-ian code

[Lonewarrior]

I am unfamiliar with the -ian code, can some one explain it to me,

[Tamur]

And me! Posted a few days back but didn't get an answer.

[Lonewarrior]

ok i found this on an old thread

Open the VI or MTW shortcut, and find the command prompt, add -ian to the end of it. Start the game and you can even change nations or something.

[CBR]

-ian also removes the restrictions on the camera so you can go up and up all you want


CBR

[Monk]

Quoted from Frogbeastegg's Beginner's Guide to MTW in the "guides" section of the forum.

-ian - debug mode, runs in a smaller screen, you can move the camera about more in the battle maps to get close up views, you can disable the AI or switch factions using the number keys. The A key allows you to put the game on auto run.

Switching factions is done using the 0-9 keys on your keyboard, also using shift+0-9 will let you access more factions. i don't remember any other keys, but by experimenting a bit you'll find all it's uses.

and here's how to activate this code (and indeed any command line in mtw). again quoted from Froggy's guide...

These are not exactly cheats; instead you add them to your MTW or VI shortcut. Right click on your shortcut, and then choose properties. In the target box you should see something like:
F:\Program Files\Total War\Medieval - Total War\Medieval_TW.exe
if you have plain MTW or
F:\Program Files\Total War\Medieval - Total War\Medieval_TW.exe -strictserver
if you have both MTW and VI. To add a shortcut you must leave one space after the mark, then enter the command line. To use multiple command lines just leave a space between each one and remember to include the - at the start of each successive line. Choose to save your changes and exit the properties box. Then start the game with the shortcut.

[motorhead]

just a word of warning, -ian is debug mode, and as such it can be a little flaky at times. IIRC, a dev posted as much, so be careful and save often. I only use it to run tests, never in an active campaign. if you just want a more complete mapview, use .matteosartori.

[Tamur]

Oops, should have seen that in the Guide. Thanks Monk!

[katank]

use it to change to different factions and have a bit more of challenge (ie. build up a faciton and fight against it).

I have 2 shortcuts on the desktop and one is the game using -ian.

the -ian one I use to switch factions only and then save and continue playing with regular mode.

[Basileus]

I almost always used -ian cause it removed the camera restrictions, i found it far more enjoyable to play the game like that.

[afrit]

-ian is great for replays of battle. You can get a nice aerial view of the battlefield.

Afrit