Medieval Kingdoms Total War: The Latin Empire

[Slytacular]

The Latin Empire
1204 A.D. Constantinople was sacked. The Eastern Orthodox Emperor is now replaced by a Western Roman Catholic Emperor. Immediately Baldwin of Flanders accepted the role of Emperor and is burdened with the task of managing Constantinople, conflicting religions, a wounded populace, and an immediate threat from every border. After the Battle of Adrianople, Latin Emperor Baldwin I was slain by the Bulgarian armies and left the throne exposed for a new ruler. A hero of the crusaders, and beloved ruler of the Greek populace, Henry of Flanders was crowned Latin Emperor. An uneasy peace was created by the marriage between Maria of Bulgaria and Latin Emperor Henry of Flanders to end the war. The year is now 1212 A.D. Henry of Flanders had sent his army East to conquer the Asia Minor possessed by the Empire of Nicaea. The Battle of Rhyndacus concluded with a flawless Latin victory and the Latin Empire has successfully expanded East. However, Bulgaria is bulking up their armies and the borders intensify.

Tier 1

Latin Emperor Henry of Flanders

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Early Chevaliers

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Early Mounted Sergents

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Early Mounted Crossbowmen

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Early Foot Sergents

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Early Hommes d'armes

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Early Crossbow Hommes d'armes

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Early Pike Milice

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Early Crossbow Milice

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Early Bow Milice

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Early Spear Milice

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[paulyo122]

Very nice

[Rayn Sideways]

I don't know why, but I've always found the red/yellow/gold coloration suuuuuuuuuuuuuper ugly.

These guys look amazing, but I won't feel sorry for destroying them in my quest to restore the glorious Byzantine empire. xD

[The_Culverin]

Nice work, man!

[Dom1no]

Good job man!

[Baron279]

Very nice roster man

[Styl2000]

Great work man, I feel almost sorry for destroying them with my byzantine army; Almost!!!

[Kjertesvein]

Sweet stuff. What's "Hommes d'armes"?

​~Wille

[Filips Augustus]

A very nice roster! I was wondering why has it suddenly become so popular to let the dismounted knights carry a spear instead of a sword/mace/axe? I've seen the same happening with the Jerusalem roster. I hope they will be able to change weapons during combat, because I can't imagine knights fighting with spears?

Also if I may suggest, it would be nice to see some variation in the bodyguard of Henry of Flanders, like different helmet shapes and stuff. Apart from that it looks very cool!

[Kjertesvein]

Hmm.

~Wille

[+Marius+]

when large amount of swords were discarded in favor of the poleaxe.

You mean spears, not swords?

As in spears were discarded in favor of the poleaxe and other polearms?

Swords were never abandoned as the prime choice for the secondary weapon.
Not even maces managed to replace them.

Like any weapon, they served a purpose in a given context, but not optimal in other circumstances.

Precisely, the spear is an excellent first strike weapon but breakable and horrid in close quarter engagements once the lines smashed into each other.

That is why a secondary weapon was always necessary.

A quote of a battle between the Romans(Byzantines) and Hungarians that explains the main issue with spears and polearms;


Niketas Choniates:


"As soon as the Romans received the attack, there were strikes and counterstrikes with spears as the warriors sparred at each other and pushed and heaved. The lances or spears were soon broken and the men on the two sides drew out their swords and fell upon each other."

Such examples are plenty, even during Roman times and the bloodbaths they created with their short swords.

[Kjertesvein]

Hmm.

~Wille

[+Marius+]

After the battle, massive amount of swords were disposed of. They were rotten, along with a lot of other weapons. The huge production of swords from previews decades ceased, while the focus was on pollaxes, and little bit later, short lances as they were circulated into service.

That sounds...strange.

Source?

They followed the pattern of munition grade bow and armour production. Swords continued to be made, both as gifts for distinguished individuals and batches of cheap swords (we're talking 2 Shilling à sword, which is dirt cheap), but the amount was small and the small number that was left in the armoury, was untouched for almost half a century. Why? I don't know, perhaps people bought their own swords.

Sword production both in England and the rest of the continent was on a steady rise constantly, the fact that certain arsenals mention lower numbers does not mean that they were not made, it just means they were not stored.

I mean, you obviously realize that swords were usually personal items that were carried often by ones side and were kept in ones private inventory(even the commoners, who could not open carry them but still could keep them in their homes)?

Swords are mentioned constantly in engagements after Poitiers.

Your sword fetish isn't threatened, calm down. xD

The painter chose to show both swords and spears. "Spears and swords are cool. Alright." -the Painter, probably.

"I saw a ton of swords and swords were actually everywhere and were not just for show." - Most painters

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[Teutonic]

Kjertesvein, thanks for the info on the use of spears by dismounted knights. In the East Westerners often had to face large numbers of cavalry so it makes sense that there would be many situations when even on foot the knights would find a spear or lance more useful than sword/mace/axe...

Also, very much agree with the last two paragraphs as well.

[Filips Augustus]

Ah thank you for the clarification Kjertesvein, it makes a lot more sense now . But, looking at it gameplaywise, will they be able to switch weapons during combat I wonder?

[Slytacular]

Some Tier 2 units

Foot Sergents

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Hommes d'Armes

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Pike Milice

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[Filips Augustus]

Those Hommes d'Armes look very impressive .

[OutsiderKK]

Does Hommes d'Armes mean Man-at-Armes?

[Slytacular]

Yes.

Tier 2 Crossbow Milice

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units in action

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[paulyo122]

Tough fight for the Empire of Nicaea