About flavor

**McMarx** · October 20, 2008, 11:11 PM

Hi there everyone!
This is my first thread on this forum. I've spent many months as a mute, observing and learning, but now I'm ready to engage.

I'd like to know if it's possible to give a unit different shields. Not just changing the color or symbol, but changing the shape. Could this be applied to weapons? Take the Scottish rabble as an example. They'd look more rabble like if they'd carry axes and spears along with swords. If yes, the it would add variety and a certain level of realism. I'm no expert, but I do believe that (mostly amongst the middle class) many soldiers brought their own shields, weapons and armor to war. Nobles also carried their own weapons and armor.
If that's not possible, then could the shields (and certain weapons) change shape with armor upgrades? I was thinking that some units could start with round wooden shields and finish with metal rectangular ones. An example of this could be some of the lower desert units, which could start with a cheap wooden (non round) shield and evolve into using the elongated one. Much flavor would be added this way.

That's it for the questions.

I did not post this in the suggestion thread because I'd like to know if it's possible first.
Oh! I'd also like to give the Stainless Steel modders a thumbs up for their magnificent work... and the submodders too.

**Mega Tortas de Bodemloze** · October 20, 2008, 11:18 PM

Welcome McMarx....

Hope your enjoying SS6.1. I just stopped by to say hi cuz I'm about the last person you want giving you technical advise.

if there's anything you need a hand with just give me a call if I don't know where to find something I'll find you someone who does...guess that makes me the Welcome wagon huuh?

Don't forget to check out our submod section.

No Worries...

Mega

**McMarx** · October 20, 2008, 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by Mega Tortas

Welcome McMarx....

Hope your enjoying SS6.1. I just stopped by to say hi cuz I'm about the last person you want giving you technical advise.

if there's anything you need a hand with just give me a call if I don't know where to find something I'll find you someone who does...guess that makes me the Welcome wagon huuh?

Don't forget to check out our submod section.

No Worries...

Mega

If there's anything I can't hunt, I'll come to you.

Thanks for the warm welcome Mega!

**HighLord z0b** · October 20, 2008, 11:27 PM

Well it's technically possible to edit the models, but not easy, I suggest you look at the modding forums for direction there. It's also possible to give a unit different weapons but the animation has to be the same, so probably couldn't have spears and swords, although you could have single handed axes, long knives and clubs for example.

I will point out that in history virtually nobody used metal shields, except for some very late period cavalry.

**McMarx** · October 21, 2008, 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by HighLord z0b

Well it's technically possible to edit the models, but not easy, I suggest you look at the modding forums for direction there. It's also possible to give a unit different weapons but the animation has to be the same, so probably couldn't have spears and swords, although you could have single handed axes, long knives and clubs for example.

I will point out that in history virtually nobody used metal shields, except for some very late period cavalry.

I see... :hmmm: I've already taken a look at the modding forums and concluded that modding... is hard.

I'm not currently capable of anything amazing.

I wasn't sure about the animation issue, but I guess you answered that. It would still be interesting to see units such as Scottish rabble with swords axes and daggers.
The part about the metal shields is interesting. I'm sure some early soldiers carried those, maybe not full metal shields, but the wooden ones with with a metallic coat. I'd rather not say too much since I'm no expert in history. In the end I guess you're right. There's little logic in carrying twice your weight as protection.

Thanks for the info HighLord z0b

**HighLord z0b** · October 21, 2008, 12:41 AM

Ancient Greek Hoplites used a wooden shield covered in a thin layer of bronze known as a Hoplon, and knights used a metal shield when jousting. However, generally a shield would have been thought of as relatively disposable if heavily damaged.

**Oddball_E8** · October 21, 2008, 04:21 AM

ask the guys that did Basileia ton Romaion... they got varangian guards with different shields in the same unit (round shields and drop-shaped shields)

**McMarx** · October 21, 2008, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by Oddball_E8

ask the guys that did Basileia ton Romaion... they got varangian guards with different shields in the same unit (round shields and drop-shaped shields)

Nice... thanks a lot!