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                                   GOLD AND BLOOD

                                   The Classical Age                   

                             A scenario for Civilization II

                                   By Stefan Hrtel

                                 shaertel2000@yahoo.co.uk

                    http://www.alexanderthegreat.de/civ2/Index.html

                      


                                      CONTENTS

				   
                                   Designer's Notes
                                   Installation
                                   Historical Background
                                   The Players
                                   Rules and Victory Conditions
                                   Units
                                   Other
                                   Credits
                                   Sources
                                   Feedback



I. DESIGNER'S NOTES

How long has it been... My last scenario was released over two years ago, and since I have done only very little in the Civ2 world. This is exclusively due to the Real World- my final exams at school, my civil service, moving to a new town, moving back, shifting interests, in short, a time of very little orientation and complete chaos. Now that things are starting to settle again, and my studies are beginning, I have regained some of my love for ancient history and Civ2. I did this scenario for my own pleasure, as I wanted to play something that was like what is depicted here. Thus, it may not meet some player's demands, as it was not even intended for a broad release when I started it. You will find much to be desired, especially as there are no, I repeat, no text messages popping up within the scenario- the whole events file is made up of game mechanics. I felt no desire for such messages, as I have a vivid imagination and a broad library on the subject matter to keep it interesting for myself.
I had to relearn many basic things on scenario design, and this scenario might be something like a refreshment before I create something totally new and original. Thus, this scenario contains almost no new graphics -90% were made by Fairline, most others by Bernd Brosing and some very few by myself- and new ideas are limited. It is a straightforward scenario without much ado, and it's also a subject I have ridden to death already, namely classical antiquity, Greece and Persia. As I said, I made this scenario for myself, but I have decided to release it nevertheless- if only because I felt like it. It was made in three or four days and is really nothing special.


II. INSTALLATION

I can only guarantee you that this scenario will work with Fantastic Worlds. I cannot guarantee you that it works with MGE/UCC. It will not work with CiC or lower versions. 
Create a folder under the Scenario directory, call it "Gold" or whatever, and move all the unzipped files in.
Other versions of Civ2 use other file destinations. If you have the French or German version of Civ2, you must rename all the .txt files into .Fre and .Ger to play this scenario properly.


III. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

After the battle of Plataeae in 479 BC, the Persians were driven back from Greece, and the Athenian-led coalition took the offensive. The goal of the Athenians, led by Cimon, the son of Miltiades, victor of Marathon, was to liberate all Greek cities from Persian rule. By 478, the Ionian coast was under Athenian control, and the Persians were driven out of most of the Aegean, with some strongholds remaining at the northern coast. Until 466, the Athenians, who were now on their own, as Sparta considered the war to be over in 478, had driven the Persians out of all of the Greek cities in Asia Minor. Had a peace between Cimon and the Persian King Xerxes been totally impossible, the situation began to relax after the latter was murdered in 465. Cimons operations in Egypt (459-456) were a grandiose failure, and the success of a campaign in Cyprus was limited; it was abandoned after Kimon died, and in 449, both parties finally settled down to a peace treaty which ended the Athenian agression, but barred the Persians from any kind of action in the Aegean territory. Athens was now led by Pericles, who was more concerned with inner Greek affairs. Meanwhile, tensions between Athens and Sparta were rising. The Athenians had established considerable power in the Aegean with the Delian League, a federation of islands and city states under Athenian leadership. Both sides clashed earlier, but in 431, a major war, later known as the Pelopponesian War, began. Despite the peace of Nicias in 421, the tensions kept mounting and exploded in a continuation of the war in 414. The Spartans eventually allied with Syracuse and Persia, and Athens was defeated in 404, which resulted in a civil war. Athens recovered slightly and went to war again in 395, this time allied with Thebes and Persia (Corinthian War). The war ended with the peace of Antalcidas, which dictated formal Persian control over Greece. The Spartans were to be the substitutes of the Persians, and all other Greek states, with the exception of Athens which kept control over Attica and some islands in the Aegean, were disbanded- each city was free. Athens attempted to recreate the Delian league with marginal success, while the hegemony passed to Thebes, who managed to defeat the Spartans. Their hegemony was short-lived, however, as their leader Epaminodas died in battle (362). In Macedonia, Philipp II had taken the throne and began to greatly expand his empire. By 338, he had defeated the Athenians and Thebans in battle- this is where the scenario ends.
Persia, in the meantime, had to endure some difficulties. The satraps, or governours, were revolting every once in a while, and there had been some throne quarrels. Egypt managed to reclaim its independence and the territories in the far west of the empire were often only formally under Persian control. In 359, Artaxerxes III took the throne and became the most powerful king since Xerxes- and also the most merciless. He reclaimed all lost territories in Asia Minor and Egypt and showed more Persian presence than ever in the Aegean. He was murdered in 338.
In the west, Carthage had to endure some setbacks on Sicily, but could keep control of the western half of the island. Allied with the Etruscans in Italy, they attempted to keep pressure on the Greeks settling in this territory, but with no success. Syracuse became the most powerful city in Sicily and for a while controled much of southern Italy, while the Etruscans were kept abay by Italian and Celtic tribes ever since they lost control over Rome.


IV. THE PLAYERS

All players (with the exception of the Independent Greeks) are historical and for play. The Independent Greeks are probably playable too, but are not as interesting, as they are neither historical, nor in a very difficult situations.

The Carthaginians control a big empire, but their army is in a somewhat bad shape. They have a huge fleet with excellent ships and control over the seas- but they will have to struggle to keep it! Likewise, they will have to fight to stay on Sicily, especially against the ambitious Syracusans. They have already been defeated here once, and shoud immediately increase their military presence or they will be toast. South of the mainland, the Numidians aren't exactly the best friends of the Carthaginians. They will be happy to raid their territory every once in a while.

The Spartans are on the winner side of the Persian Wars, but have decided the war is over, despite remaining Persian presence in the Aegean. This may be due to massive interior problems: Revolts, famines, untrustworthy allies. They have got a fleet that was once dominant but now pales in comparison with the Athenians. It may be a rewarding strategy to take Persian-controled Macedonia and Thrace before the Athenians get a chance. This will certainly be of help as they prepare for the struggle for hegemony...

The Syracusans are a small, independent territory in Sicily. They have successfully driven back the Carthaginians and are ready to go to the offensive. Historically, they would occupy much of Sicily and southern Italy until only the Romans managed to destroy their empire. In this game, they are rather weak at the start, but have some opportunities to do more than merely surviving. Perhaps even driving the Carthaginians out of Sicily isn't out of the question in later stages of the game.

The Independent Greeks are a civilization made up of Greek colonies and mainland cities that were neutral during the Persian Wars, and some of them have been accused of having "Medized" (sided with the Persians). They are in a fairly safe position, only the Sicilians and some of the Italian cities really have something to fear. The mainland cities are well-defended and might be able to expand their power later on.

The Persians are the largest and most powerful civilization in the game. The ressources of this empire are seemingly endless, and the satrapy of Lydia alone is as big as the Spartan and Athenian domains put together. Only the western border is a bit in disorder, with the neighbouring Greeks determined to conquer all of the cities on the coast. Following a failed campaign against the domains on the western side of the Aegean, Xerxes has decided that it is not really worth the effort anymore; the output of this potential satrapy is weak, the fierce warriors would be a disturbance to the Pax Persica. The satraps of Lydia and Phrygia have been ordered to contain any further Greek agression and defend those lands which are still in Persian possession.
In Asia, a Babylonian revolt is almost crushed. Egypt is not exactly happy with Persian rule, but still firmly in Persian hand. A couple of Barbarian tribes in Asia Minor, especially the Pisidians, pose a nuisance but no real threat.

The Athenians are the protagonists of the scenario. Having driven back Persian agression almost single-handedly (with a bit of help from the Spartans), they have now gone to the offensive. Kimon, the son of Miltiades, is determined to liberate all Greek cities from the Persian yoke, alone if necessary. A grand project: The Greek cities are scattered all along the coast of Asia Minor, and are, with the exception of Ionia, firmly under Persian control. Thrace and Macedonia are also still under Persian control, but are mostly cut off from Persian support. Cyprus is another difficulty; the Phoenecian ports could fire out huge fleets at any time. Finally, there is also Naukratis in Egypt- perhaps the most endangered Greek city in the world. It would have to be liberated along with all of Egypt to be safe. It is also rumoured that the Spartans are not very happy with the Athenian ambitions...

The Etruscans are pretty weak, endangered my Celts to the north, Greeks to the south and Italian tribes in their midst. The loss of Rome is a particularly bitter pill. Their interior situation is rather pretty stable, and the Carthaginians are a strong and reliable ally. Their goal should be to regain control over the lost territories (Latium, Kyme), and eventually become the dominant power over Italy- and perhaps beyond.


V. RULES AND VICTORY CONDITIONS

This scenario is about diplomacy and conquest. The different players have different objectives. The Carthaginians and Persians are more in a defensive role. They should maintain their power and regain some lost territories, and perhaps secure their borders with some conquests. The Spartans and Athenians must try to become the most powerful player in Greece- the hegemon. Moreover, the Athenians are in the role of the ultimate Greek power. Apart from controlling the Aegean, their goal is to gain control over every single Greek city in the world. The Syracusans and Etruscans must first try to secure their position and eventually expand their power. 
Scoring is according to the objectives system. The Athenians are the protagonists:

               5 Objectives or less is a decisive defeat
              18 Objectives is a marginal defeat
              44 Objectives is a marginal victory
              84 Objectives is a decisive victory.


The Athenians are already in control of 18 objectives. 44 objectives comes to par with controling every Greek city currently under Persian control plus those that are already under Athenian control. 84 objectives would be near every Greek city on the map, including those on the shore of the Black Sea, in North Africa and Italy. The Greek cities in southern France are also objectives.
It is possible to fortify some cities beyond the stage of city walls. This can be done by researching the "fortify <insert city name>" advance. An immobile "Akropolis" unit will then appear in the appropriate city. These advances are only available to one civ each- "Fortify Athens" for the Athenians, "Fortify Sardis" for the Persians etc.
This is a bit flawed because the unit will also appear if the city is under foreign control but no unit is currently inside. Therefore, it is elemental that you keep a unit in your cities at all times! A nice way to trick your opponent is to occupy a city while the fortification is being built/advance is being researched (i.e. conquer Sparta while the Spartans are researching the "Fortify Sparta" advance- even if they are your allies at this time). While this did not explicitly happen in the historical frame this scenario takes place in, some cities reacted somewhat sourly when others got fortified- the best example is the Spartans when they learned about the Athenian project to build the "long wall". Cities that can be fortified this way by their respective owners are the following:

Athens (Athenians)
Corinth (Spartans)
Thebes (Independents)
Sparta (Spartans)
Syracuse (Syracusans)
Carthage (Carthaginians)
Sardis (Persians)
Tyre (Persians)
Argos (Independents)
Larisa (Independents)

Not all these cities actually received such heavy fortifications (Sardis and Larisa didn't), but I included them nonetheless because they are among the most threatened in the scenario.
The Persians have limited possibilities of recruiting armies in this scenario. They can build a big variety of units, but these are all pretty weak and only fit for defending the domains they currently control. The key to Persian conquest is the "Imperial Body"- an army consisting of units from all over the empire. I did not want to give the Persians the possibility to build these units, because otherwise they would become too dominant in the game. Therefore, there is an advance called "Imperial Body" in this scenario, which equals recruiting such an army. This advance exists three times, so three Imperial Bodys can be created. There are also remains of such an Imperial Body in Babylonia at the beginning of the scenario- call them veterans of the Persian Wars.
During the history of Achaemenian Persia, there were five Imperial Bodies that can be safely identified as such. The first one was recruited by Darius I in 512 BC, the second one by Xerxes in 481 BC. The third one came in 401 BC when Artaxerxes II was fighting his brother Cyrus the Younger. The last two were recruited by Darius III in 333 BC and 331 BC respectively to fight Alexander the Great. It is possible that Artaxerxes III used such an army to reconquer Egypt in 343 BC. As the Imperial Body was created in its definition by Darius I, the armies of Cyrus and Cambyses can't be called that.
These two things -fortifying cities and recruiting Imperial Bodies- already cost a lot of time and devotion of ressources (especially since the Tech Paradigm is very high), but they also cost some money. An akropolis costs 1000 Gold, an Imperial Body 10,000. Of course, these advances can be researched even if the amount of money is not available, and I will not call it cheating.
Moreover, each civilization -with the exception of the Independents- have elite units. The Carthaginians and Persians have two, all others have one. These units will reappear in the capitals when killed- it is considered cheating to defend the capital city with these units during a siege.


VI. UNITS

The Carthaginians have a small amount of buildable units. Only the Libyans and their individual chariot is unique to them. They have got fast and powerful ships, however, backed by the Lighthouse and Magellan WoW's. They also have limited contingents of Numidian horsemen, who are much more powerful than the normal horseman, but still not a very strong unit. The backbone of the army is the "Sacred Band", an infantry unit of Carthaginian citizens. There is only *one* in the game, but it will reappear in Carthage when killed. Like all other players, the Carthaginians have got a "leader" or "general" unit, dubbed Sufet.

The Greeks all have the same available units- hoplites and phalanges. These are standard to all Greek civilizations, but the Athenians and the Spartans have individual versions of these units to better reflect their historical strengths and weaknesses. The Athenian units are better on defense and weaker on offense, while the Spartans are the exact opposite. Moreover, the Greeks can build Trieres (which all but the Athenians still have to research), which are superior to the Penterkonters (which they can also build) and the War Galley (which only the Carthaginians and Persians can build) because they are much faster. The standard general unit (stats are almost the same for all players) are "General" (Syracusans), "King" (Spartans) and "Strategos" (Athenians).

The Persian units have already been described above. It should be noted that the most powerful units are cavalry units (Cavalry Archers and Armoured Cavalry). At the start of the scenario, the Persians also own a number of units that are completely unavailable to them in conventional ways (Thracians, Greeks). The Persian "general" unit is the Hazarapatish. The Persians also have the Immortals, which will appear in turn 2 (the contingent was completely destroyed at Plataeae and needed to be replaced). The Persians *also* have got Satrap units- governours. These are very good defenders and highlight both the capitals of the satrapies and the important role of the aristocracy in the Persian Empire. 

The Etruscans can build Pentekonters, Chariots and, well, Etruscans. Not a very exciting choice, especially as these units aren't exactly powerful. They also have some Italians in their ranks at the beginning of the scenario. This is all they can come up and must survive with. Their strength clearly lies in defense. Their "general" unit is called Lucumone.

Some general notes: All naval units have the submarine flag. Shore bombardments were seriously inbalancing the game previously, and were not really painful to remove, as, with the exception of the First Punic War, they did not play much of a role in antiquity. All units can spot submarines now.
The Mountaineer unit is available to all civilizations. These are the ultimate siege weapon: They are very powerful in attack and defence, can ignore city walls, and treat all squares as roads. They are, however, expensive to produce and are destroyed after attacking. "Normal" siege machinery, on the other hand, plays a very small role in the scenario. There is one "Siege Engine" unit, which is also very expensive; the only advantage they have is that they ignore city walls.

There are some auxiliary units, but their role should be clear.

VII. OTHER

Most WoW's are in this scenario, some are built, some aren't. They are described in the Pedia.
All city names in this scenario are Greek- even if I know the appropriate local names of that age. This is to reflect that this scenario is built from a Greek perspective. On the other hand, I *did* give Persian names to Persian units (where available). Don't ask why.

VIII. CREDITS

As I said earlier in this readme, I made this scenario purely for the sake of playing it, so I didn't care to do any new creations for this scenario. All the graphics were made by Fairline and Bernd Brosing- some very few by myself, and a few were taken from Harlan Thompson's classic collections.

IX. SOURCES

This scenario was made mostly from personal memory of earlier studies, but some things were verified by the following books:

Ernst Baltrusch: "Sparta"
Peter Funke: "Athen In Klassischer Zeit"
Krefeld: "Hellenika"
Josef Wiesehfer: "Das Antike Persien"
Werner Hu: "Karthago"

And too many internet Websites to mention.

X. FEEDBACK

For comments, critics suggestion etc., you can mail me at: shaertel2000@yahoo.co.uk
The URL of my homepage is shaertel2000@yahoo.co.uk
You can also post something on Apolyton's SLeague, or Civfanatic's Scenario Creation forums.