How similar is 16th century Anuire to medieval Europe? Well, its pretty similar in some respects, but not all that similar in others.
Here are some comparison (feel free to add more and ask questions):
- Anuire is, overall, technologically similar to late medieval/early renaissance Europe.
- Anuire has had its Dark Ages; from the Fall of the Empire and up through the 14th century - more than 400 years - saw a steady decline of Anuirean civilization. Indeed, if you look at Diemed and the South Coast, all the lands that are now Medoere and Roesone were only lightly populated and without central control only a few hundred years ago.
- The past century and a half has seen a steady increase in Anuirean fortunes, and Anuire is now well on its way to recovering what was lost. Indeed, many would claim that this is an age of unprecedented growth, wealth and opportunity. At the same time it is a time of great change and upheaval, as the growing middle class struggle against the old nobility and the commoners start wondering if they shouldn't get a bigger piece of the wealth they help produce.
- The forging of weapons and armor is highly advanced and realms are able to produce or procure large quantities of affordable equipment. Professional armies are better equipped in terms of arms and armor than Eurpoean armies were; i.e. even a common infantryman will have decent armor and good weapons provided by his lord.
- Disciplined heavy infantry formations dominate the battlefield. Heavy infantry never quite lost its importance in Anuire like it did in Europe. It probably didn't have the quality and cohesion it does today, but neither did infantry become completely eclipsed by heavy cavalry.
- Knights still play a role, but they are not the undisputed kings of the battlefield. They were very important a few hundred years ago, but now their importance is steadily declining as realms maintain larger and larger standing infantry armies. Instead, lighter cavalry is used for flank attacks, envelopment, recon and pursuit.
- Archers are also employed by all Anuirean armies; unlike in Europe the longbow is accessible to all Anuirean realms. It is still a secondary weapon system, but it is very rare for Anuirean to take to the field without any archers in support of their other infantry and cavalry.
- From Brecht lands the pike and the polearm have begun gradually replacing the old sword and shield fighter that is so typically Anuirean. The crossbow is another brecht weapon seeing increased use - its expensive to make, but training men to use it is simple, so it works well with the new mass armies.
More later.
