Middle-Earth campaign map?

[Stazi]

Staz, is the ME-stratmap you have been working on fully operational and done?

- A

It depends what you call "fully operational and done". Operational - probably yes, done - certainly not. Generally, two map layers and all connections between provinces (txt files) are done. You can move units and ships without problems. IIRC I've been testing some weird, extreme parameters in a few provinces but all others still have the same, default values (income, battle maps, etc.). I was going to make operational structure first. Adding "details" to the campaign map was planned after completion of units and buildings trees.

Hmm..there is a small issue with minimap. To save one province slot I decided to make mountains in "pink" which resulted that they looks the same as sea on the minimap (they are transparent). But after a few discussions and modifications suggested by huth (he knows LOTR much better than me) it turned out that we still have 1-2 province slots left. If I have some time I probably make one of those provinces like Sahara - inaccessible province named Mountains. Eventually, I can make mountains as parts of adjacent provinces (like original MTW map). But imo it's not a good idea because mountain chains in ME are passable only in a very few places which should be clearly shown on the map.

[Axalon]

Well Staz, then I offer the following advice... Get that map fully operational and done 100% - you can worry about all buildings, troops, trade, income and metals/resources etc. etc. later. Make a basic and reliable map first (default values) and make that your priority...

Once you have a basic stratmap fully operational (as in 100% done and functional in-game - this means all files, the big TGA-texture as well) at your disposal, one big fat obstacle is out of the way for you and this entire project - then you can tinker with that map as much as you want. Beacuse then you will still have fully operational map to fall back on if things get screwed up (and they probably will - sooner or later). You will thus have something regardless how things goes with the special/advanced map... And yes, earmark that vacant palette-slot for mountains/swamps/whatever, otherwise it will look like crap on the stratmap minimap in-game - again, I have been there as well.

In general, working on several things at the same time is not a good strategy to get anywhere on projects of this scale. It is much better to be able to see the progress you do - whenever that is possible - that was my experience. Do one thing at a time, finish it and then move on. Secure a functional and reliable tractor first, then you can worry about how to make that ugly monster into a golden porsche - to use a car-analogy here.


Just sayin...

- A

[Stazi]

Thank you very much for all your insights and advices. I really appreciate that.

Well Staz, then I offer the following advice... Get that map fully operational and done 100% - you can worry about all buildings, troops, trade, income and metals/resources etc. etc. later. Make a basic and reliable map first (default values) and make that your priority...

The map is 100% operational now. I'll have to add that one province for mountains. That's all.

In general, working on several things at the same time is not a good strategy to get anywhere on projects of this scale. It is much better to be able to see the progress you do - whenever that is possible - that was my experience. Do one thing at a time, finish it and then move on. Secure a functional and reliable tractor first, then you can worry about how to make that ugly monster into a golden porsche - to use a car-analogy here.

I know that working on the one thing at a time is better idea but this is my first "full conversion" mod. I've had to check every aspect of the game just to know if I'm capable of finishing the project. One thing that I still haven't tried are units' animations. I've read all guides but I still don't fully get it. It's absolutely the last thing on my "to do" list.

[drone]

I'm happy you are still working on this project, Stazi. Can't wait to see how far you can push the engine for this mod.

Are you doing anything with mithril?

[Stazi]

Are you doing anything with mithril?

Mithril deposits will give you access to the higher level armory which results in better armor upgrades. It will be the 2nd best armor available. Only elves (but not wood elves) will have access to the best "gold" quality armors. The idea is: (+4) elite eleven armor, (+2) dwarven mithril armor, (+1) steel plate armor. Should mithril have any influence on trade? IIRC it has never been mined in sufficient quantities and dwarves never sell it. Let me know if I'm wrong.

Generally, +4 and +2 armor upgrades will be very rare. Mithril armors will be directly connected with provinces (Moria, Lonely Mountain). Elven armors will be available for elves in provinces to the west of the Misty Mountains (I'll post an improved map with province breakdown soon). Armory branch will be separate from other technology branches. It won't give you access to new units - just armor bonuses (maybe a little morale too). This way AI will still have access to all units even when it'll lose its "core" provinces (and eventually armor bonuses).

Other ideas about mithril or anything else? Feel free to post them.

[Durango]

Stazi, I'd be happy to contribute my thoughts about the mod, as well as feedback - but shouldn't you have a proper "mod thread" of your own these days? Stazi's Reimagined Middle Earth Mod or something like that? Anyways, I've reread the LotR compendium and I'm currently rereading The Silmarillion, so I should be able to offer suggestions here and there.

[drone]

Mithril deposits will give you access to the higher level armory which results in better armor upgrades. It will be the 2nd best armor available. Only elves (but not wood elves) will have access to the best "gold" quality armors. The idea is: (+4) elite eleven armor, (+2) dwarven mithril armor, (+1) steel plate armor. Should mithril have any influence on trade? IIRC it has never been mined in sufficient quantities and dwarves never sell it. Let me know if I'm wrong.

I would say no to trade with mithril. As you said, the dwarves hoarded it, and gave gifts of armor, but not the secrets to forging it. I'm assuming mithril is a resource? For accuracy (and if you haven't already), maybe make the armory that grants the bonus dwarven only. IIRC, I don't think mithril was used with weapons so an attack bonus isn't applicable in the canon.

I like the armor types, but is the elven bonus too high? Not sure how this will affect fatigue.

Generally, +4 and +2 armor upgrades will be very rare. Mithril armors will be directly connected with provinces (Moria, Lonely Mountain). Elven armors will be available for elves in provinces to the west of the Misty Mountains (I'll post an improved map with province breakdown soon). Armory branch will be separate from other technology branches. It won't give you access to new units - just armor bonuses (maybe a little morale too). This way AI will still have access to all units even when it'll lose its "core" provinces (and eventually armor bonuses).

Tying bonuses and troop access together in one building has never sat well with me.

Other ideas about mithril or anything else? Feel free to post them.

I agree with Durango, this needs a new thread. When you start pushing out more info and teaser images feel free to create one and I'll sticky it.

[Stazi]

I would say no to trade with mithril. As you said, the dwarves hoarded it, and gave gifts of armor, but not the secrets to forging it. I'm assuming mithril is a resource?

yes

For accuracy (and if you haven't already), maybe make the armory that grants the bonus dwarven only. IIRC, I don't think mithril was used with weapons so an attack bonus isn't applicable in the canon.

Only dwarves will be able to build Dwarven Armory which gives mithril armor bonus. I didn't think much about attack bonus but I'm sure mithril will have nothing to do with it.
Should other races have any use of mithril? Let me know what you think.

I like the armor types, but is the elven bonus too high? Not sure how this will affect fatigue.

It'll surely affect fatigue but that's how it works. I can't do much about it. There are only a few desert provinces that will hurt those heavy armorer units. Harad, Khand are formerly sand desert provinces. Mordor is rock desert. btw does snow affect heavy armored units (fatigue)?

Bonus too high?.. hmm.. as huth said elves (due to their accumulated knowledge and magic skills) make armors far more superior to even those made from mithril. Mithril armors are only that good because of material used, not any highly sophisticated technology.

I agree with Durango, this needs a new thread. When you start pushing out more info and teaser images feel free to create one and I'll sticky it.

Thanks for the suggestion guys. I'll make an official mod thread when I'll have something more to show. Please, let me stay here a while more. I hope it won't stop you from posting comments and ideas. As always any feedback/criticism is welcomed.