Conscripts (ETW Unit)
| Conscripts (ETW Unit) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Class | Militia |
| Unit Size | 160 |
| Weaponry | Muskets |
| Morale | 6 |
| Melee Attack | 6 |
| Ranged Attack | N/A |
| Defence | 11 |
| Charge Bonus | 9 |
| Accuracy | 35 |
| Range | 70 |
| Ammunition | 3 |
| Region | Europe |
| Recruitment Cost | 830 |
| Upkeep Cost | 200 |
| Turns to Build | 1 |
| Unit Limit | None |
| Building Requirements | Magistrate |
| Technology Requirements | None |
| Attributes | |
These men are legally compelled to serve in the army, on pain of imprisonment or death. As a result, they may not be the most enthusiastic of soldiers!
Overview
Conscripts are usually given basic training of a kind; a measure of drill instruction and enough knowledge of their weapons so that they are less danger to themselves than the enemy. However, it is often impossible to instill military skills and virtues in men who do not want to be in the army, and for this reason their grasp of even elementary tactics may be scant. This can cost lives in battle, as the use of conscripts is to march them towards the enemy en masse, and hope that the enemy cannot kill them all.
Conscription is an easy method of recruiting troops, by simply compelling the adult male population to join the army for a set period or until an emergency ends. Usually, there are enough special exemptions so that the moneyed classes do not have to join the ranks. Conscription is not without its costs: as men are swept into the ranks, the supply of laborers and even skilled workers can vanish almost overnight.
Details
Conscripts are a Militia available to all Republic government types. Essentially a slight upgrade over militia, conscripts are much more expensive to train and maintain, have slightly better accuracy and reloading skills, but have less ammunition meaning they will have to resort to melee sooner than militias. Like most Militia units they should not be relied upon to stand in the heat of battle or outclass a more equipped Line Infantry unit with a superior drill. Also they are particularly vulnerable to melee attacks, especially from Cavalry. Conscripts should be used as a quick and cheap way to restore public order to a settlement.
