PRO DEO ET REGE II VIDEO PREVIEW: Basileia tōn Rōmaiōn

**Socal_infidel** · November 20, 2008, 09:49 AM

FILEFRONT/MEGAUPLOAD/YOUTUBE

**Socal_infidel** · November 20, 2008, 07:14 PM

PELTASTAI:
These psiloi (or light infantrymen) are armed with javelins. As such they lack the range of their fellow psiloi, the toxotai. Any general deploying these troops should place them in front of the spearline, order them to fire their javelins, and should the enemy come too close, order them to retreat behind the spearmen.

TOXOTAI:
The principal weapon of these psiloi is the composite bow. Should it come to it, they are also armed with a tzikourion (small axe) to protect them in melee. Armour was not usually worn, so toxotai should be supported in tandem with spearmen for protection.

KONTARATOI:
Their name derived from the Ancient Greek word kontos and the later Greek kontarion, these unarmoured infantrymen are equipped with little more than a spear and shield. Alone, they should not be counted on in battle. However, paired with toxotai or peltastai, they make for a cheap, effective combination.

AKONTISTAI:
These medium troops are protected by the thickly-quilted bambakion and are armed with javelins. They are prepared to act either as skirmishers or medium sword infantry.

TRAPEZITAI:
These native light unarmoured cavalry are armed with two or three javelins and a kontarion. Drawn from the Empire’s frontiers, these cavalrymen are familiar with guerilla warfare and are best deployed for scouting, raids, and ambushes.

SKUTATOI SPEARMEN:
The skutatoi (shield-bearers) form the backbone of the Roman army. Protected by a lamellar klibanion or lorikion and armed with spear to defend against enemy cavalry, their role is to hold the line while other forces exploit enemy weaknesses.

SKUTATOI SWORDSMEN:
Deployed alongside their spear-carrying counterparts, these skutatoi are armed with paramerions, which are one-edged scimitar-like swords, the better to fight and hold-off enemy infantry.

KAVALLAROI:
These multi-purpose horsemen, equipped with both bow and lance and protected by an iron klibanion, revive the Roman tactics of Cursores and Defensores on the battlefield. The Cursores (or assault troops) advance in open order to attack with their bows and then retreat if charged. The Defensores (or defenders) protect these archers and counter-charge with their lance when needed.

VARANGOI:
The Varangoi served as the elite bodyguards of the Byzantine Emperors, from the late 10th Century till the sacking of Constantinople in the 13th Century at the hands of the 4th Crusade. Comprised initially of Northmen, hailing in large part from the lands of Scandanavia and the Rus, in the years after 1066, the Guard included an increasing number of Anglo-Saxons unwilling to live under Norman rule. The result was that by 1100 the composition of the guard was almost entirely Anglo-Saxon. The Varangoi or Englinovarangoi were prized by the Eastern Emperors for their fierce loyalty and skill and savagery in battle.

SPATHARIOI:
Along with the Varangoi, the spatharioi (or sword-bearers) formed the bodyguard of the Emperor and were the elite core of the Roman Army. Although primarily a prestige unit, allowing for the re-assignment of old veterans while allowing them to remain in service, when called on in battle, these troops prove their worth. Having the imperial armoury at their disposal they were the heaviest armoured infantry of the empire. They also had the unique privilege of being allowed to incorporate old Hellenic 'add-ons' to their armor kit. For example, under the Komnenoi the Spatharioi wore the horse hail crest, pteryges and greaves of the hoplites of old Hellas.

KLIBANOPHOROI:
Super heavy-cavalry, these troops are protected by an elbow-length lamellar klibanion and over it a thick-padded epilorikion. Their head was protected by an iron helmet with a mail hood two or three layers thick, which left only their eyes uncovered. Their arms and legs were protected by splint-armour vambraces and greaves, with any gaps filled with pieces of mail. Their stout horses were likewise heavily armoured, wearing iron klibania, split at the front for ease of movement and leaving only the eyes, nostrils and lower legs unprotected. Armed with kontos and mace, these troops were the elite striking force of the Roman army.

ATHANATOI:
The Athanatoi (or Immortals) were charged with escorting and protecting the Emperor, his family members as well as the Emperor’s most trusted or valuable generals. Their name derives from the fact that as soon as one of their number fell in battle, another soldier was transferred from another unit to take his place. Thus, ensuring their numbers always stayed the same.

**Socal_infidel** · November 20, 2008, 08:02 PM

Mod Designer & Developer:
Socal_infidel

Roman Roster Research:
AnthoniusII

Contributors:
Argent Usher
B. Ward
dome
DisgruntledGoat
LAca
Lord_Calidor
MADTAO
matko
Pacco
Professor420
WhiteWolf

Special Thanks:
daNova
gigantus
All the PDER supporters out there
The entire TWCenter modding community

Music:
"Hymne des Chérubins," Byzantine Choir of Greece & Lycourgos Angelopoulos (The Glory of Byzantium)
"Ô Vierge Sainte, Réjouis-Toi," Byzantine Choir of Greece & Lycourgos Angelopoulos (The Glory of Byzantium)
"Ode et Mégalynaire du Canon de la Grande Paraclèse," Byzantine Choir of Greece & Lycourgos Angelopoulos (The Glory of Byzantium)

Video Trailer By:
D|Need

**~~Tony83~~** · November 21, 2008, 12:06 AM

OMG! Thanks for the heads-up on this one mate.

All I can say is one word - SUPERB!

The new units look great, you've obviously spent a lot of time over them, and they're reaally brought to life in that video (good choice of music too - excellent atmosphere).

To say that I am straining at the leash for PDER 2.0 is a mild understatement.

P.S.

I've just ordered the CD.

**loet66** · November 21, 2008, 01:52 AM

Hi Socal,

Great work !

**B. Ward** · November 21, 2008, 03:54 AM

Great job man. Gotta keep up with you.

**billydilly** · November 21, 2008, 04:27 AM

Nice!! Really looking forward to the release. Having a great game as Genoa wit the new XAI+BAI from Xeryx

**Lord Willy** · November 21, 2008, 07:28 AM

awsome!GREAT WORK!

**D|major** · November 21, 2008, 07:30 AM

It's a great mod

**IVIarkI2I** · November 21, 2008, 08:10 AM

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWESOME

**Socal_infidel** · November 21, 2008, 08:34 AM

Thanks all. Please rep the hell out of D|need. I just made the units, he brought them to life (and death in some cases) in an epic manner.

Also, rep any contributors you see around!

regards
s_i