DRAGONDAWN Total War - Outdated 2011 Initial Preview

[Shadowlair]

hmm, might you guys have taken inspiration from..alot of other places? just asking? since i sence some lotr, and warhammer fantasy battles *gotta love skaven and lizardmen especially with the world menders idea they certainly fit in WFB lizzies* just, asking. still, it looks tremendous and as a long time lurker to DaC i instantly saw squeeks awesome workings, although i do think some armours look to.....shiny, or to much contradisting colors *didnt like the orcish helmet as an example* but its your mod, and its shure to awesomesauce all others that remain ^^

[Squeaks]

hmm, might you guys have taken inspiration from..alot of other places? just asking?

Well. I spent a long time doing this, and a lot of that time meant ignoring other stuff. I've taken a lot of folklore and faerie-tales, and mythology and turned it into something different, whilst allowing the player to understand the gist of what's going on.

Basically, no, there's a HUGE attempt at not copying other things. There's no book I've read, no game played that have overtly offered a suggestion to this. Of course there will be similarities somewhere along the line, as it's probably impossible to not have some similarities, even having puropsefully not read or looked at other peoples' work in that time. If I thoiught I had plagiarised something, then I would immediately rewrite it.

since i sence some lotr, and warhammer fantasy battles *gotta love skaven and lizardmen especially with the world menders idea they certainly fit in WFB lizzies* just, asking

Ah. Well, I can certainly claim to not know nuffin about GW lizards...in fact pretty much all of their stuff - had a coupe of friends who played GW games, and it looked quite odd to me. Well, I suppose these are all v successful, so that's a compliment. It's a sod I haven't shared more of the lore yet, as it would explain what I can't in a short message. Just for you, I'll show some CHitkinen stuff later today

I DO appreciate the fact you've mentioned this though. It means I'll HAVE to spill some beans on some factions, as hopefully they'll make sense then!

still, it looks tremendous and as a long time lurker to DaC i instantly saw squeeks awesome workings, although i do think some armours look to.....shiny, or to much contradisting colors *didnt like the orcish helmet as an example* but its your mod, and its shure to awesomesauce all others that remain ^^

Heh. Well, it's a pain really, cos I have what they should look like in my head (it's NOT totally without any future changes though - so comments will get an airing). Thanks for liking my stuff; a great compliment.

Well, for colours, there's a certain method in their madness, but will think about what you've said. SOme things are sacrosanct to me, others are not - this IS the first time that anything has been made into something like a mod or that sort of game, so it's delightful in the extreme.

[Heathen Storm]

Wow, this looks really cool! So this is all from your mind, Squeaks? Definitely looking very great and detailed. I'd definitely like to see some units from the Wolfborn and the Bandit Kings - those are looking to be my favorite factions so far

[Krystoforos]

Very nice! I like the idea of new fantasy mod. I wish You good luck

[Squeaks]

Wow, this looks really cool! So this is all from your mind, Squeaks? Definitely looking very great and detailed. I'd definitely like to see some units from the Wolfborn and the Bandit Kings - those are looking to be my favorite factions so far

Yep...it's from a poor llittle brain like mine. The WOlfborn and Bandit Kings are your faves? Really? That's an unusual combination of factions

I will endeavor to make them cool then. The Bandit Kings are an odd one for sure. They have a mix of decrepit Gnomesa from the Dwarves - they have found and plundered several Dwarf Holts, and stolen the Gnomes within, many of which were the first examples of their kind, and don't quite work as well as the later ones. Of course, there is the stroy of the 'Infected' that woke deep in the closed holts. There was a reson these places were closed off, after all. Will chuck the story in at the end of this.

Very nice! I like the idea of new fantasy mod. I wish You good luck

Sweet...well, if we're getting such good wishes, then we can't fail

OF THE KHEZDRULI WARS AND THE INFECTED

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Khezdruli wars were a brutal affair. The Fathers had departed, and the Ildiri convinced the other elves to destroy the Khezdruli, for their toil was abhorrent, and the elves could not bear to see it. The Ildiri marched to war, and dwarves were slaughtered by the pulsing of Ley Weapons. The other Elves came to war late, and, by this time, the Khezdruli had begun to fight back, using rocks, nails, teeth and natural strength. The losses this early in the war would never be recovered.

The War took it’s hold, and Dwarves died in their tens of thousands. But, behind the front lines, they were preparing a new technology – that of weaponry, using the bones of the Dragon (metals) to create shards of sharpness to destroy the life in other beings.

The odds evened out, and in their tunnels, the dwarves slew many elves, and it looked as though mutual slaughter was to be the end in sight. However, a Dwarf came forward who had listened to the elf proclamation – that rape of the Dragon’s body was not permitted. He came to the Elves and told them of the Hunger, and an agreement was struck that limited the Dwarves’ plunder. Still the two sides lacked any understanding, but the elves could no longer justify such a brutal genocide.


A short time into the war’s end, maybe days, maybe weeks, THEY appeared, thousands, flowing from the broken holds of the Khezdruli. Infected, they called them, thousands of them, writhing, slime covered bodies, rotting with the deadpool, biting, gnawing, they flooded the camped armies, and another time of slaughter began.

Bodies in a state of undeath, but yet not truly alive. Magic had little effect, and the Ley weapons of the Elves would do little but burn and scorch, save the fires of the Sun Dragons, the Silidiri, which threw them back. Azghali led his guard against them, siding with the Elves, but many Dwarves holed themselves up and sealed their cities. Sadly for them, the Infected came from within the Dwarf Holts, and they were eaten alive.

The armies of Azghali and the elves managed, through torrid slaughter, to seal the holds the Infected were coming from, and trap them within, the Ildiri redirecting the waters from the mountains to fill the holds. The names and whereabouts of these holds were struck off the records of History and still remain gone, lost to time and the Infected.

[Shadowlair]

yes, well, all taken to regard you are rght, but in my eyes it all looked so obvious, all the connections and all :p
and i instantly fell for this mod. it has lizardmen, rats *both of wich i just kinda have a WFB tabletop army from :3* and the general idea of the mod instantly gripped me.

quick question still though, is there a faction that starts with just one castle, or if you would be so kind tell me the smallest faction and its starting settlements, i just really like starting small, preferably with just like, 1 settlement and eventually rule the world! *wmuahahahahahahaha* or something evil and ratmen like in that general direction ^^

[Borissomeone]

Basically, no, there's a HUGE attempt at not copying other things. There's no book I've read, no game played that have overtly offered a suggestion to this. Of course there will be similarities somewhere along the line, as it's probably impossible to not have some similarities, even having puropsefully not read or looked at other peoples' work in that time. If I thoiught I had plagiarised something, then I would immediately rewrite it.

This is why this mod looks and sounds so cool. You're trying to make something original and putting alot of effort into the lore and story, god bless you for the fine work so far.

[The Holy Pilgrim]

yes, well, all taken to regard you are rght, but in my eyes it all looked so obvious, all the connections and all :p
and i instantly fell for this mod. it has lizardmen, rats *both of wich i just kinda have a WFB tabletop army from :3* and the general idea of the mod instantly gripped me.

quick question still though, is there a faction that starts with just one castle, or if you would be so kind tell me the smallest faction and its starting settlements, i just really like starting small, preferably with just like, 1 settlement and eventually rule the world! *wmuahahahahahahaha* or something evil and ratmen like in that general direction ^^

All factions will be strong in their own way. Sure, some will be small in terms of land, but their cities will be mighty (the Sun King, Ilien, Rhysthari, and the Bandit Kings to name a few).

And btw, the Ratmen are coming along very nicely. In fact, they're the best rats I've ever seen!

This is why this mod looks and sounds so cool. You're trying to make something original and putting alot of effort into the lore and story, god bless you for the fine work so far.

I'm really glad you like this, Boris. I was hoping you would. Your skills in writing and fantasy are passed by none; it is an honour that you like our mod

[Squeaks]

yes, well, all taken to regard you are rght, but in my eyes it all looked so obvious, all the connections and all :p
and i instantly fell for this mod. it has lizardmen, rats *both of wich i just kinda have a WFB tabletop army from :3* and the general idea of the mod instantly gripped me.

quick question still though, is there a faction that starts with just one castle, or if you would be so kind tell me the smallest faction and its starting settlements, i just really like starting small, preferably with just like, 1 settlement and eventually rule the world! *wmuahahahahahahaha* or something evil and ratmen like in that general direction ^^

Heh...everything's obvious til you know better

Well, there are a number os 'small' factions...these WILL be a challenge but are also very cool..

CIMRAI strength (They can bring CThonic units into their army soon after the game starts))
BANDIT KINGS ( Unique point is they are VERY hard to capture, but also hard to expand)
LAKE KINGDOM (Unique event driven campaign)
CHO TETSU (Just have invaded the mainland...holding it and expanding difficult, but militarily very strong in certain ways)
THE ROSE OF WAR (Has the Ward of Ilien - this can go several ways...100% anti Federation, may have probs with Empire, or may ally, but also dwarves and Nidon Hal are potentiasl didiculties...can recruit Federation units that have revolted and come to her banner) As Bere says, they start with one place -Castlerock, a large fortress, but obviously not invulnerable. Ilien is sound though...very hard to beat and possibly quite aggressive early on to survive.
NIDO HAL (Lizards) 2 types of soldier - outer swamp, inner swamp - tribal or city dwellers. Strong in defence, strong attack, but take a while to fully mobilise.
WOLFBORN - SOme VERY strong troops - Uruskine/Lupuskine/Godslayers, but are faced with an invasion ofthe mainland soemwhere. CHoose your foes wisely.
BADABASKA - under constant pressure...no let up from war. SHould they defeat the Ghaur on their islands, then they are a force to be recognised. Expansion and allies should be carefully chosen. Thier Baerhounds are NAUGHTY in combat.
IRYN THAAN - They cannot possibly hold without their strange allies, but some of these will be scripted as reinforcements, not totally recruitable - an interesting bunch.

There are some factions that are unique in the way they start the game.

CHITKINNEN (rats) begin with a few 'free upkeep' armies, to gather under the WHite Sow and build themselves a kingdom
GHAURCHLAI begin in an odd situation - will show when it's done; they will be in the first historical campaign in an absolute visceral power. They will be against all 6 other factions, and may change the course of the war through deception by their Shapestealers.

This is why this mod looks and sounds so cool. You're trying to make something original and putting alot of effort into the lore and story, god bless you for the fine work so far.

Thanks!! It's a lot of fun to work on, but also is hard to get everything to work proper;yingame, because the engine isn't designed for it - however, the good news is that we seem to be making major breakthroughs in the more difficult needs. You'll love the way we do things like magic.

I didn't know who you were, but it is nice to hear this sort of thing from a talented modder/writer. If you ever fell itchy, there are things that can be tied up - I am transporting LOADS of lore and writing, but I always wanted good peeps to develop different aspects in their own freedom, based on the lore provided. In other words, I have given what I think is enough, then peeps have a large degree of autonomy and fun. SO far, it's worked brilliantly.

[Beregond]

quick question still though, is there a faction that starts with just one castle, or if you would be so kind tell me the smallest faction and its starting settlements, i just really like starting small, preferably with just like, 1 settlement and eventually rule the world! *wmuahahahahahahaha* or something evil and ratmen like in that general direction ^^

Ilien, the Rose of War, will definitely start with only one settlement, or probably without any settlements if we can work it out. They will have a stack of elite troops and a sea of enemies before them; this would be one of a bit scripted campaigns (at the beginning), with kind of 'quests' to acquire powerful artifacts and some additional support. So Ilien should be one of the hardest to play. Though they will have very powerful and rare troops (the Roses) and what will be one of the best generals in the mod.

Iryn Thaan will have two settlements and a hard campaign too, Naugiri are a tough opponents.

[Shadowlair]

hmmm, i now really, really, really want to play this, lizards, ratmen and the rose of ilien *or something like that ^^* all sound way to grea, i will wait with a fervor unknown to the great allfather himself and damn as hell as i will lurk as never before to secretly urge you one with magical subversion mind-tricks....or soemthing along that line :3

and ofcourse, more ratmen and lizardmen screens are always an awesome thing to see, am i right? :3

and a quick edit: are there any ratmen sigs? or even better, a ratmen/lizardmen sig, for i would gladly wear it to show my undying loyalty!

[Galandor]

The continents resemble a lot the Warcraft ones, including the surprise in the centre . I do not say this as a bad thing, I just wanted to look clever.

[Clansman117]

The continents resemble a lot the Warcraft ones, including the surprise in the centre . I do not say this as a bad thing, I just wanted to look clever.

I can see how the eastern continent looks quite a bit like kalimdor, but that is the only similiarity I see. I agree with Shadowlair, the rat-people and lizardfolk are still amazing me. Keep up the good work. And thanks for the added lore, I really wish I could give you rep.

[The Holy Pilgrim]

Only slightly. Not enough to be considered a "copy" though.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Borissomeone]

Thanks!! It's a lot of fun to work on, but also is hard to get everything to work proper;yingame, because the engine isn't designed for it - however, the good news is that we seem to be making major breakthroughs in the more difficult needs. You'll love the way we do things like magic.

Sounds really good, and I do like magic so I look forward to seeing what can be done.

I didn't know who you were, but it is nice to hear this sort of thing from a talented modder/writer.

Thanks, but you're far to kind.

[evenflowjimbo]

I think I need a towel ...

[ChaosReigns]

Wow, this mod looks really cool! I haven't had a thorough look at everything in the first post yet, but presently (judging just by the previewed units) I'm liking the Empire the best. The legionnaires remind me somewhat of Emperor Palpatine's guards: a very fresh and unique departure from the Roman, or perhaps Holy Roman, style I was expecting reading the faction's lore.

The Angelbloods caught my attention especially. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind elaborating on who, or what, they are, Squeaks?

EDIT: Cthonae looks very interesting as well, if you don't mind me boiling it down to simple terms, are they more Satan or Cthulhu? Or perhaps something entirely different?

[Squeaks]

Wow thanks, that's very kind of you.

As I said to Beregond above, I'm a bit a bit of a forum technophobe, so I'm sure the problem is with me rather than the sig's, but if you ever find the time then The Wolfborn definitely take my fancy. As amazing as all the factions look, there's something about taking to the seas and plundering foreign lands that I just can't resist.

Wolfborn it is then. Will get on with it later today I think...hopefully have something for you reasonably soon.

hmmm, i now really, really, really want to play this, lizards, ratmen and the rose of ilien *or something like that ^^* all sound way to grea, i will wait with a fervor unknown to the great allfather himself and damn as hell as i will lurk as never before to secretly urge you one with magical subversion mind-tricks....or soemthing along that line :3

and ofcourse, more ratmen and lizardmen screens are always an awesome thing to see, am i right? :3

and a quick edit: are there any ratmen sigs? or even better, a ratmen/lizardmen sig, for i would gladly wear it to show my undying loyalty!

Heh...what can you say to that? Lurk away, use your mind tricks...it'll all help! AH, well, we have more rat and lizard pictures...the deep-swamp lizards are much more humanoid, but are pretty cool...they won't be the same as the more feral ones.

Sure, one of us will look into doing a ratty-lizard sig.

Your undying loyalty would be much appreciated

The continents resemble a lot the Warcraft ones, including the surprise in the centre . I do not say this as a bad thing, I just wanted to look clever.

Ah, you get a special Squeaky-cleverness-award then! I see what you mean to a degree, but I haven't played warcraft ever...don't know why exactly either...weird. Luckily, the similarities end there

Sounds really good, and I do like magic so I look forward to seeing what can be done.



Thanks, but you're far to kind.

uhm, there's a LOT that can be done - more than you would normally imagine. It's imply a weird way of looking at the game..I don't know what can be done and what can't, so I have no restrictions on my ideas - it's helpful to not have a clue here really.

I think I need a towel ...

Errmm...I have towels, and all sorts, but I'm sure you must have your own Please don't tell me why you need one...

I can see how the eastern continent looks quite a bit like kalimdor, but that is the only similiarity I see. I agree with Shadowlair, the rat-people and lizardfolk are still amazing me. Keep up the good work. And thanks for the added lore, I really wish I could give you rep.

Hi Pilgie. Well, there, from someone who kanows...ignorance is bliss

Wow, this mod looks really cool! I haven't had a thorough look at everything in the first post yet, but presently (judging just by the previewed units) I'm liking the Empire the best. The legionnaires remind me somewhat of Emperor Palpatine's guards: a very fresh and unique departure from the Roman, or perhaps Holy Roman, style I was expecting reading the faction's lore.

I tried knocking everything over and turning it on it's head, so that's great to hear...no romans here. I like the red dudes too. The EMpire as a whole is probably my fave faction, simply because it's units are pretty sweet. The provincial armies are just wicked...as you'll see.

The Angelbloods caught my attention especially. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind elaborating on who, or what, they are, Squeaks?

AH, the Atakash ANgelbloods are the noble elite of the Imperial Province of Atakash. They were created a looong time ago, but have always been so cool to me.

Basically, the structure of Atakash is developed around martial prowess. It's not necessarily only the highborn who get to fight, but a warrior that is gifted can be elevated to the nobility for this skill. SInce they became a part of the Empire, the lowborn soldiers they used to maintain are supplanted by the Legions (although the lowborn are often the soldiers that form the legions), so they field only the Angelbloods as a standing force.

The Atakash Angelbloods are called ANgelbloods because they, like most conquered nations or once great powers, still cling to their heritage, and they freely give their blood to the survival of their nation and it's ways. There is mention of the warriors being taught by angelic creatures, which is completely unsubstantiated, but lends a blood nobility to the high born amongst them....a right to rule and a benevolence in doing so.

As warriors, they remain some of the best and most steadfast of all Imperial Forces, and abhor the very notion of slavery, so often fight in the vanguard of any action against Ashapur.

[/quote]

EDIT: Cthonae looks very interesting as well, if you don't mind me boiling it down to simple terms, are they more Satan or Cthulhu? Or perhaps something entirely different?

Uhm, they're not exactly like either, but you'd find the abyssal creatures above the Drunes being more towards the Cthulhu aspect in many ways. The similarities end there. The main Abyssal POwers number five, but they need hosts to break into reality...there is no nyarlathotep equivalent, and no cults exist that worship them AT ALL - only the Cimrai summon them, but believe them 'bindable', when they are clearly not so. Theirs is an obsessive magery that makes them stronger in the shorter time period, but vastly susceptible to become enthralled by the AByss in completion.

You'll find in the campaign that they tend to 'erupt'. Uhm, may as well post from a text document on them:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Abyss is that without the bounds of reality. Beyond the growing universe, outside of mere existance, it sits like a cancer, clinging to the void, hungry, waiting, patient, cruel. They watch endlessly, drawn by the hunger that lies in the devouring maw of their pestilence and entropy.

Throughout every second of the universe's life, they have sat, and they have broken through many times; the Child banished them within rules of existence, but they are drawn by intense emotion; something they do not feel, and there have always been fools who tamper with things they do not understand. Hundreds of worlds have been devoured, and others will for eternity, but some ponder how long the Rules that the CHild put in place will stay strong against things that are learning ever more how to avoid them.

Sorry so short...

[Shadowlair]

undying loyalty it be! go ratmen :3 go lizzies :3 go dragonborn! and focourse, all hail the mighty Squeaks may her squeekiness ring through the ages untold ^^

[evenflowjimbo]

I have uninstalled all my mods! Which was probably a bad idea, since it took forever to install CoW(which is still a fantastic mod), but with it's constant crashes, I just can't take it anymore. I'd rather wait for this baby to be released, and once it is, I will dance on top of my roof for a good hour.

DRAGONBORN! SAVE ME!