Scots (ETW Unit)
These musket-armed troops use massed volleys to break an enemy, relying on discipline to withstand any counter fire.
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.
Details
Scots can be used as normal line infantry due to their remarkably similar stats. Though more expensive in terms of both upkeep cost and recruitment cost, Scots have superior melee stats. This means they no have to be guarded from cavalry charges from the front (though heavy cavalry will beat them) but are still vulnerable to charges from the back. They will of course be beaten in a head to head melee against heavy infantry and guard units.