Thera: Legacy of the Great Torment: an Alternate-History IH(Waiting for people to make Faction Threads)

**Dave Strider** · December 23, 2010, 09:03 PM

That's right, I decided to do an IH for the THERA mod for Medieval 2: Total War. I personally am a big fan of this mod and I know several of my colleagues on TWC(namely Dan the Man and The Holy Pilgrim) are also huge fans. Therefore I have taken it upon myself to make this IH. Enjoy!

A map of Thera, c. 222 S.T.

Spoiler for: Legacy of the Great Torment

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Thera was a world much like the one we know, a land of vast forests and wind swept grass lands, wide deserts covered in golden sands and snowcapped mountains. Great trade fleets ferried their precious cargos across the length and breath of the great oceans. That was until one fateful day 222 years ago, a day when great natural calamities were unleashed and the world known as Thera was broken asunder. A day when entire generations were lost. A day when histories ceased and life was changed forever, a day when the dead out numbered the living. Terror in untold portions now stalked the land of Thera; it is said on this day the cries of pain and fear could be heard to echo across the heavens.

What exactly happened to cause these calamities is not clear; theories were thick in the air as to why these calamities had struck Thera, priests slaughtered animals and willing, or not, human sacrifices to determine why the Gods had turned on them. Blood ran in great rivers from the temple doors even as the wailing holy men were crushed as the temples fell to powerful earthquakes. Churches were packed as the Christian peoples of Thera sought shelter from the wild storms that rolled across the lands, only to find these buildings offered no protection as roofs were ripped away and wild winds tore people into the swirling maelstrom above. Each culture describes the causes and the effects within their own cultural and belief frameworks striving to provide answers for their leaders and the terrified population.

What is clear is that the planet suffered earthquakes, entire cities swallowed by the heaving ground, volcanic eruptions, an almost worldwide tidal wave, thousands perished at sea as ships disappeared without a trace, bodies littered the coast line for weeks to come, all with the same expression twisted on their faces, terror, pure terror. Huge wild fires ripped across many lands, a ruddy glow painting the skies of Thera at night and smoke so thick it blocked the sun for days. There were reports of fiery objects seen in the skies, causing more mass hysteria amongst the many peoples of Thera. This day became known universally as the 'Great Torment'.

In the years following the normal tidal and seasonal patterns became erratic. Many regions suffered great storms, lightning would tear apart the land and thunder rumbled so loud some went mad as the sound would not cease. The storms lasted weeks, months and in some areas years. The effects were so great that most people believed that this was truly the end of time. Almost every culture reset their calenders to mark these world changing disasters.

This lasted for over a century and the population of Thera was decimated, cities became tombs for lost kingdoms. Many formerly great nations fell, as starvation and disease ravaged the lands. Some nations locked their borders in an attempt to safeguard what they had, some nations looked to their gods for salvation, others turned to science.

It is now 222 years since the day of the 'Great Torment'. Many cultures believe this to be an auspicious date for a myriad different reasons, the reoccuring nature of the date, the alignment of the stars, the return of the herds, or simply because they feel strong again. The Legacy of the Great Torment is a world inhabitied by many small nations which have been forced to develop in near isolation, a world of large desolate, depopulated lands, which are ripe for development by a wise and powerful leader. Are you such a leader ....... .

It is time to sound the horn, it is time to call your people too war. Raise your banners and sharpen your sword for the land of Thera is ready for the taking, stand up and rewrite the history of Thera.........

Playable factions:

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Spoiler for: Faction descriptions

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Kingdom of Avalon:

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Royaume des Bons Chevaliers

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Men of Valhalla:

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Povos da Hispania:

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Warriors of Kukalcan:

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Faustian Reich:

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Paynal Triple Alliance:

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Men of Wotan:

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Romuli Empire:

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The Constant Empire

Historic Background: The Empire of Romuli has a violent foundation legend, one that mirrors much of the political and military infighting that happens between the great families. The empire was first established by Romulus Caesar who murdered his brother Remus for trying to usurp the crown of the fledgling empire. Since then all rulers of the Romuli have acclaimed themselves Caesar. The patrician families of the Romuli claim descent from the adventurers, exiles and warriors Romulus recruited to help establish his city. Alongside the patrician families, the Greco Nobles also wield some power, but thy will never be considered true Romuli. The capital city, Constantium, is know as the constant city, for it has never left the control of the Romuli, since its founding, in the mists of the ancient times. For a while the empire attempted a greco style democratic form of government. A senate from the patrician families controlled the running of the empire, on behalf of Caesar. But it was under their rule that the crops failed and the people went hungry. The people believed that the Gods were angered by this imported form of governance. There were many riots and much civic disorder. The plebs didn't realise this was the beginning of 'The Great Torment'.

When 'The Great Torment' began, the settlements close to Constantium began to fall to disease and plague. At this time the empire was lead by Nero Caesar, in order to quell the plebs concerns he retook direct control of the empire. He was a clever but cruel ruler, and he knew the heart of the empire must be protected from the ravages of 'The Great Torment'. He ordered that every settlement that fell to the plagues must be razed to the ground and all the inhabitants must be slain. Whilst these actions were extreme, they were also successful. The slaughter was only halted at the battle of Demos, where an entire Romuli army was destoryed by a rag tag force of Uruks and gladiators. And so the Romuli closed their gates to all foreign influences, for two centuries they remained in defensive isolation. During this time they concentrated on developing new civil and military systems, knowing one day the Torment would abeit, and on that day they must be ready, to send forth the Legions.

Present Situation: Gaius Caesar has declared it is time to expand into the land of the barbarians. The armies have been placed on a war footing, and new legions have been raised. The world beyond the borders is a unfamiliar place, due to the self imposed period of isolation. The Romuli have no idea what type of enemy they are likely to encounter.

Barka Sultanate:

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Gaelic Nation:

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Lao Che Khanate:

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The Return of the Herds

Historic Background: The Steppe was populated by many tribes, some were farmers, most were nomadic herders. Since the time of the beginning, the great herds have crossed the plains, and the nomadic tribes have followed them, living off their produce. In harsh times, when the herds were thin, conflict would breakout between the tribes for the access to the herds. This conflict would often take the form of masses of horse archers peppering each other with arrows until one side broke and fled. These occurrences were rare as the herds were large, and there was enough for all. The tribes were very often inter-related through diplomatic marriages, alliances (although often tentative) were developed. Then came 'The Great Torment' and the snows failed to melt even in the summers. The herds could find no grass, and died on their thousands.

And so the conflicts began, tribe against tribe, family against family. The conflicts became so intense that soon there were few peoples left on the steppe, and those that remained had to come together if they were to survive. The remaining elders called a grand council, and all the tribes sent their best warriors to represent their respective tribes. A series of tournaments were held to decide the greatest of all the champions. The only tribe whose champion was also their headman was the Tribe of the 'Che'. Their head man was Lao Che. During the tournaments he swept all the other champions aside, besting them on horse, on foot, with the bow and with the sword. Lao Che was crowned Great Khan, and the new kingdom would carry his name, The Lao Che Khanate.

Present Situation: The Khanate migrated across the lands of the Sumari steppe, through the mountains into the steppe lands of Huang Chuan. It has managed to bring her people through the Torment, through wise use of resources, and improvements to the limited farming on the Steppe. The Great Herds are returning to their former glories, cattle, horse and elephants are again traversing the harsh plains of the steppe. The renewal of the herds has filled the people with hope, and they believe the spirits are urging them onwards to greater things. The Khan, now with greater finances available, has begun to develop the gifted horse archers of the tribes, into a professional standing armies. One of these armies has sailed north into the lands of the meso, and has established a province on this strange new land. The shaman tell that this land too has great herds, and that it is the destiny of the Lao Che become the masters of these herds also.

Tahar Caliphate:

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Grand Duchy of Dracule:

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Claws of the Dragon

Historic Background: The Translavia land mass has always been a land of war and of blood. Divided between the Varia, Vikia, and Vallach peoples it has since the time of creation been an area of almost continual conflict. The dark brooding lands are famed for being home to brigands and thiefdoms. The local princes known as Boyars fought amongst themselves, vying for control of the most profitable regions, murder and intrigue surround all the royal families. All this led to the greater region being unstable, weak and easy pickings for outlander invaders. Then came 'The Great Torment' the sky became dark and the people trembled. Black rain fell and the crops perished. When the plagues arrived the people believed God had truly abandoned them. Civil uprisings against many of the Boyars took place. When the plagues reached Kosavar, The Dracule knew they must act.

The Grand Duke rode his army into the region, and slew every man, woman, and child. Even the animals were killed, not a horse, cow or even hen was left alive. Then the city was put to the torch, so that no vile pestilence could remain. Then amongst this suffering the Vashta arrived, attacking the northern regions and quickly gaining control of a number of provinces. As the torment continued to kill to people, it was was impossible to mount a serious defence against the Vashta. Then the plagues took hold of the invaders, and their advance was stalled. So a stalemate was reached, the Vashta controlling the northern regions of Translavia, the independent Boyars holding the midlands, and the Dracule controlling the South East peninsula.

Present Situation: The Dracule spent the years of the torment building its military technologies, and learning the latest techniques of war. Diplomats were sent to the chivalric kingdoms, and treaties were signed to allow chivalric armourers and military advisers to come and advise the Grand Duke. Finally the armies of Dracule are ready to sweep the infidel Vashta from the Slav lands.

The League of Privateers:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Historic Background: Pirates have been in existence since the first man set sail on the seas. Over the ages many Kingdoms have sponsored pirates or privateers as they are sometimes known. Then the Grand Inquisitor ruled the practice of issuing privateer licences both immoral and unchristian. The most successful of these Privateers, Lord Greystoke refused to comply with the wishes of the Grand Inquisitor. He was hunted by the various Christian navies across many seas, and survived many battles against larger fleets. But he knew they would not rest until he was dragged before the Grand Inquisitor in shackles. So he fled for the treacherous waters around the new lands of Mesocala, the Christian navies dared not travel into the those dark, unknown waters and turned back for their home ports.

Greystoke eventually found a safe harbour with (relatively) friendly natives. Here he established a modest stronghold and named it after his wife. His faith in the Christian church had been destroyed by the actions of the Grand Inquisitor. He had only ever raided non Christian fleets, so could not understand why he had been so demonised by the Grand Inquisitor. He suspected the Grand Inquisitor had hoped to seize the substantial assets of the various privateer fleets. So Greystoke took time to learn the traditions of the native peoples, and to listen to their creation stories. He heard stories of a great serpent that had swam the seas during the time of the creation. Many of these stories had parallels to the maritime stories of the Krakken and the other gods of the sea.

Then Greystoke fell ill to a fever, and for many weeks, it seemed he would surely die. Then a local shaman was summoned, in the hope that local remedies may break the fever and return Greystoke to health. The shaman ordered Greystoke be brought into the serpent temple of Canpech. There Greystoke was kept in a stone casket, and covered with snakes. Each day he was fed a potion of local fungi and snake blood. All this time the shaman danced around the casket singing stories of the creation.

After five days within the temple, Greystoke's fever broke. And slowly his health returned. During his recuperation he spent many hours speaking with the Shaman, describing the vivid visions he had seen whilst battling the fever. The Shaman was convinced that Greystoke had been visited by spirits who had been battling for possession of his soul.

Greystoke decided to adopt the faith of the shaman and swore allegiance to the serpent gods. His loyal troops did likewise, and the building of many temples was ordered.

Offering refuge to to other privateers and pirates, their numbers swelled, and soon they were able to head back to the seas of Ibellica and Europa. Over the next five decades the family Greystoke lead the league of Privateers on numerous raiding campaigns, capturing a number of settlements which could be used as springboards for further campaigns. The Greatest of these campaigns wsa the infamous attack and sacking of the Vatican. A great castle was built in the south of Ibellica, and this was to become the family home of the Greystokes.

Present Situation: Having given refuge to many other Privateers and pirates, the 'League of Privateers' has grown to become a potential powerhouse within the political and military landscape of Thera. Holding regions spread across three continents, they now have to choose in which direction to further expand their fledgling empire.

Ducado de Sangre Valiente:

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Sycorax Nation:

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Vashta Sultanate:

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Holy Order of the Pale Knights:

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Teutonic Order:

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Uruk Dominion:

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Legacy of the Freed Uruk

Historical Background:::: The Uruk and Ly Kan races have existed since the time of the creation, living in packs scattered all across the forests and plains of Thera. The Romuli would send hunting parties out into the wild lands to capture both Uruks and Ly Kans so that they could be used in the bloody gladiatorial games.As time progressed, the Romuli began a selective breeding programme of these creatures to ensure a constant supply, rather than hunting for them in the wilderness. With time this selective breeding resulted in bigger, stronger specimens. It was also discovered that it was possible for Ly Kans and Uruks to join with human women, and for the union to produce offspring. The creatures borne to human mothers tended to be more intelligent, whilst losing nothing in strength or ferocity. And so slave girls were used to breed an ever more improved generation of bestial warriors. Whilst many of these bestial arena warriors were successful and became as popular as their human counterparts, they were never granted their freedom. So whilst a gladiator could dream of one day becoming a Rudiarii, a Ly Kan or Uruk warrior could only look forward to a bloody death in the arena..\n\nIn the Greco city state of Demos there lived a wealthy gladiator school owner named Xenos Hades, he was famed through out the Greco-Romuli regions for the quality of both his gladiators and the games he organised. He was also famous for his personal guard which comprised of experienced Uruk Warriors (the first Uruk Gan).

During a civic revolt in Demos, Xeno's son was kidnapped by a criminal gang, and held for ransom. The boy was Xenos's only heir, and as such was of huge value. The father was keen to pay the ransom and against all advice attended meeting where he was to personally hand over the ransom. He took with him his most trusted Uruk, named Slavos.The meeting was held in the old market of Demos. And as soon as Slavos entered the place his heckles rose, as the place smelt of blood and fear. The bestial senses of the Uruk told him all was not well. Soon a group of hooded figures arrived and demanded to see the gold. Slavos barked that first they must show that the boy has alive and present.The tallest of these hooded men appeared to be in charge, and told Xenos that the Uruk must leave before the exchange could be made. Slavos now knew this was a trap, and that the boy was almost certainly already dead. Xenos, desperate for the return of his son insisted that Slavos comply. So the Uruk was escorted out by two of the kidnappers, into an adjoining alley.

The moment they turned the corner, Slavos heard the muffled scrape of blades being drawn behind him. As quick as one could imagine, he slew around taking out the throats of both his would be assassins. Catching their bodies before they fell, he made no sound.

Inside the market, the tall man was still insisting that the gold be shown. The cold truth of the situation was beginning to seep into the mind of Xenos. His boy was dead, and these brigands intended to takes the gold and then dispatch him also. In his heart sorrow quickly turned to rage, and he began to shout that the boy must be presented, and he drew his sword. Reacting to the change in demeanour of the elderly man, the brigands drew their blades and the tall man, reached inside his cloak. He threw down his hood as he tossing a round object at Xenos. As he object reached Xenos, he recognised the bruised and blooded head of his boy. Stepping back with the horror of it, he stumbled and dropped his sword. Seeing this the brigands rushed forward to complete their work. It was at this point that Slavos came screaming into the dark marketplace. The wild blood-lust in his cries causing the brigands to freeze momentarily, enough time for Xenos to reclaim his sword and enter the melee alongside Slavos. The next few minutes were a kaleidoscope of steel, blood, and gore. In the end only Xenos and Slavos remained alive, stood back to back, ankle deep in the blood of the now vanquished brigands. Xenos bent down to retrieve the head of his murdered son, and the grief took over him. Mumbling curses and oaths of vengeance he collapsed. The trusted Uruk Gan picked up his prostrate master and carried him back to his villa.

For three days Xenos fell in and out of a feverish sleep. Physicians from the gladiator school tended to him, concerned that their lord had lost his wits, and would never again return to them. All this time the ever faithful Slavos never left his masters bedside.Finally Xenos broke from the fever and returned to a world, to find himself without an heir, and of an age, where he could not hope to sire another son. He knew who truly deserved to be named as his heir, the one living being who he truly trusted. This was of course his Uruk, Slavos, but never before had an Uruk been given granted a Rudis, never been given their freedom, let alone been named as heir to a highly ranked noble such as Xenos Hades.

For many days Xenos held council with his advisers. Legal, religious and political ramifications had to be considered, before he could risk naming Slavos as his heir. In the end all said that if he named an Uruk as his heir then the King of the City State would declare him mad and have all his assets seized. But Xenos had to follow his heart, he knew it was the honourable thing to do. The next festival was only a week away, and Xenos as always would organise the gladiator games.\n\nAfter watching Slavos win his last battle in the Arena, Xenos strode out into the sand covered ring and to the amazement of the crowd, presented Slavos with the wooden sword that signified that the Uruk was now a freeman, and then proudly proclaimed to the crowd, that he, Xenos Hades had taken Slavos as his heir. The crowd cheered, still drunk on the blood-lust of the battle that the mighty Uruk had just won before them. The King looked uneasy as the crowd where clearly delighted. Indeed this was the very reason Xenos had chose to announce it here, because whist the King was a corrupt serpent of a man, he was also a weak coward. An as such he would be fearful of moving against the appointment of Slavos, if it was clearly popular with the masses. And so the first Uruk had gained his freedom.

Slavos was now officially known as Slavos Hades having taken his adopted fathers name. For two years Xenos taught Slavos the ways of the human world. He schooled his in the arts of politics, of finance, so that when he was gone, Slavos could continue his 'fathers' legacy. Then as the plagues of 'The Great Torment' reached Demos, Xenos was taken from the world of living, and this time Slavos could not save his beloved father.

Demos by now was little more than vassal state to the Romuli, due the weakness of a long line of corrupt Kings. When The Romuli heard that plagues had taken hold of Demos, they sent their dreaded legions to 'cleanse' the city. The King ordered the gates opened when the Legions arrived believing he at least would be spared. However as soon as the Romuli entered the city the slaughter began, all were killed, old men, women, children, none were spared.

The King and his guard joined the Romuli, expecting to join them in the slaughter, but the Legions had been given orders that no living thing was to survive. The King died badly, a pilum in his chest, and at least a dozen gladius wounds before his begging pleas were finally silenced. When the news of the slaughter reached Slavos he was at the Gladiator School on the furthest side of the City from where the Romuli had entered. Uruks, Ly Kan, and Human fighters followed Slavos as he led this makeshift force to confront the invaders. The Romuli had already destroyed the merchants quarter of the city (ironically the only area that had been affected by the plagues so far) when Slavos and his warriors arrived. This numbers had swelled on this rush across the city as commoners and nobles alike sought to protect their city.

The 'Battle of Demos' as it became known was a long bloody affair and for a good part of the day it looked as though the Romuli would take the city. The professional legions cutting through ranks of untrained townsfolk without real resistance. But the arrival of the Uruk and Ly Kan gave hope to the people of Demos,and slowly the tide of the battle turned. Finally, long after the sun had set, the Romuli commander saw that victory was unattainable, and ordered a retreat to the city gates. Luckily Slavos had expected this and had stationed a reserve of Ly Yar and Uruk Yar guard the city gates. And when the last hundred Legionarii reached the gates the younglings set about them, tearing them apart, revelling in the slaughter. When the dust settled and the last sword was sheathed, not a single Romuli had made it out of the gates.

An army of over two thousand men had entered Demos, and all had fallen in the blood soaked streets. The city had lost of five thousand of her inhabitants, but this was still a victory, the City of Demos had survived, and no longer would she crawl under the yoke of the Romuli.\n\nIt took a full week to clear the streets of all the bodies. A grand pyre was made for the fallen of Demos, so that their brave spirits could join with the gods. The bodies of the Romuli were decapitated, their heads were used to build a mighty 'slaughter shrine' and their bodies were fed to the war dogs.

Once the clean up of the city was complete a festival was held to celebrate the survival of Demos. At this festival the people, recognising that is was Slavos Hades, the first freed Uruk, who had saved their lives and their mother city. He was by popular proclamation, acclaimed the new King of Demos. Slavos addressed the people, he explained he could not take the title 'king'. For too long the title 'King' had signified nothing more than being the chief puppet of the Romuli. He would however accept the title of 'Alpha'. He explained that being the Alpha, meant it would be he who first offered himself to the enemy in battle, that if the city was hungry it would be he who first went without food. He would make the City proud again, he would right the wrongs inflicted on all the creatures of Demos, be they human, Ly Kan, Uruk , even Reptarri. He would raise a great army and he would turn the City State of Demos into a mighty dominion.

Present Situation: The legacy of Slavos continues, his bloodline still rules over the Uruk Dominion (as it has become known). The influence of the Dominion stretches across Hadea. The Alpha has sent out armies to explore for new lands to conquer.. A fortress has been established far to the north. This could become the first stone in a new northern empire.

In this IH, each faction is unique and, as such, has their own strengths and weaknesses. As such, each faction will have their own one-of-a-kind units, in addition to the standard setup. This is the standard setup:

Light Infantry
Spearmen
Heavy Infantry
Light Cavalry
Heavy Cavalry
Missile Cavalry

NOTE: Some factions may not have some of the above listed.
The unique units for each faction are as follows:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

I'll have the rest of the info up shortly, but for now feel free to choose a faction.

Province map of Thera:

**Dave Strider** · December 23, 2010, 10:15 PM

Military(applies to ALL FACTIONS):
Light Infantry: 1,500 Men, 2% econ, 1 turn(Max 150 units)
Spearmen: 1,200 Men, 2% econ, 1 turn(Max 150 units)
Heavy Infantry: 1,000 Men, 3% econ, 1 turn(Max 120 units)
Archers: 800 Men, 1% econ, 1 turn(Max 150 units)
Light Cavalry: 600 Men, 4% econ, 2 turns(Max 100 units)
Heavy Cavalry: 400 Men, 5% econ, 2 turns(Max 80 units)
Missile Cavalry: 500 Men, 3% econ, 2 turns(Max 110 units)
Unique unit: Unit size varies, 7% econ, 4 turns(Max 20 units)

Economy:
All players start with 100% econ. Trade agreements give 10% per turn. No unit upkeep.

**Prodigal** · December 24, 2010, 11:13 PM

I'll take the Khanate.

Sounds like fun.

**Dave Strider** · December 25, 2010, 07:37 AM

It is indeed. You should try the mod too.

**Dan the Man** · December 25, 2010, 10:49 AM

Based on Thera!?

Avalon! Avalon! Avalon!

**Barry Goldwater** · December 25, 2010, 10:56 AM

I'll go with the Ducado de Sangre Valiente

**Amaz** · December 25, 2010, 11:41 AM

Do I need the mod to play?

**Dan the Man** · December 25, 2010, 01:00 PM

I'm gonna take a stab and say no.

**Dave Strider** · December 25, 2010, 01:47 PM

You'd be correct Dan.

**Prodigal** · December 25, 2010, 02:26 PM

Huang-Chuan shi shen me?

What is Huang-Chan?

**Dave Strider** · December 25, 2010, 02:54 PM

The Lao Che, ingame, use alot of Japanese terms. Sung(meaning horse archer) and Yen(meaning peasant) are the two root words.

**Dan the Man** · December 25, 2010, 10:25 PM

Lao Che are like a weird mix of Timurids, Chinese, Japanese, and Mongols. But they're a lot of fun and totally OP'd (they have war elephants with rocket launchers on them), don't worry.