EB May Preview

[Basileus Seleukeia]

Well, Drwdae sounds rather celtish and their trousers look quite trillby, perhaps some new unit for the Casse?

[Ludens]

Well, Drwdae sounds rather celtish and their trousers look quite trillby, perhaps some new unit for the Casse?

My guess is that it's the druid unit the Casse were supposed to get. The druids were going to be a well-equiped unit, but not exceptional fighters.

[Basileus Seleukeia]

My guess is that it's the druid unit the Casse were supposed to get. The druids were going to be a well-equiped unit, but not exceptional fighters.

That's a good idea

[Zaknafien]

drwdae are druids, AFAIK. Or some kind of druidic-elite guardsman or something. Anthony could explain better of course.

[abou]

We were trying really hard for something with a goofy white beard, hair, and cloak or this,

but Anthony wouldn't bite.

[I Am Herenow]

Wow, looks great!

I found the trait "Passed Under the Yoke" a bit weird at first, but a quick Google search revealed this, so am I to take it that this is a trait for a non-Roman General who has been well and truly routed by Rome? Or a Roman General who has been routed by someone else?

Still, looks intriguing :)

Also, I read that routing generals in M2TW are captured by the victor instead of running away irritatingly (the victor can then choose their fate, apprently). Will you use "Passing under the Yoke" as an option in EB2 then? It would humiliate the general and maybe make others less eager to go to war with you?

[Imperator]

Greek Strategy Map Commands?

can we expect Latin or Celtic strat. map commands too?

[Zaknafien]

being forced to pass under the yoke was the most humiliating thing a roman army would be forced to do in the republican period, you can consider it like losing an eagle in later eras. look up the caudine forks, or the losses in the jugurthine war initially if you want to learn more about it. really this trait could be for more than romans actually. But yes, it will have to do with a roman general suffering a humiliating defeat or the routing of his army or something along those lines.

[Watchman]

drwdae are druids, AFAIK. Or some kind of druidic-elite guardsman or something. Anthony could explain better of course.

Sort of a Casse version of the Carnute Cingetos ?

[blank]

the rhompaia fellow is really nice, but the biggest change is no doubt the lighting - i always hated the linear RTW lighting

[Redmeth]

Yeah I downloaded the lighting patch from the TWC link and it's better but just a bit too dark, but like I said better than before I'd say the units looks just right when selected (highlighted) maybe they should be like they are when highlighted all the time and a bit brighter when selected.

[Wardo]

My jaw! Not again...

[Darth Stalin]

Hello, guys, I’m a newbie here, yet I played RTW and its mods more or less… and I’m also interested in ancient history; thus I’d like to put here some comments of Europa Barbarorum mod, which may be the best one, yet it still is not. Of course the May preview is making a jaw lay on the table, but… there’s still something that may be added to the EB to increase its capabilities.
Here some of my notes:

1. Cavalry strength – well, it’s definitely not what could be expected – in EB the cavalry just does not have the strength it already have in ancient times. Though not so powerful as in Middle Ages, yet it was still capable of wreaking havoc in enemy rank. Of course the Roman cavalry did not pretend to be the best one, however, for example, the cataphracts were such powerful force, which they showed at Magnesia, 190 BC. It was not their fault that Antiochus the Great lost his mind and came leading the charge after had broken through the whole depth of a one Roman legion…
Something like this is impossible in EB, which I regret a lot.

2. Costs of purchasing units and their upkeep – that’s really nasty thing; and though it may be true for any mercenary-type armies, like most of Hellenic, it was not in many citizen-type, especially the Roman. It just makes the game unrealistic, as the player may face the problems the real masters never had. The problem for Pyrrhus was not to defeat Roman armies in field, but to defeat so many newly raised armies with ever decreasing number of own troops… which finally lead to his fall back as he had no more money and fresh troops, while the Romans could easily muster another legion, or two… or more…
Also the mines seem as a joke – with so many capital needed to invest and long time of building (some 8 or 12 turns and 14000 mnai level 1, 20 turns and 32000 mnai level 2 and the income being some 600 mnai per turn… that’s a joke, not an income – the total time of capital return would be some 24 turns (6 years) before the level 1 starts to make profits, and maybe similar number or even greater (I don’t know how many mnai brings level 2 – some 1000?) for level 2. Which means that after we spend money, we have to wait some 7 years before the level 1 mines start to make profits, and another ~15 years before the level 2 does the same! Really that’s waste of time and money.

Some solution of that problem was done by Polish modder Thorlof, who seems to be present here too – in his mini-mod Reign of Ares (to be installed over the original EB) he increased the power of cavalry as well as allowed the “citizen-type” units, like most of basic Roman (hastati, principes, all kinds of skirmishers) as well as some other militia-type (for example some Greek cities’ units) to have recruitment time set to “0”. He also increased the trade and farming income, which allows the player to better use his trade buildings and improved agriculture; it also makes the Sicily and Egypt, as well as Carthage (in some areas) be the real farming centers, which they were in reality (especially the Sicily – the “granary of Rome” and Egypt).
Also maybe decrease of costs needed to build and upkeep the siege artillery – besides, where and when can it be purchased? I can see it in EDU file, but have no idea how and when are they constructed and used in the field…

3. Another problems are fleets – they’re so expensive to buy and upkeep, that they almost completely extinct during the first turns of a campaign. The consequence is, that for example Carthaginian fleet, being the most powerful one in the world in around 270 BC, is just a one-ship large “squadron” in my campaign currently being in 263 BC – with 2 pentekonterai and 2 triremes I’m the wave ruler with no real opposition at sea! Thus I suggest to decrease the costs for fleets – maybe by 50 %, maybe just 40%... yet especially the upkeep should be much lower, as this is what really kills the fleets in game.

4. To increase the chances of some powers in game, I think it would be quite nice to make some new settlements in Italy and North Africa, as well as in Sicily, especially to make the conquest for Rome harder (even with it’s ability to muster new armies to replace beaten ones, with “0” turn time) and to fight a protracted war for Carthage easier – that was in the 1st Punic War, lasting some 24 years. I suggest add some provinces based in what is present in RTR Ancient Empires, for example by adding Croton (Calabria) in Southern Italy (and making it initially the Epeirote town). I made a list what might be added to enhance the player’s and AI’s options, I think:
Croton (Calabria), Canusium (Daunia), Paestum (Lucania), Ancona (Picenum), Pisae (Tuscia) – in Italy
Agrigentum in Sicily, and Melite (Malta) – an important island and a home port for many carthaginian fleet raids against the Romans, being one of the keys to naval superiority in the area
In Africa: Hippo Regius (Ippone) and Hadrumentum (Adrumeto) already exist, buth there’s a noticeable lack of Utica between Carthage and Ippone, and Thapsus (present in vanilla, renamed into Adrumeto in EB… yet there should be BOTH Adrumeto and Thapsus).
These are places that I think would be very nice add-ons… as well as I think that some places of these (like Canusium, Paestum, Ancona, Pisae and Croton) should have the ability to become full Roman Home province, with all its advantages.

4. I have the problem with Roman Home provinces – is that factor restricted only to the 5 starting Roman provinces and cannot be further developed, especially to those Gallic (rebel) provinces south of Po river? (Segesta and Bononia) as well as Rhegion or Croton?
Of course after I conquered them, I could establish a Type I government (home province) but I was unable to build ANY troop-recruiting building, either Roman or Allied. The best I could was a type II govt, which allowed me to build some allied troops… yet I still do not understand of that system. I have the building in those cities saying “Home Province Available (Western Greek)” – what does it mean? Can the Greeks make a Home province, while the Romans can’t?
And what about the “Allied barracks” in already “Roman Home provinces” like Roma or Capua? I can build these buildings but I can get nothing from them, only decrease of order and a little trading income. Maybe these would be some sort of recruiting “Roman allied” troops like those present in Ancient Empires? (Picenian principes etc.).

5. More about provinces: PLEASE make the Lilybaeum a large town with STONE WALLS, as in AE – this city was one of the strongest strongholds of the era, which even Pyrrhus was unable to capture, and the Romans had to besiege it for many years, finally getting that place only after winning the war… Currently in game its wooden wall stopped my forces for only 1 turn necessary to build enough rams; with Stone Walls it would be harder to attack that place; and with additional provinces and income + lower upkeep costs it would be easier for Carthage to keep the Romans at bay.

That’s all for the moment… maybe some new things after further playing…

[Ludens]

Sort of a Casse version of the Carnute Cingetos ?

That's what I understood, although the EB member (I think it was Anthony) emphasized that the druids won't be particularly skilled fighters.

[CaesarAugustus]

I love those Indian Elephants, especially the one on the right! I'm also looking forward to the new families system for the Romani, it will be a new highlight of the game.

[abou]

That's what I understood, although the EB member (I think it was Anthony) emphasized that the druids won't be particularly skilled fighters.

Yeah, mostly intimidation guys, but they also provide support for their allied troops. For the player it is more of a tactical use rather than one of brute force. Anthony will correct me if I'm wrong, but think of them a bit like the Germanic Axewomen in Vanilla though more useful.

I love those Indian Elephants, especially the one on the right! I'm also looking forward to the new families system for the Romani, it will be a new highlight of the game.

Just wait until until you see the rest of them. There is a particular one that is jaw-dropping.

[I Am Herenow]

That's what I understood, although the EB member (I think it was Anthony) emphasized that the druids won't be particularly skilled fighters.

So sort of like BI priests, right?

Also, Ludens, just out of interest, does your name mean "playing"? Because "ludo" is "I play" if I'm not mistaken. Cheers!

[Ludens]

So sort of like BI priests, right?

I don't know anything about this unit beyond what Abou posted about it. It will be a well-equiped unit, capable but not exceptional at combat. Their main function will be morale support so in that they resemble units like priests,vanilla druids and screeching women. However, I guess that unlike these units the EB druids' morale support won't be tied to a special function.

[PSYCHO V]

Units look great guys.

Of special note, the Cordinau Orcaa is well done. Shield design, colours, helmet etc are all great.

The Drwdae is equally well done (especially the depiction of the shield) but I don't believe the helmet the best choice of depiction for the unit. A tonsure, golden sun head band and slightly longer beard would have been a far better choice for such a unique unit Imho. I did explain / discuss this with Ranika / Anthony when I formulated the design of the unit some years ago.

That's what I understood, although the EB member emphasized that the druids won't be particularly skilled fighters.

Yup. The Drwdae should actually be fairly average fighters, just have excellent morale. They should be noticeably worse than the continental Cingetos.


my2bob

[Laundreu]

Why is the Cordinau Orca's sword curved? As I was aware, La Tene blades were generally straight ones. Are there archaeological finds to the contrary of which I am not aware? (I wouldn't be surprised; I am not as up to date as I'd like to be.)

[Urnamma]

Units look great guys.

Of special note, the Cordinau Orcaa is well done. Shield design, colours, helmet etc are all great.

The Drwdae is equally well done (especially the depiction of the shield) but I don't believe the helmet the best choice of depiction for the unit. A tonsure, golden sun head band and slightly longer beard would have been a far better choice for such a unique unit Imho. I did explain / discuss this with Ranika / Anthony when I formulated the design of the unit some years ago.




Yup. The Drwdae should actually be fairly average fighters, just have excellent morale. They should be noticeably worse than the continental Cingetos.


my2bob

I'm glad you like them :-) Elaborate on what you mean for the head?

[Anthony]

Units look great guys.

Of special note, the Cordinau Orcaa is well done. Shield design, colours, helmet etc are all great.

The Drwdae is equally well done (especially the depiction of the shield) but I don't believe the helmet the best choice of depiction for the unit. A tonsure, golden sun head band and slightly longer beard would have been a far better choice for such a unique unit Imho. I did explain / discuss this with Ranika / Anthony when I formulated the design of the unit some years ago.




Yup. The Drwdae should actually be fairly average fighters, just have excellent morale. They should be noticeably worse than the continental Cingetos.


my2bob

The Drwdae is going to be touched up a little. The helmet is there because it shares a model with the Cordinau Orca, but I figure alpha channels can be used to good affect to clean that up. Before EB is finished with, at least, they'll be bare-headed with the druidic tonsure, hopefully sooner rather than later though. I had wanted a longer beard, but it was either a bit unwieldy or a misunderstanding. May have to settle for it for the time being, I'll look into it again later.

Also, to the curious, no, they're not that tough in a fight, but they do lower enemy morale, and raise allied morale, as druids could. But, they're not fighters, they're scholarly men who fought at times under duress. They're not at all CA's super druids, but more realistic. Historical British druids, when pushed to fight, were better at frightening their enemies and encouraging their fellows than the actual grunt work of fighting, given their social status and the fear both Celts and foreigners had of them when they went to fight (the Romans were frightened to fight them, even with a clear advantage over them). It doesn't mean they're remotely unstoppable though, they'll be pretty easy to pick off. They could be reasonably geared and equipped, given they were powerful folks, but equipment doesn't equal experience and training. Tactically, they'd probably be better to keep near allies without commiting them to a fight until the enemy's morale is breaking, or, if you want to get them a bit of experience, putting them up against weak, low morale units that are quick to route as it is. They'd not be awful fighters, mind you, just, in small numbers, and so very average in their stats except for exceptionally great morale, and their affect on those near them. So, they have their use, but it's not the grunt work that Carnutes can do. Carnutes, much tougher fighters, and they'd take Drwdae apart easily in a head on fight.

[Hamilkar Barkas]

cool!
amazing!

[Shifty_GMH]

Great work guys!!!

[Martinus X]

Really awesome. I can't wait. :-)

BTW were druids not excempted from fighting?

[PSYCHO V]

Really awesome. I can't wait. :-)

BTW were druids not excempted from fighting?

Exempt if they so wished. Many chose to fight and were still doing so against Caesar in Gaul etc.

[Thaatu]

Hey, I have a great idea. How about a preview for the June preview?

[ceaserthewarrior]

hey can somebody tell me what this total war is it looks cool

[I Am Herenow]

hey can somebody tell me what this total war is it looks cool

Er, well Rome: Total War is a realtime strategy game made by the Creative Assembly and Activision, in which you control a faction and try to conquer the world (in a nutshell) - Europa Barbarorum is a player-based mod (modification) which extends the scope of the game, makes it more historically accurate, adds various elements to it (like new units and a new building system) and so on.

[The Errant]

hey can somebody tell me what this total war is it looks cool

Check out the official website:

https://www.europabarbarorum.com/

And the official FAQ should answer most questions about the game in general:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=84854

edit. Damn! I Am Herenow beat me to it.