Benin (Ewuare)

Benin Empire

Map by Tomatekh
Leader	Ewuare
Capital	Ubini
Start Bias	Avoid Desert & Hills
Religion	Protestantism Itan (HR)
Culture req. mod	West African
Traits req. mod	Protective, Imperialistic
Map Labels Language req. mod	African
Magical Girl req. mod	Idia
Civilopedia

Benin led by Ewaure is is a custom civilization mod by Tomatekh^[1], with contributions from janboruta and Leugi.

This mod requires Brave New World or Gods and Kings.

Overview[]

Benin[]

The Benin or Edo Empire was a large pre-colonial African state in what is now modern Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, centered on the Niger River Delta. While it existed, the Benin Empire was an economic and political power that unified a large number of West African ethnic groups. At their height, the traditional city walls of Benin City are understood to have been one of the largest earthworks in the world. Today, Benin's cultural legacy survives through the world famous BeninBronzes, as well as the Oba of Benin who serves as the symbolic leader of the Edo people.

Ewuare[]

Benin's status as a regional powerhouse coalesced in the 15th century under the leadership of Oba Ewuare (enthroned ca. 1440). Ewuare is credited with many innovations that defined and gave structure to Benin kingship, including improvements to the royal capital, Benin City, the establishment of the three associations of palace chiefs, and the creation of an annual cycle of royal rituals to protect and renew the kingdom.

Dawn of Man[]

Mighty Ewuare, unrivalled Warrior King of the Edo, your people have never ceased to sing your legend. You lead the indomitable Benin civilization; one of the oldest and most developed states of pre-colonial West Africa. Known for their mighty fortifications and skill in casting bronze, they were nevertheless divided until you, great leader, set about uniting the warring Edo peoples. Your reign laid the foundations of a mighty kingdom which, over the next two centuries, would transform the Niger River Delta into a mighty empire that gave pause even to the British crown. Yet, Benin's reach was not limitless. To the east, the warring Igbo prevented entry past the mighty Niger, and to the north; the Islamic faith united the scattered tribes into a force few could hope to match. Finally, the indomitable walls of Benin fell to the advance of imperialism as Britain and Portugal divided the continent.

Unmatched Oba, war has once again ravaged the Edo as foreign crowns have left your land divided and destitute. It is time to reunite your people and lead them into a new era of peace and prosperity. Can you restore the lost glory of your divine kingship? Can you build a civilization that will stand the test of time?

BeninDiploMod — Leaderscene by Janboruta

Introduction: "This is the land promised by the gods that no empire can conquer. Come, stand in awe at the gates of Edo!"

Introduction: "When the world was new the soil that first formed was that of Benin. What business do the crocodile men have here?"

Defeated: "You have toppled walls that have stood for a thousand years and sold the children of Edo into slavery. Pray that you never know such defeat."

Defeated: "You kneeled before us only to plot and steal our ivory. You promised peace only to lie and plan our demise. You were never anything but a curse to this sacred land."

Unique Attributes[]

Benin (Ewuare)
Art by Janboruta Shield of the Warrior King The Defensive Strength of your Cities is increased by 15% and your Capital starts with Walls already constructed. Land units adjacent to an Iya heal +8 HP every turn regardless of previous action.
_{Gods and Kings: Defensive Buildings in all Cities are 20% more effective and your Capital starts with Walls already constructed. Land units adjacent to an Iya heal +5 HP every turn regardless of previous action.}
Art by Janboruta Isienmwenro (Pikeman) Ignores enemy Zone of Control +25% Flank Attack Bonus +1 Movement if beginning its turn adjacent to an enemy Unit
_{Gods and Kings: +15% Combat Strength in Friendly Lands. +25% Flank Attack bonus.}
Art by Leugi Iya Unlocked at Construction May only be built on Grass, Plains, and Tundra flatlands without Resources +25% Tile Defense +1 Gold, +1 Production if built adjacent to a City +1 Gold, +1 Production after Industrialization is researched
_{Gods and Kings: +25% Tile Defense. Heals adjacent Friendly Units +5 HP per turn (+10 HP if on the Iya's Tile). +1 Gold if built adjacent to a City. +1 Culture after Archeology is Researched. Generates double Gold if pillaged and is destroyed rather than damaged. May only be built on flatlands. May not be built on Resources.}

City List

Ubini
Udo
Umoghumwun
Ilé-Ifè
Lagos
Uromi
Ibadan
Ekiti
Akure
Use
Igbini
Ughoton
Urhonigbe
Sapele
Owo
Ondo
Ilesha
Ijebu-Ode
Otun
Idah
Ukwu
Oshogbo
Wari
Okha
Opoji
Ikate
Ajiran
Aja
Evbohuan
Ehor
Uzebu
Ugboko-Nosoté
Ekhuele
Obadan
Egoro
Ilorin
Lokoja
Ekpoma
Urohi

Spy List

Okpame
Arualan
Edoni
Akenzua
Eresoyen
Idia
Erewinde
Erediauwa
Ifueko
Iziegbe

Strategy[]

Benin provides several defensive bonuses for you to pursue your chosen Victory with greater peace of mind. Your Cities are all inherently stronger, particularly a Hilltop Capital at the start of the game. Aim to settle Cities with empty Flatland around them to build Iya, good all-around Improvements which will provide economic and defense benefits. Isienmwnero can circle around any invading forces, their speed and HP recovery from nearby Iya making them difficult to destroy. Consider teching to Industrialisation before Scientific Theory if you have built many Iya, so that you can double their base Yield. Tall Cities will benefit the most from their Defense-orientation, though going Wide can maximise the number of Iya you build, giving you lots of productive and profitable Cities.

Music[]

Peace Theme	War Theme
Benin - Ewuare Peace	Benin - Ewuare War
"" from the soundtrack of Rise of Nations.	"" from the soundtrack of Rise of Nations.

Mod Support[]

Mod Support
Cities in Development	Yes
Civ IV Traits	Yes
Community Balance Patch	Referenced
Cultural Diversity	Yes
Enlightenment Era	Yes
Ethnic Units	Yes
Events and Decisions	Yes
Exploration Continued Expanded	Yes
Historical Religions	Yes
Map Labels	Yes
Mercenaries	Yes
Rise to Power	Yes
Renaissance Era Revised	Unknown
Unique Cultural Influence	Yes
Wish for the World	Yes
YnAEMP	Yes

Events and Decisions[]

Discover Lost-Wax Casting[]

Our metalworkers have discovered a new technique for casting bronze. We should help regulate the supply of copper and support the industry.

Requirements/Restrictions:

Player must be Benin
Must have a mined source of Copper or Iron
Must have researched Metal Casting
May only be enacted once per game

Costs:

250 Gold
1 Magistrate

Rewards:

A Forge is constructed in your Capital or first available City
Each source of Copper and Iron provides +1 Culture

Preserve Sungbo's Eredo[]

Foreign kings have long since ravaged our land, yet our mighty walls still stand as a symbol of our resistance and culture. We should preserve our heritage and declare them a national landmark.