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Thread: [Info]Stainless Steel Standard Campaigns & Faction Descriptions

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    Default [Info]Stainless Steel Standard Campaigns & Faction Descriptions



    Stainless Steel Standard Campaigns & Faction Descriptions

    Index

    ՓCampaign overview
    Quick information about the standard campaigns, campaign AIs as well as playable and unplayable factions

    ՓFactions overview
    Short introduction to the factions and general descriptions of their unique abilities and situations

    Փ The Crown of Aragon / The Kingdom of Aragon
    Փ The Roman Empire
    Փ The Cuman Khanate
    Փ The Kingdom of Denmark
    Փ The Fatimid Caliphate
    Փ The Kingdom of England
    Փ The Kingdom of France
    Փ The Republic of Genoa
    Փ The Holy Roman Empire
    Փ The Kingdom of Hungary
    Փ The Crusader States
    Փ The Grand Duchy of Kiev
    Փ The Kwarezmian Empire
    Փ The Grand Duchy of Lithuania
    Փ The Mongol Empire
    Փ The Moorish Caliphate
    Փ The Kingdom of Norway
    Փ The Papal states
    Փ The Kingdom of Poland
    Փ The Kingdom of Portugal
    Փ The Republic of Novgorod
    Փ The Kingdom of Scotland
    Փ The Kingdom of Sicily
    Փ The Crown of Castile / The Kingdom of León and Castile
    Փ The Teutonic Order
    Փ The Timurids
    Փ The Seljuk Sultanate
    Փ The Republic of Venice
    Փ The Independent Sovereignties
    Campaign overview

    Stainless Steel features 26 playable factions and a grand total of 29 factions with individual rosters and unique units only limited by the 500 unit maximum of the game engine. The timescale is 1 year per turn with proper aging thanks to the aging script of Stainless Steel.



    Factions In The Early Era Campaign
    Playable Factions

    • The Crusader States
    • The Kingdom of Aragon
    • The Kingdom of Denmark
    • The Kingdom of England
    • The Kingdom of France
    • The Kingdom of Hungary
    • The Kingdom of León and Castile
    • The Kingdom of Norway
    • The Kingdom of Poland
    • The Kingdom of Portugal
    • The Kingdom of Scotland
    • The Kingdom of Sicily
    • The Republic of Genoa
    • The Republic of Venice
    • The Holy Roman Empire
    • The Fatimid Caliphate
    • The Khwarezmian Empire
    • The Moorish Caliphate
    • The Seljuk Sultanate
    • The Grand Duchy of Kiev
    • The Republic of Novgorod
    • The Roman Empire
    • The Cuman Khanate
    • The Grand Dutchy of Lithuania

    Nonplayable Factions

    • The Teutonic order
    • The Papal states
    • The Mongols
    • The Timurids
    • Independent Sovereignties

    Factions In The Late Era Campaign
    Playable Factions

    • The Crown of Aragon
    • The Crown of Castile
    • Crusader States
    • The Kingdom of Denmark
    • The Kingdom of England
    • The Kingdom of France
    • The Kingdom of Hungary
    • The Kingdom of Norway
    • The Kingdom of Poland
    • The Kingdom of Portugal
    • The Kingdom of Scotland
    • The Kingdom of Sicily
    • The Republic of Genoa
    • The Republic of Venice
    • The Holy Roman Empire
    • The Teutonic Order
    • The Fatimid Caliphate
    • The Kwarezmian Empire
    • The Moorish Caliphate
    • The Seljuk Sultanate
    • The Grand Duchy of Kiev
    • The Republic of Novgorod
    • The Roman Empire
    • The Cuman Khanate
    • The Grand Duchy of Lithuania
    • The Mongol Empire

    Nonplayable Factions

    • The Papal states
    • The Timurids
    • Independent Sovereignties



    Factions overview

    Aside from the individual strategic preferences of each faction they are governed by the three campaign AIs featured in Stainless Steel - of which the player is free to chose from. In short this is Lusted's AI, featuring a more passive AI, with minimum wars and nearly no backstabbing and a peaceful campaign. Gracul's AI is known for its aggressive style and constant backstabs when your faction is weak. They will create a lot of alliance blocks and the world is at a constant war state. Last but not least Savage AI is the one enjoyed by most of the people at the SS forums providing a Good balance between peace and war.


    The Crown of Aragon / The Kingdom of Aragon


    Known as: The Kingdom of Aragon, Regnum Aragonum, the Crown of Aragon, Corona d'Aragň
    Strengths: Excellent javelin-men and a good mix of infantry and cavalry
    Famous for: Almughavars
    Weakness: Lacks heavy infantry and spears in early period

    The origins of The Kingdom of Aragon go back to the 11th Century, when the Aragonese counties, Sobrarbe and Ribagorza in the Central Pyrenees were controlled by The King of Pampalona, Sancho Garcés III. He owned an immense territory which extended from land in Zamora on the shore of the Pisuerga as far as the county of Pallás in Cataluna.\nOn his death in 1035 his Kingdom was shared out by testament to all his children, converting each county into a Kingdom. This way his son Ramiro inherited the county of Aragón, and his other son Gonzalo inherited Sobrarbe and Ribargorza. This was the birth of the future Kingdom of Aragón, because Gonzalo was killed soon after and all the land he owned went to his brother Ramiro. Ramiro I (1035-1064) was the first King of Aragón. He strengthened the defense of his properties, which doubled in extension in less than three decades, advancing towards the South and the East. By doing so he recaptured land from the Muslims and impeded the excessive expansion of the Catalan territory. In fact he lost his life in one of these battles. After his death, his son Sancho Ramírez (1064 - 1094) inherited the Kingdom. His military exploits followed those of his father, although he advanced further politically. He realized that the best thing for his Kingdom would be modernization and to become more European. So, not only did he pledge loyalty to the Vatican in Rome, but he also brought about the Gregorian and Cluniacense reform, and installed the Roman faith to the detriment of that of the Mozarabics. He gained possession of more land, because when his cousin The King of Pamplona died, he inherited that Kingdom. This was why Jaca became the capital. Also he tried to recapture cities like Barbastro, Tudela or Huesca. In fact, in 1094 he died at the foot of the wall of Huesca. However, the newly crowned King Pedro strives to make his Kingdom a leading empire on the Iberian Peninsula...
    The Roman Empire


    Known as: The Roman Empire, The Byzantine Empire, Byzantium, The Eastern Roman Empire, Basileía tôn Rhomaíon
    Strengths: Excellent heavy cavalry. Good range of infantry and archers
    Famous for: Pronoiarii
    Weakness: Lacks late period gunpowder and heavy spearmen

    The Byzantine Empire is the surviving portion of the ancient Roman Empire. It stands on the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. A prophetic dream had led the Roman emperor Constantine to found the Byzantine capital of Constantinople, which has grown into a center of culture, commerce, and diplomacy. Byzantine armies have both Western and Eastern influences, with good heavy infantry and archers with early period infantry units like Varangian Guard, strong militia units, and missile cavalry, but lacks late period units, gun technology, and spearmen. Their territory encompasses the Anatolia, Nicosia, and Greek regions. The Byzantines are Orthodox with Constantinople being their capital. Their common enemies are the Turks and Venetians. Formerly known as the 'Eastern Roman Empire' this is the shadow that remains of the entire Roman Empire. It is a mere shadow because despite retaining the civilized ways of the Roman legacy, these Greek-Romans have done little to further it. In fact, it is their reverence of the old ways that has brought the empire to a point of stagnation, in a world that has gradually kept moving on. The differences between the thinking in Constantinople and the west were most profoundly highlighted with the Great Schism, the division of Christendom. Despite boasting the world's trade capital and home of Orthodox Christianity in Constantinople, the Roman Empire is well past its zenith and is now in steady decline. The outer regions of the empire have been slipping from the Emperor's grasp for decades now. To the west, the Normans have taken southern Italy, and in the east the Turks have moved into Asia Minor after their decisive and terrible victory at Manzikert. The latter of these two losses was the worst defeat the Empire had suffered in its entire history. To make matters worse, general corruption, chaos and dissent has lead to some of the other provinces closer to home to rebel. Arguably, the greatest threat to the Empire lies in its independence from Rome itself. There is significant risk that the lords of the west will consider the lands of Orthodox Christianity to be fair game unless the Pope decrees otherwise. It is a true irony that Constantinople may now have to appease Rome after becoming the new capital of the Roman Empire centuries ago. If the Roman Empire is to once again become the dominant power of the east, then it will first need to reclaim its heartlands wholly before encroaching upon the borders of another power. The Roman legacy is long and predominantly proud, but unless the Emperor can turn things around in a hurry, it is a legacy that will soon end.
    The Cuman Khanate


    Known as: The Cuman Khanate, Desht-i Qipciaq
    Strengths: Excellent horsearchers and good cavalry.
    Famous for: Cuman Noblemen
    Weakness: Lacks heavy infantry, somewhat mediocre spearmen.

    Cumans also called Kipchaks are a confederation of pastoralists and warriors of Turkic origin, known in Ukrainian and Russian as Polovtsy, who live in yurts (movable tents) and came from the region of the River Irtysh. Some Cuman tribes probably originated near the Chinese borders and, after having moved into western Siberia by the 9th century, migrated further west into the trans-Volga region (now western Kazakhstan). They occupied a vast, sprawling territory in the Eurasian steppe, stretching from north of the Aral Sea westward to the region north of the Black Sea and founded a nomadic state (Desht-i Qipchaq). They invaded the territory of Moldavia, Wallachia and part of Transylvania in the 11th century, and from there they continuing their plundering of the Rus territories, the Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary.
    The Kingdom of Denmark


    Known as: Kingdom of Denmark, Kongeriget Danmark, Danmarks Rige
    Strengths: Has a good all-round mix of units, with the infantry preferring to wield swords or axes instead of spears
    Famous for: Norse Axemen
    Weakness: Lacks good heavy cavalry

    The Danes have access to special units such as Vikings and huscarls. The tenacity of the country has now been turned towards forming a kingdom whose conquest and colonization replacing raids and spoils. Ferocious in battle, the Danish people have would have lost none of their expertise in war. However, a country requires not only a warrior, but a statesman to lead it to greater glory. The Danes have very strong infantry and cavalry, but limited missile troops. The Danes are Catholic. Denmark is a relatively new kingdom in the world of Christendom, emerging from centuries of paganism under Viking rule. Exactly one hundred years ago, Harold Bluetooth, the Viking King of the Danes, embraced Christianity, not just personally, but also on behalf of his people. Though the Vikings' fierce conviction in battle was a true asset, forsaking these pagan ways and embracing Catholicism is what has actually elevated Denmark into a true northern power. With the Reich and other Catholic Kingdoms offering support against stubborn Viking pagans, the Kings of Denmark now enjoy an absolute authority that has never been seen in the region before. The Danes have no illusions that maintaining such authority abroad is an easy feat, having lost control of England within the last half century. In fact, forging agreements of co-operative leadership with the Norwegian royal court almost saw an end to Danish rule over the Kingdom of Denmark itself. So it would seem that both diplomatic and militaristic expansion are something the Danish Kings are yet to master. Arguably the most expedient move that the present King Knut II could now make would be to try to take the Scandinavian lands to the north rather than continue to negotiate with them. No mortal army could possibly dream of approaching Norway or Sweden's northern reaches, making the region an ideal set of easily defendable homelands. Crossing the Baltic Sea is also an obvious option that offers the Danes several access points into Eastern Europe without having to deal with the Imperial forces in Saxony. It is more than a little ironic that the Catholic powers of Europe that have secured Denmark's future are now the main obstacles to seeing that future improve.
    The Fatimid Caliphate


    Known as: The Egyptian Caliphate, Fatimid Caliphate, al-Fatimiyyun
    Strengths: Relies on powerful cavalry, particularly the Mamluks.
    Famous for: Khassaki
    Weakness: Lacks heavy infantry, particularly in the late period.

    Representing the Muslim Fatimid Caliphate and its successive dynasties; the Egyptians possess strong cavalry, such as Mamluks, but limited artillery and mediocre infantry. They start in Egypt and the Southern Levant, slowly making their rise North. The Egyptians are Muslim, with their capital being Cairo. They have no natural enemies and start with usually high relations with its neighbors. At a time where religious intolerance is common throughout the known world, Egypt stands out as an enlightened melting pot of religions and ideologies. Descendents of Mohammed's daughter Fatima, the Fatimid rulers of Egypt are Shiite Muslims, but Sunnis, Jews and Christians still hold offices and government positions. Unlike the age of the Pharaoh, bloodline is now considered secondary to ability and talent in Egypt, making it a very progressive and balanced nation. After being assimilated into several empires over the past couple of millennia, the people of the Nile have proven to be culturally flexible and great survivors. For all its merits, the Fatimid dynasty was once a little mightier than it is now, with its borders receding after a reign of madness and mismanagement by Caliph Al-Hakim. Fortunately for the Egyptians, none of their neighbors are bearing down upon their lands - in fact, expanding in any direction shouldn't prove a problem. The Moors lie much too far to the west to be considered an immediate threat, and the Holy lands beyond Gaza are presently ruled by petty Sheikhs and Emirs that are backed by none of the major empires. Though the problems facing the Egyptians close to home aren't anything a decisive ruler can't deal with, any Egyptian forays into the Holy lands will no doubt be subject to Catholic invasion from across the Mediterranean. Regular military pilgrimages by European Christians to Jerusalem seem inevitable, as do counter-attacks from other Muslim powers such as the Turks. Expand and consolidate quickly and the world could be your oyster.
    The Kingdom of England


    Known as: Kingdom of England
    Strengths: Boasts superb longbowmen and strong infantry
    Famous for: Longbowmen
    Weakness: Fields a poor variety of cavalry

    The English, representing The Anglo-Norman Kingdom of England, has excellent archers such as longbowmen (i.e. Yeomen Longbowmen, Retinue Longbowmen ), strong heavy infantry such as billmen, and strong but little variety in cavalry, and are completely lacking in late-period spearmen such as pikemen. The English are Catholic, with their capital city being London. They focus on the conquest of France and Scotland. Having recently wrestled control of England from the Saxons, many would expect the conquering Normans to be somewhat spent and weakened. However, the new rulers of England have swiftly replaced and improved the taxation system so as to replenish their coffers in quick time. Most importantly, William the Conqueror came with the support of the Pope, as well as a mixed force of well-trained infantry, archers and heavy cavalry. England's new masters have a more modern approach to the art of warfare, and the will to utilize the country's rich resources to maximum effect. The English court may now speak French, but the Normans certainly don't consider their new conquest a French territory. This independence in England, plus the proximity of Normandy to other lands the French monarchy consider their own, makes France an immediate and obvious threat to deal with. The ever stubborn Scottish also prevent the King of England from having uncontested control of the British Isles. Though they presently face trouble on multiple fronts, the English are in a rather promising position. The Scots to the north are isolated from the rest of Europe, and should be easy to wear down without a strong ally from the mainland. The French royal forces are more than a match for the armies in Normandy, but they also have enough fronts to deal with right now that they are unlikely to be able to drive them from the continent anytime soon.
    The Kingdom of France


    Known as: Kingdom of France, Royaume de France
    Strengths: Fields the best heavy cavalry in the west, and good infantry in the late period.
    Famous for: Gendarmes
    Weakness: Relatively weak infantry in early period

    The French possess superior heavy cavalry such as gendarmes and lancers, strong professional armies and good all-around units in the late period. However, they lack effective early period infantry. France stands proud and powerful. Notions of courtly love have ushered in an era of nobility and chivalry. The French are Catholic and have Paris as their capital. Their historical enemies are England, Milan, and Spain. France is a shining example of feudalism in its rawest, and arguably, most delicate form. The French lords eagerly embrace the system that splits the country up into smaller provinces, duchies and fiefdoms, actively building up their forces to ensure their own security and power. About the only thing the French lack at this point is a sense of unity... The Ile de France may be where the monarchy resides, but the royal family rarely leave Paris. This is not because of a great love for the city, but rather because the surrounding lands are under the shadow of bastions owned by "Robber Barons" that serve their own interests. Frankly, the way things are now, the King isn't truly safe to wander a kingdom that is supposedly his. The Normans are clearly serving their own best interests, having recently taken England for themselves, it's hard to believe that they will be content to stop there. Other provinces such as Aquitaine, Burgundy, Brittany and Flanders aren't quite so dangerously ambitious... exercising a little authority over these lands looks like an essential move for the French if they're to have any hope of creating a power base that can stave off the might of the Holy Roman Empire to the east. Even less pressing concerns like Spanish and Milanese expansion will soon become a royal headache for the monarchy if France does not establish solid fronts to the south.
    The Republic of Genoa


    Known as: The Republic of Genoa, Most Serene Republic of Genoa, Serenissima Repubblica di Genova
    Strengths: Boasts strong militia infantry, crossbowmen and late technology
    Famous for: Famiglia Ducale
    Weakness: Poor offensive cavalry

    Genoa has strong Italian militias and can access Genoese crossbowmen. They have excellent late period technology but poor cavalry. The rocky landscape of the Northern Apennines has fostered a hardy people. The Genoese, self-possessed, driven, and seamen to the fingertips, have founded a thriving and progressive Ligurian republic. Their trade routes now thread the Mediterranean as they look to establish themselves as preeminent among the Italian States. Their ambition and powerful fleets set them as the Western counterpoint to Venice. Unlike Venice, however, they are possessed of the same militant Christian Spirit of the Spanish across the Ligurian sea. Their steadfast support of Christian endeavors and continual efforts to wrest control of the central Mediterranean from the Muslim Corsairs has earned them the favor of the Papacy. This, combined with their efficient Compagna, influential merchants and powerful Bishopric has them poised as a strong, young contender on the world stage. The Genoese are surrounded by possible allies and enemies. The Alps provide Milan with a natural barrier to the north that ensures the city is relatively safe from Swabia and the Holy Roman Empire - If the Genoese hold the mountain passes, they can hold off Northern Europe. While the mountains fence Milan off from the world, Genoa serves as the coastal gateway to the Mediterranean and beyond. Though better positioned to expand into the rest of Europe than the other Italian peoples, the Genoese are also the most likely to have to confront the Northern European powers first, and will need to consolidate their position swiftly by working their way into the nearby provinces that the French and Germanic forces have not secured... yet. Yet Genoa is in need of a leader who can realize the ambitions of the people as covetous glances are cast towards Sardinia, Corsica, and the surrounding city-states of Italy. An unrelenting Head of State who can remove the Papal and Imperial yolks and revenge the insults suffered from the Muslim raiders over the past two centuries might make Genoa the envy and terror of all Europe.
    The Holy Roman Empire


    Known as: The Holy Roman Empire, Heiliges Römisches Reich, Imperium Romanum Sacrum
    Strengths: Strong all-round.
    Famous for: Gothic Knights
    Weakness: Lacks the late period professional armies of England and France.

    The Holy Romans, representing The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation; consists of units that are strong all around, with specialized late-period landsknecht units and other heavy infantry. (However, they don't have any archers except for peasant archers, favoring crossbows instead.) The Germans also have excellent cavalry in the form of Gothic knights and pistol-carrying reiters. The Holy Roman Empire stretches across a vast expanse of Europe. Ruled by an emperor, who is crowned by the Pope himself(hence Holy Roman), the Germans' influence is strong and far-reaching. The Holy Roman Empire is Catholic, with Frankfurt as their capital. They has a number of enemies namely: France, Poland, Hungary, Milan, Denmark, Venice and the Papal States. The Holy Roman Empire is a particularly misleading name for Europe's largest collective of kingdoms and fiefdoms, regardless which way one looks at it. For starters, it is the Roman Empire that truly carries on the legacy of the ancient Romans, and the notion that the Kaiser (the Germanic name for "Emperor") truly serves the Roman Catholic Church is presently quite laughable. A great rift in opinion exists between Kaiser Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII as to the legitimacy of the Papacy's recent move to do away with secular investiture, a change of law that has taken away all of the Kaiser's power over the Catholic Church. How the Kaiser should react to this is undoubtedly the biggest dilemma facing the Holy Roman Empire at present. When a ruler of nations allows a man of the cloth to dictate what he can and can't do, he sets a bad precedent. Of course, if he leads his people into open conflict with the church itself, he is arguably setting an even worse one. With both extremes looking like perilous choices the Kaiser will need to find the best middle ground he can, very much the same situation he faces when looking at his borders. The Empire itself is Europe's middle ground, centrally located, with opportunities to expand in almost every direction, but also potential competition to come with each opportunity. It is a far cry from the days of Charlemagne when all of Western Europe answered to the Emperor. Now France is a separate entity, Italy has become a formidable group of city states, the Danes block the route into Scandinavia and the kingdoms to the east are more of a threat than a place to lay claim to. Should the Kaiser successfully deal with the dissent that lingers within the Reich at present, there seems no reason the Reich cannot consolidate and expand into something to rival the first Roman Empire. Only this time it won't be as simple as subjugating barbarians.
    The Kingdom of Hungary


    Known as: The Kingdom of Hungary, Magyar Királyság
    Strengths: Boasts a strong mix of heavy knights and skilled horse archers
    Famous for: Battlefield Assassins
    Weakness: Lacks good offensive infantry

    The Hungarians possess strong cavalry and strong high period infantry; though lacking any form of good infantry. Exactly a full millennium since the birth of the Messiah, the Christian Kingdom of Hungary was born when Pope Silvester II sent the "Holy Crown" to signify that the pious noble István I, had become the founding Christian monarch of the realm. Dying without leaving an heir, pagans soon once again assumed control of Hungary, but it would seem this is a land Christendom was destined to call its own. When László recently succeeded his brother Geza I as King of Hungary, he nationalized Christianity so utterly, and with such fervor, that he is already being deemed by many to be a living Saint. Though it is clear that the Pope's approval of László's unusual piety has no doubt re-established Hungary as a respectable Catholic kingdom, it would appear that the Hungarians will soon be taking on another Christian power should they wish to expand at all. The Holy Roman Empire and Poland essentially cut off all of Hungary s options to the west or north respectively, leaving Moldavia and Wallachia as the paths of least resistance out of the Carpathian mountains. Of course, to follow such a path is to spoil the plans of the Roman Empire to regain its western provinces. Avoiding interfering with Roman interests leaves only one other option, sweeping north around the Crimea into the Ukraine. This however, simply replaces one Orthodox adversary with another, and will require immediate action, as the armies of Novgorod are already poised to sweep southward to unite the Russian principalities. Regardless what László s first move is, nothing will change the fact that Hungary has become Catholicism's physical front line against all other faiths - Something that will doubtlessly bring great glory, yet even greater bloodshed.
    The Crusader States


    Known as: The Crusader States, Outremer, the County of Edessa, the Principality of Antioch, the County of Tripoli, the Kingdom of Jerusalem
    Strengths: Fields strong heavy cavalry and the strength of the Knights Templar
    Famous for: Templar Confrere Knights

    Weakness: Fields a poor variety of light cavalry and skirmishers. Lacks heavy plate armor
    The Crusader States are the newest Christian Kingdom, being founded at the end of the First Crusade in 1099. Having recently inflicted massive victories both on the Turks and the Fatimids, the states have some room to breathe for the moment. The Kingdom of Jerusalem incorporates the city states of Antioch and Edessa as well the jewel of three religions - Jerusalem. The states are made up of western Christian Nobles, native Christians, Jews, Orthodox Christians and Muslims. As a result, a certain degree of religious tolerance must exist... the Frankish troops and peasants are too few in number to have it any other way. The Kingdom of Jerusalem is ruled by King Baldwin I,taking the throne after his brother, Godfrey, perished after just one year on the throne. Baldwin has a difficult time ahead as he faces serious manpower shortages, both for civic and military operations. Maintaining the alliance with the Roman Empire could prove to be a wise strategy in the face of the inevitable Muslim retaliation. A wise ruler would seek to bring the coastal cities under Crusader control before looking towards richer cities inland such as Damascus and Aleppo. The Crusader States relies heavily on the might of western troops to make of most of its army at the time. Military infrastructure as well as capturing some strategic castles has to be a priority for the fledgling kingdom to survive in a hostile, new land. However pious, the strength of a new country should never be taken for granted.
    The Grand Duchy of Kiev


    Known as: The Grand Principality of Kiev, Kievan Rus, Kievan Russia
    Strengths: Boasts a strong mix of heavy knights and skilled horse archers
    Famous for: Cossack Gunners
    Weakness: Lacks professional armies

    The Rus' are a people divided, though that is hardly a character judgment for the folk who live in the largest single princedom in Europe. The royal capital of this nation, and the site where the Rus' embraced Christianity, Kiev is constantly having problems with succession disputes that have destroyed any sense of organization or unity. With the royal court in such disarray, it is time for a strong leader. In fact, the first order for Vsevolod, Grand Prince of Kiev is to re-assert his undisputed control over all the Rus. Should he manage this, the Rus' will be free to unify all of the steppes into the mightiest power of the east. Simple and obvious in principle, this plan will require swift and decisive action. The fledgling kingdoms of Poland and Hungary to the southwest are just as well placed to move and assume control of the Rus' capital. The Roman Empire to the south is also desperate to restore its former glory by taking new territories, and it was only through Vsevolod's marriage to the Roman princess Maria that prevented the empire from striking back at the Rus' after they failed in their assault of Constantinople. They will not forget that they defeated the Rus' so recently... This is not something that the present Rus' army should forget either. Unless they can start recruiting from several population centers once again, they will not be able to field a force capable of stopping any of the serious foreign powers at all.
    The Kwarezmian Empire


    Known as: The Shahdom of Khwarezm
    Strengths: Has a good all-round mix of units, fields the best heavy cavalry in the eastern world.
    Famous for: Royal Guard
    Weakness: Lacks professional armies

    The Khwarezmian Shahdom had conquered all of Persia from the Seljuk Turks and defeated Kutluk, the Gur-Khan of the Kara-Khitan Khanate. They had conquered all the lands from the river Jaxartes to the Persian Gulf and Ala ad-Din Muhammad II declared himself Shah and demanded formal recognition from the Caliph in Baghdad. When the Caliph an-Nasir rejected his claim, Ala ad-Din proclaimed one of his nobles 'Caliph' and marched towards Baghdad to depose an-Nasir. However, when crossing the Zagros Mountains, the Shah's army was caught in a blizzard. Thousands of warriors died and with the army decimated, the generals had no choice but to return home. It was in this situation that Genghis Khan sent his emissaries to the Shah in Samarkand. The shah executed the Mongol diplomats and sent back their entourage with their heads shaved in defiance of the emerging great power, and Genghis retaliated with a force of 200,000 men that crossed the Jaxartes and sacked the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. Muhammad's capital, Urgench, followed. Khwarezm now faces the greatest threat ever, the Mongol Hordes declared war on them and the armies of the great Genghis Khan are ready to crush the Khwarezmian Shahdom once and forever.
    The Grand Duchy of Lithuania


    Known as: The Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Duchy of Lithuania, Lietuvos Karalyste, Kingdom of Lithuania
    Strengths: Excellent light cavalry
    Famous for: Dievas' Guard
    Weakness: Militia grade soldiers lacking in discipline

    Labeled as heathens by their neighbors, the Balts are some of the last remaining pagan worshipers in the region. Under the leadership of the great Mindaugas, they have been compelled to unify under the banner of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The new Grand Duchy achieved some early military success and earned respect as a true nation of the region. The gods have been with them so far, bringing hope that their culture and beliefs will continue to prosper through many Lithuanian generations. Lithuania is locked in a bitter war with the Teutonic Order and their parent nation, the Holy Roman Empire. With no clear resolution in sight, it is likely that Lithuania will be forced to leave their pagan ways and convert to Christianity, or be slaughtered to the last man. However, Lithuania knows that many fear the greedy expansion of the Teutonic Order. By working to maintain peace with their other neighbors and through clever diplomacy, they may be able to form an alliance to destroy the common foe. Lithuania can draw much strength by holding to the old ways. Following the pagan Gods of Perkunas, Giltine, and Dievas will unleash religious warriors that instil fear in the hearts of all men. However, surrounded by Christian armies on all sides, the Lithuanians may be forced to change their ways to avoid death, enslavement, or exile at the hands of the Christians. Choosing the right time to convert from paganism to Christianity will be central to Lithuania’s long-term success. Lithuania’s strength in battle lies in its light cavalry and religious zealots, though both are lightly armored and must use the cover of thick woods or skirmishing tactics. Surprise and speed will be Lithuania’s greatest assets, making good use of the open plains and thick woods prevalent in their home lands. Lithuania must use surprise and guerrilla tactics to weaken the heavier armies of their opponents, and then disappear as they had come – like ghosts.
    The Mongol Empire


    Known as: The Mongolian Khanate, Mongol Khanate
    Strengths: Best cavalry power in the known world.
    Famous for: Heavy Horse Archers
    Weakness: Lacks heavy infantry

    Representing the Mongolian invasion, the Golden Horde and the Ilkhanate, the Mongols have strong cavalry and archers but very limited weak infantry. They lack late period gunpowder technology. They are nomadic, arriving in waves from any far eastern provinces from Baghdad to Sarkel during early 13th century; as the Mongols did historically. The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan in 1206, after uniting the Mongol-Turkic tribes of modern day Mongolia and the surrounding tribal lands. The small new empire quickly came into conflict with the neighboring Western Xia Dynasty. This conflict lasted for 3 years until 1210 with the Western Xia ruler submitting to Genghis Khan. Around this time, the Uyghur Turks also peacefully submitted to the Mongols, and became valued administrators throughout the empire. With this new found strength, Genghis Khan led his armies across the Gobi Desert into battle against the Jin Dynasty of Northern China. After defeating their foes, the Mongols captured the Zhetysu and Tarim basins, and also took Kashgar along with them. At this time, the nearest friendly empire was the Muslim Khwarezmian Empire. In 1218, Genghis Khan sent a trade mission to the Khwarezmians, but the Khwarezmian governor of Otrar suspected them to be spies, so he had his soldiers confiscate their goods and execute them. The Muslims sent the heads of the merchants and diplomats back to Genghis Khan's throne, which led to a devastating army of 200,000 men marching towards the Khwarezmian borders. In 1220, the Mongols began their march across Transoxania towards the Khwarezmian capital of Urgench. Before charging into battle, Genghis Khan is reported to have said "By the will of the eternal blue heaven," showing his dedication to Tengri, the god who gave Genghis Khan the power to create the Mongol Empire.
    The Moorish Caliphate


    Known as: The Moorish Caliphate, Almohad Sultanate, al-Muwahhidun
    Strengths: Can field a good mix of light cavalry and infantry, and effective spears
    Famous for: Camel Gunners
    Weakness: Lacks strong late period units.

    The Moorish emirate of Spain of Northwestern Africa, representing the Almoravid dynasty, possess a fusion of light cavalry and spearmen, and have few, but effective, late period units. The Moors were originally a nomadic people, the original inhabitants of Mauretania on the north coast of Africa. They rose from obscurity in the 8th century when they converted to Islam, and proceeded to spread rapidly in several directions - including north-west into the Iberian peninsula. They soon had almost total dominion over all of Iberia with the exception of the lands to the north where some resilient Christians held fast, but Islamic Spain was a collection of cities more than a true caliphate - until now. The Almoravid Berbers have risen from their homelands near the west coast of Africa to establish their capital in Marrakesh, and assume control of the Moorish empire. Their dominance over this corner of Africa is absolute, and the sense of unity they have brought to the Moorish empire has once again restored order in southern Iberia. This move for stable Islamic rule is however also the cause of the greatest threat to the Moors... Christian unity. Once weak, uncultured and disorganized, the kingdoms of Leon and Castile are now unified in their challenge against Islamic rule of the peninsula, and look set to actually launch a genuine offensive to revive their Reconquista. Their heroes such as El Cid are extremely admirable adversaries, as men who are driven with what they believe to be a noble purpose always are. Perhaps the best course of action for the Moors is to play the rulers of Portugal and Castile against one another. So long as they are united in a religious crusade against Islam they are the Moors' greatest threat. Of course, the greed of Christian leaders is something that can be counted upon, and siding with one of these two powers could be possible even if it is undesirable. It is an option they must keep in mind, for expanding too far eastward towards Arabia involves taking on other followers of Islam such as the Egyptians... something most unlikely to be the will of Allah.
    The Kingdom of Norway


    Known as: The Kingdom of Norway, Kongeriket Norge
    Strengths: Excellent infantry and naval units, good light cavalry
    Famous for: Noble Hirdsmen
    Weakness: Lacks good heavy cavalry and professional armies

    Norway has used its considerable naval power to control the Isle of Man and Orkney Islands for many decades now and has only recently shown interest in establishing a greater presence on the Scottish mainland. While King Hĺkon remains in Norway, dealing with issues at home, he has placed his son Magnus Hĺkonsson in charge of the war effort in Britannia. As the Norwegian people look to establish a foothold on the British mainland, they may choose to adopt their traditional naval raiding approach of surprising and sacking poorly defended settlements, before returning to the ocean as quickly as they appeared. Scotland is Norway’s first obvious target for expansion, however it may be in their best interest to assault the east coast of England or Northern Ireland, as the factions in these regions will surely be distracted with their own war efforts.
    The Papal states


    Known as: The Papal States, Pontifical States, Status Pontificius, Dicio Pontificia, Patrimonium Sancti Petri
    Strengths: Has the typically strong militia of the Italian powers
    Famous for: Swiss Guards
    Weakness: Poor cavalry

    The Papacy possesses strong militia, Swiss Guard and Papal guard units, but has little cavalry. This Catholic faction rules Rome, the home to the Pope and the Vatican; it has a strong influence over other Catholic nations. The Papal States were among the major historical states of Italy from roughly the 6th century and comprised territories under direct sovereign rule of the papacy, commonly called the temporal power of the Pope, as opposed to his ecclesiastical primacy. The seeds of the Papal States as a sovereign political entity were planted in the sixth century. The Eastern Roman government in Constantinople launched a reconquest of Italy that took decades and devastated the country's political and economic structures; just as those wars wound down, the Lombards entered the peninsula from the north and conquered much of the countryside. By the seventh century, Byzantine authority was largely limited to a diagonal band running roughly from Ravenna, where the Emperor's representative, or Exarch, was located, to Rome and south to Naples (the "Rome-Ravenna corridor"). With effective Byzantine power weighted at the northeast end of this territory, the Bishop of Rome, as the largest landowner and most prestigious figure in Italy, began by default to take on much of the ruling authority that Byzantines were unable to project to the area around the city of Rome. While the Bishops of Rome — now beginning to be referred to as the Popes — remained de jure Byzantine subjects, in practice the Duchy of Rome, an area roughly equivalent to modern-day Latium, became an independent state ruled by the Church. As Byzantine power weakened, though, the Papacy took an ever larger role in defending Rome from the Lombards. Over several campaigns in the mid-tenth century, the German ruler Otto I conquered northern Italy; Pope John XII crowned him emperor (the first so crowned in more than forty years), and the two of them ratified the Diploma Ottonianum, which guaranteed the independence of the Papal States. Yet over the next two centuries, Popes and Emperors squabbled over a variety of issues, and the German rulers routinely treated the Papal States as part of their realms on those occasions when they projected power into Italy.
    Note: The Papacy cannot be destroyed though its regions may be all be taken and its armies destroyed.
    The Kingdom of Poland


    Known as: The Kingdom of Poland, Królestwo Polskie
    Strengths: Makes use of very strong cavalry.
    Famous for: Hussars
    Weakness: Somewhat mediocre infantry.

    The Kingdom of Poland; representing the Piast Dynasty; possess excellent cavalry, such as Winged Hussars and szlachcic, and despite weak early period infantry, the Poles have strong infantry in the late period. The Polish are Catholic and have Krakow as their capital city. They Polish conquest East and West brings them into conflict with Russia and the Holy Roman Empire. The Kingdom of Poland is still a relative infant, but an infant that already appears to boast a considerable grip on the lands around the capital of Krakow. The Polish people can attribute their rapid rise out of obscurity to the Drang nach Osten (Drive towards the East) of the Holy Roman Empire, which saw the Kaiser searching for allies to help crush the Polabian Slavs. After converting to Christianity, Boleslaw the Brave saw it as his right and duty to conquer neighboring lands, including thrusts as far east as Kiev, and even forays into Imperial lands during disputes between the Kaiser and the Pope. That last act of betrayal is a sign of recent times in Poland, with internal power struggles stalling the continued expansion of Polish borders. Fortunately for the Poles, the last King to rule with any true sense of stability, Kazimierz I, paved the way for granting fiefdoms to his warriors, establishing a tradition of feudalistic knighthood required to be a power in Europe today. Only now is order truly being restored with Wladyslaw Herman taking the throne with his brother being forced into exile. Siding with the Pope in his recent clashes with the Kaiser has helped establish Poland as a legitimate Catholic power, ensuring the Reich can no longer expand eastward with the blessing of Christendom. However, the lack of an immediate Imperial threat does not ensure that the Poles have an easy option to expand either. The Hungarian King László is simply too formidable and familiar with Polish ways to make moving southward a viable option, making securing the lands of the Baltic Sea the most appealing choice... Despite the fact it involves beating the Danes, the Rus and the Reich to the draw. If Poland is to maintain its new status as a genuine power, Wladyslaw must choose his next battle and enemy very carefully.
    The Kingdom of Portugal


    Known as: The Kingdom of Portugal, Reino de Portugal
    Strengths: Excellent light infantry and naval units, good light cavalry
    Famous for: Jinetes
    Weakness: Lacks professional armies

    Along with Pamplona, the Portuguese represent the Kingdoms of Portugal and Navarre (Pamplona was Navarrean) and possess improved units such as arquebusiers and javelinmen and have excellent late period technology as well as the best navy. However, they lack late period professional armies and have weak heavy cavalry. The Portuguese are Catholic, with their capital being Lisbon. They, like all the Iberian factions, fight over the peninsula. Of all of the European royal courts, Portugal is the youngest, having only just recently come of age, growing from county to Kingdom. As is typical at this stage of life, there have been more than a few growing pains for Portugal, and its inaugural King, Afonso Henrique. As if being recognized as the sovereign of a land were not hard enough at the best of times, Afonso's own mother attempted to seize power for herself before he was forced to defeat and then exile her! As grim as Portugal's first years have been, there is no doubting that these shameful acts of betrayal within his own family have ensured that Afonso is a true survivor - and only a man that has endured through such troubles is likely to turn his fledgling Kingdom into a western power. Portugal's greatest threat does not lie within however... Despite some of the Kings and Emirs of the Iberian Peninsula supporting religious tolerance, the Christian and Islamic faiths do not appear to be able to share these lands peacefully. The ongoing Reconquista seems almost certain to ensure that the Moors will be an enemy of Portugal, at least until they are driven back across the straits of Gibraltar. That said, even then they will still be an immediate threat. The other obvious threat is that of Alfonso el Valiente. No matter how noble he may be, any man who would declare himself Emperor of Spain essentially declares himself the rightful ruler of all of Iberia. It is entirely possible that he will seek to once again make Portugal a mere county to offer in his political barter. Some of the Portuguese believe that the best tyranny to face is that of distance. Poised on the edge of the civilized world, perhaps Portugal's fortunes lie across the seas and oceans, rather than across her immediate borders.
    The Republic of Novgorod


    Known as: The Republic of Novgorod, Principality of Novgorod, Veliki Novgorod
    Strengths: Excellent late infantry and archers. Some horse archers.
    Famous for: Novgorod Home Guard
    Weakness: Poor early infantry and missile units.

    Originally a Baltic town, Novgorod came under Varangian control when the semi-legendary Varangian Rurik was invited to be their leader. Novgorod used to be the most important city of the Rus until Rurik’s successor Oleg captured Kiev and founded the state of Kievan Rus. While still technically a part of Kievan Rus, Novgorod has been growing more and more independent from the power of the Kievan throne as disputes over the right to rule Kiev threaten to engulf the Rus. Novgorod’s strength comes from its importance as a rich center of trade. Situated astride the River Volkhov, Novgorod is the gateway to the river trade routes from the Baltic to Constantinople and beyond. However, this strength also makes Novgorod a tempting target for the city’s neighbors You will have to contend with threats on all sides if you are to survive. From the east you will face the Cumans, long foes of the Rus. These masters of the steppe are being pushed westwards into Rus lands by an even greater power. From the west, the catholic powers of the Baltic are also eying off Novgorod’s lucrative trade routes, and if you are not careful, they will use the excuse of a crusade to achieve this goal. Between the Catholics and Novgorod lies pagan Lithuania. Squeezed between two different Christian faiths, these adherers to the old ways will defend themselves if their way of life comes under threat. To the south lie the lands of your Rus brothers: Kievan Rus. While not an immediate threat, Novgorod’s growing independence may cause the Kievan rulers to act to safeguard their income from Novgorod's trade. Only by dealing with all these threats can Novgorod truly become Gospodin Velikiy Novgorod: Lord Novgorod the Great!
    The Kingdom of Scotland


    Known as: Kingdom of Scotland, Rěoghachd na h-Alba, Royaume d'Écosse, Kinrick o Scotland
    Strengths: Makes excellent use of spears and pikes
    Famous for: Noble Pikemen
    Weakness: Lacking in cavalry, and the nobles often prefer to fight on foot

    The Scots have excellent pikemen, skilled archers and heavy infantry, but have poor cavalry and lack any kind of notable gun technology aside from artillery. The Scottish people are Catholic. William the Conqueror may have undisputed claim over the Kingdom of England, but he must still deal with the Celtic Lords of Scotland should he have designs on calling himself monarch of the British Isles. In fact, Malcolm III, the ruling King of Scotland has already made several forays into England's north since the Normans have arrived, continuing a legacy of conflict between Celtic and continental bloodlines that has existed for over a millennium. Scotland may have a proud track record of defying much greater powers south of the border, including the mighty Roman Empire, but some of the highland nation's more brilliant scholars are now preaching caution to Canmore. The Britons are no longer a distant set of islands on the edge of civilization, and to continue to think of this position as being truly secure would be to lie to one's self. The arrival of the Normans, with their heavy cavalry is proof that continental powers are now capable of arriving in force across the sea, and that warfare itself is evolving. None of Canmore's thrusts into Northumbria have thus far been decisive, and perhaps this is not something Scotland should be doing alone. At present, the French would appear to be Scotland's most logical ally. The animosity between the French monarchy and the Normans has only grown with William's expansionist behavior, and Philip would be mad not to want England's attention split across two fronts. Of course, until the Scots can either secure a powerful ally or bring their armed forces up to the standards of the major European powers, it may be well worth it for Malcolm III to simply swallow his pride and avoid entering any further conflict with the English, or heaven forbid, contemplate an alliance.
    The Kingdom of Sicily


    Known as: Kingdom of Sicily, Regno di Sicilia, Regnum Siciliae
    Strengths: Can field strong militia, Norman knights and Muslim archers
    Famous for: Norman Knights
    Weakness: Lacks good late period cavalry

    The Sicillians; representing the Norman-Italian Kingdom of Sicily and later after a split the Kingdom of Naples as well; have a mix of units including Arab archers, Italian militia units and Norman knights. They can field chivalric knights. After a Norman conquest helped Sicily fend off Turkish-Arabian occupiers; the nominal Duke of Sicily granted the Normans rule over them. The Sicilians are Catholic with Palermo being their capital. Although Sicily's proximity to Rome has given the island a rich history, it now stands as a true fledgling among the European powers. Six years before the Normans successfully conquered England, their first true island invasion was launched against the Saracens that occupied Sicily... with more than a little encouragement from the Papacy. King Roger I's nation may be a relative infant, but with an island capital, southern Italy under his control and a healthy relationship with the Papal States, it is an infant that looks likely to survive the journey to adulthood. Condoning the invasion of Sicily was only the beginning for the Papacy's support of the Normans. The sheer presence of Rome midway along the Apennine peninsula now serves as a sturdy political shield from the continental powers to the north. It's a barrier that looks likely to hold so long as the Catholic lords all remain faithful to the Papacy. Hiding behind a shield is however, not the way to establish an empire - nor is any defense without its weakness. The Holy Roman Empire shares borders with the Sicilians, and the armies of the Reich answer to the Kaiser - not the Pope. Even if the Sicilians successfully start to expand up the peninsula, they will soon have to deal with the Milanese and the Venetians. It would seem that the Normans will once again have to take to the waters to expand their latest kingdom. Close to home, other islands like Sardinia and Corsica make tempting targets for invasion. However, the Sicilians will need to look over the horizon to have a hope of long term survival. To the east, the Roman Empire is fractured and relatively vulnerable, and there's ample opportunity to take advantage of the chaos on the Iberian Peninsula to the west.
    The Crown of Castile / The Kingdom of León and Castile


    Known as: The Crown of León and Castile, Kingdom of Castile-Leon, Reino de Castilla y Leon
    Strengths: Excellent naval units, light infantry and cavalry
    Famous for: Conquistadores
    Weakness: Lacks heavy infantry and spears in early period

    They has access to powerful cavalry in all periods and excellent missile units, as well as good late period technology. The Spanish have professional armies, but lack spearmen in the early period. Any man who is born on the Iberian Peninsula would call himself a "Spaniard", so when King Alfonso VI declared himself the "Emperor of all Spain" three years ago, it was a truly bold claim. After all, not since the times of the Western Roman Empire has one noble court truly ruled the peninsula unopposed. Currently, the Moors hold southern Iberia quite tightly, and Portugal's declaration of independence really proves Alfonso wrong. However, Alfonso has managed to become the King of Leon, Castile and Galicia all at once, so there is definitely more to his claim than wild boasts. Now that the petty differences of the Christian courts have been abolished, the Reconquista looks like it may finally become a reality - Alfonso VI is the first sovereign to truly find himself in a position to actually drive the Muslims back into northern Africa. The first moves for the King of Spain are obvious, but beyond Iberia, there is far less certainty. The King of France may be cowering in Paris to avoid facing other French noble robber barons, but crossing the Pyranees to take his southern fiefdoms is more likely to unify his people than split their loyalties. Unless the new Spanish royalty are willing to embark on such a dangerous campaign, they must look to the sea to find less daunting borders to cross. The Spaniards have always shown an affinity for the water, and make fine seafarers. Who knows, perhaps the great empires of the future will be forged at sea rather than on dry land - If so, the people who mastered this art of war first would inherit the earth.
    The Teutonic Order


    Known as: The Teutonic Order, The State of the Teutonic Order, Deutschordensland, Monastic State of the Teutonic Knights, Ordensstaat
    Strengths: Powerful knights and disciplined soldiers
    Famous for: Ritterbruder
    Weakness: Lacks fast light cavalry and infantry

    The Teutonic Order has very powerful units, both in terms of backbone and elite, such as order spearmen and Ritterbrüders. They are fueled by a need to redeem their souls through conquest and the order has grown into an unrivaled military power on the shores of the Baltic. Their religious fervor comes at a great cost to the lives of their pagan and Orthodox neighbors, but even their fellow Catholics are not exempt. They war with many and are trusted by none. Poland looks on with fear, concerned where the fervent expansion of the Order will take them next and when they will turn their greedy gaze to Poland. The Orthodox people of Novgorod, always mindful of the atrocities they suffered during the Order’s failed attempt on their great city, stand strong and ready for further assaults. Denmark remains neutral, but grows wary of the Order’s presence in the Baltic and watchful of their increased interest in trade. The Holy Roman Empire watches the Order’s actions like a proud parent, but the knights are forging their own great empire. It is the pagans of Lithuania, however, that feel the full force of the Order’s zeal and the sting of their swords. Hunting pagans has become almost a sport with so-called “Crusaders” flocking in from the West to kill their share. The Order’s might comes from its knights, whose skills are unmatched by any in these lands. However, men of this quality are in short measure and must not fall at the hand of a peasant’s crossbow. For the Order to succeed, they must forge their own great empire by whatever means necessary – conquest, conversion, or extermination.
    Note: Due to the unique nature of the Teutonic Order, it lacks a family tree - thus leaving princesses and certain diplomatic options closed to them but making the faction less vulnerable to assassins. Instead it is lead by a Hochmeister, who, upon death, will be replaced by the most able General among the order's ranks.
    The Timurids


    Known as: Timurid dynasty, Timurids, Timurid Empire
    Strengths: Extremely strong cavalry units, including elephants
    Famous for: Rocket Launcher
    Weakness: Lack heavy infantry and spears

    The Timurids were a dynasty of originally Turko-Mongol descent whose empire included the whole of Central Asia, Iran, modern Afghanistan, as well as large parts of contemporary Pakistan, North India, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and the Caucasus. By the late 14th century the Chagatai Khanate, the Golden Horde, and the Il-Khanate were beginning to collapse. The Mongols gradually assimilated into the native culture of their conquered territories, while succession struggles and infighting began to fracture the Khanates. A new challenge also arose for these three Khanates, in the form of an invasion of all three by another Mongol leader, Timur. An arrow wound suffered in his youth sufficiently injured his leg as to earn him the name Timur-i-Lenk in Persian, or Timur the Lame.. Timur was in his lifetime a controversial figure, and remains so today. He sought to restore the Mongol Empire, yet his heaviest blow was against the Islamized Tatar Golden Horde. He was more at home in an urban environment than on the steppe. He styled himself a ghazi while conducting wars that severely affected some Muslim states, for example the Ottoman Empire. A great patron of the arts, his campaigns also caused vast destruction. Timur told the qadis of Aleppo, during the sacking of that newly conquered city: "I am not a man of blood; and God is my witness that in all my wars I have never been the aggressor, and that my enemies have always been the authors of their own calamity." The origin of the Timurid dynasty goes back to the Mongolian nomadic confederation known as Barlas, who were remnants of the original Mongol army of Genghis Khan. After the Mongol conquest of Central Asia, the Barlas settled in Turkestan (which then also became known as Moghulistan - "Land of Mongols") and intermingled to a considerable degree with the local Turkic and Turkic-speaking population, so that at the time of Timur's reign the Barlas had become thoroughly Turkicized in terms of language and habits. The Timurids have access to a large amount of firearms, even elephant-mounted cannon and overall the Timurid nomads possess the strongest and most expensive single regiments in the game, such as war elephants, elephant artillery, monster bombards and rockets, although they lack in good infantry units. They are a very formidable force that is a large threat to the christian crusaders, Turks and Egyptian factions - after facing the terror of the Mongol invasion, nobody would have dreamed that a serious peril could ever rise from the east again, yet the mighty war machine of Timur the Lame has stormed onward onto the eastern borders Europe, on which the Timurid armies arrive around the year 1370.
    The Seljuk Sultanate


    Known as: The Seljuk Sultanate, Selçuklular
    Strengths: Outstanding mounted archers and Janissary troops
    Famous for: Janissary Heavy Infantry
    Weakness: Lacking in heavy armour and early period infantry

    Representing the Seljuk dynasty and later the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish sultanate has the game's strongest siege artillery upon inclusion of gunpowder as well as powerful ranged units, especially Janissaries, but poor armour and mediocre infantry. The Turks are Muslim, with their capital at Iconium. The Turks may very much be relative newcomers to both Anatolia and the Holy Lands, but the impact that they have had upon these realms since they migrated from the steppes east of the Caspian has been profound enough to shake the pillars of the oldest and mightiest neighboring dynasties. Having seized control of the Abbasid Caliphate from the Buyids, and utterly crushed the Romans at Manzikert, the Turks have restored unity to the eastern Islamic region, making them arguably the greatest power Arabia or Persia has seen for centuries. Settling down has been the Turks' secret to asserting their dominion. Traditionally a nomadic people, they have at last adopted a system of centralized rule to form the Seljuk Empire. Considering they have relied upon their natural skill at mounted combat and guerrilla warfare for centuries, the Turks have already shown incredible talent at governing a vast empire from a single throne. In the foreseeable future, arrogance and complacency are likely to be the biggest threats to the mighty Seljuk Empire. To expect the Roman Empire to underestimate Turkish forces after the slaughter of Manzikert would be folly, and it can be taken as given that they will attempt to regain control of Anatolia. It would also be foolish to believe that the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt will be content to simply overlook the fertile banks of the Nile - They are just as well placed to seize control of all of the Holy Lands. So long as the Turks manage to combine their new system of centralized government with their innate abilities as mounted warriors, then their position in this corner of the world looks most secure. After all, how likely is it that an even more fierce and formidable race of nomadic warriors sweep down from the steppes?
    The Republic of Venice


    Known as: Republic of Venice, Sereněsima Respůblica de Venexia, Most Serene Republic of Venice
    Strengths: Boasts strong militia infantry, good colonial units and late technology
    Famous for: Venetian Heavy Infantry
    Weakness: Somewhat poor cavalry

    The Venetians of Italy possess excellent infantry and militia units, but mediocre cavalry. As well as itself Venice owns Raguza in modern Croatia and the Isle of Crete. The Republic is Catholic with Venice as their capital city. The city of canals is a reminder that starting from a great defensive position is an ideal foundation upon which to build an empire. With the city perched on the Ri'Alto island and the Venetian Lagoon serving as a massive moat for the city, Venice is a natural fortress. Although the Venetians do not boast a noteworthy land army, they are the leading seafarers of the time. This gives them the ability to confidently defend their capital from direct attack, as well as establish trade routes more readily than most any other major power. A century earlier the Venetians were plagued by Dalmatian pirates who preyed upon the merchants that plied their lucrative sea trade throughout the Adriatic. Through clever diplomacy, Pietro Orseolo, "Doge" of the Venetian Republic was able to isolate the marauding pirate Slavs into small, manageable groups that he then forced to surrender. This opened the door for Venice to evolve from an isolated trading city into a European power in its own right. With their ability to dominate trade and traverse the Mediterranean, so long as the Venetians diligently protect their island city, they will always remain a force to be reckoned with.
    Independent Sovereignties

    Known as: Independent Sovereignities, Independent Kingdoms, Rebels
    Strengths: Can field most, if not all units known
    Famous for: Independence
    Weakness: Lacks diplomatic standing

    Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a geographic area, such as a territory. It can be found in a power to rule and make law that rests on a political fact for which no purely legal explanation can be provided. In theoretical terms, the idea of "sovereignty", historically, from Socrates to Hobbes, has always necessitated a moral imperative on the entity exercising it. Sovereignty existed during the Medieval Period as the de jure rights of nobility and royalty, and in the de facto capability of individuals to make their own choices in life.

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