For the Napoleon: Total War version of this unit, see Bashi-Bazouks (Napoleon: Total War).
Bashi-Bazouks are a type of melee infantry in Empire: Total War.
Description[]
These irregular troops are often poorly equipped and ill-disciplined, but they can be a very effect, mobile "mob".
Such men have little to do with standard military protocols and practice, or even organisation, often taking up arms in extraordinary circumstances. This lack of discipline means that they can sometimes be extremely brutal, even brutish, in their behaviour. This can work in their favour, in that it gives enemies pause for thought. More typically, their lack of discipline counts against them, and faced with a well-ordered force they can be at a disadvantage. In such a case, their mobility can be a boon, allowing them to harass an enemy and withdraw as soon as the fight goes against them.
General Information[]
Bashi-Bazouks are an uncommon unit type: melee infantry with stealth capabilities. Unfortunately, despite their ability to remain hidden when immobile, Bashi-Bazouks are impractical units, with a small number of men per regiment and very poor defense statistics. However, they are some of the least expensive troops in the game, allowing even the poorest player to generally field a good number of them.