Grand Duchy of Serbia

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

PLACEHOLDER

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Chosen from the most courageous and disciplined of warriors, these men are handpicked to serve as the personal guards in the courts of foreign kings and emperors. Their terrifying masks are only matched in terror by their fierce reputation in battle.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Born in the saddle, and armed with the traditional composite bow, the cuman light cavalry were the most sought after mercenaries in the balkans, rightly so for only those who possessed the wealth and power to buy their services and those who ever knew the taste of victory.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Young and eager to prove themselves in battle, the Jigits are lightly armed and armoured cavalrymen that excel at ambushing, raiding, and running down the cowardly.

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

Archery had long tradition is Serbia, even before their settlement in the Balkans. Later, under Byzantine and Cuman influence, more powerful composite bows were adopted, although in limited quantity. Even with appearance of crossbows and gunpowder in 14th and 15th century, bows remained important weapon in Serbian arsenal.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vlastela were high feudal nobility which ruled over large swaths of land, or even whole provinces (either hereditary as baština or conditionally as pronija). War was personal obligation of noble, and rich and powerful would bring along their large entourage. Dressed fine armor (often imported from famous workshops of Italy), Vlastela fought as heavy armored cavalry lancers.Charge of Serbian heavy cavalry was fearsome, and it could decide the outcome of the battle. Ironically some of their greatest military feats were in Ottoman service; chief example being defeat of the great crusade at Nicopolis in 1396. As last Serbian Tsar Urosh “the weak” discovered, vlastela - if left unchecked, could become a threat to their own state too. Their factionalism, personal rivalry and ambition could do as much damage as enemy armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Lands on the state borders called krajište (pronounced krayishte), were for better defense were organized into special military districts under command of king’s lieutenants - border lords. Men of border-lord (krajišnici) took care of travelers and merchants safety, and chased away bandits and raiders. They would also make incursions in enemy territory when ordered. Krajišnici wore no armor, they were masters of disguise and ambushes. Byzantines soon learned to fear those men “who darted froth behind trees and rocks like devils out of the earth”. Frontiersmen weapons consisted from bows, axes and javelins.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Gradobljudenije was one of duties of dependent population which involved guarding of the city, that is, securing the people for the city garrison, both in war and in peacetime conditions. This obligation had to be carried out both by the urban population and the inhabitants of the surrounding district. It was especially enforced in border or recently conquered territories.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

“Zamanička vojska” is a term for levy army that was raised in case of grave danger. Depending on circumstances it could be raised in the whole state or locally. Scale of the mobilization depended on level of danger: every body-able man, one man per every house, or per five houses. Levies had to cover the expenses, and provide their own equipment and weapons. Most of them fought as unarmored bowmen, their primary weapon being an yew short-bow

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Baštinici were fundament of serbian feudal army, as military service was required from all body-able landowners. Baštinik was, in difference to pronijar, in complete ownership of his land; Baština was hereditary freehold land, and it could be taken from him only in case of treason. Baštinici fought as medium cavalry, armed with lances and swords. Their arms and equipment show strong Byzantine influence but were locally produced. Their mounts are not destriers but a breed of Balkan mountain horse. Balkan mountain horses are smaller than proper warhorses, but extremely tough and resistant.Baštinici were good, experienced troops, even if somewhat slow to mobilize and unwilling to fight far outside borders. However, in late medieval period Serbian Despots would see pronija lands as more reliable source of troops and try to increase it at the expense of baština.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Vlastela were high feudal nobility which ruled over large swaths of land, or even whole provinces (either hereditary as baština or conditionally as pronija). War was personal obligation of noble, and rich and powerful would bring along their large entourage. Dressed fine armor (often imported from famous workshops of Italy), Vlastela fought as heavy armored cavalry lancers.Charge of Serbian heavy cavalry was fearsome, and it could decide the outcome of the battle. Ironically some of their greatest military feats were in Ottoman service; chief example being defeat of the great crusade at Nicopolis in 1396. As last Serbian Tsar Urosh “the weak” discovered, vlastela - if left unchecked, could become a threat to their own state too. Their factionalism, personal rivalry and ambition could do as much damage as enemy armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vlastelčići were numerous class of lower nobles, and their name can be literally translated as “small nobles”. They possessed smaller amount of land (baština), and as landowners Vlastelčići were obliged to serve in the army.While they were often considered to be the “middle class”, between upper class-peasants and high nobility (vlastela), their legal position was close to proper nobility. For these men proper warhorses were too expensive, and lower nobility often fought on foot. Their weapons included axes, swords, sabers and maces.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vojnici (pronounced Voynici) which can be literally translated as “soldiers”, were a class of smallholders in medieval Serbia. According to law, every man who was in possession of hereditary freehold land (baština) was required to attend the army. Ignoring the call to arms meant risk of confiscation of the property. At first voynici were considered a separate class - not equal to nobles. Later the difference between them and low nobility blurred.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vojnici (pronounced Voynici) which can be literally translated as “soldiers”, were a class of smallholders in medieval Serbia. According to law, every man who was in possession of hereditary freehold land (baština) was required to attend the army. Ignoring the call to arms meant risk of confiscation of the property. At first voynici were considered a separate class - not equal to nobles. Later the difference between them and low nobility blurred.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

PLACEHOLDER

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

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Born in the saddle, and armed with the traditional composite bow, the cuman light cavalry were the most sought after mercenaries in the balkans, rightly so for only those who possessed the wealth and power to buy their services and those who ever knew the taste of victory.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Young and eager to prove themselves in battle, the Jigits are lightly armed and armoured cavalrymen that excel at ambushing, raiding, and running down the cowardly.

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

Archery had long tradition is Serbia, even before their settlement in the Balkans. Later, under Byzantine and Cuman influence, more powerful composite bows were adopted, although in limited quantity. Even with appearance of crossbows and gunpowder in 14th and 15th century, bows remained important weapon in Serbian arsenal.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vlastela were high feudal nobility which ruled over large swaths of land, or even whole provinces (either hereditary as baština or conditionally as pronija). War was personal obligation of noble, and rich and powerful would bring along their large entourage. Dressed fine armor (often imported from famous workshops of Italy), Vlastela fought as heavy armored cavalry lancers.Charge of Serbian heavy cavalry was fearsome, and it could decide the outcome of the battle. Ironically some of their greatest military feats were in Ottoman service; chief example being defeat of the great crusade at Nicopolis in 1396. As last Serbian Tsar Urosh “the weak” discovered, vlastela - if left unchecked, could become a threat to their own state too. Their factionalism, personal rivalry and ambition could do as much damage as enemy armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Crossbows started to appear in Serbia armies during the 14th century, anperiod of gradual westernization of the army. They have pros and cons compared to bows: shorter range, longer reload time, but greater armor penetration. Also, crossbow requires significantly shorter training time to master. In Serbian armies crossbowmen continued to be outnumbered by the bowmen, even in late medieval period.These men were paid regulars with plenty of military experience. Shields are not used and their mail and brigandine armors are only protection. Crossbowmen’s secondary weapon of choice is usually sabre, but if has to use it - battle is not going as planned.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Lands on the state borders called krajište (pronounced krayishte), were for better defense were organized into special military districts under command of king’s lieutenants - border lords. Men of border-lord (krajišnici) took care of travelers and merchants safety, and chased away bandits and raiders. They would also make incursions in enemy territory when ordered. Krajišnici wore no armor, they were masters of disguise and ambushes. Byzantines soon learned to fear those men “who darted froth behind trees and rocks like devils out of the earth”. Frontiersmen weapons consisted from bows, axes and javelins.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

German and latin mercenaries started to appear in Serbian armies at the beginning of 14th century. Several companies of Germans were employed over the decades. Best known of them was the contingent of mercenaries from Austria and Slovenia under command of captain Palman from Letinberch which became a elite bodyguard troop of Tsar Stefan Dušan. At least 300 knights and man-at-arms were permanently attached to his court, always at disposal. German men-at-arms fought as heavily armored cavalry, but if needed, on foot as well. Byzantines spoke with envy of these heavy armored men of “exceptional strength and best training”.Indeed, these well organized and trained mercenaries played a prominent role in the Serbian victories of the period.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Gradobljudenije was one of duties of dependent population which involved guarding of the city, that is, securing the people for the city garrison, both in war and in peacetime conditions. This obligation had to be carried out both by the urban population and the inhabitants of the surrounding district. It was especially enforced in border or recently conquered territories.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Pronija (pronounced Pronya) is type of conditional land that the ruler shared with a person (Pronijar), which in turn had to perform military service. This institution of Byzantine origin appears in Serbia in 14th century. Land is not automatically hereditary, and could be taken away at any time, which makes Pronijar eager to prove his value as an soldier. To improve country's defensive capability, Despots tried several times to increase amount of Pronija lands.Pronijari fought as armored cavalry lancers, and by 15th century they were equipped in western European fashion.

Strengths & weaknesses

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

Description

In addition to merchant navy, Republic of Ragusa used network of trade caravans to reach deep into Balkans. Of special interest to the republic were mining cities in Serbia where colonies of Ragusan merchants settled. With gold and silver from those mines Serbs would pay for the goods that were brought in. Especially profitable was arms trade, in 14 and 15th century Ragusans supplied whole western Balkans with firearms, cannons and gunpowder from their own manufactories. According to local law Ragusans who owned land in Serbia had to participate in garrison duty. Ones that weren’t landowners could also help - which they often did. After all, too much money was at stake !Historically Ragusan merchants fought in siege of Novo Brdo along with its Serbian garrison. Ottomans managed to capture the town in 1441. after two years of heroic resistance.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Vlastela were high feudal nobility which ruled over large swaths of land, or even whole provinces (either hereditary as baština or conditionally as pronija). War was personal obligation of noble, and rich and powerful would bring along their large entourage. Dressed fine armor (often imported from famous workshops of Italy), Vlastela fought as heavy armored cavalry lancers.Charge of Serbian heavy cavalry was fearsome, and it could decide the outcome of the battle. Ironically some of their greatest military feats were in Ottoman service; chief example being defeat of the great crusade at Nicopolis in 1396. As last Serbian Tsar Urosh “the weak” discovered, vlastela - if left unchecked, could become a threat to their own state too. Their factionalism, personal rivalry and ambition could do as much damage as enemy armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vlastelčići were numerous class of lower nobles, and their name can be literally translated as “small nobles”. They possessed smaller amount of land (baština), and as landowners Vlastelčići were obliged to serve in the army.While they were often considered to be the “middle class”, between upper class-peasants and high nobility (vlastela), their legal position was close to proper nobility. For these men proper warhorses were too expensive, and lower nobility often fought on foot. Their weapons included axes, swords, sabers and maces.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vojnici (pronounced Voynici) which can be literally translated as “soldiers”, were a class of smallholders in medieval Serbia. According to law, every man who was in possession of hereditary freehold land (baština) was required to attend the army. Ignoring the call to arms meant risk of confiscation of the property. At first voynici were considered a separate class - not equal to nobles. Later the difference between them and low nobility blurred.

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

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Born in the saddle, and armed with the traditional composite bow, the cuman light cavalry were the most sought after mercenaries in the balkans, rightly so for only those who possessed the wealth and power to buy their services and those who ever knew the taste of victory.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Young and eager to prove themselves in battle, the Jigits are lightly armed and armoured cavalrymen that excel at ambushing, raiding, and running down the cowardly.

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

Archery had long tradition is Serbia, even before their settlement in the Balkans. Later, under Byzantine and Cuman influence, more powerful composite bows were adopted, although in limited quantity. Even with appearance of crossbows and gunpowder in 14th and 15th century, bows remained important weapon in Serbian arsenal.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vlastela were high feudal nobility which ruled over large swaths of land, or even whole provinces (either hereditary as baština or conditionally as pronija). War was personal obligation of noble, and rich and powerful would bring along their large entourage. Dressed fine armor (often imported from famous workshops of Italy), Vlastela fought as heavy armored cavalry lancers.Charge of Serbian heavy cavalry was fearsome, and it could decide the outcome of the battle. Ironically some of their greatest military feats were in Ottoman service; chief example being defeat of the great crusade at Nicopolis in 1396. As last Serbian Tsar Urosh “the weak” discovered, vlastela - if left unchecked, could become a threat to their own state too. Their factionalism, personal rivalry and ambition could do as much damage as enemy armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Crossbows started to appear in Serbia armies during the 14th century, anperiod of gradual westernization of the army. They have pros and cons compared to bows: shorter range, longer reload time, but greater armor penetration. Also, crossbow requires significantly shorter training time to master. In Serbian armies crossbowmen continued to be outnumbered by the bowmen, even in late medieval period.These men were paid regulars with plenty of military experience. Shields are not used and their mail and brigandine armors are only protection. Crossbowmen’s secondary weapon of choice is usually sabre, but if has to use it - battle is not going as planned.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

After disastrous Ottoman defeat at Ankara in 1402. Serbia was independent once again. As sign of his new status knez Stefan Lazarević received title of Despot from Byzantine emperor. Originally it was a senior Byzantine court title, or title of ruler of vassal state, but this time empire had no control or influence over Serbia. Despots managed to break power of the high nobility (vlastela) - their power was now unquestioned. Financed by the rich gold and silver mines, state was consolidated, and military capabilities increased.By 15th century Hungary became main source of inspiration on military matters. Despot’s guards, all professional soldiers and seasoned veterans, wore full plate armor and were almost indistinguishable from Hungarian knights.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

Lands on the state borders called krajište (pronounced krayishte), were for better defense were organized into special military districts under command of king’s lieutenants - border lords. Men of border-lord (krajišnici) took care of travelers and merchants safety, and chased away bandits and raiders. They would also make incursions in enemy territory when ordered. Krajišnici wore no armor, they were masters of disguise and ambushes. Byzantines soon learned to fear those men “who darted froth behind trees and rocks like devils out of the earth”. Frontiersmen weapons consisted from bows, axes and javelins.

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

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

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vojnici (pronounced Voynici) which can be literally translated as “soldiers”, were a class of smallholders in medieval Serbia. According to law, every man who was in possession of hereditary freehold land (baština) was required to attend the army. Ignoring the call to arms meant risk of confiscation of the property. At first voynici were considered a separate class - not equal to nobles. Later the difference between them and low nobility blurred.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Gradobljudenije was one of duties of dependent population which involved guarding of the city, that is, securing the people for the city garrison, both in war and in peacetime conditions. This obligation had to be carried out both by the urban population and the inhabitants of the surrounding district. It was especially enforced in border or recently conquered territories.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Pronija (pronounced Pronya) is type of conditional land that the ruler shared with a person (Pronijar), which in turn had to perform military service. This institution of Byzantine origin appears in Serbia in 14th century. Land is not automatically hereditary, and could be taken away at any time, which makes Pronijar eager to prove his value as an soldier. To improve country's defensive capability, Despots tried several times to increase amount of Pronija lands.Pronijari fought as armored cavalry lancers, and by 15th century they were equipped in western European fashion.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Vlastela were high feudal nobility which ruled over large swaths of land, or even whole provinces (either hereditary as baština or conditionally as pronija). War was personal obligation of noble, and rich and powerful would bring along their large entourage. Dressed fine armor (often imported from famous workshops of Italy), Vlastela fought as heavy armored cavalry lancers.Charge of Serbian heavy cavalry was fearsome, and it could decide the outcome of the battle. Ironically some of their greatest military feats were in Ottoman service; chief example being defeat of the great crusade at Nicopolis in 1396. As last Serbian Tsar Urosh “the weak” discovered, vlastela - if left unchecked, could become a threat to their own state too. Their factionalism, personal rivalry and ambition could do as much damage as enemy armies.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vlastelčići were numerous class of lower nobles, and their name can be literally translated as “small nobles”. They possessed smaller amount of land (baština), and as landowners Vlastelčići were obliged to serve in the army.While they were often considered to be the “middle class”, between upper class-peasants and high nobility (vlastela), their legal position was close to proper nobility. For these men proper warhorses were too expensive, and lower nobility often fought on foot. Their weapons included axes, swords, sabers and maces.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Vojnici (pronounced Voynici) which can be literally translated as “soldiers”, were a class of smallholders in medieval Serbia. According to law, every man who was in possession of hereditary freehold land (baština) was required to attend the army. Ignoring the call to arms meant risk of confiscation of the property. At first voynici were considered a separate class - not equal to nobles. Later the difference between them and low nobility blurred.