How to get rid off those floating flags permanently

[p.jakub88]

SHORT NOTE:

This tutorial is outdated ( especially those *.jpg fotos )......

Go and try my new "no floating flags mod v. 1.1.

[p.jakub88]

Good news boys!!

I managed to get the naval battle flags ( these round ones above the ship ) transparent completely!!



Step by step how i done that:


1) I opened the models.pack file with Pack File Manager.

2) I found a file called naval_id0.dds.

3) I opened this file in graphic editor ( DXTBmp ),

next i exported this file to Paint -> I deleted the default image and i made a completely BLACK image.

4) Then i set Alpha Channel to black ( alpha will make black color transparent).

5) I replaced the vanilla file with this one.

6) I saved the changes ( be patient 5 to 10 minutes waiting).


Unfortunately making those land flags transparent will take more time.....

Land battle flag for an faction is a set of few *.dds files ( flag texture, flagpole, etc).

I will try to make the land battle flags transparent too, but i will do this tomorrow ( now in Poland is 01:26 in the night ).

[husserlTW]

I respect your enthusiasm in writing tutorials but I have to comment a couple of things. First you must be sure that this which which you say can be done. Though in the beginning you say

So, after a long time i managed to find out how to delete permanently those damn floating flags from land and naval battles in Empire Total War.

then you say that you have to search it more since actually you cannot remove flags but turn them in black. I also noticed that you suggest to mod, change or delete vanilla files which is not right at all. It is better to propose users to make mod packs with these changes and do not mess with vanilla files. Also check tutorials in Napoleon's thread, perhaps it could save you some time.

Instead of doing all these for flags, you can just assign a deferent name for flags file (that does not actually exist) in db\faction_table and in FACTION of startpos.esf. Also you can edit the two .tai files (use notepad). I am afraid that you won't be able to get read of those black flags in campaign or in battles unless you are a scripting ace and you can can crack ui files... But if you manage to eliminate battle flags it would be great!!! Making flags transparent will not work, it is already checked by other modders (and me)..

[p.jakub88]

Yes, you right but now i stopped to delete the vanilla files.



The best way is to edit them.

[p.jakub88]

Another good new lads!!

Human vs. damn Floating Flags 2:0

Now, even if you have set in User Interface both type of flags visible - they will disappear!!

Now, you will never have them being displayed during land and naval battles.

Only the flagpoles of land battle flags are now fully visible, it is possible to change their color to make their presence less annoying.

[husserlTW]

What about campaign flags? I want only battle flags out of game not campaign.

[p.jakub88]

----- POST OUTDATED ------

[The Hedge Knight]

Now you could fully enjoy you battles!!

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Next tutorial will be:

How to get rid off the red battle borders.

Its all sounding a little bit like you just downloaded my napoleon no flag mod and deleted two files.

Now i have no problems with this sas such but credit where credits due...

Battle borders for me just shows it... The other feature of a mod that i spent many long hours on...

[husserlTW]

So you are saying that if you make all dds transparent will not have any problem with campaign flags?

For flagpoles check these: a) go in db\warscape_equipment_themes and in Instruments column remove them. Or b) go on db\units_stat_land and in bearers column change bearers with officers (do not leave it empty).

So, please, before posting stupid questions read carefully what i had written in my previous posts, thank you!

It is obvious that I am not as clever as you are, but I don think that personal comments are suitable here. I commented only modding issues. If you do not like observations then you are in wrong forum...

[p.jakub88]

--- POST OUTDATED ---

[p.jakub88]

You are wrong dude!! (to Hedge Knight )

I edited vanilla models.pack.

Your mod isn't compatible with Empire Total War.

Your mod is only usable with Napoleon Total War.

Why i should mention you in credits, if i didn't use anything of your mod,hm?

[p.jakub88]

--- NOT IMPORTANT ---

[p.jakub88]

UPDATE

I made some progress five minutes ago.

Using Pack File Manager 1.13 beta i opened models.pack/rigidmodels/flags/textures.

I found one file in *.dds format that is responsible of displaying flagpoles during land battles.

The image is gold at the top ( a gold "thing" - like round ball i.e) and other part of it is gray (the rest part of the flag pole ).


The file name is: flagpole_diffuse.dds.


The deal is to make this flagpole ( and others types too ) "invisible" - i mean so transparent that a player will don't see it with his eyes ...

[p.jakub88]

Thanks to Primergy, i was managed to open those files that i wasn't able to make transparent - using Ultimate Unwrap 3D Pro demo.


Unfortunately, this is a demo version with no save changes possibility...


The problem is that:


a) some .dds files are related to ETW *.rigid_meshes and *.rigid_models.

b) those two types are made in 3D.

c) I didn't know how to make 3D objects transparent.

[p.jakub88]

NOTE:


To those that are reading and viewing my tutorial:


Unfortunately this is probably my last post in this thread, because i haven't got a full version of Ultimate Unwrap 3D to edit those remaining flag parts ( flagpoles ).