<b>Historical Soldiers<b>

This section seeks to explain the origins of the Unique Units you can find in Age of Chivalry: Hegemony.

<i>Friesland<i>
The Frisians were famous at the beginning of the thirteenth century as one of the bravest people of Europe. They had fought hard during the Crusades and this had not gone unnoticed. However, when they, in 1251, killed the King of the Romans and Count of Holland, Willem II, in a battle near Hoogwoud, they were suddenly despised and viewed as barbaric. This unchivalrous act made them few friends, and when the event repeated itself and Willem IV of Holland was also killed in battle, they could forget ever losing their reputation of being savage plunderers.

<i>Genoa<i>
From the thirteenth to the fifteenth century, Genoese Crossbowmen were some of the most successful and popular of mercenaries in Europe. These powerful and well-trained soldiers were particularly useful in defending castles, but were also used in battle to weaken the enemy ranks before the charge. Any prudent Genoese ruler would keep an elite guard at home, in case of any unforseen events.

<i>Guelders<i>
The people of Guelders were a warlike people. Stemming from a highly agricultural area, with however its fair share of small cities, many people had mounts and the money to afford the necessary equipment. The Dukes of Guelders fought in various theatres, undertaking the popular "Prusade" (crusade to pagan Prussia) during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. However, the Gelderlanders saw most practice at home, in a variety of civil wars or small-scale border wars against Brabant.

<i>Helvetia<i>
With its many mountains, the Swiss could easily defend choke-points and strategic positions to keep out their enemies. They employed the halberd - a short-staffed pole-arm with a blade as well as a pike - to much effect, and devastated Austrian armies with it. The heavily armed halberdiers were a serious threat to any army, infantry as well as cavalry. Eventually, however, the Swiss switched to the longer pike, which was more effective to cavalry armed with lances.

<i>Poland<i>
The kingdom of Poland relied heavily on its own variant of the knightly class, the szlachta. These nobles were originally probably tribal leaders, but began to model themselves on their Central and Western European counterparts, even by name (the term 'szlachta' is probably related to the German (Adels)geschlecht, a term for the nobility there). They remained, however, more lightly armoured than other knights. The Lithuanian nobles who joined the kingdom in the course of the 14th century were even more agile, being partly inspired by Mongol tactics. They used to throw their lances from a distance before joining the melee.

<i>Savoy<i>
With its strategic position on both sides of the Alps, Savoy had the opportunity of being able to observe military developments in both Italy and France. After the invention of gunpowder, it was quickly being pioneered by Italian gunners. The Savoyards were eagerly following this development and were not shying away from adopting the new fire-arms. Batteries of ribalds or ribaudequins were a result of this.

<i>Saxony<i>
After the power of the Dukes of Saxony was permanently curbed by Friedrich I Barbarossa, the territory fragmented. It no longer formed a political unity, nor even a cultural one. Many cities became independent and fielded their own armies, relying heavily on militia and many mercenaries. Many of these mercenaries were knights with little land and only a sword and armour to make a living. They would serve anyone, even against former masters, as long as they were paid. Other knights, many from the non-noble ministeriales social class, travelled to the east to fight against the pagans on behalf of the Teutonic Order.

<i>Scotland<i>
The Highlands have always been an excellent area for raising troops. The Gaidheals, growing up in hard living conditions, could stand severe situations, and their initial onslaught in battle was always hard to withstand. However, their light armour made them vulnerable, particularly in longer engagements, so the Gaidheals were best employed for hit-and-run fights rather than pitched battles.

<i>Wales<i>
The Welsh Saethwr used the longbow, but not in the way it has become famous. Luring their opponents into ambushes and attacking from safe positions, the Saethwrs would often deal damage from close range before withdrawing. The effect of these Welshmen was often considerable, and Giraldus Cambrensis, a medieval author, recorded that an arrow could easily pierce a knight's leg armour, his leg, his saddle, and then even penetrate to the horse.
