— The Lay of Prince Igor Gridny Retainers are the infantry retinue of a kynaz, and represent the junior component of the elite forces of the Russian army in the Castle Age. Armed with axes, these units are as heavy-hitting as any heavy infantry, and while they are mostly self-sufficient and do not require food in ramp, they still cost dearly in terms of metal. Thus, only a kynaz who owns proper mines or ample sources of metal may raise sizeable numbers of Gridny to bolster his numbers, alternatively, other units would have to be relied upon. Gridny as part of a greater whole, however, might prove to be advantageous. Less food being spent means that the Russian player may have more to spend on lighter units, especially light infantry and cavalry. Or civics research.