Vectronix 2/VECTRONIX2.iso/FILES_05/CIV257B2.LZH/BLURB2.TXT

Text File | 1993-03-20 | 17KB | 365 lines

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*PHALANX
A military formation developed in Greece and perfected in Macedonia, the
PHALANX was a large block of men in ranks and files, generally ranging from
8 to 32 men deep. All were armed with long pikes. The first five ranks of men
presented their pikes outward, forming a bristling barrier of spearpoints,
while the others kept their pikes upright to deflect missiles. An enemy had
difficulty closing with the men behind the pikes. On the attack, the enemy
was faced with this densely-packed body of pikemen advancing, often at the
run, and usually had to give ground or risk being impaled en masse.

*PHALANX2
Made obsolete by the availability of MUSKETEERS.

*KNIGHTS
KNIGHTS of the Middle Ages were the consummate heavy cavalry. Mounted on huge
horses bred for power rather than speed, encased in armor, braced in stirrups,
and charging at a thunderous gallop, they were a terrifying prospect to the
knaves and ruffians on foot. They were the medieval equivalent of the M1 Main
Battle Tank. Although innovative tactics and defensive formations sometimes
made KNIGHTS ineffective, they dominated the battlefield until the development
of firearms. They remained the primary offensive weapon of war until the day
arrived when they could be shot out of the saddle from a distance.

*KNIGHTS2
Made obsolete by the availability of ARMOR.

*TRIREME
The Greeks introduced the TRIREME, the first ship designed for war. It mounted
a huge bronze beak in its bow that was used to ram and sink enemy ships. The
TRIREME was also fast, powered by three banks of oars on each side, manned
by well-trained oarsmen -- highly paid professionals or patriotic citizens,
contrary to popular belief. Because of its long, narrow hull, however, the
TRIREME was unstable in all but the calmest waters, and as a consequence
its crew never ventured out of sight of land for long, lest the ship be
caught by storms.

*TRIREME2
TRIREMES may be lost at sea if not adjacent to land at then end of a turn.
They can transport up to 2 other units and are made obsolete by SAILING
SHIPS.

*SAIL
Although the TRIREME and its descendants ruled the waves for many years,
eventually it was superseded by the SAILING SHIP. Advances in naval
architecture permitted the construction of large, sturdy vessels that could
carry people, cargo, and guns, with a very small crew. SAILING SHIPS could
also travel much greater distances than TRIREMES and over larger expanses
of water with much less fear of foundering. This made exploration and conquest
of new lands far simpler.

*SAIL2
SAILING SHIPS may carry up to 3 other units and are made obsolete by FRIGATES.

*FRIGATE
The FRIGATE was a fast and powerful sailing warship that evolved to fill
several important navy roles. It was used as the eyes of the main fleet of
ships-of-the-line and it raided enemy shipping. The FRIGATE was powerful
enough to overcome most of its prospective opponents and fast enough to
escape those it could not outgun. Because of its speed and strength, the
FRIGATE was often also employed in the role of convoying merchant vessels in
time of war, many of which were carrying troops and equipment. The FRIGATE
was the most useful and dominant naval vessel until the appearance of the
IRONCLAD.

*FRIGATE2
Frigates may carry up to 4 other units and are made obsolete by TRANSPORTS.

*IRONCLAD
During the American Civil War, IRONCLAD ships first demonstrated their
superiority over the wooden warships that dominated world navies. IRONCLADS
were nearly impervious to the naval weaponry of the era, while wooden ships
were easily penetrated and wrecked by the large-caliber explosive shells.
IRONCLADS were the first of future generations of armored ships that ruled the
waves for most of the next one hundred years.

*IRONCLAD2
Made obsolete by CRUISERS.

*TRANSPORT
The troop TRANSPORT, which in peacetime serves as a cargo or passenger
ship, is the principal means used by modern powers to move
large quantities of equipment and military units from one place to another.
Always requiring protection, the TRANSPORT, when properly employed,
can quickly move substantial forces to either threaten enemy-held
territory, or to reinforce friendly troops or cities located overseas.

*TRANSPORT2
Transports may carry up to 8 other units.

*FIGHTER
The first military aircraft were used primarily in a reconnaissance role, but
it wasn't long before guns were put on the planes and the FIGHTER was born.
The FIGHTER'S purpose was to shoot down other airplanes, especially BOMBERS
and reconaissance aircraft. In addition, the destruction of enemy FIGHTER
units was the best way to insure that friendly BOMBERS and scouts survived to
to reach their targets. The FIGHTER'S job was to achieve air superiority and
gain control of the skies.

*FIGHTER2
Fighters must return to a city or CARRIER at the end of every turn.
Fighters are the only unit which may attack other air units.

*BOMBER
The BOMBER was introduced in World War I but did not become a significant
weapon until World War II. Its job was to carry bombs into enemy territory,
normally beyond the range of artillery, and destroy targets of military and
economic value. BOMBERS became specialized for certain jobs, such as attacking
ships, ground attack versus vehicles and railroads, daylight precision bombing,
and carpet bombing. Post World War II experiences indicated that precision
bombing by "smart" weapons was more effective than mass bombing with "dumb"
weapons.

*BOMBER2
BOMBER units ignore the effects of City Walls when attacking and must return
to a city or CARRIER by the end of their second turn in the air. BOMBERS have
a visibility range of 2 map squares. An attack by a BOMBER ends its turn.

*CARRIER
The aircraft CARRIER functions as a floating airfield, carrying FIGHTER and
BOMBER units far from friendly shores to be launched against enemy targets.
It allows the projection of military power at great distances from friendly
cities, against targets, both on land and sea, which might otherwise be
far out of range. The CARRIER may also carry and launch NUCLEAR weapons,
bringing these fearsome weapons to bear on distant targets.

*CARRIER2
Carriers have a visibility range of 2 sea squares.
Carriers may carry up to 8 air and NUCLEAR units.

*SUBMARINE
The SUBMARINE is a submersible warship, designed to attack other ships from
underwater by firing torpedos. Although weak on defense, the SUBMARINE is a
feared offensive weapon due to its ability to attack while hidden. Often a
torpedo striking a ship is the first warning that a SUBMARINE is nearby. A
lurking SUBMARINE can hide near the sea lanes and then strike out at a passing
TRANSPORT, CARRIER, or other ship.

*SUBMARINE2
Submarines have a visibility range of 2 sea squares.

*CRUISER
The CRUISER is the modern equivalent of the FRIGATE. Although much more
powerful than its sailing forebear, it is still designed to be a sea raider
and escort. In addition, it can conduct naval bombardment of land targets
like a BATTLESHIP, but with much less firepower. It also costs much less than
a BATTLESHIP and moves faster. A CRUISER is not generally able to stand up
to enemy BATTLESHIPS in combat, but it can still fulfill useful scouting
functions and attack unescorted TRANSPORTS.

*CRUISER2
CRUISERS have a visibility range of 2 sea squares.
CRUISERS may bombard units in coastal land squares.

*BATTLESHIP
The most powerful surface warship ever built, the BATTLESHIP was the queen of
the seas until the appearance of its deadly nemesis, the CARRIER. Heavily
armored and difficult to destroy, it possessed massive guns that could
accurately fire heavy projectiles for many miles. The BATTLESHIP had two
primary military functions, clearing the seas of enemy ships and inflicting
punishing bombardments upon enemy coastal targets, especially in preparation
for invasion.

*BATTLESHIP2
BATTLESHIPS have a visibility range of 2 sea squares.
BATTLESHIPS may bombard units in coastal land squares.

*NUCLEAR
The atomic bomb changed all the standards for measuring military power. The
strongest cities and the most powerful ground forces could be erased from the
map with the release of just one NUCLEAR bomb. NUCLEAR weapons could
obliterate any target. The only viable defense against the NUCLEAR threat was
to acquire one's own arsenal of NUCLEAR weapons as a deterrent. It is ironic
to many that the development of the most devastating weapon of history was at
least partly responsible for the longest period of relative world peace.

*NUCLEAR2
NUCLEAR weapons must be placed in a city or on a CARRIER at the end of every
turn (unless they are used to attack). NUCLEAR weapons may ignore zones of
control and are invisible to enemy players.

*DIPLOMAT
The astute DIPLOMAT serves his homeland in a variety of ways.  He establishes
and maintains contacts with other powers, he reports back to his ruler
on developments of interest, and, when needed he engages in less reputable
activities. These may include sabotage of enemy production; espionage
(including the theft of new technologies); and subversion and bribery of enemy
cities and military units. Possessing no apparent military strength, the
DIPLOMAT, when properly employed, is nevertheless a potent weapon in the
arsenal of the intelligent ruler.

*DIPLOMAT2
DIPLOMATS may ignore adjacent enemy units during movement.

*CARAVAN
Trade has been a major source of income to civilizations throughout history.
Journeying to distant lands, CARAVANS exchanged their loads of goods for
money or other items of value, leaving both parties better off. In addition,
the traders who accompanied the CARAVANS often brought back new knowledge
about the advances made by their contacts. Such a person was Marco Polo, who
went with traders to China, stayed there for many years, and brought back much
valuable information to the West.

*CARAVAN2
Caravans may ignore adjacent enemy units during movement.

*ARMOR
With the demise of the KNIGHT and the ascendancy of RIFLEMEN, the defense
gained the advantage on the battlefield for many years. It was only with the
development of ARMOR, first appearing in World War I, that a weapon was found
which could once more be used to punch a hole through enemy field forces.
ARMOR moved quickly and struck with power, while still possessing a fair
defensive strength. It was a powerful weapon against any ground unit.

*ARMOR2
ARMOR units may attack up to three times in one turn.

*ARTILLERY
Modern, self-propelled ARTILLERY is far more powerful and far more mobile than
its muzzle-loading ancestors. Strong enough to batter opposing forces behind
the strongest fortifications, it is also able to move from one firing position
to another quickly, an important capability in a fluid battle or when avoiding
counter-battery fire.

*ARTILLERY2
ARTILLERY units ignore the effects of City Walls when attacking.

*CANNON
The development of CANNON following the discovery of GUNPOWDER caused a
revolution in siege warfare. CANNON forced a redesign of most fortifications
because the straight, high walls surrounding most cities could be easily
battered down by direct fire. This was the fate of the walls at
Constantinople, which had held various besiegers at bay for over a thousand
years. On the battlefield, CANNON assumed an important role, but were unable
to dominate because of the development of firearms.

*CANNON2
Made obsolete by the availability of ARTILLERY.

*CATAPULT
The CATAPULT was the ancient ancestor of ARTILLERY. It was a large mechanical
arm that threw heavy stones, fireballs, or other missiles at a great distance.
It could pierce or eventually batter down even the strongest gates and walls,
while inflicting damage on buildings and the defenders. Though cumbersome and
nearly useless on a battlefield, the CATAPULT was an effective weapon during
sieges and attacks on fortified enemies.

*CATAPULT2
Made obsolete by the availability of CANNON.

*CAVALRY
Men have been taming and riding horses for millennia, beginning with the
tribesmen of the Asian plains. The value of the horse in combat was quickly
realized, as the mounted warrior coming on at a gallop had a dramatic effect
on the resolve of those in his path. Mounted warriors, known as CAVALRY, were
not only useful in battle as shock troops, but could follow up a victory by
pursuing the losers and finishing the rout. The horse gave CAVALRY power,
imposing size, and speed. Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general, is
credited with saying that victory usually went to the "fustest with the
mostest," and usually the CAVALRY were first.

*CAVALRY2
Made obsolete by the availability of RIFLEMEN.

*CHARIOT
The CHARIOT was the first true fighting vehicle. It was used by the armies of
antiquity to transport archers and other troops to the battlefield, where
they would then disembark to actually fight. The CHARIOT was turned into
a fearsome offensive weapon by the Assyrians, whose archers and spearmen
fought from the car of the CHARIOT itself. Few enemy armies were able to
withstand the onslaught of a host of Assyrian chariots, and this
devastating weapon was soon adopted by many of the Assyrians' enemies,
and used against them with good effect.

*CHARIOT2
Made obsolete by the availability of KNIGHTS.

*LEGION
The Roman LEGION, created during the early wars of the Republic and tested
during the three great Punic Wars with Carthage, was the fighting force that
conquered and held an empire for five centuries. Nearly unstoppable in the
attack, the LEGION was relatively weak on defense, especially in broken
ground. Its demise as a military formation was accelerated by the destruction
of the Emperor Valens' army by Gothic KNIGHTS in the 4th Century.

*LEGION2
Made obsolete by the availability of RIFLEMEN.

*MECH. INF.
The introduction of ARMOR meant that a means now existed to break through
enemy positions and to move aggressively forward on the battlefield. What was
needed, however, was a force which could rapidly deploy into enemy territory
and then defend the ground which had been won. MECHANIZED INFANTRY, first used
during World War II, so proved its worth that by the end of that war all of
the major combatants had developed large formations of this type. Infantry
were mounted in armored vehicles of their own, such as half-tracks or APCs
(Armored Personnel Carriers), to carry them quickly and safely along with the
rapidly advancing ARMOR.

*MECH. INF.2
MECH. INF. may attack up to three times in one turn.

*MILITIA
The first military units were simply the citizenry armed with whatever tools
and weapons they could grab. Although MILITIA units were inexpensive to
organize and maintain, they were not effective against trained armies.
However, MILITIA units continued in use for many years due to the speed in
which they could be raised. They were useful for stopgaps while superior units
could be trained or brought forward, and were certainly better than no defense
at all.

*MILITIA2
Made obsolete by the availability of MUSKETEERS.

*MUSKETEERS
The development of Gunpowder revolutionized warfare because MUSKETEERS,
relatively inexpensive to equip and train, proved a deadly foe to the KNIGHT,
the previous champion of the battlefield. The mounted warrior was forced to
share the battlefield with MUSKETEERS and CANNON, because now each arm had to
complement the strengths and weaknesses of the others. Victory most often went
to the general who could best orchestrate the deployment of all three. Large
numbers of MUSKETEERS within a fortress, or entrenched behind city walls,
could prove an exceedingly difficult obstacle to an attacking army.

*MUSKETEERS2
Made obsolete by the availability of RIFLEMEN.

*RIFLEMEN
RIFLEMEN were a refinement of MUSKETEERS. The rifle was a better weapon,
accurate at many times the distance of a musket. With the dawning of long-
standing, conscripted armies, the rifle meant even more difficulties for the
attacker. First employed in large numbers during the American Civil War, the
rifle gave the defense a strong advantage. A RIFLEMAN could fire several
times while the attackers advanced, and this was normally enough to hold any
position. The RIFLEMAN'S advantage was to last, for the most part, until the
appearance of ARMOR.

*RIFLEMEN2
RIFLEMEN do not become obsolete.

*SETTLERS
In ancient times, cities would inevitably grow to a size where the resources
were insufficient to adequately insure a decent standard of living for the
populace. When this happened, it was time for some of the more adventurous
citizens to move on and look for another place to build a city. New SETTLERS
set out, searching for a suitable site, and there establishing their new
homes. The new city normally maintained ties and loyalty to the old, and
eventually sent out its own SETTLERS.

*SETTLERS2
SETTLERS are the only units which can build roads, railroads,
irrigation, mines, and fortresses.
SETTLERS can also found cities and clean up pollution.

*END