Empires: Total War

[Zanderpants]

Sure Medieval, that would be great. Email me at zanderpants@pacbell.net and I'll send you a list of what needs to be written up.

Not all of the Celtic tribes will have cavalry, but in general, especially in Gaul and the Balkans, the Celts will have very good cavalry, plus they'll have mounted nobles.
Cavalry will not be the shock troops that they were in the original campaign however. One-on-one, every heavy infantry unit, and most medium infantry will be able to beat cavalry without too much difficulty in this period. In the later periods, cavalry will begin to dominate the field, so if you love cavalry, look forward to the third, and especially the fourth periods.

I've never put together a mod of this grand a scope, so what does everybody think, should I try to put together a team for this?

[Medieval Assassin]

I'd join the team and mod, I can mod some, and I'll do the descriptions.
One thing you need to do please, is when this mod is done, make it into 5-6 smaller .ZIP files, so us 56k'rs can actually download it,

Because in a mod this big, it will be 30mb-40mb probably, That takes a while on 56k however 6-7 smaller files of 5mb is possible... please

[Zanderpants]

Lol, sure man, sounds good.

[Medieval Assassin]

56k sucks

I sent you e-mail.

[avarin]

If you need any new models (BIFs positioning and actions) I would be sure glad to lend a hand, time and effort permitting of course. This sounds like a great mod in the making.

[Zanderpants]

Ha, yeah, tell me about it. I just switched to DSL at the beginning of the year. It's good to be outta that. I'll be sending you a list of what is needed tonight btw.

Avarin:
That would be extremely appreciated As in I lack the words. Send me an email at zanderpants@pacbell.net so we talk some more about what is needed for the mod.

Just about finished making the new startpos file for the new campaign. Just gotta make those shields.

[Zanderpants]

Medieval,
Sorry for the delay, I had to study all day yesterday for a test this morning. I'm putting together what's needed right now.

Z

[Chimpyang]

I'll help with testing

[Zanderpants]

Sure chimpyang, sounds good, if both you and minikiller could email me at zanderpants@pacbell.net, just so I can get your email, that would be great. The mod'll hopefully be done within the month.

Good news Nagatsuka Shumi of Centurion: Total War has joined our team in a merging of Centurion: Total War and Empires: Total War. Nothing about the concept has changed, Nagatsuka Shumi has just kindly provided his talent for the mod.

I'm working on shields right now.

AlexPeters, could you perhaps get descriptions for the factions?

[dessa14]

if you need any help
never hesitate to ask me for help.
i have been around a long while.
thanks, dessa

[Zanderpants]

Any of your help would be greatly appreciated. Are you able to edit the campaign map Dessa? What is your forte?

Thanks Dessa,
Z

[AlexPeters]

Zitat[/b] (Zanderpants @ Juli 01 2004,22:21)]./. AlexPeters, could you perhaps get descriptions for the factions? ./.

Yup , a native speaker will have to read them ...
I can also offer images (raw material only yet) of (nearly) all units (for info pics and/or modelling), mostly covers from books and miniature soldier packages.

Alex

[dessa14]

my forte is programming.
but normally i just advise.
if you send me the images you want added or anything you want added.
ill sort it out and have it working within a day.
thanks, dessa

[dessa14]

whats wrong with him using them, he's gonna need to create 90% of the bifs anyway, so if you let him use some of the greek bifs you guys have made it will make it far quicker to make this mod.

thanks, dessa

[Zanderpants]

Thanks Dessa, and thank you Antalis.

Of course the Gerousia will get massive credit Without you guys, I wouldn't have even started the mod


Oh, btw, can I use your maps?
Hehe, joking. They're awesome BTW.

[NagatsukaShumi]

On a small note, not wanting to start anything here, some of the earlier hopilite BIFs were made by Duke John and he released a mini-beta of Ancient-Total War, after which I believe he said anybody could use the BIFs either way, maybe Empires should use these hopilites?

The problems with embarking on making our own units is..we'd really need somebody who we know can do it on board, I for don't have a clue how to do it, CTW was basically a collection of Topless Loons editted and made to run around into Milita Sergeants with Pilums.

Either way, Empires is VERY greatful that HTW are allowing the MOD to use some of their units, specifically the Elephants and Chariots if I'm not mistaken? (I was always down on the fact that if I had released CTW Carthage would be without their key gimmick).

Not trying to start anything, if my post sounds ranting in anyway excuse me as I've just woken up .

Regards
Nag

[Al Khalifah]

Zanderpants I have to say I am a big admirer of the ambition in this mod and if I can help in any way with the factions, units, history (Classical History one of my specialities) or anything like that I would gladly be a part of this mod.

I just have slight concerns over the distributions of the factions in this mod and the density of factions that will be amassed in certain areas compared to the relative sparsity of other factional groupings. I think this mod would definately require a new campaign map to reflect this fact but it could be a very strange one.
I say this because in 1st period your faction list contains about 6 factions that would be situated somewhere on the Hellenic peninsula and perhaps more factions that would be situated on the Latin peninsula. Therefore Greece and Italy would need to split into quite small fractions in order to accomdodate this, as would the near east and France. I know it would be impracticle and unneccessary to cover the WHOLE Persian Empire in this mod.
On the other hand the map would have to go as far north as even the borders of Caledonia and as far west as Portugal in order to accomodate other factions.
Now there is a limit on the number of provinces in MTWVI which I believe is 255. In order to make this mod playable, the vast majority of these would need to be located in the south and east to give factions there a chance where as further north provinces would need to be quite huge to prevent the factions there just picking off rebels. This might make for a very strange campaign map and could leave some provinces so small they can't hold more than an army, a port and a castle (e.g Thebes) This just seems to be the way a map would appear.

My only suggestions for this could be to reduce the scope of factions in the mod either by removing some of the more northern and western ones or by merging some of the eastern ones or removing some of the lass significant tribes in early. While they were dangerous to Rome's expansion, only a few of the gaellic and latin tribes that held quite vast territories could be considered to be as mighty in terms of military power as some of the Greek city states who only occupied far small territories but had greater populations and might. In MTW power is very closely linked to territory controlled since this dictates maximum income and troop raising capability per turn.

[Al Khalifah]

That sounded too bitchy. I apologise. I only say these things because I REALLY want to see this mod done well because - if it is it will be great to play (especially before the arrival of RTW). Constructive criticism it was. You may have already solved these problems and if you haven't - like I said I will gladly help in any area you need assistance in.

[Zanderpants]

It's fine Al Khalifa, I took no offense.
As for the map, an altered original will do I think. Yes, many factions are crammed into the Italian penninsula, but there is enough room for them. A few days ago, I wrote up faction's starting provinces, and it works. Greece needs to be divided a bit, but it only requires a split into three new provinces. Croatia will also be changed to add more territory to the northern greek factions, etc.
We're going to proceed with this altered map and see how it works for now. If not, then we'll just have to add more provinces. Either way, I hope to come out with a fresh camp map in a later version.

I'd like you to test if you're able Al Khalifa.

Note to the to-be testers:
I'm going to let you choose which factions you'd like to test. Same goes for everybody else who comes along to test, in a first come-first serve basis. Only one person per faction. There are 26 factions.

The list right now is:
Mini-killer
Chimpyang
Al Khalifa (If he wishes)

[Al Khalifah]

Quote[/b] ]The list right now is:
Mini-killer
Chimpyang
Al Khalifa (If he wishes)

He wishes A word of caution, I once did some part-time work as a proper crash-tester for a games studio. So I will pummel your mod mercilessly until I make it crash and maybe have some fun playing properly inbetween.

But thats what you want, right? He he he. If its first come, first served then.... MACEDONIA MACEDONIA MACEDONIA MACEDONIA

[Zanderpants]

LOL, good, the tougher, the better.
Macedonia it is

Note to anybody thinking of testing:
The Romans will not be a super faction in this game On account of the large quantity of factions in a small area, balancing is vital, so don't expect the Romans to be able to whup everybody's ass in this period.
Can I say ass? Hehe.

[Zanderpants]

Thank you very much Antalis, I'll ask Flip again as you have asked.

Thank you once again,
Z

[Al Khalifah]

Zanderpants, sent an e-mail with my address for any future messages. Can't remember what e-mail I signed up for the org with but the one in the message itself is the one that I use.

Any chance you could send a unit list for the factions. Whatever form it takes it'd be good to see.

Cheers, Al Khalifah.

[Zanderpants]

Sure Al Khalifah, I'll get the full list to you today.

[Al Khalifah]

Efkaristo poly.

[Zanderpants]

Parakalo Al Khalifah

[Al Khalifah]

He he he...

Oh damn being a Man At Arms. I liked my old avatar better.

[Al Khalifah]

Zander, I'll be out of country for a week from tomorrow, so I shouldn't think I'll be able to post here. I will have e-mail and laptop though if you send anything for testing etc. (nothing bigger than about 30 meg though, there'll be no broadband and probably 2 hour cut-off grrr)

Cheers,
Al Khalifah

[Zanderpants]

Hello all, here's some updated units lists:


The Romans
The Roman units will take longer than usual to build, but their units, in general, are of a higer quality than the other factions surrounding them.

Triarii
Velites
Hastati
Equites (Light/medium cavalry)
Auxilia (Spearmen with large shields; armed with javelins)
Archers
Slingers
Triremes
Biremes
Ballistae
Battering rams


The Etruscans
The Etruscan units are a cross between Greek units and Roman units. They are very good, middle of the road units.

Etruscan Infantry
Slingers
Archers
Etruscan Heavy Infantry
Ballistae
Battering Rams
Biremes
Triremes



The Macedonians
The Macedonians have a very well balanced force to choose from. They have the best units for countering cavalry of any sort, as well as very fine cavalry of their own.

Enomotia Hopliton
Macedonian Enomotia Hopliton
Companion Cavalry
Macedonian Light cavalry
Macedonian Hippies
Hypaspists
Archers
Peltasts
Slingers
Ballistae
Battering Rams
Triremes
Biremes


The Thebans
The Thebans have a nice balance of units to choose from. On one hand, they have very heavy infantry in the form of the Sacred Band, but at the same time, they have a nice selection of skirmishers as well.

Enomotia Hopliton
Theban Sacred Band
Enomotia Ekdromon
Hippies
Hippies Akondistes
Archers
Peltasts
Slingers
Ballistae
Battering Rams
Triremes
Biremes


The Spartans
The Spartans are the juggernaut of the Greek world, and it shows. Their Hoplites are faster than most heavy infantry when they have to be. (i.e. Their walking speed is slower than usual, but their charge and run is faster than most heavy infantry) The Spartan commander can send their hoplites into battle, practically assured of success. They do lack in other areas though, as they are technophobes.

Spartan Enomotia Hopliton
Enomotia Hopliton
Skirites
Hippies
Slingers
Battering Rams
Ballistae
Biremes


The Persians
The Persians have vast stretches of land to fund their equally massive armies. However, this abundance in men comes at a cost. Most Persian units have horrendous morale, coupled with poor equipment. The greatest problem with the Persian army is the lack of dependable heavy infantry.

Immortals
Persian Royal Cavalry
Persian Horse Archers
Kardakes
Takabaras
Sparabaras
Indian Elephants
Persian Archers
Chariot Archers
Heavy Chariots
Nubian Spearmen
Ballistae
Battering Rams
Egyptian Warships
Heavy Egyptian Warships


The Skythians
The ferocious Skythians have little selection when it comes to units, but their units come skilled, effective, and in large numbers. Skythian Cavalry is some of the best in the world.

Skythian Heavy Cavalry
Skythian Light Cavalry
Skythian Warband
Skythian Archers
Skythian Axemen
Battering Rams
Warships


The Boii
The Boii are a Celtic tribe hailing from North-Eastern Italy. Like the Skythians, they have little selection when it comes to units. However, they get their units very soon into the game, and their units all have great morale, and large numbers. They tend to shun armor however, and generally lack cohesion.

Boii Warband
Boii Nobles
Boii Light Cavalry
Boii Archers
Boii Warriors
Boii Cavalry
Battering Rams
Warships


The Carthaginians
The Carthaginian forces have a very good selection of units at their disposal. Many of their units take a long time to build and are expensive to maintain. However, the cost pays off as their Armoured African War Elephants, Heavy Infantry and Heavy Cavalry are very effective. To supplement the long build times and high cost of Carthaginian units, they will have a special building to attract large numbers of mercenaries.

Carthaginian Heavy Infantry
Carthaginian Slingers
African Warriors
African Tribesmen
Carthaginian Heavy Cavalry
Carthaginian Light Cavalry
African War Elephants
Armoured African War Elephants
Carthaginian Infantry
Carthaginian Skirmishers
Ballistae
Battering Rams
Triremes
Biremes

The Gallii
The main strengh of the Galli lies in it's numbers, and the high valour of each soldier. The Galli units come in large numbers, are fast, and have very high valour, making them very effective when fightng against insuperior, or evenly matched troops. The Galli will have a very hard time fighting against armoured opponents.

Gallii Warriors
Gallii Warband
Gallii Cavalry
Gallii Archers
Gallii Light Infantry (Skirmishers)
Elite Gallii Warriors
Slingers
Battering Rams
Warships


The Thracians
The Thracians are a large, backwards Greco-Celtic tribe hailing from North-Eastern Greece. They have an interesting blend of units, with a focus on skirmishers. Their units are brave and fast, but lack staying power in close quarters combat with heavy infantry.

Tracian Peltasts
Tracian Romfeofori
Tracian Cavalry
Tracian Light Infantry
Tracian Spearmen
Tracian Warband
Slingers
Archers
Battering Rams
Warships

The Illirians
The Illirians are a Greco-Celtic faction that has suffered the blunt of aggression from the Gallii. Their units are cheap, fast, and plentiful, and other than their heavy spear, they don't have much going for them.

Illirian Warband
Illirian Cavalry
Illirian Spearmen
Illirian Peltasts
Slingers
Archers
Warships
Battering Rams

The Siracusians
The Siracusians are a Greek faction, situated in Cicily. They have the a strong army in the form of Hoplites, as well as some of the best ships in the Medditeranean. The Siracusians are a very well rounded faction.

Siracusian Hoplites
Siracusian Light Infantry
Siracusian Medium Infantry
Siracusian Cavalry
Slingers
Archers
Biremes
Triremes
Quaremes
Ballistae
Battering Rams

The Helvetii
The Helvetii are a Cletic tribe hailing from what is now modern Switzerland. The Helvetii, by Celtic standards, are a very well rounded tribe. They have above-average cavalry, infantry, andstart with a fairly large income.

Helvetii Warriors
Helvetii Warband
Helvetii Cavalry
Helvetii Nobles
Helvetii Archers
Battering Rams
Warships

The Bastuli
The Bastuli start cramped into the Iberian peninsula, with strong neighbors surronding them. They have fast units that are very good at skirmishing, as well as decent infantry.

Bastuli Warband
Bastuli Javelineers
Bastuli Infantry
Slingers
Warships
Battering Rams

The Bastitani
The Bastitani are very similar to the Bastuli when it comes to units. They have very good skirmishers, and decent infantry.

Bastitani Warbands
Bastitani Infantry
Bastittani Skirmishers
Slingers
Warships
Battering Rams

The Veneti
The Veneti are a maritime Celtic tribe. They have good warriors, and good ships. They have little in the way of cavalry or ranged weapons.

Veneti Warriors
Veneti Warband
Veneti Cavalry
Battering Rams
Light Warships
Medium Warships
Heavy Warships

The Vindelici
The Vindelici are a Celtic tribe that hails from the northern Balkans. They have mediocre infantry, decent skirmishers, but they do have some of the best Celtic cavalry.

Vindelici Warband
Vindelici Skirmishers
Vindelici Cavalry
Vindelici Nobles
Archers
Battering Rams
Warships

[Zanderpants]

Alright Al Khalifah, have a good time I'll be sending you some stuff today.

Z