| |
Conan, King of Cimmeria
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Emerging from north of the Black Sea, the Cimmerians warlike culture wiped away the
few nomadic tribes that dared stand before them. Continuing westward, they currently seek to control Raetia. Their people choose the strongest and smartest of their warriors to lead them. Taught from early childhood the Secret of Steel, they are weapon masters without fear, hardened by their land and brutal blood-letting upbringing. The heroes of even the mightiest kingdoms would hesitate to take on the best from Cimmeria. The people are tall, strong, and with light colored eyes and long, unbraided hair. Even their women are tough: a woman must kill an enemy warrior of Cimmeria before she is allowed to marry. The Warrior Blood Advantage means their initial brigades start with one level higher experience than do other kingdoms.
Not only are their infantry strong of limb and expert in individual combat, wielding two handed axe or sword, and well armored, but their Military Caste system means they are well led, and start with the advantage of two additional military leaders of high rank. Because the Cimmerians use only slaves as archers and have strong, but few cavalry, they are mainly dependent on their powerful infantry to win battles. While this is indeed an advantage in restrictive terrain and against PC’s, the Cimmerian player must be careful not to risk his fine warriors in a battle in the plains against an opponent either with predominant cavalry or otherwise of fast speed.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Caesar, Emperor of Rome
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
From the dizzying heights of eternal glory to a cold stare into the precipice of oblivion,
Rome prepares to make its last stand. Sensing a desperate chance to reclaim empire even while the barbarians are battering down the gates, it acts. Rome has been the epitome of a long lived empire. Its greatness spanned all dimensions of statehood, from the legendary military might of its disciplined legions and their renowned commanders, to its system of commerce, its infrastructure, the stability of its far-flung provincial governments, and its network of spies. Honed over centuries of conquest, the Roman legion remains the unmatched standard for military proficiency. It is equally suited to storming a well defended town as it is to fighting a pitched battle in any terrain. The prudent Roman commander will, however, avoid exposing the infantry-centric legion to battle in the plains against cavalry.
Rome's well-oiled system of government provides it with the National Heritage Advantage: two additional commands available each turn, as well as a powerful High Priestess. Its officer core remains intact, with brilliant military leaders like Stilicho and Aetius, who defeated Attila at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains. These provide the Roman player with the Military Caste Additional: two additional high ranking military leaders. And of course, Rome relies on its famous legions, imparting the Warrior Blood Advantage: its initial brigades start with one level higher experience.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Scythian King Mithridates
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Mithridates ruled an empire that rivaled that of Rome, and was a great enemy
of that state. It was said that he was directly descended from Alexander the Great, could speak the languages of all twenty-two nations he ruled, and had hardened himself against poison. The Scythians are an ancient people, with a proud culture and known for their fierce warriors. With very pale skin, fiery red hair, deep blue eyes, and often with full body tattoos of mythical beasts, their visage is in contrast with the people of the other kingdoms. They have a long-lived line known as the Royal Scythians, a noble court as clever and well-established as any, and as such begin with the Powerful Nobles Advantage, bestowing the Scythians with a Count and an additional Provincial Governor character.
Their military is the most balanced of any among the arms of archers, cavalry, and infantry, giving them great flexibility and making them a tough opponent for any enemy. They are famous for their archers, for their infantry wielding the sagaris, a weapon of their invention that was like a single-headed axe, and for their scythed chariots. A smart Scythian player, like his historical predecessor, will choose a variety of mercenary types to augment his national force depending on their particular mission.
|
|
|
