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Thread: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

  1. #1
    Uergobretos Senior Member Brennus's Avatar
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    Default THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL


    Time is a strange constant in the universe, our perception of time may causes it to slump past only to suddenly rush into the folds of history. But the better we equipped we are to understand time, to leaf through the pages of history and read its tales, the better we are equipped to understand ourselves and the multifaceted collage of which we are constructed. This message may read like the final page of a book, long in the process of writing, or it may simply be the end of a chapter and the start of a new one. In any case it is necessary to review the story thus far, for those who may have missed parts of the saga. Ten years ago, with the Creative Assembly in the process of creating Rome: Total War, a small band of gamers, concerned with the level of historical accuracy which was being portrayed in Rome, put together a body of data which they presented to the Creative Assembly. They hoped that by giving this research to the Creative Assembly it might soften some of the more glaring historical inaccuracies which were then being added to Rome: Total War. Nevertheless, the Creative Assembly politely turned down the offer of this information. Rather than abandon their efforts to advise on the historical accuracy of Rome Total War the original team set about creating a little known modification which they hoped would provide Total War fans with the most historically accurate representation of the years 272BC-AD14 possible. They called it Europa Barbarorum.

    Since the initial release of Europa Barbarorum in 2005, numerous editions have been released, accruing popular support and critical acclaim along the way. Having exhausted the technical capabilities of Rome: Total War, the Europa Barbarorum team set about modifying Rome’s sequel, Medieval II: Total War. What followed was seven arduous years of development, which profound changes to the composition of the Europa Barbarorum team as real life took its toll and unexpected problems arose. On at least one occasion Europa Barbarorum II nearly died, and indeed several forum frequenters appeared more than happy to announce the premature death of Europa Barbarorum II. Nevertheless, like a phalanx in the fray, fans stepped forward to fill the gaps which were left by team members who couldn’t carry on. Some of the new team members proved to be exceptional, driving forward Europa Barbarorum II like never before. Old members likewise returned, bringing with them much needed experience, skills and vision. In the face of technical problems, issues of staffing and opposition from those who seemed to take some delight in dismissing the Europa Barbarorum team, on 25th August 2014 an initial version of Europa Barbarorum II was released.

    Complaints were raised by a few, those who declaimed Europa Barbarorum II for being incomplete, or questioning why content was missing following such a protracted gestation. But such snipes were drowned beneath the majority who exclaimed their appreciation for Europa Barbarorum II and offered their understanding concerning missing content. For those of us among the team the final release it a day of pride, fulfilment and, in the case of at least one Celtic specialist, enough beer to kill what few brain cells may already have been present.

    Our hope was that the release would generate the sort of recruitment of team members needed in order to transform this initial release into the sort of game which we think, if not know, Europa Barbarorum II is capable of being. Unfortunately this has not been the case. Despite an initial influx of recruits, all but a few have vanished after a short period of time. We are thankful to those who have remained, but it is a tiny number compared to what we had hoped. In addition to this, real life circumstances, ranging from new jobs, new children or a need to return to work, have meant that some of our best team members have been called away by more pressing issues. To make matters worse the recent lack of progress has caused the enthusiasm of other members to give way, resulting in some leaving the team, although we live in hope that they will return one day. Our numbers are dwindling. There are a few of us who will continue until the bitter end, until such point when there is no reason to carry on, but we don’t want to shrink into a team which takes years to release minor updates.

    For those of us who remain we have only one thing to say: We don’t wish to see this be the end of Europa Barbarorum. There is still so much potential to be had from the Medieval II engine. From scripted events, to new reforms, the addition of new factions there is a depth of detail to be added to the campaign. For battles we have room for almost another 300 units, ranging from Spartan hoplites, to Hellenic cataphracts, to the famed cavalry of the hardy Cantabrians and distant Yeuzhi, not forgetting regional Italian troops such as the ferocious Lugurians or warriors of Cisalpine Gaul. Already so much has been achieved. Our 3D and 2D modellers have created a game which, graphically, has taken the Medieval II engine to its limits. Our historians have inoculated historical data into Europa Barbarorum II to the point that, in many respects, the original Europa Barbarorum is now historically inaccurate by comparison. From Gallic mercenaries serving the great Hellenistic kings of the east, to the flux and collapse of the Mauryan Empire and Arche Seleukia, to the great migrations and conquests of the steppe peoples and of course the mortal struggle between Carthage and Rome, we think this is one of the most fascinating periods in human history. We want to present the fans of Europa Barbarorum with the most immersive, historically accurate and enjoyable game possible, and we are a long way from doing this.

    We thank each and every one of you who has supported us. From those who have provided faction descriptions, to those who follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or share your thoughts on the fan forums, thank you, you are the people who make our work worthwhile. However, we cannot survive on goodwill alone. We have said it before, many times, but in this instance we are more desperate than ever. We need volunteers. We need volunteers who can design and skin units. We need volunteers who can script and program. We need volunteers who can draw 2D artwork or upload files to an SVN server. In an ideal world we would happily train any willing person; however our numbers are such now that we cannot afford to do this.

    We will keep going, we will keep working towards the next release of Europa Barbarorum II, but without skilled volunteers who share our passion we can only do so much, and right now that is very little.

    Please help and we hope you have a Happy Christmas.
    https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showt...post2053625004
    http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...7#post14164787



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  2. #2

    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    You guys maybe would've done better fresh off of Rome II's failure...

  3. #3
    Uergobretos Senior Member Brennus's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    The release date we made was the earliest we could have hoped for. A month before it was in too unstable a state to have been released (not without requiring lord knows how many patches like Rome 2 did). We did hope that the disappointment with Rome 2 would have resulted in a greater number of volunteers.



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  4. #4
    Priest of Tanit Member Saigrin's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    Hi guys, I'm new in the forums, but I'm an old fan since the first release of EB.

    I'm one of the, I suppose, thousands of warriors that follow you from the shadows. I've just read your post, and I felt so sad that I've created my account only to cheer you up, team! Your work is amazing, and if I must wait another 4 years to see it released, I will be glad to do it.

    I do not have the skills to model or help you making the mod, but I wanted to make you feel that you are heavily supported from the net, there is no video game in the modern market that can rivalize with your project, so, carry on, team! The gods smile at your effort!

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  5. #5

    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    I unfortunately do not have the required skills either. Tried to give it some visibility, and made the reform requirements thread, but that's all I really had to offer :/
    I hope you guys pull through!

    Writing mostly about the TWC forums though. I'm still not seeing this appeal there? Is there a reason for that? What's happening over there?

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  6. #6

    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    This is very upsetting. EB is my favorite mod project ever. Its partially my fault as I could easily have learned the required skills to help over these last many years. The point that you can't operate forever on good will is well taken, though I don't currently have the skills to help. I'll try to draw attention to the project. You guys are great and really appreciated.

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  7. #7
    ΤΑΞΙΑΡΧΟΣ Member kdrakak's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    In my opinion it is typical for projects like these (EB and EBII) to experience change in manpower. They take many years to complete and as Brennus noted, life happens. Still we need to keep the bigger picture in mind. So long as the project remains alive and any bit of work is being done regardless of how small it is, new people will step up and chip in and the flame will rekindle from the small charcoal that was sleeping buried in the ashes.
    Do you quit the campaign after the first battle is lost?
    Seleucos chose to live and fight another day. Antigonos Gonatas knew to wait his turn. Rome did not bow to Hannibal. Eucratides and his bodyguard did not surrender to the hordes from India. Leonidas held the line under a hail of arrows just long enough for Themistocles to turn the tide. Do we learn or do we simply write the documentation?

    Volunteers, skinners and scripters, just like historians and linguists will come and go.
    Someone just has to carry the torch long enough... From Foot to Brennus... and beyond.

    Unfitting though it seems, I hardly think our Brennus will let our "Rome" burn.
    -Silentium... mandata captate; non vos turbatis; ordinem servate; bando sequute; memo demittat bandum et inimicos seque;
    Parati!
    -Adiuta...
    -...DEUS!!!

    Completed EB Campaigns on VH/M: ALL... now working for EBII!

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  8. #8

    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    Quote Originally Posted by kdrakak View Post
    In my opinion it is typical for projects like these (EB and EBII) to experience change in manpower. They take many years to complete and as Brennus noted, life happens. Still we need to keep the bigger picture in mind. So long as the project remains alive and any bit of work is being done regardless of how small it is, new people will step up and chip in and the flame will rekindle from the small charcoal that was sleeping buried in the ashes.
    Do you quit the campaign after the first battle is lost?
    Seleucos chose to live and fight another day. Antigonos Gonatas knew to wait his turn. Rome did not bow to Hannibal. Eucratides and his bodyguard did not surrender to the hordes from India. Leonidas held the line under a hail of arrows just long enough for Themistocles to turn the tide. Do we learn or do we simply write the documentation?

    Volunteers, skinners and scripters, just like historians and linguists will come and go.
    Someone just has to carry the torch long enough... From Foot to Brennus... and beyond.

    Unfitting though it seems, I hardly think our Brennus will let our "Rome" burn.
    Nice sentiments but they are asking for help not asking people to say its ok because they will carry the weight of the thing forever.

  9. #9
    ΤΑΞΙΑΡΧΟΣ Member kdrakak's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    Quote Originally Posted by khevlan View Post
    Nice sentiments but they are asking for help not asking people to say its ok because they will carry the weight of the thing forever.
    Thank you for pointing that out.
    For my part I have helped. I have offered to help further and when conditions allow I will help even more in the future... provided the project is still alive. And all along I have a business to run, a family with two babies to support and care for, a book to write and my other activities to remain involved in.
    I am not saying it's ok because others will carry the load. I am saying this thing is big and no one's core business (unless you're in a university doing related work). It's not sentiment. It's how things get done. One simply has to persevere. And that holds true in life, history and any project. If you don't, you fail. And that's that.

    Now do you think you want to revise that comment into something constructive?
    -Silentium... mandata captate; non vos turbatis; ordinem servate; bando sequute; memo demittat bandum et inimicos seque;
    Parati!
    -Adiuta...
    -...DEUS!!!

    Completed EB Campaigns on VH/M: ALL... now working for EBII!

  10. #10
    Member Member Skyn0s's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    Transform this initial release into the sort of game which we think, if not know, Europa Barbarorum II is capable of being. There are a few of us who will continue until the bitter end, until such point when there is no reason to carry on, but we don’t want to shrink into a team which takes years to release minor updates.

    For those of us who remain we have only one thing to say: We don’t wish to see this be the end of Europa Barbarorum. There is still so much potential to be had from the Medieval II engine. From scripted events, to new reforms, the addition of new factions there is a depth of detail to be added to the campaign. For battles we have room for almost another 300 units, ranging from Spartan hoplites, to Hellenic cataphracts, to the famed cavalry of the hardy Cantabrians and distant Yeuzhi, not forgetting regional Italian troops such as the ferocious Lugurians or warriors of Cisalpine Gaul. Already so much has been achieved. Our 3D and 2D modellers have created a game which, graphically, has taken the Medieval II engine to its limits. Our historians have inoculated historical data into Europa Barbarorum II to the point that, in many respects, the original Europa Barbarorum is now historically inaccurate by comparison.

    We thank each and every one of you who has supported us. From those who have provided faction descriptions, to those who follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or share your thoughts on the fan forums, thank you, you are the people who make our work worthwhile. However, we cannot survive on goodwill alone. We have said it before, many times, but in this instance we are more desperate than ever. We need volunteers. We need volunteers who can design and skin units. We need volunteers who can script and program. We need volunteers who can draw 2D artwork or upload files to an SVN server.
    All is said there !
    Thank you for this appeal, for this message, for your time, for your support, for your implication, for your availability, for your friendship, and for all the moments to come!
    Hope to have some new recruits in a near future

    anyway good holidays to all of you !

    Skyn0s - Sebastien


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  11. #11
    Member Member NuBee4ever's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    I also am sorry that I cannot help us to get things done.
    But in the event things change for me or others, could you tell us maybe which programs we'd need to begin to learn or try to learn?
    For exemple I know a little PS but i doubt it's what you're using to skin your models.

    And always, thanx for EBI and all that's already been done on EBII!

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  12. #12
    Member Member b0Gia's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    I think EB 2 will never die as long as there are loyal and fierce people that keep it alive!

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  13. #13
    HopeLess From Humanity a World Member Empire*Of*Media's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    ah hi all. i was away many time ago with EB II. i never download ed it i was waiting for the full game. hows it now?? is it good i download it now? or i wait a little longer?
    because due to our owrst internet in the world i cant download many times. so i want to download it once and for all.
    thanks

  14. #14
    Uergobretos Senior Member Brennus's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    Quote Originally Posted by NuBee4ever View Post
    I also am sorry that I cannot help us to get things done.
    But in the event things change for me or others, could you tell us maybe which programs we'd need to begin to learn or try to learn?
    For exemple I know a little PS but i doubt it's what you're using to skin your models.

    And always, thanx for EBI and all that's already been done on EBII!
    @Kull @V.T. Marvin @bovi Could you advise?



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  15. #15

    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    Ithink our unit artists generally use Photo Shop for skinning, and 3Ds MAX for modelling. I'm sure other programs are possible too, but at least the importing of a model into the game has to be done from 3Ds MAX, if I'm not mistaken.


  16. #16
    EB annoying hornet Member bovi's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    Can't advise about modelling or skinning, I'm a complete blank on those parts. As for other parts of the mod to learn, there are many text files of varying obscurity that define features or link together the different parts of the game. Examples are export_descr_character_traits.txt for defining traits and how they are acquired, or export_descr_units for defining units, or battle_models.modeldb for linking units with their graphics. Many things to choose from based on what kind of work you like to do.

    In my own case, I've mostly looked at whatever problems I could see with the game (or which were reported by testers), then set forth to fix whichever I found the most glaring among those I couldn't see anyone else doing anything with. This has led to at least a mediocre understanding of many different bits of the game's files, rather than being expert at one small area.

    Having problems getting EB2 to run? Try these solutions.
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  17. #17
    EBII Bricklayer Member V.T. Marvin's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    For a modder focused only on scripting - as is my case - the only program needed is a proper text editor, such as Notepad++.

    I started my modding attempts simply by reading the relevant .txt files and a few tutorials (here as well as over at TWC) and it was enough. I am a total computer noob generally, but luckily the game is perfectly moddable in many aspects even by people like me. Reading is really the only skill strictly required. The difficult part is not the skill, but to find the time and motivation to actually do stuff. Once you start modding you may quickly find that dozens or hundreds man-hours are not nearly enough to accomplish what you aim for...

  18. #18
    Member Member Howlett's Avatar
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    Default Re: THE EUROPA BARBARORUM II CHRISTMAS APPEAL

    Hello all. I just want to let everyone know that I came to this forum only recently. The only reason I came here, was EBII. I have been a long-time fan of the TW series. Although I never had modded versions of games before, I have to admit that my TW experience got so much better and deeper with he discovery of your EBII. So much that i decided to register with this forum and let you guys know how much your hard work is appreciated. The effort that went into the mod and the feeling it gives me when I play it are super!

    It kind of disappointed me to find out that there aren't enough volunteers available to keep up the work on the project.
    This thing you have here, this EBII, it impresses me. I sincerely hope that the project survives.

    I know that I'm not adding to anything with this post, but I just wanted to let you know that EBII still finds its way to new players!

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