Rise of Three Kingdoms mod

Greetings once again, everyone.

When the previous v6.3 Update was released, it was done so without an installer and, typically, new updates are combined with prior ones so as to limit the number of downloads and installations for everyone. However, without an installer, and therefore using a .zip instead, the memory size of any combined patches would have been an issue. But, we no longer need to worry about that now, as Gigantus has created an installer that combines the content of versions 6.2 and 6.3, as well as new content, to give us the new version 6.4. This new content was, at first, meant to serve as a hotfix to a minor issue with some buildings in v6.3. However, new content was introduced and, in conjunction with the combining of v6.2 and v6.3 into a single installer, it was decided to push this out as a full-blown patch/update as opposed to a hotfix.

So what is new in this v6.4 Update? The user daepa pointed out something that I had entirely overlooked when the non-Han factions were finally turned into separate cultures: there was no change in their belief system. While a relatively minor change, it definitely adds flavor to the respective factions, in addition to better representing the peoples who are typically ignored or glossed over when it comes to the Three Kingdoms era of China. As an example, the belief system of Goguryeo is now known as Musok, and has it's own text, icons, and influence on the greater strategic gameplay of the mod (particularly in northern China and Korea). Musok is a sort of belief system that combines local folklore (revolving around deities and ancestral spirits) and a unique type of shamanism. Musok was one of the local beliefs that vied with Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism for supremacy amongst the populace on the Korean peninsula. It was definitely interesting reading into this type of stuff for the non-Han factions and adding such into the mod for them. Below is a screenshot of the settlement of Gungnae, capital of Goguryeo, and the new influence and icons for their Musok belief (bottom left).

Another aspect of the mod that was overhauled, in essence to enhance flavor, was the complete rework of the Nanman name list. Previously the Nanman used a mix of different names, much like the Shanyue, however the way they often took names was relatively unique to them at the time. While there are quite a few examples of given names being doubled characters amongst the Han Chinese during the Three Kingdoms era, unlike today it was not exceedingly common. However, it was far more common amongst the Nanman and Hundred Yue people in general. As such, the names of the Nanman faction have been entirely reworked with mostly doubled character given names and a mix of singular and doubled character family names. Below you can see a few examples of the new names for the Nanman.

While you can read the changelog for this update in the file download, to have a full view of all of the changes, a majority of the things done were more so cleaning up and fixing existing issues. For example, in the previous v6.3 Update, I had made a mistake on a handful of 'Historic City' buildings, which allowed them to be constructed in multiple locations as opposed to just simply existing in the settlement they are supposed to be unique to. Also, each faction has a rebel version of general and captain models on the campaign map, and for many factions (mostly the non-Han ones) there was no color variation between the two. So outside of the banner they carried, it was impossible to tell them apart. So that was fixed and all of the rebel models now have their colors vastly different (mostly a light grey scheme) so as to be differentiated from faction character models and more easily identifiable. One of the last things was the adding of a couple more Unaligned characters in the 194 campaign, specifically in the western Shu region, as it was decisively lacking in Unaligned characters to add to your faction (whether starting your campaign there or invading into it). While not as popular as other characters from this region, Leng Bao and Wang Lian were both mentioned in the histories and played a role in the struggle between Liu Zhang and Liu Bei when the latter invaded Shu. Wang Lian, in particular, was a very valuable member of Liu Bei's administration, but died at a relatively young age. Below you can see screenshots of these new characters, as well as their in-game biographies.

The Version 6.4 (Guangxi) Update can be downloaded here and has instructions on how to properly install the patch (point installer at Medieval II Total War folder).

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must have the Rise of Three Kingdoms v6.0 Full Release installed prior to installing this update. This update is NOT save-game compatible (will break saves).

Happy gaming!