Bashi-Bazouks (ETW Unit)
These irregular troops are often poorly equipped and ill-disciplined, but they can be a very effective, mobile “mob”.
Overview
Such men have little to do with standard military protocols and practice, or even organization, often taking-up arms in extraordinary circumstances. This lack of discipline means that they can sometimes be extremely brutal, even brutish, in their behaviur. This can work in their favour, in that it gives enemies pause for thought. More typically, their lack of discipline counts against them, and when faced with a well-ordered force, they can be at a disadvantage. In such a case, their mobility can be a boon, allowing them to harass an enemy and withdraw as soon as the fight goes against them.
Details
Bashi-Bazouks are melee infantry available only to the Ottoman Empire. They are invisible to the enemy when immobile or walking, allowing them to set up ambushes. Unfortunately, they are quite poor in a melee engagement despite their melee-only capabilities; the small size of their regiments are also a hindrance. Bashi-Bazouks are impractical in the long term and should be replaced by more significant melee infantry such as the Cemaat Janissaries.