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Thread: [UNITS] The Arabs

  1. #1
    Willhelm123's Avatar Decanus
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    Default [UNITS] The Arabs




    Introduction & Explanation

    By 202BC Arabia was a diverse and interesting place. Considered by many to be nothing but ignorant tribesmen, this stereotype could not be further from the truth. Though these tribes did exist, they were not ignorant to the world, and will play a great part in this roster. But Arabia was also home to many powerful and extremely wealthy Kingdoms whose influence indirectly extended across the entire world from Rome to China. The division between these two groups, the nomadic Arabs, and the settled Arabs, was significant, and this roster will respect that, unlike other mods which only pay a token homage to it. So in the effect the Arabian roster is almost two separate rosters.

    This first and most prominent division of Arabia are the kingdoms. Many famous kingdoms of Arabia rose and fell, some of the more famous ones being Saba, Himyar, Thamud and Dilmun. These kingdoms were built on trade, supplying the Roman and Hellenistic world with many exotic goods, the most important being Frankincense and Myrrh which, grown locally, were extremely important in the Egyptian, Greek and Roman world, where they were burned daily in temples and ceremonies. These goods along with others which were often imported from the east and traded to Europe, made these Arabian Kingdoms extremely wealthy. It's important to understand that Arabian Kingdoms were essentially City States, established around a main city, which controlled the surrounding land and possibly smaller towns. They kingdoms were very organised, establishing roads, stopping points for trade caravans, complex irrigation and even the famous Marib damn which stood for over 1000 years. This wealth and organisation naturally extended to the military of the Arabian Kingdoms. Depending on the particular level of development of an Arabian kingdom, the troops could vary from levied citizens to trained regulars. Most had some form of militia, alongside cavalry and ranged troops. The main scheme of these troops is that they're urbanites, or villagers, but not warriors, meaning they are plentiful but need training and tactics to bring out their best. Though they also have access to their nobles who are quite proficient archers, as hunting is their pastime. The tiers of troops are not based on period such as late and early, but simply the level of development of the state they belong to. This is because Arabian Kingdoms rose and fell, A kingdom could be extremely developed, able to field elite troops at one period, while another kingdom in the same period, being less developed, could only field levied troops. This is more fitting to Arabia than the Early-Late type of units of other factions such as Carthage which are based on time period.

    The other major division of Arabia are of course the Nomadic Arabs. These are the clans and tribes which migrate with their herds of camels and sheep across the deserts of Arabia, from one oasis to another. Their society begins at the tent, which contains one family. Many tents comprise a clan, which itself is a division of the tribe. The individual tribes are quite small in population although some large tribes did exist, but taken as a whole they probably outnumbered the urban populations. They do not own land like the Arabian Kingdoms, but they may migrate within a general large area. They are not particularly wealthy people but wealth is not as important to them given their lifestyles. The clans are quite independent, and can even fight against other clans of the same tribe, but are generally united, especially in times of war. The members of the tribes and clans consider themselves to be warriors, and are quite proficient at irregular combat, given that the tribes of Arabia either make their income by raiding the rich trading caravans of the Arabian kingdoms, or serving as caravan guards for the kingdoms. They also fight in regular tribal rivalries and duels. The result is a large body of experienced but ill-disciplined warriors. They also field cavalry, camel and horse, although while camels are helpful beasts of burden, horses are difficult to maintain in the desert, and only useful in warfare. Some tribes are under the influence or control of an Arabian kingdom, in which case the warriors may fight for that kingdom with enough motivation. Like the kingdoms the tribes also upgrade their troops according to development, starting out at clan level and eventually upgrading to the tribal level.

    In regards to arms and armour it's pretty similar across the board of nomadic and urban Arabs, although the urbanites tend to have better quality equippment. Armour tends to be of the padded varieties, with scale and leather armours being available to more wealthy troops. Most troops start with spears but swords are also very common. This is contrary to most of the ancient world, but Arabia is rich in iron and other minerals leading to short swords being commonplace. Cheap cavalry is camel cavalry, horse cavalry does exist, but was very expensive in Arabia, and is limited, at least as melee horses, to the later tiers. Shields are generally of the wicker variety although highly developed troops begin to adopt Greek style Thureos shields. Helmets are fairly commonplace too, of simple designs. Men of the tribes tend to wear robes, while urbanites have robes and tunics.

    The playable factions will be Nabatea, Saba, and 'Ad. Nabatea and Saba are kingdoms, while 'Ad begins as a horde, who were a large Arabian tribe in this era. It's worth noting that both of these troop types, urban and nomadic, will be available to all Arabian factions, however the kingdoms will require the subjugation of a tribe to access nomadic troops, and a tribe will have to settle to access urban troops.

    The Units



    Images & Information

    Clan Raiders, Clan Raiders, Tribal Warriors
    The majority of men in the tribes of Arabia considered themselves to be warriors. Fighting was their way of life, they would regularly engage in raids on enemy tribes, or on the trade caravans of the arabian kingdoms. This hardened them into experience, but irregular and undisciplined fighters. Full scale war amongst the tribes was rare, but when it happened the tribal leaders would gather the individual clans and call upon the warriors to fight for their people. Though nomadic, many tribes would be loosely controlled or allied with an Arabian kingdom, in which case they would supply warriors to fight for that kingdom.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Clan Leader, Tribal Warlord, Tribal Sheikh
    The leader of an Arabian clan or tribe would be a man who held that position by hereditary right, they would be able to trace their ancestry back centuries through the complex Arabian naming system. In battle he would be accompanied by the best warriors of the tribe, in wealth and experience. The tribes didn't have an aristocracy in the same way as the settled kingdoms, the desert seemingly leveling people out, so a distinct noble class did not exactly exist, but there were still those closer to the tribal leader with more wealth than others who would serve as his protector.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Clan Champions, Tribal Champions
    Combat was highly ritualized among the Arabian tribes, and individual honour was held in high regard. Champion warfare existed as a way to reduce the casualties of a battle without loosing face. Two of the best fighters from each side would face off in single combat, the victor deciding the whole battle. Similarly, If a man commits murder against another tribal member, a blood feud would begin, with the tribe of the victim requiring the death of a the murderer or a member of the murderers tribe. Again this would take place through single combat with the victims tribe sending their best fighter or champion to duel with the murderer, until satisfaction had been achieved. The result of this was the creation of many elite experienced fighters who were second to none in melee combat.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Clan Archers, Tribal Archers
    Archery was an extremely popular past time in Arabia and almost every man knew how to use a bow. They would be used in hunting, sport, and warfare. Though most men discard their bow in battle, prefering the much more honourable melee combat, some men inevitably stay behind with their bows, avoiding melee. Its possible that these men are too young or old to fight, or just cowardly.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Clan Slingers, Tribal Slingers
    Slinging wasn't popular or fun like archery to the Arabs, but most nomadic Arabs would be proficient in it, as its an effective way to control large herds of livestock. So it stands to reason that some men, like the archers, would prefer to avoid melee combat, and attack from affair, with their slings. Historically the Archers and Slingers would be a mixed unit but game constraints do not allow this.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Camel Riders, Camel Warriors, Camel Cavalry
    Camels have been ridden in Arabia since their domestication around 3000BC. The Arabian would prefer to ride the more prestigious horse, but that was an expensive thing, while camels were extremely common place, with the average tribesman probably owning several. The camels meat was his food, its hide his tent, its fluids his medicine, its number his wealth, and more. These camels are the pick of the camels, the biggest and strongest, to use in combat. In battle the camel has the advantage of larger than a horse, having more mass and its smell puts horses at unease. They're less well mannered than horses, but this can help in a fight, kicking and biting at the enemies on foot.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Tribal Horsemen
    Horses in Arabia were the famed Arabian horse, a graceful, light and intelligent purebred horse. These horses were the prized possession of the lucky tribesman who owned one. Though the horse was not helpful to the Arabian man, atleast outside of war, it was a burden requiring more water, more food and special accommodation. This ultimate display of wealth. It is said they would sooner give the last drop of water to their horse than their child. Because of this, melee cavalry is a late edition to the tribes, as only the wealthiest tribesman would be willing to risk his horse in outright close combat rather than skirmishing from afar.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Clan Light Horse, Tribal Light Horse
    Unlike the Camel, an extremely common creature which could be risked without much loss, the horse was a special creature, a purebred horse of swift design that was expensive to maintain. Their owners would not be willing to lose them in battle like a camel, because of this they prefer to use the horse as a skirmishing force, using its speed and agility to throw javelins before wheeling away, rather than risking its life in melee.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Camel Bowmen, Camel Archers
    A simple combination of the foot archers riding their camels, giving them more mobility. Though unlike the camel cavalry these camels are not the best pick of the camels, and are average in speed and ability.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Levied Spearmen, Citizen Militia Spearmen, City-State Spearmen
    The troops of the kingdoms of Arabia would primarily be levies or militas. Hailing from urban areas these men are not natural warriors but with proper training and equipment they can be made into soldiers. Though this depends on the level of civilisation of the kingdom, low level kingdoms only having levies, more developed kingdoms fielding trained soldiers. Their basic arms and armour are at least semi provided by the kingdom, but this doesnt necessarily mean a uniform appearance.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Royal Escort, Royal Bodyguard, Royal Guard
    The kingdoms of Arabia were ruled, obviously, by a King. The King maintained a personal bodyguard troop of trained professional soldiers. These troops would guard his palace, take place in parades, guard him on travels and be the core of the forces in battle. They are equipped with the best equipment the kingdom can afford. These men were also given lands in the kingdom directly by the king, and would be personally loyal to him. A sort of Arabian Praetorian Guard.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Arabian Swordsmen, Arabian Thureophoroi
    The swords commoness and popularity in Arabia inevitably led to the recruitment of swordsmen into the kingdoms armies. More aggressive than the defense oriented spearmen, these men are equipped with armour, wicker shields, and short Arabian swords, they also carry javelins. They can develope into Thureophoroi, using thureos shields, as the popularity of this common troop type spreads to Arabia from the Hellenistic world.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Arab Nobles, Arab Noblemen, Arab Noblity
    Unlike the desert tribes which had a more even society, the urban socities had distinct classes or common people and nobles, or aristocracy. These men are wealthy and can afford good armour and equipment. They also carry bows into battle, as hunting is the favoured hobby of any noble, they are quite adept in archery.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Levied Archers, Citizen Militia Archers, City-State Archers
    The need for range troops was apparent in the kingdoms. Those levied and recruited who do not wish to serve as spearmen, could serve as archers for the kingdom.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Levied Skirmishers, Citizen Militia Skirmishers, City-State Skirmishers
    Skirmishers blur the line between infantry and ranged unit. Armed primarily with javelins, these troops act as a screening force before the enemy though they can hold up in melee better than archers. These troops are perhaps inspired by the Greeks.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Arab Mounted Nobles, Arab Noble Horsemen, Arab Noblehorse
    The cost of horses was not quite as extreme among the settled Arabs as it was for the nomadic, but horses were still expensive. Only the nobles of society could afford to personally maintain horses. On these horses they ride into battle armed with long spears and their expensive armour.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Caravan Guard, Frontier Guardsmen
    Considerable amounts of troops were required to guard the trading caravans which travelled the length of Arabia. Mounted on camels, it was often the nomadic Arabs who would provide these irregular troops, which is ironic, as if they weren't raiding the caravans, they were protecting them. In more developed kingdoms these forces develop into a mobile camel warriors act as guards, patrolling the roads and frontiers of the kingdoms, protecting from incursive raids, or perhaps stopping a caravan trying to bypass a tollroad.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Arab Cataphracts
    Only the richest and most developed Arabian Kingdom could field cataphracts. These men are nobles who've given their horses and selves heavy armour. No doubt these nobles, who are mostly merchants, have visited the Persian nations and seen cataphracts, taking their ideas back with them to Arabia. However the normally swift Arabian horse is heavily burdened by the armour reducing their stamina greatly.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Citizen Militia Cavalry, City-State Cavalry
    These are a medium cavalry force. They are the main cavalry force of an Arabian kingdom. Hailing from the wealthier citizens, although not necessarily noblemen, these men probably paid for the horses. It's unlikely that the entire unit is paid for by the kingdom but certainly some of the cost would be substituted.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Camel Mounted Troops, Camel Mounted Infantry
    Camels were so common in Arabia that some kingdoms could afford to mount their infantry. These units are not cavalry per se, they're infantry, loaded up onto common camels, which gives them much better mobility than if they were on foot. However they're not expected to fight on camelback, and will perform extremely poorly in this role. They are meant to ride to where they are needed and then dismount. In regards to the troops, they're regular spearmen.
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Unit Cards

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Credits
    We would like to thank the Divide et Impera team for many of the unit components seen above. Access to their massive unit resources sped up the creation process of these units a great deal and proved to be invaluable. Their fantastic work paved the way for us.
    Divide et Impera TWC Forum
    DeI Mamlaktha Nabata Preview
    DeI Mamlakatin Saba Preview


    WallPapers
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    Last edited by Willhelm123; August 12, 2015 at 04:00 PM.
    AE Dev, mainly units

  2. #2

    Default Re: [Preview] Arab Roster

    Sweeeeeeeeet!

  3. #3
    UMCenturion's Avatar Ducenarius
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    Default Re: [Preview] Arab Roster

    Great Preview William!

    Mod Lead - UI/2D Art - Custom Map Editing

  4. #4

    Default Re: [Preview] Arab Roster

    Brilliant preview
    Campaign modder for Ancient Empires


  5. #5

    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    William did the models, textures, and research for all of this. He's been an incredible addition to our team and does it all when it comes to unit creation. A lot of stuff was also taken from DeI for Rome 2 and saved him/us a bunch of time. So, want to make sure they are recognized, as well. It's fantastic work. Looks great in game, and the reform system is coherent and realistic while keeping the culture unique.


  6. #6

    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Looks guud.

  7. #7

    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Great work guys,

  8. #8
    The Wandering Storyteller's Avatar Protector Domesticus
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    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    A brilliant preview and by far one of the best i've seen. I cannot wait for more previews to be coming up. Willhem, you get my rep!!! Also, the cataphracts you made - this is what I've been waiting for, when you make the Parthian roster, please add different coloured armoured scales for the individual cataphracts like you've done with the Arabian ones. I don't want to see grey cataphracts only, I want to see black, red, green,golden, purple cataphracts to reflect the diveristy of the Parthian cataphracts.





















































  9. #9
    Willhelm123's Avatar Decanus
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    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Thank you. I Don't know who will be making the Parthia roster but their Cataphracts should look similar. The Arab cataphract armour is basically assumed to have been imported from Parthia anyway.
    AE Dev, mainly units

  10. #10
    The Wandering Storyteller's Avatar Protector Domesticus
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    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Quote Originally Posted by Willhelm123 View Post
    Thank you. I Don't know who will be making the Parthia roster but their Cataphracts should look similar. The Arab cataphract armour is basically assumed to have been imported from Parthia anyway.
    Awesome to hear, I see, they look bad ass, though why add some half cataphract armors?





















































  11. #11
    Willhelm123's Avatar Decanus
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    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Those men could either not afford the full armour, or only consider it important to only armour the front as that is what smashes into the enemy. It's also possibly because the arab horse is not the best horse for being encumbered in that armour so it's only wearing half. So theres a variety of reasons to include half cataphract armour.
    AE Dev, mainly units

  12. #12
    The Wandering Storyteller's Avatar Protector Domesticus
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    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Ah I see, makes sense then.





















































  13. #13

    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Amazing preview.

  14. #14

    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Gents,

    when can we expect the next preview??

    TotalKnight

  15. #15

    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Soon - Ish
    Vespasian's own: Up the Augusta! For Cato!

    AE: Battle Balancing and BAI.

  16. #16

    Default Re: [PREVIEW] Arab Roster

    Quote Originally Posted by Petellius View Post
    Soon - Ish
    Soon™

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