Economic reliance on having a pool of infantry to produce resources results in a lack of flexibility
With a preponderence set towards technology, research and resource-gathering, the United States is a faction that requires strong strategic flair to use. The United States shares some units with England and France, but in other areas it also has other units worth noting: a line of medium ranged and melee cavalry; a Marine unit that emerges two ages earlier than other factions'; as well as a slew differing units at differing ages. It is thus somewhat of a challenge using the United States, as one has to keep in mind that American strengths and weaknesses often shift this way and that way - but one can be assured that by the last two eras, the United States is an extremely strong military force.
- Norse factions have Volvas. Seeresses were said to be sorcerors and tis said only females had this power; they would cast the runes for future and served as medics. In-game function could be to heal and extend LOS
- Christian factions have Priests, were brought to battle while the Seers and Volva (Seeress) weren't always. Players of the North have extensive LOS capabilities, and healing. (More information on both in later comments below)
- Norse Generals called Hersirs. Commanders of Norse warbands.
- Most Norse "senate" leaders called the Jarl. Leaders of Norse clans.
- Germanic factions have Seers and Seeresses; Otherwise function the same as Norse Volva. Regenerating health for units with the added bonus of amazing LOS.
- ALL Germanic Major Generals = Reik- Leaders of Germanic armies and an ode to their ancestors'.
- Germanic Minor Generals = Drohtin - Leaders of Germanic warbands.
- Anglo Saxon factions have Huscarls and all field unique longbowmen.
- Anglo-Saxon General units called the Dryhten. Leaders of Anglo-Saxon warbands.
- Anglo-Saxon "senate" leaders called the Earl. Leaders of Anglo-Saxon regions. Wessex' called the King as is what they believed themselves to be for most of our timeline.
- Norse factions should field the best Navy - Frankia (HRE) and Byzantium (ERE) as contenders. Abbasids and Idrisids also field a fine naval force.
- Norse factions have Berserkirs - the Berserkir was a crucial unit for the Vikings, serves as a fast-moving tank.
- Norse factions field Shieldmaidens - female warriors armed with swords or axes and Skaldjberi counterpart.
- Anglo-Saxon Kingoms may call upon their Fyrds - Levies from surrounding Earldoms. If possible, differentation of factions' Fyrds' power based on their own power would work. More info has been added in followup rulesets below.
This faction will represent many different Vikings of whom didn't assimilate into conquest throughout Britannia , came from various parts of Scandinavia and the isles surrounding, and are a very important part of the era. This does include even those such as Bjorn Ironside, legendary king of Sweden and son of Ragnar Lothbrok. He was known to sail far and wide and is a good fit for faction leader; others included will be the "sea kings" who established the Kingdom of Dyflin, or Dublin; those being Ivar the Boneless, another son of Ragnar Lothbrok. With him, Olaf "the White" and finally Olaf's son Thorstein "the Red" outlined in the historical discussion of Ireland. Sudreyar, another Norse kingdom established on isles all along the western coast of Scotland will be featured into this faction.
May 19, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
Viking "Sea Kings": Leaders: Bjorn "Ironside" Ragnarson, Ivar the Boneless, Olaf "the White", Thorstein "the Red", Eirik Bjornson Religion/Culture: Norse/Norse Pagan Best Unit: Njörðr's Drekkar (Unique Heavy Ship - Njord is God of the Sea - Translated: Njord's Dragonship), Jomsviking (Crewman , armored Berserker; heavy infantry for raids right off the ship; most powerful Jomsviking, commonly accepted to be Viking mercenaries. However these Jomsvikings are not mercs and completely loyal to the Leader.) Strengths: Field the best Norse navy given their unique ship and faster ships than other Norse factions. Field strong light infantry and their heavy infantry are capable. Adept at raiding. Weaknesses: Weaker heavy infantry (besides their Berserkir) than other Norse factions; Upkeep of resources may be tougher given their focus on naval power, unless they make it up with trade and commerce.
May 20, 2022
Velvetclaw
Trade and commerce? sounds like the Norse culture should have a distinct appearance to their merchants, support units, etc .... fortunately, thanks to Hong's tinkering we have stuff that we can use.
But that will have to wait UNTIL later, when stock systems are fully engaged.
Ubba Ragnarson
Yes, i definitely agree. Sudreyar (the Kingdom of the Isles) is one of the kingdoms grouped here due to faction restraints, occupied the isles west of Alba. Sudreyar is not talked about heavily here and should be; I will add maps outlining the two major factions that comprise the sea-kings, those being Ivar's Kingdom of Dyflin (Dublin) and Sudreyar. Ivar the Boneless, however, will make an attempt to unit these two kingdoms and later become the leader of Sudreyar, taking it off a petty king who opposed the decision.
The extent of Sudreyar, the Kingdom of the Isles. I will simply add leaders to display the fact this is not solely the Dyflin kingdom and other vikings' faction. If I could add Sudreyar I would; they did indeed trade with western Scots and such.
The Kingdom of Dyfin, at one point, probably their beginnings as they did expand when chaos erupted at the death of the High King. The cities below belong on the map likely belong to Munster (or her allies).
May 22, 2022
Velvetclaw
You did mention, though, that the Norse naval roter should be exapnded, from 2 ships to 3.
What should this super-heavy warship, unique to the Sea Kings be?
Njörðr's Drekkar - how should it compare with the sto9ck Longship and the weaker but cheaper Norse Karve?
Don't forget - we have several Arab and Byzantine warships coming in.
The Drekkar should be its own naval bombardment ship in my own opinion. with all Norse factions (Denmark, Norway, Dyflin & Sudreyar, all of them)ill go over the rest of the message as a proper response a bit later.
May 23, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
- Njordr's Drekkar is named as such to represent it's (or their) verocity - the ship can outlast devastating damage to it's hull and other parts of the ship due to the amazing shipwrights of Sudreyar particularly. (This means high Hit points and armor).
May 24, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
@Velvetclaw Regarding this faction: it truly contains three crucial factions in all honesty - those being the Kingdom of Götaland (Sweden) , ruled by Bjorn "Ironside"Ragnarson.. In Götaland lied Uppsala - which I'm hoping to function as the forbidden city and be a unique wonder capital as it was a "Holy" thing for Norsemen to travel there every 7-9 years. It is akin to Mecca or Jerusalem travels for those Abrahamic religions. Nonetheless, I run into problems because I have two other crucial factions to represent. The Kingdom of Dyflin (Dublin) created by Vikings (after the invasion so mid - late game ages canonically) Ivar the Boneless, a son of Ragnar Lothbrok, and Olaf the White, a renowned Hersir and ruled as joint kings - likely Olaf rules as Ivar traveled about. Ivar Ragnarson eventually ending up ruling our third kingdom: The Kingdom of Sudreyar - the southern isles - a powerful faction to the west of Alba scattered with isles down the chain which would canonically raid and pillage many but also trade with factions such as Strathclyde where they found refuge and supplied mercenaries to at times - creating problems for other Britons was advantageous and Strathclyde happened to not be as hostile as their eastern neighbors, the Scots, probably due to the fact they were not attacked by the Great Heathen Army of the Danes when they landed.
Ubba Ragnarson
- has been an edit ; Jomsvikings are now a UU instead of the Berserkir holumann though the Jomsviking still fights as a Berserkir but with less speed and more of a (tank) shield bearing axeman. ALL Norse factions can hire the Jomsviking. These are not the Sea Kings' unique Jomsviking and the reg. mercenary Jomsviking was not as powerful.
Ubba Ragnarson
@Velvetclaw tldr is there a way to "choose", a faction to a point out of the three or how can we represent all three being Uppsala of Sweden, Kingdom of Dyflin and the kingdom of Sudreyar. Above reading shows they're different but I'm trying to think of any possible mechanics to relate them all and also allow individuality.
They'll have to have more unique units and or buildings than others. ALSO this is brought up given the focus on Viking age. I'd like to feature one at least, as a separate faction. Not sure how to do so just yet.
May 27, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
KINGDOM OF SUDREYAR Leaders: Ivar the Boneless, Ivar Ivarson, Sigtryggr Ivarson, Olaf "the White", Thorstein "the Red", Religion/Culture: Norse/Norse Pagan Best Unit: Njörðr's Drekkar (Unique Heavy Ship - Njord is God of the Sea - Translated: Njord's Dragonship), Jomsviking (Crewman , heavy armored Berserker; infantry for raids right off the ship; most powerful Jomsviking, which is a general term commonly accepted to be Viking mercenaries. However these Jomsvikings are not mercs and completely loyal to their leaders.) Strengths: Field the best Norse navy given their unique ship and faster ships than other Norse factions. Field strong light infantry and their heavy infantry are capable. Bwat raiding. Weaknesses: Weaker heavy infantry (besides their Berserkir) than other Norse factions; Upkeep of resources may be tougher given their focus on naval power, unless they make it up with trade and commerce. TO BE REFORMATTED AND EDITED - AS OF 06/24/2022 CHANGES ARE BEING MADE
May 30, 2022
@Ubba Ragnarson
@Velvetclaw tldr is there a way to "choose", a faction to a point out of the three or how can we represent all three being Uppsala of Sweden, Kingdom of Dyflin and the kingdom of Sudreyar. Above reading shows they're different but I'm trying to think of any possible mechanics to relate them all and also allow individuality.
Velvetclaw
The fastest and quickest way to exclude one or more units, is to tie them to Politics at the Senate.
The Northern RavensA mod for Rise of Nations by Beelim Solutions, and a more intimate exploration of the Viking Era in Europe.
If you know of differences in rulership between Uppsala, Dyflin and Sudreyar, perhaps it might help.
What do we know of the differences in government style between these 3 kingdoms?
For instance, if you want units from Sudreyar, you can have them be made using, Populism (green lvl 1) + Monarchy (red lvl 2).
Also what is the relation between all these kingdoms?
So a difference in politics style will also result in different units.
June 18, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
Now that we have just Sudreyar and Dyflin kingdoms I will describe their political styles. The Kingdom of Sudreyar in the beginning, (this will be edited for more clarity on sudreyar's politics before Ivar became king.) were of course raiders and settlers of the fertile southern isles, constantly picking at Strathclyde, and even the Kingdom of Scotland.... They eventually succumbed to the dominion of Ivar the Boneless, their leader disposed of. This was however, in Ivar's later days. His early days met with fierce fighting in Ireland with his blood-brother Olaf "the White". They would create the Jalrdom of Dyflin - levying Irish to fight for them there, and vassalizing Laigain (Leinster, today).
Olaf "the white" and Ivar "the boneless" would be joint-kings of Dyflin. Olaf likely managed this while Ivar was away, and there is of course a lot more information in this channel above. His son, Thorstein eventually took his place when Olaf was slain, however it would be Ivar, son of Ragnar Lothbrok, who held the power (Again, plan to corroborate this information but to give a general idea here, put in with historical facts from the Norse Sagas.)
June 21, 2022
Æthelflæd
@Ubba Ragnarson First, I think its hilarious u didnt realize u made a perfect pun: "...Ivar the Boneless, would be joint-kings of Dyflin." Lmao
1
Second, what faction is this meant to replace again? Or is it still undecided (I hope at least an idea is in mind)
@Æthelflæd
Second, what faction is this meant to replace again? Or is it still undecided (I hope at least an idea is in mind)
Ubba Ragnarson
The Bantu.
Æthelflæd
I agree wit that choice
@Æthelflæd
@Ubba Ragnarson First, I think its hilarious u didnt realize u made a perfect pun: "...Ivar the Boneless, would be joint-kings of Dyflin." Lmao
Ubba Ragnarson
That is funny. Although, we don't know whether he was called the Boneless due to his actual debilitations (Vikings TV show) or his fearlessness , ferocity. (AC Valhalla)
I lean towards the latter.
Æthelflæd
Wouldnt boneless in all contexts pertain to weakness tho
Like if referencing bones youd probably go the other route; Like Ivar Iron-bones or sum shit
Ubba Ragnarson
No, like hes so fckn strong he has no bones , it is said he weilded twin axes.
Æthelflæd
What is he a pancake lmao
Maybe he had stretchy arms, we'll never know
Ubba Ragnarson
In all seriousness, his companion was called "Olaf the white", and Olaf's son was "Thorstein the Red". It didn't exactly matter that much, it is believed that he was simply a ferocious warrior; it is highly unlikely he'd survive fighting the inital battle,or at all, as depicted in Vikings series.
Also, he lived a long life, establishing the Kingdom of Dyflin, then proceeding to become King of Sudreyar at his later years @Æthelflæd . I always assume these days that the Vikings show depicted him that way , for dramatics.
@Ubba Ragnarson
Also, he lived a long life, establishing the Kingdom of Dyflin, then proceeding to become King of Sudreyar at his later years @Æthelflæd . I always assume these days that the Vikings show depicted him that way , for dramatics.
Æthelflæd
Agreed
@Æthelflæd
Agreed
Ubba Ragnarson
Yeah, he would never be seen as a leader that way at that time capable of fighting - and living a long life? No.
However I do enjoy the Vikings depiction, no doubt.
@Ubba Ragnarson
However I do enjoy the Vikings depiction, no doubt.
Æthelflæd
He was kind of a dick tbh, I didnt really feel sympathy for him at any point that I watched it; I didnt watch it as much as I did TLK later on, but still enjoyed what I saw
I liked the Crossbow scene at the Siege of Paris for sure, always sticks out in my mind
(Tho to talk Vikings wed have to move this convo)
June 22, 2022
Velvetclaw
serious concept time.
We have two versions of the Longship as used in Rise of Kings (it was assigned to England, Scotland, Norse, Russians and could be spawned in by the Spanish)
here's the Western or "Mora" equivalent (the Mora was a ship owned by the Duchess of Normandy, Matilda in the 1060s and participated in the Hastings landing)
This one features the Eastern or "Ormen" model
And finally we have the Karve.
How should the Sea Kings' Drakkar be distinguished from the generic Longship?
Make it as big as the Chelandion / Heavy Galley, slap a superstructure on board?
This ship is actually about the size of my Karve, IRL. But it should give you a good idea of what I'm talking about. Shields? I was supposed to add shields to the longships but I got lazy. That's what 9 years of neglect can do.
@Velvetclaw
This ship is actually about the size of my Karve, IRL. But it should give you a good idea of what I'm talking about. Shields? I was supposed to add shields to the longships but I got lazy. That's what 9 years of neglect can do.
Æthelflæd
Ik how you feel on the end sentence there; @Ubba Ragnarson might have a diff opinion, but Id LUV to see either the Western or Eastern model but with the shields added (Plz do it m8 :p), not sure if he'd prefer the Karve. I rlly like that ship's design, possibly the most, so Im divided if its model itself should be reserved for a different UU Longboat??
After Ub gives a differing answer and u offer input, I'll vote on which I feel would look best
@Velvetclaw
Click to see attachment
Ubba Ragnarson
the Karve reminds me of the Knarr; both were used for transport, and I'm hoping the Knarr makes it through for traditional RTS Viking unit transports from @Dallin Vader . All these ships look fantastic, and we can utilize them in different ways , if possible we can even do both depending; shields having more armor etc. The Ormen model could be used for Sweden and especially the Rus', very impressive overall and we can utilize them all in some ways I think - even if you make shields/without shields , that could be a variable for a faction. Anything to make the Norse more diverse among each other and with Norway back, it is important. Great models
@Velvetclaw
Make it as big as the Chelandion / Heavy Galley, slap a superstructure on board?
Ubba Ragnarson
I believe it should be a massive ship , as you described. The Dragon Ship would take a lot to sink and should represent the unique sea powers the Sea Kings possessed., even among the renowned Vikings who are all famous for their ships as-is. :)
@Ubba Ragnarson
the Karve reminds me of the Knarr; both were used for transport, and I'm hoping the Knarr makes it through for traditional RTS Viking unit transports from @Dallin Vader . All these ships look fantastic, and we can utilize them in different ways , if possible we can even do both depending; shields having more armor etc. The Ormen model could be used for Sweden and especially the Rus', very impressive overall and we can utilize them all in some ways I think - even if you make shields/without shields , that could be a variable for a faction. Anything to make the Norse more diverse among each other and with Norway back, it is important. Great models
Velvetclaw
Rise of Kings alrady does that but in Swords of th Prophets both models were mixed up.
June 23, 2022
@Velvetclaw
Rise of Kings alrady does that but in Swords of th Prophets both models were mixed up.
Æthelflæd
Fair, those mods didnt focus asm on these specific cultures of course so that makes sense (Im assuming by "mixed up" you mean like, used for varying purposes based on practicality and not creative accuracy)
June 24, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
Now that we have consolidated the "Sea Kings" into the proper Kingdom of Sudreyar , the faction's information will be re-formatted. Irish levies could be raised akin to a fyrd as a new unique mechanic for Sudreyar, although I think we already went over this with the sea kings. Irish were used as levies and such and also migrated to the Southern Isles and the coasts of Alba eventually.
June 25, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
Kingdom of SudreyjarLeaders: Ivar the Boneless, Ivarr Ivarson, Olaf "the White", Thorstein "the Red", Eirik Fálki, Ketill Flatnose Norse culture / Irish / Ásatrú faith Best Units: Njörðr's Drekkar - (Njord's Dragonship - Strongest ships in-game); Jomsviking - Heavily armored Berserkir armed with an axe and shield, usually crewmen. They have high DPS and as raiders they are some of the fastest heavy infanty in-game. Ostmen - Irish warriors armed with sword & shield; showing the assimilation of Sudreyar's Irish into Norse culture and the spread of Gaelic-Norse culture) Strengths: Sudreyjar field the finest navy in the game, given their unique ship and overall stronger naval prowess than other factions, even other vikings. They are adept at raiding with fine light infantry and cavalry including ranged, and though their heavy infantry isn't as strong as many they are capable nonetheless. Weaknesses: Their heavy infantry (besides their Jomsvikings) aren't up to par with other Norse kingdoms, and their heavy cavalry is weaker than that of some other nations, as they are adept at raiding more so than most other kingdoms. Client StatesLaigin: The region of Laigin is now home to the Jarldom of Dyflin, serving in Ivarr's stead. Known as *High King Imar in Ireland. Jarl Olaf the White, and then his son Thorstein rule these lands. This is where they get much of their Irish influence and supplies of Irish infantry levied from Dyflin itself, intermingled with Nordic settlers, and the villages throughout the region. The Kingdoms of Sudreyjar and Dyflin are both ruled over by Ivar the Boneless and thus have similar client states.Kingdom of Mide: The most powerful south-Irish Kingdom, and the most loyal followers of the High King Imar, Mide is a fortified nation which borders Laigin and the Kingdom of Mumain (Munster). They field heavy-hitting Irish infantry, knie
September 20, 2022
Ubba Ragnarson
NOTES The Kingdom of Sudreyjar is tightly knit with the Ui Imair dynasty - that being the fact Ivar the Boneless ruled over both at a point.