Asia ton Barbaron disscusion thread

[Mediolanicus]

It's not a matter of making people happy... There were no Romans outside of Italy in 270BC.

I'm curious about the progress too though. Playing the mod as you are planning it would make me more than happy enough!

[gamegeek2]

We have completed the Indian factions. Right now I'm putting the final touches on Nabataea, including finishing the unit roster.

[Leviathan DarklyCute]

We have completed the Indian factions. Right now I'm putting the final touches on Nabataea, including finishing the unit roster.

Fuck yeah preview when?

[Hax]

I dunno, I hope soon!

[gamegeek2]

I'll ask sv for permission to do the Indian preview...seems like he's busy atm

[Ibrahim]

well, I'm looking foraward to the previewing of the latest indian units; been watching this as of late, and I really like the concept.

[oudysseos]

Jest wondering if, since this is for BI, you had given any thought to including religion in AtB? Just a quick look at your faction list has sparked some interesting possibilities.

As far as culture groups go you should be fine (these are just my guesses):
Arabian for Saba and Nabatea
Hellenic for your seven Greek factions
Indian for Maurya, Pandya and Satavahana (it's a bit generic)
Nomadic for Wusun, Yuezhi and Saka (even though they are three different language groups)
Persian for Parthia, Pontus, Atropatene and Hayasdan
Roman for, well, the Romans.
That's only six so you have one to play with if you want to make the Tamil Pandyas look different from the Aryan Mauryans, or to make the Wusun or Hayasdan unique. Portraits are gonna be tough for some of these: the BI nomad and hun portrait groups are probably a good resource (you can preview them by checking your org CP and editing your avatar).

Religion is another kettle of fish. There's a theoretical limit of 10, a soft limit of 9 (otherwise the graphics display get effed up) and I have always understood that only the first three religions actually impact public order. This is not so bad actually: first off unless you drop a player faction you can't have loyalty or FMs rebelling. Secondly although people back then were very religious in the sense of personal piety, sectarian political strife was less prevalent than it is today.

'Religion' of course could be used for other concepts: political systems, social demographics, language groups and so on. Anyway here are a couple of ideas.

To Hellenikon
This is a big umbrella concept that stands for Greek identity or Greekishness.
Makedonia, Pergamon, Ptolemaioi,Bosporos, Arche Seleukia, Baktria, Cyrene
Propogated by Greek cultural structures (theatres, festivals, schools)
Herodotus 8.144

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

τὸ Ἑλληνικὸν ἐὸν ὅμαιμόν τε καὶ ὁμόγλωσσον καὶ θεῶν ἱδρύματά τε κοινὰ καὶ θυσίαι ἤθεά τε ὁμότροπα, τῶν προδότας γενέσθαι Ἀθηναίους οὐκ ἂν εὖ ἔχοι

Imperium
This represents a Roman 'manifest destiny' of conquest, something that would have been well established by the time they emerge onto this map.
Roma
Propogated by Roman government structures, roads, aqueducts

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In ancient Rome, imperium could be used as a term indicating a characteristic of people, the wealth held in items, or the measure of formal power they had. This qualification could be used in a rather loose context (for example, poets used it, not necessarily writing about state officials). However, in Roman society it was also a more formal concept of legal authority. A man with imperium had in principle absolute authority to apply the law within the scope of his magistracy or promagistracy, but could be vetoed or overruled by a magistrate or promagistrate having imperium maius (a higher degree of imperium) or, as most republican magistratures were multiple (though not quite collegial since each could act on his own), by the equal power of his colleague (e.g., the other consul). Some modern scholars, such as A.H.M. Jones have defined it as "the power vested by the state in a person to do what he considers to be in the best interests of the state".

Avesta and Vedas
This represents the proto-feudal nature of these societies and their rulers' propagation of 'The Law' that keeps everyone in his place.
Pahlava, Pontus, Hayasdan, Atropatene, Maurya before Buddhism
Propogated by settled government structures, Satrapies, Persian uniques, Persian structures (Gardens, Badghirs, Security Buidings, Royal Outposts), maybe Temples

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Asha (aša) or arta is the Avestan language term for a concept of cardinal importance to Zoroastrian theology and doctrine. It is commonly summarized in accord with its contextual implications of 'truth' and 'right(eousness)', 'order' and 'right working'. Sanskrit ṛtá as used in Vedic Sanskrit literally means the "order or course of things", cognate to Avestan aša and related to the English right. In the Vedas, rta lays the philosophical foundation for the Hindu conception of dharma. Both Avestan aša/arta and Vedic ŗtá- are commonly translated as "truth" as this best reflects both the original meaning of the term as well as the opposition to their respective antonyms. The opposite of Avestan aša/arta is druj-, "lie." Similarly, the opposites of Vedic ṛtá- are ánṛta- and druh, likewise "lie". The Vedic word dharma literally translates as that which upholds or supports, and is generally translated into English as law. Avestan Daena is the eternal Law, whose order was revealed to humanity through the Mathra-Spenta ("Holy Words"). Daena has been used to mean religion, faith, law, even as a translation for the Hindu and Buddhist term Dharma, often interpreted as "duty" or social order, right conduct, or virtue.

Ashvamedha (the Horse Sacrifice)
Information about the religious practices of these people is sketchy: Ashvamedha represents the Steppe culture of horse people.
Saka Rauka, maybe Wusun and Yezhi
Propogated by Nomadic and Pastoral government types, Horse Herds, Temples and Cults, maybe hidden resources (horse/steppes)

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Horse cults and horse sacrifice in Antiquity is almost exclusively associated with Indo-European culture. Many Indo-European branches show evidence for horse sacrifice, and comparative mythology suggests that they derive from a Proto-Indo-European ritual.
The Ashvamedha could only be conducted by a king (rājā). Its object was the acquisition of power and glory, the sovereignty over neighbouring provinces, and general prosperity of the kingdom. The horse to be sacrificed must be a stallion, more than 24, but less than 100 years old. The horse is sprinkled with water, and the Adhvaryu and the sacrificer whisper mantras into its ear. Anyone who should stop the horse is ritually cursed, and a dog is killed symbolic of the punishment for the sinners. The horse is then set loose towards the North-East, to roam around wherever it chooses, for the period of one year (or half a year, according to some commentators). The horse is associated with the Sun, and its yearly course. If the horse wanders into neighbouring provinces hostile to the sacrificer, they must be subjugated. The wandering horse is attended by a hundred young men, sons of princes or high court officials, charged with guarding the horse from all dangers and inconvenience. During the absence of the horse, an uninterrupted series of ceremonies is performed in the sacrificer's home.

Oracles of the Ancestors
Little is also known about the pre-Islamic religions of the Arabian peninsula. Local polytheism seemed prevalent as well as Judaism.
Saba, Nabatea
Propogated by Temples, the Kaaba

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Prior Islam on the Arabian Peninsula in 622 the Kaaba of Mecca was covered in symbols representing the myriad demons, djinn, demigods and other assorted creatures which represented the profoundly polytheistic environment of pre-Islamic Ancient Arabia. We can infer from this plurality an exceptionally broad context in which mythology could flourish. Stories of genies, ghouls, magic lamps, flying carpets, and wishes contained in tales from the Arabian Nights and other works have been passed down through the generations.

Buddhism
Mauryan after Kalinga event.
Propogated by Buddhist Stupas


Vaishnava Hindu
Satavahana


Sangam or Jain
Pandya


That's only eight: of these I'd say the first three would have public order effects, the others maybe could be used as triggers for recruitment? Or just for fun and flavour? The Arabian one isn't very good, but I don't know much about that area, and I have no idea what Wusun and the Yeuzhi would be.

Anyways,here's an interesting thread about modding religions in BI.

[Leviathan DarklyCute]

^Looks like a very good Idea.

[Cyrus]

Is this mod already downoadable or not? i'd like to know 'cause it seems very interesting.

[Moros]

Is this mod already downoadable or not? i'd like to know 'cause it seems very interesting.

Sadly it's ot finished yet. A big mod takes a lot of time to make. Personally I can barely wait either.

while posting anyway, are there going to be new features for old EB factions as well? Like new buildings, extra regional units,...? Don't have to be specific and give something away, but a yes or no would be nice. Also good luck with the big task!

[Cyrus]

And are there any factional previews? i don't mean the ones with unit description only.

[gamegeek2]

Here's a little eye candy for you guys...

Mauryan Unit Previews

Ksatriya Sainika (Mauryan Levy)



In times of foreign invasion and civil disorder it is difficult to keep the populace (and battlefront) in line with a lower number of men, no matter their or their general's skill. In time when numbers matter, the old and weak retire and the [untrained] able men among the Ksatriyas are called to arms. The veterans among them consider this as another chance to win glory in battle and/or death in their King's name. Lacking proper equipment, these men equip themselves with hunting weapons and other low quality or handmade war gear. They carry a light bamboo spear, a bamboo longbow, and a wooden shield. Though they are of poor quality, they make up for this in energy and lust for glory. Still, these men are not true soldiers, and should be used for archery and nothing more.

The Indian longbow was a fearsome, tall weapon, comparative in size to what the English developed later on. However, significant differences exist between these men and their medieval counterparts; while the Anglo-Welsh longbow came from the relatively rare yew tree, the Indian one came from bamboo, making it cheaper. However, this longbow was too slow, so the Mauryans developed a wooden bow that retained the old bow's range and penetration capabilities while greatly increasing firepower capabilities. However, it is no match for the later English bow; the best Anglo-Welsh longbowmen could shoot 12 arrows a minute accurately at a range of 300 meters. These longbowmen are equipped with the old-style bamboo longbow, meaning they are cheaper but not really as effective.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands four types of Indian armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Ksatriya Dhanavihna (Mauryan Early Longbowmen)



The tribal bows have been replaced by higher quality wooden bows. Now we can shoot our arrows just as well as before, but far faster. Just give the word, and a hail of death will fall upon your target. We also carry swords, but these are for making quick work of weak enemies or as a last resort; we are no Yodha swordsmen.

The Indian longbow was a fearsome, tall weapon, comparative in size to what the English developed later on. However, significant differences exist between these men and their medieval counterparts; while the Anglo-Welsh longbow came from the relatively rare yew tree, the Indian one came from bamboo, making it cheaper. However, this longbow was too slow, so the Mauryans developed a wooden bow that retained the old bow's range and penetration capabilities while greatly increasing firepower capabilities. However, it is no match for the later English bow; the best Anglo-Welsh longbowmen could shoot 12 arrows a minute accurately at a range of 300 meters.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands four types of Indian armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Ksatriya Yodha (Mauryan Swordsmen)



Hail, Rajan! The young from the professional Ksatriya class, we form the backbone of your army, along with the Kuntabhata spearmen. After the archers have done their job or are forced to retire, send us in as an iron fist to sweep aside your foes, with our elders (the Kuntabhata) watching our flanks and back. Utilize us at the head of your PadmaVuhya (lotus) formation, for we are some of your finest infantry. As proud Ksatriyas, we wear Kavcha (metal armour) and a long, thick turban. Our tool of killing is a fine Aari longsword, while our off-hand bears a tough Thada (shield).

Historically, the Yodha came from the younger Ksatriyas, who were more eager, imptetuous, and invigorated in battle, as opposed to the Kuntabhata, who came from the elder Ksatriyas and were more disciplined and defensive. This difference is notably similar to the Romans' system: Hastati/Principes 'legionary' infantry came from younger men, while the Triarii hoplitai/heavy spearmen came from the elder, battle-hardened veterans.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands four types of Indian armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Ksatriya Kuntabhata (Mauryan Spearmen)



Hail, Rajan! We are your battle-hardened veteran spearmen, drawn from more elder Ksatriyas, and work in tandem with the almost-hyperactive Yodha swordsmen to form the backbone of your (and any good Indian commander's) army. Use us as flank-guards, advance guards for the archers, and behind the swordsmen in case any foe (especially horsemen) should get the better of them. We are the spearhead (quite literally) of the Chakraviyuha (impenetrable wheel) formation, and roll over outnumbered foes in this way. As proud Ksatriyas, we wear Kavcha (metal armour) and a long, thick turban. As our shoolah (spear) delivers death, our tough Thada (shield) blocks any foolish attempt to harm us.

Historically, the Kuntabhata came from the elder Ksatriyas and were more disciplined and defensive, as opposed to the the Yodha, who came from the younger Ksatriyas, that were more eager, imptetuous, and invigorated in battle. This difference is notably similar to the Romans' system: Hastati/Principes 'legionary' infantry came from younger men, while the Triarii hoplitai/heavy spearmen came from the elder, battle-hardened veterans. The Kuntabhata were often utilized like the Triarii, behind the younger swordsmen where they could serve as both an emergency flank guard and a reserve in case the swordsmen weren't doing very well or were beset by cavalry.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands four types of Indian armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Ksatriya Asvakava (Mauryan Auxiliary Melee Cavalry)



What foolish light soldier dares approach our army? A dead light soldier! We ride down such fools, utilizing our Aari longswords in both pursuit and protracted melee, as we specialize at both. But we are no Yodha swordsmen; our unarmoured horses, despite their (or any horse's) endurance and hardiness, lack our metal protection, and as such are vulnerable to weapons, as they are a much easier target than we are. Though brave we may be, we are not suicidal and nor are our mounts; we dare not charge any formed heavy infantry, especially one featuring polearms. As proud Ksatriyas, we wear Kavcha (metal armour) and a long, thick turban. Our tool of killing is a fine Aari longsword, while our off-hand bears a tough Thada (shield) and the reins.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands four types of Indian armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Ksatriya Soolina Asvaka (Mauryan Lancers)



Our lances are at your service, Rajan. Know well that your flanks are safe as long as we guard them, and we can hold them in melee for some time. We deliver a fierce charge to enemy cavalry and infantry flanks, and rout foolish light troops with ease. Yet we are no cataphracts or Yavana "Hetairos" cavalry; we cannot handle prepared spearmen. As proud Ksatriyas, we wear Kavcha (metal armour) and a long, thick turban. Our tools of killing are a lance and a fine Aari longsword, while our off-hand bears a tough Thada (shield) and the reins. Our mounts are also armoured at the front for greater effectiveness in a charge, to somewhat help against defenders.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands all Mauryan armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Ksipati Ksatriya (Ksatriya Javelineers)



No longer can we rely on tribals alone to do skirmishing work for the Empire; us Ksatriyas now fill those roles. Our arms carry several heavy javelins that double as shortspears, weapons we have quickly become familiar and skilled with. They lack the range of the bamboo javelins of the tribals, but they have much more penetrating power and melee capability. Though we by no means intend to fight in melee, we have a breastplate to protect us in case we are caught by light or medium horsemen, and we are quite capable against our lighter counterparts. Heavier troops will surely spell our doom if we are caught by them; it is best for us to retreat behind the main line after our skirmishing job is done.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands all Mauryan armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Dhanadhirga Ksatriya (Ksatriya Late Bowmen)



Every good Mauryan general knows we are a key arm of his forces. Frankly, most of the bad ones know this too! Our wooden recurve longbows can deliver death at long range, safe behind a wall of shiny spearpoints. But our commanders have seen our fellows slaughtered many times by
light horse or even ferocious tribal axemen, and so we are now better equipped. However, we only have a breastplate; any more armour would impede our archery. Also, we have a 2-handed longsword to fight in melee with, along with the shield strapped to our arm. That said, we still prefer to not enter melee, though we can defeat many light adversaries.

The Indian longbow was a fearsome, tall weapon, comparative in size to what the English developed later on. However, significant differences exist between these men and their medieval counterparts; while the Anglo-Welsh longbow came from the relatively rare yew tree, the Indian one came from bamboo, making it cheaper. However, this longbow was too slow, so the Mauryans developed a wooden bow that retained the old bow's range and penetration capabilities while greatly increasing firepower capabilities. However, it is no match for the later English bow; the best Anglo-Welsh longbowmen could shoot 12 arrows a minute accurately at a range of 300 meters.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands all Mauryan armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Avaskanda Ksatriya (Ksatriya Heavy Infantry)



Rajan! We are now able to serve you better than before, thanks to your generous donations. Now we have Zirastraana helmets that both mark us as shock troops and protect our heads much better than a turban. We carry several heavy javelins to throw before the charge, and our youthful vigor and longswords make our attacks ferocious, since our new shoulder-guards no longer impede the arm, while a breastplate, shield, and leg-guards protect us. Commanders recognize us as the backbone of the army, and rightfully so.

As before, the swordsmen are drawn from the young and vigorous Ksatriyas, eager to prove their worth to the Emperor and the Mauryan people. Their helmet was almost certainly modeled off the Indo-Greeks', while their fighting style may have been the result of Alakchandra's Pheraspides, Theurophoroi, or even Celtic/Thracian mercenaries. Eventually, even they did not matter as the Mauryan kingdom was ended by a military coup in 185 BCE, and this weakened the defense of the Khyber Pass. Pressured by the Saka, the Indo-Greeks poured through the pass five years later and established the Indo-Greek kingdom there, until that too was overrun by Saka between 80 BCE and 20 CE.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands all Mauryan armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Pratradhaka Ksatriya (Ksatriya Heavy Spearmen)



Indo-Greeks, Sathavahanan, and others have forced change in our old tactics. Now we fight with overhand spears like the Yavanas; our new weapon-system, coupled with a Zirastraana helmet and Kavcha (with modified shoulder pads now attached to the arms), and a longsword for aggressive fighting, makes us some of your most versatile troops. Nor are we green; all among us are older, experienced veterans, as can be seen by our mastery of both spear and sword; we should be rightfully considered an elite among Ksatriyas, worth every coin we are paid.

Like before the reforms, spearmen are recruited from the older, more experienced Ksatriyas, who make up for vigor with confidence and many years of practice and warfare. The Pratradhaka are at least partially influenced by Alakchandra's hypaspistai (and other Hellenic/Yavana infantry) given their overhand spears, the combination of this with a longsword, and the helmet was almost certainly based off of Indo-Greek models. Eventually, even they did not matter as the Mauryan kingdom was ended by a military coup in 185 BCE, and this weakened the defense of the Khyber Pass. Pressured by the Saka, the Indo-Greeks poured through the pass five years later and established the Indo-Greek kingdom there, until that too was overrun by Saka between 80 BCE and 20 CE.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands all Mauryan armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Praasasvaka Ksatriya (Ksatriya Skirmisher Cavalry)



Similar to the foot skirmishers, we are a substitute for some tribesmen (like Sathavahanan), for some tribes are rebelling from the Empire, as they have grown powerful under our rule. Like our foot coutnerparts, we carry heavy javelins that double as spears, a metal shield, and a breastplate. However, we are equipped with a quiver strapped to the horse so we don't have to carry our javelins and can thus focus more on aiming them.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands all Mauryan armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Azkaryasva Ksatriya (Ksatriya Heavy Cavalry)



We have not forgotten the lesson that Alakchandar taught us many years ago, and now we implement similar tactics and horse-armour, though we are very different soldiers from the Hetairoi. Instead of xista, we have single handed spears, far less powerful in a charge, but allowing a shield to be carried in the off-hand. Modified Kavcha protects our bodies, a Zirastraana helmet our head, and metal covers part of our legs. Our steeds too have armour, light scales draping over the sides, along with a bronze chest plate. Though as good at charging as the Yavana and Pahlava heavy horsemen, we can match them in staying power, our large shield making up for less armour.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands all Mauryan armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Rajakulapadaga (Royal Guards)



Rajan, your guard awaits. These men are mainly for countering elephants, though they are an excellent unit besides. Though their armour is heavy like that of the Pratradhaka, meaning their archery is slower, they make up for this with great skill. Arrows are a great deterrent to elephants, as number of wounds is far more important against elephants than the quality of those wounds; the beasts dislike injury comparably. Besides this, they can fight as heavy spearmen.

Historically, they came into existence right during the Seleucid-Mauryan wars, but were used well only during Asoka's Kalinga War. Where they fought, they took down most enemy elephants, ensuring victory for the Mauryans. However, these all-rounders they were few in number, and could use bows, javelins, spears and swords. They used their bows and accompanied their king on the elephants, they roll out on foot using their short throwing spears and and long overhand spears, and many more impressive feats/tasks. They were the most Elite a Mauryan commander could get.

Prakrastaasvaka (Mauryan Armoured Cavalry)



Rajan, I present you with your heaviest horsemen. We have combined Pahlava, Yavana, Saka, Tibetan, and our own techniques to create these armoured horsemen. Composed of rich volunteers who provide their own armour, this unit is not charging, but rather continued melee. The horses are every bit as armoured as the men, and perhaps moreso, as they are completely covered in scale, save the eyes, belly, and rear. The men are armoured in heavy bronze and iron scales, wear a turban with a red feather to distinguish themselves on the battlefield. Their weapons are the Aari and a metal-coated shield.

In comparison with their Hellenic, Iranian, and Turkic rivals, the Indian cataphracts were poor at charging, as their spear was short, overhand, and one-handed. However, this provided an advantage in closer combat if they managed to manuever past the enemy's lance, which was not too hard given the amount of armour on the horse (a two-handed lance grip is harder to hit the rider with). Their main asset in melee is their shield, a large advantage against their counterparts, even though being mounted diminishes its use.

Historically these men were a rarity on the battle field, as Indian armies usually . These were the base of the medieval Rajput cavalry who challenged the Mughals. They were also far more costly than the Hellenic and Pahlava Kataphraktoi, even though they wore about the same amount of armour; much of their equipment had to be imported.

[MButcher]

The new units look absolutely amazing, except the last three (the Ksatriya Heavy Cavalry, the Royal Guards and the Mauryan Armoured Cavalry) aren't showing up.

[Lovejoy]

Wow! I cant believe how far you guys have come. Great work! Looking forward to being able to download it! :D

[Leviathan DarklyCute]

Yes very nice.

[gamegeek2]

Thanks go to svramj, our main skinner/modeler. We need more skinners/modelers, please join.

[Charles the hammer]

Its great to see this still going this mod is very promising i hope it is finished soon, not trying to rush you i know its done when its done.

[Subotan]

Hmm, very tasty. Keep up the good work guys. Although I'm still concerned that the Mauryans are going to be Uber powerful and crush everything in their path...

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Nice work there!

[Ibrahim]

I cannot see the last 3 units.. but those i see look great

[gamegeek2]

The Mauryans vs. the Baktrians will be an interesting fight, indeed.

And what if the Yellow Death go into India

[Visitor13]

Yeah, the last three units aren't showing.

And finally, an accurate representation of India in a TW game *sobs*

[Ibrahim]

The Mauryans vs. the Baktrians will be an interesting fight, indeed.

And what if the Yellow Death go into India

won't happend IMHO.

[Moros]

that's some nice work you've done Gamegeek2 and svramj!
Can't wait till the next preview!

[svramj]

Thanks guys...I was quite busy for long...I'm back now...there are far more Indian units than those shown here...remember we've got 2 more Indian factions...

[Mithick666]

hey great work team AtB congratulations

it will not be a minimod it will be a big mod

[svramj]

Sorry of double posting...
For those who can't see the last three units above...

Azkaryasva Ksatriya (Ksatriya Heavy Cavalry)

We have not forgotten the lesson that Alakchandar taught us many years ago, and now we implement similar tactics and horse-armour, though we are very different soldiers from the Hetairoi. Instead of xista, we have single handed spears, far less powerful in a charge, but allowing a shield to be carried in the off-hand. Modified Kavcha protects our bodies, a Zirastraana helmet our head, and metal covers part of our legs. Our steeds too have armour, light scales draping over the sides, along with a bronze chest plate. Though as good at charging as the Yavana and Pahlava heavy horsemen, we can match them in staying power, our large shield making up for less armour.

Among the four different types of Indian armies are the Ksatriyas. The Mauryan king commands all Mauryan armies and the best among them are those from the core of the empire, the Ksatriyas. These men are born to war caste of people who are warlike yet well disciplined by the warrior ethics of Arthashastra. Ksatriyas were also trained in sreni (guilds) but what differentiated them from their sreni counterparts was their caste. Ksatriyas were trained by a recognized martial arts teacher in sreni-funded and royally maintained facilities. Other sreni produce lesser-quality solders who fight for livelihood, unlike men from the Ksatriya caste who fight for glory and protection of their people.

Rajakulapadaga (Royal Guards)

Rajan, your guard awaits. These men are mainly for countering elephants, though they are an excellent unit besides. Though their armour is heavy like that of the Pratradhaka, meaning their archery is slower, they make up for this with great skill. Arrows are a great deterrent to elephants, as number of wounds is far more important against elephants than the quality of those wounds; the beasts dislike injury comparably. Besides this, they can fight as heavy spearmen.

Historically, they came into existence right during the Seleucid-Mauryan wars, but were used well only during Asoka's Kalinga War. Where they fought, they took down most enemy elephants, ensuring victory for the Mauryans. However, these all-rounders they were few in number, and could use bows, javelins, spears and swords. They used their bows and accompanied their king on the elephants, they roll out on foot using their short throwing spears and and long overhand spears, and many more impressive feats/tasks. They were the most Elite a Mauryan commander could get.

Prakrastaasvaka (Mauryan Armoured Cavalry)

Rajan, I present you with your heaviest horsemen. We have combined Pahlava, Yavana, Saka, Tibetan, and our own techniques to create these armoured horsemen. Composed of rich volunteers who provide their own armour, this unit is not charging, but rather continued melee. The horses are every bit as armoured as the men, and perhaps moreso, as they are completely covered in scale, save the eyes, belly, and rear. The men are armoured in heavy bronze and iron scales, wear a turban with a red feather to distinguish themselves on the battlefield. Their weapons are the Aari and a metal-coated shield.

In comparison with their Hellenic, Iranian, and Turkic rivals, the Indian cataphracts were poor at charging, as their spear was short, overhand, and one-handed. However, this provided an advantage in closer combat if they managed to manuever past the enemy's lance, which was not too hard given the amount of armour on the horse (a two-handed lance grip is harder to hit the rider with). Their main asset in melee is their shield, a large advantage against their counterparts, even though being mounted diminishes its use.

Historically these men were a rarity on the battle field, as they were very expensive. These were the base of the medieval Rajput cavalry who challenged the Mughals for control of the subcontinent. They were also far more costly than the Hellenic and Pahlava Kataphraktoi, even though they wore about the same amount of armour; much of their equipment had to be imported.

[Leviathan DarklyCute]

wow..

[Ibrahim]

wow..

QFT.

[CaesarAugustus]

Loving the skin for those royal guards.