Aksum: Glory of Kings. (old thread)
 

Not quite playable, but getting close!

EDIT-Please Read!:

Now that I've got all the initial art for the recruits, commanders, and most of the summons done, and have most of the stats worked out for this nation, and it's nearly ready to play, I'm just gonna go ahead and finish it myself. So it's officially no longer a "Placeholder Nation". Which means it's no longer available for anybody else to take over-any more than anybody else's mod, anyway. If I disappear off these forums/haven't posted for a year (which would mean I've suffered a significant sea-change), feel free to do whatever you want with it (It'll probably need updated by then, anyway...). In the meantime---Hooray for me!

This is an Ethiopian flavored nation featuring the Queen of Sheba and the kingdom of Aksum, influenced by the Yoruba, early Christian and Jewish mysticism, Western Africa history, and my own demented imagination.

Eventually, it will be followed by a middle era nation more heavily based on Yoruba concepts, and Voodoo practices-which are, themselves, influenced by the Yoruba religion.

Aksum:

Images (All squished together):

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/attac...1&d=1221694750

Likes Heat 1.

Advantages:
Disadvantages:

Starting Units:
30 Shewans.
Mekwanint.
Obelisk of Aksum.

Starting Sites:
Great Stelae. Earth 2, Astral 1.
Yeha Temple. Blood 1, Allows recruitment of Razor Wife, Gugi Oromo, Oyo Esho.
Amba Sel. Allows recruitment of Jantirar, Black Lions, Dejazmach.
Opone Ta Netjer. Nature 2 Allows recruitment of Opaani Fortress-Beast, Blatta.

PD: 1-20 1xAddi, 1xAbbabor. Commander: Mekwanint. 21-125 , 1xManz, 1xAmhara. Commander: Jantirar, Quomos.


Units:
Gugi Oromo: The young women of the Society of the Razor, before they learn to ride the fierce black lions of the Oyo Esho, sharpen their skills on swift zebras, both as messengers throughout Aksum, and as calvalry support. Although they wear no armour and are armed only with a shotel and a single javelin, the speed and agility of the zebras and the skill of the riders is enough to support their fellows and to see them through many battles-giving them a chance to earn a place in the Oyo Esho. As it is in the Oyo Esho, the two-handed Ida is too dangerous a weapon to be employed from horseback, and so the sabre-like Shotel is used instead. Gugi Oromo Stats: Hp 12, Size 3, Str 10, Att 12, Def 18, Prot 3 (2), Mor 12, MR 12 Mv 21(3), Prec 12. Weapons: Shotel (Dmg 6, Lng 2), 1 Javelin. Armour: Loincloth
(Prot 2). Second Form: Razor Wife.
Cost: Gold 20, Res 9.

Addi: The Addi tribe holds a collection of farming villages on the outskirts of Aksum. Loyal to the Aksumite kings and queens for generations, they willingly send their young men to fight and die for the Aksumite cause, when called upon to do so. Although they are not trained soldiers, they are not without experience, having defended their farms from wild animals and raiders, their whole lives, and are quite brave. They fight with heavy knobkieries and light javelins.
Stats: Hp 10, Size 2, Str 10, Att 9, Def 9, Prot 2 (0), Mor 12, MR 10,
Mv 12(3), Prec 9. Weapons: Knobkierie (Dmg 4, Len 2), 2 Javelins. Armour: Headdress (Prot 2), Loincloth (Prot 2), Hide Shield. Cost: Gold 5, Res 1.

Ababor: Like the Addi tribe, the Ababors are loyal vassals to Aksum. They support themselves as nomadic goat-herders, and fight with the Assegai spear and javelins. They are more skilled with their javelins than the Addis, but not quite as fierce.
Stats: Hp 10, Size 2, Str 10, Att 9, Def 10, Prot 2 (0), Mor 10, MR 10,
Mv 12(3), Prec 10. Weapons: Assegai (Dmg 4, Len 4, Def +1), 2 Javelins. Armour: Headdress (Prot 2), Loincloth (Prot 2), Hide Shield. Cost: Gold 5, Res 1.

Manz: The Manz tribe are nomadic cattle-herders that operate mostly within the borders of Aksum. Although they have not been a part of the Empire for as long as some other tribes, they have been in business with Aksumite merchants for over a century, and are skilled and dependable fighters. They fight with the Assegai, to which they attach brightly dyed cow tails, and with the deadly Hunga-Munga, with which they are unusually adept.
Stats: Hp 10, Size 2, Str 10, Att 10, Def 10, Prot 2 (0), Mor 11, MR 10,
Mv 12(3), Prec 10. Weapons: Assegai (Dmg 4, Len 4, Def +1), Hunga-Munga (Dmg 6 + Str, Prec +2 (12), Rng Str, Ammo 1). Armour: Fila (Prot 2), Loincloth (Prot 2), Hide Shield. Cost: Gold 6, Res 2.

Amhara: The Amhara tribe are cousins of the Shewans, the main Aksumite tribe.
They are loggers, woodcrafters, and merchants, supplying Shewans with the raw goods needed to keep the empire running. They are a tall people known for their strength, and for the skill and craftiness of their traders. In battle, the powerfully built Amhara men wield heavy Agadengbe sword-axes, and Hunga-Mungas.
Stats: Hp 10, Size 2, Str 12, Att 10, Def 8, Prot 2 (0), Mor 10, MR 10,
Mv 12(3), Prec 8. Weapons: Agadengbe (Dmg 7, Len 2, Def -2), Hunga-Munga (Dmg 6 + Str, Prec +2 (10), Rng Str, Ammo 1). Armour: Headdress (Prot 2), Loincloth (Prot 2), Hide Shield. Cost: 6 Gold, 2 Res.

Bouda: (Werehyaena)
The Bouda are a tribe who are also closely related to the Shewan, though some Shewans would rather that were not the case. The Bouda are a small tribe of miners and metalsmiths who came from the far east many ages ago, when they were brought back by Bilqis, Queen of Sheba, from the court of King Solomon the Wise. Curse by Solomon for consorting with demons, the entire tribe was given to Bilqis to be her slaves and to bear Solomon's many gifts back to Aksum. Upon reaching Aksum, they took into themselves the spirits of hyaenas, befrending and worshipping them (some even claim they mate with them). They interbred with the Shewans freely at that time, and still do occasionally-although this is now rare, and frowned upon by the ruling Shewans, who respect and even fear the Bouda, but don't necessarily want them marrying their daughters. The Bouda still serve Aksum as fine metalsmiths, indomitable warriors, and cunning magicians, and they still bear the taint of Solomon's Curse. They can assume the shape of hyaenas and of monstrous hyaena-men. Though their demonic blood makes them stronger and faster than most men, it also allows holy magic the power to cause them harm.
Bouda Stats: Hp. 12 Siz. 2 Str 14 Att. 14 Def. 12 Prot. 6 (4)
Mor. 16 MR. 12 Mv. 15/2 Prec. 10 Weapons: Agadengbe (Dmg 7, Len 2, Def -2). Armour: Leather Kilt (Prot. 2), Headdress Prot. 2). Darkvision (50). Demon.
If GORed, Boudas have Forge bonus +5% and Earth 1, Blood 1.
Secondform: (Bultungin)
Hp. 16 Siz. 3 Str. 16 Att. 14 Def. 14 Prot. 6 (6)
Mor. 16 MR. 12 Mv. 18/2 Prec. 8. Darkvision (100), Regeneration (5%), Demon. Weapons: Claw, Bite.
Cost: Gold 25, Res 3

Shewan: The Shewans are the largest, oldest, and most powerful tribe in Aksum. It is from this tribe that Queen Bilqis came, and it is from this tribe that the Negusa Nagast are most often chosen. Shewans are artisans and artists, merchants and soldiers, architects, stonecutters, engineers, and great sailors.
Stats: Hp. 10 Siz. 2 Str 10 Att. 12 Def. 12 Prot. 2 (0)
Mor. 12 MR. 12 Mv. 12/3 Prec. 10 Weapons: Shotel (Dmg. 6 Lng. 2), Hunga Munga (Dmg 6 + Str, Prec +2 (12) Ammo 1). Armour: Dashiki (Prot 2), Fila (Prot 2), Bronze shield.
Cost: Gold 8, Res 4. If GoRed, Shewans have Sailing (0).

Black Lions: The Black Lions are an elite force drawn exclusively from veteran soldiers who have survived atleast 3 battles. The design of the force was heavily influenced by encounters with armoured Arcoscephalie hoplites (as was the use of Fortressbeasts, from Arcoscephalie elephants.), and they are easily the heaviest human troops at Aksum's disposal.
As a military unit, the Black Lions have existed for centuries, and they have a rich tradition of patriotism and military victory. The Empire itself was built with the Black Lions at it's core.
Stats: Hp. 12 Siz. 2 Str 12 Att. 15 Def. 15 Prot. 12 (0)
Mor. 18 MR. 12 Mv. 14/2 Prec. 12 Weapons: Trident, Hunga-Munga. (Dmg 6 + Str, Prec +2 (14) Ammo 3). Armour: Bronze Armour, Bronze Helmet, Bronze Tower Shield. Defensive Bonus (2)
Cost: Gold 15. Res 15.

Sarwe: The Sarawit (Sing: Sarwe) are not a tribe, but the name given to Aksumite army regulars, drawn from all the peoples of Aksum. Although they are lightly armed, and wear little armour, their large numbers, rock-solid discipline, and high level of training see them through almost any encounter.
Stats: Hp. 10 Siz. 2 Str 12 Att. 12 Def. 14 Prot. 3 (0)
Mor. 15 MR. 12 Mv. 12/3 Prec. 11 Weapons: Shortbow (12 Ammo), Knobkierie (Dmg 4, Len 2), Armour: Leather Cap (4 Prot), Loincloth (2 Prot).
Cost: Gold 7. Res 3.

Opaani Fortressbeast-These ancient creatures are beloved by the Aksumites, who view them almost as demi-gods. They train and armour them for war, but they're also cherished as pets, and symbols of greatness, majesty, and spirituality. If the immense animals weren't so stubborn, difficult, and dangerous-requiring constant hands-on training, they might have reached sacred status. As it is, Opaani meat is only ever eaten during religious holidays, and only from an animal which has died in battle-in order that the power of it's spirit might enter the hearts of the feasters. Opaani hides and bones may only be handled, used, or worn by veteran Aksumite warriors. With several layers of metal and leather covering their own immensely thick hide, Opaani become almost unstoppable in battle, serving as a sign to all Aksumites of victory in war.

Baluchitherium are prehistoric hornless relatives of rhinocerous, and the largest land mammal ever known, standing an incredible 18' high at the shoulder. While the animals themselves are tramplers with very high Prot, more HP and better morale than an elephant, they're very slow and mainly serve as archer's nests.

Each Opaani carries fully 4 archers on it's broad back, and they have Standard (20). Extremely resource-intensive, and my little nod to the At-At walkers from the Battle of Hoth.
Hp. 60 Siz. 6 Str. 30 Att. 12 Def. 12 Prot. 16 (6) Mor. 15 MR. 12 Mv. 6/1 Prec. 10 Weapons: Shortbow x4 (120 ammo). Trample, Macheti x4 (Dmg 14, no Str.). Armour: Beast Armour (Prot 8) Howdah Armour (Helm, Prot 12) Animal. Gluttony (12). 25% Resistance to all elemental forms of damage (Fire, Cold, Shock, Poison).
Secondform: Hp. 60 Siz. 6 Str. 30 Att. 9 Def. 12 Prot. 12 (6) Mor. 9 MR. 10 Mv. 9/1 Prec. 6 Weapons: Hoof, Trample. Armour: Beast Armour (Prot 8) Animal.
Gluttony (12) Berserk (0) 50% Resistance to all forms of elemental damage (Fire, Cold, Shock, Poison).
Gold 300, Resources 150.

Razor Wife: Razor Wives are the widows of Aksumite warriors who have died in battle, or women who either can't have children, have failed to find a husband in their youth and are now past marrying age, have not yet found a husband, or simply choose not to get married, but wish to support Aksumite society in other ways. Inducted into the powerful and influential Society of the Razor-part secret society, part cult-in a ceremony in which they "wed" the razor-like swords they wield in battle, the Razor Wives follow the military tradition of Bilqis, Queen of Sheba, devoting themselves to her example, and the nation she founded, worshipping her almost as a god. Should a member someday find a husband, the Razor Wife-now known as a 'Blood Widow' must leave the Society, giving up all authority and military standing, although relationship with Society members often remains cordial and close. Love, family, and the married life, are often postponed or set aside for power. Although the feared society itself is mysterious, powerful, and extremely secretive, it's whispered that members bathe in the blood of male infants, kidnap young girls to forcibly induct into their ranks, and even perform acts of human sacrifice. What is know for certain is that razor wives will often paint their bodies with the blood of their enemies, and even drink it, when they are caught in the grip of their battlerage.
Razor Wife Stats: Hp. 9 Siz. 2 Str. 9 Att. 12 Def. 12 Prot. 4 (0) Mor. 14 MR. 12 Mv. 14/2 Prec. 9 Weapons: Ida (Dmg. 6 Armour-piercing, Len. 3.) Armour: Bone Skirt (Prot 6)
Berserk (4) If GORed, Razor Wives have Blood 1 and Bloodhunting (+1)
Cost: Gold 10, Res 6.

Oyo Esho: The black lion is a powerful symbol of Aksum, and the female black lion is thought to possess the spirit of Bilqis. The Society of the Razor accepts women, young and old, into it's ranks, but only the youngest and strongest-women who willingly give up the chance to have a family, or who no longer have the ability to bear children, but are still young and otherwise fit, are physically able to join the ranks of the Oyo Esho, riding fearlessly and skillfully into battle on enormous black lions. They fight with Assegais as the deadly Idas are too sharp and too unwieldy to use in mounted combat.
Oyo Esho Stats: Hp. 12 Siz. 4 Str. 10 Att. 12 Def. 16 Prot. 10 (4) Mor. 14 MR. 12 Mv. 21/3 Prec. 9 Weapons: Assegai Lance (Dmg. 4, Len 4, Def +1 first strike), bite, claw. Armour: Lion Skull Helmet (Prot 6) Bone Skirt (Prot 6)
Berserk (3) If GORed, Oyo Esho have Blood 1 and Bloodhunting (+1)
Deathform: Lion (standard).
Second Form (no Deathform): Razor Wife.
Cost: Gold 40, Res 15.

Kabaro: Aksum moves and lives and fights to the rhythm of the drum. The name of these drums is 'Kabaro', and it is also the name of the players. It is the drum, fashioned from wood and covered in cowhide, that is sacred, but it confers this sacredness to the player as well. Kabaro are veteran soldiers who have given up the weapons of war and turned to the power of music, but they still retain their essential skills.
Kabaro Stats: Hp. 9 Siz. 2 Str. 9 Att. 12 Def. 8 Prot. 4 (2) Mor. 14 MR. 14 Mv. 12/3 Prec. 9 Weapons: Kabaro Drumstick (Dmg. 2, Len. 2, does x3 damage to demons), Kabaro Drumstick. Armour: Daishiki (Prot. 2), Slouch Hat (Prot. 2)
Standard (2), Sacred, Ambidextrous (4), may start elderly.
Cost: Gold 15, Res 5.

Shewan Quallu:
Although all of Aksum acknowledges and embraces the faith of the new Pretender, some of the Shewans go even further, making that faith the center of their lifestyle. Although they are not fully trained as priests, Quallus study the holy books and other works, pray daily, testify their faith to others, and even travel to other lands as missionaries. Although they are their friends and neighbors, who may work alongside them and break bread with them every day, Qallus are considered lay priests and holy men by other Aksumites.
Hp. 10 Siz. 2 Str 10 Att. 12 Def. 12 Prot. 2 (0)
Mor. 12 MR. 16 Mv. 12/3 Prec. 10 Weapons: Shotel (Dmg 6, Lng 2), Hunga Munga (Dmg 6 + Str, Prec +2 (12) Ammo 1).
Armour: Dashiki (Prot 2), Slouch Hat (Prot 2), Bronze shield.
Sacred.
Cost: Gold 20, Res 5. If GoRed, Shewan Qallus have Sailing (0), Holy (1).

Commanders:
Blatta (Scout). Blattas are famous hunters from both inside and outside the Empire. The poorest of the poor, belonging to tiny fringe tribes, or nomadic peoples, or the true indigenous bush-folk, Blattas have an almost otherworldly connection to the land, and are able to find food or track an enemy, anywhere. They are masters with the Assegai, or the Hunga-Munga, which they coat with a powerful toxin and use to bring down prey. Attached directly to the royal Aksumite house and lineage, they often serve as advisor, tutors, and bodyguards to young Mesafints, and if successful at that, they sometimes attain position as diplomats and councilors for the Negusa Nagast.
Hp. 14 Siz. 2 Str 14 Att. 16 Def. 14 Prot. 2 (0)
Mor. 12 MR. 16 Mv. 15/3 Prec. 14 Weapons: Assegai (Dmg 6, Lng 4, Def +1), Poisoned Hunga Munga (Dmg 6 + Str, Prec +2 (16) Ammo 1, Deadly Poison.).
Armour: Dashiki (Prot 2). Nature 1. Need Not Eat. Forest Walk, Mountain Walk, Swamp Walk. Darkvision (50) Scout (30) Poison Resistance 25%, Patrol Bonus (5) Assassin.
Research Penalty -25.
Cost: Gold 10, Res 2.

Mekwanint (Commander)
Hp. 12 Siz. 2 Str 14 Att. 14 Def. 12 Prot. 1 (0)
Mor. 16 MR. 12 Mv. 10/3 Prec. 10 Weapons: Knobkierie(Dmg 4, Len 2), War Rattle (Dmg 2 Len 1). Armour: Loincloth (Prot. 2). Poor Leader.
Cost: Gold 20, Res 2.

Mesafint (Prince)
Hp. 14 Siz. 2 Str 14 Att. 14 Def. 14 Prot. 4 (0)
Mor. 16 MR. 15 Mv. 10/3 Prec. 10 Weapons: Shotel (Dmg 6, Lng 2) Armour: Dashiki (Prot.2), Leather Armet (Prot. 6). Sacred, Poor Leader, Poor Magical Leader.
Cost: Gold 60, Res 5.

Bahr Negus (Commander with Sailing)
Hp. 15 Size. 2 Str. 14. Att. 16 Def. 16 Prot. 4 (0) Mor 16 MR. 12 Mv. 12/3 Prec. 12
Weapons: Shotel (Dmg 6, Lng 2), Shortbow (12 Ammo). Armour: Ethiopian Suit (Prot. 4), Knitted Cap (Prot. 4). Good Leader. Sailing (30).
Cost: Gold. 60, Res. 15.

Nagus (King)
Hp. 15 Siz. 2 Str 14 Att. 16 Def. 16 Prot. 11 (1)
Mor. 18 MR. 15 Mv. 12/3 Prec. 12 Weapons: Shotel (Dmg 6, Lng 2) Armour: Bronze Armour (Prot. 12), Crown (Prot. 8), Golden Shield. Earth 1, Sacred, Good Leader, Poor Magical Leader.
Cost: Gold 125, Res 15.

Dejazmach (Commander with defensive bonus)
Stats: Hp 18, Size 3, Str 14, Att 16, Def 18, Prot 15 (3), Mor 18, MR 12 Mv 18(3), Prec 10. Weapons: Assegai Lance (Dmg. 4, Len 4, Def +1 first strike), Hunga-Munga. (Dmg 6 + Str, Prec +2 (12) Ammo 5 ). Armour: Bronze Armour, Bronze Helmet, Bronze Tower Shield. Average Leader. Defensive Bonus (2).
Secondform: Dejazmach Hp 12, Size 2, Str 14, Att 16, Def 16, Prot 12 (0), Mor 18, MR 12 Mv 12(3), Prec 12. Weapons: Assegai (Dmg. 4, Len 4, Def +1), Hunga-Munga. (Dmg 6 + Str, Prec +2 (14) Ammo 5 ). Average Leader. Defensive Bonus (6)
Cost: Gold 125, Res 30.

Itege (Consort)
Hp 10, Size 2, Str 10, Att 15, Def 12, Prot 2 (1), Mor 18, MR 18 Mv 10 (3), Prec 12. Weapons: Staff of Office (Dmg 3, Len 4, Def +4). Armour: Diashiki (Prot. 2) Earth 1, Nature 1. 100% chance Earth, Nature. Sacred. Average Leader. Awe (0) Healing 5%.
Cost: Gold 250, Res 1.

Quomos (Priest)
Hp. 14, Size 2, Str 12, Att 14, Def 14, Prot 3 (1), Mor 16, MR 18, Mv 12 (3), Prec 12Weapons: Assegai (Dmg. 4, Len 4, Def +1). Armour: Daishiki (Prot 2), Fila (Prot 2).
Earth 1, Holy 2. 25% Chance Earth 1, Nature 1, Astral 1. Sacred. Poor Leader, Poor Magical Leader, Poor Undead Leader.
Cost: Gold 150, Res 2.

Aqabe Sa'at (High Priest)
Hp. 8, Size 2, Str 8, Att 10, Def 12, Prot 6 (3), Mor 14, MR 20, Mv 8 (3), Prec 12. Weapons: Staff of Earth and Heaven (Dmg 4, Len 4, Magical. x3 Damage vs Demons). Armour: Robes of Office (Prot. 3) Mitre (Prot. 3)
Earth 2, Astral 2, Holy 3. 25% Chance Earth 1, Nature 1, Astral 1. Sacred. Poor Leader, Poor Magical Leader, Poor Undead Leader. Starts Elderly.
Cost: Gold 350, Res 1.

Mahan Bouda (wizard-smith)
Hp. 24, Size 2, Str 18, Att 16, Def 12, Prot 6 (4), Mor 12, MR 18, Mv 12 (3),
Prec 12. Weapons: Spirit Hammer (Dmg. 6 Len. 2 Magical, Armour Negating) Armour: Leather Apron (Prot 4).
Earth 1, Blood 1. Forge Bonus 15%. Demon. Darkvision (100). Stronger in Darkness (2) Starts Elderly, Starts Disabled. Research -25. Poor Leader, Poor Undead Leader. Causes Unrest.
Secondform: (Mahan Bultungin)
Hp. 24 Siz. 3 Str. 18 Att. 16 Def. 16 Prot. 6 (6)
Mor. 16 MR. 18 Mv. 18/2 Prec. 8. Darkvision (100), Regeneration (5%), Demon. Ambidextrous (2) Stealth (5) Gluttony (20), Causes Unrest. Assassin. Summons vultures in battle. Weapons: Claw, Claw, Bite.
Cost: Gold 400, Res 15

Masenqo (Singer)
Hp. 10, Size 2, Str 10, Att 10, Def 14, Prot 2 (0), Mor 14, MR 18, Mv 12 (3), Prec 12Weapons: Knobkierie (Dmg 4, Len 2)., Armour: Ethiopian Suit (Prot. 4). Sacred. 2% Chance to Avoid Bad Events.
Awe (0). Air 1, Astral 1. 5% Chance Air 1, Astral 1, Nature 1, Earth 1. Research -25.
Cost: Gold 125, Res 1.

Jantirar.
Hp. 12 Size. 2 Str. 12 Att. 14 Def. 12 Prot. 10 (0) Mor 15 MR 16 Mv 10 (1), Prec. 12
Weapons: Mangbetu (Dmg 5, Len 2), Shield Spikes (Dmg 1, Len 2), Hunga-Munga. (Dmg 6 + Str, Prec +2 (14) Ammo 2). Armour: Bronze Scale (Prot 11), Ivory Mask (Prot 9), Hide Shield. Sacred. Blood 1, Nature 1. Seige Bonus (2). Fear (0). Causes Unrest. Poor Leader, Poor Magical Leader, Poor Undead Leader. Summons Ife Guards.
Cost: Gold 250, Res 25.

Ife Guard.
Hp. 1 Size. 2 Str. 15. Att. 12 Def. 9 Prot. 6 (1) Mor 50 (Berserk) MR. 16 Mv. 15 (0) Prec. 1 Weapons: Mangbetu (Dmg 5, Len 2), Mangbetu (Dmg 5, Len 2). Armour: Ivory Mask (Prot 9), Loincloth (Prot 2). Ambidextrous (2). Fear (0) Fatigue (0) Seige Bonus (1) Pillage Bonus (2).
Secondform:
Zombai Guard.
Hp. 15 Size. 2 Str. 17. Att. 9 Def. 6 Prot. 9 (4) Mor 99 MR. 12 Mv. 9 (0) Prec. 1
Weapons: Mangbetu (Dmg 5, Len 2), Mangbetu (Dmg 5, Len 2), Bite (Att + 3 (12), Str -2Cause Disease). Armour: Ivory Mask (Prot 9), Loincloth (Prot 2). Mindless. Fear (0) Fatigue (0) Undead. Fire -50% Vulnerability. Deserts after 1 battle.

Ogboni Itan (mage-earth, nature, astral)
Hp. 18 Size. 3 Str. 16. Att. 14 Def. 14 Prot. 6 (4) Mor 16 MR. 18 Mv. 10 (3) Prec. 12
Weapons: Staff of the Woman (Dmg 4, Len 4, Magical, Drains Strength), Juju Seed Rattle ( Dmg 2, Len 1, Magical, Horror Marks). Armour: Daishiki (Prot 2.), Turban (Prot 2.). Earth 1, Nature 1, Astral 1. 100% Earth 1, Nature 1, Astral 1. 50% Earth 1 Nature 1, Astral 1. 25% Earth 1, Nature 1, Astral 1. Stealth (0). Fear (0). Starts Elderly. Poor Leader, Poor Magical Leader.
Cost: Gold 400, Res 5.


Summons:
Crocotta.
Hyaenadon.
Sun Stelae: Sacred, Immobile (can't be teleported). Has the ability to summon Lions-combat only. Astral 2/Fire 2
Moon Stelae: Sacred, Immobile (can't be teleported). Has the ability to summon Hyaenas-combat only. Holy 2/Death 2

Raamah. Unique, high-level summon.

Other Units: Obelisk of Aksum: Hp. 100 Size. 6 Str. 10. Att. 12 Def. 3 Prot. 25 (25) Mor 30 MR. 20 Mv. 0 (0) Immobile. Prec. 10 Weapons: None. Armour: None. Earth 1. Nature 1. Death 1. Sacred. Immobile (can't be teleported). Stone Being. Summons Aksumite Longdead-combat only.

Aksumite Longdead:
Hp. 6 Size. 2 Str. 9. Att. 12 Def. 10 Prot. 2 (2) Mor 99 MR. 12 Mv. 12 (0) Prec. 1 Weapons: Rusty Shotel (Dmg 5, Lng 2) Armour: Rotten Shield. Sacred. Undead.


Heroes:
Queen Makeda
King Menilik
King Ezana
Leult Yeshashework Yilma
Abune Kesate Birhan
Garmat

Multiheroes:
Negusa Nagast (King of Kings)
Lique Liqawint (Priest Scholar)
Tsehafi Tezaz (Scholar Mage)
Abune (Head of Church)
Azmari (bard)
Awon Iya Wa (Elder of the Society of the Razor)

Reserved for later Age:
Kanembu-Bornu: Heavy (Horse) Calvalry w/heavy lance, Shotel

Here's the complete (the ones I've completed so far) images for Aksum, with better resolution than the top image.

Recruits (Some of these are likely going to get a makeover, when I get around to it. Sacreds are the two on the far right):

Attachment 6883

Summonables and Other units (Incomplete, but mostly done, and I'm happy with these so far):

Attachment 6884

Commanders (Complete, except ofcourse for Attack Sprites. I *might* include another Ogboni commander, but I haven't decided yet):

Attachment 6885

Let me know if this display works for everyone.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Reserved for graphics.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

EDIT: WRONG THREAD

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

That's quite a good idea, thanks Poopsi! I'm definitely planning on doing a nation based on Zanzibar at some point, which will likely be the Aksum-flavored middle age nation.
First though, I'm going to make a Great Kush nation, which will in part be based on the Imaro series of novels by Charles R. Saunders.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Just one nitpicking bit: Hoplites name comes from hoplos meaning shield, so maybe you should rename aksumi hoplites to aksumi retiari or give them a shield?

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Yeah, I'm planning on them having a shield http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I'm just working things out at this point, but thanks for the info, I wasn't aware of the source of their name.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

My first graphic for Aksum (and my first attempt at shadows, along with it).

Sun Stelae (free image borrowed and modified from Wikipedia):

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Here's a version for the Forum:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Here's the moon stelae (another real Aksumite stelae that has, ofcourse, been heavily modified):

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Here's the viewable image:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

If any moderators are around, I'm wondering why the one image would be an attached image, while the other is a thumbnail? That seems kind of strange...the forum image of the sun stelae is nearly identical in size and file type to the moon stelae. It can't just be arbitrary though.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

extension is the difference...

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Same extension on both: .jpg

Here's the graphic on the Razor Wife:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

And the forum preview:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

*nix laughs about your stupid file extensions reminiscent of DOS times.
This is not a file format for the internet and web browsers. MSIE doesn't count.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Well, bear in mind he's using MS Paint.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

*pokes Ich until he gets a clue, and until he starts talking English, or something reasonably similar*

You're a moderator now, Ich-it's your job to translate whatever weirdness us forum-goers are spouting, and conjure us miracle solutions to our indecypherable problems :)

And I miss DOS, thank you...unlike Windows, if there was a problem in DOS I had a chance to fix it *WITHOUT* relying on Microsoft-and without a million new bugs and a$50+ pricetag for every solution they did come up with.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Right, yay for 640K conventional memory and boot floppies.

It doesn't matter what file extension you use, it matters what's inside. If you upload JPEG or GIF or PNG data it will create a thumbnail. If you upload BMP or TGA data or other useless binary blobs, it won't create a thumbnail.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

But that's what I've been uploading, Ich, JPEG. The BMP is 24 bit, so it'll show true color for DM file purposes, but the forum won't display it, so I've posted both. And I'm wondering why-since I did exactly the same thing with both pics, the one creates a thumbnail that you can click on to show actual size, and the other just creates an embedded, stationary "dumb" image.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Here's the Opaani Fortressbeast. The baluchitherium himself is just a modified picture I found on the web (it's hard for me to draw something realistically, that actually existed, that I've never actually seen walking around--dragons are easier, because I don't have to keep to a strict form), but as he's mostly covered in armour, and topped with a howdah, and all of that's original, I don't feel too lazy.

The bitmap file is too big to post to the forum (almost 80 units). Is there any possible way we could get this limit raised to 80?

Translation of the picture (in case it's hard to tell what you're looking at):

His armour is iron links (and an iron plate protecting his head) and partially brass-studded leather, with heavy bronze plates protecting the main howdah strap. The howdah itself is made of woven straw over hardwood. The horn on the front is from a cape buffalo, held in place by bronze, gilded at the tips, and the symbol on the side is from the actual modern Ethiopian flag:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Here's the image for the Addi unit:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

And a version for the forum:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Ababor Pic:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

And for the forum:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Manz image:

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Manz Forum:

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Amhara graphic:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Amhara for the Forum:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Bouda (Humanform):

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Bouda (Forum):

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Shewan:

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Shewan Forum:

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Why not post them all in one image?

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Unfortunately, I can't. I can't post them in a zip file because I don't have a zip compiler on this computer (and can't download one), and I can't create a website to host them, because again, it's a work computer. I'd love to post them together, but I just don't have a way to do it.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

I might be done for tonight-I did all these today, and I'm running out of steam. If anyone wants, I can try to email a copy of the Opaani Fortressbeast in it's unaltered form. Just let me know.

Eventually, I hope to mug somebody with a zip drive, and get the nation ready to play.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Well like I said, why not post them all in one image? You can post images, so why not combine them into one big bmp or jpg (or better yet, a png, placed on freeimagehosting)

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

The forum won't let me-the image would be too big to post. I can't even post the Opaani as a bitmap, because it's too large.

The Opaani itself is nearly twice the allowed file size. I guess I could try posting them all as .jpg's, but the images already tend to run together.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

I'm confused as to how you think I post previews with large numbers of units. Bmps are absolutely massive and you shouldn't really be uploading them anywhere. png offers the same quality at a fraction of the size. I realise paint probably can't do pngs though.

However since you're already posting things up converted into jpg, you shouldn't have a problem in terms of filesize. If you still can't get a combined jpg to work on this forum, upload the file on freeimagehosting or something.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Right now, I'm just getting units up so that people can see them and possibly make use of them. It looks like I can use .pngs though, thanks! (I've had no experience using .pngs before, and didn't realize they're smaller files that can handle better resolution.). I'll see about posting a group picture tonight or tomorrow. Grrr...I wish I'd have known about this before I posted my dragons, since I've lost the original bitmaps when my computer was last reimaged. In the meantime, here's the unadulterated Opaani:

First Graphics for Aksum.
 

There, I posted atleast a thumbnail group image. Tomorrow I'll try to knock out a few more graphics, and figure out whether or not I'm going to keep all the commanders-Aksum has a huge number of units, and while they're very fun to draw (colorful! and mostly human sized), I don't want *too* much bloat.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

It is rather pointless to post BMPs. What I was trying to tell you is that web browsers don't support image formats that don't have a good compression algorithm. They display GIF, JPG, PNG, because those image formats can compress their image data to a fraction of the size of an uncompressed bitmap. If you're on Windows Vista, then AFAIK zip file functionality should be built in into your OS, maybe even on Windows XP, I'm not sure. Don't ask me what Microsoft calls it, "archive files", "compressed file" or whatever.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Sombre,

With the advice you have given in this thread I learned how to post the sprites for my mod Gem Valley, and actually accomplished it using Free Image Hosting as you recommended. (Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks? Other than my wife.)

But my image is not full size like I've seen on your mods or others. I cannot figure out how to make it full page.

Could you tell me how to make the image full page? Thank you.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Ed, the fastest way to find out how somebody did something on the forums is to quote his post and then look at the text in the quote. I think you only need to use the "insert image" button, though? You need to give it the full image URL to the graphic for that.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Freeimagehosting gives you a number of links. The one marked 'URL for posting an image in a forum' is the one you want. You just copy and paste that.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Thank you both.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Well, in any case, they're posted, and I'll continue to post the ones I can in .bmp, because the colors stay "fresher", but I'll be using .pngs as well, from now on, for larger sprites, and for forum images.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

I'm pretty sure .png is lossless compression, therefore there's no change in the image between .bmp and .png

But I could be wrong I guess.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

Only JPEG has a lossy compression which smears image quality to be able to compress them better, GIF and PNG is lossless compression. GIF is limited to 256 colors, so they might look worse than original graphics, too, but it's impossible that colors from .bmp's are "fresher" in any way that those from .png's. Unlike maybe it's a full moon and you passed under a ladder while the black cat from the neighbors has been crossing your path. ;)

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

I thought so too, but I actually compared the thumbnail in .png to the one on my computer, and some of the sprites don't show up-the two axe-swords of the recruits on the top left should be identical (they're just the same sprite with different body and shield colors), but they look different on the thumbnail. It could just be the forum itself doing it.

Re: Aksum -Glory of Kings.
 

The latest graphic is the Black Lion unit. I borrowed the name "Black Lions" from a patriotic organization of Ethiopian intellectuals opposed to Italian conquest and occupancy. The Italians sought to invade Ethiopia and turn it into a colony, but the Ethiopians were ultimately victorious against the Italian army, and were successful in both sueing for peace, and retaining their independence, despite the Italians possessing modern (circa 1936) equipment and tactics. It was one of the few major indigenous African victories against a European power.

Here's the image for the 'Black Lion' unit: