this tutorial is for someone like myself who has a mod vision but lacks any modding expirience but dares to enter the dark and murky depths of the unknown!
first take a deep breath and say that is better!
because making a mod is easier than it looks (like me at first) most "newbies"
see things you will eventually find simple, daunting and complicated at first.
ok step one
install a clean version of MtW2 on your system
(if you are using Vista I advise you turn UAC off and install to new location. example create folder games if you do not have one then install too games/medievalII
Step two
unpack your game via the unpacker bat. located in MedievalII/data/tools
(all of the files you just unpacked will now be in medievalII/data)
once unpacked delete the two desc_new_geog files which will be in medievalII/data
step three
download and install a mod folder (and follow its specific directions) recommended "BareKingdoms" by GiGantus
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=168944
step four
you are now set up to mod
every file you now modify gets stored in your mod folder (some of those files will already be in your folder, but others you will have to copy from vanilla)
depending on what you want to start with is what will be your next step (for me ,I began with the map)
optional but it is the recommended manner:
download Geo-mod and follows its usage instructions http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201955
make sure you read also
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=202468
you should start with editing the Vanilla map and follow Nakharar's tutorial
eventually you will run "into the ragusa port bug" you can find refferences too it all over the workshop or
just ask in the workshop
optional ettiquette and modding habits and protocal to ensure a successful mod is produced!
1. be prepared to ask before you do (change or modify) something.
2. If you can try and develop some friendship and familiarity with your peers in the workshop (these are your allies) it will only increase the odds of your success! be polite! the members here are very helpful and enjoy it so let them know you appreciate it
good modding habits
1. never alter a file in its folder, always check if the file is read only (right click properties) unclick if applicable, then copy to back up, and finally on your desktop and edit then copy and paste it into your mod folder in the approppriate place.
2. when encountering an error when testing make sure you CHECK THE SYSTEM LOG. (medievalII/logs)
you are ready to get started with creating your mod!!!!!!!!!!!!!
at this point you are going to want to investigate the individual tutorials on specific aspects of the game
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=92488
( I cannot stress anymore the fact of developing connections and support! because if you are a "newbie" like I was you will spend the majority of your time on TWC asking questions and all your progress will be contingent on getting the right answers from the right people
the success of your mod is directly connected to your personal "faction" standing here at TWC
good luck!
and any of you who read from TWC threads but have been reluctant to join' well do so now! because the support is here!!! and to make a quality mod all you really need is a good idea and the will to see it through! look at it like this every step you take puts you one step closer to completion
one step better at modding
then combined together! and your mere paces from having your vision a reality!