DISCUSSION: The Kievan Rus

[Ahiga]

Research & Discussion
The Kievan Rus
Or The Principalities of Rus
Or The Russian Principalities

Or an undetermined Russian State Closer to our Map.

While the team's own discussions and development of the Kievan Rus faction will happen in the developer's section, this is the topic for the fans to ask questions, discuss it amongst themselves, and put forth concept art and ideas for us to look at. There is no set date for their inclusion, nor an absolute certainty they will be.

Currently the Kievan Rus (Their name may change, depending on what history provides as the major Russian State closest to our map.) are meant to be a competitor to the Kypchaks for supremacy of the steppe. We also would seek to reflect a stronger Rus (Akin to Ghazni's more dated representation), one which can expand to the Caucasus or Caspian Sea as was historically done.

Historically the Kievan Rus were enemies (But had a love-hate relationship) with the Kypchaks. They also fought the Volga-Bulgars, and the Mongols. In past times, they threatened Constantinople, and reached the Caspian Sea and southern Iran, the Crimea, and the Caucasus Mountains.

Visual Resources

We have Osprey's Russian artwork covered. Any others would be very much appreciated.

Informational Resources

[The Mongol]

Quick google search:

http://www.unc.edu/~smyre/rus/

http://www.shsu.edu/~his_ncp/Kievan.html

http://members.aol.com/feodosij/rus/ruslinks.html

[nnnm]

some more for russia

[Miraj]

Awsome pics nnnm.

[ShayanMirza]

Yeah nnnm, those are glorious! + rep

The ones with lamellar armor and more Islamic looking helmets were the Eastern Rus, who became much more culturally steppe-oriented (in terms of warfare) in the 13th century.

THIS LINK IS INVALUABLE! i promise.

http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewto...ght=kievan+rus

and here, generally in order of usefulness:

http://www.angelfire.com/empire/egfroth/rus.htm

http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewto...ght=kievan+rus

http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=5069

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~chrisandpeter/kirpichnikov_helmets/helmets.htm

http://www.cross-dream.info/library/...elmets-xi.html

http://south-rus.narod.ru/manvelovka.html

http://photofile.name/users/bookworm/1303837/

http://www.geocities.com/kaganate/tana.html

http://tgorod.ru/contentimage/vendel...lXIV_front.jpg

http://www.tgorod.ru/contentimage/asian1/helmet2.jpg







a picture too big to upload or post:
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2775/031nv8.jpg
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5310/032ed0.jpg

[caratacus]

I'm Sorry if this does not help the team, but I have had these model images without references on my computer for some time. Perhaps someone could please confirm whether these might be Rus and if not which other historical faction?

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l1...t_top/rus1.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l1...t_top/rus2.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l1...t_top/rus3.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l1...t_top/rus4.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l1...t_top/rus5.jpg

[ShayanMirza]

I think it's safe to say they are Rus. Later era though, definitely post-Mongol. Edit to add: but the cultures of the Eurasion steppe were very fluid, especially after the Mongols. Still, it's reasonable to say those are Rus.

[Fenix_120]

notice the plate armor on this Russian rider

http://nnnm.pictiger.com/images/13247843/

[Miraj]

Seems to be from the 1400s though.

[Beauchamp]

EDIT: Awsome Druzina!

Hmm, here is what I think:

I think that BC is the forerunner in modding community because it took risks to include factions, units, and areas that have not been represented equally in other mods and in the games themselves. Most of the factions in this roster haven't even been mentioned in most games or forums. This uniqueness in including the Middle East and Africa is what makes it great and will make it great come first release. That was why I was even drawn to this forum to the first place.

So, the point: I think that more underepresented factions need to be included such as (just my list, I'm sure there are many more factions):

Mali
Abyssinia
Accurate Almoravids, Almohads, and Maranids
Muslim Sicily
Kara-Khitai/Samanid Khanates
Tuareg Kingdoms
Sultanate of Malacca

I am not saying that a Russian faction is wrong(they were my ancestors for cryin out loud!), I understand that gameplay has to be put first before people can come in and rant that they want their tiny factions represented, but all I am asking is to remember what makes BC so great.

Anways, nice job everyone!

Ma'Salema

[AlphaDelta]

The Rus roster I will produce is going to be typical of the time period of the mod. It's also going to be more western and northern inspired, especially in the low and mid tier units.

One unit already completed is the "Lesser druzhina"

[teh.frickin.pope]

The Rus roster I will produce is going to be typical of the time period of the mod. It's also going to be more western and northern inspired, especially in the low and mid tier units.

One unit already completed is the "Lesser druzhina"

Quoted for the page.

Do I see the old Slavic foot nobles in there? Does that mean druzhina bowmen:hmmm:

[Ahiga]

Quoted for the page.

Do I see the old Slavic foot nobles in there? Does that mean druzhina bowmen:hmmm:

I do have to say, I love me some hybrids.

[ivan_the_terrible]

The Rus roster I will produce is going to be typical of the time period of the mod. It's also going to be more western and northern inspired, especially in the low and mid tier units.

One unit already completed is the "Lesser druzhina"

That looks great mate!
If you want to the name to be in russian, the translation of 'Lesser (or Junior) Druzhina' is 'Mladshaya Druzhina'

And ideally, they should have a composite bow as well. Also, from 12th and 13th centuries onwards, the norman-style teardrop shield (like the one posted above by ShayanMirza) becsame dominant. However, for early periods, the round shield is perfect

[AdmiringtheEnemyeh?]

AlphaDelta, you are a mad man, in a good way of course . Just 1 day after opening up a discussion thread and BAM! A sweet druzhina unit already skinned and posted. Thanks for choosing to do the Rus, the strategy and diversity they will add will be significant. Adding another Muslim city state, not so much.

[Miraj]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! You've unleashed the bad boys AD!

@Beauchamp
I don't believe this is the appropriate thread to discuss other faction ideas, this is for the Rus faction only.

[Beauchamp]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! You've unleashed the bad boys AD!

@Beauchamp
I don't believe this is the appropriate thread to discuss other faction ideas, this is for the Rus faction only.

Alrighty, I didn't know you guys started work on the units already!
Nice work.

[Son of Mao]

So it has begun!!! Great druzina!! This means they will most deffinantly be in I guess?

[Miraj]

This means they will most deffinantly be in I guess?

If Allah/Buddha/Jesus/Tengri/Wotan wills it.

[Kalos]

I'm afraid the Rus' will be my favorite faction now. I favor my Norse ancestors over all others!