ITEM files

has anyone managed to add a new building model (item file) to the game ?

I first tried replacing a wall with a new model (editing dbb_walls_roman.txt in the descr_building_battle folder), but when I added it to a map using the editor RTW crashed to desktop (no error message). I then tried it with a renamed original item file (extracted from the pack files), but that crashed the game too. So the problem doesn't seem to be corrupted item files.

Anyone else had more luck ?

Nope, no luck so far.
My guess is - because all other guesses were wrong - it may have something to do with the .BPI files. But I have no idea what they do.

yes, I noticed the script files (in descr_building_battle folder) always point to a "physical_info" file, which has a .cas extension. For example:

Code:

---

roman_ruins
{
        stat_cat indestructable
        localised_name none        ;ruin?
        level
        {
                min_health 0
                battle_stats
                item                roman_ruins
                physical_info        roman_ruins_info.CAS
        }
}

---

problem is, these files dont seem to exist. There are files with a .bpi extension with the same filename tho, but no .cas :(

It probably gets parsed somewhere along the way from bpi to info.cas. Perhaps bpi is just a cas packed in some way?

perhaps, but even when I copy an RTW item file and corresponding bpi file and rename them both the game crashes when I try to place it in a map.

Did you try it only with walls? Because walls also have the killing_zone file that is needed...

no I tried with walls, and the roman_ruins building.

I just tried changing the "hayfield_new" model, because I noticed it has no "physical_info" nor a corresponding bpi file. But the game still crashes, so it doesnt seem related to the bpi files.

I'm running out of ideas here :(

You may have to add new .items to the .pak for the game to read them. I haven't worked on them for nearly two months and was unsucessfull in adding a new building. It's something I've been meaning to get back to but the demand seems low so it has a somewhat low priotiy for me.

The demand may be low but it will be desperately wanted by all the conversion mods and in that way alot of players will see/enjoy the effect of being able to mod ITEM files.

Huh? Low demand?? Every mod needs one!
Everybody's only focused on units these days...

agreed, it's something we would all like to do eventually when the units are sorted. it definitely gets my vote. hmm, big japanese city walls....