TOTAL WAR WIKI

Swiss Guard

Category:	Infantry
Class:	Elite Infantry
Men:	40 / 80 / 120 / 160
Range:	70
Accuracy:	55
Reloading skill:	60
Ammunition:	15
Melee attack:	13
Charge bonus:	16
Defence:	20
Morale:	12
Unit limit:	1
Turns to train:	2
Recruitment cost:	1700
Upkeep cost:	420
Requires
Building
Palais Bourbon

These Swiss soldiers are the trusted guards of the King’s person and his residences and, like all Swiss troops, are disciplined and well trained men.

Resplendent in bright red uniforms, the Swiss Guard is recruited in the cantons of Switzerland. Armed with smoothbore muskets, these men are not just a decorative, court regiment, but very capable warriors, certainly the betters of ordinary line infantry units. Their origins mean that they can be trusted not to involve themselves in French conspiracies. French monarchs are not the first to realise that foreign soldiers are often hated and distrusted more than the monarchy itself by many internal enemies! The Swiss Guard, therefore, live and die in the service of the throne because, viewed cynically, their survival demands it.

In August 1792, France was in turmoil. King Louis XVI (1774-92) was a hollow, hated figurehead. The Swiss Guard were his last line of defence, guarding the Tuileries Palace when the revolutionaries attacked. The Bourbons escaped, but hundreds of their loyal Swiss Guards were killed. Many survivors succumbed to their wounds or were murdered during the September Massacres. Finally, in 1821 a statue was erected in Lucerne to commemorate the sacrifice made by the Swiss Guard. It depicts a dying lion, symbolically protecting the French monarchy.

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