Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Askari (from askar, 'army') were the retinue soldiers of rulers and Amirs alike. The vast majority of such groups was generally formed of Ghulams, owing personal service to their owner, and who were best known for their absolute loyalty.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Askari (from askar, 'army') were the retinue soldiers of rulers and Amirs alike. The vast majority of such groups was generally formed of Ghulams, owing personal service to their owner, and who were best known for their absolute loyalty.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Anatolian Seljuks differ from most of early Turco-Islamic States by heavy usage of paid soldiers. The reasons are multiple: alternative for undisciplined Turcoman tribals, using the non-Muslim people of Anatolia, influence of Roman army, and influx of western Mercenary in the area. Those paid soldiers were named as ecrîhor, cerâhor ot cerîhor, from the Arabic “ecr” (means pay or payment). According to Erkan Göksu, Cerahors didnt mentioned in historic sources untill 1202 Georgian Campaign as replacement of Turkmen tribal irregulars. Anatolian Seljuk Cerahors origins were various, amongst others Greeks, Armenians, Arabs, Franks and Turks as well. (Research credit to Bumula)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Anatolian Seljuks differ from most of early Turco-Islamic States by heavy usage of paid soldiers. The reasons are multiple: alternative for undisciplined Turcoman tribals, using the non-Muslim people of Anatolia, influence of Roman army, and influx of western Mercenary in the area. Those paid soldiers were named as ecrîhor, cerâhor ot cerîhor, from the Arabic “ecr” (means pay or payment). According to Erkan Göksu, Cerahors didnt mentioned in historic sources untill 1202 Georgian Campaign as replacement of Turkmen tribal irregulars. Anatolian Seljuk Cerahors origins were various, amongst others Greeks, Armenians, Arabs, Franks and Turks as well. (Research credit to Bumula)

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

Anatolian Seljuks differ from most of early Turco-Islamic States by heavy usage of paid soldiers. The reasons are multiple: alternative for undisciplined Turcoman tribals, using the non-Muslim people of Anatolia, influence of Roman army, and influx of western Mercenary in the area. Those paid soldiers were named as ecrîhor, cerâhor ot cerîhor, from the Arabic “ecr” (means pay or payment). According to Erkan Göksu, Cerahors didnt mentioned in historic sources untill 1202 Georgian Campaign as replacement of Turkmen tribal irregulars. Anatolian Seljuk Cerahors origins were various, amongst others Greeks, Armenians, Arabs, Franks and Turks as well. (Research credit to Bumula)

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

Anatolian Seljuks differ from most of early Turco-Islamic States by heavy usage of paid soldiers. The reasons are multiple: alternative for undisciplined Turcoman tribals, using the non-Muslim people of Anatolia, influence of Roman army, and influx of western Mercenary in the area. Those paid soldiers were named as ecrîhor, cerâhor ot cerîhor, from the Arabic “ecr” (means pay or payment). According to Erkan Göksu, Cerahors didnt mentioned in historic sources untill 1202 Georgian Campaign as replacement of Turkmen tribal irregulars. Anatolian Seljuk Cerahors origins were various, amongst others Greeks, Armenians, Arabs, Franks and Turks as well. (Research credit to Bumula)

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

Anatolian Seljuks differ from most of early Turco-Islamic States by heavy usage of paid soldiers. The reasons are multiple: alternative for undisciplined Turcoman tribals, using the non-Muslim people of Anatolia, influence of Roman army, and influx of western Mercenary in the area. Those paid soldiers were named as ecrîhor, cerâhor ot cerîhor, from the Arabic “ecr” (means pay or payment). According to Erkan Göksu, Cerahors didnt mentioned in historic sources untill 1202 Georgian Campaign as replacement of Turkmen tribal irregulars. Anatolian Seljuk Cerahors origins were various, amongst others Greeks, Armenians, Arabs, Franks and Turks as well. (Research credit to Bumula)

Strengths & weaknesses

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

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

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Ghazi could be best described as Holy Warriors acting to advance and protect the borders of Islam, manning the border forts (ribats) and joining offensive campaigns for loot and glory. The coming of the Turks into the Islamic world had a large impact on the Ghazi brotherhoods however, as they settled the borders and brought the fight to the Infidels with raids and skirmishes. The title of Ghazi even became an honorific title for the Seljuks and their successors.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Capable of both Melee and Ranged fighting

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

According to Muhammed Iqbal, Hasher means irregulars or soldiers in other provences only muster during campaigns. Haşer in Turkish comes from Arabic term meaning gathering, to gather, but in Farsi it also means crowd and militia(Research Credit to Bumula)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

Martolos, from Greek "Armatolos" "Armed", were the catch-all term for Christians serving in the Ottoman Army. The term came to be used to call various kinds of Christian armed units: pathfinders, armed constabularies, European renegades fighting as Harami, or Fortress Guards (Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) pp. 63-64)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Capable of both Melee and Ranged fighting

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Instead of divying territories between nobles for feudal military obligation, in the Middle East it is only the taxation rights of the conquered territories were given. This system is called Iqta, and in Ottoman Sultanate, the Timar. The Muqti or the Timariot should use part of the tax revenue to equip himself and his retinue soldiers for his military obligation. Note that the land itself is still the property of the state, and the right is not inheritable, only appointed by the ruler of the state. The style used by Timarli Sipahi differs depending of their origin. Those hailing from Asia tend to be lighter, using traditional Turkish skirmish tactics. European Sipahi meanwhile tend to be heavier for charging and shock tactics. In Asian Battles, the Asian Sipahi takes the right wing and the European Sipahi the left wing, and vice-versa in European Battles. Interestingly, Timarli Sipahi also serves in the sea with the Navy.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Azap = "Bachelors". Started up as Local Irregular Volunteers given salary for campaigns by Provincial government, but due to constant warfare they turned into a sort of mercenarial professional troops who ventured province-to-province out for military campaigns for salary and loot. Did not form free mercenarial bands due to strong central government. Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) pp. 20-21

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Azap = "Bachelors". Started up as Local Irregular Volunteers given salary for campaigns by Provincial government, but due to constant warfare they turned into a sort of mercenarial professional troops who ventured province-to-province out for military campaigns for salary and loot. Did not form free mercenarial bands due to strong central government. Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) pp. 20-21

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Cebeli = Armoured retainers of the Timarli Sipahi. The name refers to the maille hauberk they worn, "Cebe", which their Timarli Sipahi liege were obligated to furnish. Kapikulu Suvari members also were allowed to have Cebelu - Silahdars 4-5, Sipahi 5-6, Ulufeciyan 2-3, but none for the Gureba. Source: Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 4

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Capable of both Melee and Ranged fighting

Description

Harami = Literally means Brigands or Thieves. Used to denote small groups of irregular frontier raiders given permission to raid after coordinating with local Akinci leader, and promised to pay taxes after raiding. Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) pp. 57-58

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

According to Muhammed Iqbal, Hasher means irregulars or soldiers in other provences only muster during campaigns. Haşer in Turkish comes from Arabic term meaning gathering, to gather, but in Farsi it also means crowd and militia(Research Credit to Bumula)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Garip/Gureba = Strangers/Foreigners. Originally recruited from Muslim Foregners, e.g. Tatars, Arabs, Persians. First recorded from the time of Kara Timurtas Pasha. It then became the part of the Kapikulu Suvalileri, in where they are tasked for guarding the treasury and the Sultan's banner. In later times, surviving volunteers who had shown their valor in Dakilic or Canbazan detachment can be promoted to this unit. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 9; Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) p. 44)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Kapikulu Sipahi were the second regiment of the Kapikulu Suvalileri, comprised of the sons of noble families. Even though they're the second, they are more prestigious than the Silahdars, given higher wages and more Cebelu (25 akce/day and 5-6 servants compared to Silahdar's 20 akce/day and 4-5 servants). During peacetime only Sipahi and Silahdar formations remained in and around Constantinople.(Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) p. 44-45)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Ulufe = Salary. The Ulufeci Corps of the Right and Left were a part of the Kapikulu Suvalileri. Together with the Garipler, they form the Bolukat i-Erba'a. They were originally Kara Timurtas Pasha's own salaried Cavalry. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 9)

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

Martolos, from Greek "Armatolos" "Armed", were the catch-all term for Christians serving in the Ottoman Army. The term came to be used to call various kinds of Christian armed units: pathfinders, armed constabularies, European renegades fighting as Harami, or Fortress Guards (Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) pp. 63-64)

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

Martolos, from Greek "Armatolos" "Armed", were the catch-all term for Christians serving in the Ottoman Army. The term came to be used to call various kinds of Christian armed units: pathfinders, armed constabularies, European renegades fighting as Harami, or Fortress Guards (Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) pp. 63-64)

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

Martolos, from Greek "Armatolos" "Armed", were the catch-all term for Christians serving in the Ottoman Army. The term came to be used to call various kinds of Christian armed units: pathfinders, armed constabularies, European renegades fighting as Harami, or Fortress Guards (Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) pp. 63-64)

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

Martolos, from Greek "Armatolos" "Armed", were the catch-all term for Christians serving in the Ottoman Army. The term came to be used to call various kinds of Christian armed units: pathfinders, armed constabularies, European renegades fighting as Harami, or Fortress Guards (Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) pp. 63-64)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Musellem = lit. Tax-exempts. They were Yaya who can afford horses, serving as auxiliaries for guarding supply baggages in campaigns. In emergencies they may be used as combat units. Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) p. 16

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Capable of both Melee and Ranged fighting

Description

In the Period of Osman Gazi, Military Slaves serving as a Royal Guard were a part of the Sultan's private staff of Nokers - a Mongol-derived institution. They need to be independent from tribal allegiance, therefore only holds loyalty to the Sultan. Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) p. 18

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Instead of divying territories between nobles for feudal military obligation, in the Middle East it is only the taxation rights of the conquered territories were given. This system is called Iqta, and in Ottoman Sultanate, the Timar. The Muqti or the Timariot should use part of the tax revenue to equip himself and his retinue soldiers for his military obligation. Note that the land itself is still the property of the state, and the right is not inheritable, only appointed by the ruler of the state. The style used by Timarli Sipahi differs depending of their origin. Those hailing from Asia tend to be lighter, using traditional Turkish skirmish tactics. European Sipahi meanwhile tend to be heavier for charging and shock tactics. In Asian Battles, the Asian Sipahi takes the right wing and the European Sipahi the left wing, and vice-versa in European Battles. Interestingly, Timarli Sipahi also serves in the sea with the Navy.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Silahdars, or the Arms-Bearers, were the first of the Kapikulu Suvalileri, originally comprised of royal pages and servants. They were the original Sultan's guard of the Kapikulu Suvalileri, positioned on the Sultan's right. During peacetime only Sipahi and Silahdar formations remained in and around Constantinople. The Silahdar regiment was also tasked to monitor road building and maintenance activity of the engineers and other auxiliary units.(Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) p. 44-45)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Yaya = Literally "Pedestrians", the first semi-regular footsoldiers of the Ottoman Army, drafted 1 man out of 25 households, given tax exemption. Reportedly proposed by Alaeddin Pasha and Candarli Kara Halil Pasha in 1325. (Heath, Ian, "Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2: The Ottoman Empire, The Eastern Europe, and the Near East 1300-1500" (Wargames Research Group, 1984) p. 4.; Uyar, Mesut "A Military History of the Ottomans: From Osman to Attaturk" (ABC-CLIO, 2009) p. 29, 50)

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

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Instead of divying territories between nobles for feudal military obligation, in the Middle East it is only the taxation rights of the conquered territories were given. This system is called Iqta, and in Ottoman Sultanate, the Timar. The Muqti or the Timariot should use part of the tax revenue to equip himself and his retinue soldiers for his military obligation. Note that the land itself is still the property of the state, and the right is not inheritable, only appointed by the ruler of the state. The style used by Timarli Sipahi differs depending of their origin. Those hailing from Asia tend to be lighter, using traditional Turkish skirmish tactics. European Sipahi meanwhile tend to be heavier for charging and shock tactics. In Asian Battles, the Asian Sipahi takes the right wing and the European Sipahi the left wing, and vice-versa in European Battles. Interestingly, Timarli Sipahi also serves in the sea with the Navy.