I think I'm forming a reputation of being relatively knowledgeable on African history, and also very vocal with my criticisms. So I mean it when I say I am pleasantly surprised by this dev diary! Looks like a very thorough handling of Ethiopia. A few notes/questions:
The Sultanate of Ifat starts subjected as a tributary to Ethiopia:
1. This is
already in the map feedbacks, but Ifat is far too large on this map; no state, to my knowledge, ever extended from Hararghe to the East African coast.
And this one for the Age of Revolutions:
2. I assume this is for more of an alt-history timeline? Because in real life, Ethiopians continued to use guns as auxiliary weapons, without supplanting swords and spears and the like, well into the modern era.
There’s a unique mechanic for Ethiopia, that can be unlocked early on in the game:
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3. It's great that Wandering Capitals have been implemented for Ethiopia, but I'm not sure their current implementation is ideal:
a. What incentive is there actually to move?
b. What actually differentiates this feature from itinerant capitals, in terms of what it is supposed to represent?
d. How do artifact / item events interact with mobile capitals? Like, let's say I get the Lalibela Cross event, and choose to take the cross to my capital. Then, the ruler dies, and I choose for the successor to move the capital. In real history, the "capital" was essentially a camp, so the Emperor and his priests would probably take those items with them as they moved. But would they be taken with the ruler in this system, as well? Or would they stay at the former capital?
I'm also not sure this implementation really captures what the "wandering capitals" meant in the historic, Ethiopian context. It wasn't just that each emperor tended to found a new capital, it's also that they tended to be mobile between capitals; moving between multiple different sites, and only typically retiring to their "capitals" for brief periods of the year (often, rainy season). This practice was kept up even after Gondar was founded, for a few reigns, and pretty much returned once the state decentralized. It was a real, practical method of rule which was clearly incentivized by other considerations. So, it should be incentivized heavily in-game, even if not perfectly replicated as it happened in real history.
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…And much more, but that’s all for today, I hope you enjoyed it!
4. Does this imply church-founding will be a major part of an Ethiopia playthrough? (If so, I hope my map will be littered with them each game, lol; Ethiopia was known for having a true abundance of them in our history, because Emperors, Empresses, noblemen, and monks constantly founded monasteries or other churches buildings (which, conveniently, could also tended to generate income...)
5. Does this imply that there are other monk-events? These were very important in real history; I think of men and women like
Walatta Petros, who led a social revolt against the Portuguese presence in Ethiopia during the 17th cenutry. I think it would be reasonable for very conservative clergy members to ferment those kinds of events in the face of too much foreign influence.
6. So, is Tewahedo its own faith in the game? Or is Ethiopia still predominately Coptic / Orthodox, with a culture modifier to represent the difference in the Ethiopian tradition? I ask because in real history, the unique structure of the Ethiopian church (and its distance from Alexandria) created a lot of theological differences and sectarian movements (ie: Karra, Sost Lidet, Ewostathianism, etc), which I think are being represented? But also, the leadership structure was different. The procurement of a head of church was the "Abuna" (appointed from Egypt) was always a major political game in Ethiopia, as was the appointment of the Ichege, his second-in-command (who tended to be an actual Ethiopian/Eritrean, and who was often more influential due to actually being raised in the land). Also, lots of laity... lotssss of laity.
These are the starting Works of Art for Ethiopia:
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7. Not sure how many works the average nation starts with, but there could definitely be more in Ethiopia. Sites like the Church of Mary of Zion in Aksum (the original of which was destroyed during Imam Ahmed's invasion) definitely would stand out to me as reasonable WoA, also furthering the cultural and political importance of the ancient town.
The Empire of Ethiopia is an ancient realm rich with history and traditions. Nestled in the Horn of Africa, it boasts lush highlands, plateaus, and the Great Rift Valley. Its beauty is captivated by golden sunsets on the Simien Mountains.
Ethiopia's enchanting tapestry weaves diverse ethnic groups like the Amhara, Afar, and Tigre. United in trials, it remains resilient like the ancient baobab tree, enduring through time.
Inspired by ancient origins, Ethiopia cherishes legendary unions like the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. The legacy of their son Menelik, the first member of the Solomonid dynasty, echoes through time, connecting this land to ancient Israelites.
Through the years, Ethiopia's epic tale unfolds, shaped by destiny and the unwavering spirit of its people. Triumphs and tribulations weave a rich tapestry of life's ebb and flow.
However, this nation stands as a realm encircled by adversaries eagerly waiting to seize any opportunity to strike. Managing not only to survive but thrive will be a challenge.
8. I would modify this flavour text, if it is in consideration for in-game use:
The Empire of Ethiopia is an ancient realm rich with history and traditions. Nestled in the Horn of Africa, it boasts lush highlands, plateaus, and the Great Rift Valley. Its beauty is captivated by golden sunsets on the Simien Mountains.
Ethiopia's enchanting tapestry weaves diverse ethnic groups like the
Amhara, Afar, and Tigre Amhara, Tigre, Tigrinya, and Agaws.[1] United in trials, it remains resilient like the
ancient baobab tree Not sure that Baobabs are really associated with Ethiopia in the same way they are with Senegal or Madagascar. I'm sure there's a more culturally specific reference to make here, enduring through time.
[Inspired by ancient origins, Ethiopia cherishes legendary unions like the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon]
Perhaps modify this section to highlight that these are the relatively new assertions of the recently ascendant Solomonic dynasty, as far as historians are concerned? I think it's much more interesting as a player to think of Solomonic Ethiopia as a relatively newly united realm that we will be able to guide into the future. The legacy of their son Menelik, the first member of the Solomonid dynasty, echoes through time, connecting this land to ancient Israelites.
Through the years, Ethiopia's epic tale unfolds, shaped by destiny and the unwavering spirit of its people. Triumphs and tribulations weave a rich tapestry of life's ebb and flow.
However, this nation stands as a realm encircled by adversaries eagerly waiting to seize any opportunity to strike. Managing not only to survive but thrive will be a challenge.
[1] While not technically incorrect, I think it's worthwhile to specifically highlight the Agaws, traditionally associated with the recently-deposed Zagwe dynasty, as well as the Tigrinya. Ethiopia also didn't hold
that much Afar territory.
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Please remember that any UI, 2D and 3D art is WIP, as usual.
9. I notice the flag colours for Ethiopia are Red and White. Usually, Ethiopia is associated with the red-yellow-green tricolor (also the basis for the pan-African / Rastafarian colours). Is there a reason Red/White were chosen?
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Please remember that any UI, 2D and 3D art is WIP, as usual.
10. Are you able to port over assets from Victoria 3, at the very least? Yes, they are 19th century, but the Asante garb is so distracting.
