Hessian Line Infantry (ETW Unit)

Hessian Line Infantry (ETW Unit)
Class	Line Infantry
Unit Size	160 men
Weaponry	Muskets
Morale
Melee Attack
Ranged Attack
Defence
Charge Bonus
Accuracy
Range
Ammunition
Region	The Americas
Recruitment Cost	800
Upkeep Cost	200
Turns to Build
Unit Limit
Building Requirements	Magistrate
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	Can Guard Can hide in woodland Grappling Hooks

Overview

“Marching regiments” or “line battalions” make up the majority of units in European-style armies. They are so called because they form the line of battle, not because they always deploy in lines. Indeed, over time the capabilities of line infantry should improve as new tactics, drill and weaponry are developed.

These soldiers carry muzzle-loading, smoothbore muskets firing lead balls as wide as a man’s thumb. These are inaccurate weapons, effective only over 200 paces or so and when fired in massed volleys. The ability to fire and reload with machine-like regularity with shot and bullet flying and comrades falling all around is what wins battles.

Historically, in many armies colonels received a fee to raise regiments, which remained their personal property and commands. They jealously guarded their rights to appoint friends, relatives and hangers-on as regimental officers. This contractor system, however, allowed unscrupulous officers to make handsome profits by pocketing the pay of non-existent soldiers. The better colonels did take a pride in their regiments, spending their own fortunes on good uniforms and weapons. The capabilities of a “standard” line infantry unit therefore varied between nations and over time. It wasn’t until the 1760s that anything approaching uniformity of drill, equipment and regulations became the norm.

Line infantry regiments remained unchanged throughout the period, and their organisational pattern still forms the basis of modern military units.

Unit Details

Hessian line infantry are slightly inferior to regular British line infantry in every way. However, early in the game they can be recruited in almost any city (including civilian buildings) and are cheaper to field and maintain, so they do have the benefit of flexibility. They are particularly useful when attempting to defend Rupert's Land from the aggressive Hurons in the first few turns. They are also available to the Thirteen Colonies, but not the United States. There is a limit of five units at any one time. Historically, Hessians were soldiers from German states that came to the aid of the British during wars in the Americas. Although many German states supported the British in its conflict, by far the most troops came from Hesse-Cassel, and so all German troops under British command were known colloquially (and sometimes incorrectly) as Hessians. The Hessians served with distinction on the British side during the American Revolutionary War. They were considered elite and reliable troops. The tradition of Germans serving under the British would stretch up to Waterloo, and a force was even raised to serve in the Crimea.

Factions

• Great Britain