Screenshot Preview thread

This first post will be the update post and will contain all the updates. I will post updates throughout the thread and update this first post each time I do. :)

A Battle of Crusaders

Teutonic Knights teach some Templars a lesson

Saracen Infantry Engage the Crusaders

Teutonic Cavalry

Saracen Warriors Battle Crusaders

Battle of the Axes

Saracen Heavy Cavalry

Heavy Cavalry

Hospitaller Spears

GRANDMASTER of the Hospitaller Knights

Welsh Bowmen

Hospitaller Cavalry Knights

Teutonics and German Crusaders

Templar Spearmen

Cilician Armenians

knights and maronites

Turcopoles

Heavy Cavalry of the Kingdom

Foot Knights of the Kingdom

Royal Knights of the Kingdom

Black Guards

French Men at Arms

Norman Knights

French Knights

English Men at Arms

English Knights

German Heavy Infantry

Saxon Warriors

Genoese Sailors

Italian Militia

Knights of Italy

Teutonic Foot Knights

Mounted Templar Knights

Crossbows of the Latin Kingdom

Knights of the Order of St. Lazarus

Templar Order Crossbowmen

Hospitaller Order Crossbowmen

Teutonic Order Crossbowmen

Men at Arms from the County of Tripoli

Byzantine Rebel Cavalry

Byzantine Rebel Archers

Byzantine Rebel Infantry

Latest Updated Screen Shot:


Re-vamped Teutonic Foot Knigts

Anatolian Infantry

Naffatin Fire Throwers

Arabs Battle Crusaders

Arabian Light Infantry

Arabian Lancers

Syrian Archers

Jund Militia

Ghazi Infantry

Syrian Heavy Infantry

Nizari

Kumah Cavalry

Hashishin

Kurdish Ghulams

Sudanese Infantrymen

Sudanese Javelinmen

Ayyubid Infantry

Nubian Infantry

Jaridah Cavalry

Tawashi Cavalry

Ayyubid Ghulams

Saracen Generals model

Mamluk Junior Askars

Mamluk Abtal Askar

Saracen Royal Cavalry

Saracen Sibyan al Rikab

Today I start previewing the Saracen Units

The Sibyan al Rikab

https://img294.imageshack.us/img294/...21ro6vb.th.jpg

Young noblemen of the Ayyubid Dynasty. These are powerfull heavy cavalry that form the incredibly solid core of the Saracen army. They are primarly the protectors of the Sultans generals; however, if you have the gold you will be able to muster a unit or two of these men. They are a solid wall of horse flesh and armor, bristling. None shall stand in their way and they will inspire all those that see them on the battle field as well as striking fear into the very hearts of your enemy.

https://img350.imageshack.us/img350/...view5zz.th.jpg

Todays Saracen Preview:

The Royal Cavalry

https://img449.imageshack.us/img449/...13xi1ut.th.jpg

These men are the crack cavalry force of the Sultans armies. Powerful heavy cavalry armed with spears and swords. They are not has heavily armored as the Sibyan al Rikab, but are faster and much more nimble. Where the Rikab are a thunderous wall of spears and armor, nearly unstoppable with their momentum; the royal cavalry are a fluid force that can quickly attack, turn and regroup and strike again in moments. Wreaking havoc on the crusader armies.

https://img449.imageshack.us/img449/...view4by.th.jpg

Very impressive as usual.

How did you do the sash on that last unit. I've done something similar for WoT, but I keep getting problems with the sash going into the unit when its animated...

try moving the verts out away from the body a bit... i hope that helps.. that generally works for me.:2thumbsup:

Are you just attaching the sash to the torso bone?

If so that normally causes some problems of clipping. I use a skin modifier as well as keeping it off the body a bit. With the skin I normally attach verts to the torso, abs and pelvis.

Hmm, I just used torso and pelvis. I'm sure its just a matter of tweaking till I get it right...

Todays Preview:

Mamluk Abtal Askar

https://img339.imageshack.us/img339/...view4ic.th.jpg

Powerful shock cavalry. Meant to cover the withdraw of the hit run tactics of other saracen cavalry. They are armed with lances and large battle axes and make a formidable foe.

https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/...view1ik.th.jpg

lovely models! very high res and lots of nice details. beautiful stuff.

I agree... gorgeous

These are all really nice units, are they all historically accurate?

yes and no. Most are based on ospreys or museum armor pieces. Some are based on units seen in KoH and some are straight out of my imagination.

Todays Preview:

Mamluk Junior Askar

https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/...view9lj.th.jpg

These men are mounted junior Mamluks armed with the bow and sword. They possess such impressive horsemenship and archery skills that they are by far the finest mounted archers in the Saracen army.

https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...eens3rc.th.jpg

Todays Update, sorta a dual update.

The Saracen General Model and the Sibyan al Rikab's cavalry standard.

https://img422.imageshack.us/img422/...view5js.th.jpg

watch out the img is rather hi res!

A massive DUAL update today. Two units for the price of one!

Tawashi Cavalry

https://img405.imageshack.us/img405/...nder6ds.th.jpg

Considered by the crusading franks as a medium cavalry, but to the Saracens they where a heavy cavalry unit. Armed with spears swords and shields. they were easily the match of any cavalry the crusading armies of europe could field.

https://img517.imageshack.us/img517/...view9qz.th.jpg

Ayyubid Ghulams

https://img405.imageshack.us/img405/...view4pr.th.jpg

Again, another medium cavalry, Fast and agile armored in leather lamellar. They carry bamboo spears, shorter and better suited for close combat and the agility. These men were some of the finest mounted warriors of the Ayyubid Dynasty.

https://img405.imageshack.us/img405/...ulam6fz.th.jpg

Those screenshots are unreal. The metal really shines, and stands out, especially on the islamic units. Really impressive stuff, can't wait to play this.

ya, I started using a new envmap for the gloss recently (mostly for the saracens) The crusaders using the same envmap have the same steel shiny looking helmet.

I'm loving those units, man. Excellent work.

Extreme Kudos Caius!
I am absolutely enthralled by your saracen units! Once this mod comes out I am going to spend days playing as the Saracens because their units are absolutely the most bada**

One thing about making a mod that is really enjoyable... you can play it before everyone else :P

https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/...menu0ry.th.png

Todays Preview:

Jaridah Cavalry

https://img102.imageshack.us/img102/...nder1wf.th.jpg

Light cavalry, armored in leather lamellar and a mail coif. They carry a shorter cavalry spear and sabers and are fast cavalry that make up the bulk of the ayyubid cavalry lines.

https://img102.imageshack.us/img102/...view9uw.th.jpg

I really like those
keep it up

Really nice units can't wait to try them !

I'll have higher res and individual unit renders for the units in this preview at a later date. What I'm presenting here is a night battle I recently played which also convienently showcases the current saracen ayyubid infantry that have been created. Mamluk Junior Foot Askars, Thaqlah Infantry and Daylamite Infantry are showcased battling a army of French Men-at-Arms, Latin Heavy Spearmen and Welsh bowmen (not shown). Its presented in a filmstrip of the battle. ENJOY!


https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/...view9eo.th.jpg

PS: its a night battle because I enjoy the way the light reflects of the armor :)

Awsome!
Will there be Nizaris? or Hashishin?

Lovely pics....

I'm surprised that this mod is not more popular, the units are so richly detailed.

A preview (I know its been awhile but study week is over :( )

Nubian Infantry

https://img127.imageshack.us/img127/...nder0mg.th.jpg

Light infantry, armed with shield and spear. They are by no means the greatest quality troops however their numbers are where their strength lays as they overwhelm the crusading armies of Europe.

https://img163.imageshack.us/img163/...view6dn.th.jpg

Still looking fantastic. What I really like is the way all the units seem to fit together, they don't seem to clash (colourwise) like those in quite a few other mods.

Glad to see you're making good progress. :2thumbsup:

Todays preview

Ayyubid Infantry

https://img391.imageshack.us/img391/...view1pv.th.jpg

This infantryman is a rank and file trooper at your disposal in your fight against the franks. Not armored except for his padded coat and shield he is not going to be the decisive force on the battle that your Daylamites or Black Guards will be. However they are faster then their european counterparts with just as much eagerness to show their worth.

Wow, these models and skins all look so fantastic but there is one thing I find a little iffy...and that is the english knight's helmets...a little out of place for the period arent they? Reminds me of the movie LadyHawke:inquisitive:

Maybe a bascinet, warhat or conical helmet with aventail should be used as a replacement?

But again these are all so fantastic, I dont even know where to begin with the praises :D

You are truly bringing the crusades to life. I can not wait for this to be released!

These are some of the best looking units I've seen. I've been inspired, thanks for sharing your wonderful work!

Very good looking, not a flaw to be seen! :2thumbsup:

I'm trying to "sell" my Wars of the Roses scripting concept to anyone capable of finishing it and since this project focuses on just 2 factions would you be interested in it? It features a scripted strategic AI, M:TW or R:TW style of strategic movement. All battlemaps can be custom made. No siege battles but that will save you on creating new buildings, just abstract sieges to a several turn action. Recruitment of armies can be made pretty much whatever you like. Techtree or something more real and fitting to the period. The strategic UI is completely removed, everything happens on the strategic map itself.

To make it a bit more clear:

The player can select an army that he controls. (Do not mind the 3 armies at the bottom they are for debugging purposes and will be invisible during normal play)
http://forum.thelordz.co.uk/files/test_script1_147.jpg
Doing so will pop up the advisor telling him that he can now select an enemy army, unoccupied tile, etc.
http://forum.thelordz.co.uk/files/test_script2_734.jpg
An enemy army has been selected which pops up another advisor text telling him that a battle will be fought.
http://forum.thelordz.co.uk/files/test_script3_143.jpg
Pressing the Show Me button will launch the player directly into the scripted battle.
http://forum.thelordz.co.uk/files/test_script4_103.jpg

Anyway, keep up the excellent work!

Cheers,
Duke John

interesting concept Duke John. But not the one for the crusades I think.

Its been awhile since a preview. Today we revisit the crusaders, with a refresh skin of the Templar Sergeants.

Templar Sergeants

https://img463.imageshack.us/img463/...resh5bb.th.jpg

These men, although not knights, are strong and disciplined infantry armed with a spear and large kite shield. They wear padded armor for protection and will fight with the intensity and ferocity.

I don't mean to nitpick, but shouldn't all templar units be bearded ? I've read that was a requisite after joining the Order. I'm not sure if i'm right in saying this, maybe it was not enforced, or maybe those units are not actual members of the Order, but soldiers under the command, or in the employment of the Knights Templar (Since at one point there were only 9 members of the Knights Templar, and they weren''t recruiting for a period of time. Nine knights to defend all the pilgrams traveling to the Holy land :S) Can you shed some light on this ? I love your work, btw, as i've said before and am saying again :D

Back to the saracens...

Turkish Ghulams

https://img107.imageshack.us/img107/...ulam9fc.th.jpg

Heavy cavalry of the Seljuq Turks, this cavalry is stronger but slower then its Ayyubid counter part. They are more than a match for any cavalry the Crusaders can throw at them.

:sultan: awsome, I really want to play this mod!

Shouldnt the templar sergeants be clothed in black with a red cross?
Like this:
http://www.squadron.com/images/large/AES11F01.jpg

That was the uniform of sergeants of the Templars.

Like im wetting my pants right now because this is so cool!!
Cant wait! must have!
Good job, it looks frickin awesome.

Incredible

After a long dry spell we have a new preview today!

Sudanese Javelinmen

https://img236.imageshack.us/img236/...iew13fg.th.jpg

Light armed troops from Sudan. These men have no armor and fight only with a clutch of javelins. Don't expect them to stand long against any foe, but use them well in the opening moments of a battle and you may be able to swings the odds into your favour.

sweet....so sweet.....

amazing. I can't wait to play this mod. The pics are all superb! Keep up the fantastic work!

Has hell frozen over!?! Are pigs sprouting wings and flying!?!

Its ANOTHER preview!

Sudanese Infantrymen

https://img108.imageshack.us/img108/...iew21pl.th.jpg

Your typical infantrymen. Lightly armed with a lance and kite shield, they will be of little use on the open battle field but will make excellent garrison troops.

(said in heavy new yorker accent)

like butta, gorgeous

Todays update we begin looking at Syrian units...

Kurdish Ghulams

https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/...iew13mj.th.jpg

Like all the Ghulams of the Saracen armies these horsemen are heavily armed with a long spear and a full mail hauberk. They strike with lighting speed and incredible power and very few can stand their ferocious charge.

Wow, the Ghulams look sweeeet&tasty! They were a hell of an enemy for the Crusaders!

My my, you're like some amazing conveyer belt, constantly producing quality graphics.....

Todays Preview

Hashishin

https://img166.imageshack.us/img166/...view6hz.th.jpg

They are the finest assassins in the Islamic world, striking fear into the hearts of any foe that comes against them. These men are some of the finest archers the saracens can field. Eventhough they lack numbers on the battlefield their skill with bow and scimitar make them an almost unstoppable force.

Them Hashisihn look nice! Dangerous P-heads! I know science pretty much proofed they didn't use drugs...but still i kinda like the idea....For which faction will they fight?!?

Probably for the Islamic one, I think Caius only has two factions.
I suppose they´re much like the Rome Arcani on steroids - able to hide everywhere and armed with (armor-piercing?) bows.
I´m not much a user of special units, the game engine makes them somewhat tough to handle, but I like the idea of them a lot.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Subedei

For which faction will they fight?!?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by caius britannicus

These men are some of the finest archers the saracens can field.

---

Must admit that the wonderful screenshots are a bit distracting :wink:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ciaran

Probably for the Islamic one, I think Caius only has two factions.
I suppose they´re much like the Rome Arcani on steroids - able to hide everywhere and armed with (armor-piercing?) bows.
I´m not much a user of special units, the game engine makes them somewhat tough to handle, but I like the idea of them a lot.

---

Pretty much bang on. They also have the terrorize attribute. And I'm still tossing around the idea of multiple hit points. Mostly for the reason of unit size. With only one and being outnumbered heavily they will rout or be cut down too fast.

Just because I'm feeling extra generous today I think I'll post two previews

Nizari

https://img46.imageshack.us/img46/53...view1op.th.jpg

Skilled archers and swordsmen in their own right, they were also a religious order skilled in the use of fear and violence for political manipulation and to advance their radical Islamic theology. They would recruit Gazi, Mutatawi’ah, and Hashishins to help them spread their radical ideas or just kill you themselves.

Kumah Cavalry

https://img67.imageshack.us/img67/89...view2rf.th.jpg

Also known as Veiled Horsemen, these men are mostly Kurds and fight in the same style as the Kurdish Ghulams. They are armed with a lance, a wooden round shield and wear full-length hauberks. They are called veiled horsemen for the mail veil they wear into battle.

Top quality work as always !!

Hell must have frozen over, 'cause here comes another preview

Syrian Heavy Infantry

https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/...iew26vs.th.jpg

These infantrymen are covered in armor and are the very definition of heavy infantry. They wear a full suit of chainmail as well as a leather lamellar cuirass while carrying a small round shield. They wield a short sword similar to the roman weapon of ages past. They will form the back bone of any Syrian army and are well suited to hold any position in the saracen line.

If it were biologically possible, I would have your babies.

Not a particularly exciting unit today

Ghazi Infantry

https://img174.imageshack.us/img174/...view1vh.th.jpg

These men are the religious fanatics of the Saracens, they are only armed with a shield, axe, and their faith. Although lightly armed they are fierce warriors and would rather fight to the last man then surrender the field of battle to the infidels.

Salaam Aleikum! Awsome screens. Just a reminder, the Hashishin and Nizari were Shi'a. Ghazi was Sunni.

:2thumbsup:

Nothing exciting, huh? Love the shots of the Ghazi Infantry, is that a couched lance animation in the background of the third picture? Those Men-at-Arms you have your Saracens fighting look extremely good as well, I don´t think I´ve seen them earlier on. Or maybe I forgot them over the couple of other great units.

Todays Preview

Jund Militia

https://img332.imageshack.us/img332/...view9eg.th.jpg

These men hail from parts of syria. They carry large wooden shields and a spear. They are meant for garrison work or light patrol duties. Place them on the open field of battle without their large stone walls behind them and they will crumble before your enemies onslaught.

Todays Preview

Syrian Archers

https://img60.imageshack.us/img60/62...view2la.th.jpg

These men were some of the finest foot archers in the Islamic world. Archery had a great importance in the Islamic world and these men were trained from birth to shoot with the bow and arrow "...so it is the right of our children that we teach them to write and to shoot arrows, and leave them their rightful inheritance." Fear their presence on any battle field for they may not defeat you outright, but they will make sure the price of your advance is paid in blood.

sweeeet, I really like your archers, love the quivers on hip/back and robes! Keep 'em coming, can't wait for this mod!

Todays Preview

Arabian Lancers

https://img285.imageshack.us/img285/...view5wa.th.jpg

These horsemen are some of the best cavalry the Arabians can field. Surpassed in strength and speed by only the Arabian Nobles. They carry large kite shields and a lance and possess a thunderous charge that leaves their opponents in ruins.

Today I am taking a break from units to help with other aspects of the mod. Mostly this means finishing up the strat map models so they can be properly previewed (hopefully soon, still working out some bugs.) What I'm gonna show you is a by-product of this work. Enjoy!

https://img329.imageshack.us/img329/...31016937ud.jpg

it's great,this warship can is armed with magonel,ballista, or they transport some soldiers ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by almazor

it's great,this warship can is armed with magonel,ballista, or they transport some soldiers ?

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I image they would transport troops and engage other fleets just like in normal RTW but the ships from RTW are not really appropriate for The Crusades so they have been changed.

Looks great Caius it will really help the immersion.

They look damn fine... :thumbsup:

Sweeet :2thumbsup:

Todays Preview

Arabian Light Infantry

https://img55.imageshack.us/img55/54...iew29gn.th.jpg

These men hail from the deserts of Arabia. Forced to live in these conditions these men are hardy and determined on the battlefield. However they lack the fighting skills of the other Saracen infantry and rely mostly on their numbers to defeat their enemies. They are armed with large wooden shields and short lances.

Since most of the units now that are left are really boring (there are still a few to see in the days to come Inner Circle Knights, some Turkish units, Arabian nobles) so I'll be preveiwing the strategy map in small peices.

Todays Preview

Faction Fleets

https://img372.imageshack.us/img372/...iew18kn.th.jpg

These will be the ships that transport your men from europe as the crusaders and defend against Saracen attempts to stop the flow of troops. For the saracens you will use these fleets to cripple the Crusader supply lines wreaking havoc on their coastal cities.

Awsome! Might I recommend though, a Dhow like boat for the saracens...
otherwise, awsome work.

Todays Preview

Since its been so long since the last one I'm previewing a couple of units at once. In this preview you will see an Arab army made up of Arabian Tribesmen, Archers, Horse Archers and Light Cavalry attempt to defeat a much smaller force of Kingdom Men-at-Arms supported by French Knights.

https://img114.imageshack.us/img114/...abs13aj.th.jpg

The Arabians number some 1000 men, all lightly armed and outnumbering their enemies more than two to one with their cavalry outnumbering the French Knights nearly four to one. Even with numerical superiority the arabs know they will be hard pressed to win this battle.

https://img221.imageshack.us/img221/...abs20pm.th.jpg

The battle opens with the French Knights charging the arabian tribesmen in hopes of scattering the weaker enemy and allowing their forces to sweep through cutting them down quickly and efficiently. The Men-at-Arms follow the heavy cavalry and completely collapse the arabian left flank sending the undisciplined tribesmen running for their lives. The arabian archers pepper the enemy advance killing several of the knights, however they are quickly overtaken as well. Soon the entire line is in shambles and full retreat.

https://img143.imageshack.us/img143/...abs36gr.th.jpg

The arabians fall back to a row of dunes and regroup also giving time for the crusaders to rally their cavalry and men and renew their advance. This time the tribesmen of arabia go on the offensive and strike hard and fast at the infantry lines while the light cavalry ride around the flanks trying to draw the knights away from the foot battle.

https://img157.imageshack.us/img157/...abs45fn.th.jpg

The French knights, being peppered with arrow fire from the horse archers give chase and are drawn out of the battle. This lapse in judgement from the european noblemen allow the light cavalry of the arabians to charge the rear and flank of the Kingdom foot soldiers. Sadly the tribesmen attack quickly fizzled out and were they routed almost as soon as they made contact. This quick victory gave the men-at-arms time to turn and face their new enemy. The light cavalry was unable to maintain its mobility and were quickly defeated as well. Upon seeing their brethened deafeated the rest of the Arabian cavalry quickly out-stripped the french knights and fled the battlefield.

Although out numbered the Knights of Europe and their Latin Kingdom allies were able to obtain victory. However the outcome would have been very different if the arabians had been able to field their heavy lancers and noblemen.





P.S. yes those are couched lance animations you see in the last picture

Todays Preview

Naffatin Fire Throwers

https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/...wers7yv.th.jpg

These men are a precious commodety in The Crusades, few and far between they pack a punch that very few units possess. They carry six small casks of naptha to hurl at their enemies burning them alive in a gruesome death. The very sight of them on the battle field strikes terror into the very soul of the enemy. On large settings each unit will consist of 12 men and so they are very vulnerable if left alone, make sure to give them a strong guard and they will turn any battle in your favour.

Excellent! Really really great skins.

Very nice, those fire throwers look awesome as well as that preview battle. Eye candy and good gameplay, this mod is awesome!

Stunning work, as usual Cauis. :bow: I loved the mini-battle.

Naphta is back :2thumbsup:
This gets better and better - please don´t abandon it in favour of MTW2, there´ll be a lot users playing RTW mods while saving for a system that can handle its sucessor (me being one of them).

Don't worry I'm not abandoning anything. Far too much blood, sweat, and semen... err tears went into this mod to let it go now.

Todays Preview

Anatolian Infantry

https://img63.imageshack.us/img63/97...view6ng.th.jpg

Like many Saracens, these medium spearmen are well disciplined when compared to 'Frankish' opponents. Their spears give them an advantage when fighting cavalry, and they are lightly armoured allowing them to move swiftly beneath the desert sun. They can hold their own against medium and light infantry but heavy sword armed enemies will cut through them like butter.