Unit Preview and Poll: Byzantine Cataphract

[utahjazz7]

Well, Xen and I have been communicating with each other about this unit for the last week or so. Now, we need your input. We want to know which helmet is favored by the CivFanatics community. I personally find the original helmet--in the picture on the left--the the best look and also the most unique. However, Xen suggested posting a poll. So, here it is . . . make your voice heard today!

Also, feel free to list any minor alterations that you would like to see be taken into concideration; however, no major changes will be concidered. Also, please don't post pictures of what you believe a Byzantine Cataphract to look like. Xen has provided me with examples already.


Xen and I reserve the right to make a final judgement.

 

[MarineCorps]

I like the left one. I take it that Xen has provided you with a lot of examples. I must say this one looks a lot better then the other Cat unit. BTW why ask us our opion if you two mke the final judgement? Also where are the gold circle on the cloth thing?

 

[Xen]

my persoanal opinion is that while cool, the more traditional Roman crest might be best, as the far left suffers from a bit of a "pointy helm" problem, though its no biggie- it would also have this unit represent a transition of srmour design from Roman to Byzantine, as this type of hel was in heavey use by both for extended periods of time...

but in this case, we're ALL winners here, and I would liek to give a big thanks to utahjazz7 for doing the fine work he has on this magnificent, and shall i say, ever-glorious unit

 

[Xen]

Originally posted by MarineCorps
I like the left one. I take it that Xen has provided you with a lot of examples. I must say this one looks a lot better then the other Cat unit. BTW why ask us our opion if you two mke the final judgement? Also where are the gold circle on the cloth thing?

because its such a hard chice- they ALL look uber cool!

as for the circles, it looked a bit "puffy' in the white cloth, and cicrles were going to prove to much trouble for what they were worth, so it was opted that instead of the cloth, and gold coverd circle armour, wed go with the realistically tougher, and more accurate for the more "common" officers (it seems to me that civ units represent the commanding officers) that material, is a chain mail, or scale mail over coat for horse- better protection, and far easyer to make

 

[Kryten]

Oooo....yes, Yes, YES!

If I was forced to choose (and it is hard), then I'd say maybe the middle version, as it could cover a much wider time period, while the left hand one looks about 10th centuryish (with a Turkish/Saracen type helm).
But they all look good.
(Anyway....changing the head is not hard for a cut-'n-paster.... )

 

[Patroklos]

I'd say the far right, as I think it important for thise who don't realize the Byzantine Empire is the Roman Empire, under new managment, to make the connection. They all look great. I would say that in any period mod I would use all three, each an upgrade to the next. I know you must have such a mod in the works somewhere Xen. Would let you live the glory of your adopted homeland

 

[Xen]

It all depends on is utah was willing to animate them all - though in any event i hope he keeps all three versions for safe keeping

 

[Antiochus VII]

I think either the left or center is fine, I voted left (traditional late Byzantine) but would prefer the center to the right. The unit looks really good though.

Question though - was the full horse armour (rather than just the front perhaps) typical of any particular periods or all, I know it was early Byzantine/late Roman but I've seldom noticed it in the later periods. I'd probably choose the fuller crest if this is more specifically an early (284-600 say) period unit.

But at any rate, now we'll need Byzantine infantry to go with this great unit!

 

[Xen]

Originally posted by Antiochus VII
I think either the left or center is fine, I voted left (traditional late Byzantine) but would prefer the center to the right. The unit looks really good though.

Question though - was the full horse armour (rather than just the front perhaps) typical of any particular periods or all, I know it was early Byzantine/late Roman but I've seldom noticed it in the later periods. I'd probably choose the fuller crest if this is more specifically an early (284-600 say) period unit.

But at any rate, now we'll need Byzantine infantry to go with this great unit!

well, you see, we used several pics in a composite to get the looks of the unit down, but more or less, this is a late roman-Mid Byzantine cataphract through, and through...which is one of the reasons i like the middle crest, aside from asthetics...

 

[Yoda Power]

The left is defiently best IMHO. Good work Utah

 

[PCHighway]

I voted for the one farthest to the right. I think it has more of a Greek\Roman feel, and as Kryten said, transcends the borders of the later, downfall of the Byzantine Empire. Hell it would even transcends the borders of the Byzantine empire, effectively fitting any Greek\Roman classical cavalry. Also, seeing as Kinboat’s Cataphract looks more late-empire, I think a more Greek look would be more desired and unique.

 

[BeBro]

I vote for the left one too

 

[Xen]

actually Kinboats cataphract is NOT a Byzantine cataphract at all- hence the need for a new cataphract,one based on the ancient Byzantine model, to take its place...

 

[LouLong]

Left one.

 

[BeBro]

What kind of cataphract is Kinboat´s?

 

[LouLong]

Originally posted by BeBro
What kind of cataphract is Kinboat´s?

It would be more the Persian Sassanids' type.

 

[Goggles]

long time lurker- first time poster

this is a cool unit, I like it alot, and I personally like the middle, and right ones best...they have a more western, "civilized" feel to them... and they look neat

 

[Xen]

interesting resultes so far- a majority for the pony tail crest, but the history buffs are taking the classic Centurion officer crest...

EDIT- welcome Goggles

 

[MarineCorps]

English please Xen, Me not understand which you talk about.

 

[aaglo]

Good work there, UJ7.

I'd choose the one in the left.