TOTAL WAR WIKI

Blue Guard

Category:	Infantry
Class:	Elite Infantry
Men:	40 / 80 / 120 / 160
Range:	70
Accuracy:	55
Reloading skill:	60
Ammunition:	15
Melee attack:	11
Charge bonus:	15
Defence:	20
Morale:	12
Unit limit:	1
Turns to train:	2
Recruitment cost:	1690
Upkeep cost:	420
Requires
Building
Army Staff College

The Blue Guards are the elite bodyguard unit that serves the rulers of the Netherlands.

All royal guards think of themselves as the elite of their national armies. Sometimes, they are court regiments where a martial appearance is valued more than real soldiering. The Blue Guards, however, have a tradition of fighting, and can shame any line regiment with their discipline and skill. This does not make them popular as they are, of course, all gentlemen and superior to any mere common infantry.

Historically, the Blue Guards began as the personal bodyguard to Protestant William of Orange (later William III of England and Scotland). They followed him as he drove out the Catholic King James II after the “Glorious Revolution” of 1688. They were at the forefront of the attack during the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland in 1690, wading across the river to fall upon James’ line. With William’s claim to the throne secure after James’ defeat, the Blue Guards remained his personal bodyguards until his death in 1702: William could not bring himself to really trust Englishmen. After his death the Blue Guards returned to the Netherlands, and resumed duties there, playing a key role in the War of Spanish Succession.

Abilities

Can guard

Can hide in light scrub

Can hide in woodland

Grappling hooks

Inspires nearby units

Resistant to morale shocks

Technological abilities

Plug bayonet

Ring bayonet

Socket bayonet

Chevaux de frise