BITTERFROST II - Development Thread!

[curtsibling]

Fairline and Catfish would definitely get an xmas card from me, if I happened to send out such things!

But they get my utmost salute!

[Harry Tuttle]

Good lord, you are really kicking ass in the graphics department Curt!

[Sarsstock]

Indeed Curt things are looking great here!! And I had no idea that Kingdom of Steel was released at all. Is there a full version release somewhere to download?

[Arthedain]

Yes, Curt started a thread a while ago and I downloaded it there. Haven't played it much though.

[curtsibling]

Thanks, fellows!

You know,
I might even do a Kingdoms ToT version this coming year, as it
could easily be geared towards the Human kingdoms in Bitterfrost.

People might be wondering what the Imperion's realm is like...
Well I have a few spare heaps of graphics that were not used in BF...

[Cyrion]

Originally posted by curtsibling
Thanks, fellows!

You know,
I might even do a Kingdoms ToT version this coming year, as it
could easily be geared towards the Human kingdoms in Bitterfrost.

People might be wondering what the Imperion's realm is like...
Well I have a few spare heaps of graphics that were not used in BF...

Now that's sound more than interesting!

[curtsibling]

Kingdoms ToT:
I am thinking about a map where the empires are already strong.
This will be using the Bursars/Coven/Crusaders,
but in a more usual temperate world.

Perhaps there will be a crusade, or an invasion, or perhaps a civil war!
The Imperion will direct the expansion of the factions, and reward them.

I might even introduce a some other human kingdoms!
Like the Queen of Truths and the Ruby Kingdom...Ooops!
Giving away some info too early!

But one project at a time, I guess!

[curtsibling]

Well time for an update on the Bitterfrost status:

Now I have heavily reworked the tech tree, and made it more intelligent.
Human factions will now have plenty to discover, with good improvements evenly spread out.

I also have used the extra techs to represent the research of the Ancients;
I want them to be a growing threat, and also their tech discoveries will reveal more plot info...

I may have to use map-rect, movement events to keep the bad guys marching.

Also the undead are hardcore, but they need some movement.
I wanted a slow, unstoppable force, but the AI has other ideas.
We want an undead invasion, not sightseeing skeletons!
Fast, unit-landing galleons may be the answer, and some fast scout units.

I will post the list of artefacts and quests later tonight!

[curtsibling]

As promised - here are some listings of the various units and characters in the scenario:

COVEN*********************************
Shrineguard: Standard defenders
Wayfarer: Arrow-slinging scouts
Guardian: Standard warriors
Countess: Elite warriors
Witch Cavalry: Wolf-riding cavalry
Witch: Scout and spy

BURSAR*********************************
Goldspear: Standard defenders
Sharpshooter: Arrow-slinging scouts
Duelist: Standard warriors
Sentinel: Elite warriors
Golden Cavalry: Wolf-riding cavalry
Bursar: Improved trader

CRUSASER*******************************
Trueheart: Standard defenders
Loyal Scout: Arrow-slinging scouts
Faithsword: Standard warriors
Paladin: Elite warriors
Crusader Cavalry: Wolf-riding cavalry
Missionary: Scout and diplomat

ZATARN*********************************
Spear Sister: Standard defenders
Huntress: Arrow-slinging scouts
Axe Sister: Standard warriors
High Sister: Elite warriors
Grey Raiders: Lizard-riding cavalry
Shamaness: Spell-casting attacker
Hearth Mother: Settler and worker

WORK/TRADE*****************************
Peasants: Settler and worker
Engineers: Improved settler and worker
Merchant: Trader
Emissary: Scout and diplomat

SIEGE WEAPONS**********************************
Catapult: Basic siege weapon
Battering Ram: Better siege weapon
Ball Cannon: Potent siege weapon
Musket Artillery: Ultimate siege weapon

NAVAL**********************************
Caravel: Modest trade and attack ship
Galleon: Improved trade and attack ship
Frigate: Fast and potent trade and attack ship
Steam Frigate: Ultimate trade and attack ship
Dark Galleon: Dangerous Undead and Urzit vessel
Swimmer: Large creature that ferries Zatarn

UNDEAD*********************************
Skeleton Spear: Standard defenders
Skeleton Sniper: Arrow-slinging scouts
Skeleton Warrior: Standard warriors
Bonebeast: Monster-riding cavalry
Wight: Elite warriors
Wight Lord: Non-buildable hero
Vampire: Non-buildable hero
Spectre: Settler and worker

URZIT***********************************
Nedling: Standard defenders
Bold Nedling: Standard warriors
Troll: Elite warriors
Crippler: Lumbering attacker
Harpy: Maniac mutated scouts
Ice Beast: Monstrous cavalry

ANCIENT*********************************
Doomguard: Standard defenders
Dark Warrior: Standard warriors
Terror Beam: Plasma-spewing attacker
Hateblaster: Colossal siege attacker
Vilebeak: Flying scout and cavalry

OTHERS*********************************
Wizard: Spell-casting siege attacker
Heathen Knight: Elite wandering warriors
Witch Hunter: Mage-hating attacker
Thief: Diplomatic stealer
Diseased Wolf: Savage attacker

[curtsibling]

THE HEROES*********************************

Slode the Slyfoot:
A infamous underworld figure, Slode has some personality problems, with anger management issues.
Depsite his obvious insanity, he is a stealthy type and can move huge distances quickly.
He can be found in a dungeon North of the Coven area, across the river…

Bhurkis the Mighty:
This character hails from the East, and was chased from his realm for his…Camp nature, let us say.
Do not be fooled by his oiled hair and lisping voice. Bhurkis is one tough cookie.
He can be found to the North-West of the Bursar area, over the mountain range.

Othmok Deepeye:
A nonchalant ranger of great fame. His knowledge of dubious smokable hallucigenic plants is vast.
When he is clear-headed enough to fight, his stealth and prowess with a bow is second to none.
He can be found in the woods North-East of the Coven area.

Hongal Armbreaker:
From the desolate Northern hills of the mainland, Hongal is a well-known wanderer and drunkard.
But he also has a proven talent for defending castles and keeps, a skill he usually boasts of.
He can be found somewhere in the North, near the Urzit area.

Goldfist the Greedy:
From the Vangronian empire, this well-heeled warrior throws cash around like the hammer he wields.
But luxury has not made this armoured fighter soft - Few can survive a hit from ‘his little friend’.
He can be found somewhere to the North-East of the Bursar area – There may be a clue…

Nathnael Sternsteel:
Never will you find a more mighty knight than the lordly Sternsteel. Except that his faith is wavering.
Even though he is having a religious crisis, he can still perform his duty in battle – And then some!
The Crusaders will be visited by this hero when they research The Bitterfrost Church.

Irene the Maiden:
A famed beauty. Why this wealthy witch is being ‘held’ by a troupe of sweaty brigands is anyone’s guess.
She is more interested in physical, rather than magical experimentation, but can still hurl a deadly spell.
Irene can be found to the North-West coast of the Coven area.

Captain Lopaz:
The Imperion’s own champion. Surely all warriors aspire to the lofty heights of this glorious soldier?
Sadly, he has fallen from the Imperial favour, and has been sent to Bitterfrost as a punishment.
He is moping somewhere to the East mountains of the Bursar area.

These heroes, coupled with a few of the non-buildable units can be
formed into a sort of ahem...'fellowship' to carry out quests and wars.

To kill of some of the evil factions, you must capture their main city,
so trying to battle towards these well-defended keeps will be akin to
a race against time, while their evil attack units give your civ a pasting!



PS
A playtest may be posted in the next few days!

[curtsibling]

Here is a few new screenies to show how things are progressing!

This is an actual in-game shot...Doom soon followed! (for the Coven, not the Ancients!)

That is a diseased wolf in the top corner too, not a nice creature...

[curtsibling]

The crusading stops here! Run away! Run away!

This the new face of the Urzit - With copious thanks to Catfish!

[Harry Tuttle]

In the words of Carl from Adult Swim: "That's frickin' AWESOME!"

[Harry Tuttle]

DP

...the rivers are so cool!

[CapTVK]

Not only the units, but also the terrain looks awesome! Three !

In the last screenshot the landedge near the ocean does seem to be a bit offcolour however. The mouth of the river is correct, but the rest of the terrain is just a tad too light.