Hussars (ETW Unit)

Hussars (ETW Unit)
Class	Light Cavalry
Unit Size	60 Men
Weaponry	Sabres
Morale
Melee Attack
Ranged Attack
Defence
Charge Bonus
Accuracy
Range
Ammunition
Region	Europe
Recruitment Cost	910
Upkeep Cost	270
Turns to Build
Unit Limit
Building Requirements	Drill School
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	Can hide in woodland Paths seldom trod Good stamina

Hussars are light cavalry, used as skirmishers and for scouting ahead of an army.

Overview

These superb horsemen are a force that can be used as a screen by the main army, or for strategic scouting to locate the enemy. They are armed with curved sabers and smooth-bore carbine muskets. Their gaudy, almost popinjay uniforms should not lead enemies to underestimate them as mere dandies – these are trained, disciplined and dangerous soldiers.

Hussars have a certain swashbuckling attitude towards the business of warfare, and the bandit origins of the Hungarian “huszárok” are certainly evident. Even non-Hungarian hussars cultivate a slightly barbarous air, and little private or enemy property is safe when they are around! Oddly, they are also unusually democratic, and troopers expect to be consulted by their officers before attacking the enemy, again probably a legacy of their brigand heritage.

Historically, many nations adopted hussars after the Austrian type proved successful, and military fashions were also influenced by the hussars’ splendid and elaborate uniforms. Hussar uniforms became slight caricatures, but remained very fashionable and popular, particularly with ladies – perhaps it was the very tight breeches that were so appealing.

Details

Hussars are superb light cavalry, among the finest in the game. They have the highest speed and stamina of any unit in the game, allowing for rapid repositioning on the battlefield, chasing retreating infantry, and fighting in pitched combat if need be although they tend to suffer heavy casualties against prepared foes. However, they lack the armor to go head to head with heavy cavalry such as Life Guards.

Hussars are ideal for wide sweeping maneuvers in an attempt to reach unprotected artillery. They are also good for luring enemy regiments away from the focus of the battlefield.

Not all nations have access to hussars, notably the colonial powers of France, Spain, and Great Britain.

Factions

• Austria
• Poland-Lithuania
• Prussia
• Russia
• Sweden
• United Provinces