Jundi Guardsmen

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"[O]ne man fights for the spoils of war; another fights that he may be remembered, and one fights that he may see his (high) position (achieved as a result of his valour in fighting)."


— Hadith Sahih Muslim''

In game[edit | edit source]

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Jundi Guardsmen — Vital statistics
Jundi Guardsmen

Light melee unique unit, has no armour but very good speed and very devastating attack, capable of ambushing even Knights.

Prereq: Build time HP LOS Attack Attack speed Movement
speed
Upgrade of
  • Late Mediaeval Era [3];
  • Level 2: Mercenaries Military
10s
(150t)
150 8 27 1.9s
(28t)
40

Hasham.png

Cost Created from Armour Weapon range Specialty
Base Ramp Pop
Timber: 60;
Food.jpg: 60
Timber: 2;
Food.jpg: 2
1 Barracks 1 Melee

Small defensive bonus versus missile infantry.

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Overall strategy[edit | edit source]

Jundi Guardsmen continue to exemplify the fierce and enduring warrior ethos of African empires. Although not as strong as Espadachins in half plate, these men however are still a dangerous foe, sacrificing armour and hitpoints for added speed and attack. In a combat situation, the speed at which these men can move can mean the difference between survival and annihilation.You should use Jundi Guardsmen as a support unit alongside the other units that you control - Pavise Arbalests, Spear Sergeants and Elite Jinetes. Use Spear Sergeants supported by missile troops as your main skirmishing body, and then keep your Jundi Guardsmen in reserve to slash the opponent's infantry. Equally, the quick speed of your Jundi Guardsmen should also allow you to take the offensive to your opponent by border raiding. If an enemy builds a new town and fails to build castles, use your fast-running Jundi Guardsmen to topple his buildings and slay his villagers.

Unit summary[edit | edit source]

  • Flank Attackers — Jundi Guardsmen are best used as flankers and raiders, and if needed, the frontline skirmishers of your main force. 
  • Horsemeat Allergy — Jundi Guardsmen are best used as part of a combined-arms force — do not let them be ridden down by cavalry.
  • Hack is the New Black — Versatility is key to using Swordsmen — they do exceedingly well against archers and possibly fortifications, and will perform well in melee against cavalry too but only if they enjoy crushing superiority.

History[edit | edit source]

Arab armies of the Middle Ages found their foundations in the jund ("army" or "war-bands"), a core of professional warriors which were drawn from the local populace, and trained and drilled to be highly proficient in battle. It was this type of new army, instilled with cohesion and discipline which surprised the Byzantines who had hitherto looked down on the Arabs as cowardly desert raiders. The troops of the Muslim taifas of Iberia often consisted of infantry, due to the broken territory of the south which favoured light cavalry and light skirmishing troops, eschewing heavy armour for mobility and flexibility. The success of this style of fighting can be attested by the long presence of Islam in Spain, which lasted for well over six centuries.