Macedonian Dynasty

The Macedonian Dynasty are available with the Dynasties of the East expansion. Starting with Basil I in 867, warriors known as Varangians filled the ranks of Byzantine armies as mercenaries. Concerned of revolts from within, his successor, Basil II recognized the unwavering loyalty of Varangians and formed the first imperial guard around 988, raising the dynasty to its greatest heights before his death in 1025.

The Macedonian Dynasty reinforces their front lines with an expanded roster of fearsome Varangian warriors from the north. Raise victorious runestones, replace fallen warriors at the warcamp, and improve weapons and armor by spending silver at the arsenal.

Command large armies of tenacious warriors to protect the emperor and carve out your own history.

Playing the Macedonian Dynasty

Villagers discover abundant Silver deposits as they mine Gold and Stone; this fifth resource can be used for researching unique technologies at the new Varangian Arsenal. With arms and armor paid with Silver, the mighty Varangian warriors step forth onto the battlefield from their fortified strongholds. As losses from combat begin to pile up, construct the Varangian Warcamp and receive free reinforcements of Varangians from distant lands.

Command three new Varangian units and leverage their unique berserk abilities, carve legendary runestones to celebrate past victories in battle — inspiring them to fight harder while protecting the empire.

The Macedonian Dynasty at a Glance

Atgeirmaðr

Light melee Varangian infantry that become more tenacious when fighting alongside Varangian units with their passive berserk ability.

Bogmaðr

Light ranged Varangian infantry with an ability that steadies their bow in the midst of battle to penetrate armor weak points.

Riddari

Heavy melee Varangian cavalry capable of throwing axes from afar causing devastating damage before engaging in close quarters.

Runestones

Commemorate voyages to the east and past victories in battle by carving Runestones with any Varangian unit when enough enemies have suffered their blades.

Rhomphaia Swords technology

Known to adapt to local weaponry, Varangian Guards and Riddari can equip Rhomphaia to meet the needs of war.

Varangian Arsenal

Known to adapt to local weaponry, Varangian Guards and Riddari can equip Rhomphaia to meet the needs of war.

Atgeirmaðr

Light melee Varangian infantry that become more tenacious when fighting alongside Varangian units with their passive berserk ability.

Bogmaðr

Light ranged Varangian infantry with an ability that steadies their bow in the midst of battle to penetrate armor weak points.

Riddari

Heavy melee Varangian cavalry capable of throwing axes from afar causing devastating damage before engaging in close quarters.

Runestones

Commemorate voyages to the east and past victories in battle by carving Runestones with any Varangian unit when enough enemies have suffered their blades.

Rhomphaia Swords technology

Known to adapt to local weaponry, Varangian Guards and Riddari can equip Rhomphaia to meet the needs of war.

Varangian Arsenal

Known to adapt to local weaponry, Varangian Guards and Riddari can equip Rhomphaia to meet the needs of war.

The Macedonian Dynasty Through the Ages

Age 1

Macedonian Dynasty discovers abundant deposits of Silver at Gold Veins and Stone Outcroppings and their Villagers set the stage for refinement at Mining Camps, creating Silver Deposits that can be accessed for the rest of the game. Silver is a unique resource used to research special technologies across the civilization.
Varangian Strongholds replace the Barracks and are capable of defending the area and fielding all types of Varangian units as you advance through the ages, including the Early Varangian Guard.

Age 2

Construct the Varangian Arsenal next to Mining Camps to begin generating passive Silver. Arsenal technologies combine both blacksmith and university upgrades into one and are capable of exceeding the military power of other civilizations in each Age.

Prepare your northern reinforcements by finding a suitable location for the Varangian War Camp to avenge any units lost in battle. If the camp is placed near to water, ships may also be selected as reinforcements.

Age 3

From the Castle Age, the Varangian Riddari can be produced from the Varangian Stronghold or Stable.

Check on the Varangian Warcamp as all reinforcements are available to be chosen to fit the empire’s needs.

Age 4

Advance to the Imperial Age and spend Silver at the Palatine School to train Cataphracts in bulk or choose the Foreign Engineering Company and use Silver to hire mercenary siege engines.

Research Roman Fire at the Siege Workshop, granting Springalds a fiery bolt that explodes on impact, causing devastating area effect damage over time.