Composition of Russian Armies

[Wintermute]

I have recently started a campaign as the Russians in the High period. I have found them challenging faction as all of the provinces nearby are pretty poor and there is a mongol invasion to deal with.

I have conquored all the rebel provinces and repelled the GH, but now that I am fighting against other factions I am worried that I can't produce and decent infantry. What would anyone recomend for filling my ranks?

Halbardiers are available, but slow and have low morale (countered slightly by bonus buildings and 7/8* generals). Spearmen are available, but some swords would be good as well. I can hive mercenaries, but the guides I have read here recommend against that.

So what else can I do?

[squippy]

Well, mercenaries can, especially over the long term, be more costly than they are worth. But you should not refuse to hire mercenaries point blank if you can make gains with them and strengthen your position.

One thing worth trying for the Russians will be Woodsmen. I believe the Livonia-Lithuania-Poland area can produce Woodsmen, with a valour bonus in Poland IIRC. These are quite cheap, charging, line-breaking infantry. Can you not produce them in Livonia? Maybe a dash for Sweden and Norway would be worth a try.

Also, I would expect that you would be able to build armoured spearmen with the appropriate developements.

[Eastside Character]

Welcome to the Org. Wintermute

The Russians is a faction for cavalry lovers. Extensive usge of HA, Boyars, Druzhinas, Heavy Steppies and other cavs is what I recommend. But as for infantry, when facing enemy swordsmen, I'd use some arbs and maybe even Woodsmen (who have bonus against armored troops). What Russians lack the most, from a strictly historical point of view, is a strong axe unit (sth like weaker Varangians). I enjoy playing them very much tho, as all I really need is a fine selection of their cavs

Regards,
EC

[SwordsMaster]

Lithuania has +1 for woodsmen,and what russians do have is lots of religious buildings that add morale,in Novgorod in my current campaign i have +5 morale due to Monastery,Cathedral and Sanctuary or Capel(i dont know haow its called) so the Halberdiers are a healthy option...they still dont stand for a long while against swords,but you have plenty of cavalry to destroy the swordsmen....

Use the boyards,theyre impressive,and heavy steppe cavalry against swordsmen,and another tip:

Use the woodsmen extensively against armoured pikemen and any kind of armoured spear.

hope this helps