Factions
Romans
At 340BC the Rome has been a republic for a couple of hundred years and have been concentrating on more domestic issues. Until now. Rome has just been a small and prosperous state (after assimilating the Etruscans in 510BC) but now they look to expand there borders even further in Italy to become a more powerful and influential state in Italy. Rome's disciplined legions don't exist yet and so there infantry have mainly Greek influences
Samnite's and other Italian states
This is Rome's greatest enemy and a war is sparking between them. just like Rome they have a lot of Greek influence, though there armies due to there mountainous origins, are alot more flexible than the Roman troops who prefer to fight on open plains. The Samnites aren't as civilised as the Roman's and are more like tribes, rather than a proper form of government but have valiant and ferocious soldiers.
Gaul/Celtish
Rather than a proper kingdom there are more like tribes, and some wandering tribes who sack and pillage succulent towns.
Because of this civilized living and discipline suffers because of this. The Gaul's/Celt's army is really just a mass rabble of crazed men, some naked others half naked, and only the rich fully armoured.
Greeks
The Greeks have some influence in Italy but only in Scilly where they have a few towns. In mainland Greece however a new threat appears to the city states, the unified state of Macedonia under the rule of Philip the II (father of Alexander the great). Macedonia looks to unify Greece under one banner while the other Greece city states (those of Athens Thebes and Sparta look to stop him). Greece's influence is great and has influence many cultures, mainly those of Italy and Carthage. Greece is one of the most civilized states to this day, but Persia far to the east still threatens the comparably small state.
Carthage
Carthage is one of the few leading powers in the western Mediterranean. Carthage is also a republic and has recently made a treaty with Rome to keep them at bay and to keep each out of each others land. Carthage though has recently being eyeing Sicily, rather than Italy and has had many battles and wars to seize control it. sadly this comes to no avail in 340BC, as they are pushed back by the Greeks. The Carthaginian Republic stretches from modern Algeria,to the coasts of east Spain. There army has Greek influence, but there army has alot of mercenaries hailing from Phoenicia, Numidia and Iberia mostly. As well as these unique troops, the Carthaginian's also used the now extinct north African elephants in battle, feared by all.
Races
Humans
These are the most dominant race on the planet. you will find humans at the great cities, really because other races are seen as second class. Humans are what make up the bulk of the armies. though other races are used as a mercenary at the odd time like Centaur cavalry hailing from Numidia or giant infantry from Iberia
Giants
Giants are well known around the world for there brute strength. Giants are just like humans just bigger (twice the size) and lacking in brain span. Giants mostly come from Iberia and Gaul and are used mainly in Roman and Carthaginian armies. Giants are alot more cool headed than there Cyclops cousins. In society giants prefer to stay in the mountains, but are accepted by Iberians and Samnites
Centaurs
Centaurs mainly come from the great plains and the deserts so from Asia minor and beyond. There advantage of being the horse themselves, makes them a very good asset to have in any army. They are mainly skilled in horse archery and being light cavalry. This is why horses are still used, as centaurs can only provide light cavalry, while horses can be used for much heavier weapons and armour. In Society Centaurs are the most accepted race there is, because for entertaining the crowds in Greece and Rome at chariot races.
Cyclops
Cyclops are much like Giants just more barbaric and blood thirsty . Cyclops are mainly used by Gaulish tribes hailing from Germanic areas. Cyclops are usually unleashed on suspecting towns to cause absolute chaos and destruction, then when they have been killed or have ran off in blind rage, the raiding party moves in. Rome has been subjected to this before, but has put up counter measures against these beasts. In society Cyclops are accepted at all and attacked on site, so many hiding in caves or living in the deep forests of germanium.
Minotaur's
These are strong but strangely enough disciplined creatures. mainly used by the Greeks the Minotaur's are used as battle masters leading Greek men into battle. The reason for this is because Minotaur's have a very small population, and to find one is a rare find. As there breeding is very uncertain many offspring dying during or after birth. In society these creatures are feared, but are respected. Though they cannot be treated as a citizen.
Echidna
These half Snake half human females aren't trusted by anyone, even by there own kin. They come from deep Persia and only have the power to conduct magic of the old gods. If you meet one face to face, it will be likely you will be come a thrall (brain washed slave) to it. With there direct connection to magic there influence grows and there towers seem to popping up all over Persia. The only thing that keeps them in line is, the promise to Persia they made, after Persia released them from there tombs.
Gorgons(only three spaces open!)
The three gorgons of the ancient world have never been as of yet, but some say there is one in Greece, one in Persia and finally one in a island far away. The gorgons have become more of a fairy tale, to scare children in there beds, but with the sparks of war starting, this could easily shift them in to plain view for everyone to see.
