Cretan Archers
The Cretans were widely recognized as among the best archers in the world in ancient times and as such found employment as mercenaries in many armies ranging from the armies of Alexander the Great to the armies of the Diadochii and beyond. Throughout the centuries they have retained their ancient reputation as mercenary archers. Ever since the Venetians took control of the island in 1205 they realised the potential of the Cretan archers. The local Cretains lived in the mountains and came to the coast to fight whenever the island was threatened by an Ottoman fleet. They also fought at many famous battles such as the Siege of Constantinopole in 1453 where the Cretan guardsmen were amongst the last defenders on the walls. The Venetians had strained relations with the Knights St John and had forbidden them to take service with the order. Nonetheless 800 Cretan mercenaries were present at the Siege of Rhodes in 1480. They each have their own bow and arrows, as well as a sword and knives. Protected by leather armour and chainmail they have a lot more endurance than other archers and are able to spend more time in the line of fire to unleash their deadly arrow volleys. These men are the elite archers of the medieval world and are only available in limited numbers.
Greek Militia Spearmen
Reltaionships between the Greeks and the Hospitallers were dominated by two factors: the religious gulf separating the dominant Catholic and the subordinate Orthodox Greeks, and their mutual concern for defence. In the city of Rhodes for example the local population was expelled to a neighbouring suburb which was, however given a strong defensive wall. All the Greek subjects were integrated into a feudal and defence structure that the Hospitallers imposed upon the islands controlled by them. Although the Greeks were somewhat subjugated by the Hospitallers they did rally to the common cause of defending the islands from Islamic invaders. A partial roll call from the Siege of Rhodes of 1522 shows that several thousand Rhodian militia served alognside the Knights and their mercenaries in defence of the island. These men are simple Greek villagers that are lightly armoured with nothing more than brigantines or thick woolen clothing and a shield and are armed with spears or javelins. These men are not trained and have a low morale so they should only be used as a last measure or to plug gaps in the defensive line. They will likely scatter if faced by a formidable foe.
Greek Militia Archers
The bow was not a weapon of choice of the Knights St John and the mercenaries employed by them usually used crossbows as long range weapons. As such besides the Turkopoles the local Greeks provided the best supply of archers for the armies of the Hospitallers. As other Greek militias these men are conscriped in times of emergency to defend the islands from hostile invaders. The archers provide a longer range then the Hospitaller's crossbowmen and a faster reload rate. These men have been using the bow as a hunting and defensive tool for centuries and as such are skilled in the use of it, however not as skilled as the neighbouring Cretans. However, these are poor subjects and can not afford any protection besides their traditional clothing. They are not trained for battle so they should only be used as skirmishers, to harass enemy lines or as defenders of a city's battelements. If engaged in close combat they use their hatchets, however they will not be able to hold their line for long.
Greek Light Cavalry
The Hospitallers insisted that the local Orthodox Church recognise the authority of the Pope. The rural Greeks refused to do so but the urban Greeks eventually accepted this. As such some local Greeks received a higher status from the Knights and even received estates but they were still below the Latins in the social ladder as seen in the size of the estates. When the Hospitallers evacuated Rhodes in January 1523 some of the local Greeks chose to follow them and some even followed them all the way to Malta participating in the siege of 1565. As these Greek men had larger estates they can afford to buy better equipment and they ride horses into battle. They serve as a type of light cavalry which complement the heavier cavalry of the knights. They should be used to harrass enemy infantry and retreating foes and to act as a screen for the advancing Hospitaller armies.
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Rhodian Crossbowmen
Unliked the other Frankish or Crusader States the Knigths St John had a better relationship with their Greek subjects and remained on good terms with them throughout their rule. This has been cited many times as being the major reason for the Order being able to hold Rhodes against the Mamlukes and Ottomans for so long. Even though the Greeks were not allowed to live inside the actual main city they enjoyed certain freedoms and rights. The Rhodians were called upon to serve on the Hospitaller ships as part of the 'servitudo marina' and also provided militias in times of need such as the sieges of 1480 and 1522. Traditionally, the weapon of choice of the Rhodians since ancient times was the sling. However, during medieval times the sling was eventually replaced by more efficient weapons. The crossbow was introduced in the Greek world by the Frankish crusaders. The Rhodians learned the use of this Western weapon and served the Knights as militias against pirates and muslim invaders. These men are mostly Rhodian peasants who are dressed in loose traditional clothes and have limited protection. They do not have professional military training however they can quickly assemble and provide a numerous fighting force in times of need.
Marinarii
When they took over Rhodes the Knights St John realised the value of the local population both as a militia but also to man their war fleet. They instituted a compulsory marine service for the local Greeks and Rhodians known as the 'servitudo marinariorum' or 'servitut de la marine'. Through this system the members of the native population called 'subiti marinarii' provided hereditary naval service for part of the year. The natives which had the highest social standing were exempt from this service. The marinarii served on the hospitaller gallyes as rowers as well as emergency militias during sea or land battles. The servitudo was established by the Knights in the early 14th century and was based on the old Byzantine theme system. It guaranteed the Order a ready supply of reliable seamen who only had to be paid when they were serving. The marinarii of each district were grouped into a 'squadre', each squadra constituting the crew of a galley and serving in turn on a rota basis. Due to the fact that they serve on ships these men wear are dresed in loose clothing and wear very little protection except the occasional helmet. They are armed with large poleaxes which can reach the enemy from a safer distance. These men should only be used in emergency battle situations as although they are hardy seamen they are no match for better armed and armoured opponents.
Members of the Order
Hospitaller Sergeants
The statutes of the order first differentiated between the brother knights and brother sergeants in the statutes of Master Alphonso of Portugal of 1203-1206. The sergeants are warriors of the Order which have not been knighted yet. Sergeants who joined the order could hope to be knighted however this was a very long process and could take up to 15 years. The sergeants (or servants) were of two types, sergeant-at-arms who fought but with less expensive equipment than the knights and sergeants who served as serving brothers who worked as blacksmiths, carpenters or shepherds. In the XII, XIII and early XIV century these men formed the majority of the Order. Unlike the Order of the Temple the Hospitaller sergeants were allowed to wear the same red tabbards with white cross as the knights did. The Hospitaller sergeants are protected by light mail and gambeson as well as large oval shields and are armed with either swords or polearms. Although they have less training than the knights the sergeants are still professional soldiers capable of holding their own as they do their duty towards God and the Order.
Hospitaller Brother in Arms
Historically the Knights Hospitaller have provided powerful units of cavalry for the Crusader Armies. However, after the retreat from the Holy Land the tactics of the Order changed. The Knights tactics involved raiding enemy outposts, jumping from island to island, naval battles and naval landings. The Order changed from a predominantly land force to a combined land and naval force. As such, the role of the cavalry decreased compared to earlier centuries. However, the Hospitallers still maintained a small cavalry force to assist in land battles. The brothers in arms supplied the Order's need for medium cavalry. They are protected by chainmail, helmets and wooden shields and are covered by the traditional red tabbard of the order. They use a cavalry spear in battle and can be used to charge the enemy but also to harrass and pursue retreating forces. Due to their medium equipment they are reasonable fast and are more flexible than their heavier counterparts being able to last in battle for longer before tiring.
Dismounted Hospitaller Brother in Arms
These men are the fighting class of the Hospitallers that are trying to reach the knighthood. They are higher in the Order's hierarchy than the sergeants as they are of noble birth and as such can attain higher ranks in the knighthood. In the XII and XIIIth century the Order was dominated by Frenchmen and this continued for most of the XIVth century. The need for additional manpower led to an increase of men from other Catholic lands such as Italy, Germany, Spain, England and Hungary. However, most of these men are still from Western European and are of noble blood. They are young men devoted to their faith and ready to prove their valour in battle. Due to their families' wealth they can afford better equipment than the sergeants such as chainmail and heavier helmets. They use a shield and spears or swords in battle. They are well trained men with very good morale who are ready to give their life on the field of battle in the name of Christendom.
Hospitaller Brother Knights
The most iconic image of a Hospitaller is of the brother knights riding their warhorses into battle. Although the times for large Hospitaller cavalry armies is gone the brother knights still provide one of the most famous and well respected cavalry units of the religious orders. These men occupied the highest positions within the Order and as such had the best trained steed being only eclipsed by the knights of the grand cross. All the brothers are commanded by the Grand Marshall in battle and they ride at front of all the lesser ranks of the order and the auxiliaries. The brother knights were alloted horses and pack animals and their squires had the duty of taking care of the horse and making sure it is ready for marching or for battle. Protected by heavy armour in the Western fashion and using long cavalry lances these knights provide a powerful charge which can break any infantry formation.
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Dismounted Hospitaller Brother Knights
The brother knights are the most high-profile members of the Order. They enjoyed the highest status within the Order and occupied all the leadership positions. Upon receiving their knighthood every brother had to go through the process of initiation by sitting before an altar holding the Gospels and being accepted in the Order by a preceptor. New members were generally assigned a house under the preceptors obedience and were often alloted a squire, two servants, a horse and a pack animal. The knights were respected as doughty and pious warriors. As they were also religious, bound by monastic vows, they were regarded as more honourable and trustworthy than secular knights. As a religious order, they were not allowed to become involved in the normal pursuits of knighthood such as hunting, tourneying or couring ladies and when not involved in fighting the enemies of Christendom they were supposed to pray in the chapel or perform the work of the order. During naval operations, sieges or landings the brother knights fought dismounted. Protected by heavy armour and large shields and using polearms or warhammers into battle these men act as a shock troops and can turn the tide of battle. Enemis of the Order have been known to retreat at the sight of the armoured knighs approaching.
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Knights of the Grand Cross
These men are the elite bothers of the knighthood, having served for a minimum of fifteen years under of the flag of St. John. These knights provide the guard of the Grand Master in battle and ride by his side when he is personally present on the battlefield. The core is formed of the elite brother knights, the commanding generals and their lieutenants. The knights of the grand cross are protected by full plate armour and use a sword and lance in battle. Their numbers are very due to their rigurous admittance criteria, however this ensures that only the best members of the Order are admitted. They should only be thrown in battle at critical moments to inspire the Order's troops and turn the tide in favour of their holy cause. They are a force to be reckoned with and few knights in the Western or Eastern world can match their skill and prowess.
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Dismounted Knights of the Grand Cross
The veterans, guards, and lieutenants protecting the Grand Master, these are the hardest and most experienced brothers in the whole order. Only the most elite and experienced knights in the order form the guard of the Grand Master and they are considered amongst the most pure, loyal and chaste brothers. In order to be admitted into the the guard a knight would have had to serve faithfully for years and prove his faith and dedication to the order. The knights of the grand cross are amongst the very few fighting brothers that did not fall under the command of the Grand Marshall who is the commander in chief of the army as they report directly to the Grand Master. These men are decked out in full plate armour, the most expensive and heavy protection available to the order. In melee combat they use large two handed swords or war hammers that can penetrate any armour and crush the man within it. These knights form the core of the Grand Master's entourage in battle and will give their lives to protect him.
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Western Colonists and Mercenaries
Genoese Crossbowmen
The Knights St John clashed with Venice in the Aegean sea as both powers wanted to acquire various islands and strongholds in the region. That is why Genoa was a natural ally for the Order. The Knights St John supported the Genoese and the city state provided the Order with mercenaries. The Genoese are famous for the marksmanship of their mercenaries which served both in native Genoese armies but also in other European armies such as the French, other Italian states and Hospitallers. The Genoese crossbowmen came to prominence during the First Crusade, when the Genoese commander Guglielmo Embriaco used them in the course of the siege of Jerusalem and again at the Battle of Jaffa in 1192 during the Third Crusade. The Genoese crossbowmen remained one of the most respected military corps until the 16th century, well after the introduction of black-powder weapons in Europe. These crossbowmen come from all parts of Liguria but are trained and organised in Genoa. Apart from the crossbow, they were equipped with a dagger, light metal helmet, a gorget, a hauberk, and a large shield called a pavese which was used while reloading the crossbow. A groom often supported the shield during the reloading. Commanders of the companies usually came from the noble families of the city, the Genoese that served with the knights generally came from the families that were heavily involved in Greece such as the Giustiniani.
Latin Handgunners
As well as mercenaries drawn from its eastern territories the Order also employed European mercenaries on a regular basis to complement the ranks of the knights. The woodcuts of the Ulm edition from 1496 Caoursin's chronicle show handguns mostly (but not entirely) in the hands of men not wearing the order's supraveste. This would suggest that most of the Order's handgunners were hired specialists although by the XVIth century the knights started using gunpowder weapons themselves as seen in the siege of Malta. These mercenaries were professional troops, highly skilled and well-equipped who were more valuable in the field than a feudal host. The only disadvantage was that they had to be paid and when conditions were paid they demanded a higher rate of pay.
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Latin Crossbowmen
During the Knights' tenure of Rhodes many westerners came to the island and settled on the land allotted to them. Many of these Westerners came in search for a better life, to serve as mercenaries or purely for religious and faith reasons. The crossbow was a popular weapon in the West and many of the mercenaries that served in the Hospitaller armies carried it. The Hospitallers engaged in mainly naval operations and crossbow could be used to great effect during naval battles and also landings and sieges. Each Hospitaller galley had approximately a quarter of its fighting men armed with crossbows. For example for the XVth century campaign against the Mamluks of Egypt the Knights employed a force of 1,000 knights and 4,000 crossbowmen to serve for 5 years.
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Italian Militia
The Order frequently hired large numbers of Western mercenaries to supplement its forces, especially in times of great need such as during the Sieges of Rhodes of 1480 and 1522. For example at the Siege of Malta in 1564 the Order had 1,200 Italian and Spanish mercenaries compared to only 541 brethren. Foremost among the Western mercenaries are the Italian militias. These men hail from all corners of Central and Northern Italy and are veteran soldiers that have been battle hardened in the frequent battles between the Italian city states and also during the Italian wars of the late XVth and XVIth centuries. Armed with spears and protected by large pavise shields the Italian Miltias will provide a good force to fight alongside the less numerous members of the Order.
Frankish Knights
Ever since the creation of the Latin Empire during the Fourth Crusade several Frankish states existed in the Aegean Archipelago such as the Principality of Achaea or the Duchy of Athens. These states attacated many Frankish noble families in pursuit of richness and glory. However, some Frankish nobles held higher ideals of chivalry and defending Christendom, ideals which were behind many of the motivations of the Crusaders. By the XIVth centuries the Crusades were all but over. As such the expeditions of the Knights Hospitaller offered one of the last remaining outlets for young idealistic Frankish knights. Many of these men heeded the regular calls for help from the Hospitallers and the Papacy to help in the defence of their faith. These knights are not officially part of the order, however some have settled in the Hospitaller islands and have received land and titles becoming landed nobles. Being quite wealthy they are armoured with heavy Western armour and weaponry. Armed with heavy cavalry lances these man pack a powerful punch when charging, however if caught in prolonged hand to hand battle they be at a disadvantage due to their heavy armour which restricts movement and tires the rider.
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Dismounted Frankish Knights
Traditionally the frankish knights fought mounted on their steeds. However, when the situation the franks were known to dismount their horse and fight in the form of heavy infantry. The frankish knights fought side by side with the Hospitallers in events such as sieges, naval battles or landings. As these men are primarily used to fighting mounted they may not be as versatile as other types of heavy infantry however they will provide a reliable force to complement the ranks of the brothers. The franks are armed with powerful swords and they are masters of swordsmanship. Due to their heavy armour these knights will tire quickly and will not be able to sustain long marches. They should be used as shock infantry and supported by lighter infantry and should not be thrown too early into battle.
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Skinning and moddeling
Hrobatos
Assisted by
Giacomo Colona &
phoenix[illusion]
Historical research and text writer
Wallachian
Roster Concept
The_Bulgar_Slayer
Mapping
il_duce!
Special thanks to
Mattheus
King of The Ring
Rusichi Total War
M&B mods:
Narf's Men-at-Arms Armour Pack
Narf's Plate Armour Pack
Narf's Transitional Armour Pack
Arms and Armour
Medieval helmet pack
Madtao: Pavise's mesh and Crossbow's mesh from BALTS
dome: Lanza-longa from Magyar Mod(the first version)
Disgruntled Goat: Milicia shirt(from 1066 mod)
Lord Hamilton: for the hood's mesh.
Our team's goal is to release a first beta of Tsardoms by the end of the year, in order to achieve this we have reduced some of our goals and ambitions and plan the release of a first version with a smaller map and less factions. Our team has recently received two welcome additions in the 3D and 2D departments which ensures that the work is going at faster rate. However, in order to achieve our goal we are still looking for coders and mappers to assist us with finalising the map, family trees, building trees and EDU. If you are willing to help please contact any of our team members or post in the recruitment thread.