Characters
Characters in the Total War games represent one 'person' rather than a group of troops. They all appear on the campaign map and can move about and interact with other characters. How effective they are at their individual roles is controlled by attributes given by their traits and ancillaries. If you know how to manipulate the acquisition of good attributes for your characters you can improve your game play.
Generals are family members and appear in the family tree. If an army does not have a general with it, it is given a captain. A captain is not a permanent character and will disappear if the army merges with another or enters a settlement. Generals and captains are represented by an additional figure attached to the bodyguard unit in battles. A generals attributes effect their armies capabilities in battle. A captain can not have any attributes assigned to him.
Characters have a limited life span and can die of old age, or if assassinated or killed in battle etc.
Characters in Rome Total War
Types of characters:
- General - appears on campaign and battle maps
- Diplomat - can bribe and make other negotiations
- Spy
- Assassin
- Admiral - is not visible but is assigned to the lead ship of a fleet
Characters in Medieval II Total War
Types of characters:
- General - appears on campaign and battle maps
- Princess - appears on campaign map and can act as diplomat until married off
- Merchant
- Diplomat - can bribe and make other negotiations
- Spy
- Assassin
- Admiral - is not visible but is assigned to the lead ship of a fleet
- Heretic
- Witch
Religious Agents, see Religion in Medieval 2:
- Priests and Imams
- Inquisitor
- Heretics and Witches