Countdown to Open Beta - Hayasdan

Greetings Europa Barbarorum fans!

This preview would not have been brought to you without the help of a lot of people.

Historical advisors for Hayasdan include Sharrukin, Angadil, The Wizard, and of course, Steppe Merc who help with historical research, portraits and general assistance with anything that has to do with horses ~:) . A special thanks to Artavazd as well as Wonderland for Armenian translations and other very useful assistance. Our faction icon, as is often the case, is the work of Parmenio. Skins and models are the work of alin, Spartan Warrior, and Kali, while work on unit descriptions was mostly handled by Sharrukin and Angadil, with the help of others. Teleklos Archelaou, as always, put a lot of effort into unique building, wonders, the faction banner, the .gif map, and more. Many other people have also contributed heavily to this faction’s development, and they should get a mention as well. Krusader for assistance with editing, Urnamma for general help and unit coordination, Angadil for graphics coordination, Aymar de Bois Mauri, Stormy, Khelvan, Chemchok, and Shigawire for their assistance. Thanks should also go out to our scripting team and Eadingas, Malrubius, QwertyMIDX, and others who make the magic work.

kayapó was in charge of putting all this work together for you. He would like to thank sharrukin for being so available and helpful, TA for helping with...well, everything, and Malrubius who has helped him behind the scenes, answering every newbie question he had.

Without further ado, here is what you've been waiting for:

This week the Europa Barbarorum team is proud to present...

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Arkah, we salute you.
In the time of uncertainty ahead you will lead us, and the people look forward to your kingship! We are more or less free of Seleukid rule, but you should never count them as friends. The nobles are awaiting your visit to their estates, and many a young Hai noble son is training in the arts of hunting for when you will come. Our people are free, or freer than before. It is true we were a satrapy under Persia, but it was a good life then and we did not feel any oppression. Now again we have our own king, and perhaps a new Greater Hai will be born.

As our Arkah you will lead the host to battle or send your sons in your stead. The Nakharar and Azat nobles will provide you with the elite troops in your army, the armoured cataphracts. These men either fight solely as lancers, where their task is to punch a hole through a weak spot in the enemy formations, or as archers who pepper the enemy from afar and then close in when the battered enemy is tired or try to flee. The estates will also raise Persian cavalry armed in the Median fashion; tough cavalrymen armed with javelins and tabar axes. They will serve you well in harassing the enemy flanks and pursuing a beaten foe. The lower classes, the shinakans, will fill the ranks of your infantry; they can be relied on to do their duty, but are no match for the Hellenic phalanx infantry. Remember, Arkah, that warfare is an art. You have to know what troops to use during battle and when to use which troops. No unit is a war-winning force in itself. Cataphracts alone against phalangitai is disaster, as is infantry alone against horse archers.

Our kingdom is either on the verge to expand and grow greater, or to fail and be a footnote in history. Your rule barely encompasses all of Haikakan proper; yet with cunning and good use of our armies that can change. To our north, in the Caucasus, there are small mountain kingdoms who are allied to none, and who can be conquered early. North of the Caucasus mountains there are endless steppes with no strong rulers, but the Sauromatae are north of them and they might impose their rule further south. Should you face them, falling back to the Caucasus could be a useful to fight them on your terms and in the hills where their cavalry will not have an advantage. To our west old Persian nobles rule large estates, yet if we attack here we may come into conflict with the upstart kingdom of Pontos. They might consider us easier prey than the Seleukids, so do not leave your western border undefended. To our south are our "lords" the Seleukids. Be polite towards them as their empire is large, and so are their armies. Should they find the mountain passes between our homelands and Syria poorly defended, they might want to reduce your title to satrap by sending an army or two. Also be wary of rumours from the south. The Seleukids have many enemies; should they wage war on many fronts, you might be able to 'grab' some land from them. To our east there are more independent rulers, but across the Kaspia Thalassa the Pahlavan roam. They may not be an enemy to us now, but keep and eye on the coasts of Kaspia Thalassa to see if any Pahlavan armies approach. Know your neighbours and understand your armies, and our people will be remembered in the annals of history.

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Historical Situation of Hayasdan in 272 B.C.:

Armenia - Hayasdan, as the Armenians call their country - emerges into the broad daylight of history from the haze of her legendary past through a long line of kings of the Haikazian Dynasty. In 612 BC the Medes destroyed Nineveh and brought the Assyrian power to an end. The Assyrians, Armenia's eternal antagonist, were no more. Some 50 years later king Tigran I formed an alliance with Cyrus the Great of Persia, founder of the Achaemenid dynasty, who conquered the lands controlled by the Medes and Tigran I enlarged the Armenian kingdom. Tigrans the First had three sons; the third son's name was Vahagn the Dragonfighter. The Armenian pagan tradition covered Vahagn with glory and legends: he was even deified and worshipped like Hercules. However, the era of peace ended as a number of weak and insignificant kings ruled Armenia over the following years, and finally the country became tributary to Persia. An inscription on a rock from around 520 BC, called the Behistun Stone, found in Iran, mentions 'Armina' in the list of countries Darius I controlled. The dynasty of Hayk ended: the kings of Armenia were henceforward anointed by the Persian kings, but the position of Armenia was especially privileged in the Persian Empire. During the following centuries the Armenian troops fought for Persia in all major battles. King Vahe Haykazuni, the last offspring of the Hayk dynasty, died together with his offspring in 331 BC, leading the Armenian cavalry at Gaugamela against Alexander of Macedon. While his overlord Darius, king of Persia, fled the battleground leaving his army behind, Vahe chose to fight to the end and die as a true warrior king. The Armenioi, as the Greeks called them, became well known for the valour of their horsemen.

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The strategic position of the region lying athwart the east-west military and trade routes, both along the valley of the Araxes leading from Iran to Cappadocia and more particularly through the Mesopotamian plain dominated by the Armenian plateau, made it far too important to permit its concession to a rival power. The ancient kingdom of Armenia thus suffered the attentions of either the Roman Empire or Parthia for centuries. Straddling the mountains between the two vast states, where the Zagros meet the Taurus, Armenia has long been a bone of contention. The kingdom represents a strategic ‘high-ground’ dominating the northern curve of the Fertile Crescent. Armenia remains a great prize for any would-be empire. Long under the Achaemenid Persian aegis, the kingdom has a very strong cultural flavour of that land. The Armenians have long been open to influence from Persian culture, with Ahura Mazda and Mithras being the chief gods of the nobility and wealthy elite, and Persian costume being adopted universally throughout the kingdom.

Feudalism was a powerful social and political organization in Armenia. Originating in remote antiquity, it survived the kingdom and the loss of independence. Its influence was both beneficial and baneful. It was one of the directing forces of its destiny, the other being the geographical location of Armenia. The influence of the semi-feudal monarchy of Parthia was so great in Armenia as to create some confusion between the two peoples. Many terms of Armenian feudality are of Parthian origin, such as nakharar, nahapet, sepouh, and azat. The Parthians were considered allies by most Armenians at this time; this is especially true in Greater Armenia or Armenia Proper, whereas Armenians of Armenia Minor and Anatolia had more of a Graeco-Roman stance. Indeed, the Parthians stood very close to Armenia, and many of the Parthian noble houses had cadet branches in Armenia.

The nobility always played an important role in Armenian society. The history of the Armenian nobility is as old as that of the Armenian people. Its roots trace back to the ancient tribal society; these chieftains and leaders being the best members of the clans and tribes, who became renowned for their power, wisdom, courage and their glorious and heroic deeds. Although the vast majority of the Armenian nobility was of Armenian origin, the historical sources still mention quite significant foreign influxes into the aristocratic class. These assimilated foreign families were predominantly of Indo-European (Aryan) origin, such as Iranians, Alanians, Greeks and Romans. The Iranian aristocratic component was particularly numerous. Many Armenian noble houses were either linked to the Iranian nobility through dynastic marriages or were Iranians (Persians, Parthians, Medians) by their origin. Most of the ancient Armenian noble families traced their origins to historic or legendary heroes, or even ancient gods, such as Hayk or Vahagn.

The social pyramid of the Armenian nobility was headed by the king, in Armenian arkah. The Armenian kings themselves, far from residing normally in their capitals, continued to lay out hunting preserves or partez and they chose to move about the country making use of rich and elaborate, but transportable, tents or pavilions. The sons of the king, princes, were called sepuh and the crown prince was called avag sepuh. In the case of the king's death it was avag sepuh who automatically would inherit the crown, unless there were prior arrangements. There were three main estates in Armenia; those of the great lords (nakharars), those of the lesser nobility (azats), and what may be called the third estate consisted of the artisans (ramiks) and peasants (shinakans).

The nakharars or princely lords of the country were the real owners and masters of the land who constituted the most solid structure of the Armenian aristocracy. Leading this class were the four bdeshkhs or satraps of the frontier princedoms, descendants of formerly independent rulers. A Bdeshkh was a ruler of a large borderland province of historical Great Armenia. They were de facto viceroys and by their privileges were very close to the king. Bdeshkhs had their own armies, taxation and duties system, and could even produce their own coins.

The nakharars and the azats, also known as aznwakans or aznavurs, formed the principal armed forces of the country. They were called the "army of the noble legions" (azatagund banak) or "noblemen's troops" (azatazork). The attack of such heavy cavalrymen is said to have been irresistible. The nakharars were jealous of their personal dignity and official rank in state functions. Besides blood relationship and old ancestry, they took pride in their personal valor and courage. At the head of each of these families was its senior member, called in Armenian nahapet or more commonly tanuter "lord of the house." It was these men who personally led the Gund (host) into battle.

The artisans as well as the shinakans (peasants) belonged to the class of anazats (non-free), or ramiks (plebeians). The shinakan enjoyed certain personal liberties; he could not be forced to contract marriage against his wish. He also took part in the deliberations of national interest.

Armenian tradition has preserved several legends concerning the origin of the Armenian nation. The most important of these tells of Hayk (Hayg or Haig), the eponymous hero of the Armenians who called themselves Hye (Hay) and their country Hayk' or Hayasdan. It is said that Hayk built the fortress of Haykaberd at the site of Dyutsaznamart, as well as Haykashen in the county (gavar) Harq of the province (Nahang) Tauruberan. Hayk Nahapet was the founder of the dynasty of the first patriarchs and kings of ancient Armenia, and the source of many ancient Armenian aristocratic houses.

With the fall of the Persian Empire to Alexander the Great of Macedonia in 331 B.C., the Greeks appointed a new satrap of the Eruandid (mighty hero) clan who had ruled from Armavir as early as 400 BC. The Greeks called them Orontid, and the first ruler named Mithranes became the governing satrap of all of Armenia. The Ervanduni Dynasty, as they became known, governed the country for some 200 years, while Asia became acquainted with the Hellenic culture of the invading Greeks. Alexander himself never entered the country, and the control of the plateau by his Seleucid successors was intermittent. Under the Ervanduni Dynasty Armenia regained independence after the death of Alexander the Macedonian, becoming a vassal kingdom of the Seleucids largely in name only. The Greek Empire of the Seleucids, which stretched across Asia and Europe, was one in which cities rapidly grew, spreading Hellenistic architecture, religion and philosophies. Armenian culture absorbed Greek influences as well. The campaigns of Alexander shifted the position of Armenia for centuries from that of an intrinsic component part of the Achaemenid empire to that of a disputed borderland at the limit of the classical and Iranian worlds. Politically, these Armenian rulers were forced to resist the repeated, though always short-lived, attempts of the Seleucids to establish their rule over the country, as well as the growing power of the Parthians.

The unquestionable presence in Armenia of Hellenic culture and the opening of the country to world trade, evidenced by the presence of coin hoards, did not succeed in obliterating earlier Armenian traditions. The political and cultural ties with the Iranian world remained, and Achaemenid Aramaic remained the official written language of the Armenian chancellery. Intermarriages between the Iranian and Armenian royal houses continued to be celebrated with great pomp, as was that of the sister of the Armenian king Artavazd II to the Parthian prince Pacorus at which the head of Crassus was used during a performance of Euripides' Bacchae. This may have had some influence on the wavering Armenian king's adherence to the Parthian alliance and his abandoning the Roman cause.

The kingdom of Cappadocia had been reduced by the Macedonian commander Eumenes. But Ariarat in alliance with Ardoates, King of the Armens, fought and killed the Macedonian general and expelled the Macedonians from the country. The date of the founding of the Cappadocian kingdom through the aid of the Armenian king must have been about 270 B.C. Another Armenian king, whose name is unknown, had, according to Memnon of Heraclea, tendered shelter and aid to Ziaelas, son of the King of Bithynia, and enabled him to occupy his father's throne, which he did from 250 to 228. In 212 Antiochus III Megas gave his sister Antiochis in marriage to King Kserks (Xerxes) of Sophene, who acknowledged his suzerainty and paid him tribute.

Artashes and Zareh, the governors of Armenia, appointed by Seleucus the Great, sided with the Romans and declared the independence of two new kingdoms created by themselves. These were the Artashesian (Greater Armenia) and Zarehian (Sophene) Kingdoms of Armenia established as a result of Antiochos III Megas's defeat by the Romans in the Battle of Magnesia. In the invasion of Armenia by Seleucus in 165 B.C., Artashes suffered defeat, but he soon recovered his rights.

The country enjoyed peace and prosperity under the rule of Vagharshak, who came to throne in 149 BC. He set up the institute of nobility in his kingdom and established the new senior official ranking system. Vagharshak made the city of Armavir his royal residence. Several Greek inscriptions from around that period found in Armavir witness about the influence of the Greek culture in Armenia.

During the reigns of the successors of Artashes I, the Parthians under Mithridates I invaded many Seleucian possessions in the East. Their conquests were expanded by the succeeding king, Mithridates II (123-88 B.C.), who had waged war also on Artavazd, the son of Artashes I, and carried away as hostage the young Tigranes (Tigran II), the king's nephew.

Tigran II, younger brother of Artavazd II and ruler of Armenia from 95 to 54 B.C., obtained the throne by ceding to the Parthians the districts which their predecessors had wrested from the Medes and Iberians, a seizure which supplied the excuse for the expedition of Mithridates II of Parthia. A quarrel arose between him and King Ardan (or Vardan) of Sophene, and Tigran attacked the latter, vanquishing him and taking over his domain. When the Armenians of Sophene were thus suppressed, Tigran's kingdom then extended from the valley of the Kur to Melitine and Cappadocia. Mithridates VI of Pontus, who aspired to the annexation of Cappadocia, sought an alliance with Tigran by marrying one of his daughters to him. So by the treaty which followed the marriage, Cleopatra, a girl of courage as well as high education, became the Queen of Armenia.

The ensuing invasion of Cappadocia in 93 B.C. compelled Ariobarzan, its king, to yield and hurry to Rome for aid. His appeal won a ready response. The great Roman general Sulla came to Asia Minor, reinstated Ariobarzan on his throne, and forced the Armenian army to retreat to the east bank of the Euphrates. The Eastern allies did not, however, admit defeat. The civil war which raged in Rome in 90 B.C. gave them the opportunity of regaining their advantage on the field of battle, and once more Ariobarzan was put to flight.

Tigran's star was now in the ascendency. When Parthia's great king, Mithridates II, died in 86, Tigran felt himself equal to the task of proving his supremacy over the Parthians. He recaptured the lands which had been ceded to them, and marched still further to seize Atropene, Gordiene and a part of Mesopotamia, thus once more subjugating the territory of old Nairi-Urartu. To this were soon added the domains of Adiabene, Mygdonia and Osrhoene. The Armenian armies penetrated further into Greater Media and reduced its capital, Ecbatana, in whose royal palace Tigran had once been held as a hostage. It of course followed that he had now become the "King of Kings," a title which he inscribed on his coins. So the supremacy of Asia, which had belonged to Parthia under the Achaemenids and Seleucid's, was in this triumphant moment transferred to Armenia.

Tigran's glory attained its apogee when he was invited to Antioch in 83 B.C., and offered the crown of the Seleucid dynasty. Syria, which had long been torn by internal strife, under Tigran's rule enjoyed full peace for eighteen years. His power reached even beyond the confines of Syria proper, to include Palestine on the south and Cilicia on the west. But like most Oriental monarchies, his kingdom was only an assembling of uncongenial peoples with no cohesion.

He created a standing army of around 100,000 men which was comprised of large numbers of cavalry(mostly of the Armenian aristocratic class of azats). He also created separate bodies of footmen, archers, and pikemen; with that of the allied nations the total force of Tigran's army was at its height with perhaps 300,000 men. Allied peoples included Georgians, Adiabenians, Caucasian Albanians, Atropatenes, Cappadocians, Gordeyenes (Armenians of Korduk) and many other tribes and peoples who were all comrades in arms, with the main body consisting of battle hardened Armenian troops.

Suggested Reading:
Khorenatzi, Movses. The History of the Armenians
Bournoutian, George A. A History of the Armenian People, Volumes I & II
Salvini, Mirjo. The Kingdom of Urartu: History of Armenia before the Armenians
Buzandac'i's, P'awstos. History of the Armenians
Mamikonean's, John. History of Taron (pseudo-historical)

And an online reference:
The Armenian Nobility

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-Unit Descriptions-

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Shinakan Agheganet: (Shinakan Archers)

Even basic levy archers using the composite bow are dangerous, and if these men can be kept from melee their contribution to victory can be notable indeed. They are best used on the flanks of an army or shielded behind a solid wall of sturdy infantry. These troops are vital to any army's plan, harassing and confusing enemy troops as they advance, and shielding the flanks of the battle line from light cavalry and other enemy skirmishing units.

Historically, the Shinakans were peasants levied into service for their lords as archers. They come from the lowest levels of Armenian society, so have little to lose if their lives are threatened.

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Razmig Nizagamartik: (Troop Spearmen)

These front line troops are intended to hold the enemy in position, allowing the archers and skirmishers to inflict maximum damage. They operate in formations of tightly-ordered infantry with spears and shields. Their closely packed ranks present a hedge of spear points, daunting to even the best of horsemen. They equip themselves with oval shields with long spines and spindle-shaped bosses, called a Thureos shield, introduced into Anatolia during the Galatian invasions. A body of spearmen, or Nizagamartik (nee-zag-ah-mar-teek), such as this, with cavalry securing the flanks, is difficult to break if their morale stands firm. However if they lack cavalry support they are vulnerable, as they lack the ability to quickly maneuver.

The highlands of Armenia gave rise to this class of foot soldier. They were seen in the service of the kings of Armenia and the greater Naharar lords. They were recruited from the noble armed retinues and the wealthier Rhamik class of Armenia.

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Rhamikspas Nizagamartik: (Soldier Spearmen)

These spearmen carry large wicker gerron shields made of sticks threaded through a wet sheet of leather. These large shields they use are intended to shelter them from the arrow storm so common to middle eastern warfare. Their primary order of battle would consist of spearmen fighting in ordered ranks, creating a shield wall to protect masses of infantry archers deployed behind them. Groups of men such as these, some of the humblest of origins, are recruited from the Shinakan peasants and the lower Rhamik class. They are given basic training to form rows and files as well as to march in step. Grouping such troops together helps to bolster their morale.

Historically, the Rhamik lower peasantry of Armenia saw service to the Armenian kingdom as spearmen, so much so that the term Rhamik has come to mean 'troop'. However, the coming of the Greeks changed much, and now, with better-equipped, better-trained infantry more common in the area, these men were not as useful as they once had been. Lacking the training and ethos of Greek hoplites or Roman legionaries, Rhamikspas spearmen crumbled before such opponents. Still, they could have uses on a battlefield, but care must be used in their deployment.

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Ayrudzi:(Horsemen)

Ayrudzi literally means 'the horsemen'. These light cavalry, best used for a harassing role, are well suited to the mountainous home of the Armenians. Armed with a bundle of javelins and protected by a Taka shield, these horsemen have no armour, preferring to use speed to protect themselves. After they use up their javelins, they can close to fight with a spear, though they are really too lightly equipped to stand up to any save the lightest of troop types. While not as long ranged or as tough as Armenia’s nomadic neighbour’s horse archers, they fill essentially the same role, and any Eastern general would certainly want to include them in their army.

Historically, Ayrudzi cavalry came from the poorer Azats, lesser nobles, and the rich Ramik peasantry of Armenia unable to afford better gear, but rich enough for mounted warfare; often a more prestigious service in Armenian armies.

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Ayrudzi Netadzik: (Horsemen Archers)

Armenia, despite its rugged geography, is a land of rich meadows, and they are able to support cavalry in great numbers. These horsemen archers, or Ayrudzi Netadzik of Armenia, tend to fire their volleys while motionless but are very capable of the harassing tactics of the steppe nomads. Indeed, some of these men hail from the Scythians enclaves along the Pontic coast or the grasslands of Atropatene. They are expert archers and expert horsemen, being able to shoot a bow accurately from horseback, and they are the masters of the ‘Parthian shot,' being able to shoot backwards at full gallop. They are best used at weakening enemy formations so that the heavy cavalry can finish them off. Almost impossible to destroy and unwilling to come to grips with well ordered infantry these horsemen use marauder tactics to bring down their enemies. Dense formations of infantry are their favoured target.

They used probably the best weapon for the light horseman, which was the composite horse bow. Plutarch wrote that Armenian archers were deadly from 200 meters with their devastating hail of arrows. These horsemen are not well suited for hand-to-hand combat and best used in their traditional role. If forced into combat they will do poorly against anyone but a broken enemy.

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Aspet Hetselazor: (Knight Cavalry)

These soldiers are armed with a spear that is used as a thrusting weapon in an overhand grip, rather than as a lance. While this makes them unlikely to mount a charge on their own, it does make the spear far more maneuverable and these men are adept at putting that to use. A deadly Tabar axe is used when the clash of battle eventually breaks the spear. While unable to stand up to a charge of Parthian Cataphracts or shatter a Seleucid phalanx, they can hold their own against medium and light cavalry, or break lighter infantry. A conical Persian helmet of iron with a brightly coloured plume is worn. Their armour is a scale cuirass with scale shoulder guards and stiffened leather pteruges hanging from the waist over loose, richly embroidered trousers. A long sleeved tunic extending down to just above the knees is secured by a leather belt. The horse has a stuffed Persian saddle and thick, bright coloured saddle cloth.

Historically, the Armenian Azat were lesser nobles, and the Aspet, or knights, provided the powerful spine of the Armenia’s cavalry wing, often the prestigious and most efficient branch of Armenian armies.

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Nakhararakan Aspet: (Royal Knights)

These Armenian Heavy Cavalry are disciplined, aggressive and capable. The Armenian cavalry was well known for its valor and these heavily armoured Cataphracts are no exception. Using lance and mace these horsemen are a formidable force on the field of battle. The standard equipment of the Armenian cataphracts would have included an old style conical Assyrian helmet of iron with a scale aventail. They would have an iron scale corselet protecting the torso. Complete laminated (bands) arm guards would emerge from the shoulder, encasing the arms down to the wrist. Leather gauntlets reinforced with mail would be worn to protect the hands. Thigh guards and leg defences of scale armour attached to quilted cuisses secured to the belt with leather thongs. A heavily embroidered saddle cloth would be used.

Historically, The Armenian Royal Cataphract Cavalry are recruited from the Nakharars, the high nobility of Armenia, and these men are the armoured fist of Hayastan. The tactical use of armoured lancers in conjunction with horse archers was one of many the things that Parthia and Armenia shared. Such tactics were later used by Tigran and the Armenian cavalry against the Romans. Sallustius Crispus wrote that in the Armenian army in particular the regiments of horsemen were 'remarkable by the beauty of their horses and armor.' Xenophon mentions the finely bred Armenian horse which he says was smaller than the Persian type. This seems to describe the horse now referred to as the 'Caspian' horse which has been recently recognized in Iran as an ancient breed. Although only about 12 hands in height, when compared with the images of early Persian horses, it has the same small ears, prominent forehead and cheekbones and large nostrils.


In the case of a major crisis, great Arkah, you might find it useful to recruit some regional support:

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Pontic Spearmen:

Pontic spearmen are raised from peoples that live around the Maeotian Sea (Azov) and the northern coast of the Pontic Sea, and that have been subject to substantial Greek influence. This includes both original sedentary Maeotic and Sind tribes, settled groups of former nomads such as Scythians or the Sarmatian Siracae, and also the Greek towns of the area. The non-Greek populations of the region have been long subject to substantial Greek influence, which is quite evident in, for example, the large oval shields of the thureos type that these infantrymen carry. That shield is typically their only protection. To it, they add spears and short swords. Thanks to their shields, they may face the many archers that their potential enemies are likely to field with some confidence, and their spears allow them to fend off the light cavalry that is also common among their foes. They will also hold their ground against infantry similar to themselves. However, truly heavy cavalry, not to mention quality heavy infantry, will get the better of them sooner rather than later.

Historically, by the 3rd century BC oval shields with long spines and spindle-shaped bosses spread and became common into the areas around the north coast of the Black Sea. The whole region had long maintained strong connections with the Greek world and this particular process followed military developments in the Hellenistic world. Infantry men equipped with oval shields and spears became common among the diverse ethnic groups that inhabited the region, and for several centuries they formed part of the armies of a variety of nations including the Pontic and Bosporan kingdoms, Scythians and Sarmatians, Greek colonies of the area and Armenia.

And a few action screenshots:

The Ayrudzi preparing to flank an enemy phalanx:
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The phalanx is helpless against missile cavalry:
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Feeling exceptionally brave, the Ayrudzi charge the enemy lines:
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RELIGION

The ancient people of Hayasdan were a deeply religious people. The Haikakan temples, or "mehian's," were the repository for the statues and idols of the deities. Idols were introduced into Hayasdan through Hellenic influence and Greek statues and temple architecture influenced Haikakan religious buildings. An altar, or "Pakin," rested before the deity and offerings were made on behalf of those in need. The "kantsaran" was where these offerings and gifts were kept by the "Kourm," or priests. These men offered prayers to the gods, always facing eastward.

Sacrifices were offered at sacred springs and on mountain tops to the sun and moon. The Tree of Life, sacred to all aryan peoples, was prominent in Haikakan religious imagery. Even as far back as the Urartian era such images had been present. The Tree of Life flanked by winged genies was known to Hayasdan, just as it was to Babylon and Assyria.

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ARAMAZD:(Zeus)
To the people of Hayasdan, Aramazd was the father of the gods and goddesses, the creator of heaven and earth. He was the father of both Anahit and Mihr, daughter and son of the great and valiant Aramazd. He was the god of hope and success, and the supreme lawgiver, and it was he who meted out justice. He was not first in their hearts, however, for that place was held by Anahit. The worship of Aramazd had fallen to that of his daughter Anahit who had many temples and shrines dedicated to her. Aramazd was the source of the earth’s fertility, and it was he who made it fruitful and brought forth it bounty. It was on the Spring equinox that the Am'nor, or New Year, was celebrated in his honor. Aramazd was first among equals and the head of a triad of deities so common to aryan religion. In Ashtishat the three famous temples are dedicated to Aramazd, Anahit and Vahagn, as the sources of power of the Haikakan kings. This is ancient in the land of Hayasdan and the Urarteans, also had their three great gods.

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ANAHIT:
Tikin, "the lady," goddess of fertility and birth, and goddess of war. Her worship was prominent in Hayasdan, and she came before all others in the regard of the people. She was The Great Lady of Hayasdan, the glory of the nation, mother of all prudence and chastity. Anahit was the guardian of Hayasdan, warding the nation and worshiped for her powers to endow military strength and courage. As a Goddess of Fertility, she bestowed bounty and was revered by mothers, and her blessings were upon the nation and people. Artashes erected the first statues of Anahit, and gave orders that they be held sacred. The sacred centers of Anahit were in Eriza, Armavir, Artashat and Ashtishat. A mountain in Sopheren district was known as Anahit's throne (Athor Anahta). The temple of Eriza was the wealthiest and the noblest in Hayasdan, and held the "Goddess of the Golden Image," a statue of gold. The Greeks identified her with Artemis, but for the Haikakan she was always the "Golden Mother."

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ARA
Ara, 'the handsome,’ is the war god of Hayasdan and is usually shown as a young man of ageless beauty. Legend has it that 'the beautiful one,' the son of Aram, was the king of Hayasdan. Samiramis, who was the queen of Assyria, desired Ara the handsome, but he was already married, and would not betray his loyalty to home and family; he refused to marry queen Samaramis. After Ara declined her advances she invaded the country and Ara was slain. Thus, Ara the Handsome, the legendary king of Hayasdan, gave his life to save his honor in remaining loyal to his marriage vow. He was often depicted as a model husband who, despite threats and allurements, remained loyal to his consort Nouard, setting a royal example to marital happiness, and confirming the traditional virtues in the Haikakan family life.

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VAHAGN
The Haikakan god Vahagn is cousin to the Iranian Verethragna, and is the God of wind and weather in ancient Hayasdan. Vahagn, the god of storms, wind and rain who, deploying lighting and storms, came to symbolise struggle, war and victory. Thus Vahagn is also the god of victory and is invoked as a god of courage, later identified by the Greeks with Herakles. The priests of Vahévahian temple, who claimed Vahagn as their own ancestor, placed the statue of the Greek Herakles in the sanctuary of Vahagn. One of his functions was to battle against demons that attempted to divert the fertilising flow of heavenly water away from the needy earth. His title Vishabakagh, "dragon reaper or harvester," suggests both his slaying of the dragon and the summoning of the thunder in his role as weather god. He is typically shown with flames in the place of hair, part of the close association with fire, common to the aryan people.

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MIHR:(The Bull-Slayer, The Good Shepherd)
Mihr had the sun as his symbol in the sky and the sacred fire on earth. In his mehian temples, or Mithraion to the Greeks, a sacred fire was rekindled once a year. These Mehian were usually built underground in imitation of caves. These subterranean temples were filled with an extremely elaborate iconography: carved reliefs of pearl, dolphin, and lotus.

The Mihr of the Haikakan peoples was not the same as the Mithra of the Iranians. The birth of Mihr took place at the winter solstice in a cave, where shepherds attended him and bestowed upon him gifts and offerings. The winter solstice was celebrated every year as "The Birth of the Invincible Sun," Dies Natalis Solis Invicti to the Romans. He was the divine warrior, the invincible god of soldiers and lord of power. A fearless enemy of the powers of darkness.

The slaying of the Bull of Heaven is the central motif in the Western form of Mithraism and was present within every Temple. Surrounded by the twelve signs of the zodiac and flanked by the twin torchbearers, Mihr, though reluctant, slays the bull. From the blood so spilled comes the wine and all growing things that cover the earth. The torchbearers bring the sacred meal and by partaking of this the salvation of mankind is symbolized in the obtaining of blessed eternal life. Following this Mihr ascends to heaven on his horse drawn chariot to fulfil his role as the cosmic ruler. It is said that he will return to earth as saviour, or Sosyant, to awaken the dead and pass judgement on the wicked. Mihr, as mankind's defender and champion, would in the final days bring forth a new order in which the faithful would enjoy blessings and immortality. In return Mihr demanded good conduct and adherence to a rigorous moral code.

Mithraism recognized seven degrees of divine knowledge symbols of the seven planets. The cup present at the last meal had seven lines corresponding to the seven degrees in Mithraism. His followers would know each other by the Mithraic sign of the Cross which represents the unity of man from the four corners of the earth.

Many Mithraeums, or Mehian temples, were built in Hayasdan, and the highlands of Hayasdan remained one of the last strongholds of Mithraism. Derjan (Derzana) was the district where the cult of Mihr in Hayasdan was centered. Its famous temple was in the sacred village of Bagaritch. Of all the Iranian deities, the cult of Mihr alone was diffused among western nations, and it waged stiff resistance against Christianity, but was doomed to failure by the fourth century.

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As a Haikakan Leader you will have a difficult time living up to the expectations of your people.
https://img330.imageshack.us/img330/...reduced5rd.jpg

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Plus, the campaign map with factions released so far:
https://img392.imageshack.us/img392/...ofar6hq.th.jpg

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And we can’t forget the small .sig to prove your renewed allegiance to EB:
http://img272.echo.cx/img272/3604/lo...a1small8dk.jpg

We heartily invite our fans to use these sigs. They’re here for you, and we delight to see them be used by our great fans!

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We hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s update!

Please note that unless stated otherwise, ALL pictures shown in our previews are of works in progress. We continue to improve on all parts of EB, and we will continue to do so long after our initial release.

Since some areas where these news items are posted cannot handle wide images, we appreciate your restraint from quoting full-size images.

As always, if you have questions or comments, the best place to post them is here, where the EB team is most active:

Europa Barbarorum ORG forum

Europa Barbarorum TWC forum

We give special thanks to Imageshack that provides us with a simple, foolproof, and free way to show you all these pictures each week.


Have a great day!


Sincerely,

The Europa Barbarorum team.

hmmmm nice!

:book: The historical story around the game and factions in Europa Barbarorum brings it a to a all new higher level, this is also thanks to the team efforts in everything and therefore you guys deserve all our gratitude. Like they say '' klasse ''. Hope to see the beta released.

Nice update Khelvan.
Are the Armenian faction victory condition really this tough or is it just a yoke?!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TheTank

Nice update Khelvan.
Are the Armenian faction victory condition really this tough or is it just a yoke?!

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No joke. If you want to be an Armenian Caesar you better conquer a bit more land than just some mountains ~D

Geez, just look at those Royal Cataphracts. Is it possible that a battle featuring these guys could fail to finish with an all-or-nothing, death-or-glory charge, straight at the enemy lines?

There was something intangible about the earlier tw games that made them so appealing, something believable about the charges and the melees, the desperate last stands and the all-out routs, where you could almost believe that those little sprites were little people, with noble histories and beliefs; you could give them personality and character, cheer them on when they held on until reinforcement came, or they broke through the spear wall. Something that RTW lost when it created legions of little pink people and dudes in Pharoah hats.

Something that I think EB has rediscovered.

Armenia was one of my favourite factions in Vanilla RTW, thank you for doing it justice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TheTank

Are the Armenian faction victory condition really this tough or is it just a yoke?!

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51 provinces. Actually it is just like vanilla. ~;)

Very pretty.


Damn horse archers tho....hate so much. Pepper and run, pepper and run, pepper and run. Drives me insane chaseing them =P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Krusader

No joke. If you want to be an Armenian Caesar you better conquer a bit more land than just some mountains ~D

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I'm sure you meant Arkah, not Caesar... :bow:

very nice

cant wait

Incompatible language

very nice. armenia was my fav vanilla faction as well and you guys hav done a great job, as always. one question: in those last few battle screens, the screen layout thing is different to normal, with all the buttons being at the top. is this wat it will be like in game? if so, kool..

Beautiful!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Jones

very nice. armenia was my fav vanilla faction as well and you guys hav done a great job, as always. one question: in those last few battle screens, the screen layout thing is different to normal, with all the buttons being at the top. is this wat it will be like in game? if so, kool..

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That's the MINIMAL_UI setting, you can activate it in your preferences.txt

I look forward to crushing this faction with Rome or the Casse.

As always, the units are beautiful and the descriptions awesome. I especially like those knights models, great work there. The long wait to see this faction previewed was definetly worth it :2thumbsup:

Very nice preview EB...Can't wait for the open beta... ~:cheers:

why do they is it harder to choose a favorite faction every time there's a new preview?

HA are perhaps not fun to deal with but they're fun to play with. ~:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Khelvan

The birth of Mihr took place at the winter solstice in a cave, where shepherds attended him and bestowed upon him gifts and offerings. The winter solstice was celebrated every year as "The Birth of the Invincible Sun," (...).

(....)

From the blood so spilled comes the wine and all growing things that cover the earth. The torchbearers bring the sacred meal and by partaking of this the salvation of mankind is symbolized in the obtaining of blessed eternal life. Following this Mihr ascends to heaven on his horse drawn chariot to fulfil his role as the cosmic ruler. It is said that he will return to earth as saviour, or Sosyant, to awaken the dead and pass judgement on the wicked. Mihr, as mankind's defender and champion, would in the final days bring forth a new order in which the faithful would enjoy blessings and immortality. In return Mihr demanded good conduct and adherence to a rigorous moral code.

(....) The cup present at the last meal had seven lines corresponding to the seven degrees in Mithraism. His followers would know each other by the Mithraic sign of the Cross which represents the unity of man from the four corners of the earth.

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That sounds awfully familiar.

Great job, EB ~:thumb: . I wonder though: can't you make the signature banners for non-members somewhat bigger? I can hardly make out the background of mine as it is.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Greek_fire19

Geez, just look at those Royal Cataphracts. Is it possible that a battle featuring these guys could fail to finish with an all-or-nothing, death-or-glory charge, straight at the enemy lines?

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Well if they were agains the Parthians, they'd fail in the charge probably... ~;)

Outstanding, once again!

Deserves a place in my sig. One thing though, what are those things on the heads of the horses of the Royal Knights?

Horse tails. Parthians, Armenians and other peoples used horse tails as plumes sometimes. It was either left natrual, or dyed.

Those victory conditions look like the Byzantine Empire... Pretty cool! :duel:

Yet another beautiful update! Cool! In my Baktria campaign, which I've planned to make my first EB campaign when EB is out, I'll certainly make a move up into the Armenian mountains after I've weakened the seleucids enough to be able to turn my attention elsewhere. Will be a pleasure to face those beauties on the battlefield, and later to command them on my own.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Steppe Merc

Horse tails. Parthians, Armenians and other peoples used horse tails as plumes sometimes. It was either left natrual, or dyed.

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I meant on the heads of the horses.

They're horse tails on the heads of the horses, dyed white and blue.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ludens

That sounds awfully familiar.

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It does, doesn't it?

This is the favorite subject of one of our members, a Near East religious historian. He likes to say that none of it is new (when discussing religious mythology, and I don't mean that in a bad way), that different religions recycled myths over and over. He'll trace the origins of Judeo-Christian mythology over hours, if you'll let him.

I do, it's fun to read.

By now, I am afraid to read the Roman previews. They are going to be incredibly boring compared with the steppe peoples and the Greeks. Then again, Rome itself was boring when compared with the steppe peoples and the Greeks.

Beautiful work and very interesting informations as always :book: ! The royal knight (sorry I can't remember they real name) are really awesome !
Armenia was one of the most botched faction of Vanilla RTW it has now the glory it deserves ! :charge:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by meatwad

By now, I am afraid to read the Roman previews. They are going to be incredibly boring compared with the steppe peoples and the Greeks. Then again, Rome itself was boring when compared with the steppe peoples and the Greeks.

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I agree :charge: :charge:

no, really...I wouldn't be so afraid...I'm sure we're in for quite a few surprises. ~:)

Given how much they've managed to improve all of the factions we've seen so far, I'm sure that EB can make even the Romans to be somewhat interesting ~;)

nice preview

just 2 Q: the catapracts are carying a Mace (discription) but at in the pic, it looks like they're holding a longsword

and in the action shots..against who are they fighting, seleucids?

that was quite fast heheh nice job :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jerby

nice preview

just 2 Q: the catapracts are carying a Mace (discription) but at in the pic, it looks like they're holding a longsword

and in the action shots..against who are they fighting, seleucids?

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I think it's Bactria.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jerby

nice preview

just 2 Q: the catapracts are carying a Mace (discription) but at in the pic, it looks like they're holding a longsword

and in the action shots..against who are they fighting, seleucids?

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Arche Seleukeia on the 1, and Baktria on 2 and 3. ~;)

EDIT: actually it is Baktria on 1 and 3 and Seleukeia on the 2. ~:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Divinus Arma

Incompatible language
Last edited by barocca : Today at 05:06.

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~:confused:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jerby

just 2 Q: the catapracts are carying a Mace (discription) but at in the pic, it looks like they're holding a longsword

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They have both, visually speaking. The sword is just decoration, though, since we're limited to two weapons. The secondary weapon they use will be a mace.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kayapó

Arche Seleucia on the 1, and Baktria on 2 and 3. ~;)

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the we were both right! ~:)

looking good... as always i dont know why i still both to comment i can never think of anything else to say

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spirit_of_rob

looking good... as always i dont know why i still both to comment i can never think of anything else to say

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Believe me, it feels very good to know you liked it. I feel like working even faster...

~;)
k

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kayapó

Believe me, it feels very good to know you liked it. I feel like working even faster...

~;)
k

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you better do that!

btw, what's the score on the "avenger"-trait of Big-John/me?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jerby

you better do that!

btw, what's the score on the "avenger"-trait of Big-John/me?

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That's probably going to be left untill after the beta (with the other thousand things). ~;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kayapó

Believe me, it feels very good to know you liked it. I feel like working even faster...

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Wait, you can work faster?! :whip: :furious3: ~;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Simetrical

Wait, you can work faster?! :whip: :furious3: ~;)

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shhhhh...shhhhhh. Don't tell Malrubius