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Thread: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

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    Matthćus's Avatar Knez Bribirski
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    Icon2 [Preview] Duchy of Croatia




    Duchy of Croatia









    Arrival of Croats in the Balkan

    In the 7th century a wave of various Slav tribes arrived on the Balkans. Among them were members of a small tribe that called themselves Croats. The Origin of the name itself is still unknown. Some scholars believe it is of Iranian linguistic origin. This still remains just a theory as a lack of sources prevents us from making any definitive conclusions. The only thing we can say for certain is that when the Croats arrived in their new homeland outsiders could not tell them apart from other Slavic tribes. They talked in common old-Slavic language, believed in common Slavic pagan gods, and dressed like other Slavs.

    According to a popular 10th century Croatian legend recorded by the Byzantine Emperor Kōnstantinos VII Porphyrogennētos the Croats originate from their old homeland White Croatia which was located somewhere in southern Poland, near Krakow. According to his writings they were led by five brothers (Klukas, Lobel, Muhlo, Kosjenc, and Hrvat) and two sisters and (Tuga i Buga) on the journey.

    The Slavs did not enter empty lands, there were still some Avar remnants in the Panonnian plain and a numerous Illyro-Roman population in Dinaric mountains. Soon intermixing of those elements begun.


    Duchy of Croatia (Kneževina Hrvatska)

    The first reliable information about the duchy come from the time of duke Borna (803-821), a faithful Frankish vassal in war against his northern neighbour Ljudevit from Panonnia. Although Frankish suzerainty was unpopular, this was a smart move. At the time Frankish empire was too strong, and Ljudevit was for all his bravery eventually defeated, and his duchy overrun. The Frankish Empire disintegrated into three parts after death of Louis the Pious (840). This made submission of Borna's sucessors to Lothar king of Italy purely nominal. In the time of Domagoj Croatia was independent coutry.

    The Croatian duchy (and later kingdom) was for most of its history ruled by the Trpimirović dynasty, named after its founding father Duke Trpimir (845-864). There were only two interruptions, 864-878 and 879-892, when the usurper Domagoj and later Branimir tried to form their own dynasties by force. Domagoj's sons were expelled never to return, and Branimir died heirless which enabled the return of the dynasty.

    It seems that during the 9th century sucession laws were not in place, or not widely accepted as the death of a ruler often meant that the strongest candidate would take throne by force, or with support of the shod – a gathering of all freemen. Fighting that could erupt had negative consequences on state stability and strength.
    By 10th century it became custom that oldest son inherited the throne, but in some cases he shared the power with his brothers.

    Ruler of the duchy was the duke, called dux (Croatorum) or princeps in Latin sources. Slavic term for duke was knez, so the duchy would be kneževina.
    The Ban was the most important person except for the duke/ king himself. At first the ban directly controlled three županije in northern Croatia: Krbava, Lika and Gacka. He had military, juridical and administration power on his territory. Later however the ban became vice-king and had influence on the whole state.
    As the kingdom expanded in 11th century two additional bans were appointed. So the first ban was the ban of Croatia (between Cetina river and Gvozd mountains), the second was for Slavonia, and the third for Bosnia. The Word ban exists only in Croatia and Bosnia, and its origin is unknown, possibly Bulgarian.

    Croatia was divided into small territorial districts called županije (most accurate translation would be “civil parish”) which were ruled by a župan (iupanus). the Župan had judicial and fiscal authority, and as well control over the forts on his territory. At first notable individual members of most powerful kins were elected to these positions, but later the king personally appointed them.

    However there existed additional župans as part of the ducal household, and they could have various assignments and titles like: palatinus (commanding the royal household), maccechario (literary - macemen, military officer), cauallarius (in charge of horses), camerarius (treasury), pincernarius/peharnik, amiger (shield bearer)…

    In the 10th century there were eleven županije, but later additional županije were established. They were mostly organized around fertile valleys, but also included the mountain terrain around them. Forts were built to defend strategic passes between them. In general they followed late antique territorial and ecclesial organization to some extent. After the arrival of the Croats in their new homeland eleven of them were established, but later their number grew.


    872 AD

    In the year 872 AD (the start of the TGC mod) the knez of Croatia is Domagoj, usurper on the throne who has killed the rightful heir Petar, son of Trpimir, and expelled his brothers into exile. He had just returned from the Siege of Bari where he took part in grand coalition of Franks and Byzantines which took that city from the Saracens.
    Domagoj is nothing like his pious predecessors. He was a ruthless pirate or even of Neretvan origin, who cared nothing for mother church. In all the years of his rule not a single church was built in the duchy. In fact the only thing that he has done for the church is to attack its infidel enemies the Saracens. "The worst duke of the Slavs" (nick name that Venetians gave him) dedicated his life to plundering all ships sailing the Adriatic sea; Venetian, Byzantine and others alike. This policy brought short term prosperity, but a lot of negative consequences in long run.

    The future might bring trouble for Domagoj and his sons as there are rumors that Zdeslav, one of Trpimi's sons, is in Constantinople gaining the favor and support of the emperor. What if he returns with the imperial fleet on his side?



    Kingdom

    Before 925 AD Duke Tomislav, a renowned warrior, was crowned. He was the first of the Croatian kings. The full royal title was rex Dalmatiae et Chroatie showing ambition to rule over the whole Dalmatian coast and cities. Finally in second half of 11th century those ambitions were fulfilled. This was the combined result of a long process of assimilation of old Latin inhabitants and diplomatic negotiations with Byzantine Empire.



    Cratian king, 11th century, baptistery of Split cathedral



    Feudalism

    In the late 10th century far-reaching changes were underway. Kings granted their supporters the titles of župan, and gave them, as their vassals, control over their districts.
    During next the hundred years powerful noble families managed to transform these newly acquired titles and lands into hereditary feudal fiefs.
    In the second half of 11th and early 12th century at the latest, the office of župan was considered to be hereditary title of certain noble families. Such families had the title of Knez (Comes) and could rule several županija's, and some families grew very rich and powerful over time. This is how mighty feudal noble families like the Bribirski/Šubići (dukes of Bribir) were born.


    Society

    Until late 10th century the feudal system still did not reach the Croatian people who maintained their tribal society. People were divided into free (liber, ingeniuus), and non-free - slaves (servi, ancille). Freemen were divided into tribes, and each tribe into kins. According to legends there were twelve tribes. Although, at this stage all free men were supposed to be equal, in praxis some kins became richer and stronger than others. Those people were referred as "the great men" in sources (proceribus or primatibus populi).

    Almost all the population lived in villages except along the Adriatic coast and islands where some old Roman towns managed to survive the turbulent times of barbarian invasions from the 5th to the 7th century. The largest antique cities like Salona and Narona were deserted by the time of the arrival of the Croats, but life continued in Osor, Arbum (Rab), Iadera (Zadar), Tragurium (Trogir), Spalatum (Split). Croats populated the hinterland, and soon begun intermixing with the old Latin-speaking urban population.
    The Croats also began founding cities on their own. They repopulated the old city of Nona (Nin) and turned it into seat of the bishop and one of seats of the duke. Furthermore two new towns were built in vicinity of Zadar: Belgrad (Biograd) and Šibenik (in 11th century).

    The pillar of the social structure was the so-called "zadruga" or "seljačka zadruga" (seljak = villager, and zadruga can be loosely translated as cooperation or collective). The Zadruga consisted of several generations of one or more families (several brothers and their families) that collectively owned the land they cultivated (farmland).
    Woods, pastures and lakes/rivers were considered collective ownership of tribe. One or several zadruga's formed a clan or a kin (like 11th century examples of Vujčići, Trejčići, Kokići). A single person could own land but that was quite rare.

    Life in villages was hard and life expectancy low by today's standards. Hard work took its toll on people who were considered old men if they reached the forties. In troubled times, when crops failed, there were examples of freemen willingly sell themselves or freemen to slavery just to survive hoping that their patron would protect them from hunger. This also meant that ,in 11th century, a considerable number of villagers were eager to sign feudal contracts with nobles, seeking their protection and assistance.

    Nobles lived in better conditions, but still it was a dangerous life in which hunting accidents, wars or diseases could end ones life prematurely.


    Christianity

    By the 9th century Croats were baptized by missionaries from both Rome and Constantinople. At last papal influence prevailed leaving the people permanently in its sphere of influence. However Byzantines have made a big impact on the Croatian culture by introducing a Glagolitic alphabet and Slavic liturgy, which became its cornerstones. This alphabet was originally intended for use in the Great Moravia, but after students of St. Cyril and Methodius were banished some came to Croatia and brought their knowledge along. During the Early Middle Ages both the Latin and the Glagolitic alphabet were used, the latter for the Croatian language. Liturgy in old-Slavic and later old Croatian language soon became widely embraced despite papal opposition. Religious orders followed soon after the Christianization, with the Benedictines playing a very important role in the country's history, bringing it closer to western culture.


    Baška tablet, around 1100, is one of finest examples of early rounded Glagolitic script. King Zvonimir donates land to benedictine abbey on island Krk.



    Military: organization, weapons and tactics

    The Croatian army between the 8th and 10th century could be divided into two parts: the levy and duke’s (kings) own troops. Each tribe was supposed to provide a certain number of men (infantry and cavalry) for the army in some kind of select levy system. Additionally the whole male population could be called to arms if needed, mostly in defense of the homeland. This levy army seems to be quite reliable in defense, but it was not capable of significant offensive expeditions beyond the duchy’s borders.

    The Knez had a small loyal group of companions (Družina) tied to the tribal relationships of fealty that had preceded feudalism. These men were tied to their overlord through bonds similar to those of the Germanic peoples, and were supplied all their equipment and land by their lord, and expected a share in booty. In exchange, they served as a standing army for the duke, almost always mobilized, traveling with him from fort to fort, and ready for war. With the disappearance of tribal society and the wide implementation of a feudal system, the members of a Družina expected to be paid regularly for their service, or viewed their service as an opportunity to distinguish themselves in eyes of the king and gain fief of their own as reward.


    Left: decorated children's spurs; Biskupija near Knin, 9th century. Nobles were trained in the arts of was from young age. Right: Carolingian sword (K type in Peterson's classification); Livno, 9th century. Croatia has one of largest concentration of archeological finds of those swords in Europe.


    In late 10th and 11th century the feudal system was adopted across the state. This weakened the existing levy recruitment as a large number of freemen became serfs, but created a considerable number of well equipped semi-professional soldiers – milites (armored cavalry) and pedites (infantrymen). The Croatian knez never possessed large sums of money needed for keeping mercenary or professional contingents, while levied troops could not be entirely relied upon. Consequently giving land for military service was a good compromise for the ruler, and strengthened military power of the duchy. However this also brought some risks since vassal families grew stronger and more independent in time. The 11th century also saw a further development of the economy and a population growth which meant that better equipment was available to the troops.

    The command structure was rather simple with the duke/king in command of army. If a ruler was not present the army was led by a ban. At the lower levels the army was divided into troops of hundred men each with a satnik in command. A commander of a city or a fort was called gradštak.



    Geopolitical situation

    In the west Saracen pirates sail to the Adriatic coast in search for loot and slaves. The sea offers great opportunities for trade but also means a great threat from those infidels who arrive from their lands in Sicily and Crete in almost regular periods. The coastline must stay protected otherwise they will demolish our most prosperous lands.

    In the north lies the Eastern Frankish Empire. This large state seems quite preoccupied with its own internal problems, but this could change in the future. The duke should always be watchful, if the Franks will ever decide to restore their empire.

    In the east the situation looks calm for now, there is the scarcely populated Panonnian plain, and further away the friendly Great Moravian state. However the Magyar invasion will bring an end to this tranquility. Those steppe people could cause a lot trouble. They will surely attack while trying to conquer the whole Panonnian plain for themselves or even reach the sea. However it might be possible to sign peace agreement with those people and avoid war to the death. Historically after years of armed conflict Croats and Magyars came to terms and became close allies.

    The greatest threat lies to the south east, the mighty Bulgarian Empire, the Croatian arch-enemy at the time, surpassing the Croat duchy in size and strength. At present, there is a buffer state between the two enemies. It is a fellow Slavic duchy - Serbia. But if the Bulgarians ever manage to subdue, or bypass the Serbs, the Croatian duke has to be ready to repel an invasion. Strength in numbers is not the only strength, and maybe their numerous horse archers can be ambushed and destroyed in mountain passes of Dinaric Mountains... Hopefully the Roman Empire (the Byzantines), being Croatian long term allies, can keep them preoccupied until the duchy is ready for such great conflict... The Croats must absorb all surrounding smaller Slavic tribes into one strong and united state if they want to stand a chance !
    Can Croatia survive in such dangerous world?





    BANNERS & CHARACTERS

    Banners

    Bodyguards of Croatian duke carry main faction flag


    Pretorianes with "elite" flag

    Cavalry flag

    Infantry flag

    Archer officer and banner carrier

    Characters






    UNITS
    UNITS DESCRIPTIONS AND IMAGES







    Družina

    Members of the Družina act as bodyguards of the Duke (and later King) of Croatia.
    The nature of early Slavic warfare can be characterized by this group of companions, synonymous in all of the modern Slavic tongues and tied to the tribal relationships
    of fealty that had preceded feudalism. The term Družina itself is rooted in the Proto-Slavic word for friend, drugъ, still present among modern Slavs in some form.

    In an era before feudalism, the central factor to conducting warfare was a potentate’s personal bodyguard, his group of closest companions, the Družina.
    These men were tied to their overlord through bonds similar to those of the Germanic peoples, and were supplied all their equipment and land by their lord, and expected a share in booty. In exchange, they served as a standing army for the duke, almost always mobilized, travelling with him from fort to fort, and ready for war.
    With disappearance of tribal society, and wide implementation of feudal system members of Družina expect to be payed regularly for their service, or viewed their service as an opportunity to distinguish themselves in eyes of the king and gain fief of their own as reward.
    Being the finest warriors at the disposal of the knez, they are the military elite of the Slavic society, and their armour and equipment is evident of this.
    They had access to finest equipment available, often imported from famous workshops of Byzantine and Carolingian lands. Their main weapon was a long cavalry spear. Except spears they used richly decorated swords of great quality. For protection they wore chain-mail hauberks, and additional scale or lamellar vests.
    Other essential parts of the equipment were iron helmets and, large wooden shields, at first of rounded shape, and later kite shaped under Norman influence.

    The Družina was present in almost every known armed conflict that Croatia was involved in: from early the 9th century, when they saved life of the Croatian duke Borna in battle against ruler Ljudevit of Pannonian duchy, to late 11th century when they served under King Zvonimir in his war against the Caranthanians.
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    Pretorianes


    Pretorianes are members of the ruler’s armed retinue. A rich and powerful duke does not only keep small unit of bodyguards but can also raise additional number of these elite troops.

    The Pretorianes are faithful to their duke not only because they are paid well, but because of their affiliation to the same tribe and blood relations. Pretorianes are skilled horseman, trained in arts of war from young age. Their main weapon is long a cavalry spear. Secondary they use long swords. All members of Pretorianes are trained to fight on foot, and they often do so in battles on rough rocky terrain that is so frequently found in Croatia.

    They have quality equipment at their disposal: mail hauberks, iron helmets, and scale or lamellar vests for extra protection. Additionally those men possess expensive and high quality warhorses.

    All those factors make the Preatorianes fearsome troops. Well trained and equipped and highly motivated they are invaluable part of any Croatian army.



    Dismounted Pretorianes



    Nobles



    Croatia was divided into small territorial districts called županije under control of a župan. The Župan as rulers of those districts had judicial and fiscal authority, as well as control over the forts which were built to defend strategic passes and roads.

    After arrival of the Croats in their new homeland eleven of them were established, but later their number grew. They were mostly organized around fertile valleys, but also included mountain terrain around them. The Old Croatian society was divided into tribes, and each tribe into kins. Notable individual members of the most powerful kins were elected to rule as župans.
    In the late 10th century far-reaching changes were underway. Kings granted their supporters the titles of župan, and gave them, as their vassals, control over their districts. During next the hundred years powerful noble families managed to transform these newly acquired titles and lands into hereditary feudal fiefs.
    In the second half of 11th and early 12th century at the latest , the office of župan was considered to be hereditary title of certain noble families. Such families had the title of Knez (Comes) and could rule several županija's, and some families grew very rich and powerful over time. This is how mighty feudal noble families like the Bribirski/Šubići (dukes of Bribir) were born.

    Croatian nobles in 9-10th century were mostly dressed and equipped in "Frankish" fashion. Most of the weapons were imported, mostly from Rhineland, but local manufacture existed in limited numbers. Equipment of such soldier consisted of a mail shirt, an iron helmet, a long spear (often the „winged“ design), and a long sword (large number of them were K-type per Petersons classification). Richly decorated with gold and silver their swords, along with spurs and belt buckles, show theirs high social status. For additional protection medium sized round shield was worn.

    In 11th century there is a slight change in style of equipment.
    Croatian nobles begin to look very much like their Norman neighbors from the other side of the Adriatic sea: kite shaped shields, mail hauberk down to the knees, mail coifs (hoods), and helmets with nasals. Some more wealthy individuals wore lamellar amour which is clearly an element of Byzantine influence. However until the end of 11th century most of these nobles retained the traditional underarm/overarm technique of using their spears.

    Only members of the ruling warrior elite could afford such a expensive equipment. This meant that such heavy cavalrymen were expensive and thus available in limited in numbers only (ca 1/10 of the army by Frankish sources).
    Members of the ruling elite were trained in horse riding and arts of war from childhood, and make hardy and brave warriors. They were also accustomed to fight on foot, which was often the cause because of the rough mountainous terrain.

    On the battlefield Croatian nobles proved to be effective fighting force and managed to defend Croatian independence for over 300 years in many battles against Bulgarians, Magyars, Venice, other Slavs and garrisons nearby Dalmatian towns.
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    Dismounted Nobles


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    Vitezovi (Knights)



    The 11th century was a time of great change for the Croatian kingdom. Two very important processes with far reaching consequences were occurring simultaneously.

    The first was appearance of the Normans on Italian soil, and the second was the introduction and establishment of a feudal system in Croatia. Capable warriors now expected to be granted land (fief) in return for their military service. Then they would swear an oath and become vassals of their feudal lord.

    Knights could be direct vassals of the king, or vassals of other feudal landowners, who then had to send them to serve in the king's army, if requested.
    The land parcel given to each knight had to be large enough to support the cost of a costly warhorse and purchase of required equipment. A good horse could cost up to 40 solidi making it almost expensive as armor itself.
    The Croatian knight's appearance and equipment was inspired by their Norman counterparts. When Normans demonstrated the power of their new cavalry charge with "couched" lances, the Croats were fast to learn. The "Vitezovi" adopted longer lances as their primary weapons. These lances were longer than standard infantry spears and allowed them to copy the successful Norman charge which would break through enemy lines upon impact. A knight’s secondary weapon was a sword. A sword was not only very dangerous, but expensive as well. As such, it was an extremely prestigious weapon of great symbolic value. A typical knight's sword in the 11th century was straight, two- edged and 75-80 cm in length. For protection, knights wore mail “hauberks” with attached hooded “coifs”. Additionally, warriors wore padded coat that increased the effectiveness of their defensive system. Lamellar or scale cuirasses were also sometimes used to provide soldiers with even more protection. The head was protected with an iron helmet with a nasal guard. The helmet would in most cases be made of one piece, but it could as well consist out of several metal parts riveted together. Additionally, each warrior would carry a large wooden kite-shaped shield. The shield’s exterior surface was covered with boiled leather which was decorated with painted symbols.
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    Tribal cavalry



    In the event of war each of the Croatian tribes (twelve according to legend) had to provide the knez or king a certain amount of armored cavalrymen at their own expense.

    It was some kind of select levy that provided the bulk of Croatian cavalry force. Since whole tribe participated in arming those men, they had fairly good equipment.

    Their clothes were mostly of traditional Slavic fashion (though with Byzantine and Frankish influences), and their arms were of certain Frankish design.
    Most of the weapons were imported, usually from the Rhineland, but local manufacture existed in limited numbers. Equipment of such a soldier consisted of a short mail shirt, an iron helmet, a long spear (often with „winged“ tip), as primary weapon, and a long sword as secondary weapon. For additional protection a medium sized wooden round shield was worn.

    On the battlefield the Croatian tribal cavalry proved to be very good medium cavalry that managed to defend Croatian independence for over 300 years in many battles against Bulgarians, Magyars, Venice, other Slavs, and nearby Dalmatian towns that were in Byzantine possession.



    Light cavalry



    Most of the hinterland of the Eastern Adriatic coast is dominated by the Dinaric Mountains limiting the agricultural output and the possibilities to raise horses.

    High cost made warhorses unaffordable to most of cavalrymen. Most of Croatian tribesman rode other, smaller horses available in sufficient numbers, mostly the local breeds of mountain horse which is known for its durability and adaptability to mountain terrain. The Croatian army had, according to the Byzantine Emperor Kōnstantinos VII Porphyrogennētos, a high percentage of cavalry (1/3 of total force), but only a part of it was armored.

    Light cavalry regiments were consisted of well off freemen who had enough wealth to possess a horse.
    Most of these light cavalrymen do not wear armor and their only protection are round leather shields and old fashioned iron helmets mostly of spangenhelm type.
    However, some carry leather lamellar or scale armor of Byzantine design, or a padded shirt. Their primary weapon is a long spear. Swords are too expensive for these warriors, so instead they carry various kind of maces and cubs. Those are less prestigious but still effective cavalry weapons.

    These light cavalrymen are good at performing their traditional tasks like scouting, attacking the enemy flanks and rear, and chasing fleeing opponents. They can use their speed, maneuverability and stamina to keep enemy horse archers away from main army, and even to try to catch them and force them into a melee. It would be reckless ordering them to try frontal assaults or prolonged melee which would result in high casualties.
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    Pedites



    No prudent ruler can rely completely on levy infantry armies. Although numerous, such troops are untrained, unequipped and unreliable as a result. In short, the ruler of Croatia had a great need of these semi-professional soldiers of non-noble birth to hold the main battle line.

    In period upon arrival of the Croats in their new homeland, those men were relieved of paying taxes, and lived in the duke's or župan's (commander of territorial district) forts.
    They weren't however paid in money for their services, and still needed to devote some of their time to agriculture. After a feudal system become prevalent, some pedites were given half, or even a smaller part, of a knight's fief in return for their service, making their social status similar to sergeants in Western Europe. Even word sergeant was directly adopted into Croatian language in form "Seržan".

    Pedites were traditionally armed with spears and wore iron helmets. At first they had round shields, but later, under Norman influence, switched to large wooden kite shields . There was no general rule about armor. All of them had at least quilted armor, but better equipped pedites had short-sleeved chain-mail shirts called haubergeons, which were considerably shorter than the knights’ hauberk armor shirts. Some even possessed quality made iron scale, or lamellar vests. Their equipment and weapons were provided by their commanders.
    In field battles, pedites are good defensive troops, especially against cavalry.
    Deployed in close formation, these men could defeat any cavalry force foolish enough to charge straight into their front ranks. Even enemy melee infantry will have hard time penetrating their lines. Large shields and armor offer them reasonable protection them against arrows. Their flanks and rear however have to stay protected.
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    Kopljanici



    Kopljanici (the English pronounced would be "koplyanitsi") in old Croatian language means "spearmen". The word is derived from word old Croat "kopje" which means a "spear". The modern variant of the world would be world "koplje".

    The spear was one of the most common weapons used by old Slavs, and Croats.
    Byzantine emperor Kōnstantinos VII Porphyrogennētos notes that: "... almost all of them (Croats) were armed with spears, bows and arrows, and some of them with sword, axe and shield...". It was cheap to make, and effective if used properly.

    Kopjanici are levies gathered in case of war in each of territorial district called "županija". Every able bodied freemen was called into service under the command of an officer called "satnik" (literary "one who is in charge of hundred men").
    He was to maintain public peace and order in smaller communities (villages) during peace times, and the commander of those men in war.

    Their equipment consisted of round wooden shields, spears and perhaps helmets.
    Levies were mostly unarmored, but some possessed simple padded cloth shirt for protection.

    The levy was source of large, cheap, but untrained and undisciplined army of questionable reliability. Early medieval societies were also unable to keep large armies for longer period. These men were needed on their farms, or the whole food production of a region could be disrupted. However levies have their use. Properly led and motivated they can hold their ground against enemy troops long enough to provide their own cavalry time for flanking maneuvers. Likewise they can inflict serious casualties to any horseman foolish enough to change straight into their lines. Other than that they can preform garrison duties or can serve as "cannon fodder".
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    Axemen


    The axe was one of most widespread weapon in Slavic armies. Useful as a tool as well as a weapon it was relatively cheap to make and effective in combat.

    Most axes in use in Croatia were the typically Slavic one-handed design of narrow blade or bearded type, but also a small number of imported or captured Frankish franzisca axes was present. Other than axes they had round wooden shields with metal boss and rim, and iron helmets. Another moderate protection was offered by a padded vest (gambeson). Short mail vests, haubergons, were rare and only a few warriors had them.

    These soldiers were free members of the Croat tribes, gathered by the select levy system. Strong feelings of affiliation to their tribe and kin meant that these men were motivated for combat and reliable on battlefield. They were not paid for their service, but shared part of booty.
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    Strilci (Archers)



    The name strilci comes from the old Croat word "strila" meaning arrow.

    The bow was perhaps the most widespread weapon used among Slavic infantry. The shape of these steel arrow-heads varied, from original shapes to others was adopted from the nomadic archers.

    The Slavs were famous for their ambushing tactics, and the Byzantines described many different strategies they used to avoid open battle. This often meant guerrilla warfare, such as keeping to forested areas where combat was made easier for and preferred by the warrior-bands, and even hiding in lakes by using reeds as snorkels.

    The Croats mostly used simple short self-bows. Such weapons are cheap, and reliable, but have an average range and unimpressive penetration power.

    The men wielding those bows are however experienced bowmen. They mostly come from hunters and shepherds who use their bows on a daily basis. These rough mountaineers are accustomed to endure heat and cold, snow and rain, living in wilderness for long periods.

    Archers however, are not suited for melee. They don't wear armor, and small round shields are their only protection. Knives and daggers are the only weapons they have for close combat. If need arises they can outrun heavy armored enemy infantry, but cavalry can catch and massacre them with ease. Because of this archers should stay protected from enemy cavalry units at all times.



    Suličari (Javelins)



    In 9-10th century all Croatian people were divided into free (liber, ingeniuus), and non-free - slaves (servi, ancille).

    Freedom did not by any means imply social equality. Many free men were so poor that they willingly renounced their freedom in order to receive "protection" from nobles or the church. In the 11th century many free but impoverished people entered feudal contract and become peasants on landowner's land.

    The pillar of the social structure was the so-called "zadruga" or "seljačka zadruga" (seljak=villager, and zadruga can be loosely translated as cooperation). The Zadruga consisted of several generations of one or more families (several brothers and their families) that collectively owned the land they cultivated (farmland).
    Woods, pastures and lakes/rivers were considered collective ownership of tribe. One or several zadruga's formed a clan or a kin.

    Freemen and, in later periods, serfs were obliged to serve in levy contingents of the army.

    Their purpose was mostly defensive in nature, and they were not expected to go far away from their homes. Those men have families to look after, so if situation becomes disadvantageous they will flee into the woods rather than stay and die on the battlefield. Especially serfs feel unmotivated to risk their lives for their feudal masters.

    These men’s weapons of choice are javelins (sulice). The Sulica was one of the most widespread weapons among the Old Slavs and Croats. It is easy and cheap to produce, but should not be underestimated. With a lucky throw one peasant can bring down a well trained warrior. Except javelins their only weapons are knives. They have no armor which makes them pretty vulnerable. Javeliners were not expected to fight in first lines, but to give support to stronger units from safe distance.




    Neretvani (Neretvani pirates)


    A strange principality of Slavic pirates arose at the mouth of the river Narenta in southern Dalmatia. In the description by Constantine Porphyrogenitus (10th century) this region is called Pagania, since its inhabitants had only accepted Christianity about 890, or 250 years later than the other Slavs.

    These Pagani, or Narentani (Narentines), defeated a Venetian force dispatched against them in 887, and killed Pietro I Candiano, the only Doge to die in battle.

    After this disaster they exacted tribute from Venice itself for more than a century. In 998 they were decisively defeated by an army led by Doge Pietro Orseolo II.
    However piracy in this region was not rooted out and reappeared several times in next two hundred years. Some sources call them Serbs (including Porphyrogenitus), and some Croats, but Neretvani remained separate tribe ruled by their own dukes and judges until late 11th century when they were finally assimilated into Croat nation.

    They were a ruthless band of pirates who regularly sailed out to sea from the sheltering reeds of the Neretva Delta to prey on Venetian merchant ships.

    Sometimes they even successfully attacked fortified settlements along the coast as far as the gulf of Trieste.

    The loot was split traditionally just as the catch of fish - one half goes to the provider of the ships and/or the organizer of the hunt (Prince or Archon) and the other half is split amongst the crew-members. Any surviving prisoners were sold as slaves.


    The Pirates chose their hiding place and escape route well. The Neretva Delta is a dense maze of reed beds, provided ample shelter and cover for their escape.

    Their secret villages were established far enough upriver to avoid capture, as their small boats, could navigate the narrow and shallow waters without fear of pursuit.
    The Neretvani used two basic types of ships: sagena and kondura. The Sagena (derived from Latin word sagitta - arrow) was an boat similar to Viking longboat and could have up to 40 men onboard, while the kondura was smaller and faster, 7-8 meters long with a crew of 15 sailors.

    Neretvani pirates fought as marines, firing arrows as they approached enemy ships and then boarded them and overcame the crew in hand-to hand-combat using axes.

    Often Neretvani would disembark their ships and fought on land, especially when confronted with a larger navy.

    Each pirate had a bow (some even had quality composite bows), helmet, shield and an axe. They were however lightly armored, mostly with leather armor, or did not wear any at all. Although they are archers, Neretvani are quite capable in melee. They should be able to defend themselves from enemy units and even charge enemies when conditions are right.

    Upgrade:




    Credits:


    Matthćus
    koultouras
    absinthia
    AnthoniusII
    Leif Erikson

    Lord_Calidor
    dome (from Magyar mod)
    faradon (from talewords forum)
    sumskilz
    karlo st
    FliegerAD
    polak966



    Special Thanks to:
    Rusichi TW modding team



    Last edited by AnthoniusII; September 13, 2011 at 08:09 AM.

  2. #2

    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    I only took a look at the pics; great work TGC team!

  3. #3
    Hrobatos's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Magical!

  4. #4

    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Great! Slavic power yeah It will definitely be one of my favourite factions of TGC.


  5. #5
    koultouras's Avatar Πέος
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Well matt can surely show his luv
    for his country....All Hail the Duke of Croatia!


  6. #6
    AnthoniusII's Avatar Μέγαc Δομέστικοc
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    TGC mod opens the horizon to knowlege to what we call "unknown" factions.
    "Unknown" simply because the vast variety of people do not have access to that historical knowlege.
    We try to change this. Europe or middle ages were not only the western knights or crusaders. Europe's history is much more fascinating than that.
    Follow us to knowlege and come across with a whole era about middle ages history. The journey will have a lot of surprises.

    A huge bravo to Matthaeus and to those that suported his efforts to the result we all enjoy here.
    TGC in order to continue its development seak one or more desicated scripters to put our campaign scripts mess to an order plus to create new events and create the finall missing factions recruitment system. In return TGC will give permision to those that will help to use its material stepe by step. The result will be a fully released TGC plus many mods that will benefit TGC's material.
    Despite the mod is dead does not mean that anyone can use its material
    read this to avoid misunderstandings.

    IWTE tool master and world txt one like this, needed inorder to release TGC 1.0 official to help TWC to survive.
    Adding MARKA HORSES in your mod and create new varietions of them. Tutorial RESTORED.


  7. #7
    gary's Avatar Domesticus
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Exciting stuff
    My Granfather Frederick Avery.Battalion Boxing champion. Regiment.The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. dorcorated D.C.M. M.M.
    campaigns

    (India.1930) (Norway 1940) (Fontenay le Pesnil) (North-West Europe1944-45) (Argoub Se!lah)
    (Sicily, 1943 Salerno) (Minturno) (Anzio Gemmano Ridge)
    "Burma, 1942"
    My grandfather was a hero, modest, quiet and wounded twice, in hand to hand combat at Casino Italy.

  8. #8
    T&D's Avatar Vicarius
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Nice bump effect on:Neretvani (Neretvani pirates)

  9. #9
    Senator
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Excellent work, guys!

  10. #10
    Legio's Avatar EMPRESS OF ALL THINGS
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    GORGEOUS!

  11. #11
    MasterBigAb's Avatar Valar Morghulis
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Greaty

  12. #12
    paradamed's Avatar Praepositus
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    A work of art. Just some small criticism, some units (kopljanici and axemen) have totally different faces when upgraded. Isnt it possible to keep the same faces for both upgraded and non upgraded? I personally dont care about which faces you keep, they both (the ones you guys created and the rusichi faces) look good but it would make more sense if they wouldnt change when the units get upgraded.

  13. #13
    Beorn's Avatar Praepositus
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Really beautiful job, Matko!

  14. #14
    Alkimachos's Avatar EoR Modeller
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

    East of Rome Co - Leader / Modeller of Asia ton Barbaron / Ex beta tester of Roma Surrectum

  15. #15
    metalguy24's Avatar Libertus
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Some great looking horses!

  16. #16
    Sanskrit_Bandit's Avatar Wielki Kniaź Wiślański
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    very nice! i noticed you used my descitpion for the druzina . props

  17. #17

    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Congratulations, excellent job!
    Really looking forward to this mod

  18. #18

    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    The preview looks excellent! I think this is the first mod that had so much attention on Croatia. Keep up the good work!
    Last edited by Dominick; May 21, 2019 at 04:36 PM.

  19. #19
    Tommygunz's Avatar Libertus
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Duchy of Croatia... not good enough
    Kingdom of Croatia... better but I'm thinking...

    Prepare for the Croatian Empire!
    Last edited by Tommygunz; September 02, 2011 at 05:31 PM.

  20. #20
    Matthćus's Avatar Knez Bribirski
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    Default Re: [Preview] Duchy of Croatia

    Quote Originally Posted by polak966 View Post
    very nice! i noticed you used my descitpion for the druzina . props
    yup. its a nice text. and fits nicely.

    you're mentioned in the credits

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