Uhlans (ETW Unit)
| Uhlans (ETW Unit) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Class | Lancer Cavalry |
| Unit Size | 60 |
| Weaponry | Lance |
| Morale | |
| Melee Attack | |
| Ranged Attack | |
| Defence | |
| Charge Bonus | |
| Accuracy | |
| Range | |
| Ammunition | |
| Region | Central Europe |
| Recruitment Cost | 990 |
| Upkeep Cost | 290 |
| Turns to Build | |
| Unit Limit | |
| Building Requirements | Barracks |
| Technology Requirements | None |
| Attributes | |
These cavalrymen are armed with a long spear or lance that makes them particularly deadly when charging.
Overview
The lance is probably the oldest cavalry weapon. It gives the user a chance to put all the momentum of himself and his charging horse into one very sharp point that can, in the hands of a skilled man, be driven right through any man. This is what makes lances so intimidating to face but, if the lancer does not kill his target, he is then vulnerable. A long lance is a good deal less use in a melee than a sword, and a lancer is at a disadvantage once the close fighting starts.
Historically, many nations used lancers, although the European fashion for them owes much to the uhlans: cavalry raised for Austrian and Prussian service. The French adopted lancers with some enthusiasm, and Napoleon even included Polish lancers in his Imperial Guard. In India the lance had long been used as a weapon, and lancer skills were often improved by “pegging” (picking tent pegs out of the ground with the lance tip) or pig-sticking (hunting wild pigs or even wild dogs with the lance). Native Indian lancers were rightly feared by European troops.
Details
Uhlans are probably best used as shock cavalry due to the high charge they have. The lance is the best weapon for charging but once in melee in becomes to large and ineffective. Thus Uhlans should be used to deliver a terrifying charge, retreat and then charge again, maximising the units strength. Uhlans will not last long in melee against elite infantry or even line infantry once the technology required for bayonets is researched.
