Total War: Rome II - Syracuse (Colonial Kingdom Greek) Faction, on DLC Hannibal at the Gates

Syracuse



“Sovereignty, Science, Wealth”

Syracuse is no stranger to war, fiercely championing its independence throughout its long, bloody history. A string of tyrannical leaders dominate that history, defending Syracusan sovereignty against fellow Greeks, Carthaginians and threats from within through a series of treacherous and gruelling wars.

In spite of these trials, it has become renowned throughout the ancient world as a centre for culture and science: as home to a great theatre and inventors such as Archimedes, who resides there currently. Syracuse is also a wealthy state, profiting from its prime position in the central Mediterranean.

Despite this, there are still those who would see the Syracusans brought to heel; both Rome and Carthage have reasons to mistrust them. Although the tyrant Hiero II aided Carthage against Rome in the opening stages of their first war, he later made peace with the Romans, entering into an alliance that is still in place to this day. However, Rome wishes to extend its domination to the whole of the Italian peninsula, including the island of Sicily on which Syracuse sits. Ultimately, either regional superpower would like to count Syracuse amongst its possessions. And, now that Carthage and Rome are at war once again, it stands on a precipice between them; will the alliance with Rome hold true, or will Syracuse forge its own destiny?

Progress is a core principle to Syracuse and as such, wealth and scientific breakthroughs come easily to the city-state. However, where prosperity leads, avarice often follows, and provinces under Syracusan control suffer from a notable level of corruption.

Total War: Rome II - Lusitani (Iberian) Faction, on DLC Hannibal at the Gates

Lusitani

“Unity, Agility, Faith”

The Lusitani lived in Iberia long before Carthage and Rome disturbed the region, and they will remain long after their oppressors have left. They are, like their distant cousins the Suebi, not a single clan but a confederation of smaller tribes, working together for defensive purposes and mutual gain.

The Lusitani are fierce and agile warriors, suited to guerrilla warfare – making them excellent light infantry mercenaries – and their women are known to fight alongside the men, such is the fierceness of their culture.

Originating from the Douro valley in what is now Portugal, the Lusitani gradually spread south, eventually reaching and settling on either side of the Tagus river. The Lusitanian pantheon was very diverse, though they primarily worshipped Endovelicus, god of the people's welfare, as their chief deity. Ataegina was also popular, particularly in the south, as the goddess of nature and fertility. Like many other cultures of the time, the Lusitani were known to sacrifice animals in tribute to their gods.
As Hannibal's Carthaginian army marches through lands previously controlled by Rome, there is opportunity for the Lusitani to expand beyond their bounds to claim back Iberia from its invaders. However, though there may be prudence in caution, even fraternisation, with the enemy at first, eventually they must be expelled from the land!
A proud tribal people, the Lusitani place great stock in the act of sacrifice, and even the lowliest Lusitani recruit fights with greater savagery than his rank might imply. However, their cultural pride prevents them from empathising well with other factions at the diplomacy table.

Total War: Rome II - (Celtiberian) Arevaci Faction, on DLC Hannibal at the Gates

Arevaci




“Alliance, Conquest, Pride”

The Arevaci are a warlike people. From their Celtic origins in northern central Iberia, they have expanded east and southwest through migration and conquest, displacing a number of other tribes in the process.

Their capital is Numantia, east of the great 'Meseta Central' plateau that runs through the heart of Iberia. The region's topography lends itself to the mass 'transhumance', or livestock migration, to the grassy lowlands of the Ebro valley, which provides the Arevaci's chief food supply. Chiefly a militaristic society, they also hold the rite of 'excarnation', the practice of leaving dead warriors' bodies on their funeral litters so flesh and organs can be stripped by vultures.

By the middle of the 3rd century BC, Roman and Carthaginian expansionism has brought both to the Arevaci's door, although it is now Hannibal's grand mercenary army that shares their border. This places difficult choices before them; both superpowers have interfered in Iberia for far too long, yet it is not possible to take on Rome and Carthage at the same time, despite the Arevaci's knowledge of the terrain, their superb fighting prowess, and alliances with other tribal peoples. For now, they maintain their neutrality, but it cannot last. Someone must control the Iberian peninsula, could it be the Arevaci?
The noble horsemen of the Arevaci are proud warriors, and are noted for fighting with great conviction. However, the Arevaci’s sense of unity with other local tribes can be a double-edged sword. While they treat well with fellow Iberian factions, their people abhor the presence of foreign cultures, the proximity of which can cause significant public order problems.

Total War Rome II DLC Hannibal at the Gates Campaign Pack

Think of a badass. Any badass. It’s Hannibal, isn’t it? We’re delighted to announce the next major Campaign Pack DLC for Total War: ROME II will be Hannibal at the Gates, available March 27th.

Dropping you into the Western Mediterranean at the outbreak of the 2nd Punic War, Hannibal at the Gates features a new campaign map focused on the period that brought the ancient-world superpowers of Rome and Carthage to all-out war.
One of the most famous in history, the conflict demonstrated the tactical genius of great rival generals Scipio and Hannibal. Can you recreate their remarkable strategies, or can you do better? How will you change history?
You enter the war as Carthage or Rome, command the noble Hellenic city-state of Syracuse, or, for the first time in ROME II, play an Iberian faction as the Arevaci or the Lusitani
Focussing on the western Mediterranean at the outbreak of the 2nd Punic War, this Campaign Pack features 19 provinces dotted with resources, new settlements, new provincial capitals and new factions.

The major powers of the time, Rome and Carthage, begin at loggerheads but with a number of key regions and client states under their control. Syracuse, the Arevaci and the Lusitani all start with a single region, offering a significantly different and more formidable challenge than playing as one of the two great empires.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM5qUVV7gh8