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CrackdToothGrin

Mercenary Face Builder
36 Badges
Mar 18, 2007
2.547
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crackdtoothgrin.designbinder.com
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Crackdtoothgrin's Graphical Goodies for CKII
Releases and downloads in second post!!!

Steppe Faces
Version(s):
Steppe Faces v1.5 (Released 12/27/2013) | CKII v2.03 Compatible (SoI/LoR/Republic/SoA Compatible)

Description (Steppe Faces v1.5):
This mod replaces the standard graphics set for the Cumans, Pechenegs, and Turks. It also gives them proper COAs representing the appropriate tamgas for the Cumans and Pechenegs. It also expands the Cuman culture set with more and more accurate names. Version 1.5 is for 2.03.

Historicity:
The goal is to introduce historical accuracy and variety into the portrait system, accuracy into the COAs and period-appropriate naming conventions for various cultures.

Features:
Adds hand-created portrait sets for various cultures, and corrects COAs, and adds correct names and naming conventions.

Screenshots:

Combined Cuman clothing, headgear, hair, beard, and facial sets


Turkish Male Composite

Additional Information:
Version 1.5 Released 12/27/2013!!!

Better Klobuk
Version(s):
Better Klobuk v1.1 (Released 11/21/13) | CKII v2.01 Compatible (SoI/LoR/Republic/SI/TOG/SoA Compatible)

Description (Better Klobuk v1.1):
This replaces the default Patriarchal headgear for Orthodox religious characters with a Klobuk. It replaces the "Halloween Costume" Pagan Hood with one from the Default Western set. It has the new Rabbi headgear from Sons of Abraham.

Historicity:
Stated goal is to replace the anachronistic headgear with a period-appropriate Klobuk, themed around a Greek-centered interpretation. Software limitations prevent me from much more specificity. I also removed the goofy skull-hood with a plain hood.

Features:
Adds a Klobuk for Orthodox characters. Replaces the Pagan hood with a plain black hood.

Additional Information:
Version 1.1 Released 11/21/2013.

Comments, questions, concerns are appreciated. :D

As a side-note: I do not mind integration of my material into existing mods, on the condition that I am attributed as the creator. Plus, as favor (if you use something), let me know if there is a problem with any of the content. I was finding it unsettling to see people crediting others for my work, or complaining about mistakes or errors in threads I did not track. Makes it difficult to modify your work if you aren't updated to any problems with the materials. It's also nice to know when people like and want to use your stuff. Regards, -Crackd.
 
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List of Current Releases:

Steppe Faces v1.5

Description:

This particular mod is in Version 1.5 at the moment. It essentially adds a custom portrait set for the Cumans, Pechenegs, and Seljuk Turks in-game to increase the flavor and historical accuracy. Also included are correct COAs based on Tamghas and extant illustrations of flags. This version is compatible with 2.03, including all released Paradox face packs, LoR, The Republic, SoI, and SoA.​

Versions:

This release comes in two packages: Package 1 has the full Cuman face mask. They went into battle wearing full metal Vaegir masks (Like Baldwin in 'Kingdom of Heaven'). Package 2 has a flipped-up visor so that the face can be seen. In both cases, the female has a modified headgear set without the visor. The Pechenegs, in both sets, have spangenhelm helmets with attached coif. The Turks have the heavy Ghulam-style helmet with a painted pattern. Both of these are contained within the same .rar file. Included is a PB Compatch to replace his altaic.txt file if you are using PB. The Cuman culture has been expanded to include proper naming conventions and increase the number of names in both the mod and the compatch.


Installation:

Simply extract into the mod directory for your CK2 installation in Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II/Mod. Features can easily be deleted from the mod if they are not desired (Like the flags).


Methodology:

I accessed many, many, many books and records and forums in regards to the Cumans/Kipchaks and Pechenegs in order to make them more accurate. I can provide references and citations upon request. In particular, this is aimed at the western turkic branches of peoples in the Ukrainian steppe and north of the Caucasus. In particular, I utilized a Russian specialist in period dress, various historical artworks, museum exhibits, the Codex Cumanicus, and various Russian works. SCA guidelines for representing the Cumans/Pechenegs were also used. Over 1,000 images were used in the creation, from fan recreations to museum photographs, to interpretations of extant paintings and illustrations.​


For modders:

This mod creates a whole new portrait set, but also modifies the following files:


common/cultures/00_cultures.txt (added 'cumangfx' and 'pecheneggfx' and 'turkishgfx' to 'graphical_culture')
common/graphicalcultures/00_graphicalculturetype.txt (added 'cumangfx,' 'pecheneggfx,' and 'turkishgfx' to the list, all set to skin_tone = 2)
#interface/portrait_properties.txt (added additional slots for hair/beards, and an entry for the Tengri shaman headgear, and two ducal sets since higher tiers are often not utilized, not currently used, as vanilla is appropriate)
portraits.gfx is still vanilla. In their places, portraits_cuman.gfx, portraits_pecheneg.gfx, and portraits_turkish.gfx are added.
More flags are added for the Cumans and Pechenegs (including the merc bands)
Added and fleshed-out the Cuman culture file.​


Requests for integration must be handled via PM. As a rule, I won't allow integration into other mods without a request. If you would like to collaborate on said integration and such, let me know!!! This is done so that I have feedback in my own thread (as others using my work were posting problems in other threads, much to my dismay). If you have any questions, please ask!​


Extras:

I used to have some localization changes from the Codex Cumanicus, but lack of time, and textual/time period inconsistencies led me to remove it. If you would like to collaborate, I have a pretty hefty research library/database.​


Known Problems:

No known problems currently.​


Better Klobuk v1.1

Description:

This particular mod is in Version 1.1 at the moment. It replaces the default Orthodox religious clothing and headgear with period-appropriate, Greek-themed Klobuk and vestments. It removes the goofy anachronistic skull-hood for Pagan religious characters.​

Versions:

This release comes in one package, which replaces all religious headgear and clothing.


Installation:

Simply extract into the mod directory for your CK2 installation. Features can easily be deleted from the mod if they are not desired.


Methodology:

Historicity being the goal, I found extant examples of Klobuks and conferred with Period costuming guides. Even though Orthodox clergy did not use liturgical head coverings until the 16th Century, I included the epanokalimavkion klobuk due to popular request. If you want complete accuracy, simply "black out" the alpha channel in your preferred image editing software on the third frame.



For modders:

This mod replaces the religious clothing and headgear. It affects all religious gear located inside gfx/characters. It does not touch any savefiles.​


Extras:

None for this release.​


Known Problems:

No known problems currently.​



The Files:

Better Klobuk v1.1:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/aekgxk81goud95d/Better_Klobuk.rar

Steppe Faces v1.5 (Both packages): (This is the current version for 2.03, including PB Compatch for Project Balance)
http://www.mediafire.com/download/91fzdewolcg3l9z/Steppe Faces v1.5.rar

Steppe Hordes by Marcion (For 2.01?)
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=95547&d=1385343427
Features:
I don't know if this is the right place for this, but I was inspired to make a very simple mod that changes the event troops of the nomad nations in the ToG start to better reflect their actual makeup. Horse archers, light cavalry, light infantry etc. instead of generic heavy infantry stacks. Eventually, if possible, I want to change the makeup of levies in Eurasian steppe provinces in the same way, but this is my first foray into modding CK2 so I'm keeping it simple.

Other features include:

-The create Hungary decision is significantly nerfed. This will probably happen in an official patch sooner or later, but I figured I'd fix it anyway while I'm at it.

-Women can now lead armies and have any council position in Tengrii pagan realms (instead of just spymaster).

Note that this does not depend on any other mods.

Prior Versions:
Steppe Faces v1.4 (Both packages): (This is the current version for 2.01, including PB Compatch for Project Balance)
http://www.mediafire.com/download/a8v3wjd6s8qgi6s/Steppe Faces v1.4.rar

Steppe Faces v1.31 (Both packages): (This is the version for 1.092)
http://www.mediafire.com/?do9ddtkqk27z17c

Steppe Faces v1.3 (Both packages): (This is the version for 1.07b)
http://www.mediafire.com/?eoj937dwjkw1tjv

Steppe Faces v1.2 (Both packages): (This is the version for 1.06)
http://www.mediafire.com/?mz50bpc42b4obxu

Compatibility Fix for using with ProjectBalance (For v1.2 only, for now):
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?djjpbh4z37zb143

Steppe Faces v1.1 (Both Packages): (This is the 1.06 compatible version without the Turks)
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?066tz1zqz7fcc34

For people rolling back to 1.05-

Steppe Faces v1.1 Package 1: (The full visor)
http://www.mediafire.com/?31rc5jebwz475ga

Steppe Faces v1.0 Package 1: (The open visor)
 
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Woah, the clothes and headgear are amazing. :D I've always loved helms with face-masks to boot. :D I guess, it's going to have to use an in command line though, given you don't want to hide the face all the time hehehe.
 
Use a version of that guy with the mask/helmet for Baldwin the Leper. Make him look like he does in Kingdom of Heaven -- I know the mask was invented for the movie but he'd look so cool. :D
 
They have incredibly small eyes. Too small, in my opinion. But hey, looks awesome still. :p

The eye size is deliberate. Epicanthic folds and pronounced zygoma tend to obscure the outer eye. The ocular definition becomes more apparent with age. I probably spent twenty hours on those alone, including the research. Still, thanks for the compliment!

Actually, same for everyone else! I'm trying to finish them up quickly. My wife tires of me hogging the computer. :p
 
They look amazing and I can't wait to test them. Which culture do you have planned next? (Hint: Saxon)

Honestly, probably modifying them slightly to at least allow the clothing sets to be used by Bolgars, Mordvins, and Russians. There was a lot of overlap, there. In fact, much of what I have could easily be used with the Pechenegs, as well. Or, even the Turks with a few changes. The deeper I get into this, the more diversity one finds. Fortunately, I have a Russian friend who went to school for history, including clothing styles, etc. She has helped me immensely.

Realistically, however, I will probably create African portrait sets.
 
Hey, as this seems to be something of a speciality of yours how do you fancy helping me split Russian culture into Rus' and Ruthenian? At the moment there's no real representation for anyone east of Poland and west of Khazaria and 'Russian' shouldn't really exist during this period.

If you're into designing Mordvin, Cuman, Bolgar and Pecheneg DNA sets then I think this would be ideal. I could try and compile a suitable list of names for Rus' and Ruthenian cultures, though I'd need plenty of help.
 
Hey, as this seems to be something of a speciality of yours how do you fancy helping me split Russian culture into Rus' and Ruthenian? At the moment there's no real representation for anyone east of Poland and west of Khazaria and 'Russian' shouldn't really exist during this period.

If you're into designing Mordvin, Cuman, Bolgar and Pecheneg DNA sets then I think this would be ideal. I could try and compile a suitable list of names for Rus' and Ruthenian cultures, though I'd need plenty of help.

Immediate short-term goals include making a beta version of the Cuman portrait sets. I haven't even started on the female portion. I mention that this is time-consuming, and I mean it, haha. So far, I've compiled around six or seven hundred images, and many texts regarding the area. I'll probably also pose some questions to some of my favorite subreddits and get input there.

Next is to change the localisation and culture files to properly represent the Cumans historically. Those will be modular (apart from the portraits). The goal is to allow someone to drag-and-drop this into their game for graphical 'spice,' or to include a more comprehensive version that replaces "Cuman" with "Kipchak" and changes the kingdom name to "Kipchak Khanate" or "Desht-i-Kipchak." Since the ethnic backgrounds of many people in the area are partially Altaic/Turkic, I could easily create new hat/clothing sets for virtually everyone north of the Persia-Anatolia axis and east of Rus proper. The clothing/hair sets are less time-consuming, usually taking about 15-20 hours to do (when I have time). The faces, on the other hand, are a whole 'nother ballgame.

Long rant aside, I would love to help you. It's just going to be a little while before I get to that stage. :D
 
Amazing work, CrackdTooth - well done!

Are you having them age as well? Or is it a fix set throughtout their adult lives?

In any case, love the clothing sets (and the face mask is a must!:)) and hope you keep at it - I know it takes a lot of time and patience, but the end-result (at least from the preview) shows it's worth it.
 
Amazing work, CrackdTooth - well done!

Are you having them age as well? Or is it a fix set throughtout their adult lives?

In any case, love the clothing sets (and the face mask is a must!:)) and hope you keep at it - I know it takes a lot of time and patience, but the end-result (at least from the preview) shows it's worth it.

Thanks! Yes, they do age. That, honestly, was one of the hardest parts to pull off. For the Cumans, at least, they get darker as they get older. Thick smile lines from squinting over sunny plains.
 
Also, for the time-being, please limit the number of requests for specific cultures until the first release.

Well, I'd love to see a Byzantine set as awesome as this one. Their clothing styles were pretty unique. Would be nice to see them looking more Mediterranean/Greek too. But I'm sure that'd take quite a bit of time... for now, I'd be happy if the emperor/empress had proper Byzantine crowns instead of using Catholic ones. :p Should be a simple request. :D