Mediæval Auctoriso

[shifty157]

I should have our second official update ready for you by the end of the week so keep your eyes open and watching this thread. I just finished writing the majority of the update and Im just waiting on a bit more research to complete it.

Just as a sneak peek Ill tell you that the faction we'll be covering is the Kingdom of England and let me tell you that it will be a very interesting faction to play in the game.

[Ignoramus]

Why is there a unified Italian faction?

[shifty157]

I assume by "unified Italian faction" you mean the provinces in Northern Italy. These represent the Lombard League, an alliance of many prominent northern Italian cities to contest the rule of Holy Roman Emporer Frederick the First.

At this point in history (our starting date) the Lombard league is actually part of the HRE although in reality only by name. The Italian cities being so far away from the emporer enjoyed practical independence. In a series of wars starting in 1167 the Lombard League (with Papal support)effectively fought off encroachments from the North by the Holy Roman Emporer Frederick the First and later Frederick the Second who had invaded in an effort to gain greater control over what were technically his domains. Once Frederick the Second had finally been defeated and the northern Italian states had gained their true independance from the HRE the Lombard League (its common enemy gone) dissolved in 1250 never to be reformed.

So while the Lombard League is not technically a faction when the game begins as it is a part of the HRE it does enjoy great independence from the very beginning. Its great amount of independence allows it to be its own faction while at the game's start it will be very closely allied (as close as possible) to the HRE.

It is a very similar situation to the factions of Parthia and Bactria in the Rome: Total Realism mod.

[shifty157]

Hello everyone. Its been a while since our first update and we're sorry for that but life can get in the way at times. You can find our first update here:
http://s15.invisionfree.com/Byzantium_TW/i...p?showtopic=189
Enjoy Update 2: The English.


The Kingdom of England


Map of England and surrounding areas

Province Capitals
SCOTLAND:
Dunbar - Edinburgh
Strachclyde - Dunbretane
Fyfe - Dunkeld

ENGLAND:
Normandie - Rouen
Kent - London
Cornwall - Bristol
Mercia - Leicester
York - York
Northumberland - Durham

FRANCE:
Francia - Paris
Vermandois - Laon

REBEL:
Argyll - Urquhart
The Isles - Stornochway
Wales - Rhuddlan
Ulster - Armagh
Leinster - Dublin
Munster - Cork
Bretagne - Rennes
Anjou - Angers
Artois - Arras
Flandre - Gand


Background
The year is 1073 and it has been a long six years since King Harold's defeat by William the Duke of Normandy at the battle we know of today as the battle of Hastings. He was crowned at Westminster Abbey as William the First, King of England on December 25. Since then William has had his hands full subduing his new aquisitions as well as other ambitious rivals with an eye on his still unsteady throne. Southern England submitted relatively quickly to his rule but in the North and in the Welsh Marches strong resistence continued. Harold's illegitimate sons invaded the island with a claim to the throne. Even the Danes and the Scots invaded England in their efforts to supplant William. For six long years war raged constantly in England yet William managed to fight back all of his assailants. Finally now the turmoil and rebellion and outside aggressions have come to what seems to be an end.
Having just returned from his campaign in the Northern provinces in his most recent effort to quell the constant rebellions (his campaign which was historically his final campaign in the North quickly became known as The Harrowing of the North as William employed scorched earth tactics and quite literally raised every useable structure and field to the ground in an effort to finally end the revolts) William has taken the respite in battle to return to his home in Normandy.

Current Situation
While England has the potential to become a very powerful country in Europe it is still in a state of turmoil. Southern England is firmly under your control as it has willingly adopted Norman rule and culture yet even under these favorable conditions the Norman and Anglo-Saxon cultures still have a way to go before they fully merge into a single English culture. In the North Norman rule has been accepted only grudgingly and Norman culture even less so. The Northern provinces remain unhappy and nearly rebellious even after years of failed open rebellion. Your Harrowing has reduced these provinces to a wasteland of what they once were leaving the populace disheartened and without the infrastructure to easily organize further rebellions. Yet resentment and anger still run deep and it may only take very little instigation (whether from yourself or from an angry nobleman or even from outside your realm) to send the populace to arms yet again. The Northern provinces will have to be completely rebuilt in a new more Norman-friendly fashion if they are to become profitable. Indeed all of England needs to be consolidated under your rule before it can achieve its full potential.
Your six years of war have left you with many enemies abroad. Scotland in the North provided funds and aid for many rebellions and made its lands open as a staging ground from which others could launch invasions into England. The Scots even invaded England themselves with a claim to the English throne. The Danes from Denmark and Norway provided Harold's sons with troops and supplies to invade England and they too invaded on their own claims to the throne. You have never held good relations with the French who still view the Normans as foreign invaders on their land and make it clear that had they had the power to do so they would quickly and forcibly remove you from Normandy. The French however are having their own troubles and for now keep quiet but in time they may gather enough power to fulfill their threats. Such avid aggression cannot be taken lightly and must be punished in time. For now however you must make your decisions wisely as one misstep could undo everything you have fought for.


Notable Nobles
These are the nobles you will have to manage (in one way or another) through the early years of your reign.

Odo of Bayeux
Background:
Odo is your half-brother (you both have the same mother) and has for all your life been your closest ally and advisor. Had it not been for his help and support (both militarily and financially) your invasion of England would have never had a chance of even happening. He fought bravely with you at Hastings and for his integral role in the campaign you granted him the title of Earl of Kent soon after being crowned King of England yourself. Since then he has been bold and always loyal and has personally put down many rebellions and invasions in your name. By your side, Odo has become incredibly powerful. His wealth and estates are second only to your own (and a very close second at that). While you spent time in Normandy, Odo would often act as de facto ruler of England until your return.

The Man:
Odo however is an incredibly ambitious man to the point where he allows his ambition to rule his judgement and subsequently he will stoop to any level to gain more power and wealth. It is rumored (though everyone knows that the rumors are true no one will openly speak them out of fear) that Odo has gained his immense wealth through extortion and robbery and various other morally apalling methods. On the battlefield he has been merciless in dealing with rebels. In one particularly notable instance after a victory against an army of rebels he ordered every rebel to have his right foot cut off! Over time he has developed quite a strong reputation for being cruel, utterly devoid of morals, power hungry, and overwhelmingly ambitious. Odo however is not without his good traits as he has displayed his great skill as an architect and he is a well known patron of the arts and learning.

Gameplay:
Currently Odo is an incredibly powerful ally and general. He has shown his great skill in commanding large armies to victory and managing huge areas of land (even at times managing all of England in your absence). For these reasons he is a very powerful asset in helping to keep peace in England and in time exacting justice upon those foreign powers that challenge your rule as his reputation preceeds him and he is rightfully feared wherever he goes (whether at the head of an army or not). You must however be wary of his truly boundless ambition. While you are strong he will remain loyal but should he see opportunity to sieze the throne of England for himself he will doubtlessly take it to increase his own power and wealth.

Robert, Count of Mortain
Background:
Robert is also your half-brother (Odo's full brother) and has remained a close and faithful friend and advisor to you. He personally provided from his own wealth the bulk of the fleet which you used to embark to England on your great conquest. He accompanied and fought with you at the Battle of Hastings. Over the following years he gained huge amounts of land and wealth becoming the third most powerful man in England (behind yourself and his older brother Odo) and has played an integral role in helping to defeat many rebellions and invasions. Just recently for his services and loyalty you have given him the title of Earl of Cornwall though currently he resides at his home in Normandy.

The Man:
Robert is much more reserved than his older brother Odo. Indeed, Robert would much rather keep to himself and he subsequently plays a very little role in English politics though his power and wealth would guarantee him a good deal of influence. Some have suspected that Robert removes himself from the intrigue of the political world because he lacks the intelligence and cleverness to successfully navigate it. Despite this Robert has remained always a close friend and loyal ally to you throughout your reign and shows no intention of changing. His brother Odo however does not fail to capitalize on his brother's meekness and great wealth for his own ends. It is well known that Robert can be easily bullied by his much more outspoken brother to support him on various issues. For all this, Robert remains loving and loyal and quite content with his position.

Gameplay:
Robert has proven himself like his brother as a more than capable commander and manager as well as being more than loyal. Yet Robert shuns the political power and influence he could gain because unlike his brother he lacks initiative and is rather meek. This makes him a very powerful asset on the battlefield or managing a happy province but unlike his brother he would not be able to keep an entire rebellious province in good order by sheer force of presence. While his loyalty to you is without question you must be wary of Odo. If Odo is given an opportunity to succumb to his ambition he may bully his brother into joining him. You may be his King but Odo is his brother.

Ralph de Guader
Background:
Ralph is a nobleman who helped support your invasion of England and fought by your side at Hastings. After your crowning you granted him large estates in England for his service. In 1069 after defeating a force of invading Norsemen you granted him the title of Earl of Norfolk and Suffolk (one earldom not two). Currently he retains his title and lives peacefully and loyal.

The Man:
Ralph is a reasonably accomplished commander though not nearly of the caliber of your half-brothers or yourself. He is also a reasonable manager of his Earldom. Recently however and for reasons unknown to you he has begun to chafe at your rule and begrudges it more with each passing day.

Gameplay:
While Ralph is still under your control now he is slowly becoming angry with your rule. If this trend is allowed to continue along its current course he may quickly become openly rebellious. While he does not pose a significant threat on his own he is still a powerful man and he has many allies among the nobility.

Roger de Breteuil
Background:
Roger also aided your invasion of England and fought bravely at Hastings. In 1071 you granted him the title of Earl of Hereford for his services in defeating the rebellions and invasions following your crowning.

The Man:
Roger like his good friend and close ally Ralph has seen his share of battles and managerial affairs making him a versatile commander at your disposal. Unlike Ralph, Roger is much more influencial and plays a greater role in English politics. Roger also has a habit of always getting on your bad side by constantly ignoring your rule and orders and doing what he wants. Your reprimands over the years (both in deed and action) have allowed for a deep resentment for you to grow in him over the years and he at times will purposely disobey you for the sole sake of disobeying you.

Gameplay:
While at the moment Roger remains loyal and his disobediance of your orders remains relatively minor if he is allowed to continue on his current course his disobeyance will become ever more serious as his resentment toward you continues to grow. Such resentment can only lead to rebellion.

Your Provinces and Cities
Normandie
Though Normandie now only consists of a small part of your empire it still holds the largest place in your heart. It is firmly loyal in your hands even though its civil wars as a result of your father's death lasted over a decade consuming your entire childhood and early manhood until finally being put down after great effort. Indeed you had barely even become a man before you donned your armor to protect your throne from rival dukes and the determined French King and even expanded your borders and influence into Bretagne, Anjou, and Artois making all of these vassals to your rule. Since your conquest of England however your allies who were so adamantly loyal while your army stood on their borders have now either become unreliable or openly hostile. Now your most loved Duchy is potentially in mortal peril as it is surrounded by men eager to see your downfall and avenge the countless defeats you inflicted upon them. The French, the most hateful and hostile of these, who were once weak enough for you to defeat two of their armies in quick succession have since grown in power and influence and continue to grow every day. It is only a matter of time perhaps until those barons around your borders of Normandie submit themselves to the French cause (whether willingly or not). Indeed, France would like nothing better than to see you dead and your peoples permanently removed from their land and there are many around you who agree with them.

Kent
The earldom of Kent is currently under the rule of your half-brother Odo. Its prime city, London, is a very large city for its time and flourishes with trade and agricultural income. The residents of Kent are very loyal to you and indeed have been since your defeat of King Harold at Hastings. South-East England is the only region of England that was not the grounds of a major rebellion against your rule since your conquest. The people of London in particular are very loyal. Whether this is more the cause of the special priviledges you have given them or because of the several forts and castles you have built around the city to keep watch over it is a matter of debate. Regardless your hold on Kent is solid and unshakeable though the people despite your continuing efforts still hold to their Anglo-Saxon heritage. Your solid grip however is no reason to leave the province lightly garrisoned. Quite the contrary, Kent is only a small hope from the hostile province of Artois across the channel and perhaps in short time the French. The shallow shores of Kent also provide good landing ground for raiding parties from Norway and Denmark. The Thames though a great boon to trade could help an invading navy just as easily reach the gates of London.

Cornwall
The city of Bristol following your conquest was the first site for a major rebellion against your rule. The rebellion presented such a contest to your rule that you were forced to assemble an army and cross the hazardous channel from Normandie in the middle of winter (the most dangerous season in which to both cross the channel and summon an army). The rebellion was however promptly put down under your direction and a large castle was built in the city to keep watch over it. Following this rebellion however the residents of Bristol and indeed all of Cornwall submitted happily to your rule and became very loyal citizens. Many times since the citizens have bravely and successfully defended the city in your name against raiders and Welsh armies as it was a prominent target for both. While the Welsh still survive and actively raid and oppose you Bristol and all of Cornwall is not safe. Any serious invasion attempt by the Welsh strategically must go through the city of Bristol if it is to have any chance of success. This unfortunate location makes it an almost constant battle ground.

Mercia
Following the conquest Mercia was the site of several rebellions though none of them very threatening and all of them put down promptly by yourself or by local earls. The majority of these rebellions took place in the Welsh Marches which is a rugged and difficult region on the border with Wales. Its difficult terrain makes it rather far removed from the bulk of your Kingdom and its immediate proximity to the hostile Welsh makes it particularly susceptible to their influence. To this day the Welsh Marches are still a very untamed region in your empire. The majority of Mercia however has fallen loyaly into your rule and remains so though still predominently Anglo-Saxon in culture. Mercia's location as the central province in England makes a vital crossroad for the movement of troops and trade. The path of any invading army from any direction must lie through Mercia (and indeed any Welsh army has no choice but to cross Mercia). This location amkes it vital to your empire as if Mercia is taken then your kingdom is split and fighting becomes much more difficult.

York
York (both the province and the city) was a prime site for rebellion and invasion. Its inhabitants (far removed from the south and with a deep and powerful Anglo-Saxon heritage) resented your rule greatly and still do. The frequency of rebellion and the good deal of aid given to foreign invaders by the province eventually pushed you into your now infamous Harrowing of The North campaign in which you literally gave orders to burn down all useable structures, livestock, foodstores, and agricultural fields. The city of York itself was a prime target and was reduced to a ruin of its former proud self by your troops at which point by your order two castles were constructed in the city to discourage further revolt. This campaign crippled the infrastructure of the province and indeed had the intended result of ending any thoughts of rebellion. It also had the result of causing mass sarvation in the North and to a lesser extent in the rest of England ending in the death of unnumbered thousands. This campaign was considered by your own historians and iographers to be the most cruel and savage thing ever done to date under your reign. Since then the province has been rebuilt to some extent though not nearly to the level at which it stood before your harrowing. It still requires a great deal more work to become an asset to your Kingdom. The citizens have been broken to your rule and remain quietly loyal though discontent still runs rampant and the right instigation could easily rally the disheartened populace against you.

Northumberland
Even farther removed from your control base in Southern England than York, Northumberland has been the most turbulent region since your crowning in your entire Kingdom. It has perhaps been the site of more rebellions and invasions than all the rest of England combined. Scottish, Danish, and Norwegian influence is very strong in this region and invasions from any of these foreign powers and contenders to your throne have met only nominal resistence this far North. By destroying the province in your Harrowing invading armies and rebellions could no longer rely on the province's infrastructure for support. For this reason rebellions and invasions have to a great extent stopped since the Harrowing though they continued in weaker form for some tiem afterward. Ultimately the province has been broken to your rule though your Harrowing has left it crushed and barren and only many years of time and work will raise it back into a profitable and truly loyal region. Its border with Scotland makes it the site of many battles and campaigns and its people are subsequently hardy and capable in war. Its location also makes it the starting for the many Norwegian and Danish raiders who find a safe haven and base of operation in Scotland.

Unit Previews
Fyrdmen

General Type: Light Spearmen
Equipment: Spear, dagger, shield, throwing club
Armour: Light (Textile)
Speed: Slow
Morale: Poor
Discipline: Average
Skill: Average
Can throw clubs before charge
Can form shield wall

In 1073 England is a land conquered. Yet the Norman grip has not fully solidified, so when there is a need for soldiers, they must sometimes turn to the old English system of the fyrd, or levy of all able-bodied men. The soldiers thus gained are fairly competent, but usually very reluctant and suspicious of their new overlords.

By law, all Englishmen had to serve a term in the army every year. This law eventually turned into the current fyrd system in which an earl or the king will summon together a fyrd in times of need assembled from the peasants of the region. Normally fyrds would be summoned in the spring (after the fields had been sewn) and be dismissed in the fall (just before harvest time).

The average Fyrdman has most likely been in battle at least once or twice during his life and so while he is not a professional soldier he does know how to handle himself in battle. He has no money for any armor (aside from perhaps a small leather cap) and fights with a spear and shield. He also carries into battle one or two throwing clubs (a simple rock tied to a stick) to harrass the enemy before the lines have met.

The Fyrdman will fight well especially when in the shield wall formation for which they are very well known. A commander should not forget however that these are merely light infantry unused to battle and with much to live for.

Norman Milites

General Type: Heavy Cavalry
Equipment: Light lance, sword, shield
Armour: Heavy (Mail)
Speed: High
Morale: High
Discipline: Average
Skill: High

The milites were the precursors of the true knight, as the ideals of chivalry have yet to be developed, and milites themselves had yet to become an exclusive social caste – they were as yet merely professional warriors. The milites of the Normans were aggressive, cunning and often surprisingly disciplined soldiers. They are also capable of fighting quite competently on foot, making them an invaluable asset for any lord who can call upon them.

In battle these horsemen would be kept until the infantry had engaged for a time and then charge into the disorganized enemy lines to finish them off. Norman Milites form the backbone of any English army. Their skill and strong armor make them a versatile and effective force able to harass the enemy and then drive home the attack when the moment is right.



We hope youve enjoyed the update. Please post any thoughts or questions you may have we'll be glad to answer them. You can visit our main forums here:
http://s15.invisionfree.com/Byzantium_TW/i...hp?showforum=13
We'll be back in about a month with another preview for you all.

[Peasant Phill]

great update. A lot of information about different things.

I really like the fact that Flanders will be rebel (as it was in all but name) and I hope that rebels will be more than just sitting ducks when attacked by a faction.
Will Flanders have a regional unit of some sort as their militia was on par with the Italians.

[shifty157]

Thanks.

Yes rebels will not be merely pushovers. When you think about it, had this mod started twenty or so years earlier the French Normans would have probably been a rebel province. A rather small duchy defeats in battle and conquers an entire Kingdom. Its a rather impressive story but it just goes to show how these small rebel provinces are anything but pushovers and can indeed become very powerful. But considering the way rebels are used in the total war series we will constrained by hardcode as to what we can do with them.

We haven't looked at the what units Flanders will have yet but im sure if they are as unique as you say they are then theyll get their own regional unit and/or mercenary.

[The Wizard]

Like with EB in times long past, I'll sign up as a researcher.

But, for the sake of my eyes and sanity, please change the name. The combination of Latin and English is distressing

[Silver Rusher]

You don't seem to have a campaign map maker yet. Unless somebody else has already stepped up, could I offer my services?

[shifty157]

Sorry we do have a mapper at the moment. Anti_Strunt has been creating all the maps you see so far and will also be making the actual map when the time comes.

If you can do anything else then we'd be glad to have you.

[DukeofSerbia]

Excellent work. Finally I see good Balkan provinces. I suppose those two central green Balkan provinces are Serbia (one is Rascia and another is Zeta)? So, Serbia will be faction...

Congratulation!

[shifty157]

Thank you.

I dont know the province names but yes that is Serbia.

[IrishArmenian]

Alright. Nice England update. I can edit text files, I will just need to learn how. But I guess I can in the next couple of months. Ok, I get your point Shifty- forigve me, I just love the idea of this mod. The map makes it look like there will be A Novorgood faction AND a Moscow faction. Is that true?

[shifty157]

Well technically we still haven't fully deicded to let you join yet. Although I dont think theres much of a chance we wont let you join. That said youd still have to go through the process of getting access to our developer forums.

I also hope you'll be ready to help out with the modding when the game comes out. Even just editting text files is a big help and its incredibly easy to learn and do.

[anti_strunt]

Excellent work. Finally I see good Balkan provinces. I suppose those two central green Balkan provinces are Serbia (one is Rascia and another is Zeta)? So, Serbia will be faction...

Correct - the provinces represent the principalities of Rashka and Zeta.

[shifty157]

Just to bring this to everyone's attention that our official .org thread has moved to the new MTW2 Modification forum. We will continue to update this thread with our public previews however I would suggest that questions and comments be posted on that thread and not this one.

You can find the new thread here:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=66870