Old World - Empires of the Indus

Old World - Empires of the Indus throws you into a vibrant, turbulent world grappling with the rise of mighty dynasties and their illustrious realms. Grow the powerful Mauryan Empire to its heights, lead the great tribes of the Yuezhi to forge a new destiny as the Kushan Empire, or raise Tamilakam to glory with the three great Sangam kingdoms. Spread forth from the Indus and bring the old world under your rule!

Empires of the Indus introduces three new playable nations, each representing a major player across a 600 year period of upheaval and opportunity that would shape the subcontinent for centuries to come:

• The Mauryas were rulers of a mighty Iron Age empire that once asserted dominance over the entire region for centuries under the leadership of Chandragupta and Ashoka. Take the reins and forge a powerful legacy for your people that will influence the world for millennia to come. Choose one of six powerful families to raise the empire to glorious heights, either through the might of their deadly Assault Elephants and Armored Elephants, or through spirituality by establishing Buddhism as a new World Religion, with the majestic Mahabodhi Temple as its Holy Site.

• The Yuezhi, once a nomadic people, founded the great Kushan Empire under the leadership of Kujula, and grew to span from Bactria to the Gangetic Plain largely through the military accomplishments of Kanishka. Lead these mighty horse lords as they seek to unite the tribes with their unique Vassalize Tribe Mission, forcing alliances on any tribal nation that is weaker than them. And if intimidation doesn’t work, there’s always outright conquest – Kushan Cavalry and Kushan Warlord units lead the charge, dominating the battlefield with their Shock Cavalry ability.

• Tamilakam represents the heights of the Sangam culture as a nation that brings the three early Tamil kingdoms under one banner. Take charge of either the Cholas, Cheras, or Pandyas – represented as families – as they vie for dominance. Maneuver characters into positions of influence to grant the families power, potentially changing the nation’s leader and capital, applying their unique benefit while they sit upon the throne. And should outsiders try to interfere, Tamilakam’s Javelin Elephant and Elephant Archers will put on a stalwart defense.

This expansion also brings with it a wealth of other new content, including:

• The Huns - before Genghis Khan, the Huns emerged from the Steppes to bring the old world to its knees. This new tribe is more formidable than its counterparts, and will prove a serious opponent to any would-be conqueror, with unique events that cover the emergence of their most famous son, Attila the Hun.

• Religions: Two religions shape the subcontinent. All three new nations begin with Hinduism, spreading the faith through Shrines and employing the unique Brahmin disciple to build religious structures and found Theologies. Meanwhile, the Mauryans can establish Buddhism as a new World Religion through a unique project, while others may do so once the world reaches four global Theologies and enacts the Philosophy law.

• Four new Wonders, one for each cultural level:

  • The Great Stupa at Sanchi, a monument from an era of peace which allows a new improvement called Pillar Edicts to be constructed in each city, boosting legitimacy and civics.

  • The prestigious Mahavihara, a place of great learning that boosts science and civics.

  • The Monumental Buddhas, a testament to religious unity that boosts opinion and culture for each religion within a nation, as well as spreading Buddhism.

  • The mighty Chittorgarh Hill Fort, which grants its host city extra health and heals units within all city territory.

• The Jungle vegetation type, which acts like woods but with increased ranged defense and movement penalties.

• Over 200 new events, 60 new ambitions, 11 new Cognomens, and four new rare resources in Jade, Silk, Spices, and Ebony.

• Three new mapscripts and five pre-made maps, covering everything from the entire sub-continent to smaller duel maps set in the Indus Valley or land-locked Bactria.

Unite the old world of South Asia, and establish a golden age for the people of the Indus!