The Cacciatrici
Sometimes called "Hunters", the Cacciatrici represent the veteran forces of Sarusa's infantry, fabled for their prowess in combat and excellence in military campaigns, reason as to why the City-State harbors so many mercenary bands. These warriors are often equipped with large polearms and greatswords, such as halberds, billhooks, pikes and poleaxes. They dress themselves in colorful trousers and doublets, whilst wearing large hats adorned with feathers and plums, which might hint they're against armor, however, beneath such garments lies high quality mail and fine steel breastplates, which only adds to the fearsome renown given to these soldiers.
Composition
Tactics
The Cacciatrici standard battlefield tactic is to form a huge square of pikemen (up to 4,000 strong) surrounded by a double rank of halberdiers, swordsmen and crossbowmen. This formation is known as an Ricca (hedgehog) and it presentes the enemy with both an unstoppable force and an immovable object. When on the offense, the Ricca trample everything in its path; in defense, the pikes presents an impenetrable hedge to protect the crossbowmen.
