Twitter discussion

[Horatius Flaccus]

Hey all,

I suggest that we discuss some interesting twitter updates here.

EB Twitter (http://twitter.com/EBTeam)


I'll start:


Also writing a description for a nex province, with a great ancient capital and an as ancient and magnificent city as perm. fort. - Moros

Which province would this be about? Hayastan?


Oh and the script for the Gaza campaign seems te be completed, maybe a release isn't that far away?

[Karo]

Wasn't that of Hayastan already previewed but it would be cool if it was and the second ciy should eb Van

[bobbin]

Yeah could be Hayastan.

ps. You might want to put a link to the twitter in the OP.

[Moros]

My twitter posts always get threads on them for some reason?

[Megas Methuselah]

My twitter posts always get threads on them for some reason?

Hey, I love pie, too.

[Moros]

Hey, I love pie, too.

and rightly so!

[penguinking]

Also writing a description for a nex province, with a great ancient capital and an as ancient and magnificent city as perm. fort. - Moros

My first instinct is that Seleukia is the great ancient capital and Babylon is the magnificent city and permanent fort. But that's just a guess.

[bobbin]

Babylon is already a seperate province in EB so its probably not that unless they're making big changes to the province map.

All i can guess is that it's in the eastern part of the map, not good reason why just feel it is, maybe Susa or Baktra.


Making saba more interesting! :o -Moros Yay!

[penguinking]

Babylon is already a seperate province in EB so its probably not that unless they're making big changes to the province map.

All i can guess is that it's in the eastern part of the map, not good reason why just feel it is, maybe Susa or Baktra.

Yay!

They're clearly changing a lot from EB I, so why not the campaign map? Making Babylon a permanent fort makes sense (most of its population had been moved to Seleukia by the start date, and it's right next to Seleukia), and it fits the criteria- great capital and ancient city- perfectly.

[Puupertti Ruma]

But Seleukia isn't very ancient in the eyes of the ancients themselves. In 272 BC it was only 33 year old city, being founded in 305 BC.

[bobbin]

They're clearly changing a lot from EB I, so why not the campaign map?
They haven't moved the start date so the only changes to the map would be from correcting inaccuracies or where the new PSF system represents reality better (which would make sense with Babylon now that you mention it). From what I've heard so far provinces in Iberia and the north coast of the black sea were going to be changed.


Making Babylon a permanent fort makes sense (most of its population had been moved to Seleukia by the start date, and it's right next to Seleukia), and it fits the criteria- great capital and ancient city- perfectly.
Depends on whether "ancient" means ancient by modern standards or by 272bc standards but this is probably just me having the wrong mindset when reading it:oops:

Then again the team must have had a good reason for giving Babylon a separate province in the first place so who knows:dizzy2:

[A Very Super Market]

Perhaps it has something to do with Egypt? Or Nubia....

[Horatius Flaccus]

I don't think it's about Mesopotamia Bobbin because it says:


with a great ancient capital and an as ancient and magnificent city as perm. fort.

I can understand why you could see Seleukeia as an ancient city, but it can't be viewed as ancient as Babylon.

[Constantius III]

I can understand why you could see Seleukeia as an ancient city, but it can't be viewed as ancient as Babylon.
Which also means that it can't mean Baktra and Alexandria-Oxiana. :disappointed:

[Alexandros_III]

I say EB should stay away from Twitter. Really there is nothing I hate more in the world. (Except bloody Calgary...)

[Tux]

I say EB should stay away from Twitter. Really there is nothing I hate more in the world. (Except bloody Calgary...)
Why?

[Foot]

Why?

I imagine he mostly hates the people who post on twitter, and their inane exclamations of 140 characters or less. I do not care that either, however the method of delivery, when used well, is not a poor one.

My favourite of the damn right wierd is Magikarp's Twitter (http://twitter.com/Magikarp)

Foot

[Tux]

Gah, how did you manage to find such piece of...well garbage?!

I see, but I agree with you. Would they prefer to wait 3-4 months for a preview without knowing if some progress is done or being kept updated time... I personally would prefer the second.

[bobbin]

I can understand why you could see Seleukeia as an ancient city, but it can't be viewed as ancient as Babylon.

Ah yeah didn't read that properly, maybe Sidon and Tyre then.

[Foot]

Gah, how did you manage to find such piece of...well garbage?!

I work in an office, we have a lot free time.

Bob Help (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Iq6LA7sZI)

Foot

[johnhughthom]

Persepolis/Pasargadae?

[Tux]

I work in an office, we have a lot free time.

Bob Help (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Iq6LA7sZI)

Foot
Now that explains everything. Funny stuff.:laugh4:

[Moros]

I love twitter.

I can't believe I actually had to laugh with that video. dear god.

[Alexandros_III]

Why?

Because Calgary is the biggest rotton dump excuse for a city in the world :furious3:...

Or maybe you were refering to Twitter?

[Tux]

Because Calgary is the biggest rotton dump excuse for a city in the world :furious3:...

Or maybe you were refering to Twitter?
Both actualy.~:)

Yeah me too Moros:
Fence Goat (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b-072VA4UA&feature=related)

EDIT:
Only about the goat movie, not twitter love.:tongue2:

[Horatius Flaccus]

That's just...shocking :inquisitive:

[johnhughthom]

That's just...shocking :inquisitive:

What do you expect from a Sweboz guy? I bet alin was the evil guy teasing the goat with food.

[Tux]

What do you expect from a Sweboz guy? I bet alin was the evil guy teasing the goat with food.
Yeah like I'm teasing you guys with this:
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/355/30062442.jpg

I would say it's a piece of rock, what about you guys?!
But enough spam, only twitter discussion from now.~:)

[bobbin]

Definately a elephant, its got a tower and sheet of some kind over its back.

[Phalanx300]

Germanic spearman skinned and integrated in the build. Final adjustments before moving to next model. - JMRC

The Duguntiz is finished which is great news! :idea2: Can't wait to see them not being copycats. :sweatdrop:

[Tux]

The Duguntiz is finished which is great news! :idea2: Can't wait to see them not being copycats. :sweatdrop:
Not necessary, the sweboz had many spear units back in EB 1.2.:tongue2:

[Phalanx300]

Not necessary, the sweboz had many spear units back in EB 1.2.:tongue2:

Yeah, but they were speaking of the Germanic spear unit, and Duguntiz were the main spear unit :juggle2:.

[Tux]

Well maybe, who knows?! I don't know nothing...

EDIT:
Btw it's not an elephant, it's a donkey.

[Phalanx300]

Well maybe, who knows?! I don't know nothing...

EDIT:
Btw it's not an elephant, it's a donkey.

So it seems. :clown:

[-Praetor-]

Yeah, but they were speaking of the Germanic spear unit, and Duguntiz were the main spear unit :juggle2:.

Noone told that it was the main germanic spearman, let alone the Dugunthiz. JMRC just mentioned *a* germanic spearman. Thus, it might have been the Gaizoz Frije, the Speutagardaz, the Jugunthiz, the Skaduganganz, Druhtiz Habukisku, Dugunthiz Hattisku, Druhtiz Skandzisku, Gaizoz Alje... or perhaps a new unit in the Germania area... :juggle2:

[Phalanx300]

Noone told that it was the main germanic spearman, let alone the Dugunthiz. JMRC just mentioned *a* germanic spearman. Thus, it might have been the Gaizoz Frije, the Speutagardaz, the Jugunthiz, the Skaduganganz, Druhtiz Habukisku, Dugunthiz Hattisku, Druhtiz Skandzisku, Gaizoz Alje... or perhaps a new unit in the Germania area... :juggle2:

I think we can rule out the Speutagardaz and the Juguntiz, seeing as they would have been called Pikemen and Skirmishers. :2thumbsup: Skaduganganz probably also unlikely, though not impossible.

And I said Druguntiz, never specified. :whip:

And why am I actually trying to disproove EB members on which unit is done :wall:.

[bobbin]

Btw it's not an elephant, it's a donkey.
Bartixoi Kataphraktoi Gaidaros?

[Tux]

Bartixoi Kataphraktoi Gaidaros?
Exactly.:clown:

As a present an 10 pixel increase of the pic:
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6918/30062442h.jpg

[abou]

Don't worry, Bablyon isn't going anywhere. Recent archaeology indicates that Babylon did not decline in a physical sense, but only in a political sense compared to Seleukeia. In fact, we see quite the reverse physically with Babylon where there was an increase in population and living standard starting at the end of the Achaemenid period, continuing through the Seleukid, and only experiencing a decline in the Parthian period.

[bobbin]

a good example of why wikipedia isn't the best source of knowledge, it's Babylon article claims the city was pratically abandoned by 275bc.

[abou]

a good example of why wikipedia isn't the best source of knowledge, it's Babylon article claims the city was pratically abandoned by 275bc.
More of an example of why you need to stay up to date on research. Two decades ago, many of the papers published would agree with that statement regarding Babylon because only ancient historians were used as the primary source, but things change as archaeology uncovers more and more.

[Martelus Flavius]

Well well! It seems that the Occvltvs Squad is far more bigger than I firstly thought!


As a present an 10 pixel increase of the pic:
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6918/30062442h.jpg


Thanks Alin, with this bigger picture I can tell everybody without any hesitation, that this is indeed a rock outcroup from the alps. Allow me some explanations :

We can disticincly see three different layers :

1. Permo-Carboniferous

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/5989/permocarb.jpg

The whole bottom of the formation is made of lightly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, p and T conditions were just enough to allow the ductile deformation of the ensemble. Among those sediments we can find ; Sandstone with cross-bedding ; Conglomerate ; etc... Those are in fact erosional rests of the Variscan moutains. The formation is dated as Permo-Carboniferous ( 336-250 Ma)

2. Variscan Granitic Intrusion

https://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2531/intrusionvarisque.jpg

This part is mainly composed of Granite formed during the variscan orogeny. Age : 307 Ma. They are a product of the thicknening crust as the orogeny progessed and forced part of the crustal material at depth were the temperature and pressure were enough to allow the partial melting of the crustal rocks. The so obtained magma then began to rise buyontly in the crust.

3. Older Crust Material

https://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4144/socle.jpg

This part is indeed the more complicated, composed of very old felsic rock, highly metamorphosed, showing caracteristic of pressure and Temperature typical for orogeny, many orogeny. Those rocks are so old that the survived at least two different orogeny. (Variscan and Alpine) Composed of Gneiss (both Ortho and Para); Meta-Sediment and Meta-Granit.

To ease the understanding here a little card :

https://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2396/geocarten.jpg

-> The blue line represent the outcrop drawed above.

-> Numbers are corresponding to the above descripted formations

After a very (un)detailed geomorphological analysis we can draw the following conclusions :



The two red formations are a "Return fold". Crustal material resisted to subduction during orogeny and due to its higher density (compared to mantle) it "raised" upwards.
In the syclinal between those two fold are keeped the Permo-Carboniferous sediments, which probably once recovered a good amount of this formation. However due to erosion many of the upper tectonical layers are now away. (Well if you are very motivated you'll find some of them in the Molasse basin in the north.)



><(((oo> <oo))))><


So I really hope this will help you all to better interpret what Alin showed us there!

Kind regards

Martelvs

[Tux]

Woah great explanation there, top notch.:2thumbsup:
I really couldn't have done it better.

[Horatius Flaccus]

Very useful Martelus, I´m writing a paper about rock formations and this could really be the breakthrough in research I need to get a top grade.

[machinor]

Dayum. It almost sounds like the Gaza Campaign would be in fine-tuning state. Which means, that the necessary units are integrated since the battles have already been done. As are the necessary game mechanics and factions 'n stuff. Sounds exciting!

[Satyros]

Perhaps the fact that the team started ( secretly in underground labs ) the creation of EB II while the EB I was still under fine tuning as well as the fact that the team has some work already done from EB I ( reseach for example , general experience ) will prove a decisive factor in an earlier than expected completion of the EB II mod .

At least one can hope it is so .

Good to know that things are moving .

Satyros

[Skullheadhq]

"Working on next preview for all you lovely fans. Game Mechanics, units, and much more!
4:52 AM Jun 1st from web"
-Foot

Ah nice, the last preview was from 28th of may so we can expect a new preview, yay:2thumbsup:

[Horatius Flaccus]

Ponies look like ponies now, with reduced skeletons. - JMRC

That's it. EB II is going to be perfect.

[machinor]

I can't wait for the beautifully skinned Iberian cavalry unit, JMRC mentioned. ~:)

[-Praetor-]

updated

[Horatius Flaccus]

Amazing work k_raso (judging from the examples shown in the Gaza preview:book:)!

[Tux]

Amazing work k_raso (judging from the examples shown in the Gaza preview:book:)!
That was JMRC work, iirc, k_raso just start animating recently, but yeah he does some really great work.~:)

[Horatius Flaccus]

Then good luck to you k_raso, and amazing work JMRC. :clown:

[Scud]

Wondering wether to give an elite unit a composite bow and either a longsword or a spear. - Moros

Moros, do whatever is historically accurate, dammit! :laugh4:

[Moros]

Well that's the problem! They would have had all three...

[Bucefalo]

Then just give them what fit better for gameplay, for example if it is a cavalry unit, go for the spears (so they can charge better), but if it is an infantry, i think the swords would make the unit more unique. There was already a eastern spear-bow foot unit if i remember correctly.

[Moros]

Oh it's infantry alright. Elite armoured infantry with bow and longsword, would that make a good unit you think?

[Tux]

Go for spear, better against cavalry.~:)

[Jolt]

Depends on how it was used. Without background its like saying if you like Martians or Alpha Centauri aliens better. It's a matter of taste.

[Horatius Flaccus]

I love longswords, so I say: go for swords! :clown:

And, as mentioned above, there already is a spear-bow unit.

[Phalanx300]

I gues they used primarely the bow? I also gues its an eastern unit? Which would make it probably more likely to prefer the spear. (like other archer spearmen)

[Martelus Flavius]

Sound reasoning, except on one thing : it doesn't take into account the coriolis-effect.

So due to this effect, knowing that a spear is long (We can even consider the extreme case of over long spear), there is a greater chance of target missing. Especially when our brave warrior fights at latitudes he is not accustomed to! (I mean if a southerner fights in scandinavia he have greater chance to miss its target than the skandinavian! Et réciproquement!)

For all this I would either go for the sword.

Sincerly yours

Martel

[Bucefalo]

Well if it´s a infantry unit then it´s a bit more tricky, i think it depends mainly of what role will they have, like:
-spear and bow -> i eat light/medium cav for breakfast
-sword and bow -> i am a brave archer unit:2thumbsup:

[Skullheadhq]

Skinning work on a roman unit which may well be the last before... the next one! - Titvs Flavivs Martelvs

:inquisitive:

[Christianus]

On political and social tribal structures - Moros

I assume work is going on on something with a new tribal faction. The complexity of the previous steppe-factions system apparently goes on to include a new system for a new steppe-faction.
Then the "Occultus" faction wouldnt be India...

[Andronikos]

New tribal system could also improve Celtic and Germanic factions.

[Christianus]

I guess you are right.
The EB twitter http://twitter.com/EBTeam give good insight for news on Europa barbarorum I must say. Hope they will say something that can relate to the Gaza campaign soon. I feel it approatching:thumbsup:

[Phalanx300]

Me as well! :2thumbsup:

On the Tribal system, they should make it like the city state system to show that loyalty wasn't always that high. Like the city states grouping together to fight Persia but afterwards just continue to fight themselves.

[Brave Brave Sir Robin]

Elite archer/infantry unit huh? From the east? Sounds like it could be a Bosphoran Kingdom unit to me. Something Scythian in origin or influence I would assume.

[Skullheadhq]

Finished greek settlements for the map, some look pretty huge though... What to do next roman or barbaric ones?


The stratmap or the battle map?

[Tux]

Strat...

Or wait that shouldn't be said?!:tongue2:

[Horatius Flaccus]

If it were the settlements on the battle map, they would probably a bit more excited. That would be the single biggest breakthrough in MedII modding.

I would suggest starting with the Roman ones...

[Tux]

Well it's not a priority now(units are) since we can use stuff from RTW as temporary placeholder but for the strat map RTW didn't had anything special and neither EB1, I mean for the settlements.

[satalexton]

Finished greek settlements for the map, some look pretty huge though... What to do next roman or barbaric ones?




I see no difference, I'd rather the team get on with the Persikoi or Keltoi.

[Tux]

This is done by culture and not by faction so those will be represented by a culture group.

[satalexton]

then shudn't there be a keltic culture, native iberian culture, proto-germanic...etc etc? instead of the general 'barbaroi' moshpit?

[Tux]

Yeah I know, thanks to CA I had to use that term.... We cannot create new cultures so we have 7 like in EB1 thus all those you mentioned there are the 'barbaroi' culture.

[Teleklos Archelaou]

We wanted more cultures desperately.

Out of any possible modding changes for M2TW, when modders were asked about it, it was the one thing that I requested:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=82638

Increase Number of Possible Culture Groups (from 7 to maybe 10 or more)

Since it seems like the number of possible cultures is still seven (same as RTW), is there a way to beg for a couple more at least to be added?

For modders, this really would open up big doors. More difference can be created between the ones that are there, for example if the map is expanded a little more to include some other areas, or if the mod is set in RTW-period. Here is how it would greatly help a mod like EB:

We already use all seven cultures, and we **really** get our money's worth from it. Different GUI's for all seven, different town plans, different building types, different sets of family portraits, different types of building graphics that can be used (each culture has its own set). These are extremely important for us - I can't emphasize it enough. They have allowed us to make an eastern greek set that has palms and a mix of eastern and greek portraits and buildings and its own music also, as well as a very innovative nomadic set that is quite different from playing as all other factions in RTW.

If we have an increase in the number of possible factions, we definitely would like to think about options like a Bosphoran kingdom (and nearby rebel sub factions of the same culture) where you have a mix of greek and nomadic elements resulting in their own culture. We would like to think about making our own Indian culture type as well. And a split of the generic barbarian culture type into one of celts vs. germanic/getic. Different music, portraits, GUI's, buildings, and town sets. We would desperately want at least 3 more culture possibilities. We make all of this ourselves though - we just want the door opened for three more. This is very important to us. Something like an 8 or 9 maybe out of 10. It's not do-or-die for us, but it will really make our work a lot more restricted and we might have to throw out a lot of ideas we have.

That's just how it would affect us. I'm sure other modders can use it too, it's just that we seem to push the limits of what is available. Thanks for any consideration of this.

It was passed on to CA and they didn't do jack crap about it. It was the one thing that in my personal opinion would have made modding much more open and varied for us, which is why I didn't give a long list of things, but focused on just one. But who gives a crap about something so simple as changing a single digit in a file somewhere that would have given more culture possibilities. GRRRRRR. Probably the grudge I hold against them the most.

edit: And oh yeah - don't bother with commenting in that thread I linked to above: of course, it's locked.

[abou]

To add on to what Teleklos said, it's been incredibly frustrating. We've spent so much time patting CA's back for making these games, but that can only go on for so long. Even the flooding bug that was present in RTW is still in M2TW, which means what I was hoping to implement has to be represented another way. That's just an indication of laziness on the part of the programmers since doing something as simple as just setting up Bugzilla could have caught such an error.

And then for them to ask us, as modders, what we want in the game only then to completely ignore it? Modding is one of the reason that the TW games are as successful as they are and why they continue to be played long after their release; why someone looking at two strategy games in the store will pick a TW game over another one.

Granted, few games are as moddable as the TW series have been. DooM is one of them, but that was really after iD released the sourcecode. I'm not saying that CA should do that. What I am saying is that CA should live up to its claims as well as be more diligent in fixing bugs. Furthermore, I don't see any reason why M2TW should not still be supported with patches.

[Skullheadhq]

Since when does CA ever listens to fans...

"Celtic now factions have an unique ship icon for the strat with crew, sail, ropes, rows and animal heads in front and back of the hull. -Tux"

[Tux]

Since when does CA ever listens to fans...

"Celtic now factions have an unique ship icon for the strat with crew, sail, ropes, rows and animal heads in front and back of the hull. -Tux"

I know, booring...

Well the problem isn't it that they don't listen the problem is that they've come up with the idea to "listen" to fans/modders requests and do scrap about them.

[bobbin]

"Celtic now factions have an unique ship icon for the strat with crew, sail, ropes, rows and animal heads in front and back of the hull. -Tux"

Sounds nice! :2thumbsup:

CA/Sega can be a real pain sometimes but I guess we should be thankful for them making the games although nowdays I only buy Total war for the mods as the vannila games have become unplayable for me (thank you EB), its the main reason I havent bought ETW yet.

[Skullheadhq]

Yeah MTW was the last total war game where vanilla was fun, and the last one ever to come I guess.

[Tux]

Completely agree, the AI was also chalenging compared to the sequels. Too bad since they had great potential...

[bobbin]

We found evidence for a new Pontic heavy cavalry unit. - Krusader

This very sounds promising, heres hoping it ends up being included!

[Horatius Flaccus]

Just put together a 3000 word history of EB and made some new sig banners for members and former members. - Teleklos

Are we going to read that history soon? :juggle2:

[Teleklos Archelaou]

Maybe - not sure yet.

[Andy1984]

The easiest way to make sure whether we're going to read it is by throwing it on the forum. Any other action would only lead to speculation and even more doubts, which might be confusing.

(... please ... )


:clown:

[Teleklos Archelaou]

I'm writing it out for EB members now. It would take some serious editing to make it public. It might happen, and probably would I would say, but not in the near future. Got to finish it first, then take some bits out before posting it here.

[Tellos Athenaios]

Yeah: going public with those reminiscences would seem kind of a pointless exercise when like 99% of the links and names of lore are invisible/meaningless to the outsiders anyways. I mean, I am a year 4 member and even to me more than half the names are people I never saw -- not even as forum avatars.

[Skullheadhq]

Reworked Roman offices, giving player more control and adding 2 offices. Adoptees and sons-in-law begin w/ cursus honorum traits. - Atilius
Bah! Why waste good EBII time on Romaioi Barbaroi, like anyone is going to play that faction :furious3:


Fnished the new unit cards scenes which are pretty diversified for all the regions with sand, blizzard, grass w/ flowers and so on... -Tux
Whoo this is good news! Great work!:yes:

[Horatius Flaccus]

Reworked Roman offices, giving player more control and adding 2 offices. Adoptees and sons-in-law begin w/ cursus honorum traits. - Atilius

Great! Can't wait to see that!

[Phalanx300]

Romans will not be the only ones with offices anymore - Moros

Great :2thumbsup:!


Fnished the new unit cards scenes which are pretty diversified for all the regions with sand, blizzard, grass w/ flowers and so on... -Tux

So Unit cards will now have a background (based on home land?) instead of just the unit? :2thumbsup:

[Tux]

So Unit cards will now have a background (based on home land?) instead of just the unit? :2thumbsup:
I didn't meant the background but the land they sit on, so for sand(units in desert regions) or snow(sweboz rulzzz) footprints can be noticed or rocks will be present in some of these scenes and neat things like this.

So the grounds now are 3D instead a simple plane like it was in the past or in some cases just a pic was used and the unit was placed on top of it, here's a pic to give a general idea(mesh only the rest is a surprise:P):
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1033/34248161.jpg

However specific faction backgrounds can be added but we haven't checked how it will look.

EDIT:
Imageshack seems to have removed the pic and since I'm too lazy to redo it i'll just post a done one, snow but without the blizzard:
https://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6721/39666763.jpg

EDIT2:
Or not... I'll let it be.~:)

[machinor]

Oh boy! I think I'm going to be too busy just looking at all the beauty in EBII to actually play the game. :beam:

[Martelus Flavius]

Well 35 is the key to correct interpretation! (But where the key should be plugged is up to you!!!)

Regards

Martelvs

[Phalanx300]

I didn't meant the background but the land they sit on, so for sand(units in desert regions) or snow(sweboz rulzzz) footprints can be noticed or rocks will be present in some of these scenes and neat things like this.

So the grounds now are 3D instead a simple plane like it was in the past or in some cases just a pic was used and the unit was placed on top of it, here's a pic to give a general idea(mesh only the rest is a surprise:P):
https://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1033/34248161.jpg

However specific faction backgrounds can be added but we haven't checked how it will look.

Awesome! :2thumbsup:

As the other guy said it will be hard to play EB with all these details everywhere.

EB2 is going to be great! :2thumbsup:

[bobbin]

I can't believe i'm getting all excited by a model of some footprints.:yes:

[Phalanx300]

I can already see that Sweboz Spearmen unit standing there in the snow! :2thumbsup:

[Tux]

I can already see that Sweboz Spearmen unit standing there in the snow! :2thumbsup:
Yeah me too. And other sweboz units on a forest ground with ferns, branches and forest vegetation:grin:

[Phalanx300]

I see, then that means that this could very well be that Scandinavian Spearmen unit! Gaut spearmen or something!

Seeing as not all Germanic units will be pictured with snow and in Scandinavia it can get quite, snowy. :sweatdrop:

[Tux]

Von was zum Teufel sprichst du da?

[Phalanx300]

Von was zum Teufel sprichst du da?

From which devil I am speaking? :dizzy2:

[athanaric]

From which devil I am speaking? :dizzy2:

No. "What the hell are you talking about" is what he asked.

[Tux]

~:)
I didn't understand what you said above...

EDIT:
Exactly!

[Phalanx300]

We have good news:


Hellenistic scout cavalry model finished. It's skinning time. - JMRC


Just finished the steppe settlements, steppe camps are also done w/ yurtas and nomad wagons and horses and other stuff. -Tux

And we have freaking awesome news:


Working on a new preview. Incorporating some jaw-dropping artwork in it, and a pretty fun contest too. -Praetor-

[Horatius Flaccus]

Yay, a preview and a contest :2thumbsup:

[machinor]

Fantastic! Judging from the increased frequency of the previews it would seem that things are moving forward quite well. :2thumbsup:

[Tux]

Fantastic! Judging from the increased frequency of the previews it would seem that things are moving forward quite well. :2thumbsup:
Not really... Things are moving slow compared back to EB, we're just people short and especially in the modeling and skinning department.

And by people short I mean the guys who do the work...

[Horatius Flaccus]

And by people short I mean the guys who do the work...

:clown:

Well, I'm trying to learn some skinning myself. I made my first shield yesterday... :shame:

[-Praetor-]

Yay, a preview and a contest :2thumbsup:

It is a contest within a preview.

And it's got a prize! :yes:

No, it's not cake. :shame:

[Skullheadhq]

No cake? :disappointed:


The map is being finalized...will be different enough from EB1 map, provincewise - Krusader


Whohooo, great news!

[The General]

Can't wait for ze new preview... Would be cool if we could see ze new strat map innit.


Oh it's infantry alright. Elite armoured infantry with bow and longsword, would that make a good unit you think?

I'm late as heeeeelll, but for archers, spears are always better. Better defence against cavalry, and I engage my archers in mêlée very, very, very rarely; only in the most desperate situations, so those swords (wee better against infantry) will just be less useful.

[Phalanx300]

It is a contest within a preview.

And it's got a prize! :yes:

No, it's not cake. :shame:

What kind of price? :clown:

[Iron Fist]

Who knows..... but I wonder, when will the preview come out? I hope that will come during this week.

[-Praetor-]

What kind of price?

It will be detailed in due time. :grin:


but I wonder, when will the preview come out? I hope that will come during this week.

Maybe... maybe not.:beam: Stay tunned!:2thumbsup:

[Skullheadhq]

It will be detailed in due time. :grin:



Maybe... maybe not.:beam: Stay tunned!:2thumbsup:

Ehh, they don't give us cake, but they said nothing about chocolate cookies! :clown:
Tuned as ever.

[satalexton]

NO! THE CAEK IS A LIE! :clown:

[HunGeneral]

These are wonderfull news - another EB II preview:2thumbsup:
and thoose 3d unit card grounds look great:yes:

I'm already planning to buy MedII with Kingdoms (but haven't been able to find it any videogameshop I know:wall: - well maybe they'l load up in fall and winter:sweatdrop:)

As always I wish good luck to the EB team for there great project :beam:

[moonburn]

i bet the prize is being a beta tester to eb2 or maybe a tester to the introduction campaign as people said it´s almost finished:laugh4:

[-Praetor-]

i bet the prize is being a beta tester to eb2 or maybe a tester to the introduction campaign as people said it´s almost finished:laugh4:

Our betatester elections are ruled by criteria way more careful than a mere contest.

[Skullheadhq]

Our betatester elections are ruled by criteria way more careful than a mere contest.

Gah no cake and no betatesting :disappointed:
A exclusive ""I Won in teh Contest" signature? Only time will tell...

[-Praetor-]

Stay tunned!

Stay very attentive now.

[Iron Fist]

I hear it coming, seriously. It's far away, but I can hear it.

[Skullheadhq]

I can hear the preview, like the subway in the tunnel

[Christianus]

BANG! Hit by the train! Amazing how much members on this forum know about ancient military equipment, looking at the answers from the quiz:) Seem like we aint gonna wait forever for even more:p

[-Praetor-]

:bump:

[DaciaJC]

"Treat for you guys today: EBII Hellenistic elite infantry standard bearer as illustrated by Merlkir."

http://img33.yfrog.com/img33/6012/00501782009.jpg

[Horatius Flaccus]

:dizzy2:

Amazing!

[abou]

Yeah, it turned out pretty well, didn't it?

[Christianus]

I wouldn`t have him in my phalanx. Too skinny...
But good art:p

[-Praetor-]

http://www.ecartelera.com/images/noticias/fotos/4600/4624/1.jpg

He was skinny too.

[DaciaJC]

I wouldn`t have him in my phalanx. Too skinny...
But good art:p

He doesn't much look like a phalangite, anyway; I'm guessing Hypaspistai or Peltastai Makedonikoi.

[antisocialmunky]

He kinda looks like the caveman from the Geico comercials.

"Its so easy even a Makedonian can do it!"

"I've got good news. I just saved a bunch of mnai on my hippo insurance by switching to Greco."

:)

[V.T. Marvin]

My guess is that he is a Baktrian. :inquisitive:A very nice picture anyway! :2thumbsup:

[The General]

Pretty damn sweet picture.

[mountaingoat]

awesome pic

[-Praetor-]

He doesn't much look like a phalangite, anyway; I'm guessing Hypaspistai or Peltastai Makedonikoi.

What is he carrying on his left hand?

[DaciaJC]

Er... a standard, which is in his hand.

Oh... that shield strapped to his right arm. :shame:

[bobbin]

Whats that strange cup object? Aside from being a cup obviously.

[mountaingoat]

wine cup ... to have a nice drink after the battle ..

[-Praetor-]

Er... a standard, which is in his hand.

Oh... that shield strapped to his right arm. :shame:

I was addressing your question whether he was a Phalangite, Hypaspist or Peltastai Makedonikoi.

If he has a standard, he is a standard bearer.

Regarding the shield on his right, the image was mirrored because of another detail (originally he had its shield on his left as it should be). It can be excused because the phalangite is not represented on a combat stance, and is resting (having a sip as you can see :grin:). Thus, he might have found more comfortable to have the heavy shield in his stronger right arm while his sword is sheathed.

[Phalanx300]

"Treat for you guys today: EBII Hellenistic elite infantry standard bearer as illustrated by Merlkir."

http://img33.yfrog.com/img33/6012/00501782009.jpg

Nice picture. :2thumbsup:

Now where is the Spartan already. :whip:

[Ca Putt]

awesome!

so he's for all helenic elite infantry? like not only hypaspists but also spartans, Chalkaspides TABs and those bactrian noble hoplites(oh and all much more obvious units ;) )

[APX]

Grand! Baktrian?


I'm not sure exactly. Might be Baktrian, could be Seleucid. :oops:


Merlkir said this when asked about the picture on the Mount&Blade forums which he frequents.

[abou]

I wouldn`t have him in my phalanx. Too skinny...
But good art:pSo, tell me, how much do you know about the diet of the average person in the Hellenistic era? Because, by your standards, you would have about ten guys in your phalanx.

[antisocialmunky]

Fat phalangites. Now we know why phalanxes were so missile resistent...

[Christianus]

So, tell me, how much do you know about the diet of the average person in the Hellenistic era? Because, by your standards, you would have about ten guys in your phalanx.

Whats up with people taking offence for the skinny comment? You never saw Conan the Barbarian?
But your right abou, by my standards far to much food to build legionary muscles:p
The roman legionaries after Marius carried their own corn. Dont know much about how the greek army rations. Would like to be enlightened. Ancient soldiers usually ate very little meat (except Conan), no potatoes, and many vegetables hadnt come from the Americas yet. Read somewhere that gladiators in Ephesos were vegetarians!!!

The ancient statues show muscular men usually. But the hellenistic compared to the classic and roman statues are usualy skinnier. However, no proof of how people realy looked, just the ideals.

[abou]

Err... Roman statues were usually copies of Hellenistic ones. And a the diet of the average Roman soldier would have been the same as a Hellenistic soldier: bread.

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Wait, I thought all Romans had beer bellies and wore bronze cuirasses? Isn't just the Proconsul of Judaea that did it?

Typical Roman on the left:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ee/Asterixcover-10.jpg

[Christianus]

abou: many roman statues were copies of hellenistic and classical sculpture. For example the statue of Augustus in Prima Porta adapted from the classical bronze statue Doryphoros, to carry Augustus message of a new age with him as Princeps. But also the romans had their own, and they adapted their own styles. Usually this was part of imperial propaganda, were Augustus is portrayed as muscular, compared to how he probably realy was; skinny. Also the romans compared to the greek helenistic statues specially during republican times, tried to portray people realistic; old people with wrencles.

And to eat bread, you need corn. The legionaries carried corn, not bread.

[abou]

abou: many roman statues were copies of hellenistic and classical sculpture. For example the statue of Augustus in Prima Porta adapted from the classical bronze statue Doryphoros, to carry Augustus message of a new age with him as Princeps. But also the romans had their own, and they adapted their own styles. Usually this was part of imperial propaganda, were Augustus is portrayed as muscular, compared to how he probably realy was; skinny. Also the romans compared to the greek helenistic statues specially during republican times, tried to portray people realistic; old people with wrencles.Yeah, of course the Romans have their own. I don't have four books on Greek and Roman art and took a graduate-level course in the subject to not know that. Roman Verism, has often been hypothesized as being overdone - overemphasizing wrinkles and scarring - whereas Hellenistic Verism, a departure from the perfection of the Hellenistic era, tends for the more dramatic.

That being said, a lot of surviving Roman artwork have been shown to be copies of Hellenistic ones.


And to eat bread, you need corn. The legionaries carried corn, not bread.And your point is?

[Christianus]

Err... Roman statues were usually copies of Hellenistic ones. And a the diet of the average Roman soldier would have been the same as a Hellenistic soldier: bread.

Roman soldiers carried their corn to eat bread (at least after Marius), they didn`t carry bread.
All roman staues werent copies of the helenistic ones. The romans copied classical and hellenistic staues on grand scales. But many were also adaptions from hellenistic and classical sculpures. For example Augustus portrayed in Prima porta, as an adaption from the greek bronze Doryphoros. In Doryphoros the message is probably of an athlete were the artist wants to portray the ideal male beauty. In Prima Porta this ideal beauty of Doryphoros embodied in the emperor Augustus, is part of imperial symbolism in Augustus new era of the principate, and it contains symbols on the cuircass of for example the parthians delivering the lost legionary standards of Crassus back to the romans. Its also easy to see that the romans had their own styles as one can see how it changes through the centuries. From a mild and "populares" look during the early pricipate, to a more brutal military look during the Severans. The romans also did something the hellenistic greeks didnt, they showed old people with wrencles, some to give an image of long traditions were an old wrencly man shows his ancestors deathmasks. Also statues of old beggars, not idealised at all.
Btw, I don`t think you know anything of my standards, so its redicilous to comment on them.
The picture was very well made, and good piece of art.

[abou]

Actually, I would love to hear about your "standards" (do you mean credentials?). Because considering the level of crap we've gotten from posters both here and at TWC (particularly on a recent thread concerning hoplites) I want to make sure that:

1. I'm not patronizing you by talking down to you
or
2. You're not just reading Wikipedia

[Christianus]

Im a huge fan of EB, and its the only thing I play on the computers, but its members seem to be a bit patronizing. I have huge respect for your work indeed! I think the EB team is more into discussing University style cause of the level of education probably. But beeing nice aint gonna make the mod less popular! Like you saying between the lines that im reading wikipedia. This aint the Uni. Im now starting my masters degree in history, but am too boored to keep discussions on the forum, I write enough at my studies.
OK, enough of my spam.

[abou]

No, dude, if you study history that is :daisy: awesome. That means we can have a discussion that isn't simply comprised of people pulling things out of the air.

[Christianus]

"Making good progress with the CUF file format: perhaps we'll see custom Europa Barbarorum II fonts in the future! -Tellos Athenaios."

Does this mean we will have greek letters as well as latin letters on some things? :p

[DaciaJC]

Strat map ship models are being made and looking beautiful. - Krusader 4:25 PM Aug 19th from web

Drapanai model got finished which has some unique touches than the other getai models. -Tux 12:32 AM Aug 21st from web

Gah! Lemme see, lemme SEE! :beam:

Finalized concept of the first Arabian unit, which is about to be modelled. - Moros 5:33 PM Aug 21st from web

Completed the high poly Hjortspring boat model for the UI picture which will also be used to create the fleet icon, next skinning it. -Tux 2:58 AM Aug 25th from web

Making good progress with the CUF file format: perhaps we'll see custom Europa Barbarorum II fonts in the future! -Tellos Athenaios. about 23 hours ago from web

:2thumbsup:

[Tellos Athenaios]

"Making good progress with the CUF file format: perhaps we'll see custom Europa Barbarorum II fonts in the future! -Tellos Athenaios."

Does this mean we will have greek letters as well as latin letters on some things? :p

One of the possibilities. There are theoretically 65535 characters or so possible in the CUF file format (but actually 65534 due to a bug in the M2TW engine when it encounters NULL characters so while you could include that as a meaningful character in the CUF File you can't use it because the game will act funny).

Although it is more likely that whatever conversion/editing tools I come up with will be used to get rid of the “Medieval looking” fonts in favour of others that look better in a mod about antiquity.

[Tux]

I don't think I've said that this was done:
https://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7238/29612628.jpg
https://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2344/20505356.jpg
Note. It's still an WIP.

What may this be?

[Phalanx300]

Awesome a Germanic Spearmen :2thumbsup:! I hope I'm right with my earlier prediction of them being previewed after the Romans! :sweatdrop:

Though if you guys do the Chatti Proven Spearmen again, I've read this book that they wouldn't actually cut their beirds but remove the hair in front of their front face(front head, upper face or however you call it). Or just making a ponytail of some sort. And the book then calls a number of examples saying such portrayals of apparantly Chatti exist. (Though some might very well have cut of the beird)

Unit diversity is going to be great! :2thumbsup:

[Tux]

Wrong guess.:tongue2: The detail is too much for an normal unit model, no more tips from now.

[Moros]

Oh, oh oh teach, ask me, ask me teach, I know, oh, oh teach, I know it teach, pick me, pick me, teach, come on, ask me, ask me!

[Tux]

Oh, oh oh teach, ask me, ask me teach, I know, oh, oh teach, I know it teach, pick me, pick me, teach, come on, ask me, ask me!
Gah! You're driking again without me?! Shame on you...:tongue2:

[Bucefalo]

Those incisives are impressing indeed... could he be a relative to Vlad the Impaler?:idea2:

[bobbin]

I'm guessing a model for new family member portraits?

I have also been drinking, but probably slightly less than moros.

[Tux]

I'm guessing a model for new family member portraits?

I have also been drinking, but probably slightly less than moros.
Yes that too.~:)

Heh I think many would have troubles drinking more than him...

[Moros]

Is it really that wierd to start drinking while having your breakfast?
If that's the case maybe I do have a problem...

[bobbin]

Yes that too.~:) I'm confused does that mean i was wrong? If I was then the only other thing I can think of is its a model for videos ie campaign, faction..etc


Is it really that wierd to start drinking while having your breakfast?
If that's the case maybe I do have a problem...
Depends on the drink, orange juice wouldn't be a problem:tongue2:

[Tux]

I'm confused does that mean i was wrong? If I was then the only other thing I can think of is its a model for videos ie campaign, faction..etc

Yes.:no: But maybe my words confused you, I meant not individual soldiers in the unit which are composed by parts but someone special in it...

I think I said more than was needed.~:) Since if it was only for what you meant I would have made the beard of individual hair lines and not on.

[bobbin]

Ahhh so a standard bearer or general then thats is quite an impressive level of detail, now i can gaze proudly at my mighty generals teeth while he smashes the enemies out!:laugh4:

[Tux]

Bingo.:grin:

He's scabbard:
https://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2086/87319274.jpg

No more eye candy for now.:tongue2:

[Horatius Flaccus]

Excellent stuff, Tux!

[DaciaJC]

No more eye candy for now.:tongue2:

~:mecry:

I'd give anything* to see that Drapanai model...





*terms and conditions apply

[Alsatia]

Oh, Just beautiful.


Also, I don't think you'll extract that model off them, no matter how drunk they are.

[Tux]

Well as I am a little drunk I'll just show a sneak peak at it with the falxes and a part of the headwear.

https://a.imagehost.org/0337/p12.jpg
https://a.imagehost.org/0248/p15.jpg
https://a.imagehost.org/0866/p17.jpg

EDiT:

Ohh yeah, dance like a chicken.:grin:

[DaciaJC]

~:thumb:~:thumb:~:thumb:

Aw, what the heck, be showered with balloons! :balloon2::balloon2::balloon2:


Attempting to dance like a chicken.... now

:trytofly:


Oh, right. Will there be multiple versions of the falx within a unit of Drapanai?

[Tux]

Yeah, why do you think I made so many?!~:)

[DaciaJC]

:jawdrop:

Here, be suffocated smothered (wouldn't do well at all to kill you, of course) under the weight of all these balloons! ...2.0 x 10^3 :balloon2:s.

[Bucefalo]

This is pure
http://static.gpicon.org/pub/img/awesomeness.jpg
:2thumbsup:

[DaciaJC]

Getikoi Hippotoxotai is using the new bowman animation with the draw and bowstring anims included. Great skins by Gustave. - JMRC8:00 AM Sep 10th from web

Getic Komatai javelinmen and archer integrated in the build. - JMRC4:45 PM Sep 8th from web

I sense a Getai preview in the works... :beam:

[bobbin]

Hopefully so! although the next one will be another Romani one apparantly.

We're preparing the next preview with roman units. Summer vacations have delayed this a bit, but we hope to release it very soon.

[machinor]

"Preview with Roman units" is not the same as "Roman Units Preview". Maybe we'll see legionaires getting sliced into little pieces by falxes. ~:)

[HunGeneral]

I wonder how that new bowman animation will be like...


"Preview with Roman units" is not the same as "Roman Units Preview". Maybe we'll see legionaires getting sliced into little pieces by falxes. ~:)

That would really be a site worth watching:yes:

[bobbin]

I wonder how that new bowman animation will be like...

Its already been shown in previous previews videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVZC8sf1qWU&feature=channel_page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk0IWT9QUgg&feature=channel

[The General]

And the Getai keep on getting teh love:

"A getai heavy skirmisher is finished as well. More great skins by Gustave. - JMRC"

I do not mind this at all, no sir.

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

... And it sounds like there is a Getai preview on the making if this continues.

[HunGeneral]

Its already been shown in previous previews videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVZC8sf1qWU&feature=channel_page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk0IWT9QUgg&feature=channel


Woops - must have forgotten that I saw them:shame:

[Bucefalo]

Woops - must have forgotten that I saw them:shame:

Madness! How could you ever forget a EB II preview? They haunt me almost every night, such is their awesomeness. :beam:

[-Praetor-]

I wonder how that new bowman animation will be like...


There are various bowman animations (at least four): Two "western" (one with a right-sided quiver and one with a left-sided quiver), where the bowman pulls the string to his chest, and two "eastern" (one left and one right) where the bowman pulls the string to his cheek.

Not counting the horse archer animations, still to do.

[Ludens]

There are various bowman animations (at least four): Two "western" (one with a right-sided quiver and one with a left-sided quiver), where the bowman pulls the string to his chest, and two "eastern" (one left and one right) where the bowman pulls the string to his cheek.

Now that's the thing we love about EB. The level of, and attention to, detail.
~:thumb:

[DaciaJC]

Now that's the thing we love about EB. The level of, and attention to, detail.
~:thumb:

Quite so. :2thumbsup:

[HunGeneral]

Madness! How could you ever forget a EB II preview? They haunt me almost every night, such is their awesomeness. :beam:

I wouldn't have believed it to be possible myself:sweatdrop:, but it could have something to do with tha fact that I haven't had a dream while asleep since years and above all that I always plan my EB (I) campaings if I start thinking on EB in general ... (can only play EB on two days in a week if at all:thumbsdown:)


There are various bowman animations (at least four): Two "western" (one with a right-sided quiver and one with a left-sided quiver), where the bowman pulls the string to his chest, and two "eastern" (one left and one right) where the bowman pulls the string to his cheek.

Not counting the horse archer animations, still to do.

:jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop: (I'm out of words - that sounds really great.)


Now that's the thing we love about EB. The level of, and attention to, detail.
~:thumb:

I agree - EB is the synonim for historical accuracy and detail in the TW world:2thumbsup:

ALL HAIL THE EB TEAM:knight::knight::knight::knight:

[DaciaJC]

Finished the skin for an elite spearman unit which is also my first unit skin w/ beards, scars and neat stuff. Next the drapanai. -Tux 4:32 PM Sep 18th from web

We will be able to see scars on the faces of individual soldiers? :dizzy2:

Keep up the good work, matey! :2thumbsup:

[Tux]

Well I don't know exactly as they weren't implemented in the build yet but since it's my first unit, model and skin, I'll show you a sneak peak at it:

A version of it:
https://h.imagehost.org/0555/p2.jpg

Scar:
https://h.imagehost.org/0677/p1.jpg

[Skullheadhq]

They look nice, great work!
Also, the flowery base is great as well.

PS: I'm already working so I can get a processor awesome enough to play this on high settings ;)

[The General]

Nice models, very nice - even the aforementioned flowery base looks good! :yes:

I like the look of the scar, and the expression on his face looks, uhm, do pardon me, in the lack of a better word cool.

The shield's of curious size though... A bit smallish for a close combat warrior, one'd think, yet he holds his spear as a thrusting spear (and the spearhead is large). Cuuuriouss...

[Tux]

He likes to show he's clothing that's why.:tongue2:

And yeah they must look pissed a little and that's what I did.

[antisocialmunky]

Those are very nice, though I'm kinda disturbed by that bulge at the spearman's crotch :-p.

Keep up the good work!

[DaciaJC]

Is it just me, or does the top spearman's face bear an uncanny resemblance to that of Sean Penn in Dead Man Walking?

http://media.entertainment.sky.com/image/unscaled/2009/2/16/Dead-Man-Walking-04.jpg

Anyway, your work looks marvelous, Tux. Could you possibly hint at which faction has access to this spearman?

[Phalanx300]

Looks great, though as others said the shield is a bit on the small size. :sweatdrop:

And thats the elite unit?

[athanaric]

Anyway, your work looks marvelous, Tux. Could you possibly hint at which faction has access to this spearman?

To judge from the looks of units in EB I, I'd say the spearman could be from the Getai unit roster (Thraikioi Doryphoroi?). His shield looks a bit like those of the Phylakes Daoi...

[DaciaJC]

The Traikioi Doryphoroi are essentially levies, and this is supposed to be an elite unit.

I agree, though, that the shield design somewhat resembles that of the Getic bodyguards.

[athanaric]

The Traikioi Doryphoroi are essentially levies, and this is supposed to be an elite unit.


Provided it actually is the elite unit. Because that's not entirely clear from Tux's post (IMO), plus the unit's attire is a bit simple for an elite unit, as Phalanx already seems to have implied.
That said, I know very little about Dacians and their customs, so perhaps I misjudged the unit based on its looks.

[Tux]

antisocialmunky I still have to redo the weightings of the unit as there were some technical problems with it. But still that's where you like to look at?:tongue2:

As for the guys face it's an guy from the band Charger:
https://a.imagehost.org/t/0978/Untitled-1_4.jpg (https://a.imagehost.org/view/0978/Untitled-1_4)
And using that I made this:
https://h.imagehost.org/t/0254/Untitled-1.jpg (https://h.imagehost.org/view/0254/Untitled-1)

Anyhow he does resembles Sean Penn.~:)

I have nothing more to say from now on.:grin:

[Bucefalo]

Those faces look almost as it was a real photo, amazing to see how much the M2TW engine is being exploited. :2thumbsup:

I just hope you don´t decide to base any unit face in Michael Jackson, please...

[-Praetor-]

I just hope you don´t decide to base any unit face in Michael Jackson, please...

Not for an unit, that's for sure. We have a "Priest of Moloc" ancilliary though...

[DaciaJC]

Don't worry, we'll pump you for some more information once we're done digesting what you've already given us. :grin2:

Really, I appreciate your many sneak-peaks. They help me imagine how far EBII can expand from EBI. Do keep it up!

[The General]

antisocialmunky I still have to redo the weightings of the unit as there were some technical problems with it. But still that's where you like to look at?:tongue2:

As for the guys face it's an guy from the band Charger:
https://a.imagehost.org/t/0978/Untitled-1_4.jpg (https://a.imagehost.org/view/0978/Untitled-1_4)
And using that I made this:
https://h.imagehost.org/t/0254/Untitled-1.jpg (https://h.imagehost.org/view/0254/Untitled-1)

Anyhow he does resembles Sean Penn.~:)

I have nothing more to say from now on.:grin:

Hahah, if you're using people from bands you ought to use Johan Hegg (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=Johan+Hegg) for the Sweboz. :laugh4:

Ahh, how doth I coveth his beard. It's too bad I've inherited genes for beardlessness from what it seems... *rubs his hairless chin*

[Tux]

Yeah I know.:tongue2:

He's in my face database.

[Phalanx300]

http://www.zwaardvechten.nl/content.php?option=viewitem&id=761

(click on foto)

You can do anything with his beard for a Germanic unit? :2thumbsup:

[Tux]

Only if the picture was bigger...:no: Anyway I'm thinking of creating a thread were everyone can post the faces they would wish to see in EB2's units.

This would help us, artists, since we wouldn't lose time searching for useful pics however I would need a volunteer to coordonate the thread. But if no one volunteers then no problem I'll just drop this idea.~:)

[DaciaJC]

I would be entirely glad to volunteer my own face. Are you in need of someone with a full crop of peachfuzz? :clown:

[A Very Super Market]

Actually, that wouldn't be too out of place for some Barbarian skirmishers. Or hell, psiloi

[JMRC]

The shield's of curious size though... A bit smallish for a close combat warrior, one'd think, yet he holds his spear as a thrusting spear (and the spearhead is large). Cuuuriouss...

Before too much confusion is settled, let me point out a few things:

- the shield doesn't look from the getai... :juggle2:
- the unit is rendered in a spearmen animation, but it may not be its final animation family
- elite units don't require large amounts of armour and/or oversized shields; the elite status is given mostly by their martial skill or fanaticism during battle.

[-Praetor-]

(...) the elite status is given mostly by their martial skill or fanaticism during battle.

...or extensive experience in tribal warfare and skirmishes. :yes:

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Yay for another barbarian unit that can be quickly slaughtered by javelins.

[Smeel]

...or extensive experience in tribal warfare and skirmishes. :yes:
...or being filthy rich, buying the best armor.
(wasn't this the main reason? Allmost all elite units i've know of has been composed by nobles etc etc.)

[Tux]

I would be entirely glad to volunteer my own face. Are you in need of someone with a full crop of peachfuzz? :clown:
~:) But what about to volunteer to manage the thread apart from that...

[Phalanx300]

Before too much confusion is settled, let me point out a few things:

- the shield doesn't look from the getai... :juggle2:
- the unit is rendered in a spearmen animation, but it may not be its final animation family
- elite units don't require large amounts of armour and/or oversized shields; the elite status is given mostly by their martial skill or fanaticism during battle.

Yes it does look like a shield you guys would give an Germanic soldier and the rest of the equipment as well.

Seeing Germanics were Iron-Poor this may very well be a Germanic elite, then again the Germanic elite Bodyguard were known as Long Haired Companions. :sweatdrop:

[Gustave]

Only if the picture was bigger...:no: Anyway I'm thinking of creating a thread were everyone can post the faces they would wish to see in EB2's units.

This would help us, artists, since we wouldn't lose time searching for useful pics however I would need a volunteer to coordonate the thread. But if no one volunteers then no problem I'll just drop this idea.~:)

I agree with you, good idea !

[Ludens]

...or being filthy rich, buying the best armor.
(wasn't this the main reason? Allmost all elite units i've know of has been composed by nobles etc etc.)

There is some truth in this, but wealth alone does not a good warrior make. Often, nobles would have such wealth and status because they were leading warriors, not the other way round.

You needed to be very rich to afford the best cataphract armour, but you needed to be very fit to use it.

[Phalanx300]

Seems like it was a Getai unit afterall, and it seems it wasn't an elite unit either:


Early and Late versions of a getai spearman are in the build and a light cavalryman is also finished by Gustave. Tux made the models. - JMRC

[Gustave]

No, they are 2 different units.

[DaciaJC]

Seems like it was a Getai unit afterall, and it seems it wasn't an elite unit either:

Hmm, sounds like the Dacian light/heavy phalanx. :2thumbsup:

[Vasiliyi]

you can go ahead and use my face as a unit... I dont quite have a full beard, but theres something..

I posted a picture of me wearing Chain mail that ive made in the Main EB subforum, If your interested. Id be honored..

[DaciaJC]

Working on the Hoplite overhand animations now.10 done, 52 still to do.Trying to do this fast, to begin with the gladius anims ASAP. Praetor - about 1 hour ago from web

Nice to hear! Take as much time as you need, though (this is for EBII in general). I don't see any need to rush.

[Phalanx300]

Thats great! Does that mean we will have 52 animations in EB2?

And for the Hoplite formation, basicly it should look like here on 3:54 :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkEO1NpSyQ8&feature=channel_page

They shouldn't move their shield away when stabbing.

[antisocialmunky]

It would also be nice if you made hoplites so they didn't do that slow weird power stab and instead do a quick little straight line strikes like the guy at 3:54.

[-Praetor-]

Thats great! Does that mean we will have 52 animations in EB2?


Not really. Erm, let me explain.

A hoplite animation is not a single animation, it's a family of animations. This family of animations is composed of several (normaly several dozens) of animations that are each used by the soldier every time he stabs, walks, runs, covers, retreats, advances, taunts, celebrates, dies, scratches his arse, etc.

And there's also the transitional animations, which are when the hoplite passes from running to walking (and viceversa), running to charge (and vv.), standing idle to standing guard (and vv.), standing guard to advance (and vv.), standing guard to retreat (and vv.), etc.

So, when you start customizing an animation to be used by a single type of warrior, i.e. the hoplite, considering his long spear and his very wide shield, you have to change quite a broad range of animations inside that animation family to avoid jumps and glitches.

Hence, 52 animations means 52 animations *inside* the hoplite animation family.

[-Praetor-]

For instance, some animations needed for the hoplite are:

Retreat (stand-alone):
https://h.imagehost.org/0856/retreat.gif

Retreat to ready (transition):
https://h.imagehost.org/0717/retreattoready.gif

Charge to ready (transition):
https://h.imagehost.org/0616/chargetoready.gif

[machinor]

I could watch the retreat animation for hours and hours. ~:) Great stuff!!

[antisocialmunky]

Wow, those are wonderful especially the retreat one. The low camera angle on the bottom one makes him look like he's skipping. All wonderful.

[DaciaJC]

I could watch the retreat animation for hours and hours. ~:) Great stuff!!

Indeed. However, I notice in the animations that the hoplite is carrying both a dory spear and a sword in the same [right] hand. Is this intentional?

[-Praetor-]

The low camera angle on the bottom one makes him look like he's skipping.

That was the idea. Nice.:yes:


Indeed. However, I notice in the animations that the hoplite is carrying both a dory spear and a sword in the same [right] hand. Is this intentional?

Ah, I forgot to delete the sword when doing the preview. The fact is that the model holds both primary and secondary weapons, every time. When the skin is applied to the model, the alpha channel virtually "deletes" the secondary weapon, or the primary depending which one the soldier wants to use, by making it transparent.

So don't worry, he will only hold the spear during battle.

[The General]

For instance, some animations needed for the hoplite are:

Retreat (stand-alone):
https://h.imagehost.org/0856/retreat.gif[/IMG]

As others have said, that animation is just beautiful. :2thumbsup:

How do you get guys to retreat by the way?

[Tellos Athenaios]

It's part of the game. Literally.
AFAIK the retreat formation kicks in e.g. when a soldier retreats back into formation if he pushed too far ahead from his own unit which is set to guard mode.

[Phalanx300]

Whoh thats great!

And yeah as the other said you can now slowly retreat your units without showing your back? That would be a mayor breakthrough if so. :sweatdrop:

Perhaps you guys can use these videos made by the Spartiatikes Mores Reenactment group, they know their stuff and their Phalanx impression looks the most realistic so far:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHZt5kpN8T8&feature=player_embedded

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2XLKmWAXyk&feature=related

[Horatius Flaccus]

Amazing animations! :2thumbsup:

[The General]

It's part of the game. Literally.
AFAIK the retreat formation kicks in e.g. when a soldier retreats back into formation if he pushed too far ahead from his own unit which is set to guard mode.

Dang. I hoped that there was a retreat order that I just had somehow managed to miss. Oh well.

[antisocialmunky]

Neato. Here's thought: There's like a little victory animation that plays for about 1 second when soldiers take a city square or kill all the enemies in a siege battle.(most common occurence of the animation playing) Perhaps you could spice it up abit :).

[-Praetor-]

Neato. Here's thought: There's like a little victory animation that plays for about 1 second when soldiers take a city square or kill all the enemies in a siege battle.(most common occurence of the animation playing) Perhaps you could spice it up abit :).

What does the soldier do? I don't remember.

[Tellos Athenaios]

Oh you can manually specify that certain units must retreat with Ctrl+W/flag button.

[Darius]

I'd just be happy happy for a "fall back in formation" order, but alas they only know how to expose themselves to attack from the rear every time.

[Ludens]

What does the soldier do? I don't remember.

Stab with their weapons towards the sky. On the interface, the unit activity is listed as "celebrating". Soldiers with two-handed weapons are more passive in their celebration.


Oh you can manually specify that certain units must retreat with Ctrl+W/flag button.

But that's simply marching away. He's asking for a fighting-retreat button.

[Christianus]

I suggest longer "celebrations". More roaring and cheering:D

[Phalanx300]

Getic light cavalry is finished and integrated in the build. - JMRC

I gues we know for sure now which faction will be next previewed. :sweatdrop:

Anyways, I'm wondering if there is any chance the Batavians will be in as a unit perhaps?

[-Praetor-]

Not in the first release, that's for sure. In the next release perhaps, I dunno.

[antisocialmunky]

What does the soldier do? I don't remember.

I think they just pump their arms in the air and look up.

[-Praetor-]

And what else do you want them to do? Dance Samba? :beam: