Occultus and the hidden Factions (Discussion)

[Alsatia]

If you've been going through The EB forums, you'll find a few EB members with an Occultus sig on them. They seem to show a design for one of the new factions. I have made this thread to discuss what they could be. The EB team will probably will not give us a fresh stele if we get it right.

Here are some of the Occultus sigs.

https://img154.imageshack.us/img154/1046/logosecret5sk0.jpg
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9154/logosecret7.jpg
https://img376.imageshack.us/img376/2002/logosecret2d5cf.jpg
https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7642/logo2occultus2.jpg

[Tellos Athenaios]

Actual code from the new EB Website; which may help you understand EB better:


if(! ($testmode || isFlagTrue($ps,'complete'))) {
redirect('occultus_error','url');
return false;
}

[oudysseos]

Good luck with that. The new faction sigs are very well obscured: if you actually get one right I'll give you a lollipop.

[Skullheadhq]

All is cloudy

[lenin96]

Hmmm... in Oudysseos' Occultus signature picture you can notice something which look like someones shoulders, and you can see armour on them. Bosphorans? A Steppe faction?

[Martelus Flavius]

Bosphorans? A Steppe faction?

Nope, I wouldn't say so, or well maybe right!

But if you observe better you can see a red backgroud with golden emblem... Isn't Red the color of a imperialist faction? And what about its golden emblem?

And it is not, as we were not perfidious enough to redraw allready known faction emblem and cover them with the occultus label! (But as said we are not like that!)

Well you'll excuse me but I have a very passionating lake sediment to study...

Regards

Martelvs

[bobbin]

Hmmm... in Oudysseos' Occultus signature picture you can notice something which look like someones shoulders, and you can see armour on them. Bosphorans? A Steppe faction?

I'm thinking it looks more like scales a dragon maybe?, definatley something serpentine..

Edit: the bosphorian kingdom tended to depict gryphons on thier coins so it could be that.

[Ca Putt]

could you add the known occultus sigs to your first post? that would be rather practical for anyone who is keen on de-occulting them^^

I agree that definately looks like reptile scales and the shape could be a snake.

Ps: we know we won't find them out too easily but were keen to guess, like John Cleese in the cheese shop :P

[bobbin]

Also i just realised I've been calling it the Bosphorian Kingdom instead of the Bosporan Kingdom, my bad.

[Skullheadhq]

Why does the factions have to remain a secret, It's driving me crazy and made me order M2TW: Gold Edition!

[Martelus Flavius]

Why does the factions have to remain a secret, It's driving me crazy and made me order M2TW: Gold Edition!

It is likely that the answer to your question lies in your statement!

Regards

Martel

[Skullheadhq]

Thanks to EB Creative Assembly gets through this economic crisis:laugh4:

[Cyclops]

Alsatia wasn't Cheez-Wizzery mentioned as a possible outcome if you did this? You are a brave man.


Good luck with that. The new faction sigs are very well obscured: if you actually get one right I'll give you a lollipop.

I heard that you guys have produced over 100 new occultus sigs, each a micro-shade lighter and less obscured than the last, which you are introducing as the faction release dates approach, perfectly designed so they become legible the exact day the next stele arrives.

Now I think there is a clue in Martelus Flavius post: he says he is studying lake sediment. This is so unlikely that I consider it a taunt, if not an outright clue. Let us probe further...

Now a pool is a small lake. What is the Latin word for pool? Lacuna. Now lacuna can also mean a gap. What do they sell at the Gap? Pants. And pants have pockets. What else has pockets? A snooker table. And what colour is the chalk on a snookier cue? Blue, like the sky. And what do we find in the sky? Star signs...and following on from the clue about the lake, its probably Pisces (or Acquarius, or Capricorn or even Libra but lets not get carried away, I think its clear he means Pisces).

So I feel theres a clear indication the occultus faction was founded by a leader whose star sign was (probably) Pisces, or otherwise was some kind of goat-bodied sea creature. I think we all know who that is, I mean I don't have to spell it out for you do I?

[Urg]

Hahaha. You're funny.

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

There's no secret it will be a nomadic faction - there's no great use of scales West of the Steppes, never mind scale sleeves.

[Cyclops]

There's no secret it will be a nomadic faction - there's no great use of scales West of the Steppes, never mind scale sleeves.

Have you read the Calawre description on the loading screens? Has a bit to say about scales IIRC...

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

These are bronze or leather scales from a sleeveless coat of armour, rather different from the clearly iron made scale sleeves shown in the reminiscence.

[Alsatia]

The bottom one got me thinking about the Bosporan Kingdom. There seems to be a helmet of sorts at the bottom of the sig, but the writing reminds me of Babylonia.

[bobbin]

The writing is just the normal EB writing take a look at your romani sig and you'll see it. It always seemed more celtic or germanic in style to me.

[Fabio Scevola]

Lol. You are really funny (@ Ciclops). And your reasoning reminded me those complicated mice catcher machines (from Tom and Jerry).

[Martelus Flavius]

These are bronze or leather scales from a sleeveless coat of armour, rather different from the clearly iron made scale sleeves shown in the reminiscence.

Iron? Scale? Sleeves? No, personally I think it's a bronze, silver recovered, horse head armour.

Well sorry, but a wonderful micaschist awaits me!

Regards

Martelvs

PS : Oh, and thanks cycolps! You learned me things that were unknown to my mind! Excellent deductive reasoning, except that I was actually counting varves of this sediment... Chronology.

[Apraxiteles]

It's probably pointless to speculate on this, but…

It would probably be easier to try to deduce the content of the sigs by who they are attached to, rather than what they look like. This is assuming, of course, that there is any correlation between the two. For example, gamegeek2, who has the second sig Alsatia posted, if researching Nabataea for ATB, and seems to have some knowledge of Arabic. This might, or might not suggest that his/her Occultus is an Arabic faction. I haven't bothered to pour through their posts or anything, so they might have other areas of expertise.

Another potential clue might be the color of the sig. Assuming they keep EB1's color scheme, it's highly unlikely that a red faction, like the other sig, the one with 'scales', would be anywhere near Rome or the Saka Rauka, from purely a map aesthetics perspective.

[Bucefalo]

I´ve got the feeling that the second occultus signature (the green one), might be something related to a germanic, or at least barbarian faction. The green seems to suggest something with woods (other barbarians sigs also have woods in the background) and the "occultus" letters clearly are written in a rhunic-like style. So my bet is for a new germanic related faction:beam:

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Iron? Scale? Sleeves? No, personally I think it's a bronze, silver recovered, horse head armour.

So near to the hand, you cannot deceive anyone, unless they have "invisible" arms :laugh4:.

[Tux]

I´ve got the feeling that the second occultus signature (the green one), might be something related to a germanic, or at least barbarian faction. The green seems to suggest something with woods (other barbarians sigs also have woods in the background) and the "occultus" letters clearly are written in a rhunic-like style. So my bet is for a new germanic related faction:beam:
I say it's Epeiros...

[Tellos Athenaios]

Honestly you fans are seeing too much into this: those Occultus signatures are all about factions that have existed for ages in the mod ... nothing new there. :shrug:

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Rule number 1 - Do not trust an EB team member to talk about Occultus.

[machinor]

Rule number 2 - Amass as many guesses on the occultus factions as possible so that at least one of them has to be right, thus enabling at least one person to get a free lollipop from oudysseos.

Rule number 3 - There is NO rule number 3.

Rule number 4 - A man shall believe in only two things: free speech and free beer.

[Alsatia]

The writing is just the normal EB writing take a look at your romani sig and you'll see it. It always seemed more celtic or germanic in style to me.

:wall::wall::wall:

[Reno Melitensis]

My quess is that they are a Keltoi faction, either the Boii or a Gallo-Thracian faction.

Cheers.

[Irishmafia2020]

Maruyan - the green is the jungle of India....

[Cyclops]

Rule number 1 - Do not trust an EB team member to talk about Occultus.


Rule number 2 - Amass as many guesses on the occultus factions as possible so that at least one of them has to be right, thus enabling at least one person to get a free lollipop from oudysseos.

Rule number 3 - There is NO rule number 3.

Rule number 4 - A man shall believe in only two things: free speech and free beer.

The first rule of Occultus is you don't talk about Occultus. The second rule of Occultus is you don't talk about Occultus.

As for rule number three, I believe it is written on the underside of the hatch built by elephant-mounted Mauryan Satrap FMs.

And rule number 4? I think you have your priorities wrong. Free speech is a fundamental element of our society, but lets not muddy the waters here, free beer is far more important. Just so long as its not that fruity Leffe stuff.

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Yep, free beer and free sex owns freedom of speech.

[machinor]

free sex
Dammit... I knew I forgot something.

[tls5669]

Why so secretive, like its the Watergate files. Sheesh.

[Tux]

Why so secretive, like its the Watergate files. Sheesh.
To torture you guys and give you things to talk about.:tongue2:

[Alsatia]

To torture you guys and give you things to talk about.

Come on...

[Ibrahim]

bah, I say stop the idle talk, and just bet on which faction is next. of course I mean you guys bet on which faction, not me, as betting is haraam.

besides, I'm currently content, seeing as how I correclt guessed the two new confirmed factions will be in. just hoping all my other guesses come out right :evil:

[oudysseos]

What are your other guesses?


P.S. There is at least one new faction that I don't think anybody has ever guessed.

[Zarax]

The mamertines? :clown:

[option]

I'm going with either a Baltic tribe or the Cantabri.

[Tux]

Come on...
Where?


The mamertines? :clown:
Very very close.
:clown:

[Bucefalo]

There can´t be any other italian faction besides the Romans, they were all subjugated by the starting timeframe, so no samnites or campanians.. mamertines could be, but very unlikely. Stop teasing us:dizzy2:

[Tux]

As you wish sir!
https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5161/67452801.jpg

[Horatius Flaccus]

Ligurians?

And Alin, that's just mean...

[Antinous]

Hey could there be a new faction in the Alps to block roman expansion? You know like those crazies the Caturiges Warriors.

[Subotan]

There's definitely a sword to the right of the bottom one. I'm guessing...another British tribe.

[Alsatia]

Syrakousai ??

[Zarax]

Very very close.
:clown:

Ah, finally the team came to their senses and gave Sardinia multiple settlements and a proper nuragic faction :clown::clown:

[Apraxiteles]

Hmm… the Bruttians/Lucanians maybe? EB1 had them as an Eleutheroi.

[Constantius III]

Hmm… the Bruttians/Lucanians maybe? EB1 had them as an Eleutheroi.
Their only settlement, Rhegion, is under the control of a collection of Roman deserters from Campania at gamestart. Dunno if that's a particularly solid basis for a whole 'nother faction.

[Subotan]

That is probably the only region where the name "Rebels" is justified.

[Ibrahim]

What are your other guesses?


P.S. There is at least one new faction that I don't think anybody has ever guessed.

bartix?:clown:

look, I mentioned all of them in another thread, the one that was opened by Jo the greek IIRC. I'm too lazy to tell ye them.

and is that other faction you are talking about arabian, like Nabaaea or ma3een? if its not, I don't care, you could put a faction on Marsailles and I wouldn't care..:clown:

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Come on people, Bartix is getting old. It's the Abocassix faction.

[Cyclops]

Hmm… the Bruttians/Lucanians maybe? EB1 had them as an Eleutheroi.

My first though too.

I must say its plain mean the way they tease us. :sweatdrop:

Of course like all the other EB tragics 'll be back for more.

Hey maybe EB is just the front end of a Sadistic internet torture club? Give us some candy, and lure us in to be tormented...:help:

[Azathoth]

I dunno guys...all I can see in the Occultus pic is an unspeakable demon from the cold wastes of the ill-omened plateau Leng, where it is said no healthy men go.

[Olimpian]

P.S. There is at least one new faction that I don't think anybody has ever guessed.

Scordisci? :quiet:

[satalexton]

Boii Galla? ._.a the Keltoi settlements with gaesatae just north of barbaropolis.

[Bucefalo]

As you wish sir!
https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5161/67452801.jpg

wow that carriage must be quite contaminating! Just look at the smoke behind it.. otherwise it looks quite good, but i wonder if a fair lady could use it without being observed by the populace.. definitely it needs some cover :yes:

[Phalanx300]

If Mamertines are very very close then that means it must be Syrakousai, only thing left in Italy worthy of a faction! :idea2: And someone else said it as well but without reaction so that must mean that there's even more reason to think it is in fact Syrakousai! :sweatdrop:

And a faction no one has guessed as of yet? Mmmm, then its probably not an very obvious one. Lugii, they were close of becoming a faction in EB1 right?

[Tux]

wow that carriage must be quite contaminating! Just look at the smoke behind it.. otherwise it looks quite good, but i wonder if a fair lady could use it without being observed by the populace.. definitely it needs some cover :yes:
Yeah, it has a 2 exhaust system, TDI but sadly no ABS.:clown:

Well maybe on a rainy(muddy) day it wouldn't be so observable so the lady can get unoticed.:tongue2:

[Ludens]

And a faction no one has guessed as of yet? Mmmm, then its probably not an very obvious one. Lugii, they were close of becoming a faction in EB1 right?

Yes, they were one of the contenders for the final faction slot that went to the Saba. They have been mentioned a couple of times by me, though. There was one candidate amongst the contenders that I'd never heard or seen mentioned on the forum, and I am guessing that's the one that oudysseos is referring to.

I wouldn't put too much faith in Alin's comment, though. He's teasing us, so I doubt the obvious interpretation (Syracuse) is the correct one.

[Tux]

Damn and I tried so hard to be believable and trusted, well at least the next preview will be released soon and that should tease you some more.

[Cyclops]

I dunno guys...all I can see in the Occultus pic is an unspeakable demon from the cold wastes of the ill-omened plateau Leng, where it is said no healthy men go.

...well occasionally a dreamer will find a path, whether riding a friendly yak or rumoured shantak-bird (for some whisper those hippcephalic monstrosities abide in that fell place) to that hideous plateau and prehistoric monastary where dwells the silken masked priest....

...ahem, what I meant to say is I don't really understand. What is this Leng of which you speak?

[Azathoth]

:smash:

On the other hand, the figure in the Occultus might be vaguely cone-shaped.

But when I look too hard I get a sensation of immense uneasiness and familiarity...

A more realistic guess would be an Arabian faction. A Baltic faction? An Iberian faction!

Definitely one of those.

Oh wait! Maybe a different Sarmatian faction (red and scales) and another Gallic faction (green)?

[Phalanx300]

The above one is red and seems like a tiger paw or tail at the bottum? Is probably going to be an steppe/eastern one from the limited looks of it.

The bottum one is green and ... well yeah thats it so perhaps an barbarian faction, my gues is for the Boii! :2thumbsup:

[Wandarah]

after taking the time to read this thread, i would just like to say 'huh?'

thank you.

[Cute Wolf]

Scale red, scale..... eng..... maybe Bosphorou?

[Cyclops]

...

On the other hand, the figure in the Occultus might be vaguely cone-shaped.

But when I look too hard I get a sensation of immense uneasiness and familiarity...

I noticed a five pointed soapstone fragment. Just to the left of the slime coated headless remains.

[Subotan]

Regardless, whatever an EB Member who isn't Foot says about new factions, it's just secrets and lies.

Secrets and lies.

[Elmetiacos]

What are your other guesses?


P.S. There is at least one new faction that I don't think anybody has ever guessed.
Taezali! Gedrosia! Meroe!
:wiseguy:

[Azathoth]

I noticed a five pointed soapstone fragment. Just to the left of the slime coated headless remains.

But if one of THOSE are going to be a factional unit, it would pretty much break the game balance!

All other units would have such a massive morale penalty that they would flee as soon as the battle started, even Gaesatae.

[option]

Taezali! Gedrosia! Meroe!
:wiseguy:

Meroeitic Kush would be a great addition. It would provide a much-needed check on the Ptolemaoi, and help prevent them from swallowing the Seleukids and getting out of control.

[Cyclops]

But if one of THOSE are going to be a factional unit, it would pretty much break the game balance!

All other units would have such a massive morale penalty that they would flee as soon as the battle started, even Gaesatae.

"Hey boy, ever hear tell of a shaggoth?"

I used to make my own campaigns on the excellent Warlords 2 from SGI (I think it was). Made an Italia campaign (not too bad), a Peloponessian campaign (not so good), a Middle earth campaign (where Gondor always attacked Rohan :shame:) and a Dreamland campaign complete with Shantaks, deep ones, shoggoths, dholes (the dholes had the same stats as the Balrog in the ME campaign, 20% stronger than Shoggoths even), moon beasts, nightgaunts, nameless jungle guardians (well what else was I supposed to call them?), zebra cavalry, yak cavalry, ghasts, gugs, ghouls, zoogs, cats, Saturnian cats, almost-humans, hunting beasts, red-footed wamps, ah the roster practically wrote itself.

Anyway anyone questioning Occultus team members too closely will be drawn screaming into the sky by nameless paws.

[Azathoth]

Lol I'm not that old. I wasn't even born when Warlords 2 came out. Sounds interesting (and free) though, might check it out.

[Constantius III]

Meroe!
:wiseguy:
Oh God not this again.

[A Very Super Market]

Heh, your avatar is very suited for saying that.

[Hax]

P.S. There is at least one new faction that I don't think anybody has ever guessed.

Japan. With kenzai.

[A Very Super Market]

Uranus, with Bartix motherships.

[a completely inoffensive name]

I second the bartix.

[Subotan]

I second the bartix.


Japan. With kenzai.
I second all of these motions. Japanese fighting Bartix would essentially be the plot of Transformers 3.

Oh God not this again.
Oh God yes.:crowngrin:

[Labrat]

Taezali! Gedrosia! Meroe!
:wiseguy:


Meroeitic Kush would be a great addition. It would provide a much-needed check on the Ptolemaoi, and help prevent them from swallowing the Seleukids and getting out of control.

Meroe has been discussed to death, actually. They are an unlikely candidate, though. The team does not like factions on the map edge, their culture would be a problem, the amount of sources on their politics and military is minimal (did they even have a formal military, or where they just raiders in this period?), and I personally dislike the idea of including a faction mostly for the sake of controlling another. There's other ways of doing that and faction slots are in short supply.

Gedrosia? Where they at some point an independent and expansionist power?

[bobbin]

P.S. There is at least one new faction that I don't think anybody has ever guessed.
Massagetae, Kartli, Aorsi, Rhoxolani, Kambojas, Saka Haomavarga, Lugii, Tarbelli, Rheatians, Qataban, Hadramaut, Palmyrae, Nabatea???

If not one of those is a faction i give up.:bigcry:

[Tux]

Massagetae, Kartli, Aorsi, Rhoxolani, Kambojas, Saka Haomavarga, Lugii, Tarbelli, Rheatians, Qataban, Hadramaut, Palmyrae, Nabatea???

If not one of those is a faction i give up.:bigcry:
Jackpot, it's all of them.:clown:

But really some of you guys are close or right on the spot.:tongue2:

[Horatius Flaccus]

Don't listen to him! He is trying to seduce us with his poisonous words!

[Bucefalo]

Poison is tasty... i meant poisson :beam:

[bobbin]

Jackpot, it's all of them.:clown:

But really some of you guys are close or right on the spot.:tongue2:

Of all the guesses I've seen so far the ones I'm most certain will be in EBII would be Kratli (Caucasian Ibreia), the Bosporan Kingdom and the Arevaci (celtiberian tribe).

[Maion Maroneios]

OK guys, obviously you're all wrong but close. Others even right on the spot. I know which the factions are, I have an inside man. Sorry for not saying earlier, but I just had to now.

Sooo, I just want to tell you that Greek honour is not for sale. I promised not to tell, but I can give you hints. Oh, and I like chocolate.

Maion

[Phalanx300]

OK guys, obviously you're all wrong but close. Others even right on the spot. I know which the factions are, I have an inside man. Sorry for not saying earlier, but I just had to now.

Sooo, I just want to tell you that Greek honour is not for sale. I promised not to tell, but I can give you hints. Oh, and I like chocolate.

Maion

Now you said it, you better look out for the EBteia.

[Subotan]

Does this mean EB is subject to Rules 1 & 2?

[Hax]

Better than it being prone to rule 34.

[Ibrahim]

Better than it being prone to rule 34.

wut? rules 1,2, and 34?

what are they all about?

[Cyclops]

wut? rules 1,2, and 34?

what are they all about?

To understand you have to take the blue pill.

It contains Love Potion number 9.

[Ibrahim]

To understand you have to take the blue pill.

It contains Love Potion number 9.

:inquisitive:


anyways: you guys really need to stop fussing over what faction will be there (i.e: don't ask the dev forum members). all the dev team will do is tantalize you and tortue you with posibilities, and when they don't, they give political answers (i.e they answer nothing), so either way, they are tantalizing you.:clown:

just wait and see who guesses right. besides, I'm surprised at how imaginative some of your choices are; a complete disregard for game mechanics is most evident. :clown:

(seriously, the EB team isn't throwing some random faction in merely because it existed in 272 BC: they almost certainly consider historical importance, geography, and game balance, the EDU, DMB, province limits, and the team's manpower, to realize those factions. why do you all think they chose the numidians and pergamese for? any faction you fellows think is/should be in needs to take those factors into consideration. if you apply that logic to numidia and pergamon, you'll ind out on your own what will probably be in-though you'll never be 100% certain.)

:shrug:

[Tellos Athenaios]

I think the algorithmic complexity of this task:



(seriously, the EB team isn't throwing some random faction in merely because it existed in 272 BC: they almost certainly consider historical importance, geography, and game balance, the EDU, DMB, province limits, and the team's manpower, to realize those factions. why do you all think they chose the numidians and pergamese for? any faction you fellows think is/should be in needs to take those factors into consideration. if you apply that logic to numidia and pergamon, you'll ind out on your own what will probably be in-though you'll never be 100% certain.)

Is by far larger than just wait for EB 2 to be released. Especially if you want the Probability for your asnwers to amount to 1. :juggle:

[Alsatia]

:inquisitive:


anyways: you guys really need to stop fussing over what faction will be there (i.e: don't ask the dev forum members). all the dev team will do is tantalize you and tortue you with posibilities, and when they don't, they give political answers (i.e they answer nothing), so either way, they are tantalizing you.:clown:

just wait and see who guesses right. besides, I'm surprised at how imaginative some of your choices are; a complete disregard for game mechanics is most evident. :clown:

(seriously, the EB team isn't throwing some random faction in merely because it existed in 272 BC: they almost certainly consider historical importance, geography, and game balance, the EDU, DMB, province limits, and the team's manpower, to realize those factions. why do you all think they chose the numidians and pergamese for? any faction you fellows think is/should be in needs to take those factors into consideration. if you apply that logic to numidia and pergamon, you'll ind out on your own what will probably be in-though you'll never be 100% certain.)

:shrug:

Well, this thread here is just a guess. It is here so people can guess possibilities. We probably won't get anything right but I just wanted to see other people's opinions.

[Ibrahim]

Well, this thread here is just a guess. It is here so people can guess possibilities. We probably won't get anything right but I just wanted to see other people's opinions.

true, but the point I was aiming at was simply that you can guess what you want, just don't make the silly mistake of asking or involving the dev forum, or taking it/them too seriously-they won't help, nor will they oblige with your (plural your) wishes regarding the identity of the factions. I put that in parenthesies y'know :clown:

besides, I like speculation on what factions there will be, just not the sillier moments regarding the identity of the factions-like when you guys see stuff in the occultus (what soapstone star?). it looks too much like I'm watching a HTWW video... or an example of excessive pareidolia.:no:

@TA: why should it be 1? as long as p<1, then there is an element of surprise, and thus enjoyment when it comes.

[Phalanx300]

(seriously, the EB team isn't throwing some random faction in merely because it existed in 272 BC: they almost certainly consider historical importance, geography, and game balance, the EDU, DMB, province limits, and the team's manpower, to realize those factions. why do you all think they chose the numidians and pergamese for? any faction you fellows think is/should be in needs to take those factors into consideration. if you apply that logic to numidia and pergamon, you'll ind out on your own what will probably be in-though you'll never be 100% certain.)

:shrug:


Then it must that the new factions already have at least one unit to represent them, or have a unit rooster for the biggest part already in.

Which means some factions are thus likely:

Belgae
Another Britain faction
Galatia
Bosporus
Syrakousai
Indian faction
Baltic faction
Lugii
Boii
Any Germanic faction, Bastarnae, Chatii, Cherusci etc.
Massilia

Still many options, with even more uncalled.

[Tellos Athenaios]

@TA: why should it be 1? as long as p<1, then there is an element of surprise, and thus enjoyment when it comes.

I didn't say it should be 1, though. I said the algorithmic complexity of accurately predicting what factions will be in EB 2 without any solid fact as basis for assumptions is likely larger than just wait for it to come out.

And I can be sure of that statement if the probability for each of your predicted factions to be included must amount to 1, since that is equivalent to solving the halting problem (infinite complexity: solving each sub problem is as complex as solving the entire problem itself).

[Subotan]

wut? rules 1,2, and 34?

what are they all about?

ಠ_ಠ

[Ibrahim]

I didn't say it should be 1, though. I said the algorithmic complexity of accurately predicting what factions will be in EB 2 without any solid fact as basis for assumptions is likely larger than just wait for it to come out.

And I can be sure of that statement if the probability for each of your predicted factions to be included must amount to 1, since that is equivalent to solving the halting problem (infinite complexity: solving each sub problem is as complex as solving the entire problem itself).

ah, I see.:clown:

[gamegeek2]

wut? rules 1,2, and 34?

Rule 34 - If it exists [on the internet], then there is porn of it.

[Subotan]

Amazingly, or shockingly depending, Rule 34 is often quite accurate.

[Azathoth]

If not, there's always Rule 35.

[a completely inoffensive name]

Pool's closed. Looks like 4chan has come to the EBII forums.

[Subotan]

https://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll286/Phalanxia/Orgah.jpg

This thread has just died, but what a way to go.

[Alsatia]

Could the horde faction posssibly be the slavs??

:focus:

[Phalanx300]

Now that you say it, thats actually quote possible, an Slavic faction, might be the no one has said it yet faction! :dizzy2:

[Subotan]

Did the Slavs even exist at that time? Besides, there's no way they could be considered a state.

[Alsatia]

Now that you say it, thats actually quote possible, an Slavic faction, might be the no one has said it yet faction!

Thanks :bow:

Venedae?

[A Very Super Market]

Well, there are plenty of factions that people haven't suggested, but played no part at all and barely existed.

[strategos roma]

Did the Slavs even exist at that time? Besides, there's no way they could be considered a state.

The veneti of northern italy seems to be related to them, as are the veneti of pomerania and prussia.

[Andronikos]

What about the Indogreeks or something like Gandahara kingdom, they will start Indian and become Helenized after reforms. I remember a faction emblem with ichtyokentaur (the beast that Indohelenic noble hoplite has on shield) in one of EB1 previews. As shown in EB2 previws EB team did great job in implementing new features like culture buildings and nomad camps, so perhaps factions on the edge of the map won't be problem.

[Ludens]

Wasn't Gandahara controlled by the Maureans at the time? The problem is that it would be really unrealistic to add an Indian faction without including most of India, as that is where their focus would lie. Never mind such problems as limited culture and unit slots.

[Phalanx300]

Yes, though there are already many Indian unit slots which makes it a not that unlikely canidate for a faction! I usually look at that for new faction options as a strong factor in it. :sweatdrop:

[Andronikos]

The culture wouldn't be problem, they would be Eastern Greek with few unique buildings at the beginning to represent Indian features, later (after Helenisation) they will use normal Eastern Greek buildings.
And there are many Indo-Greek units already ingame: I. light spermen, longbowmen, guild wariors, IH peltast, light hoplite, helenic hoplite (Saka reform), elite hoplite, Taxilans, Kambojas, IH cav. (Saka reform), Indo-Saka catas, 2 elephants
There are regular factions which have less units that would be considered their unique.

And the interests in India could be solved by some events, expenditure for out-of-map wars, few rebel stacks spawned randomly or something similar.

According to Wikipedia, Helenic rule in that region started around 200 BC and that would be that reform or dynasty change.

[Subotan]

So, emergent faction? I thought the team rules that out.

[bobbin]

And there are many Indo-Greek units already ingame: I. light spermen, longbowmen, guild wariors, IH peltast, light hoplite, helenic hoplite (Saka reform), elite hoplite, Taxilans, Kambojas, IH cav. (Saka reform), Indo-Saka catas, 2 elephants


There are only really three indo-greek units in the game, the indohellenic peltasts, indohellennic infantry and indohellenic noble infantry all the rest are either indian or hellenic Saka units.

Some would have been used in indo greek armies (light spearmen, longbowmen, guild wariors Taxilian cav, Kamboja's and elephants) but others are products of Greek/Saka interactions and wouldn't be seen in Indo-Hellenic armies (the hellenic hoplite and maybe the greek cavalry) as for the Indo-Saka Cataphracts the clue is in the name, they certainly would be in a IH army.

But in the end the Indo-Hellenic Kingdom is highly unlikely to be in EBII due to the fact it didn't exist in 272bc.

[moonburn]

and still nobady remember whats probably the most obvious faction of all :idea2:

the schytians of mikra schytia, altough they where being pushed aside by the sauromatae they where far from dead since they only got conquered by 110 bc. (by a pontiac king) a mixed schytian hellenic faction that could work like the saka on the west with a mix of hoplites and horse archers and with the amazing crimean heavy archer to defend it´s walls from the getic the sauromatae and the persian sucessors (hay or pontos)

they would be a buffer beteween the getai and the sauromatae and there´s 4 possible city´s for them (2 in crimea) olbia (capital? altough it wasn´t conquered by 272bc and was a greek city i believe) and that one that normally gets stormed by the sauromatae in the sea of azov

for victory conditions they could possibly have to emulate their massive invasions of the 7th century bc (?) wich enabled the persians to press the advantage and overthrow the medians and the assirians (?)

there´s some evidence that in the sea of azov there was a schytian city that had the hability to house over 1m people (and i know it´s from wikipedia so not so reliable but if it could impress the greek authors maybe it´s worth a chance at fighting back the sauromatae and give the getae a run for their money at the start)

seems the most obvious of all (after the boii and the belgae)

anyway just my 2cents for a dream come true of a steppe faction with a greek economic development an schytian-hellenic faction

[A Very Super Market]

The Bosphoran kingdom has been suggested many, many times. Not really fitting the team's statement, although I doubt it anyways.

[moonburn]

what i understand as the bosphoran kingdom would be nikkaia and bizantium making a kingdom and not a schytian/hellenic faction (since the bosphorus is a strait that links the egean and the black sea) if not then my bad :oops:

[A Very Super Market]

Ack, I'm not thinking clearly.

A Crimean faction was suggested several times, and there are a few unique units based around there anyways. But I'm not sure if they were expansionist enough to warrant a faction.

[moonburn]

the schythians of mikra schytia where expansionists

i mean bronze arrow heads in the levant of schytian origin shows they where expansionists the problem is picking a region for them since they are "everywhere" from the black sea to the hyrkinian mare (colchis as them that setlement above the caucasos has them and so on)

the reason for olbia region is it´s name (mikra schytia) but to make it balanced or at least economically viable they would either have to have a 2nd region in crimea or go straight to kallatis (?)

maybe make them allies of the greeks at the start granting them trading rights with 2 ports could sufice to sustain their economical problem and they could forge a northern euxinos empire that would help them regain the steps

thing is getai and sauromatae have no direct enemies to contend with at the start giving them a small advantage of chosing their fighting grounds while historically getai thracians (altough most believe they where one and the same) hellenes schytians and plus basternae/germans(?) and even celts where all living in those regions and fending for their right to be a separate people while trying/waiting for the sauromatae onslaught as more and more schytians went to their setled cousins running away from the sauros

i believe they and the boii for their prior history influence and overall mark in the world up to 272bc have the right to be a faction with a chance to be great again far more then pergamon imho that just gave it´s lands to the romans without a fight and betrayed the rest of hellas by showing the weakness of the greeks and inviting romans into the aegean affairs wich ended with the roman conquest of hellas proper

even in eb there´s information of a schytian king taking olbia by force and making it a new "setled" home for his people up until 110bc where the king of pontus defeated them

if there´s 10 slots there are many factions deserving for many reasons their prior history and influence in the world up to the start of the eb timeframe is imho a very important reason wich include the boii (the sack of delphi the creation of galatia where all their doing) and the schytians (schytians where known for 500 years prior to eb stardate destroyed empires forged alliances fought in many wars either as allies or mercenary´s) and even tough the sauromatae where now the dominant group in the sttepes the schytians where not dead and where still the essencial horse archer known to all the hellenistic kingdoms (except perhaps for the parni/dahe bordering baktria and as)

as for them being expansionists they took greek cities they fought wars against the pontus, i aknowledge there isn´t much information about them after 272 but if eb is the write a new story of the, what if, then what if the schytians had regained the sttepes with their new knowledge of greek ecomical development (markets harbors roads) plus some good old mix of hoplitai and horse archers army

from wiki (i know i´ve been reading these forums for a year now and i know wiki is not well regarded but still easyest source to use): Second Scythian Kingdom

Scythia's social development at the end of the fifth and in the fourth century BC involved its privileged stratum in trade with Greeks, efforts to control this trade, and consequences partly stemming from these two: aggressive external policy, intensified exploitation of dependent population, progressing stratification among the nomadic rulers. Trading with Greeks also stimulated sedenterization processes. The proximity of the Greek city-states on the Black Sea coast (Pontic Olbia, Cimmerian Bosporus, Chersonesos, Sindica, Tanais) was a powerful incentive for slavery in the Scythian society, but only in one direction: the sale of slaves to Greeks, instead of use in their economy. Accordingly, the trade become a stimulus for capture of slaves as war spoils in numerous wars.

by the start of the eb time frame there´s whats called the 3rd scythian kingdom
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scythia

not much info but from the info prior to the 3rd century and using the units already available in the game (maybe complement it with some type of levy spearman or just using the pontic spearman) there´s enough units to form a decent army of the steppes and a levy infantry army

with the ports on the black sea and some greek markets (perhaps even granting them the hability for stone walls in their sedentary regions) they have the gold the tactics and the manpower to be great again, they just need the leadership and a plan wich is ofc what the human player is for

schytian units:
horse archer
steppe rider
foot archer
axeman
nobles (?)

then there´s the:
heavy archer
greek hoplai
pontic spearman

plus close to the basternae (cool native troops) and to the sauromatae (their spearman could make cannon fodder or garrison units)

P.S: i´m not making a case for a new faction i´m just stating that the schytians are probably one of the 10 factions that will appear and surelly one that deserves to be included

[Alsatia]

I rmember a while back that the EB team was not going to use scythiaas a whole because it was declining during the time period. That's why they represented the Sarmatians. As far as I know, they are scythians.

Also, wikipedia is a source many here would not call reliable, simply because anyone can come in and rewrite the whole article. Find some document or a book or two and the EB team may see.

[Subotan]

Ack, I'm not thinking clearly.

A Crimean faction was suggested several times, and there are a few unique units based around there anyways. But I'm not sure if they were expansionist enough to warrant a faction.

I think they're certainly viable for a faction though. Give the Sarmatins something to do, and if naval invasions are sorted out, the Bosporan Kingdom could be quite powerful.

Also, the idea of Mikra Skythia never occurred to me. Possible, but I think the Bosporans are more likely.

[moonburn]

I rmember a while back that the EB team was not going to use scythiaas a whole because it was declining during the time period. That's why they represented the Sarmatians. As far as I know, they are scythians.

Also, wikipedia is a source many here would not call reliable, simply because anyone can come in and rewrite the whole article. Find some document or a book or two and the EB team may see.

the use of the schytians as a whole is impossible cause you can´t represent the group or else they would be a long streetching line from kallatis to the hirkanian sea cutting off hay from the sauromatae, thats why i said mikra schytia as a starting point far better. cause the schytian where mostly no longer nomads and where actually not a single political unity so the schytians of mikra schytia wich still retained some sort of nomadism where the best choice


@subotan
the way i understand bosporans (on the bosphorus strait) it makes litle sence as a faction cause on one side you have bythinia and on the other you got a greek city called bizantium both sucessors to lysander (such as pergamon)

it would make more sence for a faction an hellenic schytian faction in crimea making bundles out of the wheat market to athens and hellas proper

people mentioned scalles wich for me means a new nomadic faction or a redoing of an old one. Aniway this is just a debate the remaining slots have already been picked i think, and i think the chosen factions will be:

numidians
pergamon
(easy pickings right)
siracuse
boii
belgae
schytians
galatians
araveci
ethiopian kingdom of meroe (the land of the gold as the egitians called them)
as for the 10th no clue maybe the irish but that would make northewestern europe a bit 2 overcrowded beteween belgs casse and irish all trying a byte at the same

[bobbin]

the use of the schytians as a whole is impossible cause you can´t represent the group or else they would be a long streetching line from kallatis to the hirkanian sea cutting off hay from the sauromatae, thats why i said mikra schytia as a starting point far better. cause the schytian where mostly no longer nomads and where actually not a single political unity so the schytians of mikra schytia wich still retained some sort of nomadism where the best choice.

"Skythian" was a term used by greeks to describe many steppe peoples it didn't mean that there was a single political entity streching across all that territory, think of it more in the way "Celts" was used to describe the various tribes living across europe who had a shared culture and lauguages. Also the Skythians of Mikra Skythia were the most settled not the least.

The main argument against them I've heard of is that the Skythian Kingdom (in Mirka Skythia) was very weak at EB's start date and ceased to exist very soon after. It's a bit of a shame really as they would be a great faction to play.


@subotan
the way i understand bosporans (on the bosphorus strait) it makes litle sence as a faction cause on one side you have bythinia and on the other you got a greek city called bizantium both sucessors to lysander (such as pergamon)

it would make more sence for a faction an hellenic schytian faction in crimea making bundles out of the wheat market to athens and hellas proper

The Bosporan Kingdom was a powerful greek kingdom in what is now the Crimea, nothing to do with the Bosphorus straights where Byzantion is but it is an easy mistake to make. You could think of them as a Skythian influenced Greek faction so they fit your description pretty well.



numidians
pergamon
(easy pickings right)
siracuse
boii
belgae
schytians
galatians
araveci
ethiopian kingdom of meroe (the land of the gold as the egitians called them)
as for the 10th no clue maybe the irish but that would make northewestern europe a bit 2 overcrowded beteween belgs casse and irish all trying a byte at the same

The kingdom of Meroe wouldn't make it due to problems with the culture limit.

[A Very Super Market]

as for the 10th no clue maybe the irish but that would make northewestern europe a bit 2 overcrowded beteween belgs casse and irish all trying a byte at the same

You do realize that, according to this list, there are now 9 factions based in Asia Minor and Hellas?

[moonburn]

thanks bobin some usefull information indeed

maybe a crimean kingdom with alot of schytian influence could work better idd :beam: (as i said my bad then )

super there´s a reason why hellas and aristoteles considered it the center of the world. it´s where the best information is about the people culture and political-economical-military of this time frame

with more slot some parts will be overcrowded. there´s an high probability of 3 factions starting in iberia (maybe 4 with that illergete plea) + 2 more can eventually enter the peninsula and make it a hot spot of the game (arverni and romani) so iberia an area with 10 regions being fought over by 4 factions (maybe more) seems a bit crowded 2

besides thats list is what i would like to see/believe will show up
since a nurghian (sardinian) faction doesn´t make much sence as it can be better represented by strong eleutheroi stacks with stone forts.
i don´t believe a scandinavian faction would fair well without having to destroy the sweaboz.
a maurs kingdom would put in jeopardy the hability for numidia to press on the carthaginians

there´s that shitload of possible factions in the balkans of thracian-galo influence (a celtic/thracian kingdom could be nice to watch and play) (an illyrian faction i stll hope there will be one stoping the romans from entereing the balkans 2 soon)

anyway enough rant from me i trully believe a new horse archer faction with some proper greek teachings (economical and architectural) could make for the best underdog ever as a steppe faction with a strong economy and the hability to build stone walls could be deadly for the rest if they happened to survive the 1st turns without sucumbing to the sauro´s or the getai :juggle2:

[Tux]

Poor guys, the real secrets behind the ocultus sigs are similar to this:
https://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b9/Power2the1/SwebozRooster.jpg

[bobbin]

Oh man I've got to have that for my sig!


edit: Muhaaa fear the might of my Kiukīnan Gunðaz Banstijiz!!!

[Subotan]

You do realize that, according to this list, there are now 9 factions based in Asia Minor and Hellas?


Poor guys, the real secrets behind the ocultus sigs are similar to this:
https://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b9/Power2the1/SwebozRooster.jpg
:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

[Ibrahim]

a sweboz cock?:inquisitive:

what is that all about?

[Tux]

Ehh, an internal joke...(i prefer rooster)~:) Guys, we got jokes, secrets, etc. so start learning modding to get it since what more could you wish for.:tongue2:

[Alsatia]

Ehh, an internal joke...(i prefer rooster)~:) Guys, we got jokes, secrets, etc. so start learning modding to get it since what more could you wish for.:tongue2:

I really need to learn scripting or skinning.....

Or read more history! :beam:

But allt eh books in the library are all those books that are common nkowledge, some of them have misleading information (I can prove them wrong using EB!) There's nothing on the Gauls, Hai, Saka or Saba, not even much about the sucessors... All roman and greek.......

[Subotan]

Go to a real library, i.e. a University library, or a History department at a University (Or even better, a Classics department). That's where the hardcore stuff is.

[Martelus Flavius]

I really need to learn scripting or skinning.....

Or read more history! :beam:

All of them of course! :beam:

But I would suggest skinning... (We really do need skinners! :yes:)

And with more skinners EB2 will be out faster!!!

Regards

Martelvs

[Maion Maroneios]

OK, since nobody payed any attention to my post I'll give out some of my inside-information. Martelus' banner is of the Belgae.

Maion

[Alsatia]

OK, since nobody payed any attention to my post I'll give out some of my inside-information. Martelus' banner is of the Belgae.

Maion

Oh thank you!! This better not be another Moros.:inquisitive:

But praise all the same. (I never thought i'd actually praise a hellene)

[Maion Maroneios]

I'd like my chocolate now please.

Maion

[athanaric]

Poor guys, the real secrets behind the ocultus sigs are similar to this:
https://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b9/Power2the1/SwebozRooster.jpg

Well, if that isn't the much debated Swêboz unit rooster.


I guess the joke stems from the all too common misspelling of "roster"?

[Alsatia]

Here's your balloon Maion :balloon2: (if i can give them)

(Yet another day i'd never thought i'd see...)

EDIT: Your'e a millionaire! You don't need one!

[Martelus Flavius]

OK, since nobody payed any attention to my post I'll give out some of my inside-information. Martelus' banner is of the Belgae.

Maion

Hum it seems a complete black backroung may have helped me more...

Regards

Martelvs

[a completely inoffensive name]

OK, since nobody payed any attention to my post I'll give out some of my inside-information. Martelus' banner is of the Belgae.

Maion


Hum it seems a complete black backroung may have helped me more...

Regards

Martelvs


Holy ****, epic win.

[moonburn]

wtf is the belgae ?

you mean the nervii of comos wich where allied with cesar and then switched to vercigentorix/ge cause suposedly titus labienos tryed to assassinate him for personal reasons ?? (or so cesar claims) :dizzy2:

[A Very Super Market]

Therapist Joe says:

The Belgae live in modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands.

[bobbin]

It would be nice to have a Aquitanian/Vascone faction in as well. Julius Caeser described them as being one of the three peoples that made up pre-roman Gaul along with the Belgae and the Celts.

[Hax]

Execution squad dispatched.

[Christianus]

The new faction is Syracusae. 100%:smash:

[Martelus Flavius]

Holy ****, epic win.

Really? Prepare yourself to be suprized, soon... :clown:

Salve!

Martelvs

[APX]

E-gads! Northern Europe is going to feel very crowded with the addition of the Belgae.

[a completely inoffensive name]

E-gads! Northern Europe is going to feel very crowded with the addition of the Belgae.

Wait until they add Bartix.

[A Very Super Market]

I count four factions in all of Northern Europe.

Meanwhile, Hellas has a single rebel settlement, and 3 factions (4 if the Getai count)

With the addition of Pergamon, Asia Minor also has 4.

[Maion Maroneios]

Following the leak of inside-information and secrets I get from my source, I can tell you that the steppes are also going to be more crowded. And if you are good children, I will uncover one more hidden faction banner for you.

Maion

[Moros]

Following the leak of inside-information and secrets I get from my source, I can tell you that the steppes are also going to be more crowded. And if you are good children, I will uncover one more hidden faction banner for you.

Maion

You know I think even more people believe me than you. At least I give real information at times. Though most people don't usually realise and know when.

[Martelus Flavius]

Following the leak of inside-information and secrets I get from my source, I can tell you that the steppes are also going to be more crowded. And if you are good children, I will uncover one more hidden faction banner for you.

Maion

I hope this time your source did not forget to wear its glasses!!! :yes:


Because last time :


OK, since nobody payed any attention to my post I'll give out some of my inside-information. Martelus' banner is of the Belgae.

Maion

When reffering to this :

https://img376.imageshack.us/img376/2002/logosecret2d5cf.jpg

Well, I can just notice how reliable your source is! I mean reliable in the EB point of view : it helps us spilling doubts, and confusing things. Making out of a whole clear day a beautiful foggy and rainy one.

If I remove the fog :

https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4356/logoarverni21yc.jpg

So I really have to thank your source, for saying that Arverni were in fact Belgae, it's really one of the most efficient occvltvs agent I saw!

It seems we have fellow agent everywhere...

And a little side note :


And it is not, as we were not perfidious enough to redraw allready known faction emblem and cover them with the occultus label!

Regards

Martelvs

[Alsatia]

Nice! Good one..

:wall::wall::wall:

[Skullheadhq]

I REMOVED THE DUST AND FOUND
https://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4605/factionbanner15pto.jpg

[A Very Super Market]

Whoa, the Arverni are goin to be in EBII? No way!

[Maion Maroneios]

Hehehe, nice try both of you. You're just trying to hide everything you can now that cold sweat and stress is beginning to take you over. Everyone with some good eyes can clearly see your banner is not of the Arverni. The symbol in the second "C" of the "OCCULTUS" part of the banner isn't in the Arverni one. Not to mention if that was the case you'd already have shown that from the beginning.

But fear not, philoi. I will uncover the dark secrets that are kept hidden from us by the EBII team. We shall know!!! OK you, since I begin to know myself as well.

Maion

[Apraxiteles]

I thought the font and color used for that Occultus looked too familiar. For future reference of people who ponder these cryptic clues, nearly all of the faction banners use a unique font, so seeing one reused is inherently suspicious. Only the Celtic/German factions appear to share the same font, and they are all written in different colors. If you see one that is written in both the same font and the same color, it is almost certainly an already known faction. Of course, the team might switch things around to mess with people now that this has been pointed out.

[Ibrahim]

Hehehe, nice try both of you. You're just trying to hide everything you can now that cold sweat and stress is beginning to take you over. Everyone with some good eyes can clearly see your banner is not of the Arverni. The symbol in the second "C" of the "OCCULTUS" part of the banner isn't in the Arverni one. Not to mention if that was the case you'd already have shown that from the beginning.

But fear not, philoi. I will uncover the dark secrets that are kept hidden from us by the EBII team. We shall know!!! OK you, since I begin to know myself as well.

Maion



you'd get along quite well with this guy (https://www.youtube.com/user/howtheworldworks)-conspiracy theories are his nack :clown:

[bobbin]

Hehehe, nice try both of you. You're just trying to hide everything you can now that cold sweat and stress is beginning to take you over. Everyone with some good eyes can clearly see your banner is not of the Arverni. The symbol in the second "C" of the "OCCULTUS" part of the banner isn't in the Arverni one. Not to mention if that was the case you'd already have shown that from the beginning.

But fear not, philoi. I will uncover the dark secrets that are kept hidden from us by the EBII team. We shall know!!! OK you, since I begin to know myself as well.

Maion

Nice try but it is the Arverni symbol, the bit by the C is part of one of the hammers handles and the A in Arverni.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/picture.php?albumid=169&pictureid=1576https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/picture.php?albumid=169&pictureid=1575

tsk tsk shame on you.

[Maion Maroneios]

Hehehehehe...

At least I'm sure I got some of you :beam:

Maion

[a completely inoffensive name]

Hehehehehe...

At least I'm sure I got some of you :beam:

Maion

I never really believed that the Occultus sigs really were covered up new factions. I just thought this would be a good time to declare "epic win" in hopes of provoking a revealing response from the EB team.

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

Who wants to volunteer for hacking the EB forums and finding it out. I always wanted to know how they are making fun of us behind the mask of private fora.

[Alsatia]

Ah look! The Reality and the Parody! One after each other!

I hope your'e not serious about hacking the forums. Spilling all the beans will kill my burning desire for EBII. Sure some things are to be known, but not everything at once!

[a completely inoffensive name]

Who wants to volunteer for hacking the EB forums and finding it out. I always wanted to know how they are making fun of us behind the mask of private fora.


Ah look! The Reality and the Parody! One after each other!

I hope youré not serious about hacking the forums. Spilling all the beans will kill my burning desire for EBII. Sure some things are to be known, but not everything at once!

I am sure they have discussion threads about certain org members who might be disruptive to the public EB forums, not that I would know for certain because obviously no one has gotten into the EB member forums and told me of such a thing.

Except fellow Tavern social member ***EDITED***.HAHAHA DISREGARD THAT, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!

[A Terribly Harmful Name]

I am utterly and completely serious :clown:. SHHH they might hear it...! :Smash:

[a completely inoffensive name]

I am utterly and completely serious :clown:. SHHH they might hear it...! :Smash:

And I am utterly and completely joking. :no:

I think if we combine our profiles together we can neutralize the extremes of our names and create a safe mildly controversial name.

[Vasiliyi]

Heres what I deduced.. Im probably wrong, but heck, who cares.

I think this is defiantly a steppe factions.

https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4748/occultus.jpg

Comments anyone?

[Vasiliyi]

By the way, I realized that everything looks a bit blurry. Just open the occultus sig with Paint and take a look. My claims will make sense then

[a completely inoffensive name]

I think you need to get yourself checked out for Apophenia.

[Skullheadhq]

So according to Vasili's painting it must be this:




https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3346/ajk.jpg

[Alsatia]

So according to Vasili's theory it must be this:




https://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3346/ajk.jpg

:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::inquisitive:

What?!

[Skullheadhq]

Well it looks like a duck's mouth in Vasili's sketch

[Ibrahim]

Heres what I deduced.. Im probably wrong, but heck, who cares.

I think this is defiantly a steppe factions.

https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4748/occultus.jpg

Comments anyone?

has it occured to you that the EB person making that sig is just doing that to mess with your little head?:clown:

[Cyclops]

Maybe they are introducing Runequest tm ver. 1 elements into the ancient world, and there will be a Duck faction based around Sartar (north of the Takla Makan in the expanded map that includes proto-Fujiwara and Mauryan factions).

[Subotan]

Heh, the EB team has just trolled it's fans.

[Skullheadhq]

Heh, the EB team has just trolled it's fans.

not again :sweatdrop:

[Subotan]

Successful Foot is Successful.

[bobbin]

odysseos has a new one.
https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7642/logo2occultus2.jpg

not a bloody clue though.

[Skullheadhq]

odysseos has a new one.
https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7642/logo2occultus2.jpg

not a bloody clue though.

Atropatene...
Somebody said something about me getting a free cookie?

[Ca Putt]

based on your paintjob I would rather see a serpent of some kind in that sig. thinkin of the round thing as a loop formed by the snake.

well that's All I can see(or imagine I see) in it :/

[Vasiliyi]

Bah, its the same one as before, just a little more relieving. I think its the next faction to be exposed.

[Apraxiteles]

Hmm…

New one:

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7642/logo2occultus2.jpg

Old one:

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/bizarcasm/aar/logooccultus1.jpg

They're covering different areas this time.

[Vasiliyi]

Hmm…

New one:

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7642/logo2occultus2.jpg

Old one:

http://www.majhost.com/gallery/bizarcasm/aar/logooccultus1.jpg

They're covering different areas this time.

My guess is that is going to be a Steppe/nomadic faction. Im willing to bet a balloon on it. Anyone want to call that bet?

[Phalanx300]

Maybe someone can combine them so we have one picture? :sweatdrop:

[Ibrahim]

I did, and I'm not showing it:clown:

but I can tell you: its awefully scaly.:laugh4:

[Alsatia]

Added new sig to first post.:beam:

[Ibrahim]

If you've been going through The EB forums, you'll find a few EB members with an Occultus sig on them. They seem to show a design for one of the new factions. I have made this thread to discuss what they could be. The EB team will probably will not give us a fresh stele if we get it right.

Here are some of the Occultus sigs.

https://img154.imageshack.us/img154/1046/logosecret5sk0.jpg
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9154/logosecret7.jpg
https://img376.imageshack.us/img376/2002/logosecret2d5cf.jpg
https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7642/logo2occultus2.jpg

the first and fourth pictures belong to the same faction.:yes:

[Apraxiteles]

And the third one was exposed as a recycled Arverni.

[a completely inoffensive name]

They are all recycled.

[Ibrahim]

They are all recycled.

sh!!:whip:

[bobbin]

If you've been going through The EB forums, you'll find a few EB members with an Occultus sig on them. They seem to show a design for one of the new factions. I have made this thread to discuss what they could be. The EB team will probably will not give us a fresh stele if we get it right.

Here are some of the Occultus sigs.

https://img154.imageshack.us/img154/1046/logosecret5sk0.jpg
https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9154/logosecret7.jpg
https://img376.imageshack.us/img376/2002/logosecret2d5cf.jpg
https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7642/logo2occultus2.jpg

The first and forth one definitley aren't the saka rauka i can tell that much, you should probably remove the third one as its an old occultus from a previous version of EB.

There was another green one which seems disappeared for now.:juggle2:

[Alsatia]

I left the third there because, at one time, It was a hidden sig. (i'll edit it and cross it out...)

[Andronikos]

I still somehow don't think that it is the Arverni sig, the green color is different than in the Arverni bowl and that thing that should be the hammer seems to have too acute angle.

EDIT OK, it's it, the Arverni writing is still there, that makes the hammer look weird

[Skullheadhq]

The red one could be Atropatene, looks eastern. What do you guys think about Atropatene?

[bobbin]

Its a good a guess as any. Not sure what their symbol would be, probably something based around Zoroastrianism.

[Andronikos]

It clearly features some scaled monster, ichtyo-centaur or dragon, I would connect it with something nomad or eastern.
Perhaps there is a crescent moon too.

[Cyclops]

Scales, eh? Fantasy dragon faction? China?

I know squat about Atropatene, my impression is a sort of mini-Armenia, obviously more of an Iranian culture but a little kindgom that the great king/Asian bossman could give to a relative or chip trade to an ambitious noble, but could potentially be a springboard to a resurgent Persian empire...mwahahahahahaha. Is that a likley faction trajectory?

I could play that, sort of like Pahlava but with civilised beginnings.

[Blxz]

Yep, free beer and free sex owns freedom of speech.

Sex should always be free. if you are ever paying for sex then there are some major problems that you should probably address.

[Alsatia]

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7642/logo2occultus2.jpg

Look like the edge of an Argyraspidies (sp?) shield. New Makedonia siggy???

[Phalanx300]

Scales, eh? Fantasy dragon faction? China?

I know squat about Atropatene, my impression is a sort of mini-Armenia, obviously more of an Iranian culture but a little kindgom that the great king/Asian bossman could give to a relative or chip trade to an ambitious noble, but could potentially be a springboard to a resurgent Persian empire...mwahahahahahaha. Is that a likley faction trajectory?

I could play that, sort of like Pahlava but with civilised beginnings.

From what I've heard its another succesor state, not sure whether its ruled by Greeks or if its more like Pontos.



Look like the edge of an Argyraspidies (sp?) shield. New Makedonia siggy???

I'm not sure, its probably supposed to be a faction emblem, I'd figure they will go with this:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Flag_of_Greek_Macedonia.png

[Horatius Flaccus]

I know squat about Atropatene, my impression is a sort of mini-Armenia, obviously more of an Iranian culture but a little kindgom that the great king/Asian bossman could give to a relative or chip trade to an ambitious noble, but could potentially be a springboard to a resurgent Persian empire...mwahahahahahaha. Is that a likley faction trajectory?

I could play that, sort of like Pahlava but with civilised beginnings.

From Wikipedia:


Following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, the Macedonian's conquests were divided amongst the diadochi at the Partition of Babylon. The former Achaemenid satrapy of Media was divided into two states: The greater (southern) part - Media Magna was assigned to Peithon, one of Alexander's bodyguards. The smaller (northern) region, which had been the sub-satrapy of Matiene, became Media Atropatene under Atropates, the former Achaemenid governor of all Media, who had by then become father-in-law of Perdiccas, regent of Alexander's designated successor.
Shortly thereafter, Atropates refused to pay allegiance to Seleucus, and made Media Atropatene an independent kingdom. It subsequently lost the Media prefix in the name and came to be known simply as Atropatene (Greek: ᾿Ατροπατήνη).
The dynasty Atropates founded would rule the kingdom for several centuries, first independently, then as vassals of the

[bobbin]

Scales, eh? Fantasy dragon faction? China?

I know squat about Atropatene, my impression is a sort of mini-Armenia, obviously more of an Iranian culture but a little kindgom that the great king/Asian bossman could give to a relative or chip trade to an ambitious noble, but could potentially be a springboard to a resurgent Persian empire...mwahahahahahaha. Is that a likley faction trajectory?

I could play that, sort of like Pahlava but with civilised beginnings.

From what i've seen on maps it was around the same size or slightly smaller, it's ruling dynasty wasa started by the old persian satarp for media so very similar to Hayasdan in that respect although i think they were more representive of the old Achaemenid regime as they were not based around a people like Hayasdan with the Hai.

As for the occultus being a new Makedonia sig..I doubt it, the whole point of occultus sigs is to show off new factions and i can't see them changing the Maks faction symbol as the vergina sun is pretty much perfect for them.

[A Very Super Market]

Chinese will never become the world language. While it holds an exceptionally small chance of dying out, learning Chinese takes too much effort. It takes a a childhood of using Chinese daily to produce an adult fully capable of speaking it fluently.

Meanwhile, it takes a few months of hard work to learn a phonetic language like Spanish.

[bobbin]

heh think you posted that in the wrong thread, but good point anyhow.

[DaciaJC]

This...


From what i've seen on maps it was around the same size or slightly smaller, it's ruling dynasty wasa started by the old persian satarp for media so very similar to Hayasdan in that respect although i think they were more representive of the old Achaemenid regime as they were not based around a people like Hayasdan with the Hai.

As for the occultus being a new Makedonia sig..I doubt it, the whole point of occultus sigs is to show off new factions and i can't see them changing the Maks faction symbol as the vergina sun is pretty much perfect for them.

to this...


Chinese will never become the world language. While it holds an exceptionally small chance of dying out, learning Chinese takes too much effort. It takes a a childhood of using Chinese daily to produce an adult fully capable of speaking it fluently.

Meanwhile, it takes a few months of hard work to learn a phonetic language like Spanish.

resulted in much laughter from me. :laugh4:

[moonburn]

Chinese will never become the world language. While it holds an exceptionally small chance of dying out, learning Chinese takes too much effort. It takes a a childhood of using Chinese daily to produce an adult fully capable of speaking it fluently.

Meanwhile, it takes a few months of hard work to learn a phonetic language like Spanish.

english is far easyer then spanish to both learn and speak (it also as alot more incentives with music and cinema being available to everyone) :oops: altough a nice diversity of languages helps you to develop several diferent areas cause a new language means a new grammar and a new way to see things

just my 2cents no harm intended

[APX]

https://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7642/logo2occultus2.jpg

The shield at the top of the picture looks like it has a scorpion or even a crab on it.

[a completely inoffensive name]

They are all recycled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Apraxiteles]

Because having more exclamation points make your argument so much more compelling. I realize that spreading misinformation is part of the fun of all this, but can't you try a little harder? :clown:

[a completely inoffensive name]

Almost every single occultus sig has been shown to be recycled, why would this one be any different. None of the occultus sigs even remotely looked like the current Pergamon one before it was revealed.

[bobbin]

What are you talking about?:inquisitive:

The first occultus sigs were for the Arverni, Saba and Saka IIRC
Apart from the Arverni one being recycled as a joke none of the others have.

Some very poor attempt at misinformation on your part I must say.

[a completely inoffensive name]

What are you talking about?:inquisitive:

The first occultus sigs were for the Arverni, Saba and Saka IIRC
Apart from the Arverni one being recycled as a joke none of the others have.

Some very poor attempt at misinformation on your part I must say.

I could have sworn all of the redish ones (including the one shown at the top post of the page) were Saka and the other one was outright confirmed as recycled Arverni.

[bobbin]

They're the same colour scheme, but i'm pretty certain they're not the Saka as I can't see any way the gold patterns would match up. Plus the Occultus sig is decidedly scaley, something the Saka symbol is not.

[Skullheadhq]

Saka is pure gold, and I think i see some ivory there.

-Skullheadhq

[Andronikos]

Even if it is Saka sig, it is a NEW Saka sig. It looks much different than the old one.

[Ludens]

:stop:

Back to topic, please.

[paullus]

i'm so excited!

[Kikaz]

to put in my two cents... the first and fourth are definitely the same, possibly a steppe faction. The second is an unknown, I'll guess that it's the Noricans

[Tellos Athenaios]

i'm so excited!

So am I. I lost track of the EB 2 factions; it should be great to get it back. :2thumbsup:

[eddy_purpus]

Heres what I deduced.. Im probably wrong, but heck, who cares.

I think this is defiantly a steppe factions.

https://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4748/occultus.jpg

Comments anyone?

olololololol !
You guys are blind!


That is an elephant right there....
Look at the "shield"... then a little further up to the left... thats the head!


tsk tsk..
EB team members commenting in this thread are wet in tears because Of my discoverings...


wet:2thumbsup:

[eddy_purpus]

Also...
I haz won the internets!

Ancient

* Achaean League
* Adiabene[1]
* Aetolian League
* Akkad[2]
* Alamanni
* Ammon[3]
* Kingdom of Araba
* Assyria[4]
* Atropatene[5]
* Avar Kingdom
* Axumite Kingdom[6]
* Babylonia[7]
* Bithynia
* Bosporan Kingdom[8]
* Kingdoms of Sub-Roman Britain
* Burgundian Kingdom
* Cappadocia
* Caucasian Iberia[9]
* Carthage[10]
* Chaldea[11]
* Characene[12]
* Commagene[13]
* Colchis[14]
* Cyrene
* Dacia
* Edom[15]
* Egrisi
* Egyptian Empire[16]
* Elam[17]
* Elymais
* Ancient Epirus[18]
* Etruria[19]
* Fatimid Caliphate[20]
* Kingdom of Fez or Wattasid[21]
* Finnveden[citation needed]
* Kingdom of the Franks
* Frisian kingdom
* Galatia[22]
* Gallic Empire
* Gepid Kingdom
* Ghassanid Kingdom
* Gordyene
* Greco-Bactrian Kingdom
* Hellenic city-states (such as Athens[23], Sparta[24], Syracuse[25]) and their allied cities/colonies/territories. See List of ancient Greek cities for all Greek Poleis.
* Hellenistic Empires (Ptolemaic[26], Seleucid[27], Antigonid[28],etc.)
* Himyar[29]
* Hittites[30]
* Hunnic Empire
* Hurrians[31]
* Illyria[32]
* Hebrew kingdoms of Israel[33] and Judah[34], and later kingdom of Judaea
* Kindah
* Kush[35]
* Lakhmids
* Lombard Kingdoms
* Lycia[36]
* Lydia[37]
* Macedon[38]
* Mauritania
* Media[39]
* Meroe[40]
* Moab[41]
* Nabataean kingdom[42]
* Nekor[citation needed]
* Njudung
* The petty kingdoms of present-day Norway[43][44]
* Nubia[45]
* Numidian Kingdom
* Saxons
* Odrysian kingdom of Thrace[46]
* Osroene[47]
* Ostrogothic Kingdom
* Kingdom of Pergamon[48]
* Palmyra
* Parthia[49]
* Philistines
* Phoenician city states
* Kingdom of Pontus[50]
* Rome[51]
o Roman Kingdom[52]
o Roman Republic[53]
o Roman Empire[54]
* Rugiland
* Scythia[55]
* Domain of Soissons
* Suebic Kingdom
* Sumerian city states [56]
* Tartessos[57]
* Thuringia
* Urartu[58]
* Värend[59]
* Vasconia
* Visigothic Kingdom
* Yamkhad[60]
* Yemeni Kingdoms
o qataban
o hadramaut
o Sabaeans
o Minaeans
* Troy[61]

There were also numerous Celtic, Germanic, and Slavic Tribes. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Pre-Modern_states#Ancient)

[Ca Putt]

EB team members commenting in this thread are wet in tears because Of my discoverings...
that my even be correct :clown: ;)

@eddy_purpus I think youre right there :clown:

[eddy_purpus]

:D


So...

0k...
If its an Elephant... wich i undoubtedly it is... What faction or what region could the elephant be representing?

far east?:book:

[Hax]

*Fatimid Caliphate*

Someone found out at long last.


If its an Elephant... wich i undoubtedly it is... What faction or what region could the elephant be representing?

But what if...it's a mammoth?

[A Very Super Market]

What if it's a pygmy mammoth? Does this mean EB2 will extend the map to the islands north of Siberia?

[eddy_purpus]

What if it's a pygmy mammoth? Does this mean EB2 will extend the map to the islands north of Siberia?
=o:idea2:

Someone found out at long last.
I just did the copypasta... :P




But what if...it's a mammoth?
We had mamoths in rtw already...
remember?
:p

[A Very Super Market]

I just did the copypasta... :P


You miss the irony.

[Dunadd]

Oh no - not another Satanist mod :wink:

[Ibrahim]

Oh no - not another Satanist mod :wink:

WTH?:inquisitive:

I don't follow what you're saying.


Someone found out at long last.

it was a forgone conclusion-we need more homies around here:clown:

[Hax]

Shi'a for life! Our lives for Ali! Let's get those Abbassid bastards back where they come from!

[Ibrahim]

Shi'a for life! Our lives for Ali! Let's get those Abbassid bastards back where they come from!

*entire crowd of sunnis, me included, turn round looking at him*

reaction (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPLJVClhPJk&feature=related) (@1:20 onwards)

:clown: (I don't really care about sects)

but seriously now, Dunadd, what do you mean by a satanist mod?

[athanaric]

Gah. A true (soon-to-be) shahid doesn't fear the Sunni mob...

[Ludens]

Eight pages of discussion, and we still don't know the identity of the occultus factions. Enough of the spam, I am closing this thread.