Greetings!
I;ve always been fan to epic megacampaings. There is something magical reading about history going completely alternative and such. Nowadays, however, I find that most MC's take easy route: just go along with game engine, use official converter and such. For me, it kills the magic. My philosophy is that megacampaign needs narrative, a heavy touch from player both in game and in his storytelling, to make plausible, truly interesting alternative history. So, it's time for me to take a shot at making history by myself. And since I am serious guy, i will take it seriously, starting right from the beginning with EU: Rome.
Also, please be lenient when it comes to my grammar and vocabulary. It's actually also an opportunity for me to help improve my written English. I hope the quality will improve with every coming part.
I hope you will enjoy!
EDIT: I forgot to mention. i'll be playing on Epigoni Mod with few changes here and there, but nothing major.
LION"S AWAKENING
Map of territorial changes during this part
Legend goes like this. There were once two great powers in our world - Egyptian and Hittite empires. Thy warred against each other constantly, but never has one prevailed. It was circa 1200 before Christ, when another peace attempt was made. One of terms was an marriage between pharaoh and Hittite princess. But before the girl has reached Egyptian border, she found a love of her life. Some say he was an runaway prince from Egypt. Some say he was an simple, but charming man from city of Ugarit. They eloped, running from wrath of their fathers to the west, through Greece and Italia towards new land and founded new city there, called Oronte, after the river before which they met.
The man's name was Maripas, the princess's - Yuri Napatera.
It's hard to tell how much of truth is in this legend. But without a doubt, city of Orenta stood where it stands there when Greeks came into this region and founded colony of Emporion north of Orenta, which was still a small settlement back then. First author to mention Orenta was greek Eumenes, who came around Emporion ca. 320 BC. Back then, those two cities were already embroiled in conflict, after which Greek colony will become part of fledging empire.
But those are Orentan historians that give us insight into the city's history. Haron of Gardia (1st c. BC) mentions a date f 1203 BC as the city's founding. It rose in stature during era of Phoenician colonization (around 8th century BC), becoming major settlement in western Miditerranean. In 765 BC republic was founded. City was ruled by council of merchants, mostly of Phoenician origin. It continued as major trading hub for almost three hundred years. When Phoenicia itself has fallen into hands of foreign powers, its colonies were left alone. In Orenta, tensions between ruling caste and citizens arose. In internal conflicts the popular side prevailed, led by high priest Hannes Napatera - a supposed descendant of princess Yuri and Maripas It was a year of 531 BC, when Republic has fallen, followed by an Theopublic - an unique form of government, mixing theocracy, republic and even monarchy.
The difference between Orenta and other Phoenician colonies was in its religion. Major deities like Ba'al and Tanit were sidelined. Orenta was a city of goddess Ishtar, patron of war and fertility, which other Phoenician cities called Astarte. Historian Omon (1st c. AD) recounts traditional form of legend about princess Yuri and adds that her grandmother was supposedly Ishtar reincarnated as Hittite queen. Early Orentians called themselves "children of Ishtar" and carried Ishtar lions as their symbol. Position of High Priest of the goddess was always kept within Napatera bloodline, initially passing from father to son. Napateras were therefore natural leaders of Orentan society.
Lion of Ishtar. Lion motiffs were extremely popular in Orenta even after Ishtar cult started to fade. While babylonian Ishtar was heavily connected with sexual practices, Orentian Ishtar was first and foremost goddess of war. Her lions were carried by soldiers into battle. In later centuries, convicted noblemen were ofter punished to being eaten by a lioness. Ishtar had many temples in orenta, but most important one was built ca. 350 BC and dominated the city for seven centuries, until major earthquake destroyed it. Barbarian tribes that invaded empire from 3nd century AD onwards finished the destruction.
As it was mentioned before, Early Orentian government was quite unique. City was ruled by council of nine patricians, always led by a High Priest of Ishtar. Four patrician formed so-called "inner council", while five others were seated in "foreign council". Those in former were chosen by citizens themselves and enjoyed their position until death. Foreign council members were chosen by High Priest, who could also dismiss them, though in practice they usually also served for lifetime. To sit in a council, one had to be Orentan citizen, but there were two categories of citizenship. First one was designed to appease older Orentian famillies. It was hard to attain and guaranteed right to vote for "inner" councilors and various exemptions from tax and military service. Easier to obtain was an "normal" citizenship, which was actually enough to serve in a foreign council.
Mid-5th century BC, when Macedonian armies marched towards Persia, in the west, another conflict raged. After centuries of growth and repelling barbaric tribes, Orenta has grown in citizens. Around 300 BC, it numbered around 30 000 inhabitants, and was just behind Carthage, Rome and on par with Syracuse. High Priest Azuplicar Napatera, despite losses at sea, has broken feeble Emporion phalanx on land and occupied the Greek colony, finalizing first conquest of future empire. Greek colonies, which lost their support from their motherland as Diadochi Wars raged were easy targets for Orenta army. In around 310 BC Azuplicar, along with Carthaginians lent their aid to another Phoenician colony, Abdera, in it's conflict with local tribes and Greeks. Abdera, located in far south, formed a league with Orenta, but it was easily dominated by an stronger partner. Azuplicar died around 307 BC, leaving to his successors foundations for future empire.
Presumably a depiction of fight between Orentian and Emporeian phalanxes. At the beginning, Orentian military simply copied Greek methods of fighting, but under Auron Napatera it developed its own style of warfare. Early Orentian military strategy relied on mobility and winning pitched battles instead of costly sieges, This method worked well in Iberia, but proven ineffective later on, when Orentian Empire encountered more developed rivals on it's way.
But it was his son Auron that started the Orentian expansion for good. Almost a legendary figure, Heron described him as a man of three meters tall and enormous strength. But first and foremost, Auron was an aggressive, wildly charismatic man, and extremely capable commander. He easily dominated council and it was his vision that shaped Orentian policy for centuries. Auron, who commanded an unit during Abdera conflict, believed that Orentian values are clearly superior to those of its neighbors and composed a plan to dominate tribes. At first, a diplomatic solution was seeked, but tribesmen did not understand concepts of political entities such as leagues (de facto federations). When messengers sent to Volcae tribe on the north returned with their hands and legs severed, Auron decided that military subjugation was necessary. Thus, Iberian Wars started.
Orentian army was technically one of the weakest in the Mediterranean. Bulk of its forces was composed of conscripts, fighting in Greek style in modified phalanx. Their main weapons were shots spears and shortbows, and they used loose, defensive formations. Its advantage lied in rudimentary discipline, high morale and above all - Auron Napatera's superior command. In his first major conflict against Volcae tribe, enemy army was smashed in no time and tribe leaders hastily agreed to join Orentian League. Encouraged by this success, Auron discarded diplomatic options and continued his military campaign. Neighboring tribes were unruly, scattered and constantly in feud, which made them a easy target for Auron's army. Only Caessians in the south, already heavily under Orenta' cultural influence surrendered without a fight. In ten years Orentian army conquered hundred times territory it had in the beginning of the Iberian Wars, encountering little resistance from the barbarians. Only tribe of Ruteni offered major resistance, handing Auron his first defeats, but eventually succumbed around 290 BC.
Initially, Merchants composed majority of Orenta citizens. Orentian law, Egao Orente dealt mostly with economic matters, but when orentian expansion began in 3rd century BC, it became obvious that rules had to be made to ensure painless integration of new territories and subjects. Under Auron Napatera leadership law was made to ease entry into ranks of citizens, but after his death influental patricians slowly but surely restricted that path for people of conquered territories.
Successful campaigns surprised everyone in capital and unexpectedly shook it's society to the core. Auron, firm believer that Orenta won't be able to retain it's position shall it remain just a conqueror, offered tribal leaders citizenship, and even seats within the council. Patricians rebelled, but Auron's popularity with the masses prevailed. According to historian Omon, he took a girl from Ruteni as his concubine and proclaimed her another coming of Ishtar, attributing to her his recent difficulties in subjugating this tribe. Utterly defeated, council agreed to open up the ranks of Orentian citizens. Wealthy tribe leaders were able to purchese citizenship and thus enter the council. That was a beginning of rural nobility that governed vast territories of Iberia for Orenta.
Conquests however slowly exhausted war potential of the young state and war with Contestani tribes 290-282 turned out to be surprisingly long and bloody. Meanwhile, rivals of the Orenta expanded their influence. Around that time Carthaginians landed in the south and took major city of Gadir as their protectorate. In 280 BC they controlled significant territory in the peninsula and were eyeing for more. Auron at that time was involved in another costly war with major tribe of Turdetani. Along with Cantabri and Voccali in the centre those were most powerful tribal entities in Iberia and exhausted Orentian military was unable to press its advance. Fearing that Carthaginian will strike one of the warring sides, Auron made peace with the enemy, annexing territory of allied Belli tribe, but leaving Turdetani out of league.
Auron the Conqueror came as close to being dictator as it was possible during his era. An man of extraordinary insight and ability, he created Orentian military almost from scratch, conquered massive territories and reformed law system of the theopublic. Loved by masses, despised by patricians, he ruled the city with iron grip. After his death steps were made to limit High priest power, and since basically none of his descendants came close in terms of ability to Conqueror, importance of the office declined slowly through centuries.
That was conclusion of Iberian Wars. In over 30 years Orenta expanded from city-state to fledgling empire and major power in western Miditerranean, capable of rivalling Carthage and Italians But to contest her rivals, it had to overcome it's major weaknesses. First of all, Orentian fleet was small and weak. Second thing, manpower issues became glaring during an end to Iberian Wars. And third thing, albeit experienced, Orentian army was of considerably worse quality than those of other powers. Thus, Auron, already called "the Conqueror" embarked to solve those issues. First of all, in only five years major naval force was constructed and equipped. It was still smaller than Carthaginian Fleet, but capable of fending off blockades and controlling crucial naval lanes. But major focus of Auron's was on the army. Greek methods and experience from fighting tribes were basis of forming the "issata" system. Infantry was divided into three formations:: light spearmen usually covered the centre of formation, flanked by heavy, well armoured swordsmen and supported by mobile, small units of archers. Cavalry was disregarded by Auron and was used mostly for reconnaissance and support duties. Basic drill was introduced as high council finally approved creation of professional, standing army of 15 000 soldiers. With this force at hand, Auron was able to continue his great designs.
To build a strong navy, major economic effort had to be made. New taxes hit Orentian allies hardest, and in 273 BC, Volcae chieftain Cailtram launched rebellion agains Orenta. he was however quickly overwhelmed and his family executed by Auron's forces. Volcae territories were divided among Orenta patrician famillies.
Around 271 BC, Carthage became embroiled in civil war. Other powers, Syracuse, Teate and Numidia among them, soon intervened. Carthaginian territories in Iberia were ripe for taking. In 271 BC, Orentan forces besieged and captured Gadir, most important Carthaginian outpost in the region. Carthaginians responded by sending strong military expedition lead by commander Hanno, which managed to take Gadir back. Meanwhile, Auron and his forces were involved in conflict in the north. Carthaginians staged coup in Greek colony of Massalia, which strategically threatened Orentian trade routes. Auron threw back enemies from the city and turned it into tributary state, but was forced to evacuate hearing the news of Hanno's advance in the south. Two armies finally met near settlement of Becula. A result was devastating for Carthage. Auron's veterans withheld assault of Numidian mercenaries and then shattered Punic formations, effectively destroying Hanno's army and capturing it's commander. Battle of Becula was an disaster for Carthage, but it continued futile fighting until 267. It managed to recapture Massalia and launch another major offensive in the north, but when Orentian fleet captured Baleares and Corsica, effectively cutting off Punic forces from supplies the result was decided. Following peace ceded not only Carthage' Iberian possessions, but also island of Corsica to Orenta.
Auron's conquests were immortalized in set of statues along major road leading to Orenta, Roga Aurona. As city expanded, number of such monuments grew and in 1 century AD, some of became surrounded by city slums. Auron's most extraordinary monument was however situated in Massalia's port, a giant figure of victorious commander. it was however quickly destroyed, when Punic forces took the forces during Second Punic War.
Battle of Becula was first major engagement of new Orentian army. Its marvelous success should be however more attributed to Carthaginian logistical problems. Still it provided a proof that Orenta has became major military power in the west and boosted both citizens morale and Auron's reputation to new heights.
I;ve always been fan to epic megacampaings. There is something magical reading about history going completely alternative and such. Nowadays, however, I find that most MC's take easy route: just go along with game engine, use official converter and such. For me, it kills the magic. My philosophy is that megacampaign needs narrative, a heavy touch from player both in game and in his storytelling, to make plausible, truly interesting alternative history. So, it's time for me to take a shot at making history by myself. And since I am serious guy, i will take it seriously, starting right from the beginning with EU: Rome.
Also, please be lenient when it comes to my grammar and vocabulary. It's actually also an opportunity for me to help improve my written English. I hope the quality will improve with every coming part.
I hope you will enjoy!
EDIT: I forgot to mention. i'll be playing on Epigoni Mod with few changes here and there, but nothing major.
LION"S AWAKENING
Map of territorial changes during this part
Legend goes like this. There were once two great powers in our world - Egyptian and Hittite empires. Thy warred against each other constantly, but never has one prevailed. It was circa 1200 before Christ, when another peace attempt was made. One of terms was an marriage between pharaoh and Hittite princess. But before the girl has reached Egyptian border, she found a love of her life. Some say he was an runaway prince from Egypt. Some say he was an simple, but charming man from city of Ugarit. They eloped, running from wrath of their fathers to the west, through Greece and Italia towards new land and founded new city there, called Oronte, after the river before which they met.
The man's name was Maripas, the princess's - Yuri Napatera.
It's hard to tell how much of truth is in this legend. But without a doubt, city of Orenta stood where it stands there when Greeks came into this region and founded colony of Emporion north of Orenta, which was still a small settlement back then. First author to mention Orenta was greek Eumenes, who came around Emporion ca. 320 BC. Back then, those two cities were already embroiled in conflict, after which Greek colony will become part of fledging empire.
But those are Orentan historians that give us insight into the city's history. Haron of Gardia (1st c. BC) mentions a date f 1203 BC as the city's founding. It rose in stature during era of Phoenician colonization (around 8th century BC), becoming major settlement in western Miditerranean. In 765 BC republic was founded. City was ruled by council of merchants, mostly of Phoenician origin. It continued as major trading hub for almost three hundred years. When Phoenicia itself has fallen into hands of foreign powers, its colonies were left alone. In Orenta, tensions between ruling caste and citizens arose. In internal conflicts the popular side prevailed, led by high priest Hannes Napatera - a supposed descendant of princess Yuri and Maripas It was a year of 531 BC, when Republic has fallen, followed by an Theopublic - an unique form of government, mixing theocracy, republic and even monarchy.
The difference between Orenta and other Phoenician colonies was in its religion. Major deities like Ba'al and Tanit were sidelined. Orenta was a city of goddess Ishtar, patron of war and fertility, which other Phoenician cities called Astarte. Historian Omon (1st c. AD) recounts traditional form of legend about princess Yuri and adds that her grandmother was supposedly Ishtar reincarnated as Hittite queen. Early Orentians called themselves "children of Ishtar" and carried Ishtar lions as their symbol. Position of High Priest of the goddess was always kept within Napatera bloodline, initially passing from father to son. Napateras were therefore natural leaders of Orentan society.
Lion of Ishtar. Lion motiffs were extremely popular in Orenta even after Ishtar cult started to fade. While babylonian Ishtar was heavily connected with sexual practices, Orentian Ishtar was first and foremost goddess of war. Her lions were carried by soldiers into battle. In later centuries, convicted noblemen were ofter punished to being eaten by a lioness. Ishtar had many temples in orenta, but most important one was built ca. 350 BC and dominated the city for seven centuries, until major earthquake destroyed it. Barbarian tribes that invaded empire from 3nd century AD onwards finished the destruction.
As it was mentioned before, Early Orentian government was quite unique. City was ruled by council of nine patricians, always led by a High Priest of Ishtar. Four patrician formed so-called "inner council", while five others were seated in "foreign council". Those in former were chosen by citizens themselves and enjoyed their position until death. Foreign council members were chosen by High Priest, who could also dismiss them, though in practice they usually also served for lifetime. To sit in a council, one had to be Orentan citizen, but there were two categories of citizenship. First one was designed to appease older Orentian famillies. It was hard to attain and guaranteed right to vote for "inner" councilors and various exemptions from tax and military service. Easier to obtain was an "normal" citizenship, which was actually enough to serve in a foreign council.
Mid-5th century BC, when Macedonian armies marched towards Persia, in the west, another conflict raged. After centuries of growth and repelling barbaric tribes, Orenta has grown in citizens. Around 300 BC, it numbered around 30 000 inhabitants, and was just behind Carthage, Rome and on par with Syracuse. High Priest Azuplicar Napatera, despite losses at sea, has broken feeble Emporion phalanx on land and occupied the Greek colony, finalizing first conquest of future empire. Greek colonies, which lost their support from their motherland as Diadochi Wars raged were easy targets for Orenta army. In around 310 BC Azuplicar, along with Carthaginians lent their aid to another Phoenician colony, Abdera, in it's conflict with local tribes and Greeks. Abdera, located in far south, formed a league with Orenta, but it was easily dominated by an stronger partner. Azuplicar died around 307 BC, leaving to his successors foundations for future empire.
Presumably a depiction of fight between Orentian and Emporeian phalanxes. At the beginning, Orentian military simply copied Greek methods of fighting, but under Auron Napatera it developed its own style of warfare. Early Orentian military strategy relied on mobility and winning pitched battles instead of costly sieges, This method worked well in Iberia, but proven ineffective later on, when Orentian Empire encountered more developed rivals on it's way.
But it was his son Auron that started the Orentian expansion for good. Almost a legendary figure, Heron described him as a man of three meters tall and enormous strength. But first and foremost, Auron was an aggressive, wildly charismatic man, and extremely capable commander. He easily dominated council and it was his vision that shaped Orentian policy for centuries. Auron, who commanded an unit during Abdera conflict, believed that Orentian values are clearly superior to those of its neighbors and composed a plan to dominate tribes. At first, a diplomatic solution was seeked, but tribesmen did not understand concepts of political entities such as leagues (de facto federations). When messengers sent to Volcae tribe on the north returned with their hands and legs severed, Auron decided that military subjugation was necessary. Thus, Iberian Wars started.
Orentian army was technically one of the weakest in the Mediterranean. Bulk of its forces was composed of conscripts, fighting in Greek style in modified phalanx. Their main weapons were shots spears and shortbows, and they used loose, defensive formations. Its advantage lied in rudimentary discipline, high morale and above all - Auron Napatera's superior command. In his first major conflict against Volcae tribe, enemy army was smashed in no time and tribe leaders hastily agreed to join Orentian League. Encouraged by this success, Auron discarded diplomatic options and continued his military campaign. Neighboring tribes were unruly, scattered and constantly in feud, which made them a easy target for Auron's army. Only Caessians in the south, already heavily under Orenta' cultural influence surrendered without a fight. In ten years Orentian army conquered hundred times territory it had in the beginning of the Iberian Wars, encountering little resistance from the barbarians. Only tribe of Ruteni offered major resistance, handing Auron his first defeats, but eventually succumbed around 290 BC.
Initially, Merchants composed majority of Orenta citizens. Orentian law, Egao Orente dealt mostly with economic matters, but when orentian expansion began in 3rd century BC, it became obvious that rules had to be made to ensure painless integration of new territories and subjects. Under Auron Napatera leadership law was made to ease entry into ranks of citizens, but after his death influental patricians slowly but surely restricted that path for people of conquered territories.
Successful campaigns surprised everyone in capital and unexpectedly shook it's society to the core. Auron, firm believer that Orenta won't be able to retain it's position shall it remain just a conqueror, offered tribal leaders citizenship, and even seats within the council. Patricians rebelled, but Auron's popularity with the masses prevailed. According to historian Omon, he took a girl from Ruteni as his concubine and proclaimed her another coming of Ishtar, attributing to her his recent difficulties in subjugating this tribe. Utterly defeated, council agreed to open up the ranks of Orentian citizens. Wealthy tribe leaders were able to purchese citizenship and thus enter the council. That was a beginning of rural nobility that governed vast territories of Iberia for Orenta.
Conquests however slowly exhausted war potential of the young state and war with Contestani tribes 290-282 turned out to be surprisingly long and bloody. Meanwhile, rivals of the Orenta expanded their influence. Around that time Carthaginians landed in the south and took major city of Gadir as their protectorate. In 280 BC they controlled significant territory in the peninsula and were eyeing for more. Auron at that time was involved in another costly war with major tribe of Turdetani. Along with Cantabri and Voccali in the centre those were most powerful tribal entities in Iberia and exhausted Orentian military was unable to press its advance. Fearing that Carthaginian will strike one of the warring sides, Auron made peace with the enemy, annexing territory of allied Belli tribe, but leaving Turdetani out of league.
Auron the Conqueror came as close to being dictator as it was possible during his era. An man of extraordinary insight and ability, he created Orentian military almost from scratch, conquered massive territories and reformed law system of the theopublic. Loved by masses, despised by patricians, he ruled the city with iron grip. After his death steps were made to limit High priest power, and since basically none of his descendants came close in terms of ability to Conqueror, importance of the office declined slowly through centuries.
That was conclusion of Iberian Wars. In over 30 years Orenta expanded from city-state to fledgling empire and major power in western Miditerranean, capable of rivalling Carthage and Italians But to contest her rivals, it had to overcome it's major weaknesses. First of all, Orentian fleet was small and weak. Second thing, manpower issues became glaring during an end to Iberian Wars. And third thing, albeit experienced, Orentian army was of considerably worse quality than those of other powers. Thus, Auron, already called "the Conqueror" embarked to solve those issues. First of all, in only five years major naval force was constructed and equipped. It was still smaller than Carthaginian Fleet, but capable of fending off blockades and controlling crucial naval lanes. But major focus of Auron's was on the army. Greek methods and experience from fighting tribes were basis of forming the "issata" system. Infantry was divided into three formations:: light spearmen usually covered the centre of formation, flanked by heavy, well armoured swordsmen and supported by mobile, small units of archers. Cavalry was disregarded by Auron and was used mostly for reconnaissance and support duties. Basic drill was introduced as high council finally approved creation of professional, standing army of 15 000 soldiers. With this force at hand, Auron was able to continue his great designs.
To build a strong navy, major economic effort had to be made. New taxes hit Orentian allies hardest, and in 273 BC, Volcae chieftain Cailtram launched rebellion agains Orenta. he was however quickly overwhelmed and his family executed by Auron's forces. Volcae territories were divided among Orenta patrician famillies.
Around 271 BC, Carthage became embroiled in civil war. Other powers, Syracuse, Teate and Numidia among them, soon intervened. Carthaginian territories in Iberia were ripe for taking. In 271 BC, Orentan forces besieged and captured Gadir, most important Carthaginian outpost in the region. Carthaginians responded by sending strong military expedition lead by commander Hanno, which managed to take Gadir back. Meanwhile, Auron and his forces were involved in conflict in the north. Carthaginians staged coup in Greek colony of Massalia, which strategically threatened Orentian trade routes. Auron threw back enemies from the city and turned it into tributary state, but was forced to evacuate hearing the news of Hanno's advance in the south. Two armies finally met near settlement of Becula. A result was devastating for Carthage. Auron's veterans withheld assault of Numidian mercenaries and then shattered Punic formations, effectively destroying Hanno's army and capturing it's commander. Battle of Becula was an disaster for Carthage, but it continued futile fighting until 267. It managed to recapture Massalia and launch another major offensive in the north, but when Orentian fleet captured Baleares and Corsica, effectively cutting off Punic forces from supplies the result was decided. Following peace ceded not only Carthage' Iberian possessions, but also island of Corsica to Orenta.
Auron's conquests were immortalized in set of statues along major road leading to Orenta, Roga Aurona. As city expanded, number of such monuments grew and in 1 century AD, some of became surrounded by city slums. Auron's most extraordinary monument was however situated in Massalia's port, a giant figure of victorious commander. it was however quickly destroyed, when Punic forces took the forces during Second Punic War.
Battle of Becula was first major engagement of new Orentian army. Its marvelous success should be however more attributed to Carthaginian logistical problems. Still it provided a proof that Orenta has became major military power in the west and boosted both citizens morale and Auron's reputation to new heights.
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