[Civilization V] The Byzantine Empire

[Imperial Honour]

What It Does:
Aims to add a new civilization to Civilization V based on the Byzantine Empire, previously (and\or) also known as the Eastern Roman Empire. On a more personal level it aims to introduce me to the world Civilization V modding, beyond studying other mods.

Development Status: (03\09\2011)
In Concept Phase

Release Date:
When it is done, add on Valve time where applicable .

Credits:
Thanks to the Relicnews community for their ideas and feedback...

----- Mod Introduction Ends Here. On To The Idea Bash. -----

The design phase, the most interesting phase of modding in my opinion, apart from play-testing obviously. While I have a few concept ideas already I want to bounce some ideas off the community and get some feedback. So on to my ideas so far, feel free to brainstorm your own as suggestions.

Idea #1

Spoiler

Special Ability: Crossroad to Asia
+1 Gold from each Trade Route, and +1 Gold from each Luxury Resource.

Unique Unit\Building: Byzantine Walls
"Byzantine Walls increase the city's defense, making it harder for the enemy to capture the city."

Replaces: Castle
Production Cost: 200
Defense: +15

Unique Unit\Building: Cataphract
""

Replaces: Horseman
Production Cost: 150
Combat: 15
Movement: 3

Idea #2

Spoiler

Special Ability: Crossroad to Asia
+1 Gold from Luxury resources, and provides one extra copy of each improved Luxury resource.

Unique Unit\Building: Byzantine Walls
"Byzantine Walls increase the damage output of all the city's ranged attacks and increase the city's defense."

Replaces: Walls
Production Cost: 80
Defense: +10

Unique Unit\Building: Cataphract
""

Replaces: Horseman
Production Cost: 150
Combat: 15
Movement: 3

Idea #3

Spoiler

Special Ability: Greek Fire
+2 Ranged Combat for naval units, becomes obsolete with "Navigation".

Unique Unit\Building: Byzantine Walls
"Byzantine Walls increase the city's defense, making it harder for the enemy to capture the city."

Replaces: Walls
Production Cost: 80
Defense: +10

Unique Unit\Building: Forum
""

Replaces: Market
Production Cost: 120
Gold: +3
Gold: +50%

Idea #4

Spoiler

Special Ability: Greek Fire
+2 Ranged Combat for naval units, becomes obsolete with "Navigation".

Unique Unit\Building: Forum
""

Replaces: Market
Production Cost: 120
Gold: +3
Gold: +50%

Unique Unit\Building: Cataphract
""

Replaces: Horseman
Production Cost: 150
Combat: 15
Movement: 3

Some ideas on city names, civilization leader, faction colour and emblem to come. Until then, let discussion commence.

[n0z3k1ll3r]

Can I opt for the first option, but with Greek Fire instead of Crossroad to Asia? The latter is something you could justify for the Ottomans or Persians at least as easily for the Byzantines. Likewise I associate Forums more with the Roman Empire proper than the Byzantines. Greek Fire, the Kataphractoi, and the Walls of Constantinople are iconically Byzantine.

[Imperial Honour]

Sounds good n0z, and I have certainly warmed to the idea. Time for an update.

[Draft] Proposed Civilization "Uniques"

Spoiler

Special Ability: Greek Fire
+2 Ranged Combat for naval units, becomes obsolete with "Navigation".

Unique Unit\Building: Walls of Constantinople
"Walls of Constantinople increase the damage output of all the city's ranged attacks and increase the city's defense."

Replaces: Walls
Production Cost: 80
Defense: +10

Unique Unit\Building: Kataphractoi
"The Kataphractoi trace their origins back to Classical antiquity, providing the Byzantine army with a force of well armoured hard-hitting cavalry."

Replaces: Horseman
Production Cost: 150
Combat: 15
Movement: 3

[Draft] Proposed Faction Iconography:

Spoiler

Red and Gold is already taken, something used on the flag of the Late Byzantine Empire (supposedly). So I opt for the colours usually used by the Byzantines in video games, Purple and White.

Proposed Leader:
Justinian I

Open to suggestions if anyone wants to provide me with a good reason to have "X" person over another as leader. Chosen Justinian I for now due to familiarity, appearance in Civilization IV and importance.

Progress Update:
I've setup the framework for the modification within Civilization V's Mod Buddy. So once design details have been finalised I can get started on coding in the features.

[n0z3k1ll3r]

Justinian or John Komnenos would be my choices for emperor. Probably Justinian if I had to pick between the two.