Tutorial - Adding a unit to the game

[Lord_XXX]

Thanks for the tutorial its amazing, and after of study tutorials about mesh files and ms3d, did mi first units mod, cause i love gun powding weapons, thanks the tutorials did this, maybe you tell "nah, that is easy to do", but im newbie in mesh files, so see the images and tell me after, sorry for my bad english

Gunner Aztec Generals, Aztec generals using arquebusier
gunner coyote priests, coyote priests using musket
gun gothic knights, using arquebus

next post upload images cause my first post cant post urls

Thanks to
Musashi (For doing this excellent tutorial)
KnightErrant (For the formatted modeldb thanks alot)
GrumpyOldMan
zxiang1983

[Lord_XXX]

Thanks for the tutorial its amazing, and after of study tutorials about mesh files and ms3d, did mi first units mod, cause i love gun powding weapons, thanks the tutorials did this, maybe you tell "nah, that is easy to do", but im newbie in mesh files, so see the images and tell me after, sorry for my bad english

Gunner Aztec Generals, Aztec generals using arquebusier
gunner coyote priests, coyote priests using musket
gun gothic knights, using arquebus

next post upload images cause my first post cant post urls

Thanks to
Musashi (For doing this excellent tutorial)
KnightErrant (For the formatted modeldb thanks alot)
GrumpyOldMan
zxiang1983

The images are here

Gunner aztec generals


gunner coyote priests


gun gothic knights

[Hesford]

Nive work, but where is everyone? I would be really grateful for someone to help me out here.

[noas]

for ctd problem you must change battle_models.modeldb file.when you open it with notepad original file start like this:
22 serialization::archive 3 0 0 0 0 701 0 0 10
if you add a new model you change it like this (701+how many model you have added):
22 serialization::archive 3 0 0 0 0 702 0 0 10
if you add a new unit with two models(normal+ug1 model) you must change it like this:
22 serialization::archive 3 0 0 0 0 703 0 0 10

[Lord_XXX]

Note: in the gunner coyote priests i forgot delete the shield lol , rebuilding again the model without shield next, maybe aztec cavalry or sultan's guard (egypt long spears) xD, i want to know how edit the dds files in photoshop xD, and edit textures

[KnightErrant]

@hesford
Apologies, been really tied up with mesh conversion stuff. Just got
all the skeletons for siege engines rigged and released so I can look
at modeldb stuff again. Kind of lost the thread here, what is the problem
your're having?

[Hesford]

Thanks KnightErrant, but I've found a work around for the problem I was having. An FAQ problems thread would be good for this tutorial, saying things that might be wrong for specific problems.

[KnightErrant]

@hesford
Ah, excellent. Your suggestion is a very good one, but I haven't added
enough units in to do it. But if someone has run into these problems and
could write a FAQ with suggestions on how to resolve them it would be
very useful to point people to rather than have to answer them each time.
I think it would be something like this:

(1) black screen on loading - syntax problem in modeldb file, recheck your
character counts for each entry. Make sure you've updated the faction
count number in both places, body textures and attachment sets.

(2) loads and gets to splash screen but then dies - something wrong in EDU
or EDB. Check entries in both against what you have in modeldb. Also make
sure you've updated the model count on the first line of the modeldb file.

(3) invisible units - I never got this one but other people have. Please
someone post what their solutions were.

(4) silver guys - probably a texture problem but I never got this. Again can
someone who resolved this one post some suggestions for where to start.

These seem to be the common problems people run into.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Hi KE

My turn to stalk you now

@hesford

(3) invisible units - I never got this one but other people have. Please
someone post what their solutions were.

If people have been working with Milkshape files, this can happen especially if you are working with a file saved under an old version of Milkshape or a plugin that saves in the old format of Milkshape. If this is the case open the file in Milkshape, go to Menu/Vertex/Sims2 Unimesh Show Bone Assignment 2 (or 3 or 4) v.407. This forces the vertex weighting into play. Resave the file, reconvert and this should take care of the Regiment of Invisible Men if this was the problem. I learned this when I was mucking around with the CAS to MS3D converter - Took me ages and many wrong turns to work it out.

Cheers

GrumpyOldMan

[Hesford]

Glad you liked my idea. I could start one up in the tutorials section and then monitor this thread and update the FAQ when need be if you like.

[lordyu]

does anyone know how I can replace weapons on unit.
ex. replacing byz infantrys sword with a spear?

[Hesford]

I don't think you can replace weapons.

[KnightErrant]

@hesford
I think that would be a great idea. Include GrumpyOldMan's
solution as well because more people are going to be doing mesh
conversions now and may run into it.

@lordyu
Switching weapons requires GrumpyOldMan's mesh conversion and
merge tool. The weapons are part of the mesh. This is a very long
wiki thread here:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=79414

but in the later pages after the tool was released, you'll see a lot
of examples of people doing what you want. There's a tutorial
that zxiang1983 wrote:

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downl...p?do=cat&id=28

It's the file mesh to ms3d Basic_tutorial.doc

[lordyu]

if you can change the weapons can yo change the shield.
Like changing byzantine spearmen shield with the lances shield

[KnightErrant]

@lordyu
Yes, the shields are also part of the mesh so you
can change them like you can the weapons. I didn't make
this clear before, but the converter targets Milkshape 3D
which is a 3D graphics program that allows you to edit converted
models. Not free, but only $25 which is amazing for what you
can do with it. Also you get a 30 day free trial to see if you like
it.

[Hesford]

Sorry, maybe you can change weapons.

Ok, I'll start a thread up now.

[boy87321]

hey i used both this tutorial and grumpyoldmans covertor tutorial and i did them both successfully. so now for fun i wanted to dismount templar knights and give them a sword. so i used the mesh convertor went through all the steps but when i start it up it just goes black. so i assume it is something wrong with modeldb file. here is what i have, so if someone gets the time can you just tell me what i did wrong, or if there is an easier way to dismount templar knights. i am new at this.
8 templars
1 4
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod0.mesh 121
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod1.mesh 900
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod2.mesh 2500
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod3.mesh 6400
2 12 papal_states
73 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/textures/EN_Lmail_Hmail_templar.texture 72 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/textures/EN_Lmail_Hmail_normal.texture
62 unit_sprites/papal_states_dismounted_feudal_knights_sprite.spr
2 12 papal_states
65 unit_models/AttachmentSets/final_heater_papal_states_diff.texture
65 unit_models/AttachmentSets/final_heater_papal_states_norm.texture
1 4 none 14 MTW2_Swordsman 0 2 18 MTW2_Sword_Primary
14 fs_test_shield 0 16 -0.090000004 0 0 -0.34999999 0.80000001 0.60000002

[KnightErrant]

@boy87321
It's the 2 in front of your 12 papal_states. That position
is for number of faction entries and you have only one
faction. Change it to 1 12 papal_states both for the body
textures and for the attachment set textures.
See if that does the trick.

Edit: There's a formatted modeldb file available here. It's
easier to edit.

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downl...o=file&id=1180

[boy87321]

no it's still just going all black on me. this is what i got, but still nothing.
8 templars
1 4
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod0.mesh 121
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod1.mesh 900
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod2.mesh 2500
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod3.mesh 6400
1 12 papal_states
73 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/textures/EN_Lmail_Hmail_templar.texture 72 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/textures/EN_Lmail_Hmail_normal.texture
62 unit_sprites/papal_states_dismounted_feudal_knights_sprite.spr
1 12 papal_states
65 unit_models/AttachmentSets/final_heater_papal_states_diff.texture
65 unit_models/AttachmentSets/final_heater_papal_states_norm.texture
1 4 none 14 MTW2_Swordsman 0 2 18 MTW2_Sword_Primary
14 fs_test_shield 0 16 -0.090000004 0 0 -0.34999999 0.80000001 0.60000002

i didn't use word wrap in the modeldb and i double checked and made sure there is a single space at the beginning and at the end, i just did it here so it's easier to see. i'm starting to wonder maybe it's because i used dismounted feudal knights sprites, i didn't want to use a knights templar because they are mounted. i also made a combo mesh between a knight templar and a feudal knight. but it can't be that because i did the same sort of thing in grumpyoldmans tutorial. so i don't know, maybe the textures?

[Hesford]

Just to tell everyone the solutions to FAQs thread is up for this tutorial, you can start looking at that to see if it has the answer to your question.

[KnightErrant]

@boy87321
I think I got it now, you're missing the "deadly zeros with double spaces".
Check one of the other vanilla entries in the modeldb. After the _norm.texture
file name in the attachmentsets entry you need a 0 followed by exactly
two spaces.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Hi

@boy87321 & KE

While I haven't got the depth of knowledge of KE I did spot this in boy87321's text entries:-

73 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/textures/EN_Lmail_Hmail_templar.texture 72

Shouldn't the highlighted number be at the start of the next line?

Cheers

GrumpyOldMan

[boy87321]

thanks knightserrant
It is seemed to of been the double spaces after the 0. but now when i go to custom battle select them and try to use the templars it will start the battle and load about quarter way then shut down. so it's gotta be my edu file?? i've checked it against my modeldb file, my eyes just arn't trained to know what i am looking for.
8 templars
1 4
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod0.mesh 121
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod1.mesh 900
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod2.mesh 2500
52 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/templars_lod3.mesh 6400
1 12 papal_states
73unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/textures/EN_Lmail_Hmail_templar.texture 72 unit_models/_Units/EN_Lmail_Hmail/textures/EN_Lmail_Hmail_normal.texture
45 unit_sprites/papal_states_templars_sprite.spr
1 12 papal_states
65 unit_models/AttachmentSets/final_heater_papal_states_diff.texture
65 unit_models/AttachmentSets/final_heater_papal_states_norm.texture
0 1 4 none 14 MTW2_Swordsman 0 2 18 MTW2_Sword_Primary 14 fs_test_shield 0 16 -0.090000004 0 0 -0.34999999 0.80000001 0.60000002

type Templars
dictionary Templars ; Templars
category infantry
class heavy
voice_type Heavy
banner faction main_infantry
banner holy crusade
soldier Templars, 48, 0, 1.2
attributes sea_faring, hide_forest, hardy, can_withdraw
formation 1.2, 1.2, 2.4, 2.4, 3, square,
stat_health 1, 0
stat_pri 13, 4, no, 0, 0, melee, melee_blade, piercing, sword, 25, 1
;stat_pri_ex 0, 0, 0
stat_pri_attr no
stat_sec 0, 0, no, 0, 0, no, melee_simple, blunt, none, 25, 1
;stat_sec_ex 0, 0, 0
stat_sec_attr no
stat_pri_armour 7, 8, 6, metal
;stat_armour_ex 7, 8, 0, 0, 8, 6, 6, metal
stat_sec_armour 0, 0, flesh
stat_heat 5
stat_ground 1, -2, 3, 2
stat_mental 11, impetuous, highly_trained
stat_charge_dist 30
stat_fire_delay 0
stat_food 60, 300
stat_cost 1, 570, 225, 90, 70, 570, 4, 140
armour_ug_levels 1
armour_ug_models Templars
ownership papal_states
era 1 papal_states
era 2 papal_states
;unit_info 13, 0, 21

is there something i missed?

[KnightErrant]

@GrumpyOldMan
I think this is an unformatted modeldb file so the 72 being at
the end is just from the softwrapping. The game doesn't care
about that but it sure doesn't like missing double spacesand the 0.

@boy87321
If you've got to the splash screen your modeldb file is ok so
you're right, it's the EDU. Case sensitivity is my guess, you've
got templars in the modeldb as the unit name but your EDU
has a dictionary entry of Templars. Try changing the modeldb
model name to Templars (only one entry to change).

If you've enabled logging, your log file should be complaining about
a missing database entry.

[jstavcr]

Excellent tutorial.I still have a problem though....
This is what I tried yo do:
I want to add a heavy spear unit to the byzantines.Meaning, spearmen with the body and shield and texture of the dismounted byzantine lancers.So I downloaded a mesh editor to give the lancers a spear instead of a sword.Did that, naming the new model gr_heavy_spearmen.And, this is how the battle_models file looks like:

17 gr_heavy_spearmen
1 4
66 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_lod0.mesh 121
66 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_lod1.mesh 900
66 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_lod2.mesh 2500
66 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_lod3.mesh 6400
1
9 byzantium
82 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/textures/mtw2_es_greek_byzantium_L.texture
79 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/textures/mtw2_es_greek_normal_L.texture
52 unit_sprites/byzantium_Byzantine_Infantry_sprite.spr
1
9 byzantium
60 unit_models/AttachmentSets/Final Kite_byzantium_diff.texture
60 unit_models/AttachmentSets/Final Kite_byzantium_norm.texture 0
1
4 None
10 MTW2_Spear 0
2
18 MTW2_Spear_primary
14 fs_test_shield 0
16 -0.090000004 0 0 -0.34999999 0.80000001 0.60000002
21 gr_heavy_spearmen_ug1
1 3
70 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_ug1_lod0.mesh 121
70 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_ug1_lod1.mesh 1225
70 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_ug1_lod2.mesh 6400
1
9 byzantium
82 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/textures/mtw2_es_greek_byzantium_C.texture
79 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/textures/mtw2_es_greek_normal_C.texture
56 unit_sprites/byzantium_Byzantine_Infantry_ug1_sprite.spr
1
9 byzantium
60 unit_models/AttachmentSets/Final Kite_byzantium_diff.texture
60 unit_models/AttachmentSets/Final Kite_byzantium_norm.texture 0
1
4 None
10 MTW2_Spear 0
2
18 MTW2_Spear_primary
14 fs_test_shield 0
16 -0.090000004 0 0 -0.34999999 0.80000001 0.60000002
21 gr_heavy_spearmen_ug2
1 3
70 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_ug2_lod0.mesh 121
70 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_ug2_lod1.mesh 1225
70 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_ug2_lod2.mesh 6400
1
9 byzantium
83 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/textures/mtw2_es_greek_byzantium_CP.texture
80 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/textures/mtw2_es_greek_normal_CP.texture
66 unit_sprites/byzantium_Dismounted_Byzantine_Lancers_ug2_sprite.spr
1
9 byzantium
60 unit_models/AttachmentSets/Final Kite_byzantium_diff.texture
60 unit_models/AttachmentSets/Final Kite_byzantium_norm.texture 0
1
4 None
10 MTW2_Spear 0
2
18 MTW2_Spear_primary
14 fs_test_shield 0
16 -0.090000004 0 0 -0.34999999 0.80000001 0.60000002
21 gr_heavy_spearmen__ug3
1 3
70 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_ug3_lod0.mesh 121
70 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_ug3_lod1.mesh 1225
70 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/gr_heavy_spearmen_ug3_lod2.mesh 6400
1
9 byzantium
82 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/textures/mtw2_es_greek_byzantium_P.texture
79 unit_models/_Units/ES_Greek_Greek_Heavy/textures/mtw2_es_greek_normal_P.texture
66 unit_sprites/byzantium_Dismounted_Byzantine_Lancers_ug3_sprite.spr
1
9 byzantium
60 unit_models/AttachmentSets/Final Kite_byzantium_diff.texture
60 unit_models/AttachmentSets/Final Kite_byzantium_norm.texture 0
1
4 None
10 MTW2_Spear 0
2
18 MTW2_Spear_primary
14 fs_test_shield 0
16 -0.090000004 0 0 -0.34999999 0.80000001 0.60000002

something must be wrong....the game works if I use another soldier in the EDU file, so the problem must be here.Can anyone help?

[jstavcr]

Turns out I'd used the kite shield texture instead of the triangular shield of the spearmen....I had to do the mesh editing from the beginning, I finally added heavy spearmen to the Byzantines.

[lordyu]

could you share and if you have pictures show. if you could make if avalible for download .

[Lord_XXX]

my mounted janissary musketeers as you say "so easy to do" im newbie and excites me mod the units xD, follow the love for guns xD

[jstavcr]

Hmmm....how do I post images?

[sephirothno12000]

Bravo! As soon as I finish upgrading my cpu to finally run the game, I shall be adding many a unit to my beloved HRE.