Hey, what's with the Berbers?

[Antiochos VII Sidetes]

In both this AND Ruina Romae, the Berber unit selection seems to be quite tiny.

Any particular reason for this? (I was just skimming through custom battles when I noticed it)

[julianus heraclius]

In both this AND Ruina Romae, the Berber unit selection seems to be quite tiny.

Any particular reason for this? (I was just skimming through custom battles when I noticed it)

Unfortunatley there are only so many slots in the edu and mdb files. I assume a decision was made, that as the Berbers were not a main faction of the time, they would be limited in units to allow other factions ala sassanids, armenians etc to have better representation.

Cheers

[Antiochos VII Sidetes]

Alright, I suppose that makes sense. Thanks.

Guess I will never play as them...

[beatoangelico]

the berbers are indeed meant more as a nuisance for the romans than a full featured faction. They were not united at this time, nor powerful enough to take significant territories from a roman empire in good health.

[Antiochos VII Sidetes]

Wait, who repped me here? For no reason?

[Leviathan DarklyCute]

Wait, who repped me here? For no reason?

That would be me.

[Antiochos VII Sidetes]

Lol, well, thanks!

[seriousbusiness]

Actually this is historical as well (well, to the extent we know much about the Berbers of this time at all). The Berbers fielded predominately light skirmisher-style infantries, with relatively few melee infantries. Since Rome is busy everywhere else, they moved in and overran Roman Africa and southern Spain.

Also for balance (designed to be a nuisance rather than a threat in their own right) and practical (limited unit slots) reasons.

Berbers are tough, you need to be patient and careful. They can be very rewarding and different if you play correctly though. Personally I prefer the Arabs in IBFD. Similar style but more versatile.

[julianus heraclius]

The Berbers do have access to roman troops once they have conquered their cities which will help them a bit.

[seriousbusiness]

Also, mercenaries were often extremely helpful in my Berber campaign. Although, your main concern will be how you choose to use your troops (ie where you send them, when and fighting selectively and carefully). Getting even a few heavy infantry units can help hold something of a line while your archers, javelins and cavalry do the work. Timing is always crucial, though, maybe above all.