Mod: Dominions 3000 v0.81 - lots of new indies, new map (using the brand new map commands)

[Aezeal]

I''ve started on Machaka. Working with an existing nation is nice since you have a basis.. but then I also want to keep the feel of the nation and that is harder.

I'm thinking (now probably overlaps with my previous post but I'm just re thinking it) a civilization which is keeping very much to it's traditions. Still darkskinned and I'm showing that in the militia at least (don't think I'll get more chances) Same ranks, same priests, same spider influence, same magic (+ some earth as usual) Some what Jomon like in that they will have fire and poison based attacks since they are not the die-hard earth/resource based so need other stuff to keep up with ulm.

I'm keeping some sort of militia (the same sprite as the ulmish one, just darkgreen armor and dark brown skin), I'm keeping the hoplites (only now as powerarmor hoplites with firelances (for melee and range)) Might just give them some space-marines (like ulm, same sprite with different color, vanilla game uses same sprites with different colors and weapons too so why shouldn't I?) for the regular warriors would set the idea that human nations have space marines and that is something I'm not against. I'm thinking green ish armor for the ground and brown for space. (why did I ever use a 2nd color for the ulmish marines in space???)
I'm keeping the sorcs and I'm keeping the various priests of the lord, I'm keeping the bane spider as assassin of some sort (equipment will need to be improved though.) Will probably keep that stealthy initiate too.

Spiders probably some of those I've got as indies now (would be strange to have those walking around everywhere except with the spider worshippers.) They are weak for units in dom 3 K but they are needed for flavor and webbing can be usefull I think, as can poison.

There will be a spider walker (the "tank"), maybe a spider-centaur/drider thingie but it's use isn't clear to me yet in this armored world, would fit better with dom 3 vanilla. Spider spaceship as fighter and probably as larger ship too.

My biggest problem is with the sacreds and the spider riders. I can't really see spider riders as usefull in this age.. even with the indie spiders I had (which had same armor but better weapons than the vanilla ones) and I can't really justify why they'd ride spiders instead of just those spider walkers even if I'd make these spiders somewhat more powerfull.. they'll never equal decent armor so will only be a weak spot for the riders in the end.. unless you'd give the some sort of barding but that would kinda end up like the spider walker...

I'll probably end up with at least 2 types of spider walkers. (I'm thinking a poisoner (something real nasty)) and a direct damage one. still want something spidery as a sacred though, blessable would be nice but not too strong.. and I'm still stuck there can't fit anything in atm.. idea's?

[Darkwind]

I'd suggest just making the spider walkers (or an 'elite' walker) sacred. If you really want living spiders, though, I'd suggest making them genetically engineered (the spiders, though the humans might be too). Spiders that are stronger, faster smarter--a cool multihero could be a spider that's gained sentience and managed to convince its way into serving you rather than being killed and dissected painfully, not necessarily in that order.

Oh, and if you're only lamenting about how to make their armor thematically, I'd suggest some sort of cybernetic implant in the spiders' heads that creates a force field, from the power of their MIND.