Medieval Kingdoms Total War: The Ayyubid Sultanate

[Ltd.]

The Ayyubid Sultanate

The Ayyubid dynasty in Egypt came to power under the leadership of the Kurdish Zengid general Salah al-Din (r. 1169–93), known in Europe as Saladin. After the death of Saladin, his brother al-Adil established himself as Sultan in 1200 and has been in control ever since.
The sultanate depended heavily on mamluks for its military organization, however having access to North African tribes, predominantly the ferocious and skilled Nubians and Sudanese , as well as local troops, it can stand firm against invasions from all sides.
Yet, while trying to keep the land together, relying too much on mamluks alone may facilitate a shift of power to the Sultanate´s disadvantage. As sultan of these lands and in control of the fertile Nile delta, trade is very advantageous and the sultanate should seek as many trading partners as possible, even if it means to take the gold of infidels. As the latins from old used to say: pecunia non olet or gold is gold and it does not matter where it comes from. Be aware though, that where riches lie , envious neighbors are not afar and thus many of today´s ally and friend, be it king, emperor or sultan may become tomorrow´s invading force.
Expansion is possible in every direction, the first main goal however should be defeating the crusader states in a holy war and driving them out forever from your ancestors` lands.

Units

Sudanese Archers

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Ahdath Archers

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Saracen Crossbowmen

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Naffatun

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Beja Tribal Spearmen (AOR)

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Nubian Spearmen (AOR)

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Ahdath Spearmen

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Jund Spearmen

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Harafisha Infantry

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Thaqlah / Syrian Axemen

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Bedouin Camel Riders

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Askari Cavalry

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Askari Nobles

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Sultan and Bodyguards

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Keep in mind that mamluk units will come at a later point
Enjoy

[warman222]

Looks wonderful as always man. Love the variety! My only thing is shouldn't they have more cavalry units? Or is that where the Mamluk units come in?

[Slytacular]

Awesome job, thanks Ltd!

[finix]

Only don't sure about these leather boots...in this heat.
Are you sure that, arab units wear leather boots?

[Ltd.]

Only don't sure about these leather boots...in this heat.
Are you sure that, arab units wear leather boots?

Well, I guess padded armor and maille are even more likely to cause trouble in heat than leather, but they need to have some footwear and armor, can´t leave them with bare feet.
Also, they are depicted in the desert, but the middle east is not only desert.
Any ideas what else they could wear?

And to answer the question regarding possibly too few cavalry units: I am considering giving their roster a light cavalry unit. On the other hand they will also have access to gulam units, adding thus several cavalry units ( though these would be rather heavy as well, so yeah, I guess a light cavalry unit is needed)
At the same time they will also have access to further AOR units.

[finix]

Well, I guess padded armor and maille are even more likely to cause trouble in heat than leather, but they need to have some footwear and armor, can´t leave them with bare feet.
Also, they are depicted in the desert, but the middle east is not only desert.
Any ideas what else they could wear?

And to answer the question regarding possibly too few cavalry units: I am considering giving their roster a light cavalry unit. On the other hand they will also have access to gulam units, adding thus several cavalry units ( though these would be rather heavy as well, so yeah, I guess a light cavalry unit is needed)
At the same time they will also have access to further AOR units.

May dabble but boots are also a sign of affluence, perhaps for the lower units can be used sandals or slippers like picture:
[IMG][/IMG]

[Slytacular]

Gotta say that those Sudanese Archers look really pissed off. I don't think they appreciate their picture taken.

[BalrogOfMorgoth]

My god, that Sultan's armor is stunning!

[Willhelm123]

Really good job, they look great. Some things are a bit incorrect historically with the east Africans. Not massively just a bit.

This thread might help you out.

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...pt-Art-Project

[finix]

Sneak peek...

[IMG][/IMG]

[Filips Augustus]

Guys I can't help but notice the lack of swords in the muslim factions, I hope the mamluks of ghulam will get those?

[Ltd.]

All cavalry units have swords, as well as the saracen crossbowmen and the Naffatun, since the latter are ghulams. Lower class infantry , spearmen, archers, are not supposed to wield swords, since swords were expensive and prized.

[SharpEyed]

Good work you guys, especially I love those helmets and armors
Keep it up!

Just don't include too much black-skinned soldiers
As Arabs, Turks, Kurds aren't black, which are the biggest part of the Sultanate

[nnnm]

I don't mean to be rude but this is supposed to be the main faction in it region and they don't even have a proper infantry ... and only 2 cavarly units???

[SharpEyed]

I think "Keep in mind that Mamluk units will come at a later point" explains some stuff
So I think Mamluk units will be like Elite units of the faction

And well it's a preview, doesn't have to be the latest version

[Ltd.]

@nnnm: what do you mean by proper infantry? they have spearmen, axemen, 1handed and archers. Regarding cavalry I am just about to add another light cavalry and as mentioned before they will have access to ghulam units (which will add several cavalry / HA-s to them) and later to further mamluk infantry and cavalry.

Regarding black soldiers: they are AOR and a few other factions will have access to them as well.

[nnnm]

All cavalry units have swords, as well as the saracen crossbowmen and the Naffatun, since the latter are ghulams. Lower class infantry , spearmen, archers, are not supposed to wield swords, since swords were expensive and prized.

good class infantry that is well equipped. and it's not true that swords where expensive and almost no1 had swords ... it was just no allowed for people to carry swords in the streets . only high status people and military do carry them or those who want to kill some1 and that why it wasn't allowed be carry weapons in public and not just swords. Harafisha are the same as Ahdaths, only that Ahdaths in syria and they are from the locals and Harafisha are in Egypt and a term by mamluks for not irregulars like locals, Turkish, Arabs, Sudans and mongols in the army and later for police force too.

[Ltd.]

well, who would be that good class infantry? What unit would they represent? what would be their equipment ? do you have any specifics in mind? I´m not against the idea, at all, I just did not find anything on any specific, very good infantry for the ayyubid army or for middle eastern armies in general. It was always the cavalry / knights in the west, and in the east possibly even more so, that had the status and the striking power. At least this is my general knowledge of the time. But if you can give me any info on good swordsmen or rather heavy infantry that excels from the "mainstream" infantry / spearmen, I will see what I can do about them.

[+Marius+]

Naffatun are fantasy, remove them, if not...reduce their ammo to 1-3.

[Slytacular]

Show proof they do not exist.