M.C.M.'s Complete Guide to Victory in Imperator!
Introduction: Many a post it is that I have read complaining that RTR is just too plain easy, the AI acts like an idiot, the Romans are just too uber etc. Well, if you are one of those people, and yet you still love to play your Romans as I do, this is the game for you.
Imperator 2 is not for the feint hearted, or those that want to rush to the Marius reforms for your uber Legionaries and race all over Europe, but really for the person who wants to play the game as historically as possible, given the parameters of trying to replay chance and fate in a game, and enjoys both the journey and having a hard time, sweating blood for each and every town they take. With this mod, you are going to earn every last bit of territory you win, and you will learn to take care of ‘your boys’ like they truly were your’s, or Caesar’s, sons.
Well, we already have two great Roman guides, Quintus Sertorius’ masterpiece, and Candelarius’ excellent recent addition, but I wanted an in-game guide specifically applying all of this stuff to an actual campaign, and them to go on much, much more into tactics and game strategy. In that regard, this is a nuts and bolts, brass tacks strategy and tactics guide.
If you enjoyed Imperator 1, prepare yourself for two, because it’s much, much tougher.
Things not to take for granted.
• Your troops are no longer virtually invulnerable. They are affected by your General’s traits and the way you choose to fight your battles. If not managed well, and I mean not managed well, they will rout like frightened puppies, which is exactly as some infamous Roman Legions actually did do, depending on who led them.
• The AI has a command bonus, and fights a hell of a lot more tenaciously and smarter. The enemy rally well if routed and come back asking for more. The enemy General doesn’t just kamikaze into your front ranks anymore, but fights much more effectively, and it is going to drive you nuts as you watch your Roman boys fight for their very existence.
• You don’t have much money, in fact I can guarantee after one turn you won’t have any at all, possibly as long as 60 turns or even longer (even if you plan well) so you are going to have to think ahead. Way ahead.
• That means, that the troops you start off with will have to survive somewhere between 40-60 turns, and multiple battles including both of Pyrrhus’ campaigns in Italy are included in the game, the Carthaginian menace, and amphibious assaults by X and Y factions before you can even hope of replenishing them. The troops really are ‘your boys’. Take care of them.
So, you are asking yourself how the hell am I going to survive if the game is that tough? Well, this guide is for you.
Part One: The Basics.
1. By reading on, you agree to play by the rules. (muhahahaha) By rules, I mean I basically follow ‘Quintus Sertorius’ Guide to conduct becoming of a true Roman’ and keep my expansion to a fundamentally historical guideline, and your money down below 50,000 Denarii. But I have a few extra rules that I like to add on top too (more later). This means that you are not going to be doing any storm trooping over Europe anytime soon, at least not in the first 150 years! The game is so tweaked by Lestat, you aren’t going to have :wub:s of cash anyway, which is great if you want to play historically and build up your nation state gradually over time, managing every little detail. And we want to play historically, don’t we? (yes, I have been called a control freak)
2. So, the game opens and you have the Greeks/Epirotes down south with Pyrrhus and his elephants to worry about initially. Pyrrhus was a major obstacle and turning point for the Roman state, and he kicked a couple of good Roman armies to pieces before the Romans finally wore him down, only to come back a second time. He is a serious threat and should be taken as such by you. The Romans mobilised their entire military industrial complex to rid themselves of this guy, and I strongly urge you to do the same. My advice, my style, is to go down there with your entire two stacks sitting in your borders and slug it out with him. But more on that later.
3. You have some cash to start with, but not a lot, so- use it wisely. My style, is to build a port in Rome, and a trader in both Capua and Ancona ( Lestat likes to build a wall around Ancona ). Then build yourself some troops with whatever cash you have left, because you are not going to see any cash coming in for probably at least 20 turns.
Prepare to stare grimly at negative figures yet fight like a lion!
4. Regarding first and only troop development for the time being you can train for the next eternity, you need to make a decision- do you want more missile units to deal with his Elephants and archers, or do you want to smash him with your foot? Me, I get some missiles and a couple of units of Italian hoplites together and start heading down south, coordinating my two stacks to meet somewhere (just like Napoleon used to- he was a big Roman fan too, I hope you know).
5. My advice is, since your troops are no longer uber Rambo units, you and going to have to get smart on the battlefield and start really fighting like a roman legion, with timing, tactics and teamwork/coordination. More on that later too
6. Okay, so you have your first strategic decision to make here my friends. You could
• Attack Corfinium and try to take it fast, and also the other rebel town before Pyrrhus catches up to you or
• March down and take him on straight away or
• Go north and let him storm your region while you are busily occupied pulling the Gauls into the picture too early (not historical).
Anyway the choices are yours for now. Later I will tell you what I do in game. Lestat has his own style of game play too, and I hope he shares it with you here later.
For me, I love it when it’s tough. I enjoy micromanaging my armies and cities and making all the tactical decisions myself, with no one else to blame but me.
So, I have set the scene for your conquest. Your nails are ready to be bitten down. Prepare for battle…..
Part Two: Imperator 2’s Special building tree and culture system.
This is a basic overview of the building tree included in the game. It is meant as a reference guide for you.
Barracks : (RTR equivalent)
1. Subiugatio-Subjugation (Auxilia Phase 1)
It was the policy of Rome to make a successful revolt of her subdued
enemy an impossibility, by consuming all their energies in the support
of her immense population and the subjugation campaign. Hence all the
surrounding tribes, once wandering nomads, were told to become tillers
of the soil; and, with colonies sent out by herself, they were forced to
lay down their arms, leaving them open to the attack of all and be incapable of defence.
Thus the natives of roman controlled areas were weak, and the moment the legions
arrived in the province to chastise the locals, a war was then merely a siege of their chief city.
The first phase of colonization for the roman commander is to thus subjugate the local population to roman authority and rule.
Note: Player can build only Garrison level 1 if it is a large town minimum.
2. Colonorum Deductio-Colonising (?) (Auxilia Phase 2)
Colonies were established by Rome throughout its whole history. They
were intended to keep in check a conquered people, infuse the area with peoples loyal to Rome and also to repress hostile incursions, either cultural or physical. With the undergoing of the Colonorum Deductio, the subjugation of a province was practically complete. The province chiefs co-opted into the roman hierarchy thus: honoured with privileges, some of the nobles were even granted the franchise on a limited scale, and some in later periods even admitted to the Senate. Now the total Romanization of the conquered province was fairly begun.
Roman money was introduced as currency, and Latin became the official local language. As the Romans did not believe in imposing their religion or culture on the subjugated peoples, the client kingdoms were allowed much leeway in their own continuation of lifestyles. Those natives cultures, aside from superficial changes, remained much the same, especially for the farmers or the poor, who did not aspire to life in the cities and were absorbed with agriculture.
Note: Player can build Garrison level 2 if it is a city minimum.
3. Societas-Intergrated Society(?) (Auxilia Phase 3)
For these conquered nations who adopted the habits of their Roman
conquerors, the new towns, established by Rome, were the focal points of
society. The Romans considered “sophistication” as symbolised by the
growth of these towns, instead of the rural farms and the simple dwellings of
the conquered. To entice the aristocrats to build proper houses, they
turned these towns into hubs of commerce, with town councils in charge.
Aside from the economic activities taking place in these new urban centres,
law courts and a forum allowed justice to be meted out and assemblies to
be held. Perhaps the most endearing legacy from the Roman Empire is in
its self-declared mission of “civilisation”, attempting to enlighten and
“lift up” the cultures of their colonies to a Roman ideal, bringing the order of a
superior culture onto these conquered nations.Please note that in some
regions or with some factions, the AOR buildings may not provide any
available troops for recruitment. As the Romans did not believe in
imposing their religion or culture on the subjugated peoples, the client
kingdoms were allowed much leeway in their own continuation of their
lifestyles. Those natives culture, aside from superficial changes,
remained much the same, especially for the farmers or the poor, who did
not aspire to life in the cities and were absorbed with agriculture. The
administration of cities within the provinces was seen to by local
political authorities. The Romans attempted to use the Greek concept of
the city-state whenever possible, but in conquests without a structure
already in place they would establish an organization on a pre-existing
tribal basis. The local nobility or wealthy aristocrats would be
enrolled in this city government, functioning much like the Republican
Roman Senate.
Note: After this is complete you can build your own Temple (minimum large
town) and Garrison level 3 with minimum large city.
Two barracks levels open for choosing. Choose either:
a) Castra Provincialia - Provincial Government (muster field)
No colony was established without a lex, plebiscítum, or senatus
consultum decided by the various Roman assemblies. They were intended to keep in check a conquered people, and also to repress hostile incursions. Many were founded to provide for veteran soldiers; a practice which was begun by Sulla, and continued
under the Emperors. The colonies were divided into two classes, the viz.
Latinitas or Castra Provincialia. Members of the former class had all
the rights of Roman citizens; those of the latter could not vote in the
Comitia in Rome. The Latíni, who were once Roman citizens, and who
always felt equal to them, were uneasy in their subordinate position.
But by the Julian law, passed in 90 B. C., they acquired the right of
voting in Rome, and were placed on the same footing as Roman colonists.
Due to their status of not a fully granted citizenship, these provinces
will not be able to recruit Roman units. The administration of cities
within the provinces was seen to by local political authorities. The
Romans attempted to use the Greek concept of the city-state whenever
possible, but in conquests without a structure already in place they
would establish an organization on a pre-existing tribal basis. The
local nobility or wealthy aristocrats would be enrolled in this city
government functioning much like the Republican Roman Senate.
Or:
b) Latinitas - Citizenship (militia barracks)
No colony was established without a lex, plebiscítum, or senatus
consultum. They were intended to keep in check a conquered people, and
also to repress hostile incursions. Many were founded to provide for
veteran soldiers; a practice which was begun by Sulla, and continued
under the Emperors. The colonies were divided into two classes, the viz.
Latinitas or Castra Provincialia. Members of the former class had all
the rights of Roman citizens; those of the latter could not vote in the
Comitia in Rome. The Latíni, who were once Roman citizens, and who
always felt equal to them, were uneasy in their subordinate position.
But by the Julian law, passed in 90 B. C., they acquired the right of
voting in Rome, and were placed on the same footing as Roman colonists.
The Latinitas and citizenship status will make the province to be able
to recruit Roman units if the Campus (training ground) is build to
recruit legionaries which is a highly visible base for Rome's military
power.
These levels are pre-Imperial reform. At 14 BC you'll have a scripted
imperial reform where 2 new buildings available (upgraded)
1. Imperia Equetris - Province governed by the Equestrians (city barracks)
Imperial Procurators were appointed to various major cities to oversee
financial matters, especially concerning the collection of taxes. They
could either work for the provincial governor or report directly to the
Emperor. The emperor was the Proconsul of all provinces with any
significant military force, with the exceptions of Africa and Aegyptus.
In 180 AD there appears to have been 28 Imperial provinces. Those
provinces with at least one legion stationed in them had a senatorial
governor called a Legatus Propraetore Augusti (imperial legate of
praetorian rank). Since these cities were rules under provincial
governor and not given the citizenship, the young men of military age
here were not allowed to enroll as legionaries. However, they still can
enroll under auxiliary units which will supplement the Imperial Legions
during crisis. In time of peace however, these auxilia units were
usually disbanded to save the cost of maintaining the army. The young
men were recruited through Auxiliary Barracks and were usually given
basic training in weapon and warfare. They are usually lead by Roman of
the Praetorian class. An Auxiliary Barracks is a major structure in any
non-citizenship cities, allowing many auxiliary troops to be trained.
Since Roman Legions are heavy infactry base, auxilia troops are widely
used as skirmishers and missiles troops and also as cavalry. The
famous 'professional' auxiliary units like the Syrian Archers and the
fame Sarmatian Knights were given Roman Citizenship after 15 years of
completed service in the army. Historically, the auxilias were recruited
and send to duty far away from their region of recruitment to prevent
internal rebellion.
This option only avialable if the province is under provincial government.
2. Imperia Legatus - Province governed by Imperial Legate (army barracks)
Imperial Procurators were appointed to various major cities to oversee
financial matters, especially concerning the collection of taxes. They
could either work for the provincial governor or report directly to the
Emperor. The emperor was the Proconsul of all provinces with any
significant military force, with the exceptions of Africa and Aegyptus.
In 180 AD there appears to have been 28 Imperial provinces. Those
provinces with at least one legion stationed in them had a senatorial
governor called a Legatus Propraetore Augusti (imperial legate of
praetorian rank). Only certain cities that are huge enough have the
population of military age to be able to recruit legionaries through
it's own Camp of Mars or Legionary Barracks. A Legion Barracks is a
major structure in any town, allowing many troops to be trained. Before
the reforms of Augustus, the legionaries usually were recruited,
equipped and paid by the generals and it is usually to these generals
that the legionaries hold their loyalty to. After Augustus intruduce his
reforms and changes and to prevent continuous civil war the legions now
all belong to the Senate, or more in actuallity to the Emperor and the
state. This by no means that rebellion wont happen. Somehow, somewhere,
there will be a disgruntled general who would like to take matters in
his own hands and civil war will break out, again... All barracks for
the Roman Legions are built to an efficient standardized ground plan: no
matter where in the world a Legionary is sent to enforce Roman peace, he
will always know his way around, and where he is expected to be at all
times.
Lestat note- This option only available for those with Citizenship.
Tips: Even with citizenship, not all provinces can recruit imperial
legions. Mostly coastal cities only. If I'm correct none on islands
(except Sicily) Don't gives Rhodes or Crete citizenship level for
example. ****
Sepernote!!!
None of these buildings are destroyable (same goes with other faction
buildings). If the AI can't destroy buildings, neither can you. Lol
Part Three: Temples
Basically, Rome can only build one type of temple. Except the 3 in the
starting province, Roman can build temples one the conquered province
have level 3 auxilia (Societas).
Temple Level 1.
Lares Familirias (Shrine)
Most of the Roman gods and goddesses were a blend of several religious
influences. Many of these were introduced via the Greek colonies of
southern Italy and others had their roots in the Etruscan or Latin
tribes of the region. In some cases the Etruscan or Latin names survived
throughout the cultural existence of Rome, but many were adopted so
completely that they maintained their names from other cultures.
In the east, the Greek names remained the choice of the people and the
major gods of the system therefore, were known by both. As Rome's power
grew and expanded throughout the known world, the Roman Empire came into
contact with the cultures and religious beliefs of many cultures. The
Romans, happy to absorb and assimilate any culture they encountered
thereby reaping the benefits of both its wealth and religious influence,
were a mosaic of belief systems. As the Roman Empire expanded, and
included people from a variety of cultures, more and more gods were
incorporated into the Roman religion. The legions brought home cults
originating from Egypt, Britain, Iberia, Germany, India and Persia.
The religion of the early Roman soldier was not distinguishable from the
religion of the average citizen as Republican soldiers were recruits or
conscripts who returned to civilian life after their tour of duty. By
the time of the empire the legions had become a professional fighting
force, the chief appendage of the ever-expansive Roman State. The
religion of the imperial legions was therefore modeled on the State
religion. While there is no doubt that many if not most of the soldiers
sincerely believed in their divinities, the chief political effect of
the army religion was to promote Romanization among the troops. This was
especially important as Italians deserted the legions and provincials
came to form the backbone of Roman military power.
Lares Familias are Roman tutelary deities of the home and the family,
particularly associated with the hearth. Each home had a small shrine,
the lararium, dedicated to these deities, typically depicted as a pair
of dancing youths.
Iuppiter Capitolinus (Temple)
Most of the Roman gods and goddesses were a blend of several religious
influences. Many of these were introduced via the Greek colonies of
southern Italy and others had their roots in the Etruscan or Latin
tribes of the region. In some cases the Etruscan or Latin names survived
throughout the cultural existence of Rome, but many were adopted so
completely that they maintained their names from other cultures.
In the east, the Greek names remained the choice of the people and the
major gods of the system therefore, were known by both. As Rome's power
grew and expanded throughout the known world, the Roman Empire came into
contact with the cultures and religious beliefs of many cultures. The
Romans, happy to absorb and assimilate any culture they encountered
thereby reaping the benefits of both its wealth and religious influence,
were a mosaic of belief systems.As the Roman Empire expanded, and
included people from a variety of cultures, more and more gods were
incorporated into the Roman religion. The legions brought home cults
originating from Egypt, Britain, Iberia, Germany, India and Persia.
This Temple is dedicated to Jupiter, the Supreme God of Rome. He is the
special protector of Rome, the lord of heaven and the bringer of light
and can be improved as the settlement grows in size and importance.
Marspiter Ultor (Large Temple)
Most of the Roman gods and goddesses were a blend of several religious
influences. Many of these were introduced via the Greek colonies of
southern Italy and others had their roots in the Etruscan or Latin
tribes of the region. In some cases the Etruscan or Latin names survived
throughout the cultural existence of Rome, but many were adopted so
completely that they maintained their names from other cultures.
In the east, the Greek names remained the choice of the people and the
major gods of the system therefore, were known by both. As Rome's power
grew and expanded throughout the known world, the Roman Empire came into
contact with the cultures and religious beliefs of many cultures. The
Romans, happy to absorb and assimilate any culture they encountered
thereby reaping the benefits of both its wealth and religious influence,
were a mosaic of belief systems.As the Roman Empire expanded, and
included people from a variety of cultures, more and more gods were
incorporated into the Roman religion. The legions brought home cults
originating from Egypt, Britain, Iberia, Germany, India and Persia.\n\n
Roman god of war and, at least in early Roman history, a god of
agriculture. Equated with the Greek Ares. Son of Jupiter and Juno. He
was the father of Romulus and Remus by the vestal Ilia. As a result,
Romans styled themselves 'sons of Mars'.
He was typically depicted as a warrior in full battle regalia wearing a
crested helmet and bearing a shield (the sacred Ancile) and lance. He
was often linked with the goddess Bellona, who drove his chariot. The
main sanctuaries of Mars were the temple in the Campus Martius ("Field
of Mars") in Rome and the temple of Mars Ultor ("Mars the Avenger")
built under Augustus. The month of March was named after him, and he had
a festival on March 1 called the Feriae Marti, which was the New Year's
Day in the old Roman calendar. Another festival at which Mars was
honoured was the Armilustrium on October 19, when military arms were
ritually purified and put in storage for winter.In Gaul it was sometimes
called Gallicus Mars.
This temple is dedicated to Mars, the God of War, and therefore a
popular deity amongst the warlike Romans. He is also the patron of
husbandmen.
Iuppiter Sanctuarium (Awesome Temple)
Most of the Roman gods and goddesses were a blend of several religious
influences. Many of these were introduced via the Greek colonies of
southern Italy and others had their roots in the Etruscan or Latin
tribes of the region. In some cases the Etruscan or Latin names survived
throughout the cultural existence of Rome, but many were adopted so
completely that they maintained their names from other cultures.
In the east, the Greek names remained the choice of the people and the
major gods of the system therefore, were known by both. As Rome's power
grew and expanded throughout the known world, the Roman Empire came into
contact with the cultures and religious beliefs of many cultures. The
Romans, happy to absorb and assimilate any culture they encountered
thereby reaping the benefits of both its wealth and religious influence,
were a mosaic of belief systems.As the Roman Empire expanded, and
included people from a variety of cultures, more and more gods were
incorporated into the Roman religion. The legions brought home cults
originating from Egypt, Britain, Iberia, Germany, India and Persia.
Chief Roman god, originally a sky god and a god of light. He was later
equated with the Greek Zeus, although the origins of both have been
traced back to a hypothetical Indo-European sky god, indicating that the
similarity in their roles was not entirely due to Roman copying of a
Greek original.
Jupiter was also a god of thunder (Jupiter Tonans) and lightning
(Jupiter Fulgurator). With the military expansion of Rome, Jupiter took
on appropriate characteristics as Jupiter Victor and Jupiter Stator
("Jupiter Protector"). Jupiter was also important as a god of oaths,
contracts and treaties. His consort was Juno. Jupiter's main sanctuary
was the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus ("Jupiter, Best and Greatest")
on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, which was originally constructed by the
Etruscans before they were overcome by the nascent Roman Republic. On
the Capitol, heformed a trinity with Juno and Minerva. The Ides of each
month (13 or 15) and the full moon were sacred to him. He was also
worshipped at the festival of the Vinalia on August 19, which he shared
with Venus.
Pantheum (Pantheon)
With the vast size of the empire, there was of course many new gods from
distant civilizations which the Romans learnt about. Romans didn't tend
to think that only their gods were the right ones. If they heard of
other peoples' gods they would think that these were real gods who
watched over other parts of the world and whom they had simply not yet
heard about. And so as they learned about these new gods, new temples
were built to these new arrivals in the Roman pantheon.
The Pantheon is a building in Rome that was begun in 27 BC by the
statesman Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, probably as a building of the
ordinary classical temple type--rectangular with a gabled roof supported
by a colonnade on all sides. It was completely rebuilt by the emperor
Hadrian sometime between AD 118 and 128, with some alterations made in
the early 3rd century by the emperors Lucius Septimius Severus and
Caracalla.
It is a circular building of concrete faced with brick, with a great
concrete dome rising from the walls and with a front porch of Corinthian
columns supporting a gabled roof with triangular pediment. Beneath the
porch are huge bronze double doors, 24 feet (7 m) high, the
earliest-known large examples of this type.
The Pantheon was dedicated in AD 609 as the Church of the Santa Maria
Rotonda, or ad Martyres, which it remains today. The bronze rosettes and
moldings of the ceiling and other bronze embellishments have disappeared
over time, and a frieze of stucco decoration was applied to the interior
directly beneath the dome in the late Renaissance. Otherwise, the
building exists entirely in its original form.
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The minor temples are all the same except they are indestructible. And
the name changes of course. But they function no differently from RTR.
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Cultures.
Graeco-Romani influence
Romans and Greeks share this same culture. To conquer these province are
not as hard in assimilating than the barbarian or eastern province.
Eastern Mysteries
Carthage, Egypt and Eastern cultures
Druids and paganism
All barbarian cultures.
Note Their function is the same as religion in BI.
Some building tree pictures for you
Imperial Legate (Army barracks)
Imperial Equestrian (City barracks)
Garrison building (3 levels actually but I onlu upload one)
Culture function
Societas (Level III aux)
Colonarum (Level II aux)
Subjugation (Level I aux)
Latinitas (Citizenship)
Provincial Goverment
Next up? Nuts and bolts strategies for you by MCM, Lestat and Cheexsta
Stay Tuned
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