Greek traditions

See also: Military traditions

The Greek traditions cover the tactics of the peoples of the hellenistic empires and the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Availability and focus[edit]

Availability

The Greek traditions are available for countries with the following culture groups:

Hellenistic (except Bactria and Egypt)
Dacian
Illyrian

Focuses

The traditions focus on strengthening the below unit types and possibly unlock some new abilities:

Phalanx
Unit focus:
- Strong Heavy infantry
- Good Cavalry
Possible ability unlocks:
- Cavalry Skirmish
- Military Colonies
- Slave Raid
Possible unit unlocks:
- Octere
- Mega-Polyreme

Paths[edit]

Starting bonus

Modernized Phalanx

Allows Phalanx

Whilst partially responsible for the success of Alexander against the hosts of Darius the Third, the phalanx originally evolved out of the need for a highly defensive, armored formation, used by Greek city-states making war upon one another.

Seleucid path
Agema -15% Heavy cavalry maintenance cost
The Guard Cavalry formed a cadre of mounted warriors, who held the utmost respect and admiration for their King. It is said they are glad to lay down their lives in service of their overlord.
Arms for Hire +5% Morale of armies -15% Recruit mercenary cost
The Diadochi, despite, or perhaps due to their fractious bickering, were possessed of wealth beyond the dreams of most nascent monarchs. As such, mercenary cohorts were often available in the regions around these Greek despots.
Phoenician Sailors +5% Ship damage done
The phoenicians forged an empire on the waves many centuries before Alexander's conquests. Encouraging their sailors to work for us is sure to give us an edge in naval warfare.
Companion Cavalry Enable Cavalry Skirmish tactic
The Hetairoi were originally a Macedonian noble force, who pioneered the use of brute, shock charges. The Hetairoi were transplanted into various states, but retained their prestige as feared shock troops.
Kataphraktoi +10% Heavy cavalry offense
Astride monstrous warhorses, and clad in near-impenetrable armor, the Cataphracts were an expensive form of cavalry, which excelled at punching through similarly heavy armor with their strong lances.
Thyreophoroi +10% Light infantry morale
These lightly armored infantry were recognizable by the Thureos, a distinctive manner of shield, and were amongst the most mobile of the Greek troops.
The Hipparchos +10% Heavy cavalry morale +10% Light cavalry morale
Often a charismatic and skilled general, a Hipparchos commanded a large unit of varying types of cavalry, often proscribing formational details down to a very fine degree.
Bonus: Deep Coffers −15% Mercenary army maintenance +10% Heavy cavalry discipline
Efficient and swift payment will always attract mercenaries, perhaps even willing to work for less than their neighbors.

Greek states path
The Sarissa +10% Heavy infantry morale
Phalangites, armed with a buckler, and a spear known as a sarissa, made of the core of the late Greek phalanx. The superior range of the sarissa made getting close to this formation a particularly deadly task.
Veterans of the Great Campaign +10 Cohort starting experience −0.50% Experience decay
The proud military history of the Greeks reached a climax with Alexander's conquest of the Hellenistic world. What could not be learned from his life, is surely learned from the aftermath of his death.
Tarentine Advance +10% Light cavalry defense
The Tarentine cavalry, an elite group of mercenaries originating from Tarentum, utilized very unorthodox skirmishing tactics, which were adopted throughout the Hellenistic world.
Military Colonies Enable Military colonies ability
A time honored way of ensuring that loyal troops were available, and justly rewarded, plots of land were granted to native greek soldiers known as cleruchs, in return for their service in the military.
The Nobility Ride +10% Light cavalry offense
Those of wealthy, fortunate, or noble birth learn their skills in horsemanship at a young age, often riding as a sport, as well as during warfare.
City State Fortifications +15% Fort defense
Centuries of infighting between Greek cities naturally resulted in the erection of numerous walls, towers and fortifications, designed to keep marauding armies at bay. The stonework required to develop such comprehensive structures is a testament to the master masons.
Centuries of War −10% Heavy infantry maintenance cost
Constant feuds and battles between Greek kingdoms and states have taught our sons to be always ready and willing to give their lives in defense of their home.
Bonus: The Silver Shields +10% Heavy infantry offense
A unit descended from veterans of Alexander's campaigns, the Argyraspides continue in their tradition of being a dangerous, elite cadre of well-armed warriors.

Antigonid path
Proud Shipwrights Allows Octere units −15% Ship building cost
Control of the Aegean and nearby seas, demands a great focus on military and civilian shipbuilding. The availability of experienced shipwrights drives down prices considerably.
Mine's Bigger Than Yours Allows Mega-Polyreme units
For hundreds of years, the Hellenistic kingdoms attempted to outdo one another with larger and larger ships. From the huge Quadrireme, a staple warship of Monopthalmos' navies; to the gargantuan Tesserakonteres, a dual-hulled monstrosity rumored to require a crew of at least 4000, the skills of the Greek shipwrights is unmatched throughout the Hellenistic world.
Peltasts +10% Light infantry offense
Ostensibly used as skirmishing troops, the Thracian peltast was equipped with a small shield, and a series of javelins. Later, peltasts were sought after as mercenaries, by many warring states.
The Victor's Spoils Enable Slave Raid ability +10% Enslavement efficiency
Cities during the early Hellenistic era would often spar over the slightest of insults. Due to such frequent battles, wars between states resulted in a style of warfare which yielded the lowest number of casualties, but highest number of prisoners. The victor would then keep them as slaves, or ransom them back to their opponents for a hefty fee.
Siegecraft +10% Siege ability
Nobody can claim to be masters of siegecraft as much as the Greeks. During the siege of Rhodes, and many years later in Thebes, vast siege towers known as Helepoli were deployed to attempt to bypass the formidable walls of these cities entirely. It is said that the Colossus of Rhodes itself was built using material from the abandoned siege engines of Demetrios.
Specialist Infantry +10% Archers discipline
Archery and the use of the sling was minor in the Hellenistic period, although the bespoke lead pellets employed by slingers acted as a formidable deterrent to enemy troops. Cretan archers were widely regarded as the best in their field.
Mastery of the Mountains +15% Archers hills combat bonus +15% Heavy infantry hills combat bonus +15% Light infantry hills combat bonus
The soaring mountain ranges of central Greece have taught our people the fickle ways of doing battle in adverse terrain.
Bonus: Combined Arms +10% Light infantry offense +10% Light infantry defense
The glorious union of so many diverse styles of combat, is what makes the Hellenistic armies so unique. When each soldier knows their place, rigorous discipline will win the day.