Chapter 4: Factions

by **^Marcus Cornelius^** Mon 09 Jun 2008, 19:17

4. Factions

4.1. Faction Selection

The faction should be chosen looking at some criteria.

1. Choose the faction according to your attitude and your personal way of playing (aggressive, skirmishing, melee oriented, defensive and so on). Some factions are good in melee (i.e. have outstanding melee units), others have better skirmishing units (missile units that can give you advantage in the first phase of the battle), others have outstanding cavalry.

2. Choose the faction according the overall strategy of your team. If you are playing a MP game (2 v 2, 3 v 3, 4 v 4) it could be a good idea if every member of the team has a specific task and choose the faction according to tasks assigned.

3. Choose your faction according to …. your personal and historical preferences.

4.2. Factions and Ages

Faction unit list is different depending on the age you select.
In general the variety of troops increase from Low to Late Middle Age.
In general European factions have a good variety in infantry units and armoured cavalry, Eastern factions have a good variety in missile units, both mounted and not mounted.

In High Middle Age units are fewer, they are quite similar in western factions on the one side and eastern factions on the other side; and consist of few basic units:
 archers, mostly low quality,
 low armoured heavy infantry and spearmen,
 low armoured cavalry.

In Low Middle Age, factions become more characterized, and in unit list you can find some special and local units i.e. elite armoured archers, crossbowmen, more armoured heavy cavalry, special horse archers and mounted crossbowmen. Some factions (French and Scottish) have even pikemen.

In Late Middle Age, gunpowder appears and in many technological advanced factions you can find arquibusiers, musketeers, cannons. Pikemen become available for many European factions.

4.3. Factions’ Characteristics

Each faction has its own particular units. Each faction has its strength and weakness represented by its unit particular stats (combat points) and abilities.
The game is well balanced. That means that most of the factions are competitive and could be used in an effective way on the battlefield.
Here in synthesis some factions that can be chosen and their main characteristics.

4.3.1. England

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.2. France

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.3. Holy Roman Empire

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.4. Spain

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.5. Venice

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.6. Milan

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.7. Sicily

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.8. Scotland

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.9. Denmark

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.10. Portugal
Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.11. Poland

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.12. Hungary

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.13. Russia
Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.14. Byzantium

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.15. The Moors

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.16. The Turks

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.17. Egypt

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.18. Papal State

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.19. Aztecs

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.20. Mongols

Strength
Weakness
Usage

4.3.21. Timurids

Strength
Weakness
Usage

The Factions Strength, Weakness and Usage can be subject to use and feedback from players. Individuals may help with filling in the information in these Faction sections. It will be appreciated.
Please use the Guide: Suggestions and Comments topic to post your write-ups.

4.4. What Faction to begin with?

I suggest you choose an easy and strong faction to begin. One that could be used easily and statically. A defensive one. With good infantry (heavy infantry, spearmen & pikes), good heavy and light cavalry, and a good choice of ranged units (muskets, crossbow and elite archers).
Spain, Portugal, France, Scotland could be a good choice: strong and balanced.
If you like movement you can choose some Eastern factions with Horse archers and light and heavy cavalry: Mongols, Russians, Polish. These are cavalry based factions.
Italian factions do not have a good choice of infantry, no pikes, though do have muskets.
England is not strong in gunpowder weapons, though do have good archers and cavalry.
Aztecs and timurids are minor factions, though timurids do have elephants.