem or patron saint on their shield, and with medium armour and training they are not to be underestimated, though they will probably be slaughtered against professional soldiers

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

"A farming tool remains a farming tool even in battle: the harvest is, however, completely different" -- In a world where most levies were mere farmers, thrown into the fray with no equipment nor training, it is no surprise that said farmers usually brought their farming tools with them: after all, while most didn't know which end of a spear to point at the enemy, they were unrivalled masters with scythes, pitchforks, billhooks, and so on. It took little time for generals and blacksmiths to invent weapons based on such tools, so that paesant levies could use actual weapons instead of mere tools, and be easily trained on their use thanks to the familiarity. The bill is one of the most common amongst such weapons: based on the billhook, it is widely used against cavalry, featuring a hook for grabbing a knight's leg and dragging him to the ground, and a sharp blade for killing him once he is dismounted, and usually stunned from the fall. Billmen levies are thus effective and cheap anti-cavalry forces. Actual training and equipment only add to their worth.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

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.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

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.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Militias are a common sight in Europe's battlefield, where the mere idea of a standing army was unknown. These men were expected to protect their homes by themselves, and were given little training and equipment, not being expected to do much more than holding off the enemy for a while before dying or fleeing. Italian militias were different, for they were volunteers who trained in certain days of the week, while still having jobs and families of their own, and were equipped by the city (or, in big cities, by their district of birth): as such, they firmly believe in their role of protectors of the city, which they show in painting the city's emblem or patron saint on their shield, and with medium armour and training they are not to be underestimated, though they will probably be slaughtered against professional soldiers

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.

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

"Just like going through a forest full of blackberry, only with blades instead of thorns" -- Since the times of Alexander the Great, pikemen have maintained the same function, which is to slaughter cavalry and present an impregnable wall against anything which may come their way, and they are still deadly efficient in fulfilling it. While the most famous pikemen come from Switzerland and Flanders, and are rightly renowed all across Europe, every nation deploys its own pike companies. A wise commander will deploy pikemen in the center, their sides well protected, for pikemen suffer from flank and rear attacks more than any other troops, and will provide them ranged support against enemy archers, since they don't have shields.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

"A farming tool remains a farming tool even in battle: the harvest is, however, completely different" -- In a world where most levies were mere farmers, thrown into the fray with no equipment nor training, it is no surprise that said farmers usually brought their farming tools with them: after all, while most didn't know which end of a spear to point at the enemy, they were unrivalled masters with scythes, pitchforks, billhooks, and so on. It took little time for generals and blacksmiths to invent weapons based on such tools, so that paesant levies could use actual weapons instead of mere tools, and be easily trained on their use thanks to the familiarity. The bill is one of the most common amongst such weapons: based on the billhook, it is widely used against cavalry, featuring a hook for grabbing a knight's leg and dragging him to the ground, and a sharp blade for killing him once he is dismounted, and usually stunned from the fall. Billmen levies are thus effective and cheap anti-cavalry forces. Actual training and equipment only add to their worth.

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

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

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