Egypt units – SSHIM Guide

Recruiting as Egypt

The Ayyubid reform is your choice

You're asked whether to reform. Accepting brings Ayyubid professional troops and the Mamluks sooner, but destroys the mercenary barracks in Al-Qāhira (Cairo). Declining delays everything.

The Nubian Baqt

Until the Ayyubid reform, while you hold Qūs and aren't a large faction, Makuria may pay its tribute: 3,000 florins (at most once every 21 turns), sometimes with a small African army.

The Mamluks take over

The Mamluk sultanate rises if the Mongols take Dimašqu (Damascus) or Aleppo, or when a faction leader of Mamluk blood comes to the throne.

Help when the capital falls

If Al-Qāhira is lost while you hold fewer than 8 settlements, the emirs send 5,000 florins every turn until you retake it.

Getting units faster

Each settlement has a pool per unit. It fills slowly over time ("25t" means one new unit every 25 turns) up to a cap. You can only recruit what's waiting in the pool.
Upgrade the building. Higher levels hold more units and refill faster: go down a unit's table to compare.
Upgrades give a unit straight away. Finishing a building level adds its starting unit on top of whatever is already in the pool.
Stack buildings. Pools for the same unit from different buildings in one settlement add together. Some special buildings (shown as +) only speed up the refill of another building's pool.
Recruit where it's cheapest to wait. Many units refill faster in your homeland or in provinces of your religion. Check the conditions shown under each building in a unit's table.
Reforms change rates. Each column of a unit's table is a stage of the campaign; pools often grow after a reform.
Reform units take a while to appear. The starting unit is handed out when a building is finished, so when a reform unlocks a unit at a building you already own, its pool usually has to fill from zero. Expect up to the number of turns shown before the first one appears, or build the next level up to get one immediately.

Reforms

Egypt's own reforms. Each happens once its conditions are met; turns shown are typical.

1

The Ayyubids Rise in Egypt

usually around turn 57 (~1160)
Needs
- You're offered it past turn 40 with 3+ Landowners' Guards, past turn 50 holding Dimašqu, or anyway past turn 70.
- If you decline, it happens with the first Mamluks instead.
Fari cavalry, Fari archers and Ghulams are recruited faster afterwards.

In-game event text
In 1164, Nur al-Din sent Shirkuh to head an expeditionary force to prevent Crusader dominance of an increasingly anarchic Egypt. Shirkuh enlisted Ayyub's son, Saladin, as an officer under his command. Shirkuh and Saladin went on to successfully drove out Dirgham, the vizier of Egypt, and reinstated his predecessor Shawar. After being reinstated, Shawar ordered Shirkuh to withdraw his forces from Egypt, but Shirkuh refused, claiming it was Nur al-Din's will. In the coming years, Shirkuh and Saladin would go on to defeat the combined forces of the Crusader States and Shawar, first at Bilbais, then a site near Giza, and ultimately at Alexandria, where Saladin then remained while Shirkuh pursued Crusader forces in Lower Egypt.
2

First Mamluks

usually around turn 137 (~1200)
Needs
- About 80 turns after you accept the reform (160 if you declined).
UnlocksGhulaman-i Khass Mamluk Horse Archers
3

Mamluks Established

usually around turn 177 (~1220)
Needs
- About 120 turns after you accept the reform (240 if you declined).
UnlocksMamluk Lancers Ahdath Sword Militia Dismounted Mamluk Archers

World events that change your army

Events that happen to everyone at a random point in their window, and what they change for Egypt.

10 events

1

The Zengids Rise in Syria

usually around turn 57 (~1160)

UnlocksJaridah Cavalry Abtal Cavalry

In-game event text
On Zengi's death, his territories were divided, with Aleppo and Edessa falling to his second son, Nur ad-Din, atabeg of Aleppo. Nur ad-Din proved to be as competent as his father. In 1149 he defeated Raymond of Poitiers, Prince of Antioch, at the battle of Inab, and the next year conquered the remnants of the County of Edessa west of the Euphrates. In 1154 he capped off these successes by his capture of Damascus from the Burid dynasty that ruled it. Now ruling from Damascus, Nur ad-Din's success seems to continue...
2

Seafaring Innovation

usually around turn 97 (~1180)
Needs
- Happens in 1180.
UnlocksTrebuchet

In-game event text
Arabic sailors have successfully adopted an old seafaring trick from the Far East, using a plate of wood called a 'rudder' at the rear of a ship to change its path through the water. Some outlandish notions are being raised by some of the more eccentric military strategists that suggest that wars will one day be waged at sea, and that the rudder is a vital step toward their vision being realised. GAME STRATEGY: ports of the Muslim factions provide now more trade income.
3

Heavy Mail

usually around turn 141 (~1202)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1192 and 1212.
UnlocksHeavy Spearmen Mangonel

In-game event text
New techniques in production of mail have reduced its cost, and now full body suits of mail armor are common. (c. 13th century)
4

Cannons Developed

usually around turn 325 (~1294)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1282 and 1307.
UnlocksBombard Lanternas

In-game event text
These instruments, which discharge balls of metal with most tremendous noise and flashes of fire, are viewed with greatest astonishment and admiration. Man has finally mastered thunder, putting it to use in that oldest of endeavors, war!
5

A New Era Begins

usually around turn 337 (~1300)
Needs
- Happens in 1300.
UnlocksHeavy Archers Ottoman Infantry

In-game event text
War, famine, and disease have gripped the lands of Christendom for too long, and in an effort to provide the many wearied souls with a reprieve, Pope Boniface VIII has declared the year 1300 a year of Jubilee! For those with heavy hearts, they are asked to confess their sins with true penitence, and to undertake a pilgrimage to the basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome, after which they will be granted "the most full, pardon of all their sins". Such pardon will do little to lessen their sufferings in this world, but it will ease their passage into the next, and is there anything a true Christian could wish for more? In the larger world outside of Christendom, the tides of history are also changing. Regular contact with the Islamic world, and civilizations even farther east, has allowed for a massive transfer of knowledge and skills between the Orient and Occident. New technologies are leading to newer weapons, newer armors, and newer ways of living and cultivating the land. Now begins what later eras will call the Late Middle Ages, a time of chivalry and exchange, but also a time of blood and war. New mercenaries are now available, and expanded building and recruitment options will arise in the coming years.
6

Coat of Plates

usually around turn 341 (~1302)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1292 and 1312.
UnlocksKhassakiya

In-game event text
Single plates of metal armor are now being worn over a full mail haubergeon in order to protect vulnerable areas. (c. Mid 13th century)
7

Kankan Musa

usually around turn 401 (~1332)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1327 and 1337.
UnlocksNaffatun

RetiresArab Infantry

In-game event text
Mansa Musa, was the ninth Mansa of the Mali Empire, one of the most powerful Islamic West African states. At the time of Musa's ascension to the throne, Mali in large part consisted of the territory of the former Ghana Empire, which Mali had conquered. The Mali Empire consisted of land that is now part of Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia and the modern state of Mali. Musa went on hajj to Mecca in 1324 and traveled with an enormous entourage and a vast supply of gold. En route, he spent time in Cairo, where his lavish gift-giving caused a noticeable drop in the price of gold for over a decade and garnered the attention of the wider Muslim world.
8

Partial Plate Armor

usually around turn 441 (~1352)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1342 and 1362.
UnlocksHalbyrd Militia

In-game event text
Coverage of metal plates increases, with mail now often used only to protect vulnerable joints. (c. 14th century)
9

Ibn al-Shatir Dies

usually around turn 487 (~1375)
Needs
- Happens in 1375.
UnlocksGrand Bombard

In-game event text
Ibn al-Shatir, the great Arabic Muslim astronomer, mathematician, engineer, and inventor lived from 1304–1375. His work 'The Final Quest Concerning the Rectification of Principles' set the founding principles for later western astronomers, and he invented the first astrolabic clock, a compass dial, and the concept of splitting the hours of the day into equal lengths, which he incorporated into a magnificent sundial. GAME STRATEGY: Muslim Libraries now provide slightly better benefits.
10

Gothic Plate Armor

usually around turn 641 (~1452)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1442 and 1462.
UnlocksCannon

In-game event text
New designs for plate armor include reworked helmet and neckguard plans. Many of these new armors are masterpieces of workmanship and refinement. Examples of these different styles can be found made by the Italians of Milan, English of Greenwich, Serbians of Novo Brdo and Kotor, and of course in southern Germany (especially in Nuremberg) where the style is called Gothic. (c. Early 15th century)

The crown: Al-Malik al-Nasir

Getting your king crowned stabilises the realm but costs 20,000 florins plus 5,000 a turn. How crowns work for every faction.

Crowned in

Asāfil Ard Misr (Al-Qāhira) with Al-Gāmi al-Azhar or better
Sauad al-Irak (Baghdad) with Bayt al-Hikmaholy city

Lands you must hold

A'alī Ard Misr (Qūs) Al-Heġāz (Makkah) Asāfil Ard Misr (Al-Qāhira) Bilād al-Dumyāt (Dumyāt) Bilād al-Iskanderia (Al-Iskandariyya) Asqalān Nefud (Tayma) Jerusalem Aš-Šām (Dimašqu) Tripoli Galilee (Acre) Halab

Not needed with a Strong Legacy.

AI version (8 settlements)

A'alī Ard Misr (Qūs), Asāfil Ard Misr (Al-Qāhira), Bilād al-Dumyāt (Dumyāt), Bilād al-Iskanderia (Al-Iskandariyya), Asqalān, Jerusalem, Aš-Šām (Dimašqu), Galilee (Acre)

Units

Sorted by when they unlock, then cheapest first. Click a unit for abilities, full stats and where to recruit it.

Cavalry

Missile cavalry

Spear & pike infantry

Melee infantry

Missile infantry

Siege & artillery

Naval

* still recruitable at a few special buildings afterwards; see the unit's table.

Generals' bodyguards

Not recruited from buildings; these come with your generals and family members.

Regional units & mercenaries

Conquered provinces can give you local troops, and generals can hire mercenaries. These are shared by every faction and have their own pages.

Regional units

Near Egypt: Egypt · Levant

Mercenaries

Near Egypt: Egypt · Levant

Fari Lancers

feudal knight, standard

Quality: Superior. Type: Feudal (low availability, often impetuous or of low discipline). Faris are feudal cavalry, holding land in exchange for military service. In western regions of the Ottoman empire especially, many Sipahis remained Christian. Lancers are drawn from the wealthier Fari who can afford the armour needed by close combat troops. They make solid cavalry who can ride down poorer quality infantry, while having enough mobility for flanking moves.

Abilities

Wedge
Cavalry form a triangle to focus the charge on a narrow point. The unit rides in an arrowhead with the leading riders at the tip, concentrating the impact of the charge on a small part of the enemy line. Good for punching into or through a formation. Fewer riders are in contact at once, so switch back to a line for a prolonged melee.
Very hardy
Tires much more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina; very hardy units can run and fight longest before becoming tired.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.
Knight
Gains extra experience from certain buildings. Usually feudal or noble cavalry.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 24 · riding Mamluk Horse
Melee: attack 5, charge 8 (spear)
Defence: armour 6, skill 4, shield 4
Morale: 11 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 453 florins, 906 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +5 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Without Autonomy of Local Nobility or better Islam ≥ 50% in region

Building	From start	Ayyubid reform~turn 57	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	250t	233t	225t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	240t	225t	220t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	233t	220t	217t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	229t	215t	212t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Also recruitable in some campaigns, depending on the order events happen: Landowners' Guards, Provincial Council, Local Nobility, Provincial Aristocracy.

Ahdath Cavalry Militia

urban militia, factional

Quality: Average. Type: Late Professional. 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.

Abilities

Wedge
Cavalry form a triangle to focus the charge on a narrow point. The unit rides in an arrowhead with the leading riders at the tip, concentrating the impact of the charge on a small part of the enemy line. Good for punching into or through a formation. Fewer riders are in contact at once, so switch back to a line for a prolonged melee.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.
Free upkeep
Can be kept without upkeep in a settlement that supports it. No upkeep is paid when (1) the settlement can recruit this unit, (2) a building there grants free upkeep slots, and (3) there are fewer more expensive free-upkeep units than slots. In SSHIP free upkeep is meant for militias only, and it only applies in settlements that can actually recruit the unit.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Eastern Horse
Melee: attack 4, charge 7 (spear)
Defence: armour 1, skill 2, shield 3
Morale: 4 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 642 florins, 642 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, +1 in sand, -4 in forest, -2 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 25% in region

Building	From start
Stables Stables · castle only	220t
Sheikh's Stables Stables · castle only	214t
Amir's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	211t
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	29t
Caliph's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better	28t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Mercenary Bedouin Cavalry

mercenary unit, regional, islam only (DM+EDB)

Quality: Average. Type: Mercenary (low recruitment and replenishment costs, often reduced morale and high upkeep). A nomadic desert people, Bedouin are hardy but unruly troops. Lightly equipped and well suited to desert fighting, they are useful for harassing archers and annoying enemy flanks. Although good for skirmishing, these warriors are not suited to prolonged melees.

Abilities

Very hardy
Tires much more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina; very hardy units can run and fight longest before becoming tired.
Mercenary
Mercenary unit; shares one look across all factions. Training one doesn't use up the settlement's recruitment pool for it.
Mercenary disband
Leaves your army if you stay in debt for three turns.
Peasant
Counts for only half when keeping public order as a garrison.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 28 · riding Eastern Horse
Melee: attack 4, charge 8 (spear)
Defence: armour 2, skill 3, shield 2
Morale: 7 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1432 florins, 537 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, +3 in sand, -4 in forest, -3 in snow
Heat: +2 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Moors regions or Egypt regions or Zengid regions or Abbasid regions or Turks regions or Persian

Building	From start
Caravansary Caravans · city only Caravan regions or Silk Road Not in Desert	214t
Silk Road Stop Caravans · city only Silk Road Not in Desert	210t★1
Caravansary Caravans · castle only Caravan regions or Silk Road Not in Desert	110t
Oasis Oasis Desert Faction leader policy: Protector (trait)	125t
Oasis with Granary Oasis Desert	125t
Desert Village Oasis Desert	114t
Irrigated Oasis Oasis Desert	211t
Extensively Irrigated Oasis Oasis Desert	29t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Tawashi Cavalry

slave professional, standard

Quality: Elite. Type: Late Professional. These Light Cavalrymen are disciplined and professional warriors. They are well trained and equipped with Swords, shields, a lance and light armour. They're very solid aggressive units, able to cut down enemy infantry or archers. They won't fare well against heavy cavalry though.

Abilities

Wedge
Cavalry form a triangle to focus the charge on a narrow point. The unit rides in an arrowhead with the leading riders at the tip, concentrating the impact of the charge on a small part of the enemy line. Good for punching into or through a formation. Fewer riders are in contact at once, so switch back to a line for a prolonged melee.
Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Arab Heavy Horse
Melee: attack 6, charge 8 (spear)
Defence: armour 6, skill 3, shield 3
Morale: 10 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1600 florins, 600 upkeep, 3 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 25% in region

Building	From start
Stables Stables · castle only Moors regions or Zengid regions or Egypt regions or Abbasid regions	214t
Stables Stables · castle only Not in Moors regions Not in Zengid regions Not in Egypt regions Not in Abbasid regions	220t
Sheikh's Stables Stables · castle only Moors regions or Zengid regions or Egypt regions or Abbasid regions	210t
Sheikh's Stables Stables · castle only Not in Moors regions Not in Zengid regions Not in Egypt regions Not in Abbasid regions	212t
Amir's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Moors regions or Zengid regions or Egypt regions or Abbasid regions	28t
Amir's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Moors regions Not in Zengid regions Not in Egypt regions Not in Abbasid regions	29t
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Moors regions or Zengid regions or Egypt regions or Abbasid regions	36t
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Moors regions Not in Zengid regions Not in Egypt regions Not in Abbasid regions	37t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Ghulam Lancers

slave professional, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. Precursors to the Mamluks, the Ghulams are troops 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.

Abilities

Wedge
Cavalry form a triangle to focus the charge on a narrow point. The unit rides in an arrowhead with the leading riders at the tip, concentrating the impact of the charge on a small part of the enemy line. Good for punching into or through a formation. Fewer riders are in contact at once, so switch back to a line for a prolonged melee.
Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Arab Heavy Horse
Melee: attack 5, charge 7 (spear)
Defence: armour 6, skill 4, shield 5
Morale: 10 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2654 florins, 998 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +4 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Ayyubid reform~turn 57
Slave Market Slave Market	+12t	+9t
Slave Trading Centre Slave Market · city only Slavemarket regions	+10t	+7t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Jaridah Cavalry

free professional, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. Having evolved from the ghulams, these slave troops are used heavily under the Ayyubid dynasty. They are fast light cavalry, equipped with swords and mail.

Abilities

Wedge
Cavalry form a triangle to focus the charge on a narrow point. The unit rides in an arrowhead with the leading riders at the tip, concentrating the impact of the charge on a small part of the enemy line. Good for punching into or through a formation. Fewer riders are in contact at once, so switch back to a line for a prolonged melee.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Arab Heavy Horse
Melee: attack 7, charge 6 (sword)
Defence: armour 7, skill 4, shield 3
Morale: 9 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 1932 florins, 726 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +4 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 35% in region

Building	Reform~turn 57
Stables Stables · castle only	214t
Sheikh's Stables Stables · castle only	210t
Amir's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	28t
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	36t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Abtal Cavalry

free professional, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. Having evolved from the ghulams, these slave troops are used heavily under the Ayyubid dynasty. These troops are well trained heavy cavalry, protected by heavy plate mail and equipped with a lance and a mace.

Abilities

Wedge
Cavalry form a triangle to focus the charge on a narrow point. The unit rides in an arrowhead with the leading riders at the tip, concentrating the impact of the charge on a small part of the enemy line. Good for punching into or through a formation. Fewer riders are in contact at once, so switch back to a line for a prolonged melee.
Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Arab Heavy Horse
Melee: attack 5, charge 8 (spear)
Defence: armour 10, skill 3, shield 5
Morale: 9 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2802 florins, 1054 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in scrub, -4 in forest, -3 in snow
Heat: +8 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Islam ≥ 35% in region

Building	Reform~turn 57
Amir's Stables Stables · castle only	211t
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only	28t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Ghulaman-i Khass

slave professional, factional

Quality: Exceptional. Type: Late Professional. Ghulaman-i Khass are senior Ghulams selected to be the Amirs's bodyguards and personal regiment. Only kept by Amirs rich and powerful enough to field them, these elite and loyal troops are protected by heavy mail and are armed with a lance for charging and a wicked scimitar for when things get close and personal.

Abilities

Wedge
Cavalry form a triangle to focus the charge on a narrow point. The unit rides in an arrowhead with the leading riders at the tip, concentrating the impact of the charge on a small part of the enemy line. Good for punching into or through a formation. Fewer riders are in contact at once, so switch back to a line for a prolonged melee.
Very hardy
Tires much more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina; very hardy units can run and fight longest before becoming tired.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.
Command
Raises the morale of friendly units nearby. Typical of generals' bodyguards and elite household troops. Nearby units are steadier while this unit is close.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 26 · riding Barded Horse
Melee: attack 6, charge 9 (spear)
Defence: armour 11, skill 6, shield 4
Morale: 10 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2810 florins, 1124 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in scrub, -5 in forest, -3 in snow
Heat: +9 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 50% in region

Building	First Mamluks~turn 137
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	225t
Caliph's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better	120t
Dar al-Imara Town Hall · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Without Grazing Lands or better Needs Madrasa or better Capital Zengid regions Abbasid regions or Egypt regions or Moors regions or Turks regions or Rum regions	111t
Sultan's Palace Town Hall · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Without Grazing Lands or better Needs Jami'ah or better Capital Zengid regions or Abbasid regions or Egypt regions or Moors regions or Turks regions or Rum regions	211t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Mamluk Lancers

slave professional, factional

Quality: Elite. Type: Late Professional. Mamluks are the elite professional cavalry of the Egyptian Army. Bought as slaves from the hardy Turkish steppe peoples, they are trained from boyhood in the ways of the warrior. When their training is finished, they are freed and enrolled in the army. These men are equipped for close fighting with spears, maces and shields.

Abilities

Wedge
Cavalry form a triangle to focus the charge on a narrow point. The unit rides in an arrowhead with the leading riders at the tip, concentrating the impact of the charge on a small part of the enemy line. Good for punching into or through a formation. Fewer riders are in contact at once, so switch back to a line for a prolonged melee.
Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 28 · riding Mamluk Horse
Melee: attack 7, charge 11 (spear)
Defence: armour 12, skill 4, shield 5
Morale: 10 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2843 florins, 1015 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in scrub, -5 in forest, -3 in snow
Heat: +8 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Mamluks established~turn 177
Amir's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–★2
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–★3
Caliph's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–★4
Slave Market Slave Market	+12t
Slave Trading Centre Slave Market · city only Slavemarket regions	+8t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Khassakiya

slave professional, factional

Quality: Exceptional. Type: Late Professional. The Khassaki are the Caliph's own elite troops. Given the best horses and equipment, the Khassaki are fiercely loyal and are the only troops allowed to carry weapons at all times. Besides ceremonial duties these hardened warriors are charged with protecting the Caliph, as well as often taking on the most important missions or tasks within the Caliph's army. REQUIRES CAIRO.

Abilities

Wedge
Cavalry form a triangle to focus the charge on a narrow point. The unit rides in an arrowhead with the leading riders at the tip, concentrating the impact of the charge on a small part of the enemy line. Good for punching into or through a formation. Fewer riders are in contact at once, so switch back to a line for a prolonged melee.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.
Knight
Gains extra experience from certain buildings. Usually feudal or noble cavalry.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Barded Horse
Melee: attack 7, charge 11 (spear)
Defence: armour 13, skill 6, shield 5
Morale: 11 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 3245 florins, 1220 upkeep, 5 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -3 in scrub, -1 in sand, -6 in forest, -4 in snow
Heat: +9 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Coat of Plates~turn 341
Caliph's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Islam ≥ 50% in region	212t
Dar al-Imara Town Hall · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Without Grazing Lands or better Needs Madrasa or better Islam ≥ 70% in region Capital Zengid regions Abbasid regions or Egypt regions or Moors regions or Turks regions or Rum regions	111t
Sultan's Palace Town Hall · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Without Grazing Lands or better Needs Jami'ah or better Islam ≥ 70% in region Capital Zengid regions or Abbasid regions or Egypt regions or Moors regions or Turks regions or Rum regions	311t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Oghuz Horse Archers

tribal unit, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Local (lacks formal military training, typically low discipline and less morale). Accustomed to life in the saddle these hardy bowmen come from the poorer level of nomad society and make excellent horse archers. Wearing little or no armour these highly manoeuvrable troops pepper the enemy with arrows, and use their speed to stay out of harm's way.

Abilities

Horde
Loose, unordered mass instead of neat ranks. Used by tribal and irregular troops. The unit fights as a crowd rather than in ranks.
Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Cantabrian circle
Horse archers ride in a continuous circle while shooting. Toggled from the ability bar. Riders loop in a circle so each one fires as they pass the front, keeping up a steady stream of missiles while staying hard to catch.
Mercenary
Mercenary unit; shares one look across all factions. Training one doesn't use up the settlement's recruitment pool for it.
Mercenary disband
Leaves your army if you stay in debt for three turns.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Fast Pony
Missile: Cav Composite Arrow: attack 2, range 100, 18 ammo
Melee: attack 3, charge 5 (sword)
Defence: armour 1, skill 1, shield 0
Morale: 7 · Low discipline · Trained
Cost: 420 florins, 420 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 25% in region

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141	The barid~turn 261	Kankan Musa~turn 401	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Stables Stables · castle only Turks regions or Abbasid regions or Zengid regions or Rum regions or Cuman steppe or Georgian homeland	211t	211t	214t	220t	220t
Sheikh's Stables Stables · castle only Turks regions or Abbasid regions	37t	214t	214t	214t	125t
Sheikh's Stables Stables · castle only Zengid regions or Rum regions	320t	220t	220t	220t	133t
Amir's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Turks regions or Abbasid regions or Zengid regions or Rum regions or Cuman steppe or Georgian homeland	26t	26t	27t	28t	28t
Amir's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Turks regions Not in Abbasid regions Not in Zengid regions Not in Rum regions Not in Cuman steppe Not in Georgian homeland	28t	28t	28t	210t	210t
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Turks regions or Abbasid regions or Zengid regions or Rum regions or Cuman steppe or Georgian homeland	25t	25t	26t	27t	27t
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Turks regions Not in Abbasid regions Not in Zengid regions Not in Rum regions Not in Cuman steppe Not in Georgian homeland	27t	27t	28t	28t	28t
Caliph's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Turks regions or Abbasid regions or Zengid regions or Rum regions or Cuman steppe or Georgian homeland	25t★1	25t★1	25t★1	26t★1	26t★1
Caliph's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Not in Turks regions Not in Abbasid regions Not in Zengid regions Not in Rum regions Not in Cuman steppe Not in Georgian homeland	26t★1	26t★1	27t★1	27t★1	27t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Fari Cavalry

feudal knight, standard

Quality: Elite. Type: Feudal (low availability, often impetuous or of low discipline). Faris (also known to the Turks as 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.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Command
Raises the morale of friendly units nearby. Typical of generals' bodyguards and elite household troops. Nearby units are steadier while this unit is close.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.
Cantabrian circle
Horse archers ride in a continuous circle while shooting. Toggled from the ability bar. Riders loop in a circle so each one fires as they pass the front, keeping up a steady stream of missiles while staying hard to catch.
Knight
Gains extra experience from certain buildings. Usually feudal or noble cavalry.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 24 · riding Eastern Horse
Missile: Elite Cav Mass Composite Arrow: attack 4, range 120, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 5, charge 5 (sword)
Defence: armour 8, skill 3, shield 4
Morale: 11 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 470 florins, 940 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +6 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Without Autonomy of Local Nobility or better Islam ≥ 50% in region

Building	From start	Ayyubid reform~turn 57	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	250t	233t	225t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	240t	225t	220t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	233t	220t	217t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	229t	215t	212t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Also recruitable in some campaigns, depending on the order events happen: Landowners' Guards, Provincial Council, Local Nobility, Provincial Aristocracy.

Mercenary Bedouin Camel Riders

mercenary unit, regional (true)

Quality: Average. Type: Mercenary (low recruitment and replenishment costs, often reduced morale and high upkeep). 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.

Abilities

Horde
Loose, unordered mass instead of neat ranks. Used by tribal and irregular troops. The unit fights as a crowd rather than in ranks.
Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Very hardy
Tires much more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina; very hardy units can run and fight longest before becoming tired.
Frightens cavalry
Lowers the morale of enemy cavalry nearby.
Mercenary
Mercenary unit; shares one look across all factions. Training one doesn't use up the settlement's recruitment pool for it.
Mercenary disband
Leaves your army if you stay in debt for three turns.
Peasant
Counts for only half when keeping public order as a garrison.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 28 · riding Camel
Missile: Cav Arrow: attack 2, range 100, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 2, charge 4 (sword)
Defence: armour 1, skill 2, shield 2
Morale: 7 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1192 florins, 447 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant
Terrain: -1 in scrub, +5 in sand, -4 in forest, -3 in snow

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Desert

Building	From start
Caravan Stop Caravans · city only Caravan regions or Silk Road	125t
Caravansary Caravans · city only Caravan regions or Silk Road	214t
Silk Road Stop Caravans · city only Silk Road	210t★1
Caravan Stop Caravans · castle only Caravan regions or Silk Road	114t
Caravansary Caravans · castle only Caravan regions or Silk Road	210t
Desert Village Oasis Moors regions or Egypt regions or Zengid regions or Abbasid regions or Turks regions or Persian	114t
Irrigated Oasis Oasis Moors regions or Egypt regions or Zengid regions or Abbasid regions or Turks regions or Persian	214t
Extensively Irrigated Oasis Oasis Moors regions or Egypt regions or Zengid regions or Abbasid regions or Turks regions or Persian	214t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Mamluk Horse Archers

slave professional, factional

Quality: Elite (Combination). Type: Late Professional. Mamluks are the elite professional cavalry of the Egyptian Army. Bought as slaves from the hardy Turkish steppe peoples, they are trained from boyhood to be men of the sword. When their training is finished, they are freed and enrolled in the army. Although cavalry archers, these are no light skirmishers. Instead they operate in close formation to lay down a heavy barrage of fire. They have maces for use on anyone who gets too close.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.
Cantabrian circle
Horse archers ride in a continuous circle while shooting. Toggled from the ability bar. Riders loop in a circle so each one fires as they pass the front, keeping up a steady stream of missiles while staying hard to catch.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Mamluk Horse
Missile: Quality Cav Mass Composite Arrow: attack 4, range 130, 42 ammo
Melee: attack 4, charge 4 (mace)
Defence: armour 12, skill 3, shield 5
Morale: 9 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2254 florins, 847 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in scrub, -5 in forest, -3 in snow
Heat: +9 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	First Mamluks~turn 137
Amir's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–★2
Sultan's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–★3
Caliph's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–★4
Slave Market Slave Market	+12t
Slave Trading Centre Slave Market · city only Slavemarket regions	+8t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Shurtah Levies

Peasant levies, factional

PEASANTS LEVIES/ MORALE 3/ LOW DISCIPLINE/ UNTRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT/ IS PEASANT. These troops are city dwellers usually called up to defend their homes in time of need, but sometimes pressed into action on foreign campaigns. They can serve as defensive units but these levies don't have the training or stomach to maintain a long fight.

Abilities

Braced spear
When braced, has protective mechanisms against cavalry charging from the front. Braced spearmen are much harder to charge from the front. On cavalry, it marks a lance.
Free upkeep
Can be kept without upkeep in a settlement that supports it. No upkeep is paid when (1) the settlement can recruit this unit, (2) a building there grants free upkeep slots, and (3) there are fewer more expensive free-upkeep units than slots. In SSHIP free upkeep is meant for militias only, and it only applies in settlements that can actually recruit the unit.
Peasant
Counts for only half when keeping public order as a garrison.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 60
Melee: attack 1, charge 2 (spear)
Defence: armour 0, skill 1, shield 3
Morale: 3 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 287 florins, 287 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in scrub, +1 in sand, +1 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 25% in region

Building	From start	A New Era Begins~turn 337	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Town Watch Barracks · city only	26t	26t	26t
Town Guard Barracks · city only	24t	24t	24t
City Watch Barracks · city only	33t	33t	26t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	42t	24t	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	33t	·	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	33t	·	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only	17t★1	17t★1	17t★1
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1
Barracks Barracks · castle only	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1
Armoury Barracks · castle only	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Foot Fari Lancers

feudal knight, standard

Quality: Superior. Type: Feudal (low availability, often impetuous or of low discipline). Faris are feudal cavalry, holding land in exchange for military service. Lancers are drawn from the wealthier Faris who can afford the armour needed by close combat troops. Although more used to being mounted in battle, they can fight on foot as more than competent spearmen.

Abilities

Shield wall
Men close up and lock shields into a tight defensive line. A formation toggled from the unit's ability button. The unit packs tighter and is built to hold a line rather than attack: it is harder to break from the front, but slower and clumsier to manoeuvre. Use it to anchor a position or absorb a charge, and switch it off before you need to move or counter-attack.
Braced spear
When braced, has protective mechanisms against cavalry charging from the front. Braced spearmen are much harder to charge from the front. On cavalry, it marks a lance.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Command
Raises the morale of friendly units nearby. Typical of generals' bodyguards and elite household troops. Nearby units are steadier while this unit is close.
Knight
Gains extra experience from certain buildings. Usually feudal or noble cavalry.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 40
Melee: attack 4, charge 4 (spear)
Defence: armour 6, skill 7, shield 5
Morale: 9 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 414 florins, 828 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in sand, -4 in forest, -2 in snow
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Without Autonomy of Local Nobility or better Islam ≥ 50% in region

Building	From start	Ayyubid reform~turn 57	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	250t	233t	225t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	240t	225t	220t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	233t	220t	217t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	229t	215t	212t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Also recruitable in some campaigns, depending on the order events happen: Landowners' Guards, Provincial Council, Local Nobility, Provincial Aristocracy.

Ahdath Spear Militia

urban militia, factional

URBAN MILITIA/ MORALE 5/ NORMAL DISCIPLINE/ TRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT Ahdath Militias 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.

Abilities

Braced spear
When braced, has protective mechanisms against cavalry charging from the front. Braced spearmen are much harder to charge from the front. On cavalry, it marks a lance.
Free upkeep
Can be kept without upkeep in a settlement that supports it. No upkeep is paid when (1) the settlement can recruit this unit, (2) a building there grants free upkeep slots, and (3) there are fewer more expensive free-upkeep units than slots. In SSHIP free upkeep is meant for militias only, and it only applies in settlements that can actually recruit the unit.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 60
Melee: attack 2, charge 2 (spear)
Defence: armour 1, skill 2, shield 3
Morale: 5 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 503 florins, 503 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +3 vs Horse, +3 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in sand, -2 in snow
Heat: +2 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start
Town Watch Barracks · city only Islam ≥ 25% in region	28t
Town Guard Barracks · city only Islam ≥ 25% in region	26t
City Watch Barracks · city only Islam ≥ 25% in region	24t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Islam ≥ 25% in region	34t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Islam ≥ 25% in region	33t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Islam ≥ 25% in region	43t
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	210t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	33t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	33t
Barracks Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	33t
Armoury Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	33t
Walls of Alcazar Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Aragon regions or Spain regions or Portugal regions or Moors regions Not in Berber	+20t
Alcazar Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Quarries or better Aragon regions or Spain regions or Portugal regions or Moors regions Islam ≥ 25% in region Not in Berber	120t
Gardens of Alhambra Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Moors regions Andalusian Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region Not in Berber	211t
Alcazar of Alhambra Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Moors regions Andalusian Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region Not in Berber	211t★1
Alcazar of Toledo Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Spain regions Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region Not in Berber	211t★1
Palacio de la Aljafería Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Aragon regions Capital Islam ≥ 25% in region Not in Berber	211t★1
Alcazar of Lisbon Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Portugal regions Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region Not in Berber	211t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Mutatawwi'a Warriors

Religious Fanatics

RELIGIOUS FANATICS/ MORALE 16/ IMPETUOUS/TRAINED/ LOCK MORALE While many religious volunteers come bursting of faith but with little discipline and tools from which to achieve God's desires, the ranks of the Mutatawwi'a swell with veterans of battling infidel, heretic, or even fellow Muslim. Those who can afford mail, lamellar and quilted armour, who come into possession of stout iron-skinned shield and sturdy spear, form brotherhoods which ply their service for any pious Muslim ruler. Valuable men these are, motivated as well as their are adorned and armed, willing to pursue the will of the Almighty nothing short of victory or their own demise. GAMEPLAY NOTES: These muslim religious fanatics are excellent warriors with medium armour and good spear and shield, they will fight to the death to defend their faith and the sacred sites they defend. Useful against enemy cavalry, though they can also be employed against any enemy due to their combat resilience. They can be found available to Muslim factions after calling for and participating in a Jihad in their respective mosques,during a Jihad in the mercenary panel, and in unique buildings in Mecca, Jerusalem, and Baghdad, but only after having a high degree of Muslim conversion.

Abilities

Shield wall
Men close up and lock shields into a tight defensive line. A formation toggled from the unit's ability button. The unit packs tighter and is built to hold a line rather than attack: it is harder to break from the front, but slower and clumsier to manoeuvre. Use it to anchor a position or absorb a charge, and switch it off before you need to move or counter-attack.
Braced spear
When braced, has protective mechanisms against cavalry charging from the front. Braced spearmen are much harder to charge from the front. On cavalry, it marks a lance.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Mercenary
Mercenary unit; shares one look across all factions. Training one doesn't use up the settlement's recruitment pool for it.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 80
Melee: attack 3, charge 5 (spear)
Defence: armour 6, skill 5, shield 4
Morale: 16 · Impetuous · Trained · never routs
Cost: 796 florins, 896 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +5 vs Horse, +5 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in sand, -1 in forest, -2 in snow
Heat: +6 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start
Small Masjid Mosques · city only Needs Logging Camps or better After Jihad Ongoing	111t
Masjid Mosques · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better After Jihad Ongoing	19t
Minareted Masjid Mosques · city only Needs Quarries or better After Jihad Ongoing	28t
Jama Mosques · city only Needs Stonemasons or better After Jihad Ongoing	26t
Jama Kabir Mosques · city only Needs Stonemasons or better After Jihad Ongoing	35t
Bayt al-Hikma Education · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Needs Jama or better Capital Abbasid regions Turks regions Islam ≥ 70% in region	312t
Kubbat as-Sakhra Holy Place · city only Levant (Jerusalem) Capital Islam ≥ 70% in region	212t
Glorious Kubbat as-Sakhra Holy Place · city only Levant (Jerusalem) Capital Islam ≥ 70% in region	312t
al-Ka'bah al-Ka'bah · city only Islam ≥ 50% in region Desert Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 70% in region	212t
Masjid al-Ka'bah al-Ka'bah · city only Islam ≥ 50% in region Desert Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 70% in region	312t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

The AI also gets 5 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Arab Infantry

feudal levy, factional

Quality: Average. Type: Late Professional. Recruited from the many Arabs settled across North Africa and the Middle East, usually fighting mounted, they will dismount for duties that demand it. Although used to a hot climate, they are not desert troops.

Abilities

Shield wall
Men close up and lock shields into a tight defensive line. A formation toggled from the unit's ability button. The unit packs tighter and is built to hold a line rather than attack: it is harder to break from the front, but slower and clumsier to manoeuvre. Use it to anchor a position or absorb a charge, and switch it off before you need to move or counter-attack.
Braced spear
When braced, has protective mechanisms against cavalry charging from the front. Braced spearmen are much harder to charge from the front. On cavalry, it marks a lance.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 60
Melee: attack 3, charge 3 (spear)
Defence: armour 5, skill 3, shield 5
Morale: 7 · Disciplined · Trained
Cost: 1417 florins, 533 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in sand, +1 in forest, -2 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Use of maritime maps~turn 53	Battle of Hattin~turn 143	The barid~turn 261	Kankan Musa~turn 401	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Town Guard Barracks · city only Islam ≥ 35% in region	125t	125t	117t	112t	·	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Islam ≥ 35% in region	117t	117t	112t	110t	·	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Islam ≥ 35% in region	212t★1	212t★1	210t★1	28t★1	·	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Islam ≥ 35% in region	210t★1	210t★1	28t★1	27t★1	·	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Islam ≥ 35% in region	28t★3	28t★3	27t★3	26t★3	·	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	27t	27t	27t	27t	210t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	24t	24t	24t	24t	25t
Barracks Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	23t	23t	23t	23t	23t
Armoury Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	23t	23t	23t	23t	23t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Heavy Spearmen

slave professional, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Late Professional. These Armoured Spearmen are disciplined and professional warriors, drawn from the higher classes. They are well trained and are well equipped with long spears, large shields and excellent 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.

Abilities

Schiltrom
Spearmen form a tight ring of spears facing every direction. A defensive formation for spear units. The men face outwards with spears levelled, which makes the unit very hard for cavalry to charge from any side. While in schiltrom the unit cannot move, and the packed men are an easy target for archers.
Braced spear
When braced, has protective mechanisms against cavalry charging from the front. Braced spearmen are much harder to charge from the front. On cavalry, it marks a lance.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 60
Melee: attack 3, charge 3 (spear)
Defence: armour 10, skill 3, shield 7
Morale: 9 · Disciplined · Trained
Cost: 1689 florins, 869 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: +4 vs Horse, +4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in snow
Heat: +5 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 35% in region

Building	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	210t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	23t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	23t
Armoury Barracks · castle only	23t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Bedouin Infantry

tribal unit, mercenary (false DM+EDB)

Quality: Average. Type: Local (lacks formal military training, typically low discipline and less morale). Bedouin Infantry are light and fast warriors who have some skill in combat and are equipped with a mere scimitar. They are useful against both archers and other infantry. They act as supporting units for heavier and better units, but cannot be expected to endure for long on an open battlefield.

Abilities

Mercenary
Mercenary unit; shares one look across all factions. Training one doesn't use up the settlement's recruitment pool for it.
Mercenary disband
Leaves your army if you stay in debt for three turns.
Peasant
Counts for only half when keeping public order as a garrison.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 56
Melee: attack 5, charge 3 (sword)
Defence: armour 1, skill 6, shield 0
Morale: 10 · Low discipline · Trained
Cost: 1393 florins, 523 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +3 in sand, +1 in forest, -3 in snow

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Moors regions or Egypt regions or Zengid regions or Abbasid regions or Turks regions or Persian

Building	From start
Caravan Stop Caravans · city only Caravan regions or Silk Road Not in Desert	125t
Caravansary Caravans · city only Caravan regions or Silk Road Not in Desert	214t
Silk Road Stop Caravans · city only Silk Road Not in Desert	210t★1
Caravan Stop Caravans · castle only Caravan regions or Silk Road Not in Desert	114t
Caravansary Caravans · castle only Caravan regions or Silk Road Not in Desert	210t
Oasis Oasis Desert Faction leader policy: Protector (trait)	125t
Oasis with Granary Oasis Desert Faction leader policy: Protector (trait)	125t
Desert Village Oasis Desert	225t
Irrigated Oasis Oasis Desert	314t
Extensively Irrigated Oasis Oasis Desert	311t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Dismounted Ghulam

slave professional, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. Precursors to the Mamluks, the Ghulams are troops largely drawn from African slaves. Trained and kept at their "master's" expense, these troops 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.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 52
Melee: attack 4, charge 4 (mace)
Defence: armour 4, skill 8, shield 5
Morale: 12 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2450 florins, 807 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in snow
Heat: +4 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Ayyubid reform~turn 57
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–	1–
Barracks Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–★2	1–★2
Armoury Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–★4	1–★4
Slave Market Slave Market	+10t	+7t
Slave Trading Centre Slave Market · city only Slavemarket regions	+5t	+4t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Tabardariyya

slave professional, factional

Quality: Elite. Type: Urban Professional (increased training time based on unit type and quality, higher proportion of disciplined units). The main role of the Tabardariyya is to guard the Caliph and the palace. Armed with a large axe, 'tabar', similar to a traditional Scandinavian axe. These well armoured, elite troops are formidable on the battle field too.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Very hardy
Tires much more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina; very hardy units can run and fight longest before becoming tired.
Frightens infantry
Lowers the morale of enemy infantry nearby.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 52
Melee: attack 10, charge 5 (axe)
Defence: armour 10, skill 10, shield 0
Morale: 12 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 3182 florins, 1142 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: +1 vs Horse, +1 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -1 in forest, -3 in snow
Heat: +9 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: After The Mamluks Rise in Egypt

Building	From start
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 50% in region	217t
Barracks Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 50% in region	214t
Armoury Barracks · castle only Islam ≥ 50% in region	212t
Dar al-Imara Town Hall · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Without Grazing Lands or better Needs Madrasa or better Islam ≥ 50% in region Capital Zengid regions Abbasid regions or Egypt regions or Moors regions or Turks regions or Rum regions	111t
Sultan's Palace Town Hall · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Without Grazing Lands or better Needs Jami'ah or better Islam ≥ 50% in region Capital Zengid regions or Abbasid regions or Egypt regions or Moors regions or Turks regions or Rum regions	211t★1
Kubbat as-Sakhra Holy Place · city only Levant (Jerusalem) Capital Islam ≥ 50% in region	114t
Glorious Kubbat as-Sakhra Holy Place · city only Levant (Jerusalem) Capital Islam ≥ 70% in region	314t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Ahdath Sword Militia

urban militia, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. The Al-Halqa are made up of Egyptians and Arabs, as well as the sons of Mamluks. Egyptians and Arabs are not permitted to become Mamluks, while the sons of Mamluks are considered second class, as they were not born on the Steppes as "true Turks". Nevertheless the Al-Haqa are important troops, often in service to their Amir alongside the Mamluks.

Abilities

Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Free upkeep
Can be kept without upkeep in a settlement that supports it. No upkeep is paid when (1) the settlement can recruit this unit, (2) a building there grants free upkeep slots, and (3) there are fewer more expensive free-upkeep units than slots. In SSHIP free upkeep is meant for militias only, and it only applies in settlements that can actually recruit the unit.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 60
Melee: attack 6, charge 3 (sword)
Defence: armour 2, skill 2, shield 4
Morale: 4 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 380 florins, 380 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -3 in snow
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 25% in region

Building	Mamluks established~turn 177
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Egypt regions Not in Capital	24t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Egypt regions Capital	32t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Not in Egypt regions Not in Capital	210t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Egypt regions Not in Capital	23t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Egypt regions Capital	32t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Egypt regions Not in Capital	27t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Halbyrd Militia

urban militia, standard

Quality: Militia. Type: Urban Militia (reduced morale in the field). Halberd Militia are townsfolk who have been levied into the militia to guard their settlements. Better trained and equipped than most militias, These townsfolk carry long halberds that can fend off cavalry and crush the most heavily armoured of foes.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Free upkeep
Can be kept without upkeep in a settlement that supports it. No upkeep is paid when (1) the settlement can recruit this unit, (2) a building there grants free upkeep slots, and (3) there are fewer more expensive free-upkeep units than slots. In SSHIP free upkeep is meant for militias only, and it only applies in settlements that can actually recruit the unit.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 60
Melee: attack 5, charge 4 (axe)
Defence: armour 4, skill 6, shield 0
Morale: 6 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 440 florins, 440 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +6 vs Horse, +6 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in forest, -2 in snow
Heat: +4 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 25% in region

Building	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
City Watch Barracks · city only	·	24t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	24t	33t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	33t	42t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	42t	51t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Saracen Levy Archers

Peasant Levies, factional

PEASANTS LEVIES/ MORALE 3/ LOW DISCIPLINE/ UNTRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT/ IS PEASANT. Saracen Levy Archers are accustomed to using their bow for hunting. These peasant archers are armed with a small bow, and a knife.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Peasant
Counts for only half when keeping public order as a garrison.
Free upkeep
Can be kept without upkeep in a settlement that supports it. No upkeep is paid when (1) the settlement can recruit this unit, (2) a building there grants free upkeep slots, and (3) there are fewer more expensive free-upkeep units than slots. In SSHIP free upkeep is meant for militias only, and it only applies in settlements that can actually recruit the unit.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 48
Missile: Peasant Arrow: attack 2, range 120, 18 ammo
Melee: attack 1, charge 1 (knife)
Defence: armour 0, skill 2, shield 0
Morale: 3 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 469 florins, 251 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, +1 in sand, +1 in forest, -2 in snow

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 25% in region

Building	From start	High era begins~turn 209	A New Era Begins~turn 337	Late era begins~turn 517
Town Guard Barracks · city only	14t	14t	14t	14t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only	·	28t	211t	211t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Before High Era	211t	211t	211t	211t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only	·	26t	28t	28t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Before High Era	28t	28t	28t	28t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only	·	35t	37t	37t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Before High Era	37t	37t	37t	37t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	·	35t	36t	36t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Before High Era	36t	36t	36t	36t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Fari Archers

feudal knight, standard

Quality: Superior. Type: Feudal (low availability, often impetuous or of low discipline). Faris are feudal cavalry, holding land in exchange for military service. Although more used to being mounted in battle, they can fight on foot as more than competent Archers.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Command
Raises the morale of friendly units nearby. Typical of generals' bodyguards and elite household troops. Nearby units are steadier while this unit is close.
Formed charge
Riders keep pace with each other so the charge lands as one solid line. Riders hold to the pace of the slowest man, so the charge hits as one tightly packed line and causes more casualties. The trade-off is a slightly slower charge.
Knight
Gains extra experience from certain buildings. Usually feudal or noble cavalry.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 40
Missile: Quality Mass Composite Arrow: attack 5, range 190, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 3, charge 2 (mace)
Defence: armour 7, skill 6, shield 4
Morale: 13 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 522 florins, 1044 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Terrain: +1 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +7 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Without Autonomy of Local Nobility or better Islam ≥ 50% in region

Building	From start	Ayyubid reform~turn 57	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	250t	233t	225t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	240t	225t	220t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	233t	220t	217t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	229t	215t	212t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Also recruitable in some campaigns, depending on the order events happen: Landowners' Guards, Provincial Council, Local Nobility, Provincial Aristocracy.

Ahdath Archers

feudal levy, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Local (lacks formal military training, typically low discipline and less morale). A mixture of settled tribesmen, farmers and conquered peoples, these archers come from the bottom end of the turkish society. Used to hunting with a bow and living a harsh existence, these troops are reasonably hardy and proficient with their bows, but will melt away quickly in melee combat. Useful for harassing enemy archers and flanks.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Mercenary
Mercenary unit; shares one look across all factions. Training one doesn't use up the settlement's recruitment pool for it.
Mercenary disband
Leaves your army if you stay in debt for three turns.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 56
Missile: Composite Arrow: attack 3, range 165, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 1, charge 1 (knife)
Defence: armour 1, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 3 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 848 florins, 318 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in snow
Heat: +2 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 25% in region

Building	From start	High era begins~turn 209	A New Era Begins~turn 337	Late era begins~turn 517
Bowyer Ranges · castle only	·	28t	211t	211t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Before High Era	211t	211t	211t	211t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only	·	26t	212t	212t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Before High Era	28t	28t	28t	28t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only	·	35t	310t	310t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Before High Era	37t	37t	37t	37t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	·	35t	310t	310t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Before High Era	37t	37t	37t	37t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Turkish Archers

feudal levy, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Local (lacks formal military training, typically low discipline and less morale). A mixture of settled tribesmen, farmers and conquered peoples, these archers come from the bottom end of Turkish society. Used to hunting with a bow and living a harsh existence, these troops are reasonably hardy and proficient with their bows, but will melt away quickly in melee combat. Useful for harassing enemy archers and flanks.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Mercenary
Mercenary unit; shares one look across all factions. Training one doesn't use up the settlement's recruitment pool for it.
Mercenary disband
Leaves your army if you stay in debt for three turns.
Free upkeep
Can be kept without upkeep in a settlement that supports it. No upkeep is paid when (1) the settlement can recruit this unit, (2) a building there grants free upkeep slots, and (3) there are fewer more expensive free-upkeep units than slots. In SSHIP free upkeep is meant for militias only, and it only applies in settlements that can actually recruit the unit.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 48
Missile: Composite Arrow: attack 4, range 165, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 3, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 1, skill 3, shield 3
Morale: 8 · Low discipline · Trained
Cost: 1145 florins, 430 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, +1 in sand, +1 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +2 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	High era begins~turn 209	A New Era Begins~turn 337	Late era begins~turn 517
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Turks regions or Rum regions	225t	225t	225t	225t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Turks regions or Rum regions or Tartar steppe	+27t	+27t	+27t	+27t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	28t	211t	211t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region Before High Era	211t	211t	211t	211t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Not in Turks regions Not in Rum regions Tartar steppe	225t	225t	225t	225t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Turks regions or Rum regions	225t	225t	225t	225t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Turks regions or Rum regions or Tartar steppe	+27t	+27t	+27t	+27t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	26t	28t	28t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region Before High Era	28t	28t	28t	28t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Not in Turks regions Not in Rum regions Tartar steppe	225t	225t	225t	225t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Turks regions or Rum regions	225t	225t	225t	225t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Turks regions or Rum regions or Tartar steppe	+27t	+27t	+27t	+27t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	35t	37t	37t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region Before High Era	37t	37t	37t	37t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Not in Turks regions Not in Rum regions Tartar steppe	225t	225t	225t	225t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Turks regions or Rum regions	225t	225t	225t	225t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Turks regions or Rum regions or Tartar steppe	+27t	+27t	+27t	+27t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	35t	37t	37t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Islam ≥ 25% in region Before High Era	37t	37t	37t	37t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Turks regions Not in Rum regions Tartar steppe	225t	225t	225t	225t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Qaws Ferengi Infantry

urban militia, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Mercenary. 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. Once the Muslim world got to know the power of the crossbows during the crusades and reconquista, they slowly adapted it and used it themselves.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Free upkeep
Can be kept without upkeep in a settlement that supports it. No upkeep is paid when (1) the settlement can recruit this unit, (2) a building there grants free upkeep slots, and (3) there are fewer more expensive free-upkeep units than slots. In SSHIP free upkeep is meant for militias only, and it only applies in settlements that can actually recruit the unit.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 52
Missile: Crossbow Bolt: attack 6, range 140, 18 ammo
Melee: attack 2, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 2, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 4 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 1387 florins, 520 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, +1 in sand, -1 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +4 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Battle of Hattin~turn 143	The barid~turn 261	Kankan Musa~turn 401
City Watch Barracks · city only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	·	225t	217t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	·	217t	212t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	·	212t★2	210t★2
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	·	210t★3	28t★3
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	125t	117t	112t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	217t	212t	210t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	212t★1	210t★1	28t★1
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	210t★3	28t★3	27t★3
Alcazar Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Quarries or better Aragon regions or Spain regions or Portugal regions or Moors regions Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	120t	114t	111t
Gardens of Alhambra Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Moors regions Andalusian Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	220t	214t	211t
Alcazar of Alhambra Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Moors regions Andalusian Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	220t★1	214t★1	211t★1
Alcazar of Toledo Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Spain regions Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	220t	214t	211t
Palacio de la Aljafería Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Aragon regions Capital Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	220t	214t	211t
Alcazar of Lisbon Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Portugal regions Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	220t	214t	211t
Alcazar of Fes Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Moors regions Berber Unique2 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	220t	214t	211t
Alcazar of Tunis Alcazar Without South Italy Building Needs Stonemasons or better Moors regions Berber Unique1 regions Islam ≥ 25% in region	·	220t	214t	211t
Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t
Master Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t
Merchants' Guild Headquarters Merchants' Guild	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Dismounted Mamluk Archers

slave professional, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. Professional archers wearing heavy armour, adept at showering arrows onto their enemies from long range.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 48
Missile: Quality Mass Composite Arrow: attack 6, range 190, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 5, charge 2 (mace)
Defence: armour 11, skill 6, shield 5
Morale: 11 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2005 florins, 754 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in snow
Heat: +11 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Mamluks established~turn 177	Mamluks established~turn 267
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 50% in region	1–	1–
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Islam ≥ 50% in region	·	1–★2
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Islam ≥ 50% in region	·	1–★4
Slave Market Slave Market	+12t	+12t
Slave Trading Centre Slave Market · city only Slavemarket regions	+8t	+8t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Heavy Archers

slave professional, standard

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. Professional archers wearing heavy armour, adept at showering arrows onto their enemies from long range.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 60
Missile: Quality Mass Composite Arrow: attack 6, range 200, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 3, charge 2 (sword)
Defence: armour 8, skill 7, shield 3
Morale: 8 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 2055 florins, 772 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in snow
Heat: +5 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 35% in region

Building	A New Era Begins~turn 337	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Practice Range Ranges · castle only	24t	32t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only	22t	32t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	21t★1	31t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Ottoman Infantry

slave professional, standard

Quality: Superior (Combination). Type: Late Professional. Ottoman Infantry are hardy troops, 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.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 52
Missile: Mass Composite Arrow: attack 6, range 190, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 4, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 7, skill 8, shield 3
Morale: 12 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2266 florins, 852 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in snow
Heat: +6 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Islam ≥ 25% in region

Building	A New Era Begins~turn 337
Practice Range Ranges · castle only	312t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only	310t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	310t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Naffatun

slave professional, factional

Quality: Average. Type: Early Professional. Naphtha is a mixture of chemicals that become a fiery liquid that is difficult to put out. These men throw deadly ceramic pots of flaming Naphtha that burst into flames on impact spilling a sticky molten mess that can seep through any armour. The prospect of a fiery death can unnerve even the bravest warrior.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Frightens cavalry
Lowers the morale of enemy cavalry nearby.
Frightens infantry
Lowers the morale of enemy infantry nearby.
Stakes
Can plant sharpened stakes in front of them before battle. Stakes are placed during deployment and seriously hurt cavalry that charge into them.

Also: Sea-faring, Hides in forest, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 26
Missile: Nahptha Bomb: attack 15, range 40, 5 ammo
Melee: attack 5, charge 3 (sword)
Defence: armour 7, skill 6, shield 0
Morale: 11 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 1236 florins, 465 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in snow
Heat: +7 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Kankan Musa~turn 401
Alchemy School Academia · castle only	214t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Trebuchet

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.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Body piercing
Missiles can pass through one man and hit those behind.
Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Launching
Hits may throw men into the air.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 8
Melee: attack 1, charge 1 (knife)
Defence: armour 1, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 11 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1446 florins, 235 upkeep, 3 turns to train
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Seafaring Innovation~turn 97	Making the Wind Work~turn 105
Siege Works Siege · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	·	211t
Siege Works Siege · castle only	211t	211t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Mangonel

artillery

The original Mangonel was first used in Roman times to fling large rocks at enemies. This Mangonel, though bearing some resemblance to its forebear, is far larger than its Roman counterparts. One other surprising addition is that this Mangonel throws burning barrels of oil! These barrels often explode in mid air, unleashing a torrent of fire down on its poor victims below.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Launching
Hits may throw men into the air.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 8
Melee: attack 1, charge 1 (knife)
Defence: armour 1, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 11 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1486 florins, 259 upkeep, 3 turns to train
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Siege Works Siege · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	217t
Siege Works Siege · castle only	217t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Bombard

artillery

The first primitive gunpowder siege artillery, bombards were created in China and Western Europe in the early 14th century and spread to the rest of the world by the late 14th century. They are forged from bronze or iron, and designed to fire stone balls that crumble enemy defences. They also shoot inaccurate flaming balls wrapped in pitch-soaked rags, that can incinerate enemy troops!

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Body piercing
Missiles can pass through one man and hit those behind.
Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Launching
Hits may throw men into the air.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Gunpowder unit
Uses gunpowder weapons.
Stakes
Can plant sharpened stakes in front of them before battle. Stakes are placed during deployment and seriously hurt cavalry that charge into them.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw, Hides in forest

Stats

Men: 12
Melee: attack 1, charge 1 (knife)
Defence: armour 1, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 11 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1388 florins, 317 upkeep, 5 turns to train
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Cannons Developed~turn 325	Man-Made Inferno!~turn 401
Gunsmith Cannons · city only	27t	27t
Cannon Maker Cannons · city only	110t	110t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · city only	·	110t
Gunsmith Cannons · castle only	18t	18t
Cannon Maker Cannons · castle only	112t	112t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · castle only	·	112t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Grand Bombard

artillery

The Grand Bombard was created as an improvement to the bombard in the early 15th century. Made to be harder hitting and with longer range than its predecessor, this iron-forged piece of siege artillery is able to inflict punishing damage on enemy defences. Like its predecessor, it too can deliver flaming chastisement to enemy troops.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Body piercing
Missiles can pass through one man and hit those behind.
Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Launching
Hits may throw men into the air.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Gunpowder unit
Uses gunpowder weapons.
Stakes
Can plant sharpened stakes in front of them before battle. Stakes are placed during deployment and seriously hurt cavalry that charge into them.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 8
Melee: attack 1, charge 1 (knife)
Defence: armour 1, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 11 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1486 florins, 259 upkeep, 5 turns to train
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Ibn al-Shatir Dies~turn 487
Cannon Maker Cannons · city only	17t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · city only	110t
Cannon Maker Cannons · castle only	18t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · castle only	112t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Cannon

artillery

The archetypical cannon was used all across the world by the mid to late 15th century. Mounted on a large wheeled chassis and featuring a longer improved barrel, the cannon is far superior to the bombards that preceded it. Able to demolish enemy walls from a greater range and able to fire troop-killing explosive shells, the cannon is rightly feared.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Body piercing
Missiles can pass through one man and hit those behind.
Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Launching
Hits may throw men into the air.
Hardy
Tires more slowly than normal troops. Controls how fast the unit loses stamina while marching, running and fighting.
Gunpowder unit
Uses gunpowder weapons.
Stakes
Can plant sharpened stakes in front of them before battle. Stakes are placed during deployment and seriously hurt cavalry that charge into them.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 8
Melee: attack 1, charge 1 (knife)
Defence: armour 1, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 11 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1486 florins, 259 upkeep, 5 turns to train
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Gothic Plate Armor~turn 641
Cannon Foundry Cannons · city only	25t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · castle only	26t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

Dhow

ship

In use for over a thousand years the Dhow is a traditional Arab sailing vessel with one or more triangular 'Lateen' sails. These ships are used for trading but can be upgraded to carry warriors armed with bow and scimitar for assaulting enemy ships.

Abilities

No special abilities.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 18
Melee: attack 5, charge 0
Defence: armour 0, skill 6, shield 0
Morale: 13 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 846 florins, 408 upkeep, 3 turns to train

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better

Building	From start
Port Ports · city only	220t
Port with Shipwright Ports · city only	312t
Port with Dockyard Ports · city only	38t
Great Harbour Ports · city only	37t★1
Port Ports · castle only	220t
Port with Shipwright Ports · castle only	312t
Port with Dockyard Ports · castle only	38t
Great Harbour Ports · castle only	37t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

The AI also gets 8 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

War Galley

ship

Used throughout the Mediterranean since the 11th century. War Galleys are larger than normal galleys, and carry more tonnage as a result of being equipped with siege weapons like ballista or catapults, and having a larger compliment of oarsmen and troops onboard. The standard tactic for engaging is to disable the opposing ships' sails then ram and board it.

Abilities

No special abilities.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 30
Melee: attack 13, charge 0
Defence: armour 0, skill 12, shield 0
Morale: 14 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1940 florins, 588 upkeep, 5 turns to train

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better

Building	From start
Port with Shipwright Ports · city only	210t
Port with Dockyard Ports · city only	27t
Great Harbour Ports · city only	35t★1
Port with Shipwright Ports · castle only	210t
Port with Dockyard Ports · castle only	27t
Great Harbour Ports · castle only	35t★1

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

The AI also gets 6 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Baghlah

ship

First used in the 13th century, this vessel of Arabic origin, is used mainly as an ocean going cargo vessel. It can weigh up to 400 tonnes and enterprising captains can mount swivel cannons on her hull to ward off pirates. It can cross great distances, making it useful for ferrying troops and supplies to far away locations.

Abilities

No special abilities.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 50
Melee: attack 18, charge 0
Defence: armour 0, skill 22, shield 0
Morale: 14 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 4140 florins, 1080 upkeep, 4 turns to train

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better

Building	From start
Great Harbour Ports · city only	210t
Great Harbour Ports · castle only	210t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

The AI also gets 2 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Lanternas

ship

The Lanternas is the premier version of the war galley, now equipped with gun powder weapons! Being larger, heavier, more durable and better equipped than the war galley, the Lanternas is used by naval commanders in the Mediterranean during the 15th century. Featuring multiple centreline guns and some flanking guns it can take on and destroy war galleys.

Abilities

No special abilities.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 40
Melee: attack 18, charge 0
Defence: armour 0, skill 18, shield 0
Morale: 14 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 2900 florins, 828 upkeep, 6 turns to train

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better

Building	Cannons Developed~turn 325
Port with Dockyard Ports · city only	210t
Great Harbour Ports · city only	37t
Port with Dockyard Ports · castle only	210t
Great Harbour Ports · castle only	37t

2 most units waiting at once · 25t turns per new unit · + only speeds up another building's pool · columns are reforms and events

The AI also gets 4 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Fatimid Caliphate Units & recruitment

Recruiting as Egypt

The Ayyubid reform is your choice

The Nubian Baqt

The Mamluks take over

Help when the capital falls

Reforms

World events that change your army

The crown: Al-Malik al-Nasir

Crowned in

Lands you must hold

Units

Cavalry

Missile cavalry

Spear & pike infantry

Melee infantry

Missile infantry

Siege & artillery

Naval

Generals' bodyguards

Regional units & mercenaries

Regional units

Mercenaries