A cut above the regular Druzhinnik, Boyars form the upper crust of Russian society, wielding extensive political and economic clout well above the heads of the local krestjany, or tradesmen, who form the burgeoning mass of Russian society. As such, it can be expected that the Boyarnik Cavalry will provide the nucleus for the elite components of the Russian army, namely in terms of hitting power, given their access to the best weapons, and sufficient leisure time for training. Compared to other units, such as normal knights, Arab fursan or the Byzantine pronoiaroi, the Russian Boyarnik has a speed advantage — although in combat with the French (who have the same bonus, and extra power) or the Byzantines (who have superior hitpoints and toughness), the Boyarniks might yet lose out.