Unit and Faction Card Descriptions

[Yuiis]

I'm starting this thread as a suggestion/proposition thread to fill in the unit cards or Faction descriptions we all read when in game. I told KK that we could help him fill these in, as some of us have made some research into the new factions and units that will appear in 4.0. I will organize it so the definitive propositions are shown in the first post and I will update any changes we discuss into them. The intention is to make these descriptions historical and maybe slightly artistical(even though I have doubts of my ability to do this ).

Crown of Aragon

Dismounted Montesa Order Knights

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Despite fierce resistance by the king of Aragon, the order of the Knights Templar was forced to break-up. King Jaume II persuaded the Pope to permit him to reform Templar properties and bestow them upon a new Order based at the castle of Montesa. Thus the Order of Montesa was born. Primarily used as elite units in the Reconquista and the Mediterranean conquests, this highly devoted order is the main driving force serving the Crown of Aragon and could very well be the most loyal organisation serving the Aragonese monarchy.

Basque Archers

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The Basque country is situated on both sides of the Pyrenees. It is known as the home of notoriously tough and unruly people. The Basque were primarily mercenaries fighting for the highest bidder and were never truly conquered. As archers they are moderately skilled, but what they lack in accuracy they can certainly make up with brawn as they can take the role of light infantry as well!

Basque Javelinmen

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This one could use the regular Javelinmen description of vanilla.

Aragonese Knights

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These are often chosen feudal knights and order knights as well as men who have proven themselves worthy. Officially the Argonese Knights swear allegiance to the King. Unofficially these knights would be given lands, grants and large sums of money for their services, as an oath for king and country could only go so far. They are an elite, albiet expensive, military unit.

Dismounted Aragonese Knights

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At times, knights were forced to fight on foot. Some could not afford a horse, others lost it in battle and a few actually preferred it so. Although lacking the charge of heavy horse and lance, these knights are still formidable in combat and form the backbone of any large army.

Armats

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The elite heavy cavalry for the Crown of Aragon. Gathered from around the four corners of the kingdom, Armats are a semi-professional unit that is trained and maintained by the Crown. They are of higher social status and yet are not of noble birth. Unlike feudal knights, Armats train regualrly as a military unit and not only when the cloud of war looms. Truly the Armats are known far and wide for being able to change the tides of battle.

Alforrats

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The alforrats are light cavalry primarily used as an armed scouting force. As their name indicates, they are the "covered" cavalry, meaning covered in studded leather and light mail as their main armor. They are well trained, swift and determined. Although lacking the massive mounts of heavy cavalry they can still overwhelm lesser infantry due to the speed of their light horses. They are ideal for an ambush, outflanking engaged units and taking light infantry head on.

Almogavers

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The Almughavars are the most famous of Argonese units. Originating from deep within the Pirenaic valleys of Aragon and Catalonia, it is no wonder these fierce fighting men are called Almughavar, literally meaning "devastator ". Their lack of heavy armour allows them great agility in battle. Their cunning and audacity are second to none and their heavy javelins are thrown with such force that will pierce even the best of armour.

Occitan Routiers (Mercenary Men at Arms)

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These highly experienced mercenaries are originally from France. They served the Crown of Aragon for a time, and a cost. There are however, no mistakes to be made, they are loyal to the coin and will gladly fight for whomever pays. Armed with a sword and shield they are expert melee fighters..

Kievan Rus'

Slavic Javelinmen

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Ranged warfare in the Rus' was more widely used and a more valued tactic than in Western Europe. But every Slavic man couldn't afford a bow, or learn how to use one. The javelin is a perfect weapon for the common low status Slav who can use his brawn to hurl them into the enemy's ranks. Light and mobile; the javelin is an infantry standard. This unit can create an overwhelming effect if used in appropriate numbers.

Varangian Spearmen

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Infantrymen or peshtsi, were used for the defense of city walls and gates, to cover the rear of the cavlary, and for many other civic jobs. The Rus' realized the need for a solid, well equiped infantry unit as the influence from the germanic military orders grew. These men are frequently levied as militia units from cities where presence of norse blood is high. Just as what this unit was created for, the Varangian Spearmen are best kept on a defensive role.

Viking Mercenaries

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Gone are the days when the Vikings could bring a Kingdom to it's knees, with ferocious raids and plunder to rival a King's chest. This does not mean the vikings still cannot have their glory as mercenaries. Consisting of raiders who have "supplied" themselves with various different types of swords and armor, these men are self sufficent. The spirit of their ancestors still lives on in the battlecry they utter which could cause common men to tremble.

Varangian Archers/Dism. Heavy Archers

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The Rus', dominated as it was by forest, river and marsh land, relied heavily upon infantry. Rus' infantry made extensive use of archery. Their bows and arrowtips had influences from the Byzantines, other Eastern European nations, but most notably the Scandinavians. These hardy archers use large semi-composite bows covered in birchbark, creating a powerful weapon. An army of these men and the shower of hell they bring with them will leave all but the most noble men to confront them.

Heavy Horsearchers

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Long before the organization of the Kievan Rus' the Scythians, a nomadic group began the tradition of skilled use of the horse, and horse archery. They are expert bowmen that use evasive tactics to their fullest, much to the frustration of their enemies. Their excellent armour is financed directly by the treasury of the king. When the need to engage arises, they make good use of their iron swords.

Cossack Gunners

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With the new threat and influence of the Mongols, gunpowder was introduced to the Rus'. Though gunpowder has not caught on strong with the Slavic people, these men have embraced its devastating potential despite the cost. Cossack Gunners are experienced in the art of horsemanship and firearms. Those who underestimate the cossacks will quickly face harsh realizations.

Kievan Nobles

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Due to years of civil war and succession claims, a new class of military force appeared in the Rus'. Because the Kievens lack a feudal system, there are no "knights", but there are upperclassmen who are certainly not unaccustomed to the brutality of war. Influenced by the Teutonic Order and their western style heavy armour with a lance charge, and despite not being a true professional army, they still manage to impress.

These are the initial ones and I am aware i've missed some, if anyone wants to add a unit from another faction (Kievan Rus I assume) to make a description of it just post it and I will update this post. I will update them when I have time, you guys can start arleady if you wish to xD.

*Note: These are just PROPOSALS. It is not guaranteed that whatever is decided in this post will actually appear in-game, it is all up to KK and the reason for this thread is basically to give him our views of such things.

[ME2_junky]

Mentosa Order Knights:

Despite fierce resistance by the king of Aragon, the order of the Knights Templar was forced to break-up. King Jaime II persuaded the Pope to permit him to reform Templar properties and bestow them upon a new Order based at Montesa. Thus the Order of Montesa was born.
Primarily used as elite units in the Reconquista, this highly devoted order is the main driving force serving the Crown of Aragon.

Basque Archers

The Basque country is situated on both sides of the Pyrenees. It is known as the home of notoriously tough and unruly people. The Basque were primarily mercenaries fighting for the highest bidder and were never truly conquered. As archers they are moderately skilled, but what they lack in accuracy they can certainly make up with brawn as they can take the role of light infantry as well!

Argonese Knights

These are often chosen feudal knights and order knights as well as those who have proven themselves worthy.
Officially the Argonese Knights swear allegiance to the King. Unofficially these knights would be given lands, grants and large sums of money for their services, as an oath for king and country could only go so far. They are an elite, albiet expensive, military unit.

Dismounted variation
(Doesnt matter which unit, just paste this infront of the regualr mounted variation)

At times, knights were forced to fight on foot. Some could not afford a horse, others lost it in battle and a few actually preferred it so. Although lacking the charge of heavy horse and lance, these knights are still formidable in combat and form the backbone of any large army.

Armats

The elite heavy cavalry for the Crown of Aragon. They are a semi-professional that is trained and maintained by the Crown, and are of higher social status and yet are not of noble birth. Unlike feudal knights Armats train regualrly as a military unit and not only when the cloud of war looms.
Truly the Armats are known far and wide for being able to change the tides of battle.

Alforrats

The alforrats are light cavalry primarily used as an armed scouting force. They are well trained, swift and determined. Although lacking the massive mounts of heavy cavalry they can still overwhelm lesser infantry due to the speed of their light horses.
They are ideal for an ambush, outflanking engaged units and taking light infantry head on.

P.S.

I actually intended to give type only one description, but once I get going I find it difficult to stop

[Yuiis]

Wow Junky absolutely awesome . I made slight changes to some of your descriptions and some I left 100% as you wrote them. What do you think about the ones I changed?:hmmm: I'm going to add more units right now, from Kievan Rus also .

[King Kong]

Hi Yuiis and M2 Junky,

WOW! You are really awesomely helpful!
A big big thanks to you both!

All descriptions are really great and nice to read! Good job once again!
And you can be sure to have at least a high priority in the credit list of 4.0!

Cheers!


btw, I'll rep you later when I can

[Yuiis]

Hy there ,

Updated post with 3 new Aragonese Units:
Basque Javelinmen
Almogavers
Occitan Routiers

And Kievan Rus' Units!!!:
Berdiche Militia
Norse Swordsmen
Scandinavian Guard
Varangian Archers
Kievan Nobles
Tsars Guard

I know absolutely nothing on Kievan units so here I cant offer my help. Kievan experts its your turn here!

Also I would like to know if the following units are unique for kiev also or if they will share description with Novgorod units :hmmm::
Druzina
Cossack Musketeers
Dism. Boyar Sons
Cossack Gunners

[King Kong]

Hi Yuiis,

Thanks for the quick update!

Well, I think we wouldn't need a new description for basque javelinmen, since we could use the normal javelinmen description.
However, if someone has an idea, why not?

Regarding Kiev, we would only need a new description for these unique units:
- Slavic Javelinmen,
- Varangian Spearmen (maybe I will turn them into a "Kievan Palace Guard", recruitable only in Kiev; but still not finally decided),
- Viking Mercenaries (instead of Norse Swordsmen),
- Varangian Archers (Probably I wanted to call them "dism. Heavy Archers"),
- Heavy Horsearchers (instead of Armored Horsearcher, since it is historically more accurate),
- Cossack Gunners
- Kievan Nobles.

[Aurelius Maximus]

very nice descriptions, yunky +rep.

[Yuiis]

Wow, thnks KK gonna update that right now.

[King Kong]

Wow, thnks KK gonna update that right now.

thanks!

Hi AdmiringtheEnemy,

A big thanks for your great unit descriptions!
I was really most worried about the Kievan Rus unit descriptions, since I don't really know much of them, but you have made a very good start!

[AdmiringtheEnemyeh?]

Cossack Gunners

With the new threats and influences of the Mongols, gunpowder was introduced to the Rus'. Though gunpowder has'nt caught on strong with the Slavic people, these men have embraced its devastating potential despite the cost. Experienced in the art of horsemanship with enough wealth to purchase these new, expensive firearms, this is an expensive unit to hire. All who underestimate the power of these men will quickly face harsh realizations.

Kieven Nobles

Because the Kievens lack a feudal system, there are no "knights". But there are upperclassmen who are certainly not unaccustomed to the brutality of war. Between 1054 to 1224, 293 princes put forward succession claims, and their disputes led to 83 civil wars. Many nobles itched to seize power and continue to serve in the army due to their experience. Influenced by the teutonic order and their western style heavy armour with a lance charge, these men are effective enough to impress even the most experienced of generals.

[AdmiringtheEnemyeh?]

A few more..

Heavy Horse Archers- Long before the organization of the Kievan Rus' the Scythians, a nomadic group began the tradition of skilled use of the horse, and horse archery. When the slavs finally became a dominant force with their own nations, they adopted the hit and run tactics of groups like the Huns which is used by these soldiers. These men not only have been trained in the expertise of shooting an arrow while at full gallop, but also the art of evasion. Blessed with good quality armor paid for by the king himself. The lucky men recieve iron swords to engage the enemy in meele.

Viking mercenaries- Gone are the days when the Vikings can bring a Kingdom to it's knees with ferocious raids and plunder to rival a King's chest. This doesnt mean the vikings still can't have their glory as mercenaries. Consisting of raiders who have "supplied" themselves with various different types of swords and armor, these men are self sufficent and have a low upkeep because of it. The spirit of their ancestors still lives on the battlecry they utter which can make the common man to tremble.

[Kalos]

Aww I was thinking up one for the Viking mercenaries, then I saw you already wrote one.

[ME2_junky]

@Yuiis
I am perfectly happy with the changes you made. Just a small note on grammar...

Montesa Order Knights

Despite fierce resistance by the king of Aragon, the order of the Knights Templar was forced to break-up. King Jaume II persuaded the Pope to permit him to reform Templar properties and bestow them upon a new Order based at the castle of Montesa. Thus the Order of Montesa was born. Primarily used as elite units in the Reconquista and the Mediterranean conquests, this highly devoted order is the main driving force serving the Crown of Aragon and could very well be (-one of) the most loyal ( -of the) organisation(-s) serving the Aragonese monarchy.

As for the Almughavars, I suggest an alternative description:

The Almughavars are the most famous of Argonese units. Originating from deep within Basque country, it is no wonder these fierce fighting men are called Almughavar, literally meaning "Devastator". Their lack of heavy armour allows them great agility in battle. Their cunning and audacity are second to none and their heavy javelins are thrown with such force that will pierce even the best of armour.

Occitan Routiers

These highly experienced mercenaries are originally from France. They served the Crown of Aragon for a time, and a cost. There are however, no mistakes to be made, they are loyal to the coin and will gladly fight for whomever pays. Armed with a sword and shield they are expert melee fighters.


A re-touch for the Kieven rus
(The descriptions are cool, the grammar can use some help )

Cossack Gunners

With the new threat and influence of the Mongols, gunpowder was introduced to the Rus'. Though gunpowder has not caught on strong with the Slavic people, these men have embraced its devastating potential despite the cost. Cossack Gunners are experienced in the art of horsemanship and firearms. Those who underestimate the cossacks will quickly face harsh realizations.

Kieven Nobles

Due to years of civil war and succession claims, a new class of military force came to be. Because the Kievens lack a feudal system, there are no "knights", but there are upperclassmen who are certainly not unaccustomed to the brutality of war. Influenced by the teutonic order and their western style heavy armour with a lance charge, despite not being a true professional army, they still manage to impress.

Heavy Horse Archers

Long before the organization of the Kievan Rus' the Scythians, a nomadic group began the tradition of skilled use of the horse, and horse archery. They are expert bowmen that utilise evasive tactics to their fullest, much to the frustration of their enemies. Their excellent armour is financed directly by the treasury of the king. When the need to engage arises, they make good use of their iron swords.

Viking mercenaries

Gone are the days when the Vikings could bring a Kingdom to it's knees, with ferocious raids and plunder to rival a King's chest. This does not mean the vikings still cannot have their glory as mercenaries. Consisting of raiders who have "supplied" themselves with various different types of swords and armor, these men are self sufficent. The spirit of their ancestors still lives on in the battlecry they utter which could cause common men to tremble.

D. Heavy Archers
(Varangian should stay with Biz, for gameplay IMHO)

Once dismounted the Heavy Horse Archers have the added advantage of increased accuracy. Being without their mounts does not however present a major obstacle, as they are well equipped and quite formidable against other infantry, often giving lesser troops more than they bargained for.

Rus Spearmen

Generic Vanilla description.

The Varangian Argument

The Varangian and the Rus are the same. They were called Rhos by a Byzanine emperor that probably didn't like calling them by their own name. I conclude that the Varagian Unit is wrongly named under the faction "Kieven Rus" as these should either be Rus or Varangian.

Thanks for the +rep guys!

[AdmiringtheEnemyeh?]

Also, thanks many junky! I know my grammer is pretty bad, glad you understand.

Thanks King Kong! Always glad to help.

Slavic Javelinmen- Ranged warfare in the Rus' was more widely used and a more valued tactic than in Western Europe. But every Slavic man couldn't afford a bow, or learn how to use one. The javelin is a perfect weapon for the lowly Slav who can use his brawn to hurl them into the enemy's ranks. Light and mobile; the javelin is an infantry standard. This unit can create an overwhelming effect if used in appropriate numbers.

Varangian Archers (please keep that name, i like it)- The Rus', dominated as it was by forest, river and marsh land, relied heavily upon infantry. Rus' infantry made extensive use of archery. Bows and arrowtips had influences from the Byzantines, other Eastern European nations, but most notably the Scandinavians. These hardy archers use large semi-composite bows covered in birchbark, creating a powerful bow. An army of these men and the shower of hell they bring with them will leave all but the most noble men to confront them.

EDIT

Thanks for all the good changes ME2_junky ! However i do have a problem with one unit.

D. Heavy Archers
(Varangian should stay with Biz, for gameplay IMHO)

Once dismounted the Heavy Horse Archers have the added advantage of increased accuracy. Being without their mounts does not however present a major obstacle, as they are well equipped and quite formidable against other infantry, often giving lesser troops more than they bargained for.

They would just be varangian archers, or varangian infantry, not dismounted horsearchers. For 2 reasons;
1. horsearchers mainly consisted of Rus' allies or mercanaries, not the Rus people themself. This means he would not dismount and fight like a Rus' infantry would.
2. horses were valued and expensive in that time, as they always have been. No one with a straight mind would dismount if they already had a horse.

Thanks im giving you and KK extra rep tomorow.

[ME2_junky]

"Once dsimounted" can mean that their horse was killed, that they fell off or that their horse threw them off...it simply means when they are without a horse. I do not mean to imply they dismounted willingly, although in certain situations this is a good idea.
As for the rest...I think perhaps you are letting historical fact conflict with gameplay description...
Overall...I do not make the final decisions...I leave KK to decide on these issues as it is his mod

We could argue about it...but I do not see the point, it is after all a game...

[ME2_junky]

My grammar is not perfect...but I will do my best to correct what I feel is needed. In any case, I believe that most people would not mind the current grammar level

[Yuiis]

@Junky

On Almogavers: I like your description also!!! Just note these two important things. 1) They were originally from the pirenaic valleys of Aragon and Catalunya(County of Barcelona). At least the vast majority of them were from that origin, from what the surnames of the list of men who went to fight for the Byzantine Empire indicate. There were also almugavers from the Basque country, some from Castille and even some of Saracen origin. Take under consideration that they served as Mercs mainly, mercs used to sack and ambush the frontier moorish towns.
2) Almugaver means: Creator of turmoil more than "devastator". It is not the only theory though, there are two more theories that explain the origin and meaning of the name. For the res, I think I will put your description as I find it cool and better addressed.

To everybody

Thanks for keeping this thread alive, I will update Kievan Rus' description when I have a bit of time thnks!!

[ME2_junky]

As for the meaning of the word...the original word came from arabic...the arabic word meant "devastator" as for the pseudo-meaning it later recieved by other languages I am unaware...
But its all the same to me really...I think substituting "devastator" with "creator of turmoil" is just not gonna have the same ring

Notice that I am more focused on making the unit sound cool...I am not after 100% correct historical depiction of their roles.

[Yuiis]

As for the meaning of the word...the original word came from arabic...the arabic word meant "devastator" as for the pseudo-meaning it later recieved by other languages I am unaware...
But its all the same to me really...I think substituting "devastator" with "creator of turmoil" is just not gonna have the same ring

Notice that I am more focused on making the unit sound cool...I am not after 100% correct historical depiction of their roles.

Hmm I see your point.....:hmmm:...problem is all the sources I have of this are spanish or catalan atm I'll try to link you an english page where I find something on the meaning of the word. As you correctly say, it comes from the arabic, the "Al-" beggining is a clear fact of this. There is discussion about the rest of the name and from what word it comes from:

"su origen en la palabra árabe al-mugavar («los que provocan disturbios») o en al-mukhavir («portador de noticias»), y finalmente una tercera teoría sostiene que viene del adjetivo gabar, que se traduce como «orgulloso» o «altivo»."
(Wikipedia in spanish)

Wiki traduction:
Fisrt theory: from al-mugavar (Creator of turmoil/disturbs whatever noun fits better)
Second: from al-mukhavir (Bearer of news)
Third: from the adjective gabar, which traduction is "proud".

Nevertheless, I totally agree with you that "devastator" sounds much better xD. I dont really know what to do with this issue...i'll change it to devastator and then if we can come up with a better word fine and if not i'll just let devastator be the one. (+ you could also arrive to the folloing conclusion: Creator of turmoil=eventually creating devastation=devastator xD)

[Yuiis]

Update:

I've just added all the missing unit descriptions. Well in fact there is just one unit description missing which is that of the Rus' spearmen. If anyone wants to have a go at that so we can discuss it it would be great, or if not the vanilla description for spearmen can be added.

To anyone that has posted a description: Usually I compare descriptions and put the one that in theory has been best accepted or sounds best to me. I normally add the whole description 100% but sometimes I make very minor gramatical changes. Please correct me if you see something wrong with these!

I fear though, that we would need an expert person or at least someone with very high understanding of the english language because I'm not 100% sure that all the grammar is ok in the texts!!!

Dont forget to post new ideas! As always, all your posts are appreciated!