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Thread: February Preview!

  1. #1
    EBII Mapper and Animator Member -Praetor-'s Avatar
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    Exclamation February Preview!


    Greetings Europa Barbarorum fans.

    Today is the day for another Europa Barbarorum II preview! We would like to show you more of the astonishing work of our historians, modelers and skinners, who combined have produced these beautifully crafted units. We will show you renders of three infantry units: the Hoplite, the Thureophoroi and the Peltastai Makedonikoi. We will also show you renders and animations of our latest specialty: our first siege engine for Europa Barbarorum II: the Oxybeles.

    Click on the renders to watch a PowerPoint presentation of these units!

    In addition, we have new Europa Barbarorum signatures for you, and a little contest with a little prize for the winner. Scroll down to find out!

    And last but not least, we have another surprise for you, this time from our Greek Voicemod experts.

    Enjoy!



    The Hoplitai


    These troops were the symbol of Hellenic liberty and devotion to the polis. These highly motivated citizen soldiers were once the dominant form of fighting in the Hellenic world. During the later Hellenistic period, these troops, while still present on the battlefield, lost the protagonism they had enjoyed during older times. After the introduction of new ways to do war on the Hellenic mainland, these troops underwent a continuous modification of their equipment, in an effort to adapt to these emerging conditions. Consequently, they were outfitted with good quality linen armour, helmets of various designs, doru spears, xyphos shortswords and their ever-present aspis shields. They underwent a progressive lightening of their equipment, in line with the Hellenic tendency of producing more mobile troops, whilst still maintaining a degree of protection enough to enable them to be troops of the line.

    They still fought as their fathers' fathers had done, in a tightly welded shield wall that traded mobility for mutual protection. This formation was the epitome of Hellenic selflessness, esprit de corps and sacrifice, for each hoplite entrusted his protection to the soldier on his right, while covering his brother on his left. However, this formation was being rendered progressively obsolete by the third century BC, by the prevalence of more mobile troops like the Peltastai and the Thureophoroi.

    Despite of the fact that the Hoplitai represented an ageing fighting style, their motivation was second-to-none, and they still personified the Hellenic military ethos displayed by their ancestors.
    In 3rd century Hellas, these troops still defended their motherland from both external and domestic threats with the same merit, virtue and patriotism as that which had been exhibited by their elders.

    Renders:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Macedonian Hoplites:









    Ptolemaic Hoplites





    Mercenary Hoplites:













    The Thureophoroi


    The deployment of the Thureophoroi (Thureos Carrier) was one of the many aspects in which the Hellenic warfare adapted to the new conditions of the third century BC battlefields. These units were named after their shields, the Thureos, an elliptical shield massively adopted in Hellas after the Galatian invasions of the third century BC. These shields were made of wood and covered in leather, and had a central horizontal grip. Thureophoroi also wore good quality reinforced linen armour and helmets of various designs. They were armed with a doru spear and a xypho shortsword, and had a clutch of javelins that augmented their hitting power. They were also equipped with Macedonian boots, which gives us a clear hint about their role in the field of battle.

    These highly disciplined and courageous troops embodied the principle of mobility on the battlefield, and fulfilled the role of being flexible units that had the initiative to react to the changing conditions on the battlefield, something that a hoplite or a Macedonian phalangite could not. For instance, a Thureophoroi unit could quickly mobilize and reinforce a faltering wing, and thus prevent the breaking of the line. Their light but sturdy equipment allowed them to perform quick flanking actions, and to anchor and exploit breaches in the enemy line. However, they were not assault troops, and their armour, while of good quality, was not so heavy as to enable them to confront the heaviest and best-equipped enemy troops.

    The key word to define these troops is versatility; but, like every Jack of all trades, they were master of none.

    Renders:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Macedonian Thureophoroi











    Ptolemaic Thureophoroi









    "Occultus" Thureophoroi








    The Peltastai Makedonikoi


    The need of heavy, steadfast and sufficiently mobile assault troops in the Hellenistic kingdoms was fulfilled by units like the Peltastai Makedonikoi. This unit's name ressembles that of the unarmoured and pelte-equipped Thracian skirmisher of the fifth century. However, these troops, aside from their name, have little in common with that extremely mobile light infantry unit. They were equipped with reinforced linen and leather thorakes, a heavy shield 60cm in diameter, richly adorned helmets, greaves, good quality blades and a clutch of javelins.

    These units were richly adorned, and were made up of the best men the kingdom had to offer: noblemen's sons in their prime physical condition, relentlessly trained to become an elite special unit.

    Mindful of the fact that such a heavily outfitted, highly trained unit could not run around the battlefield performing the simpler task of the older Peltastai, the Strategos of the Diadochoi utilized these troops in fortress assaults, where their javelins could pepper wall defenders and their equipment enabled them to fight in such lethal environments. They were also utilized to carry out special tasks, such as exploiting gaps in the enemy line and hitting the enemy hard from their rear or their flank. They were some of the best assault troops available, and could be used as such if the situation called for it.

    However, these troops were not as heavily armoured as their cousins, the Hypaspistai, and while both were considered as Agema and belonged to the Basilike Ile or royal squadron, it should not be confused as to what function corresponds to who in the battlefield.

    Renders:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Macedonian Peltastai Makedonikoi:









    Epirote Peltastai Makedonikoi







    Ptolemaic Peltastai Makedonikoi





    Seleucid Peltastai Makedonikoi









    The Oxybeles


    The ΚΑΤΑΠΕΛΤΗΣ ΟΞΥΒΕΛΗΣ (Katapeltes Oxybeles) was an arrow-shooting engine, akin to its stone projector sibling, the Katapeltes Lithoboloi. It was used primarily in sieges, by both the attacking and defending side.

    This siege engine represented an evolution from the earlier flexion-based Katapeltes, such as the Gastrophetes or ''belly bow'', The Oxybeles stored the energy to fire its projectiles by the twisting of the ropes installed on its frame. This means that the energy storing mechanism relied not on the flexion of the bow, but on the torsion of sinews or ropes located inside its frame. The energy, after careful aiming of the weapon, was then violently discharged by the katapeltaphetes (catapult operator) by releasing the ratchet's brake. The box over which the arrow rested was then thrown forward, transferring the momentum to the projectile. This differed from other shooting mechanisms where the cord directly impelled the projectile, like the Lithoboloi or Stone Projector.

    This machine was designed as a precision shooting Katapeltes, one that could be aimed by the katapeltaphetes at individual soldiers. This precision, along with its potency, was one of the hallmarks of this weapon. Megas Alexandros was reputed to have been knocked down by a projectile launched from such an engine, and Antigonos Monopthalmos owed his surname to one of these devices.

    Along with its bigger brothers, such as the Talantaioi Lithoboloi, or ''One Talent Stone Projector'', the Oxybeles formed a substantial part of the siege weapon echelon of assaulting armies, and was instrumental in the defence of cities and fortresses.

    Renders:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 











  2. #2
    EBII Mapper and Animator Member -Praetor-'s Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!


    Signatures


    We have yet another gift for you. Lewagal has made a new set of sigs for you to use, using renders from Europa Barbarorum I units. Enjoy!














    And today, we have a special gift for you. You probably have seen the new makedonian signatures, such as this one made by Foot. We would like you to create signatures with the following picture:

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    (The green background makes the hoplites easier to crop)


    We are expecting high-end results such as this sig made by Lewagal. We will open a thread where you can post your works of art, and the winner gets exclusive access to renders of a new undisclosed unit!

    We wish you all very good luck!


    Voice Mod Commands


    Now, we have another surprise, this time from our voicemod team: Hellenic voicemod commands and associated text. Here are some words from Keraunos:

    The following .rtf text has all the battle .wavs that you will hear on the battlefield as well as their phonetic representation in plain English. The first of them were transliterated by an American member of our team to get people acquainted with the sounds of Ancient Greek, the second part is by me, and the Ancient Greek text is also provided, in case people want to see the text they listen and hopefully repeat.

    Hellenic Voicemod Commands.

    The .rtf you see was used in the reconstruction of the five Hellenic voices you hear ingame. It was a truly remarcable feat. I hope you enjoy this and experiment what the voicemod actors did back in that studio. This way you will truly comprehend how difficult Ancient Greek pronunciation was and how different to the Modern Greek equivalent it is.

    I hope you enjoy this little surprise from the EB team. Keravnos.


    Note: It seems that there are some problems with opening the sound files inside the .rtf document. To listen to the voice mod commands, open the file with word pad and right click on a speaker. Then go to "Sound Recorder" from "Object" and hit play.


    Special Thanks


    Every member's work is fundamental to produce the results we have shown to you today. Historians, researchers, modellers, skinners, voice actors, coders, testers, coordinators, every one of them is important in our team. But we would like to give special thanks to Alin for the beautiful renders, the exquisitely crafted models, and particularly for the Oxybeles model, skin and animation. We would like to thank Leif Erikson too for the marvellous Thureophoroi and Peltastai Makedonikoi skins and textures, and Martellus Flavius for the breathtaking Hoplite skins and textures. We would also like to thank Lewagal for his beautiful signatures, and keravnos for his work on the Hellenic Voicemod Team, part of which we have shown you here today.

    We would also like to thank Morgan Casey and Nick Wylie for the great music that we have used on this preview, and The Persian Cataphract for his two amazing new themes: "Baktria Prevails" and "The Age of Fragmentation", which you can hear in the Hoplitai and Peltastai Makedonikoi videos respectively.


    Please note that unless stated otherwise, ALL pictures, names, and descriptions shown in our previews are works in progress. We continue to improve on all parts of EB, and we will continue to do so long after our initial release.

    As always, if you have questions or comments, the best place to post them is here, where the EB team is most active:

    Europa Barbarorum ORG forum

    Europa Barbarorum TWC forum

    We give special thanks to Image Shack that provides us with a simple, foolproof, and free way to show you all these pictures each week.

    Have a great day!

    Regards,

    The Europa Barbarorum team.

  3. #3
    Member Member anubis88's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Wow.... Damn... I was trying my best to forget about EBII since the wait would just kill me, but now that i've seen this I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT TO COME OUT!

    Great job EBII team... Just Awesome
    Europa Barbarorum Secretary

  4. #4
    Member Member Phalanx300's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Awesome Preview!!!

    I especially liked my beloved Hoplites! Though about the animation for attack with the Hoplites, it turns his shields all the way to the left, it seems to me that in a Phalanx this would be a costy mistake leaving yourself open like that. Other then that awesome preview!

  5. #5

    Default Re: February Preview!

    Great preview! These units are beautiful.

    The Persian Cataphract: I like your music, well done.

  6. #6
    Legatvs Member SwissBarbar's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Ok, now it's clear. I will give up my job and play EB II 20 hours a day (the other 4 hours are for eating, speeping, having sex, playing EB 1 and stuff).
    Last edited by SwissBarbar; 02-18-2009 at 17:36.
    Balloon-Count: x 15


    Many thanks to Hooahguy for this great sig.

  7. #7
    iudex thervingiorum Member athanaric's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Great preview

    Really beautiful graphics. The signatures are awesome, although I would have used other units for the Romani and Swêboz ones. But that's just a matter of personal taste.




    Swêboz guide for EB 1.2
    Tips and Tricks for New Players
    from Hannibal Khan the Great, Brennus, Tellos Athenaios, and Winsington III.

  8. #8
    EBII Mapper and Animator Member -Praetor-'s Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Quote Originally Posted by Phalanx300 View Post
    Though about the animation for attack with the Hoplites, it turns his shields all the way to the left, it seems to me that in a Phalanx this would be a costy mistake leaving yourself open like that.
    This has been noted, and remember:

    Quote Originally Posted by Preview
    Please note that unless stated otherwise, ALL pictures, names, and descriptions shown in our previews are works in progress. We continue to improve on all parts of EB, and we will continue to do so long after our initial release.

  9. #9
    Satalextos Basileus Seron Member satalexton's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    ALL HAIL MAKEDONIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *faints*




    "ΜΗΔΕΝ ΕΩΡΑΚΕΝΑΙ ΦΟΒΕΡΩΤΕΡΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΔΕΙΝΟΤΕΡΟΝ ΦΑΛΑΓΓΟΣ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΚΗΣ" -Lucius Aemilius Paullus

  10. #10
    Senior Member Senior Member Ibn-Khaldun's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Those were really-really-really beautiful units!!!! Very nice preview indeed!

    (I really-really-really need to buy Kingdoms now!!)

  11. #11
    is not a senior Member Meneldil's Avatar
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    Default Re : February Preview!

    There's an occultus variation of the Thureophoroi. Anyone willing to guess which faction it belongs to ?

    One of them has a Vergina Sun on its shield, but as far as I know, it was a symbol used in most of the Hellenic world. Pergamese maybe?
    Last edited by Meneldil; 02-18-2009 at 18:17.

  12. #12
    Strategos Autokrator Member Vasiliyi's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    WOW! I cant wait for EBII to come out! Awesome job EB team!

    4x
    1x

  13. #13
    iudex thervingiorum Member athanaric's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    There's an occultus variation of the Thureophoroi. Anyone willing to guess which faction it belongs to ?
    Since Pergamon has been confirmed to be in EB II, my guess is that this variation belongs to yet another new faction. Perhaps the Bosphoran kingdom?




    Swêboz guide for EB 1.2
    Tips and Tricks for New Players
    from Hannibal Khan the Great, Brennus, Tellos Athenaios, and Winsington III.

  14. #14

    Default Re: February Preview!

    A wonderfull preview I must say!

    I have been convinced not to buy Medieval II by two things - gameplay problems (graphic ones confirmed by one of my friends) and High engine requirements...

    Now having seen what a great work the EB team has done (till now...) - I might reconsider buying a better computer some day and buying Medieval II.

    These models look fantastic - the Hoplitai seem like they could hold against anything. The Thureophoroi seem so eager to get at the flanks of the enemy forces and the Peltastai Makedonikoi seem ready to become that famous arrow...

    The signatures are simply awesome.

    I can hardly find words to express my admiration to all the work the EB team has done and must say that I wish the best of luck to all of them in the future.
    “Save us, o Lord, from the arrows of the Magyars.” - A prayer from the 10th century.




  15. #15
    Member Member Cyrus's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!


    Great job guys!!!!!!!!!!!!i can't wait for EBII to come out.


    Italians do it better! Chi dice donna dice guai. Abbi donna di te minore, se vuoi essere signore. Donne e buoi dei paesi tuoi. Fiume, grondaia e donna parlatora mandano l'uomo di casa fuora.
    And my personal favorite: "Non rimuovere il confine antico fissato dai tuoi padri". In english: "Do not remove the anchent border placed by your fathers". It looses something in the translation......

  16. #16

    Default Re: February Preview!

    Quote Originally Posted by HunGeneral View Post
    I might reconsider buying a better computer some day and buying Medieval II.
    Remember, you'll need Kingdoms too!

    I Am Herenow

  17. #17

    Default Re: February Preview!

    A preview? Am I dreaming?

  18. #18
    Member Member Phalanx300's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Haven't noticed those occultus Thureophoroi, do they belong to a as of yet not announced faction?

    Occultus does mean that I think, which gives us reason to believe that there will be another Hellenic faction!

  19. #19
    Member Member Dutchhoplite's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Looks great :)
    I love the smell of bronze in the morning!

    Campaigns completed: Vanilla Seleucid, EB 1.2. Carthaginian, RSII Pergamon

  20. #20
    EBII Mapper and Animator Member -Praetor-'s Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Quote Originally Posted by Phalanx300 View Post
    Haven't noticed those occultus Thureophoroi, do they belong to a as of yet not announced faction?

    Occultus does mean that I think, which gives us reason to believe that there will be another Hellenic faction!
    Not neccesarily, Pahlava had thureophoroi in EB1 and wasn't hellenic.

  21. #21

    Default Re: February Preview!

    Love the slightly secret video

    thanks

    "I don't know what they will do to the enemy, but by god they frighten me." Arthur Wellesy, later the Duke of Wellington.

  22. #22
    EBII Mapper and Animator Member -Praetor-'s Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Quote Originally Posted by runner3434 View Post
    Love the slightly secret video

    thanks


    Which one? There are 4 videos, one for each unit. You must click on the renders to watch them.

  23. #23

    Default Re: February Preview!

    Sorry the hoplitai one only shows up as a cross to me.

    Edit:fine now

    thanks
    Last edited by runner3434; 02-18-2009 at 20:46.

    "I don't know what they will do to the enemy, but by god they frighten me." Arthur Wellesy, later the Duke of Wellington.

  24. #24
    Member Member jabarto's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    I'm a sucker for pretty shields, and that one carried by the The Peltastai Makedonikoi is drop dead gorgeous. Very nice work.

  25. #25
    Guest desert's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Woah.

    /KeanuReeves



  26. #26
    Member Member Phalanx300's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    Quote Originally Posted by k_raso View Post
    Not neccesarily, Pahlava had thureophoroi in EB1 and wasn't hellenic.
    I see, then I will come to this conclusion:

    The occultus belong to a mini-succesor state, wasn't there at the start of this time frame another diadochi just above the Seleucids. They had the symbol of a wasp I believe.

  27. #27
    master of the wierd people Member Ibrahim's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!



    this is amazing man!!

    @Lewagal: awesome sigs man! I'll rep you for this. (at TWceneter of course)

    EDIT: will there be a hellenic or hellenic inspired faction, based on the Occultus?
    Last edited by Ibrahim; 02-18-2009 at 22:39.
    I was once alive, but then a girl came and took out my ticker.

    my 4 year old modding project--nearing completion: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=219506 (if you wanna help, join me).

    tired of ridiculous trouble with walking animations? then you need my brand newmotion capture for the common man!

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  28. #28
    Krusader's Nemesis Member abou's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    You mean Hellenistic.

  29. #29
    Member Member Antinous's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    THE GATES TO HEAVEN HAVE OPENED!!!!!!!!!! (Fainting and having a heart attack from exitement)


    "Don't let the voice of the people be filled with anger"-Polybius

  30. #30
    urk! Member bobbin's Avatar
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    Default Re: February Preview!

    nice.


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