"Ambition" - Korean Samguk (Three Kingdoms) mod

Ogedei_the_Mad

Ogedei_the_Mad

Caffeinated Khagan
Joined
Feb 15, 2004
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Location
Moved back into the kimchi jar
"Ambition"
Wake of the Tiger​

After a very long "break" from Civ3 modding, I'm finally back in a Civ3 mood again. :) I'm in grad school after a too-short yet delightful two-year adventure in Korea and I'm shifting my focus to the study of Korean culture and history.

If Yoda Power doesn't mind, I'd like to use his East Asia Mod as a base.

If anyone is wondering, I haven't abandoned the "Annals of Seven Kingdoms;" I just need to find extra time to get around to actually make the buildings and the special fantasy units for the mod. Time, unfortunately, is an expensive luxury for me these days. ;)

So the question some might be asking is "Why Korea?"

Korea is an unfotunately oft-ignored and heavily misunderstood civilization (and there are some that seem to think that Korea isn't a civilization at all!). But the truth of the matter is that Korean civilization has been an integral part of East Asian history and development. Even in its weakest and most vulnerable moments, the interactions it had with the other powers of East Asia shaped the way regional politics and economics worked.

The Korea that Westerners and even many Asians including many Koreans know is a Korea that was in decline, a secluded and overly conservative and inflexible "Hermit Kingdom." But this Korea was a mere shadow of the former glory of its civilization. Travel back several centuries and one would see a completely different Korea - powerful, wealthy, influential, and cosmopolitan - a Korea that marvelled early medieval Arab merchants to the point that they once called it a "land of gold."

Our story, however, takes place a few centuries before this zenith of civilization to a tumultuous developmental period integral to the understanding of Korean civilization - the Samguk Sidae ("Three Kingdoms Period").

Although it was the kingdom of Silla that ultimately prevailed in the many centuries of conflict and competition, each of the major kingdoms had the potential to overpower their foes.

PERIOD: 300 CE - 668 CE*
Note that there are anachronisms in terms of leader choices for this mod.

SCENARIO ERAS:
1. Twilight of the Dragon
2. Rise of the Eastern Barbarians
3. Roar of the Tigers
4. Mugunghwa

BUILDINGS AND WONDERS

FACTIONS
Korean
Goguryeo
Leader: Gwanggaeto
Capital: Guknaeseong
UUs: Goguryeo Horse Archer [2nd Era], Gaemamusa [4th Era; +1 Attack, +1 HP Bonus]
Unique Wonder: Tomb of Jangso
Specialty: Military Might [Militaristic, Expansionist]
Notes: Goguryeo was known for its powerful military; it not only repulsed Chinese invasions, but also was a major threat to the Chinese empires. Goguryeo's power lies in its brute force and its excellent position to expand. This comes at a cost, however - Goguryeo collides with the powerful Chinese early on and could find itself surrounded on three fronts if threats are not dealt with swiftly and decisively - China to the east and Baekje and Silla to the south. Goguryeo Horse Archers and Gaemamusa are some of the strongest - albeit the most expensive - military units, more than a match of even the mighty armies of their Chinese neighbor.

Baekje
Leader: Munyeong
Capital: Wiryeseong
UUs: Baekje Artisan [1st Era; more efficient worker, no golden age], Wae Auxiliary [3rd Era, +1 Attack, Amphibious Attack]
Specialty: Culture [Industrious, Scientific]
Unique Wonder: Mireuksa [+1 happiness in all cities], Wae Auxiliaries [auto-produces Wae Auxiliaries]
Notes: Baekje, though it had its time in the sun, was in somewhat of a tight situation with regards to its relations with Goguryeo and Silla. It was indeed a strong kingdom, strong enough to thwart Chinese advances southward during the time Lelang was still occupied, but was eclipsed by the military behemoth of Goguryeo to the north and the shrewd rising power of Silla to the east. Baekje's lasting contributions to Korean civilization, however, was its remarkable cultural sophistication; Baekje artisans and architects designed and built great structures in both the Korean peninsula (such as Mireuksa) and Japan (such as Horyuji). For the purpose of this mod, Baekje's military is somewhat handicapped in that it doesn't have a buildable UU; the Wae Auxiliary (representing Japanese auxiliaries) is only autoproduced through the Wae Auxiliaries unique wonder and is not totally weak but nothing particularly special compared to the UUs of other Korean kingdoms. Baekje has the potential to be a military powerhouse, but its chief advantage is its ability to develop its infrastructure faster than other kingdoms.

Silla
Leader: Jinheung
Capital: Geumseong
UUs: Seonggol Musa [2nd Era], Hwarang [4th Era, +1 Defense, Stealth Attack]
Unique Wonder: Anapji [serves as 3rd palace], Hwabaek [builds a magistrate in all cities]
Specialty: Versatility [Militaristic, Religious]
Notes: Silla's starting position is mixed - on the one hand it is relatively safe from Chinese assaults and is next to a weak neighbor (Gaya), but on the other hand, Silla may experience attacks from Japanese marauders (Waegu) early on. This kingdom starts out relatively small, but can become a real force to be reckoned with after a bit of development. Silla's survival depends on its versatility. It is not truly superior in any one aspect, but is more adaptable with its decent military and selection of structures. Shilla's unique Golpeum (Bone Ranks) government is relatively efficient and productive.

Gaya
Leader: Suro
Capital: Geumgwang Gaya
UU: Gaya Armored Horseman [2nd Era, +1 Defense]
Unique Wonders: Great Tumulus, Great Ironworks
Unique Buildings: Ironware Crafter
Civ Limitations: Chiefdom and Confederation governments only
Specialty: Iron Production [Industrious, Commercial]
Notes: Gaya is stuck in a dangerous position. It is at risk of outright invasion from not one but -two- strong kingdoms and it lacks a strong government. Gaya doesn't have any remarkable cultural buildings unique to it aside from its Tumuli. Its strength lies in its productive capabilities, particularly when there is Iron available.

Buyeo
Leader: Uira
Capital: Baekak
UU: Buyeo Archer [1st Era, +1 Attack]
Unique Wonder: Baekak Sanseong [auto-builds Buyeo Archer]
Specialty: Artisans [Religious, Commercial]
Notes: Buyeo is another difficult faction. By this time period, it was in a significant state of decline, soon to be eclipsed by its powerful offshoot and rival, Goguryeo. Survival depends on a solidification of position, but this can be a real challenge in the face of invasions from Goguryeo and Central Asians. Regardless of numerous military challenges, Buyeo has a relatively sophisticated artisan culture and can set up artisan and craft shops earlier on. Also, if it survives long enough, Buyeo can get access to better government systems.

Tamna
Leader: Yang
Capital: Jejumok-eupseong
UU: Tae-u [2nd Era, coast only, +1 movement]
Limitations: Chiefdom and Confederation governments only
Unique Wonders: Samseong Hyeol [Builds Shrine in all cities], Sanjincheon Harbor [+1 trade in coastal tiles]
Specialty: Agriculture [Agricultural, Seafaring]
Notes: Tamna is the most difficult of all the Korean factions. It starts confined to Jeju Island and if it makes an attempt to expand on the mainland or other lands, it would immediately face resistance from the other Korean states, the Chinese, or the Japanese. Despite its small size, Jeju Island does offer one advantage - fertile volcanic soil. The Tamna culture has relatively productive agricultural capabilities and its Tae-u boat is cheap and has an additional movement point, giving early scouting opportunities.

Chinese*
*During the Korean three kingdoms period, Chinese dynasties rose and fell. As the Korean kingdoms developed, China experienced the rises and falls of the Han Dynasty, the Chinese Three Kingdoms Period, invasions of the Xianbei, the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Sui Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty. For the purposes of simplicity, Chinese are represented by the Jin although they were a relatively weak dynasty.

Jin
Leader: Sima Rui
Capital: Jiankang
UUs: Zhuge-nu [2nd Era +1 Defense], Tang Heavy Cavalry [4th Era, same stats as Gaemamusa]
Unique Wonder: Forbidden City
Notes: During this time period, the great Chinese empire is teetering on the edge of collapse. The Chinese start out with a huge empire, a plethora of resources, and a potentially dangerous military, but in the 3rd century, despite being somewhat unified under a single dynasty, the empire is not at all stable. Not only is there the threat of the rising Koreans and Tuoba to the northeast, the empire also faces challenges from dangerous upstarts within. If the Chinese can weather the storm enough, they have the potential to morph into the mighty Tang Empire.

*Non-playable*
Lelang Commandery
UU: Korean Auxiliary [+1 Defense, 1st Era]
Notes: Lelang exists only as a single well-defended city. It starts out with relatively advanced technology, but lacks the ability to muster a strong army, expand with settlers, or advance further in research later on. Gameplaywise, Lelang primarily serves as an initial stumbling block for Goguryeo, Baekje, and Buyeo to expand.

Xuantu Commandery
Notes: Same as Lelang.

Central Asian
Yuan Wei (Tuoba and Khitans)
Leader: Tuoba Gui
Capital: Datong
UU: Tabgach Raider [2nd Era]

Han Zhao (Xiongnu)
Leader: Liu Yuan
Capital: Lishi
UU: Xiongnu Steppes Cavalry [2nd Era]

Japanese
Yamato
Leader: Ojin
Capital: Asakura no Miya
UU: Yamato Swordsman
Unique Wonder: Kofun

Wa-ban

Emishi
Leader: Aterui
Capital:
UU: Emishi Horseman
 
I don't know what your map is, but during this time Japan was made of different civilizations, which also played a part in Korea. Wa (Yamato) was a strong ally of Baekje and sent large armies and navies to help them. But the Kumaso in Southern Kyushu was often allied with Shilla. Kibi was an early also a trading partner of various kingdoms in Korea.

I don't know if that will take focus off of Korea, but the wars in Korea affected the wars in Japan
 
The focus is primarily on Manchuria and the Korean peninsula, but I'm open for adding more civs to expand the scope. I'm also a bit tempted to add in Okjeo and Buyeo, but that'd make the Korean peninsula too crowded...

There isn't much information in English on the polities you mentioned. Would you mind providing links or posting more info on them?
 
Nice video. The Romanization for the names are way off though.
 
hmmm in English it may be difficult, give me more time.
I was going to make an ancient Japanese mod that also had the three Korean kingdoms, but I usually always stop and forget my projects. So I was searching ancient Japan, which is really hard, because everyone says something different, because until about the 7th century all the information is limited. And the kingdoms of Yamataikoku, Kumaso, Hiyato, Kibi, and Idumo were gone.
 
Feel free to use EAM as a base. But note that it's not finished, so you might find some things a bit mystic when you go through the files and such.
 
Added some notes to the Korean factions. Each faction will play differently from the other to reflect their respective developmental history. I'm mulling over the idea of whether to have all factions playable or just the Korean civs.
 
I'm leaning more towards a historical map, but I guess I could have a random map version too.
 
ShiroKobbure said:
Aren't the Wakou (Waegu) from the 1100s ad?
Click to expand...

Actually, Waegu raids go back to the 3 kingdoms period. The "Wae" likely referred to the people of Tsushima.
 
Ogedei_the_Mad said:
Actually, Waegu raids go back to the 3 kingdoms period. The "Wae" likely referred to the people of Tsushima.
Click to expand...

Wae means Wa in Korean, which means the Yamato, or sometimes all of Japan.

"The early phase of Wōkòu activity began in the 13th century and extended to the second half of the fourteenth century. Japanese pirates from only Japan concentrated on the Korean peninsula and spread across the Yellow Sea to China."
-Wikipedia

there may have been Japanese pirates earlier than that, but they were not a major threat to anyone.

"Waegu raids" may be Yamato attacks on Shilla since the Yamato was allied with Paekje for the major of the three kingdoms, and did sind armies to fight in Korea
 
You can't always resort to Wikipedia as a source considering its sometimes questionable authenticity. The more sources I find for my own research, the more I find Wikipedia to be unreliable. [Although I must admit that I did rely upon it quite a bit once... :mischief: ]

"Waegu" is a more recent term, but "Wae" was in use for quite some time. "Waegu" is being used in this mod for the purpose of including the other "Wae" peoples that were not directly affiliated or not at all affiliated with Yamato; Japan at this time was not a truly unified entity. Also, simply using "Wae" to refer to the Yamato specifically is an archaic notion that is no longer really accepted in scholarship since it is too broad a term. I'm using "Waegu" here to refer to the other "Japanese" pirates since we simply don't know what they actually called themselves. Early Japan, as you noted with the other polities in existence, was a very diverse place with not a single unitary culture.

According to Hatada Takahashi, the recorded "Wae" attacks on Silla were likely referring to Tsushima pirates, which makes a lot more sense since Tsushima is in direct range of Silla and the time of recorded attacks and Yamato was not yet a truly realized entity.

You're right that the pirates did not pose a truly major threat. The Goguryeo accounts of the Wae threat were exaggerated with the purpose of making Silla look weak in order to present Goguryeo as the hegemon of the region.

On the other hand, one thing that the pirates from the Japanese islands did do was that their raids slowed Silla's development a bit. Silla had to confront raids along its coasts and for a polity merely budding, that can really be a damper on growth.

Originally, I was thinking of just representing the Tsushima pirates as barbarians, but I think they'd function better as a generic non-player civ that we must label "Waegu" for the purposes of this mod as there were also Kyushu pirates as well. They will have ships and weak amphibious units and their main base on Tsushima.
 
I said that Wae sometimes means all of Japan...

In the 500s Tsushima became under the control of the Yamato. Before then it was the Tsuikai kingdom. But it is possible that the Yamato had controlled the island earlier.

Tsushima was a major port for the Yamato to fight against Shilla. Such as in the battle of Hakusukinoe. After they built Kaneda Castle

Also from Wikipedia (sorry):
Yayoi Period

"The first major naval contacts occurred in the Yayoi period in the 3rd century BCE, when rice-farming and metallurgy were introduced, from the continent.

The 14 CE invasion of Silla (新羅, Shiragi in Japanese), one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, is the earliest Japanese military action recorded in Samguk Sagi. According to that record, Wa (the proto-Japanese nation) sent one hundred ships and sacked the coastal area of Silla before being driven off.

[edit] Yamato Period

During the Yamato period, Japan had intense naval interaction with the Asian continent, largely centered around diplomacy and trade with China, the Korean kingdoms, and other mainland states, since at latest the beginning of the Kofun period in the 3rd century. According to the Nihon Shoki, Empress Jingū is said to have invaded Korea in the 3rd century, and to have returned victorious after three years.

The battle of Hakusukinoe (白村江), one of the earliest historical events in Japan's naval history, outside the realm of legend or myth, took place in 663. Japan sent 32,000 troops and possibly as much as 1,000 ships to Korea to support the declining Baekje kingdom (百済国) against Silla and T'ang Dynasty China. They were defeated by the T'ang-Silla combined force."

Waegu mentioned by the Koreans at the time was probably not an independent large number of pirates, but probably a negative meaning for the Yamato navy or army. They might have been raiders under the control of the Yamato

I don't think the Wakou were a big part of either Korean or Japanese history until after the Mongol invasions on Tsushima.

Maybe the Wakou could be barbarians on the map, but I don't not think they were major enough to be a civ. Or should they control Tsushima.

By the way, what is the starting date of the mod?
 
This is a good idea. We could need more Korean units as well, but I'm sure Sandris will work on that sooner or later.
 
As I said on my post, "Waegu" is being a representative term to refer to Wae raiders for the simple reason that we haven't an idea on what they called themselves; these instances were documented in both the Chinese and Korean histories. The invasion of Jingu (as well as the theory of an early Yamato 'invasion' given its lack of solid form at that time) is myth, but the raids of proto-Japanese marauders occured. 'Wae' is being used to differentiate between the Yamato and others.

As historian Bruce Cummings noted: "It is wrong to call these forces [Wae] simply Japanese as some historians like to do...some experts think Wae refers to people from the Korean peninsula; basically the evidence isn't good for us to know one way or another."

Since it'll probably be confusing to some, I'll use another name later.

I'm still not sure about the mod's starting date; I'd have to chang the Chinese factions, but then again, Tang is too important...

I'm tempted to throw in the other proto-Japanese factions as well, but that'd shift the focus.
 
I don't think Yamato invasions are a myths since there is evidence that it happened. Both Goguryeo, Shilla, and Various Chinese state Japanese invasions of Korea. It is also well known that Baejke and Yamato were close allies. But the Japanese invasions of the island were probably to help Baejke and Gaya, and not to set up a colony.

And I don't think Wae could be anything else. Since the Koreans did not have Hangul at the time, they probably wrote in Chinese characters. Wa or (和, later 倭), which was Japan's name until Shotoku-Taishi wrote "日本". I haven't read Bruce Cummings book, but I think he needs to research more....

It's true when you read a book about this time the subject changes, if the person is Korean or loves Korea, all of Wa is barbarians and Yamato is a colony of Beakje, if they are Japanese then mighty Wa conquered Southern Korea. So, it is hard to know what to believe.
 
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