"[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 valor in fighting)."
— Hadith Sahih Muslim
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.
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.
Unit summary[]
- Light melee unique unit, has no armour but very good speed and very devastating attack, capable of ambushing even Knights.
- Jundi Guardsmen are best used as flankers and raiders, and if needed, the frontline skirmishers of your main force.
- Jundi Guardsmen are best used as part of a combined-arms force - do not let them be ridden down by cavalry.