Grand Strategy Imperator: Rome - the new grand strategy from Paradox

[catfood]

Boi means oxes in Romanian.

 

[M. AQVILA]

Boi means oxes in Romanian.

Same in Portuguese, it means Ox.

 

[Agame]

You are talking about Slitherine's Legion / Chariots of War / Spartan(?) games.

Yes! Thats it, thanks for remembering.

 

[Space Satan]

I wonder how they will deal with roman practice of "defeat some city\tribe, take shitload of population and settle them in Rome"

 

[RNGsus]

You must ask "tribe" their permission to evict and enslave them first.

 

[Sranchammer]

Paradox should focus all energy on modding capabilities

 

[Space Satan]

It is already super-friendly for modders. What we need is bug-free game with good UI and reasonable levels of automation to escape micromanagement hell

 

[RNGsus]

Until this baby's out, I've been trying to play Rome TW, which is impossible on (i)series but that's all I have right now. Anyhow, I found the solution for 10fps is drinking a lot. Hurru, Paradox! My liver is almost dead.

 

[Makabb]

So Johan says this has elements from all other paradox games, so either this will be a big clusterfuck or best paradox game

 

[aleph]

So Johan says this has elements from all other paradox games, so either this will be a big clusterfuck or best paradox game

Let's hope it won't be Stellaris 2.0.

 

[Makabb]

So Johan says this has elements from all other paradox games, so either this will be a big clusterfuck or best paradox game

Let's hope it won't be Stellaris 2.0.

It shouldn't.

Let's hope they create a proper end game. In the start, player should be creating an empire, like in real life and in the end game, you should be protecting yourself from barbarian hordes, if they get this right, it could be real good.

 

[fantadomat]

So Johan says this has elements from all other paradox games, so either this will be a big clusterfuck or best paradox game

Let's hope it won't be Stellaris 2.0.

It shouldn't.

Let's hope they create a proper end game. In the start, player should be creating an empire, like in real life and in the end game, you should be protecting yourself from barbarian hordes, if they get this right, it could be real good.

Stellaris biggest problem is the fact that is randomly generated with equal start(more or less) for everyone. It lacks that glorious feeling of eating the last two provinces of kebab as byz. The game is far linear and lack replayability unlike the other paradox games.

 

[fantadomat]

How so LizardWizard ? Which part is not true oh great magisterium insidiator?

 

[LizardWizard]

How so LizardWizard ? Which part is not true oh great magisterium insidiator?

Calling Stellaris more linear than Eu4 is laughable

 

[fantadomat]

How so LizardWizard ? Which part is not true oh great magisterium insidiator?

Calling Stellaris more linear than Eu4 is laughable

How is not? You do the same shit every game,and nothing really changes. It is like EU if you get to play only 1 country.

 

[Makabb]

- Monarch Mana

Eh I don't realy mind this, the game is just more gamey

- Nation-based rather than character-based.

For me that's good, I actualy don't like CK2 and like EU, imo EU 3 was the peak when you could freely paint the map

- Disregard for history, like having Rome with only one consul.

no opinion on that

 

[Makabb]

So far from what i've seen we are getting

- CK2 character development
- EU diplomacy, trade, war
- Vic population and goods
- HOI tech development
- March of the eagles military system
- Romes original civil war and slave system

 

[aleph]

So Johan says this has elements from all other paradox games, so either this will be a big clusterfuck or best paradox game

Let's hope it won't be Stellaris 2.0.

It shouldn't.

Let's hope they create a proper end game. In the start, player should be creating an empire, like in real life and in the end game, you should be protecting yourself from barbarian hordes, if they get this right, it could be real good.

I am not convinced, when has Paradox in the past managed to provide a good endgame? I kinda fear it will end up like Stellaris, a mix of different elements which don't work together very well.

 

[LizardWizard]

You do the same shit every game,and nothing really changes.

So just like Eu4 where the only thing to do is blob. The mission system is literally paint by numbers guided expansion with awesome buttons.

 

[Life of the Party]

Hello again!

As previously hinted today's diary will cover both the Greek Military Traditions and the general setup at the start of the game in the larger Greek region. We will return to other parts of the Greek world in future diaries. I will also start with a few words on the Diadochi and the Greek world at large at our start.

The Wars of the Diadochi:

As we move on to the eastern part of the mediterranean we approach what is perhaps the main conflict of the early part of Imperator:Rome, a conflict that does not involve the promising Republic in Italy at all.

In 334 BCE, a few years after the first Samnite War and some 30 years before the start of the game, Alexander of Macedon crossed the Hellespont and invaded the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Alexander would in short order conquer the empire in its entirety, and soon his rule extended from Greece and Egypt in the west, to the Indus river and Ferghana valley in the east.

However in 323, aged only 32, Alexander would die suddenly, in the city of Babylon.

After some consideration the generals present in Babylon itself proceeded to divide the empire between them in anticipation of one of Alexander’s heirs coming of age.

Almost immediately hostilities would break out between these successor rulers, a series of conflicts that would last far longer than the original campaign to conquer the empire by Alexander himself. The story of this great conflict could fill many developer diaries, and involve everything from securing Alexander’s widows, children, siblings and even his body itself, to treachery, assassination, and unlikely reversals of fortunes. This is a period of some of the most spectacular sieges, naval engagements and land battles of the ancient era. At our start in 304 BCE this conflict is still ongoing, the remaining factions are headed by Cassander in Macedon, Lysimachos in Thrace, Antigonus in Phrygia, Ptolemy in Egypt and Seleucus in Persia. There are no longer any remaining potential heirs by blood to the empire, and so these remaining generals have all begun proclaiming themselves kings in their own right. History knows them as the Diadochi, or successors.

Rather than retelling the wars of the Diadochi in their entirety we will get back to them when we focus on the various regions that the Successors rule at our start.

This diary is going to focus on the geographical region of Greece, in some ways at the periphery of the conflict, but in others at its very center.

Greek Military Traditions:

Greek Military traditions will be used by all countries with a Greek culture as their state culture. Including all of the mentioned Diadochi kingdoms. Like with all Military traditions there are three different paths but you can choose to progress down either one at any time you unlock a new tradition.

Like with most things we show you numbers are still subject to change. The names for the paths are also not to be taken too literally. They are never shown in game and are just rough categories for us to work with internally.

The Greek can unlock 3 abilities. Raid City, and Border Forts are also present in the Italic Traditions.
In addition the Greek Military Traditions also unlock the Cavalry Skirmish ability. This is a togglable unit ability that increases damage dealt by Light Cavalry and Camelry, while also increasing the damage they take themselves.
Overall Greek Traditions provide a range of different bonuses to Infantry as well as a sprinkling of Cavalry and naval bonuses depending on what you prioritize.

Starting Tradition - Modernized Phalanx: Allows Phalanx

“Seleucid Path”

• Agema: Light Cavalry Discipline +15%
• Arms For Hire: Mercenary Recruit Cost Modifier -25%
• Phoenician Sailors: Ship Offense +15%
• Companion Cavalry: Allows Cavalry Skirmish
• Kataphraktoi: Heavy Cavalry Discipline +15%
• Thyreophoroi: Light Infantry Morale +15%
• The Hipparchos: Cavalry Morale +15%
• Finisher Bonus - Deep Coffers: Mercenary Maintenance -25%

*Greek Path*

• The Sarissa: Heavy Infantry Morale +15%
• The Tarentine Advance: Light Cavalry Defensive +15%
• Siege Craft: Siege Ability +15%
• Military Colonies: Allows Military Colonies
• Mine's Bigger Than Yours: Ship Defensive +15%
• City State Fortifications: Fort Defence +15%
• Centuries of War: Heavy Infantry Maintenance Cost -25%
• Finisher Bonus - The Silver Shields: Heavy Infantry Discipline +15%

*Antigonid Path*

• Veterans of the Great Campaign: Unit Starting Experience +15%
• Proud Shipwrights: Ship Construction Cost -25%
• The Nobility Ride: Light Cavalry Offense +15%
• The Victor's Spoils: Allows Raid City
• Peltasts: Light Infantry Offense +15%
• Specialist Infantry: Archer Discipline +15%
• Mastery of the Mountains: Light Infantry Mountain Bonus +25%
• Finisher Bonus - Combined Arms: Light Infantry Discipline +15%

Greece 450 AUC - 304 BCE

Macedonia, Epirus & Thrace

At the time of Alexander’s death Macedonia and the cities of Greece were entrusted to Antipater, one of his oldest and most experienced officers. A few years later Antipater was even declared the regent of the (by then rather theoretical) empire, and entrusted the care of the presumptive heirs to the empire, Alexander’s son Alexander and his incapable brother Philip.

Quite an old man, Antipater eventually transferred command of Macedonia in 319 BCE to another general, Polyperchon. His eldest son Cassander, himself a veteran of Alexander’s conquests, saw this as a threat to his own ambitions and allied with the enemies of his father. Eventually taking over Greece and Macedon by force. Well in control of Greece, Cassander would find that his father’s enemies soon became his own.

Starting Countries:

• Macedon: The original kingdom of Alexander, now ruled by the Antipatrid dynasty under Cassander. While thoroughly militarized, Macedon itself was never the richest part of Alexander’s empire. In recent years it has flourished under the rule of the Antipatrids, who have spent great resources on founding new cities, improving infrastructure and generally acting as is expected of Hellenistic Kings. In the years preceding our start date Cassander ordered the murder of the last heirs of Alexander, once entrusted to his father. This proved to be quite an unpopular move among the Greek cities but one that met almost no opposition from the other Diadochi.
• Epirus: More accurately the Epirote League. Led by the newly elected King Pyrrhus Accidae, a man who has been called the greatest military mind of his time. Pyrrhus is still young but would in time make a name for himself as a mercenary and adventurer. Pyrrhus feels he has a legitimate claim himself to the realm of Alexander and is sympathetic to the Antigonid cause. Epirus starts out unaligned and without alliances but many opportunities for expansion.
• Thrace: The realm of Lysimachos, a seasoned general of Alexander’s wars but perhaps less influential than most of the others we have mentioned. Thrace is aligned with Macedon against the Antigonids in Phrygia but its meager military resources are mostly spent protecting itself from the many tribes to its north and in the Thracian inland. Thrace starts allied with Macedon and with Odrysia as a vassal.
• Odrysia: Thracian tribal kingdom just north of Lysimachos domain. While technically a subject of Lysimachos it was just as often a rebellious enemy. Odrysia starts as a vassal of Thrace.
• Taulantia: Kingdom north of Epirus ruled by the famous warrior king who have fought Alexander the great, Antipater and eventually Cassander. Offered refuge to Pyrrhus and his mother when Cassander wanted them dead years prior. Starts unaligned and without allies
• Cavi: Small tribal vassal of Taulantia in Illyria.
• Paeonia: Tribal Kingdom in Upper Macedonia founded by a cadet branch to the Argead house of Macedon. Starts as a vassal of Macedon.

Central Greece

Greece may be far from the center of Alexander’s Empire but it is also extremely central to the wars of the successors. For a Hellenistic King the cities of Greece represent a political capital that few places in the world can match. They also possess considerable commercial wealth and could be a great source of manpower for the ever expanding armies of the Diadochi.

Cassander’s strategy in Greece has been to garrison the cities and place his own men in charge of important ones, such as Athens, or the great fortress of Corinth. This strategy has been quite unpopular with the Greek cities themselves but it has allowed him firm control over the many disparate factions and leagues in the region.

At the start of our game, Demetrius, son of Antigonus and co-king of our Phrygia has just landed with a big army in the Macedonian stronghold Chalcis, in central Greece. Fresh from the siege of Rhodes and conquest of Cyprus, his reputation precedes him. This is also not the first time that he is campaigning in Greece. Thus, when Demetrius promises freedom to all Greek cities many immediately drop the allegiance to Macedon and join his cause.

As our game starts, Cassander and his armies have quickly fled north while Demetrius is now consolidating his hold over Athens and Boeotia. As winter approaches there is a cessation of active hostilities of sorts, but it is not one anyone expects to last.

Starting Countries:

• Athens: Perhaps the most prestigious of all cities in the Greek world. Home to the Akademia founded by Plato. Under Cassander Athens was ruled by the Tyrant Demetrius of Phalerum. At our start Athens has just been freed of its Tyrant and has welcomed the Antigonid prince Demetrius Poliorcetes with open arms as the liberator of all greeks. In time this relation would grow a bit more sour but at our start Athens is closely aligned with the Antigonid cause in Greece. Athens start as a democratic Republic and a feudatory of Phrygia.
• Thebes: Once the leader of the Euboean league and a power in their own right, Thebes was laid to waste by Alexander the great when he conquered Greece. As if to distance himself from Alexander Cassander has spent considerable funds on rebuilding Thebes to once again be a relevant power in the region, and a loyal ally to Macedon. Thebes begins as a feudatory of Macedon.
• Boeotia: Country representing the Boeotian League. As soon as Demetrius Poliorcetes landed in Chalcis, the Boeotian league switched its allegiance from Cassander of Macedon to the Antigonids in Phrygia. Starts as an ally of Phrygia.
• Aetolia: Small country representing the league of Aetolia. Often closely aligned with the Antigonids of Phrygia. At our start they have just entered into an alliance with Demetrius Poliorcetes.
• Euboea: Represents the Euboean league and controls the entire island of Euboea apart from the fortified city of Chalcis itself. Starts as a feudatory of Phrygia.
• Akarnania: Small country representing the league of Akarnania in western Greece. Positioned at the border of Macedon and Epirus the small league will have to rely on more powerful protectors in order to survive. At start Akarnania is a feudatory of Macedon.
• Megara: Small city state between Athens and Corinth. Home to the Megarian school of philosophy and logic. Declared for Phrygia when Demetrius freed Athens from its tyrant. Megara starts as a feudatory of Phrygia.

Peloponnesos:

The mountainous peninsula in southern Greece is home to a great number of small city states. Macedonian overlordship is in living memory but the region was almost entirely freed by the Antigonid alliance in previous wars. Polyperchon, the Antigonid General in charge of the region, recently defected to Cassander and left the region to bring Alexander’s brother to Macedon.

The Peloponnesian cities largely remain independent and ungarrisoned ever since Polyperchon left. On the entrance to the peninsula from the north lies the city of Corinth, and its huge fortress, the Acrocorinth, which is still in Cassander’s hands. A small number of city states, primarily around Argos, have also remained loyal to Macedon out of their own interests.

Starting Countries:

• Sparta: The largest, and most prestigious state in the Peloponnesos is Sparta. The kingdom is long past its heyday, and has not played any major role in regional politics for quite some time. Nonetheless, the containment of Sparta has been the main goal of foreign policy for Macedon both under Alexander and later Cassander. Like Athens, Sparta is the founder of many Greek cities around the mediterranean and continues to play a role by getting involved in conflicts around them. Not long from our start date Sparta would send the prince Cleonymus to Italy to help Tarentum. Sparta starts out independent and allied to Tarentum.
• Argos: Republic that has historically been a major player in the region, and opponent to Spartan hegemony. Argos has been supported by Macedon to act as a close ally and strong loyal force in the region, a counterweight to the rise of other regional powers. Argos starts as a Feudatory of Macedon.
• Megalopolis: Small city state just north of Sparta. Heavily fortified by the Thebans 60 years prior, Megalopolis is the main city of the Arcadian league in which many of the central cities of the Peloponnese are organized. At start Megalopolis is in a defensive league with Azania, Mantinea and Stymphalia.
• Azania: Democratic Republic representing various small cities in the Peloponnese upland, most significantly Kleitor. At start Azania is in a defensive league with Megalopolis, Mantinea and Stymphalia.
• Stymphalia: Small city state next to Corinth and a member of the Arcadian League. At start Stymphalia is in a defensive league with Megalopolis, Mantinea and Azania.
• Mantinea: Oligarchic Republic in the central Peloponnese. Mantinea’s fortifications and strategic location has made it the scene of important historical battles more than once. At start Mantinea is in a defensive league with Megalopolis, Stymphalia and Azania.
• Troizen: Small city state on the tip of the Argolid Peninsula. Starts as a feudatory of Macedon.
• Epidauros: Small city state, and center of the Asklepios cult. Starts as a feudatory of Macedon.
• Aigion: City state in the northern Peloponnese, formerly the main city of the old and defunct Achaean league. Starts independent and unaligned.
• Patrai: City state in the northern Peloponnese. Would in time come to be a founding member of the Achaean league that came to encompass much of the entire region some time after our start date. Starts independent and unaligned.
• Elis: City state in the western Peloponnese, in its territory lies Olympia and Elis is therefore the host of the recurrent Olympic games. Elis starts as independent and unaligned.
• Heraia: Small city state in the upland beyond Olympia. Borders the Arcadian league but is itself unaligned at start.
• Messenia: Region formerly annexed and enslaved by Sparta. Messenia was made independent and fortified by the Thebans 60 years ago with the objective to keep Spartan power in check. At our start Messenia maintains a well fortified and firmly Anti-Spartan foreign policy. Starts independent and unaligned.
• Lepreon: Small city state in the fertile Triphylia region on the western coast of the Peloponnese. Starts independent and unaligned.

That was all for today.

There are still many more things to cover, both the in the Greek world and elsewhere. Next week I will be back to talk about Religious Omens, as well as perhaps another thing or two about the starting setup.

 

[Life of the Party]

Hello again!

Today I am here, somewhat belatedly, to talk about the how religion works in the game, as well as the starting setup in Anatolia and the Aegean.

Religion

In the ancient world religion was not quite as important as in the periods covered by some of our other games, like the age of reformation in Europa Universalis or the Crusades in Crusader Kings. That does not mean however that religion was inconsequential in the ancient world. While syncretism was common there was also great variety in the many pantheons of the era and things like the cult of Fortune and worship Serapis in some ways transcended the different religious spheres. In Imperator each Country, Character and Pop will belong to one of the 22 religions in the game. These will be the source of flavor but also of some direct gameplay effects:

• Perhaps most importantly pops that are of another religion to your country will not be as happy or productive under your rule.
• Characters of another religion to your country will have a lower maximum loyalty to the state.
• Pops ruled by a governor of their own religion will be happier and more productive, while the happiness of pops under a governor of a foreign religion will be less happy and more prone to unrest.
• Religion does not modify opinion between countries but in diplomacy a country of another religion will be somewhat less likely to accept your proposals.
• Characters of the wrong religion are also less likely to be elected for office in a Republic.

In addition you can spend religious power to invoke Omens, to Sacrifice to the Gods and increase stability and on Invoking Devotio to reduce War Exhaustion.

Each country is able to invoke an Omen for a price of Religious Power (currently 200 as base). The power and the length of an Omen can be modified by things like ideas, government officials, events, laws and many other things. Unlike in Europa Universalis:Rome an Omen can never directly fail - giving you a negative effect.

The name and description of the Omens depends on your religion and culture. A Greek country following the Hellenic faith will for instance seek the Blessings of Ares, Athena, or Tyche. While a Roman one will instead turn to Mars, Minerva or Fortuna. This is also reflected in events and text that reference the gods (and of course in the variety of events available).

Pop religion can change either by direct intervention of the state, using religious power, or through the use of the religious conversion governor policy.
Characters will generally not change their religion but may do so on their own accord through events, especially if they are ambitious and wanting to pursue a career in the service of the state. You can also demand that your characters change their religion directly, though they may not necessarily appreciate that.

In India Buddhism is a still young and spreading religion which will be reflected in a tendency for characters and pops there to switch to it through events.

The religions currently in the game are:

• Hellenic: Having spread from the Greek heartland, the Olympian pantheon is venerated by many. The names, aspects and hierarchy of many of the gods can vary widely from region to region, however, Zeus, or Jupiter as he is known to the Romans, is regarded as the figurehead of the Olympian pantheon.
• Kemetic: The history of the indigenous Egyptian religion stretches back many thousands of years. Manifesting as a polytheistic faith, the worship of Ra, Atum, Sekhmet and others, displays a deep reverence for the fundamental aspects of the natural world.
• Canaanite: The Canaanite religion venerates a number of Gods and their aspects, in a polytheistic manner. Baal is regarded as the chief deity in a complex hierarchy of lesser gods, which were often worshipped at shrines found on mountains or hilltops. At the start of the game the Canaanite religion is primarily found in Phoenicia and Phoenician colonies, such as Carthage.
• Zalmoxian: Whether Zalmoxis was originally a prophet or a god, is unknown. The Dacians and Getae however, revere Zalmoxis as a divine being, ascribing many miraculous acts to him.
• Druidic: Druids acted for the Celts, as a distinct social class. Often acting as magistrates and lawmakers, they also dictated local religious customs and beliefs. Druidic faiths are primarily found in Iberia, Gaul and the British Isles at the start of the game.
• Iberic: Essentially a hybrid polytheistic religion, Iberian religious practices involve the veneration of animal spirits, as well as ancestor worship. Various Hellenic and Phoenician gods were worshipped by the Iberians, as well as local deities such as Betatun or Ataecina.
• Jewish: Unusually amongst contemporary faiths, Judaism is a monotheistic religion. Following a series of prophets and teachers, the Jewish holy book, the Torah, contains the details of a covenant created between God and the children of Israel.
• Zoroastrian: The prophet Zoroaster taught of a monotheistic faith in the Creator-God Ahuramazda. Evolving out of early Indo-Iranian polytheism, great reverence is shown for the 'eternal law', or, Daena, which espouses good and righteous conduct.
• Matrist: Little is known of the Baltic tribes and their religion. Nonetheless, records survive, telling of cults worshipping a mother goddess, along the baltic coast.
• North African: The ancient culture and religion was a melting pot of traditional egyptian beliefs, star-worship, and ancestor veneration. Many megaliths - stone constructs raised in honor of the gods - still exist, dotted about the African landscape.
• Tuistic: The ancient Germanic god for Tius, Teiws, or Tuisto, was worshipped by the early migratory tribes from modern-day Scandinavia. Many accounts suggest that the Germanic people practiced a largely animist religion, venerating the earth and sky, and the life force of all living things.
• Arabic: Religion in Arabia was a polytheistic mixture of deities, aspects and demons, practiced in localities and enclaves around the region. Allah, the Creator-God, may have been worshipped as the head of the pantheon during this period, in some locations.
• Ritualist: Representing a variety of localized faiths and folk religions, Ritualism espouses ancestor-worship, animism, and votive offerings
• Buddhist: A relatively young religion, Buddhism arose in Northern India, following the life of Siddhartha Gautama, or simply, Buddha. The Buddha was an ascetic teacher, who spoke of the Middle Way, throughout India.
• Hindu: Hinduism evolved out of the Vedic period, shepherded by the creation of the Upanishads, and was widely followed throughout India during early antiquity.
• Bön: Bön represents a collection of folk religions originally practiced on the Tibetan plateau. Aspects of ancestor worship and animism appear frequently, as well as nascent polytheism.
• Heptadic: Originating in Scythian lands, this pantheistic faith worshipped seven principal gods, often equated to those of the Greek pantheon. Elements of the earlier polytheistic folk religion of the scythians still remains, as does the practice of horse sacrifice and chariot burials, similar to those of the Celts.
• Cybelene: The Phrygian cult of Cybele is linked to prehistoric Mother-Goddess worship. Evolving over thousands of years, the cult of Cybele often claimed relationship to mythical figures and heroes, and practiced their religion with the veneration of idols.
• Khaldic: The Khaldic pantheon represents a religion which grew out of the Urartian culture, many centuries before. A principally polytheistic faith, the chief god was known as Khaldi, and was worshipped as a warrior god.
• Armazic: Possibly connected to the nearby Anatolian religions, the pantheon of the Caucasian-Iberia region was ruled over by the god Armaz.
• Chaldean: The history of the Chaldean pantheon stretches back many thousands of years. Worshipping gods such as Anu, Enki and Nanna, the devotees of the Chaldean religion construct imposing temples in honor of their chosen God.

Anatolia in 450 AUC / 304 BCE

The Aegean and the Ionian Coast

In 304 BC the well populated parts of Anatolia is almost entirely dominated by the empire of Antigonus, former Satrap of Phrygia. Settled by Greeks centuries ago the Anatolian coastline has a number of rich cities that are in most ways an integral part of the Greek world. Antigonus policy towards the greek cities has been of relative benevolence and autonomy. The cities have not generally been garrisoned, instead they have been organized in Koines or city leagues, hearkening back to the old leagues that existed in the region before its conquest by Persia and later Alexander the Great.

Local adversaries of the Antigonids in the near time has been both Cassander and Ptolemy. The later a long term ally of many of the island countries of the Aegean. The recent Battle of Salamis has however has seen the Ptolemaic fleet crushed and resulted in almost total Antigonid hegemony among the islands, with the notable exceptions of Rhodes and Kos.

Anatolia is also the starting point of the old Persian Royal Road, which still connects the region with the Syria, Mesopotamia and beyond.

Starting Countries:

• Aeolia: Republic representing the cities of the Aeolian League, or League of Ilion. While a league of Aeolian cities has existed on and off for hundreds of years, this particular one has been re-enacted as part of Antigonus policy to safeguard the rights of the free Greek cities. Starts as a feudatory of Phrygia.
• Ionia: Republic presenting the cities of the Ionian League. Like Aeolia this league has been recreated when the cities came under Antigonid control. It is led by the Antigonid lieutenant Hipparchos of Cyrene. Starts as a Feudatory of Phrygia.
• Miletos: Republic on the Anatolian coast. Once a powerful city and the point of origin for many of the Greek colonists who have settled along the Black Sea Coast. Miletos was freed by Antigonus early in the wars of the successors and at start enjoys its freedom relatively undisturbed. Miletos starts as an independent city.
• Kos: Small island Republic that was perhaps most known for being one of the few places to produce mediterranean silk, and for its medical school, said to have been founded by Hippokrates. Kos is a long term ally of the Ptolemies in Egypt but with the withdrawal of all Ptolemaic forces after the battle of Salamis they now stand alone. In 304 BCE Kos was, and would continue to be, a major center of culture. This is the home of a number of interesting characters, both in medicine, such as Proxagoras, as well as poets and scholars as Berosus, Philitas, Herodas, many of whom would eventually find their way to Ptolemaic Alexandria. Kos starts as a Feudatory of Egypt.
• Nesiotic League: The nesiotic league, or league of the islanders, has been created by the Antigonids to organize the many islands of the Aegean. While they may seem peripheral these islands are the source of many goods that are highly sought after in the greater mediterranean world. Glass, silk, marble, precious and base metals can all be extracted from these islands. It’s capital is the sacred city of Delos.
• Halikarnassos: An old colony of Troizen in the agean the port of Halikarnassos remains an independent city. In his recent excursion into the region Ptolemy attempted to seize it by force, but was repelled by Demetrius Poliorcetes. Halikarnassos starts as a feudatory of Phrygia.
• Andros: Small island nation between Euboea and the Nesiotic league, aligned with the Ptolemids in Egypt. Andros starts as a feudatory of Egypt.
• Knidos: Small city state in coastal Caria. Would become known for its medical school, though it was not as famous or influential as that of nearby Kos. Knidos starts as a Feudatory of Phrygia.
• Rhodes: Island Republic known for its highly praised workshops, shipyards and for some of the toughest fortifications in the Mediterranean. Like Kos the Rhodian state is a friend of the Ptolemids, but after the battle of Salamis these are not a present factor in the Aegean. Rhodes itself has recently withstood a spectacular year long siege by Antigonus son, Demetrius. Despite employing considerable resources and technical innovations the Demetrius failed to take the city, earning himself the nickname Poliorcetes, “the besieger” in the process. Rhodes would in time rise to become a considerable center of production and a respectable naval power, as well a close ally of the Ptolemies. Famously the Rhodians would use the many siege machines left behind by Demetrius to create a monument over their victory in the form of a giant Colossus, later named as one of the wonders of the ancient world. Rhodos starts independent and has a decision available to it to construct the colossus to commemorate its recent siege.

Western Anatolia: The Hellespont, Phrygia & Paphlagonia

While central Anatolia has been involved in a number of campaigns of the successors, and is now firmly under the control of the Antigonids, the north western coast is home to a number of small states of increasing autonomy. As elsewhere the Antigonid policy has been to maintain the freedom of Greek cities, with cities such as Astakos, Kios and Calchedon and Byzantium enjoying the protection of the larger Phrygian realm. This has so far thwarted the attempts of local dynasts such as Zipoetes in Bithynia, Dionysius in Heraclea Pontica or even the massive Thracian realm of Lysimachos.

Should the Antigonid realm, Phrygia in our game, fail the days of these small cities may well be numbered however.

Starting Countries:

• Phrygia: The realm of Antigonus “the one-eyed” Monophthalmus and Demetrius “the besieger” Poliorketes. Phrygia is in many ways the most successful of the Successor kingdoms at this date. Even if Antigonus himself is a very old man by now he has consistently beaten the armies of the other successors and come closer than anyone else to reforming Alexander’s empire. In 304 BCE the Antigonid realm has enemies in all the great powers of the Hellenistic world, but still enjoys a very favorable reputation among the many Greek cities of the Mediterranean. Unlike his opposition Antigonus is known for protecting their freedom and not leaving his own garrisons to guard them. A policy that has proven fruitful for Antigonid armies in Greece, where Demetrius is currently removing garrison after garrison of Macedonian troops. At our start Phrygia has a large number of subject states all over Anatolia and to some extent in Greece. It is also hated by all the other big successor empires such as Macedon, Thrace, Egypt and the Seleucid Empire.
• Bithynia: Small kingdom by the Black Sea and the Bosporus ruled by the local dynast Zipoetes. Independent since the death of Alexander the great, Bithynia has had to successfully defend itself from both Lysimachos in Thrace and Antigonus in Phrygia. In 304 BC Bithynia has attempted multiple times to annex the nearby city states of Calchedon and Astakos, due to the intervention of their more powerful neighbors. Should these big states be distracted, Zipoetes is likely to try again.
• Heraclea Pontica: Small kingdom by the Black Sea ruled by Amastris, widow of the Tyrant Dionysios, former wife of the Diadochi Craterus and niece of the Persian Emperor Darius III. Heraclea is a small kingdom with many enemies and needs to pursue very active foreign and domestic policies. Like many of the Diadochi, Amastris has founded a new capital in her own name, Amastris, moving the population of other nearby cities into one place. Heraclea Pontica starts the game as an unaligned kingdom without allies.
• Paphlagonia: Tribal Kingdom in north western anatolia representing the general lack of authority in the area after the spotlight of the Diadochi wars had moved on. Starts the game unaligned and without allies.
• Kios: Small kingdom near the Bosporus, tributary of Phrygia. Most all known for its ruler, Mithridates, who is the descendant of the Persian Satraps of Pontus. Kios is nominally subject to the Antigonids and while Mithridates and Antigonus do not trust each other their sons have grown to be friends. Historically Antigonus would invade and execute Mithridates, while his son, also named Mithridates, would escape and eventually found a new kingdom in Pontus. Kios starts as a Tributary of Phrygia.
• Kyzikos: Small plutocratic republic midway between the openings in to the sea of Marmara. Kyzikos starts as a feudatory of Phrygia.
• Byzantion: Small city state on the western side of the Bosporus. Its position allows it to control the shipping in and out of the Black Sea. Byzantion is constantly under threat from the much stronger nearby kingdom of Thrace, under the Diadochos Lysimachos, but has so far been able to assert its independence, rebuffing any threats for tribute.
• Calchedon: Very old and influential republic on the eastern side of the Bosporus. Supposedly called “the city of the blind” due to its founders ignoring the site of the future Byzantion. Another nearby city state, and frequent ally. Calchedon is constantly threatened by the nearby kingdom of Bithynia, and its ambitious king Zipoetes, but have on several occasions been saved by the armies of the Antigonids. At start Calchedon is independent and unaligned.

Cappadocia, Pontus & the Black Sea Coast

The Anatolian region has been one of many theaters in the ongoing wars of the Diadochi, and has seen the rise and fall of many of Alexander’s generals. These decades of warfare has left the more peripheral places like Pontus and Armenia almost entirely out of reach from the greek successors. Cappadocia, historically often autonomous, has been central to some of the recent wars and is currently under the control of the Antigonid Satrap Amyntas.

Starting Countries:

• Pontus: Tribal kingdom representing the local dynasts in northern Pontus. Like Paphlagonia Pontus has not been the primary scene for any of the fighting in the wars of the Diadochi for quite a while. Historically the former Persian Satraps of Pontus, now kings of Kios, would return to found the Mithridatic kingdom of Pontus not many years after our start in 304 BC.
• Cappadocia: Feudatory kingdom under Satrap Amyntas, in central Anatolia. While the rulers are Macedonian, Cappadocia remains a firmly Anatolian region with little in the way of Greek population. The former Persian Satraps of the region remain in the court of the nearby kingdom of Armenia and would want nothing more than to return to depose Amyntas. In 304 BC Cappadocia is a Satrapy under Phrygia.
• Trapezous: Independent Oligarchic Republic on the coast of the Black Sea. Surrounded by the tribal southern areas of Colchis in the east and the Greek coastal parts of Pontus in the west. A major entrepot for Greek traders all over the Pontic coast, eastern Anatolia and the Caucasus.
• Sinope: Independent Graeco-Pontic city state ruled by the Paphlagonian Tyrant Scydrothemis on the border of Paphlagonia and Pontus. Founded by Greek settlers hundreds of years ago, Sinope lives on its overseas trade and good relations with the city state of Byzantion on the Bosporus. As one of the oldest Graeco-Pontic cities, Sinope has been the point of origin for many of the colonists who founded other Greek cities along the Pontic coast. Sinope starts as an independent Despotic Kingdom.
• Amisos: Independent Greek plutocratic republic on the Pontic coast. While Amisos is not as rich and influential of Sinope it is a strong little merchant state. Amisos is independent and unaligned at the start of the game.
• Kerausous: Small City state on the Pontic coast. Founded as a colony of Sinope. Kerasous starts as a Feudatory of Sinope.
• Kotyora: Small City state on the Pontic coast. Founded as a colony of Sinope. Kotyora starts as a Feudatory of Sinope.

 

[thesheeep]

Hmmm... good for LARPing a druidic empire?

 

[Tigranes]

The Diadochi are among my favourite historical periods, so letting me play them in an unmodded Paradox game means I will probably D1P this despite all its flaws

Yes I am aware this is exactly what an abusive relationship looks like

 

[Life of the Party]

Hello and welcome back to another Imperator Development Diary!

Today I will be talking about what National Ideas are in the game and also about the starting situation in the Southwestern part of the Mediterranean, the home of the mighty Republic of Carthage.

National Ideas

Much like in its predecessor, Europa Universalis: Rome, in Imperator you can tailor your country to your goals by picking national ideas. How many you can have active is dependent on your government type.

There are 36 different National Ideas that you can choose from (and they will be listed in this diary). Each idea has its own bonus and each belongs to one of four categories corresponding to the power types in the game. Selecting a new National Idea costs 50 Civic Power. Some are available to you at the start, others have to be unlocked by Advances during the course of the game.

As a rule Tribal governments can have two national ideas, while the more advanced government forms, like Republics and Monarchies, can have three (but there are exceptions to this rule).

Each government in the game comes with a base bonus specific to that government. There is also a secondary bonus for each government, that you will get if your country has ideas picked that correspond what is expected by the government form.

As you can see in the screenshot, Carthage is an Oligarchic Republic. This means that they can pick two Civic Ideas and one Oratory Idea, if they want their additional bonus.
For Rome, which starts as an Aristocratic Republic, this means it needs two Military Ideas and one Civic Idea to get the additional bonus.

National Idea Bonuses are of course still subject to change. Currently the National Ideas in the game are:

Military Ideas:

Martial Ethos
Morale of Armies: +10%
Ensuring that our soldiers and veterans hold a prestigious place in the social hierarchy, is key to their contentment and loyalty.

Thalassocracy (requires Martial Advances 6)
Morale of Navies: +20%
The sea affects the very rise of and fall of empires. Dominance in this theater is vital to our interests.

Elite Soldiery (requires Martial Advances 12)
Discipline: +5%
Over-reliance on a reactionary militia leaves a nation at great risk of invasion, coup or collapse. A well trained standing army, is sure to protect against these threats.

Permanent Shipyards
Trireme Cost: -50%
Establishment of permanent shipyards capable of constructing vessels of war, will ensure that skilled shipwrights are always at our beck and call.

Conscription (requires Martial Advances 6)
National Manpower: +25%
Mandated military service for all those considered mature, is not only a duty - it is a privilege.

Militarized Society (requires Martial Advances 12)
Army Maintenance: -33%
Navy Maintenance: -33%
A society which honors its warriors, is one in which the young will grow up proud and eager to serve.

Ordered Retreat
Unit Reorganization Cost: -50%
Retreat can be far from dishonorable. Ensuring that all our warriors have a plan of action in the event of having to fall back, will result in a much quicker recovery when they do.

Siege Training (requires Martial Advances 6)
Assault Ability: +15%
From oppida to forts, to walled cities, the world is full of fortified settlements. Adequately training our warriors to penetrate enemy walls will doubtlessly pay dividends.

Support of the People (requires Martial Advances 12)
Hold Triumph Cost: -50%
Convincing our citizens of our national prowess is just as important as a victory itself.

Civic Ideas:

Standardized Construction
Build Cost: -30%
Build Time: -30%
As our nation begins to require more and more civic buildings, it has become apparent that a standardized method of planning and construction would greatly reduce the cost and time invested.

City Planning (requires Civic Advances 6)
Build Slots: +1
Fitting buildings within a walled city becomes much more of an issue as population sizes grow. Adopting a grid-based approach to city planning will allow us to better account for available building space.

Central Urban Spaces (requires Civic Advances 12)
Province Loyalty: +0.03
Enlargement and renovation of the central forum within our capital will provide for additional civic building opportunities. It is of paramount importance that our subjects are proud of their capital.

Complex Tariffs
Commerce Income: +33%
Whilst a simple tax on goods passing through our territory may be popular; a complex system will allow us to maximize revenue.

Patronized Trading Posts (requires Civic Advances 6)
Capital Import Routes: +3
Keeping a firm financial interest in the various trading outposts within our nation will allow us to exercise greater control over the flow of certain goods we deem valuable.

Institute Tariff Exceptions (requires Civic Advances 12)
Province Import Routes: +1
Giving our cities greater leniency in tariff control will enable them to attract better investments.

Tax Farming
Global Slave Output: +20%
By shifting responsibility for tax collection to third parties, we can make far greater budget calculations, as well as avoid certain unfortunate responsibilities.

Land Appropriation Reform (requires Civic Advances 6)
Move Freemen Cost: -50%
Move Slaves Cost: -50%
Private ownership of land is a necessity. However, it is clear that where the state requires the use of certain territories, it must have the power to relocate those inhabiting them.

Grain Stockpile (requires Civic Tech 12)
Population Growth: +0.10%
Nobody can predict a bad harvest. We could, however, prepare for it. By always saving a surplus of grain, we would avoid starvation during particularly unfortunate seasons.

Oratory Ideas

Sanctioned Privileges
Monthly Corruption: -0.1
By agreeing to look the other way from time to time, we can lessen our reliance on using currency as a tool for bribery.

Strategic Propaganda (requires Oratory Advances 6)
Wrong Culture Happiness Penalty reduced by 15%
By coordinating lines of communication with key members of the political, religious and civic spheres, we have the perfect tool to manipulate popular opinion.

Legislative Reform (requires Oratory Advances 12)
Wrong Culture Group Happiness Penalty reduced by 15%
The institution of a standardized code of practice, while not necessarily changing the way our government operates, will surely calm the dissenters in our nation.

Military Administration
Military Tradition Cost: -33%
By merging a clear, ordered bureaucratic framework into our military hierarchy, it becomes far easier to coordinate large military reforms.

Patronized Scholars (requires Oratory Advances 6)
Invention Cost: -20%
Embracing a reputation as a nation where scholars are to be lauded as well as patronized, is sure to yield rewards in the future.

Functional Bureaucracy (requires Oratory Advances 12)
Enact Law Cost: -33%
We cannot expect our citizens to simply become aware of changes in the way we run our nation - instituting a framework of bureaucrats, representatives and messengers is vital to spread word of our decisions.

Permanent Ambassadors
Diplomatic Relations: +1
In certain diplomatic circumstances, it may benefit us to have a member of government installed as a permanent representative in the courts of our peers.

Casus Belli (requires Oratory Advances 6)
Aggressive Expansion Impact: -33%
Whatever our true intent, foreign tolerance for our wars is always greater if we have a legitimate reason for conquest. Being seen as protectors of liberty is often reason enough.

Hospitium (requires Oratory Advances 12)
Improve Opinion Maximum: +33%
The duty of the host should be extended to all those who visit our nation. Especially those whom we wish to persuade...

Religious Ideas

State Religion
Call Omen Cost: -25%
Incorporating our faith as a state entity will have significant political advantages.

Religious Calendar (requires Religious Advances 6)
Omen Duration: +100%
Feast days, festivals and holidays can be used to reinforce the importance of certain annual events. Setting these dates strategically, will have a positive effect on our nation.

Mandated Observance (requires Religious Advances 12)
Omen Power: +50%
Making religious observance a compulsory activity, will instill a healthy respect for the divine in our populace, from a young age.

Haruspicy
Sacrifice to the Gods Cost -33%
Reading the signs in the entrails of animals has a long history. With a willing haruspex, we could hold festival days at opportune moments, and further manipulate popular opinion at will.

Tolerance of Pagans (requires Religious Advances 6)
National Unrest: -2
The number of pagan, hybrid, or purely foreign religions making their way into our territory is vast. Allowing individuals the right to privately practice their own religion is sure to result in a more tolerant society.

Institutional Proselytism (requires Religious Advances 12)
Convert Pop Cost -33%
By amending our religious canon to mandate active proselytism, we should find that much of the work in converting pagans is done for us.

Origin Myth
Ruler Popularity Gain: +50%
It would give our leadership much greater authority, if we were to suddenly discover that the origins of our nation can be traced back to the heroes of old...

Divine Mandate (requires Religious Advances 6)
Monthly Tyranny: -20%
Convincing our religious leaders to make a proclamation in support of our nation's divine mandate, will allow us to get away with making some of the more... controversial decisions, more easily.

Loyalty to the State (requires Religious Advances 12)
Monthly Loyalty: +0.05
Loyalty to our leader should imply loyalty to the state. Loyalty to the state, by extension, implies loyalty to the Divine.


Northwest Africa:

As in previous diaries we will also take a closer look at one of the geographical regions covered by the game today. This time we will leave the ongoing struggles of the Diadochi to instead inspect the starting situation of what would become Rome’s most famous rival, the Republic of Carthage.

In 304 BCE the Western Mediterranean has for centuries been subject to excursions by Greek and Phoenician traders and colonists. In time many of the cities founded by the latter have grown to form a strong and powerful league, led by the Great city of Carthage.

We have previously discussed the influence of Carthage in the developer diary on Italy. On the African continent this influence is even greater. It is the uncontested ruler of the seas, while relying on its many subject cities and the inland Numidian kingdoms to provide for its armies.

The Sicilian invasion led by Agathocles have, however, made two things apparent.

First: Some of the Carthaginian allies would happily support an invader.

Second: The Carthaginian empire is so thinly spread that it can be hard to respond quickly and adequately to an invasion.

Africa:

Modern Tunisia, Africa to the Romans, was in some ways a very different place in 304 BCE. This lush agricultural landscape is a great exporter of Grain and agricultural goods, as well as base metals, spices and the famous Tyrian Purple dye that the Phoenicians have become so known for. The inland is in the hands of Carthaginian governors while the coastlines are controlled by the many cities that make up the Carthaginian sphere of influence.

Starting Countries:

• Carthage: Carthage is not the oldest Phoenician settlement in the region, but over time it has become the richest and most influential. It is the undisputed leader of the Punic world and all other Phoenician self ruling cities are expected to obey and contribute to the common armies and navies. Much like the Roman Republic many of its constituent cities still retain a significant amount of autonomy. As mentioned in a previous diary, in the wake of Agathocles invasion the Carthaginian general Bomilcar tried to proclaim himself Tyrant over the city. With his execution Carthage has formally done away with the monarchy and is now only ruled by the council of elders and its Suffetes. When needed, Carthage has had no problem mustering great armies. Mostly it has been doing so by relying on the many armies of its subject states and by using its strong financial clout to enlist mercenaries from the entire Mediterranean world. A practice that is very different from its future rival in Rome.
• Utica: Plutocratic Republic just north of Carthage itself. One of the oldest and richest Punic cities, Utica is perhaps more prestigious than Carthage itself in some ways. Over the years it has however been eclipsed by the rise of the great city to its south, relegated to pay the part of a supporting ally. Utica starts as a Feudatory of Carthage.
• Kerkouane: Ancient Plutocratic Republic just east of Carthage, controls the closest mainland ports to Sicily and Cossyra. Kerkouane is perhaps best known for having been totally destroyed by Rome during the Punic wars. Kerkouane starts as a Feudatory of Carthage.
• Hadrumetum: Rich trading city, one of the main ports of the Byssatis region, would become the capital of the area after Roman conquest. Hadrumetum and the other cities of Byssatis all joined Agathocles in the recent invasion of Africa. At our start Hadrumetum is a Feudatory of Carthage.
• Leptis: Later known as Leptis Minor or Leptis Parva. Oligarchic Republic south of Hadrumetum in the Byssatis region. Leptis starts as a Feudatory of Carthage.
• Thapsus: Another city of Byssatis, built by a natural source of Salt Thapsus is another Phoenician trading colony that has become part of the expansive Carthaginian state. Thapsus starts as a Feudatory of Carthage.
• Achola: Phoenician Oligarchic Republic in southern Byssatis. Unlike the other cities of Byssatis, Achola did not join Agathocles in the recent Sicilian war in Africa. Achola starts as a Feudatory of Carthage.

Emporia & Tripolitania:

South of the main cities of Carthage lie the regions of Emporia and Tripolitania. Both are groups of cities that send their tribute to Carthage together. While the region isn’t as lush and rich as the Carthiginian heartland these states are still relevant as exporters of Fish Sauce, purple dye and salt. Closer to the Sahara and its oases they are also more subjected to raids from the peoples within it.

Starting Countries:

• Tripolitania: Named for three cities (tri-poleis) of Sabratha, Oea and Leptis Magna, Tripolitania is an Oligarchic Republic with considerable autonomy and surprising economic muscle for its location. Far from the Carthaginian homeland it has had to care for its own protection against Greeks and Numidians alike. Tripolitania starts as a Feudatory of Carthage.
• Emporia: Named for what it is, Emporia is a region of cities that provide the Carthaginian lands with goods from the desert peoples as well as from coastal manufacturing centers. Like Tripolitania, and unlike many of the other Punic cities, it has often found the need to defend itself against desert raiders using its own resources. Emporia starts as a Feudatory of Carthage.
• Musulami: The first of the Numidian Tribal Kingdoms we will mention today. Musalami is the smallest of the tribal states in the Carthaginian sphere. In exchange for protection and trade the Musulami provide Carthage with soldiers and manpower for their wars. Musulami starts as a Tribal Vassal of Carthage.

Numidia:

While the power of Carthage can be felt even here, as the city controls a fair number of the trade ports of the region, Numidia is largely a region controlled by big tribal federations. The Massylians have often entered into arrangements with Carthage, selling their manpower and their cavalry for the right of trade and protection, but their main rival and diplomatic focus is the great Massaesylian tribal constellation further west.

At the northern end of the Sahara this region is also at times subjected to raids from desert peoples.

Should the conflicts between the Numidian kingdoms come to an end, and the region be unified, it may pose a credible threat to other states in the area. Especially Carthage, with its nearby capital and its control of almost all the ports of the Numidian region.

Starting Countries:

• Massylia: Tribal kingdom in modern Algeria and Tunisia. The Massylians have for a long time provided the Carthaginians with troops and military resources for their wars. In the recent invasion by Agathocles they switched sides however and joined with the Greek invaders. Only when they realized how small the invading army actually was did the Massylians again switch sides, back to their Carthaginian overlords, an incident that Carthage would do much to forget. Massylia starts as a Tribal Vassal of Carthage.
• Massaesylia: Tribal Kingdom in modern Algeria. Historically a rival of the other Numidian kingdom Massylia, but unlike them the Massaesylians are not aligned with Carthage. Making its capital in a former Carthaginian trade post in Siga the Massaesylians themselves often trade directly with the nearby Iberians and Mauritanians. Massaesylia starts independent and unaligned.
• Iol: Small Plutocratic Republic in the ancient city of Iol, just west of the northern Carthaginian litoral. Maintaining close ties with the local peoples Iol is the westernmost city of significance at our start date. Iol starts as a Feudatory of Carthage.

Metagonia & Mauretania

The deep forests of the Riff is home to many North African Elephants. A species now extinct but which was famously used as a Carthaginian beast of war. Mauretania and Metagonia are in many ways wild and untamed regions to the Greeks, Romans and Carthaginians.

While Carthaginian trade posts dot the coastlines even here, the main powers are the kings of Mauritania and the Massaesylian federation.

Starting Country:

• Mauretania: Not much is known about this tribal kingdom until much later in our era when it interacts with the newly unified Numidian state. At the start Mauretania occupies the northern parts of what is today Morocco. Expansion without coming into conflict with Carthage will be hard, as they control all ports in this region. Population allowing, there is however a region that is still not settled by any state (even if populated by Mauretanian tribesmen).

That was all for today. I will be back next Monday with another Development Diary.

 

[OndrejSc]

Boi means oxes in Romanian.

Same in Portuguese, it means Ox.

And "soi boi" means "variety of oxen" in Romanian, and "just boy" in Portuguese.