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Saxon Wars v1.5d

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Saxon Wars
By Ecrolls

Info:

Background

Lately i have been cultivating an interest in old english history, culture and language, so the epic poem Beowulf caught my attention and i decided to make a map loosely based on the tribes of that era. Seaxnas and Eotenas (Saxons and Jutes) were not in what was to become Sweden but because they are very significant to english saxon history, and are also mentioned in Beowulf, i added their names to the map.
This map is themed around the time of Beowulf, during the politically fragmented situation in the Scandinavian Countries during the dark ages. The map features 6 tribes battling for dominance over the realm.
These tribes include the Seaxnas, the Eotenas, the Geatas, the Hetwaras, the Wulfingas and finally, the Helmingas.

Objectives

The primary objective of the player is to obliterate all hostile tribes in the area, through whatever means possible. The player can hire additional troops at his Main Hall and can earn gold by killing enemy units. The amount of gold earnt by killing a unit depends on how much that trooper is worth. For example, if a Garmann unit dies, the killer will gain 10 gold, while if a more expensive and elite soldier such as the Genéat will give 30 gold when he dies.

Gameplay Mechanics

This map has 8 units, each with very specific strengths and weaknesses.
For example, the Garmann is stout and can hold a line for a while, but are slow and not all that damaging to other units, while the Æcsmann is a fast and strong shock trooper, but is also lacking in armour and as such is a lot more susceptible to damage than a Garmann. Dræfendas have the ability to shoot their arrows over long distances, though they are very weak and cannot stand for any period of time against melee units, and if they are attacked by an Æcsmann or Genéat then they may aswell kill themselves.

This is set in the Saxon period, and as such has troops and descriptions inside it pertaining to the period; it is consistent with the time period and also has names in a period language aswell: Old English. Horses were a commodity during the saxon period, and as such horse units cannot be spammed at all. Bowmen, however, were incredibly common during this time and as such you will be able to hire healthy amounts of them for your host.

Final Tips

This map attempts to imitate the slaughter and carnage of a real battle; as such, all players start with the same units, which means that a player must play intelligently instead of getting his own troops slaughtered at the very beginning. This means that the player must indeed think, and not just spam units. He must think which units to compose his defence, which to compose his attack, and how to destroy the target without being intercepted and slaughtered by another opponent. He must also think about where he must go and when he must retreat and how all that will be done in the first place. Mindless spamming and throwing troops into the slaughter is not how this map is played; Indeed, i have seen weaker and smaller generals tactically maneuver into chokepoints, which the bloated ego of opponent took on and got themselves mashed by a force of just a few garmenn and dræfendas holding the gap. The weregild from this victory levelled the playing field of the defender far above his opponent, who he then slew.

Screenshots:

These are screenshots from an early playable version.



Image Description:
The Geatish army prepares for battle.

162665-albums3860-picture36003.jpg


Image Description:
The Geats calmly liquidate the Frisians.

162665-albums3860-picture36001.jpg


Image Description:
The Frisian skirmishing party lies in defeat.

162665-albums3860-picture36002.jpg



These are images from the current version.


Image Description:
The Western Alliance Shield Wall stands tall after a futile assault by the Triumvirate, while men rush back to their positions to face the hated enemy. A butcher's mix of both sides lie infront of the wall of the living.

162665-albums3860-picture36005.jpg


Image Description:
A measly surviving group of Triumvirate soldiers vainly hold the bridge with a loosening grip, after a large assault by the Western Alliance.

162665-albums3860-picture36006.jpg


Image Description:
As the Triumvirate's Reserve force rushes to the fore, the Western Alliance retreats, and after some heavy fighting occurs, the Western Alliance finally shoves through and crushes the Triumvirate's army under it's heel. The Western Alliance, after some skirmishing with Triumvirate militia, destroys the camps of all Triumvirate members.

162665-albums3860-picture36004.jpg



This version contains:

  • 8 different soldier types.
  • Room for 6 players.
  • Periodic troop and tribal names in old english.
  • Accurate and to-the-point unit descriptions.
  • Massive battles, to small squad-size skirmishes.
  • Dreary, tense, and dark playing atmosphere.
  • Custom ambient music.
  • Tactics.
  • Balanced units.
  • Fierce combat.

This map was made entirely by me, Ecrolls. I must give my thanks to those folk who's models i used for this map, and great thanks to all my lovely testers on the european server.
If you want to contact me, i am Sifter on the european server and regularly go on during GMT time. Of course you could always just send me a private message here which i would prefer :p.


  • Changelog
    1.4b
  • Terrain modified for more balance.

    1.4e
  • Terrain modified, more base chokepoints, Dræfendas have their range increased

    1.5a
  • Added Healer unit, and tweaked various other units.
  • Slots will now be checked at map initialisation, and empty slot units will be removed.

    1.5c
  • Disband ability added when next to Hall.
  • Disbanded units cannot be exploited as they head to Disbandment point. Don't block them.

    1.5d
  • Tweaked Disbanded units. They are now deleted as soon as they are disbanded rather than the weird movement crap of before.
  • Music system has been tweaked so that the music isnt simply a straight up loop. Also, the music is a new track now with moar epic. This has near doubled file size but i think it is worth it.

Keywords:
Footies, Footmen, Saxons, Vikings, Beowulf, Old, english, anglo, saxon, warrior, wars, Strategy
Contents

Saxon Wars v1.5d (Map)

Reviews
17:11, 28th Sep 2010 Cweener: Approved Post.
Level 4
Joined
Jan 29, 2010
Messages
112
How about Features?
any custom models? AI? Is there any difference in what tribe you pick? Can you pick a tribe?
 
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
How about Features?
any custom models? AI? Is there any difference in what tribe you pick? Can you pick a tribe?

I wrote at the end my thanks for custom models, so of course there is custom models.. Obviously there is no AI, and there isnt any difference between tribes since i know no historical combat differences between these tribes, and i also want to keep it all standard for balance purposes.

I know that you are really asking me to put down a features list in the main description but i really am not going to put much down since you will probably just find it out yourself in 2mins when you play it. I have already put a good chunky description for you to read. I couldnt waffle more in my opinion.. especially since noone would read titanic size descriptions.
no screens ~.~
Do you have eyeballs? Sorry about that, but really, its as hard as clicking reveal on the screenshot boxes.
 
Level 2
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
23
sounds great will play with two of my friends tomorrow hehe:goblin_good_job:

{EDIT}
and are u danish:goblin_wtf:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
Do you have eyeballs? Just click on that fkin box and you see fkin nothing...

Your computer is not loading the screenshots then, and that is not my problem since everyone else and i can see them perfectly fine. So dont take it out on me.. my pc does that sometimes aswell.

that description doesn't really encourage anyone to read since it's just a wall of text. Preferably use tables, colours, sizes, hidden tags, etc. Here's a list of BB Codes to help you do that.

I will beautify it then :D

OK originality 5/5
import 5/5


so i rate 5/5 apro+repu becouse i played it with my bro and it was fun :p

Thanks!

and are u danish:goblin_wtf:

No :p, but someone has already asked me this before while i was testing this
Some of the unit names are cognates with danish, ie they are near identical to danish words. This is the case with Æcsmann unit if i remember rightly, someone ingame told me Æcsmann is in the danish language aswell.
 
Last edited:
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
it's not my comp's failure.... try tinypic and [ IMG] [ /IMG] tags

I have done
tags. Really i am sorry if they do not work for you, but they work perfectly fine for me. I used good old kobas' template to start off the description, which many people have used, so it cant be all that wrong.
You can go on my profile page to see the screenshots if you cannot see them here.
 
Level 2
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
23
4/5

Pretty nice map but it would be nice with routes around the map ex: let's say i'm red and i wan't to attack teal, but i have to attack from the one and only road there is, and on that road Blue can attack from the side and make and ambush:goblin_jawdrop:. but still a nice map like the idea:ogre_love:
 
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
Pretty nice map but it would be nice with routes around the map ex: let's say i'm red and i wan't to attack teal, but i have to attack from the one and only road there is, and on that road Blue can attack from the side and make and ambush:goblin_jawdrop:. but still a nice map like the idea:ogre_love:

Thanks to you and Chizume for your niceness and feedback :), i will see if i can make some improvements to that today or tomorrow sometime.

EDIT:
New version uploaded! This one has improved terrain so that the waiting game does not last so long.
 
Last edited:
Level 11
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
760
Greetings,

Although I like the overall atmosphere there are several areas that has potential and could be developed.
  • Custom armor types would make unit roles more clear and effective.
  • There are no abilities. Innovative passives would be cool, such as charge, blood lust, sever, etc. I'd keep actives to a minimum because it is hard for many users to control, but a few actives for stronger units could enhanced the map in strategic purposes.
  • Native-specific units. Each nation has different units. Some general units could be for all nations. One nation may have stronger melee units whereas another nation have stronger cavalry, etc.
  • Upgrades would enable each player to develop his or her gameplay into something more personal.
  • Items could be a little too much I admit. But I got an idea of how it could be done in a neat fashion. For instance we have a newly trained axeman. He is just like any other axeman except he has an axe in his inventory. This item doesn't do anything, it's only for show. But when you click it the damage of this axeman is improved. This would work for health, armor, attack speed, etc. Rusty Axe > Mighty Axe is a quick example.
Well, these were just a few things that came into mind when I tested the map.

Once again, this map could use some developing, but is just as playable in its current state. Great job.

Yours Truly,
Chizume
 
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
Greetings,

Although I like the overall atmosphere there are several areas that has potential and could be developed.
  • Custom armor types would make unit roles more clear and effective.
  • There are no abilities. Innovative passives would be cool, such as charge, blood lust, sever, etc. I'd keep actives to a minimum because it is hard for many users to control, but a few actives for stronger units could enhanced the map in strategic purposes.
  • Native-specific units. Each nation has different units. Some general units could be for all nations. One nation may have stronger melee units whereas another nation have stronger cavalry, etc.
  • Upgrades would enable each player to develop his or her gameplay into something more personal.
  • Items could be a little too much I admit. But I got an idea of how it could be done in a neat fashion. For instance we have a newly trained axeman. He is just like any other axeman except he has an axe in his inventory. This item doesn't do anything, it's only for show. But when you click it the damage of this axeman is improved. This would work for health, armor, attack speed, etc. Rusty Axe > Mighty Axe is a quick example.
Well, these were just a few things that came into mind when I tested the map.

Once again, this map could use some developing, but is just as playable in its current state. Great job.

Yours Truly,
Chizume

Thank you :), you are very helpful :D, i will add some of this in when i update it tomorrow.
 
Level 16
Joined
Dec 29, 2008
Messages
1,361
I can see those screenshots. Go to my album page and you can look there if you want, until i figure out why noone else can see it :(
I am about to upload a new version with updated terrain soon so.. here it is.

I would love to go to the album but i can't see any on your profile :vw_sad:
 
Level 11
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
760
Hey! I just came up with a unique feature for your map. You don't have to like it, but it would definitely add to the the realistic aspect of the map.

I saw there were a lot of bodies laying around. It may look a little messy, but that's war. The idea is instead of having the bounty for a kill as it is now. There should instead be a "pillage" or "loot" ability which all units have. Then those who stand victorious after a reckless battle can loot the corpses for either specific items, or more simply your currency: gold. This way each encounter would have to be planned more carefully since you couldn't loot while your enemies are still lurking around can you?

At least let me know your opinion on the matter.

Yours,
Chizume
 
Level 16
Joined
Dec 29, 2008
Messages
1,361
Now i do see the screens and i must say...I like it very much! You don't make so super, duper terrain but what you do with blizzard terrain is great(wonderfull would be a bit too much) you have a big + by me and + rep! :D
 

CyberDuelX16

C

CyberDuelX16

Kinda feels like Total War on a much less epic, smaller, Wc3 scale...I LOVE IT =)
 
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
Hey! I just came up with a unique feature for your map. You don't have to like it, but it would definitely add to the the realistic aspect of the map.

I saw there were a lot of bodies laying around. It may look a little messy, but that's war. The idea is instead of having the bounty for a kill as it is now. There should instead be a "pillage" or "loot" ability which all units have. Then those who stand victorious after a reckless battle can loot the corpses for either specific items, or more simply your currency: gold. This way each encounter would have to be planned more carefully since you couldn't loot while your enemies are still lurking around can you?

At least let me know your opinion on the matter.

Yours,
Chizume

This would be interesting, but to me it seems too complicated. One of the things i wanted to make with this map is the combat feeling, rather than something over-complicated. Also, i am no jass-coder, or expert triggerer, so i have no desire or ability to do it. Even if i did have the ability i wouldn't manage to complete it since it seems too unnecessary for the time i need to do it. I am not willing to put much time into something that means little and isnt beneficial to me. However, thanks for being kind and contributing :D

Kinda feels like Total War on a much less epic, smaller, Wc3 scale...I LOVE IT =)

Haha, i have the entire M2TW soundtrack on my hard drive. Only reason i didnt add a track from that is that the files are too large :p. Thank you :)
 
Level 6
Joined
Oct 10, 2009
Messages
1,425
Sorry, forgot to reply to your request.


EDIT:
Inefficient Triggers
  • Those 7 triggers to tally kills on the leaderboard. Can be one trigger.
  • Those 9 bounty triggers can all be one.
  • Those P1-6 triggers can all be one.
  • All the tips triggers, again, can be one.
  • Melee init and & music can be one.
Those are just common knowledge.

Leaky Triggers
  • KillTable technically can be destroyed after running. Yes, that, by definition, is a leak.
  • Melee initialization has point leaks.
  • All of the bounty triggers have player and unit leaks.
 
Level 12
Joined
Jul 30, 2009
Messages
1,156
Hey Ecrolls.

I gave a little look on your map, and it is good by now. Although aside from Chizune's suggestions, I have some few more to add:

- Your terrain is nice right now, but perhaps it could be better. Perhaps adding more variety (although that MAY interfere in balance, depending on how'd you think) or just more space, really, aside from each tribe having a path leading to the others.

- Already said, but emphasazing it. Adding more units, and maybe one special unit for each nation. Perhaps even one corresponding to its starting point, if you follow the above tip.

- If space is a problem to get good soundtrack for your map, then that time is over. Well, according to this guy at least. Didn't test myself, but, oh well, may actually work.

Man ur minimap preview its scary man hahaha

use Imtoo audio Encoder...its can shrink ur audio frm 5 mb to 500 kb and still keep the original quality

Well, hopefully I helped you. Keep doing the good work!
 
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
Hey Ecrolls.

I gave a little look on your map, and it is good by now. Although aside from Chizune's suggestions, I have some few more to add:

- Your terrain is nice right now, but perhaps it could be better. Perhaps adding more variety (although that MAY interfere in balance, depending on how'd you think) or just more space, really, aside from each tribe having a path leading to the others.

- Already said, but emphasazing it. Adding more units, and maybe one special unit for each nation. Perhaps even one corresponding to its starting point, if you follow the above tip.

- If space is a problem to get good soundtrack for your map, then that time is over. Well, according to this guy at least. Didn't test myself, but, oh well, may actually work.



Well, hopefully I helped you. Keep doing the good work!

Thank you :D, i think the single music track is good enough for the job though. Special units is something i have been thinking about and might add sometime, i'm mostly just tweaking these days since i don't feel much interest or inspiration right now :(
 
Level 17
Joined
Apr 3, 2010
Messages
1,101
This would be interesting, but to me it seems too complicated. One of the things i wanted to make with this map is the combat feeling, rather than something over-complicated. Also, i am no jass-coder, or expert triggerer, so i have no desire or ability to do it. Even if i did have the ability i wouldn't manage to complete it since it seems too unnecessary for the time i need to do it. I am not willing to put much time into something that means little and isnt beneficial to me. However, thanks for being kind and contributing :D



Haha, i have the entire M2TW soundtrack on my hard drive. Only reason i didnt add a track from that is that the files are too large :p. Thank you :)

Its a one line trigger -.-
base the abillity off of the Necromancer Summon Skeleton, Then set summons = 0 units so nothing get s summoned.
Trigger would be
Unit cast spell
Spell = To Loot
give player X gold
not that hard im sure you would have time to implement it. :p U dont even need to check or get rid of corpses as the ablility uses up corpses and can only cast On corpses :p.
Also you can smallen The Soundtrack File size by changing format (at sacrafice for quallity) Or you can just cut it so only a x amount of it plays like the Chorus maybe/ or the main theme.


Very fun game although it keeps getting into stand stills. In a FFA If you try to attack another person the 3rd person on that side just sandwiches you and storms through both his opponents. I think this map is better suited for 3v3 scenarios.
Also you shoudl add a domination mode so when People die they come back with a base and 20 gold and be The killers Slaves Might make it more fun on the Ffa side instead of getting owned 2 mins in
 
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
Its a one line trigger -.-
base the abillity off of the Necromancer Summon Skeleton, Then set summons = 0 units so nothing get s summoned.
Trigger would be
Unit cast spell
Spell = To Loot
give player X gold
not that hard im sure you would have time to implement it. :p U dont even need to check or get rid of corpses as the ablility uses up corpses and can only cast On corpses :p.
Also you can smallen The Soundtrack File size by changing format (at sacrafice for quallity) Or you can just cut it so only a x amount of it plays like the Chorus maybe/ or the main theme.


Very fun game although it keeps getting into stand stills. In a FFA If you try to attack another person the 3rd person on that side just sandwiches you and storms through both his opponents. I think this map is better suited for 3v3 scenarios.
Also you shoudl add a domination mode so when People die they come back with a base and 20 gold and be The killers Slaves Might make it more fun on the Ffa side instead of getting owned 2 mins in

I know what i'm doing you childish idiot, stop harassing me
 
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
Thats a bit uncalled for it was only a suggestion jeese. I didn't mean to offend you

You do mean to offend me, maybe not by that particular comment but by harassing me on wc3.
Cease and desist or you can continue annoying me with private messages on either hive or warcraft 3. I'd prefer it if you didn't comment or just not list and list things i should do because it agitates me a lot, and it makes me feel small that you would even go on and post a trigger without me even asking :ogre_frown:
 
Level 1
Joined
May 22, 2011
Messages
2
That game suck!!

OMG

THIS GAME ARE...

ARE!!......


VEEEEEEEERYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



*ING @ OMG THE CREATOR ARE VERY @ FOR MAKE A @ GAME !!

:goblin_boom::goblin_jawdrop::goblin_wtf::vw_wtf:
 
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Level 17
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Messages
1,101
Isnt the ultimate version a fake>?

Yeh though please try to post something which is Constructive . :p

Relooked at map not much new :( to my disappoint was still fun playing it a while though
Yey for spam archer at the bridge and tanks

still needs balance which i have noticed.

1ecsman>1Brandesmann

Wraec>Garman
Fangera>Beorn

And it would be nice if the units were ordered in categories or in cost instead of the chaotic which is at the moment. And suitable hotkeys would be nice for easy purchase

I.e QWERTY as not every is clever enough to remember everyname stats cost all in order and quickly find each hotkey.

Ty

And the layout still flaws the strategy


Maybe if you added abillities to the units it could act as a balancer and add more fun to the game through micro ^^. like each unit gets a special related to there style of fighting. Or a unit leveling system
 
Level 5
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
100
Isnt the ultimate version a fake>?

Yeh though please try to post something which is Constructive . :p

Relooked at map not much new :( to my disappoint was still fun playing it a while though
Yey for spam archer at the bridge and tanks

still needs balance which i have noticed.

1ecsman>1Brandesmann

Wraec>Garman
Fangera>Beorn

And it would be nice if the units were ordered in categories or in cost instead of the chaotic which is at the moment. And suitable hotkeys would be nice for easy purchase

I.e QWERTY as not every is clever enough to remember everyname stats cost all in order and quickly find each hotkey.

Ty

And the layout still flaws the strategy


Maybe if you added abillities to the units it could act as a balancer and add more fun to the game through micro ^^. like each unit gets a special related to there style of fighting. Or a unit leveling system

mehh, wc3 doesn't interest me anymore, add me to friends via steam if you use it, i'll pvt msg you my username.
 
Level 6
Joined
Oct 29, 2010
Messages
171
YOU! it seems obvious that your not going to continue your map....... do you mind if i take it change it and make it my own? if you still want credit for it i'll give and if you want to help me devolpe this map please feel free but i feel like i could make this game REALLY good
 
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