Fantasy Friday XXXI - Unique Battalion Formations Part II

[Michael Mullens]

FANTASY FRIDAY XXXI
Unique Battalion Formations Part II

Welcome back! Today we're resuming our discussions over Dawn of Fantasy's many unique/specialized unit formations.We'll get to the formations in a moment, but for the earlier information on battalions, check out the Standard Battalions FF (http://www.reverieworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1329) or Unique Battalion Formations Part I (http://www.reverieworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1384). Each race has a couple standard formations, applicable to all militant battalions, and each orc and human military unit has a specialized, unique formation that significantly boosts their strengths and encourages a new degree of micromanagement on the battlefield.

This weeks Fantasy Friday may be small but other formations are still in the creation process. So stay tuned for those. Without further ado, we'll start with showing you the unique formations of six units for Part II. Enjoy!

http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/HArchertn.jpg (http://www.reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/HArcher.jpg)
<font size="-2">Human Archer Skirmish Formation. Click to Enlarge.</font>

Archer - Skirmish formation
Skirmish formation is extension of the loose formation, and is great when attacking other ranged units, for additional mobility or facing cavalry charges. However, it`s greatly vulnerable to melee attacks.

Bonus:
+40% pierce armor
+40% crush armor
+30% speed

Penalty:
-40% defense rating
-30% hack armor
-Can`t use spikes ability

Stance:
-Aggressive stance

http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/OMaraudertn.jpg (http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/OMarauder.jpg)
<font size="-2">Marauders ready to engage in close quarters combat. Click to Enlarge.</font>

Marauder – Scorpio Formation
Scorpion formation makes Marauder deadly in closed quarter combat, as well as resistant to ranged attacks. With half of their usual range, but double the damage, marauders straight shots will decimate any melee units attacking them. Slower speed and low range, makes them useless at anything else other than defending themselves.

Bonus:
+40% pierce armor
+60% damage
+20% speed

Penalty:
-50% range
-40% defense rating
-40% speed
-Constant fatigue drain of 2 second in additional to normal run drain.

Special:
-Switch back to mob at 25 fatigue or lower
-Requires 60 fatigue to activate

Stance:
-Defensive Stance

http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/HSwordsmantn.jpg (http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/HSwordsman.jpg)
<font size="-2">Battle Lines have been drawn. Click to Enlarge.</font>

Swordsman – Battle Line formation
Assault formation is extension of the line formation, with additional benefits to damage. This formation allows swordsman to engage in superior melee combat. However, units are not expected to survive long in this formation. Slightly lower mobility over the line formation is the downfall of this formation

Bonus:
+50% pierce armor
+50% crush armor
+50% hack armor

Penalty:
-40% speed
-Can`t run

Stance:
-Defensive Stance

http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/OImpalertn.jpg (http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/OImpaler.jpg)
<font size="-2">Impalers aggressively lining up. Click to Enlarge.</font>

Impaler – Crab Formation
Melee combat defensive/offensive formation that turns Impaler into an unstoppable slow-moving charging force, or impenetrable wall. . is extension of the line formation, with additional benefits to damage. This formation allows swordsman to engage in superior melee combat. However, units are not expected to survive long in this formation. Slightly lower mobility over the line formation is the downfall of this formation. Vulnerable to missiles.

Bonus:
+40% crush armor
+40% hack armor
+50% attack rating
+40% damage
+100% damage again cavalry charge

Penalty:
-50% walk speed
-Can`t run.
-40% pierce armor
-Constant fatigue drain of 2 second in additional to normal run drain.

Special:
-Switch back to mob at 25 fatigue or lower
-Requires 60 fatigue to activate

Stance:
-Stand-ground stance


Let's Recap some of the previously released formations including some Elves.

http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/EBladeStorm_Windtn.jpg (http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/EBladeStorm_Wind.jpg)
<font size="-2">Elven Blade Storm formation. Click to Enlarge.</font>


Wind formation Bonus:
+100% damage
+50% accuracy
+40% speed
+20% view
-Fatigue use up 50% less for run
and hide

Penalty:
Special:
-Requires 100 fatigue
-15 second transition time

Stance:
-Aggressive

Stone formation
Bonus:
+50% Defense Rating
+50% pierce armor
+50% hack armor
+50% crash armor
-Fatigue doesn`t stop regenerating during combat
-50% damage from cavalry charges
+50% to unit’s heal skill efficiency

Penalty:
-No Hide ability
Special:
-Requires 100 fatigue
-15 second transition time

Stance:
-Defensive

http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/HCavaliertn.jpg (http://www.reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/HCavalier.jpg)
<font size="-2">Cavaliers ready to mow down infantry. Click to Enlarge.</font>

Cavalier – Diamond formation
Diamond formation is the extension of the Wedge formation, designed to be used when charging against infantry units. However due to tighter position of units this formation is more vulnerable to ranged attacks. It also doesn`t cover as much space and is best used in large numbers.

Bonus:
-80% collision damage
to cavalier
+100% impact damage
to charged units

Penalty:
-30% pierce armor
-30% defense rating

Stance:
-Aggressive stance

http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/OBerserkertn.jpg (http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/OBerserker.jpg)
<font size="-2">Bersekers turtling up, preparing to inflict fatal wounds on any oncomers. Click to Enlarge.</font>

Berserker – Turtle Formation
Turtle formation temporarily changes Berserkers role from offensive to defensive unit. Although only moderately good against ranged attacks, Turtle formation can hold off significantly larger melee force.

Bonus:
+60% crush armor
+60% hack armor
-20% pierce armor
+60% defense rating

Penalty:
-80% walk speed
-Can`t run
-Constant fatigue drain of 2 second in additional to normal run drain.

Special:
-Switch back to mob at 25 fatigue or lower
-Requires 60 fatigue to activate

Stance:
-Stand-Ground Stance

http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/OMounted Impalertn.jpg (http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/OMounted Impaler.jpg)
<font size="-2">Mounted Impalers. Click to Enlarge.</font>

Mounted Orc – Serpent Formation
Cavalry becomes nearly invulnerably while running, and takes almost no damage when trampling units. Perfect formation to charge large enemy army, or to escape through enemy ranks untouched.

Bonus:
+40% speed
+30% pierce armor
-80% collision damage
to the mount

Penalty:
-Constant fatigue drain of 2 second in additional to normal run drain.

Special:
-Switch back to mob at 25 fatigue or lower
-Requires 60 fatigue to activate

Stance:
-Aggressive Stance

http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/EMountedBlademaster_Windtn.jpg (http://reverieworld.com/screenshots/ff31/EMountedBlademaster_Wind.jpg)
<font size="-2">Mounted Blademasters formation. Click to Enlarge.</font>


Wind formation Bonus:
+100% damage
+50% Attack Rating
+40% speed
+20% view
-Fatigue use up 50% less for run and hide
-80% damage to mount when charging

Penalty:
N/A

Special:
-Requires 100 fatigue
-30 seconds units idle

Stance:
-Aggressive

Stone formation
Bonus:
+50% Defense Rating
+50% pierce armor
+50% hack armor
+50% crash armor
-Fatigue doesn`t stop regenerating during combat
+80% damage to charged units

Penalty:
-No Hide ability

Special:
-Requires 100 fatigue
-30 seconds units idle

Stance:
-Defensive

[Khan kreiger]

WOOO FIRST TO COMMENT......nice these new formations are sick and for one picture you put murauders when they were berserkers:confused: i think you should fix that

[Michael Mullens]

I think the elves have a lot of perks being able to have both an aggressive and defensive stance, should be interesting to see how quickly my orcs destroy them anyways! HAH:D

[Yami-Yagari]

The new formations are really nice. Especially the impaler crab formation and marauder scorpio formation.

I think the elves have a lot of perks being able to have both an aggressive and defensive stance, should be interesting to see how quickly my orcs destroy them anyways! HAH:D

Yeah, the elven formations are totally overpowered compared to rest, but seeing the fatigue cost and the time it takes to switch formation its not really suprising. It's easy to destroy or severily maim a enemy battalion in less than 30 secs, especially for orcs. :p

[Khan kreiger]

I think the elves have a lot of perks being able to have both an aggressive and defensive stance, should be interesting to see how quickly my orcs destroy them anyways! HAH:D

Yess orcs OWN!!

[Darathor]

Those formations look really cool and unique! I really like how they are making a huge impact on the gameplay and aren't just something that's there for no reason other than to look cool. I can really see most of these formations making or breaking a battle very easily.

Nice showcase and look forward to more info next week!

[Aametherar]

I want to make my own unique formation, i'll call it "The swarm" it'll basically be a mass of ogres with a few dragons overhead coming down to crush the puny elven formations.

[Michael Mullens]

I want to make my own unique formation, i'll call it "The swarm" it'll basically be a mass of ogres with a few dragons overhead coming down to crush the puny elven formations.

As long as it includes Orcs crushing something i'm interested :D

[Yami-Yagari]

I want to make my own unique formation, i'll call it "The swarm" it'll basically be a mass of ogres with a few dragons overhead coming down to crush the puny elven formations.

Isn't that "The Tank of Doom"? because with "The Swarm" i think of zerg, and then zerglings, and then hordes of goblins.

[Aametherar]

You make a point, but the word tank just doesn't belong in the orcs linguistic database.

[Yami-Yagari]

Could call it "Grond!". Sure it's more LOTR, but still orcish.

[Aametherar]

Could call it "Grond!". Sure it's more LOTR, but still orcish.

We have our own orcish language I believe, not sure how that's gonna work in game, we'll see. We could call it "Big pile", we orcs are simple folk :P

[Yami-Yagari]

Aaaaaaw just got a new one :(.
"Ogre Stampede" has a nice ring to it too.

[Miclee]

I want some sort of way to use guerilla warfare in large and small-scale battles. Ambushing and flanking should be easily available to some unit types for use in battles.

[Khan kreiger]

Aaaaaaw just got a new one :(.
"Ogre Stampede" has a nice ring to it too.

whats that.....a name for our language?

[Yami-Yagari]

Only downside with that is that it would require initiative, some sort of florage to conceal your troops and hide skill(which only elves have). It's a nice concept, but if it will work is the question.

[GPS51]

Just use large rocks as cover. No one will be able to tell the difference between an orc and rock :P

[Aametherar]

Just use large rocks as cover. No one will be able to tell the difference between an orc and rock :P

You make a good point!

[nickson104]

Orc formations <3

This is great, thanks for staying true to the promise of this :)

Naval info pleaseeeeee :) Its been at least a year or so since we last saw boats, we still dont know how the system works. E.G, do you buy in npc towns or build? But I am still looking forward to the possibilities of pirateering :)

[Michael Mullens]

Orc formations <3

This is great, thanks for staying true to the promise of this :)

Naval info pleaseeeeee :) Its been at least a year or so since we last saw boats, we still dont know how the system works. E.G, do you buy in npc towns or build? But I am still looking forward to the possibilities of pirateering :)

You saw the Kraken right? You got to get to him some how!
Stay tuned for more information in the future.

[Aametherar]

Yup, I think naval was cut but looks like they're bringing it back with all their new guys wohoo \o/

[Josh Warner]

I want some sort of way to use guerilla warfare in large and small-scale battles. Ambushing and flanking should be easily available to some unit types for use in battles.

It's called cavalry ;)

[blackfang]

It's called cavalry ;)

and less armored troops!

[Yami-Yagari]

and less armored troops!

That´s called light infantry.;)

[Aametherar]

That´s called light infantry.;)

That's called Orc side dish.

[Yami-Yagari]

That's called Orc side dish.

Side dish like kocktail weenies and shrimp?:confused:

[DarkMaster]

That's called Orc side dish.

which is also called dragon dinner:)

[Josh Warner]

Try not to derail media threads guys :rolleyes:

[Henry Martin]

Try not to derail media threads guys :rolleyes:

Lol, when you say that the thread will die:p.

On that note, I don't know how much I'll use these unique formations as I never really us them in RTSs.

[Aametherar]

Lol, when you say that the thread will die:p.

On that note, I don't know how much I'll use these unique formations as I never really us them in RTSs.

They tend to be very important, I think even people who don't normally use the usually have 1 or two more important ones that they do use in moderation.

[Henry Martin]

They tend to be very important, I think even people who don't normally use the usually have 1 or two more important ones that they do use in moderation.

I know, but I just never use them. I should start, maybe with this game I will.

[wills370]

Wow looks like some really nice combos. Looks like the elves will need to be very careful when to implement there formations. The calvery is also great, especially if you put on the charging formation. Although one question is do the calvery get tied up like in TTW where they randomly stop charging and stand there while there mates carry on charging past them? And how much damage does it do with the defence agasint calvery infantry formation, agiasnt a buffed charge? As if it dosent really make a diffrence then it will make things abit unblanced i fear? (although i could be wrong).

[Michael Mullens]

Wow looks like some really nice combos. Looks like the elves will need to be very careful when to implement there formations. The calvery is also great, especially if you put on the charging formation. Although one question is do the calvery get tied up like in TTW where they randomly stop charging and stand there while there mates carry on charging past them? And how much damage does it do with the defence agasint calvery infantry formation, agiasnt a buffed charge? As if it dosent really make a diffrence then it will make things abit unblanced i fear? (although i could be wrong).

It could always be unbalanced due to how many various combinations meet on the combat field. You would need to also review the threads discussing the units and see that Unit A is strong against Unit B but weak against Unit C. So throw* that into conjunction with Unit C uses 80% damage stance on Unit A and you have a wipe out but if B tried it on A he might still lose. Theres so many possibilities, I presume it comes down to how the player builds his army in comparison to his opponent.

[GPS51]

Yeah and I think that one fact lost upon most people (not necessarily here) is that rts game such as this require thinking and the ability to think on the fly when adjusting strategies or formations as opposed to the fire and forget kind of rts games. I love thinking rts games.

[Durken]

This means combat will be very different each time.