A new installment of my Medieval 2 Total War; Thera Total War Mod let's play, where I play as the Empire of Romuli faction. Hopefully you guys enjoy the vide.

1. There might be an issue with the 'built' files that Medieval 2 uses to quickly load things. Third Age MOS includes a cleaner file to get rid of those as part of its install process. I've enclosed it below - create a bat file in notepad, place it in your Thera folder and run. Even if it doesn't help, it won't break anything further.
2. A personal mod of the great mod Thera: TW This started by adding a few extra unit but it soon became an ongoing overhaul juggernaut. I've made huge changes across the board but retained the core. (If you're wondering what THERA is, its a fantasy war mod waged across multiple continents on a vast map involving a ton of interesting Factions.

This article follows the content of the Medieval II: Total War Hosted Modifications and M2TW: Kingdoms Hosted Modifications forums at TWC.

• 1Released Modifications
• 2Mods in Development

Released Modifications

(section includes public beta releases.)

Anno Domini

Main Article: Anno Domini

Anno Domini is aimed at the strategical player who also wants a campaign as historically correct as possible.

Beta released in this thread February 2007.

Broken Crescent

Main Article: Broken Crescent

A modification for Medieval II: Total War focusing on the Middle-Eastern warfare of 1175-1400 AD.

For release 1.0 see this thread.

Bulgaria: Total War (BGTW)

Main Article: Bulgaria Total War (BGTW)

Bulgaria Total War's aim is to add a couple of new factions to the game (including Bulgaria) in a historically accurate manner, as well as to improve the overall gameplay-experience from the vanilla in a variety of other areas.

Call of Warhammer

Main Article: Call of Warhammer

Call of Warhammer: Champions of the vile Chaos gods have stepped forward uniting into a northern tidal wave sweeping south. Orcs are growing restless in the cramped space of the Badlands. A WAAGGGHH!!! is inevitable and the Greenskin horde will soon unleash another of their destructive invasions. The mysterious Phoenix King has ordered an expedition corps to the Old World to stand by the forces of light in the coming struggles. The Empire and Kislev… will have to hold the line and stand tall against the coming of the Storm of Chaos.

The Character Names Project

Main Article: Character Names Project

What it says on the tin...

Releases available in this thread.

Clouds Across Europe

Main Article: Clouds Across Europe

Modification aiming for historical accuracy, realism and player enjoyment.

Released in this thread in April 2007.

Condottieri

Main Article: Heraldry Mod - Released segment

Main Article: Condottieri - Work in Progress

This mod, set in Italy during the Italian Wars from 1450 to 1550, aims to provide the player with a 'what if....?' situation in which he will have the possibility to challenge the European superpowers and create an alternative end for the Italian states.

The Crusader States

Main Article: The Crusader States

A modification aimed at reproducing the Crusader States and the Nations of Islam as they where in 1119ad. Focusing an the conflict between Christianity and Islam in the Middle East.

Beta released in this thread January 2007.

Custom Campaign/Retro fit mod

Main Article: Custom Campaign/Retro fit mod

The Custom Campaign Mod is a small mod designed to provide additional game play and content for Medieval II: Total War. The Retrofit Mod retrofits various Medieval II Total War (M2TW): Kingdoms features, improvements and bug fixes to vanilla M2TW.

DarthMod for M2TW

Main Article: DarthMod for M2TW

Successor of the well known RTW mod series which aims to trace game-play inconsistencies and destroy them using balance and AI techniques.

Various downloads available see forums.

Deus lo Vult

Main Article: Deus lo Vult

Featuring a field cost script for the player, more role-playing elements and many changes to the trait system, as well as other changes.

Various release versions available, see official forums.

Das Heilige Römische Reich

Main Article: Das Heilige Römische Reich

Formerly known as The Empire: Total War.

This mod focuses on a much more realistic representation of the Holy Roman Empire: The vanilla HRE faction has been split in 9 factions and lots of features including Imperial Elections, Imperial Bans, Coronations, Antipopes, dynamic titles (including Prince-Bushops!), Counter-kings and Imperial Tax have been added. For the full list of features in the current version, see this thread.

Version 0.8a Beta for Medieval II - Kingdoms is out now. It can be found here: [1]

For more infos visit the mod's forums.

Eras Total Conquest

Main Article: Eras Total Conquest

The purpose of the mod is to allow the player to start in different eras; each with its own unique mix of different factions, start positions, and technologies. Currently there are 10 campaign which start in 970, 1080, 1200, 1220, 1300, 1330, 1400, 1453, 1500, and 1547. The 970, 1080, 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 campaigns cover Europe, the Near East and North Africa; the 1220, 1330, and 1453 campaigns cover Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India; and the 1547 campaign covers the whole world.

For more infos visit the mod's forums.

Falcom Total War 3 : The Total Conquest

Main Article: Falcom Total War

The purpose of this mod is to provide a world campaign map with all the factions with. The map covers the Americas to Japan, and the Greenland to Australia. 13 new factions to play (Japan, China, ...) and 3 new religions added.

Ferrum Aeternum

Main Article: Ferrum Aeternum

Ferrum Aeternum or 'Eternal iron' is a mod with Brand new factions, new 2D art, Battle and Campaign AI improved, bigger map and new script tweaks and also New medieval music and new nnits and more small modifications.

For King or Country: The English Civil War

Main Article: For King or Country

The purpose of the mod is to simulate the first English civil war. The main aim is to accurately represent the two main factions, their leaders, their commanders and their armies. The mod aims to provide a unique battlefield experience by representing 17th century warfare, something that no M2:TW mod team has so far achieved.

Hardgame Mod

Main Article: Hardgame Mod

A mod aimed at making M2Tw as hard as it can be, it features a garrison script and other things to make this possible.

Heraldry Mod

Main Article: Heraldry Mod

A mod aimed at improving the traits of characters in M2TW

Invasio Barbarorum 2: Conquestu Britanniae II

Main Article: Invasio Barbarorum 2: Conquestu Britanniae II

A total conversion modification covering the British Isles and neighbouring parts of north-western Europe set in the year 449AD, a date known in British history as the Adventum Saxonum or 'coming of the Saxons'.

Kingdoms Grand Campaign(KGCM)

Main Article: Kingdoms Grand Campaign(KGCM)

A modification that adds every single new unit from Kingdoms into the Grand Campaign onto a truly epic map. The campaign is 2 turns per year from 1180 AD to 1500 AD. Also adding the Kingdom of Jerusalem and Antioch to the Holy lands, Teutonic Order and Lithuania to the Baltic, Ireland, Wales and Norway added to British Isles. KGCM also supports Multiplayer Campaigns.

King's Banner

Main Article: King's Banner

This mod adds over 130 new main banners, many new upgrade banners and over 300 new shield textures for Medieval 2. New symbols for some factions and new colour for Denmark and Byzantium.

Lands to Conquer

Main Article: Lands to Conquer

A mod aimed at improving the gameplay and balance of M2TW as well as a longer, slower campaign. It is made by Lusted but incorporates other modders work for the best gaming experience.

Magyar Mod

Main Article: Magyar Mod

A Mod for a better Hungary. Modded map, names, religions, the usual stuff, you know. Completely remodelled and re-skinned Hungarian units, new unit list.

The Long Road

Main Article: The Long Road

The Long Road is geared toward an epic style campaign with a total of 900 turns and a large map with many provinces. It targets a balance between realism and gameplay. Targets a challenging campaign that is not tediously difficult.

Lithuania Mod

Main Article: Lithuania Mod

The Lithuania MOD is a mini modification to represent ancient balt culture Lithuanian faction warfare in medieval period. The first goal is mod for for vanilla M2TW.Second is to give TW community acurate info about Lithuania and created units for the community

Medieval Classic

Main Article: Medieval Classic Total War

Medieval Classic is a mod aimed to bring back features from Medieval 1 Total War into Medieval 2. It also is aimed at bringing back the purely dark medieval atmosphere that medieval 1 had.

Pro Deo et Rege

Main Article: PRO DEO ET REGE

Pro Deo et Rege is a mod aimed at providing a longer, more challenging and realistic campaign. Featuring many new provinces, units and a unique regional Area of Recruitment system, establishing and maintaining a medieval empire will not be easy - For God and King!

Regions & Provinces Mod

Main Article: Regions & Provinces Mod

Adds 69 Regions, Faction Name Changes, Historical name changes, garrison changes , more variety of units, New victory conditions.

Renaissance Total War

Main Article: Renaissance Total War

A mod set in the renaissance era, aiming to combine historical accuracy with a fun and dynamic campaign map and game-play.

Rise of Kings

Main Article: Rise of Kings

A combination mod for MTW2, aimed at adding more realism and balance. It includes a number of popular mods and additional amendments.

Road to Jerusalem

Main Article: Road to Jerusalem

A combination mod for MTW2 with rebalanced units stats for better game-play, new skins and new armour upgrades. Inspired by Lands to Conquer 1.21 (MTW2) and SPQR 6.2 (RTW).

Rusichi: Total War

Main Article: Rusichi: Total War

In this mod the player takes control of one of 3 Rus' kingdoms with the goal of uniting Rus' in the face of massive opposition from all sides: Mongols, Teutonic knights and even internal civil war.

Sinuhet's Formations

Main Article: Sinuhet's Formations

Sinuhet's formation mods for M2TW

Stainless Steel

Main Article: Stainless Steel

A combination of bug fixes, many small mods, better AI and AI armies, more provinces, graphical improvements and many other campaign and battle map changes. The whole game offers now a much greater challenge!

THERA, Legacy of the Great Torment

Main Article: THERA, Legacy of the Great Torment

This mod is a fantasy mod that involves various fictional factions which focuses on intriguing and breath taking gameplay.

The Sicilian Vespers

Main Article: The Sicilian Vespers

This is a Late Era mod, for MTWII, that focuses on the War of the Sicilian Vespers. Some of the mods features include two new factions, Burrek's Knights & Knaves, and WhiteWolf's Byzantine Armour Progression.

Third Age: Total War

Main Article: Third Age: Total War

Third Age: Total War is a Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms total conversion about the conflicts in Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age.

Xenophonia

Main Article: Xenophonia

The native speech mod project. A project that aims to provide the players of M2TW with voice packs (one language at a time) designed individually for (more or less) every faction in the game.

Ultimate AI

Main Article: Ultimate AI

A mod aimed at improving the campaign ai, diplomacy and alliances in M2TW

Vlad TW Mongolo-Tatars Invasion

Main Article: Vlad TW Mongolo-Tatars Invasion

A mod by Vlad focusing on the Mongolo-Tatars invasion of Europe, featuring historical Mongols, Turks, Germans, Russians and others.

Mods in Development

Aevum Fidei

Main Article: Aevum Fidei

Modification that aims to recreate a realistic medieval atmosphere - with the campaign split up into three separate eras, a new campaign map, new units and several more features.

Africa: Total War

Main Article: Africa: Total War

This mod aims at bringing you one of the most crucial time periods of African history, the time when European kingdoms sought to take control of the lands and riches of this ancient continent. Take up the sword and forge an empire, be it European, middle-easterner, or African.

Age of Warlords II - Total War

Main Article: Age of Warlords II - Total War

Agon: Rebirth of the Hellenes

Main Article: Agon: Rebirth of the Hellenes

Agon is a mod focusing on Ancient Greece and the nearby lands. It's primary goal is depicting the many conflicts that took place in the area in both a fun and historically accurate way. The mod will feature 29 brand new factions and many new units.

Ancient Egypt

Main Article: Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is a modification focusing on the land of the Nile during times which even Ancient Greeks considered ancient, times when the flood meant much, and when internal divisions and external invasions where something to be taken care of.

Bohemia Mini Mod

Main Article: Bohemia Mini Mod

This mini-mod adds a Bohemian faction to the game

Caucasia: Total war

Main Article: Caucasia: Total war

Caucasia: Total war is a major modification of MTW2 witch will center on medieval Caucasus wars. It will reflect history of the region from XI to XV centuries in the most historical way.

Claimants, Heirs, and Conquerors

Main Article: Claimants, Heirs, and Conquerors

ChC focuses on the more Provincial and localized Conflict in Western Europe during the renassaince. ChC contains new factions and a new map; plus numerous other features that will enhance gameplay! For the player who wants a truly Renassaince European 'feel' to thier campaign.

Complete Byzantine Unit Roster

Main Article: C.B.U.R.

This is a project which aims to provide Medieval Roman (Byzantine) units to players and modding teams that focus from 6th to 15th centuries.

Dawn of Kingdoms

Main Article: Dawn of Kingdoms

The purpose of this mod is to add length, balance and overall enjoyment to the game. The mod will expand on what CA has already done by adding new factions, a bigger map and adjusting the AI to compensate. (formerly; Middle Ages Total War)

Dominion of the Sword

Main Article: Dominion of the Sword

Dominion of the Sword is an ambitious project aimed at making a Super mod, we have a large team made up of several contributing mods as well as our own dedicated staff. The mod aims to maximize the possibilities in the M2TW engine to make a game with realism, historical accuracy and playability. Most of all we are concentrating on an atmospheric and fully immersible experience of medieval warfare and rulership.

Dragolance: Total War-Takhisis Rising

Main Article: Dragolance: Total War-Takhisis Rising

Fantasy mod based on the novels of Tracy Hickman and Margret Weis. Takes place in the world of Krynn on the continent Ansalon. Krynns pantheon exist of three way, good, evil and neutral with its gods. Races are Human, Elfs, Ogres, Draconians, Minotaurs, Dwarfs, Kender a.s.o. The mod will handle the fight of good against evil, during the time the evil goddess Takhisis begins to influence the world.

East of Rome

Main Article: East of Rome

East of Rome covers the years 451-700 AD. Barbarians are savaging all over Europe but can the East hold out?

Europa Barbarorum II

Main Article: Europa Barbarorum II

Europa Barbarorum II is a total conversion of Medieval II, in order to match its setting, i.e. the age of Hellenism. Compared to its RTW-based predecessor Europa Barbarorum I, it is a completely revised version of the former, with several new or changed factions and many new units.

Europe Total War

Main Article: Europe Total War

Europe Total War is a mod centered in Europe. The game begins in 1072 and finishes in 1492. The main goal of this modification is to add supplementary factions and improved AI in both the campaign and battle maps. The mod also contains three other major campaigns showing different eras of Europe.

Medieval Wars

Main Article: Medieval Wars - Mod

A mod designed to make it so you face lots of full stacks turn after turn, and with adjusted unit stats for better game-play.

Mediaeval Auctoriso

Main Article: Mediaeval Auctoriso

Modification to cover the time period from 1073 to 1500, encompassing the areas of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Aims to provide the player with many more options for ruling his faction by creating a more authentic medieval experience.

Medieval: Wrath of the Norsemen

Main Article: Wrath of the Norsemen

Set in an exciting and blood-thirsty era with a larger map including all of Europe. A community-friendly project, that aims to give the player a true Total War experience.

Miak's Extended Map Mod

Main Article: Miak's Extended Map Mod

This mod makes massive expansions to the map North south east west as well as adding new factions with exotic units of different cultures.

Ortus Romani

Main Article: Ortus Romani

Once known as 'Roman Era Mod', this mod brings the Roman Era to M2TW. The mod's main aims are realism, beautiful units, and of course to move the achievements of great RTW mods like RTR, EB to the improved engine!-

Princes, Kings and Heroes

Main Article: Princes, Kings and Heroes

Princes, Kings and Heroes is a major modification for the Kingdoms Expansion. It is centred around the period 1280 to 1330 (which covers the 2nd Welsh war, the Scottish war of independence and invasion of Ireland and the English internal wars of this period). It’s set on a large map and aims to be as historical as viable.

Reconquista:Total War

Main Article: Reconquista:Total War

The mod “Reconquista“ focuses on the Christian recapture of the Iberian peninsula and the attempt of the Islamic factions to cross these plans.

Rise of the Caliphate

'Main Article: Rise of the Caliphate'

The Shadows Of Ishitar

Main Article: The Shadows Of Ishitar

This Mod is about Arabia from around 814 bc till 400 bc with 18 factions including assyria, babylon and Israel

The Gathering Storm

Main Article: The Gathering Storm - Mod

The Gathering Storm is a modification project that strives to depict the world of the Late Roman Empire and the Migration Period as accurately as possible.

Tsardoms: Total War

Main Article: Tsardoms: Total War

Tsardoms is a total conversion set in Balkans, Asia Minor and Italy.

Vacuus Lux Lucis

Main Article: Vacuus Lux Lucis

Starting in 620 AD and going all the way to 1050 AD, the mod features new factions, a new map and new units. Its focus lies on the Saxons' supremacy over the Britons in England in the Dark Ages; the Irish golden age; the Pictish struggle against the Strathclyde confederation and the emerging factions of the Norse and the Danes in the late era.

Westeros Total War

Main Article: Westeros Total War

This project aims to recreate the wars in George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, with light reskins of the factions, an accurate map, completely redone ancillaries, titles for nobles, a kingship mechanic and new agent systems for spies and assassins. The mod begins right after the execution of Eddard Stark. This turns on the war locomotive for several factions. House Tully is under attack by the Lannisters, the Starks wants to take revenge, Renly and Stannis Baratheon want to seize the Iron Throne while House Greyjoy, Arryn and Martell are biding their time...

• 2Features

The Concept

Thera was a world much like the one we know, a land of vast forests and wind swept grass lands, wide deserts covered in golden sands and snowcapped mountains. Great trade fleets ferried their precious cargos across the length and breath of the great oceans. That was until one fateful day 222 years ago, a day when great natural calamities were unleashed and the world known as Thera was broken asunder. A day when entire generations were lost. A day when histories ceased and life was changed forever, a day when the dead out numbered the living. Terror in untold portions now stalked the land of Thera; it is said on this day the cries of pain and fear could be heard to echo across the heavens.

What exactly happened to cause these calamities is not clear; theories were thick in the air as to why these calamities had struck Thera, priests slaughtered animals and willing, or not, human sacrifices to determine why the Gods had turned on them. Blood ran in great rivers from the temple doors even as the wailing holy men were crushed as the temples fell to powerful earthquakes. Churches were packed as the Christian peoples of Thera sought shelter from the wild storms that rolled across the lands, only to find these buildings offered no protection as roofs were ripped away and wild winds tore people into the swirling maelstrom above. Each culture describes the causes and the effects within their own cultural and belief frameworks striving to provide answers for their leaders and the terrified population.

What is clear is that the planet suffered earthquakes, entire cities swallowed by the heaving ground, volcanic eruptions, an almost worldwide tidal wave, thousands perished at sea as ships disappeared without a trace, bodies littered the coast line for weeks to come, all with the same expression twisted on their faces, terror, pure terror. Huge wild fires ripped across many lands, a ruddy glow painting the skies of Thera at night and smoke so thick it blocked the sun for days. There were reports of fiery objects seen in the skies, causing more mass hysteria amongst the many peoples of Thera. This day became known universally as the 'Great Torment'.

In the years following the normal tidal and seasonal patterns became erratic. Many regions suffered great storms, lightning would tear apart the land and thunder rumbled so loud some went mad as the sound would not cease. The storms lasted weeks, months and in some areas years. The effects were so great that most people believed that this was truly the end of time. Almost every culture reset their calenders to mark these world changing disasters.

This lasted for over a century and the population of Thera was decimated, cities became tombs for lost kingdoms. Many formerly great nations fell, as starvation and disease ravaged the lands. Some nations locked their borders in an attempt to safeguard what they had, some nations looked to their gods for salvation, others turned to science.

It is now 222 years since the day of the 'Great Torment'. Many cultures believe this to be an auspicious date for a myriad different reasons, the reoccuring nature of the date, the alignment of the stars, the return of the herds, or simply because they feel strong again. The Legacy of the Great Torment is a world inhabitied by many small nations which have been forced to develop in near isolation, a world of large desolate, depopulated lands, which are ripe for development by a wise and powerful leader. Are you such a leader ....... .

It is time to sound the horn, it is time to call your people too war. Raise your banners and sharpen your sword for the land of Thera is ready for the taking, stand up and rewrite the history of Thera.........

Features

Thera gives M2TW players a breath of fresh air by providing them with a whole new strat map portraying a whole Other world which has it's own mysteries buried in the shadows of time. Thera contains a tempting package of 21 new factions never seen or heard before which includes factions like Romano, Mythical, Chivalric, Post renaissance factions. In addition it gives new battle models and strat models to characters and agents in the game which are graphically supreme and better suited to the world of Thera.

Thera also provides the M2 players with New Religions, Culture, Loading Screen Quotes. The AI is more smarter and cunning in Thera and players will meet quite a challenge which they always expected from vanilla. Thera gives a pure feeling of it's theme by mesmerizing the players with it's intriguing music.

Thera contains a brand new User Interface and wholesome collection of new Traits and ancillaries that helps the characters survive in the world of Thera. Besides all this Thera promises the M2 players much much more.

List of Factions

1) Kingdom of Avalon

Medieval 2 Total War Thera Mod Download

Historic Background: The Kingdom of Avalon was founded by a band of pious knights seeking to protect the Christian people from their pagan neighbours. Whilst flag of this kingdom carries the a representation of the Holy Grail, but the army always fights under the Lion banner to honour the memory of the original 'Knights of Avalon'. The land is governed by a king and his table of ministers, who are bound by the Arthurian laws to protect both the rights of the serfs as well as the privileges of the nobility. The 'Holy Grail' has been held by the Avalon bloodline for the past century, and legend says if the Grail was ever lost, Avalon would sink into the sea.

Military: Avalon has a rich military history, of noble knights, and brave archers. The boys of the nobility are trained to be squires before becoming knights. Indeed Avalon fields a number of different genres of knights including Honour Knights, Imperial Knights, and the famous chivalric champions, The Knights of Avalon. Many of these knights choose to fight on foot in order to protect their archers.

The sons of commoners are trained to the bow almost as soon as they can walk. First using smaller 'bairn' bows to hunt game and shoot targets, moving up to the mighty longbow as they develop into men. These two military traditions blend well on the field of battle, where all are brothers in arms, and the differences of normal society are melted away.Avalon is the main sponsor of the Knightly Order of St John and has historically allowed the building of their chapter houses on Avalon soil. Avalon does have links with the Knights Templar, but their close relationship with Hospitallers is viewed with suspicion by the Templars. Avalon militias are normally made up of archers, and commoners armed with bill hook type weapons.

Religion and Culture: Christians, Chivalric

2) Royaume des Bons Chevaliers

Historic Background: The Royaume des Bons Chevaliers is ruled by the Meravangi. They claim to have a noble lineage stretching back over a thousand years and see themselves as the very vision of the chivalric code. Their society is still run along traditional feudal lines. In this system the King gives land to members of the nobility, in return the barons pay tribune and provide military assistance to the King. The Barons have total control over both the land and the people within their provenices, and therefore their serfs are worked hard and long. This results in a society which is deeply divided and often it takes a war or threat of invasion to bring the people and their nobility together. Kings have used this ploy in the past, but it is always an dangerous and expensive stratagem..

Military: The Knights are the backbone of Chevalier armies. The barons competing with each other to have the latest vogue in armour and equipment. Infantry is often seen only as support for the mounted, armoured nobility. This support generally being spear and crossbow units. The Bons Chevaliers have long standing relations with the Knights Templar, and have allowed the order to build chapter houses on their land. Militia units include spear, crossbow and the deadly Voulge equipped units.

Religion and Culture: Christian, Chivalric

3) Men of Valhalla

Historic Background: During the Great Torment, the Norse lands suffered almost continuous winters. With the crops and livestock ravaged, the people began to die. Infighting broke out between the different tribes as resources became scarce and the old Norse kingdoms collapsed. Many ambitious warlords trying to fill this void, but could never hold together the different Jarls long enough to establish a viable kingdom.

It took a ferocious, bloodthirsty warrior to finally achieve this goal, his name has Rothgaard Bluetooth. In order to impose his will over the other tribes he lead a lightening campagain against the neighbouring region of Elsadør. He had all the nobles executed in the most horrific ways, he then had them skinned, and had a cloak made from theses skins. This he wore to a grand gathering of the tribes. There he offered generous terms to the neighbouring tribes, if they swore allegiance. He also warned that if they chose not to align themselves with the Men of Valhalla, he had many battle hardened Jarls, who also needed new cloaks.

Military: A strong Viking theme still runs through the armies of Valhalla. Most troops are armed with axe type weapons with spears, archers and cavalry being second string to the traditional axe troops. The armies do contain full time professional troops , such as Druzhina and Dvors, along side the traditional fighting nobles, huscarls, and the such like. The Norsemen believe a 'good' death in battle will grant them immortality in the hall of the gods, so they fight without fear of death.

Medieval 2 Total War Mods Steam

Religion and Culture: Pagan, followers of the Norse Gods, Odin, Thor, and many others. Culture is pre-feudal.

4) Povos da Hispânia

Historic Background: For many centuries the lands of the Hispanic tribes were populated by people of many religions. Pagan people lived happily along side the followers of both the cross and the crescent, free to live and pray however they wished. But then came the 'The Great Torment', the Grand Inquisitor blamed the plight on the presence of infidels on gods land. The Christians sought pagan and Muslim blood to appease their god, and so the the pagan tribes had to unify if they were to withstand the expected onslaught.

A brave warrior rose from the council of elders and promised the people, that no more would he allow the Christians to slaughter his people. His name was Vaasco de Sousa and he would be the saviour of all Hispanic Pagans. The other pagans tribes quickly joined him, and he fought off the the Christians to the north. No sooner was this threat contained, when the men on camels began to encroach from the west, it took many years of skirmishing before an uneasy peace was reached.

Military: The javelin has always been a popular weapon in Hispanic lands, used by both foot and mounted units. Whilst crossbows and bows are employed, the weapon of the heart for any Hispanic is still the javelin. There are units of heavy infantry using two handed weapons, such as swords and axes, along with heavy cavalry.

Religion and Culture: Pagan, followers of the Indalo. Culture is pre-feudal.

5) Warriors of Kukulcan

Historic Background: During 'The Great Torment' Mesocala (the meso landmass) was rocked by earthquakes as the fire-mountains on Incata Island roared and belched fire and rock into the sky's, blotting out the light from the mighty sun god. This was believed to be caused by the Kukulcan, breaking the bonds that had held him in the centre of the world, since he lost the great battle against the Sun God in the time of creation. Many people believed the Sun God, Huitzil had abandoned the people because they allowed the pale skins to enter the sacred lands and trade their evil goods. Militant warriors from the peoples of the Paynál and Sycorax joined together in the blessed lands near Akator, to found a new people, and to build their strength, so they might scrouge the lands of the pale men. If they were to succeed they needed the help of the greatest deities, and since the Sun God had turned his back on the people, this new nation pledged allegiance to the new power in the heavens. They dedicated themselves to the Kukulcan, the quetzal-feathered serpent god.

Military: The Kukulcan armies are made from units of both Paynál and Sycorax warriors. They boast a varied roster of archers, spears and heavy infantry. However they wear little armour and refuse to use cavalry (even though the Sycorax have many good mounted units), as they believe that the horse is an evil creature, created by the god of the pale skins. Their society is organised in a rigid military system, boys being taught the ways of war, from an early age. They believe the blood of their enemies feeds their god, and therefore need to constantly wage war to win favour from the Great Serpent.

Religion and Culture: Religion is devotion the Kukulcan, the quetzal-feathered serpent god. Culture is a hybrid meso culture of Paynál and Sycorax.

6) Faustian Reich

Historic Background: The plagues that gripped Ibellica and Europa during 'The Great Torment' decimated the Germanic peoples. They were at the time ruled by a council of nobles known as the Otterbach-Anschluss. However in times of great peril, it often takes a great man to step forward and shoulder the burden of saving his nation. Karl Faust was such a man.

The Grand Inquisitor blamed the plagues on the anger of God, an anger caused by the close presence of pagan and Muslim peoples. So the Otterbach-Anschluss lead armies against the Hispanics and Tahar kingdoms, the result of these wars was stalemate and the death of many great Germanic noble bloodlines. Karl Faust lead a rebellion and eliminated every member of the Anschluss Council. While the Otterbach had been a slave to the whims of the Grand Inquisitor, Faust declared he would allow learned men to explore the new sciences in a bid to find cures for the great plagues. This was the first step that would turn the new Faustian Reich into a potential 'renaissance' superpower.

Military: The Faustian Reich has a much smaller unit roster than most factions. However the weapon developments during this renaissance era, have allowed the development of new high grade renaissance armour. Most units wear less armour then their chivalric equivalents, choosing mobility over complete armour. The development of gunpowder weapons is looking very promising and it is expected that within a short period, a new type of firearm will allow the Reich to field new terrifying missile units. The Reich does field units of cavalry, both light and heavy, and has some excellent heavy infantry units.

Religion and Culture: Religion is Christian, although not as closely tied to the Grand Inquisitor as the chivalric nations. The culture is renaissance, embracing scientific development in medicine, art, and more importantly gunpowder weaponry.

7) Paynál Empire

Historic Background: Once the Empire of the Paynál controlled all but the cold north lands of Mesomecala (the meso land mass). Then the pale ones came, and the people were allowed to trade with the strangers. Soon the people fell sickly, blighted by a plague. The great shamans were consulted and they told how the Sun God, Huitzil was displeased by the presence of the pale men and their evil ways.

Just as the Great Paynál was trying to decide on how best to rid the lands of the pale men, the fire mountains roared. The Sun God disappeared for nearly a full year, the crops failed, many people died, and many fled their villages and towns to join the Kukulcan. The pale men disappeared and for many cycles they not seen again.

Military: The Paynál utilize many brave and fearsome warriors, including the Jaguar and Eagle orders. Their lack of cavalry is compensated by the overwhelming number of fierce warriors they can field.

Religion and Culture: The Paynál primarily worship Huitzil, the god of war and the sun, who struggles constantly to hold back the darkness and requires nourishment in the form of human sacrifice. The Paynál believe the world may end at the end of a 52 year cycle, which is quickly approaching, unless they can keep Huitzil strong. It is this need for sacrifices that drives the Paynál to war. Culture is a meso pre-iron age.

8) Men of Wotan

Historic Background: The Wotan are a hardy people from the far north. There hard existence has made them tough and resilient. They have long traded with many far away lands, taking not only goods but wisdom from these alien cultures. The City of Kozlov being the beating heart of the bear that is Wotan, developed a culture of acceptance to one and all. Then came 'The Great Torment' and the age of long winters. As with most cultures when disaster strikes, and the cause is not apparent, the people blame the strangers. And in Koslov this is what happened on a grim scale. When the Great Tzar Volchok died of a fever, the people rioted and attacked the merchant quarter of the city. The streets ran red, as the foreign merchants were attacked and killed. The reputation of the Wotan has been forever smeared by these events.

Military: Wotan have a military history of Norse type troops with axemen being the favoured tool of war, but now the idea of professional armies are taking root, and the rise of the professional Volchok, alongside the traditional Norse and Kossack units, bodes well for the future.

Religion and Culture: Pagan, followers of the Norse Gods, Odin, Thor, and many others. Culture is pre-feudal.

9) Romuli Empire

Historic Background: The Empire of Romuli has a violent foundation legend, one that mirrors much of the political and military infighting that happens between the great families. The empire was first established by Romulus Caesar who murdered his brother Remus for trying to usurp the crown of the fledgling empire. Since then all rulers of the Romuli have acclaimed themselves Caesar. The patrician families of the Romuli claim descent from the adventurers, exiles and warriors Romulus recruited to help establish his city. Alongside the patrician families, the Greco Nobles also wield some power, but thy will never be considered true Romuli. The capital city, Constantium, is know as the constant city, for it has never left the control of the Romuli, since its founding, in the mists of the ancient times. For a while the empire attempted a greco style democratic form of government. A senate from the patrician families controlled the running of the empire, on behalf of Caesar. But it was under their rule that the crops failed and the people went hungry. The people believed that the Gods were angered by this imported form of governance. There were many riots and much civic disorder. The plebs didn't realise this was the beginning of 'The Great Torment'.

Military: The legions are the backbone of the army. Well trained, well disciplined and capable able of terrible things. They also boast excellent mounted units and irregular infantry such as the Rudiarii and the dreaded beast warriors known as Uruk Hai. The Greco nobility within Romuli society also provide superb hoplite troops.

Religion and Culture: The Cult of Mithras. A greco-romano form of Sun Worship. The basic doctrine of Mithraism is that Mithras was a god who was born from a rock and destined to secure the salvation of the world; to do this he was commanded by the god Apollo (through the intermediary agent of a raven) to slay the Bull from the region of the Moon, which was said to represent the fullness of life. Culture is Romano-Greco.

10) Barka Sultanate

Historic Background: The Barka Sultanate is an ancient and pious kingdom. As followers of the crescent, they have often carried the battle to the infidel. Whenever the Christian attempted to gain control of Eden (the place where life first began, according to the followers of both the crescent and the cross) it was the forces of the Barka that repelled them. Then came the 'The Great Torment' For three generations the rains failed to come, the crops and the livestock withered and died. Unable to feed themselves, soon the people died too. For over a century the people of the Barka clung on, bearly able to survive on what the lands could provide. But by careful managment and pious prayers the people did survive. Then as the lands began to recover, that cursed Christian crusader, Baldwin de Ibellin arrived with an army of jackal heathens. For twenty years they fought for the possession of Eden. Many times control of the city swapped hands, but neither side was able to solidify their hold. As the conflict continued, both sides struggled to replace the men they lost in battle, and slowly they ground each other into stalemate.

Military: The Barka have an excellent roster of battle hardy and proven warriors, the many variations of the Mamluks give a solid and elite spine to the forces of the Barka.

Religion and Culture: Religion is Islam, Culture Pious and devout.

11) Gaelic Nation

Historic Background: The Gaelic isle or Tethra to give it its gaelic name, has always been a land of dispute and bloodshed. The main tribal groups Gaelic, Celt and Pict constantly warred against one another in a bid to dominate the landmass. As the majority of the Celtic tribes converted to the Christian cross, they began to gain assistance from the chivalric kingdoms of Europa, and for a while they looked likely to finally gain control of the entire isle. This threat was real enough to finally force the Pict and the Gaelic to join forces. Not long after this union was ratified the Celtic forces were decimated by a plague, 'The Great Torment' has arrived.

At first the newly formed Union of Gaelic Nations took this to be a sign that the Pagan Gods were pleased, and had chosen to destroy their newly converted enemies. Indeed many Celtic peoples re-converted back to paganism and joined the Gaelic Nations. Then came the age of long winters, and the people suffered great hardships as crops and livestock died. This weakened the Union and many clan leaders broke away and declared their regions as independent kingdoms, although they were more like thiefdoms.

Military: The troop types used by the Gaelic tend to be lightly armoured, but field a wide variety of infantry weapons, from hand axes and swords, to claymore swords, and Norse style two handed axes. The Celtic tribes within the Union provide first class archers and spearmen. Their is a limited cavalry roster, but the units they have are brave and motivated.

Religion and Culture: Religion is Gaelic Pagans, Culture is pre-chivalric.

12) Lao Che Khanate

Historic Background: The Steppe was populated by many tribes, some were farmers, most were nomadic herders. Since the time of the beginning, the great herds have crossed the plains, and the nomadic tribes have followed them, living off their produce. In harsh times, when the herds were thin, conflict would breakout between the tribes for the access to the herds. This conflict would often take the form of masses of horse archers peppering each other with arrows until one side broke and fled. These occurrences were rare as the herds were large, and there was enough for all. The tribes were very often inter-related through diplomatic marriages, alliances (although often tentative) were developed.

Military: The traditional warrior of the steppe is the horse archer, and to a lesser extent the foot archer. The revival of the Khanate has allowed an expansion of their military machine. In order to balance the archer heavy armies, the Khan has established units of spear and sword units, along with heavy units of elephants. The rocket is a fairly new development and the Khan has been active in financing further development of this weapon.

Religion and Culture: Religion is devotion to the Yamatai Yashima, along with praying to many animal and wind gods of the steppe, Culture is post nomadic.

13) Tahar Caliphate

Historic Background: The south west of Ibellica is a region of desert and scrubland, inhabited by numerous nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes. These peoples had long fought against a centrally administered form of rule. The Tushkan and Numari people occupy the desert regions and are highly independent. The coastal regions on the west coast were the most settled of the tribes, trading with regions on Mesomecala (the meso land mass), as well as Ibellica. Whenever the regions faced foreign threats the tribes would, for a time unite, under whichever tribe was the strongest at the time. But once the invaders were repelled, infighting and squabbling would again split the tribal unity apart.

Military: The new armies of the Tahar field many exotic cavalry units, including camel and elephant units, these units have always cause the Christians particular concern. The Numari tribe also supplies the armies with good infantry units using sword, spear and bow.

Religion and Culture: Religion is Islam, Culture is post nomadic.

14) Grand Duchy of Dracule

Historic Background: The Translavia land mass has always been a land of war and of blood. Divided between the Varia, Vikia, and Vallach peoples it has since the time of creation been an area of almost continual conflict. The dark brooding lands are famed for being home to brigands and thiefdoms. The local princes known as Boyars fought amongst themselves, vying for control of the most profitable regions, murder and intrigue surround all the royal families. All this led to the greater region being unstable, weak and easy pickings for outlander invaders. Then came 'The Great Torment' the sky became dark and the people trembled. Black rain fell and the crops perished. When the plagues arrived the people believed God had truly abandoned them. Civil uprisings against many of the Boyars took place. When the plagues reached Kosavar, The Dracule knew they must act.

Military: The Dracule fields a wide roster of many varied units many ethic groups. These include the mighty Blood Knights and Assassins(known as Vampyres).

Religion and Culture: Religion is Christian, Culture is early chivalric.

15) League of Privateers

Historic Background: Pirates have been in existence since the first man set sail on the seas. Over the ages many Kingdoms have sponsored pirates or privateers as they are sometimes known. Then the Grand Inquisitor ruled the practice of issuing privateer licences both immoral and unchristian. The most successful of these Privateers, Lord Greystoke refused to comply with the wishes of the Grand Inquisitor. He was hunted by the various Christian navies across many seas, and survived many battles against larger fleets. But he knew they would not rest until he was dragged before the Grand Inquisitor in shackles. So he fled for the treacherous waters around the new lands of Mesocala, the Christian navies dared not travel into the those dark, unknown waters and turned back for their home ports....

Military: Using the latest Renaissance's technology, they are well equipped to both defend their fledgling thiefdom, and to strive outwards and conquer new lands.

Religion and Culture: Religion is the devotion to the serpent gods, The culture is renaissance, embracing scientific development of modern gunpowder weaponry.

16) Ducado de Sangre Valiente

Historic Background: The plagues that gripped Ibellica and Europa during 'The Great Torment' decimated the Christian peoples. The Grand Inquisitor blamed the plagues on the anger of God, an anger caused by the close presence of Pagan and Muslim peoples. So the Duque lead armies against the Hispanics and Tahar kingdoms, the result of these wars was stalemate and the death of many great noble bloodlines. This caused such turmoil within the Ducado that a new age science developed, in a bid to find cures for the great plagues. This was the first step that would turn the Ducado into a potential 'renaissance' superpower.

Military: The Ducado has a much smaller unit roster than most factions. However the weapon developments during this renaissance era, have allowed the development of new high grade renaissance armour. Most units wear less armour then their chivalric equivalents, choosing mobility over complete armour. The development of gunpowder weapons is looking very promising and it is expected that within a short period, a new type of firearm will allow the Ducado to field new terrifying missile units. They field units of cavalry, both light and heavy, and has some excellent heavy infantry units.

Religion and Culture: Religion is Christian, although not as closely tied to the Grand Inquisitor as the chivalric nations. The culture is renaissance, embracing scientific development in medicine, art, and more importantly gunpowder weaponry.

17) Sycorax Nation

Historic Background: Since the time of the beginning the northern lands of Lepana has been home to many different nomadic tribes. These tribes followed the herds of bison and mammuc on their annual migrations. The herds are considered sacred as they provided the people with everything they needed, food, furs, and many other life granting gifts. The tribes were well balanced and lived in harmony. Their settlements were small and temporary, the people living in tents, as they followed the herds. Then came 'The Great Torment', first the black rain came, and then the snows refused to leave the land. Soon the herds began to die and the people went hungry. The tribes began to raid each others camps, to find food and other resources....

Military: The Sycorax have long had a love of the horse and the freedom it grants them on the open plains of their homelands. They field a variety of of mounted missle and melee troops. The Sycorax also field many archers, who are also skilled in melee, despite having little or no armour. They are also able to adapt their fighting style to use the weapons captured from their enemies.

Religion and Culture: Religion is a mixture of ancestor worship and the worship of animal spirits, their chief diety being the Great Eagle known as the Kwahu. Kwahu is said to have protected the lands since the time of beginning. In order to win his favour, captured prisoners are tied across alters on top of the Pyramids. Their chests are opened in a grand ritual and they are left there, so that the eagles may feast upon them. By feeding the children of the Kwahu, the Syrcorax believe he will grant them victory in battle. Culture is a post nomadic meso.

18) Vashta Sultanate

Historic Background: The northern lands of Syrianna have been the home to many different kingdoms through the ages. The last of these kingdoms melted away with the onset of 'The Great Torment'. The people saw that the towns and cities were the places of plague aned pestilence, and so they returned to their nomadic roots. Then came the Christian Hordes bringing more death to the land. A mighty Otjuk warrior named Vashta Baghdadi took a small army of horse archers and ghazi and attacked a crusader army that recently captured Baé Asra. He set upon the infidels like a wolf upon sheep, not one crusader survived. This small victory acted like a beacon to the desperate peoples of northern Syrianna, and they flocked to him. So the Vashta Sultanate was born.

Buy Medieval 2 Total War

Military: A mixture of the traditional Otjuk troops, and the mighty Yeni Ceri troops.

Religion and Culture: Religion is Islam, Culture is a post nomadic.

19) Holy Order of the Pale Knights

Historic Background: The Grand Inquisitor blamed 'The Great Torment' on Gods displeasure that Eden the holy city, was in the hands of Muslims. Many pious knights took up the call to arms and headed for Syrianna. These armies were disorganised and prone to infights, and many armies failed to even reach the Outremeras it was known. As the effects of the torment increased, many believed that the time of revelations, as told in the holy books, had arrived. A pious band of knights decided it was their task to bring forth judgement on the Infidels and bring on Gods great design. They took the name 'The Holy Order of the Pale Knights', their name inspired by the Pale Rider of Revelations. Under Baldwin de Ibellin, these knights set forth to the Outremer. For twenty years they fought against the Sultans of both the Vashta and the Barka. During this time Baldwin was afflicted with leprosy and was forced to wear a silver mask, to cover his hideous affliction. Even with this curse, Baldwin was able to gain control of a coastal port and the holy city of Eden. On his death Baldwin was sainted, and all Grandmasters of the Order since have worn a silver mask out of reverence of their sainted founder.

Military: The Pale Knights boast some expectional mounted units, and units of heavy infantry. They do lack variations in militia units. They also have the support of the Knights Templar and the Knights of St John.

Religion and Culture: Radical Christians, Culture is early chivalric.

20) Teutonic Order

Historic Background: The Grand Inquisitor blamed 'The Great Torment' on Gods displeasure at the exisitance of Pagan Kingdoms. These kingdoms included the Livonian Goths in North Europa, and the Valhalla and Wotan kingdoms of the Norselunds. The Teutonic Order was founded by a noble and pious knight from Wolfsburg. He led a bloody and sustained war against the Livionian Goths, until he finally the land was cleansed. These lands along with the Wolfburg castle formed the base for this crusading order of knights.

Military: The Order’s might comes from its knights, whose skills are unmatched by any in these lands. However, men of this quality are in short measure and must not fall at the hand of a peasant’s crossbow.

Religion and Culture: Radical Christians, Culture is early chivalric.

Total War Medieval 2 Conversion Mods

21) Uruk Dominion

Historical Background: The Uruk and Ly Kan races have existed since the time of the creation, living in packs scattered all across the forests and plains of Thera. The Romuli would send hunting parties out into the wild lands to capture both Uruks and Ly Kans so that they could be used in the bloody gladiatorial games.As time progressed, the Romuli began a selective breeding programme of these creatures to ensure a constant supply, rather than hunting for them in the wilderness. With time this selective breeding resulted in bigger, stronger specimens. It was also discovered that it was possible for Ly Kans and Uruks to join with human women, and for the union to produce offspring. The creatures borne to human mothers tended to be more intelligent, whilst losing nothing in strength or ferocity. And so slave girls were used to breed an ever more improved generation of bestial warriors. Whilst many of these bestial arena warriors were successful and became as popular as their human counterparts, they were never granted their freedom. So whilst a gladiator could dream of one day becoming a Rudiarii, a Ly Kan or Uruk warrior could only look forward to a bloody death in the arena..nnIn the Greco city state of Demos there lived a wealthy gladiator school owner named Xenos Hades, he was famed through out the Greco-Romuli regions for the quality of both his gladiators and the games he organised. He was also famous for his personal guard which comprised of experienced Uruk Warriors (the first Uruk Gan).

Military: It contains the most Mysterious units from which the players will be astonished.

Religion and Culture: State religion is the Cult of Callisto, the beautiful goddess who disguised as a bear sired the first Uruk. But many different religions are followed by the different creatures of the Dominion, Ly Kans and Reptarri are allowed to follow their own animalistic deities. Culture is highly militaristic, every man within the Dominion is expected to be able to fight to defend their homelands, or when called upon, be capable of joining the standing armies on campaign.

Screenshots

Gameplay

Units Preview

Included sub mods

Thera contains a wide variety of commendable sub-mods

• Otherworld map provided by Gundug
• Uruk Hai, Armoured sergants, Mailed Knights, Mongols & 1066 models by Lord Condormanius
• Norse Raiders by Matherlandia
• Faction leaders mod by Barser
• Templar Knights mod by Lord_Calidor
• Greek Hoplites by Prof
• CAI (tweaked ) and BAI by Lusted
• Blood Mod (tweaked) by Magus
• Names project (tweaked) by Finney
• Ancillaries and traits (tweaked) by Rawghi
• Teutonic Generals by Rex Colbalt
• General skins and models Tyre
• Mongol shamen skin by Ceasar Clivius
• Stratmap castles mod by Agart
• Early generals mod by Plasticfigurine
• Redjacket Skins by Jingle_Bombs
• Contributing faction stories/events by Borissomeone
• Hirdmen model by Viikingr
• Public release BC models by Alpha Delta
• Warlord model by Ataegina

Thera Manual

Players can utilize this excellent manual to learn and dominate TheraDownload Link

Developers

Moddb Medieval 2 Total War

• Mod Leader/Coder/skinner - TheFirstONeill
• Coder - Aduellist
• 2d art - Tzar
• Modeller/Aninmations - Eothese
• V1&V2 Modeller/Skinner - Caki

Best Medieval Total War Mods