New Faction Preview: The Seleucid Empire

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The latest faction to undergo a complete make-over for the upcoming Roma Surrectum 2.0 is the Seleucid Empire -- the most powerful force in the universe! Well, at least the greatest military power on the RTW campaign map. The Seleucids are the true heirs of Alexander, and hold the largest part of the Macedonian/Persian empire stretching from Asia Minor to the Indus valley.

Its' possible that some may have avoided playing as the Seleucids in the past -- too big a faction, too many cities to control and too many enemies to fight... Well in RS2.0 they will also have too many cool units!

We don't think any faction is going to make a more splendid sight than the Seleucid host! But you be the judge...

THE PHALANX

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Pantodapoi (Levy Phalangites)

The Pantodapoi are native levies trained and armed in the fashion of the Macedonian phalanx. They are not as loyal to their Seleucid overlords as the Macedonian and Greek soldiers who still form the upper crust of the Seleucid army, but their numbers make them an important component of the Seleucid battle line.

[Stats: poor morale, moderate discipline, can form phalanx, poor armor, long spears, average melee ability – inexpensive levy phalangites]

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Katoikoi (Medium Phalangites)

The Katoikoi are a citizen levy formed mainly of Greek and Macedonian colonists, who form the backbone of the grand Seleucid phalanx. While not as well armed or trained as the heavy phalanx, they can still be counted on to fight well for their king and hold the line against the enemy.

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, can form phalanx, decent armor, long spears, average melee ability – inexpensive medium phalangites]

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Pezhetairoi (Heavy Phalangites)

The Pezhetairoi –- the “Foot Companions” –- were the main heavy phalanx with which Alexander conquered Asia, and they remain the backbone of the Seleucid armies. Well-trained, disciplined, and loyal, they perform best as a defensive wall of death, grinding down opposing forces and holding them in place while the Macedonian heavy cavalry charges from behind. These men are the anvil upon which the enemies of Seleucia will break!

[Stats: excellent morale, good discipline, can form phalanx, good armor, long spears, good melee ability – moderately expensive heavy phalangites]

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Argryspides (Elite Heavy Phalangites)

The cream of the Seleucid crop, the Argryspides –- the Silver Shields –- are a small cadre of veteran pikemen who form the Royal Guard. Where the king is, so are the Silver Shields. They are the best-armed, best-trained, and most ferocious of all the Seleucid phalanx formations – truly a fearsome group of men!

[Stats: unbeatable morale, excellent discipline, can form phalanx, excellent armor, long spears, excellent melee ability, inspire nearby units – very expensive heavy phalangites]

HELLENIC INFANTRY

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Hypaspistai

The Hypaspistai –- the Shield Bearers –- are a picked force of elite veterans, an ‘assault battalion’ that is given the most difficult tasks facing the Seleucid army. Armed in classic Hoplite style, they are a more mobile and versatile force than the heavy phalanx, and well suited to a powerful offensive role. They are most dangerous when used properly – but they are also expensive and of limited number, so they must be used well!

[Stats: unbeatable morale, excellent discipline, powerful charge, excellent armor, excellent melee ability, inspire nearby units – very expensive elite hoplites]

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Thureophoroi

The Thureophoroi are a more recent addition to the Seleucid battle line – a cross between a heavy peltast and light phalangite, they are a mobile, adaptable unit that hurls javelins and then closes to fight with their stout spears. Well armored and trained, these are excellent warriors who provide excellent protection to the phalanx flanks.

[Stats: excellent morale, excellent discipline, can form close formations, good armor, fast moving, bonus vs. chariots and elephants, can form shield wall, good missile attack, good melee ability –expensive heavy skirmishers]

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Thorakitai

The Thorakitai are a more advanced version of the Thureophoroi – a mobile but heavily armored soldier who combines javelins and spear, not unlike the legionaries of Rome. These men in particular are a potent anti-cavalry force, able to hurl javelins from a distance and then fight off cavalry with their spears. As such, their value as flank protectors is tremendous. All that armor and training is expensive however, so it’s a good thing the Seleucid coffers are filled with gold!

[Stats: excellent morale, excellent discipline, can form close formations, good armor, bonus vs. chariots and elephants, bonus vs. cavalry, can form shield wall, good missile attack, good melee ability – expensive medium infantry]

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Thorakitai Argyraspides

The Thorakitai Argyraspides are a true elite – a heavily armored version of the mobile Thorakitai, armed with javelins and swords. These are not a flank protection force so much as a heavy assault unit who deliver a nasty javelin barrage, draw swords and charge down upon their enemy with tremendous ferocity. Their heavy armor and great skill in battle makes them perhaps the most effective offensive infantry available to the Seleucids.

[Stats: unbeatable morale, excellent discipline, can form close formations, excellent armor, powerful charge, can form shield wall, good missile attack, excellent melee ability – very expensive heavy shock infantry]

ALLIED INFANTRY

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Galatian Heavy Swordsmen

From the Celtic kingdom of Galatia, these men serve in the ranks of Seleucia for money and sheer love of battle. They are well equipped, and their morale is beyond question – but their discipline may be lacking! Their charge is devastating, and if used properly they make a powerful addition to the traditional Macedonian battle line.

[Stats: excellent morale, poor discipline, can form close formations, powerful charge, fast moving, warcry improves attack, good armor, excellent melee ability, impetuous – expensive heavy infantry]

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Judean Spearmen

The Seleucids make use of many Judean men as levies throughout the empire –- these are tough, disciplined men who are used to hardship and know how to fight. Judean Spearmen make excellent garrison troops, but also perform well in the line of battle when needed.

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, decent armor, decent melee ability, can form shield wall – inexpensive medium spearmen]

SKIRMISHERS

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Akontistai (Hellenic Skirmishers)

Light javelin troops armed in the Hellenic style, these men are undisciplined but valuable – used properly their hail of javelins can have great impact. Just keep them out of melee, or they will quickly break, rout, and die!

[Stats: poor morale, poor discipline, cannot form close formations, no armor, can swim, fast moving, decent missile attack, very poor melee ability –inexpensive skirmishers]

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Peltasts

The Peltasts are a valuable force of armored skirmishers combining the mobility and firepower of the akonistai with better armor and the ability to fight hand-to-hand against lightly armored opponents.

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, can form close formations, fast moving, good shield, good missile attack, moderate melee ability –moderately expensive heavy skirmishers]

MISSILE TROOPS

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Slingers

These Hellenic Slingers are good missile troops, but woefully unprepared for hand-to-hand combat. Use them to soften up the enemy, but do not leave them exposed!

[Stats: poor morale, poor discipline, cannot form close formations, no armor, can swim, fast moving, good missile attack, very poor melee ability – inexpensive slingers]

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Judean Slingers

Raised in the rocky hills of Judea, these men are excellent slingers and ambushers. Not well armed nor meant for hand-to-hand combat, they do have good morale and should be counted upon as solid missile troops.

[Stats: good morale, poor discipline, no armor, cannot form close formations, excellent ambushers, fast moving, can swim, poor melee ability – inexpensive slingers]

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Archers

Hellenic Archers have their place in the Seleucid armies, but they are somewhat rare. While they are more disciplined than Eastern archers, their bows lack the range and power of the composite bow. Still, they are more loyal to their Seleucid overlords, less expensive, and make excellent garrison troops.

[Stats: decent morale, decent discipline, can form close formations, no armor, good missile attack, flaming arrows, very poor melee ability – moderately expensive archers]

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Cretan Archers

Even the Seleucids, who have access to Eastern bowmen, employ the legendary Cretan archers in their armies. For one thing, the Greek Cretans are disciplined and armored, making them in some ways even more useful than the sometimes questionable Eastern bowmen... and being Greek, they’re less likely to backstab their Macedonian superiors. Their small shield and short sword also give them some melee ability.

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, can form close formations, decent armor, poor melee ability, flaming missiles – expensive archers]

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Scythian Archers

The Scythians are excellent archers armed with the powerful composite bow. But they are unarmored, undisciplined, and not always thrilled to be serving under the kings of Seleucia. Use them well, but don’t leave them unattended or you may find they’ve absconded with their pay!

[Stats: good morale, poor discipline, cannot form close formations, no armor, poor melee ability, long range missiles, excellent ambushers, can swim, fast moving – moderately expensive archers]

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Syrian Archers

Like the Scythians, the Syrians use the powerful Eastern composite bow, and are skilled archers. They are better disciplined than the Scythians, but they too are not always pleased to be serving as a subject people in the ranks of Seleucia...

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, can form close formations, decent armor, poor melee ability, long range missiles, flaming missiles – moderately expensive archers]

CAVALRY

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Median Light Cavalry

Conquered by Alexander, the Medes are now a subject nation forced to provide levies to their Seleucid overlords. The Median cavalry are excellent skirmishers, and provide a key element to the Seleucid army, covering the flanks and harassing the enemy. In particular, they are useful against the eastern horse people – especially the Parthians – who are increasing becoming a problem for the Empire.

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, can form close formations, no armor, small shield, good missile attack, average melee ability – moderately inexpensive horse skirmishers]

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Parthian Horse Archers

Not all Parthians are bad Parthians! Some Parthian nobles have become intertwined with the Seleucid royal family through marriage and treaty, and provide these horsemen as a levy for the Empire. They are a devasting force of mobile archers, and will find great use both fighting against their kinmen in the east, and against the hated Ptolemites to the south. Wherever there are wide open spaces, these horsemen will prove to be a valuable addition to the Empire’s armies.

[Stats: good morale, poor discipline, cannot form close formations, can form Cantabrian circle, no armor, good missile attack, average melee ability – moderately inexpensive horse skirmishers]

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Galatian Nobles

One must admire the Galatians -– the only time they’re not fighting is when they’re dead! On those rare occasions when Galatia is at peace, the lesser Galatian nobles and their proud sons sign up for duty with their neighbors, looking for plunder and glory. Well armored, they are excellent close-combat cavalry and love nothing so much as a charge into the flank of enemy infantry!

[Stats: excellent morale, decent discipline, powerful charge, can form wedge, good armor, excellent melee ability –expensive heavy cavalry]

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Scythian Horse Archers

Remnants of the Scythian presence of the distant past, or mercenaries who have traveled from the Scythian homeland, these men are an excellent, disciplined horse archer force that will fight anytime, anywhere, for the right price. In particular, they enjoy pitting their skills against the deadly Parthians. Use the Scythians well, they may be the best bulwark against the Parthian tide!

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, can form close formations, can form Cantabrian circle, no armor, good missile attack, average melee ability – moderately inexpensive horse archers]

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Tarantine Cavalry

These horsemen fight in the Tarantine style –- light horsemen armed with javelin and sword, who are excellent ambushers and drilled to perfection in hit-and-run tactics, but with a good shield and enough armor to also allow them to fight hand-to-hand when they must. They combine the tradition Eastern cavalry role with the discipline and morale of the Greeks. As such, they are a perfect force for the Seleucid armies.

[Stats: excellent morale, excellent discipline, can form close formations, good armor, excellent ambushers, good missile attack, good melee ability – expensive light cavalry]

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Prodromoi

The lightest of the Macedonian-influenced cavalry, the Prodromoi are the flankers and skirmishers of the traditional Macedonian battle line and are particularly effective against light troops or light Eastern cavalry who are not as used to fighting hand-to-hand.

[Stats: good morale, excellent discipline, can form close formations, can form Cantabrian circle, decent armor, good missile attack, good melee ability – expensive light cavalry]

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Xystophoroi

Heavy cavalry armed in the traditional Macedonian fashion, the Xystophoroi are armed with the 3-meter long xyston lance and wear good body armor. These are the most numerous of the Seleucid heavy cavalry, and continue the traditional role laid out for them by Philip and Alexander – while the phalanx pins down the enemy, they flank and strike with great ferocity. These men are tough and skilled, some of the best heavy cavalry in the world, and are a crucial element of the Macedonian style of warfare that the Seleucids practice.

[Stats: excellent morale, excellent discipline, can form close formations, can form wedge, powerful charge, good armor, excellent melee ability – very expensive heavy cavalry]

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Greek Cataphracts

Contact with the cataphracts of the East has led the Seleucids to create their own cataphract unit, outfitted with the best armor Greek metal smiths can provide. They are excellent shock cavalry, who combine a thunderous charge with excellent hand-to-hand fighting abilities.

[Stats: excellent morale, excellent discipline, can form close formations, can form wedge, powerful charge, excellent armor, excellent melee ability – very expensive heavy cavalry]

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Hetairoi

The elite Hetairoi –- the Companions made famous by Alexander –- are the best cavalry the Seleucids field. Disciplined, well-trained veterans whose morale is unbreakable, these men will die in their saddles before they shame themselves by running.

[Stats: unbeatable morale, excellent discipline, can form close formations, can form wedge, powerful charge, excellent armor, excellent melee ability – very expensive heavy cavalry]

HEAVY WEAPONRY

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Scythed Chariots

A relic of the Persian Empire, these heavy chariots have been perfected by the Seleucid kings. Drawn by four horses, heavily armored, carrying a driver and two armored javelin-men, the mere sight of these chariots of doom will make lesser formations turn and run.

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, cannot form close formations, powerful charge, frighten infantry, excellent armor – very expensive heavy chariots]

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Indian Elephants

Imported from the allied Mauryan Empire, Indian war elephants became an important part of the Seleucid armies, representing the power and size of the greatest Empire of the West. Looming over the rest of the army like the towers of a fortress, they are fearsome beasts indeed.

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, can form close formations, frigthen cavalry, frighten infantry, powerful charge, good armor – very expensive heavy elephants]

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Armored Elephants

Armored elephants are a Seleucid modification of the traditional Indian war elephant – making them even more fearsome in battle. No doubt the most dangerous unit fielded by the Seleucids – the only problem is they can be as dangerous to their own side as to the enemy!

[Stats: good morale, good discipline, can form close formations, frighten cavalry, frighten infantry, powerful charge, excellent armor – very, very expensive heavy elephants]

THE COMMANDER

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Seleucid General

The brave kings and princes who lead the Seleucid armies carry on the tradition of Alexander -- strategic wisdom, tactical cunning, battlefield bravery, and above all, the most expensive armor on Earth!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=CREDITS:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

tone: Models and skins
Antiochus Epiphanes: Models and skins
Spirit of Rob: Seleucid General, other model and skin elements
Europa Barbarorum Team: Cataphract, Thurephoroi and Thorakitai models
RTR Team: Scythed chariot and elephant models
RS Team: Research (and needling tone for more cool elephant pics!)