Matrix Games

We’re thrilled to announce that the second macrotopic Hierarchies and Livelihood of A Lens On - Snapshot has been completely released. Head over to the playlist  now to catch all the pills about Hierarchies and Livelihood.

But that's not all—before we dive into the next chapter, our friend DasTactic is took us on a deep dive into Field of Glory: Kingdoms. Below, you can check out some of the most interesting highlights from his live stream.

Don't miss out, watch now and stay tuned for even more exciting content coming soon.

Field of Glory: Kingdoms is a highly detailed strategy game that immerses players in the intricate world of medieval politics, warfare, and societal structures. It faithfully recreates the dynamics of the medieval era, allowing players to explore the different strata of society and systems of government that defined the period.
This article will delve into these societal layers, from peasants to rulers, while also recounting highlights from a gameplay session featuring Wales. We’ll explore population management, the role of nobility and clergy, and the challenges of diplomacy and war.
 

Exploring the Strata of Medieval Society

In Field of Glory: Kingdoms, society is layered and multifaceted, reflecting the realities of medieval life. From the lowest ranks to the ruling elite, every societal group plays a role in the success of your kingdom.

1. Slaves:
While slaves were explicitly represented as a population element in Field of Glory: Empires, they are abstracted in Kingdoms. Their presence is implied through specific buildings and their associated functions, such as labor in agriculture or infrastructure.

2. Peasants:
Peasants are the lowest societal rung you can directly manipulate. This group encompasses serfs, indentured workers, and other low-level laborers. In the game, they form the backbone of your economy, working in agriculture or infrastructure like mining and industry. Managing your peasant population effectively ensures steady resource production and stability.

3. Freemen:
Freemen, a step above peasants, have more versatility. They can be assigned to agriculture, infrastructure, or commerce, providing greater flexibility in resource allocation. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance between economic growth and societal needs.

4. Clergy:
The clergy primarily contribute to your kingdom’s piety, a crucial resource for maintaining morale and authority. While they can be assigned to infrastructure tasks, they are not as efficient as other groups, and their real value lies in their spiritual influence.

5. Local Nobility:
The nobility is vital for maintaining authority and stewardship across your kingdom. They can also contribute to the military and commerce sectors, showcasing their versatility. However, their influence extends beyond labor; they are key to managing regions and maintaining order.
 

Comparing Realms: From Wales to Byzantium

During the gameplay session, we explored some extremes within the game, contrasting the vast Byzantine Empire with its wonders to the humble beginnings of Wales.

The Byzantine Empire and Constantinople:
As an example, we take a closer look at the power and wealth, exemplified by the thriving metropolis of Constantinople. This city serves as a beacon of prosperity in the game, with its advanced infrastructure and cultural achievements. Players can witness how hamlets evolve through villages and towns to eventually become sprawling cities, showcasing the potential for growth when resources and governance align effectively.
Constantinople's well-developed regions provide a stark contrast to the smaller, less-developed towns of Wales. The wealth and power concentrated in such urban centers highlight the importance of long-term planning and strategic resource allocation in building a prosperous empire.
 

Wales and the Marcher Lords:
Wales, on the other hand, offers a rugged, mountainous terrain that requires a more localized approach to governance. The comparative simplicity of Welsh settlements, coupled with their challenging geography, reflects the hardships faced by smaller kingdoms. The presence of powerful marcher lords in neighboring Mercia adds to the complexity of managing Welsh territories. These borderland nobles, modeled as baronial estates in the game, represent both a threat and an opportunity.
Players must carefully balance internal development while keeping an eye on expansion opportunities. The comparison between Constantinople’s grandeur and Wales’ humble beginnings emphasizes the wide spectrum of experiences Field of Glory: Kingdoms offers.
 

Managing Governance and Population Dynamics

Authority and Nobility:
Governance in Field of Glory: Kingdoms involves managing both the basic nobility within your regions and the more powerful barons who oversee large estates. Authority is a critical resource, and maintaining it requires a delicate balance of loyalty and influence. Governors or seneschals can be appointed to regions from your court, offering assistance in managing local affairs.
However, their effectiveness depends on their loyalty and motivations. Disgruntled court members, disloyal governors, or power-hungry nobles can undermine your authority, leading to unrest or rebellion. Navigating court intrigue—complete with disgruntled relatives and ambitious nobles—adds another layer of complexity.
 

Resource Flow from Population Groups:
The population strata feed into various resources. Locally active resources like food and growth are directly tied to regional prosperity. Meanwhile, global resources like gold and manpower influence your kingdom's overall strength. Strategic assignment of peasants, freemen, clergy, and nobility to their most efficient roles ensures steady production and societal harmony.
 

Diplomatic Aspirations and Military Preparation

Eyeing Mercia and Diplomatic Maneuvers:
During the session, the Welsh kingdom eyed the fertile plains of Mercia with ambitious intent. Expanding into Mercia required laying claims on its regions, a process that could be achieved through diplomacy or regional decisions. In this playthrough, Wales successfully claimed Hereford early on, preparing for war to assert control.
 

Preparing for War:
Anticipating conflict, the Welsh forces were bolstered with additional armored cavalry. This unit type excels in open terrain, making them a valuable asset for campaigns on the wide plains of Mercia. The strategy was to leverage the natural advantage of cavalry against Mercia’s more traditional armies.
 

The Role of Vassal States:
Mercia’s status as a vassal of England complicated matters. Harold Godwinson, King of England, took personal command of the English and Mercian forces, joined by Northumbria’s armies. This coalition presented a formidable challenge to the Welsh ambitions.
 

Clash of Armies: Wales vs. England and Mercia

The Welsh forces, composed of cavalry, Ostmen, and javelinmen, descended from the mountains to face the combined armies of England and Mercia. Their strategy hinged on intercepting King Harold Godwinson’s forces before they could unite with the main Mercian army.
The battle that ensued was a dramatic clash of strategies and unit compositions, with the Welsh leveraging their mobility and terrain familiarity against the more disciplined English Huscarls and archers. Without spoiling the outcome, the encounter showcased the depth of the game’s combat mechanics and the importance of preparation and strategic positioning.
 

Takeaways on Growth and Expansion

Balancing Growth and Health:
As seen in the comparison between Wales and Byzantium, growth in Field of Glory: Kingdoms is a gradual process. Regions can evolve over time from small hamlets to thriving cities, provided resources are managed wisely. This growth also ties into the health and well-being of your population, which must be supported by infrastructure such as Wells, Bathhouses, and Hospitals.
 

Strategic Planning is Key:
The session underscored the importance of both long-term planning and the ability to adapt to immediate challenges. Whether navigating court intrigue, balancing resources, or waging war, every decision carries weight.
 

Conclusion: Medieval Society and Kingdom Management

Field of Glory: Kingdoms offers players a deeply engaging experience, capturing the complexities of medieval society and governance. From managing the lowest strata of society to navigating the ambitions of powerful nobles, every layer of the game contributes to a rich and immersive strategy experience.
The contrasting realms of Wales and Byzantium demonstrate the wide variety of approaches players can take, from humble beginnings to imperial grandeur. Whether expanding through diplomacy, warfare, or economic development, the game rewards careful planning and adaptability.
With every decision, players shape the destiny of their kingdoms, balancing ambition with the responsibilities of rule.