Long Rifle Men (ETW Unit)
These infantrymen are tough, resourceful and excellent marksmen, even with their smoothbore shortened, sea-pattern muskets.
Overview
The fur trade which thrives in the American frontier forests is a rich source of men who are reliant on their marksmanship for survival. With no ready access to the kind of manufactories found in Europe, this hardy and self-sufficient breed have learnt to fashion their own rifles. The guns themselves reflect the demands made by their environment. With an unusually long rifled barrel, they are far more accurate than any smooth-bore musket, an important factor when powder and shot are hard to come by and game must be stalked for many hours before a shot can be taken. This distinctive design is however slightly awkward to reload.
The skills of the hunter translate well to the battlefield, especially when employed against regular troops who often have no experience of such tactics and no answer to a foe who appears as if from nowhere and will not then stand still to be shot at. Adept at concealing themselves amongst trees, these men can stalk any prey, remaining hidden as they slowly move within range.
Description
Long Rifle Men are the Colonials answer to the demands of the American terrain. These men may not be as professional as their European counterparts but they are much better at using the terrain. They can hide almost anywhere on a map when not firing. Their accuracy is much superior to Smooothbore wielding units. This and their lack of drill means they do suffer from slow reloading times.