Send an envoy to meet with the Roman emperor at Ravenna.
Defeat Sarus.
Hints[]
Alaric (Green) and Ataulf (Cyan) can reach the Imperial Age and support a population of 150 (160 in the Imperial Age). Gunpowder is unavailable to the fifth century Goths.
As Italy has been weakened by several Germanic invasions, you can take your time to build up your forces, as the enemy will be slow in preparing theirs.
Avoid approaching Ravenna until the emperor is willing to speak with Alaric. The Visigoths do not seek to destroy the Roman Empire, but simply to obtain a better bargain from it. Nevertheless, sack the Roman cities in Northern Italy to demonstrate your tenacity.
The strength of the Visigoths lies in their numbers.
Scouts[]
Ataulf (Cyan) has taken control of part of the Gothic army to assist Alaric (Green). The combined Gothic forces will be unstoppable when working together.
Situated on the Adriatic coast, the city of Aquileia (Blue) has rather strong fortifications. Taking it with just infantry and no siege equipment might prove difficult. Aquileia will train Pikemen and Crossbowmen.
South of the Visigoths is the city of Cremona (Yellow). Its strength lies with its army of Knights, swordsmen, and Scorpions, which can counter Gothic Huskarls.
Rumor has it that the Gothic commander Sarus (Purple) has joined the Romans. He is a longtime rival of Alaric and knows him well.
Players[]
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Player[]
Player A (AI name: Alaric the Visigoth) (Goths): Starts with a sizable base in the northeast and a Castle west of the base.
Player B (AI name: Ataulf) ( Goths): A similar base to Alaric the Visigoth's and slightly more forces southeast of the Alaric.
Neutral → Enemy[]
Sarus ( Goths): Controls some buildings and units within Ravenna's territory. After betraying the player, all buildings in Ravenna's southern base also switch to Sarus's control, including a Castle.
Ravenna (Romans (Italians before Return of Rome)): A largely passive player found on the western margin of the map, which can only be reached after defeating Aquileia and Cremona, and crossing a river and then a narrow passage defended by Watch Towers and soldiers. It has a larger fortified base on an island to the northwest, and a smaller base south of it, that is only protected by Palisade Walls and switches mostly to Sarus's control after his betrayal. Several Elite Centurions and Legionaries are scattered through Ravenna's territory, while two fleets of Dromons* protect both sections of the river. After Ravenna's southern base is overtaken by Sarus, it will land some Elite Centurions at the northern coast near the player's initial base.
Enemies[]
Aquileia (Byzantines): A large, fortified city in an archipelago to the east. It is the most dangerous enemy because it is just south of Ataulf's base, but also difficult to assault due to a moat limiting access to a few chokepoints. Aquileia will resign when their Town Center and their two Castles are destroyed.
Cremona (Italians): A large, semi-circular walled city near the center of the map, southwest of the Gothic forces. It is the weakest of the Italian cities. It also has a small, inactive village southwest, near the passage to Ravenna. Cremona will resign when their Town Center and Castle are destroyed.
Strategy[]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it.
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Castle Age
