Illyrian campaign

[Maion Maroneios]

How are Albanians Illyrians? I have always wondered that. They act like they are. Aren't Albanians slavic?

Nope, they aren't Slavic AFAIK. There are theories that have them being related to ancient Illyrians, but there no solid evidence that proves that point. But they're certainly not Slavic AFAIK.

First of all, my apologies to Maion for not replying earlier (I'm on my knees man). I have been busy (in final exams). I meant to reply yesterday, but my mind was elsewhere that I totally forgot.

Now for the information you gave me,

SWEET MOTHER OF JESUS...
For some reason I'm yet to discover, I had a strange feeling that you would be the first to reply, and "oh my", what a reply. The information that you gave me was just what I was looking for. Has if you read my mind . I passed all day thinking on an illyrian adventure, my mind was flowing with ideas (if I don't pass the exams, Maion, I'm blaming you ). So much detail, its all one needs to start an Illyrian AAR.

Now for what I'm going to do with it, I'm still thinking. Your proposal of doing an Illyrian AAR, was something that caught my attention. I have never done one before("OH really? No SH**"), so I would have to read some guides about how to do one. But to tell you the truth, when I play, I always do some kind of role playing, so the thought of making an AAR, made me very exited. But first I have to take care of some things outside EB, so, maybe, I would start writing in Autumn.

Maion, once again, thank you very much.
I will be replying soon about this subject...

No problem, I guessed you were busy and just wrote that sarcastic post to see if anyone was willing to "enrich" the thread and give some additional information.

As for the AAR itself, there's a good guide on fictional writing and you could always draw inspiration on on other AARs. The very fact that you chose the Illyrians, who are a very mysterious people as little is known of them, gives you the possibility to improvise to some degree. And don't forget the most important incredient; Roleplay.

Bardyllis, Teuta and Glaucias are bright examples of the potential the Illyrians had as a nation. They may not have been as advanced technologically and military as, say, the Greeks and Romans, but they were flexible enough to adapt to changes and absorb certain elements from powerful neighbours. The latter is brilliantly shown with the Illyrian tribes (like the Taulanti) close to Epirus, who adopted Greek names, applied Greek architecture to their cities and even adopted Greek customs.

You could use that to your favour, RPing a "new" Kingdom after subduing Greece. A Kingdom of heavy Greek influence, but with clear fierce Illyrian nature and distinct military system. Flexible tribal infantry can be "transformed" into heavier counterparts (maybe considering the fact of including the Thorakitai or some heavier hoplite units), due to the steady shift from a mountainous and heavily forested regional power to Kingdom based on an ancient land and an exploision of contact with knowledge and extensive trading with new peoples.

This whole talking is making me excited as we speak I'd do the Illyrian project myself, but I'm enjoying my vacations now plus I'm also playing a Makedonian campaign as we speak and taking notes for a future AAR.

EDIT: Final exams sounds like music to my ears. Last school year or just finished another University/Technical School/College year? In any way, congrats for finishing. And I hope I didn't distract you too much from your studies

Maion