Xianbei Lancers

Overall strategy
The Xianbei have always staked their fame on their horsemanship, and this mercenary unit is no exception. He may not be as fast nor as hard-hitting as a Turkish Lancer, but the Xianbei Cavalryman has better armour to make up for it, making him ideal as a heavy cavalry mercenary unit for hire.

Background
The Xianbei were a confederation of nomadic tribes that inhabited the steppe region to the north of China during the Jin Dynasty and the succeeding Northern and Southern Dynasties. The best-known and most politically successful group within the Xianbei federation were the Tuoba Xianbei, who founded the Northern Wei Dynasty, a major power in the north during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. The Xianbei who migrated into China were Sinicized (made Chinese in character or form) over time, adopting the customs and the way of life of the Han Chinese (who formed the majority of the population). Those who remained on the steppes, on the other hand, maintained their traditions and eventually developed into other ethnic groups.