Intrigued by this mod

[Lethe]

I'm still a relative newcomer to mods. I downloaded Stainless Steel for a brief time, but quickly uninstalled it because it was slowing down the turns to a crawl - I was having to wait way too long for the AI to finish their turns.

Since then, I've installed Expanded Americas and been enjoying the heck of it. It has been a lot of fun. I've browsed a few of the other mod forums, seen some cool ideas, but nothing has grabbed my attention enough to warrant installing.

I've seen Thera before, but never really looked into the forum because a fantasy mod didn't really appeal to me. But today, for some reason, I took a look at the main thread listing the factions and showing the map, and I have to say that this mod looks really interesting!

I have to give a lot of credit to the creator for making the install thread easy to navigate and filled with useful information. Sometimes, it's hard to find what a mod does, but not here! I especially appreciate the breakdown of the factions - makes them all seem cool and interesting to try out!

I have a few questions regarding the mod, though. I'm sure these have been answered before, but I wasn't able to find them, so thanks for your patience.

1) Can this mod be installed along another mod? Do I need to uninstall Expanded Americas or can I have both EA and Thera installed?

2) How is the AI? Has it been tweaked at all or it directly from vanilla/kingdoms?

3) I saw in an older thread that there are no merchants in this game. Not a problem for me, as I consider them slightly superfluous anyway, but I'm curious as to what other changes this mod has, if any.

4) How balanced are the different factions? I think it is really friggin' cool that there are medieval factions mixed in with renaissance and tribal. It appears that factions with lots of gunpowder units have light armor, etc. Is that the case or are some factions inherently better than others?

5) Are there any particularly cool aspects of this game that aren't touched on in the main thread?

Thanks for any help/comments!

[TheFirstONeill]

I'm still a relative newcomer to mods. I downloaded Stainless Steel for a brief time, but quickly uninstalled it because it was slowing down the turns to a crawl - I was having to wait way too long for the AI to finish their turns.

Since then, I've installed Expanded Americas and been enjoying the heck of it. It has been a lot of fun. I've browsed a few of the other mod forums, seen some cool ideas, but nothing has grabbed my attention enough to warrant installing.

I've seen Thera before, but never really looked into the forum because a fantasy mod didn't really appeal to me. But today, for some reason, I took a look at the main thread listing the factions and showing the map, and I have to say that this mod looks really interesting!

I have to give a lot of credit to the creator for making the install thread easy to navigate and filled with useful information. Sometimes, it's hard to find what a mod does, but not here! I especially appreciate the breakdown of the factions - makes them all seem cool and interesting to try out!

I have a few questions regarding the mod, though. I'm sure these have been answered before, but I wasn't able to find them, so thanks for your patience.?!

Welcome to our little community here,

1) Can this mod be installed along another mod? Do I need to uninstall Expanded Americas or can I have both EA and Thera installed?!

It is mod foldered so it will not interfere with no other mods you have install.

2) How is the AI? Has it been tweaked at all or it directly from vanilla/kingdoms??

The AI is a tweaked version of Lusteds battle and campagin AI

3) I saw in an older thread that there are no merchants in this game. Not a problem for me, as I consider them slightly superfluous anyway, but I'm curious as to what other changes this mod has, if any.

Lots, from sounds to strat map models, battle models, AI, settlement mechanics, projectiles, mounts, UI, Traits, Ancs, and much more. Best thing is to read through the various faction threads for feedback

4) How balanced are the different factions? I think it is really friggin' cool that there are medieval factions mixed in with renaissance and tribal. It appears that factions with lots of gunpowder units have light armor, etc. Is that the case or are some factions inherently better than others?.

IMO the balance is one of the best aspects of the mod, allowing every faction to have a reasonable chance of success

5) Are there any particularly cool aspects of this game that aren't touched on in the main thread?.

Hard for anyone to say, I have no idea what you think is cool, again best advice is to read through the various threads and make up your own mind

[Jean=A=Luc]

5) Are there any particularly cool aspects of this game that aren't touched on in the main thread?

All the different cultures and divided starting positions that mean you'll see pagan, tribal, medieval, renaissance, Roman, "monster" factions all coming face to face. Whether it's hordes of native American warriors charging musket and pike lines or Romans fighting werewolves the situation is almost always very "colourful".

Other cool things would include explosive arrows/bolts, grenades, muskets with bayonets, Romans with gunpowder weaponry.

Though I suppose these things are touched on in the main thread.

[The Holy Pilgrim]

I'm still a relative newcomer to mods. I downloaded Stainless Steel for a brief time, but quickly uninstalled it because it was slowing down the turns to a crawl - I was having to wait way too long for the AI to finish their turns.

Since then, I've installed Expanded Americas and been enjoying the heck of it. It has been a lot of fun. I've browsed a few of the other mod forums, seen some cool ideas, but nothing has grabbed my attention enough to warrant installing.

I've seen Thera before, but never really looked into the forum because a fantasy mod didn't really appeal to me. But today, for some reason, I took a look at the main thread listing the factions and showing the map, and I have to say that this mod looks really interesting!

I have to give a lot of credit to the creator for making the install thread easy to navigate and filled with useful information. Sometimes, it's hard to find what a mod does, but not here! I especially appreciate the breakdown of the factions - makes them all seem cool and interesting to try out!

I have a few questions regarding the mod, though. I'm sure these have been answered before, but I wasn't able to find them, so thanks for your patience.

1) Can this mod be installed along another mod? Do I need to uninstall Expanded Americas or can I have both EA and Thera installed?

2) How is the AI? Has it been tweaked at all or it directly from vanilla/kingdoms?

3) I saw in an older thread that there are no merchants in this game. Not a problem for me, as I consider them slightly superfluous anyway, but I'm curious as to what other changes this mod has, if any.

4) How balanced are the different factions? I think it is really friggin' cool that there are medieval factions mixed in with renaissance and tribal. It appears that factions with lots of gunpowder units have light armor, etc. Is that the case or are some factions inherently better than others?

5) Are there any particularly cool aspects of this game that aren't touched on in the main thread?

Thanks for any help/comments!

To be honest (and this is no exaggeration), this is probably the best mod in terms of balance, stability, uniqueness, and creativity I have seen for any game thus far. I know every mod is different and the same goes for every game more so than mods, but you cannot go wrong with selecting this mod.

It has every faction a player could want: Native American tribes from Mesoamerica or the present-day United States aided by giants and mammoths respectively, ancient Roman legions armed with primitive firearms, Medieval-Imperialistic Age European nations each with a high degree of variability, Slavic-like nations boasting Boyars and Druzhinas, a dark and mystic "Vampyric" faction, Teutonic overlords striving to purge the world of Thera of all heretics and pagans, Dark Age factions armed to the teeth with axes, javelins, and swords (along with the dreaded Yxormän), Gaelic hordes fighting for liberty and freedom from a tyrannical oppressor, Mongol/Japanese-like horse riders and katana-wielders armed with the infamous rocket bows, Middle Eastern based factions varying from Elephant riding Tahars to musket wielding Vashta to zealous Barkas, and finally, beasts from the Underworld that boast the greatest warriors of any army in Thera (they are severly limited in number though).

Balance is by far some of the best I've seen in any mod. It doesn't matter if your soldier carries a bow, wields a musket, or charges with a lance on horseback, there is always that possibility that you might win. Every faction has its own play-style, comes with completely unique unit rosters (varying from 10-20 unique units in each faction), and very intelligent AI. You could be the Faustians with two regiments of musket-toting goons and prestigious Kaiser Lancers and still lose to a cohort of Romuli legionnaires or to a horde of axe-wielding Valhallan warriors. You could win just as well with an army of Jaguar Warriors and Coyote Priests.

Unlike most other mods, Rebels are just as unique as the playable factions themselves, as seen by the Hesperos, Demos, Medici, Vexille, and the Numari. Rebel armies should be treated with just as much care as armies of "real" factions since they are just as strong, if not stronger. The Hesperos intend to stay independent, the Men of Demos are more than willing to struggle for freedom, the Medici will protect their holdings, the Vexille will defend their virtue and honor, and the Numari aren't afraid to fight any invader. They are all fierce sub-factions and there are many more for you to discover. Some have weapons you may never see in the hands of another faction

Definitely give this mod a try. It is well worth the download

Edit: I can't believe I forgot this, but the campaign is also very fun and very unique compared to the more traditional mods. In Thera, you don't start off with a measly 4,000 florins and the ability to only build peasant archers and spear militia. That is not the way of the O'Neill. Instead, you start off with vast amounts of money (around 500,000 or so) and you can begin building elite units right-off-the-bat. This doesn't only apply to the "rich and powerful" nations, but the "lower class" ones as well (all of the factions are equal in my opinion). This may sound absurd or just plain crazy, but it allows for not only unique playing methods, but also the ability to test a new strategy early on in the campaign, role-play if you'd like, and it will even allow you to just have fun.

There are no restrictions in Thera. The Uruks and the Romuli don't necessarily have to fight each other (though they usually do) and the Pale Knights don't have to follow the Vatican's demands (rouge crusaders). You can choose who you want to align yourself with and who you want to kick around. Form a Triple Alliance with the Sycorax, Teutonic Order, and the Tahar Caliphate and gang up on the Central Powers of Avalon, the Men of Wotan, and the Faustian Reich. Become ruler of the world with the Povos da Hispânia and crush Uruk, Manchu, and Paynal alike under your boot. Aid the Dracule as the Men of Valhalla against hordes of knights from the Royaume des Bons Chevaliers or aid the invaders in their conquest. Change your ways as the Teutonic Order and show all Christian nations the might of the Ritterbruder. The possibilities are endless in Thera, just as there are an infinitesimal number of digits in pi (nerdy math reference here).

[Cathedralsquares]

Unfortunately if you don't like long turn times you won't like this mod. Turns can take upwards of 2 minutes to complete by late game.

[Heathen Storm]

Unfortunately if you don't like long turn times you won't like this mod. Turns can take upwards of 2 minutes to complete by late game.

Hmm, it must only be you cuz my turns run less than 30 seconds

[Torvus]

Unfortunately if you don't like long turn times you won't like this mod. Turns can take upwards of 2 minutes to complete by late game.

I've never had this problem. Sounds like something local to you, CS.

As for the mod, it's one of the best. It's the first mod I DLed for M2TW and I haven't regretted it since. The only thing I might say is that if you're looking for a serious challenge, it's not here. Even on VH/VH, this mod is easy.

But, that said, even being non-challenging, this mod is one of, if not the most fun mod for M2TW out there. The map is so unique compared to those of other mods, with the ocean dominating most of it. The factions are all nice unique interpretations of classic factions from every era imaginable, with tons of fun pop culture and folklore references to entertain. The lore is open-ended for you to fill in the gaps with your own ideas. This mod is great for RPing or AARs, or even migration campaigns. There are so many options here that you'll never be able to explore them all. and that's a good thing.

[Massive_attack]

my turn times for thera:
5-10 seconds

Then again, my turn times for stainless steel:
30-45 seconds

Moral of the story: get more ram and a better processor.

[Lethe]

As for the mod, it's one of the best. It's the first mod I DLed for M2TW and I haven't regretted it since. The only thing I might say is that if you're looking for a serious challenge, it's not here. Even on VH/VH, this mod is easy.

Well, that's the only remotely dissapointing thing I've heard so far about this mod. I'd like a game that I'm not able to steamroll my way to an easy victory. The world and factions seem interesting enough that I'll probably give it a try, regardless, though.

[TheFirstONeill]

Well, that's the only remotely dissapointing thing I've heard so far about this mod. I'd like a game that I'm not able to steamroll my way to an easy victory. The world and factions seem interesting enough that I'll probably give it a try, regardless, though.

It should be noted that the lack of challenge is very subjective and dependant on your playstyle.

[Lethe]

Well, I'm willing to adapt my playstyle somewhat. For vanilla, I took a methodical approach and tried to play it safe much of the time. With Expanded Americas, I've found that I have to be more aggressive in my early game and not rest too easy. So we'll see what Thera encourages! Since it's mod foldered and it won't mess with my games in other mods I'm playing, I might try settting it up sometime in the next week.

Have to give credit to the developer(s) of Thera for making me interested in the first place. Normally, I wouldn't care about a fantasy mod. I think it's the fact that the factions are based on real world nations, and the map looks cool.

[Beowulf1990]

Unfortunately if you don't like long turn times you won't like this mod. Turns can take upwards of 2 minutes to complete by late game.

I use borderless window mode, so I can just let the turn process in the background and watch a little Jeeves & Wooster.

[TheFirstONeill]

I use borderless window mode, so I can just let the turn process in the background and watch a little Jeeves & Wooster.

I think we established that Catherdralsquares long AI turn times were due to local issues with his PC/setup. So hopefully you wont need to wait the length of time he described

[Beowulf1990]

I think we established that Catherdralsquares long AI turn times were due to local issues with his PC/setup. So hopefully you wont need to wait the length of time he described

Well for SS I did. I haven't played Thera yet on this machine, but I suspect it'll take less than that.
And he might benifit from it at least.

[WinsingtonIII]

I use borderless window mode, so I can just let the turn process in the background and watch a little Jeeves & Wooster.

Awesome solution, love that show!

[Beowulf1990]

Awesome solution, love that show!

Hard not to!
Anyway I now have Thera on turn time of say 20-30seconds. I alt-tab and watch a like a minute or something and then play another turn. It's wonderfully relaxing!

[Lethe]

Finally installed this mod and started a campaign with Hispania. The units and map look great, but I have a couple of questions.

1) It seems that the default for moving units on the campaign map is sped up. In other words, when you usually click an army or whatever their icon walks across the field. You can speed this up by clicking the mouse. However, the armies appear to auto run on my campaign. They zoom around everywhere!

2) The battles are pretty laggy. I have no problems running vanilla Kingdoms on high settings. Is Thera just that much more intense? I had all settings at medium...

Thanks for any help!

[Cathedralsquares]

I think that Savage AI and the improved battle AI from SS would go a long way in fixing the problem.

[TheFirstONeill]

Personally Im not a blitz'er, so the mod was designed as something I would enjoy playing. All I can suggest is give it a go, you may enjoy it or you may not, but if you dont try you will never know

You will find a good selection of player reactions here

THERA my thanks

[A_Dane]

Personally Im not a blitz'er, so the mod was designed as something I would enjoy playing. All I can suggest is give it a go, you may enjoy it or you may not, but if you dont try you will never know

You will find a good selection of player reactions here

THERA my thanks

Just played a game as Avalon, which I think i might have to consider lost.

I took it rather cool early game, took 1 province on Europa and one on the gaelic island, then went crusading.

Now, some 80 turns in, I think I'm gonna get overrun, the chevaliers are massing on Europa, and I just made the unfortunate mistake, of joining a crusade against the gaels...

I now have something like 6 full stacks of crazed gaels coming down on me.

Should probably have played it a bit more aggressively at start eh? xD