Ottoman Empire (ETW Faction)
| Ottoman Empire (ETW Faction) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name: | Ottoman Empire |
| From Game: | Empire: Total War |
| Religion: | Muslim |
| Culture: | Middle Eastern |
| Playable: | |
The Ottoman Empire is one of the 11 playable nations in Empire: Total War's Grand Campaign. It is also a major faction in the game.
Overview
The Ottoman Empire has been a major power for several centuries already but at the beginning of the 18th century it is clearly in decline. Despite having made large territorial conquests in Eastern Europe, the advantage in technological achievements has disappeared. With the advent of the Renaissance and the failure of Ottoman forces to conquer Vienna, the Empire stands at a crossroads: crushing victory or humiliating defeat. However, if the Ottomans can make up the lack in technology and use their superior artillery to the best of its abilities, their might still be a place in history for them. To the north, the Russian Bear is stirring and modernising. This means that they may be a threat to Ottoman gains and the Ottoman protecterate of the Crimean Khanate. If the Russians get a port on the Black Sea, this will make them both rich and powerful. To the east, the Persian Empire is in decline and a cunning sultan could exploit their weakness and take territory in both Persia and in Afganistan.
While the decline of the Ottoman Empire is undoubtedly taking place, the country is still full of potential. Even now it still ranges from northern Africa over the Middle East and Anatolia up to the Balkans. While its troops might not have the most advanced equipment, they are certainly numerous. Therefore, a smart leader might be able to compensate the Empire's weaknesses and to lead it back to the path of victory. However, the Ottomans still have many demons to face until they can reclaim their place as the true rulers of the Middle East and the Balkans.
Starting Position
At the beginning of the game, the Ottoman Empire owns 12 regions in the European theater. Its lands range from Egypt in the south to the Balkans in the north and Mesopotamia in the east. In the north, the empire borders Austria, Poland and the Crimea and the east, it shares a long border with the Persian Empire. The Ottomans control two protectorates, namely the Barbary Coast and the Crimea. While these regions strengthen the empire undoubtedly, they also result in new enemies for it. The Russians in the north will try to gain access to the Black Sea so the Ottomans will have to face them sooner or later - unless they want to give up their protectorate.
While the Ottomans do not own any colonies - neither in the Americas nor in India - this is compensated by their large empire which is full of riches. However, the empire's size also makes the Ottomans vulnurable. As the empire is in full decline, the ottoman navy and army will have a hard time defending the borders against foreign invasions.
Victory Conditions
Short Campaign
Capture and hold 20 regions by the end of the year 1750, including: Austria, Chechenya-Dagestan, Persia, Rumelia, Venetia, Galicia & Podolia, and Hungary.
Long Campaign
Capture and hold 30 regions by the end of the year 1799, including: Austria, Chechenya-Dagestan, Persia, Rumelia, Venetia, Hungary, Galicia & Podolia, Spain, Poland, and Morocco.
World Domination
Capture and hold 45 regions by the end of the year 1799, including: Rumelia.
Units
Over the past few decades, the Ottoman Empire has been declining steadily. Therefore, its army can no longer compete with the modern European forces. The technological advance has left the Ottomans behind and Europe's well-trained soldiers are now clearly superior to the Ottoman janissaries. However, the Ottomans have still access to a vast pool of different units and a powerful selection of artillery. While its army might be outdated, it is still a force to be reckoned with. However, in the end an Ottoman general will have to cope with his army's inferior technology. In order to overcome the downsides of the individual units, utilizing their advantages and composing a diverse army is a necessity.
Special Units
Since the Ottoman Empire is one of the few Muslim nations in the game, it has access to quite a lot of special and unique units which none of the many European factions can build. The Ottomans field several types of swordsmen such as the Bashi-Bazouks, different janissary units, organ guns and even horse archers. While Persia shares the Ottoman unit roster, the faction is unplayable without modding. As a result, most Ottoman units cannot be trained by any other playable nation.
