Of Brass and Iron : Egypt, 1882
by Nicholas Bogart · in RTS Starter Kit · 08/14/2007 (10:40 am) · 6 replies
Heyas,
So I have been working on my game titled Of Brass and Iron : Egypt, 1882. I do have a website www.ofbrassandiron.com that is going through an update from the MMO to the RTS.
The end goal of the game is to begin setting the scene for the MMO world. Brass and Iron is a Steampunk ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk for those of you who do not know Steampunk genre) and will be based as the title says in Egypt.
The game takes place in an alternate history where steam and other various technologies have been discovered and advanced at a faster pace than in our history. In this alternate history the British still attack the Egyptians namely Urabi and his rebels / freedom fighters. Initially you will take the role of a captain in the British military and lead your units into establishing the beachhead at Alexandria. You will play a role in the attack but not the only role.
The world will be broken into pieces that will have different challenge ratings and missions. You don't have to complete all the missions to win the game. Some of the missions may be completed by a fellow British Captain AI rendering it unavailable to you.
After the initial tutorials are over you will also be able to play a captain under the command of the Urabi (Egyptians). You will fight to repel the British attacks. Eventually through the game a new enemy or ally will emerge that you will also be able to play as in the campaign.
On the mission maps you will not have to create peasants to go mine for wood or gather gold. Instead there will be captureable points that will give you resources to request more troops, vehicles, or special units. This gives the game a more dynamic and mobile feel I believe.
Completing the game will depend on what you decide to set as victory goals. It could be taking the enemy capitol or a domination of the enemy by a certain percentage. This is still in the works on what goals will be available.
So that is a summary of Of Brass and Iron : Egypt, 1882. I will make sure to keep you all informed of progress. If your interested in seeing some early works feel free to visit www.ofbrassandiron.com/screenshots.html .
**** Now the recruiting add ****
We have begun work of the game and are waiting on some of the initial models and concept art. We are in need of programmers/scripters, modelers, concept and 2d artists, writers, and musicians.
What we have to offer
* We have available IM communications along with IRC communications.
* A profit sharing scheme is in the works (this is the only payment we are capable of offering)
* Concept base and open to new ideas / suggestions
* Team management system - with intergrated wiki containing design documents, blog system, assignment management system
If your interested in any of these positions please feel free to send an email to me at nicholas.bogart@ofbrassandiron.com or leave a message here. I will happily answer any questions you may have.
So I have been working on my game titled Of Brass and Iron : Egypt, 1882. I do have a website www.ofbrassandiron.com that is going through an update from the MMO to the RTS.
The end goal of the game is to begin setting the scene for the MMO world. Brass and Iron is a Steampunk ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk for those of you who do not know Steampunk genre) and will be based as the title says in Egypt.
The game takes place in an alternate history where steam and other various technologies have been discovered and advanced at a faster pace than in our history. In this alternate history the British still attack the Egyptians namely Urabi and his rebels / freedom fighters. Initially you will take the role of a captain in the British military and lead your units into establishing the beachhead at Alexandria. You will play a role in the attack but not the only role.
The world will be broken into pieces that will have different challenge ratings and missions. You don't have to complete all the missions to win the game. Some of the missions may be completed by a fellow British Captain AI rendering it unavailable to you.
After the initial tutorials are over you will also be able to play a captain under the command of the Urabi (Egyptians). You will fight to repel the British attacks. Eventually through the game a new enemy or ally will emerge that you will also be able to play as in the campaign.
On the mission maps you will not have to create peasants to go mine for wood or gather gold. Instead there will be captureable points that will give you resources to request more troops, vehicles, or special units. This gives the game a more dynamic and mobile feel I believe.
Completing the game will depend on what you decide to set as victory goals. It could be taking the enemy capitol or a domination of the enemy by a certain percentage. This is still in the works on what goals will be available.
So that is a summary of Of Brass and Iron : Egypt, 1882. I will make sure to keep you all informed of progress. If your interested in seeing some early works feel free to visit www.ofbrassandiron.com/screenshots.html .
**** Now the recruiting add ****
We have begun work of the game and are waiting on some of the initial models and concept art. We are in need of programmers/scripters, modelers, concept and 2d artists, writers, and musicians.
What we have to offer
* We have available IM communications along with IRC communications.
* A profit sharing scheme is in the works (this is the only payment we are capable of offering)
* Concept base and open to new ideas / suggestions
* Team management system - with intergrated wiki containing design documents, blog system, assignment management system
If your interested in any of these positions please feel free to send an email to me at nicholas.bogart@ofbrassandiron.com or leave a message here. I will happily answer any questions you may have.
#2
Instead of being occupied as it has in our history Egypt has instead maintained freedom and independence for centuries. This is due completely to the technological edge they developed. With the invention of the Baghdad Jar, a container for energy like a battery, and utilizing the natural electric nature of Electric Eels (in reality Electric Eels live in the Amazon in South America and not in the Nile, but the Nile has an electric Catfish type of animal) they have created a renewable energy source.
This new technology was then utilized in the form of weapons. Making staffs that shocked the enemy sending them into cardiac arrest at full strength and stunning them at lower strength provided a powerful means to conquer foes on the field of battle. It was also used in catapults in the form of early mortar rounds that on impact caused massive damage from the amount of electricity they released. The technology was found to be excellent and wasn't improved for 120 years.
A hundred and twenty years later an Egyptian scientist was studying antigravity theory, something that happened to a point in our own history, and he needed a power source. He tried using the power sources of the jars but they were strong enough. In one attempt he went to the power plants, early large scale fish hatcheries, and tried using the power they produced with limited success. Though the plant produced the electricity he needed to concentrate more of it than he currently could.
He began studying the jars and trying to make them more efficient. After countless hours and months he devised a way to make the batteries powerful enough. In a short time he combined both his jar with his technology and he could lift this. Soon he applied this to a vessel. It began floating over the ground. Utilizing the wind he began sailing it.
Over the course of the next twelve years the scientist created more and more powerful yet smaller batteries. His floating ships could fly at different heights and he even devised a crude way for them to propel themselves.
As his crowning achievement he built a pyramid out of sand stone and made it float. It was to be his tomb for the scientist knew he was dying. As he was mummified and placed in the tomb and sealed it floated on the highest setting sending him to the heavens.
He died in the year 1300 AD. While the dark ages still raged in Europe the Egyptians began conquering different parts of the Middle East and Africa. They built an empire and constantly repelled the invasion of the Europeans and their Crusades.
Infighting in the Egyptian empire kept them from dominating the world.
11/23/2007 (8:19 am)
Alrighty folks time for an update for the game. A little history lesson on my game.Instead of being occupied as it has in our history Egypt has instead maintained freedom and independence for centuries. This is due completely to the technological edge they developed. With the invention of the Baghdad Jar, a container for energy like a battery, and utilizing the natural electric nature of Electric Eels (in reality Electric Eels live in the Amazon in South America and not in the Nile, but the Nile has an electric Catfish type of animal) they have created a renewable energy source.
This new technology was then utilized in the form of weapons. Making staffs that shocked the enemy sending them into cardiac arrest at full strength and stunning them at lower strength provided a powerful means to conquer foes on the field of battle. It was also used in catapults in the form of early mortar rounds that on impact caused massive damage from the amount of electricity they released. The technology was found to be excellent and wasn't improved for 120 years.
A hundred and twenty years later an Egyptian scientist was studying antigravity theory, something that happened to a point in our own history, and he needed a power source. He tried using the power sources of the jars but they were strong enough. In one attempt he went to the power plants, early large scale fish hatcheries, and tried using the power they produced with limited success. Though the plant produced the electricity he needed to concentrate more of it than he currently could.
He began studying the jars and trying to make them more efficient. After countless hours and months he devised a way to make the batteries powerful enough. In a short time he combined both his jar with his technology and he could lift this. Soon he applied this to a vessel. It began floating over the ground. Utilizing the wind he began sailing it.
Over the course of the next twelve years the scientist created more and more powerful yet smaller batteries. His floating ships could fly at different heights and he even devised a crude way for them to propel themselves.
As his crowning achievement he built a pyramid out of sand stone and made it float. It was to be his tomb for the scientist knew he was dying. As he was mummified and placed in the tomb and sealed it floated on the highest setting sending him to the heavens.
He died in the year 1300 AD. While the dark ages still raged in Europe the Egyptians began conquering different parts of the Middle East and Africa. They built an empire and constantly repelled the invasion of the Europeans and their Crusades.
Infighting in the Egyptian empire kept them from dominating the world.
#3
Their technology has advanced and below is the concept of the technology and what it does.
Falcons - an ornithoper, small craft that fly like a bird (similar to the Death Gliders from Stargate). Through a special material called muscle wire they were give the ability to fly. Muscle wire contracts when a voltage is applied and relaxes when voltage is removed. Armed with electric cannons that can fire long distances and being able to move at faster speeds that the other airships the ornithopters are one man fighter craft. Built with a special tail wing that allows the pilot to make quick turns and dives its one of the deadliest airships available.
Dragon Fly - Similar in design to the Falcon it has a long tail it uses to control direction. Built as a predecessor to the Falcon it's commonly used as a troop carrier and has four wings providing lift.
Battle Pyramid - (haven't though of a good name) Built from the concept of the tomb of Ramses Farah (Temporary name) the Battle Pyramid is a goliath ship armed with several squadrons of fighters and heavy weapons. It contains several battalions of troops and is used as an advanced outpost in any invasion. The shear expense for building one almost outweighs the value it provides other than the boost to the controlling Lord's ego.
Flying Dhow - Coming in three different sizes, Frigate, Destroyer, and Cruiser, the flying Dhow is similar to the original flying ships Ramses built. Armed with electric cannons and flown mostly by the power of the wind the dhow is beginning to lack the in the field of armed conflict with several other powers using power engines to move airships.
Flying Pyramid - A far smaller version of the Battle Pyramid the flying pyramid stands twenty feet tall is has arranged around it several platforms that connect it to four other smaller pyramids. Capable of carrying both soldiers with landing craft and Falcons it is a formidable and becoming more and more common war ship. Armed with several Electric Cannons the Flying Pyramids have begun becoming the standard for Egyptian war Fleets.
Staff Weapons - Shaped with two prongs and a Baghdad jar attached at the rear the staff weapon has been the standard issue weapon for soldiers for almost seven hundred years. At first the staff weapon was able to provide one or two solid bursts of electricity when you made contact with an enemy. They were developed as long lances then and used to defend battle formations from charging enemies.
In the intervening years around the time of Ramses it was discovered that with the smaller and more power Jars it would be able to produce greater shocks and with a regulation it could be controlled. Combined with the ability to focus the electric stream for a certain distance the staff weapon slowly grew into a smaller and smaller weapon until it now stands at four feet and can shoot a comparable range to the other developing Aether and power weapons.
Smaller staff weapons similar to a pistol have also been developed as well as a larger version able to shoot a greater distance and cause more destruction.
Armor - Trying to prevent soldiers from being shocked has been a goal of the infighting Egyptians. To this end the Egyptian infantry wears a ceramic and cloth armor that has insulated metal leads allowing them to direct electricity into the ground. The ceramic is formed into in locking disks and held together by the cloth. This works in theory and to some extent in practice. With the power being ever increased in the staff weapons the armor can help prevent several hits depending on the condition of the armor. The metal leads are exposed on the outside of the armor and then incased in the ceramic disks linking it all the way to bottom of the soldiers' feet where it is absorbed by the ground.
Though this armor is completely ineffective against other firearms the Egyptian Soldiers wear the armor like a second skin and are rarely seen without it. It has been reported by some soldiers that occasionally the armor has held out against a projectile round and explosions.
For the concept of this game the units will be -
Battle Pyramid - One may be possible at a later stage but only as a landed command center with possible mobile capabilities.
Dhow Frigate - A common vessel with decent weapons power and speed. It also carries a few Falcons that it uses to improve its combat abilities.
Dhow Destroyer - Larger that the Frigate model with larger weapons and air-to-ground attack capabilities. Carries same number of Falcons and is considered a dangerous ship.
Dhow Cruiser - Armed with large Electric Cannons and Bombardment weapons the cruiser variant is a capable warship challenging larger vessels and more often winning. Armed with a decent squadron of Falcons and a couple groups of commandos and Dragon Fly's the arsenal that the Cruiser carries is impressive.
Flying Pyramid - Trying to make the technology of artificial propulsion work for them the Flying Pyramid is the latest in technology. Bulky it is well armed and carries at least two squadrons of Falcons. Since it is still being tried it is uncommon on the battle field at the beginning of the game.
Ground Units -
Staff Trooper - The most common soldier of the Egyptians. Armed with his staff weapon and electric grenades the staff trooper is a mainstay of the Egyptian Army.
Light Electric Cannon Team - The LECT is the heavy weapons team of the infantry. Armed with a cannon that can shoot large explosive bursts the LECT team provides cover for fellow infantry in an advance or withdrawal.
Commandos - Armed with Staff weapons and grenades as well as explosives the Commandos drop into combat behind the enemy lines. Wearing a short duration set of wings that operate like that of the ornithopter the commandos are able to move into prime positions and attack enemy structures or units. This unit is also able to carry bombs or mines.
Scouts - Scouts wear lighter armor if any at all. They move quickly and in small two - three man units. Used to help assist artillery fire on enemy positions scouts are practically invisible to the enemy as long as they don't fire or aren't stepped on. They tend to carry Electric pistols versus that of the staff weapon. A few scouts will carry a long staff weapon designed to give increased range. They use this to snipe high ranking enemies at the risk of revealing themselves.
Officer - An officer can be an individual or assigned to a squad of soldier. The officer carries a pistol instead of a rifle as well as a traditional scimitar. He boosts the morale of the troopers and tries to keep them from running.
Medic - Assignable to squads a medic helps fix up a unit after it has been in combat.
There are a few other types of units considered but I haven't actually fleshed them out well enough. Any feedback will be appreciated. I have been working on in my spare time but with the move and no internet plus packing up my entire computer but my laptop it's been rough.
Nick (Veleck)
11/23/2007 (8:19 am)
Now onto some of the details, In the almost six hundred years since then the Sultans and Pharaohs of Egypt and parts of Jordan, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have been fractured and fighting one another. Their technology has advanced and below is the concept of the technology and what it does.
Falcons - an ornithoper, small craft that fly like a bird (similar to the Death Gliders from Stargate). Through a special material called muscle wire they were give the ability to fly. Muscle wire contracts when a voltage is applied and relaxes when voltage is removed. Armed with electric cannons that can fire long distances and being able to move at faster speeds that the other airships the ornithopters are one man fighter craft. Built with a special tail wing that allows the pilot to make quick turns and dives its one of the deadliest airships available.
Dragon Fly - Similar in design to the Falcon it has a long tail it uses to control direction. Built as a predecessor to the Falcon it's commonly used as a troop carrier and has four wings providing lift.
Battle Pyramid - (haven't though of a good name) Built from the concept of the tomb of Ramses Farah (Temporary name) the Battle Pyramid is a goliath ship armed with several squadrons of fighters and heavy weapons. It contains several battalions of troops and is used as an advanced outpost in any invasion. The shear expense for building one almost outweighs the value it provides other than the boost to the controlling Lord's ego.
Flying Dhow - Coming in three different sizes, Frigate, Destroyer, and Cruiser, the flying Dhow is similar to the original flying ships Ramses built. Armed with electric cannons and flown mostly by the power of the wind the dhow is beginning to lack the in the field of armed conflict with several other powers using power engines to move airships.
Flying Pyramid - A far smaller version of the Battle Pyramid the flying pyramid stands twenty feet tall is has arranged around it several platforms that connect it to four other smaller pyramids. Capable of carrying both soldiers with landing craft and Falcons it is a formidable and becoming more and more common war ship. Armed with several Electric Cannons the Flying Pyramids have begun becoming the standard for Egyptian war Fleets.
Staff Weapons - Shaped with two prongs and a Baghdad jar attached at the rear the staff weapon has been the standard issue weapon for soldiers for almost seven hundred years. At first the staff weapon was able to provide one or two solid bursts of electricity when you made contact with an enemy. They were developed as long lances then and used to defend battle formations from charging enemies.
In the intervening years around the time of Ramses it was discovered that with the smaller and more power Jars it would be able to produce greater shocks and with a regulation it could be controlled. Combined with the ability to focus the electric stream for a certain distance the staff weapon slowly grew into a smaller and smaller weapon until it now stands at four feet and can shoot a comparable range to the other developing Aether and power weapons.
Smaller staff weapons similar to a pistol have also been developed as well as a larger version able to shoot a greater distance and cause more destruction.
Armor - Trying to prevent soldiers from being shocked has been a goal of the infighting Egyptians. To this end the Egyptian infantry wears a ceramic and cloth armor that has insulated metal leads allowing them to direct electricity into the ground. The ceramic is formed into in locking disks and held together by the cloth. This works in theory and to some extent in practice. With the power being ever increased in the staff weapons the armor can help prevent several hits depending on the condition of the armor. The metal leads are exposed on the outside of the armor and then incased in the ceramic disks linking it all the way to bottom of the soldiers' feet where it is absorbed by the ground.
Though this armor is completely ineffective against other firearms the Egyptian Soldiers wear the armor like a second skin and are rarely seen without it. It has been reported by some soldiers that occasionally the armor has held out against a projectile round and explosions.
For the concept of this game the units will be -
Battle Pyramid - One may be possible at a later stage but only as a landed command center with possible mobile capabilities.
Dhow Frigate - A common vessel with decent weapons power and speed. It also carries a few Falcons that it uses to improve its combat abilities.
Dhow Destroyer - Larger that the Frigate model with larger weapons and air-to-ground attack capabilities. Carries same number of Falcons and is considered a dangerous ship.
Dhow Cruiser - Armed with large Electric Cannons and Bombardment weapons the cruiser variant is a capable warship challenging larger vessels and more often winning. Armed with a decent squadron of Falcons and a couple groups of commandos and Dragon Fly's the arsenal that the Cruiser carries is impressive.
Flying Pyramid - Trying to make the technology of artificial propulsion work for them the Flying Pyramid is the latest in technology. Bulky it is well armed and carries at least two squadrons of Falcons. Since it is still being tried it is uncommon on the battle field at the beginning of the game.
Ground Units -
Staff Trooper - The most common soldier of the Egyptians. Armed with his staff weapon and electric grenades the staff trooper is a mainstay of the Egyptian Army.
Light Electric Cannon Team - The LECT is the heavy weapons team of the infantry. Armed with a cannon that can shoot large explosive bursts the LECT team provides cover for fellow infantry in an advance or withdrawal.
Commandos - Armed with Staff weapons and grenades as well as explosives the Commandos drop into combat behind the enemy lines. Wearing a short duration set of wings that operate like that of the ornithopter the commandos are able to move into prime positions and attack enemy structures or units. This unit is also able to carry bombs or mines.
Scouts - Scouts wear lighter armor if any at all. They move quickly and in small two - three man units. Used to help assist artillery fire on enemy positions scouts are practically invisible to the enemy as long as they don't fire or aren't stepped on. They tend to carry Electric pistols versus that of the staff weapon. A few scouts will carry a long staff weapon designed to give increased range. They use this to snipe high ranking enemies at the risk of revealing themselves.
Officer - An officer can be an individual or assigned to a squad of soldier. The officer carries a pistol instead of a rifle as well as a traditional scimitar. He boosts the morale of the troopers and tries to keep them from running.
Medic - Assignable to squads a medic helps fix up a unit after it has been in combat.
There are a few other types of units considered but I haven't actually fleshed them out well enough. Any feedback will be appreciated. I have been working on in my spare time but with the move and no internet plus packing up my entire computer but my laptop it's been rough.
Nick (Veleck)
#4
Good work btw!
11/23/2007 (11:31 am)
Good to see you back around Nicholas, I see you didnt abandon your game at all ;)Good work btw!
#5
One thing that I am finding is that the code is a little daunting and I need to find a good place to start working before I move to much farther ahead. I know the basics of coding but I need to start building something from scratch and get to know how everything works. So much to catch up on and so little time. I am looking to get some concept art done and I have the basic British infantry and sergeant models created and animated (pics to come later). This whole moving thing is being a pain in the ass and I can't wait till I am not only in my house but I have my office setup. Finally going to have a room I dedicate to working on projects so that I can leave it and spend time with the family.
I also liked James barracks and I am trying to get him to do some modelling for me. I loved his engineer concept and model.
Part two of my intro to the histories and units will focus on the British the second antagonist of this story. Part three will focus on the Clockwork Army.
For those of you interested in knowing more on the play action side of the game it is going to be a RTS company of heroes style (though I came up with the ideas on how it would work before ever seeing the game they have many of the concepts inplace that I want to implement) / Warhammer 40k Expansion II I am forgetting its name. Mostly what I am featuring there is the fact that you are going to have the overworld where you pick your missions. Something like how it was in Ceasars II from Sierra back in the day.
Nick
11/24/2007 (2:20 pm)
No I haven't abandoned it. I have gotten somewhat fustrated and have been sidetracked by working on my other project Poly Beetle. That is something I am excited to start bringing up in conversation and will have a post about it later down the road.One thing that I am finding is that the code is a little daunting and I need to find a good place to start working before I move to much farther ahead. I know the basics of coding but I need to start building something from scratch and get to know how everything works. So much to catch up on and so little time. I am looking to get some concept art done and I have the basic British infantry and sergeant models created and animated (pics to come later). This whole moving thing is being a pain in the ass and I can't wait till I am not only in my house but I have my office setup. Finally going to have a room I dedicate to working on projects so that I can leave it and spend time with the family.
I also liked James barracks and I am trying to get him to do some modelling for me. I loved his engineer concept and model.
Part two of my intro to the histories and units will focus on the British the second antagonist of this story. Part three will focus on the Clockwork Army.
For those of you interested in knowing more on the play action side of the game it is going to be a RTS company of heroes style (though I came up with the ideas on how it would work before ever seeing the game they have many of the concepts inplace that I want to implement) / Warhammer 40k Expansion II I am forgetting its name. Mostly what I am featuring there is the fact that you are going to have the overworld where you pick your missions. Something like how it was in Ceasars II from Sierra back in the day.
Nick
#6
11/24/2007 (3:05 pm)
Nick, your project seems to have modern approach concepts, in fact some of them are really near to my own ideas. Really happy to see the energy and effort you are puting to your game. Hope to see you here for a long time :) 
Torque 3D Owner Novack
CyberianSoftware
Congrats for your initiative, and as it is said on the artistic scene, *Merde*! :)
Edit: all are good, but some of the screenshots looks fantastic.