The Kingdom of Isaach

***Isaach led by Shannan (and Shannam)*** is a custom civilization mod made by TheMH06 and Arms of Sorrow.

This mod requires Brave New World.

## **Attributes**

     **Sword Acolyte**(Swordsman)
* Cannot upgrade normally but does not obsolete until Gunpowder.
* Gains +60% more XP from combat.
* Can choose from 3 "Schools of the Blade" promotion trees, each granting unique bonuses.
     **Sacred Proving Grounds** (Ampitheater)
* +1 Production, +1 Culture.
* +10% Great People Generation in this city.
* Contains 2 slots for Great Works of Writing.
     **Astral Saint**(Unique)
* 20 Combat Strength, 3 Movement.
* Retains the promotions gained when unit was a Sword Acolyte, but loses the +60% XP from combat bonus.
* Ignores Zone of Control.
* May sacrifice gained Experience to produce Culture. (20 XP -> 60 Culture on Standard.)
* Upgrades into Rifleman.

Start Bias: Plains

1. Isaach Castle
2. Rivough
3. Sophara
4. Ganeshire
5. Tirnanog
6. Izak
7. Gamesha
8. Oda
9. Johal
10. Danal
11. Lakche
12. Skasaha
13. Aryal
 **Spy List**

* Ulster
* Larcei
* Dalvin
* Creidne
* Muirne
* Deime
* Chulainn
* Mananan
* Mariccle
* Patty
 **Acolyte Schools**

* Astral
	+ +5% Combat Bonus when attacking.
	+ +10% Combat Bonus when attacking.
	+ +10% Combat Bonus when attacking. 1 additional attack per turn. Unit can move again after attacking.
* Lunar
	+ +5% Combat Strength bonus when fighting in Rough Terrain.
	+ +10% Combat Strength bonus when fighting in Rough Terrain. +10% Combat Bonus VS. Fortified Units.
	+ +10% Combat Strength bonus when fighting in Rough Terrain. +15% Combat Strength bonus VS Fortified Units. +25% Combat Strength VS Wounded units.
* Solar
	+ +5% Combat Bonus when defending.
	+ +10% Combat Bonus when defending. +5 HP healed per turn outside of friendly territory.
	+ +10% Combat Bonus when defending. Unit will Heal Every Turn, even if it performs an action. This unit and all adjacent units heal for +5 HP per turn outside of friendly territory.
* To Live By the Blade
	+ Promotes unit to an Astral Saint. Will remove the +60% XP bonus but retains all School promotions earned.

     **Braggart Swordsman**(Swordsman)
* 15% less Combat Strength [12 vs. 14]
* 33.3% Cheaper [50 vs. 75 Production]
* Can only be purchased, but can move after being purchased.
* +10% Combat Bonus when defending.
     **Legendary School of the Astra Technique** (Barracks)
* 12.5% more to produce [85 vs. 75 Production]
* +1 more Maintenance cost [2 GPT vs. 1]
* Does not provide +15 XP to produced units, unlike the Barracks
* Units produced have a chance to start with +60 XP (5%), but only if your civilization is Happy.

Start Bias: Forest

1. The Real Isaach Castle
2. Castle Isaak
3. The Castle of Shannan
4. Forest of Astral Sparring
5. Definitely Isaach Castle!
6. Isaaazk
7. Shannan's Villa
8. Balmung Shield Forge
9. Tahra Resort House
10. Legendary Starstrike Suite
 **Spy List**

* Ulstah
* Larsay
* Homer
* Mareeta
* Muirne
* Deime
* Chulainn
* Mananan
* Mariccle
* Patty

## **Strategy**

### **Shannan**

Shannan's Isaach is a cultural-militaristic hybrid civilization with a fairly straightforward gameplan depending on which side you want to focus on: either build up your Great Works and Culture to empower your units and get an edge over your opponents via investing in Honor or other policies, or pump out Culture from producing units and reaping the rewards of the bonus Culture you earn from Theming Bonuses in cities. While Shannan's Isaach is not the strongest in either of these areas, his flexibility and ability to take advantage of both is what can really give you an edge over your competition. In the beginning, focus on building up your Great Works and Culture; any wonders -- National or otherwise -- are worth getting if possible to let you squeeze out as much XP and Culture as you can from them.

The Sword Acolyte is Shannan's other defining component; they gain access to three unique Promotion paths -- the Astral, Lunar and Solar schools -- which, though they may seem like weaker versions of most other promotions, have greater effects the more you invest into them. They also allow you to upgrade your Acolyte into an Astral Saint, giving you a potentially large power spike in the right situation. Though Acolytes may seem like risky investments given their placement on the tech tree, you don't have to use them right away since they don't obsolete right at Steel. Still, the sooner you can invest into them, the better. Thanks to their unique School paths, fully invested Sword Acolytes -- and subsequently Astral Saints -- can reward you with an impressive mid/late game army. Upgraded Astral Saints also hold onto their School promotions, so it's worth hanging onto as many as you can to take advantage of these unique bonuses later on!

Finally, the Sacred Proving Grounds is a fairly straightforward but strong building that plays into Shannan's strengths. Thanks to its Theming Bonus, you can take advantage of your UA fairly early on while also earning a bit more Production and Great People Generation.

### **Shannan as an Opponent**

As an AI, Shannan is generally pretty neutral and loyal. He prefers to focus on the well-being of his civilization first and foremost, building up his Culture and military almost hand in hand. Shannan won't often declare war recklessly, but given his Boldness and dislike of Warmongers, don't be surprised if he attempts to act against you if you find yourself doing some conquering. From what I have seen so far of him, he doesn't tend to often get Astral Saints due to the AI's inclination towards the vanilla promotions like Shock and Drill, but his army will prove to be formidable nonetheless given his likeliness to invest into Honor.

### **Shannam**

    Despite his best efforts to be as powerful as the great Shannan, Shannam's "Isaach" sits as a Japes civilization with very little military inclination like the civ he tries to impersonate. While not as unviable as Amelia, Shannam definitely sits at the lower end of the 'Japes tier list' imo.

Shannam's only reliable component is his UA, which is actually a fairly convenient bonus to have. Cheaper purchases will make it easier to get crucial units/buildings like Libraries, Settlers and Universities when you need them the most. His bonus gold from every 2 Great Works is highly dependent of who is actually in your game, since not every AI is inclined to even produce Great Works in the first place. Bear in mind that this will also apply to every Great Work in your empire, so it might be worth making a few to bump up your Gold output if you feel the need to.

The Braggart Swordsman is a *very* poor man's version of a Swordsman. While relatively cheap to buy thanks to its lower production cost combined with Shannam's UA, it utterly fails as a blocker unit given its lower combat strength and high tendency to withdraw from melee combat. Most of the time, you'll have zero reason to buy Braggart Swordsmen and are better off building Spearmen or waiting for Pikeman.

Shannam's UB is the worst nail in the coffin for him and sullies a good chunk of whatever militaristic potential he might have had. Never-minding the increased production and maintenance cost, not having your units be able to reliably start with *any* XP until you get Armories puts you at a huge disadvantage. Yes, you have a chance to start with a whopping 60 XP, but are you really going to waste countless hammers trying to get this bonus on enough units for it to be worth the production you invested into it? The bonus can also only be earned if your civilization is Happy, so if you find yourself doing poorly in that regard, don't even think about trying to take advantage of this building.

### **Shannam as an Opponent**

Shannam is an utter coward, through and through; similarly to Narcian, Shannam is very deceptive but hardly bold, meaning that he often lacks the bite to back up his bark. Saying that, Shannam will basically never want to go to war and will try to weasel his way to victory through producing Great Works, grabbing up City-States and pumping out as much Gold as he can. If Shannam is in your game, don't expect much of a challenge from him.

## **History**

### **Isaach**

Isaach is an eastern country of Jugdral that was founded by the Swordmaster Od in Gran calendar year 648. It was ruled by King Mananan during the events leading up to Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War. It was ruled by his son Mariccle from the middle of the Prologue until his death in the middle of Chapter 2. It was ruled by his grandson, Shannan, after the events of the game. Isaach is known for being the land of Swordmasters. With the exception of Rivough, Isaach was not involved in the Loptous related child massacre.

In Grann 757, Grannvale declared war on Isaach following an assault on the sacred site of Darna, attributed to Isaach's army; in reality, the Darna offensive was solely the work of Isaach's Rivough nobility, whose leader was promptly executed by Isaach's King Mananan for his belligerence. Mananan attempted to negotiate with Grannvale over the situation's reality, head of Rivough's leader in hand, but was assassinated before his news could reach Grannvale's Prince Kurth. In retaliation, Mananan's son Mariccle engaged Grannvale in a full-scale war; knowing of his imminent demise, he tasked his half-sister Ayra with escorting his son Shannan to safety outside Isaach. By Grann 759, Grannvale had won the war and seized Isaach as its own territory, administered by the Grannvale's Dozel noble family under Danan.

Two years later, when Sigurd of Chalphy - branded a traitor by Grannvale - sought to return home to clear his name, he entrusted Shannan and Oifey with the care of his infant son Seliph; accurately guessing that Danan's occupation would not have full control over Isaach yet, he tasked the two with seeking refuge in Isaach's most remote regions, along with other children from their army: Ayra's children Larcei and Ulster, and Lachesis's son Delmud. They settled in Tirnanog, a far-flung village in the northwest of Isaach; some time after the Battle of Belhalla, they were joined by Adean of Jungby and her children, Lana and Lester. During their seventeen years in hiding, Shannan worked quietly to establish a revolution army against Grannvale; in Grann 777, however, Danan finally learned of their presence in Tirnanog and ordered a strike while Shannan and Oifey were out of the country on other errands. In response, Seliph emerged to lead the charge against the Dozel occupation, soon defeating it and freeing Isaach from Grannvale control. Following the liberation war's conclusion, Shannan succeeded the Isaachian throne.

### **Shannan**

Shannan is the prince of Isaach, son of the late Prince Mariccle, a full-blooded descendant of the Crusader Od, and the heir to Isaach's divine blade Balmung. In his youth, on his father's orders he fled Isaach with his aunt Ayra to avoid capture by the Grannvale army during its war on Isaach; after being freed from the captivity of Kinbois of Verdane, he and Ayra sought refuge in the company of Sigurd of Chalphy, who protected them in spite of his country's war on their nation.

In Grann 760, Shannan was - along with Oifey - entrusted with the care of Seliph, Sigurd's infant son, in exile in Isaach in case Sigurd's attempts to clear his name failed; with Oifey and Adean, Shannan helped raise Seliph in the village of Tirnanog for the following 17 years and instructed him in swordplay, while working to raise support for a liberation army to combat the Grannvale occupation in Isaach. In Grann 777, Shannan fought with Seliph in the liberation war against Grannvale, after Seliph successfully freed Isaach in Shannan's absence. He succeeded Isaach's throne at the conclusion of the war.

### **Shannam**

Shannam is a playable character from *Fire Emblem: Thracia 776*. A sword-wielding mercenary from Silesse, he parades around impersonating Prince Shannan of Isaach.

Despite playing pretend to be Prince Shannan, Shannam lacks all the qualities that the prince is known for. Key among these is courage: When Tahra comes under attack in Chapter 14, Shannam does not stay to help in its defense despite having boasted that he is the true prince, instead choosing to flee to save his skin.

On this note, while Shanam makes for a terrible combatant, he is skilled as a trickster, as shown through his success in convincing the Tahran citizens that he is Prince Shannan. This can be also be seen in-game in Chapter 15, where he manages to dupe Mareeta into believing that he is Shannan.

## **Dawn of Man**

### **Shannan**

May the blessings of Od be upon you, oh great Prince of Shannan, Isaach! You lead the proud Isaachian people, who despite their constant tribulations throughout Jugdral's history, continue to live on through their resolve and dedication to the blade. Though torn away from your noble throne at a young age due to the Grannvalean-Isaachian war, it was by your endless courage and dedication to peace that Isaach was able to once again be freed from the tyranny that has plagued it so, and live on to honor the legacy of the Crusader, Od.

Great Prince Shannan, the people of Isaach once again look to you for inspiration and resolve. With Od's great blade Balmung in your grasp, can you prove to the world the strength of the Isaachian people? Can you make the ancient culture of Isaach known and preached to the world? Can you build a civilization that will stand the test of time?

### **Shannam**

May the blessings of Od be upon you, oh great Prince of Shannan, Isaach!

...Is what I would say if the actual Prince Shannan were here. But, alas, destiny has instead chosen to bestow us with you, Shannam, the lowly Braggart Swordsman. Born with an uncanny resemblance to one of the greatest warriors in Jugdral's history, you immediately took advantage of this striking similarity to exploit those actually foolish enough to mistake you for Od's great descendant. Of course, this didn't last too long however, after you fled the Free City of Tahra following its siege at the hands of the Grannvale Empire. Though there is little to be said about your "skill" with a blade, your shrewness and craftiness perhaps deserves some praise; despite your cowardly nature, even you are capable of some good deeds, such as teaching the young Mareeta the great 'Astra' technique -- accidental as it may have been -- and assisting in the grand liberation of Leonster.

We're not sure how you've done it, Shannam, but it seems that you've managed to deceive a whole new generation into believing that you are the one and only Prince Shannan. With a fledgling group of followers at your side, can you create an empire worthy of the Prince of Isaach himself? Will your cleverness guide you to luxury and grandeur once more? Can you build a civilization that will stand the test of time?

## **Music**

Peace *(Shannan)* - Crossing the Desert (FE4 Arrange)

War *(Shannan)* - Inheritors of Light (FE4 Arrange)

Peace *(Shannam)* - In the Chapter - Comedy (FE5)

War *(Shannam)* - Attack! (FE5)

## **Mod Support**

* Civ IV Traits in Civ V - Philosphical, Aggressive for Shannan. Financial, Charismatic for Shannam.
* Fire Emblem Leader Affinities - Wind for Shannan, Water for Shannam.
* Fire Emblem True Start Location - Jugdral for both.
* Kiang's Fire Emblem Religions - Edda for both.
* Weapon Triangle - Sword Acolytes, Astral Saints and Braggart Swordsman are all Sword Units.

## **Screenshots**

Shannan's Dawn of Man.Shannan's Leader ScreenShannam's Civ Select Screen.
## **Trivia**

Shannam was originally going to have his own separate mod release as part of Spring Japes, but due to time constraints, was included with Shannan's Isaach as an easter egg.

## **Credits**

* TheMH06 & Arms of Sorrow - Authors
* Arms of Sorrow - Shannan's art
* Vice Virtuoso - reference on Great Work LUA
* Chrisy15 - Floating Text LUA references
* Bakuel - the Sword Acolyte/Astral Saint unit models
* Okuma Yugo - Shannan's art for Fire Emblem Heroes
* Fire Emblem/Intelligent Systems - Fire Emblem itself ofc]]