Doppelsoldner

Overview
Doppelsoldner is an expensive but powerful melee unit offered by the Germans. The Doppelsoldners wield great two-handed swords, the "Zweihänder", this enables a passive "splash" attack where nearby enemies suffer damage. They are good against light infantry and cavalry. Doppelsoldners have a high siege rating and can raze buildings quickly. Ranged units are particularly effective against Doppelsoldners.

History
Doppelsöldner (double Mercanary) were front line infantry troops. First used in the 16th century by German states this soldier was paid double because of the extra risk involved in fighting on the front line. Historians believe the role of Doppelsoldners was to smash though formations of pikeman; using the Zweihänder a sword up to 180cm in length, it was designed to break the pikes or disarm them to attack the vulnerable pikeman.