An army which has long been of interest, with which I have failed to achieve their historical success on the tabletop. This may be due to my level of incompetence (smile), however I feel some small changes to the army list may be appropriate.
There are four major 'battles' within the period: Kalka River (1223), Vozha River (1378), Kulikova (1380) and the Ugra River (1480). Kulikova is seen as marking the unification of Moscovy/Russia, and the start of the decline of the Mongols/Tatars. Ugra River marked the end of Tatar/Mongol rule over Moscow, the Mongols failing to cross the river being driven back by Russian archery, and so retreated.
The backbone of the army was cavalry. Prior to the mongol invasion, these were armed with spear only; after they added bows. The native cavalry were supplemented by nomad cavalry, initially Cumans and Petchenegs, later Tatars and Cossacks. Almost throughout the period armies consisted of small contingents from multiple areas, who tended move and stay together. Native cavalry comprised nobles (Dvor or Dvoriani), and their retainers/followers. Prior to unification there is no evidence that these fought separately, and given the small size of some contingents it seems likely that they would or could. Artistic works from Novgorad seems to show this. Dvor may have made constituted the 'forward' regiment(s) at Kulikova. Based on their performance in 1378 and 1380, there seems justification to upgrade (or provide an option to upgrade) the Dvor to Melee Expert. At Kulikova launched a charge that caught and broke the front line of tatars, charged and routed the dismounted Mongol cavalry, and finally then routed the Khan and his best cavalry).
Nomad cavalry were common prior to the Mongol invasion, often in significant numbers (Kalka River 1223); but are rarely mentioned after. Mercenary tatars are recorded after 1380, and Cossacks after early 1400's.
Infantry were used in significant quantity throughout the period. They are in the compulsory in the 'early' list, but have only limited numbers and are optional in the latter list. At both Vozha River and Kulikova large numbers of infantry occupied high ground in the army centre. The early period gives shieldwall and integral archers characteristics, ; the latter characteristic mysteriously being omitted in the post-mongol list; in spite of the infantry been described as 'spearman and their archers'. Separate bodies of archers were recorded on the flanks at Vozha River, but given they were supporting native cavalry against enemy light horse in rough going, (woods and march) these may have been formed troops or skirmishers.
I propose some minor tweaks to the Post-Mongol Russian list, to reflect the performance of the Dvor, and bring them on par with their historical enemies, some additional infantry and mandatory internal allies prior to unification
Sub-general : Any Instinctive (up to 1 prior to 1380, up to 3 after 1380)
Internal Ally generals : Any Instinctive any (1-2 prior to 1380, up to 1 after 1380)
Dvor : optional Melee Expert, optional Shoot & Charge
Dvor may be used in mixed units with Lesser boyars and retainers, upto half per TUG : max 12
Militia Spearmen : Optional : Integral Archer. Numbers : 6 -24 (Not compulsory for Internal Allys)
Militia Archers : option to reclassify as additional Skirmishers
Militia Crossbowmen : restrict to Novgorad only
These proposals are also applicable for the Novgorad list, however I propose that Novgorad Dvoriani be classified as charging lancer,(charge only bows), They are frequently shown in contemporary art in almost complete western armour, with knightly lances, (typically about 3 metres in length and robust not just a 'spear'), and many riding highly decorative protected horses. (definitely one of the prettiest armies of the period). As Novgorad fought mostly western armies so seems appropriate that western influences would prevail. Crossbows were more common than in Moscovy or other eastern provinces, and potentially should be mandatory.
Books / References
Medieval Russia, 980-1584 - Janet Martin
The Formation of Muscovy 1304 - 1613 (Longman History of Russia) – Robert Crummey
The Crisis of Medieval Russia 1200-1304 by John Fennell | 23 May 1983
Osprey Books
Medieval Russian Armies 1250-1500: 367 (Men-at-Arms) - Dr David Nicolle
Kulikovo 1380 - Mark Galeotti, Darren Tan,
Kalka River 1223: by Dr David Nicolle, Viacheslav Shpakovsky,
Armies of Ivan the Terrible: Russian Troops 1505-1700: Russian Armies 1505-c.1700 - Dr David Nicolle & Viacheslav Shpakovsky