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| | {{Faction|image=[[Image:Symbol_milan.jpg|Faction Symbol for Milan]]|Name=Duchy of Milan|Game=[[Medieval II: Total War]]|Religion=[[Catholic]]|Culture=[[Southern European]]}} | | {{Faction|image=[[Image:Symbol_milan.jpg|Faction Symbol for Milan]]|Name=Duchy of Milan|Game=[[Medieval II: Total War]]|Religion=[[Catholic]]|Culture=[[Southern European]]}} |
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| − | =Overview= | + | ==Overview== |
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| | Milan is an Italian faction that begins with the cities Milan and Genoa under its control. | | Milan is an Italian faction that begins with the cities Milan and Genoa under its control. |
| − | These homelands are surrounded by mountains to the north and west and the Mediterranean sea to the south, making it relatively secure from surprise attacks from the more powerful [[Holy Roman Empire]] to the north or [[France|French]] Kingdom to the west. Its weakness then is the other Italian factions - Venice may be a tempting target for early expansion if marching over mountains to attack powerful factions isn't your idea of fun. | + | These homelands are surrounded by mountains to the north and west and the Mediterranean sea to the south, making it relatively secure from surprise attacks from the more powerful [[Holy Roman Empire]] to the north or [[France]] to the west. Its weakness then is the other Italian factions, [[Venice]] and [[Sicily]]. |
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| − | With Venice taken, the Eastern approach into your northern Italian heartlands will be just as secure as to the east and north, and, so long as the faction isn't [[excommunication|excommunicated]], the [[Papal States]] should prevent [[Sicily]] from invading from the south, meaning that, thanks to the richness of the northern Italian provinces, Milan will grow into a rich, and therefore powerful empire that is both secure from attack and has lots of options for whom it should unleash its armies on.
| + | ==Military== |
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| − | Another option (that the AI seams to take a lot) is to push into [[France]] early on, due to the french units in the early period being relatively weak.
| + | Milan's military is primarily defensive, generally not having units designed for offense. |
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| − | As with other Italian factions, these armies are likely to be composed of quality militia units and various castle-trained troops to augment the armies, and fill in roles that the militia cannot perform, Bern, north of Milan, is a good target to produce troops for this purpose.
| + | ''Infantry'' |
| − | The gunpowder selection includes both musketeers and monster ribaults.
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| − | As a trading faction, ships are of a very high quality.
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| | + | Like the other Italian factions, Milan has access to the extremely effective Italian militia units, which really start to shine - literally - when their armour gets upgraded. Milan also has access to effective crossbowmen, which are trainable at cities. If there is a need for heavier infantry, Milan can train dismounted knights from medium-level castles, as well as the unique dismounted broken lances from high level cities. |
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| − | =Unique units=
| + | ''Cavalry'' |
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| − | Genoese crossbowmen can be recruited, in both militia and castle-trained variants. These are pavise crossbowmen that can fight in melee if the situation is desperate enough for them, and have a strong defense against other missile attacks. Units men trained in castles are a lot stronger at both shooting and in a melee than the militia trained men. Famiglia Ducale, which are heavy cavalry, can be trained in cities.
| + | Milan has actually a rather nice variety of cavalry units to train, ranging from the cheap merchant cavalry militia units to the powerful broken lances. The main weakness in Milan's cavalry is that it completely lacks light cavalry. |
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| − | In most cases, Milanese battle strategy will be conventional, and focussed on defensive battles, with Genoese crossbowmen, artillery or musketeers skirmishing in front of a line of Italian spear militia, with both dismounted and mounted units on the flanks and a Carrochio standard positioned behind the main line of militia. Milan's obvious weakness is missiles, which are able to cause many casualties against this defensive strategy. Factions with heavier infantry such as dismounted Gothic knights or Janissary heavy infantry can also easily defeat Milanese infantry in melee.
| + | ''Missiles'' |
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| − | Milan also has a fairly strong cavalry lineup, with Familgia Ducale and Broken Lances in the high and late periods. Though hardly on par with Gothic Knights, they get the job done. | + | Milan has access to pretty decent crossbowmen, especially the Genoese crossbowmen, which are a militia type unit that has zero upkeep when in cities. Other than that, Milan lacks variety in their missile units. |
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| − | =Milan as an Opponent=
| + | ''Gunpowder'' |
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| − | Milan when controlled by the computer tend to be aggressive and traitorous, and thus should not be trusted, even if allied with them. | + | Milan is one of the wealthier factions, and is capable of producing some of the most effective gunpowder units in the game, such as musketeers and monster ribaults. Milan also has access to decent cannon artillery for assaulting walls. |
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| − | =milan unit list= | + | ==Strategies== |
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| − | ==infantry==
| + | The following are some suggested strategies to use when playing as Milan: |
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| − | '''sergeant spearmen'''-Sergeant Spearmen are professional 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 | + | ''Eastern Offensive'' |
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| − | '''Armoured Sergeants'''-Armoured Sergeants 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 | + | [[Venice]] is Milan's rival. So why not attack it? If you are able to train a large enough force early in the game, it is suggested that you take the city of Venice. This will significantly boost your income due to its trade opportunities, as well as its advanced early game walls, making it relatively secure from attack. Once you've done that, you've basically delivered a hard blow to [[Venice]], as it has lost its main source of income. Remember not to attack the city of Bologna, which is under the control of the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. You do not need to be fighting two factions at once, especially since the HRE tends to have a rather powerful military. So you now have the city of Venice, Genoa, and Milan. Might as well clear Florence out of your way and take the benefits of its fertile lands. At this point you've secured a pretty good kingdom, which is capable of generating a pretty large income. It is then up to you to decide what to do next. Finish off Venice? Head west into France before they start getting more developed? Or take a few of the Mediterranean islands? |
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| − | '''pike militia'''-The pikeman is a staple of the late Medieval army, and the arms of militia mirror those of professional soldiers. 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. | + | ''Island Offensive'' |
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| − | '''Italian militia'''-Local militias play an important role in Italian armies. These militias are organised around city quarters and surrounding towns. Whilst service is compulsory, it tends to be short and most serving it are sustained by a strong element of civic pride. These troops are armed with a short spear and shield and are known for their determination in battle.
| + | If you do not intend on taking [[Venice]]'s lands early in the game, then what you should do is become allies with the HRE, and take the island settlement of Ajaccio, which can be built into a castle. Doing this gives you access to the powerful cavalry and infantry trainable at the castle once you start upgrading it. Just be sure to have your eastern borders secure, as [[Venice]] tends to be a very untrustworthy faction. If you want to boost your income, take Florence. With these settlements under your control, you will soon be able to train superior castle-based units, as well as have a reliable income from the fertile and rich lands of your cities to support your military efforts. What you do next is entirely up to you. |
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| − | '''italian spear miltia'''-Local militias, organised around city quarters and surrounding towns, play an important role in Italian armies. Whilst service is compulsory, it tends to be short and most serving it are sustained by a strong element of civic pride. These spear militia are comprised of more experienced troops with some armour and long spears, making them a tough defensive unit.
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| − | '''dismounted feudal knights'''-Knights would often dismount and fight on foot when the situation demanded it. Dismounted they make excellent heavy infantry.
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| − | '''dismounted men at arms'''-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. | |
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| − | '''dismounted broken lances'''-In medieval Italy, a lance meant a man at arms supported by some lighter troops. The term broken lance, or 'lanze spezzate' refers to men at arms who have been separated from their supporting troops, and hired separately. They are well disciplined professional soldiers who can fight on horseback, but often fight on foot. They are armoured with the finest Italian plate, and armed with a sword.
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| − | ==cavalry==
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| − | '''mailed knights'''-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.
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| − | '''Feudal Knights'''-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
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| − | '''men at arms'''-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.
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| − | '''broken lances'''-In medieval Italy, a lance meant a man at arms supported by some lighter troops. The term broken lance, or "lanze spezzate" refers to men at arms who have been separated from their supporting troops, and hired separately. They are well disciplined professional soldiers who fight as heavy cavalry with unbroken lances, and are well protected by the finest Italian plate armour.
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| − | '''Famiglia Ducale'''-Famiglia Ducale are quite literally the family, and retinue of the Duke. Drawn from the nobility, these units are well equipped and practiced in the art of war. Armoured in plate and wielding lances and swords these units are determined to defend their lord's honour and fight for his interests, whatever they are.
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| − | '''cavalry militia'''-Wealthy Italian cities have many men capable of equipping themselves as heavy cavalry, and turning out as militia in time of need. Well equipped, they might be mistaken for knights, but while effective against other militias, no part-time soldier can match the skill of men trained from birth.
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| − | '''general's bodyguard'''(early)-These truly formidable troops are the general's personal bodyguard who accompany him on the battlefield. Selected for their loyalty and martial prowess these elite warriors fear little and shrug off odds that would crush many other units. Wearing heavy mail or partial plate and wielding lances this unit is capable of devastating charges and riding down most foes.
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| − | '''general's bobdyguard'''(late)-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 the general's personal guard, fiercely loyal and disciplined there is little this unit cannot take on and not come out on top
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| − | '''knights templar'''-The Knights Templar, a fearsome and uncompromising order, were formed shortly after the First Crusade to protect pilgrims. Despite their origins, the order became hugely wealthy and operated the first banking system in Europe. They were disbanded in 1307, after hundreds of Templars were simultaneously arrested and tortured in France on orders from the Pope and the King. Heresy being the main charge. Politics aside, they were famed warriors.
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| − | '''knights hospitaller'''- also known as the Knights of St. John, were established following the first Crusade to protect and treat Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. They are recognisable by their black surcoat with a white cross. An elite and powerful fighting order of well trained knights wearing heavy mail or plate armour and armed with a lance.
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| − | '''mounted sergeants'''-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.
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| − | ==missile cavalry and infantry==
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| − | '''MountedCrossbowmen'''-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.'''PS MountedCrossbowmen are the only missile cavary unit'''
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| − | '''Peasant Archers'''-While most peasants in Europe were levied into the army, at sword point if need be, some welcomed the opportunity to earn some pay, and travel. Their bows are designed for hunting rather than war, so are only effective against lightly armoured foes. They carry a knife for protection, but should be kept out of hand to hand combat, and will probably run away if any seems likely.
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| − | '''Peasant Crossbowmen'''- Far simpler to train in the use of a crossbow than a bow, many generals arm their peasants with crossbows to provide mass missile fire. Peasant Crossbowmen are equipped with a crossbow and have a simple knife for a sidearm. Lucky peasants are armoured in light mail, most peasants though are not lucky and are unarmoured
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| − | '''Genoese Crossbowmen'''-Italians are world renowned for their love of the crossbow, none more so then the Genoese. Genoese commanders value their crossbowmen highly, thus they equip them with brigandine armour and the large Pavise style shield. For use in melee Genoese Crossbowmen are also equipped with a long sword.
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| − | '''Genoese Crossbow Militia'''-Italians are world renowned for their love of the crossbow, none more so then the Genoese. These wealthy militia are equipped with brigandine armour, a large Pavise style shield, and a sword. A certain number of militia units can be supported for free in a city.
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| − | '''Arquebusiers'''-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, smokey and lethal weapon is so intimidating it can cause its targets to run in fear.
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| − | '''Musketeers'''-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
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| − | '''Hand Gunners'''-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.
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| − | ==artillery and siege units==
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| − | '''Ballista'''-These artillery pieces resemble giant crossbows, on a simple wheeled carriage. They can hurl javelins with great accuracy, and the power of these machines means that their bolts can pierce any armour.
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| − | '''Catapult'''- Constructed of wood and capable of flinging stones large enough to crush a man's head, the catapult was a common site on the ancient Roman battlefield. Now in the medieval era, the catapult is being replaced by newer and more powerful weapons
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| − | '''Trebuchet'''-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.
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| − | '''Bombard'''-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!
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| − | '''Grand Bombard''' -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.
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| − | '''Ribault''' -The Ribault, also known as the organ gun due to its many pipes, is a fearsome spectacle on the battlefield. Armed with nine short-ranged barrels, it is often used in the defence of other longer-ranged artillery. Able to fire all nine barrels at once, it makes the enemy think twice before engaging!
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| − | '''Culverin'''-The Culverin is a type of bombard and a fearsome piece of artillery, first used in Germany. It utilises advanced metallurgy techniques, superior construction and better trained crews to outrange and outshoot nearly all preceding bombards. Able to fire solid or exploding shots, the culverin is devastating against enemy walls and lethal against enemy troops!
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| − | '''Monster Ribault'''-Italian inventors have been experimenting with mounting large numbers of gun barrels in one frame. This example features 36 mounted on a wagon much like the standard ribault. It is capable of firing in 6 shot volleys or a titanic 36 shot barrage, thus truly deserving the title of monster.
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| − | '''Carroccio Standard''' -The Carroccio is a wagon bearing the city's standard. It acts as an inspirational focal point for the entire army, driving the men to new heights of bravery. It is guarded by an elite unit, who protect it with their lives
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| | {{M2 Factions}} | | {{M2 Factions}} |
| | [[Category: Medieval 2: Total War Factions]] | | [[Category: Medieval 2: Total War Factions]] |
Overview
Milan is an Italian faction that begins with the cities Milan and Genoa under its control.
These homelands are surrounded by mountains to the north and west and the Mediterranean sea to the south, making it relatively secure from surprise attacks from the more powerful Holy Roman Empire to the north or France to the west. Its weakness then is the other Italian factions, Venice and Sicily.
Military
Milan's military is primarily defensive, generally not having units designed for offense.
Infantry
Like the other Italian factions, Milan has access to the extremely effective Italian militia units, which really start to shine - literally - when their armour gets upgraded. Milan also has access to effective crossbowmen, which are trainable at cities. If there is a need for heavier infantry, Milan can train dismounted knights from medium-level castles, as well as the unique dismounted broken lances from high level cities.
Cavalry
Milan has actually a rather nice variety of cavalry units to train, ranging from the cheap merchant cavalry militia units to the powerful broken lances. The main weakness in Milan's cavalry is that it completely lacks light cavalry.
Missiles
Milan has access to pretty decent crossbowmen, especially the Genoese crossbowmen, which are a militia type unit that has zero upkeep when in cities. Other than that, Milan lacks variety in their missile units.
Gunpowder
Milan is one of the wealthier factions, and is capable of producing some of the most effective gunpowder units in the game, such as musketeers and monster ribaults. Milan also has access to decent cannon artillery for assaulting walls.
Strategies
The following are some suggested strategies to use when playing as Milan:
Eastern Offensive
Venice is Milan's rival. So why not attack it? If you are able to train a large enough force early in the game, it is suggested that you take the city of Venice. This will significantly boost your income due to its trade opportunities, as well as its advanced early game walls, making it relatively secure from attack. Once you've done that, you've basically delivered a hard blow to Venice, as it has lost its main source of income. Remember not to attack the city of Bologna, which is under the control of the Holy Roman Empire. You do not need to be fighting two factions at once, especially since the HRE tends to have a rather powerful military. So you now have the city of Venice, Genoa, and Milan. Might as well clear Florence out of your way and take the benefits of its fertile lands. At this point you've secured a pretty good kingdom, which is capable of generating a pretty large income. It is then up to you to decide what to do next. Finish off Venice? Head west into France before they start getting more developed? Or take a few of the Mediterranean islands?
Island Offensive
If you do not intend on taking Venice's lands early in the game, then what you should do is become allies with the HRE, and take the island settlement of Ajaccio, which can be built into a castle. Doing this gives you access to the powerful cavalry and infantry trainable at the castle once you start upgrading it. Just be sure to have your eastern borders secure, as Venice tends to be a very untrustworthy faction. If you want to boost your income, take Florence. With these settlements under your control, you will soon be able to train superior castle-based units, as well as have a reliable income from the fertile and rich lands of your cities to support your military efforts. What you do next is entirely up to you.
