Company Infantry (ETW Unit)
| Company Infantry (ETW Unit) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Class | Line infantry |
| Unit Size | 160 |
| Weaponry | Muskets |
| Morale | |
| Melee Attack | |
| Ranged Attack | |
| Defence | |
| Charge Bonus | |
| Accuracy | |
| Range | |
| Ammunition | |
| Region | India |
| Recruitment Cost | 920 |
| Upkeep Cost | 230 |
| Turns to Build | |
| Unit Limit | |
| Building Requirements | Barracks |
| Technology Requirements | None |
| Attributes | |
Raised in India, these European mercenaries do not fight “for king and country” but for the great East Indies trading companies.
Overview
Company infantry are professional soldiers drawn exclusively from Europeans, both officers and other ranks. They are members of private armies for the traders, but one that is available to further national needs when required. They fight using European doctrine and equipment as line infantrymen, carrying smoothbore, muzzle-loading muskets. These soldiers are also enforcers, tax gatherers and a potent threat against the local princes in India, even away the battlefield. Native regiments under European officers exist too, but their reliability is doubtful.
Historically, the great European trading companies were often closer to being nations in their own right than business ventures. India was so wealthy that the companies needed armies, not just guards, to protect and expand their interests and prestige. The British East India Company (the “John Company”), the Dutch “Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie” (VOC) and the French “La Compagnie française des Indes orientales” all had their own armed forces; 1 in 5 VOC employees were soldiers!
Details
Identical in statistics to colonial line infantry, Company Infantry are also heat resistant. They are the superior choice for fighting in India when European line infantry are unavailable, although they are more expensive than their Line Infantry counterparts. Line Infantry are the backbone of your army and should be used to combat other Line Infantry units. However they are vulnerable to artillery attacks and cavalry charges to the flanks, as are all Line Infantry.
Factions
