Incline Battle Brothers + Beasts & Exploration, Warriors of the North and Blazing Deserts DLC Thread

[Kuattro]

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


MY GUIDE IS ONLINE!

Hope you guys enjoy it:



:D :D :D :D

Just one thing, the red indicator that you see when using ranged weapons does not indicate the possibility of friendly fire, but blocked LOS (which is why that indicator also is used with threes, rocks, etc). Friendly fire is always a possibility if there is one of your brothers next to the objective and the ranged attack misses (well, unless you are firing directly from behind him). Incidentaly, that's also how you get enemy fire, you can hit anyone next to the objective.

 

[Eyestabber]

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


MY GUIDE IS ONLINE!

Hope you guys enjoy it:



:D :D :D :D

Just one thing, the red indicator that you see when using ranged weapons does not indicate the possibility of friendly fire, but blocked LOS (which is why that indicator also is used with threes, rocks, etc). Friendly fire is always a possibility if there is one of your brothers next to the objective and the ranged attack misses (well, unless you are firing directly from behind him). Incidentaly, that's also how you get enemy fire, you can hit anyone next to the objective.

Yeah, I oversimplified things to avoid writing a YUGE wall of text. Gotta keep it concise to avoid fatiguing viewers. Chances of friendly fire are WAY higher when you have an ally blocking LoS. As I mentioned very early into the video: MOST of the learning will happen via trial and error.

 

[Prime Junta]

Marx just fell in combat. Orcs. Defence job. There were two waves, one with young and berserkers, second with young and two warriors. Everything was going pretty well until Marx had a sudden bad luck and was left with four or five bleeding wounds and precious few hitpoints. Had the time to take one more solid swipe at a young orc, then bled to death of his wounds.

The Bolshevik Party held a solemn funeral. Lenin made a speech. Zinoviev and Kamenev put some flowers on the coffin. Then we moved on.

(Marx was also wearing the party's best armour, which also smarted a little.)

 

[Andnjord]

What range on taunt? 3 tiles?

Also it works for 1 turn (next turn?)

Enemy wont use any defence skill and just attack?


What happens if enemy already in melee, it will take disengage hits?

Does taunt have a range or is it melee only? I've never tried it to be honest, always went for something else!

Taunt has a three tile range. An enemy won't disengage to attack the taunter, but a non-engaged one will go for him.
They will mostly just attack the taunter forgoing defensive skills. Although I've seen some enemies shieldwalling on very rare occasions the dozens of footmen I've recently killed in the war almost never did (and as you know they normally ALWAYS shieldwall).
It does work for for one turn (the target's turn of course).

 

[vonAchdorf]

Moddability would be great, but iirc they kinda wanted to avoid to promise anything. I don't think it's because they want sell DLC, modders and mod users as hardcore fans are probably more likely to buy any DLC anyway, but because they didn't want to promise anything which they don't have time / resources allocated for and viability checked.

 

[Sarissofoi]

Moddability would be great, but iirc they kinda wanted to avoid to promise anything. I don't think it's because they want sell DLC, modders and mod users as hardcore fans are probably more likely to buy any DLC anyway, but because they didn't want to promise anything which they don't have time / resources allocated for and viability checked.

Thing is that modding is the dominant function since all other functionality that players are asking for (localization support, new/different mechanics, new content, rebalancing etc) can in principle be done through mods.

Did you guys look inside DATA_001? Sounds, music and graphics are in plain format. You can use gimp for example to replace all humans faces with goblin ones and vice versa making your company/humans and brigands a goblins when humans running a gorilla warfare against you.
Then there are scripts. Ar neatly divided and separated. There is script for night time effects for example. Or double grip. Each perk, background, item, trait etc is a separate script. Now its probably fairly easy to modify them( want to add +10% to damage for strong? look at Drunkard and stole it from there), bring back old perks(from older builds), modify or add items but.. they are all in compiled file format and there is nothing you can do to modify them.
For example you can just insert changed gfx file into original data_001 file and it just works.
Anyway all you need is the tool that is used to compile/recompile scripts and you are set for green pastures.

If not financial reasons are behind it then what?
Did they not see potential that is associated with modding? Kind of hard to believe that.
Maye it was sponsor condition(but that files structure are way back before they acquire one).
So either its financial(they wanted to milk it for DLC and expansions) or ideological ones(its German studio), maybe even anti piracy measure(as some sort of drm).
Dunno.

Anyway plenty of stuff, balance and world tuning could be done with mods and what is better it would keep game alive. Now probably in month the forums will be all dead and empty.
Sad.

 

[Jimmious]

Do people really care about translations so much, still? I mean some basic English in 2017 should be a given - especially if you are into niche turn-based PC strategy games... I think?
In any case..In my opinion the game has potential to be a cult classic. I would love it if it gets more attention and therefore more official content but mods are the other way to go. And actually its a decent way to get continuous profit.
Word does get around about good mods and they can prolong and extend sales.

So basically it's up to Overhype Studios, how do they see the situation. I imagine if they want to invest more money and effort in this, they won't give modding tools soon and will focus in payable expansions/dlcs and so on. Otherwise a "one-off" of creating mod tools would be another way to go. Secure some more future sales from BB and move on to another title.

Still... it will really suck if BB doesn't get recognized for the gem it is. It annoys me because I thought its a time where indie/smaller games get their chance - especially if they're so good.
I honestly haven't been so addicted with a game since Jagged Alliance 2 and that is what, 15 years ago since I first played? Maybe even 20? And I say that after a battle where I lost 3 of my main bros

 

[Quatlo]

Do people really care about translations so much, still? I mean some basic English in 2017 should be a given - especially if you are into niche turn-based PC strategy games... I think?

Welcome to almost every post-commie country where people were learning russian and maybe german in school. How are you going to learn that basic english when its not required anywhere and noone teached you how to speak it?
Sure, now english is mandatory, but try to tell that to anyone who is 30+ here
And you'd be surprised how many random doctors and engineers play turn based games or obscure rpgs when on break.

 

[Sarissofoi]

Do people really care about translations so much, still? I mean some basic English in 2017 should be a given - especially if you are into niche turn-based PC strategy games... I think?

Yes they are.
Most Eastern have now English in basic education but most people can barely read it(if even).

In my opinion the game has potential to be a cult classic.

It has. Imagine post apoc version of it. Or even W40K conversion. Sadly it will be probably wasted.

So basically it's up to Overhype Studios, how do they see the situation. I imagine if they want to invest more money and effort in this, they won't give modding tools soon and will focus in payable expansions/dlcs and so on. Otherwise a "one-off" of creating mod tools would be another way to go. Secure some more future sales from BB and move on to another title.

What exact special mod tools you need?
Graphic and sounds are easily modable right now, all you need is way to dig into scripts. So all you need is a de-compiler for .cnut files. They have one obviously.

 

[Storyfag]

Do people really care about translations so much, still? I mean some basic English in 2017 should be a given - especially if you are into niche turn-based PC strategy games... I think?

Welcome to almost every post-commie country where people were learning russian and maybe german in school. How are you going to learn that basic english when its not required anywhere and noone teached you how to speak it?
Sure, now english is mandatory, but try to tell that to anyone who is 30+ here
And you'd be surprised how many random doctors and engineers play turn based games or obscure rpgs when on break.

lel. That was a problem like 25 years ago? I'm 30+ and sure as hell had mandatory english.

 

[Quatlo]

Do people really care about translations so much, still? I mean some basic English in 2017 should be a given - especially if you are into niche turn-based PC strategy games... I think?

Welcome to almost every post-commie country where people were learning russian and maybe german in school. How are you going to learn that basic english when its not required anywhere and noone teached you how to speak it?
Sure, now english is mandatory, but try to tell that to anyone who is 30+ here
And you'd be surprised how many random doctors and engineers play turn based games or obscure rpgs when on break.

lel. That was a problem like 25 years ago? I'm 30+ and sure as hell had mandatory english.

I'm 25 and I didnt. I'm purely self-taught when it comes to english, not a single lesson in all stages of education because apparently teaching me german from the basics 3 times in a row was required. Welcome to potato school system.

 

[Sarissofoi]

BTW Back to game mechanics.
Spreading your line decrease effectiveness of enemy archers.
If you put empty space between in your shield wall and archers between them enemy marksmen suddenly hit much less often.
something like that:
BxBxBBxBxB
BxBBxBBxBx

 

[Sarissofoi]

BTW Back to game mechanics.
Spreading your line decrease effectiveness of enemy archers.
If you put empty space between in your shield wall and archers between them enemy marksmen suddenly hit much less often.
something like that:
BxBxBBxBxB
BxBBxBBxBx

why? doesn't that leave your archers exposed?

Unless enemy have straight line like that

The brothers before them block it.
But - Your ranged have should great ranged defense, dodge, anticipation anyway probably more than blocke with a kite shield that shield them.
Main dangers(maybe not early) come with no a enemy aimed shots but random spread misses.
More space around you more space where miss will land.
i suspect that big share of 2nd row archers hit at night etc are just random spreads. The same can go for your shield wall - enemy aim at 2nd row but hit the guy before them first.

 

[PunchBarkeepInFace]

How do I buy this game? Do I need Steam to play it? I just went to their website and it says something about you get a redeemable key from Steam.

 

[Sarissofoi]

How do I buy this game? Do I need Steam to play it? I just went to their website and it says something about you get a redeemable key from Steam.

Yep Steam only.
There is some petition on GoG for GoG release but it will take time even if it succeed.

 

[PunchBarkeepInFace]

How do I buy this game? Do I need Steam to play it? I just went to their website and it says something about you get a redeemable key from Steam.

Yep Steam only.
There is some petition on GoG for GoG release but it will take time even if it succeed.

OK, thanks for helping a clueless person. I'll wait for it to get on GoG.

 

[Eyestabber]

Oh, by the way: Battle Brothers does NOT show up on Youtube's gaming list, so I can't associate my video with the game title. Since the association works fine for Age of Decadence, Underrail and other indie titles, you guys might wanna look into that. I assume you're losing some precious youtube based promotion of the game because of this minor oversight. Get on Youtube's ass guise, you deserve the promotion!

sser rapsdjff

 

[Arulan]

My first fight against werewolves. In the first turn they've already moved up and caught me. This isn't going to be good...

I underestimated their movement range and have made the situation even worse. This is going to be bloody.

I come out all heads alive, but it left its toll. My armor is shredded, one of my men suffered permanent brain damage, and most of my company is wounded.

I decide to buy some supplies to repair my equipment and head west to see if my fortune changes.

What is this? It could be a trap... I'll take a risk.

*Ahem*

I think I can afford to recruit two more men... Wow! Those stars.

 

[Stavrophore]

I think I can afford to recruit two more men... Wow! Those stars.

Noice. With a bit of lucky rolls, he can achieve the same proficiency in melee and defense as a sellsword or even swordmaster at level 11. Just dont let him die.
I've decided to not play ironman, until i've try every possible build that i can imagine.Then with the right knowledge i can devise a good tactics to throw at this game. Still i expect a lot of frustration on expert ironman

 

[Parabalus]

Noice. With a bit of lucky rolls, he can achieve the same proficiency in melee and defense as a sellsword or even swordmaster at level 11. Just dont let him die.
I've decided to not play ironman, until i've try every possible build that i can imagine.Then with the right knowledge i can devise a good tactics to throw at this game. Still i expect a lot of frustration on expert ironman

A talent star is just a +5 EV at lvl 11 in that skill, so that miller is worse (in melee) than e.g. a guy with 2 stars and 55 starting skill. They really aren't that impactful compared to initial skill.

It's easy for you to say that when you're fine with english but think about it from their perspective. BB is also a text-heavy game with a lot of reading. Also, these days purchasing games, especially at launch price, is really about goodwill and supporting development. Otherwise people will just wait for steam sale or bundle or even torrent it.

There is also the case of just wanting a break from English - I enjoy games with good German or French localisation simply because I use them much less than English, it adds a bit of novelty and fun for me.

 

[Prime Junta]

More Ironman musings.

So I've figured out how to survive until the midgame and keep my head above water financially.

Trouble is, it's kind of... boring. I haven't taken any three-skull contracts (except for artefact recovery where you can run away); instead, I've been grinding safe one-skull ones and two-skull ones if the payoff looks good (e.g. bandit jobs, where there's a chance of getting some nice loot on top of the cash). I just don't dare take those three-skulls: the reward just isn't worth the big risk of losing one, two, or three vets or the entire battle. The biggest risk I took was one two-skull caravan job juuuust at the end of the early game, and that did ultimately pay off -- I lost a couple of n00bs but levelled up everybody else and got some rather nice gear into the bargain, on top of the 1400 crown payoff at the end (plus free upkeep, yay).

So once over the initial hump, it's been kind of a grind. The most exciting fight I've had was the one that spelled doom for the founder of modern Communism, and I think it was a net negative overall -- the payoff + the orc loot didn't make up for the loss of Marx and his chainmail hauberk. The most variety I've had was encountering some surprise bandits during a hunting job (scored some nice dire wolf mail from that), and getting assaulted by a mob of over 20 thugs and poachers with a couple of marksmen during a road patrol (that got real wet real fast).

I'm thinking the problem is with the retreat mechanic. Wounds for everyone not on the edge of the map is too punitive. This means that there's a really strong incentive for low-risk play, which isn't all that much fun.

Suggested changes to the retreat mechanic -- as an option at least:

* Everyone in melee contact with an enemy automatically takes an injury.
* Anyone in archery range of an enemy has a chance of taking an injury -- say, give every enemy archer in range a free attack, and if it hits, injury.
* Anyone not in melee contact and not in archery range will get out scot-free.

This would also remove the tedium of running away from a fight from round 1; currently there's no tactical challenge, it's just a matter of clicking through to the end, and it would lower the disincentive of taking on those three-skulls as you know there's a way out if it goes pear-shaped.

(In non-ironman it's fine of course, there reloading tough three-skull fights is all part of the fun.)

 

[Doma]

 

[Stavrophore]

I'm thinking the problem is with the retreat mechanic. Wounds for everyone not on the edge of the map is too punitive. This means that there's a really strong incentive for low-risk play, which isn't all that much fun.

Suggested changes to the retreat mechanic -- as an option at least:

* Everyone in melee contact with an enemy automatically takes an injury.
* Anyone in archery range of an enemy has a chance of taking an injury -- say, give every enemy archer in range a free attack, and if it hits, injury.
* Anyone not in melee contact and not in archery range will get out scot-free.

This would also remove the tedium of running away from a fight from round 1; currently there's no tactical challenge, it's just a matter of clicking through to the end, and it would lower the disincentive of taking on those three-skulls as you know there's a way out if it goes pear-shaped.

Exactly this. Wounds are very punitive -its not so much the money, but the time. Even treated wounds will heal by 2-3 days. Having too many wounds will spell doom onto company in the early game -where you dont have money cushion, and when you have to level up fast in order to prepare for first crisis, and new mobs that will follow in third week. Sure devs could make complex algorithm to apply probability of hits when retreating for example: check for each BB if enemy is in range of 9 AP, if it is, then check if it can catchup with the BB in 4 or 5 AP[depend on weapon] and then roll a standard attack. If it hit roll for injury. For archers, check if each BB is in their range, check the obstacle[friendly or obstacle], and then roll for standard attack, or aim attack if the obstacle penalty is <25% hit chance.If there's friendly, calculate if moving by 4 or 5 tiles would change the attack angle and remove obstacle penalty. If not do not roll for attack.
That would be the best solution, but very code intensive. Your solution is simple, elegant and wouldnt do much slowdown or code work.

Edit: That map seed thing, wow, that's sweet. I'm glad devs listen to the community. Still, skipping first fight would be a way better solution, for those who want to play second or more times, and just want to roll a good map. Right now i will just try until i get a good map, and then save the seed, for more playthroughs if i decide to do so.

 

[Jimmious]

Getting ready for hardcore Codexian map seeds

 

[Prime Junta]

Exactly this. Wounds are very punitive -its not so much the money, but the time. Even treated wounds will heal by 2-3 days. Having too many wounds will spell doom onto company in the early game -where you dont have money cushion, and when you have to level up fast in order to prepare for first crisis, and new mobs that will follow in third week. Sure devs could make complex algorithm to apply probability of hits when retreating for example: check for each BB if every enemy is in range of 9 tiles, if it is, then check if it can catchup with the BB in 4 or 5 AP[depend on weapon] and then roll a standard attack. If it hit roll for injury. That would be the best solution, but very code intensive. Your solution is simple, elegant and wouldnt do much slowdown or code work.

Yeah, it'll cost about 2000 crowns just to treat the wounds, on top of that you have to fix the gear and wait until they heal (while keeping your men fed and paid). With a midgame company it'll easily go into 3000-4000 crowns. If a contract has a 50-50 chance of succeeding, it ought to pay 6000-8000 crowns to make it worth taking. Prolly more because if you're retreating you've likely already taken fatalities.