"Military Troops can be broken into eight categories: Infantry, Cavalry, Archers, Transportation, Siege, Mercenaries, Special and finally Ranked Troops.

"Infantry" Ul'rursh begins "is the backbone of any army. If trained and managed correctly, the Infantry is a force to be reckoned with, with their heart-trembling march, they make up the mass body of the army and are a key element of an effectively planned army. To begin using Infantry, you must research the following technologies: Barracks -> Training Grounds. Once researched, you can view your Infantry by clicking on Military -> Infantry.

"You will soon realise that Infantry units are the cheapest conventional troops you can hire, which makes them a good candidate for defensive troops. But bare in mind that Infantry troops are subject to a offensive volley from the defending settlement's archers when you raid, so a strategically planned defending settlement can easily reduce your mass Infantry to rubble." He dodges a hurled spear from a nearby soldier and sends one back at him, which pierces the soldiers neck.

Ul'rursh waits a moment, as if remembering another one of his tales, he doesn't seem so bothered he just killed someone..
"Look out for the name Warlord Apoca. His use of Cavalry is famous, mainly because he used the dead horses as a wall against Sebakt but that is a story for another time." He smiles remembering the days of old.

He remembers he has a job to do.
"Cavalry can be light enough to harass Archers, plunder or to aid a small skirmish. At the same time, Cavalry can also be heavy enough to power its way through heavy Infantry and force your adversary to rethink their strategy. Whatever your strategy, don't forget that Cavalry is a strong instrument of war and shouldn't be neglected." He chuckles, for the first time ever
"If you hate Cavalry though, don't forget to add a Ditch or, as Warlord Apoca did, use dead horses as Siege!" he laughs.

"Worth noting if the fact that Cavalry troops are the most expensive form of conventional units, and this is partly because of their unmatched offensive power, but mainly because they have the ability to charge the enemy Archers before the commencement of the actual battle, giving your army an edge over the defending settlement. To begin using Cavalry, you must research the following technologies: Barracks -> Stables. Once researched, you can view your Cavalry by clicking on Military -> Cavalry." A horseman rides up to Ul'rursh with his sword drawn, Ul'rursh lets out a war cry and leaps for the horse which did seem rather odd but the sheer size and power of Ul'rursh ensured the horse toppling over and crushing its rider. A volley of arrows fly, a whooshing sound lets the attack be known. Ul'rursh dives for cover under the dead body of the man he pierced through the neck. "BLODDY ARCHERS" he roars as if he is in a real battle.

Turning back to you "Now, Archers are mighty in numbers. Archers are the ideal defensive troop behind colossal walls and mighty towers, and allow you to nibble away at the invading army by launching a special pre-battle volley at the invading army. Not only do you get the benefit of their range, but behind a fortified settlement their defense multiplies. Who said a bow was a coward's weapon? Probably the one who turned to flee but was struck in the back! May Ethelinda's Shield ever be present for those who need it. From a joke to a serious comment, the effect was lost on you no doubt.

"To begin using Archers, you must research the following technologies: Barracks -> Archery Range. Once researched, you can view your Archers by following this step: Military -> Archers.

Ul'rursh looks at you knowingly
"Do you remember when your grandfather, father, uncle or brother used to tell you them stories of legendary heroes and deadly creatures which would destroy all in their path? Well those 'stories' were true! Bring the legends from the Greek and Norse mythology to life and see their path of destruction unfold before you" he spreads out his arms as if reliving a moment.

"The research plans for these Mythologies, once you have met the requirements, can be located and viewed at Research -> Special Research. Note that you can only choose one mythology and your choice is irreversible. The troops offered by the mythologies are called Volunteer troops, since your settlement receives a random amount of these troops everytime you end a turn, providing you have some unemployed soldiers. The wonderful thing about volunteer troops is that they required no upkeep, and coupled with their special abilities in battle, they are quite capable of turning the tides of battle. You can view all special troops by clicking on Military -> Special troops.

"Imagine this" Ul'rursh says, as if wanting you to think more than he was already showing you, as images flashe before you the landscape changes to reflect what he was saying. "You come across the seven seas, over a vast stretch of land, through the dangerous jungle and around the roaring river only to be presented to walls and towers." He searches you for an answer; he flings his arms up into the air "Don't turn back red-faced! Knock them down with your mighty siege engines! To begin using Siege, you must research the following technologies: Barracks -> Siege Foundry. Once researched, you can view your Siege by clicking on Military -> Siege Engines." Ul'rursh changes his robes into armour, with some alien coat-of-arms.

He looks at you, wondering if there is more than a speck of greatness in you "Sometimes we are ambitious, maybe too ambitious but occasionally the gamble pays off and we strike it rich and we may still have an arm and leg to enjoy our winnings! Mercenaries are bound by the honour of their sword and not by pacts made by deceiving tongues. Strong and often reliable, Mercenaries are a key troop on the battlefield and can wreak havoc on an unprecedented scale. Warlord Abyss was a Master at this" he spitted with contempt. "Who said you couldn't buy loyalty?" he stares at you momentarily and then speeds off and jumps into a cart, or something, and relaxes a little.

"To begin using hired muscle, otherwise known as Mercenaries, you must research the following technologies: Mercenary Camps. To view which Mercenaries are available to you, click on Military -> Mercenaries. Remember that you need Reputation points to use Mercenaries, and everytime you use Mercenaries your reputation points will decrease.

"With our tour nearly at an end, stranger, I feel younger. I love remembering this glorious past of mine. Let me thank you before I forget." He places his hand on your shoulder and squeezes gently. "Onwards! To the end of the tour we march. Transportation Units: Basic plunder is fine, just like mindless destruction can be a good thing but why settle for little when you can settle for something much bigger? Be smart. Use your Transportation units to move huge quantities of resources from your adversary's settlement to yours, without them your plunder missions will be in vain! To begin using Transportation units, you first must research Trading Post which can be located under Research -> Special Research."

"With no structure and no leadership, an army is bound to fall prey to desertion and eventually a band of Mercenaries may form. That is why Officers play a crucial role in managing the army, to increase its damage potential; whereas a General commands the field to bend the battle to his will so that at the end of the bloody day victory is yours. To begin the basic training of Officers, you must at least have Barracks researched. Once Barracks are researched, under Research -> Special Research the Command Posts special can be found which, once researched, will enable the training of young Officers. To view your Officers, go to Military -> Military Command and there you can assign Officers. Here you can also see additional information, such as cost and bonus attack of each assigned Officer. Ul'rursh pays an Officer who then stands by you. "He'll be with you, until you cut him loose or he is assassinated. Very loyal."

"Officers may boost attack and offer better ways to attack but they are just good at small task forces. The real danger is a General with experience, someone who knows the weaknesses of his army and that of his enemy as well as their strengths and can best use them to his advantage. To acquire a General is not only a lengthy task but also an expensive one. To even think of hiring a General, you first must have access to a Command Post, which will then unlock War Colleges which can be located under Research -> Special Research. Now, onto something that may be of interest to you." He keeps a straight-face so not to give you too much information but he feels you already know.