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Play By Email Multiplayer/Hot Seat Campaign
There is a lot of text in this entry, but I strongly recommend you take the time to read it. It will explain a lot of things and avoid confusion.
"PBeM: Play by mail games are games, of any type, played through postal mail or e-mail. One example, chess, has been played by mail for centuries (when played in this way, it is known as correspondence chess)."
"Hotseat or hot seat is a multiplayer mode provided by some computer games and video games (usually turn-based games), which allows two or more players to play on the same computer using the same single set of input devices (e.g. mouse and keyboard), by taking turns using the input devices."
- Wikipedia
Download the Multiplayer Campaign Script Generator (V2.0)
What does it do?
This is a multiplayer campaign mod.
i.e. playing a campaign map game against players either on the same computer (taking it in turns, known as Hot Seat) or across the internet (known as Play by Email, PBeM).
This mod does not include playing battles across the internet, it is a campaign map game only. All battles between players are autoresolved
How does it work?
By using RTW's internal scripting language - the same thing that controls the prologue. For more information on scripting, read the two excellent guides in the scriptorium: A Beginner's and an Intermediate Guide to Scripting.
It works by changing which faction the computer believes is the 'local' faction, switching the players control between the factions, so that players can take in turns to play a faction each.
How big is it?
Approx. 196 kb
Mod compatibility
This script can be used in combination with almost all other mods and any version of RTW. The only exceptions to this are mods with complicated scripts. In this situation it is still possible to use this script, but it is more complicated to implement.
Install instructions
Unfortunately this doesn't come with a nice easy installer, as its not really fully finished/tested. Here are the instructions on how to make it work. I hope they are clear enough:
Run the script generator and follow the instructions to generate the script.
Place the script in Rome - Total War\data\scripts\show_me (NB for PBE multiplayer games this should be done on all the PC's)
This script must be activated whenever you load the game to play your turn. This is done through the advisor. Here are some basic instructions on how to make this happen:
Open Rome - Total War\data\export_descr_advice.txt
Find this entry:
Code:
;------------------------------------------
AdviceThread Help_Campaign_Keyboard_Shortcuts_Scroll_Thread
GameArea Campaign
Item Help_Campaign_Keyboard_Shortcuts_Scroll_Text_01
Uninhibitable
Verbosity 0
Threshold 1
Attitude Normal
Presentation Default
Title Help_Campaign_Keyboard_Shortcuts_Scroll_Text_01_Title
Text Help_Campaign_Keyboard_Shortcuts_Scroll_Text_01_Text1
Edit it by adding the line written in bold and in red:
Code:
;------------------------------------------
AdviceThread Help_Campaign_Keyboard_Shortcuts_Scroll_Thread
GameArea Campaign
Item Help_Campaign_Keyboard_Shortcuts_Scroll_Text_01
Uninhibitable
Verbosity 0
Threshold 1
Attitude Normal
Presentation Default
Title Help_Campaign_Keyboard_Shortcuts_Scroll_Text_01_Title
Script scripts\show_me\HotSeatScript.txt
Text Help_Campaign_Keyboard_Shortcuts_Scroll_Text_01_Text1
Remember, this must be done on each players computer
Usage instructions
To start the game
The first player must start a normal campaign. On starting the campaign, you must run the script.
Playing your turn
To start your turn, load the quicksave file sent to you by the last player.
Each player must run the script at the start of every turn.
To do this:- Press F1
- The shortcuts scroll will appear
- Press the (?) button in the top right hand corner of the scroll which appears
- The Advisor will appear giving you advice on the scroll, ignore this, and press the Show me how button.
The script will then be running, you can close the advisor and the scroll.
Play your turn as you like. I advise you to make it a rule to auto-resolve all battles as playing them will give you an unfair advantage over the opponent, who will be controlled by the AI.
End your turn as you normally would.
At the end of your turn, your screen will lock, the UI will be hidden and a message will appear saying "save successful".
1. If you are playing Hot Seat (several players on one computer)- Press CTRL + L
- The next player should wait for the game to load, then start his/her turn by running the script...
1. If you are playing Play by Email Multiplayer- Quit the game and send the Quicksave.sav file found in C:\Program Files\Activision\Rome - Total War\saves to the next player
- The next player should load this file and start his/her turn by running the script...
- Press escape so that the campaign menu appears.
- Press the question mark (?) button in the top right hand corner of the menu. The advisor will appear.
- Press the Show me how button on the advisor.
NB This must be done every time you load the game
Comments
Potential Problems
The script included here is fully functional and will allow you to play MP. However, there are a couple of uncertain points. This mod was never fully completed and there hasn't been any testing on certain aspects of the game. Therefore, watch out for these areas when playing, and if you find some odd behavior, please report it back here.
1. Messages and Annoucements
Usually at the start of your turn, a series of messages and announcements will slide down the left hand side of the screen (announcing births, plagues etc).
Unfortunately because of the way this script works, this has been disabled.
The effect of this on gameplay: If a general dies, it won't be announced. Check your generals and govenors.
2. Local player decisions: Diplomacy, Stand/Retreat, etc
The way this script works is it changes which faction the game thinks the user controls. When it arrives (in the turn order) at the start of the next players turn it switches control.
However, not all the decisions you make in game are made during your turn. For example, if an AI faction attacks you, you usually must decide to fight or flee. If the AI attacks player 1's army, but the computer still thinks you are player 2 (i.e. after player 2's turn), the AI will make the decision to stand or fight on behalf of player 1. Similarly with diplomacy. The AI may accept or refuse an alliance on your behalf.
Remember, this won't always happen. If the AI faction has its turn directly after yours for example, you will still be the official local faction and will be allowed to choose yourself.
The effect of this on gameplay: Always check your diplomacy at the start of your turn. Always check your armies at the start of your turn.
3. Senate Missions
Test seem to indicate that no senate missions are offered after the first senate mission offered to any of the roman players.
House Rules and Gameplay Notes:
There are no prescribed house rules, however here are some which you should consider:
- Battles against the AI: You may wish to make it a rule that all battles must be auto resoved, or that battles against the AI can be fought by the player. However, I strongly suggest that battles between players be autoresolved. Any other form of play is unfairly biased against the defender.
- "Unoffical" Alliances: Remember to consider the fact that a diplomacy between players is now unlimited. Secret deals can be made to attack one player, possibly in exchange for a city or a pile of gold. Remember though that backstabbing may earn you a reputation.
Final comments
I hope somebody finds this fun and I hope it runs smoothly.
I'd like to thank all those people who helped research the scripting language, and Jerome Grasdyke of CA for releasing the docudemon files and scripting notes.
If anyone want to expand and finish this mod, please contact me and I'll certainly say yes.
DOWNLOAD
Conditions of use
 Free use - You may alter and adapt this modification for other public modifications freely subject to the following conditions. It may not be used for any commercial purpose. The creator of the modification must be identified within the credits included in any release, and the creator should be contacted if possible before use.
Category
'Mini'/Feature mods
Small Downloads
-RTW v1.0-
-RTW v1.2-
-RTW v1.3-
-BI v1.4-
-RTW v1.5-
-BI v1.6-
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