I'll be interested in seeing this come to fruition. Good luck with the modding, neo-deus.

Good stuff neo_deus. You've picked a very interesting time period to work from. Will you be taking inspiration from the film starring Kirk Douglas? Maybe name a few generals after film characters? I'd love to see names like Crixus & Draba in there!

I'll be interested in seeing this come to fruition. Good luck with the modding, neo-deus.

I'm almost finishing two of the factions, will post some news here very soon.

Will you be taking inspiration from the film starring Kirk Douglas? Maybe name a few generals after film characters? I'd love to see names like Crixus & Draba in there!

Well, I hadn't thought about using the filme as a source until yesterday, but SubRosa gave me some interesting ideas, so yes, I might use characters from the film.

Fixed your BBCode - Hussarknight

[This message has been edited by Hussarknight (edited 01-21-2009 @ 02:36 AM).]

If your in need of faction symbols, you might want to contact SirJamesTyrrel, he was pretty good at making them almost from scratch. Otherwise, you can take some pictures from the internet( i found these VERY useful in my own mod click) and apply some filters in photoshop and add a rim from an image of a shield. Best of luck

i found these VERY useful in my own mod

Ha, I recognise at least six or seven of those symbols from XGM!

An alternative way to make new faction symbols is to take existing ones which would be appropriate, either from the factions you are replacing, or from BI/Alex, and just change the colours. It is very simple and can have good results.

By the way, when changing colours, on GIMP anyway, it can be very useful to completely reduce the saturation first, then adjust the olour balance to get the desired shade. Changing purple to green (Or whatever) straight off can be awkward.

and the snake one is in FATW

Will be interesting to see this in progress. Any updates coming soon?

Ha, I recognise at least six or seven of those symbols from XGM!

And the horse one on the left looks very similar to the Carthage faction logo in The Iberian Conflict (RTR 7 pre-release campaign).

If your in need of faction symbols, you might want to contact SirJamesTyrrel, he was pretty good at making them almost from scratch

I think SirJamesTyrrel was the one who made the article about creating new faction symbols, right? I will try to contact him and see what can be done.
Those are some nice symbols, I might have use for them, thank you.

An alternative way to make new faction symbols is to take existing ones which would be appropriate, either from the factions you are replacing, or from BI/Alex, and just change the colours. It is very simple and can have good results.

By the way, when changing colours, on GIMP anyway, it can be very useful to completely reduce the saturation first, then adjust the olour balance to get the desired shade. Changing purple to green (Or whatever) straight off can be awkward.

I am doing that with some factions but I will need at least two original symbols, because I don't think the existing in the game fit.
That information about the GIMP comes really in hand, Andalus. Some of my recoulouring work look way darker than they are supposed to. Thanks




Hussarknight: I think tomorrow I will have two factions ready. Maybe even one today, it depends on the evening happenings lol

[This message has been edited by neo_deus (edited 01-21-2009 @ 02:49 PM).]

Good to know this is still happenning. Like I have said previously I am looking forward to playing this!

lol, seems those decals are really popular :P

Andalus, do you think you can give me some tips about unit editing? Basic stuff, like how to change the spear, say, of an hoplite, to a smaller spear like those of desert infantry, how to change a spear unit to sword, if there is some difference in the skin files from different units, this kind of things? I it would really be helpful. Please? <:
I think this would be a good topic for the tutorial on modding RTW.

For changing weapons and shields, the .cas file needs editing with 3ds max. I don't own max, so I actually have no ides about doing that.

However, all phalanx units do actually have a smaller spear, because the model for the longer phalanx spear is draen from elsewhere. This is why you can give the phalanx ability to units using any model. Simply remove the phalanx ability and secondary attack, and they will use a smaller spear.

When it comes to editing skins, you can put almost and skin on any model, by copying and pasting the relevant sections to the approriate skin. I have been meaning to do a guide to basic texture editing, if I ever get round to finishing it off.

[This message has been edited by Andalus (edited 01-22-2009 @ 09:33 AM).]

Glad to see your interest, Erzin. The work is being done, sometimes slowly because in some parts is pretty much touch and go, but steady



Andalus, I have units with shields turned into hats and even capes lool. They get pretty fashionable, but a shield in the head and capes that look like insect wings is not quite what I was looking for... can the DMB file have any effects here? Because I am using skins of units that don't even have hats, though the original unit from wich I created the new had.

Andalus, do you think you can give me some tips about unit editing? Basic stuff, like how to change the spear, say, of an hoplite, to a smaller spear like those of desert infantry, how to change a spear unit to sword, if there is some difference in the skin files from different units, this kind of things? I it would really be helpful. Please? <:

I think i might ahve already made a tutorial about that.. If i havent' you could probably deduce how to do it in the 3dsmax basic modeling tut in my sig, Il try and make a tut soon about changeing weapons as ive been looking for a topic to make a tut about

I read your articles, Private Clark, and will give it a try very soon

I am proud to announce that I have a faction ready to be played:

The Greek Cities



And these are some pics of the units I have created.


The City Guards.


Greek Citizen Militia


These fellas may already be familiar to those of you who played ATW. Courtesy of SubRosa, the Athenian Marines


Heavy Spears


Greek Sacred Band (this was not really created my be, since it already existed in the game but it was not implemented, but in time you will see why I say I created them)


And the new Greek Cavalry wich is yet to be baptized (any suggestions?)


And these are the Rhodian Triremes.




The map is ready too. The cities are as I planned them, the characters are on their places, etc. This faction will suffer only minor changes in the future.

Please feel free to add any comments, critics, suggestions, etc anything you think that could improve the mod.

I will be back soon with more news.



PS: The unit cards will be made as soon as I discover where I can find the Unit Template File.

[This message has been edited by neo_deus (edited 12-02-2009 @ 08:52 PM).]

Aha, I see you worked out how to deal with textures. Good, that means I don't have to explain it!

Looking good so far. I think, though, if you are going to give Greek Citizen Militia more artistic shields, you should to the same for Heavy Spears and Sacred Band.

Aha, I see you worked out how to deal with textures. Good, that means I don't have to explain it!

Looking good so far. I think, though, if you are going to give Greek Citizen Militia more artistic shields, you should to the same for Heavy Spears and Sacred Band.

eheh, I didn't knew exactly what the .cas files were, but as soon as I understood it, it was easy to deal with the textures.


I think that too. I have to try somethings on 3ds max, follow Private Clark article on how to add new shields and weapons to add better ones, because I would like to try some with one big draw instead of making a smaller one repeat.
But do you mean I should give them all the same shield?

Well, if I am right, you got that design from the ones PC linked to? You could use some of the other ones there for the other shields. Just a thought.

No, the shields from the Grek Citizen Militia actually have an olive brench. But I might use some from that link. I was thinking already about giving them new shields.

Any idea for a release date?

Any idea for a release date?

If I managed to maintain the rhythm at wich I'm working right now, a month, maybe less.

Looks Great Neo_deus, Cant wait to play!

Looks Great Neo_deus, Cant wait to play!

Thanks, Lasting Men. It's good to see people's interest

UPDATE

The faction of Pontus is ready. Here are the new units.


Pontic Light Infantry.



Bosphoran Infantry



Pontic Heavy Infantry



Pontic Nobles



And last but not least, Pontic Royal Guards.




Feel free to add any comments or suggestions.

Will be back soon with more updates.

[This message has been edited by neo_deus (edited 12-02-2009 @ 08:52 PM).]

I must say, this looks brill. Does it use the mod-switch, by any chance? Also, what timescale will this cover if the Greeks are involved?

I must say, this looks brill. Does it use the mod-switch, by any chance? Also, what timescale will this cover if the Greeks are involved?

Thank you, Palatine warrior. Yes, it does uses mod-switch, and it will start in 73 BP. I haven't yet decided how far will it go.

I like what you did with the Pontic Heavy Infantry. Bits of Bosphoran Infantry on the Legionary model? Looks good.

I like what you did with the Pontic Heavy Infantry. Bits of Bosphoran Infantry on the Legionary model? Looks good.

Thank you. You're right, the armour scale is from the Bosphoran infantry. I was looking for something more western but without losing completely the eastern aspect. I think I got it. I actually like the pontic units a lot <:

[This message has been edited by neo_deus (edited 02-06-2009 @ 09:09 PM).]

People, I need your opinion. I am currently working on the Gladiator faction for Spartacus Total War, and came across one doubt:

What should the generals Bodyguards be? An elite infantry guard or charioteers?

Give your opinion please.

I think an elite infantry guard would be more appropriate considering I'm sure Spartacus had a tough time finding the supplies to get himself chariots. But that's keeping in mind that you want to be historically accurate. If you want the game fun, chariots generals would be neat, not the archers type though.

I like the pics, I'm going to agree with the rest of the people and say the pontic heavy infantry looks pretty cool. Are you going to keep the same units from vanilla for the Republic of Rome? or do you plan to modify them a bit?

I think chariots would help to make them be a faction that will last longer (Much like Brittania), and, really, you don't want the main faction of the mod to be sitting doing nothing, do you? You want powerful gladiator rebels that scare the living daylights out of the player, go for the chariots.

[This message has been edited by Andalus (edited 02-12-2009 @ 03:20 PM).]

If you want it to play like Mongolphobia, go for chariots. I'm guessing you want a combat-orientated faction, so yes, the non-archer chariots would fit. If not, awesome gladiator guys are the way forward.

BTW, you couldn't give the royal guards a bigger weapon, could you? It looks... odd IMO, dunno if anyone else has thought that.

Hey now, size doesn't matter. I'm sure those fellas are quite skillful with that gladius.
But yeah, I do agree with EoJ, perhaps you could change the sword for a spear? Just a suggestion.

Well since the original model has a spear, I'm guessing he's already thought about that option. Try the sword from the Eastern General (The actual general, not the bodyguard), that's quite a long'un. I think all the generals and captains have a fairly lengthy weapon. I was going to comment that their robe was too dark, but then I saw the bit about Tyrian purple.

I think chariots would help to make them be a faction that will last longer (Much like Brittania), and, really, you don't want the main faction of the mod to be sitting doing nothing, do you? You want powerful gladiator rebels that scare the living daylights out of the player, go for the chariots

That was kinda what I thought too. Though Imperator Romano is right and chariots would have been a luxury, I'm thinking about keeping historical accuracy on second plan this time and giving them the chariot general guard. I don't want the Gladiators to be overrun at the beggining and I fer that without a unit like the chariots to give them some bonuses, that is what's going to happen when the AI is in control.

Are you going to keep the same units from vanilla for the Republic of Rome? or do you plan to modify them a bit?

The recruitment tier will change. Some units won't be recruitable anymore and some new will be added, possibly often needing hidden resources. As for the skins, for now, they will be the same, though I remember some legionary skins I loved. Like the ones from Rise of Etruria ~~

About the Royal Guards, I also think the sword is a bit too small, and I would have given them another, if I knew how to "take something from one unit and give it to another" on 3ds max :s

[This message has been edited by neo_deus (edited 02-12-2009 @ 07:52 PM).]

looks good cant wait to play!

looks good cant wait to play!

thank you, holeymad

This is looking impressive neo_deus. Keep up the good work.

Greek lancers can be named "Kontophoroi" "Xystophoroi" or simply "North Greek" or "Thessalian" Cavalry (iīve seen in some mods the Thesssalians as javelineers but i always thought that they were lancers.)

THe ROyal Guards are outstanding.

Sweet! To bad I don't have Rome on my computer any more .

Thank you Gaius, Anarchasis and Sconderix! I have much work done since the last update, but I just started a new work and don't really have to time to update here. As soon as I have a free day I will!


Sconderix, get a new copy!

Ok Master.

Hello everyone.

I come to you again with a question. My original plan was to have the Celts has a faction on the mod, but I'm having second thoughts about including them... Maybe I should include the Sarmatians?


Also crossed my mind to eliminate the Britons, make them Celts and have the Sarmatians.


What say you?

personally i think you should keep the celts and the britons.


by the way what are the eastern nations?
as i like the easterns

Neo, did you have readed "The Bello Gallica" by Julius Caesar? itīs about your time period. You can find some precious descriptions there.

I think that Continental Celts and Britons should be separate options. I would even make the Belgae a third Celtic party, sicen much of the factions of vanilla do not exist anymore (Carthage, Iberia....).

In Caesarīs book, both types of celts and their warfare are described as somewhat different. Contnental Celts figth in a way very similar to the Romans, only that they had less disciplined ranks (but better cavalry), and more irregulary crafted armors, so as a result not everyone of them could mach the armor of a legionary. But, as Caesar says, the best-equipped Gauls were no inferiors to top-line Roman legionaries. Also, the main disadvantage of the Gauls in battles seems to be that they "lose spirit" more quickly than the legions.

Britons seems, instead, to figth more in the traditional half-naked "warband" style of furious warriors that were more common among the celts some 2 centuries before. But they have their Chariots. Caesar described them as being far superior to the chariors to what he was used to (He lived in Bythinia, so he was used to the middle east /anatolian chariots, that were still used in some numbers with few changes since the "age of chariots" some 1000 years beforee, except for the addition of the scythes).

Sarmatians had some protagonism in the first centuty BC, they established the caucausus as the limit of "civilized" empires, beating anybody that tried to cross, often with the alliance of the hill tribes. They also rebuilt the "steppe" influence over Black Sea northern cities after the Romans beaten Pontus (that kicked off the scythians from there, only to virtually exterminate the greco-roman population, having killed 80,000 Roman citizens that lived there).

I think that i remember, may be from some Osprey military, having read that the unarmoured scythian horse archers were relatively easy to put to run by Pontus armies, while better armoured sarmatians were a much more influential force, but iīm not sure if some real battle was fougth. What is sure is that Sarmatians had strong influence over these cities, inmediately after the fall of Pontus.

[This message has been edited by Anacharsis (edited 03-02-2009 @ 09:23 PM).]

I did read it, Anarchasis. And although its full of usefull information about the Gallic and Celtic tribes, the Gallic Wars occur some twenty years after the Spartacus' revolution and wont be a theme of the mod.

My wonderings about the exclusion of the Celts/Britons in favor of the Sarmations are purely due to gameplay, I know it wouldn't be historically exact. But there there are already four "western european" barbarian nations in the game, (the Gauls, Britons, Germans and Dacians) and only one "barbarian from the steppes", the Scythians.

Truth be said, there never was an Iberia. The peninsula was an assortment of tribes, with major celtic influence in the north and punic/greek in the south and southeast.
When Scipio, the African, invaded the carthaginian posessions on Iberia he only subdued a part of those tribes. The regions that are today the North of Portugal, spanish Galiza and the Asturicas region, were not placed under Roman control. Actually, the only parts trully under Roman control were the territories near Cartago Nova and Corduba, the Citerior and Ulterior Spain, as the Romans called them.
When Viriato (a lusitanian leader) started his uprising against the growing roman power, the Romans were pushed back to the original carthaginian frontiers, and even after his defeat and the later fall of Numantia to the hands of Scipio Emilianus, the Romans controled about 50/70% of the Peninsula.
The control of all the Iberian Peninsula it's never trully a reality, even in the Late Empire, there are no proofs of durable Roman presence in the northern parts of it.

The Roman Rebels in the game represent the rebelion of Quintus Sertorius, that I'm sure you've heard about, and his spanish allies will be represented by Iberia.



Holeymad, the Eastern Provinces will represent the Roman provinces of Syria. When I have the faction preview here you will understand it better.

So, how many Celtic factions are you planning to use?..sorry i get lost, no use for a third Celtic party its true.

You mean sarmatians separate from scythians? that should be interesting, it works wonderly in Amazon Total War, but they must, in my opinion, had most units in common, as steppe people often assimilate other tribes without wiping out them...

May i suggest a prec-javelin charge for the Pontus Royal Guards?

No, not a good idea, both the ligth and heavy infantry throw javelins already...

[This message has been edited by Anacharsis (edited 03-03-2009 @ 02:58 PM).]

Of course you can! That's not a bad idea, really. Now that I now how to give stuff from one model to another on 3ds Max, I only need to figure out how to assign a texture to the new materials.

Yes, Sarmatians ans Scythians as separeted factions, although, as you say, with a lot of common units, just like happens with gauls/britons, etc.


I haven't decided yet, I already have almost all the Celtic units ready, but then again, so are the Sarmatians...
I am tempted to eliminate the britons...

You can always use the units anyways giving a faction two unit trees (perhaps recruitable in different buildings), Like merging the Scythians and the Sarmatians or the Britons and the Celts; this is not completely a-historical as these people often lived under tribal confederations....

Another short one: you probably already did that, but the Eaast Heavy Cavalry model has a ridiculous sized sword, it should be nice to give them a bigger one i thing.