In this preview we are revealing the unit roster for the Picts and we'll be looking at some of the unique mercenary units that will be available. We're getting very close to the initial release of our mod, which will hopefully be in the next few weeks.
New Features:
Presenting, the new military tech tree:
This technology tree takes inspiration from the older games in its visual design, as we decided to (for the military side of things at least) scrap the miniture lines in favour of a large tree once again. Gameplay wise, this tech tree update will bring unit and building unlocks which force the player to research technology in order to improve their Kingdom. This is one of the many ways we've emphasized early medieval tactics and the role of peasantry in combat: if you want to use a core of well trained nobles you're going to have to develop that capability.
We're bringing population mechanics into Thrones of Britannia. The population is split into four groups -- peasants, nobles, foreign mercenaries, and church clergy. The main fighting men will be drawn from your population pools when you recruit a unit of soldiers. Each type of population has its own bonuses (and possible negatives) as it grows. Peasants power your economy and nobles regulate your taxes. It's going to be very difficult for the player if they leave their coasts undefended or if they lose a large city with a high population:
The kinds of population you cultivate can directly impact your capabilities on the campaign map. Building Taverns and vibrant Trading Ports can attract foreign mercenaries to serve in your armies, while dedicating funds to the construction of Churches and Abbeys can swell the ranks of the Clergy, improving your research rate and public order. Population allows each settlement to become more specialised in its roll, but also adds a greater importance to defending your lands. Famine, raiding, banditry and rebellion can rob you of long built up population reserves and cause serious setbacks if don't exercise caution.
There will be much more with the release, but let's look at the new units!
Pictish Kingdoms:
Generals:
Teglach Band - Household Bodyguard
Teglach Horsemen - Mounted Household Bodyguard
Spears:
Sasannaich Spearband - Lowlander Spears
Gaidheil Spearband - Highlander Spears
Albannaich Long Spears - Late Period Alban Spears
Toisech Spearband - Alban Thegns
Swords:
Claideb Dubh - Alban Black Blades
Toisech Swordband - Noble Swords
Gaiscedach Cland - Clan Champion
Axes:
Sasannaich Axeband - Lowlander Axes
Gaidheil Axeband - Highlander Axes
Archers/Crossbowmen:
Sasannaich Crossbowmen - Lowlander Crossbows
Gaidheil Archers - Highlander Archers
Teglach Crossbowmen - Expert Crossbows
Skirmishers:
Albannaich Skirmishers - Alban Skirmishers
Cavalry:
Scout Riders - Skirmisher Cavalry
Reiver Horsemen - Warrior Horsemen
Toisech Horsemen - Noble Cavalry
Artillery:
Catapult
A few images of the new units:
Sasannaich Spearband - Lowlander Spears
Albannaich Long Spears - Late Period Alban Spears
Gaiscedach Cland - Clan Champion
Gaidheil Axeband - Highlander Axes
Pictish Battle Lines:
Mercenaries:
Old Saxon Captain - This grizzled veteran of Wessex has seen more than his fair share of combat and he certainly has the scars to prove it. But an altercation with a noblemen that resulted in several dead bodies has earned him a permanent ban from serving in the King's forces. Unwilling to retire completely, the Old Captain now seeks to make his fortune with a sturdy group of followers and by the point of his sword, loyal to no one but himself.
Frankish Cavalry - The famed Carolingian Frankish cavalry (caballarii) were the ‘prototypes’ to the later medieval knights. The Frankish cavalry was relatively well-armored by the late 8th century, so much so that their body armor (brunia) often dictated their high status and holdings within the military hierarchy. The armor was also complemented by the shield, (swordspatha), and (sometimes) lance of the cavalryman. It should be noted that the adoption of heavy armor by the Frankish cavalry was made possible by the increasing use of the sturdy Barb horse – with the accessibility to this North African breed made easier through the Moor-controlled Iberian Peninsula. And over time, by mid-9th century, the Franks gradually began to make use of stirrups, possibly inspired by their eastern neighbors – the Avars and the Magyars, as opposed to the Arabs of Spain. This essentially transformed the Carolingian cavalry (who formed a significant part of the Frankish army) into the typical heavy cavalry of Western Europe. Like most nobles not bound to a piece of land, they had the freedom to move about and seek their own fortunes when not directly serving the Emperor.
Jomsvikingar - The mysterious Jomsvikingar were no ordinary Viking warriors. They were a fearless Scandinavian warrior-brotherhood. Each fighter must obey the 11 military rules set by the order. Violation of these rules could be punished with immediate expulsion from the order. Jomsvikingar were the superheroes of Icelandic Sagas and they were a legendary mercenary army. They offered their fighting skills and fought for any king who would hire and pay them what they required.
Saxon Band - "It's like my dear ol' dad used to say: Every client is one missed payment away from becoming a target and every target is one bribe away from becoming a client."
Silver Wolves - Norse mythology prominently includes three malevolent wolves, in particular: the giant Fenrir, eldest child of Loki and Angrboda, symbol of Chaos who was feared and hated by the Ćsir and who eventually swallows Odin whole, and Fenrir's children, Sköll and Hati. It is no surprise that Fenrir and his children would then be the main object of inspiration for this feared band of mercenaries. The Silver Wolves are known far and wide and will effectively carry out their orders... as long as the price is right.
Svear Vikingar - This band of Swedish vikingr have come a long way in search of fame and fortune. They've arrived just a few years late for the Great War and sacking caravans hasn't quite provided the fame and fortune they were hoping for so now they're offering their blade to anyone who's willing to share the contents of their purse.
Sailors - Some units will also have special abilities attached to them to make them actually useful to have in an army, for example the sailors are immune from sea sickness and will grant movement bonuses to an army at sea.
Pictish Kingdoms and Mercenaries Army Preview
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Originally Posted by geala
Pillaging and Plundering since 2006
