Input requested - faction naming

**khelvan** · 06-07-2005, 07:54

Hello, EB fans. I am interested in your feedback regarding a question of aesthetics.

As you know, our naming convention is defined so that we get as close to we can to real, period names. In the case of faction names, we have several choices. The faction can be referred to as a people or a political unit with direct references, in many cases. For some factions that are monarchies or empires sharing a similar cultural identity with other factions, the choice is clear. For others, it is not so clear.

For instance, "Carthage" may be called by the Punic name for its people, Tsorim (or Ponnim), or the Punic name for its political unit, Safot Softim biQarthadast. Or, if "Rome" were a single, united faction, it could be called Romani for its people, or Senatus Populusque Quiritum Romanorum (please forgive any Latin or Punic mistakes, I speak neither).

As you can see, "Tsorim" flashing by every turn is much more clean than "Safot Softim biQarthadast." However, both are appropriate and accurate; one is simply the name for a people, the other for a political unit. (Tsorim = Tyrians, Safot Softim biQarthadast = "The Rule of the Softim in Carthage")

This basically boils down to preference, and so I for one am interested in your thoughts. I'm interested in hearing what you have to say.

**Byzantine Prince** · 06-07-2005, 08:09

The more acurate to what it's accurate historical name is the better for me. It adds another dimension to the game, and fans of history will apreciate it.

**khelvan** · 06-07-2005, 08:13

Well, this is the point; we have found accurate names for both the people and the nation. They are both accurate. It is the difference between saying "United States of America" or "Americans." Both are valid, but one refers to how we call our country, the other how we call ourselves as a people.

**Temple** · 06-07-2005, 08:41

I would go for the political unit, but thats just me. After all, when you conquer a nation you don't kill all the people. You vanquish their political power, and subsume them (Rome did anyway). But if it results in long, awkward and unpronouncable names then it probably should be avoided. KISS people. :)

**khelvan** · 06-07-2005, 08:48

Well, you can see the specific Carthaginian example above. We will of course provide pronunciation guides, but the question remains. Based on the example above, would you go with "Tsorim" or the longer "Safot Softim biQarthadast?"

**Productivity** · 06-07-2005, 09:02

I would go with how the people are called.

ie. We have defeated the American forces
We have defeated the forces of the United States of America

We have defeated the Chinese forces
We have defeated the forces of the Peoples Republic of China

While the second variation is more accurate, it also less commonly used today. I would guess (and I have no historical backup here, but a few logicala reasons (efficiency, characterising another group as an enemy/inferior people)) that this would hold true throughout history.

**Krusader** · 06-07-2005, 09:03

I myself would definetly go with Tsorim.

But what about "mixing" in some special cases like that one above. I find Tsorim much easier and cleaner than Safot Softim biQarthadast.

**Sheep** · 06-07-2005, 09:09

Well, you can see the specific Carthaginian example above. We will of course provide pronunciation guides, but the question remains. Based on the example above, would you go with "Tsorim" or the longer "Safot Softim biQarthadast?"

You can't just call it "Carthage" (or the Punic equivalent of the city name) on the strat map for brevity, and then include the full name in the faction description at the beginning for historical accuracy, immersion, etc?

I would prefer the political unit as the name, if available. I think Temple made a good point:

I would go for the political unit, but thats just me. After all, when you conquer a nation you don't kill all the people. You vanquish their political power, and subsume them (Rome did anyway).

I think the name of the people could be included too, like if the province ever goes rebel (ie, "Lesbian rebels"... so "Tsorim/Ponnim rebels" or something)

**Teleklos Archelaou** · 06-08-2005, 01:45

I think the vote in both places is showing that taking each name on a per faction basis is a safer way to proceed. And now we have evidence that a hard line either way is probably not a good idea.