Before you install these files please make copies of the originals. Simply placing an “A” or a “1” in front of the proper file name would work. You can leave the file in the original directory. Note: You don’t have to do this for every file because some of the files are in specific directories. So, all of the files in the “Campmap” will be ok if you make a copy of “Campmap” named “1Campmap”
Here is the problem with the computer playing the Byzantines:
Because all the units have changed, the computer will not know where to look for them. I do not know where the file is that changes this. Therefore, if you let the computer play with this mod the only units it can buy are Peasants and Archers and Kataphraxtoi. Needless-to-say, with a troop selection like that the Byzantines lose.
The other problem is that the Heirs and Emperor are still going to enter on Kataphraxtoi. These are now obsolete but until I can find where to change the files, it will just be that way. I left the Kataphraxtoi in the game to at least let them be remanned up to full strength.
The files you will need to change:
Crusader_Unit_Prod11
Missle_stat
Textures
Campmap
Battle
Things you will notice.
Units are more expensive.
The units require more builds before they are available.
The units require a good command of tactics and budgeting
Tactical Notes
Imperial Pikemen
These are not like Swiss Pikemen. They are unarmored, low level infantry. They charge well but melee poorly. If they do not kill their foes on the charge they are in real hot water. They hold ground well and function as exceptional defensive troops. They are poor offensive troops. They were designed to protect archers from cavalry or heavy infantry and they do that very well. Place them in front of archers and have them stand there until some impetuous group of knights with a death wish decide to impale themselves on the pikes. If you use these like normal infantry they will be slaughtered and you will loose. If you let them hold their ground in a defensive position they will perform well. You need to know how to use these because for quite a while they will be the only infantry you have. Groups of 100
Imperial Infantry
These are the new Byzantine “Medium Infantry” They are borderline heavy infantry units. At 225 Florins each they are expensive. They are also very good well rounded troops. Use them any way you want they will not let you down. Groups of 100
Imperial Palace Guards
These are Halberd swinging fools. They wear plate armor, they are well trained, disciplined, motivated and mean. They are somewhat slow but make up for that by being very tough. They are also the most expensive foot soldiers in the game. Groups of 50
Imperial Lancers
These are similar to Hobilars. These are lightly armored knights. They are good on attack and poor on defense. They are very fast. Good skrimish troops. Groups of 50
Imperial Mounted Crossbows
These are very heavy cross bows (Arbalest). Very slow rate of fire. They kill anything they hit. Somewhat difficult to use effectively. However, a group of 50 of these can decimate an unprotected group of knights. Groups of 50
Imperial Archers
These are nearly identical to English longbows. These are what the Pikemen protect. They are expensive but they are some of the best archers in the game. The fact that come in 100 man units gives them a lot of punch. There is no reason to build firearms with these. Groups of 100
Imperial Cavalry
A standard heavy cavalry unit Better than the Proainaiaaoawhatevers, but not as good as some others they come groups of 50
Imperial Retainers
These are a super heavy cavalry unit. They are super expensive. They are death to their foes. I recomend not buying these. They are very expensive. Just take the ones your Emperior and Heirs have. Pray for a big family! These are also in groups of 25
Kataphraxtoi
Unchanged these will disappear when I figure out how to place royal heirs and Emperors on Retainers These appear in groups of 50
I have found this to be a very workable army
Example army
Imperial Retainers X 1 = 25 Or Kataphraxtoi
Imperial Cavalry X 1 = 50 (75) Or Imerial Lancers/Mounted Crossbows
Imerial Archers X 4 = 400 (475) Or Imperial Crossbows
Imperial Infantry X 4 = 400 (875) Or Imperial Pikes
Imperial Guards X 1 = 50 (925)
Demi Culverns x 2 = 24 (949)