Isarelys are the closest thing the Ottoman Empire has to Line Infantry in the early game: they are the only early-game infantry the Ottomans have that can form squares and utilize bayonets. This lack of standardisation did not matter much, as it was the ability to fire at all that made the unit a useful force.
Historically, such units of irregular musket men would arrive at a battlefield with all kinds of weapons, from ancient matchlocks handed down from father to son, to modern government-issue weapons looted from the enemy dead. The noise of a volley is often enough to frighten, and any casualties in the enemy ranks are a bonus. It is in God’s hands as to what happens next!Įven the most inexperienced or cack-handed of peasants can be useful with a musket in his hands. Once the basic skills of loading have been mastered, it is simply a matter of pointing the loud end at the enemy and pulling the trigger. These musketeers are a useful addition to any force, even if they lack the fire discipline of regular soldiers.įor all its smoke and noise, handling the smoothbore, muzzle-loading musket can be taught to all but the most stupid of men.
Isarelys are a type of line infantry in Empire: Total War.
