HERACLIUS
1- The Usurper
The good emperor Maurice is dead, murdered by the usurper Phocas. As if it wasn’t bad enough, the Sassanian emperor Khosrau II used it as a pretext to invade the eastern provinces. From the distant province of Africa, Heraclius decides to act.
Starting from Africa, you must sail to Greece, take Constantinople back and kill Phocas. Several options allow taking the city by trickery instead of having to force the mighty Theodosian Walls head-on.
2- An Empire in Ruins
Rumours about Phocas’ rule were dire, but still they were watered down. The eastern provinces were left defenceless, the treasury was empty and only few armies were left to defend Anatonia. Heraclius knew he needed time to reverse the situation.
A scenario with an economic focus, having to muster what’s left of the strength of the Empire while stopping Persian raids in Anatolia
3- The Theodosian Walls
Wanting to put an end to the war, Khosrau launched a direct attack on the heart of the Roman Empire : Constantinople. The city had to stand.
This is a pure defence scenario in which the city has to hold for long enough, both directly around the city as well as further away, sabotaging the relations between the Persians and their opportunistic allies.
4- The Empire Strikes Back
His capital besieged, Heraclius was confident in the strength of its walls and did the unexpected : he attacked, gathering his last legions for one final thrust at the enemy. Heraclius would attack Persia.
An A-to-B scenario in which you lead the Byzantine army through Anatolia and Persia, crushing Sassanian forces in detail.
5- Judgement at Nineveh
Much of his army lost in Thrace and with Heraclius striking in the heart of Persia, Khosrau was forced to adopt a defensive strategy. Both emperors knew that controlling Mesopotamia would decide the war. The decisive blow would come at the ancient city of Nineveh.
A build and destroy. The main objective is defeating the Persian army at Nineveh but retaking your holdings in the Levant is a bet that might pay off.
6- Ave Scipio !
After the Sassanid surrender at Nineveh, their empire fell in a succession crisis between several pretenders. The imperial borders have been restored, and the old emperor is making sure they recover from the war. However, in the desert sands bordering Arabia, some rumours of raidings have been reported.
This scenario starts small scale on the edge of a large map, controlling an imperial patrol on what seems to be a routine mission. However, it is quickly obvious that this is the start of an invasion by the Saracens. The scenario then massively expands by giving you control of the Byzantine Empire, forcing you to defend Syria and Egypt. It is futile, what was left of your armies is no match for that new enemy. As Syria is lost, Heraclius dies of old age. You then have to secure the Anatolian border as Egypt is overrun.