Alongside the common infantry, Elector Counts and Burgomeisters can normally count on more specialised troops. These are the Pistoliers, a very effective light cavalry, and Greatswords, an elite heavy infantry that forms the lord`s personal guard. These units are very expensive to equip and maintain, and are therefore always less common and fewer in number than basic State Troops. To commit such troops in battle is a serious matter for an Empire general and is often regarded as a last resort.