Indian traditions

See also: Military traditions

The Indian traditions highlight the strengths of the Mauryan kingdom and its neighbors, using large formations of Indian war elephants to smash through the enemy, supported by fast moving archers and chariots who can maneuver around the dispersed troops. They also used complex formations such as the legendary Blooming Lotus, or Padma Vyuha.

Availability and focus[edit]

Availability

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

Aryan
Dravidian
Pracyan
Tibetan

Focuses

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

Allows Chariot units
Unit focus:
- Strong Archers
- Strong War elephants
- Good Chariots
Possible ability unlocks:
- Slave Raid
- Padma Vyuha
Possible unit unlocks:
- Octere

Paths[edit]

Starting bonus

Rathas

Allows Chariot units

Chariots were an essential part of life in the early period of Indian history. Whilst unsuitable for rough terrain, chariots were the domain of the nobility; even the Emperor Ashoka adopted the chariot wheel as the symbol of his Empire.

Maurya path
Versatile Infantry +15% Archers offense
Infantry in the Mauryan Empire were often equipped with a dazzling array of weaponry. Capable of acting as light troops one moment, to archers the next, allowed for unengaged linemen to offer ranged support in the blink of an eye.
The Vyuha System +10% Archers morale
The vyuha formations mentioned in the Maharabhata, placed great importance on the protection of archers. Such security will have given these troops the peace of mind to focus and perform their duties to the best of their ability.
Warhost of the Empire +10% Heavy infantry morale
Densely populated areas in northern India allowed for the recruitment of vast armies. The knowledge that every foot soldier is part of an invincible war-machine, inspires our troops to heroic acts of glory.
Padma Vyuha Enable the "Padma Vyuha" tactic
The Padma Vyuha was a signature formation, said to resemble a lotus in bloom. The mythical origins of the Padma Vyuha are mentioned in the Maharabhata, however, the formation itself had only very limited uses.
Dedicated Archers +10% Archers discipline
The core troops of the Mauryan army were archers, armed with bows varying in style. Indeed, many Indian military formations reserve a place for a tightly packed group of well coordinated missile troops.
Armored Archers +10% Archers defense
Many cultures associated archery with light, skirmishing troops. Not always so, in the Mauryan military; protecting archers against the projectiles of their enemy counterparts worked admirably in concert with the vyuha system protecting them against ground assault.
Homeland of our Fathers +15% Heavy infantry combat bonus in forest +15% Heavy infantry combat bonus in jungle +15% Light infantry combat bonus in forest +15% Light infantry combat bonus in jungle
The wild jungles and forests may have been what inspired the flexibility of the Mauryan infatrymen, who, in switching armament dependent on situation, could function just as well in low visibility, as in the open plains.
Bonus: The Bureaucracy of War −0.01 Monthly war exhaustion
Used to dealing with the needs of huge armies, battles and sieges were often planned in great detail. Advance parties would often be dispatched to prepare the land for habitation, and great care was taken to protect the ubiquitous baggage train which supplied the main force.

Coastal path
Natural Harbors −15% Ship Building Cost
The coast of India was a hotbed of commerce and gossip. The numerous natural harbors led to the establishment of permanent trading posts which dealt with local and foreign tradesmen alike. The abundance of ships in need of maintenance forms a healthy competition, driving down the price of all naval endeavors.
Exotic Soldiers −15% Mercenary maintenance
The few soldiers from far off lands who are willing to make the journey to our realm shall find a place in our forces... after negotiation, of course.
Masters of the Sea +10% Morale of Navies
While northern India was the site of great, land-spanning Empires, the southern regions were home to kingdoms and empires which evolved gradually into significant maritime powers.
Plunder! Enable the "Slave Raid" ability +10% Enslavement efficiency
The practice of looting and pillaging was prevalent in many cultures in the ancient world, and India was no exception. The kidnap and ransom of royal persons was a major part of the dravidian kingdoms in particular.
City of the World's Desire +10% Fort defense
Pataliputra, often considered the largest city in the ancient world, was the pinnacle of Indian architectural prowess. Elsewhere, the ability of Indian masons was displayed in the grand mountain fortifications, built to keep invaders at bay.
Integrating the Tribes +12% National tribesman happiness
The systematic integration of tribal cultures into the highly efficient Mauryan bureaucracy was achieved largely by legislating them out of existence. The protection of forests, animals and royal grounds, effectively forced the tribal people to give up their nomadic way of life.
State Artisans −10% Archers cost −10% Chariot cost
The supply of military equipment was, in some cases, controlled by the efficient Mauryan bureaucracy from beginning to end. In characteristic style, this highly informed manner of government reduced inefficiencies in the system, allowing for cheaper resupply.
Bonus: The 'Diplomatic' Fleet Allows "Octere" units +10% Ship Damage Done
Established by Ashoka, the presence of the state navy of the Mauryas was often enough to sway diplomacy in his favor.

Noble path
Fit for a King +15% Chariot defense
Indian chariots belonging to nobles, were often heavily ornate and formidably defended. This practice was as much a display of class, as it was a practical solution.
Imported Horses +15% Chariot discipline
The trade in trained warhorses is vital to our success in mounted warfare. These sturdy creatures are capable of pulling enhanced weight, and are unlikely to panic in battle.
Descendents of Airavata +10% War elephant defense
Elephants had long been used for warfare by Indian states. Undomesticated, elephants tend to lead a peaceful, grazing lifestyle; however, when trained for war, the thick skinned colossi act as a living battering ram, breaking enemy infantry formations as a man might swat a fly.
Natural Pathfinders +15% War elephant combat bonus in forest +15% War elephant combat bonus in jungle
The overgrown jungles, and dense forests of India are perfect terrain for elephant cavalry. Able to part foliage with ease, the advantage this brings us in otherwise difficult terrain, cannot be overstated.
Trained to Kill +10% War elephant discipline
As well as providing an advantageous platform for a rider, war-elephants were trained to kill without a thought. An elephant charge was often enough to cause entire formations to panic.
Elephantine Abundance −15% War elephant cost
The green, arable land of the north is overflowing with riches, not least in the valuable elephants which are so important to our armies; and where there is a surfeit, prices drop.
Flexible Divisions +5% Morale of armies
The organisation of the Mauryan army in particular, was built with flexibility in mind. The 'patti', the smallest constituent unit of troops, was unlike any other army in the world. Comprised of chariot, elephant, cavalry and infantry, it allowed for high tactical flexibility when performing formative maneuvers.
Bonus: Striding Beside Giants +10% War elephant morale
The effect of war-elephants is not solely reserved for our foes. Entering battle alongside such majestic creatures is a boost to the confidence of all our soldiers.