TOTAL WAR WIKI

Guards

Category:	Infantry
Class:	Elite Infantry
Men:	40 / 80 / 120 / 160
Range:	70
Accuracy:	50
Reloading skill:	55
Ammunition:	15
Melee attack:	9
Charge bonus:	13
Defence:	18
Morale:	11
Unit limit:	6
Turns to train:	2
Recruitment cost:	1590
Upkeep cost:	390
Requires
Building (minimum level)
Army Staff College

The elite foot guards are charged with protecting the persons of the monarch and the royal family.

These troops are equipped in much the same way as line infantrymen, and carry smoothbore muskets as their primary weapons. There, however, the similarities end. Their uniforms are altogether more splendid, marking them out as a superior force, in arrogance if nothing else. This attitude can serve them well in battle, as the guard can hardly be seen to be cutting and running, no matter how hot the enemy fire. They are also expected to do a good job as garrison troops, keeping the royal family safe no matter what the locals might think or be tempted to do by some foolish revolutionary fervour.

Historically, the French Maison du Roi (literally “house of the king”) were the epitome of household troops. They provided a ceremonial guard at every state occasion, and Louis XIV picked them from candidates sent in by each regiment; inappropriate candidates brought punishment on the officers who had sent them! The Prussian “Potsdam Giants” were a quirky household guard, the product of Frederick I’s obsession with very, very tall men and military pomp. Oddly, he wasn’t a very warlike chap at all.

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