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View Full Version : I (finally) present....RTW modding for dummies!



Mikeus Caesar
05-28-2005, 14:37
Contents:

• Intro
• Making all factions playable
• Editing money
• Editing starting armies
• Useful Links

Intro

Hello, this guide has been made for all you people who are new to RTW modding, and will give you simple instructions on how to mod simple things that most people seem to want to mod. I have made this, because from what i can tell, there aren't any simple guides for people who just want to edit simple things.

~~~REMEMBER, ALWAYS MAKE BACKUPS OF FILES THAT YOU ARE EDITING~~~

Making all factions playable

This is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to RTW. For some reason, CA decided to let you play only the three Roman factions first, and then once you beat the game, you can still only have 11 factions. To unlock all of the factions, you must first go into your RTW files. Go to Data, then to World, then Maps, then Campaign, then Imperial_Campaign and finally go into the descr_strat.txt file. At the top of all the writing, there will be a list that looks like this:


campaign imperial_campaign
playable
romans_julii
romans_brutii
romans_scipii
end
unlockable
egypt
seleucid
carthage
parthia
gauls
germans
britons
greek_cities
end
nonplayable
romans_senate
macedon
pontus
armenia
dacia
scythia
spain
thrace
numidia
slave
end
First, cut and paste all the factions from Egypt to Greek_Cities under romans_scipii. Then, do the same for the end nonplayable civs, except for the slaves. Now, go in the game, and abra-cadabra, you have all the civilisations, ready to play.

Editing Money

Most of you probably already know that there is a money cheat, add_money, and that it only gives you 20000 Denari each time you put it in and can only be used once, but by editing the files, you can have your culture start with 99999999 which would mean never worrying about money again. First, go to the descr_strat.txt file. Decide which faction you want to play, and scroll down descr_strat until you find it. Let’s say you want to play the Germans:


faction germans, balanced mao
denari 5000
This is the first two lines for the Germans. The second line is what matters. Just change the amount of money, 5000, to 99999999. Now go to the game and you have 99999999 Denari. Simple! This is especially handy if you are playing a faction like the Germans, who’s economy goes down hill very quickly if you are inexperienced at handling a bad economy.

Editing Starting Armies

If you have managed to do the first two tutorials, then this one shouldn’t be any harder. As you know, whatever faction you decide to play starts with some starting armies of basic troops. But, with the Romans, they start with basic troops such as Hastati, Velites and Principes and most people who are new to the game want to play with the kind of troops most people imagine the Romans using, such as Legionnaires. An easy way to do this, is go to your descr_strat files again. Lets say we want to play as the Carthaginians. Go down to them, and find this part:


character Hanno, named character, leader, command 0, influence 0, management 0, subterfuge 0, age 65, , x 96, y 49
traits GoodCommander 2, GoodDefender 1, PublicFaith 1, GoodAdministrator 2, GoodTrader 1
ancillaries spymaster
army
unit carthaginian general's cavalry early exp 1 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit carthaginian cavalry exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit carthaginian elephant forest exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit carthaginian infantry exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit carthaginian infantry exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit merc balearic slingers exp 2 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit merc numidian cavalry exp 1 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
This is the Carthaginian faction leader, Hanno. Let’s say you don’t want him to start with these troops. Maybe you want him to start with Armoured Elephants and Sacred Band Infantry at full armour, weapons and Experience. Go to C:\Program Files\Activision\Rome - Total War\Data\export_descr_unit.txt, it should open automatically. Once in it, press Ctrl+F and search for whatever unit it is you want e.g. Sacred Band Infantry. It should go to carthaginian sacred band infantry. Copy+Paste sacred band infantry over carthaginian infantry in the Descr_strat files. Now, when you start the game, rather than having an Iberian Infantry in this army, there will be a Sacred Band Infantry unit in its place. Do the same for all the units in this infantry, replacing them with what you like, such as Heavy Onagers and Armoured Elephants. Now, if you want to change the quality of Armour, Weapons and their Experience points, go to this line: exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0 and change exp 0 to exp 9, armour 0 to armour 3 and weapon_lvl 0 to weapon_lvl 3. Now when you start the game, your units should be whichever one’s you picked with whatever levels you set. This is one I made earlier, for the Greeks:


character Kleomenes of Sparta, named character, leader, command 0, influence 0, management 0, subterfuge 0, age 56, , x 138, y 46
traits GoodCommander 2, NaturalMilitarySkill 1, GoodDefender 1. Austere 2, Intelligent 1
ancillaries wrestler

army
unit greek general's guard cavalry early exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek cavalry exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek cavalry exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek cavalry exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite spartan exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite spartan exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite spartan exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite spartan exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite elite exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite elite exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite elite exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite elite exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite elite exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite elite exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite elite exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek hoplite elite exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek archer exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek archer exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek heavy onager exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
unit greek heavy onager exp 9 armour 3 weapon_lvl 3
But remember, when you are looking for the unit you want for your army, check at the bottom of the unit for this:
ownership carthage
If it doesn’t say your faction where Carthage is, or your faction type e.g. Barbarian, then don’t use that unit, or it could cause damage to the game.

Useful Links

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=77 contains more detailed guides for those who want to get to know more in-depth modding.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=73 A good place to ask any questions you may have about modding.

~~~REMEMBER, ALWAYS MAKE BACKUPS OF FILES THAT YOU ARE EDITING~~~

Craterus
05-28-2005, 14:49
Thanks Mikeus!

How do you make back-up copies of files.

I basically want to give all the factions that get knocked out early a chance. How much would you recommend that I give T.S.E, Carthage, Macedon, Greeks. Maybe even Gaul too.

Viking
05-28-2005, 14:51
Nice work! :bow:

I was wondering how to get elite troops as starter units, so now you`ve saved me from some work. ~:)

The only thing you missed was the buildings, but I`ve found out them myself.

Mikeus Caesar
05-28-2005, 14:55
How do you make back-up copies of files.

Right click on the file you want to back-up, and it should let you copy and paste. Make a folder for the back-up files and paste it in there.


The only thing you missed was the buildings

Once i've taught myself how to edit building things and stuff, i will make a sequel to 'RTW modding for dummies'. That will prolly be in a month, as i am a slow learner.

The Stranger
05-28-2005, 16:17
it is nice to see MC doing sumthing elso for/to members than try to slaughter them. not that i need it, but it is a good idea

Mikeus Caesar
05-28-2005, 16:20
I'm being nice, because the nicer i am, the sooner this 1 minute gap in between posts is removed and my warning points removed, and then i can revert to ebing myself, ruling you with an iron rod of fear, terror and pure horror!!! *notices his warning points* Or maybe not...

The Stranger
05-28-2005, 16:31
mhuwahahhahahahahahahahahaha, should i be afraid of the humble MC, Martinus and rule the Universe, nobody can stop our combined force. definitly not one that has a 1 minute gap between his posts and has 3 warnings, and that is being mean to Clayton Ballantine :whip:

Viking
05-28-2005, 16:38
Once i've taught myself how to edit building things and stuff, i will make a sequel to 'RTW modding for dummies'. That will prolly be in a month, as i am a slow learner.

Here`s something:

An individual building should look like this:
{
type barracks muster_field
}

If you want to upgrade the building to the 5. level, then look at the backside of the map that followed RTW.

In this case is it: type barracks urban_barracks.

This work with most buildings. ~:)

The Stranger
05-28-2005, 16:43
also you only do the descr_strat.txt what about the descr_battle and the export_descr_buildings and export_descr_unit and export_unit

Mikeus Caesar
05-28-2005, 17:56
I only did descr_strat.txt because most people only want to do a simple bit of modding, as was listed above.

The Stranger
05-28-2005, 18:14
hmm i didn't read you're whole post. but export_descr_unit is very easy they even have made a kind of readme with instructions

Mikeus Caesar
05-28-2005, 18:16
hmm i didn't read you're whole post. but export_descr_unit is very easy they even have made a kind of readme with instructions

I know it's easy, but there are still people out there who are so dumb they say "i'm a man, i don't need instructions!!"

The Stranger
05-28-2005, 18:26
hoo i see a warning comming ~D. that's true, maybe i couldn't do it either if i wasn't already hardened in modding with MTW. it was quite a revelation after that mess in MTW

Craterus
05-28-2005, 18:46
This guide was useful to me. ~D

The Stranger
05-28-2005, 19:45
i didn't said it was useless. it is very helpful for noobs

Mikeus Caesar
05-28-2005, 20:18
I'm going to bathe in my own glory, and watch the compliments literally flood in. Rather like Google Images, this guide may help 7, maybe even 8 people! Doesn't it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside to think how many people are being helped by this guide?

The Stranger
05-29-2005, 00:34
oh shut up...

Colovion
05-29-2005, 07:51
anyone agree on stickying this in the mod forum?

Craterus
05-29-2005, 12:48
Sure. ~D ~D

The Stranger
05-29-2005, 13:38
ok..

Jango Fett
05-29-2005, 19:05
give this guy a medal

Mikeus Caesar
05-29-2005, 19:11
w00t! If i have done good (which i assume i have) this would mean that this is my ticket to having my post limit removed, and possibly getting my edit button back.

And i'll get a medal!

The Stranger
05-29-2005, 20:17
hhahahahahaha they took your edit button. you poor poor Mikeus

Mikeus Caesar
05-29-2005, 21:35
It's incredibly annoying. I was so used to being able to edit out any spelling mistakes, and now they are stuck there for the world to see.

The Stranger
05-30-2005, 14:02
i hope this made you see, that being evil as horrible consequences like the kidnap of your edit button

Craterus
05-30-2005, 14:19
Yes, you should take a leaf out of my (or any other well-behaved member's) book.

Just one question, who keeps a leaf in a book?

Will you be doing/updating your modding guide to tell n00b's how to alter the units that a faction can build?

The Stranger
05-30-2005, 14:43
hmm

player1
05-30-2005, 14:49
Just one question, who keeps a leaf in a book?

Will you be doing/updating your modding guide to tell n00b's how to alter the units that a faction can build?

Well, he can't really update the guide without edit button. ~D

The Stranger
05-30-2005, 14:51
nope, but is he's really nice, and look to the mods with puppy-dog eyes they might forgive him and the noobs will be thankful for all eternity

Mikeus Caesar
05-30-2005, 15:54
That's a good point.

[puppy dog eyes] To any mods who see this, how am i meant to show you what a good little boy i am if i can't have my edit button? Hmm? [/puppy dog eyes]

Periklis
05-30-2005, 16:07
[QUOTE=Craterus]Thanks Mikeus!

How do you make back-up copies of files.


You just copy paste the file to a folder ( for example My Documents\RTW mod files - you have to create one). You rename the files adding the date and finally you create a txt file for the folder location in case you fagot the original files location.

When you make modification that work then make a new copy adding the date without deleting the original, so in that way you keep your versions.

Mikeus Caesar
05-30-2005, 16:49
Hey, i'm the guy who wrote the guide here, not you. And anyway, i already told him on MSN.

The Stranger
05-30-2005, 18:46
....

The Stranger
05-30-2005, 18:48
he don't get arrogant eh. btw i'll add you on msn too.

Mikeus Caesar
05-31-2005, 13:04
I can be arrogant, because this is my guide. If anyone else tries giving help, then it's not really my guide anymore, is it? So if you people want to give help, make your own guide!! It only takes 5 minu- I mean, it takes hours and hours of devotion!

The Stranger
05-31-2005, 14:58
c'mon this won't hlp you get your edit button back. there's is no rule that says that we cant answer someones post

Mikeus Caesar
05-31-2005, 16:37
Oh really...? *pulls out a book called 'The .Org Big Book o' Rules'.* We'll see about there being no rule saying you can't answer posts! *scribbles on one of the empty pages at the back - 'No answering to other peoples posts'* Heheh, now you can't reply to anything, so i win, you sil- wait a sec, that means no more talking to each other, which means there's no point in the .Org anymore.

F*ck!

The Stranger
05-31-2005, 18:07
hehehehhe, i;ve just been warned. my 1st warning said my warningcount is 0, my second warning said my warningcount was 0, and when i get warned again it would go up to 1. and the count will stay for 1 year...... ooops shouldn't say that. i've been warned for "spamming with WAT TA FAK" mods this not a spam post.

Mikeus Caesar
05-31-2005, 19:10
Wat ta fak!1!? You got warned!1!? Wat ta fak!!?

Periklis
06-02-2005, 10:09
Hey, i'm the guy who wrote the guide here, not you. And anyway, i already told him on MSN.

hey i am not Trying to minimize you in any way. Your post is indeed very useful for someone that had never make a modification before.

I am truly sorry but i rass to answer without noticing that you already had answered the question.

I just wonted to help

Mikeus Caesar
06-02-2005, 14:25
I apoligise to you too, it's just that i have a very big ego, that can only be satisfied by squashing people and feeling proud of myself.

The Stranger
06-02-2005, 16:03
his ego is so big, that Clayton's ego couldn't fit in. that's why clayton had to leave, but he's back

Mikeus Caesar
06-05-2005, 15:07
Anyways, back on the subject, i have finally got my small brain and large ego to figure out how to make towns start off as teched-up huge cities when you begin. Will post guide sometime in the future.

Or when i feel like it.

The Stranger
06-06-2005, 14:20
hmmmmmmm