RoP III's "Ten Thousand"
The Anusyia, more famously known as 'The Immortals', are the crystalised evolution of the paired archer/spearman formation. The full regiment numbers 10,000 men and the troops are organised into ten divisions of 1000 men. The divisions are made up of ten 100 man units called Satabam; each with their own veteran officer and proud standard, bearing the colours of the Anusyia. The men were promoted from the ranks of the regular infantry on the basis of personal merit to ensure that the entire regiment was made up of hardy, reliable soldiers. Since the Anusyia remained on active duty at all times the regiment was possessed of considerable experience and training as well as a professional pride in their quality as soldiers. The saffron head dress they wear is the mark of the professional troops and would later go on to be the head dress that all Achaemenid soldiers would proudly display as a sign of their military station. In addition to this they also wore the characteristic Iranian tunic but with a central stripe of colour and decoration on the cuffs and upper arms of the clothing. This central striped tunic would also go on to become the uniform of the Persian soldier with differing colours making a distinction in rank or disposition.
They carry powerful bows to soften up the enemy as they approach but when they come within arms reach the Anusyia attack with 6 foot spears. They defend themselves with their wooden shields, rimmed and bossed with iron. After their shield their only other protection is their vest of iron scales which whilst strong does not protect the soldiers limbs or head. The Persians intentionally disdained wearing helmets to war as a test of bravery and whilst this, and the short pattern shields, also aided their archery prowess they would also have been exposed to a great many dangers on the field. The Anusyia are the Great King's right hand and they can be relied upon to stand against any foe anywhere in the world.
Anusyia Asabari
The horsemen of the Anusyia class are drawn from the regular asabari in the same way that the infantry corps were promoted from the ranks of ordinary soldiers. In this case however the troops are drawn from the minor nobility and often consider themselves to be held in higher esteem than their bretheren in the infantry. Their wealth is displayed in their colourful and well decorated clothing but they are also charged to wear the central stripe on their tunics as a professional soldier.
These horsemen carry javelins to hurl at their foes before attacking with their spears. Wearing a helmet, due to the dangers of falling from a horse, and a vest of scale mail the Anusyia Asabari are heavier cavalry than most and their excellent training and years of experience will ensure that they can go up against the toughest of cavalry detatchments. Even with their extra protection the cavalry of the ancient world was only rarely used in direct clashes with heavy infantry and should not expect to be able to defeat hardened soldiers alone.
Kara Arštibara
The Kara Arštibara were the true elites of the Persian army. Drawn from the ranks of the common Anusyia and equipped by the Royal armouries these troops act as the infantry bodyguard for Persian grandees and high ranking commanders. These troops are honoured with a central stripe of purple on their tunics and the distinction of fighting beneath the royal standard. This unit was a mirror to the court bodyguards known as the Arštibara but also as the applebearers. The difference was that the Kara came from the common people and actually fought on the battlefield wheras the court bodyguards were for the protection of the King's household and were taken from the youth of the Persian nobility.
They fight with the longer seven foot spears as they are a purely melee unit and they close ranks with their wooden and bossed shields. They wear reinforced scale cuirasses but still disdain helmets in favour of their saffron head dresses. These troops can go up against dedicated heavy infantry and fare well but their rarity makes them incredibly expensive to recruit and maintain.
Rise of Persia III - Preview I
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