For centuries, the Cumans thrived on the endless plains of the Eurasian steppe. Renowned for their skill as horsemen and warriors, they were hired as mercenaries by European kings and Byzantine emperors alike. Now, however, a new threat comes from the East – Mongols, ruthless beyond imagination and seemingly invincible. Kotyan, the khan of a small clan, must unite the Cumans to resist these merciless invaders and find a new home for the tribes. Will he save his people, even if it means abandoning their ancestral lands and ancient ways?
”
—In-game campaign description
The Kotyan Khan campaign consists of 5 scenarios. The player plays as the Cumans, and the player color is green.
Though the unit is unique, it operates identical to that of a cavalry archer, albeit with higher armor, attack and health. Like all hero units, it is immune to conversion and regenerates health.
History[]
Köten is known for bringing the Cuman-Kipchaks into an alliance with the Kievan Rus' to oppose the Mongols and migrated to Hungary along with his 40,000 "huts" after being decisively defeated at the Battle at the Kalka River. There Köten converted into Christianity and became a supporter of Béla IV, but was assassinated under the order of suspicious Hungarian nobles prior to the Battle of Mohi. Köten's death resulted in the Cumans pillaging Hungary as they emigrated to Bulgaria, although some of them later returned to Hungary and settled there.
Trivia[]
According to some genealogists, Kotyan was a relative or ancestor of Georgy Terter, who appears as a secondary character in the Ivaylo campaign. This is perhaps referenced by Kotyan's unit carrying a shield with an ox head, as the coat of arms of the Terter family was an ox head under a cross.