IDRISIDS
| FACTION HIGHLIGHTS | STRATEGIC OVERVIEW | TECH TREE |
Strengths
- Some cultural leverage thanks to access to Islamic tech tree.
- Strong cavalry traditions
- Good cavalry and infantry
Weaknesses
- Very weak roster that depends mostly on rushing.
- Mediocre cultural bonuses.
- Many non-vanilla buildings are missing, limiting access to late-game units and strategies.
With the Idrisid kingdom being founded mostly by Berber tribesmen on the verge of being Arabised, a lot can be inferred on how the Idrisid armies are meant to function, and that usually involves the use of cheap, fast-training units to swarm enemy armies and to knock them out by sheer force of numbers. This is especially notable given the presence of many light assault units, both mounted and on foot, dominated in the main by Berber units - Berber Auxiliae, Berber Raiders and Berber Tribesmen. In addition, the Idrisids are also capable of raising two different javelin cavalry units - Bedouin Horse Retinue, and Berber Auxiliae, which provide the Idrisid hosts some semblance of anti-cavalry protection, if used in tandem with the Idrisids' weak but cheap and fast-training Berber infantry. On water maps with lots of Timber to spare, the Idrisids can be a force to reckon with, being able to spawn lots of Dhow vessels which are ideal for raiding lightly armoured or poorly defended targets - that is, hounding an enemy's coastline and attacking any villagers attempting to build Dockyards in the water.
Unfortunately, this is as far as the Idrisids as a military power may reach - although they do have access to shock cavalry - particularly in the form of the legacy Rashidun-styled Fursan, the Idrisids are hampered by the nature of their society, being Arab colonists in a land full of African nomads. Unlike most other nations, they don't have access to the Peasants' Commune, nor can they erect a Nobles' Court or a Warrior Hall, thus a lot of powerful heavy cavalry and infantry unit types that are otherwise taken for granted by more developed nations such as the Abbasids or Byzantines are often simply not available to the Idrisids (unless they seize control of the White Tower from Normandie, which will then allow them to begin training more powerful Saracen horse units). Equally, their near-lack of development and demographic size, reflected in the loss of these buildings, also translates to loss of access to Wonders as well - only the Palace Complex and the Masjidil Haram are available for construction, thus limiting the Idrisids' ability to win a Wonder victory without diplomacy. As a result, the Idrisids can succeed unilaterally only on small to medium-sized maps with substantial amounts of water; otherwise, they are very vulnerable and easy prey on larger maps against more developed factions who have greater numbers of units to choose from and can leverage the resources on those maps to train units more powerful than whatever the Idrisids can raise.
Faction Summary
- The Idrisid Sultanate or Idrisids (Arabic: al-Adārisah) were an Arab Muslim dynasty from 788 to 974, ruling most of present-day Morocco and parts of present-day western Algeria. Named after the founder, Idris I, the Idrisids were an Alid and Hasanid dynasty, descended from Muhammad. The Idrisids are traditionally considered to be the founders of the first Moroccan Muslim state, setting the stage for subsequent dynasties and states centered in this region. Their reign played an important role in the early Islamization of Morocco and also presided over an increase in Arab immigration and Arabization in major urban centers. Their vassal state being the Emirate of Nekir - a client state permitted to exist under the Idrisids along with two other vassals, Sijilmassa and Tamesna.
- The Idrisids, truly the first "Moors" are important because of their prominence in bringing Morocco under Islam and with a major loss to the Abbasid Caliphate, the Idirisid dynasty was born. This faction will feature alongside al-Andalus and the Abbasid Caliphate as the three featured Saracen factions. --------------------
- The emirate of Nekor, a client state of the Idrisids and a strong supporter of commerce in our mod as well as the most relevant to the "Northern Ravens", was founded in 710 AD by Salih I ibn Mansur through a grant under the Ummayads. Under his guidance, the local Berber tribes adopted Islam. His dynasty, the Banū Sālih, thereafter ruled the region until 1019. In 859, the kingdom became subject to a 62 ship-strong group of Vikings, possibly led by the famed son of Ragnar Lothbrok, Bjorn Ironside, decimated a Moorish force in Nekor that had attempted to interfere with the Vikings' plundering in the area. After staying for eight days in Morocco, the Vikings returned to Iberia and continued up the east coast. The Emirate became another remnant of the old Ummayad Dynasty alongside Al-Andalus In-game, this diversifies our factions even more while maintaining the core Idrisid dynasty and shows the Viking's effects on the world, right down to the creation of the Moors , being due to the Idrisids in reality.
Ubba Ragnarson
The Idrisid Dynasty - The precursor to the Almoravids which were simply known as the Moors.- May 19, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
Vassal States: Emirate of Nekor, Sijilmassa, Tamesna
Ubba Ragnarson
CITIES: Moulay Idriss Fes Aghmate Saleay Azemmour Marrakech Meknes Safi Larache Oualili Tiemcen Asila Tanger Azemmour Nekor (Client State Capital) Sijilmassa (Vassal Capital) Tamasna (Vassal Capital)- May 20, 2022
Velvetclaw
"Awraba Farasāni"?- Sure;ly you mean "Fursan Awrubiyyeen"? and yes I speak Arabic.
- I was about to say we could use the pool at http://riseofkings.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Moors but I have not come to a decision.Moors
Ubba Ragnarson
I do not speak Arabic, so certainly could change this if you want. Inaccurate translation then!- The Unit Pool could be used, the cities are being taken care of for each faction.
- May 23, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
Idrisid Sultanate: Leaders: Sultan Idris I (Descendant of Prophet Muhammad - regarded as the father of Morocco.) , Sultan Yahya Idris II, Muhammad ibn Idris, Sultan Al-Qasim ibn Yahya Religion/Culture: Islamic/Islamic Berber Best Unit: Fursan Awrubiyyeen (Heavy Cavalry) Strengths/Weaknesses: Strengths: Strong cavalry units, and capable spearmen, Due to the region, they feature unique Berber units, along with plenty of cheap mercenaries for hire. Client States/Allies provide unique units (South-African units from the Sheikhdoms of Tindouf and Zammour)/ unique buildings/embassies, along with their heavy troops, they supply light infantry that know guerilla warfare well. Weaknesses: Weaker heavy infantry, relying on their client states. Mercenary costs could turn to a problem without a prosperous economy. They are not known to have a great mining territory and they've been known to dispute resources with Al-Andalus, however trading with allies could create a prosperous economy for an Idrisid Sultan as southern resources and mountains are more plentiful. Allies: Rustamid Sultanate: Through research, I've discovered a neighboring dynasty known as the Rustamid Sultanate that will be depicted as a strong ally. They are a nation revolving around modern-day Algeria - being quite large in-reality... Hopefully, Persian(they are of Persian descent - if possible this is) and perhaps Berber units will be featured. If possible, they also field an embassy, within their own military buildings (if possible) which the Idrisids can build up and confer with their own kingdom.- June 2, 2022
Velvetclaw
Idrisids are based off North Africa, so they are like Vikings - a people based on raiding and trading.- Dunno how to represent them. YET.
- It is likely they will have low-tier units from Rise of Kings - id
- June 3, 2022
Velvetclaw
ie, Zanji Bowmen, Hasham Guards.- Maybe like Cordobans, have access to Arab Faris - who then upgrades to Murabitun. But my biggest, biggest fear, is that we will run out of unit slots.
- So as a result Russia, or Japan could be a good candidate for this faction (which???)
Velvetclaw
Or even the Spanish? As you said, Idrisids somehow found a way to explore the Sahara, and even brave the Atlantic Ocean, which the Arabs called the "Green Sea"- or the "Sea of Darkness"
- June 7, 2022
Æthelflæd
Im leaving, but excuse my absence and ignorance - Is there any reason this faction isnt being chosen as the one to go, considering talks of Norway being eliminated?? To me these are palpably incomparable in terms of relevance to a Viking Age mod
Ubba Ragnarson
I have thought of this however the Idrisids represent both the origins of the future Almoravids,a lot of research, and black African tribes being included.- I know this is northern ravens, focusing on northern europe, and the vikings, but this is a lovebaby faction i worked hard on.
- Also, they were raided by vikings of a 100 fleet armada. its a tough decision
- norway can be combined with denmark rather easily marking denmark (or renamed as the Norse/Great Heathen Armya) as the strongest faction all round for sure but you clearly havent read my case for norway @Æthelflæd
- i am not in a rush the only rush is to replace vanilla factions for velvet
@Ubba Ragnarsonnorway can be combined with denmark rather easily marking denmark (or renamed as the Norse/Great Heathen Armya) as the strongest faction all round for sure but you clearly havent read my case for norway @Æthelflæd
Æthelflæd
Remind me of it then
Ubba Ragnarson
Go read it !- June 13, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
Idrisid Sultanate - The Idrisids were a strong Sultanate in present day Morocco, and would later be assimilated by the Almoravids also known as the Moors. Thus, they will be called as such as well. Leaders: Sultan Idris I (Descendant of Prophet Muhammad - regarded as the father of Morocco.) , Sultan Yahya Idris II, Muhammad ibn Idris, Sultan Yahya Al-Qasim Religion/Culture: Islamic/Islamic Berber Best Unit: Fursan Awrubiyyeen (Heavy Cavalry) Strengths/Weaknesses: Strengths: Strong cavalry units, and capable spearmen, Due to the region, they feature unique Berber units, along with plenty of cheap mercenaries for hire. Client States/Allies provide unique units (South-African units from the Sheikhdom of Zammour) Also are supplied tribue, and have the Rustamid Sultanates' embassy. Along with their heavy troops, they supply light infantry that know guerilla warfare well. Weaknesses: Weaker heavy infantry, relying on their client states. Mercenary costs could turn to a problem without a prosperous economy. They are not known to have a great mining territory and they've been known to dispute resources with Al-Andalus, however trading with allies could create a prosperous economy for an Idrisid Sultan as southern resources and mountains are more plentiful. Allies: Rustamid Sultanate: Through research, I've discovered a neighboring dynasty known as the Rustamid Sultanate that will be depicted as a strong ally. They are a nation revolving around modern-day Algeria - being quite large in-reality... Hopefully, Persian(they are of Persian descent - if possible this is) and perhaps Berber units will be featured. If possible, they also field an embassy, within their own military buildings (if possible) which the Idrisids can build up and confer with their own kingdom.
Ubba Ragnarson
Client States: Emirate of Nekor: The Emirate of Nekor was an emirate centered in the Rif area of present-day Morocco and serves as a client state of the Sultanate. Their great port cities especially Nekor, and paid tributes to the Sultanate allow them more freedom than their reluctant southern vassal. They also supply the Idrisids with invaluable naval ships, as well as some light units when truly needed to levy. In 859, the kingdom became subject to a 62 ship-strong group of Vikings led by Bjorn Ragnarson and his blood-brother, Haesten, who defeated a Moorish force in Nekor that had attempted to interfere with their plundering in the area. After staying for eight days in Morocco, sacking Nekor - the Vikings were paid off and returned to Spain and continued up the east coast. Note on Jews in Morocco at this time: *The Sultan had them prove their worth by having Jewish soldiers fight a Moorish force for their worth; this proved their worth and as such there were Jews in the Moors' army.* Sheikhdom of Zammour: A reluctant vassal, Zammour provide invaluable metals and such from the area they live in as well as African troops not featured elsewhere due to their own subjugation of their southern tribal neighbors. They are situated in Morocco as well, a region of it, and a client state given its "freedom" due to their supplying of fierce warriors. Shiekhdom of Tundouf:** Tundouf is a Moorish state, with a puppet leader instilled in the populace and allowed some autonomy by the Idrisids. They aid the Moors' ever-growing maritime empire and field good cavalry.- July 15, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
CITIES: Fes (Capital) Hajar an-Nasar Larache Aghmate Walilli Taza Nekor Tiemcen Asila Tanger Azemmour Safi
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