[7.4 Egyptian units]
A. Egyptian Infantry
Peasants
Peasants are reluctant warriors, but numbers are useful in
all armies. Forcing peasants to fight is one way of getting
lots of men in the field quickly and cheaply. They have
little tactical sense, and even less willingness to fight -
they would rather be defending their own homes than be
dragged to a battle they neither care about nor understand.
If nothing else, they are useful when there's digging to be
done! They are, however, experts at reading the land and
hiding whenever there is cover.
Skirmishers
Egyptian skirmishers rush forward to pepper an enemy with
javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-
attack can be organised. It is their task to harass and
disrupt enemy units as well as screen the main force of the
army. They are also adept at staging tactical ambushes.
Skirmishers are equipped with a clutch of javelins, a sword
and a light shield. They wear no other armour, and rely on
speed as the best form of protection. This doesn't work
when facing cavalry! Oddly, many Egyptian skirmishers
aren't Egyptians at all, but are recruited from among
foreign communities. When they can be found, Egyptian
generals favour using Thracians for this role as they are
particularly bloodthirsty and known to take the heads of
fallen enemies as trophies.
Slingers
Slingers are highly skilled missile troops but are at a
huge disadvantage in hand-to-hand combat, especially
against cavalry. They can maintain a sustained and
concentrated barrage on enemies and then fall back rapidly
to avoid hand-to-hand combat. Slingers carry a shoulder bag
with many pieces of lead shot (they can also use stones
picked up on the battlefield) and several spare slings
including slings of different length for greater or lesser
range. Other than a knife and a small shield, they carry no
other equipment.
Bowmen
Bowmen are rightly feared for the casualties they can
inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.
They are drawn from the peasant classes of all societies,
as these are the people who need to be skilled hunters in
order to survive. Learning to use a bow well is something
that takes a lifetime and constant practice, and putting
food on the table provides good practice. They are best
used to weaken enemy formations, or placed in a spot where
they can retreat and find protection from other troops.
Pharaoh's Bowmen
Pharaoh's bowmen are skilled archers, the finest to be
found in Egyptian armies. They carry the finest bows
available, and have the abilities - honed from an early age
- to make the best use of their weaponry, making them a
true elite. And with their native toughness and hardy
spirit they are truly impressive warriors, and a fine force
for any of the Pharaoh's generals to have under his command.
Unlike many other archers, these men wear good armour,
giving them protection against counter-fire, but they are
vulnerable - like any archers - if unsupported when
attacked by cavalry.
Nubian Spearmen
These militia-like soldiers can fight in harsh conditions
and they are cheap defensive troops for the Pharaoh's
armies. Armed with a long, thrusting spear and a large
wooden shield, these men are primarily defensive and can
hold their own against cavalry. However, they can also be
formed into phalanxes and sent against other infantry.
Their lack of training and armour means that they should
not be used to attack armoured or elite troops. Nubian
spearmen were originally recruited in the south, but since
it is not uncommon for a Nubian soldier to be rewarded with
land for his service, they can be found in every part of
the Pharaoh's realms.
Nile Spearmen
These well trained spearmen are the mainstay of many
Egyptian armies, thanks to their all-round defensive
abilities. They wear light padded armour - hardly
surprising given the incredibly hot climate of home - and
carry large shields. They do not carry secondary weapons at
all, and rely entirely on their spears in combat. This
means that they are best employed to hold a defensive
position against cavalry, or as a rough phalanx to take on
other infantry by 'push of pike' and weight of numbers.
These men are better trained than some other Egyptian
forces, such as Nubian spearmen, and will hold more often
as a result.
Desert Axemen
These superior soldiers are recruited from among desert
dwellers, and are equipped with sharp axes and wooden
shields by the order of the Pharaoh. It is their job to
stand in line of battle and hack into an enemy formation or
position. They are very useful against other infantry -
including armoured infantry - but they are less able to
defend themselves against cavalry attacks. They are hardy
folk in the lands at Egypt 's borders and well suited to
life as soldiers in the Pharaoh's army; they do not tire
easily and shrink from few enemies.
Pharaoh's Guards
The Pharaoh's Guard are the true elite of any Egyptian army,
armoured spearmen sworn to defend the Twin Crowns to the
death! They may have ceremonial duties, but these are also
soldiers for the working day. These are superbly trained
and disciplined spearmen, capable of standing against
almost any enemy in almost any circumstances. They are
trained to form a phalanx making them an effective
attacking force as well. Recruited from among the higher
ranks of Egyptian society, they have an interest in seeing
the state and the Pharaoh's power survive.
B. Egyptian Cavalry
Desert Cavalry
Desert cavalry are fast moving horsemen armed with axes for
close combat. They are not heavily armoured, but do have
shields for protection, giving them good prospects of
surviving in melee. They are well suited to hunting down
skirmishers and other infantry, but may suffer undue
casualties against heavier cavalry forces. These are hardy
soldiers, and untiring in combat, as might be expected from
recruits taken from desert dwelling people at the margins
of Egypt 's lands.
Nubian Cavalry
Nubian cavalry are lightly equipped raiders who are perfect
for flanking attacks on an enemy line. They are recruited
into the service of the Pharaoh from the upper reaches of
the Nile . They are superb horsemen, proud and
independently minded. Nubians do not wear armour, but then
this is only to be expected among people from such a hot,
harsh climate, but they carry good war gear otherwise: a
shield, a spear for the initial charge, and a sword so that
they can fight effectively in close combat. They can be
used to mount rapid charges against enemies, but if asked
to charge spearmen they will suffer excessive casualties.
They can also be used to pursue fleeing foes and cut down
isolated enemy units.
Nile Cavalry
Nile cavalry are mail-armoured spearmen capable of
delivering a decisive blow. Although they do not carry
shields, they are a useful force for any commander thanks
to their training and motivation. These men are recruited
from among the elite of Egyptian society. They are given
land for their service, the amount depending on rank and
length of service.
Camel Archers
These camel-mounted archers are effective skirmishers,
especially in deserts. These men are good bowmen and
untiring fighters thanks to their harsh upbringing. They
can move swiftly, staying away from most infantry and other
skirmishers. When attacked by cavalry they are at an
advantage should a melee ensue. The very smell of camels
can upset horses in battle and a cunning commander can use
this to his advantage.
Chariots
Chariots are fearsome devices, and have scythe blades to
cut down any infantry foolish enough to stand when charged.
The armoured crews carry swords to cut down opponents.
Egyptian armies have a long and distinguished history of
using chariots in warfare. Their charioteers are also more
disciplined and controlled than those of other nations.
These are not subtle troops, and their chief power lies in
a headlong charge into an enemy formation. Each chariot is
pulled by powerful horses, and the deserts are an ideal
place for them to be used to full effect.
Chariot Archers
Chariot archers are highly skilled - they can hit targets
while their chariots are moving at high speed. The scythes
attached to each chariot axle make them even more deadly.
They have the speed of cavalry and the staying power of
infantry, and this makes them a powerful weapon for any
commander; the Egyptians have also had many centuries of
experience in using chariots in warfare, particularly on
desert battlefields. Each chariot is under the control of a
driver, leaving the archers to concentrate on their killing
work; all wear high quality armour.
General's Bodyguard
This general has a bodyguard of chariot archers to
accompany him onto the field. Armed with bows, these men
are able to deliver powerful attacks in any circumstances.
Each chariot is pulled by powerful horses, and the deserts
are an ideal place for them to be used to full effect. The
general can inspire his men by his presence and bring a
powerful force quickly to bear on a critical part of the
battlefield. Egyptian armies have a long and distinguished
history of using chariots in warfare and their charioteers
are more disciplined and easily controlled than those of
other peoples.
C. Egyptian Siege
Onagers
The onager is a catapult jokingly named for the tremendous
kick it has when fired at the enemy (an "onager" is a wild
ass). This war machine is powered by a twisted spring of
animal sinew ropes, the most elastic substance available.
The throwing arm is held in tension by the sinews. When
pulled back and held by a catch it can fling a boulder with
considerable speed and range. This version can be used for
reducing stone fortifications, but it can also be used on
the battlefield for destroying enemy artillery and
harassing troops (although admittedly by killing some of
them outright). The onager can also be used to launch
incendiary missiles such as firepots, making it a versatile
piece of artillery to any commander.
Heavy Onagers
The heavy onager is an enormous catapult built using the
same basic design as its sibling and capable of smashing
down stone fortifications. It is powered by a twisted
bundle of animal sinew ropes, and is slow to wind back and
reload. Its missiles are devastating, and it can also fire
incendiary firepots. Range is no more than the smaller
onager and this makes the heavy onager susceptible to
counter fire. Often, it is best employed alongside smaller
artillery to deal with enemy fire.
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