Turks: Best spear unit is ?

[Shahed]

Points taken.

First of all I'd like to clarify my game a it more. I only have 3 castles, Caesarea, Smyrna, Tiblisi. Along the North African coast I intend to have only castles, but anyway that's the whole other direction. Basically I will make Tiblisi my stronghold for the Mongols and Timurids. I'll produce and replenish troops from there. Basically the only castles I want are the fringes of empire. I'm already starting my army buildup and already have 20+ DSLs, out of 4 full stacks sitting near Tiblisi. Actually one of those stacks is training killing rebels in Russian territory (with military access).

SM = Saracen Militia
DSL = Dismounted Sipahi Lancers

Advantages of SM over DSL:

• Difference of 15 men in favor of SM over DSL
• Free upkeep in cities
• Schiltrom formation
• Lower Upkeep in the field
• Easier to replenish
• Less drain on military production

Can someone do the math on the manpower ? Puzz ?.

What about the schiltrom, it does'nt seem to help much, does it ? They still get slaughtered.

Money is not an object as I have more than enough positive cash right now. that will change with Black Death, naturally.

The supply castle is near so that's not an issue, but it probably will be an issue to focus on DSL rather than let's say Kapukulu or Turcomen.

It boils down to the schiltrom, the manpower difference (i.e what mathematical advantage/disadvantage does it give) IMO.

I've tested both in custom and both are completely shattered by Khan's Guards. The 15 men don't seem to help, neither does schiltrom.

I'm just starting to build infantry now, solely for the Mongols.
Would love to see the Naffas, must be cool. Janissary acrchers are cool as well, Ottoman Infantry is decent, bows and swords, perfect.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that DSLs can be upgraded to splint mail while SM can only be upgraded to Heavy Mail. This gives DSLs 1 more point of armor, for what it's worth.