Ancient TW2: PERSIAN FACTION (RoP)

In 560BC the Persians were just one of many peoples subject to the Median Empire under Astyages. Legend has it that prophecies about a threat to his throne led Astyages to attack Persia and its new King - Cyrus - in 553BC. Far from protecting his throne and his empire, Astyages found himself a prisoner of Cyrus, and this once-vassal kingdom came to dominate first the Median Empire, and then pressed on to conquer much of the known world. It was to stand for over two centuries, until another ambitious king from another unsuspected tiny nation raised his banner against the empire. The history of the Persian Empire twisted and turned on unexpecteded events and the slimmest of probabilities. Perhaps, under different guidance, its destiny can be fulfilled...

In the Rise of Persia scenario, the Persians begin with a single province - Persis - and a small band of loyal troops. They are hemmed in by the Medes to the north and east, the Babylonian Empire to the west. For all its immensity though, the Median Empire is fragile, ripe for an upstart vassal to make his mark.

Troop Roster (troops recruitable in starting province)

Early:

Iranian troops:

Persian Royal Guard (Royal unit - all periods)
Takabaras
Persian Archers
Sparabaras
Persian Horse Archers
Median Heavy Cavalry
Iranian Horsemen - new (lighter horse-archers)

Generic Middle-Eastern troops:

Slingers
Eastern Archers
Tower Shield Spearmen
Eastern Light Cavalry
Eastern Swordsmen

High (changes):

Persian Scythed Chariots
Kardakes
Immortals *

* although the Immortals are only recruitable from 'high' era onwards, the faction begins the game with a single unit, to represent the loyal band of Persian aristocrats who supported Cyrus in his struggles against Astyages who was their lawful overlord!

As with all factions in this scenario, expanding territory will reveal new troop types that can be recruited. Within fairly easy reach there are Parthian Cavalry, Assyrian spearmen and archers, Chaldean skirmishers, Median cameliers, and a few Hebrew troops currently holed up in their Babylonian captivity.