Former governors of the Seljuk sultanate, the Mamluk dynasty of the Khwarazmids crashed onto the scene under Khwarazmshah Tekesh, father of Muhammad II. Taking advantage of the collapse of the Seljuk empire, the Khwarazmshahs had taken center stage in the battle for Khorasan along with the Qara Khitay and Ghurids. Most importantly, Tekesh forged an alliance with the pagan Turkish tribes that had migrated into Khwarazm, marrying the Qangli princess Terken Khatun, granting the Khwarazmid realm access to a large contingent of elite soldiers, whose brutality only matched their lust for plunder. Tekesh's reign would also be the start of a strenuous relationship with the Sunni Caliph in Baghdad, who had recently found independence. Tekesh's son, Ala ad-Din Muhammad II Iskandar-i Sani (Alexander the Second), would be the one to make Khwarazm famous in the history books, defeating the Ghurids, Iranian Seljuks, Bavandids and just recently, in 1212, throwing off the Qara Khitay yoke and forming arguably the greatest power in the Muslim world.
Muhammad would grow the realm furthermore until his troops, sent to subjugate the Caliph, would face nature's wrath in the Zagros mountains and halt the invasion. His handling of the Mongol situation would see his realm quickly destroyed and he would die soon after the fall the Sarmarqand in an island on the Caspian sea. His son and heir, Jalal ad-Din Manguberdi, would see more success, defeating the Mongols at Parwan before needing to escape to Delhi, where he would eventually build back a force to invade his brother's realm in Fars and continuing further with success against the Caliphate and destroying the Georgian army, sacking their capital and butchering the population. His death by an assassin's hand would end the relatively brief Khwarazmid chapter in Iran's history.
Foot Missile Units
Rayat
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ra'yat (subjects) was used as a catch-all term for lower classes in Iranian-speaking regions. Like in any medieval society, these people formed an important pool of manpower in case of emergency, but ill-equipped and lightly trained individuals were rarely called upon for campaigns.
Charkh Infantry
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The crossbow (charkh) was an important weapon in the Middle East and the Greater Iranian region, just like in Europe. The composite design allowed for greater draw weight and penetrative power than even the powerful Turkish bow, while requiring much less training. Larger versions, similar to ancient scorpions, would be mounted on walls, and even on camelback, acting like field artillery.
Ghazi
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
Junior Ghulaman
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Slave-soldiers, Ghulams or Mamluks were the property of rulers and Amirs, acting as their elite retinue. Fiercely loyal and trained for years, they could fight with a large number of weapons with extreme proficiency and rose to very high ranks in military command and administrative duties. Junior Ghulams, as opposed to Senior Ghulams, had not finished their training, but would fight either on horseback or on foot to support the cavalry elite.
Naffatun
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
Foot Melee Units
Muttawi'ah
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Muttawi'ah were volunteers who, much like the Ghazi, served the interests of Islam. Unlike Ghazi, Muttawi'ah only joined for a campaign season. They formed, however, a militia to defend their cities and could be raised in large numbers from urban centers.
Javanmardan
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Medieval Javan societies, like the Arabic Futuwwa and Turkish Ahi, were a cross between craftsmen guilds and military orders. They were organized as chivalrous brothers with strict moral codes, and their members would train as soldiers while also being important members of their communities, pledging their services to help build urban settlements and advancing the cause of Islam. Such soldiers sometimes made a great impression on the battlefield, like the Shia militia of the Sarbadars, who Timur thought so highly of that he recruited them after they surrendered.
Piyadegan
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Piyadegan was the general term for foot soldiers. Iranian infantry is mostly illustrated using spears or an assortment of one-handed weapons such as axes, maces and straight swords, along with round shields.
Foot Askari
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
Skirmish Cavalry Units
Khwarazmian Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The most famous soldiers of the Khwarazmian armies were the Turks that came from the Qangli and Qipchaq tribes of Khwarazm. With Tekesh's marriage to a princess of the Qangli nobility, Tekesh ensured himself a steady stream of well-disciplined and ferocious warriors. Pagan or nominally Muslim, these horsemen were the reason for the terrible reputation of the Khwarazmians amongst the conquered, looting and pillaging as they pleased.
Turcoman Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turcoman tribes flooded into the Iranian region following the Seljuk conquests. Originally the most reliable soldiers for Seljuk rulers, the Turcomans of Iran quickly became a liability, sometimes organizing into large masses of unruly and rebellious soldiers. They were, however, tied to the local amirs due to grazing land rights and owed military service, usually being used as light cavalry and a vanguard, showering enemies with arrows.
Ghulaman
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Slave-soldiers, Ghulams or Mamluks were the property of rulers and Amirs, acting as their elite retinue. Fiercely loyal and trained for years, they could fight with a large number of weapons with extreme proficiency and rose to very high ranks in military command and administrative duties. They were notably famous for their skill on horseback, firing arrows at high rates while on the move.
Muqti
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Muqti were iqta holders, and as such, soldiers who were assigned some administrative duties while owing military service in exchange for a tax-farming grant. As such, they formed part of the professional elite of the armies and also would often have to maintain and equip their own contingent of soldiers as part of their responsabilities.
Melee Cavalry Units
Khwarazmian Lancers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The most famous soldiers of the Khwarazmian armies were the Turks that came from the Qangli and Qipchaq tribes of Khwarazm. With Tekesh's marriage to a princess of the Qangli nobility, Tekesh ensured himself a steady stream of well-disciplined and ferocious warriors. Pagan or nominally Muslim, these horsemen were the reason for the terrible reputation of the Khwarazmians amongst the conquered, looting and pillaging as they pleased.
Camel Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Camels were often used as beasts of burden for Iranian, Arabic, Turkish and Mongol armies, but they also found use as a battle mount. While not as reliable as horses as they would often run away when feeling pain, their resistance to the elements and their ability to frighten other animal mounts made them quite useful at times.
Savaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Originally a name used for the noble cavalry of the Sassanid noble cavalry, Savaran ('horsemen') became a term to describe cavalrymen, typically well-trained and armoured.
Askari
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
Has access to Indian Elephants from the Ghurid roster.
Atabegate Units
Shared units between all 4 atabegate factions.
Foot Missile Units
Rayat
Same as Khwarazm.
Charkh Infantry
Same as Khwarazm.
Ghazi
Same as Khwarazm.
Junior Ghulaman
Same as Khwarazm.
Naffatun
Same as Khwarazm.
Foot Melee Units
Muttawi'ah
Same as Khwarazm.
Javanmardan
Same as Khwarazm.
Piyadegan
Same as Khwarazm.
Foot Askari
Same as Khwarazm.
Skirmish Cavalry Units
Turcoman Cavalry
Same as Khwarazm.
Ghulaman
Same as Khwarazm.
Muqti
Same as Khwarazm.
Melee Cavalry Units
Ghazi Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
Askari
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
Ildegizid (Atabegate of Azerbaijan) Units
Foot Missile Units
Highland Slingers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
While the sling lost its importance in many regions during the medieval period, it was noted that it remained a popular weapon for Azerbaijani farmers, especially in the Highlands of the West, more isolated from the migrating Turks.
Foot Melee Units
Azerbaijani Infantry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Azerbaijan had some major demographic shifts during the medieval period, first during the conquests of the Caliphate, where Arabs settled amongst the Caucasian- and Iranian-speaking populations, bringing their religion along with them. Then the more significant Turkish migration which came with the Seljuks. While Turks formed the major part of the cavalry, infantry was recruited from the populous settlements of Azerbaijan, mixing all the military traditions from its heterogeneous population.
Skirmish Cavalry Units
Tribesmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turcoman tribes flooded into the Iranian region following the Seljuk conquests. Originally the most reliable soldiers for Seljuk rulers, the Turcomans of Iran quickly became a liability, sometimes organizing into large masses of unruly and rebellious soldiers. They were, however, tied to the local amirs due to grazing land rights and owed military service, usually being used as light cavalry and a vanguard, showering enemies with arrows.
Melee Cavalry Units
Azerbaijani Savaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Azerbaijan had some major demographic shifts during the medieval period, first during the conquests of the Caliphate, where Arabs settled amongst the Caucasian- and Iranian-speaking populations, bringing their religion along with them. Then the more significant Turkish migration which came with the Seljuks. While Turks formed the major part of the cavalry, infantry was recruited from the populous settlements of Azerbaijan, mixing all the military traditions from its heterogeneous population.
Hazaraspid (Atabegate of Luristan) Units
Foot Missile Units
Shabankara Tribesmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Shabankara confederation formed a significant regional power in the Western Iranian region. Settled mostly along the Zagros Mountains, the Shabankara Kurds were a major player in the Seljuk fractioning, fighting the Atabegs in their immediate vicinity and maintaining a large amount of autonomy. The Hazaraspid Atabegs of Luristan successfully defeated the confederation and absorbing much of their territory, themselves descendants of Kurdish chiefs of the confederation.
Skirmish Cavalry Units
Shabankara Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Shabankara confederation formed a significant regional power in the Western Iranian region. Settled mostly along the Zagros Mountains, the Shabankara Kurds were a major player in the Seljuk fractioning, fighting the Atabegs in their immediate vicinity and maintaining a large amount of autonomy. The Hazaraspid Atabegs of Luristan successfully defeated the confederation and absorbing much of their territory, themselves descendants of Kurdish chiefs of the confederation.
Tribesmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turcoman tribes flooded into the Iranian region following the Seljuk conquests. Originally the most reliable soldiers for Seljuk rulers, the Turcomans of Iran quickly became a liability, sometimes organizing into large masses of unruly and rebellious soldiers. They were, however, tied to the local amirs due to grazing land rights and owed military service, usually being used as light cavalry and a vanguard, showering enemies with arrows.
Melee Cavalry Units
Savaran
Same as Khwarazm.
Salghurid (Atabegate of Fars) Units
Foot Melee Units
Daylami Mercenaries
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Daylamis were the most famous infantrymen in the Iranian region, if not the whole Eastern Muslim world. They originally formed the backbone of the army of the Shia Buyyid dynasty, but eventually found use by rulers from Egypt all the way to India, typically as royal bodyguards. They were most famous for their large shields and large javelins, the Zupin.
Persian Spearmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Fars region of Iranian was heavily populated during the Medieval period. While Seljuk rulers preferred to use Turks and Slaves as cavalrymen, the settled population formed the largest part of the foot soldiers, usually made up of militias, volunteers and servants.
Skirmish Cavalry Units
Tribesmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turcoman tribes flooded into the Iranian region following the Seljuk conquests. Originally the most reliable soldiers for Seljuk rulers, the Turcomans of Iran quickly became a liability, sometimes organizing into large masses of unruly and rebellious soldiers. They were, however, tied to the local amirs due to grazing land rights and owed military service, usually being used as light cavalry and a vanguard, showering enemies with arrows.
Melee Cavalry Units
Savaran
Same as Khwarazm.
Zengid (Atabegate of Mosul) Units
Foot Melee Units
Jazira Spearmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Jazira region was at the forefront of the battle against the Franks. Militias and paid infantry were a significant group of soldiers who joined the Zengid and Ayyubid campaigns during the Crusades.
Jazira Infantry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Jazira region was at the forefront of the battle against the Franks. Militias and paid infantry were a significant group of soldiers who joined the Zengid and Ayyubid campaigns during the Crusades.
Skirmish Cavalry Units
Arab Jaridah
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Jaridah was a term used to describe light cavalry in Zengid and Ayyubid armies. The Zengids made much use of Arab settlers, most importantly the Bedouin, which were great riders and adept at skirmishing tactics.
Melee Cavalry Units
Tawashi Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Tawashi were freeborn cavalrymen which were paid professionals. Amongst the elite in Zengid and Ayyubid armies, Tawashi formed part of the heavy cavalry and could unhorse even the most skilled and experienced riders.
Non-Roster AoR Units
Foot Melee Units
Khorasani Ghazi (Khorasan)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Greater Khorasan was one of the most populated areas West of China. With its grand cities and incredible wealth, its rulers could field large amounts of well-equipped religious volunteers. Khorasani Ghazi were notably used all the way in the Levant during the Crusades, recruited for their expertise in siege warfare.
Foot Skirmisher Units
Daylami Mercenaries (Daylam)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Daylamis were the most famous infantrymen in the Iranian region, if not the whole Eastern Muslim world. They originally formed the backbone of the army of the Shia Buyyid dynasty, but eventually found use by rulers from Egypt all the way to India, typically as royal bodyguards. They were most famous for their large shields and large javelins, the Zupin.
Persian Archers (Fars)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Fars region of Iranian was heavily populated during the Medieval period. While Seljuk rulers preferred to use Turks and Slaves as cavalrymen, the settled population formed the largest part of the foot soldiers, usually made up of militias, volunteers and servants.
Horse Skirmisher Units
Qarakhanid Tribesmen (Khorasan)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The former rulers of Transoxiana, the Qarakhanid Turks were conquered by the migrating Khitans, who formed the Qarakhitai Khanate or Western Liao dynasty. Qarakhanids were sent to help the Khwarazm-Shah against the Ghurids while he paid lip service to the Khitans, but they were betrayed and Qarakhanid rule ended in Transoxiana in 1212, where the Turks now found themselves in the service of local amirs.
A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the creation of these units, namely Ltd, lucem mundum, dontfearme22 (and apologies to anyone I'm forgetting)!
Last edited by zsimmortal; October 26, 2018 at 11:21 AM.
How is the work going with the Tier 2 and Tier 3 units?
Also why are they going to be revamped? I think the original Qoyunlu units were great. Or were the "successors" revised? Then which historical nation will be the successor of Khwarazm in the game? And what is going to happen with the Qoyunlu units (maybe given to the Zengids and the Eldiguzids)?
The center of the empire was Central Asia. Why do we have soldiers in Persian phenotype? The Harzemshah army consisted of Oghuz and Kipcaks. Not Persians.
Khwarazmian Empire & Atabegates (revamped)
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