DreadNES: The Test of Time

Lurker's Comment: Charles reminds me of Ken when he had one of his "cookie moments". Also, subscribing...
 
I finished today, but when I reread it I decided that I should add more detail. By tonight it should be done.

And, I was thinking...do you guys want more points to spend, and the points be of less value, or visa versa?
 
Lurker's Comment: Charles reminds me of Ken when he had one of his "cookie moments". Also, subscribing...

Wa? :mad: WEll, WELL,WELL;) I will Give you one for that

I finished today, but when I reread it I decided that I should add more detail. By tonight it should be done.

And, I was thinking...do you guys want more points to spend, and the points be of less value, or visa versa?

I think more, less valued points is better because it would be more flexable.
 
Decloak: I was just stating a fact. Besides, I doubt you know what I'm referring to anyway.
 
I think more, less valued points is better because it would be more flexable.


I agree entirly. Don't over complicate the rule, but give us flexiblity to play in :)
 
BT Update I
Changing Times

970 B.C.E. – 450 B.C.E.

Times are changing. Domestic policy and military policy are changing as rapidly as a raging waterfall.

Where to start?

Judea – the jewel of the Middle East. Jerusalem is the capital of a vibrant empire. Though not too many conquests were made, as the Judeans focused more on domestic policy, indirectly several border provinces were added to the nation.

King Solomon I, the ruler of Judea for thirty years, died in 968 B.C.E. He was succeeded by King David I, who ruled from 968 – 960 B.C.E. He was a militaristic ruler, who added a small swath of Arabia, though the desert is no real gain. The real highlight of his rule was the union with Moab, which has aided each nation. He was slain fighting the Arabian nomads.

His son, David II, had the (currently) longest reign in Judean history, from 960 – 904 B.C.E. He ascended the throne at age 13. Under him, the Temple of Jerusalem was built as a magnificent center of the Judean faith. This huge building features materials from all over the known world.

After his death, the Judean kingdom was static, with little expansion for 300 years. The kings mainly favored economic and domestic expansion, not conquering new lands. That changed in 565 B.C.E., when the bludgeoning Neo-Hittite Kingdom launched an assault on Antioch.

The siege of Antioch lasted for nearly a year. The Judean army was cut off from the garrison, who faced a massive Hittite assault. However, when the assault came, the garrison made a great discovery which drove the Hittites back, while suffering few casualties (see the Changing Face of War section).

After this defeat, the Hittite army collapsed, and the nation was conquered by Judea. However, it was not directly annexed, as trouble in the east threatened the empire.

By 600 B.C.E. a new nation had risen in Mesopotamia – Persia. They are a militaristic society based on conquering other neighboring tribes. Eventually, the nation became a power in the region. This was noticed by Ashur, who had been fighting Babylon and Uruk for centuries. The two countries formed an alliance and teamed up to conquer the Middle East. While the alliance performed well, disputes between the two nations ultimately foiled the alliance – Persia conquered Babylon, which Ashur had hoped to rule themselves.

Finding these two powers to the east, Judea decided to form a puppet state in Anatolia to join them in an alliance. Called Rum, this country (predominantly Jewish) was formed from the old Neo-Hittite Empire. This nation gives Judea a sense of security and strength of numbers should an invasion come.

If Judea wants to expand into Mesopotamia, a likely strategy would be to ally with one of the two nations. Both nations are vying for control for the region.

Beyond Mesopotamia, no nations have been discovered, though it is known that Persia enjoys trading with a partner the Judeans do not know of. In the west, two nations have formed – a loose coalition of Greek states, and Macedonia, a wild land north of Greece. Both nations sent envoys to the Judeans. The Greeks are a civilized race, of old Iliad times, which were once Mycenaean. When the Sea Peoples attacked, they destroyed the major Greek settlements, and for several hundred years expansion in the region has slowed. Now, however, they are back with a bang, wit the principle cities being Athens, Sparta, and Thermon. Macedonia was originally a bunch of tribes in the 10th century B.C.E. Now, however, the nation is united under King Alexander I (r. 452 – present) and seeks more lands in the time to come.

In Egypt, the Egyptian government and Nubia at are ends, with Nubia declaring that the Egyptians are stirring revolts in Nubian territories. Egypt says the Nubians want to conquer all of Egypt, while Nubia increases garrisons along the border. However, there has been no war yet. Meanwhile, the remaining Jews are causing trouble in Egypt. Some say Judea is brewing the feelings in the region but no one is sure. The thing everyone is sure of is that Judea has spies around the region, for defense or to prepare for an offensive.

- - - - -

The Mayans have created a powerful empire in Central America. After the Olmec Wars, the victorious allies (Teotihuacán, Maya, and Chichen Itza) grew steadily in power. The Mayans expanded quickly under their Chief Jaguar-King (r. 854 – 823 B.C.E.). Under this just ruler, the Olmecs were allowed to form a nation once again, though it is a puppet of the Mayan government. Also, trade began in earnest at this time.

Chichen Itza in the north expanded along the lines of innovation first and foremost, with the Mayans just a bit behind. Tikal, meanwhile, organized a powerful army, which they used to conquer areas in the southwest. Teotihuacán reorganized itself as well; building a new foundation after the Olmecs devastated their lands.

The Mayans influence each of these governments. Chichen Itza explored the Sun Sea (*1) after the Mayans suggested that the sea held the nation’s future. Tikal was pressured into rapid expansion into the southwest partially under Mayan influence; however, this nation wishes to throw off the Mayan yoke. Teotihuacán rebuilt steadily with Mayan aide, and even expanded towards the coastline. However, some of these changes were unsuccessful.

In the Sun Sea, Chichen Itza enjoyed some success initially. A colony was founded on Puet-Pua (*2) in 630 B.C.E., where expensive dyes were discovered, and another at Ytal Nehoa (*3) in 599 B.C.E. However, at the latter, Chichen Itza discovered a new nation, known as the Carib Empire.

The king of the Carib Empire rules from his palace deep in the jungles of an unknown land to the south. His people have stretched far and wide across the Sun Sea; due to this, it is now known as the Carib Sea (*1). The people are both seafaring traders and violent warriors. Chichen Itza discovered the latter characteristic, unfortunately.

In 570 B.C.E., Ytal Nehoa (*3) was approached by the Caribs. They claimed that Chichen Itza had settled on their lands, a claim that Chichen Itza refused. A week later, the settlement was brutally sacked by the Caribs; many people were killed, the rest sold into slavery. The colony was abandoned. Puet-Pua (*2) continued to be habited, though there is a small population.

For the remaining 100 years, Chichen Itza’s people remained in their temples, conducting experiments and debating ideas. However, a few voyages took place, though they only discovered more Carib settlements.

Tikal found the passive side of the Caribs, and began trade in earnest with the people. The two nations are close, as each depends on the other for a large amount of economic prosperity.

Teotihuacán, meanwhile, expanded cautiously into [once] Olmec-influenced lands. The expansion went well, with new provinces added to the empire. However, tragedy struck the nation recently, in 454 B.C.E.

The King, Pol-Pen (r. 461 – present) was a harsh and corrupt leader. His people suffered greatly under his rule, with taxes high and food shortages often. Thus, when a leading general, Gohaja, declared he would help the beleaguered people by overthrowing the king, the peasants enthusiastically supported his claim to the throne. So, the nation erupted into civil war – one side, the king and the upper class, the other the peasants and the general.

Tikal supports the general, citing the fact that the king is a horrible ruler (though the general is also pro-Tikal) while Chichen Itza claims that, since the king is the ruler by lineage, that he should once again rule the nation. It is unknown how the Mayans feel about this issue.

Though the Mayans expanded quickly, many tribes put up valiant resistance, and have yet to be conquered.

(*1) – Caribbean
(*2) – Cuba
(*3) – Puerto Rico


- - - - -

In Asia, Gojoseon and Han have been expanding as well, both economically and politically.

Gojoseon, after defeating the Hunnics and Choson, had no close rivals for several hundred years. The rest of Korea was annex slowly, yet steadily. The final corner of the peninsula was occupied by 700 B.C.E., and Gojoseon ruled the entire peninsula.

Now that expansion had occurred, Gojoseon decided to build up the nation’s economy. Trade, both internally and externally, was the main source of income. Yan was the principle trade partner, with both the Song and Han completely closely behind. Gojoseon was safe, as there were no nearby nations to threaten her.

Until 500 B.C.E.

Then, a nation disclosed itself. Called Manchuria, this nation, while claiming to be Chinese, also consists of strong Gojoseon, and even some Hunnic, characteristics. Though in a sense militaristic, the nation also favors peace. The King resides in Muotang (*1).

The Song was the friendliest nation to Manchuria. Trade exists between both nations, as well as some more discrete ties. The Yan, who had been at odds with the Song (ever since they did not help Yan with the Hunnic invasion), suspected that the Song were attempting to outflank Yan. While this claim may not be true, it has put both nations on angry terms.

Then, a new nation was discovered as well. Named Yamamato, this nation formed around the same time as Manchuria. Though the kings in Kyoto are isolationist towards the continent, that may change over the years.

Han once tried to attack their fellow Chinese 600 years ago. However, ever since, they have aided their relatives. After chasing the Hunnics west, Han build a fort named Zhi Cheng at the site of the old Hunnic capital, to make sure no other barbarians formed chiefdoms. Though they help their neighbors, the kindest is not returned.

Yan does not trust the Han after the blockade, though they appreciate the aide given during the Hunnic invasion. Song outright dislikes the Han, and competes militarily and economically with their southern neighbor.

Han supported forming an alliance in Asia with all nations in the region. Yan politely refused, while Song rudely rejected the idea.

Han focused on expansion in their own area as well, and most of southeastern China is occupied. The, however, face raids from the Viets in the southwest, and Tartars (a group of nomadic hunter-barbarians) along their northern fort-city, Zhi Cheng . Economically, Han lags behind Yan only marginally, and soon Han may overtake their neighbor. Militarily, there is a close race between the Song and Han over who will build the strongest military quickest.

Both Gojoseon and Han may face new threats in the years to come.

(*1) - Port Arthur

- - - - -

In Gaul, Marathos has become the principle power. After their annexation of Garra, Marathos worked on rebuilding the shattered land. This worked so well that by 700 B.C.E., the population was so large that people were moving away from the internal regions, increasing the size of Marathos. By 500 B.C.E. the nation had expanded into Spain and Switzerland as well.

The people are genuinely happy with the government. The kings are intelligent and kind. It is commonplace to see parties and festivals being held on special holidays. However, a darker side to Marathos is that criminals are punished very heavily, with executions and slave labor common to the bandit or murderer. Still, the people pay no mind to this. After all, they commit no crimes at all!

Economically, the nation was self sufficient, but not prosperous, for about 400 years. Under King Thodric (r. 603 – 574 B.C.E.), contact was made with Greek sailors, hailing from the Balkans. They brought fine wine and olive oil, and were particularly interesting in Marathos’ furs. As can be expected, a trade system began. The trade became so popular that the Greeks formed a trading settlement on Corsica to continue the economic expansion.

The military continues to be important in Marathos. After all, they are a civilized nation surrounded by barbarians who probe their borders every so often. Marathos Heavy Cavalry are the elite of the army. Their armor and weapons are kept with the greatest reverence, as they are often the decided factor when pushing back neighbors.

Speaking of neighbors, Marathos is surrounded by a fierce people known as Gauls. There are two tribes of Gauls, one located to the west (Gaul proper) and another to the east (Transalpine Gaul). These nations consider each other brothers, and war must be made cautiously – if Marathos attacks one, the other may invade Marathos. The only hope if conquests are to be made is to ally with another nearby tribe – Celtiberia.

Celtiberia once ruled Aquitaine in Gaul. However, the Gauls came from the north and pillaged their lands and forced the Celts into exile. They resettled in Iberia, but wish for revenge and to reconquer Aquitaine. Maybe an alliance can be formed between these two powers?

- - - - - - - - - -

The Changing Face of War

War has drastically changed over the past few centuries.

During the siege of Antioch, the Judean garrison discovered that, if they stand in deep formation and hold long pikes, they can keep back the attacking Hittites. This worked superbly, and soon the whole military was using the concept of the phalanx, although Irregular divisions were kept when the need arises for maneuvering. The Greeks and Egyptians quickly copied the idea, and soon many nations were using it.

While in the Mediterranean, the phalanx is used, in China the average soldier instead uses a smaller spear, and is equipped with heavier armor than before. Han was the first nation in the east to use this; after their near defeat in the Hunnic lands, they decided that heavier armor was necessary. The other nations followed suit quickly but Gojoseon followed a different path; with the well-trained Gojoseon infantry defeating the Hunnics with a shield wall, Gojoseon infantry began using longer and longer spears, until they had a formation similar to the phalanx.

In Marathos, the infantryman preferred the sword to the spear. While surrounding Gauls fight loosely and wildly, Marathos has a more organized method of warfare, with the soldiers lining up and fighting more coherently. They are also more heavily armored than the average barbarian warrior.

In Central America, the infantry are adorned with jaguar pelts and eagle feathers. In the jungle, maneuver is limited, so the infantryman is equipped with heavy-hitting weapons, such as clubs, and quick jabbing weapons, such as spears. Warfare here is mainly wild only because the jungles prevent communication and organization. However, the Mayans have worked on a more organized command structure.

Chariots are now extinct on the battlefield. In their place are horsemen. Though useful as scouts and flankers, the cavalry are lightly armored, and built for speed. They are not the knights, who ram straight into enemy lines. Instead, they are used to chase down archers, charge flanks, etc. They can survive in a melee, but are not war-winning troops. However, they are not expensive, and can be armed at relatively low cost. The exception, of course, is the Marathos Heavy Cavalry. They breed their horses to be huge, lumbering steeds, and they ride full-force into their opponent’s lines, causing heavy damage to anyone foolish enough to be in their way!

Naval combat has changed as well. Galleys are still used, though they are nearly obsolete at this point. They are made, however, for hit-and-run attacks, and in case of need of quickly building a navy. In their place are Triremes, well built craft made just for combat. The Junks in Asia are similar to these ships, and Han War Junks are particularly powerful craft. These ships have rams, grappling hooks, marines, and sometimes even ballistae to sink or board enemy craft. They, however, are expensive to build, and are built in lower numbers.


- - - - - - - - - - -

O.O.C.:Cost Changes:

1 point now buys (one of the following):

3 infantry
3 cavalry
8 galleys
4 Triremes (4 Junks)

Upkeep and size costs have changed.
 
Spoiler MAP :
BT1.PNG
 
I have a comment on infantry tactics in Asia. I can see the change of infantry in China, due to "their near defeat in the Hunnic lands". And you say Gojoseon adopted "[uses of] smaller spear, and is equipped with heavier armor than before." But wouldn't Gojoseon rather stick with phalanx-ish formation since their "spear wall" tactics defeated the Hunnic cavalry? Like heavier/bigger shields and light armor with longer/bigger spears.
 
If you wish so, then certainly; I was recounting the fact that in China the phalanx was not used; but you are certainly correct in your opinion. Sure.
 
YAY - fantastic update Dread.. i got almost all i wanted.. very interested in the new nation.. who is the lil red one to my northwest?

We having a few more BT's or going back into IT now?
 
Buying 1 ep Cavary and 1 ep infantery to boast Zhi Cheng Against the tartars, also, i will invest 2 ep in Education.

Opps, waiting for Stat update...
 
Charles.. your meant to sent orders as a PM to Dread rather than post them in the thread.
 
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