>>2123889
>>The Macedonian Dynasty (Byzantines Variant)
>>2123904
Going for the Macedonians feels like such a weird pick to me. I saw a rumor going around it was originally supposed to be its own Viking civ but idk how true it is. Apparently Byzantines in AoE IV already have Varangians units as well? I feel like going with the Komnenoi or Palaiologos dynasties would've been more interesting. The Komnenoi having more of a siege (John Komnenos) and Latin mercenary focus (Manuel Komnenos) and Alexios also made extensive use of various nomadic tribes from the Baltics and Anatolia and their dynasty is the last time you see the Varangians. With the Palaiologos you could also start having some Ottoman influence (fuck you Kantakouzenos), Serbian, the Catalan Company, Venetian/Genoese influence was also huge towards the end. Varangians are gone by this time. The empire couldn't afford them after 1204.
>>2123982
The Macedonian dynasty was the last time you really see the Eastern Roman Empire expanding and reclaiming territories. You see some revival during the Komnenian Restoration but outside of Justinian's conquests early on this is the peak of the empire. Basil II (nicked named the Bulgarslayer), John Tzimiskes, Nikephoros Phokas (made the Saracens piss themselves with fear. They called him "The Pale Death of the Saracens") are probably the most standout names militarily.