Rome Surrectum II: Pergamon Preview - The Attalid Dynasty
It has been forty-six years since Pergamon won it's independence from the Seleucids. Forty-six years since the forces of Pergamon, under the leadership of Attalus I, held the Gauls at the door step of their kingdom. Forty-six years of honor; of glory; of freedom.
***
The people of Pergamon, therefore, are no strangers to hardship. It has taken forty-six years for Pergamon to grow into the powerful kingdom it is. Trade has blossomed, agriculture has flourished, and industry has advanced. The fortress cities of Attalia and Pergamon house garrisons of the finest soldiers Greek tradition can provide, and harbors and trade routes across the country side bring in precious metals, food, and clothing. Pergamon is ready, ready for the chance to expand into the empire it deserves to be. It's people are proud, it's leader, Attalus I, intelligent, and it's military forces at the peak of perfection!
To the west, the Greeks are no longer the power they were, no longer the threat they had been. They pose little threat to us! Instead, they could be worthy allies; by fostering our Greek cousins with money and training, we could add a formidable ally to our list of friends. The Macedonians, once the rulers of the world, hungrily eye Pergamon as a precious jewel that must be taken - let them! Their time to prove their worth has long past; Alexander breathed his last breath long ago, and his army of legend is no more. Macedonia doesn't know that the jewel they believe is helpless is powerful and vibrant with strength! Let us surprise them! Let us show them that Alexander is not the only one with the power and ambition to forge an empire!
The Gauls, once terrible foes, are now distracted by other nations. Once, they harassed our doorstep; now, they leave it defended by only a few of their barbarian curs. Their position on the Black Sea would bring much more wealth to our nation, and their women and children could be taught the values of Greek society while their men toil as our servants. We have the upper hand! Their chanting and ferociousness are no match against Pergamonian iron! They think that war solves all problems; let us solve our problem with the Gauls in the same manner they do!
And now, to the east, enemies abound. Cities formerly under Macedonian rule now fight for their independence as well; they must be taken, and shown the caring rule of the Attalids! The Seleucids, damn them all, continue to hold onto many cities in the area. They must be taken as well! No longer shall the Seleucids interfere in our lives. No longer shall they raid our homeland! They shall fear our arrows, our spears, our swords, even our hands if it comes to it! We are not alone in our conquest against the Seleucids, however; the Ptolemaics, former Greeks and therefore like brethren to us, take the fight to the Seleucids as well. Let us join forces! With our combined strength, we shall crush them with Greek power and Egyptian strength!
And now we come to the last major player in the world: the Romans. Their conflicts with Macedon are long and protracted. Surely we can ally ourselves with people of a common interest! They're legions travel over the seas eastward into Macedon; why can't our forces do the same? Sparta, once the greatest power in the region; nay, the world, has fallen mightily, but now labors to grow again into the militaristic power it once was! Friends such as the Spartans, once properly leashed, can do no harm to us! It is with these nations at our sides, and the might of our military and the size of our treasury, that we will take our rightful place as the greatest kingdom, nay, empire, in the world!
***
And now, to our historical conclusion. Pergamon never would become an empire. It's allegiance to Rome whilst fighting Macedon would forever bond the Greek city with the Senate of Rome. Attalus III, who was more interested in studying and reading than running his kingdom, nonetheless knew that when he died, a vicious struggle for power would ensue. Rather than watch his kingdom crumble like Macedon had, he instead bequeathed the entire kingdom to Rome. Some argue that this was the right move, and some argue this was the worst move made by the Attalid dynasty. None of that matters now, however; it is up to the player to decide whether they remain a micro-kingdom or expand outwards into a full-fledged empire.
***
Infantry
Akontistai
The Akontistai advance at speed to pepper an enemy with javelins, and then withdraw in good order before a counter-attack can be organised. They are skirmishers and it is their task to harass and disrupt enemy units before the main battle lines clash. They are also adept at staging tactical ambushes.
They are equipped with a clutch of javelins, a sword and a light shield, the pelte, which gives them their name as 'pelte-bearers'. They wear no other armour, and rely on speed as the best form of protection, and this isn't much protection should they be caught by cavalry.
Archer
Archers are rightly feared for the casualties they can inflict, but they are vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.
They are drawn from the peasant classes of all societies, as these are the people who need to be skilled hunters in order to survive. Learning to use a bow well is something that takes a lifetime and constant practice, and putting food on the table provides good practice.
They are best used to weaken enemy formations, or placed in a spot where they can retreat and find protection from other troops.
Slinger
These Hellenic slingers are good missile troops; called to service by their city elders and drilled in basic formations. Unarmoured but disciplined, they fight best from behind walls or from a distance. These are either Greek Colonists or descendents of Greek colonists.
Thureophoroi
The Thureophoroi are a more recent addition to the Greek battle lines – a cross between a heavy peltast and light phalangite, they are a mobile, adaptable unit that hurls javelins and then closes to fight with their stout spears. Well armoured and trained, these are excellent warriors who provide excellent protection to the phalanx flanks.
Machairaphoroi
Machairaphoroi are the Greek versions of the Romans hastati, only in a Greek expression of the Roman warrior. Armed with a sword (xiphos), shield (thureos), helmet, and throwing spears, these warriors are light infantry useful for guarding the flanks of the phalanx and catching enemies unaware due to their speed and intense professional training. Though a newer style of warrior and a departure from the usual phalangites that the Hellenistic kingdoms traditionally fielded, the Greeks did adapt to this kind of mobile soldier well and were able to field legions consisting of these soldiers. Not to be confused with the thureophoroi, who are spearmen with linothorax and a thureos shield, these efficient soldiers are comparable to light or medium swordsmen that help add to the offensive capabilities of the late Hellenistic army and a worthy addition to it's varied roster of soldiers.
Machairaphoroi Epilektoi
Machairaphoroi Epilektoi are a unique late era Hellenic soldier that has been heavily influenced by the Roman way of fighting. If there are similarities then these would be close to the Roman principes in their abilities and roles in battle. Armed with a sword (xiphos), shield (thureos), helmet, and throwing spears, these warriors are light infantry useful for guarding the flanks of the phalanx and catching enemies unaware due to their speed and intense profession training. Though this newer style of warrior is a departure from the usual phalangites that the Hellenistic kingdoms traditionally fielded, the Ptolemies did adapt to this kind of mobile soldier well and was able to field complete legions consisting of these soldiers. Not to be confused with the thorakitai, who are Hellenistic spearmen with chainmail and a thureos shield, these efficient soldiers are trained as heavily armoured swordsmen that help add to the strong offensive capabilities of the late Ptolemaic army and a mainstay to it's varied roster of soldiers.
Pergamon Thorakitai Argyraspides
Mentioned twice in the Achaian League and once in a Seleucid army, Thorakitai were similar to the theurophoroi in that they wore a thureos or oblong shield and bore both throwing spears and a short sword used for fighting once engaged with an enemy battle line. Literally translated as cuirassier, this probably indicates the mail armor that the thorakitai used, likely of Celtic origin.
Argyraspides was the name for Alexander’s Silver Shields and thus this name would represent the most hardened veterans of any Hellenic army. Fighting in the Roman style of throwing missiles, in this case javelins, before engaging in battle, these units would then charge the enemy to break the lines with one heavy assault.
Basilikoi Peltastai
A unit of the Royal Guard (Basilikon) armed in the peltast manner, these men are elite light infantry who combine a devastating javelin attack with skillful swordplay. They are well armoured and, as veterans, they can scatter opposing light troops and even assault the flanks of heavy infantry formations. Tough, mobile, and disciplined, they are one of the best units available to Pergamon. These are the men that will, in time, become the Agema Phalangites.
Ekdromoi Hoplite
The first step in becoming a hoplite was becoming an ekdromoi; a lightly armed and armored warrior whose sole task was to chase down enemy skirmisher troops and destroy them. They had a helmet, shield and spear, and when used correctly can clear the field of enemy long range units.
Taxeis Hoplite
For hundreds of years, hoplites have ruled the battlefields of Europe and even Asia at times. That terrible shieldwall, the "eleuleuleu" cry...the hoplite was arguably the greatest warrior in the entire world.
But those times are gone; the hoplites remain, but their supremacy is shattered, destroyed, gone with the rest of the glories of the ancient past. Now, the Macedonians and their pikes rule the battlefield; struggling hoplites are outmanuevered at every turn, pinned by sarissae and hammered in the flanks by cavalry. But though the supremacy of the classical hoplite may be vanished, who is to say that they cannot aid in this new style of fighting? Perhaps if hoplites were used in conjunction with the might and power of the phalangite, a new purpose and use could be found for them.
And, indeed, the Pergamonians, copying the Macedonians, are wise enough to realize that this is valuable. Thusly, the Taxeis hoplites are drawn from the bold and proud ranks of Pergamon's allies (well, perhaps not so bold and proud if they were subjugated!) and they stand ready to guard the flanks of the phalanx. Though the old spirit remains alive still in these hoplites, it would be best not to depend on them overmuch. Though their beautifully decorated armor and lethal spears lend them a fierce appearance, they are perhaps not as motivated as they could be (being composed of citizens of different city-states fighting together, to lessen chances of revolt) and will not hold back the mighty phalanxes of the successors. Still, use them correctly and they are potent troops indeed.
Phrygian Doryphoroi
The Phrygians were the successors of the Hittites and related to both the Thracians and Armenians. Conquered in the early 7th century BC, Phrygia still had much influence over Greek culture as it was iterated in the poles of Asia Minor. Ionian Greeks owe much of their Eastern influences to the Lydians of central Asia Minor, an offshoot of the Phrygian empire.\n\nBy the 11th century BC, the Phrygians seem to have taken control over much of Asia Minor and were known to have supplied Priam of Troy with help during the events around Homer’s epics. The recollection of Sinope as a town of Phrygian beginnings seems to show their influence even up to the Black Sea. In the end, Phrygia came under Thracian control in the 8th century and never fully recovered after being under Persian and eventually Macedonian control in the 4th century. For the rest of its history, Phrygia would become the place of conflict between Celtic, Roman, Pergamon, and eventually the Byzantine empire.
Pergamon controlled much of Western Phrygia during the 3rd century and as such would adopt their battle customs into their own Hellenistic influences. The Phrygian doryphoroi is a perfect example of this phenomenon. They are employed and armed in much the same way as the Macedonian hypaspists. They fight with a round shield, thrusting spear, and short sword. Armed with the linothorax for greater mobility and bronze armor, the Phrygian doryphoroi are veteran units heavily equipped that fight in the steadily outdated hoplite style of warfare. Regardless of how they are employed, these units are adequately prepared to hold an infantry line or charge lighter infantry.
Agema Phalangites
These men are possibly the best phalangites available in the Greek world! Years of hard training has given them superior skill, while years of war have hardened them in such a way that their morale is almost unbreakable. The Agema were composed of men over 35 years old who finished service with the Royal Peltasts. (In game, this unit also represents Royal Peltastai armed in phalangitai gear - they fought as such in some battles.) The Agema are recruited in the heart of Macedon, as well as several other Greek cities (and nations). They may be expensive, but their ability makes the expense worth it.
Thorakitai Hoplite Epilektoi
Thorakitai are the current iteration of hundreds of Greek military history. Armed with an oblong shield and a thrusting spear, Thorakitai were able to adequately repel all but the heaviest of cavalry. Named for their armor, the linothorax, thorakitai were maneuverable units that fought in the style of the Greek hoplites.
Hoplites of Pergamon
Pergamon, a powerful and rich Greek City-Kingdom, fought in the style of the Successor states – using the Macedonian Phalanx tactics. However not all were trained in this style, and not all could afford to be equipped as such. These men fight in a more old fashioned style of warfare, though they have adopted a longer spear and lighter armour. Though not on par with the Macedonian Phalanx, they can still hold a line in battle and are more than able to deal with less heavily armed opponents, such as the warriors of Galatia.
Their shield depicts Athena, who was widely worshipped in Pergamon, and who often appears on their coinage. Though a relatively new Greek City, Pergamon supported many older cities on the Greek mainland, giving offerings to temples and games; especially to the temple of Athena at Athens.
Pergamon Royal Hypaspistai
Pergamon was the major city of the Attalid Empire under the remnants of the Kingdom of Thrace and the Greek city-states of Asia Minor. Founded in 282 BC, the Attalids would become major supporters of Rome in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Specifically, they were a much younger city-state than those of mainland Greece and as such were forced to assimilate the mythos of others into the heritage of their own polis. Pergamon was a strong supporter of Rome during the 1st and 2nd wars with Macedon and was then bestowed to the SPQR after the Attalids died out so as to prevent civil war in 133 BC.
Pergamon’s Hypaspistai were also based around the “shield bearers” of the Macedonian armies of the mid 4th century BC. Armed with the highest quality arms and armor as could be supplied, the Royal Hypaspists would most likely have been employed as a personal defense force for the ruling family in the palace or the area surrounding it. On the battlefield, they were inevitably aligned on the furthest right of the army’s line, a position of the highest honor. Assuming the general would not have his own personal mounted guard, the Royal Hypaspists would also have been charged with the defense of their leader.
Armed with a thrusting spear and round shield, the hypaspists fought in the older hoplite style. Hypaspists in general were used to guard the flanks of an army’s phalangites. The Royal Hypaspists, however, are so armed and disciplined as they are able to hold a line’s center almost single-handedly. After the initial charge, they are able to draw short swords and fight in the sordid ranks of a drawn-out infantry engagement.
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Cavalry
Thureophoroi Hippeis
The Thureophoroi Hippeis are a type of cavalry available across the Hellenistic world, including Thrace, northern Greece, western Asia Minor, Syria and Palestine. These men are mercenaries -- Thracians, Galatians, Greeks, and others. They are armed primarily with javelins, but also fight as a melee unit. They wield a light spear when charging.
Prodromoi
The lightest of the Macedonian-influenced cavalry, the Prodromoi are the flankers and skirmishers of the traditional Macedonian battle line and are particularly effective against light troops or light Eastern cavalry who are not as used to fighting hand-to-hand. They are not heavily armoured, and do not have shields for protection, relying instead on the old maxim of 'speed is armour'. As a result, they are best used as a hit-and-run force, rather than as soldiers who can indulge in hand-to-hand combat. That said, they are excellent for breaking up skirmishers, attacking lighter infantry such as missile troops and pursuing already broken enemies to prevent them rallying and rejoining a battle.
Aspidophoroi
These lightly armed and armored skirmishers are mounted on horses, and act as a highly mobile anti-archer force. Their speed and relatively decent protection can take arrow fire, and their javelins are best used to disperse the enemy formation before charging.
Lonchophoroi
The Lonchophoroi are a sturdy medium cavalry of Macedonian origin. They are armed with the xyston lance and a heavy shield. Cheaper than the Companions or other heavy cavalry, but still able to pack a real punch as they charge into enemy formations, they fill a vital role in the order of battle.
Xystophoroi
Pergamon was the major city of the Attalid Empire under the remnants of the Kingdom of Thrace and the Greek city-states of Asia Minor. Founded in 282 BC, the Attalids would become major supporters of Rome in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Specifically, they were a much younger city-state than those of mainland Greece and as such were forced to assimilate the mythos of others into the heritage of their own polis. Pergamon was a strong supporter of Rome during the 1st and 2nd wars with Macedon and was then bestowed to the SPQR after the Attalids died out so as to prevent civil war in 133 BC.
Pergamon’s military innovation was based greatly around the core of other nations as well and it is no surprise that they included Alexander’s conception of heavy cavalry into their own armies. The xystophoroi simply means “those that bear the xyston,” a long cavalry spear. Thus, this unit was created to break disorganized light infantry or missile units. Armed with high-quality armor as well, Pergamon was able to use the resources of Asia Minor and northern Greece to supply this cavalry unit with some of the best defenses in its army.
Heavy Cataphract
Pergamon Heavy Cataphracts are heavy cavalry in every sense of the word. Horse and rider are fully covered by strong scale armour. They charge with their kontos,( a lance), then switch to either a kopis ( curved sword ) or a mace. Several empires made use of cataphracts, the Parthian dynasty, Iranian, Sarmatians, Armenians, Seleucids, Pergamenes, Sassanid, Persian, Roman and the Byzantine Empire. The adjective 'cataphract' , is Greek, roughly meaning "mail-clad." and Greek word for "mail armour" was cataphractes, which literally means "closed from all sides". The term first appears substantively in Latin, in the writings of Sisennus: … loricatos, quos cataphractos vocant …, "… the armoured, whom they call cataphracts …".
General's Guard Cavalry
Most Hellenic generals were in command of infantry units, such as the Spartans and Thebans but a few found it necessary for their leaders to be able to rush to many sides of the battlefield by means of riding horseback.
Fighting with a long cavalry spear, this unit is best employed at the most critical point of combat, a practice still extremely pertinent even from the times of Alexander’s father, Philip. As such, the offensive and defensive capabilities of this bodyguard allow for turning the entire tide of a battle with a single charge. But, beware; making straight for prepared infantry can end any aspiring king’s day before it even gets started.
***
Allied Infantry
Celtic Swordsmen
These men are of Celtic origin, and it shows. They're fierce and they're brutal, and what they lack in protection and armament they make up for in heart and courage.
Volcae Axemen
The axe is a weapon with tremendous striking power. A sharp and heavy bladed edge gives each swing, regardless of speed, a degree of bludgeoning force, causing the weapon to be more useful than a sword in terms of cracking through the protection of armours and shields. Unlike other wealthy Gallic Celts who have moved on to La Tene style chain mail, the Volcae axemen favor the older style scale mail and a bronze dagger of the Halstatt era. Still the equipment the Volcae march into battle with still gives great protection against other heavy infantry opponents. Only the elite warriors of the enemy would pose a hard time for this warrior, as they usually have strenuous training to complement their abilities in battle. The Volcae warrior is a professional in the eyes of his people, and he will fight for them until he wins or draws his last breath. The Volcae tribal name translates literally as "wolves," implying raiding warriors. This comparison could reasonably allude to highly organized and well lead raiding and war parties, attributes seen in the wolf pack.
Thraikan Pezoi
From far away Thrace comes these valuable warriors, no doubt eager for the fight. Wielding their traditional weapon, the falx, these settlers do not fight as phalangites. They stay true to their native Thracian style of fighting, moving in and out the the enemy ranks with agility and speed befitting lightly armoured troops. With their deadly falx, they are excellent soldiers to exploit gaps within the phalanx formations and help their side achieve victory.
Starting out as mercenaries, many of these Thracians have settled under the shadow of the Ptolemies and now they and their descendants call the land of the pharaohs home. Many are equipped in their native fashion, while some become one with the cultures and language of their new homes and take up the Macedonian way of fighting and join the settler phalanx regiments. Those that have kept true to their roots are armed with the equipment of their fathers, and ancestors before them, with the frightening mask that is typical of their ancestral homelands in Europe, and most of all, the falx; a curved sword with an inner blade able to take of an arm, pull a shield away, and severs body parts with ease. Against the phalanx, these Thracians can potentially break through all the the most experienced phalangites. This causes them to become tactical nightmares when faced as the phalanx lacks the speed and mobility to counter them if they attack from the flank or rear.
Thraikan Psiloi
Thracian military tradition reaches far into the classical era. Known for their ferocity, Thracians were referred to as barbarians by the Greeks. Inhabiting fringes of the civilized world can create hardy warriors. Thraikan Psiloi (Peltasts) are famous for their usefulness in battle, much greater than that of levies equipped as javelinmen. They can throw their javelins at the enemy and then charge with their terrifying rhompaias into a weakened formation. While they lack any heavy armor, they are best used to break wavering enemies or perform flank attacks. Well trained as they are, these men are shock light infantry.
Scythian Archers
It is said that every Scythian is a bowman, and these native Scythian Archers are proof of this. They are rough men, undisciplined, not well-trained as warriors, but excellent hunters and ambushers. Though they cannot fight well in close-combat, they are good bowmen and, if used properly, will be a valuable addition to our hosts.
***
Allied Cavalry
Celtic Medium Cavalry
Coming directly from the skillful trainers and veteran cavalry, the Eastern Celtic cavalryman will sometimes have need of armour and better protection when facing certain enemies, and when they equip themselves in this manner, the medium cavalry wing is born. Their helmets are of Roman make, taken as rightful spoils from the many battles where the Gallic tribes have triumphed over the Romans throughout the centuries. For the sake of speed, these horsemen do not wear armour, instead they rest all hopes of victory on their skill with their javelins, raining them down upon their targets, and when those are used up, they bring their close combat spear to arms and continue the fight in that manner. Though these riders can travel rapidly across the field of combat, the best generals will not risk these men in fighting heavily armed infantry or cavalry front the front, but would have them charge the back of these formation in order to achieve the best killing rate possible. This wing of Gallic cavalry can handle lightly armed troops with ease, however, spearmen can mean trouble.
"The Gauls are particularly formidable at fighting on horseback and they are reputed to be excellent in this arm above any other," writes Plutarch. Gaul and it's children worship, among hundreds of others, the goddess Epona, a very popular deity and one of horses. The veneration of the Celtic people for this goddess, the equestrian way of life can not be underscored enough. All over Gaul, many young men train for their time as a cavalry member. This means the opportune chance to bring fame and fortune to himself, and extol his action to all members in the great halls of his country.
Thraikan Hippeis
As a region to the north of the Greek mainland, Thrace was an eternal player in the politics and military of periods both during inter-polis wars and also the advent of the Spartan, Theban, and later Macedonian hegemonies. Known for high quality resource development in its region, the Thracians would also innovate the use of thrown javelins in warfare.
The height of Thracian influence came during the flux after the Peloponnesian War and between Theban control of Greece under Pelopidas and Epamonidas and the Macedonian hegemony under Philip II. During the Odrysian Kindom between the 5th and 3rd centuries, they engaged in ongoing battles between themselves and international powers that would seek to exert dominance in the region. The Thracian king Cersobleptes was the first king to influence Greek politics by autonomously attempting to push the boundaries of his unified tribes into Macedonian territory in the early 4th century BC. While only temporarily successful, Cersobleptes was a perpetual thorn in the side of Philip II’s aims to expand Macedonia to a world power and was only defeated in combat after many drawn out battles against the Macedonian king in 343 BC. Having lost their independence, the Thracians would continue to be valued mercenary troops in Macedonian armies even into their wars with the Romans.
The Thraikan Hippeis is the mounted iteration of Thracian battle tradition. By the middle of the 4th century, Macedonian involvement in Thracian affairs ushered in huge advancements in resource management across the region and thus allowed for higher quality arms for troops. No longer simply mounted missile units, the later 3rd and 2nd century Thraikan hippeis were equipped to both throw javelins and then close to hand-to-hand combat when needed. While rarely employed as a heavy cavalry force, the Thracian style of warfare served to ably attack and defeat the heavy infantry of many Hellenic armies. Having thrown their enemies into disarray under missile fire and they would then retreat to a safe distance.
***
Alright, time for some awesome high quality battle screen shots, courtesy of our good friend, Brusilov. Because these are high quality [b]AND[b/] original size, they're contained in this spoiler field. Open it at your own risk
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Holding back the barbarians in style. Nice job, fellas. We'll discuss this later in the break room.
"Hey...uh...I like your hat."
"Oh, hey...thanks bro. That sword is wicked cool."
"Arggggh! I be a pirate mateys!"
Ten bucks to whomever notices what's hilarious here.
"Geez Bill, I'm sure glad we signed up for this. Look at all these fancy creatures we get to meet!"
Is it just me, or are all these guys looking at the horse's family jewels?
Hoplites of Pergamon - yet the star on their shields is that of Macedon's. Coincidence? Probably not.
Phrygians; they're on the side with the most money.
Alright fellas (and gals). I hope this helps the anxiety I'm sure you're all feeling about the release of RS II. For now, cheers and farewell.
Last edited by Theoroshia; October 14, 2009 at 06:16 PM.
In the nightmares of my foes (bakersfield, CALI, allright)
Posts
6,060
Re: Pergamon Preview - The Attalid Dynasty
wow....you guys never cease to impress me, forcing me to drool over this forthcoming mod even more that I already did!
"WE WILL SMITE THE INVADERS FROM OUR SKIES! Though they sweep over our lands like the sands of winter, never again will we bow before them; never again endure their oppression; never again endure their tyranny. We will strike without warning and without mercy, fighting as one hand, one heart, one soul. We will shatter their dreams and haunt their nightmares, drenching our ancestors' graves with their blood. And as our last breath tears at their lungs; as we rise again from the ruins of our cities...they will know: Helghan belongs to the Helghast." -Scholar Visari
Re: Rome Surrectum: Pergamon Preview - The Attalid Dynasty
Yep, I'll definitely want to play Pergamon when RS2 comes out. Greeks are fun.
There are agema phalangities, I assume there are normal ones, like the levy/auxillary pikemen that the pike users had in RS1.5? You know, the pikes that can't hold back very much...
Re: Rome Surrectum: Pergamon Preview - The Attalid Dynasty
There are agema phalangities, I assume there are normal ones, like the levy/auxillary pikemen that the pike users had in RS1.5? You know, the pikes that can't hold back very much...
Pergamon only has the old fashioned hoplites (save for the Agemas). Their are ways to recruit levy pikemen, but not sure I can say how yet.
Looks like using the getai heavy cavalry model, but I think it`s a different unit and it seems more like he`s based on a persian cavalry from one of the osprey titles.
Looks like using the getai heavy cavalry model, but I think it`s a different unit and it seems more like he`s based on a persian cavalry from one of the osprey titles.
They are Phrygian Cavalry a mercenary unit available for hire in Western Asia Minor, Tone did his magic by doing it
Last edited by leif_erikson; October 14, 2009 at 06:46 PM.
Re: Rome Surrectum: Pergamon Preview - The Attalid Dynasty
It's nice that the background part at the top speaks of allying with Rome, Sparta, Egypt, the Greeks and so on to fight Macedon/Seleucids. We all know the moment borders touch, the AI will do as AIs do and try to attack you as soon as possible. That and I just like killing Romans.
Originally Posted by Theoroshia
Pergamon only has the old fashioned hoplites (save for the Agemas). Their are ways to recruit levy pikemen, but not sure I can say how yet.
Which is funny, since you have elite pikemen but no peasant pikemen ...
Why in the good old days, you just handed those chaps a helmet, small shield and sarissa and they were happy with it. Now everyone needs fancy shields and metal armor. Bah!
Then again, those "anti-skirmisher" hoplites in that picture are fighting guys with FALXes, so at least *some* soldiers are still awesome.
Last edited by Alavaria; October 14, 2009 at 09:12 PM.
Re: Rome Surrectum: Pergamon Preview - The Attalid Dynasty
It's nice that the background part at the top speaks of allying with Rome, Sparta, Egypt, the Greeks and so on to fight Macedon/Seleucids. We all know the moment borders touch, the AI will do as AIs do and try to attack you as soon as possible. That and I just like killing Romans.
The AI is pretty good when it comes to staying nice; once you expand beyond your allies strength, though, he usually tries to take you out.
Which is funny, since you have elite pikemen but no peasant pikemen ...
Why in the good old days, you just handed those chaps a helmet, small shield and sarissa and they were happy with it. Now everyone needs fancy shields and metal armor. Bah!
Then again, those "anti-skirmisher" hoplites in that picture are fighting guys with FALXes, so at least *some* soldiers are still awesome.
Like I said, there is a way to recruit lower level pikemen, but I'm afraid I don't think I can say as of yet. Needless to say, regular hoplites in RS2 do just as fine, especially against rebels and the Seleucids.
Re: Rome Surrectum: Pergamon Preview - The Attalid Dynasty
Greeks using testudo is sacrilegious!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a personal affront to all Romanophile TWC members like myself and I have reported it to the site moderators.
Other tenets we Romanophiles hold sacred:
Only Romans throw missiles before charge
Only Romans have ap javelins
All Romans have at least 2x the morale, 1.5x attack and defense over comparable units of other factions
All Romans are born with 4 base command stars and drillmaster trait.
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Oh, also warriors using the thureos did not fight with their spears held overhand.
Last edited by Banzai!; October 14, 2009 at 10:59 PM.
Re: Rome Surrectum: Pergamon Preview - The Attalid Dynasty
Looks good, nice job. I do have a comment though.
Machairaphoroi description
Though a newer style of warrior and a departure from the usual phalangites that the Hellenistic kingdoms traditionally fielded, the Greeks
What do you mean with the usage of Hellenistic? Hellenism and Hellenistic bear different meanings. Hellenism refers to the period of classical Greece up until the time of Alexander's conquests. Hellenistic begun shortly after the breakup when the Attalids emerged. Mainly referring to their culture, Hellenistic generally differentiates itself from Hellenism with individualism, empiricism, stoicism and epicureanism.
Using 'Hellenistic' with 'traditionally fielded' is strange to me because the age of Hellenistic civilizations had just been brought to light. Am I missing something? I know this is minor, and most people don't know the difference but I guess I'm just confused.
Don't run, you'll only die tired. RS II - Beta Tester, VVV:TW Historical Researcher
Rome Surrectum II: Pergamon Preview - The Attalid Dynasty
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Originally Posted by Souka
