GENERALS:
Swordsmen
Like the Danes Mercia has a 3 unit chain of swordsmen generals. They are powerful units with excellent stats though they lack the maneuverability of typical cavalry generals, which may make them somewhat difficult to use as for morale buffs
Thegn Bodyguard > Royal Bodyguard > Royal Companions
LEVIES:
Useful for garrisons and policing provinces, levies are very cheap but poor in quality. They can be upgraded with late game technologies to significantly boost their effectiveness. Mercia's levies come from the Fyrd which was the English kingdom's system of massed conscription. When the fyrd was called all men of fighting age would take up arms. There were two branches of the Fyrd, the select fyrd which was made up of selected troops with some training and the Great Fyrd which was the entire population who in many cases would not even have proper weapons.
Spearmen
This is another light spear levy, do I really need to tell you how they are used anymore? Well just in case... they can be used to hold a position but only for a short time if unsupported! The are recruited from level 1 towns and garrison posts with extra experience. They upgrade once.
Fyrd Spearmen > Buhrfyrd Spearmen
Massed Levy
A massed levy is a unit unique to this mod. They are armed with two handed scythes and, to be honest, do not have the best skills in combat. They should not be relied upon to fight effectively but they have at least two things working in their favour: The have extra large unit sizes and are incredibly cheap, even cheaper than normal levy units. They can be used to overwhelm with numbers, or bulk up an army but only a fool would rely on them in battle. They are recruited form level 1 towns and garrison posts and upgrade once.
The Great Fyrd > The Great Buhrfyrd
Axemen
Light axemen, useful for flanking and for fighting infantry. Levies who fight as axemen tend to be more versatile and damaging than their spear armed counterparts although they are very vulnerable to cavalry. They are recruited form level 2 towns and garrisons and upgrade once.
Fyrd Axemen > Buhrfyrd Axemen
PRIMARIES:
Mercia's primary units are heavy and well armoured, unlike the Danes they include Spearmen which makes their primaries slightly more versatile if players wish to focus on upgrading them at the expense of their ancillaries. Their primaries are designed to take a lot of punishment although may be out maneuvered by factions specialising in cavalry or light units. They are drawn mostly from the personal warbands of the Earldormen, the powerful lords in control of the English shires. Personal warriors would form the backbone of armies and support the Fyrd in battle.
Swordsmen
Mercian lords would have a small band of personal warriors who are permanently under arms, to protect their lord or to enforce his will in the shires. The Shire reeve was a noble of lesser rank who would administer his lord's land and enforce law and order. The revee would have men at his disposal to assist in his duties, although they were probably more in the league of hired thugs rather than professional soldiers. They are recruited from level 1 barracks and upgrade 4 times.
Reveesmen > Armoured Reveesmen > Mailed Swordsmen > Thegn Swordsmen > Royal Guardsmen
Axemen
Not all warriors would fight with a sword and an axe could be just as useful in a shield wall. An axe can break shield and helmets, or be used to hook shields and pull them downwards, opening the warrior to attack. In them mod axemen are an anti infantry unit, but are not very effective against cavalry. They are recruited from level 2 barracks and upgrade 3 times.
Ceorl Axemen > Shire Axemen > Mailed Axemen > Thegn Axemen
Spearmen
Spears were the main weapon used in Germania and Saxony, the original home of the English people. It has also made the journey over the North sea. Spearmen are heavy troops who fight best in formation, which suits the English method of warfare, the shield wall. They are recruited from level 1 barracks and upgrade 3 times.
Ceorl Spearmen > Shire Spearmen > Mailed Spearmen > Thegn Spearmen
ANCILLARIES:
Mercia's ancillaries are stronger than those of the Danes and offer more versatility with slightly stronger cavalry and light troops. They are still a heavy infantry faction though and their light troops and cavalry is not in the same league as other factions.
Archers
There is nothing particularly special about Mercia's archer chain. They do not have the powerful bows of the Avars or Cordoba and do not have the armour or skills in melee as the Franks. They fill a gap though and do not require any technologies. They are recruited from level 2 barracks and upgrade once.
Ceorl Archers > Shire Archers
Light Cavalry
Light cavalry are vital to any army on campaign, they are used for scouting and foraging as well as for harassing the scouts of enemies. Mercia's light cavalry do not carry javelins but can be used in a melee role. They should be used for flanking attacks, for chasing down fleeing enemies and for taking on light troops. They are recruited from level 1 barracks and upgrade once.
Scout Riders > Vanguard Riders
Long Axemen
Carrying heavy two handed axes Long Axemen make terrifying enemies. They are shock infantry and can cause a huge amount of damage when charging. They are however somewhat of a glass cannon as they do not carry shields and will begin to falter in prolonged combat. They are also very vulnerable to missile weapons. They require the Warrior Culture technology, are recruited from level 2 main buildings and upgrade once.
Long Axemen > Mailed Long Axemen
Skirmishers
The English of this period did not make good light troops and preferred to to fight in heavy formations. However, young men eager to prove themselves would run ahead of the shield wall to throw spears at the enemy and brave the spears thrown in turn. Poorly armed men of the Fryd may also choose to use this tactic rather than face superior enemies in open battle. They require the Fyrd Training technology, are recruited from level 2 barracks and upgrade once.
Ceorl Skirmishers > Ceorl Skirmishers
Heavy Cavalry
Again, English warriors of this period preferred to fight on foot in formation rather than on horseback. However, there are certain times when being mounted has it's advantages, especially when assaulting an enemy who has broken their shield wall. Horses were also a status symbol and only the richest lords could provide battle trained mounts for their followers. They require Master Smiths, are recruited from level 2 barracks and upgrade once.
Mailed Horsemen > Thegn Horsemen
ELITES:
Avaliable late in the game elites are far above the standard of regular troops, though they are quite expensive and limited.
Royal Housecarls
Chosen for their skill in battle the Royal Houscarls are the personal warriors of the king himself. They carry fearsome long axes and can carve through enemy shield walls and inspire the men around them.
Hearth Guard
To guard the halls of their masters is a responsibility given to only the most trusted and loyal warriors. To guard the hall of the king these men are outfitted in the finest armour and weapons. They will not break easily.
Ealdorman Retinue
The Ealdormen were the rich and powerful lords of the English shires. Each would have hundreds of warriors at his beck and call, the best and brightest would take their honoured place in his personal retinue. A lord is often measured by his generosity and must reward his followers with gold and loot. An Ealdorman's chosen companions would ride the finest mounts and wear the best armour available in recognition of the service and to display the wealth of their lord.
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