what's your favorite faction

[Cute Wolf]

My Favorite Factions:
1. Kardhastim = Great fan of recreating Hannibal, Good Iberian unit Rooster (especially the Iberian Caetrati) with some african troops...
2. Koinnon Hellenon = They dammned Spartans are too cool... Has good troop composition and could be easily roleplayed...
3. Romani = Who didn't love them?

[The Fuzz]

Baktria is so much fun to play as, so I have to go with them. Every now and then I role-play with mercenary units and send them to the Hindu Kush to die if they served me poorly. Nothing like a frontier post with earthquakes to lower costs!

[satalexton]

I like to play as the Makedones and crush Roma every few EB years...Oh I never -take- Roma...oh no. Killing them is fine, but why would a self respecting makedonian want to live in the barbaroi hive?

[Aemilius Paulus]

3. Romani = Who didn't love them?

Hehehe, everyone loves them; it's just that they are too bashful and scared to admit it. Heck, there are some people who do not play or hate Romani simply because everyone likes them and they are so popular. To not play them is to miss out the best part of EB, since the Romani had more work put into them than any five factions combined, at the very least. Just consider all of those units, reforms, triumphs, unique traits, elected offices, gens, voicemod, "This Year in History" descriptions, and etc, etc, etc. I am not necessarily saying that they are the most interesting ones to play as, as people do have varied tastes, but they should be the most interesting ones, being so complete.

They are my favourite too, of course. I also happen to like Epirius, which as I remember, seemed to be very popular sometime ago, just like Baktria, but not anymore as it seems. Unlike AS and Ptolemaics, Epirotes does not start out with already a gargantuan empire and unlike those two as well as KH & Makedonia, Epirotes do not have access to uber-elite units that make battles a walk in the park.

[Centurio Nixalsverdrus]

Every faction gets its "Year In History" pop-up. Stop playing Romaioi I say and get to know the marvellous other factions.

[The Celtic Viking]

In my (painful) experience Sweboz troops tend to be far better than anything the Celts can field as line soldiers. Never expect to defeat them without a good deal of Neitos and other heavy troops because they are very tough, even if they don't look like it at first. If Gallic factions at least have this choice, the poor Casse will rely mostly on their low quality levies and their champions are often too small to be effective, so the outcome is predictable.

This intrigues me as I have never experienced any trouble against the Sweboz when I've been playing the Celts. Is there any specific Sweboz line unit the Celts can't stand up against that you'd like to mention? I'm checking this out in custom battle as we speak, and it would be good to have some examples.

[Aemilius Paulus]

Every faction gets its "Year In History" pop-up. Stop playing Romaioi I say and get to know the marvellous other factions.

Bah, who do you think I am? A mad, babbling and drooling EB Romani fanboy savage? I have played other factions, and as I have stated, I enjoy playing Epirius. I know all the factions get the messages. What I was saying was that if you look at the "Year In History" pop-ups, half or even more of the stuff there is about the Romani. With the remainder about the Successor states. BTW, when do those messages end? I know there is a year when they do, but I forgot what it was.

[Subotan]

I'm obliged to say Epeiros, thanks to my ongoing AAR, but I really like Baktria. It's got flexible soldiers, easily defensible backyard (Get India to fuel your campaigns) and a mixture of intersting enemies, with Greeks, Nomads and Easterns within a javelins distance of each other. Nice colour scheme too.

[Aemilius Paulus]

This intrigues me as I have never experienced any trouble against the Sweboz when I've been playing the Celts. Is there any specific Sweboz line unit the Celts can't stand up against that you'd like to mention? I'm checking this out in custom battle as we speak, and it would be good to have some examples.

Yeah, you're right; I was wondering about that myself. I remember back in the early versions of EB, the Sweboz had loads of elite units that are now deemed as either ahistorical or too small in numbers to make a difference. Currently, the Sweboz have one of the weakest unit rosters, much stronger than Saba of course, but still weak. All they get are crappy spear levies pretty much and their Gaizoz Frije spam is only pathetic, albeit annoying. Slaganz possess AP attack, but they are still crappy, having low defence - the Celtic Axemen are much, much better, being an exceedingly effective unit worthy of being a "Surprisingly Good". Dugunthiz are woefully underpowered in comparison to the above-average standard line spearmen of other factions. Druhtiz Herusku are relatively nice, but once again, their defence is pitiful and they are available in only one province. Herunautoz are their only decent non-elite infantry, and those still have lower than average defence for their troop type. The only truly threatening Sweboz units are Speutagardaz, Thegnoz Drugule and the Herthaganautoz (bodyguards). But all of those are usually fielded in very meager quantities.

[Mediolanicus]

Bah, who do you think I am? A mad, babbling and drooling EB Romani fanboy savage? I have played other factions, and as I have stated, I enjoy playing Epirius. I know all the factions get the messages. What I was saying was that if you look at the "Year In History" pop-ups, half or even more of the stuff there is about the Romani. With the remainder about the Successor states. BTW, when do those messages end? I know there is a year when they do, but I forgot what it was.

I think it was around 212 they stopped.

I agree that the Romani are fun just because of the office traits and the triumphs etc...
I don't really have a favorite faction... I just like them all...

[The Celtic Viking]

Yeah, you're right; I was wondering about that myself. I remember back in the early versions of EB, the Sweboz had loads of elite units that are now deemed as either ahistorical or too small in numbers to make a difference. Currently, the Sweboz have one of the weakest unit rosters, much stronger than Saba of course, but still weak. All they get are crappy spear levies pretty much and their Gaizoz Frije spam is only pathetic, albeit annoying. Slaganz possess AP attack, but they are still crappy, having low defence - the Celtic Axemen are much, much better, being an exceedingly effective unit worthy of being a "Surprisingly Good". Dugunthiz are woefully underpowered in comparison to the above-average standard line spearmen of other factions. Druhtiz Herusku are relatively nice, but once again, their defence is pitiful and they are available in only one province. Herunautoz are their only decent non-elite infantry, and those still have lower than average defence for their troop type. The only truly threatening Sweboz units are Speutagardaz, Thegnoz Drugule and the Herthaganautoz (bodyguards). But all of those are usually fielded in very meager quantities.

I wouldn't say that they are that bad, but far better than the Celtic soldiers? Hardly. In my testing (which I admit wasn't too expansive, just a few select ones) the bataroas readily defeated the opposition - until I put them up against those Xenu-warriors, that is. You know, those Germanic swordsmen. They turned the tables before the Celts had time to shout "rabo"; but then again they're not supposed to be plentiful, and they really aren't. Haven't seen them in a campaign when I haven't played the Sweboz, to tell the truth. It's pretty much just Gaizoz Frije backed up by more Gaizoz Frije and then a general, as you say.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I have couple of favourite factions.

1. Qarthadastim - I just love destroying Romani with them. I have started so many campaigns with them only because I want to go against Romans!
2. Arche Seleukeia - Always fun faction to play because of the many enemies and fighting styles they have(phalangists, horse archers etc)
3. Romani - From time to time it's nice to go and 'bring' civilization to unwashed barbarians.

[Aemilius Paulus]

Well, in my Romani campaign, the Sweboz are second, after me, in the military power graph. They have a truly gigantic military, more than 15 stacks . It is true that 40% of those stacks are levy spearmen, but the rest, the rest is much better. The Sweboz definitely have numbers on their side, but I have amassed six full stacks, half of them all elite, and the other half made up of still very good troops, veterans of my previous campaigns in Gaul and Iberia. I have also created swarms of spies and assassins, more than thirty agents total to sabotage, cause riots and open gates. Then after about 25 years of building up, I struck in one turn and taken 5 settlements in the same turn. I waited for two years, and captured four more. In between I was annihilating their numerous field armies. In the end, I destroyed the Sweboz in no more than five years!

So even with their crappy troops, they still pose quite a challenge. My Roman Empire was already at more than a hundred territories when I took on the Sweboz. I also had the benefit of the Marian Reforms and armies of Camillian Triarii and Pedites Extraordianrii. Not to mention that I heavily recruited Neitos, Cordinau Orca, Mori Gaesum, Iosatae, Balearic Slingers, Misthophoroi Phalangitai, and Merceanry Hellenic Generals as heavy cavalry to supplement my armies.

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

It's not that the Sweboz line is incredibly strong. They're just... surprising. I once lost an entire stack of Cisalpine Gallic warriors against their Dugunthiz, levy spearmen and their uber general, but they had nothing more. I think their hardened and command star rich FM's are really the biggest difference.

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Well, in my Romani campaign, the Sweboz are second, after me, in the military power graph. They have a truly gigantic military, more than 15 stacks . It is true that 40% of those stacks are levy spearmen, but the rest, the rest is much better. The Sweboz definitely have numbers on their side, but I have amassed six full stacks, half of them all elite, and the other half made up of still very good troops, veterans of my previous campaigns in Gaul and Iberia. I have also created swarms of spies and assassins, more than thirty agents total to sabotage, cause riots and open gates. Then after about 25 years of building up, I struck in one turn and taken 5 settlements in the same turn. I waited for two years, and captured four more. In between I was annihilating their numerous field armies. In the end, I destroyed the Sweboz in no more than five years!

So even with their crappy troops, they still pose quite a challenge. My Roman Empire was already at more than a hundred territories when I took on the Sweboz. I also had the benefit of the Marian Reforms and armies of Camillian Triarii and Pedites Extraordianrii. Not to mention that I heavily recruited Neitos, Cordinau Orca, Mori Gaesum, Iosatae, Balearic Slingers, Misthophoroi Phalangitai, and Merceanry Hellenic Generals as heavy cavalry to supplement my armies.

This right here is why my fav faction are the Sweboz. It takes empire of incredible sizes YEARS, not turns, YEARS to take them down.
Also this is probably the faction that the AI does BEST with, IMHO of course. I mean on all of the AI progress maps i have seen the Sweboz are the most consistent expansion faction. Even Aemilius's reporyt shows that. I mean 15 FULL STACKS, spawned from slow growth low start pop settements there gotta be SOMETHING to them right?

[Phalanx300]

My favorite faction, is ofcourse without a doubt the mighty Koinen Hellenon.

Why? Well the main reason is that Sparta is a member of them, I'm a extremely big fan of the real ancient Sparta, because of how they lived and their culture their stubbornness. Basicly everything about them.

Then you have the fact that it is made up of Greek city states, which I'm a extremely big fan off.

And then you have the Hoplites, which I'm also a extremely big fan off.

So its the perfect faction for me!


On the second place is the Sweboz, why? Well I have to admit, Patriotic reasons, as I have Germanic blood flowing inside me. Seeing as I'm Dutch (above the Rhine so probably quite some Germanic, and maybe some Celtic too).

[KozaK13]

Arche Seleukia becuase you can use the standard Phalanx army but each army has a regional style depending where they are made, plus there is some glee drived from being in a crisis, with Pahlava closing on Mesopotamia and fighting gruelling wars in Asia Minor.

Also Ptolemoi as they look good and have a mch more relaxed campaign in my opinion.

[Smeel]

Hmm, though I've played with Rome the most, I'd say KH and Sweboz. And Rome. And Macedon.

And Aedui.
Darnit, as long as you line up and run right into your enemy screaming, I'm good.

[HunGeneral]

I haven't been playing EB too long yet and I like most of the factions but if I had too say which I like most:

Makedonia: A good unit selection and many possibilieties of expansion (fighting Epeiros can become a true nightmare if not killed rightaway) and after that peaceful growth before the next campaign. Problem is that to get the best pikeman you need the march of time event so you have to spare the romans( I have nothing against them but I wishI could avoid to run into thoose reformed Pahlav, Hai, Pontic or even Bactrian General Bodyguards later on - won't be easy).

Epeiros: very simmiler to Makedon except you can start blitzing with Phyross - he is one of the best starting Generals for any faction and his son is also a capeable heir. Later on you will also get very good troops - and you don't need the romans for it (add evil laugh).

Arche Seleukeia: I was always a Seleukid fan. I think there troop selection is the best in the hole game. Everything from the classical Alexandros style Macedonian Phalanx Army whith new Hellenistic units to Eastern light troops, Galatian "barbarian" armies all the way to Horse Archer armies with Heavy cavalry/Cartaphract support (my favourite). Start is a bit hard. Not to mention all thoose problematic neighbours
(My favourite plan was to take Europe with the Arche - I know a crazy plan but I will try it anyway. They have the potential for it)
By the way does anyone know a possible Ancient Greek or Latin expression for "Europe of the Seleukids"????

Baktria: much like AS just with a smaller starting position. (Ideal to create an eastern empire - no intentions to go far west).

Ptolemaioi: also like AS but with less troops (maybe more money but it depends).

I don't know the other factions enough to say anything new about them.

[Swebozpower]

Sweboz rules!!!!! When sprigning ambushes with their black-painted naked fanatics, they scare the crap out of... EVERYBODY! (even of the super overpowered romans!!!)

[Elcmar]

Makedonia, without a doubt, followed by Epeiros, then probably the Seleukids

edit: And all great for kicking barbaroi ass

[Jebivjetar]

1) Macedonia - Romanoi- killers
2) Chartage- Romanoi- erasers
3) Pontos- "always outnumbered never outmached" ;-)

[Maion Maroneios]

1) Macedonia - Romanoi- killers
2) Chartage- Romanoi- erasers
3) Pontos- "always outnumbered never outmached" ;-)

You, sire, are henceforth one of my favourite dudes around here. Ever bothered to take a look (and maybe join) my Social Group, the Romaioktonoi (Roman-Killers)?

Maion

[Prussian to the Iron]

1. As Sabyn Wal Jau
2. Epirus
3. Romani
4. Makedon

[Prussian to the Iron]

Sweboz rules!!!!! When sprigning ambushes with their black-painted naked fanatics, they scare the crap out of... EVERYBODY! (even of the super overpowered romans!!!)

wow, epic necro post!

[Aemilius Paulus]

wow, epic necro post!

Well, some threads are meant to be revived, especially if you are doing it for threads that have went to the bottom less than half a year ago. You really have not seen epic yet. I remember one 2002 thread surfacing in 2008. But that was necroing with malice and ill intent, unlike this case.

Then again, I doubt the Sweboz are as powerful as that "necromancer" said they were. To me, they always seemed like the weakest EB faction. Everyone has their own strengths but them. All they get is crappy, half-naked infantry. The pikemen they have stink and only the Germanic swordsmen are decent. But other nations get the same swordsmen at 100 men a unit, not 80 (Large Unit Size). Even those elite swordsmen with 60 men a unit are not that great. For a unit that has 60 men, they are surprisingly mediocre.

[Prussian to the Iron]

well, i guess gameplay wise they suck, but history-wise, they were obviiously significant enough to be put in, so they must have been really good or something....

[Aemilius Paulus]

well, i guess gameplay wise they suck, but history-wise, they were obviiously significant enough to be put in, so they must have been really good or something....

Significant is the key. The EB team does not care how good or how popular a faction is. Historical accuracy is the key. If the Romans were not significant enough of a power in 400 BC, then the EB team would most likely not put them if they made an Ancient TW. Also, despite their pathetic un its, the Germans were numerous and elusive in their arboreal homeland.

They were also fierce fighters, and since they bordered the Roman Empire, but when unconquered, they were a constant thorn on the side of the Romans. Thanks to the fact they bordered Romans, we know quite a bit about them, or at least more then we know about the Eastern European tribes who never made it to the game because no one bothered to write about them, or the writings simply disappeared.

[Prussian to the Iron]

right i said they were most likely significant to have been put in.