Super Hard Byzantine Mod

[A_B]

I've just finished making a very hard Byz. Mod. It is not historical. Rather, it is intended to be plausable, but mostly fun to play. Byz. start in Moldovia only, with no money. It has to attack into the only weak kindom around (Hungary) to survive - Poland and Russia are Byz. other neighbors, but are already powerful. If a new kingdom can be established in the Balkans, then there is still trouble on all sides - no more hugging the map edges, and only having to defend a few key areas. The Byz. are surrounded by large, expansionist empires of different relegions.

New units; Alan MC are purchasable, Byz. Inf. are down to 80 men, Velite skirmishers (modified kerns), Byzantine Legion - improved byz inf, which have a few Javelins to throw, Elite Velites (Almuguavars) and a few others. These are good units, but cost a lot - more than they would for the AI, and require more tech.

Some other items to increase the challenge; chance of rebellions increased (but not to the level of the MOYA mod), and there will be a limit on strategic assets - you can only fill the roster, but can't purchase so many that you have to scroll through them. This will force the player to pick the right strat. units, and reduce the spy assaults (which make the game too easy), and will have the side effect of reducing micro management.

All of this is designed to make the game more challenging throughout, with no long periods of peace possible. Fighting starts by turn 3, and is pretty much continuous. Byz. are the only faction designed to be played. Everything in the game is intended to make it hard on them.

I'm a day into the campaign - after spending a week getting the units right. I'm just trying to see if anyone else is interested in this sort of challenge.

[Galestrum]

(1)how did you make alan merc purchaseable?
(2) is it ready for D/L yet?

[Grifman]

Seems odd to give them Moldavia - Constantinople would make more sense.

Grifman

[Galestrum]

that would be too easy =P

[A_B]

Quote Originally posted by Grifman:
Seems odd to give them Moldavia - Constantinople would make more sense.

Grifman[/QUOTE]

Too easy. I put them two maps away on purpose, in a poor territory, and also to make the only area to expand into end up right between the powerful christian nations, and the expanding Turks.

The mod should be ready for donwload next weekend sometime.

[A_B]

Well, I finally conquered the Hungarians, fighting two to three rebellions in every province, because I didn’t have enough money to buy troops to properly garrison them. The rebellions usually brought in some money though, so they were welcome.

The Sicilians were next, since they controlled Const., Bulgaria, Serbia & Greece. They were getting pounded by the Turks, and I joined in once they were weak, and got Serbia. I debated whether to go after the Turks immediately, or wait. Since the Germans were on the ropes, a lot of provinces to my North West had rebelled and were on their own. I was secure that way. The Poles had grown to dominate the whole of Russia, and my big fear was that they’d stab me in the back if I went after the Turks.

Well, I knew if I waited, the Turks would only get more powerful. Their European provinces were still mostly orthodox, which would make them easier to pacify. My plan was to get as far as Const., and be able to hold the Turks there while I built up.

Well, two turns into my Turkish campaign, the Poles went after me – Captured my two best provinces. I’m now on a two front war, and don’t know how I’ll fair. My taxes are up to Very high, because I must replace units every turn, and need the money. I’m really screwed if the Hungarians reappear.

Oh well, I wanted a real challenge…

On the positive side, my Legionairres are working out well - an improved Byz infantry that can throw Javelons (but cost a lot).

[A_B]

Well, the Hungarians Reapeared

But only in two provinces and i was able to stamp them out. i also conquored Const. & Greece.

It looks pretty easy from here, oh well...