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Thread: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

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    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    The New Dawn: The Struggle for Power



    The year 451AC (After Cirmacus the Great). The lands of Novalanda are once again calm after the great war between Capasantra and The Greyshadow Kingdom. Both sides took heavy losses in great battles such as the Battle for Shadow's Pass and the Battle of Kasadoroc. The Final Battle on the Great Eastern Desert saw the fall of 2 great leaders. The King Feramus of Capasantra and the Grandslayer Feros fer Blackhand both died in a mighty battle upon the vast wasteland that divides the two kindgoms.

    So henceforth, the new age begins, the kingoms of Capasantra and Greyshadow consolidate their losses to preserve their might opon the rest of the land. With the clans brewing for power all around them peace cant last long and only war shall follow. This is the New Dawn.


    The land is mainly divided by good and evil, the dominant powers for each being the kingdoms of Capasantra and Greyshadow respectivly. Capasantra has long been friends with the Kingdom of Peroland, trading accross the bay has been long and successful bring much prosperity to both kingdoms. The wingmen too are keen traders with the western kingdoms, their luxury items in return for capasantra's protection from the clan's of the east.

    Greyshadow's people live much in poverty, they grow restless of the west's prosperity. Much of the day for these people is spent in darkness of the mines and mills that produce the ever growing war machine. The kingdom is rich in ores that make production fast but their evil ways are not welcomed by the west so trade is sparse. They make their profits only by selling to the Clans that have no morals in ways to get arms to fight each other for power.

    -- The Factions --

    The Kingdom of Capasantra
    Capa city is a bustling centre of trade. Hundreds of ships per day arrive and depart from the port to and from distant lands bringing furs, metals and luxuries to the city. Stores, warehouses, mills and factories are hard at work every day, the people working comfortably within the great city walls that have never been broken.

    Capasantarians are pale skinned breed of human, skilled workmen, swordsmen, archers and sailors. Their strength is not of an exceptional standard with the exception of the demi-gods that are few and far between. Capasantarians are not afraid of a fight and will stand up against any enemy that may probe its walls.

    The Kingdom of Greyshadow
    Shadow City lies beneath the eastern side of the Kasadaroc mountains. Its a vile city clouded in misery and oppression. The citizens work hard every day churning out weapons, equipment and machines to sell to the clans that plague the lands. Smoke and dust cloud the sky, the cause for the mutation of its people. The spiral towers mark the 6 corners of the city, they watch out over the dusty wasteland that surrounds the city.

    The greyshadow race are of dark blue/purple skinned people. They are fairly steady in stature, physically stronger than their western counterparts due to their hard work every day. The stronger have darker skin than the weaker. They are skilled in the use of polearms and axes but make quite poor archers, ranged combat is therefore given to the weaker people of the race. The stronger greysahdow's will fight to the death, unafraid of dying.

    The Kingdom of Peroland
    The City of Peros sits on the opposit side of the bay from Capa City. Trade between these two cities has been common for years forming a tight alliance between its people. Peros claims most of its wealth from its gold mines to the north, they export this gold every day to foreign traders to the west. The people of Peros worship the Angel God of Happiness, they believe it gives them great power to defend against sin and evil.

    The people of Peros are pale skinned elves. Generally very nimble fighters and rely on speed to defeat their enemies. With raw materials being rather limited on the western penisular, the people of peros ensure their armour is of the highest quality and that every man is trained to his fullest before entering the field. In times of emergency, the city with recruit people from the western plains as levies to fight along side their main armies. Perosians make for good polearm fighters and exceptional archers.

    The Wingmen Republic
    The Wingmen Republic sits of the south coast near the great eastern desert. Its defence comes completly from being surrounded by the sea, making it very hard for invaders to mount an attack. The wingmen live happy in solitude from the mainland, trading with the western kingdoms for years. Hara City is made of high towers and shrines to sky, the bringer of light and water.

    The Wingmen people are brown skinned race, smaller is stature to most of the mainland's people but are very light on their feet. They rely on their mobility to defeat the enemy using shock and ambush attacks. They make for good light infantry and archers.

    The Sorin Order - The Sun Worshippers
    The Sorin reside in the City of Sorinia, "The City of the Sun". It was built by a group of cultists calling themselves the Devonist Militia, named after their leader, Devon Kneilmeiser, an ex-guardian to the first great king of Capasantra. He lost his faith in the 3 Gods when his wife died is crop blaze at his farm in the western plains. The heat of the sun scorched his crops causing them to come ablaze devouring all of the land, this soon became known as the great western blaze of 22AC. He formed a militia made from old friends from the Guard and many of the western farmers who had also lost their homes a livelyhoods to the blaze. They settled nears the mountains of Kasadaroc, north of Capasantra's kingdom. He now envyed the sun for that killed his wife and dreams, and built a temple to worship its might. The city grew, many western farmers and other less fortunate peoples of west joined the militia to start a new life here. The city became known as the City of the Sun! Devon died in 51AC, he offered himself as sacrifice in order to let his wife live, his prayers were not answered. Sorin of Kasadaroc claimed control of the city in 321AC, he brought new hope to the many times besieged city by the Seracom Clan over past two hundred years. His influence was great, bringing order to the chaos and giving them ties with the eastern kingdom of greyshadow. He proclaimed the city be renamed Sorinia and announced his faction to world as 'The Sorin Order'.

    The sorin are a fanatical people formed from the western lands. Their armies are made up from fanatical followers of their religion, they are therefore highly impetuous and poorly skilled or trained. Their strength only being they are willing to fight to the death! Their elites can be very dangerous as they have no fear and live only to train for combat.

    The Nataru - Forest People
    The Nataru populate much of the great western forest, which sits just north of Capa City, bordering much of Capasantra's Kingdom. They are peaceful race of forresters. Their income coming from running saw mills and managing the forrest correctly to benefit their needs. They have peaceful trading standards with Capasantra for many of the recent years but they have been known to sell wears to the Sorin and Seracom too to avoid confrontation.

    The Natura are extremely close to their surroundings. They've evolved from simple humans to possessing certain plant like traits allowing them to blend in with their environment extremely well. Their appearance is slightly altered from their human neighbors. Their hair turned green as well as much of their skin. Being so withdrawn from fighting makes them feeble in the face of the enemy, they have very few elite warriors and rely on skirmishing tactics rather than standard battle tactics. Thus, they train for quick strike attacks using light swords, spears and bows.

    The Desa Noma - Desert Nomads
    Once people of the Pyros Desa they choose to leave due to their harsh treatment and racial abuse. They differ to their former cousins for being of lighter skin. The dark skin Pyros dominated the nation and control of the desert city of Desampien. Haza the Upbringer led the rebellion for the pale skinned people in 393AC, it failed and all paler skinned people were sent into exile. They marched north to settle a new town near an oasis in the desert. To prevent further war the Pyros assasinated Haza in 415AC. The faction was was in much dispute as to who should lead them, many people drifted away in the turmoil, the remaining vowing for power over a deselated people. It came down to man named Ure Desera! he siezed controled of the faction and its people and brought new hope to re-establish themselves as a people.

    Desamen are quite poor warriors but are however well accustomed to their harsh environment making it difficult for outsiders. They lack much in physical strength due to their lack of food but are much better skilled than much of Novalander. They do therefore make good bowmen and good at defending their position.

    The Pyros Desa - aka. the Pyros
    The Pyros are the darker skinned desamen and the one's still in control of Desampien. Led by the House of Pyralgot for many years they have become a trading centre for the desert wastelands with many contacts with the sotuhern clans and greyshadow kingdom. They have fought wars with Capasantra on a few occasions and did once try to invade the Wingmen Isle but failed.

    Desamen are quite poor warriors but are however well accustomed to their harsh environment making it difficult for outsiders. They lack much in physical strength due to their lack of food but are much better skilled than much of Novalander. They do therefore make good bowmen and good at defending their position.

    The Freema Novalanda - Freemen of Novalanda

    The Dogma Nutora - The Dog People
    The Nutora are evolved from primitive dogs. The Nutora offspring are born as as these same dogs before they are taught by their elders how to stand up, talk and perform all the tasks of their humanoid neighbors. The Nutora gained their independence from humanoid masters in 103BC (before Cirmacus), when they began to attack them using both weapons and their primitive instincts before migrating south into the desert.
    It was not long before their took on their own masters greed, raiding humanoid settlements and forging their own nation of the Nutora. Although after their onslaught against the humans, the desa and the elves, their new found greed and lust for power turned into themselves. A civil war between the House of Dogma and the House of Wolfhound broke out. The war left the nation crippled and defenceless. The houses cut their losses and each retreated to either side of the desert preserving a mutual truce for neither to cross it, although this truce has long been forgotten and war could rise again.

    The Dogma and since had dealings with the pyros desa and some minor trading with capasantra. Their people hold onto many of the old exisiting ways while inheriting some of their local neighbor's tactics and weaponary styles. They look much like their primitive ancestors with much of their fur still in place but have grown much larger and stronger but still as vicious.

    The Wolfhound Nutora - The Wolf People
    The Nutora are evolved from primitive dogs. The Nutora offspring are born as as these same dogs before they are taught by their elders how to stand up, talk and perform all the tasks of their humanoid neighbors. The Nutora gained their independence from humanoid masters in 103BC (before Cirmacus), when they began to attack them using both weapons and their primitive instincts before migrating south into the desert.
    It was not long before their took on their own masters greed, raiding humanoid settlements and forging their own nation of the Nutora. Although after their onslaught against the humans, the desa and the elves, their new found greed and lust for power turned into themselves. A civil war between the House of Dogma and the House of Wolfhound broke out. The war left the nation crippled and defenceless. The houses cut their losses and each retreated to either side of the desert preserving a mutual truce for neither to cross it, although this truce has long been forgotten and war could rise again.

    The Wolfhound have since adapted to the eastern style much embracing much of greyshadows weaponary but mostly prefer their traditional light and vicious infantry tactics. They look much like their primitive ancestors with much of their fur still in place but have grown much larger and stronger but still as vicious.

    The Seracoma Nudaine - aka. the seracom
    The Nudaine people have been the main individual aggressor against the elves of peroland over the past few hundred years. The elves have always been able to keep these barbarians in check push them back from their borders on the west coast. Recent times have seen the Nudaines develop their bow skills as to counter the elven archers but they still dont match the elven precision. The Seracoma family came into power of the people after the original founding family were eliminated in 348AC. The Seracoma have vowed to expand their power from the north west corner of this island using a combination of new technology and old fashion agression!

    The Nudaines are a grey skinned people, they often paint themselves in tatoos and like to decorate their armour in the blood of their enemies. Their barbarious style comes through to make them strong but unskilled warriors but have become somewhat more adept with bows since their previous wars with the Peroland Elves.

    The Solohorn Neyfara - aka. the solohorns
    The Neyfara live in solitude over on the Eastern Coast, occupying a rocky penisular and somewhat penned in by the Greyshadow. Their culture is not much dis-similar from the greyshadow. They mine the hills that gives them much resources to generate their war machine.

    The Neyfara have dark skin and very well built. They rely much on their armour to protect them, rather than any use of skill. This makes them very hard to break down and results in many long battles. The Neyfara have become used to this and makes them very hardy and gives them great stamina.

    ------------------------------------

    This page will update with more information as I write the descriptions with a preview of each faction each week showing the units in production.

    ------------------------------------

    Thanks goes to BelgradeWar for his shield concept designs.
    Thanks goes to HalfThere for giving his insite into faction concepts.
    Thanks goes to Braden for His Unit Names.
    Last edited by richyg13; 02-25-2006 at 14:59.
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  2. #2

    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    This sounds pretty cool, and I wish you luck. Are you modeling yourself, or do you have a team?
    Conquer a whole new world.

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    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Yeh im gna have to do it all myself... only thing i may need help with is mapping. I've already made 4 models, they need little more skin work before im ready to show them. The Greyshadow look very sureal, I'll try to get my concept map here soon too. I've made a few faction icons so I'll put them up here soon too.

    NOTE TO THOSE INTERESTED:
    There is scope for more factions. If you have an idea for a race to add to the world then paste here your ideas of how they should look, play, their strengths, weaknesses and maybe some concept art if you can do it.
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    United on Earth Member al'Callaendor's Avatar
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    Default Re : The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Good luck!
    The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth,
    and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of
    Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet
    fall under the Shadow


    Twice and twice shall he be marked,
    Twice to live, and twice to die.
    Once the heron, to set his path.
    Twice the heron, to name him true.
    Once the dragon, for remembrance lost.
    Twice the dragon, for the price he must pay.

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    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Preview of Capasantra Army
    This is ahead of schedule i admit but here are five of units available to capasantra to date.

    Western Levies

    Light Infantry armed with 2 spears (1 for fighting and 1 for thrwoing) and an oval shield. These men make up a reserve line for many western armies.
    They are available for recruitment in western provinces to any faction but will not work for the greyshadow.

    Levy Spearmen

    Levy Spearmen are the main quick reserve force for the Capasantarian Army. Armed with a Spear and Oval Shield and wearing only basic cloth armour, their only purpose is to hold the line until help can arrive.
    They can be recruited by Capasantra in any held settlement.

    Light Bowmen

    Light Bowmen are the cheaper and more common version of Battle Archers. They armed with only a basic bow and wear basic cloth armour. They make good for quicly softening up the enemy before engagement.
    Available for recruitment in any capasantarian settlement.

    Western Scouts

    Scout groups are made up of a small number of men, experts in hiding and ambushing. They has an exceptional shot capable of taking down most highly armoured enemies.
    Scouts are available in western province but will only qork for capasantra, peroland and the wingmen.

    Ballista Battery

    Ballsitae provide field artillery. Their effects can be devastating when used to target large groups of infantry.
    Ballistae are available in any capasantarian settlement.

    NOTE: All images here are previews only, they do not represent the final outcome and provide mainly a base for further improvement.
    Last edited by richyg13; 02-13-2006 at 16:20.
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    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Monday's New Additions

    There a few Greyshadow units produced but im keeping them under wraps until the weekend.

    Until then, here are the latest 2 units for the Capasantarian Army

    Capasantarian Swordsmen (Human)

    Very well armoured infantry and with a longsword and kite sheild. These are regulars in the army with the purpose to engage other heavy infantry and the head the assault of the enemy's cities.
    They are recruitable in any Capasantarian Settlement.
    (Other version of this swordsman could become avaialble for other factions if they capture human settlements).

    Capasantarian Spearmen (Human)

    Very well armoured infantry and with a spear and kite sheild. These are regulars in the army with the purpose to hold the line against heavy cavalry. They are recruitable in any Capasantarian Settlement.
    (Other version of this spearman could become avaialble for other factions if they capture human settlements).



    ---

    Units due this week.

    - Guardsmen
    - Battle Archers
    - King's Guardsmen
    - General's Companion Bodyguard (including captain model)

    ---

    A taste of battle!

    Capasantra's Swordsmen engage greyshadow's Heavy Polearms, a much feared unit!



    More Info soon!
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  7. #7
    MTW Modder and Supporter Member Aenarion's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    The units in those screenshots are looking really good! Keep up the good work!:)
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    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Thanks for the support, its very much appreciated. I'm looking to improve all the time though.

    ------------------
    progress:
    Guardsmen - 90% done
    Battle Archers - Done!
    King's Guardsmen - 25% done
    Companion Bodyguard - 10% done
    Heavy Mount - 95% done
    Captain Model - 90% done

    I'll preview what i can tomorrow

    ------------------

    Note on balancing:

    I'm devising more of the balance system which is extremely complicated (all being done on an excel spreadsheet), once i can get it into a more visible format and I'll show/link it here but the first phase that was tested works very well which leads to extremly long fights slowing the pace of the game considerably. A fight between a unit of Capasantra's Swordsmen and Greyshadow's Armoured Polearms can last up to 5minutes before the swordsmen will eventually rout since they cant defeat them alone (could change with upgraded balancing using terrain modifiers).
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  9. #9
    AoM: TW Director Member Lonely Soldier's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Looks intriguing. I'm liking those faction icons
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    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Thank You :) the icons represent the most commonly used shield for each faction and their favoured weapons. I've also learned some new metal effects for photoshop which helps somewhat.

    --------------

    preview screenshots:



    Shown are the start to the new horses most commonly use by Capasantra (will also get used by peroland in 2 weeks time). Mounted on them is the swordsman unit currently used until the true companion cavalry soliders are complete. Also mounted is the new captain model, he is not finished yet but on his way. On the ground he uses the weapon two-handed, as there is no 2-handed mounted animation, he must use the great-sword one harded. The other image shows the start to the Guardsmen unit, a WIP. The polearm still needs much work. The Battle Archers are complete but i cant preview until tomorrow morning if i have time, else it will have to be saturday.

    -----------------

    balancing:

    The upgrades to the ballancing have been implemented allowing only lighter units to hide, swim and sap. Also heavier units now suffer terrain modifiers while lights get bonuses, Cavalry have been made poor in forrests along with Pikemen being absoutly useless in forests.

    -----------------

    To Come:

    Work on capasantra will stop tomorrow since im unavailable friday night, much of saturday and also almost totally sunday.
    Therefore, Monday shall see the presenting of the 5 currently made Greyshadow units with progress that week going into making more units for them adding diversity.

    Thereafter is the following plan...
    Week commencing...
    20/02/06 - Work on Greyshadow Units
    27/02/06 - Work on Peroland (Elves) Units (at least 5 units)
    06/03/06 - Work on Sorin Order Units (at least 3 units)
    13/03/06 - Work on Historical Battle: Great Battle of Kasadaroc Plains
    20/03/06 - Work on Desa Noma and Pyros Desa Units (3 Joint, 1 Each Unique)
    27/03/06 - Work on Wingmen Units (at least 3 units)

    Month of April...
    Try to get some kind of building structure together along with some attempt of a campaign.

    Thereafter...
    To be decided.

    -----------------

    Check back soon!
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    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Final Unit for Capasantra for this week

    Capasantarian Battle Archers (Human)

    Battle Archers are true long range units. Armed with a longbow capable of firing up to 180m with good power and the ability to puncture through armour. Therefore, they are one of best units to deploy against armoured enemies and are especially useful in the defence of cites. They're also well armoured and can hold their own in a close combat fight.

    --------

    Next week comes the Dark and Intimidating Greyshadow, the main threat to Capasantra. Although poor in wealth they have a powerful war machine with warriors to be feared! Ranks of Armour Breaking Shock Troops make up much of their armies and are therefore the strongest melee force on Novalanda.

    ---------

    A small preview of the Greyshadow Army list (not all will be completed next week)

    Slayer Guardian Bodyguard - Armoured Infantry Unit, Slayers prefer fighting on the ground.

    Wraith Guardians - Heavy Cavalry that ride panther like creatures, very vicious
    Dark Cavalry - Deployed as a light cavalry unit armed with a spear

    Mighty Axewielders - The strongest of all regular greyshadow, they're slightly bigger than nomral greyshadow and wield a massive greataxe
    Axebearers - Armour Breaking Shock Troops
    Dark Guardians - Swordsmen
    Heavy Polearms - Well Armoured Armour Breaking Infantry
    Armoured Pikes - Well Armoured Pike Infantry
    Auxillery Polearms - Light Armour Breaking Infantry
    Auxillery Infantry - Light Spear Infantry

    Dark Archers - Basic Light Archers
    Dark Scouts - Scout Archers
    Last edited by richyg13; 02-17-2006 at 10:02.
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  12. #12

    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Looking good, Richy.

    May I ask what you've done to make the kill rate so slow? Also, what's the overall casualty rate tend to be?
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    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    If you set the armour values excessivly high and the attack power low then most strikes made by the soldier wont kill their opponent. The casualties are still very high tho. only way to compremend that would be to set the morale factors low. Instead its seen down to player discretion to preserve his troops if he thinks hes gna lose and retreat.

    ----------

    I've played some additonal testing... due to the fact that the armour prevents quick kills, the units will become exhausted from prolonged fighting... Exhaustion reduces morale forcing retreats to occur with much of the unit still intact, therefore reducing the casualty total.
    Last edited by richyg13; 02-19-2006 at 01:00.
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    Member Member ZombieFriedNuts's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    This looks great another mod to look forward to. Do you have a vague idea about a map yet
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    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    I have a concept already, it plays in with much of the story.

    I'm not an expert mapper and have very little experience in doing them so screenshots are a long way off...

    I'm hoping to get scans of my drawn maps soon. The map ive drawn so far only shows the major cities so theres scope for many more along with scale to be increased.
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    Shaidar Haran Senior Member SAM Site Champion Myrddraal's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Well good luck, its refreshing to see someone as determined as you

  17. #17
    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Preview of Greyshadow Army
    These are the first six units produced... none are idealy final and will continue to go under both model and skinning work.

    Auxillery Infantry

    Auxilliries make up the light force for the greyshadow. They act as a mobile force ahead of the main army. Auxillery Infantry are armed with 2 spears, 1 to throw and 1 to fight, along with a greyshadow hexagonal sheild.
    Auxilleries can be recruited from any greyshadow settlement.

    Auxillery Polearms

    Auxilliries make up the light force for the greyshadow. They act as a mobile force ahead of the main army. They are armed with a mighty polearm designed to rip through heavy armour. Their job, therefore, is to counter or assault heavily armoured enemies.
    Auxilleries can be recruited from any greyshadow settlement.

    Heavy Polearms

    Heavy Polearms go down as one of the most feared units in Novalanda! Their mighty armour protects from most enemies, and then armed with a massive armour breaking polearm makes them almost unstopable!
    Heavy Polearms can be recruited in any greyshadow province.

    Armoured Pikes

    Armoured Pikemen stand ready to repel the charges of any enemy and can be most effective at keeping them at bay. Their armour also protects them from most enemy's weapons and is helped by their hexagonal sheild.
    Armoured Pikes can be recruited in any greyshadow province.

    Axebearers

    Axebeaers wear less armour than most heavy infantry but are still very well protected. They are therefore more mobile than other heavys and can make for very good shock troops. Their axes have armour peircing properties and make short work of most enemy's armour.
    Axebearers can be recruited in any greyshadow province.

    Dark Archers

    Dark Archers are considered exceptionally poor next to most other archers in Novalanda. They're purpose is mainly to soften up the enemy's light forces and counter enemy artillery.
    Dark Archers are recruitable in any greyshadow province.

    -------------------------------

    @Myrddraal
    It helps realy because this is more than just a hobby for me. I'm currently studying Games Design at Swansea Institute of Higher Education. Doing this project on the side helps to improve my artistic and creative skills needed for the course AND more importantly so I can impress the watching games companies in 2 years time.
    Last edited by richyg13; 02-20-2006 at 20:53.
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  18. #18
    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    The promised concept map:


    Marked are major cities only!

    ------------------------------

    Capasantra start around the area marked Capasantra City and also hold Baymouth, Port Velvet and parts of The Western Woods

    Greyshadow hold Shadow City, Shadows Pass, Kasadaroc and Much of the East

    Peroland hold Peros and Riverside.

    The wingmen hold Hara City

    The Sorin hold Sorinia

    The Nataru hold towns and villages in the western woods.

    The Desa Noma start as a horde in the Great Eastern Desert

    The Pyros Desa hold the city of Desampian

    The Freema hold Goodlam Pass and Point Decan

    The Dogma hold Campus Dogma and Port Planular (they have to since theres no other realistic holder for this settlement)

    The Wolfhounds hold the Howling City

    The Seracoma hold the city of Seracom

    The Solohorns hold the city of Hovdora

    There are no starting rebels to increase fights between actual factions.
    Last edited by richyg13; 02-22-2006 at 11:21.
    2D & 3D Games Artist
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  19. #19

    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Nice map you got there.

    Tell me, how are you finding the process of making your own mod? Pretty insane, ain't it?

    I'll be glad to reciprocate the help you gave me. Just ask, and I'll lend what skills I have to the task.
    Conquer a whole new world.

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  20. #20
    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Thanks for the compliments on the map, it allows for any scale to be applied to it along with the option of expanding it to allow more islands on any side. I'm seriously considering adding a new outside force called the Phoenix Imperial State that comes to invade the continent on a given event but it would add way too much to the already high workload.

    Its not too bad working alone, theres no deadlines, no standards to work to and i have full creative freedom, but there is indeed alot of work! Its why i reproduce the same models with different weapons for so many units.

    Only thing i request at the moment id your constructive criticism and for me to be allowed to use any generic breakthroughs created in ur mod to be passed over to mine.
    Also, some of my unit names are quite poor so if you can work out any better names then you are free to suggest.

    -------------

    I would have posted a new unit, Mighty Axewielders this morning but something went horribly wrong with the model so i'm going to have to have another go at it tonight.
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  21. #21
    Member Member BelgradeWar's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    If you're interested, I'm pretty good with heraldry so I could sketch you concept art for the faction shields. I'm no good with the drawing software, but if you could transform it (I could send you scanned drawings) into faction shields, I would be very happy to help you.
    For God, King and Country!

  22. #22
    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Feel free to do so! im always happy to listen and take on ideas. Most of the clan factions dont have shields yet but can i suggest you do a few different styles so i can take one of them that suits them the most. Read the descriptions first to give you an idea.
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  23. #23
    Member Member BelgradeWar's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Quote Originally Posted by richyg13
    Feel free to do so! im always happy to listen and take on ideas. Most of the clan factions dont have shields yet but can i suggest you do a few different styles so i can take one of them that suits them the most. Read the descriptions first to give you an idea.

    Yes, I've thought so also - couple of designs and you can choose. Sure I'll read the descriptions first - that's where I need to find material for proper symbols
    For God, King and Country!

  24. #24
    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Very good

    I look forward to seeing what you can do!

    You will be fully credited for your concept work.
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  25. #25
    Member Member BelgradeWar's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Quote Originally Posted by richyg13
    Very good

    I look forward to seeing what you can do!

    You will be fully credited for your concept work.

    Okay, you can PM me your e-mail, and I'll get to it as soon as I can.
    For God, King and Country!

  26. #26

    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Well, what can I say about your mod in terms of constructive criticism.

    First, I'll muse a moment if you will so indulge me.

    We seem to have taken completely opposite paths in our mods, both the means and ends. You have started with the units, and are building from combat--->campaign, while I have done mine in the exact opposite way and am only now, after some pretty intense conceptual and story work, beginning on units. While you do models before almost anything else, I am hoping that someday I will wake up and find that the magical graphics pixie has visited in the night, doing all the graphics I need.

    Our maps are also different. Yours has a very simple land mass, for the most part utilizing terrain to make it interesting. I have tried to emulate the interesting potential of a place similar to the Mediterranean and Europe, but won't know how well I've succeeded until I get to testing. I have to say, making a campaign map that puts every faction in an interesting position is a tough task. Some of my factions begin as hordes for essentially the sole purpose a little challenge to those who might only have one enemy at the beginning otherwise. This is called the enemy constellation. How many potential enemies surround the nation's starting position, in other words. In the later game, it will matter less, and you may just have it down pat by not using rebels. Hard to say. That's what testing is for, after all.

    I can give some commentary on your factions too. I admire the diversity of gameplay that is apparent, but the cliches make me roll my eyes a little. The classic good and evil clash isn't exactly what one might call literary, and can't elves be something other than bowmen? I mean, surely there exists a race of forest elves somewhere who have green skin, fair hair, and physiques to rival the incredible hulk, but they don't seem to get much screentime. Given your faction descriptions, you'll have a tough time working it out in the battle engine. Let's face it, Rome:TW is a fun game, but it's an uphill battle to implement a faction based around ambush and stealth (as an example). Now, those words may be taken as discouraging, but on the contrary I urge to to continue to look at unusual combat styles. Just be aware that they may not turn out as you imagine them.

    There are a lot of gaps, and I can only assume that you have concepts in mind but simply haven't put them up here. For instance, we have not the faintest idea what your recruiting system will resemble. Is it going to be vanilla style, ZoR like RTR, or Utterly Irritating like EB, or unique? You see, there's a relative drought of apparent features. All we know

    In terms of unit names, I don't know what to say. I guess it really depends. I originally planned to give all the units weird native names, but recently I've opted for descriptive names (such as you have). Therefore, in place of gleb'k'net'snosh'galosh, I have Camel Rider. If you're planning on using a lot of pseudo-foreign language, then the former would be good, but otherwise move a bit closer to the mundane. The best, I think is probably a middle ground, something like regular BI has. Capasantra's levy spearmen, for instance, could become L. Giving more powerful units unique names is more important. Heavy polearms, for instance, is a lacking name. It describes the weapon, not the unit. Armored Halberdiers[/i], for instance, would be better. Perhaps even go for the exotic option and choose something like (not knowing the characteristics of the Greyshadow language) _____ Halberdiers, in which the blank could be filled in by any number of nonsense words such as Kract, Null, Vakin, Arzog, Vadaymyan, etc. Drawing on foreign languages (the same foreign language for a given nation's troops, of course) could potentially add a little flavor, but it's ultimately just themed nonsense words. Panzercommand, Luftwaffe, Konistiger, etc. all sound cool to the english ear, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll really have that perfect fit for a given unit (obviously not in a medievalish mod, but just as an example). In general, if you can't think of anything good, a descriptive name (e.g. spearmen) plus the faction/region (e.g, hunnic/steppe spearmen) and/or another modifier (e.g. runaway slave spearmen) is perfectly adequate. Mixing it up occasionally is good too (e.g. instead of spearmen, the unit is spear infantry. Also try to be sure that spelling is correct (in non-made up words).

    About new content, such as the Phoenix Imperial State, that's a bit of a tough one. My personal suggestion is that you just do what you can manage for now, not worry about that sort of thing, and then once you've gone public, gotten out a few versions, added the bulk of content for the existing factions, maybe you can add extra factions and so on then. That is what I have planned for my mod. My demo will have three factions in it, and about half the other features (such as new traits) implemented. I'll then build from there. Even if something catastrophic happens to impair me (as can easily happen, curse you Murphy, and your law too!), I'll still have a relatively good chance of doing something, and once I actually produce real, genuine content, a lot of things will get easier.
    Conquer a whole new world.

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  27. #27
    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    If i respond over-defensively i appoligize in advance because its just how i am most of the time :) but im willing to respect opinions.

    I've gone for graphics in the foremost because 1) its my strongpoint and what ive been doing for years now and 2) the average joe gamer wants to see pretty things on the screen in order to make them interested (i dont think anyone will disagree). Your approach is much more sophisticated and i much respect that.

    I like your map design, you have one of the main forces place right at the centre making their expansion possiblities endless! My map is design so that theres no ambiguity over "i wonder whats over to the east of where the map ends", the player is more likely to accept its just open sea, so the player is restricted more by a physical barrier rather than imaginary wall!

    Much of fantasy tales have to be cliche or the player/reader/viewer wont be able to associate with them, if you make the alternatives then ur going out on a major limb into the unknown. I've let my other factions do that where they are unique never seen before races, that includes the greyshadow.

    Yeh my recruitment system is still in the balance, ive stated somewhere here that it will be annouced in april along with the campaign map's production. I think I'm going to make it a balance of ZOR and Faction based recruitment. Owning certain regions will grant specialist units and also i plan to make buildings avaialble so that factions can recruit nearby other factions units. For example: Capasantra controls Baymouth which is close to the Elven terrotories, they can there build an elven recruitment post to draft in special elven units at a higher cost rate of the orginal faction.

    As i said, im still lacking on the name front, i have however got some more unusual concept names for the yet poorly announced factions. I'll probably link them to regions or faction names more than anything, but for now they'll remain as is for placeholder sake.

    My Demo is set to be one historical battle, the one that made the original conceot for this entire mod based on a story that i was going to write but it seemed too much work considering my poorly given free time. The original concept then was to make this an RPG but again my interest failed and then RTW seemed like a nice engine to place the story on, therefore there remain many details untold. The pheonix probably wont make it into the game but could make my second version to be released on MTW2.

    --- Thanks for taking the time :)

    ----------------------------

    Unit Change News

    The Mighty Axewielder has been changed to be an elite great axe unit and therefore probably coming the most feared unit in the world at this time.

    They have the strongest melee attack going at the moment with armour peircing properties along with their attack having an area affect as they sweep their axes through their enemies thus launching them into the air!

    I'll get shots of them before the week is out, i wont be home tomorrow night so it will have to be thursday.
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  28. #28
    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Buildings and Recruitment System:

    As i have previously discussed there 6 levels of unit type in my system. Peasant, Militia, Levy/Aux, Fanatical, Regular and Elite. Recruitment will be heavilly based on these levels. Peasant units can be recruited through the "Town Hall". Militia units will need a Militia training centre, Auxillery Units at a Auxillery Training Centre etc.

    The levels will then determin the heavyness and speciality of the unit.

    Armoured Polearms would require a level 3 settlement with the relevant Regular Training Yard. Some units will still be using ZOR tho, but these are rare.

    --------------

    I'm in uni at the moment so Axewielder preview will be shown tonight.
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  29. #29
    Oza the Sly: Vandal Invasion Member Braden's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    Rich,

    Shaping up to be a great mod, and benefits from being a world of your own making certainly (not a LOTR clone).

    Do you have an estimate on when a finished product will be available?

    I have no experience of modding to this extent and don’t have the software to do skins etc. I’ve always wanted a mod similar to this….

    ….if this doesn’t jade you completely to the work I have an idea for a mod but neither the resource or experience to produce it.

    Hope that doesn’t sound to mercenary?

    Well, contact me if you want some details.

    On the positive side again – I’ve got a wealth of unit names you can use. Send me unit descriptions and what factions and I’ll send you a list back, pick and choose as you will. I’ll even give you some options.

    For example the “Mighty Axewielder” unit I could suggest (I know its perhaps too far in development to change now):

    Greyshadow Royal Guard
    Royal Household Guard
    Dark Cleavers
    Dark Reavers
    Night Reavers
    Black Guard
    D’Eshtra Guard

    Etc.

    balactheblack@yahoo.co.uk
    My Steam Community Profile - Currently looking for .Org members I know with NTW for MP stuff (as I'm new to that...lol)

  30. #30
    Texture Artist Extrodinare Member richyg13's Avatar
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    Default Re: The New Dawn: Fantasy Mod for BI

    I'm glad my mod interests you so much :)

    From your list something like "Black Guard" would surfice, D’Eshtra Guard sounds good but im not sure about language of the world yet.

    ------------

    Here's the list of all the units planned for each faction (many have placeholder names set for change).

    -----

    Capasantra -
    General's Companion Bodyguard
    Knights of Capasantra
    Guardian Cavalry

    King's Guardsmen
    Guardsmen
    Swordsmen *
    Spearmen *
    Pikemen
    Levy Spearmen *
    Town Guard
    Western Levies *
    Militia Spearmen

    Battle Archers
    Light Bowmen *
    Scouts *
    Mounted Scouts
    Rangers

    Ballistas *
    Catapults


    The Greyshadow Kingdom -
    Slayer Guardian Bodyguard (Infantry)

    Wraith Guardians (Panther like creatures)
    Dark Cavalry (Horses)

    Mighty Axewielders *
    Axebearers (Armour Breaking Axes) *
    Dark Guardians (Swordsmen)
    Heavy Polearms *
    Armoured Pikes *
    Auxillery Polearms *
    Auxillery Infantry *

    Dark Archers *
    Scouts

    Ballistas
    Catapults


    Peroland -
    Angel Cavalry Bodyguard (Swords)
    Holy Guardian Cavalry (Lances)
    Auxillery Cavalry (Archers)

    Angel Guardians (Swords)
    Holy Guardians (Polearms)
    Light Guardians (Swords, Light Armour)
    Western Levies
    Spearmen
    Town Guard
    Militia Spearmen

    Wall Guardians (Archers, Well Armoured, Good Blades)
    Light Archers
    Scouts
    Mounted Scouts

    Ballistas
    Catapults


    Wingmen Republic -
    Winged Cavalary Bodyguard
    Buzzard Light Cavalry

    Winged Swordmasters
    Winged Polemasters
    Defenders of the Flag
    Island Spearmen

    Winged Archers
    Island Scouts


    The Sorin Order (Sun Worshippers) -
    Sunborn Bodyguard (Swords)
    Temple Guardian Cavalry (Lances)

    Temple Guardians (Elite Polearms) (Low Armour)
    Armoured Guardians (Regular Polearms)
    Western Levies
    Order Soldiers (Swords)
    Order Militia (Spears)

    Temple Archers (Elite)
    Light Archers
    Scouts


    The Nataru -
    Nature Born Horsemen (Archer)

    Forester Axemen
    Forester Swordsmen
    Western Levies

    Forester Spearmen
    Woodland Archers
    Woodland Scouts


    Desa Noma -
    Noma Bodyguard
    Desa Cavalry (Archers)

    Desa Militia

    Desa Skirmishers
    Desa Bowmen
    Desa Scouts


    The Pyros Desa -
    Fireborn Cavalry
    Ember Cavalry
    Desa Cavalry (Archers)

    Flame Guardians
    Ember Infantry
    Desa Militia

    Desa Skirmishers
    Desa Bowmen
    Desa Scouts


    The Freema Novalanda -
    Plains Cavalry Bodyguard
    Shock Cavalry (Sword)
    Lancers (Lance)

    Spear Infantry
    Pike Infantry
    Spirit Warriors (Swords)
    Western Levies

    Spirit Archers
    Scouts


    The Dogma Nutora -
    Chosen Nutora Bodyguard
    Lesser Nutora Cavalry

    Chosen Nutora (Axemen)
    Lesser Nutora (Spearmen)
    Defender Nurora (Western Style Oval Shields)
    Longbow Nutora (Western Longbows)

    Dog Scouts
    Attack Dogs


    The Wolfhound Nutora -
    Chosen Nutora Bodyguard
    Lesser Nutora Cavalry

    Axebearer Nutora (Greyshadow Armour Breaking Axes)
    Greater Nutora (Greataxes)
    Chosen Nutora (Axemen)
    Lesser Nutora (Spearmen)
    Nutora Light Spearmen (Skirmishers)

    Dog Scouts
    Attack Dogs


    The Seracoma Nudaine -
    Blood Born Cavalry Guardians
    Blood Driven Cavalry (Axes)

    Western Levies
    Blood Guardians (Polearms)
    Border Guardians (Spears)

    Border Archers
    Battle Archers (Armoured)
    Blood Archers (Longbows)
    Scouts


    The Solohorn Neyfara -
    Rhino Bodyguard Cavalry
    Triple Horn Cavalry
    Single Horn Cavalry
    Stampeed Cavalry

    Thick Hide Guardsmen
    Horned Guardsmen
    Rhono Swordsmen
    Rhono Spearmen

    Thick Hide Archers
    Horned Scouts

    ----

    * are completed units and for my reference only

    ----

    Any help or suggestion can be posted here so that it can be openly discussed.
    2D & 3D Games Artist
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