Hello everyone, this thread is aimed at both sship team and sship players, I am compiling historical descriptions for the buildings and also for the sship units, to create a better immersion, improve the anachronistic and old vanilla descriptions and at the same time everyone We can learn a little more about medieval history through the mod.
-If anyone wants to collaborate, they are always welcome so we can help the team with our grain of sand for the following versions.
-In the future I also have new more historical and real stats based on the units, as well as my idea is to also describe as much as possible in the unit descriptions so that the player understands it well, for example one idea is "block" morale to mythical units and add historical attributes such as to the Varangian Guard adding "they terrify the enemy" and that they cannot flee, they fight to the last man as they did in real life to protect their emperor. This of course requires time and I hope for the approval of the sship team (Macaras, Belovese, kostic...) and the sship master and commander @Jurand so that it can be included in the following versions.
-Without further ado, I will make a list of the texts so that later it will be easy to copy and paste them into the modders' files without having to modify files, they will only have to look for what they want to change and paste my work.
BUILDINGS-ALCAZAR
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{alcazar_building_name}Alcazar
{alcazar1_walls}Walls of Alcazar
{alcazar1_walls_desc}These walls are the base of an entire fortification and will prepare the foundations of a future Alcazar. The main difference between a castle and an Alcazar is that the Alcazar has a small city or "medina" inside. Due to this defensive construction, more people will come to work on it and your trade will increase. \n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE:An Alcazar can be built in Iberia and Maghreb provinces by the three Iberic Catholic factions and by all Muslim factions. The Almoravids can build it everywhere. In the Alcazar building one may also recruit diplomats, and sometimes the maximum number of diplomats a faction can support is also increased.
{alcazar1_walls_desc_short}Walls and foundations of Alcazar
{alcazar2_alcazar}Alcazar
{alcazar2_alcazar_desc}The Spanish word Alcázar, from the Arabic "al qaçr", serves to define a fortified royal residence, it also serves to name old Muslim palaces (from the Caliphate or Taifa period) rebuilt by later Christian kings. The Alcazar used to be the fortified residence of great nobles, sultans and kings and their respective families, they were normally located in the upper part of the settlements to protect themselves and keep separation from the common people. This great military building has been very present throughout Iberia and North Africa in the Middle Ages, built by both Christians and Muslims, it serves to control the area to be governed as well as to impose law and security on the populations under its control. \n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE:An Alcazar can be built in Iberia and Maghreb provinces by the three Iberic Catholic factions and by all Muslim factions. The Almoravids can build it everywhere. In the Alcazar building one may also recruit diplomats, and sometimes the maximum number of diplomats a faction can support is also increased.
{alcazar2_alcazar_desc_short}A fortified royal residence called Alcazar
{alcazar3_granada_alhambra_gardens}Gardens of Alhambra
{alcazar3_granada_alhambra_gardens_desc} The gardens of the Alhambra or "Generalife" as they were called, were the summer residence of the sultans of the Alhambra. Created in the Nasrid period, they are the best known and most important, largely due to their age and the degree of mastery achieved in the treatment of vegetation, water and the integration of the building, thus responding to the translation of the word garden, capable of recreating the Koranic paradise longed for on earth. Generalife is a villa with gardens where the Nasrid kings would rest. For the Nasrid Kingdom, a home could not be conceived without gardens or orchards. Here, there is an orchard, and a series of courtyards designed following the guidelines of Nasrid art. A large ditch, known as the "Acequia Real", is responsible for carrying water to the plants in the garden and, later, to the Alhambra. \n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: The Gardens of Alhambra enable coronation of the Aragonese and also Almoravid ruler.
{alcazar3_granada_alhambra_gardens_desc_short}The famous and spectaculars gardens of Alhambra
{alcazar4_granada_alhambra_castle}Alcazar of Alhambra
{alcazar4_granada_alhambra_castle_desc}The Alcazaba of the Alhambra in Granada was, of the entire monument complex, the oldest enclosure and therefore the first to be built. This enclosure, in addition to protecting the sultan, contained an entire miniature city to house the service to royalty and the sultan's guard.The Alhambra was built on the Sabika hill, one of the highest points in the city of Granada. This location sought a defensive strategic situation and at the same time represent a clear symbol, since the peak of power is very perceptible to the rest of the city, a location chosen to be contemplated. Its construction dates from the reign of Mohamed I, who ordered the construction of the main walls and the three towers: the Tower of the Candle, the Quebrada Tower and the Homage Tower. The sultan placed his residence there until the works were finished, already during the reign of his son and his successor, Mohamed II. \n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: The Alcazar of Alhambra enables coronation of the Aragonese and also Almoravid ruler.
{alcazar4_granada_alhambra_castle_desc_short}The great Alcazar of Alhambra
{alcazar5_toledo}Alcazar of Toledo
{alcazar5_toledo_desc}The foundations of Alcazar of Toledo were founded as a Roman "praetorium" palace from the 3rd century, where the Visigoths later used it as their royal residence after proclaiming Toledo as their capital. Later, with the Muslim invasion, it was rebuilt with the aim of becoming a building for the defense of the Alcazaba. Its name originates from this time. Finally, the Castilian kings Fernando III the Saint and Alfonso X the Wise completed the eastern façade and ordered the construction of the four square towers that form the four corners of the building. The privileged situation in which it was found gave it great military strategic value. From it you can observe and control everything that happens on the horizon, which the different peoples and cultures that settled in this great construction knew and used for their own benefit. \n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: The Alcazar of Toledo enables coronation of the Castilian, Aragonese and also Almoravid ruler.
{alcazar5_toledo_desc_short}The strategical Alcazar of Toledo
{alcazar6_zaragoza_aljaferia}Palacio de la Aljafería
{alcazar6_zaragoza_aljaferia_desc}Palacio de la Aljafería is a fortified medieval palace built in 11th century. The construction of the palace was ordered by Al-Muqtadir, ruler of the Taifa Saraqusta from the Hudid dynasty. The complex received the name of Qasr al-Surur (Palace of the Joy). After the reconquest of Zaragoza in 1118 by Alfonso I of Aragón, it became the residence of the Christian kings of the Kingdom of Aragón. It was used as a royal residence by Peter IV of Aragón (1319–1387) and, in 1492, it was converted into the palace of the Catholic Monarchs.\n\nThe style of ornamentation of the Aljafería, such as the use of mixtilinear arches and springers, the extension of arabesques over a large area, and the schematisation and progressive abstraction of the yeserias of a vegetal nature, strongly influenced Almoravid and Almohad art in the Iberian Peninsula. The shift in decoration towards more geometric motifs is at the basis of Nasrid art.\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: Palacio de la Aljafería enables coronation of the Aragonese and also Almoravid ruler.
{alcazar6_zaragoza_aljaferia_desc_short}Palacio de la Aljafería is a splending palace in Zaragoza.
{alcazar7_lisbon}Alcazar of Lisbon
{alcazar7_lisbon_desc}The first built fortifications date from the 1st century BC. C by the Romans, the Alcazar stands in a dominant position on the highest hill in Lisbon. Later, this Alcazar, reformed by the Muslims after the Berber invasion of Iberia, is known as the Castle of Saint George (in Portuguese: Castelo de São Jorge) by the Christian kingdoms, specifically by the Portuguese. Member of the domains of the taifa of Badajoz, at the dawn of the 12th century, before the threat represented by the forces of Yusuf ibn Tasufin, who originated from North Africa, had crossed over to the peninsula with the objective of the conquest and reunification of Almoravid domains, the ruler of Badajoz, Mutawaquil, handed it over, in the spring of 1093, to King Alfonso VI of León, aiming at a defensive alliance, which was not sustained. It continually changed hands until its final possession by Portuguese forces and European Crusaders led by Alfonso I of Portugal in the year 1147. As a token of gratitude, the castle, now Christian, was placed under the invocation of the martyr Saint George, whom many Crusaders professed devotion. Starting in the 13th century, when Lisbon became the capital of the kingdom (1255), the castle houses the Royal Palace. In its functions as the Royal Palace, it was the reception palace of Vasco de Gama, after discovering the sea route to India at the end of the 15th century. \n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: The Alcazar of Lisbon enables coronation of the Portuguese and also Almoravidian ruler.
{alcazar7_lisbon_desc_short}Alcazar of Lisbon is a fortification called Castelo de São Jorge
{alcazar8_fes}Alcazar of Fes
{alcazar8_fes_desc} In 1069, the Almoravid emir Yusuf ibn Tashfin ordered the demolition of the old walls and the construction of a new wall around both cities (Fes el-Bali and Fes el-Jdid), thus unifying them for the first time. Although the Almoravids established their capital in Marrakech, Fez was one of their most important cities. They built a fortified kasbah (citadel) at the eastern end of the city. In 1145 the Almohad leader Abd al-Mu'min besieged and conquered the city during the Almohad overthrow of the Almoravids. Due to the fierce resistance they encountered from the local population, the Almohads demolished the city's fortifications. Finally, after the overthrow of the Almohads by the Merinids, the Merinid sultan Abu Yusuf Ya'qub decided, in 1276, to build an entirely new royal city to the west of the old city, on higher ground overlooking it. part of it became known as Fes el-Jdid ("New Fes") and included the royal palace of the sultans (Dar al-Makhzen), the state administrative quarters, and the army headquarters, all brought together in its Alcazar. \n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: The Alcazar of Fes enables coronation of the Almoravid ruler.
{alcazar8_fes_desc_short}Alcazar of Fes is it is a reconstructed walled area where the sultan and his family live.
{alcazar9_tunis}Alcazar of Tunis
{alcazar9_tunis_desc} After the break with the Fatimid government, the Zirids began their Berber emancipation and began to build numerous fortifications to defend themselves against the continuous foreign invasions that continually threatened them as Normans from Sicily, Pisans, Genoese and their former owners the Fatimids, for this reason and as All Muslim fortifications were built the Alcazar de Tunez, to control this unstable region as well as house a fortified palace for royalty. \n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: The Alcazar of Tunis enables coronation of the Almoravid ruler.
{alcazar9_tunis_desc_short}The walled Alcazar of Tunis
-PALAZZOSpoiler Alert, click show to read:------------------------------------------------------------- PALAZZO ----------------------------------------------------
{palazzo_building_name}Palazzo
{palazzo_1}Palazzo Piano Terra
{palazzo_1_desc}This is the first step for the construction of an imposing Italian palace, the construction of the pillars and ground floor of the building.\n\nPalazzo, in Italian, derives from the place name corresponding to the Palatine Hill in Rome (Collis Palatium or Mons Palatinus) and were originally monumental buildings built by Italian aristocrats as residences for their families.Throughout the Middle Ages, countless "palazzi" (plural of "palazzo") were raised in each of the Italian city-states as a result of emulation between them, and of the one that was reproduced inside each one between the different aristocratic families.When local Italian aristocracy got richer and more powerful, they started building their own palaces. Depending on the available financial resources, the construction could be slower or faster. Sometimes it was spread over decades.Until the 14th century, the defensive character of the buildings was predominant, giving the palace a castellated appearance, in which the towers stood out visually as an identifying element.\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: This building is available only in Italy, buildable only by Venice, Pisa, and the Papal States. The higher levels are unlocked after Dante is born (it is a historical event at the end of 13th century), they will provide more benefits and the possibility of recruiting a diplomat from the fifth level of construction. It is incompatible with the Norman Stronghold (ie only either can exist in one province). Cities of Venice and Milan have their own top levels, while the other cities use the generic pic of Palazzo Vecchio from Florence.
{palazzo_1_desc_short}This is the first stage of construction of a palace.
{palazzo_2}Palazzo Primo Piano
{palazzo_2_desc}This is the second step for the construction of an imposing Italian palace, the construction continues taking more altitude to finish on the first floor of the building.\n\nPalazzo, in Italian, derives from the place name corresponding to the Palatine Hill in Rome (Collis Palatium or Mons Palatinus) and were originally monumental buildings built by Italian aristocrats as residences for their families. Throughout the Middle Ages, countless "palazzi" (plural of "palazzo") were raised in each of the Italian city-states as a result of emulation between them, and of the one that was reproduced inside each one between the different aristocratic families. When local Italian aristocracy got richer and more powerful, they started building their own palaces. Depending on the available financial resources, the construction could be slower or faster. Sometimes it was spread over decades. Until the 14th century, the defensive character of the buildings was predominant, giving the palace a castellated appearance, in which the towers stood out visually as an identifying element.\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: This building is available only in Italy, buildable only by Venice, Pisa, and the Papal States. The higher levels are unlocked after Dante is born (it is a historical event at the end of the 13th century), they will provide more benefits and the possibility of recruiting a diplomat from the fifth level of construction. It is incompatible with the Norman Stronghold (ie only either can exist in one province). Cities of Venice and Milan have their own top levels, while the other cities use the generic pic of Palazzo Vecchio from Florence.
{palazzo_2_desc_short}The second stage of construction of a palace with its first floor built.
{palazzo_3}Palazzo Secondo Piano
{palazzo_3_desc}This is the third step for the construction of an imposing Italian palace, more money has been invested and the second floor has been built expanding its greatness.\n\nPalazzo, in Italian, derives from the place name corresponding to the Palatine Hill in Rome (Collis Palatium or Mons Palatinus) and were originally monumental buildings built by Italian aristocrats as residences for their families. Throughout the Middle Ages, countless "palazzi" (plural of "palazzo") were raised in each of the Italian city-states as a result of emulation between them, and of the one that was reproduced inside each one between the different aristocratic families. When local Italian aristocracy got richer and more powerful, they started building their own palaces. Depending on the available financial resources, the construction could be slower or faster. Sometimes it was spread over decades. Until the 14th century, the defensive character of the buildings was predominant, giving the palace a castellated appearance, in which the towers stood out visually as an identifying element.\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: This building is available only in Italy, buildable only by Venice, Pisa, and the Papal States. The higher levels are unlocked after Dante is born (it is a historical event at the end of the 13th century), they will provide more benefits and the possibility of recruiting a diplomat from the fifth level of construction. It is incompatible with the Norman Stronghold (ie only either can exist in one province). Cities of Venice and Milan have their own top levels, while the other cities use the generic pic of Palazzo Vecchio from Florence.
{palazzo_3_desc_short}The third stage of construction of a palace increasing its altitude.
{palazzo_4}Palazzo
{palazzo_4_desc}This is the last step for the construction of an imposing Italian palace, along with the construction of the fortified roof and the battlements, in addition to the last extensions and touch-ups in the building an Italian Palazzo has been completed! But surely these ambitious aristocrats will want to expand their opulent fortified palaces even more....\n\nPalazzo, in Italian, derives from the place name corresponding to the Palatine Hill in Rome (Collis Palatium or Mons Palatinus) and were originally monumental buildings built by Italian aristocrats as residences for their families. Throughout the Middle Ages, countless "palazzi" (plural of "palazzo") were raised in each of the Italian city-states as a result of emulation between them, and of the one that was reproduced inside each one between the different aristocratic families. When local Italian aristocracy got richer and more powerful, they built their palaces inside the cities. At times, these were used also by the communal authorities. Until the 14th century, the defensive character of the buildings was predominant, giving the palace a castellated appearance, in which the towers stood out visually as an identifying element.\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE : This building is available only in Italy, buildable only by Venice, Pisa, and the Papal States. The higher levels are unlocked after Dante is born (it is a historical event at the end of the 13th century), they will provide more benefits and the possibility of recruiting a diplomat from the fifth level of construction. It is incompatible with the Norman Stronghold (ie only either can exist in one province). Cities of Venice and Milan have their own top levels, while the other cities use the generic pic of Palazzo Vecchio from Florence.
{palazzo_4_desc_short}A magnificent Italian Palazzo built by the richest aristocrats.
{palazzo_5}Palazzo Ducale
{palazzo_5_desc}When local Italian aristocracy got richer and more powerful, they constructed their palaces inside the cities. At times, these were used also by the communal authorities. \n\nFor instance, in Genoa the construction of the Doge's Palace began at the end of the 13th century, when Genoa was gradually consolidating its military and economic power in the Mediterranean. Until 1291 the highest officials and other representatives of the Municipality did not have their own headquarters but were housed in the Archbishop's Palace, or in nearby private homes belonging to the Doria and Fieschi families. In 1291 the "Capitani del popolo" Corrado Doria and Oberto Spinola bought the buildings owned by the Doria family. After a merger with nearby buildings, the palace had taken the name of "ducale" with the appointment in 1339 of the first Genoese doge Simone Boccanegra.\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: This building is available only in Italy, buildable only by Venice, Pisa, and the Papal States. The higher levels are unlocked after Dante is born (it is a historical event at the end of the 13th century). It is incompatible with the Norman Stronghold (ie only either can exist in one province). With the Palazzo Ducale enable now ,and in the following levels, recruit a diplomat.
{palazzo_5_desc_short}A splendid Palazzo Ducale
{palazzo_6}Pałaso Dogal
{palazzo_6_desc}In 810, Doge Agnello Participazio moved the seat of government from the island of Malamocco to the area of the present-day Rialto, when it was decided a palatium duci (Latin for "ducal palace") should be built. The palace was partially destroyed in the 10th century by a fire and the reconstruction works were undertaken at the behest of Doge Sebastiano Ziani (1172–1178). The new palace was built out of fortresses, one façade to the Piazzetta, the other overlooking the St. Mark's Basin.The palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the ancient Republic of Venice. It was built in 1340 and enlarged and modified in the following centuries.In the 9th century a castle was built that quickly became too small to accommodate government magistrates. At the end of the 12th century it was almost completely transformed, from a castle to a palace. For more than a hundred years, from 1340 to 1463, it was expanded again. Later, the fires forced further renovations that ended with a late Renaissance style interior. Architecturally speaking, most of the palace is Gothic and Renaissance in style.\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: This building is available only in Italy, buildable only by Venice, Pisa, and the Papal States. The higher levels are unlocked after Dante is born (it is a historical event at the end of the 13th century). It is incompatible with the Norman Stronghold (ie only either can exist in one province). This Palazzo Reale enable recruiting a diplomat in addition to providing more law for public order, population growth and increase tradeable goods in exchange for economically maintaining its structure and service.
{palazzo_6_desc_short}The residence of the Doge of Venice
{palazzo_7}Grande Pałaso Dogal
{palazzo_7_desc}In 810, Doge Agnello Participazio moved the seat of government from the island of Malamocco to the area of the present-day Rialto, when it was decided a palatium duci (Latin for "ducal palace") should be built. The palace was partially destroyed in the 10th century by a fire and the reconstruction works were undertaken at the behest of Doge Sebastiano Ziani (1172–1178). The new palace was built out of fortresses, one façade to the Piazzetta, the other overlooking the St. Mark's Basin. Although only few traces remain of that palace, some Byzantine-Venetian architecture characteristics can still be seen at the ground floor, with the wall base in Istrian stone and some herring-bone pattern brick paving. Political changes in the mid-13th century led to the need to re-think the palace's structure due to the considerable increase in the number of the Great Council's members. The new Gothic palace's constructions started around 1340, focusing mostly on the side of the building facing the lagoon. Only in 1424 did Doge Francesco Foscari decide to extend the rebuilding works to the wing overlooking the Piazzetta, serving as law-courts, and with a ground floor arcade on the outside, open first-floor loggias running along the façade, and the internal courtyard side of the wing, completed with the construction of the Porta della Carta (1442).\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: This building is available only in Italy, buildable only by Venice, Pisa, and the Papal States. The higher levels are unlocked after Dante is born (it is a historical event at the end of the 13th century). It is incompatible with the Norman Stronghold (ie only either can exist in one province). This unique Palazzo enables recruiting a diplomat in addition to providing law for public order, population growth and increase tradeable goods in exchange for economically maintaining its structure and service.
{palazzo_7_desc_short}The extended residence of the Doge of Venice
{palazzo_8}Palazzo Reale
{palazzo_8_desc}When local Italian aristocracy got richer and more powerful, they constructed their palaces inside the cities. At times, these were used also by the communal authorities.This "Palazzo Reale", the final work of the great wealthy families of Italian aristocrats in your settlement, imitates the quintessential Italian palazzo, the famous "Palazzo Vecchio" which means "old palace" in the wealthy city of Florence.\n\nAt the end of the 13th century, the city of Florence decided to build a building to provide magistrates or priors with effective protection in those turbulent times and at the same time celebrate the importance of their government. This first construction was entrusted to Arnolfo di Cambio, builder of the Duomo of Florence and the Basilica of Santa Croce, beginning to build it in 1299. The palace, at that time called the Palace of the Priors, was built on the structures of other palaces : the Palazzo dei Fanti and the Palazzo dell'essecuttore di Giustizia belonging to the Ghibelline family of the Uberti. Arnolfo incorporated the old Torre della Vaca, using it as the lower part of the current tower. This is the reason why, taking advantage of this previous structure, the rectangular tower is not the center of the building. After Arnolfo's death in 1302, the works were completed by other masters in 1314. In this first construction, the arcades of the ancient Roman theater were used as prisons.
On March 26, 1302 (beginning of the year according to the Florentine calendar) the Palace will become the seat of the Signoria (lordship) and the seat of the city council presided over by the priors and by the confalonier of justice, a figure halfway between a mayor and a head of government but with a very short mandate. The first construction phase will be completed in 1315.
The current palace is the result of other constructions and successive extensions completed between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Duke of Athens Walter VI of Brienne initiated the first modifications in the period (1342-1343), enlarging it on via della Ninna and giving it the appearance of a fortress. Other important modifications were made in the period 1440-1460 under the orders of Cosimo "the Elder" with the introduction of Renaissance decoration in the Hall of the Two Hundred and the Patio del Michelozzo. However, the first Hall of the Five Hundred was built in 1494 during the Republic of Savonarola. Between 1540 and 1565 it was the residence of Duke Cosimo I de' Medici.\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: This building is available only in Italy, buildable only by Venice, Pisa, and the Papal States. The higher levels are unlocked after Dante is born (it is a historical event at the end of the 13th century). It is incompatible with the Norman Stronghold (ie only either can exist in one province). With the Palazzo Reale enable now recruit a diplomat and more law, population growth and tradeable goods due to its imposition and transmission of law and order in this settlement by the wealthiest aristocratic families.
{palazzo_8_desc_short}An imposing and majestic Palazzo Reale
{palazzo_9}Castello Sforzesco
{palazzo_9_desc}The original construction of the palace was ordered by Galeazzo II Visconti, a local nobleman, in second part of 14th century (1358–1370). This castle was known as the Castello di Porta Giova (or Porta Zubia), from the name of a gate in walls located nearby. It was built in the same area of the ancient Roman fortification of Castrum Portae Jovis, which served as castra pretoria when the city was the capital of the Roman Empire. It was enlarged by Galeazzo's successors, Gian Galeazzo, Giovanni Maria and Filippo Maria Visconti, until it became a square-plan castle with 200 m-long sides, four towers at the corners and up to 7-metre-thick (23 ft) walls. The castle was the main residence in the city of its Visconti lords, and was destroyed by the short-lived Golden Ambrosian Republic which ousted them in 1447.\nIn 1450, Francesco Sforza, once he had shattered the republicans, began reconstruction of the castle to turn it into his princely residence. In 1452 he hired the sculptor and architect Filarete to design and decorate the central tower, which is still known as the Torre del Filarete. After Francesco's death, the construction was continued by his son Galeazzo Maria, under the architect Benedetto Ferrini. The decoration was executed by local painters. In 1476, during the regency of Bona of Savoy, the tower bearing her name was built.\n\nGAMEPLAY NOTE: This building is available only in Italy, buildable only by Venice, Pisa, and the Papal States. The higher levels are unlocked after Dante is born (it is a historical event at the end of the 13th century). It is incompatible with the Norman Stronghold (ie only either can exist in one province). This unique Palazzo enables recruiting a diplomat in addition to providing law for public order, population growth and increase tradeable goods in exchange for economically maintaining its structure and service.
{palazzo_9_desc_short}The fortified residence of the most famous and wealthy aristocratic families of Milan
UNITS-TAGMATA ANGLOVARANGOI GUARD
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Varangian_Guard_descr_short}The famous and imperial Varangian guard, armed with their great "danish" heavy 2 handed axes
{Varangian_Guard_descr}Type: Elite Guard. Morale 10.\n\n The Varangian Guard (Greek: Τάγμα τ?ν Βαραγγ?ν, Tagma ton Varangon) was an elite unit of the Byzantine Army from the tenth to the fourteenth century. They are known for their win over the pechenegs during the komnenian era, as well as their last stand during the fall of constantinople to the latins on 1204. The members served as personal bodyguards to the Byzantine Emperors. The Varangian Guard was known for being primarily composed of recruits from northern Europe, including Norsemen from Scandinavia and Anglo-Saxons from England. The recruitment of distant foreigners from outside Byzantium to serve as the emperor's personal guard was pursued as a deliberate policy, as they lacked local political loyalties and could be counted upon to suppress revolts by disloyal Byzantine factions./n/nThe Rus' provided the earliest members of the Varangian Guard. They were in Byzantine service from as early as 874. The Guard was first formally constituted under Emperor Basil II in 988, following the Christianization of Kievan Rus' by Vladimir I of Kiev. Vladimir, who had recently usurped power in Kiev with an army of Varangian warriors, sent 6,000 men to Basil as part of a military assistance agreement. Basil's distrust of the native Byzantine guardsmen, whose loyalties often shifted, with fatal consequences, as well as the proven loyalty of the Varangians, many of whom had previously served in Byzantium, led the Emperor to employ them as his personal guardsmen./nImmigrants from Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Sweden kept a predominantly Norse cast to the organization until the late 11th century. According to the late Swedish historian Alf Henrikson in his book Svensk Historia (History of Sweden), the Scandinavian Varangian guardsmen were recognized by long hair, a red ruby set in the left ear and ornamented dragons sewn on their chainmail shirts. In these years, Swedish men left to enlist in the Byzantine Varangian Guard in such numbers that a medieval Swedish law, Vastgotalagen, from Vastergotland declared no one could inherit while staying in "Greece"—the then Scandinavian term for the Byzantine Empire—to stop the emigration, especially as two other European courts simultaneously also recruited Scandinavians:Kievan Rus' c. 980–1060 and London 1018–1066 (the ?ingali?)./nComposed primarily of Norsemen and Rus for the first 100 years, the Guard began to see increased numbers of Anglo-Saxons after the Norman conquest of England. By the time of the Emperor Alexios Komnenos in the late 11th century, the Varangian Guard was largely recruited from Anglo-Saxons and "others who had suffered at the hands of the Vikings and their cousins the Normans".[This quote needs a citation] The Anglo-Saxons and other Germanic peoples shared with the Vikings a tradition of faithful (to death if necessary) oath-bound service, and the Norman invasion of England resulted in many fighting men who had lost their lands and former masters and were looking for positions elsewhere./nThe Varangian Guard not only provided security for the Byzantine emperors, but also participated in many wars, often playing a decisive role, since they were usually deployed at critical moments of a battle. By the late 13th century, Varangians were mostly ethnically assimilated by the Byzantine Greeks, though the Guard remained in existence until at least mid-14th century. In 1400, there were still some people identifying themselves as "Varangians" in Constantinople.
{Varangian_Guard}Tagmata Anglovarangoi Guard
-ANGLOSAXON HUSCARLS
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{English_Huscarls_descr_short}Formidable households warriors armed with two-handed axes and protected by mail armour.
{English_Huscarls_descr}Type: Superior Mercenaries. Morale 9.\n\n These Axe-wielding mercenaries were an elite body of the formerly Anglosaxon armies who reigned before the Norman Conquest by William I the Conqueror.
The surviving Huscarls at the Battle of Hasting saw with dismay how their way of life had come to a sad end after the death of their King Harold in battle; Following William I's subsequent conquest of all of England years later, he made them understand and understand that there would be no way they could get their jobs back as a Guard to a later Anglo-Saxon king.
Therefore, many of them had no choice but to go into exile; Many went to the places where they left: ancient countries like Norway or Denmark to try their luck among their equals, or to be hired as mercenaries in the different royal or noble houses of Europe.
There was a service that enjoyed some popularity among exiled Saxons for many years; the "Varangian Guard".
It used to be nourished by Russians of Viking origin established in Russia for about 300 years.
But not only Russians, but also other soldiers of Nordic or Scandinavian origin had found a place in their ranks, so the Saxons, many of them with a significant Nordic component, (especially in the north of England) decided to emigrate to the capital. of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, in search of a better future, and among them, many former Huscarls emigrated with the Saxon nobility. Moreover, over the years, the Norse component in the Byzantine Emperor's Varangian Guard began to descend, occupying instead the Anglo-Saxon component.
\n\n Such was the emigration that the Varangian Guard came to be nicknamed "the English Guard". In the rest of the Scandinavian countries where the Huscarl Corps continued to be present, they continued to carry out their role with extreme rigor and honor among their ranks; but little else is known about them.
\n\n These banished mercenaries armed with a two-handed axe, mail, kite shield and helmet present stiff opposition to all who would face the lords who host them and pay them for their services.
{English_Huscarls}Anglosaxon Huscarls
***RUS AND STEPPE UNITS
-ALANS HORSE ARCHERS
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{alan_druzhina_aldarov_descr_short}Rude and powerful cavalry of Alan horse archers.These steppe mounted archers are protected by heavy armor and are armed with bow, sabre and round shield.{alan_druzhina_aldarov_descr}Type: Steppe Mercenaries.\n\nThe Alans first appear in Roman writings in the 1st century and were later described as a warlike people specializing in horse breeding. In the 4th and 5th centuries the Alans were partly Christianized by Byzantine missionaries of the Arian church.
The Alan kings frequently allied themselves with the Byzantines and with various Georgian rulers seeking protection against raids by steppe peoples such as the Pechenegs and Cumans (Polovtsians).
In the 13th century, the newly arrived Mongols invaded the area and pushed the Eastern Alans much further south into the Caucasus, where they mixed with the natives and successively formed territorial entities with very different developments. In approximately 1395, Tamerlane's army invaded the North Caucasus and massacred the majority of the Alan population.\n\n They are tough riders, acclimatized to the plains and steppes of Eastern Europe, the Black Sea region and some parts of Anatolia. Having fought against the Eastern Roman Empire and other steppe tribes previously numerous times, they are now ironically highly valued as mercenaries among their former enemies.\n These steppe warriors are hard men in harder armor, with their composite bow and saber, see a lot of action on the field of battle and are very used to shoot their arrows so that the enemies do not reach them.
{alan_druzhina_aldarov}Alans Horse Archers
-ALANS LANCERS
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{alan_aldary_descr_short}Rude and powerful cavalry of Alan lancers{alan_aldary_descr}Type: Steppe Mercenaries.\n\nThe Alans first appear in Roman writings in the 1st century and were later described as a warlike people specializing in horse breeding. In the 4th and 5th centuries the Alans were partly Christianized by Byzantine missionaries of the Arian church.
The Alan kings frequently allied themselves with the Byzantines and with various Georgian rulers seeking protection against raids by steppe peoples such as the Pechenegs and Cumans (Polovtsians).
In the 13th century, the newly arrived Mongols invaded the area and pushed the Eastern Alans much further south into the Caucasus, where they mixed with the natives and successively formed territorial entities with very different developments. In approximately 1395, Tamerlane's army invaded the North Caucasus and massacred the majority of the Alan population.\n\n They are tough riders, acclimatized to the plains and steppes of Eastern Europe, the Black Sea region and some parts of Anatolia. Having fought against the Eastern Roman Empire and other steppe tribes previously numerous times, they are now ironically highly valued as mercenaries among their former enemies. \nThese noble Alans (Alani) form an excellent cavalery unit that combines a spear charge with high manueverability. They are armored in light armor, shield and helmet. With deft handling of their spears, these horsemen make an unstopable chase unit.
{alan_aldary}Alans Lancers
-BERDICHNIKI HEAVY AXEMEN
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Berdiche_Axemen_descr_short}These men are professional and heavy troops at the service of the Kniaz who have excellent armor and weapons which use the feared "Berdiche", a type of axe typical of the regions of Rus.{Berdiche_Axemen_descr}Type: Professional Axemen.\n\nThe "berdiche" is a weapon that is a mixture of an ax and a horned weapon, which is characterized by having a blade similar to that of a war ax or glaive that, instead of being horned at the end of the shaft, is held by two points to it, leaving enough space to grab it behind the blade as a guard. It was especially a very effective infantry combat weapon for attacking warriors' horses; and its point at the end of the ax blade allowed it to pierce the knights' armor. This peculiar horned "axe" was typical of Eastern Europe and, above all, of Russia.\n\nWielding the mighty 'berdiche' these heavy axemen strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, just before striking into the hearts of their enemies! Berdiche Axemen are professional troops who receive plenty of training to wield their fearsome two-handed axes and are appropriately armored with armor from mail up to heavy brigandine. The princes and noble boyars of Rus used these men as shock troops softening up enemy formations.
{Berdiche_Axemen}Berdichniki Heavy Axemen
-CHUDE WARRIORS
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Chude_Militia_descr_short}These men from Chuds tribes are armed with short spears, axes and small shields with light armour.{Chude_Militia_descr}Type: Tribesmen Militia.\n\nThe Chuds or Chude, according to the commentary of the monk Nestor in the First Russian Chronicle, were the Ests or Estonians. According to Nestor, in 1030 Yaroslav I the Wise invaded the county of Chuds, where he founded Yuriev, (the Russian historical name for Tartu, Estonia). According to the ancient East Slavic chronicles, the Chuds were one of the founders of Kievan Rus'. The Nestor Chronicle describes the Chuds as the co-founders of Kievan Rus', in addition to the Slavs and the Vikings. In other ancient East Slavic chronicles, the term "Chuds" refers to various Finnish tribes and in particular to proto-Estonian groups.\n\n These warriors from the different tribes called "Chuds" by the Rus go to war with Knyaz armed with short spears, axes and small shields. The wealthier ones can sometimes afford mail and even heavier armor, but this infantry is still considered light and would be hard-pressed to stand against real professional troops in the open.
{Chude_Militia}Chude Warriors
-DISMOUNTED JUNIOR DRUZHINA
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Dismounted_Junior_Druzhina_descr_short}These Dismounted Junior Druzhina fight as medium-quality archers with good armor and weapons to confront other enemies at a distance.{Dismounted_Junior_Druzhina_descr}Type: Early Professional.\n\nThese standing armies or druzhina (friends or companions in Russian) that followed every Rus prince. The men of a druzhina were bound by an oath to their prince and to each other, and these chains of loyalties had more in common with the patronage system of early medieval Islamic armies than with the vassalage system of Western Europe. In return, the druzhina constituted a highly mobile mounted force capable of covering enormous distances. Not all members of a druzhina were of noble origin. Some had humble origins, and rose thanks to their skill, loyalty and good luck. Others came from families that had served a particular princely clan for generations, either in its druzhina or as posadnik (governors of a city). Most spoke Slavic from the 11th century, although men of different ethnic origins (including Scandinavians, Turks, Kosogo-Circassians, and Ossetians from the Caucasus) probably served.\n\nThe Dismounted Junior Druzhina serve as lighter troops than their Druzhina infantry and cavalry comrades, armed with good armor and helmets they serve as good archers to confront their enemies from a distance and then face them with their small axes.
{Dismounted_Junior_Druzhina}Dismounted Junior Druzhina
-EASTERN SPEARMEN
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Smolensk_Infantry_descr_short}The Eastern Spearmen are a solid infantry of spearmen formed by various Slavic and Eastern European people.{Smolensk_Infantry_descr}Type: Professional spearmen. Morale 8\n\nThese professional spearmen made up of Slavic people and other eastern ethnic groups provide standing army for princes and nobles in Eastern Europe. They are especially effective against mailed cavalry thanks to the four-edged spikes. They also have decent brigantine armor, so they are usually the line infantry of numerous Eastern armies.
{Smolensk_Infantry}Eastern Spearmen
-JUNIOR DRUZHINA
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Junior_Druzhina_descr_short}These Rus mounted horse archers are professional heavy archers in good armor prepared to face their steppe enemies.{Junior_Druzhina_descr}Type: Early Professional.\n\nThese standing armies or Druzhina (friends or companions in Russian) that followed every Rus prince. The men of a druzhina were bound by an oath to their prince and to each other, and these chains of loyalties had more in common with the patronage system of early medieval Islamic armies than with the vassalage system of Western Europe. In return, the druzhina constituted a highly mobile mounted force capable of covering enormous distances. Not all members of a druzhina were of noble origin. Some had humble origins, and rose thanks to their skill, loyalty and good luck. Others came from families that had served a particular princely clan for generations, either in its druzhina or as posadnik (governors of a city). Most spoke Slavic from the 11th century, although men of different ethnic origins (including Scandinavians, Turks, Kosogo-Circassians, and Ossetians from the Caucasus) probably served.\n\nThe Junior Druzhina serve as lighter troops than their Druzhina infantry and cavalry comrades, these fight in steppe style to face the tactics of their famous enemies such as Cumans, Pechenegs and other steppe tribes beyond.
{Junior_Druzhina}Junior Druzhina
-MERCENARY SLAVIC AXEMEN
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Axemen_descr_short}Coming from Eastern and Northern Europe, these slavic mercenaries with two-handed axes are effective heavy troops for crushing other infantry and knocking down horses.{Axemen_descr}Type: Axemen Mercenaries\n\nThese slavic warriors drawn from wealthier households of merchants, artisans, and smiths fight imitating their Scandinavian neighbors in the use of the heavy two-handed axe, they offer their services as mercenaries in the inhospitable lands of Rus and they are able to afford the vastly improved protection of light mailed armor. They make good offensive infantry but should not be relied on to hold a line.
{Axemen}Mercenary Slavic Axemen
-RUS AXEMEN
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Berdiche_Militia_descr_short}These strong and tough Rus men carry two-handed axes to be used as shock troops against the enemies of the Rus people.{Berdiche_Militia_descr}Type: Medium Axemen.\n\nThe Rus were formed by the mixture of Slavic and Scandinavian people, due to their Viking past and their way of fighting since ancient times, these strong Slavic men of average wealth can afford to carry two-handed axes in the old Scandinavian style but they do not have good armor nor are they as experienced as the troops of the nobles boyars and their retinues.
{Berdiche_Militia}Rus Axemen
-RUS JUNIOR MILITIA
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Junior_Militia_descr_short}The junior militia was made up of inexperienced Rus peasants armed with what they could acquire in weapons.{Junior_Militia_descr}Type: Urban peasant militia.\n\nUnlike the richer and more veteran citizens who formed the urban militias of the cities of the Rus regions called "tysiacha", these poor Rus peasants responded to his Kniaz armed with whatever they can afford; which normally consists of poorly crafted axes, arms and armor as well as small wooden shields, they will serve as light infantry so they will not be a good option to resist charges and face professional troops.
{Junior_Militia}Junior Militia
-RUS MOUNTED MILITIA
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Senior_Mounted_Militia_descr_short}These are rich Rus citizens, ones who can afford a fully trained war-horse are form competent militia - a huge asset, and despite their lack of military experience.{Senior_Mounted_Militia_descr}Type: Urban Militia.\n\nThe cities of Kievan Rus and the Novgorod principality from the 12th century onwards were governed by municipal councils or "veches". The urban militia were mainly infantry, formed in units of 100 men called "tysiacha" that were commanded by a "tysiatchi". The first were recruited among the Slavs and other tribes. For example, in the Chernigov area of the 10th century, the defense of the area was in the hands of a local militia, while the elite of Russian warriors were engaged in raids elsewhere. The merchant class of Slavs, Finns and Scandinavians who dominated the Russian municipal councils could have been the same men who made up the ranks of this militia. Certainly, the militias were loyal to their cities, and no prince could take their support for granted, especially if a campaign was directed against other men of the Rus and not against a foreign invader.
The militia was based in almost autonomous barracks, each of which was responsible for the defense of the part of the wall assigned to it. The local prince usually provided the militias with weapons, armor and horses, perhaps because his weaponry was very simple, although wealthier cities probably armed their own militias in the 13th century.\n\nThe richest cities can afford to be well equipped, no worse than any noble army, militia of merchants. Expensive horses, decent arms and armor, allow them to fight on equal terms with any enemy of their Rus cities. Their lack of battle-forged experience makes them less steady then professional troops, however.
{Senior_Mounted_Militia}Rus Mounted Militia
-RUS SENIOR MILITIA
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Rus_Senior_Militia_descr_short}Rus city dwellers who are called upon to protect their city, armed with spears and kite-shields along with leather armor and helmets, this Rus infantry is a solid foundation for their armies.{Rus_Senior_Militia_descr}Type: Urban Militia.\n\nThe cities of Kievan Rus and the Novgorod principality from the 12th century onwards were governed by municipal councils or "veches". The urban militia were mainly infantry, formed in units of 100 men called "tysiacha" that were commanded by a "tysiatchi". The first were recruited among the Slavs and other tribes. For example, in the Chernigov area of the 10th century, the defense of the area was in the hands of a local militia, while the elite of Russian warriors were engaged in raids elsewhere. The merchant class of Slavs, Finns and Scandinavians who dominated the Russian municipal councils could have been the same men who made up the ranks of this militia. Certainly, the militias were loyal to their cities, and no prince could take their support for granted, especially if a campaign was directed against other men of the Rus and not against a foreign invader.
The militia was based in almost autonomous barracks, each of which was responsible for the defense of the part of the wall assigned to it. The local prince usually provided the militias with weapons, armor and horses, perhaps because his weaponry was very simple, although wealthier cities probably armed their own militias in the 13th century.\n\nThese Rus urban militia provide a solid base to the armies of the Rus, due to their training in the barracks and their equipment provided by the rich cities, they can face the cavalry and other infantries, the richer folk can afford to arm themselves with spear, shield and leather armor.
{Rus_Senior_Militia}Rus Senior Militia
7-1-2024
CUMAN HORSE WARBAND
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{cum_militia_cav_a_sw_descr_short}The backbone of the Cuman armies, horse archers useful for ranged attacks and harassing heavier units with their steppe tactics.{cum_militia_cav_a_sw_descr}Type: Tribal Warriors.\n\nThe Cumans were a Turkic nomadic people of Central Asia comprising the western branch of the Cuman-Kipchak confederacy who spoke the Cuman language. They are known as Polovtsians in Russia, Cumans in Western sources, and Kipchaks in Eastern sources.
Related to the Pechenegs, they inhabited a shifting area north of the Black Sea and along the Volga River known as Cumania, from where the Cuman-Kipchaks meddled in the politics of the Caucasus and the Khwarazmian Empire. Many eventually settled west of the Black Sea, influencing the politics of Kievan Rus', Byzantine Empire, and several Latin nations.\n\nThe Cumans were fierce and formidable nomadic warriors of the Eurasian steppe who exerted a lasting influence on the Eurasian steppe and the medieval Balkans.They were numerous, culturally sophisticated and militarily powerful where they fought primarily as light cavalry, and later developed heavy cavalry. The main weapons of the Cumans were the recurved bow and, later, the compound bow (carried on the hip using a quiver), a javelin, and a slightly curved saber (less curved than a scimitar), mace, and heavy spear for spearing. . They kept a large number of reserve horses (10-12 lifts) to replace the tired ones, so that a new horse was available at all times. Another important accessory was a small whip attached to the rider's wrist.Tactically the Cumans were a fairly typical army of steppe nomads where their most common tactics were repeated charges by horse archers to wear down and confuse the enemy, feigned retreats and ambushes.\n\nThese Cuman horse archers are the essence of any Cuman or Esteparian army. They only wear some light armor and are very agile in combat, so their tactic is to shoot the enemy with their arrows and then retreat so that they are not hit by the enemy.
{cum_militia_cav_a_sw}Cuman Horse Warband
CUMAN WARRIORS
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{cum_militia_a_sw_descr_short}The base of the Cuman armies, poor warriors armed with bows and little armor, accurate and eager with their arrows but weak in hand-to-hand combat.{cum_militia_a_sw_descr}Type: Tribal warriors \n\nThe Cumans were a Turkic nomadic people of Central Asia comprising the western branch of the Cuman-Kipchak confederacy who spoke the Cuman language. They are known as Polovtsians in Russia, Cumans in Western sources, and Kipchaks in Eastern sources.
Related to the Pechenegs, they inhabited a shifting area north of the Black Sea and along the Volga River known as Cumania, from where the Cuman-Kipchaks meddled in the politics of the Caucasus and the Khwarazmian Empire. Many eventually settled west of the Black Sea, influencing the politics of Kievan Rus', Byzantine Empire, and several Latin nations.\n\nThe Cumans were fierce and formidable nomadic warriors of the Eurasian steppe who exerted a lasting influence on the Eurasian steppe and the medieval Balkans.They were numerous, culturally sophisticated and militarily powerful where they fought primarily as light cavalry, and later developed heavy cavalry. The main weapons of the Cumans were the recurved bow and, later, the compound bow (carried on the hip using a quiver), a javelin, and a slightly curved saber (less curved than a scimitar), mace, and heavy spear for spearing .\n\nWhen they dismounted from their horses they used to fight as light infantry or archers on foot. These poor Cuman warriors will not be able to withstand heavier enemies in hand-to-hand combat, but they can shade the sky with their rain of arrows.
{cum_militia_a_sw}Cuman Warriors
KIEVAN KNYAZ´S GUARD
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Kievan_Palace_Guard_descr_short}The loyal guard of the Grand Prince and princes of Kievan Rus, is made up of the best troops and the best equipment they can have at their disposal to defend the great nobles both at home and in battle. These elite troops are armed with spears, heavy armour and a good shield.{Kievan_Palace_Guard_descr}Type: Elite Guard.\n\n\This loyal troop is composed entirely of noble natives and wealthy citizens of Kievan Rus, loyal to their Grand Prince and their homeland, they will serve the Grand Prince and his family as well as the great noble boyars. Due to their high purchasing power they are capable having a great equipment made up of the best Russian weapons and armor along with their magnificent military training makes these troops a great resource to attack the enemy's best troops and to ultimately defend a position. They can form a ring of spears and are specialized in fighting heavy cavalry so they are a great challenge against the mounted steppe enemies of Kievan Rus.
{Kievan_Palace_Guard}Knyaz´s Guard
MERCENARY STEPPE POLOVTSY
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{cum_polovec_cav_a_sw_descr_short} Steppe tribal horse archers . They sell their services to the highest bidder, they fight in the steppe style so they are agile and have little armor and protection but powerful bows.{cum_polovec_cav_a_sw_descr}Type: Mercenary.\n\n The Polovtsy or Cumans, a nomadic Turkic-speaking tribal confederation (Polovtsy in Russian sources, Cumans in the West, Kipchaks in the East and Kangli for Asians) began migrating around 1017 or 1018 from eastern Mongolia and occupied the area stretching from Kazakhstan to the Danube in 1055. Politically disorganized and lacking organization. Following a unified policy in their relations with Kievan Rus, several Polovtsian tribes became involved in conflicts between princely Russians and sometimes fought as allies of the Rus against other Polovtsians. Dynastic intermarriages often solidified Polovtsy-Rus political unions. Russian sources point to two distinct Polovtsians: "savages" (enemies of Kievan Rus) and "non-savages" (allies of Kievan Rus). Most of the clashes between the Rus and the Polovtsy were a result of their different economies. As farmers, the Rus wanted to convert the steppe into cultivated land, while the Polovtsian nomads needed the steppe for grazing animals. Consequently, conflict was inevitable: Russian sources often speak of Polovtsian raids on lands colonized by the Rus and subsequent counterattacks by Kievan Rus. However, due to political disunity on both sides, a permanent peace was never achieved, and by the 1230s and 1240s, both were conquered and absorbed into the Mongol Empire.\n\n These steppe mercenaries serve the highest bidder and will not hesitate to fight alongside the Horde and their steppe compatriots as well as along with the Rus or other surrounding settled peoples, they are useful for raids and harassing the enemy from a distance but they do not have good protection and armor so it is advisable that they do not directly confront enemies better protected than them.
{cum_polovec_cav_a_sw}Mercenary Steppe Polovtsy
NORSE GUARD
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Scandinavian_Guard_descr_short}These well trained norse warriors are protected by heavy armour and they fight in the Nordic style brandishing a large two-handed axe.{Scandinavian_Guard_descr}Type: Elite Guard.\n\nThe Norse guard dates back to the times of Grand Prince Vladimir the Great, who after a treaty of alliance with the Eastern Roman Empire gave more than 6,000 Nordic warriors to Emperor Basil II as a personal guard, these warriors would serve the Roman Emperor as the famous Varangian guard. Now these troops have ceased to be merely a military levy and have become an elite troop and bodyguard of the Kniaz, performing a similar role to the troops originating from Nordic huscarls.
\nThey are mainly composed of Rus and Nordics proffesional warriors from the Scandinavian regions.Their large Nordic-style axes along with their good equipment and heavy armor make them fearsome shock troops for the enemies of Rus.
{Scandinavian_Guard}Norse Guard
RUTHENIAN ARCHERS
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{Ruthenian_Archers}Ruthenian Archers{Ruthenian_Archers_descr}Type: Early Professional.\n\nThe name Ruthenia initially has a connection with that of Rus. This is due to the name that the first Slavs and Finns gave to the Varangians, whom they called rus, a name that derives from the ancient Norse root "roðs" or "roths". Initially Rus was referred to as "Rugi" and "Rutuli. Beginning in the 12th century, ''Ruthenia'' was used in Latin alternatively with Ruscia and Russia. Papal documents thus denote the territories dominated by Kievan Rus and baltic lands. In the 13th century, the term Rus became predominant in Latin documents, especially those of Hungary, Bohemia and Poland.
\n\nThese brave Ruthenian archers bolster numerous armies from Eastern Europe, mainly to the peoples of Rus and their Baltic neighbors. They are professional troops that make them good quality archers to inflict severe injuries to lightly armored opponents even after they have run out of arrows. Equipped with a good bow and light protection they can cope as light infantry with their small axes and their wooden shields.
{Ruthenian_Archers_descr_short}A good quality archer unit from Rus and Baltic lands armed with a good bow and little axes.For their defense they wears leather or chain armour and carries a wooden shield.
STEPPE URBAN SPEARMEN
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{kosog_senior_militia_ug0_descr_short}Decent steppe lancers capable of withstanding the clash of other infantry and fighting against cavalry, they have lamellar armor, helmets, good shields and powerful lances.{kosog_senior_militia_ug0_descr}Type: Urban Militia \n\nAs the steppe settlements grow demographically and advance in their structures, urban troops can be sustained to defend them. Like its Roman, Georgian and Rus neighbors, the growth of its cities allows it to have good militias that are better equipped and trained and can face more powerful enemies.\n\nAdvanced steppe settlements are able to arm and field a decent infantry armored in lamellar armor. On the field of battle they will easily crush anyone light infantry used against them. With their shields and spears, even a light cavalry charge is not insurmountable.
{kosog_senior_militia_ug0}Steppe Urban Spearmen
STEPPE INFANTRY
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:{cum_kosog_axe_descr_short}Light infantry formed by the lowest classes of the different steppe tribes such as Alans, Kazakhs, Cumans... This poor infantry formed a militia who went to war armed with naught but ax and shield.{cum_kosog_axe_descr}\nType: Tribal Militia\n\nIn the Eurasian steppes numerous steppe tribes coexist such as Alans, Cumans, Kazakhs, Pechenegs... The majority fight on horseback but others cannot afford it and fight on foot, this steppe infantry serves as support and go to war armed with naught but ax and shield. They are poor militiamen who defend their settlements and they are not very experienced, but their bravery and fierceness in defending their homeland make them serious foes regardless.
{cum_kosog_axe}Steppe Infantry
-EXAMPLE OF HISTORICALLY MODIFYING THE UNITS BASED ON THEIR ATTRIBUTES AND MORALITY
*CURRENT SSHIP STATS FOR VARANGIAN GUARD
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:type Varangian Guard
dictionary Varangian_Guard ; Varangian Guard : mercenary unit (false-EDB), factional
category infantry
class heavy
voice_type Heavy
accent East_European
banner faction main_spear
banner holy crusade
soldier Varangian_guard, 48, 0, 1.3125
officer varagianoi_captain
officer varangian_standard
officer Varangian_Guard_ug1
mount_effect horse +1, camel +1
attributes sea_faring, hide_forest, hardy, can_withdraw
formation 1.2, 0, 2.4, 2.4, 4, square
stat_health 1, 1
stat_pri 9, 5, no, 0, 0, melee, melee_blade, slashing, axe, 45, 1
stat_pri_attr ap
stat_sec 0, 0, no, 0, 0, no, melee_simple, blunt, none, 0, 1
stat_sec_attr no
stat_pri_armour 11, 9, 0, metal ; mail, slung shield +1 ; GUARD
stat_sec_armour 0, 0, flesh
stat_heat 10
stat_ground 0, -2, 1, 0
stat_mental 10, normal, trained
stat_charge_dist 6
stat_fire_delay 0
stat_food 60, 300
stat_cost 1, 2842, 1066, 100, 1066, 1066, 1, 300
armour_ug_levels 11, 14, 23
armour_ug_models Varangian_Guard, Varangian_Guard, Varangian_Guard
ownership byzantium
era 1 byzantium
era 2 byzantium
recruit_priority_offset 0; before was: 45
;459
*HISTORICAL STATS FOR VARANGIAN GUARD (MY MODIFICATIONS)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:type Varangian Guard
dictionary Varangian_Guard ; Varangian Guard : mercenary unit (false-EDB), factional
category infantry
class heavy
voice_type Heavy
accent East_European
banner faction main_spear
banner holy crusade
soldier Varangian_guard, 48, 0, 1.3125
officer varagianoi_captain
officer varangian_standard
officer Varangian_Guard_ug1
mount_effect horse +1, camel +1
attributes sea_faring, hide_forest, very_hardy, can_withdraw, frighten_foot, frighten_mounted, command
formation 1.2, 0, 2.4, 2.4, 4, square
stat_health 1, 1
stat_pri 9, 5, no, 0, 0, melee, melee_blade, slashing, axe, 45, 1
stat_pri_attr ap
stat_sec 0, 0, no, 0, 0, no, melee_simple, blunt, none, 0, 1
stat_sec_attr no
stat_pri_armour 11, 9, 0, metal ; mail, slung shield +1 ; GUARD
stat_sec_armour 0, 0, flesh
stat_heat 10
stat_ground 0, -2, 1, 0
stat_mental 14, disciplined, highly_trained, lock_morale ; GUARD
stat_charge_dist 6
stat_fire_delay 0
stat_food 60, 300
stat_cost 1, 786, 1066, 100, 1066, 1066, 1, 300
armour_ug_levels 11, 14, 23
armour_ug_models Varangian_Guard, Varangian_Guard, Varangian_Guard
ownership byzantium
era 1 byzantium
era 2 byzantium
recruit_priority_offset 45
;459
***EXPLANATION:
- I MAINLY CHANGE THE MORALE (stat_mental and stat_ground in some cases)(FROM 10 POINTS TO 14), NORMALLY THE HIGHEST MORALES WERE 16 POINTS, MAINLY FOR UNITS OF THE MILITARY ORDERS SUCH AS TEMPLARS, HOSPITALS, RITTERBRUDERS... But I think such an elite unit deserves to be raised.
-I also added the following mental stat "disciplined, highly_trained, lock_morale ; GUARD", to represent their great training and discipline since they were the Byzantine imperial guard and also block their morale to fight to the last man.
-also added the following attributes: "sea_faring, hide_forest, very_hardy, can_withdraw, frighten_foot, frighten_mounted, command"
where they terrify both infantry and mounts, in addition to having great resistance to fatigue and raising the morale of adjacent troops. An authentic elite unit as it really was. Perhaps its value could be raised due to this.
-I have not touched on attack, defense and charging, only what relates to morale and attributes, which I think is what the mod lacks the most.
OPINIONS??? DO YOU WANT IT TO CONTINUE IMPROVING ITS ATTRIBUTES AND STATS OF OTHER UNITS? MORE DESCRIPTIONS FOR BUILDINGS AND UNITS?:tongue:
