Blue Units = Christians that came from the Crusade/Christian origin.
Green Units = Muslims that were forced to fight/Switched religions.
Purple Units = Byzantine/Greeks that joined after conquering some of Anatolia/Cyprus.
Unique Units
Great Cross of Jerusalem(elite morale booster):The Great Cross sits on a wagon, and acts as a beacon of inspiration to the army, and a reminder that they are on God's mission. The cross is guarded by an elite unit of infantry, who would rather die than let it fall into enemy hands. This unit can only be used by crusading armies.
Hashshashin(elite light infantry):The Hashshashin are a semi-religious sect of assassins dedicated to stealth, and murder, thought to have originated somewhere in Persia. Highly disciplined and trained, these troops fear little and are masters of ambushes. On the battlefield they fight with sword and shield, as opposed to the daggers of their trade. Having no fear of death makes these men especially deadly.
Heavy Infantry -
Dismounted RitterBruder(elite heavy infantry):Few men strike such fear into the heart's of their opponents as the Ritterbrüder do. Even on foot their presence instills fear in the most hardened soldier. Recognised by their distinct ornate helmets and shields emblazoned with large black crosses, there is no confusing the Ritterbrüder with a combatant of lesser stature.
Dismounted Teutonic Knights(elite heavy infantry):The Teutonic Knights are a German crusading order of knights committed to fighting infidels and pagans. Ruthless and unrelenting, they are the equal of other orders if not quite as disciplined. Wearing white surcoats with a black cross emblazoned on them, encased in heavy mail or plate armour, wielding lances and large maces, these knights love a good melee. Dismounted, these well armed and equipped warriors, are formidable troops in any melee.
Dismounted Knights Templar(elite heavy infantry):The Knights Templar, a fearsome and uncompromising order, were formed shortly after the First Crusade to protect pilgrims. Despite their origins, the order became hugely wealthy and operated the first banking system in Europe. They were disbanded in 1307, after hundreds of Templars were simultaneously arrested and tortured in France on orders from the Pope and the King. Heresy being the main charge. Politics aside, they were famed warriors. Dismounted, these well armed and equipped warriors, are formidable troops in any melee.
Dismounted Knights Hospitaller(elite heavy infantry):The Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of St. John, were established following the first Crusade to protect and treat Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. They are recognisable by their black surcoat with a white cross. An elite and powerful fighting order of well trained knights wearing heavy mail or plate armour and armed with a lance. Dismounted, these well armed and equipped warriors, are formidable troops in any melee.
Dismounted Knights Of Jerusalem(guard heavy infantry):The survival of the Crusader States depends almost entirely on their military capabilities, and as such all vassals, under 60 years of age are expected to serve mounted and fully armed whenever summoned by the King of Jerusalem. These Knights are protected by mail armour and armed with swords and are amongst the best infantry Outremer has to offer.
Dismounted Knights Of Antioch(guard heavy infantry):The survival of the Crusader States depends almost entirely on their military capabilities, and as such all vassals, under 60 years of age are expected to serve mounted and fully armed whenever summoned by the Prince of Antioch. Protected by mail armour and armed with swords, these knights are amongst the best infantry Outremer has to offer.
Varangian Guard(veteran heavy infantry):The most famous of all Byzantine units, made up wholly of Scandinavians and Englishmen, The Varangian guard were initially a military levy sent to the Byzantine emperor from the 'Rus' which are now a permanent unit often used as royal bodyguards. These superbly skilled warriors wield two-handed axes; after conquering lands they became part of our military.
Dismounted Knights Of Edessa(veteran heavy infantry):Crusader States are on a hostile frontier and exist in an almost constant state of war. Because of this, Crusader States need full time troops, that do not need to be hired or levied, such as the Edessan Guard. Hardy troops armed with vicious two-hand axes.
Ghualams(veteran heavy infantry):Precursors to the Mamluks, the Ghulams are soldiers largely drawn from African slaves. Trained and kept at their "master's"" expense, these soldiers are given their freedom once they reach a certain standard and are kept on as their "master's" personal guard. Ghulams are well trained and protected by heavy mail and equipped with a mace.
Dismounted Crusaders(professional heavy infantry):Many knights on crusade were forced to fight on foot, after losing their steeds in battle. Good horses were often hard to come by so far from home. They are the main force of knights in this nation (they are collected knights from the first crusade). They are less elite, but still very deadly.
Medium Infantry -
Byzantine Infantry(soldier medium infantry):Made up of soldiers recruited with small 'pronoiai', land grants, these Infantry "made up of peoples from all lands", fight for the Byzantine Empire more for profit than any sense of loyalty. These soldiers are equipped with a sword and large shield and wear mail armour for protection.
Squires of Tripoli(soldier medium infantry):A Squire is a knight in training. These young men hail from the County of Tripoli, their task being to learn the military arts and see to their Knightly Lord's needs. A squire's equipment depends on what his Lord can afford. Light amour, a shield and a sword are the most common equipment of the average squire in Outremer.
Squires of Edessa(soldier medium infantry):A Squire is a knight in training. These young men hail from the County of Edessa, their task being to learn the military arts and see to their Knightly Lord's needs. A squire's equipment depends on what his Lord can afford. Light amour a, shield and a mace are the most common equipment of the average squire in Outremer.
Light Infantry -
Zanji swordsmen(veteran light infantry):Ferocious light infantry armed with a small shield and scimitar they are used to hunt down other light infantry and protect our missile units/do fast moving attacks.
Kurdish Javelin men(professional light infantry):Kurdish troops are well respected in the east, and often entire tribes would be hired to maintain and guard borders around Syria. These troops are tough mountain men found fighting throughout the Middle East. They soften an enemy with their javelins, then finish them with the sword.
Frankish Swordsmen(soldier light infantry):These are the policing forces of the Levant. Most of the men are battle harden from the Crusades, but were never given the opportunity to fight as a Knight or such. Franks mostly fill the ranks of this unit and are armed with assortment of shields and weapons.
Syrian Militia(soldier light infantry):Kurdish soldiers make up a large number of the auxiliaries in Turkish armies, sometimes fighting in mixed units, other times in units made up entirely of Kurds. Being accustomed to their rugged homelands, Kurds tend to make for hardy, if somewhat ill-disciplined, soldiers. A common sight in Seljuk armies, these troops are armed with axes and protected by light armour and a shield.
Azabs(recruit light infantry):Each village will send slaves, prisoners, and criminals to fight for the Crusader States. They are usually only given a small shield and sword and are used as a meat shield or to go on suicide missions.
Pikemen -
Swiss Guard(elite pike men):These troops are the Pope's loyal guard, tasked to guard the Holy Father both at home and when the Pope goes to battle. Fiercely loyal, these elite troops are armed with deadly halberds and protected by plate armour. Renowned all over Europe as excellent troops, the Swiss Guard are well suited to guarding such an important figure.
Dismounted Heavy Lancers(veteran pike men):These elite shock troops have swapped mobility for heavier armour. Even dismounted, these supremely skilled warriors excel in armed combat and are armed with a pike, a mace known as a 'gulda' and armoured in a lamellar cuirass called a 'khuyad'.
Noble Pike men(veteran pike men):Noble Pike Men are impetuous and adventurous gentry, eager to see the world and fight. Able to afford good equipment, these elite troops are armed with pikes and good mail or plate armour. Despite being well trained these hot blooded nobles can act recklessly in battle, eager to out do other units and each other.
Pike Militia(recruit pike men):The pikeman is a staple of the late Medieval army, and the arms of militia mirror those of professional soldiers. Pike armed militia with a modest amount of training can hold a defensive position very well, though they need good support. Initially lacking armour and thus vulnerable to shooting, this unit can be upgraded to be much better protected.
Spearmen -
Papal Guard(elite spear men):These troops are the Pope's loyal guard, tasked to guard the Holy Father both at home and when the Pope goes to battle. Fiercely loyal these elite troops are armed with spears, good mail armour, and shield, and are able to form a defensive ring of spears
Hospitaller Sergeants(veteran spear men):To be a Hospitaller Knight one has to be the son or descendant of a knight. Hospitaller Sergeants are professional soldiers unable to become Knights, and unlike the Templars, Christian Arabs were permitted to become Sergeants. Armed with a spear and light armour, these Hospitaller brethren are very effective against cavalry and no less belligerent on the battlefield than their knightly brothers.
Armored Sergeants(soldier spear men): Armored Sergeants are professional warriors, drawn from the lower classes. They have some skill in combat and are well equipped with long spears, large shields and mail armour. They're very solid defensive units, able to resist attacks from both foot and horse, so long as they are well supported. If necessary they can form a defensive circle.
Saracen Militia(soldier spear men):Saracen Militia are richer townsfolk who have been levied into militia to guard their settlements. Better trained and equipped than most militias, these troops are armed with a spear and protected by mail. These are townsfolk who can look after themselves on any battlefield, useful for bolstering armies, with good defence against cavalry.
Archers -
Long bowmen(veteran archers):Many longbowmen sign a contract of indenture with a captain to become part of his retinue or company. The captain then hires out their services to the king. Such men are in effect professional soldiers, and highly skilled archers. They're well armoured and equipped and confident in their own abilities. They use stakes as defense structures.
Hospitaller Crossbowmen(professional archers):Mercenaries play a large role in providing troops in Outremer, including providing troops for the Knightly Orders .The Hospitallers hired and retained for long periods of service experienced and trained crossbowmen. These troops swear an oath to the Order that is binding for as long as their service is required and payed for.
Armenians of Cilicia(professional archers):Armenians are arguably the most numerous native Christians in Outremer, and therefore the most important to the soldier starved Crusader States. Often fighting under their own chieftains and lords, Armenian troops have a fierce reputation in Outremer, making them excellent troops. These bowmen are protected by armour and wield a composite bow and an axe.
Crossbowmen(soldier archers):The crossbow is a potent weapon ready to be used with minimal training unlike other archery weapons. It is slow to reload and lacks the distance of drawn bows but makes up for it in power. Despite the Church's dislike of crossbows being used by Christians against Christians, they are used throughout Europe by peasants and nobles alike.
Archer Militia(recruit archers):Archer Militia are bow-equipped peasants called upon to provide a settlement with a garrison of missile troops. Whilst poorly armoured, these troops are expected to shoot at an enemy from the safety of their own walls.
Archers/Infantry Hybrid -
Venetian Archers(guard archer infantry):With their extensive trading contacts in the East, the Venetians are more open than most to eastern influence. These men wear European style armour, but use a powerful Asian style composite bow. They also have swords to deal with enemies who come to close.
Pavise Crossbowmen(veteran archer infantry):While the crossbow is relatively easy to use and powerful, it leaves the user quite vulnerable during the slow reload process. These men have large pavise shields on their backs, which they turn to the enemy while they reload. They wear thick armor too and wield a short sword.
Turkish Infantry(veteran archer infantry):Turkish Infantry are hardy soldiers, well armed and well armoured, they fight with both bows and swords, allowing them to pepper the enemy with arrows and then move into melee to finish them off. Their armour, and training in combat, means that this unit can hold its ground in a close up fight.
Byzantine Veteran Archers(veteran archer infantry):Byzantine guard troops are financed by the Emperor himself and unlike many Byzantine units consist purely of Greek troops. Skilled in the use of the composite bow, these troops issue a challenge to all Byzantium's enemies at range. Also equipped with a sword and wearing mail, the Guard Archers can withstand more combat than many other missile units.
Light Cavalry -
Oman Lancers(soldier light cavalry):This light cavalry unit are experts in fighting in the deserts. They are used to patrol in front of the army to make sure no ambushes are set; they are good fighting troops even if not supported.
Arab Light Cavalry(soldier light cavalry):Recruited from the many Arabs settled across North Africa and the Middle East, these men make useful light cavalry, able to chase off horse archers, run down light infantry, and to get round enemy flanks. Their armour can be also be upgraded, allowing them to take on heavier cavalry. Although used to a hot climate, they are not desert troops.
Javelin Cavalry -
Jinetes(veteran javelin cavalry):Descendants from the Emirate of Damascus who settled in the Crusader States. These lightly armoured skirmishers are capable of forming a circle formation that provides constant fire against the enemy. They use their speed to stay out of harm's way until they can hurl their javelins, then close in when the enemy is sufficiently weakened.
Desert Cavalry(professional javelin cavalry):The Desert Cavalry are a mixture of Moors and Arabs living in the arid and desert regions of North Africa and the Middle East. The heat of the desert makes armour unpopular with these men, but their loose-fitting robes give them protection both from the sun, and spent missiles or light blows. Armed with javelins these fast moving units are best against other light troops, or harassing enemy flanks where they can stay out of harm's way.
Horse Archers -
Sipahis(veteran HA):Sipahis are feudal cavalry, land holders given nominal power over their fiefs, called timars, in exchange for military service. In western regions of the Ottoman empire especially, many Sipahis remained Christian. These horse archers are better armoured than their tribal counterparts, while not as mobile. This increased protection offers more opportunity for these units to enter into hand to hand combat.
Turkopoles(professional javelin cavalry):Turkopoles are mercenaries hired by Christian forces in the Holy Lands for light cavalry duties. Composed of Christianised Turks and Eastern Orthodox Christians, these Turkopoles are armed with a bow and sword, and are capable of adopting a shooting circle formation, which provides constant fire against the enemy.
Bedouin Camel Riders(professional camel archers):A nomadic desert people, Bedouin are hardy but unruly troops. Lightly equipped but well suited to desert fighting, these warriors annoy enemies with their arrows, while letting the heat of the desert sap the strength of those that pursue them. Although best kept out of close combat, these warriors can be useful against lighter cavalry units, as horses dislike the smell and appearance of camels.
Heavy Cavalry -
RitterBruder(elite heavy cavalry):Rarely does one so holy appear so terrifying on the field of battle, yet these elite knights, some with horned helmets, cast an almost demonic visage. From a combatant's perspective there is no holiness about them, as any who move close enough to admire their exquisite weaponry and armour, feel an unnatural dread rising inside them.
Teutonic Knights(elite heavy cavalry):The Teutonic Knights are a German crusading order of knights committed to fighting infidels and pagans. Ruthless and unrelenting, they are the equal of other orders if not quite as disciplined. Wearing white surcoats with a black cross emblazoned on them, encased in heavy mail or plate armour, wielding lances and large maces, these knights love a good melee.
Knights Templar(elite heavy cavalry):The Knights Templar, a fearsome and uncompromising order, were formed shortly after the First Crusade to protect pilgrims. Despite their origins, the order became hugely wealthy and operated the first banking system in Europe. They were disbanded in 1307, after hundreds of Templars were simultaneously arrested and tortured in France on orders from the Pope and the King. Heresy being the main charge. Politics aside, they were famed warriors. Dismounted, these well armed and equipped warriors, are formidable troops in any melee.
Knights Hospitaller(elite heavy cavalry):The Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of St. John, were established following the first Crusade to protect and treat Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. They are recognisable by their black surcoat with a white cross. An elite and powerful fighting order of well trained knights wearing heavy mail or plate armour and armed with a lance.
Knights of Jerusalem(guard heavy cavalry):The survival of the Crusader States depends almost entirely on their military capabilities, and as such all vassals, under 60 years of age are expected to serve mounted and fully armed whenever summoned by the King of Jerusalem. These Knights are protected by mail armour and are armed with lances for charging and an axe for when combat is up close and personal.
Knights of Antioch(guard heavy cavalry):The survival of the Crusader States depends almost entirely on their military capabilities, and as such all vassals, under 60 years of age are expected to serve mounted and fully armed whenever needed by the Principality of Antioch. These Knights are protected by mail armour and are armed with lances for charging and a sword for dealing with enemies up close.
Knights of Edessa(guard heavy cavalry):The survival of the Crusader States depends almost entirely on their military capabilities, and as such all vassals, under 60 years of age are expected to serve mounted and fully armed whenever summoned by the Count of Edessa or the Prince of Antioch. These Knights are protected by mail armour and are armed with lances for charging and an axe for when combat is up close and personal.
Knights of Tripoli(guard heavy cavalry):In the Crusader States military strength is vital, therefore all vassals, under 60 years of age are expected to serve mounted and fully armed whenever summoned by their Lord, in this case the Count of Tripoli or the King of Jerusalem. These Knights are equipped with mail armour, lances for charging and an sword for when combat is up close and personal.
Ghualams(veteran heavy cavalry):Precursors to the Mamluks, the Ghulams are soldiers largely drawn from African slaves. Trained and kept at their "master's" expense, Ghulams are given their freedom once they reach a certain standard and are then kept on as their "master's" personal guard. These troops are well trained heavy cavalry, protected by heavy plate mail and equipped with a lance and a mace.
Kataphractoi(veteran heavy cavalry):The Kataphractoi trace their origins back to Roman times and are recruited from amongst the middle classes, providing the Byzantine army with a force of well trained and disciplined cavalry units. Exceptionally well protected and riding armoured horses, they are unworried by the arrows of their opponents. Although slightly old fashioned, with their lances and maces they are still formidable fighters on the battlefield.
Crusader Knights(professional heavy infantry):It is inevitable in a soldier's life that a few sins are committed. These Crusader Knights are keen to seek forgiveness for theirs by partaking in a holy crusade, and to wield their swords in the Lord's name. Their heavy mail, and lances enable them to do "the Lord's" work most effectively.
Light Artillery -
Ballista(veteran light artillery):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.
Heavy Artillery -
Catapult(veteran heavy artillery):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
Trebuchet(veteran heavy artillery):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. The Trebuchet is also able to fling such things as burning missiles and rotten animal remains to devastate enemy units.
Crusader States
Crusader States
Originally Posted by Bjorn
