Ardiaei (Pirates & Raiders)

The Illyrian tribe of the Ardiaei originated inland, but eventually found their way to the Adriatic coast and settled there, dedicating themselves to sea-born piracy of the Adriatic Sea trade routes.

Seen as debauched by the Greeks from whom they have borrowed aspects of their culture, they drink heavily and celebrate greatly in the plunder stolen from their enemies.

Perhaps most famously, the Kingdom of the Ardiaei briefly became a powerful nation under the leadership of Agron, who captured several Greek cities and constantly raided the Adriatic coast. He also lent his services to the Acarnanians when the Epirot monarchy was extinguished, achieving his greatest victory in their defence.

Now, however, the Ardiaei’s continual piracy is drawing the ire of powerful forces in the region - those with a vested interest in the profits of Adriatic trade, like Rome. As the 3rd century BC begins the Ardiaei have a fight ahead of them. However, they have strength and cunning that their neighbours lack; can they turn it to their advantage and bring first the Adriatic, and maybe the world, under Ardiaei control?