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| Thread: ICTC: Stronghold |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 · NEXT» |
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Gnoll_Mage
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 21, 2006 09:28 PM |
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ICTC: Stronghold
Another Stronghold I'm afraid. Nothing special, but since I spent the time producing it I might as well display it.
These are the files I was planning to send to Nival:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
If anyone doesn't want to wait for the pictures to load, say so and I shall write it in text.
UPDATE: see below for text section
THIS POST has been edited beyond the deadline so that the links work. The pictures themselves have not been edited.
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kookastar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
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posted January 21, 2006 09:47 PM |
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once again, text would be nice. Also if you could have a look at my creature line up in "the Cavern" and give me some feedback I would be eternally grateful.
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Oakwarrior
Famous Hero
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posted January 21, 2006 10:00 PM |
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 21, 2006 11:47 PM |
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Wow Dwarf Soviet Union!
Hm sorry just couldn't resist.I am just kidding.
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Gnoll_Mage
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 22, 2006 02:00 PM |
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Here is the text for those unlucky fellows with slower connections... although I'd prefer if people looked at the pictures if they can - it helps to gain a feel of the faction.
Thanks all for the positive comments!
Stronghold
The mighty Strongholds are the homes of the Dwarves, in the North.
The Dwarves are a strong, resilient race that has long had an affinity with the frozen wastes of the North. They are might-based, tending to choose brute force over magical methods. The most noticeable exception to this is to be found in the many forges of the Dwarves. Like the Magi, the Dwarves enjoy constructing things, and have perfected the manufacture of sharp weapons and tough armours. Their frost-ridden homes give them their affinity with cold - but strangely they also are associated with fire - indeed they worship it, as it brings life and warmth to an otherwise rather inhospitable world.
History
No-one really knows where Dwarves came from, but around the time of the formation of the Falcon Empire the first large Strongholds began to appear. After suffering greatly in the wars of fire the Dwarves retired from most world affairs, resorting after about 60 YSD to raiding the more remote areas. In 601 YSD a disastrous fire in the Stronghold of Velspar set back Dwarf technology many years. There are rumours that Dwarven forge-creatures more powerful than those even of today, such as gigantic Granite Trolls, encountered their end on this day. 822 YSD was a year of opportunity for the pillaging Dwarves, after the collapse of the Necromancers in Heresh. It remains to be seen whether the Dwarves will ally during the 6th eclipse, as so far the Dwarves have stood mostly on neutral ground in terms of global alliances.
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As you have read the Dwarves have tended to stay away from world affairs, staying in ‘splendid isolation’ in their icy lands. Since it is cold Dwarves wear fur (like that below //ed: see Part 2//), usually from wolves, meaning white-ish clothing. However, their link with fire means they adorn their clothes with various oranges, yellows and possibly reds too.
What ‘normal’ magic the Dwarves do have is based, like their writing, on runes, as will be seen with Valkyries.
Special Abilities
Guardian Blades: The Dwarf Heroes (Housecarls) are able to summon magical blades to protect creatures under their control (protection varies with faction - and is highest for Stronghold Dwarves themselves).
Defend: A similar ability, allowing Housecarls to rush onto the battlefield and take the damage from an attack.
Sharpen Blades: Their knowledge of forging allows Housecarls to, every now and then, sharpen the blades of their Sronghold followers (outside of combat). For a short while the weapons will do more damage.
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Creatures
Level 1: Axethrower --> Bipennis Veteran From the Alehouse
The basic Dwarf fighter, Axethrowers do little more than throw axes at enemies. The upgrade of Bipennis Veteran is generally more effective in combat, throwing bipennes at his enemies. He also wears better armour.
Special: Ranged attack
Level 2: Troll --> Bergtager From the Troll Forge
Trolls are basic constructions from the Dwarven forge – requiring rock, a good smith and a large helping of fire magic. They can in theory be made to any size – in fact the upgrades (Bergtager) are the ones made in the larger troll forges. Unfortunately trolls are less intelligent the bigger they are made, unless tremendous amounts of magic are available. Hence any beyond about 7 feet are rare.
Specials: Inorganic immunities
Damage resistance
Resist charge
Resistance to ranged attack
Magic resistance (upgrade only)
Regeneration (upgrade only)
Level 3: Fanatic --> Berserker From the Longhouse
Dwarves who fight in mêlée usually aim to be classed as Fanatics – those who fight with seemingly unending stamina and ferocity, but sacrifice defence. Berserkers fight with two sharp blades and can enter an almost trance-like state which can make them potent enemies, sometimes even to their brethren!
Specials: Charge
Berserk (upgrade only)
Level 4: Battle Boar --> Iron Boar From the Boar Forge
More constructions from the forge, but Battle Boars can be made larger and are more orientated to combat. Iron Boars are the pinnacle of creation for modern forges, although larger constructions are rumoured to have been created in the past. Much to the annoyance of the Dwarves, forge constructions are never quite as powerful as the purely magical constructions of the Magi.
Specials: Inorganic immunities
Damage resistance
Resist charge
Resistance to ranged attack
Magic resistance (upgrade only)
Level 5: Valkyrie --> Valkyrie Runecaster From the Celestial Stables
Valkyries are females of the Dwarf race, wielding dual-ended spears and riding magnificent white flying horses. Upgrading them makes them Runecasters, with some spell-casting potential in both fire and frost realms held within the spear (the elemental repelling forces require a strong piece of Dwarven forgework to prevent the spear self-destructing), used by drawing runes in the air. Their magical link with fire means that after battle some will be resurrected.
Specials: Partial resurrection
Fly
Offensive spellcasting (upgrade only)
Defensive spellcasting (upgrade only)
Level 6: Chimera --> Igneous Chimera From the Pinnacle Chamber
The Chimerae, part goat, part lion and part serpent, are usually wild beasts, and are hard to tame. The Dwarves have succeeded – resulting in fierce, loyal animals under their command. Although not as powerfully as dragons, Chimerae can inflame their enemies, causing serious damage. Igneous Chimerae are more powerful still and can rally troops.
Specials: Multi-square breath attack
Leap (as fly but cannot be done every turn)
Spirits of Fire (upgrade only) (morale-raising)
Level 7: Mountain Giant --> Fire Giant From the Frozen Wilds
The Giants are the kings of the mountains. Their clan-like system of living means that, like the Dwarves, they tend not to ally with others, and stay out of world affairs. Nevertheless, some have joined the Dwarves, looking for something more interesting to fill their many days on Ashan. Fire Giants are Giants that are servants of fire and can hurl giant fireballs at enemies (whereas Giants throw stones).
Specials: Ranged attack
Shockwave
Negate ranged attack resistance (upgrade only)
Fire spew (upgrade only)
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Alternatives
Following are a few alternative creatures that could be implemented.
Level 6: Firebird --> Phoenix From the Aurora Ignatis
Firebirds and their upgrades the Phoenixes are not really native to the snowy tundra of the lands of the Dwarves, but have sought and found comfort and tolerance with the fire-worshipping peoples. Although not as powerfully as dragons, Firebirds and Phoenixes can inflame their enemies, doing serious damage. Phoenixes are able to rally troops.
Level 7: Behemoth --> Gargantuan
Description as that for Giants.
Dwarven Runes: //ed: see Part 5//
EDIT:
Ally: None
Friendly: Haven, Sylvan, Academy, Dungeon
Neutral: Necropolis
Enemy: Inferno
Pics
Dwarf
 but short (downgrade doesn't have bipennis).
This size of axe
Troll
Here
Melee Dwarf: as above, with 1 / 2 swords.
Boar:
Valkrie (without horse):
here but not pink - orange and yellow instead - and in the right art style obviously.
Phoenix
like this one fighting a dragon (but a bit smaller)
Chimera
here and here
Mountain Giant
A combination of this and
with maybe a little of this
Fire giant like this but slightly more insubstantial
Behemoth
This maybe? Or just
Castle appearance:
Norse-like looks - lots of wood and thatch, evidence of forges and blacksmiths, and various fire-related things appearing - torches burning and the like. A maze of walkways as well perhaps; all decorated with a sprinkling of snow.
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kookastar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
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posted January 23, 2006 08:42 AM |
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Love the fire spew!!
Great description of the giant, but maybe another creature would be less like a titan?
Will look at the pics when I have more time 
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Gnoll_Mage
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 23, 2006 06:07 PM |
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I don't think the two are that similar - at least, not if the giant is done correctly ... see pictures.
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kookastar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
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posted January 29, 2006 12:15 AM |
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panduwana
Adventuring Hero
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posted January 29, 2006 03:10 AM |
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Quote:
I don't think the two are that similar - at least, not if the giant is done correctly ... see pictures.
But kookastar has a point, in previous Heroes games Giants are upgraded to Titans, veterans will associate your giants with that giants. IMHO you really should find another name.
Other than that, your town is really excellent! I like the way your wording for sentences. You must be a writer, right?
Keep up the good work!
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Gnoll_Mage
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 29, 2006 12:21 PM |
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I wouldn't class myself as a writer - but thanks a lot!
Hmm, giant...
Maybe just change it to Mountain Giant?
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panduwana
Adventuring Hero
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posted January 29, 2006 12:56 PM |
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Gnoll_Mage
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 29, 2006 01:30 PM |
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panduwana
Adventuring Hero
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posted January 30, 2006 11:09 AM |
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Just some last minutes polishing idea...
Valkyrie: how about making it spellcaster from beginning (i.e. from unupgraded form), maybe defensive spells for unupgraded form, then when upgraded she can also do offensive spells.
(Mountain) Giant: how about replace it altogether with the dwarves creation, Giant Golem maybe? or Steel Giant? that way the dwarves get more important role in this town.
Just my idea though, like I say your town is already excellent, and people say if it ain't broke don't fix it...
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Gnoll_Mage
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 30, 2006 10:16 PM |
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Thanks all for comments!
I decided to make only the valkyrie upgrade have magic like the Inquisitors from Haven (I think) since the faction is supposed to be mainly might-based, in battle at least.
The giant could be a construction, although once again this wasn't done because I didn't want to put too strong an emphasis on construction, and wanted some distinguishable features from the Colossus / Titan.
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kookastar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
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posted January 31, 2006 07:30 AM |
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I like the fact that it isn't a construction!! The giant description is great. I can't think of another name for it so will keep my mouth firmly closed 
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FriendOfGunnar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
able to speed up time
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posted February 06, 2006 09:23 PM |
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Stronghold by gnoll mage
Race( 2+ 5)=7
History( 1+ 4)=5 The history was pretty lame
Creatures( 3+ 5)=8 It is easy to imagine playing this in a game
Balance( 5+ 4)=9
Originality=6
Total Score=35
How I graded these:
Race (Originality [1-5]+Compatibility with HOMM5 universe[1-5])
History (How interesting is it to me [1-5] +Compatibility with HOMM5 universe [1-5])
Creatures (Originality [1-5] +Internal Consistency [1-5])
Balance (are the special skills inventive [1-5] + Does it have a variety of flyers, shooters, walkers, spell-casters [1-5]
Originality (all the originality scores added up and divided by two. This means that creativity counts twice. [1-10]
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phoenixzs
Adventuring Hero
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posted February 06, 2006 10:22 PM |
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Race: 7
History:6
Creatures:8
Balance:8
Originality:7
Total:
36/50
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Fargoeth
Tavern Dweller
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posted February 07, 2006 11:26 PM |
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oops.. I have overlooked your town while rating othe dwarvish factions, sorry... probably its because of iterated name
Race: 7 (nice)
History: 5 (there is almost no history :/ sorry but I can't give You more for that)
Creatures: 6 (they are too weirid in my opinion and those which aren't mechanical are too chaoticly allied)
Balance: 8 (Its definitele the strongest site of this project, mayby because of lack of history ; \)
Originality: 6(extremally typical selection of units & nothing special besides)
Total: 32
____________
member of [url=http://heroescommunity.com/member.php3?action=viewprofile&UserName=Kongo_Team]Kongo_Team[/url] - creators of [url=http://skocz.pl/heroes5]ICTC: Hollow[/url]
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frakel
Adventuring Hero
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posted February 09, 2006 12:07 AM |
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Race: 6 (Im stretching myself to six point here, because I really like your concept of forged creatures, runemagic and fire/ice elemental connection. But faction description is WAY to short... A pity because there are great potential here)
History: 3 (History is ok - theres just so little of it)
Creatures: 9 (Great, great creatures. Well described. Nice abilities. Well balanced. I love the idea of a forged troll ;-)
Balance: 9 (Creatures are not owerpowered - great variety).
Originality: 7 (Concept has been seen before, allthough you give it a new dimension)
Overall: 34 - this could have been really good! But because of lack of description and history you only get an above average score from me.
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BoogieMan
Famous Hero
The John of Spades
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posted February 09, 2006 03:34 PM |
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Race: 7
A classic approach on the dwarf race, with the little spicing of them being a pillaging nation and not just nice guy smiths. Little background, however.
History: 6
To brief and irrelevant
Creatures: 8
Very good. Again, a classic line-up with the nice touch of forged trolls and boars. I would have given you a 9 if you would have made the chimaera a forged creature too, the consistency would have been perfect.
Balance: 7
First 4 levels could use some more special abilities, the last 3 make it up a little (esp. the area damage of a L7's), but overall it's not that versatile.
Originality: 7
Nothing exciting, but not trapped in dwarf clichees either
TOTAL: 35
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The BoogieMan wrote ... and saw that it was good.
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