Just a question

**Randarkmaan** · June 17, 2007, 07:34 AM

Hey, I was just wondering wheter or not you are going to include new skins and models for the crews of siege engines as well as the Naphta throwers for the first realease.

I think it would be cool if the siege crews for every faction does not look the same, would look best if you used one of the basic infantry models from the respective factions if you ask me (Ajnad infantry for Ayyubids, lowest tier sergeants for Jerusalem, etc), and make them not carry a weapon in their hand, just have a sword (or something) in a scabbard.

For Naptha troops you should go for a different look as these were often elite units in the armies they served in, so some "elite-looking" clothes and armour would look best. Or maybe something more like this:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

I think the guy to the right is a naptha thrower, because, as you can see, he has some naphta grenades. Also note that he is wearing somethign that looks like protective clothing, probably moderately effective against burns.

**kelvintyk** · June 17, 2007, 08:05 AM

Sounds nice, but wouldn't that make artillery crews very powerful units?

**AlphaDelta** · June 17, 2007, 08:53 AM

Regarding siege engines. We haven't really discussed our plans for siege engines yet. The only thing that is for certain is that you won't be able to build siege engines in cities. The other likelyhood is that they will have a very low recruitment pool allowing you to build one perhaps every 5 or even every 10 turns. Finally, in order to avoid a large amount of work, it's probable that each faction will use the levy units to man the siege engines. The work in my opinion would be better spent on new captains and generals.

Regarding Naptha troops. I'm not sure what are the plans, I believe the Abbasids will get them, and I guess the Ayyubids aswell. It's likely they will come in two varieties, standard napthas, and an elite version capable of fighting in mellee. The leather fire protection is great and I think that is how I will skin them.

Cheers

**Randarkmaan** · June 17, 2007, 09:15 AM

Finally, in order to avoid a large amount of work, it's probable that each faction will use the levy units to man the siege engines. The work in my opinion would be better spent on new captains and generals.

Would it really be more work using a low tier infantry model from the respective faction than using one of the levies? I guess both models would have to be edited by removing main weapon and shield any way, I'm not a modeller, but to me that sounds like roughly the same amount of work for both tasks, and most of the faction units look way better than the levies.