Hajduk

By Crusader1307

Appearing around the 16th Century - ''Hadjuks'' were a form of irregualr, peasant Fighting Force - similar to Mercenaries. Found organized in Central and Eastern Europem Hadjuks were widely dismissed as Bandits by most Governments (Kingdoms). It was only after the push by The Ottoman-Turks in the 16th Century did Governments ''recruit'' The Hadjuks as a form of Frontier Infantry and Border Guard. Typically, Hadjuks ''earned'' their keep by attacking wealthy Officers or conducted ''raids'' into various occupied territories. They were typically armed with crude (then) Matchlocks, Pistols, Knives and of course Swords. There was even a ''disorganized'' Cavalry arm - which used shield and spear.

Again, after Conflict - Hadjuks would revert to their status as ''Outlaws'' and once again become hunted by the Kingdom they supported. Typically, no remission of prior crimes were offered - which casued most Hadjuks to ''cut and run'' with as much wealth as they could gather after a Conflict. In the 20th Century, the Term Hadjuk would again be heard, this time associated as ''Freedom Fighters'' in the late 1950s Romanian-Communist Political takeover - when Hadjuk ''Forces'' fought against The Communist Romanian Civil War.