UMAYYADS

Strengths

• Good research capability
• Good cavalry and infantry

Weaknesses

• 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.

Marines are the heart of the American war machine. With the ability to entrench themselves, the Marines will be useful for creating fortified positions which will be hard to beat without resorting to a flanking attack. Thus, they work well as a meat shield that can absorb plenty of damage until you can manoeuvre your medium cavalry and musketeers into position for a good attack.

Unlike all western factions, the USA has no access heavy cavalry variants, but this is very much offset by the fact that their cavalry, being medium cavalry, is highly versatile. Cuirassiers may be mighty but do not function well due to their speed and cost. Thus, when needed, mass as many medium cav units to swarm enemy cuirassiers, or break your cavalry units into individual groups for fast hammer-and-anvil strikes on unprotected targets, such as skirmishers and isolated line 

1. The Emirate of Córdoba was established in what the Arabs called Al-Andalus, and would over the timespan of this mod expand into the vast Emirate of Córdoba. The territories of the Emirate, Al-Andalus, had formed part of the Umayyad Caliphate since the early eighth century. After the caliphate was overthrown by the Abbasids in 750, the Umayyad prince Abd ar-Rahman I fled the former capital of Damascus and established an independent Emirate in Iberia in 756. The provincial capital of Córdoba was made the capital, and within decades grew into one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world. Players can look forward to a mix of Muslim and Iberian cultures and units, Córdoba being in a place of power and allowing the northern Iberian Asturias to exist grants them heavy Iberian troops as well. Client State: Kingdom of Andurias (edited)

   
   

   
   

   
   
2. May 20, 2022
3. 

   Velvetclaw — 05/20/2022 11:07 AM

   Because this kingdom was run primarily in the old Umayyad way we can use the old Arab system from Project 666, minus the Ansar cavalry.
4. 

   Velvetclaw — 05/20/2022 11:22 AM

   These guys are pretty Europeanised so it makes sense to use what stock from Rise of Kings we have left over. Although that would mean difficulties in concocting, say, patriots. Still they can use the old Moorish system of Rise of Kings. We shall see where this goes.....
5. May 21, 2022
6. 

   Ubba Ragnarson — 05/21/2022 1:55 PM

   The Idrisids were actually the present-day Moors , to speak.
7. [1:58 PM]The Almoravid dynasty grew out of the Idrisids.

   
8. [1:59 PM]This is the Idrisid Sultanate and their vassals .
9. 

   Ubba Ragnarson — 05/21/2022 2:07 PM

   
10. [2:09 PM]Roughly 750 CE
11. 

    Ubba Ragnarson — 05/21/2022 2:23 PM

    In 756, Abd al-Rahman I, a prince of the deposed Umayyad royal family, refused to recognize the authority of the Abbasid Caliphate and became an independent Emir of Córdoba. He had been on the run for six years after the Umayyads had lost the position of caliph in Damascus in 750 to the Abbasids. Intent on regaining a position of power, he defeated the existing Muslim rulers of the area who had defied Umayyad rule and united various local fiefdoms into an Emirate, However, this first unification of al-Andalus under Abd al-Rahman still took more than twenty-five years to complete (Toledo, Zaragoza, Pamplona, Barcelona). For the next century and a half, his descendants continued as emirs of Córdoba, with nominal control over the rest of al-Andalus and sometimes even parts of western Maghreb, but with real control always in question, particularly over the marches along the Christian border, their power vacillating depending on the competence of the individual emir. For example, the power of emir Abdullah ibn Muhammad al-Umawi (c. 900) did not extend beyond Córdoba itself. Upon the ascent to the throne of Abd al-Rahman III, who came to power in 912, the political decline of the emirate was obvious. Abd al-Rahman III rapidly restored Umayyad power throughout al-Andalus and extended it into western North Africa as well. In 929, to impose his authority and end the riots and conflicts that ravaged the Iberian Peninsula, he proclaimed himself caliph of Córdoba, elevating the emirate to a position of prestige not only in comparison to the Abbasid caliph in Baghdad but also the Shiʿite Fatimid caliph in Tunis, with whom he was competing for control of North Africa. (edited)
12. May 23, 2022
13. 

    Ubba Ragnarson — 05/23/2022 5:19 AM

    The Kingdom of Asturias was a northern Iberian kingdom, founded by the Visigothic King Pelagius in 718. They often revolted against the Ummayads and then the Emirate of Córdoba, with little success. There were times of peace between the comparatively small Asturias and eventually the kingdom would expand into the Kingdom of Leon. After the fall of the Ummayad Caliphate, the remnants, the Emirate of Cordoba, commonly called al-Andalus, was in a precarious position and the Iberians initially took advantage of this, before the Emir quelled all rebellion and allowed their vassal relative freedoms within their own client state territories (as compared to others' treatments of vassals.) (edited)
14. 

    Ubba Ragnarson — 05/23/2022 5:49 AM

    Asturias provide cheap, light units, plus the (levy), a power similar to a Fyrd. The ruling Emir can impose his rights and call upon the Aljibayih  in great times of need , this could be a levy mix of iberian and arab troops for defense as a bonus abiilty and diversifies them fewer as not many factions wield this power; also represents the northern Iberian kingdoms (other than Asturias, such as Leon which come toward late-game ) with stronger levies than most. (edited)

    
15. [5:56 AM]@Velvetclaw Decided the "Fyrd" mechanic works here to represent the Iberians better throughout the emirate and its client states - faction rulesets likely changing - Arab factions with the positions they are in may implement a similar system as it makes sense. Idrisids pulling from southern African tribes with their southern client state while the Abbasids may field the most unique with their huge empire. - Irish unique mechanics also may need ruleset changes (edited)
16. [5:57 AM]And yes,I know the formatted completion of Emirate is not here yet but it is pretty much done. I'll submit it here today. Progress steadies forward
17. May 30, 2022
18. 

    Velvetclaw — 05/30/2022 11:26 AM

    Back to rise of Nations for me.
19. [11:27 AM]Kinda finished with my work on Starbound....
20. [11:27 AM]

    
21. [11:27 AM]I will be slowing down work here, but intensifying work on Rise of Nations/Blender. First things first - I'm auditing Project 666.
22. [11:28 AM]I have my suspicions as to what is causing my issues.
23. 

    Ubba Ragnarson — 05/30/2022 12:04 PM

    Good to hear; work will resume today sometime, had alot of personal stuff going through as i mentioned. But I will work on this after work and such. and post results. And very good job, dude. You are surely a more efficient worker than I, though I am doing extensive research through 6+ sources to portray the most accuracy that is possible. Have you figured if a CTW is possible for the mod? Would definitely bring into fruition a lot of things most wouldn't think of but that has been implemented. Also, as I said, the overall rulesets are subject to change, and will be changing, to further diversify the factions. This faction, its ideas, its mechanics are all but complete as of right now. More research need be done to further diversify the four Islamic factions. I'd like them all to feel unique to each other. A gamer who chooses Cordoba will not feel as if they are playing as the Khazar Turks, for example. Research has been going into this all and will continue to do so. Thank you for your patience on the overall spectrum of this mod - haste makes waste as some say and this will hope fully work out well. (edited)
24. June 2, 2022
25. 

    Ubba Ragnarson — 06/02/2022 9:20 AM

    EMIRATE OF CORDOBA (REMNANTS OF THE UMMAYADS) Leaders: Abd al-Rahman I, Abd al-Rahman II, Al-Hakam I, Muhammad I, Abd al-Rahman III, Al-Mundhir I, Religion/Culture: The remnants of the Ummayads are among the most unique factions. Cordoba was known to respect Iberian Christianity, to a point, so perhaps no priests but the capabilities of churches. Otherwise, the state is Islamic in nature. The Emirate, I believe, allowed this Christianity to quell possible rebellions (which later popped up regardless). Strengths: Very diverse units/infrastructure. The Infrastructure is a mix of Islamic and Iberian, perhaps "Italian" looking buildings in there, yet also allowing the construction of their fellow Muslim infrastructure. They are primarily a Bedouin Islamic state at this point (which field vassals under their wing within Al-Andalus) and will field as such, but draw differences to the Idrisids in that they focus heavily on their cavalry. They can field both horsemen and camel riders. They field capable spearmen and lighter Iberian infantry. As with all Muslim factions, they may call upon levies (Iberian/Muslim) and they happen to field the best of this mechanic. Their focus is on defense - The Ummayad caliphate has recently fallen. With it however came wealth from fleeing members of the dynasty, adding to this their vassal states; a good player can be very wealthy and hire mercenaries for a strong army overall. They feel they must rebuild and quell any rebellions, quickly before Hispania rises up against them.
26. [9:22 AM]Weaknesses: They do not field very strong heavy infantry especially compared to others; capable but nothing special and a Frankish invasion, for example, could mean the end of Cordoba even with their strong levies for defense. A "turtle" player who knows what they are doing can decimate foes as the Emirate, but their siege is nothing special either and this is a weak point which cannot be overlooked. For heavy siege and invasions they may need look to mercenaries and vassal states, those who would supply siege weapons and it just so happens Al-Andalus is a wealthy state at the time of the Ummayads' fall. So many of high place in the Ummayad Dynasty fled to Hispania that they are capable of fielding a decent mercenary army. Their navy is average - a good defensive player will be able to get a headstart with this, defending port cities, etc. but a Viking invasion (for ex.) could be a big problem for the Emirate. VASSALS:~~ Due to the recent breakup of the Ummayads, the Emirate of Cordoba is still considered, by most, to simply be the Ummayad Caliphate. Due to this, many pay tribute and their servitude. The Aslamid Emirate (Client State): Near modern-day Portugal lies the Aslamid Emirate, a close ally and protectorate of the Ummayads. They feel as if the Ummayad Caliphate will rise again, and indeed a strong ally they are. With Mushir (Marshal) Abd al-Aziz Hashim governing this vassal state, they supply much needed naval power and protection. -  the Kingdom of Asturias: Asturias has been a thorn in the side of the Ummayad Caliphate for years, a small kingdom which has had its share of "revolutions" that never came to full fruition. Unlike the loyal Ablasids' (and the Emirates' smaller vassals within Hispania) Asturias has just recently came under full control - deposing the Visigothic king. They supply Iberian troops and naval units to the (remnants of the) Ummayads. (edited)

    
    

    
    

    
    
27. [9:22 AM]CITIES/BEST UNIT WIP (edited)
28. 

    Velvetclaw — 06/02/2022 10:50 AM

    Iberian troops, naval units. Got it.
29. [10:50 AM]Rise of Kings' Moors originally did not have them, due to space constraints.
30. 

    Velvetclaw — 06/02/2022 11:18 AM

    http://riseofkings.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Moors

    
    

    Moors

    

    
    

    
    

    
    

    
    
31. [11:19 AM]https://newworldempires.fandom.com/Arabs

    
    

    New World Empires WikiArabsThe Arabs have the power of Islam.

    
32. [11:19 AM]Just remember to drop the Ansariyun, their age had long passed.
33. June 3, 2022
34. 

    Velvetclaw — 06/03/2022 12:12 AM

    These guys are strong contenders for the Mongol bonsues.
35. [12:12 AM]It is however a tossup between them, Asturias and possibly even Francia.
36. [12:18 AM]Another potential candidate is Germany.
37. 

    Velvetclaw — 06/03/2022 12:29 AM

    I used to give them Egyptian bonuses - but you might want to change that.
38. @Velvetclaw

    It is however a tossup between them, Asturias and possibly even Francia.

    

    Ubba Ragnarson — 06/03/2022 5:35 AM

    Well, remember, Asturias is a vassal state now.
39. [5:35 AM]I will look into this
40. @Ubba Ragnarson

    Well, remember, Asturias is a vassal state now.

    

    Velvetclaw — 06/03/2022 6:49 AM

    I gave the Moors access to freelancers, but those were kinda like a late-game unit.
41. [6:49 AM]Mercenary knights, in general.
42. June 22, 2022
43. 

    Ubba Ragnarson — 06/22/2022 2:01 PM

    Ummayad Sultanate / Emirate of Córdoba / Caliphate of Córdoba Renamed by Abd al-Rahman III, to the Caliphate of Córdoba in 929 Leaders: Muhammad I, Abd al-Rahman III, Al-Mundhir I, Abdullah ibn Muhammad, Hisham II Religion/Culture: The remnants of the Ummayads are among the most unique factions. Cordoba was known to respect Iberian Christianity, to a point, so perhaps no priests but the capabilities of churches. Otherwise, the state is Islamic in nature. The Emirate, I believe, allowed this Christianity to quell possible rebellions (which later popped up regardless). Strengths: Very diverse units/infrastructure. The Infrastructure is a mix of Islamic and Iberian, perhaps "Italian" looking buildings in there, yet also allowing the construction of their fellow Muslim infrastructure. They are primarily a Bedouin Islamic state at this point (which field vassals under their wing within Al-Andalus) and will field as such, but draw differences to the Idrisids in that they focus heavily on their cavalry. They can field both horsemen and camel riders. They field capable spearmen and lighter Iberian infantry. As with all Muslim factions, they may call upon levies (Iberian/Muslim) and they happen to field the best of this mechanic. Their focus is on defense - The Ummayad caliphate has recently fallen. With it however came wealth from fleeing members of the dynasty, adding to this their vassal states; a good player can be very wealthy and hire mercenaries for a strong army overall. They must constantly focus on keeping rebellions squashed, quickly before the whole of Hispania rises up against them. (edited)
44. [2:01 PM]Weaknesses: They do not field very strong heavy infantry especially compared to others; capable but nothing special and a Frankish invasion, for example, could mean the end of Cordoba even with their strong levies for defense. A "turtle" player who knows what they are doing can decimate foes as the Emirate, but their siege is nothing special either and this is a weak point which cannot be overlooked. For heavy siege and invasions they may need look to mercenaries and vassal states, those who would supply siege weapons and it just so happens Al-Andalus is a wealthy state at the time of the Ummayads' fall. So many of high place in the Ummayad Dynasty fled to Hispania that they are capable of fielding a decent mercenary army. Their navy is average - a good defensive player will be able to get a headstart with this, defending port cities, etc. but a Viking invasion (for ex.) could be a big problem for the Emirate. Vassals/Client States: The Emirate (Ummayad Sultanate) of Cordoba is still considered, by most, to simply be the Ummayad Caliphate. Due to this, many pay tribute and their servitude. During Caliph Abd al-Rahman III he made it officially the Caliphate of Cordoba. The Aslamid Emirate (Autonomous client state):  Near modern-day Portugal lies the Aslamid Emirate, a close ally and protectorate of the Ummayads. They feel as if the Ummayad Caliphate will rise again, which it did during the reign of Abd al-Rahman III. They are a strong ally. With Marshal Abd al-Aziz Hashim governing this client state, they supply much needed naval power and protection. (edited)
45. July 15, 2022
46. 

    Ubba Ragnarson — 07/15/2022 9:42 AM

    CITIES: Córdoba (Capital) Toledo Seville Lisbon Valencia Tortosa Badajos Bayyana Larida Saraqusta Coimbra Algeciras

    
    

    
    

    
    
47. December 15, 2022
48. 

    Ubba Ragnarson — 12/15/2022 12:37 PM

    The Ummayad Sultanate - officially to the western Europeans, the "Emirate of Cordoba". However, to the loyalists - many of the Maghreb, including the Idrisid Moors still consider Cordoba as the Caliphate - which it returns to, officially, in our timespan!

Unlike all western factions, the USA has no access heavy cavalry variants, but this is very much offset by the fact that their cavalry, being medium cavalry, is highly versatile. Cuirassiers may be mighty but do not function well due to their speed and cost. Thus, when needed, mass as many medium cav units to swarm enemy cuirassiers, or break your cavalry units into individual groups for fast hammer-and-anvil strikes on unprotected targets, such as skirmishers and isolated line infantry.