Holy Roman Empire units

Recruiting as Holy Roman Empire

Few reforms of its own

The HRE has only two events of its own, each with a 40% chance per turn once its conditions are met. Its army changes mostly through the shared world events and the Ostsiedlung.

The Golden Bull calms the Empire

Before the Golden Bull of Charles IV, taking imperial cities such as Hamburg or Freiberg on Hard or Very Hard can raise a rebel army. Afterwards it doesn't, and newly taken lands like Olomouc count as fully part of your realm.

Help when the capital falls

If Frankfurt is lost while you hold fewer than 8 settlements, the nobles 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

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

1

Hildegard of Bingen dies

usually around turn 25 (~1144)
Needs
- Past turn 22.
Chance
40% per turn.
In-game event text
Renowned for her visions, treatises about theology, poetry, visions (Scivias), natural history, and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees and stones. She is the first composer whose biography is known. She founded a vibrant convent at Rupertsberg, where her musical plays are performed, and had advised bishops, popes, and kings.
2

Goldene Bulle

usually around turn 425 (~1344)
Needs
- Past turn 400, holding Praha, Frankfurt and Trier.
Fallback
Past turn 450.
Chance
40% per turn.
In-game event text
The Golden Bull of 1356 was a decree issued by the Imperial Diet at Nuremberg and Metz 1356/57, presided by the Emperor Charles IV. It fixed, for more than four hundred years, important aspects of the constitutional structure of the Holy Roman Empire. It was named the Golden Bull for the golden seal it carried. GAME STRATEGY: Integration of provinces by the Holy Roman Empire will be easier now.

World events that change your army

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

26 events

1

The Third Lateran Council

usually around turn 93 (~1178)
Needs
- Happens in 1178.
UnlocksUrban Crossbowmen Militia

In-game event text
Another meeting of the Catholic Church has taken place, resulting in the condemnation of the Waldensian and Cathar heresies, as well as enacting new canon law. One law decrees that only cardinals shall have the privilege of electing the Pope. There are also laws which forbid tournaments, which organize asylums for lepers, which call on princes to suppress heresy, and which require every cathedral church to appoint a master to teach the clerics and the poor scholars of the church (this action greatly helps to launch cathedral schools, which later will become universities). Finally, the council calls for a prohibition on Christians supplying Saracens with ship-building materials.
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

Ostsiedlung

usually around turn 111 (~1187)

RetiresMorass Scouts

In-game event text
"Ostsiedlung" was the medieval eastward migration and settlement of Germanic-speaking peoples from the Holy Roman Empire, especially its southern and western portions, into less densely populated regions of Central and Eastern Europe, and the Baltics. The affected area stretched from Estonia in the north all the way to Carniola in the south, and extended into Transylvania in the east. This migration and resettlement took place between 1100 and 1350. In many cases the term "German colonization" does not refer to an actual migration of Germans, but rather to the internal migration of native populations (Poles, Hungarians, etc.) from the countryside to the cities, which then adopted laws modeled on those of the German towns of Magdeburg and Lübeck. These societal changes have also caused noticeable shifts in the local economy and military (new units are now available). GAME STRATEGY: From now on, the Crusader units will appear also in the northern and eastern Latin lands (Scandinavia, the Baltics, Poland, Hungary). There will be a number of changes for Hungary and Poland concerning the control of their lands: recovering own provinces after another faction conquered them or they had rebelled, will not increase aggressivity of these factions. In military, they (and sometimes also other factions: HRE, Denmark, Serbia) have access to more troops, sometimes also to new units.
4

Heavy Mail

usually around turn 141 (~1202)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1192 and 1212.
UnlocksFeudal Knights Urban Spear Militia Heavy Sergeant Spearmen Feudal Foot Knights Heavy Sergeant Swordmen 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)
5

Pronoia Reforms

usually around turn 181 (~1222)

RetiresSlav Levies

In-game event text
GAME STRATEGY: Pronoiarii units start to replace the Stratiotiai units.
6

A Deadly New Weapon!

usually around turn 201 (~1232)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1222 and 1242.
RetiresWoodsmen

In-game event text
Europe learns of a terrible new compound called 'Gunpowder'. Information on the substance can be found in Roger Bacon's "De nullitate magiæ" at Oxford, published in 1216, or in his "Opus Maior" in 1248 where he describes a recipe for this new weapon: "We can, with saltpeter and other substances, compose artificially a fire that can be launched over long distances ... By only using a very small quantity of this material much light can be created accompanied by a horrible fracas. It is possible with it to destroy a town or an army ... In order to produce this artificial lightning and thunder it is necessary to take saltpeter, sulfur, and Luru Vopo Vir Can Utriet." Others soon add to this, such as the Norwegian Konungs skuggsjá, where he mentions in its military chapter the use of "coal and sulphur" as the best weapon for ship-to-ship combat. However it is not until the Moors use it for Cannons in their wars against the Spanish that its true power is seen. It would be best to seek knowledge of this new technology quickly.
7

New Crossbow Mechanics Developed

usually around turn 211 (~1237)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1222 and 1252.
UnlocksMounted Crossbowmen

In-game event text
The pushlever and ratchet drawing mechanisms of the crossbow have been invented. These are of great use for foot crossbowmen, and have led to an increase in new recruits for the mercenary crossbow companies. This new technology has also led to the development of new cavalry tactics and the introduction of the mounted crossbowman. (c. 13th century)
8

Concentric Castles

usually around turn 277 (~1270)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1255 and 1285.
UnlocksBill Militia

In-game event text
The design of fortifications has entered a new era with the building of castles based on concentric layers of defenses. Unlike older square keeps castles, concentric castles had no central keep, but a very heavily defended entrance, and a central core defended by a series of curtain walls. The outer curtain wall has the smallest height, with the inner curtain wall nearest to the castle being the highest, so giving the defenders the maximum advantage over those attempting to take over the castle. GAME STRATEGY: The Sicilian faction and a few factions in South Italy can build now upper levels of the Norman Stronghold buildings (Castel in many provinces, Palazzo dei Normani in Palermo, Maschio Angioino in Naples).
9

The Trade Wars of the Hanseatic League

usually around turn 285 (~1274)

UnlocksHolk

In-game event text
In the second part of 13th century, Lübeck and other Hanseatic cities started waging common wars. The strategies were being agreed at the Hanseatic Diets. The growing power of the merchants allowed them to negotiate lucrative deals with the far-away rulers. In particular, in 1266, Henry III of England granted the Lübeck and Hamburg Hansa a charter for operations in England, and the Cologne Hansa joined them in 1282 to form the most powerful Hanseatic colony in London. GAME STRATEGY: Four Hanseatic Kontors is available to be built in the special cities. The recruitment of units will improve, either through access to new units, or through faster regeneration of the recruitment pools.
10

A New Era Begins

usually around turn 337 (~1300)
Needs
- Happens in 1300.
UnlocksSergeants At Arms Foot Men At Arms

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.
11

Coat of Plates

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

RetiresMailed Knights Levy Spearmen Levy Axemen Axe Mailed Foot Knights Sword Mailed Foot Knights Slavic Javelinmen

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)
12

Pavise Shields

usually around turn 381 (~1322)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1312 and 1332.
UnlocksPike Militia Arbalest Militia Arbalesters Sergeant Crossbowmen

RetiresLevy Crossbowmen Urban Crossbowmen Militia

In-game event text
The use of a large oblong convex shield, said to be designed in the northern Italian city of Pavia, is becoming popular. Used mainly by archers and crossbowmen to protect themselves from enemy fire (especially during sieges), a typical feature is a central groove on the inside to hold a stake that can inserted in the ground to act as a prop (c. 14th century)
13

Man-Made Inferno!

usually around turn 401 (~1332)
Needs
- Happens in 1332.
UnlocksHand Gunners Bombard

In-game event text
A new way of working metal has been developed in the village of Lapphyttan in Sweden, and it is now being adopted across western Europe. Housed in a great building, mighty water-driven bellows blast air into a furnace that produces a blaze so fierce and unworldly that the iron from within the ore flows out as a stream of molten metal! Even though the raw iron that pours from this new furnace is very brittle, vast amounts of the stuff can be made with relative ease, which a learned smith can then easily treat to produce incredibly resilient weapons and armor. GAME STRATEGY: The mines will be more productive in the Latin Europe. However, what's probably more important, the Bombards will be possible to be constructed!
14

Partial Plate Armor

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

In-game event text
Coverage of metal plates increases, with mail now often used only to protect vulnerable joints. (c. 14th century)
15

Handgun Developed

usually around turn 461 (~1362)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1350 and 1375.
UnlocksPikemen

RetiresBill Militia Levy Archers

In-game event text
Early handguns are short and stocky with a barrel length of 165mm and a bore of 15mm. Manufactures soon learn though that an increased barrel length allows the gunpowder to completely burn before the bullet leaves the muzzle, and guns become about 375mm in length with a bore of 21mm. Such weapons have no true stock, but are set on a wooden stave which is held under the arms while a smouldering match or hot wire is applied to the vent. (c. late 14th century). Later versions use a stock and a simple matchlock firing mechanism called a serpentine.
16

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.
17

Full Plate Armor

usually around turn 521 (~1392)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1382 and 1402.
UnlocksHalberdiers Zwei Hander

RetiresSergeant Spearmen Urban Spear Militia

In-game event text
Larger and more complete full plates of armor had been developed. Many of them are masterpieces of workmanship and design. (c. Late 14th century)
18

A New Route to the East?

usually around turn 543 (~1403)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1400 and 1406.
UnlocksCarrack

In-game event text
It has been known since the time of the ancient Greeks that the world was round, but this information has yet to prove useful to the rulers of Europe... New interest in a trade route to Asia that bypasses the Muslim powers in the near east has spurred speculation that one such trade route might be found by sailing sufficiently far west. However, most scholars agree that with the vast distances involved, only a resurfaced Atlantis would offer any chance of an escape from starvation and dehydration for a convoy crazy or stupid enough to make the journey.
19

Matchlock Developed

usually around turn 597 (~1430)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1420 and 1440.
UnlocksArquebusiers

RetiresFeudal Knights Sergeant Swordsmen Feudal Foot Knights Sergeant Archers

In-game event text
A simple matchlock (often called a serpentine) is essentially an "S" shaped piece of metal with a central pivot which is attached to the side of a gun. By pulling on the bottom half of the pivot, the upper half, which holds a burning slow match (hemp or cotton rope soaked in saltpetre), is lowered into a pan containing a priming charge of powder to fire the gun. This allows the shooter to place the weapon on his shoulder and use both hands to aim, thus allowing him to concentrate on firing, rather than a match. The firearm that utilizes this device is known as the Arquebus. (c. Mid 15th century) A separate variety of matchlocks (called the snapping matchlock) has also been developed. In these, the serpentine is strongly spring-loaded, and released by pressing a button, pulling a trigger, or pulling a short string passing into the mechanism. As the match is often extinguished after its relatively violent collision with the flash pan, this type of matchlock has quickly fallen out of favour with regular soldiers, but is still often used in fine target weapons.
20

Gothic Plate Armor

usually around turn 641 (~1452)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1442 and 1462.
UnlocksGeneral's Bodyguard Gothic Knights Late Pikemen Cannon Serpentine

RetiresGeneral's Bodyguard Pikemen

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)
21

Machines that Fly?

usually around turn 721 (~1492)
Needs
- Happens in 1492.
UnlocksBasilisk

In-game event text
Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian mastermind known for his revolutionary artistic works and ingenious inventions, has concocted his most ambitious and eldritch design yet. His fascination with the science of flight has culminated in his 'Ornithopter' design. Looking something akin to a windmill sail atop a horseless carriage, many other scholars are laughing, suggesting da Vinci should go back to his concepts based upon attaching wings to the human body.
22

Portable Clock

usually around turn 757 (~1510)
Needs
- Happens in 1510.
UnlocksLate Arquebusiers

RetiresArquebusiers

In-game event text
At last an inventor has found a means to create a portable timepiece! Peter Henlein, a locksmith from Nuremberg, has created a small clock being dubbed the 'Nuremberg Egg' for its oval shape. Once the spring mechanism inside its shell is wound, the 'egg' will display the hour, for almost two full days! Despite still being large enough to leave an incredibly unseemly lump in one's pocket, being seen in possession of one of Henlein's Nuremberg Eggs has become 'the' trinket to be seen to possess - for the few that can afford one.
23

Musket Developed

usually around turn 757 (~1510)
Needs
- Happens in 1510.
UnlocksMusketeers

In-game event text
The first muskets were developments of the arquebus, using a heavier load of powder and shot to increase range and effect. The weapon was heavy, however, requiring a strong man and good training to use effectively.
24

Pike and Shot

usually around turn 797 (~1530)
Needs
- Happens in 1530.
UnlocksDemi Lancers Mounted Arquebusiers Early Reiters Gothic Foot Knights

RetiresSergeants At Arms Halberd Men at Arms

In-game event text
New technologies and tactics have made firearms increasingly more effective. In particular, infantry units have begun making greater use of the pike to ward off enemy cavalry, thus protecting gunners whose fire can then shatter even the most heavily-armored of enemies.
25

The Rise of Shot

usually around turn 841 (~1552)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1550 and 1555.
UnlocksLate Musketeers

RetiresGothic Knights Early Reiters Musketeers

In-game event text
The number of firearms in European armies begins to rise, and those who previously dismissed the weapon are being forced to re-evaluate their decisions. Strength and steel are becoming less important as fire and lead begin to reign supreme.
26

Advanced Matchlock

usually around turn 849 (~1556)
Needs
- Happens at a random point between 1556 and 1557.
RetiresGothic Foot Knights

In-game event text
The simple serpentine of the arquebus has been replaced with a more advanced snaphance lock which uses a spring operated trigger or lever to lower the slow match into the priming pan which opens automatically (so keeping the priming dry until the exact moment of firing). The firearm that utilizes this device is known as a Musket. (c. Mid 16th century)

The crown: Rex Theutonicorum

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

Niederlothrigen (Coellen) with Aachener Kaiserpfalz
Jerusalem with Holy Sepulchreholy city

Lands you must hold

Brannenborg (Brennaburg) Holstein-Mecklenburg (Liubice) Westfalen (Bremen) Friesland (Utrecht) Ostfalen (Magideberc) Nordfranken (Frankfurt) Oberlothringen (Trier) Ostfranken (Nuorenberc) Westschwaben (Basel) Ostmark (Wien) Bayern (Regensburg) Brabant (Loven) Südfranken (Speyer) Schwaben (Ulm) Kärnten (Freiberg)

Not needed with a Strong Legacy.

AI version (13 settlements)

Westfalen (Bremen), Ostfalen (Magideberc), Nordfranken (Frankfurt), Oberlothringen (Trier), Ostfranken (Nuorenberc), Westschwaben (Basel), Ostmark (Wien), Niederlothrigen (Coellen), Bayern (Regensburg), Brabant (Loven), Südfranken (Speyer), Schwaben (Ulm), Kärnten (Freiberg)

Buildings that depend on the crown

Building	Effect	Uncrowned	Crowned
MintFinance	Needs a crowned king to buildOr instead: after the Bardi Bank event, Muslim factions, Byzantium
BankFinance	Needs a crowned king to build
Fugger BankFinance	Needs a crowned king to build
Hanseatische KaufmännerHansa Teutonica	Happiness	-1	-1
Hanseatischer QuartierHansa Teutonica	Happiness	-2	-2
HolsteintorHansa Teutonica	Happiness	-2	-2
StalhofHansa Teutonica	Happiness	-2	0
PeterhofHansa Teutonica	Happiness	-2	0
BryggenHansa Teutonica	Happiness	-2	0
Hanseatischer KontorHansa Teutonica	Happiness	-2	0
PfalzburgKönigspfalz	Population growth	+1	+2
Aachener KaiserpfalzKönigspfalz	Population growth	+4	+5
Ingelheimer KaiserpfalzKönigspfalz	Population growth	+4	+5
PfalzfestungKönigspfalz	Population growth	+4	+5

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 Holy Roman Empire: Germany · Italy · France · Poland & the Baltics

Mercenaries

Near Holy Roman Empire: Germany · Italy · France · Poland & the Baltics

General's Bodyguard

feudal knight, bodyguard

Quality: Exceptional. These are truly formidable troops whose task it is to guard their liege. Wearing mail, or early plate armour and wielding lances, these elite troops fear little on the battlefield and make fearsome opponents. Loyal and disciplined, this elite unit of heavy cavalry accompanies their master wherever he goes on the battlefield.

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.
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.
General's bodyguard
Can serve as a named character's bodyguard.
Knight
Gains extra experience from certain buildings. Usually feudal or noble cavalry.

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

Stats

Men: 10 · riding Royal Horse Marka
Melee: attack 6, charge 12 (spear)
Defence: armour 10, skill 5, shield 7
Morale: 12 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 239 florins, 478 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -2 in sand, -3 in forest
Heat: +7 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Without Urban Equestrian After Concentric Castles or After Poland3 First Tourney Player

Building	From start
Tourney Field Tourney	250t

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

Mailed Knights

Nobles, factional

NOBLES / MORALE 12/ IMPETUOUS/ HIGHLY TRAINED As Europe emerges from the dark ages, the armoured cavalry have begun to employ new tactics, gripping their lances tightly under their arms as they charge, transferring the full momentum of horse and man to the point. Combining heavy armour, a strong warrior ethos, and a devastating charge, they have come to dominate the battlefield. GAMEPLAY NOTES:These knights are the cream of medieval society. Trained throughout their lives in the art of war, they possess high morale and fight in the Norman style, charging with their powerful lances. They are effective at crushing infantry or other lighter troops with their powerful charge; only heavy, professional infantry and pikemen can stand against them. They can be readily recruited by landowners in exchange for high upkeep costs, as they demand land or large estates in return for their military service.

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.
Knight
Gains extra experience from certain buildings. Usually feudal or noble cavalry.
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.
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: 24 · riding Early Heavy Horse
Melee: attack 5, charge 11 (spear)
Defence: armour 10, skill 4, shield 6
Morale: 12 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 571 florins, 1042 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -2 in sand, -3 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +5 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

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

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	225t	233t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	318t	225t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	213t	218t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	39t	213t

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

Merchant Cavalry Militia

urban militia, regional (guild)

URBAN MILITIA/ MORALE 6/ NORMAL DISCIPLINE/ UNTRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT The rich as well as the poor must do their civic duty, but the rich prefer to ride. The wealth brought by trade allows merchants to equip themselves with horses and the finest armour available doing a medium urban militia. However, they lack the training and is not comparable to real knights so should not be relied on too far in battle.

Abilities

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 Medium Horse
Melee: attack 4, charge 6 (sword)
Defence: armour 7, skill 1, shield 4
Morale: 6 · Normal discipline · Untrained
Cost: 761 florins, 761 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -2 in sand, -3 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +5 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	New trade routes in Europe~turn 291
Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild	214t	29t
Master Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild Not in Hanseatic	16t	16t
Merchants' Guild Headquarters Merchants' Guild	24t	24t

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

Scouts

Regional troops, AOR unit

REGIONAL TROOPS/ MORALE 4/ NORMAL DISCIPLINE/ UNTRAINED/IS PEASANT/ AOR UNIT/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT More accustomed to working on foot, Scouts are untrained horsemen and as such not great fighters on horseback. They wear padded or light mail armour and are equipped with a spear and an axe. Cheap to recruit and equip, scouts are useful for running down fleeing troops and scattering archers. Due to low cost equipment many little setllements can upkeep them as local peasant militias.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
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: 32 · riding Scout Horse
Melee: attack 3, charge 6 (spear)
Defence: armour 2, skill 1, shield 3
Morale: 4 · Normal discipline · Untrained
Cost: 1064 florins, 511 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in sand, +2 in snow
Heat: +2 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	New Crossbow Mechanics Developed~turn 211	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441
Town Watch Barracks · city only Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Town Guard Barracks · city only Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
City Watch Barracks · city only Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Stables Stables · castle only Denmark regions or Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Stables Stables · castle only Not in France regions Not in Pisa regions Aragon regions or Spain regions or Portugal regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Stables Stables · castle only Not in Lithuania regions Not in Poland regions Not in Tartar steppe Kievan Rus regions or Russia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Stables Stables · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Serbia regions Pisa regions or Venice regions or Sicily regions or Papal States regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Knight's Stables Stables · castle only Denmark regions or Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Knight's Stables Stables · castle only Not in France regions Not in Pisa regions Aragon regions or Spain regions or Portugal regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Knight's Stables Stables · castle only Not in Lithuania regions Not in Poland regions Not in Tartar steppe Kievan Rus regions or Russia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Knight's Stables Stables · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Serbia regions Pisa regions or Venice regions or Sicily regions or Papal States regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Baron's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Denmark regions or Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Baron's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in France regions Not in Pisa regions Aragon regions or Spain regions or Portugal regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Baron's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Lithuania regions Not in Poland regions Not in Tartar steppe Kievan Rus regions or Russia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Baron's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Serbia regions Pisa regions or Venice regions or Sicily regions or Papal States regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Earl's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Denmark regions or Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Earl's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in France regions Not in Pisa regions Aragon regions or Spain regions or Portugal regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Earl's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Lithuania regions Not in Poland regions Not in Tartar steppe Kievan Rus regions or Russia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
Earl's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Serbia regions Pisa regions or Venice regions or Sicily regions or Papal States regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
King's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Denmark regions or Hre regions or France regions or England regions or Poland regions or Hungary regions or Serbia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
King's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Not in France regions Not in Pisa regions Aragon regions or Spain regions or Portugal regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
King's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Not in Lithuania regions Not in Poland regions Not in Tartar steppe Kievan Rus regions or Russia regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3
King's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Serbia regions Pisa regions or Venice regions or Sicily regions or Papal States regions	220t	225t★1	233t★3

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

Mounted Sergeants

Sergeants, factional

SERGEANTS/ MORALE 8/ NORMAL DISCIPLINE/ TRAINED. Mounted Sergeants are the lesser armed cavalry that ride in support of the knights. They comprise squires, rich commoners, or lesser nobility that cannot afford the expensive armour of a real knight. Although they cannot compare to real knights in battle, with their spears and swords they can perform valuable service against lighter enemies.

Abilities

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 Scout Horse
Melee: attack 4, charge 9 (spear)
Defence: armour 5, skill 4, shield 4
Morale: 8 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1541 florins, 604 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in sand, -2 in forest
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Notre Dame~turn 53	The Third Lateran Council~turn 93	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Golden Bull~turn 193	New Crossbow Mechanics Developed~turn 211	Mongols Invade Zalesye~turn 237	Concentric Castles~turn 277	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441
Stables Stables · castle only Catholic ≥ 35% in region	·	·	214t	29t	29t	·	·	·	214t
Knight's Stables Stables · castle only Catholic ≥ 35% in region	29t	29t	29t	27t	27t	·	·	·	29t
Baron's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Catholic ≥ 35% in region	37t	37t	37t	36t	36t	·	·	·	37t
Earl's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Catholic ≥ 35% in region	36t★1	36t★1	36t★1	35t★1	35t★1	·	·	·	36t★1
King's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Catholic ≥ 35% in region	35t★3	35t★3	35t★3	34t★3	34t★3	·	·	·	35t★3
Norman Stronghold Castelli Normanni Without Alcazar Building Sicily regions Without Alcazar Building Catholic ≥ 35% in region	125t	125t	125t	125t	125t	125t	125t	·	·
Castìdde du Monte Castelli Normanni Sicily regions Unique1 regions Catholic ≥ 35% in region	225t	225t	225t	225t	225t	225t	225t	225t	225t
Castel Castelli Normanni Without Alcazar Building Sicily regions Without Alcazar Building Catholic ≥ 35% in region	·	·	·	·	·	·	·	225t	225t
Palazzo dei Normanni Castelli Normanni Sicily regions Capital Catholic ≥ 35% in region	325t★1	325t★1	325t★1	325t★1	325t★1	325t★1	325t★1	325t★1	325t★1
Pfalzturm Königspfalz Needs Communal Farming or better Without Var Building Without Autonomy	225t★1	225t★1	225t★1	225t★1	225t★1	225t★1	225t★1	225t★1	225t★1
Pfalzhof Königspfalz Without Var Building Without Autonomy	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1
Pfalzburg Königspfalz Without Var Building Without Autonomy	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1	220t★1
Aachener Kaiserpfalz Königspfalz Without Var Building Without Autonomy Hre regions Hanseatic River Unique2 regions	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4
Ingelheimer Kaiserpfalz Königspfalz Without Var Building Without Autonomy Hre regions Capital	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4	214t★4
Pfalzfestung Königspfalz Without Var Building Without Autonomy Hre regions or France regions	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1
Wood Tower Vár · city only Without Palazzo Building After Hungarian Nobility Without Palazzo Building Hungary regions or Serbia regions	·	225t	225t	225t	225t	225t	225t	225t	225t
Stronghold Vár · city only Without Palazzo Building After Hungarian Nobility Without Palazzo Building Hungary regions or Serbia regions	·	220t	220t	220t	220t	220t	220t	220t	220t
Fortified House Vár · city only Without Palazzo Building Without Palazzo Building Hungary regions or Serbia regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	220t	220t	220t
Stone Tower Vár · city only Without Palazzo Building Without Palazzo Building Hungary regions or Serbia regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	217t	217t	217t
Knightly Castle Vár · city only Without Palazzo Building Without Palazzo Building Hungary regions or Serbia regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	212t	212t	212t
Baronial Castle Vár · city only Without Palazzo Building Without Palazzo Building Hungary regions or Serbia regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	210t	210t	210t
Royal Castle Vár · city only Without Palazzo Building Without Palazzo Building Hungary regions or Serbia regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	28t	28t	28t

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 10 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Feudal Knights

feudal knight, standard

Quality: Elite. Type: Feudal (low availability, often impetuous or of low discipline). These knights dominate both society and the battlefield in medieval Europe. Under the feudal system each man owes military service to his lord in return for protection, a grant of land, and the peasants to work it. Trained as warriors from birth, their favourite tactic is the headlong charge. Despite the simple tactics, their strong armour, heavy lances, and martial prowess mean that only the most resolute can resist them

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.
Knight
Gains extra experience from certain buildings. Usually feudal or noble cavalry.
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: 24 · riding Barded Horse Marka
Melee: attack 6, charge 11 (spear)
Defence: armour 12, skill 4, shield 5
Morale: 12 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 586 florins, 1172 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -2 in sand, -3 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +8 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

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

Building	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Coat of Plates~turn 341	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	233t	225t	233t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	225t	318t	225t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	218t	214t	218t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	218t	313t	218t

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

Sergeants At Arms

professional free, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Early Professional. Composed of nobility and commoners alike, these men make up a powerful unit of heavy cavalry. Well protected in their plate armour, and armed with a lance and sword, they pack a powerful charge on the battlefield, while being difficult to kill. Although extremely effective, they don't quite have the elan of true knights.

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.
Knight
Gains extra experience from certain buildings. Usually feudal or noble cavalry.

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

Stats

Men: 28 · riding Barded Horse Marka
Melee: attack 6, charge 12 (spear)
Defence: armour 12, skill 3, shield 4
Morale: 5 · Normal discipline · Untrained
Cost: 2613 florins, 982 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -2 in sand, -3 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +8 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	A New Era Begins~turn 337	Pike and Shot~turn 797
Earl's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Hre regions	18t	·
Earl's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Hre regions	110t	·
King's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Hre regions	26t	18t
King's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better Not in Hre regions	18t	112t

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

Imperial Knights

feudal knight, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Feudal (low availability, often impetuous or of low discipline). True knights in shining armour, in principle at least, these men espouse the noble ideals of chivalry and honour. In reality they are brutally effective warriors who practice their skills daily in tournaments and mock fights. On the battlefield, their steel plate protection makes them hard to kill. After the charging in with their lances, they engage in close combat with heavy maces that can knock a man senseless, when a sword blow would glance off his armour.

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.
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.
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: 24 · riding Barded Horse Marka
Melee: attack 7, charge 12 (spear)
Defence: armour 17, skill 4, shield 4
Morale: 12 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 673 florins, 1346 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in scrub, -3 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +12 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

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

Building	Coat of Plates~turn 341	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441	Matchlock Developed~turn 597
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	233t	225t	214t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	225t	318t	310t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	225t	218t	29t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	218t	313t	38t

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

General's Bodyguard

feudal knight, bodyguard

Quality: Exceptional. The combination of full plate armour, and later magnificent Gothic armour, a fully armoured horse and a lance, make these elite warriors mobile killing machines. These warriors are this man's personal guard, fiercely loyal and disciplined there is little this unit cannot take on and not come out on top.

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.
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.
General's bodyguard
Can serve as a named character's bodyguard.
Bodyguard upgrade
A later-era bodyguard type that replaces older ones.

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

Stats

Men: 10 · riding Armoured Horse
Melee: attack 8, charge 14 (spear)
Defence: armour 22, skill 9, shield 2
Morale: 14 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 326 florins, 652 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in scrub, -3 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +14 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Without Urban Equestrian After Concentric Castles or After Poland3 First Tourney Player

Building	Gothic Plate Armor~turn 641
Tourney Field Tourney	250t

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

Gothic Knights

feudal knight, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Feudal (low availability, often impetuous or of low discipline). These distinctive looking knights are the Holy Roman Empire's elite warriors. Their armour is in the distinctive fluted Gothic style produced by the finest German armourers, and include the popular visored sallet helmet. Riding an armoured warhorse and wielding a lance and mace, Gothic knights have little to fear on the battlefield. Well practiced in heavy cavalry tactics these knights make a fearsome addition to any Imperial army.

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.
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: 24 · riding Armoured Horse
Melee: attack 7, charge 14 (spear)
Defence: armour 23, skill 4, shield 0
Morale: 12 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 752 florins, 1504 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in scrub, -3 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +15 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better Without Autonomy of Local Nobility or better

Building	Gothic Plate Armor~turn 641	Portable Clock~turn 757
Landowners' Guards Landowners	233t	225t

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

Demi Lancers

professional free, standard

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. Demi Lancers are representative of the trend in the latter medieval period of reducing the amount of overall armour, while improving the remaining armour to protect vital areas. With less armour and little to no armour on the mount, Demi Lancers are more mobile and cheaper to equip than their fully armoured counter parts.

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 Early Heavy Horse
Melee: attack 7, charge 14 (spear)
Defence: armour 13, skill 4, shield 0
Morale: 10 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 3446 florins, 1275 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -2 in sand, -3 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +9 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Pike and Shot~turn 797
Earl's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	22t
King's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better	31t

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

Mounted Crossbowmen

feudal levy, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Late Professional. Forced to counter the quick and mobile missile units of the east, European forces have begun to develop lighter and more mobile units such as these Mounted Crossbows. Using smaller crossbows than the infantry, these units use their mobility to stay out of trouble while they reload their crossbows, as their rate of fire is no better than that of the infantry crossbow.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
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: 28 · riding Fast Pony
Missile: Cav Light Crossbow Bolt: attack 7, range 90, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 4, charge 6 (sword)
Defence: armour 5, skill 1, shield 0
Morale: 4 · Normal discipline · Untrained
Cost: 1358 florins, 510 upkeep, 3 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -1 in sand, -2 in forest
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Catholic ≥ 25% in region

Building	New Crossbow Mechanics Developed~turn 211	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441	Matchlock Developed~turn 597
Stables Stables · castle only	220t	214t	211t
Knight's Stables Stables · castle only	214t	211t	29t
Baron's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	311t	39t	38t
Earl's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	39t★1	38t★1	37t★1
King's Stables Stables · castle only Needs Quarries or better	28t★3	27t★3	26t★3

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 10 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Mounted Arquebusiers

free professional, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Urban Professional (increased training time based on unit type and quality, higher proportion of disciplined units). Taking advantage of improvements in powder that can generate much higher muzzle velocities, this version of the arquebus is able to inflict considerable damage and panic when used at close range, and can penetrate almost any armour. This noisy, smoky and lethal weapon is so intimidating it can cause its targets to run in fear.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Gunpowder unit
Uses gunpowder weapons.

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

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Medium Horse
Missile: Mounted Arquebus Bullet: attack 11, range 90, 18 ammo
Melee: attack 4, charge 6 (sword)
Defence: armour 2, skill 2, shield 0
Morale: 9 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2624 florins, 865 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in sand, -2 in forest
Heat: +2 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Needs Four-Faculty University or better

Building	Pike and Shot~turn 797
Royal Officer's Academy Military Academy · city only	22t

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

Early Reiters

free professional, factional

Quality: Elite (Combination). Type: Early Professional. Some of the first gunpowder-armed cavalry, Early Reiters are armed with a brace of pistols and a sword, and protected by heavy armour. They first appeared in the German states, where they were known as Reiters (riders). After the enemy are softened up by close-range pistol fire, they charge in and finish them off the old fashioned way.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
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.
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.
Gunpowder unit
Uses gunpowder weapons.

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

Stats

Men: 32 · riding Armoured Horse
Missile: Quality Early Pistol Bullet: attack 9, range 50, 4 ammo
Melee: attack 7, charge 4 (sword)
Defence: armour 25, skill 4, shield 0
Morale: 10 · Disciplined · Highly trained
Cost: 2870 florins, 1079 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: -4 vs Elephant, -4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in scrub, -3 in sand, -4 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +17 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Needs Quarries or better

Building	Pike and Shot~turn 797
King's Stables Stables · castle only Hre regions	14t
King's Stables Stables · castle only Not in Hre regions	16t

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

Levy Spearmen

peasant levies : factional

PEASANTS LEVIES/ MORALE 3/ LOW DISCIPLINE/ UNTRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT/ IS PEASANT. The compulsory recruitment of the civilian population to serve in the army is called levy. The lowest level troops were the feudal levies: armed peasants who had to arm themselves with whatever they could get their hands on. Common throughout Europe, Levy Spearmen are commoners who have been levied into local militias to defend towns, roads and bolster armies of their lords. With hardly any training and equipped with a spear and a shield, these unarmoured units are useful in support roles for heavier units or garrison settlements. GAMEPLAY NOTES:These levy troops formed the basis of many medieval armies. Armed with a basic spear and shield, they were considered essential troops for supplementing armies or garrisons, though they were not effective at maintaining public order. Their "is peasant" attribute means that if in a settlement, the unit only contributes 50% to public order. Levy troops typically had free upkeep and were inexpensive to recruit, but they suffered from poor morale and were no match for more professional troops.

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 1, skill 1, shield 4
Morale: 3 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 334 florins, 334 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +1 in forest
Heat: +2 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Town Watch Barracks · city only Catholic ≥ 25% in region	211t	217t
Town Guard Barracks · city only	28t	211t
City Watch Barracks · city only	28t★1	211t★1
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	36t★1	38t★1
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	35t★3	36t★3
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	45t★3	46t★3
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	44t★3	45t★3
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only	211t	217t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	211t	217t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	28t	211t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	28t★2	211t★2
Armoury Barracks · castle only	44t★3	46t★3

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

Slav Levies

peasant levies, AOR unit

REGIONAL TROOPS/ MORALE 4/ LOW DISCIPLINE/ UNTRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT/ IS PEASANT/ AOR UNIT. Slavic peoples live mostly in Europe. The Slavs are the largest ethnolinguistic group in Europe. The core of the Slavic peoples was located until the 6th century north of the Carpathians, formerly called in the 1st century by Pliny the Elder and Tacitus Veneti or Veneti, in the territories of the ancient Scythians and Sarmatians. After the fall of the Roman Empire and the abandonment of several Germanic tribes of the areas they occupied to move south, along with a population explosion, the different communities that made up this ethnic group moved throughout the European continent. They are divided into Western Slavs (such as Poles or Czechs), Southern Slavs (such as Serbians or Bulgarians) and Eastern Slavs (such as Russians). These harsh slavic peasants fight in loose formation with spears and shields. They have poor equipment that they can barely afford, but they usually fight better than ordinary levies and are accustomed to a more hostile climate than their Western contemporaries.

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.
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: 60
Melee: attack 2, charge 1 (spear)
Defence: armour 1, skill 3, shield 4
Morale: 4 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 652 florins, 457 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest, +1 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Ostsiedlung~turn 111	Pronoia~turn 181
Town Watch Barracks · city only Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Town Watch Barracks · city only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Town Watch Barracks · city only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Town Guard Barracks · city only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
City Watch Barracks · city only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Barracks Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Slavic or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	214t	214t	214t
Armoury Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Serbia regions Not in Byzantium regions Hre regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	·	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Slavic Not in Hre regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Serbia regions or Byzantium regions	220t	220t	·

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

Sergeant Spearmen

Sergeants, factional

SERGEANTS/ MORALE 7/ NORMAL DISCIPLINE/ TRAINED. These Spearmen are sergeants warriors drawn from the lower classes. They have some skill in combat and have been better trained and equipped than levied troops. Their large shields, and spears make them a solid defensive unit, able to resist attacks from both foot and horse, so long as they are well supported. If necessary they can form a defensive circle. They form the base of numerous medieval armies as a defensive infantry, especially against cavalry.

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: 48
Melee: attack 2, charge 3 (spear)
Defence: armour 2, skill 4, shield 5
Morale: 7 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1223 florins, 571 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: +5 vs Horse, +5 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Coat of Plates~turn 341	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
City Watch Barracks · city only	211t	29t	211t	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	29t★1	28t★1	29t★1	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	38t★2	37t★2	38t★2	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	38t★3	36t★3	37t★3	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	36t★3	35t★3	37t★3	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only	·	214t	29t	214t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	214t	29t	27t	29t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	39t★1	37t★1	36t★1	37t★1
Barracks Barracks · castle only	37t★1	36t★1	35t★1	36t★1
Armoury Barracks · castle only	63t★2	62t★2	62t★2	62t★2

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 31 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Urban Spear Militia

urban militia, factional

URBAN MILITIA/ MORALE 5/ NORMAL DISCIPLINE/ TRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT At the beginning of the 12th century, these urban militias were common in Italian city-states, usually formed by ordinary citizens to defend their cities. Depending on their wealth, they could afford certain protection in armor such as helmets, shields and gambesons, and they also had some military training given their frequent use. Over time, these urban militias spread to the rest of European cities and were the basis of many medieval armies such as the famous "Milicias Concejiles" in Spain. Common throughout Italy, Urban Spear Militia are comprised of some experienced troops with armour, shields and long spears, making them a tough defensive unit.

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: 80
Melee: attack 2, charge 2 (spear)
Defence: armour 2, skill 3, shield 5
Morale: 5 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 513 florins, 513 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +3 vs Horse, +3 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Coat of Plates~turn 341	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441
Town Watch Barracks · city only Catholic ≥ 25% in region	217t	28t	217t
Town Guard Barracks · city only	211t	26t	211t
City Watch Barracks · city only	211t★1	26t★1	211t★1
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	39t★1	35t★1	38t★1
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	37t★2	34t★2	36t★2
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	47t★3	44t★3	46t★3
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	46t★3	43t★3	45t★3
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only	217t	211t	217t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	217t	211t	217t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	217t	211t	217t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	217t	211t	217t
Armoury Barracks · castle only	84t	83t	84t

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

Heavy Sergeant Spearmen

factional

SERGEANTS/. Morale 8 Sergeant Spearmen are professional warriors, drawn from the lower classes. They have some skill in combat and are well equipped with long spears, large shields and mail armour. They're very solid defensive units, able to resist attacks from both foot and horse, so long as they are well supported. If necessary they can form a defensive circle.

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.
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: 48
Melee: attack 3, charge 3 (spear)
Defence: armour 7, skill 5, shield 6
Morale: 10 · Disciplined · Trained
Cost: 1649 florins, 620 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: +4 vs Horse, +4 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in sand, +2 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +7 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Concentric Castles~turn 277	Coat of Plates~turn 341	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	214t	214t	29t	27t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	29t	29t	27t	26t
Armoury Barracks · castle only	44t	44t	43t	42t
Norman Stronghold Castelli Normanni Without Alcazar Building Sicily regions Without Alcazar Building Catholic ≥ 35% in region	117t	·	·	·
Castìdde du Monte Castelli Normanni Sicily regions Unique1 regions Catholic ≥ 35% in region	212t	212t	46t	212t
Castel Castelli Normanni Without Alcazar Building Sicily regions Without Alcazar Building Catholic ≥ 35% in region	·	212t	46t	212t
Palazzo dei Normanni Castelli Normanni Sicily regions Capital Catholic ≥ 35% in region	312t★1	312t★1	66t★1	312t★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 10 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Also recruitable in some campaigns, depending on the order events happen: Norman Stronghold.

Pike Militia

urban militia, standard

Quality: Militia. Type: Urban Militia (reduced morale in the field). The pike-man is a staple of the late Medieval army, and the arms of militia mirror those of professional troops. Pike armed militia with a modest amount of training can hold a defensive position very well, though they need good support. Initially lacking armour and thus vulnerable to shooting, this unit can be upgraded to be much better protected.

Abilities

Pike phalanx
Pikemen level their long pikes into a dense, multi-rank wall. Used by units with long pikes. Several ranks of pike points reach the enemy before they can strike back, so a phalanx is devastating to anything that attacks it from the front, cavalry especially. It is slow to turn and very weak on the flanks and rear, where the pikes can't reach.
Long spear
Bonus when fighting cavalry, penalty against infantry.
Long pike
Very long pikes, used in phalanx formation.
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 1, charge 2 (spear)
Defence: armour 1, skill 4, shield 0
Morale: 5 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 502 florins, 502 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +3 vs Horse, +3 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in sand, +1 in forest
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Pavise Shields~turn 381	Full Plate Armor~turn 521	Matchlock Developed~turn 597	Pike and Shot~turn 797
City Watch Barracks · city only	225t	211t	211t	28t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	217t★1	29t★1	29t★1	27t★1
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	312t★2	38t★2	38t★2	36t★2
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	310t★3	38t★3	38t★3	36t★3
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	38t★3	37t★3	37t★3	35t★3
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only	225t	225t	29t	29t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	214t	214t	27t	27t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	29t	29t	26t	26t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	36t	36t	34t	34t
Armoury Barracks · castle only	62t	62t	61t	61t

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

Halberd Militia

urban militia, standard

Quality: Militia. Type: Urban Militia (reduced morale in the field). Trained and equipped to fight with long halberds, these troops can fend off cavalry and crush many kinds of enemies depending on what part of the halberd they hit them with. Reasonably trained, though not exceptionally brave. These units are initially unarmoured, but can be upgraded substantially.

Abilities

Pike phalanx
Pikemen level their long pikes into a dense, multi-rank wall. Used by units with long pikes. Several ranks of pike points reach the enemy before they can strike back, so a phalanx is devastating to anything that attacks it from the front, cavalry especially. It is slow to turn and very weak on the flanks and rear, where the pikes can't reach.
Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
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 5, charge 4 (axe)
Defence: armour 3, skill 4, shield 0
Morale: 5 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 461 florins, 461 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in sand, +1 in forest
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Town Watch Barracks · city only	214t	28t
Town Guard Barracks · city only	29t	26t
City Watch Barracks · city only	29t★1	26t★1
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	38t★1	34t★1
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	36t★2	33t★2
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	46t★3	43t★3
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	45t★3	42t★3
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only	412t	47t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	48t	45t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	45t	44t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	64t	63t
Armoury Barracks · castle only	92t★1	92t★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 10 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Pikemen

free professional, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Late Professional. A pike is long spear around 5m in length and used two-handed. A well trained unit can present enemies with a wall of almost impenetrable sharp steel that can stop a cavalry charge dead in its tracks, a fact not lost on latter Medieval armies. These troops wear the ripped tunics that were fashionable in the early sixteenth century.

Abilities

Pike phalanx
Pikemen level their long pikes into a dense, multi-rank wall. Used by units with long pikes. Several ranks of pike points reach the enemy before they can strike back, so a phalanx is devastating to anything that attacks it from the front, cavalry especially. It is slow to turn and very weak on the flanks and rear, where the pikes can't reach.
Long spear
Bonus when fighting cavalry, penalty against infantry.
Long pike
Very long pikes, used in phalanx formation.

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

Stats

Men: 80
Melee: attack 2, charge 3 (spear)
Defence: armour 2, skill 1, shield 0
Morale: 6 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1491 florins, 559 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: +4 vs Horse, +4 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -2 in sand
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Handgun Developed~turn 461	Matchlock Developed~turn 597	Gothic Plate Armor~turn 641
City Watch Barracks · city only	211t	211t	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	211t	211t	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	211t	211t	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	28t	28t	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	37t★1	37t★1	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only	·	225t	225t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	·	214t	214t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	·	29t	29t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	·	36t	36t
Armoury Barracks · castle only	·	62t	62t

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 31 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Halberdiers

free professional, standard

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. Trained and equipped to fight with long halberds, these troops can fend off cavalry and crush many kinds of enemies depending on what part of the halberd they hit them with. Well trained, these units specialise in assaults or the close defence of pike squares.

Abilities

Pike phalanx
Pikemen level their long pikes into a dense, multi-rank wall. Used by units with long pikes. Several ranks of pike points reach the enemy before they can strike back, so a phalanx is devastating to anything that attacks it from the front, cavalry especially. It is slow to turn and very weak on the flanks and rear, where the pikes can't reach.
Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
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.
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.

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

Stats

Men: 48
Melee: attack 9, charge 6 (axe)
Defence: armour 13, skill 7, shield 0
Morale: 9 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 2957 florins, 1109 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in sand, +1 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +12 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Full Plate Armor~turn 521	Gothic Plate Armor~turn 641	The Rise of Shot~turn 841
Armoury Barracks · castle only	38t	36t	35t

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

Late Pikemen

free professional, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Urban Professional (increased training time based on unit type and quality, higher proportion of disciplined units). A pike is long spear around 5m in length and used two-handed. A well trained unit can present enemies with a wall of almost impenetrable sharp steel that can stop a cavalry charge dead in its tracks, a fact not lost on latter Medieval armies. These troops wear heavier armour than their predecessors.

Abilities

Pike phalanx
Pikemen level their long pikes into a dense, multi-rank wall. Used by units with long pikes. Several ranks of pike points reach the enemy before they can strike back, so a phalanx is devastating to anything that attacks it from the front, cavalry especially. It is slow to turn and very weak on the flanks and rear, where the pikes can't reach.
Long spear
Bonus when fighting cavalry, penalty against infantry.
Long pike
Very long pikes, used in phalanx formation.

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

Stats

Men: 80
Melee: attack 3, charge 3 (spear)
Defence: armour 11, skill 1, shield 0
Morale: 11 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 2045 florins, 769 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -2 in sand, -1 in snow
Heat: +6 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Gothic Plate Armor~turn 641
City Watch Barracks · city only	211t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	211t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	211t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	28t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	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

Levy Axemen

peasant levies, factional

Abilities

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 3, charge 2 (axe)
Defence: armour 1, skill 1, shield 3
Morale: 3 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 330 florins, 330 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest
Heat: +2 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only	211t	217t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	211t	217t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	28t	211t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	28t★2	211t★2
Armoury Barracks · castle only	44t★3	46t★3

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

Axe Mailed Foot Knights

feudal knight, standard

NOBLES / MORALE 12/ IMPETUOUS/ HIGHLY TRAINED Knights would often dismount and fight on foot when the situation demanded it. Like any knight of the era, these nobles are among the best warriors Europe has to offer, trained throughout their lives in the art of war. Now they are also skilled in wielding a fearsome great Danish axe, capable of penetrating any armor and terrifying any opponents they face. GAMEPLAY NOTES:Feared knights armed with large Danish axes or two-handed axes are very powerful as shock infantry or for breaking formations in battles or sieges, but lacking shields for protection they are very vulnerable to enemy arrows and projectiles; they are not like their other knightly compatriots who fight with swords and shields and can maintain a good line of defense.Recruitable in landowners.

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.
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.
Frightens infantry
Lowers the morale of enemy infantry nearby.

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

Stats

Men: 40
Melee: attack 8, charge 8 (axe)
Defence: armour 8, skill 6, shield 0
Morale: 12 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 471 florins, 1041 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel, +2 vs Elephant
Terrain: -2 in sand, -1 in snow
Heat: +6 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Without Autonomy of Local Nobility or better Catholic ≥ 50% in region Not in Pisa regions Not in Venice regions Not in Papal States regions Not in Sicily regions Not in Aragon regions Not in Spain regions Not in Portugal regions Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in England regions

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	225t	233t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	318t	225t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	213t	218t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	39t	213t

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

Woodsmen

Melee infantry

REGIONAL TROOPS/ MORALE 6/ LOW DISCIPLINE/ UNTRAINED/IS PEASANT/ AOR UNIT/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT Woodsmen are hardy folk from the forests of North and Eastern Europe. Armed with their tools of the trade, a large axe, they can hew down other light infantry, and inflict considerable damage on heavier foes. GAMEPLAY NOTES:Although they are peasant troops, these woodsmen are accustomed to cold climates and rural life, making them tough and resilient. They have combat bonuses in snow and forests and are useful as shock troops for charging the enemy, though they won't last long due to their lack of armor. They are not useful for maintaining public order in settlements, just like all units with the "is peasant" attribute.

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.
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: 40
Melee: attack 5, charge 6 (axe)
Defence: armour 1, skill 4, shield 0
Morale: 6 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 473 florins, 373 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +4 in forest, +3 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Not in Tartar steppe

Building	From start	Hanseatic League Beginnings~turn 81	A Deadly New Weapon!~turn 201
Town Watch Barracks · city only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Town Watch Barracks · city only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Town Watch Barracks · city only Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Town Guard Barracks · city only Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
City Watch Barracks · city only Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Barracks Barracks · castle only Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Serbia regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Not in France regions Not in Hre regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Armoury Barracks · castle only Not in Russia regions Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Poland regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions France regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·

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

Sword Mailed Foot Knights

Nobles, factional

NOBLES / MORALE 12/ IMPETUOUS/ HIGHLY TRAINED Knights would often dismount and fight on foot when the situation demanded it. Dismounted they make excellent heavy infantry in many european armies and will be your best option to maintain a defensive line infantry.The best among the best warriors of their time, these knights have trained all their lives in the art of war, skilled in the use of the sword and shield, and are high to maintain due to the cost of their lands in exchange for their war services. GAMEPLAY NOTES:These knights with swords are very versatile on the battlefield, useful both for attacking and breaking enemy lines and for maintaining a solid defense protecting a siege; with their high morale they are one of the best medieval European troops. Recruitable in landowners.

Abilities

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.
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: 40
Melee: attack 7, charge 4 (sword)
Defence: armour 8, skill 7, shield 6
Morale: 12 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 557 florins, 1014 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Terrain: -2 in sand, -1 in snow
Heat: +5 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Without Autonomy of Local Nobility or better Catholic ≥ 50% in region Pisa regions or Venice regions or Papal States regions or Sicily regions or Aragon regions or Spain regions or Portugal regions or France regions or Hre regions or England regions

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	225t	233t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	318t	225t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	213t	218t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	39t	213t

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

Sergeant Swordsmen

Sergeants, factional

SERGEANTS/MORALE 7 /NORMAL DISCIPLINE/ TRAINED These Sergeant Swordsmen are professional basic troops from the lower classes capable of affording a sword and some armor. GAMEPLAY NOTES: They are skilled and have some training to face other light infantry or archers but are not comparable to other professional troops such as the sergeant class. Since they do not have so much armor, they will not be able to hold the defense line for long, so they are useful against similar light troops.

Abilities

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: 48
Melee: attack 4, charge 4 (sword)
Defence: armour 2, skill 5, shield 4
Morale: 7 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1126 florins, 523 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +1 in snow
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Coat of Plates~turn 341	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	·	214t	29t	214t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	214t	29t	27t	29t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	29t★1	27t★1	26t★1	27t★1
Armoury Barracks · castle only	37t★2	36t★2	35t★2	36t★2

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 31 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Germanic Heavy Infantry

AOR unit

REGIONAL TROOPS/ MORALE 10/ NORMAL DISCIPLINE/ TRAINED/ AOR UNIT Although recruited from various regions of the Holy Roman Empire, many of these heavy infantrymen came from the southern lands, especially Swabia and the surrounding areas, where the tradition of swordsmanship on foot was widespread. Armed with large two-handed swords, axes and heavy maces and good chain mail, they formed the core of the Germanic heavy infantry, serving both local lords and the Emperor himself in campaigns within and beyond the Empire.They were famous in the battle of Civitate against the Normans in the year 1053. GAMEPLAY NOTES:This powerful Germanic heavy infantry can only be recruited in Germanic regions and also as mercenaries in Swabia and the surrounding areas. They provide a formidable shock infantry force to any army, and although expensive, they are worth their weight in gold due to their weaponry and high level of military training.Because they are professional and expensive troops, they are scarce in number within Germanic populations and will take a long time to be recruited. Being Germanic, they typically possess great physical strength and endurance in combat.

Abilities

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: 48
Melee: attack 8, charge 6 (sword)
Defence: armour 8, skill 7, shield 0
Morale: 10 · Normal discipline · Highly trained
Cost: 1476 florins, 891 upkeep, 3 turns to train
Mount effect: +2 vs Horse, +2 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +2 in forest, +3 in snow
Heat: +7 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Hre regions

Building	From start
Town Watch Barracks · city only	125t
Town Guard Barracks · city only	125t
City Watch Barracks · city only	125t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	125t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	125t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	125t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	125t
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only	125t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only	125t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	125t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	125t
Armoury Barracks · castle only	125t

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

Feudal Foot Knights

feudal knight, standard

NOBLES / MORALE 14/ IMPETUOUS/ HIGHLY TRAINED Knights would often dismount and fight on foot when the situation demanded it. Foot knights make excellent heavy infantry,They are professional soldiers who have dedicated their entire lives to training for war, always ready for it, although quite impetuous, often seeking military glory individually. Furthermore they can form a defensive shield wall that enemy will be much difficult to pass.

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.
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 9, charge 4 (sword)
Defence: armour 12, skill 8, shield 5
Morale: 14 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 689 florins, 1277 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Terrain: -2 in sand, -1 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +10 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

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

Building	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Coat of Plates~turn 341	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	233t	225t	233t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	225t	318t	225t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	218t	214t	218t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	218t	313t	218t

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

Heavy Sergeant Swordmen

factional

SERGEANTS/. Heavy Swordsmen Sergeants represent those of the knightly class with a desire to fight on foot, or too poor to afford a horse. Able to afford excellent armour and swords, they can punish most other infantry. These units along with archers form the backbone of many English armies.

Abilities

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: 48
Melee: attack 9, charge 4 (sword)
Defence: armour 10, skill 6, shield 4
Morale: 10 · Disciplined · Trained
Cost: 2034 florins, 765 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -3 in sand, +1 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +10 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Coat of Plates~turn 341	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	214t	29t	27t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	29t★1	27t★1	26t★1
Armoury Barracks · castle only	64t★2	63t★2	62t★2

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 31 bonus pools for this unit that players don't.

Bill Militia

urban militia, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Urban Militia (reduced morale in the field). The billhook was originally developed from a farming tool, and consists of an axe and hook on the end of a long pole. A trained billmen can use it to stab, hack and drag down his enemies, including both infantrymen and cavalry. It is excellent as both a defensive and offensive weapon.

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 6, charge 4 (axe)
Defence: armour 1, skill 4, shield 0
Morale: 5 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 584 florins, 584 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +4 vs Horse, +4 vs Camel
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +2 in forest, +1 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Concentric Castles~turn 277
City Watch Barracks · city only	211t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	211t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	211t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	28t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	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

Foot Men At Arms

feudal levy, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Early Professional. Composed of nobility and commoners alike, these men can fight equally well on horseback, or on foot. Well protected in their plate armour, and armed with swords, they are a tough fighters, whether on the offence or defence. Although extremely effective, they nevertheless don't quite have the elan of true knights.

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.
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: 48
Melee: attack 8, charge 3 (sword)
Defence: armour 13, skill 6, shield 4
Morale: 7 · Normal discipline · Untrained
Cost: 2677 florins, 957 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -3 in sand, +1 in forest, -2 in snow
Heat: +13 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	A New Era Begins~turn 337	Full Plate Armor~turn 521	Portable Clock~turn 757
Armoury Barracks · castle only Hre regions	18t	18t	18t
Armoury Barracks · castle only Not in Hre regions	110t	110t	110t

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

Imperial Foot Knights

feudal knight, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Feudal (low availability, often impetuous or of low discipline). True knights in shining armour, in principle at least, these men espouse the noble ideals of chivalry and honour. In reality they are brutally effective warriors who practice their skills daily in tournaments and mock fights. On the battlefield, their steel plate protection makes them hard to kill. Although most fight mounted, those that go on foot wield their maces with deadly effect.

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.
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.
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 6, charge 4 (mace)
Defence: armour 14, skill 8, shield 5
Morale: 14 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 705 florins, 1409 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -3 in sand, +1 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +14 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

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

Building	Coat of Plates~turn 341	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441	Matchlock Developed~turn 597
Landowners' Guards Landowners Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better	233t	225t	214t
Provincial Council Landowners Needs Communal Farming or better	225t	318t	310t
Local Nobility Landowners Needs Farms and Estates or better	225t	218t	29t
Provincial Aristocracy Landowners Needs Agricultural Estates or better	218t	313t	38t

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

Halberd Men at Arms

free professional, standard

Quality: Superior. Type: Early Professional. Composed of nobility and commoners alike, and armed with halberds, these men are a tough fighters, whether on the offence or defence. Although extremely effective, they nevertheless don't quite have the elan of true knights.

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: 48
Melee: attack 8, charge 6 (axe)
Defence: armour 13, skill 6, shield 0
Morale: 9 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 2864 florins, 1074 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +6 vs Horse, +6 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -3 in sand, -2 in snow
Heat: +13 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Partial Plate Armor~turn 441	Full Plate Armor~turn 521	Gothic Plate Armor~turn 641	Pike and Shot~turn 797	The Rise of Shot~turn 841
Barracks Barracks · castle only Aragon regions or France regions or Denmark regions or Spain regions or Norway regions or England regions or Hungary regions or Poland regions or Portugal regions or Hre regions or Pisa regions or Venice regions or Sicily regions or Papal States regions or Georgian homeland	18t	18t	18t	·	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Not in Aragon regions Not in France regions Not in Denmark regions Not in Spain regions Not in Norway regions Not in England regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Poland regions Not in Portugal regions Not in Hre regions Not in Pisa regions Not in Venice regions Not in Georgian homeland Not in Sicily regions Not in Papal States regions	111t	111t	111t	·	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only	·	38t	36t	36t	35t

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

Zwei Hander

feudal levy, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Late Professional. Literally meaning “two hander’s,” in German, in reference to the grip needed to wield their massive swords. Zweihanders are very heavily armoured foot troops who can cut a bloody swathe through nearly all infantry they will encounter. This unit is deployed by the Holy Roman Empire and often forms the vanguard when assaulting enemy battle lines.

Abilities

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: 48
Melee: attack 10, charge 7 (sword)
Defence: armour 10, skill 8, shield 0
Morale: 8 · Normal discipline · Untrained
Cost: 2488 florins, 860 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Mount effect: +1 vs Horse, +1 vs Camel
Terrain: -2 in sand, +1 in forest
Heat: +9 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Drill Square Barracks · castle only	225t
Barracks Barracks · castle only	214t
Armoury Barracks · castle only	211t

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

Gothic Foot Knights

feudal knight, factional

Quality: Superior. Type: Feudal (low availability, often impetuous or of low discipline). These distinctive looking knights are the Holy Roman Empire's elite warriors. Encased in splendid gothic plate armour, including the distinctive visored sallet helmet, these knights can take on anyone on the battlefield even when fighting dismounted.

Abilities

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 12, charge 7 (sword)
Defence: armour 20, skill 8, shield 0
Morale: 14 · Impetuous · Highly trained
Cost: 826 florins, 1651 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +1 vs Horse, +1 vs Camel
Terrain: -1 in scrub, -3 in sand, -1 in snow
Heat: +19 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Needs Farms in Cleared Land or better Without Autonomy of Local Nobility or better

Building	Pike and Shot~turn 797
Landowners' Guards Landowners	214t

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

Levy Crossbowmen

feudal levy, standard

PEASANTS LEVIES/ MORALE 3/ LOW DISCIPLINE/ UNTRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT. The use of the crossbow became popular in the 12th century and also began to be used by lower class people and peasants as it was very easy to use and not very expensive to make compared to expensive armor and swords. The crossbow revolutionized the individual possibilities of killing the enemy: any inexperienced person could kill an accomplished warrior from a distance. This was so novel and threatening that it even merited Pope Innocent II, at the Lateran Council of the year 1139, to prohibit the use of the crossbow among Christian armies, and in a papal bull he warned Christianity against its use by "the danger that such a weapon represented for humanity" GAMEPLAY NOTES: Levy Crossbowmen can be quickly levied to garrison town. Poorly armoured and with low morales is better that they be behind walls for defend their settlements.

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: Militia Crossbow Bolt: attack 6, range 150, 18 ammo
Melee: attack 1, charge 1 (knife)
Defence: armour 1, skill 1, shield 0
Morale: 3 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 317 florins, 317 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, -2 in forest
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	The Second Lateran Council~turn 17	The Third Lateran Council~turn 93	New Crossbow Mechanics Developed~turn 211	Concentric Castles~turn 277	Pavise Shields~turn 381
Town Watch Barracks · city only	225t	225t	217t	211t	211t	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only	214t	214t	210t	28t	28t	·
City Watch Barracks · city only	214t★1	210t★1	·	·	·	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	29t★1	25t★1	·	·	·	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	28t★1	26t★1	·	·	·	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	26t★1	25t★1	·	·	·	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	46t★2	45t★2	44t★2	44t★2	44t★2	·
Bowyer Ranges · castle only	225t	214t	214t	29t	29t	·
Practice Range Ranges · castle only	214t	214t	29t	27t	27t	·
Archery Range Ranges · castle only	29t	29t	27t	26t	26t	·
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	37t	37t	36t	35t	35t	·
Norman Stronghold Castelli Normanni Without Alcazar Building Sicily regions Without Alcazar Building Catholic ≥ 25% in region	·	117t	117t	117t	·	·
Castìdde du Monte Castelli Normanni Sicily regions Unique1 regions Catholic ≥ 25% in region	·	217t	217t	217t	217t	217t
Castel Castelli Normanni Without Alcazar Building Sicily regions Without Alcazar Building Catholic ≥ 25% in region	·	·	·	·	217t	217t
Palazzo dei Normanni Castelli Normanni Sicily regions Capital Catholic ≥ 25% in region	·	317t★1	317t★1	317t★1	317t★1	317t★1

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

Hunters

Missile infantry

REGIONAL TROOPS/ MORALE 5/ LOW DISCIPLINE/ TRAINED/IS PEASANT/ AOR UNIT Hunters are local peasants accustomed to using their short bow for hunting in the woods of all Europe and part of Asia. They're only moderately effective in battle, they will flee if engaged in melee, trained in their Hunter style are people with low morale in field battles so they should only complement more professional missile troops.

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.

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

Stats

Men: 48
Missile: Militia Arrow: attack 3, range 140, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 2, charge 2 (sword)
Defence: armour 1, skill 4, shield 0
Morale: 5 · Low discipline · Trained
Cost: 332 florins, 332 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest, +1 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start
Bowyer Ranges · castle only England regions or Scotland regions or Hre regions or France regions	220t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Poland regions or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Hre regions Not in River Not in Venice regions	+20t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only England regions or Scotland regions or Hre regions or France regions	220t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Poland regions or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Hre regions Not in River Not in Venice regions	+20t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only England regions or Scotland regions or Hre regions or France regions	220t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Poland regions or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Not in Tartar steppe Hre regions Not in River Not in Venice regions	+20t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better England regions or Scotland regions or Hre regions or France regions	220t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Tartar steppe Poland regions or Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Not in Tartar steppe Hre regions Not in River Not in Venice regions	+20t

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

Morass Scouts

tribal unit, regional, AOR unit

Local militia. Morale 6. These warriors are recruited from poor wood-dwellers. They have javelins and short swords, but neither armour, nor shields. They are excellent ambushers but should not engage in melee.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Thrown
The missile is thrown rather than shot.
Peasant
Counts for only half when keeping public order as a garrison.

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

Stats

Men: 52
Missile: Militia Javelin: attack 10, range 50, 4 ammo
Melee: attack 3, charge 2 (sword)
Defence: armour 0, skill 5, shield 0
Morale: 6 · Low discipline · Trained
Cost: 374 florins, 374 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +6 vs Elephant
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest, +1 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Hanseatic League Beginnings~turn 81	Ostsiedlung~turn 111
Town Watch Barracks · city only Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Town Watch Barracks · city only Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Town Watch Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Town Watch Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Town Watch Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Town Guard Barracks · city only Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
City Watch Barracks · city only Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Barracks Barracks · castle only Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Lithuania regions	220t	220t	220t
Armoury Barracks · castle only Not in Lithuania regions Prussia regions	220t	220t	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Not in Unique1 regions	220t	220t	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Unique1 regions	220t	·	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Hre regions Hanseatic Slavic Poland regions	220t	·	·

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

Levy Archers

Peasant levies, factional

PEASANTS LEVIES/ MORALE 3/ LOW DISCIPLINE/ UNTRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT/ IS PEASANT. Levy Archers are accustomed to using their bow for hunting. These peasant archers are armed with a small bow, and a knife, and they are useful at a distance, since they do not have any armor or training, these poor peasants will run away if the enemy is going to attack them hand-to-hand.

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: 464 florins, 249 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Pavise Shields~turn 381
Bowyer Ranges · castle only	29t	214t	225t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only	27t	29t	214t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only	26t	27t	29t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	35t	36t	37t

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

Slavic Javelinmen

feudal levy, AOR unit

Local militia. Morale 5. The javelin is a perfect weapon for the common low status Slavs who can use his brawn to hurl them into the enemy's ranks. Light and mobile; the javelin is an infantry standard.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Thrown
The missile is thrown rather than shot.
Peasant
Counts for only half when keeping public order as a garrison.

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

Stats

Men: 52
Missile: Javelin: attack 11, range 55, 4 ammo
Melee: attack 2, charge 1 (axe)
Defence: armour 1, skill 2, shield 2
Morale: 5 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 969 florins, 365 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Mount effect: +6 vs Elephant
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest, +1 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Slavic

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Coat of Plates~turn 341
Town Watch Barracks · city only Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Town Watch Barracks · city only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Town Watch Barracks · city only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Town Guard Barracks · city only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Town Guard Barracks · city only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
City Watch Barracks · city only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
City Watch Barracks · city only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Mustering Hall Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Garrison Quarters Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Drill Square Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Barracks Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Barracks Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Russia regions or Kievan Rus regions	220t	220t	220t
Armoury Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hre regions Not in Byzantium regions Hungary regions or Serbia regions or Poland regions	220t	220t	·
Armoury Barracks · castle only Not in Kievan Rus regions Not in Hungary regions Not in Serbia regions Not in Poland regions Byzantium regions or Hre regions	220t	·	·

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

Sergeant Archers

Sergeants, factional

SERGEANTS/ MORALE 7/ NORMAL DISCIPLINE/ TRAINED. The use of the bow as a hunting and war weapon dates back to the Upper Paleolithic. During the Middle Ages, archers were a weapon of great importance: English archers, by annihilating the French cavalry, were the architects of the victory at Agincourt in 1415. Gradually replaced by crossbowmen and arquebusiers, archers were used in France until the 16th century and in England until the 17th.These troops are equipped with a bow and sword and for defence they have a small shield. GAMEPLAY NOTES:These archer sergeants are high-quality, cost-effective troops, essential in any medieval army for unleashing a hail of arrows upon the enemy. They can be recruited from castle archeries, and as sergeant-level troops, they are of higher quality than levies or militia. Factions with a strong archery tradition, such as England, typically have greater recruitment capacity.

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.

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

Stats

Men: 48
Missile: War Mass Arrow: attack 4, range 170, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 4, charge 2 (sword)
Defence: armour 2, skill 5, shield 2
Morale: 7 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1075 florins, 442 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest, +2 in snow
Heat: +5 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Catholic ≥ 35% in region

Building	From start	Heavy Mail~turn 141	Pavise Shields~turn 381
Practice Range Ranges · castle only	225t	214t	29t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only	214t	29t	27t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	39t	37t	36t

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.

Baltic Crossbowmen

free professional, regional (guild)

People living around the Baltic sea learned to use wooden crossbows after the colonists from the West settled in the coastal cities of the region in the wake of the merchant adventurers. They are very capable to use crossbows to defend the cities and fight in the open. They wear very light armour.

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.
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 8, range 140, 18 ammo
Melee: attack 2, charge 2 (sword)
Defence: armour 1, skill 3, shield 4
Morale: 7 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1580 florins, 594 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +2 in forest, +2 in snow
Heat: +3 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Hanseatic League Beginnings~turn 81	Ostsiedlung~turn 111	Hanseatic Cities Intensify Cooperation~turn 161	New Crossbow Mechanics Developed~turn 211	Lübeck Ascendancy~turn 231	The Trade Wars of the Hanseatic League~turn 285	Harbour cranes~turn 305	Die Kogge~turn 325	Confederation of Cologne~turn 401
City Watch Barracks · city only Before Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t
City Watch Barracks · city only After Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only Before Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+20t	+20t	+20t	+20t	+20t	+20t	+20t	+20t	+20t	+20t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only After Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+12t	+12t	+12t	+12t	+12t	+12t	+12t	+12t	+12t	+12t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better Before Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better After Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+11t	+11t	+11t	+11t	+11t	+11t	+11t	+11t	+11t	+11t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only Before Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t	+14t
Bowyer Ranges · castle only After Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only Before Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t	+9t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only After Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only Before Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t	+7t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only After Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better Before Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t	+6t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better After Fl Is Crowned Ruler	+5t	+5t	+5t	+5t	+5t	+5t	+5t	+5t	+5t	+5t
Baltic Trade Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Needs Port or Needs Castle Port or Needs River Access After Crossbow in the Baltics	·	217t	217t	217t	217t	217t	217t	217t	217t	217t
Hanseatische Faktorei Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic England regions or Norway regions or Denmark regions or Russia regions	·	·	·	·	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1	214t★1	311t★1
Hanseatische Faktorei Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic England regions or Norway regions or Denmark regions or Russia regions After Crossbow in the Baltics	·	·	·	217t	·	·	·	·	·	·
Hanseatische Kaufmänner Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	·	·	214t	29t★1	29t★1	29t★1	29t★1	29t★1	29t★1	29t★1
Hanseatischer Quartier Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	·	·	311t★1	38t★2
Holsteintor Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Hre regions Poland regions	·	·	·	·	·	311t★4	311t★4	311t★4	311t★4	36t★4
Stalhof Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Capital England regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	214t	214t	214t	211t★1
Peterhof Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Capital Russia regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	214t	214t	214t	211t★1
Bryggen Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Capital Norway regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	214t	214t	214t	211t★1
Hanseatischer Kontor Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Flemish France regions	·	·	·	·	·	·	214t	214t	214t	211t★1
The Great Crane The Great Crane · city only Needs Port or better Needs Hanseatische Faktorei or better Poland regions Prussia regions Hanseatic	·	·	·	·	·	·	·	+50t	+50t	+25t
Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild Hanseatic	·	·	·	·	·	·	+20t	+20t	+20t	+14t
Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild Hanseatic After Crossbow in the Baltics	+33t	+33t	+33t	+33t	+33t	+33t	·	·	·	·
Master Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild Hanseatic	·	·	·	·	·	·	+17t	+17t	+17t	+11t
Master Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild Hanseatic After Crossbow in the Baltics	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t	+25t	·	·	·	·
Master Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild Before Crossbow in the Baltics Hanseatic	+8t	+8t	+8t	+8t	+8t	+8t	+8t	+8t	+8t	+8t
Master Merchants' Guild Merchants' Guild After Crossbow in the Baltics Hanseatic	111t	111t	111t	111t	111t	111t	111t	111t	111t	111t
Merchants' Guild Headquarters Merchants' Guild Hanseatic	·	·	·	·	·	·	+12t	+12t	+12t	+10t
Merchants' Guild Headquarters Merchants' Guild Hanseatic After Crossbow in the Baltics	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t	+17t	·	·	·	·

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

Urban Crossbowmen Militia

urban militia, standard

URBAN MILITIA/ MORALE 5/ LOW DISCIPLINE/ TRAINED/ FREE UPKEEP UNIT. Urban Crossbowmen militia are citizens trained as urban militia to defend their homes, they are pretty common in Italian lands where Italian city-states have to form their own militias in rivalry with each other. Later, and with the development of medieval cities starting in the 13th century, these urban militias spread to the rest of Europe. GAMEPLAY NOTES: Trained in the use of the crossbow, they are useful for shooting arrows or bolts behind the walls where they are well protected. They are better protected than levies of crossbowmen and have better morale, but they are no match for more professional troops.

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 3, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 2, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 5 · Low discipline · Trained
Cost: 513 florins, 513 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, -2 in forest
Heat: +4 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	The Third Lateran Council~turn 93	New Crossbow Mechanics Developed~turn 211
City Watch Barracks · city only	28t★1	26t★1
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	29t★1	25t★1
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	25t★1	24t★1
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	24t★1	24t★1

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

Arbalest Militia

urban militia, standard

Quality: Militia. Type: Urban Militia (reduced morale in the field). Arbalest militia units are formed to protect settlements. Being able to train cityfolk quickly in the use of the arbalest allows these units to be garrisoned frequently and the stopping power of the arbalest can make their withering fire lethal.

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: Militia Steel Crossbow Bolt: attack 10, range 160, 18 ammo
Melee: attack 2, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 5, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 4 · Low discipline · Untrained
Cost: 580 florins, 580 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Terrain: -2 in sand, +2 in forest
Heat: +5 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Pavise Shields~turn 381	Full Plate Armor~turn 521	Pike and Shot~turn 797
Town Watch Barracks · city only	211t	28t	211t
Town Guard Barracks · city only	28t	26t	28t
City Watch Barracks · city only	26t★1	25t★1	26t★1
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	35t★1	34t★1	35t★1
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	34t★1	34t★1	34t★1
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	44t★1	44t★4	44t★1
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	44t★1	44t★4	44t★1
Bowyer Ranges · castle only	29t	27t	29t
Practice Range Ranges · castle only	27t	26t	27t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only	27t	26t	27t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	36t	35t	36t

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

Arbalesters

mercenary unit (false DM+EDB)

Quality: Average. Type: Mercenary (low recruitment and replenishment costs, often reduced morale and high upkeep). The arbalest is a dangerous weapon and are sometimes considered inhumane or unfair weapons, since an inexperienced crossbowman can use one to kill a knight who had a lifetime of training. It is slow to reload and lacks the distance of drawn bows but makes up for it in power. Mercenary arbalest units are popular throughout the known world as they provide ranged punch for those that need it.

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.
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: 48
Missile: Steel Crossbow Bolt: attack 12, range 200, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 1, charge 1 (knife)
Defence: armour 6, skill 3, shield 0
Morale: 7 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1743 florins, 654 upkeep, 1 turn to train
Terrain: -2 in sand, +2 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +6 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Hanseatic

Building	Pavise Shields~turn 381	Full Plate Armor~turn 521
Hanseatische Kaufmänner Hansa Teutonica Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	114t	114t
Hanseatischer Quartier Hansa Teutonica Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	214t	28t
Holsteintor Hansa Teutonica Hre regions Poland regions	314t	38t

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

Sergeant Crossbowmen

feudal levy, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Early Professional. While the crossbow is relatively easy to use and powerful, it leaves the user quite vulnerable during the slow reload process. These men have large pavise shields on their backs, which they turn to the enemy while they reload.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
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: 48
Missile: Heavy Crossbow Bolt: attack 8, range 190, 30 ammo
Melee: attack 3, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 5, skill 4, shield 8
Morale: 6 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 2050 florins, 555 upkeep, 2 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in sand, +2 in forest
Heat: +6 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Pavise Shields~turn 381	Full Plate Armor~turn 521	Pike and Shot~turn 797
Practice Range Ranges · castle only	29t	214t	225t
Archery Range Ranges · castle only	214t	29t	27t
Marksman's Range Ranges · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	39t	37t	36t

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.

Hand Gunners

free professional, standard

Quality: Superior (Combination). Type: Urban Professional (increased training time based on unit type and quality, higher proportion of disciplined units). Called "hand guns" to distinguish them from cannons, these are the earliest form of personal firearm. Consisting of a rudimentary metal tube mounted on a wooden pole and awkwardly ignited, this basic design left little room for aiming. These weapons caused more panic than actual damage to enemy troops who were shaken by the noise and smoke made when firing. Given their short range, their firers need to be well armoured and able to look after themselves in close combat.

Abilities

Armour piercing
Only counts half of the target's armour. Typical of axes, maces, crossbows and guns. Strong against heavily armoured troops.
Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Frightens cavalry
Lowers the morale of enemy cavalry nearby.
Gunpowder unit
Uses gunpowder weapons.

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

Stats

Men: 48
Missile: Hand Gun Bullet: attack 10, range 55, 12 ammo
Melee: attack 7, charge 3 (sword)
Defence: armour 11, skill 5, shield 6
Morale: 8 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 2810 florins, 1054 upkeep, 3 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in sand, +2 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +12 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Man-Made Inferno!~turn 401	Handgun Developed~turn 461	Portable Clock~turn 757
Gunsmith Cannons · city only	26t	26t	25t
Cannon Maker Cannons · city only	25t	25t	24t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · city only	24t	24t	23t
Royal Arsenal Cannons · city only	23t	23t	22t

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: Gunsmith, Cannon Maker, Cannon Foundry, Royal Arsenal.

Arquebusiers

free professional, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Urban Professional (increased training time based on unit type and quality, higher proportion of disciplined units). Fired at close range and quite accurate, with only a little chance of exploding and killing the person firing it. This early type of firearm is capable of firing deadly volleys that can pierce most armour. This noisy, smoky and lethal weapon is so intimidating it can cause its targets to run in fear.

Abilities

Area attack
Each blow can hit an area, not just one man.
Gunpowder unit
Uses gunpowder weapons.

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

Stats

Men: 48
Missile: Early Arquebus Bullet: attack 14, range 90, 12 ammo
Melee: attack 3, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 9, skill 4, shield 0
Morale: 8 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 2309 florins, 866 upkeep, 3 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in sand, +2 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +9 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Matchlock Developed~turn 597	Portable Clock~turn 757
City Watch Barracks · city only	214t	·
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	211t	·
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	211t	·
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	28t	·
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	37t★1	36t★1

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

Musketeers

free professional, standard

Quality: Superior. Type: Urban Professional (increased training time based on unit type and quality, higher proportion of disciplined units). An improvement on the arquebus, the musket is longer, more accurate and fires a heavier shot that can pierce any armour. Like the arquebus, it fires using a matchlock mechanism, a smouldering length of rope as a fuse that ignites the gunpowder in the pan. The noise, smoke and lethality of this weapon causes fear in its targets

Abilities

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

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

Stats

Men: 48
Missile: Quality Musket Bullet: attack 24, range 145, 12 ammo
Melee: attack 4, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 0, skill 5, shield 0
Morale: 8 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1389 florins, 521 upkeep, 3 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest

Where & when to recruit

Building	Musket Developed~turn 757
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	211t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	28t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	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

Late Arquebusiers

free professional, standard

Abilities

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

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

Stats

Men: 60
Missile: Arquebus Bullet: attack 14, range 110, 12 ammo
Melee: attack 3, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 5, skill 5, shield 0
Morale: 9 · Normal discipline · Highly trained
Cost: 1985 florins, 556 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Terrain: -2 in sand, +2 in forest, -1 in snow
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	Portable Clock~turn 757
City Watch Barracks · city only	214t
Militia Drill Square Barracks · city only	211t
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	211t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	28t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	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

Late Musketeers

free professional, standard

Quality: Average. Type: Urban Professional (increased training time based on unit type and quality, higher proportion of disciplined units). This weapon is similar to the late arquebus and lighter and handier than the heavier musket that preceded it. The noise, smoke and lethality of this weapon causes fear in its targets.

Abilities

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

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

Stats

Men: 48
Missile: Flintlock Bullet: attack 24, range 125, 12 ammo
Melee: attack 4, charge 1 (sword)
Defence: armour 0, skill 5, shield 0
Morale: 7 · Normal discipline · Highly trained
Cost: 1491 florins, 561 upkeep, 4 turns to train
Terrain: +1 in scrub, -1 in sand, +3 in forest
Heat: +1 fatigue in hot climates

Where & when to recruit

Building	The Rise of Shot~turn 841
Militia Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Quarries or better	211t
Army Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	28t
Royal Barracks Barracks · city only Needs Stonemasons or better	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

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	Man-Made Inferno!~turn 401
Gunsmith Cannons · city only	27t
Cannon Maker Cannons · city only	110t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · city only	110t
Royal Arsenal Cannons · city only	110t
Gunsmith Cannons · castle only	18t
Cannon Maker Cannons · castle only	112t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · castle only	112t
Royal Arsenal 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
Royal Arsenal Cannons · city only	110t
Cannon Maker Cannons · castle only	18t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · castle only	112t
Royal Arsenal 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
Royal Arsenal Cannons · city only	25t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · castle only	26t
Royal Arsenal 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

Serpentine

artillery

The serpentine is so named, because its long slender barrel resembles a snake. This piece is designed for attacking enemy troops, rather than walls. Its long thin barrel gives it good range and accuracy, and its small calibre ammunition makes it quicker to reload than heavier pieces.

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.
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: 2228 florins, 389 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	17t
Royal Arsenal Cannons · city only	17t
Cannon Foundry Cannons · castle only	18t
Royal Arsenal Cannons · castle only	18t

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

Basilisk

artillery

This fearsome artillery piece is the pinnacle of late Medieval siege-gun engineering. With greater range, damage and accuracy than all the siege guns that come before it, no enemy emplacements can stand up to its fearsome bombardment, nor can enemy troops withstand its explosive shots. Generals should fear the gaze of the Basilisk!

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	Machines that Fly?~turn 721
Royal Arsenal Cannons · city only	17t
Royal Arsenal Cannons · castle only	18t

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

Cog

ship

The Cog is a small 11th century vessel with an attached keel, rudder and a single square sail, initially used by Europeans for trading in the rougher coastal Atlantic waters. Cogs have a basic armament of troops and archers stationed aboard, as well as the ship's crew who can help out if boarded.

Abilities

No special abilities.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 20
Melee: attack 5, charge 0
Defence: armour 0, skill 8, shield 0
Morale: 14 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 932 florins, 444 upkeep, 3 turns to train

Where & when to recruit

Building	From start	Ostsiedlung~turn 111	Hanseatic Cities Intensify Cooperation~turn 161	Lübeck Ascendancy~turn 231	The Trade Wars of the Hanseatic League~turn 285	Die Kogge~turn 325
Port Ports · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	210t	210t	210t	210t	210t	210t
Port with Shipwright Ports · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	35t	35t	35t	35t	35t	35t
Port with Dockyard Ports · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	34t	34t	34t	34t	34t	34t
Great Harbour Ports · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1
Port Ports · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	210t	210t	210t	210t	210t	210t
Port with Shipwright Ports · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	37t	37t	37t	37t	37t	37t
Port with Dockyard Ports · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	34t	34t	34t	34t	34t	34t
Great Harbour Ports · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1	33t★1
Hanseatische Faktorei Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic England regions or Norway regions or Denmark regions or Russia regions	·	·	+10t	+10t	+5t	+5t
Hanseatische Kaufmänner Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	·	+7t	+7t	+7t	+4t	+4t
Hanseatischer Quartier Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	·	·	·	·	·	+3t
Holsteintor Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Hre regions Poland regions	·	·	·	+5t	+3t	+3t
Stalhof Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Capital England regions	·	·	·	·	+3t	+3t
Peterhof Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Capital Russia regions	·	·	·	·	+3t	+3t
Bryggen Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Capital Norway regions	·	·	·	·	+3t	+3t
Hanseatischer Kontor Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Flemish France regions	·	·	·	·	+3t	+3t

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.

Also recruitable in some campaigns, depending on the order events happen: Hanseatischer Quartier, Stalhof, Peterhof, Bryggen, Hanseatischer Kontor.

Holk

ship

Constructed with strong and durable oak, the Holk is an 11th century development of the Cog. It can hold and carry more troops for added defence and has a fore and aft castle added, giving the archers a better firing platform, as well as a place to mount small artillery, enhancing its already deadly capabilities.

Abilities

No special abilities.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 30
Melee: attack 10, charge 0
Defence: armour 0, skill 15, shield 0
Morale: 14 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 1892 florins, 588 upkeep, 4 turns to train

Where & when to recruit

Building	The Trade Wars of the Hanseatic League~turn 285	Die Kogge~turn 325	Confederation of Cologne~turn 401
Port with Shipwright Ports · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	210t	210t	210t
Port with Dockyard Ports · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	·	25t	25t
Great Harbour Ports · city only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	·	33t★1	33t★1
Port with Shipwright Ports · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	210t	210t	210t
Port with Dockyard Ports · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	·	25t	25t
Great Harbour Ports · castle only Needs Carpenters' Workshops or better	·	33t★1	33t★1
Hanseatische Faktorei Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic England regions or Norway regions or Denmark regions or Russia regions	·	+10t	+5t
Hanseatische Kaufmänner Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	·	+7t	+4t
Hanseatischer Quartier Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	·	+5t	+3t
Holsteintor Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Hre regions Poland regions	·	+5t	+3t
Stalhof Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Capital England regions	·	+5t	+3t
Peterhof Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Capital Russia regions	·	+5t	+3t
Bryggen Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Capital Norway regions	·	+5t	+3t
Hanseatischer Kontor Hansa Teutonica Hanseatic Flemish France regions	·	+5t	+3t

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.

Carrack

ship

The first fully ocean going ship in Europe, the Carrack is a four-masted vessel developed in the Mediterranean during the 15th century, and later used throughout Europe. Stable in heavy seas, and roomy enough to carry provisions for long voyages, these sturdy ships are well armed, sporting broadside firing cannon arrays, as well as large compliments of on-board marines.

Abilities

No special abilities.

Also: Sea-faring, Can withdraw

Stats

Men: 50
Melee: attack 35, charge 0
Defence: armour 0, skill 30, shield 0
Morale: 14 · Normal discipline · Trained
Cost: 6300 florins, 1320 upkeep, 7 turns to train

Where & when to recruit

Always needs: Hanseatic

Building	A New Route to the East?~turn 543
Hanseatische Faktorei Hansa Teutonica England regions or Norway regions or Denmark regions or Russia regions	+10t
Hanseatische Kaufmänner Hansa Teutonica Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	+7t
Hanseatischer Quartier Hansa Teutonica Hre regions or Poland regions or Prussia regions	+5t
Holsteintor Hansa Teutonica Hre regions Poland regions	+5t
Stalhof Hansa Teutonica Capital England regions	+5t
Peterhof Hansa Teutonica Capital Russia regions	+5t
Bryggen Hansa Teutonica Capital Norway regions	+5t
Hanseatischer Kontor Hansa Teutonica Flemish France regions	+5t

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

Holy Roman Empire Units & recruitment

Recruiting as Holy Roman Empire

Few reforms of its own

The Golden Bull calms the Empire

Help when the capital falls

Reforms

World events that change your army

The crown: Rex Theutonicorum

Crowned in

Lands you must hold

Buildings that depend on the crown

Units

Cavalry

Missile cavalry

Spear & pike infantry

Melee infantry

Missile infantry

Siege & artillery

Naval

Generals' bodyguards

Regional units & mercenaries

Regional units

Mercenaries