Civ: Macedonians (Macedones, Seleucids, Ptolemies)

[Mythos_Ruler]

MACEDONIAN CIVILISATION PROFILE

Version 1.1 -- 9 July 2011

by Michael D. Hafer [aka Mythos_Ruler] Email: michaeldhafer@gmail.com. (Indiana, United States of America).

Version 1.0

by Michael D. Hafer [aka Mythos_Ruler] Email: michaeldhafer@gmail.com. (Indiana, United States of America).

Revamped Greeks can be found

HERE.

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UNIT DESCRIPTIONS

==INFANTRY==

* Generic Name: Foot Compation.

* Specific Name: Pezhetairos.

* Class: Spearman.

* Armament: Long Macedonian pike, the "sarissa".

* Appearance:

- Body:

Basic - "Rear ranker". Simple tunic. No armour or greaves.

Advanced - "Mid Ranker". Linothorax armour (with pteruges) and bronze greaves.

Elite - "Front ranker". Bronze muscled cuirass (with leather pteruges) and bronze greaves.

- Shield:

Round Macedonian pelta for all three levels.

- Helmet:

Basic - Basic pilos helmet.

Advanced - Open faced Thracian and Phrygian helmets, plumed and non-plumed, crested and non-crested.

Elite - Closed faced, feathered, plumed, and/or crested Phrygian helmets.

- Figure(s): Great image of Pezhetairoi by Johnny Shumate. Here's a perfect "Elite" or "Front Ranker" Pezhetairos.

* History: The Pezhetairoi were the backbone of the Macedonian army, much like the Hoplites were for the Hellenes. What makes the Pezhetairoi different is their use of a two-handed 18 foot (or longer) pike and their massed "syntagma" formation, a variation on the Greek Phalanx borrowed from the Thebans. The Pezhetairos is a professional, making him one of the strongest spearmen in the game.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Slow. Cavalry killer. Individually very vulnerable to ranged units and swordsmen when not in Syntagma formation.

* Special: "Syntagma" Formation.

* Generic Name: Agrianian Peltast.

* Specific Name: Peltastes Agrianikos

* Class: Javelinist.

* Armament: Javelins. Decorative curved dagger.

* Appearance:

- Body:

Basic - Simple tunic. No shoes.

Advanced - Decorative tunic. Leather boots.

Elite - Light-weight quilted linothorax. Leather boots.

- Shield:

Thracian-style pelta shields for each level.

- Helmet:

Basic - No helmet.

Advanced - Pilos Helmet.

Elite - Open faced Phrygian Helmets.

- Figure(s): Great image of Macedonian Peltasts by Johnny Shumate. And another one here. Here's another good variety to choose from for the lower levels and some neat designs here.

* History: The Agrianians were Alexander's best skirmishers when he went on his world-conquest march. They had Macedonian and Thracian influences and were deadly accurate.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Good skirmishers. Little armour per se. On par with Hellenic "Thracian Peltasts."

* Special: none.

* Generic Name: Rhodian Slinger.

* Specific Name: Sphendonêtês Rhodikos

* Class: Mercenary Slinger.

* Armament: Sling and leather bullet pouch. Decorative dagger.

* Appearance:

- Body:

Basic - Poor. Simple tunic (nearly naked). No shoes.

Advanced - Decorative tunic. Sandals. Fox hide slung over his shoulder.

Elite - Light-weight quilted linothorax. Leather boots.

- Shield:

Basic - no shield.

Advanced - No shield.

Elite - Small round pelta.

- Helmet:

Basic - No helmet.

Advanced - Straw hat.

Elite - Open faced Phrygian and Pilos Helmets. No feathers, plumes, or crests.

- Figure(s): Similar to this fellow by Johnny Shumate. This one shows good bullet pouch position.

* History: The slingers from the island of Rhodes were the best slingers in and around the Aegean world, learning their craft from a young age. A lead Rhodian bullet had enough force to pierce armour and kill a man. They were hired by Macedon and the Hellenistic states (and Hellenic states before them) as mercenaries to augment the skirmishing capacity of their armies. In this, the Rhodian Sphendonêtês excelled brilliantly.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Good Pierce attack. Basically no armour. Can't stand up to a fight. They are mercenaries, with all the traits that designation entails.

* Special: none.

* Generic Name: Cretan Archer.

* Specific Name: Toxotes Kretikos.

* Class: Archer.

* Armament: Small simple bow. Decorative dagger. Quiver of arrows slung onto the back.

* Appearance:

- Body:

Basic - Simple tunic. Sandals.

Advanced - Decorative tunic. Sandals. Light-weight quilted thorax.

Elite - Linothorax armour. Leather boots.

- Shield:

Basic - no shield.

Advanced - No shield.

Elite - Small round pelta.

- Helmet:

Basic - No helmet. Only a headband.

Advanced - Straw hat.

Elite - Open faced Chalcidean and Pilos Helmets. No feathers, plumes, or crests.

- Figure(s): Basic level. This image here shows a good range, from basic, to advanced, to elite.

* History: Mercenary archers from the big island of Crete. They were widely regarded as the best archers in all of Hellas and had a long tradition of hiring themselves out to Hellenic states such as Athens for use aboard Triremes naval vessels. Alexander hired them to accompany him on his world conquest march and while in his service they dueled admirably with the greatly feared eastern archers.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Mediocre archer compared to the Persian ranged units, but the Cretans should have decent hitpoints and stamina. Can't stand up well to a melee fight. They are mercenaries, with all the traits that designation entails.

* Special: none.

==CAVALRY==

* Generic Name: Thracian Heavy Cavalry.

* Specific Name: Xystophoros Thrakikos.

* Class: Mercenary Cavalry Spearman.

* Armament: Long Macedonian cavalry lance, the "xyston".

* Appearance:

- Body:

Basic - Simple tunic. Sandals.

Advanced - Leather cuirass. Leather boots and pteruges.

Elite - Scale-reinforced linothorax armour. Linen pteruges. Chlamys cloak. Leather boots.

- Shield:

Basic - No shield.

Advanced - Small, leather covered shield.

Elite - Small, embossed Macedonian shield.

- Helmet:

Basic - Boeotian Helmet, non-plumed.

Advanced - Thracian helmets, non-plumed, non-crested.

Elite - Phrygian helmets, crested and non-crested.

- Mount:

Basic - Simple tack. No saddle blanket.

Advanced - More decorative tack. Simple saddle blanket.

Elite - Bronze chamfron. Decorative tack. Patterned saddle blanket.

- Figure(s): None yet..

* History: Xystophoroi were a form of heavy cavalry that utilized the long Macedonian cavalry lance. Charges were devastating affairs, with many enemy infantrymen left skewered all over the battlefield. These Xystophoroi are mercenaries hired by the Macedonian kings from the Thracian, Paeonian, and Illyrian tribes that surround the kingdom.

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: Good armour in its Elite form. Light standard attack, but devastating charge bonus. Unlike the Hetairos Champion Unit and most other cavalry types, the Xystophoros does not deal Trample damage - he relies solely on his charge bonus. They are mercenaries, with all the traits that designation entails.

* Special: none.

* Generic Name: Thessalian Scout.

* Specific Name: Prodromos Thessalikos.

* Class: Cavalry Javelinist.

* Armament: Javelins. Decorative sword. Clutch of Javelins in his left hand.

* Appearance:

- Body:

Basic - Simple tunic. Chlamys (cape/cloak). Sandals.

Advanced - Light-weight quilted thorax. Chlamys. Sandals.

Elite - Linothorax armour. Chlamys with patterned trim. Leather boots.

- Shield:

Basic - No shield.

Advanced - No shield.

Elite - No shield.

- Helmet:

Basic - Straw hat.

Advanced - Boeotian Helmet, non plumed.

Elite - Boeotian and Thracian Helmets, plumed.

- Mount:

Basic - Simple tack. No saddle blanket.

Advanced - More decorative tack. Simple saddle blanket.

Elite - Bronze Chamfron. Decorative tack. Patterned saddle blanket.

- Figure(s): Great image of a Prodromos (this one is wielding a spear, not a javelin). And another.

* History: Thessalians led an agrarian life and raised horses in the large pasture lands of Thessaly. They were widely regarded as the best cavalry in all of Hellas due to the speed and tenacity of their horses. They were used effectively in the Macedonian armies as light cavalry and held the important left flank of the battle line, staving off enemy advances long enough for the heavy cavalry on the right flank to make the killer blow.

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: Fast. Good armour and HPs. Is one of the few ranged units with no minimum range (they'll stand up to a fight).

* Special: none.

==SUPPORT UNITS==

* Generic Name: Macedonian Woman.

* Specific Name: Gyne.

* Class: Female Citizen.

* Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Body: Chiton and Himation.

- Shield: None.

- Helmet: She looks like a Hellene (Greek) female, except her hair is a bit more fashionable for Hellenistic times.

- Figure(s): Various Greek women.

* History: Macedonian women were mothers, first and foremost. They had few rights and a low station. Lower class women labored the land and, only when necessary, tended the family shop. Middle and upper class women were relegated almost exclusively to home life. Be that as it may, they were masters of the home and servants, their husbands often deferred to their wives in domestic matters. Some Macedonian women did wield uncommon influence in politics, the most famous being Olympias, mother of Alexander.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Standard female citizen attributes. Does not fight. Runs when confronted with enemy attack. Capturable.

* Special: none.

* Generic Name: Priest.

* Specific Name: Hiereus.

* Class: Healer.

* Armament: None. Carries a small votive.

* Appearance:

- Body: Long white Himation.

- Shield: None.

- Helmet: White hood and olive wreath crown.

- Figure(s): Pretty good shot here, from the movie "Alexander".

* History: The Macedonians worshiped the Olympic Pantheon. The priests of the various sects were renown for "curing" various ailments. When this propensity for "faith healing" collided with the intellectualism of some of the more liberal city-states, medicine was born.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Average Healer stats.

* Special: "Sphagia" (pre-battle sacrifice). If the Healer kills or slaughters a domesticated animal (cow, auroch, sheep, goat) within LOS of military units, those units get a small (+10%) attack boost for a short amount of time(~30 sec).

* Generic Name: Merchant.

* Specific Name: Emporos.

* Class: Trader.

* Armament: None. Walking stick.

* Appearance:

- Body: Chiton and Chlamys (cloak). Boots.

- Shield: None.

- Helmet: Floppy straw hat.

- Mount: He does not ride a trade cart, but walks on his own will, pack mule in tow.

- Figure(s): Same look as the Hellene or Carthaginian Traders.

* History: The Macedonians weren't renown as extensive traders, but did trade greatly with the Greek city-states to the south as well as the Thracian and Illyrian tribes that surrounded the kingdom. Not only did they trade goods, but slaves and knowledge as well.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Standard trader.

* Special: none.

==NAVY==

* Generic Name: Fishing Boat.

* Specific Name: Ploion Halieutikon.

* Class: Fishing Ship.

* Appearance:

- Shell: -

* History: TBD

* Garrison: Cannot.

* Garrison Capacity: 1; support, infantry

* Function: Gathering: Only method of collecting meat from fish.

* Special: Garrison a support unit or infantry unit inside to boost fishing rate.

* Generic Name: Trade Ship.

* Specific Name: Naus Emporike.

* Class: Merchantman.

* Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Shell: Will look very similar to the Hellenes trade ship, but with a different skin and different sail patterns.

* Figure(s): The ship in the left background is perfect (the ship in the foreground is also good for the Macedonian Trireme). And this is a nice render of the same ship: Perfect!

* History: Macedonian sea trade was usually limited to the Aegean Sea and the surrounding areas, possibly as far as the Black Sea Hellenic colonies.

* Garrison: Cannot.

* Function: Standard Merchant Ship. Garrison a Trader aboard to boost trade.

* Special: -

* Generic Name: Bireme.

* Specific Name: Dieres.

* Class: Light Warship.

* Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Shell: Two banks of oars. One large square sail. Brass ram on the prow of the ship.

* Figure(s): This ship here, exactly. Let's make this look different than the Greek "Pentakonter".

* History: The Macedonian navy before the reign of Philip II and his son Alexander consisted mainly of outdated pentakonter and bireme designs.

* Garrison: Cannot.

* Function: Standard bireme class ship.

* Special: -

* Generic Name: Trireme.

* Specific Name: Trieres.

* Class: Medium Warship.

* Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Shell: Three banks of oars. One large square sail and one smaller one. Iron beaked ram on the prow of the ship.

* Figure(s): Very good example (side view). Here's a plan of the decks. Put a small hut near the stern of the ship like this. This ship is similar to size and shape as the "Greek Trireme", but with different sail designs, a whole new set of skins, and perhaps a slightly different bow and stern design.

* History: As the power of the Macedonian kingdom grew, larger and more complex naval vessels became more common. The Macedonian Trieres is a simple copy of the Trireme used by the other Hellenic states, such as Athens, Corinth, and Syracuse. The tactic of a Trieres was to simply ram ones opponent with the ship's wrought iron rammed bow. If necessary boarding and capturing enemy ships in a melee was also a useful tactic. Alexander also used these ships to help besiege the island city of Tyre. Multiple Trieres were lashed together in order to support a massive siege tower to assault the sea walls of the city. Eventually Alexander's plans were successful and the city of Tyre was taken.

* Garrison: Cannot.

* Function: Standard trireme class ship.

* Special: -

==SIEGE==

* Generic Name: Siege Tower.

* Specific Name: Helepolis

* Class: Siege Tower.

* Appearance:

- Shell: Siege Tower

- Figure(s): The Helepolis of Rhodes (notice the siege engines within).

* History: When Demetrius Poliorcetes besieged Salamis, in Cyprus, he instructed that a machine be constructed, which he called "the taker of cities." Its form was that of a square tower, each side 90 cubits high and 45 wide. It rested on four wheels, each eight cubits high. It was divided into nine stories, the lower of which contained machines for throwing great stones, the middle large catapults for throwing spears, and the highest, other machines for throwing smaller stones, together with smaller catapults. It was manned with 200 soldiers, besides those that moved it by pushing the parallel beams at the bottom (Diod. xx.48).

* Garrison: Cannot.

* Function: Functions much like a warship, but on land. Is able to garrison all types of units (except cavalry) to increase attack and other attributes, including other siege units. Build limit: 1 at a time.

* Special: May unload garrisoned units over enemy walls.

* Generic Name: Stone Thrower.

* Specific Name: Petrobolos

* Class: Catapult.

* Appearance:

- Shell: Similar to the Greek Lithobolos.

- Figure(s): Just like this, with two armoured soldiers manning the weapon.

* History: When Philip II came to the throne he set out to "modernize" and reform the military capabilities of his kingdom. Notably he became known throughout the classical world as a sponsor of engineering and mathematics. Engineers and mathematicians flocked to his kingdom and beneath his patronage they created ever larger and more effective machines of war. Philip's son, Alexander, would use these to great affect during the siege of Tyre.

* Garrison: 3.

* Function: Slightly more powerful than the Greek Lithobolos, but less powerful than the Roman Ballista.

* Special: None.

==KINGDOM OF MACEDONIA CHAMPION UNITS==

* Generic Name: Shield Bearer.

* Specific Name: Hypaspistes.

* Class: Champion Infantry Unit.

* Armament: Long Macedonian pike, the "sarissa" when in Syntagma and Box formation. Greek spear, the "dory" when in Phalanx and Line formations. Switches to Greek Xiphos when in any other formation.

* Appearance:

- Body: Random appearance between silver tinned muscled cuirass and scale reinforced linothorax. Pteruges for the groin as well as shoulders. Silver tinned greaves.

- Shield: Silver round Macedonian pelta when using sarissa. Large silver Greek Aspis when using the dory or xiphos.

- Helmet: Silver Phrygian and Attic style helmets, with plumes, crests, and feathers.

- Figure(s): Excellent image of a Hypaspist using a sarissa by Johnny Shumate. Here is an amazing image of a Hypaspist utilizing an aspis and dory, also by Johnny Shumate. This one here shows the design of a "silver shield".

* History: The Royal Hypaspists, or "shield bearers", were the best, most veteran soldiers in the Macedonian army. Hand picked by the king himself for the task of guarding the person of the king, they were also tasked with the most dangerous assignments on the battlefield. During Alexander's Indian campaign, these men became known as the Argyraspides, or "silver shields" from the silver armour and equipment gifted to them by the king himself. They were well skilled in ancient warfare, utilizing tactics and equipment dictated by the task at hand, making them the most flexible infantry arm of the Macedonian armies.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: High armour. Multi-taskers, they function as pikemen when in Syntagma and box formations, as Hoplites when in Phalanx and Line formations, and as swift footed swordsmen when in other formations. Generally less powerful than a Spartiate, but far more flexible.

* Special: "Syntagma" Formation. "Phalanx" Formation (the only Macedonian unit that may utilize this Greek formation). Promotes to Argyraspis, with greater stats.

* Generic Name: Companion Cavalry.

* Specific Name: Hetairos.

* Class: Champion Cavalry Unit.

* Melee Armament: Long 12' cavalry spear, the "xyston". Sword and scabbard (decorative)

* Appearance:

- Body: Random appearance between bronze muscled cuirass and scale reinforced linothorax. Chlamys or cape. Pteruges for the groin and shoulders. No greaves. Long sleeve tunic.

- Shield: No shield.

- Helmet: Boeotian, Attic, and Thracian bronze helmets, crested and plumed.

- Mount: Stout horse. Saddles vary between leopard and lions skins, and highly decorative saddle blankets. Bronze chamfron for the horse's face.

- Figure(s): Fantastic image of Alexander leading his Hetairoi across the River Issos (shows a variety of armour and helmet types). A decent image of a Hetairos with a Boeotian helmet. Here's a painted miniature of a Hetairos with a rather lavish cape.

* History: The Hetairoi corps, or "Companion Cavalry", was made up of Macedonian noblemen trained from birth in horsemanship and cavalry warfare. These were the first "shock cavalry" used by a western army, used to punch holes in infantry formations and sow discord and panic within the enemy lines. These men accompany the king himself into battle, usually from the right of the battle line. The Hetairoi were instrumental in defeating Macedon's foes at the battles of Chaeronea (Greeks), Granicus (Persians), Issos (Persians), Gaugamela (Persians), and Hydaspes (Indians).

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: High armour and health. High cost. Probably the most powerful "Western" cavalryman in the game, only bested by Eastern "Katafraktoi" type cavalry. Has a devastating charge bonus and deals Trample damage. Particularly strong against standard citizen-soldiers, but not so strong against enemy Champion Units (but still holds up well).

* Special: None.

==SELEUCIDS CHAMPION UNITS==

* Generic Name: Greek Cataphract.

* Specific Name: Kataphraktos.

* Class: Champion Cavalry Unit.

* Armament:

- Melee: Long two-handed cavalry lance. Sword and scabbard (ornamental).

- Ranged (Secondary): Recurved Eastern short bow.

* Appearance:

- Body: Bronze muscled cuirass or Bronze scale corselet. Linen pteruges. Flowing cloak or Chlamys. Arms and legs wrapped in segmented armour.

- Shield: No shield.

- Helmet: Plumed and/or Crested Hellenistic Phrygian helmets, with and without feathers.

- Mount: Large war horse covered in scale mail. Skirt made of scale in the front and on the sides. Bronze chamfron with crest.

- Figure(s): Perfect image.

Another good image, Here.

* History: As the Seleucids began to solidify their hold on much of Alexander's Eastern Empire they began to meld the best of the martial traditions of both East and West, culminating in the Seleucids fielding a corps of highly armoured cavalry called "Katafraktoi." These cavalrymen would punch through weak points in the enemy line and would often prove decisive in battle.

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: Highest armour of any cavalry in the game, but also one of the slowest. Very high charge bonus and trample damage, but low standard attack.

* Special: None.

* Generic Name: Armoured War Elephant.

* Specific Name: Elephas Kataphraktoss.

* Class: Champion Siege Unit.

* Armament:

- Melee: Armoured Tusks.

- Ranged (Passive): Javelins

* Appearance:

- Body: The 2 riders and 1 mahout have random armour between bronze muscled cuirass and scale reinforced linothorax, with pteruges. No greaves.

- Shield: No shields for any of the riders/mahout.

- Helmet: Thracian bronze helmets, crested and plumed, non-crested and non-plumed.

- Mount: Large Indian Elephant with small wooden tower on its back. It has bronze segmented armour all over its body (see image below).

- Figure(s): Sick image of an armoured Hellenistic war elephant. Another good image of a Seleucid elephant.

* History: The Seleucids, having access to the East, specifically India, imported gigantic war elephants to augment their phalanxes. The beasts were armoured and were used as giant battering rams to smash enemy infantry formations.

* Garrison: Cannot.

* Function: The Armoured Elephant will smash buildings with its crush attack. It also has a passive ranged attack from its riders throwing javelins. Last but not least, this unit also has a very high trample aura which kills nearby enemy infantry and cavalry alike.

* Special:

- "Damage Frenzy".

- "Stench" Aura.

==PTOLEMAIC EGYPTIANS CHAMPION UNITS==

* Generic Name: Egyptian Levy Pikeman.

* Specific Name: Makhimos Aigyptios.

* Class: Champion Infantry Unit.

* Armament: Long Macedonian pike, the "sarissa".

* Appearance:

- Body: Dirty brown quilted linothorax and pteruges. No greaves.

- Shield: Round pelta with Egyptian-style designs painted on them.

- Helmet: Non-plumed Thracian and Phrygian helmets.

- Figure(s): None yet.

* History: When pressed hard by the fellow successor state, the Seleukid Kingdom, the Ptolemies of Egypt began to arm and train the Egyptian people in Macedonian fashion. These levies of indigenous Egyptians were crucial in turning back the Seleukid tide, cementing nationalist pride and threatening the rule of the Ptolemies over their own kingdom.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Same stats as an Elite Pezhetairos (it's uncommon for a Champion Unit to have stats on par with a citizen-soldier), but trains twice as fast, owing to their levy, non-professional status.

* Special: "Syntagma" Formation.

* Generic Name: War Elephant.

* Specific Name: Elephas Polemikos.

* Class: Champion Siege Unit.

* Armament:

- Melee: Armoured Tusks.

- Ranged (Passive): Javelins

* Appearance:

- Body: The 1 riders and 1 mahout have random armour between bronze muscled cuirass and scale reinforced linothorax, with pteruges. No greaves.

- Shield: No shields for any of the riders/mahout.

- Helmet: Hellenistic bronze helmets, crested and plumed, non-crested and non-plumed.

- Mount: Small North African Elephant with small wooden tower on its back. Smaller and less powerful than the Asian elephants used by the Persians and Seleucids.

- Figure(s): -.

* History: The Ptolemies secured a corps of North African elephants in order to counter the giant war beasts employed by the Seleucids. These had towers, but no other armour (in contrast to the Seleucid behemoths).

* Garrison: Cannot.

* Function: The Elephant will smash buildings with its crush attack. It also has a passive ranged attack from its riders throwing javelins. This unit also has a high trample aura. Faster than the Seleucid elephants, but slower than the Carthaginian elephants.

* Special:

- "Damage Frenzy".

- "Stench" Aura.

* Generic Name: Juggernaut.

* Specific Name: Tessarakonteres.

* Class: Champion Ship Unit.

* Armament: Two (2) catapults (standard). Any other ranged units that are garrisoned aboard.

* Appearance:

- Shell: This is the textbook definition of a naval "Juggernaut." Largest ship in the game. As many oars as possible and large sails. It's possible it might have had a double catamaran hull. Put a lavish tent on the rear.

* Figure(s): None yet.

* History: The age of the Successors ('Diadokhoi') was the age of the arms race. Ever larger and more complex machines of war were envisioned and constructed. Among those machines was the gigantic juggernauts of the Ptolemaic navy, or "Poliremes". Some of these ships were large enough to boast crews of over a thousand strong or more. These were more like floating fortresses than tactical naval ships. With the end of the Hellenistic states in the 1st century BC came the end of these mighty juggernauts.

* Garrison: Cannot.

* Function: Biggest ship in the game. Can garrison roughly twice as many units as a Quinquereme. Comes with two catapults standard, but may be garrisoned with up to 2 more. Very slow and very costly, these ships are more like floating fortresses than mere ships. Like the Helepolis, the player may only build 1 at a time.

* Special: This ship may only be constructed during the lifetime of the Ptolemaic hero Ptolemy Philopater.

==KINGDOM OF MACEDONIA HEROES==

* Generic Name: Philip II.

* Specific Name: Philippos II.

* Class: Hero1.

* Hacker Armament: As for Macedonian Hetairos.

* Ranged Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Body: Iron and gold-gilded "Vergina Cuirass". Pteruges for the groin and shoulders. Iron greaves and leather sandals.

- Helmet: Iron "Vergina Helmet" with crest.

- Shield: None.

- Mount: White stallion. Highly decorative saddle blanket and tack. Iron chamfron for the stallion's face.

- Figure(s): The single best depiction of Philip to-date, bar none!.

* History: The king of Macedonia (359 BC - 336 BC), he carried out vast monetary and military reforms in order to make his kingdom the most powerful force in the Greek world. Greatly enlarged the size of Macedonia by conquering much of Thrace, and subduing the Greeks. Murdered in Aegae while planning a campaign against Persia.

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: Cavalry Enhancement.

* Special:

- "Hero" Aura (All nearby cavalry units are 10% faster and have +15% attack.)

* Generic Name: Alexander the Great.

* Specific Name: Megas Alexandros.

* Class: Hero2.

* Hacker Armament: A mean looking Kopis.

* Ranged Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Body: Linen and Iron thorax as depicted in the "Pompeii Mosaic". Long sleeves, boots, but no greaves. Wears a heroic flowing cape.

- Helmet: Golden "lion" helmet as depicted in the movie "Alexander". Long blond hair.

- Shield: No shield.

- Mount: Bucephalus. A large black stallion. Leopard saddle blanket and decorative tack. Bronze chamfron.

- Figure(s): Just like this--->A great miniature.

* History: The most powerful hero of them all - son of Philip II, king of Macedonia (336 BC - 323 BC). After conquering the rest of the Thracians and quelling the unrest of the Greeks (by razing once-mighty Thebes to the ground), Alexander embarked on a world-conquest march. Defeating the Persian forces at Granicus (334 BC), Issus (333 BC) and Gaugamela (331 BC), he became master of the Persian Empire. Entering India, he defeated king Porus at Hydaspes (326 BC), but his weary troops made him halt. Died in Babylon at the age of 33 while planning a campaign against Arabia.

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: Imperialist, Hero Killer

* Special:

- "Hero" Aura (All structures have +25% territory effect during his lifetime, by default. This is replaced with all enemy buildings are captured 25% quicker when territories are turned off.)

- "Heroicide Bonus" (+25% attack bonus vs. enemy heroes.)

* Generic Name: Demetrius the Besieger.

* Specific Name: Demetrios Poliorketes.

* Class: Hero3.

* Hacker Armament: Sarissa; Short Sword (ornamental).

* Ranged Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Body: 16 kg metal armour. Iron greaves.

- Helmet: A fancy hat or a crown of laurels.

- Shield: Macedonian pelta, emblazoned with the sun rays of Macedonian royalty.

- Figure(s): He's already in the game.

* History: One of the Diadochoi, king of Macedonia (294 BC - 288 BC), Demetrios was renowned as one of the bravest and most able successors of Alexander. As the son of Antigonos I Monophthalmos (one of Alexander's great generals), he fought and won many important battles early on and was proclaimed king, along with his father, in 306 BC. Losing his Asian possessions after the battle of Ipsos, he later won the Macedonian throne. Fearing lest they should be overpowered by Demetrios, the other Diadochi united against him and defeated him.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Siege Enhancement

* Special:

- "Hero" Aura (All nearby siege weapons have 50% greater range and vision, and +25% attack [Poliorcetes means "the city besieger"].)

==SELEUCIDS HEROES==

* Generic Name: Seleucus the Victor.

* Specific Name: Seleukos I Nikator.

* Class: Hero1.

* Hacker Armament: Elephant tusks.

* Ranged Armament: Javelins.

* Appearance:

- Body: As for a Chalkaspis, but with decorative tinned embossing on the bronze cuirass. Long flowing chlamys.

- Helmet: Beautiful crested and feathered Phrygian helmet (see figure below).

- Shield: No shield - protected by tower (howdah).

- Mount: Armoured War Elephant (Elefantos Katafraktos) with tower (howdah). Armour is silver instead of bronze, with gold inlays. Mahout same as Elefantos Katafraktoi.

- Figure(s): A good view of his upper armour, face, and helmet.

* History: "Always lying in wait for the neighboring nations, strong in arms and persuasive in council, he [seleucus] acquired Mesopotamia, Armenia, 'Seleucid' Cappadocia, Persis, Parthia, Bactria, Arabia, Tapouria, Sogdia, Arachosia, Hyrcania, and other adjacent peoples that had been subdued by Alexander, as far as the river Indus, so that the boundaries of his empire were the most extensive in Asia after that of Alexander. The whole region from Phrygia to the Indus was subject to Seleucus." — Appian, "The Syrian Wars"

* Garrison: 3.

* Function: Elephant Corps Commander.

* Special:

- "Hero" Aura (Boosts War Elephant attack and speed +20% within his vision.)

* Generic Name: Antiochus the Great.

* Specific Name: Antiokhos III Megas.

* Class: Hero2.

* Hacker Armament: Sarissa; Kopis (ornamental).

* Ranged Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Body: Golden muscled cuirass. Shoulder doubling. Segmented armour for the arms. Pteruges and leather boots.

- Helmet: Plumed thracian-style helmet, with highly embossed face mask.

- Shield: No shield (needs to hands to wield his sarissa).

- Mount: Cataphract armour. Crested head dress. Highly decorated saddle blanket.

- Figure(s): Amazing piece of art, depicting Antiochus' charge at Magnesia.

* History: Antiochus inherited a troubled kingdom upon the beginning of his reign. From the verge of collapse he managed to weld back together the empire Seleukus I so hard to found. The rebellious eastern satraps of Bactria and Parthia were brought to heel , temporarily securing his eastern borders. He then turned his attention to mother Greece, attempting to fulfill the dreams of his fathers by invading Greece under the pretext of "liberation". The Achaean League and the Kingdom of Pergamon banded together with the Romans to defeat him at the Battle of Magnesia, forever burying the dream of reuniting Alexander's empire.

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: Cavalry enhancement.

* Special:

- "Hero" Aura (All cavalry trained during his lifetime gain +25% all armour types. These cavalrymen retain their armour bonuses even after Antiochus is dead.)

* Generic Name: Antiochus the Magnificent.

* Specific Name: Antiokhos IV Epiphanes.

* Class: Hero3.

* Hacker Armament: Xiphos (Hellenic short sword).

* Ranged Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Body: Tinned/Silver muscled cuirass. Linen groin and shoulder pteruges. White boots.

- Helmet: Silver Boeotian Helmet with Laurel Wreath.

- Shield: Small round Macedonian Pelta, with Eastern motif.

- Mount: Katafract-style horse (see Antiochus III's mount).

- Figure(s): The fellow on the right with the silver muscled cuirass. Horse similar to Antiochus III here.

* History: Antiochus IV Epiphanes was a son of Antiochus III the Great and brother of Seleucus IV Philopator. Originally named Mithridates, he assumed the name Antiochus either upon his accession to the throne or after the death of his elder brother Antiochus. Notable events during his reign include the near-conquest of Egypt (twice), which was halted by the threat of Roman intervention, and the beginning of the Jewish revolt of the Maccabees.

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: This guy captures buildings and enhances his army's crush attack.

* Special:

- "Hero" Aura (All nearby bipedal melee units gain a +200% Crush attack versus buildings, siege engines, and ships. Building capture time reduced by 25% during his reign.)

==PTOLEMAIC EGYPTIANS HEROES==

* Generic Name: Ptolemy the Savior.

* Specific Name: Ptolemaios I Soter.

* Class: Hero1.

* Hacker Armament: Xyston, same as a Hetairos.

* Ranged Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Body: Reinforced Linothorax with pteruges. Chlamys (cape). Boots.

- Helmet: Crested Attic helmet, highly embossed.

- Shield: Small round shield, with Egyptian insignia.

- Mount: Looks very similar to a Hetairos mount, but with a more elaborate tack.

- Figure(s): .

* History: Born in 367 BCE, Ptolemy I grew to become one of Alexander the Great's closest friends and generals. He was instrumental in Alexander's later campaigns in Bactria (modern Afghanistan) and India. After Alexander's death, Ptolemy took control of the Satrap of Egypt, and after the Battle of Ipsus became sole ruler of Egypt as "Pharaoh," founding the Ptolemy Dynasty that would rule Egypt for nearly 3 centuries. Ptolemaic Egypt reached the height of its territorial boundaries under his reign as he added Syria, Judea, Cyprus, and parts of Asia Minor to his realm. His reputation for bonhomie and liberality attached the floating soldier-class of Macedonians and Hellenes to his service, and was not insignificant; nor did he wholly neglect conciliation of the native Egyptians. He was a ready patron of letters, founding the Great Library of Alexandria. He himself wrote a history of Alexander's campaigns that has not survived. This used to be considered an objective work, distinguished by its straightforward honesty and sobriety. However, Ptolemy may have exaggerated his own role, and had propagandist aims in writing his History. Although now lost, it was a principal source for the surviving account by Arrian of Nicomedia. Ptolemy died in 283 BCE, the last of the Diodachoi, leaving a well-ordered and stable kingdom to his progeny.

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: Construction Foreman and Mercenary Captain.

* Special:

- "Hero" Aura (All buildings within his vision construct 50% faster. All merc units cost 30% less during his lifetime.)

- "Hero" Aura (All merc units cost 30% less during his lifetime.)

* Generic Name: Ptolemy the Honoured.

* Specific Name: Ptolemaios IV Philopater.

* Class: Hero2.

* Hacker Armament: Short sword.

* Ranged Armament: None.

* Appearance:

- Body: Bronze muscled cuirass over a long flowing Egyptian tunic. Sandals.

- Helmet: Laurel wreath crown.

- Shield: No shield.

- Figure(s): None yet.

* History: Ptolemy IV Philopater's reign was inaugurated by the murder of his mother, and he was always under the dominion of favourites, male and female, who indulged his vices and conducted the government as they pleased. Self-interest led his ministers to make serious preparations to meet the attacks of Antiochus III the Great on Coele-Syria including Judea, and the great Egyptian victory of Raphia (217), where Ptolemy himself was present, secured the northern borders of the kingdom for the remainder of his reign. Ptolemy IV is said to have built a giant ship known as the tessarakonteres ("forty"), a huge type of galley. The forty of its name may refer to its number of banks of oars. The current theory is that Ptolemy's ship was an oversize catamaran galley, measuring 128 m 420 ft.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Naval enhancement. He has low armour.

* Special:

- "Hero" Aura (All warships +20% Hitpoints when the hero is garrisoned aboard a ship.)

- "Hero" Aura (A special warship, the "Tessarakonteres" may be constructed during his lifetime.)

* Generic Name: Cleopatra VII.

* Specific Name: Cleopatra VII.

* Class: Hero3.

* Hacker Armament: Wheel scythes (melee attack is limited to charge and trample features).

* Ranged Armament: Composite Egyptian Bow.

* Appearance:

- Body: Long gown beneath a gold-gilded and highly embossed gorget.

- Helmet: Elaborate head dress. Black hair and garish Egyptian cosmetics.

- Shield: No shield.

- Mount: Egyptian scythed chariot. Highly ornamental.

- Figure(s): Her head dress. Another possible head dress, plus a good idea for the gorget. Her gown. Chariot image 1, and 2.

* History: Cleopatra VII is one of the most discussed women in history. She came to the throne of Egypt at the age of 18 and ruled with guile and cunning. Fully Greek in heritage, she nevertheless engendered great support from the Egyptian people by being the first Ptolemaic Pharaoh to learn the Egyptian language. Her patron goddess was the Egyptian goddess Issus, even though by this time the Macedonians had imported much of their pantheon of Olympian gods. Cleopatra met Julius Caesar in 48 BCE, when he arrived to conquer Egypt for Rome. She succeeded in changing his mind. She bore him a son the next year and traveled to Rome as Caesar's bride, but when Julius was assassinated she fled back to Egypt. Later, on his way to attack Parthia, Marcus Antony, trusted general of the late Caesar, stopped in Egypt. There he met Cleopatra and fell immediately in love. Cleopatra bore him 4 children. Together, they fought Octavian Caesar (who would go on to become Augustus Caesar, first emperor of Rome) in a Roman civil war. After the disastrous naval battle of Actium (31 BCE) off the coast of Greece, they fled back to Egypt, hotly pursued by Octavian. The next year, surrounded by Octavian's forces with no hope of regaining power, Antony committed suicide. Cleopatra, the last of the Egyptian Pharaohs and the last of Alexander's Successors, followed Antony in death, committing suicide by Asp, a deadly snake.

* Garrison: 2.

* Function: She is generally a ranged unit, but when tasked to charge (double click), her chariot can deal a rather vicious charge and trample attack.

* Special:

- "Hero" Aura (Within her LOS nearby enemy hero aura effects are reduced by -50%. Nearby allied or friendly hero aura effects are bonused +20%.)

NEW UNIT TRAITS

* Syntagma Formation: This Macedonian civilisation does not require a technology to be researched in order to use the Syntagma Formation (unlike in 0 A.D. 1.0 where a technology is required). The Pezhetairos, Hypaspist, and Machimos unit types automatically receive the ability to use this formation.

* Damage Frenzy: Like with Persian War Elephants, the Seleucid Armoured Elephants will "run amok" out of control of the player and attack any nearby unit, friend or foe, when significantly damaged. This may only be rectified by the "frenzied" unit being healed by a Healer back to sufficient health.

* "Stench" Aura: As with Persian camels, cavalry units are spooked by elephants, and prove less effective when in range of them.

* Herocide: Alexander the Great has an attack bonus versus all other enemy heroes in the game. This gives him the unique qualification as a "hero killer."

* Sphagia: <means:pre-battle sacrifice> The Healer Unit ("Hiereus") may kill or slaughter a domesticated animal (cow, auroch, sheep, goat) within LOS of military units, giving those units a small (+10%) attack boost for a short amount of time(~30 sec). This is not upgradeable.

CIV CENTRE UNITS

* Melee Infantry: Pezhetairos (Infantry Spearman).

* Ranged Infantry: Agrianian Peltast (Infantry Javelinist).

* Cavalry: Thessalian Prodromos (Cavalry Javelinist).

FORBIDDEN UNIT CLASSES

* Infantry Swordsman

* Cavalry Swordsman

* Cavalry Archer

* Bolt Shooter

STRUCTURE DESCRIPTIONS

==VILLAGE==

* Generic Name: House.

* Specific Name: Peristyle.

* Class: House.

* History: During the Hellenistic Age ushered in by Macedon, luxurious palaces and estates became commonplace in the rich Hellenistic metropolises like Antioch, Alexandria and Seleucia. Even simple, middle class homes included a walled garden, called a 'peristyle'.

* Generic Name: Granary.

* Specific Name: Sitobolion.

* Class: Farmstead.

* History: Grain was more plentiful in the low lands of Macedon, while hunting and herding was practiced in the highlands.

* Generic Name: Field.

* Specific Name: Agros.

* Class: Field.

* History: Even though Greece is a rugged country, farming was still one of the most common sources of food. Farms were built in small villages and outside city walls.

* Generic Name: Animal Pen.

* Specific Name: Tafros.

* Class: Corral.

* History: Here is where the player may fatten his herd and milk his cows.

* Generic Name: Vineyard.

* Specific Name: .

* Class: Orchard.

* History: The ancient Hellenic peoples had a varied diet, which included many kinds of fruits. These included: Apples, Bergamot oranges, Carobs, Figs, Grapes, Jujubes, Olives (yes, olives are a fruit), Pears, Plums, Pomegranates (made famous in myth), and Quinces.

* Generic Name: Storehouse.

* Specific Name: Apostasis.

* Class: Mill.

* History: Resources and building materials were kept in warehouses.

* Generic Name: Outpost.

* Specific Name: Proskopos.

* Class: Outpost.

* History: Garrison a unit in this tower and gain a large line of sight bonus.

* Generic Name: Stone Wall.

* Specific Name: Lithoteichos.

* Class: Wall.

* History: All Hellenic cities were surrounded by stone walls for protection against enemy raids. Some of these fortifications, like the Athenian Long Walls, for example, were massive structures.

* Generic Name: Stone Tower.

* Specific Name: Pyrgos.

* Class: Wall Tower.

* History: Towers were an important part of city fortifications. The defending troops shot arrows at the enemy and poured boiling oil over the assailants.

* Generic Name: Stone Gate.

* Specific Name: Lithopulê.

* Class: Wall Gate.

* History: Gates were the portals to and from a city. It was often a target for besiegers.

==TOWN==

* Generic Name: Civic Centre.

* Specific Name: Polis.

* Class: Civ Centre.

* History: During the reign of Philip II, any city he conquered he raised to the ground and rebuilt upon Macedonian design and settled with new Macedonian colonists. Alexander founded new cities and named them after himself or his close friends (including one city named for his horse Bucephalus). These he settled with veterans of his campaigns.

* Generic Name: Shipyard.

* Specific Name: Neôrion.

* Class: Dock.

* History: A ship yard is required to build a navy.

* Generic Name: Temple of the Gods.

* Specific Name: Olympieion.

* Class: Temple.

* History: The Macedonians built marvelous temples in order to honour their polytheistic pantheon. While all gods were venerated, the sun god Apollo was the patron deity of the royal family.

* Generic Name: Barracks.

* Specific Name: Stratonas.

* Class: Barracks.

* History: The Stratonas houses and trains the soldiers of the Hellenistic kingdoms.

* Generic Name: Marketplace.

* Specific Name: Emporion.

* Class: Market.

* History: The center of a Macedonian city is its Emporion. Here is where vendors sell their wares and where commerce and local politics mix.

==CITY==

* Generic Name: Fortress.

* Specific Name: Epiteichisma.

* Class: Fortress.

* History: Build a fortress to train Champion Units and Heroes.

SPECIAL STRUCTURES

* Generic Name: Library.

* Specific Name: Bibliothikon.

* Class: SB1.

* History: Alexander the Great founded libraries all over his new empire. These became a center of learning for an entirely new synthesized culture: the Hellenistic culture.

* Requirements: None.

* Phase: City.

* Special:

- Maximum of 1 built.

- All Special Technologies are researched here.

- Building one reduces the cost of all other remaining technologies by 10%.

* Generic Name: Lighthouse.

* Specific Name: Faros.

* Class: SB2.

* Architectural Reference(s): A very nice design for the Faros Lighthouse of Alexandria.

* History: The Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt built the magnificent "Lighthouse of Alexandria" near the harbour mouth of that Nile Delta city. This structure could be seen for many kilometers out to sea and was one of the "Seven Wonders of the World."

* Requirements: None.

* Phase: City.

* Special: When built along the shoreline, grants a very large vision area of the water. Limit: 1.

NEW STRUCTURE TRAITS

See special buildings above.

FORBIDDEN STRUCTURES

None.

CIV BONUSES

CB1

* Name: Hellenic League.

* History: After the unification of Greece, Philip II gathered all the city-states together to form the 'Hellenic League', with Macedon as the its leader. With this "Pan-Hellenic" federation he planned to launch an expedition to punish Persia for past wrongs. Although assassinated before he could carry out the invasion, his son Alexander the Great took up the mantle and completed his fathers plans.

* Effect: All Macedonian units have a +10% attack bonus vs. Persians and Hellenes (but also -5% attack debonus vs. Roman units).

CB2

* Name: Syntagma.

* History: Based upon the Theban "Oblique Order" phalanx, the Syntagma was the formation that proved invincible against the armies of Hellas and the East.

* Effect: Infantry pike units can use the Syntagma formation (without the need to research a technology). The Syntagma formation is very slow, gives a high pierce attack bonus, and is nearly invincible from the front. However, it is extremely vulnerable from the rear and prone to being flanked unless guarded adequately.

TEAM BONUS

TB1

* Name: Standardized Currency.

* History: The Macedonians and the Diadochi minted coins of very high quality. On their currency the Diadochi in particular frequently depicted themselves as the 'rightful successor' to Alexander the Great, attempting to legitimize their rule.

* Effect: Tribute between allies of the Metal resource is bonused ~ 15%.

TECHNOLOGIES

* Infantry: Strong spearmen - definitely a match for Greek and Roman spearmen. Better than average ranged infantry.

* Cavalry: Excellent Cavalry. Good attack and armour techs.

* Naval: Strong initially, but not many techs. When everything is said and done, roughly analogous to the Greeks.

* Siege: Average catapult; however, the Helepolis is very strong.

* Economy: Seleucids have a very strong economic Special Tech.

- Farming: Mediocre. (Great Ptolemaic Special Technology for farming)

- Mining: Good.

- Lumbering: Average.

- Hunting: Weak.

- Land Trade: Weak (until the City Phase, then average).

- Naval Trade: Mediocre. Nothing to match the Greek or Carthaginian trading fleet.

* Architecture:

- Overall: Above average.

- Defenses: Average.

SPECIAL TECHNOLOGIES

==KINGDOM OF MACEDONIA SPECIAL TECHNOLOGIES==

ST1

* Name: Hellenistic Metropolises.

* History: Beginning with Alexander, the Hellenistic monarchs founded many new cities throughout their empires, including Thessalonika, Seleucia, Antioch, Lysimachia, Alexandria, and others, where Greek culture and art blended with local customs to create the motley Hellenistic civilisation.

* Effect: Civic Centres have double Health and a +10% increase in territory effect.

ST2

* Name: Military Reforms.

* History: When Philip II came to the Macedonian throne he began a total reorganization of the Macedonian army. His reforms created a powerful cavalry arm to his army that would prove useful to both himself and his son Alexander's conquests.

* Effect: Each subsequent Barracks constructed comes with 5 free (random) Macedonian military units. This also applies to the Barracks of allied players (they receive 5 free units of their own culture for each new Barracks constructed).

==SELEUCIDS SPECIAL TECHNOLOGIES==

ST1

* Name: The Silk Road.

* History: The Seleukid Empire straddled the famous "silk road" that ran from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indus River, Tibet, and beyond to China. The trade and taxes along this route made the Seleukid cities insanely rich.

* Effect: Each Civic Centre constructed acts like a "relic" and grants a constant profitable stream of resources.

ST2

* Name: Marriage of East and West.

* History: When consolidating his empire, Seleucus I began a program of "Hellenisation" of his realm; integrating the culture of Greece with the cultures of the East. It was a process that was never fully completed, but in many areas helped weld the empire together under a common culture. This was also beneficial, as it opened up recruitment for the army to the native peoples.

* Effect: All units train 20% faster.

==PTOLEMAIC EGYPTIANS SPECIAL TECHNOLOGIES==

ST1

* Name: Nile Delta.

* History: The Nile Delta was the breadbasket of Egypt and beyond for thousands of years. Like the "Fertile Crescent", the Nile River Basin had annual floods that continuously enriched the surrounding farmlands, ensuring a bountiful harvest for Egyptian farmers. Under Roman control, Egypt supplied Rome with the lion's share of its grain.

* Effect: Fields seed instantly. Farming +50% profitable.

ST2

* Name: Pharaonic Cult.

* History: From its earliest times the Egyptians worshiped their Pharaohs as living gods. The Ptolemies took advantage of this age-old tradition when they came to power.

* Effect: Allows dead heroes to be re-trained over the course of the game, though the same hero cannot be trained consecutively.

==MISCELLANEOUS==

Editor-Only Units

* Generic Name: Bronze Shield Pikeman.

* Specific Name: Phalangites Chalkaspis.

* Class: Champion Infantry Pikeman.

* Armament: Long Macedonian pike, the "sarissa" when in Syntagma, Line, and Box formations. Switches to Greek Xiphos when in any other formation.

* Appearance:

- Body: Heavily armoured--linothorax or bronze cuirass, bronze greaves, pteruges.

- Shield: Small round Macedonian-style pelta shield. Bronze, with embossed Hellenistic designs.

- Helmet: Bronze Hellenistic-era helmet styles, with plumes, crests, and feathers.

- Figure(s): An example of the officer rank.

* History: The Chalkaspides or "Bronze Shields" were units of pikemen fielded by the Macedonians, Seleucids, and by the kingdom of Pontus.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Pikeman, like the Pezhetairos and Egyptian pikeman, but with stronger (Champion) stats. Powerful, but vulnerable to missile units because of their slow speed. Has two ranks, Enlisted and Officer.

* Special: "Syntagma" Formation.

* Generic Name: Heavy Skirmisher.

* Specific Name: Thureophoros.

* Class: Mercenary Infantry Skirmisher (Elite rank).

* Armament: Javelin. Sword and Scabbard (ornamental).

* Appearance:

- Body: No armour. May or may not have a cape. Leather boots.

- Shield: Flat oval tower shield, the "Thureos."

- Helmet: Bronze Hellenistic-era helmet styles, with plumes, crests, and feathers.

- Figure(s): None yet.

* History: The thureophoroi (singular: thureophoros) was a type of infantry soldier, common in the 3rd to 1st century BCE, who carried a large oval shield called a thureos which had a type of metal strip boss and a central spine. They were armed with a long thrusting spear, javelins and a sword. They also usually wore an iron or bronze Macedonian helmet. The thureos was probably originally an adapted form of a Celtic shield. Thracian and Illyrian infantry probably adopted the shield before the Greeks. However it has been suggested that the thureos was brought to Greece after Pyrrhus of Epirus' campaigns in Italy, as his Oscan allies and Roman enemies used the scutum. Thureophoroi were a 3rd century development on the Peltast and wore no body armor, but did wear sturdy leather boots for quick movement. Thureophoroi could skirmish, as well as fight in a phalanx when necessary. They were often stationed on the flanks of the traditional pike phalanx as a link between the heavier pikemen and the cavalry wings.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Heavy skirmisher. Same speed as other skirmishers, but with more armour. They are classed as a citizen-soldier of the Elite rank, with the corresponding gathering speed and construction abilities. They are also classed as mercenaries, with all the traits that designation entails.

* Special: None.

* Generic Name: Armoured Swordsman.

* Specific Name: Thorakites.

* Class: Champion Infantry Swordsman.

* Melee Armament: Sword when in most formations. Greek spear, the "dory" when in Phalanx formation.

* Ranged Armament (Initial): Javelin. Throws javelin volley first, then closes with sword or spear (depending upon situation above).

* Appearance:

- Body: Reinforced linothorax or chainmail hauberk.

- Shield: Oval tower shield, the "Thureos."

- Helmet: Bronze Hellenistic-era helmet styles, with plumes, crests, and feathers.

- Figure(s): A perfect example.

* History: The Thorakites (plural: Thorakitai) was a soldier similar to thureophoroi. The literal translation of the term is curassiers, which suggests that they may have worn a short Celtic mail shirt or possibly a thorax. Thorakitai were used in armies of the Hellenistic Period in a variety of tactical situations. They were a type of armoured but mobile infantry who did not require a rigid formation to be effective in combat. From their name we can deduce that most wore armour and helmet. They bore a thureos (or thyreos), an oblong shield, and were armed with sword, javelins and spear, which were used according to their tactical use. It seems that the thorakitai were heavily armored thureophoroi, able to bear spears and do battle in a phalanx as well as irregularly attack the enemy in situations when such an action was required for tactical reasons, like to exploit or challenge rough terrain. Thorakitai are mentioned in the army of the Achaian League and in the army of the Seleucids. The Seleucid Thorakitai were used in the storming of the Elburz Range in 210 BC under Antiochus III. They were used with the lighter troops to climb the cliffs and fight hand to hand with the enemy who might have not been dislodged by the lighter troops in the assault. There is a tomb illustration from Sidon showing what could well be a thorakites. The fragmentary inscription indicates that he was an Anatolian.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Flexible Heavy Infantry, much like the Macedonian Hypaspistes, but slightly weaker.

* Special: "Phalanx" Formation.

[Mythos_Ruler]

I came up with this about 3 years ago and have been messing with it off and on, fixing things here and there. It's essentially a hypothetical faction for a mini-expansion or super content patch. Not sure we'll even do this. The Greeks would need to be revamped (I have a half-finished profile for a revamped Greek faction as well). If we did all that might as well throw in Marian Romans too.

Anyway, like a lot of my ideas, it is big and infeasible. But since we went ahead and released the entire Design Document for Part I, I figured I'd release this as well.

[SMST]

Nice suggestions. Shouldn't the Ptolemaioi have elephants, too, or is that Polirieme really so special that it must be included? Sadly, I do not know much about the military of the Hellenistic states, other than that they were a good mixture of native and Hellenic military tradition.

If needed, I would help with dirty actor and entinity scripting, provided someone makes textures and models first.

Oh yeah: Shouldn't that be a opportunity to revamp the Celtic faction as well? A seperate Gaulish and British faction would be good and more accurate I think. See my PG:E thread, where I did some humble experiments with Celtic units to distinguish the two civs a bit more.

Some random thoughts about the revamped Greek faction (may be similar to yours)

Subfactions Athénai, Sparté and Thébai.

Athénai SU:

Super Infantry: Thurephoros (after Iphikrates' reforms)

Super Ranged: Ekdromos

Athénai Heroes:

1. Miltiades

2. Themistokles

3. Pericles

Sparté SU:

Super Infantry: Homoios Lakédaimonion ("equals under the Lakedaemonians/Spartans")

Super Ranged: Helotes Messenikos ("Messenian serf")

Sparté Heroes:

1. Leonidas

2. Pausanias

3. Brasidas

Thébai SU:

Super Infantry: Hieron Lochos ("Sacred Band")

Super Ranged: Peltastes Thrakios ("Thracian skirmisher", Thebans employed them first and foremost, I would go for "Akontistes" for the regular Greek skirmisher unit)

Thébai Heroes:

1. Pelopidas

2. Epaimendonas

3. ?

EDIT:

Oh, and about the Hellenic league bonus: I don't like the notion of giving any civ any particular advantage/disadvantage against another specific civ. In my opinion, this damages gameplay, for if a player chooses Macedonia, the other player will almost certainly choose Rome. I would prefer it that way that any civ can beat any other civ on equal terms. (given enough strategic thinking and a good play on the civ's strenghts, of course)

Edited September 26, 2010 by SMST

[AuroN2]

Now heres something i'll enjoy if its implemented, phalangites

Why have greeks as subfactions for Macedonians?

UNT, seleukia and the Ptolmaeics both should have elephants, as they both used them as apart of their warfare, not one or the other >.>

[SMST]

I've created some units for Macedonia, which I based on the descriptions in this document. (though not throughout)

They are the Pezhetairoi (re-arranged super unit of original 0 A.D., split up in basic, advanced, elite), Agranian Peltastai (they are using the Ekdromoi tunics in Elite Status as placeholder) and Xystophoroi (the Elite needs a different texture with cloak)

The Xystophoros in particular needs some work, but what do you think?

Edited April 9, 2011 by SMST

[Mythos_Ruler]

Updated with the new SpecificName/GenericName paradigm.

[SMST]

Me wants recognition for units in me last post!

Anyway, can we have three super champion units for one faction now?

[Mythos_Ruler]

Anyway, can we have three super champion units for one faction now?

I put 3 in because I couldn't choose just 2. It is very possible to have 6 Champion Units per faction if we wanted to. We just decided to make only 2 standard.

Oh, and I recognize your awesomeness in modding new units. Ave SMST!

[Mythos_Ruler]

Fixed all references from "Super" units to Champion Units.

[SMST]

I had a take on Rhodian Slingers lately:

The Basic rank is pretty much just the basic Toxotes, with sling instead of bow. The Advanced was inspired by this and this picture (both Shumate, I think, I found them on a game project site), while the Elite is kind of like the Europa Barbarorum Rhodian Slinger, though he is currently using the Elite Toxote body texture and an Iberian buckler for now - there was no Hellenic shield in a satisfying size.

I honestly think those slingers should be in Vanilla 0 A.D. to complete the Hellenic Infantry lineup.

[LusitanCenturion]

Nice ideas and new units by SMST! I realy want to see Helenes and Diadochoi (sp?) as different factions. And please, Elephants to both Seleukia and Ptolies, the idea of armoured asians for the first and african unarmoured with towers for the other is great!

[SMST]

Nice ideas and new units by SMST! I realy want to see Helenes and Diadochoi (sp?) as different factions. And please, Elephants to both Seleukia and Ptolies, the idea of armoured asians for the first and african unarmoured with towers for the other is great!

To balance out things, the Seleucids should get an Champion Infantry Unit too. The Chalkaspides (bronze shield pikemen) are already in the game. (though I think they were the Elites of Pontus rather than of the Seleucid Empire)

[LusitanCenturion]

To balance out things, the Seleucids should get an Champion Infantry Unit too. The Chalkaspides (bronze shield pikemen) are already in the game. (though I think they were the Elites of Pontus rather than of the Seleucid Empire)

What about Thorakitai Agematos Basilikou? =P

Or even normal Thorakitai if they arent ingame.

Or some elite regional archers like Syrians.

Edited August 6, 2011 by LusitanCenturion

[Mythos_Ruler]

To balance out things, the Seleucids should get an Champion Infantry Unit too. The Chalkaspides (bronze shield pikemen) are already in the game. (though I think they were the Elites of Pontus rather than of the Seleucid Empire)

Pontus, Macedon, and the Seleucids all had "Bronze Shield" corps. Late Macedon split its phalangites into two corps, the white shields (Leukaspides) and the bronze shields (Chalkaspides). The Seleucids had the silver shields (Argyraspides), the gold shields (Chrysaspides), and bronze shields pikemen corps. Another idea would be the "Romanized" Thorakitai swordsmen for the Seleucids. Seleucids also used Scythe Chariots (in addition to Companions, Cataphracts, Agema, and Armored War Elephants). You can see how difficult it is to only choose just two Champion Units for them.

[SMST]

Pontus, Macedon, and the Seleucids all had "Bronze Shield" corps. Late Macedon split its phalangites into two corps, the white shields (Leukaspides) and the bronze shields (Chalkaspides). The Seleucids had the silver shields (Argyraspides), the gold shields (Chrysaspides), and bronze shields pikemen corps. Another idea would be the "Romanized" Thorakitai swordsmen for the Seleucids. Seleucids also used Scythe Chariots (in addition to Companions, Cataphracts, Agema, and Armored War Elephants). You can see how difficult it is to only choose just two Champion Units for them.

lol. Anyway, I think the Chalkaspides would work nicely. The Thoakritai look too Roman to me, and I'd like an Hellenistic feel. (though the definition of "Hellenistic" is pretty much "let's throw all cultures of the Ancient world together and see what we get".)

Edited August 7, 2011 by SMST

[LusitanCenturion]

lol. Anyway, I think the Chalkaspides would work nicely. The Thoakritai look too Roman to me, and I'd like an Hellenistic feel. (though the definition of "Hellenistic" is pretty much "let's throw all cultures of the Ancient world together and see what we get".)

Not all thorakitai looked like romans, they were more like versatile heavly armored troops with thureos (oval celtic shields), celtic chain mail/ eastern scale mail, thrusting spear and javelins, who could skirmish, act as shock troops and also fight in a very effective (hoplite style) phalanx, a natural development from Thureophoroi, a mix from hoplites and peltastai with thracian and celtic influences, roman influence came only later.

Edited August 7, 2011 by LusitanCenturion

[SMST]

Not all thorakitai looked like romans, they were more like versatile heavly armored troops with thureos (oval celtic shields), celtic chain mail/ eastern scale mail, thrusting spear and javelins, who could skirmish, act as shock troops and also fight in a very effective (hoplite style) phalanx, a natural development from Thureophoroi, a mix from hoplites and peltastai with thracian and celtic influences, roman influence came only later.

Still, I simply don't want them in there, they kind of ruin the style.

[Mythos_Ruler]

A lot of these units I will end up throwing into the Atlas Editor anyway.

[SMST]

A lot of these units I will end up throwing into the Atlas Editor anyway.

And any chance of Rhodian Slingers added to the Hellenic unit roster?

[Mythos_Ruler]

And any chance of Rhodian Slingers added to the Hellenic unit roster?

My problem with that is that the Greeks are supposed to be the quintessential "melee" faction, yet they already have 2 out of 3 infantry units being ranged. We can revisit the Rhodian Slingers when we have proper sling animations though.

[SMST]

My problem with that is that the Greeks are supposed to be the quintessential "melee" faction, yet they already have 2 out of 3 infantry units being ranged. We can revisit the Rhodian Slingers when we have proper sling animations though.

The Celts are the quintessential offensive faction, yet they have no real offensive infantry unit.

But I had that concern, too. However, I think that Hoplites will still be the main unit that players train because missile units aren't really able to influence battles in a decisive way - at least in the current design. The missile units will be used as support unit for the Phalanx, and I envision Slingers as the cheapest and quickest way to get such support. Besides, it will even out the Barracks units the Hellenes can train to 6. (4 infantry, 2 cavalry)

And while we're at it, I'd like Celtic Slingers (are in the DD!) and Iberian Cavalry Javelinists (are also mentioned somewhere in the DD, as is the Rhodian Slinger), too.

[LusitanCenturion]

Still, I simply don't want them in there, they kind of ruin the style.

I understand you, playing with KH (the greek states) faction in EB I never used them as I prefered the good old hoplite style. But they are quite usefull and one of my worst nightmares in Multi Player (as tough phalanx flank guards).

Nice units, what is DD?

Edited August 7, 2011 by LusitanCenturion

[feneur]

I understand you, playing with KH (the greek states) faction in EB I never used them as I prefered the good old hoplite style.

Nice units, what is DD?

DD=Design Document

[Mythos_Ruler]

Added some units in the Miscellaneous section at the end:

* Generic Name: Bronze Shield Pikeman.

* Specific Name: Chalkaspis.

* Class: Champion Infantry Pikeman.

* Armament: Long Macedonian pike, the "sarissa" when in Syntagma, Line, and Box formations. Switches to Greek Xiphos when in any other formation.

* Appearance:

- Body: Heavily armoured--linothorax or bronze cuirass, bronze greaves, pteruges.

- Shield: Small round Macedonian-style pelta shield. Bronze, with embossed Hellenistic designs.

- Helmet: Bronze Hellenistic-era helmet styles, with plumes, crests, and feathers.

- Figure(s): An example of the officer rank.

* History: The Chalkaspides or "Bronze Shields" were units of pikemen fielded by the Macedonians, Seleucids, and by the kingdom of Pontus.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Pikeman, like the Pezhetairos and Egyptian pikeman, but with stronger (Champion) stats. Powerful, but vulnerable to missile units because of their slow speed. Has two ranks, Enlisted and Officer.

* Special: "Syntagma" Formation.

* Generic Name: Heavy Skirmisher.

* Specific Name: Thureophoros.

* Class: Mercenary Infantry Skirmisher (Elite rank).

* Armament: Javelin. Sword and Scabbard (ornamental).

* Appearance:

- Body: No armour. May or may not have a cape. Leather boots.

- Shield: Flat oval tower shield, the "Thureos."

- Helmet: Bronze Hellenistic-era helmet styles, with plumes, crests, and feathers.

- Figure(s): None yet.

* History: The thureophoroi (singular: thureophoros) was a type of infantry soldier, common in the 3rd to 1st century BCE, who carried a large oval shield called a thureos which had a type of metal strip boss and a central spine. They were armed with a long thrusting spear, javelins and a sword. They also usually wore an iron or bronze Macedonian helmet. The thureos was probably originally an adapted form of a Celtic shield. Thracian and Illyrian infantry probably adopted the shield before the Greeks. However it has been suggested that the thureos was brought to Greece after Pyrrhus of Epirus' campaigns in Italy, as his Oscan allies and Roman enemies used the scutum. Thureophoroi were a 3rd century development on the Peltast and wore no body armor, but did wear sturdy leather boots for quick movement. Thureophoroi could skirmish, as well as fight in a phalanx when necessary. They were often stationed on the flanks of the traditional pike phalanx as a link between the heavier pikemen and the cavalry wings.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Heavy skirmisher. Same speed as other skirmishers, but with more armour. They are classed as a citizen-soldier of the Elite rank, with the corresponding gathering speed and construction abilities. They are also classed as mercenaries, with all that designation entails.

* Special: None.

* Generic Name: Armoured Swordsman.

* Specific Name: Thorakites.

* Class: Champion Infantry Swordsman.

* Melee Armament: Sword when in most formations. Greek spear, the "dory" when in Phalanx formation.

* Ranged Armament (Initial): Javelin. Throws javelin volley first, then closes with sword or spear (depending upon situation above).

* Appearance:

- Body: Reinforced linothorax or chainmail hauberk.

- Shield: Oval tower shield, the "Thureos."

- Helmet: Bronze Hellenistic-era helmet styles, with plumes, crests, and feathers.

- Figure(s): A perfect example.

* History: The Thorakites (plural: Thorakitai) was a soldier similar to thureophoroi. The literal translation of the term is curassiers, which suggests that they may have worn a short Celtic mail shirt or possibly a thorax. Thorakitai were used in armies of the Hellenistic Period in a variety of tactical situations. They were a type of armoured but mobile infantry who did not require a rigid formation to be effective in combat. From their name we can deduce that most wore armour and helmet. They bore a thureos (or thyreos), an oblong shield, and were armed with sword, javelins and spear, which were used according to their tactical use. It seems that the thorakitai were heavily armored thureophoroi, able to bear spears and do battle in a phalanx as well as irregularly attack the enemy in situations when such an action was required for tactical reasons, like to exploit or challenge rough terrain. Thorakitai are mentioned in the army of the Achaian League and in the army of the Seleucids. The Seleucid Thorakitai were used in the storming of the Elburz Range in 210 BC under Antiochus III. They were used with the lighter troops to climb the cliffs and fight hand to hand with the enemy who might have not been dislodged by the lighter troops in the assault. There is a tomb illustration from Sidon showing what could well be a thorakites. The fragmentary inscription indicates that he was an Anatolian.

* Garrison: 1.

* Function: Flexible Heavy Infantry, much like the Macedonian Hypaspist, but slightly weaker.

* Special: "Phalanx" Formation.

[SMST]

Thureophoros

Thoakrites