Tokugawa / Hattori Ninja Hero and Shinobi Hero v3.0.1 - Hotfix 19/06/2013

**scope2007** · December 06, 2011, 10:25 AM

V3.0 RELEASED 08/06/2013 - DOWNLOAD LINK AT BOTTOM OF OP

Clarification: FOTS Expansion *IS NOT REQUIRED* to use the Ninja Hero mod!

For best results: use alongside "Scopes Extended Ninja Units for Hattori and Tokugawa Factions"

Version 3.0 Released 08/06/2013- Includes Shinobi Hero unit for FOTS, Updated Stats, and Art Assets, Unit randomization - Check latest news for info and download link!

latest news 16/06/2013 *Version 3.0.1 Hotfix live* (CLICK TO READ)

latest news - 08/02/2013 *Version 3 released plus CHANGELOG!* (CLICK TO READ)

Finally. Done!

Apologies for the long wait. I have had a lot going on, this is the first real day of rest I have had in months and I have been working for about 18 hours to get this finalized.

The latest version Incorporates a New Ninja Hero unit for the Fall of The Samurai campaign - "The Shinobi Hero", as well as a large rebalance of the Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja Hero Units to work alongside (or as an alternative to,) the pretty Bland "Hanzo's Shadows" Hero offered by the Saints and Heroes DLC. I have also took the time to create unit randomization among the Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja Hero units (no more clone armies of identical ninjas!), and the effect works quite well.

I have also included two optional .packfiles to enhance the experience when combined with the mod. They are mini-mods which only change the appearence of certain models -

Hattori Clan Aesthetic Upgrade Renamed from Hattori Visual Upgrade, Removed from main packfile and placed into an independent and wholly optional packfile. Hattori Samurai units are now led by more armoured 'Jonin' (Veteran Ninja) models rather than a Samurai - with randomisation options for shoulder armour and possibility of Red Ninja Menpo mask. As with previous versions Ashigaru are led by Ninja "Monomi" (low ranking Ninja and Scouts). This better reflects the ability for these units to use Stealth Deployment options as the Ninja would act as a guide for the unit. As mini-mod only overrides the look of a unit and does not deal with stats, it should not affect online play and does not need activation in the S2 mod manager. (not included with lite or steamworks version, available in full version or as a standalone mini-mod.)

Hattori and Tokugawa Kisho Ninja Leaders - Removed these custom skins from main packfile and merged with my "FOTS style Kisho Ninja unit leaders for Vanilla Shogun 2" Aesthetic mini-mod. Now contained in its own independent and wholly optional packfile. This mod replaces ALL Kisho Ninja Officers in vanilla shogun 2 with the visually pleasing fall of the samurai menpo masked model. It also changes the Hattori and Tokugawa clans Kisho Ninja officers to this model, but with a clan specific custom skin due to their infamy for use of ninja. As mini-mod only overrides the look of a unit and does not deal with stats, it should not affect online play and does not need activation in the S2 mod manager. (not included with lite or steamworks version, available in full version or as a standalone mini-mod.)

These minimods are entirely optional and are not required for the mod to work, they can be removed from the data folder if you do not wish to use them.

Its been a Labour of Love... with all the Rome II excitement I hope it has not been in vain!

Enjoy,

Scope.

Changelog

V3.0 - 07/06/2013

Addition of Fall of the Samurai Campaign Ninja Hero unit - The Shinobi Hero.

・ Balanced for play against other FOTS factions Primarily. This unit is superior to Kisho Ninjas in almost every way. Deadly in melee, this unit is perfect for Ambushes due to its ability to blend into its surroundings much more effectively than other ninja. It's superior mastery of the Shinobi-arts also allows it to throw firebombs further than other Ninja (75 yards in oppose to the default of 50 for standard Kisho Ninja), and can also do this whilst hidden without betraying its position! The unit also has the ability to use stealth on the campaign map - much like the Ninja Agent, and is also immune to attrition due to survival training. Available to all clans who have built a Legendary Samurai Dojo in FOTS Campaign. Also Available in custom battles. Unit has randomised soldiers, and custom artwork for unit leader based on FOTS Ninja Model.

Rebalancing of Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja Heroes to work as a clan specific hero to be used alongside or or as an alternative to "Hanzo's Shadows" DLC unit -

・ Disabled recruitment of "Hanzo's Shadows" (DLC ninja hero unit) for Tokugawa and Hattori clans ONLY, as the Ninja Hero Mod gives these factions a stronger and more unique Ninja unit. All other Shogun 2 factions may recruit "Hanzo's Shadows" as normal (This affects "Saints and Heroes" DLC owners only).

・ Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja Heroes can now use firebombs, with an increased firing range of 75 yards (increased from 50), but with a limited supply of ammo. Can fire whilst hidden without breaking stealth - making surprise firebomb attacks possible.

・Decreased detection range of Tokugawa and Hattori Ninja Heroes from 50 to 20 whilst in Long Grass, Scrub and Forests - making them harder to detect.

・ Tokugawa Ninja Hero Stats Changes - Melee Attack stat increased to 25 (up from 20), bringing it more in line with Hanzo's Shadows. Also Increased Charge to 30. Additional abilities - Now has Paths Seldom Trod, Campaign Map Stealth, Inspire aura and Immunity to Campaign map Attrition, while retaining "Hold Firm" ability and Unique Garrisoning Police Bonus.

・ Hattori Ninja Hero Stats Changes - Melee Attack stat increased to 28 (up from 25), making it stronger in melee than the other Ninja Hero units. Charge increased to 30 (bringing it in line with other Tokugawa and Hanzo's Shadows units). Additional abilities - Unit now has Paths Seldom Trod, Campaign Map Stealth, Inspire aura and Immunity to Campaign Map Attrition, While retaining "Warcry" Ability.

Addition of new Art assets and unit randomisations for Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja Heroes -

・ Addition of Three possible unit randomisation skins for soldiers in ninja hero unit, one of which has team colourable lacing and trim. (Red for Hattori, Orange for Tokugawa based on default clan colouring.)

・ Addition of Leather Curaiss, and Leather Shoulder Pauldrons as Unit randomisation option.

・ Ninja Hero Unit Leaders now correctly have Haidate style Thigh Guards.

Further Optimisation and merging of packfile structure -

・ Consolidation of Hattori, Tokugawa and Shinobi Hero units into one packfile.

・ Hattori Clan Aesthetic Upgrade (Not available with Lite or Steamworks downloads) Renamed from Hattori Visual Upgrade, Removed from main packfile and placed into an independent and wholly optional packfile. Hattori Samurai units are now led by more armoured 'Jonin' (Veteran Ninja) models rather than a Samurai - with randomisation options for shoulder armour and possibility of Red Ninja Menpo mask. As with previous versions Ashigaru are led by Ninja "Monomi" (low ranking Ninja and Scouts). This better reflects the ability for these units to use Stealth Deployment options as the Ninja would act as a guide for the unit. As mini-mod only overrides the look of a unit and does not deal with stats, it should not affect online play and does not need activation in the S2 mod manager. (not included with lite or steamworks version, available in full version or as a standalone mini-mod.)

・ Hattori and Tokugawa Kisho Ninja Leaders - Removed these custom skins from main packfile and merged with my "FOTS style Kisho Ninja unit leaders for Vanilla Shogun 2" Aesthetic mini-mod. Now contained in its own independent and wholly optional packfile. This mod replaces ALL Kisho Ninja Officers in vanilla shogun 2 with the visually pleasing fall of the samurai menpo masked model. It also changes the Hattori and Tokugawa clans Kisho Ninja officers to this model, but with a clan specific custom skin due to their infamy for use of ninja. As mini-mod only overrides the look of a unit and does not deal with stats, it should not affect online play and does not need activation in the S2 mod manager. (not included with lite or steamworks version, available in full version or as a standalone mini-mod.)

Encyclopedia Entries (not included with Steamworks Version) -

・ Added Entry and custom artwork for "Shinobi Hero".

・ Edited Entries for Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja Heroes to reflect stats and ability changes, and cleaned up Description Text. Information pertaining to Units role, strengths and weaknesses are at the top of the page. Optional Historical information (for all us history buffs!), is under a second heading below.

Download Link at the bottom of post!

older news archive August 2012 - Feb 2013 *Release of V3 Imminent - final balancing tweaks in progress* (CLICK TO READ)

A final news update here before release, I have been hard at work during the past months to get version 3 of the mod as complete as I can. All of the art assets, encyclopedia entries and the packfile are ready to go - But I want to balance this mod as perfectly as possible so that I won't need to release any hotfixes to iron out problems.

The truth is that I want to take a step back from working on Shogun 2 mods, so that I can enjoy playing for once!

Modding is a laborious, and while the fruit of ones labor is always rewarding it is not always easy to enjoy it when your constantly thinking of ways to improve it with the next release!

Most of my time is currently spent balancing the Shinobi Hero (FOTS Campaign ninja hero), as it is currently imba when compared to it's Sengoku era counter-parts. It is able to decimate and rout a Tokugawa or Hattori Ninja Hero with a single barrage of firebombs due to its superior numbers. On the other hand though, the unit needs to be large enough that it isn't overwhelmed by a single unit of Katana Kachi or Shogitai in melee combat. I am currently experimenting with a halved unit size, and 2 hit points per man instead.

In the meantime here is a teaser of the New Ninja Hero unit unit randomisation - notice the faction coloured lacing on the Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja Soldier models. The third Image is the Shinobi Hero which uses much more neutral colours to blend into any faction.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Next thread update will be the release - due anywhere within the next few days to a week at most.

News - 29/11/2012 *Screenshot's of Ninja Hero unit progress*

I am making good progress with version 3, the Shinobi Hero is as good as done and I am devoting my current spare time to cleaning up some of the issues bugging me with previous versions.

I am currently implementing more unit variation within the ninja's of the Hattori and Tokugawa ninja hero units. For those who are unaware, these ninja models do not use the standard format variantmodel file, whereby a model is usually made up of seperate heads, torso's, arms and legs etc. It uses the campaign map ninja model, which is one mesh with one texture.

The problem with this is that we have "Ninja Clone" armies with identical soldiers which stand out like a sore thumb. I have made a few extra skin's of various colours and shades to break this up a little, but the most interesting thing I have found is that within the editor exists unused parts for the Hanzo's shadows units - namely the boshin mempo mask, shoulders and the leather armor worn by the unit leader.

Applying them to the unit gives the following result -

As cool as it may look, I understand why it is unused. There are some clipping issues with the curaiss and I am in two mind's if it is looks to a high enough standard to make it into V3...

What do you think? Looking for opinions guys yay or nay?

Your opinion counts please leave feedback

- Scope.

News - 09/11/2012 *Version 3 with FOTS "Shinobi Hero" - and rebalancing nearing completion*

This mod is not dead

Just a quick update -

I had to step back from Shogun 2 modding for a few months, due to lack of time in my schedule - and the stress caused by trying to rush this to completion. The time away has given me time to think about what I want to do with this mod - and I have decided that I want Version 3 to be the most complete and final version I can possibly make. This way I can stop worrying about modding - and enjoy playing for a change!

The launch of the assembly kit is a godsend - certain thing's I couldn't do before without a heavy investment of time have now been made possible - and I am confident of a release before christmas.

This version will be the most polished yet - Thigh Armor on campaign models is now easilly doable with the Unit Editor - so a small visual upgrade and more randomness amongst the unit's ninja's should be expected.

This isn't just for those who don't have the Saint's and Heroes DLC Ninja Hero - it works perfectly well alongside it! Hattori and Tokugawa wont be able to recruit Hanzo's Shadows in campaign and custom battles - The Ninja Hero is still exclusive to these two factions in its own flavour - and have more advanced skills and firebomb throwing range - making use of a custom firebomb projectile table.

The majority of my work is going into the FOTS Campaign Shinobi Hero - a ninja hero balanced for the FOTS campaign recruitable by any faction who has built a level 4 legendary samurai dojo. While the unit is working perfect in game - my attention is on making it look more unique to the boshin war era.

More news as ait comes available

News - 10/08/2012 *Version 3 WIP*Ninja Hero mod V3 in the works! - 10/08/2012

As some may know, I am currently working on version 3 of my Ninja Hero mod. The Saints and Heroes DLC has provided a very dull and pale version of my Ninja Hero mod - and So I want to raise the Bar by adding an individual FOTS Unit, and rebalancing and polishing the original mod!

As two Ninja Heroes is a bit much for one faction, I have decided to make the Hanzo's shadows unit unrecruitable for Hattori and Tokugawa ONLY. (other factions will still be able to recruit Hanzos Shadows as normal)

The Ninja Heroes will be Hattori and Tokugawa's specialised Ninja Hero unit (like the Shimazu Katana Hero, but a lot more than just a few stats boosts).

I have enabled firebombs on the units - with a twist. The Hero units now use a custom firebomb projectile which have a range of 75 (same range as flashbombs - about a third futher than standard firebombs)...

The spotting distance on both units is now 50 meters - which makes them the stealthiest in the game. As the spotting distance is now shorter than the distance of the firebombs - the unit can now throw firebombs at units 75 meters away without breaking stealth!

Making for a pretty sweet surprise morale shock before closing for the kill...

Combined with special abilities like Warcry for Hattori, and Stand Firm for Tokugawa (and the added bonus of custom skins) - the Ninja Hero v3.0 will offer a viable alternative to the Hanzo's Shadows unit in the Vanilla Shogun 2 Campaign.

If your preference is a more modern battlefield - A Fall of the Samurai Ninja Hero unit called the "Shinobi Hero", will be available to all clans in campaign by building a level 4 - Legendary Samurai Dojo".

Funky Neon Ninjas in FOTS?? (dont worry this isn't serious, just experementation with team colour masks) - 10/08/2012

Another update I thought I would share as I found it quite amusing -

I decided to give the new FOTS Hero unit from v3 - The "Shinobi Hero" as I am currently calling it, a custom reskin rather than recycle one of the Hattori or Tokugawa skins.

I have been experementing with Team Colour masks - The idea behind this was to allow the unit to blend in better with its host army.

The results were not what I hoped for - but quite hilarious all the same.

Due to the FOTS armies preference to wear vibrant, glow in the dark colours we have an Electric Blue, and Neon Pink Ninja! When you think these guys are supposed to be trying to be stealthy - It's quite a juxtaposition as you could spot these ninja's from the moon!

I think I will just stick to making the laces faction colourable eh?

*New optional Standalone Addon - 06/08/2012 - "Ninja Daimyo for Hattori Campaign!"

Similar to the Hanzo's Shadow Reskin released recently, this is another uniform mod - Inspired by "MrHoon's Ninja Daimyo mod", this is an optional reskin of the Hattori Daimyo in Campaign requested by Azreil1- using the ninja hero skins - classic red, or for those who like thier Daimyo to stand out - Gold! *Dedicated thread with download link*

If you have too many of my Ninja's Hero skins running about - you might want to try the brilliant Hattori Hanzo remodel from *BullGods Daimyo's and Generals Mod* (click for link) as an alternative.

*optional addon 01/08/12 - "Hanzo's Shadows" Ninja Hero Reskin (for saints and heroes DLC *DOESNT require main Ninja Hero mod to work!*)

Simple but effective uniform addon, which changes the Unit Leader of the elite DLC unit "Hanzo's Shadows", from the old campaign piece model, to the FOTS Model with the choice of one of my four custom ninja hero skins. Can be used standalone, or with the main Ninja hero mod *Dedicated Thread with download link here*Aside from the optional addon for those who own the Saints and Heroes DLC, I am beavering away at V3.0 of the mod -

Proposed Changes

Addition of Ninja Hero to Fall of the Samurai Campaign for highest level Traditional Dojo's.
Rebalancing of Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja Heroes to be more specialised vs the new official ninja hero DLC "Hanzo's Shadows", which CA has almost a cloned from this mod.
Combination of Packfiles for Hattori, Tokugawa and FOTS Ninja hero mod into one single packfile for streamlining purposes.

Any further changes will be announced prior to release.

V1.0, v1.5, v2.0 Change logs - Click to View Archived Changes

Changelog - v2.0

Added new unit - Tokugawa Ninja Hero for use in Vanilla Shogun 2 campaign and Custom battles. Tokugawa version has slightly less attack power than its Hattori counterpart (still deadly compared to other units), but has increased defense and the "Hold Firm" ability (in oppose to 'Warcry' which the Hattori Ninja Hero retains). Unit also gives a unique police garrison bonus to settlements where the unit is present. Custom unit icons and new Encylopedia entry added for unit.

Added custom faction based skins for both ninja hero units based on the FOTS Kisho ninja officer model. Full gloss and normal map support. Old Kisho Ninja officer models removed and replaced with new FOTS model's which also have custom skins and are coloured faction specific.

Minor Campaign rebalance - Ninja Hero units once again require the Stealth Chain level 3 building - Criminal Syndicate and Technology Ninjutsu Mastery, due to excessive cost and time requirements for recruitment in short campaign.

Updated encyclopedia entry for Hattori Ninja Hero.

Historically, the Tokugawa were infamous for their use of ninja – both on and off the battlefield, and I could think of no more suitable clan to recieve their own Ninja hero other than the Hattori.
Stats wise – it is not quite as powerful in melee as its Hattori counterpart, but does have higher defense and can inspire shaken units to hold thier ground with “Hold Firm”.
This release has new texture files for both ninja hero's and the Kisho ninja officers, some parts were copied from existing textures in the game, while some were created from scratch using Photoshop.

Stats comparison

I wanted to give the Tokugawa Ninja Hero its own unique feel. The Hattori Ninja Hero is slightly more powerful on the battlefield, better charge and melee attack with the ability to scares enemies with Warcry.

I gave the Tokugawa Ninja Hero a slightly decreased charge and melee attack (the stealth skill increases this when activated anyhow), but gave higher defense skill - so better at holding its own against multiple groups of enemies. Hold Firm replaces Warcry, as I wanted to be able to inspire friendly troops when morale is low - and it does make some difference when the chips are down.

In 1vs1 combat both units are a match for each other, the high defense of the Tokugawa Ninja Hero and the High attack ability of the Hattori version cancel each other out and put them on an even footing.

The file is one package with both .pack files inside and is available for download as an attachment at the bottom of the page.

*Old Version 1.5 below*

Inspired by the news that FotS would include the rather sexy looking, retextured kisho ninja (see above), I have been working on the V1.5 update. The latest shogun 2 update made a few changes to the unit_tables which broke v1.0 of the mod (which should now be considered obsolete).
The above screenshot shows the wonderfully high resolution "Boshin" Ninja texture which was contained in yesterdays update - patch16.pack. Thankfully - CA have made these files open to everyone so that multiplayer battles between "modern" armies, and those who only own the vanilla shogun 2 are possible! No illegal porting from one product to another has taken place here, I do not yet own FotS - and this mod has been made with the core game files. This mod simply refrences textures you have within your game files already.

Aside from this and a few campaign rebalances, included is also a visual enhancement mini-mod for the hattori clan.

While playing with the Hattori for extended periods over development of the mod, I noticed how little ninja's are actually represented within the clan. The Ikko-Ikko for instance, have some subtle and yet visually pleasing unit variants within thier ranks – which represent's thier stance on monks and religion. There are random barefooted, ashigaru wearing monk attire for instance.

On this premise I have made some very sublime changes to hattori only units, which offer no gameplay advantage - but do represent the ninja emphasis on the clan.

“Hattori Kisho Ninja” are now led by the old mempo masked level 3 campaign ninja model, which was previously used by the ninja hero in v1.0. (image removed as info outdated 06/08/2012)

As shinobi are supposed to be widespread amongst the clan, I thought it made more sense for at the Ashigaru to be lead by a “monomi style” level 1 campaign ninja (the model where the mask does not cover the mouth). I feel this better explains how these units of trained peasants have kisho training – by being lead by a ninja scout of sorts. (image below)

Ninja leading samurai units looks a bit – contradictory given the history we know of samurai and the ninja, so for this release I have not edited any hattori samurai units.

I am hoping in a near future release to have upgraded the old mempo masked ninja texture to a higher resolution version, based off the new skin - but retaining the red and black look.

I am also working on a "Tokugawa Ninja Hero" for those who don't have the Hattori DLC - stats wise it will slightly weaker than it's hattori counterpart - but I may yet give it some other unique abilities that the hattori version doesn't have.

Changelog

V.1.5 – 24/03/2012

▪ Updated to be fully compatible with official FOTS patch for Shogun 2.

▪ Updated Ninja Hero officer model with higher resolution “Boshin Kisho Ninja Skins”, that were included with patch15.pack (NOTE: THIS IS NOT TRANSFERRED ILLEGALY FROM RESTRICTED FOTS FILES, THE TEXTURE AND SKIN IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE IN THE CORE GAME FILES).

▪ Hattori Clan Aesthetic improvement *NEW*– Minor visual changes to Hattori clan units – which offer no gameplay advantage but give an individual look (similar to the ikko-ikki's random monks masks amongst ashigaru). including:

▪ All Hattori Kisho Ninja are now led by campaign level 3 red mempo masked Ninja officer. Higher resolution texture to be implemented in later release

▪ All Ashigaru units are now led by a “Ninja Monomi” style officer instead of a Samurai officer (to better explain why these units have kisho training)

▪ Minor campaign rebalancing – Ninja Hero now requires “Legendary Mizu Shobai” district to recruit. Due to the increased cost in acquiring the Ninja Hero, base campaign cost has been reduced to 1400 koku (around 1200 after clan discounts etc), and upkeep reduced to 200 koku.

V.1.0 - 08/12/2011

First release.

Added "Ninja Hero" to Hattori Faction in Singleplayer campaign, statistics comparable to Katana Hero but with ninja abilities (minus firebombs as is a melee unit), requires criminal syndicate building and "Ninjutsu Mastery" art. Stats may be modified in future updates.
Used Ninja Agent Level 2 model for soldier models, and Ninja Agent level 3 for Officer model - no ill effects found during playtest and does not overwrite kisho ninja models.
Created Custom Icons and unit cards from Ninja Level 3 Agent icons.
Good news - The textures and models for the FotS kisho ninja are in S2 patch 15 - and requires no transferral of models etc which could breach copyright - the files are available to everyone as it is possible to fight against a FotS multiplayer army - even if you don't own FotS. I don't yet own FotS and I have the models working in game on a the hero unit.

About - v1.0

With the release of the Hattori DLC to the massess, I thought it would be fun to give the Hattori thier own flavour of Hero unit - The Ninja Hero.

I was inspired to create a unique ninja hero unit, as I could not find a similar mod at the time.
The Hattori clan unfortunately (like all others) only has one ninja unit - and as the clan itself revolves around Ninja - I wanted to spice the experience up a little. This was my first Unit Mod and was meant for personal use, but gradually grew and I decided to release it for those who may be interested.

This may be my first mod, but I have put a lot of QA into this - its got full recruitment icons and unitcards, and its own ingame encyclopedia entry! (THIS DOESNT Edit the core encyclopedia at all and is completely safe). Compatibility is high, as it is a completely new unit - it does not overwrite any currently existing ones.

The Unit itself is comparable in skill to the Katana Hero - but with the addition of kisho training, stealth, blinding grenades and as an added skill - Warcry.
The Unit requires at least a "Criminal Syndicate "(level 3 stealth building), and the Chi Art - "Ninjutsu Mastery" to recruit. The unit is capped at 1. If the unit is wiped out or disbanded, a new unit may be recruited from a Criminal Syndicate.
Stats are as follows:

[IMAGE REMOVED AS OUTDATED INFO - 06/08/2012]

In 1vs1 head-on combat against a standard "Katana Hero", using no abilities - the Units are pretty evenly matched with equal casualties on both sides until one side breaks and routs (usually when down to less than 5 men).

With the "Stealth" skill used, which gives a charge bonus and the element of surprise - the Ninja usually inflict enough casualties on the charge to tip the scales in thier favour, and then overwhelm the Katana Hero into routing mode. This is even better if the charge comes from behind or a flank!

Combined with a flashbomb while in stealth just before the charge this effect is increased further. Warcry also helps greatly, but will not be available for the first few minutes of a battle.
Due to the lighter armor of the ninja, they are more vulnerable to arrows than other hero units - the idea is to keep them stealthed until they are in charging range to avoid taking pre-melee casualties. However this Lack of armor is made up for in melee by a higher melee defence rating.

Main mod - V3.0 - Tokugawa / Hattori Ninja Hero & FOTS Shinobi Hero- With Custom Skins

The latest version of expands the mod with the addition of the Shinobi Hero for Fall of the Samurai factions.

Changes include full re-balancing of the Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja Heroes to work alongside (or as an alternative to), the rather bland "Hanzo's Shadows" DLC Unit. Do not be put off by owning the Saints and Heroes DLC, this mod is designed to work in parallel by providing a stronger faction specific unit, with thier own abilities and unique artwork for those clans which specialize in the use of battlefield ninja (think along the lines of the "Shimazu Katana Hero", but with more than just a simple stats change).

All three of the Ninja Hero units use custom firebomb projectiles with an increased range of 75 yards (up from 50), and can fire whilst hidden. This allows for easier stealth barrages to take the enemy by surprise before charging for the kill!

I have also included two optional .packfiles to enhance the experience when combined with the mod. They are mini-mods which only change the appearence of certain models -

Hattori Clan Aesthetic Upgrade Renamed from Hattori Visual Upgrade, Removed from main packfile and placed into an independent and wholly optional packfile. Hattori Samurai units are now led by more armoured 'Jonin' (Veteran Ninja) models rather than a Samurai - with randomisation options for shoulder armour and possibility of Red Ninja Menpo mask. As with previous versions Ashigaru are led by Ninja "Monomi" (low ranking Ninja and Scouts). This better reflects the ability for these units to use Stealth Deployment options as the Ninja would act as a guide for the unit. As mini-mod only overrides the look of a unit and does not deal with stats, it should not affect online play and does not need activation in the S2 mod manager. (not included with lite or steamworks version, available in full version or as a standalone mini-mod.)

Hattori and Tokugawa Kisho Ninja Leaders - Removed these custom skins from main packfile and merged with my "FOTS style Kisho Ninja unit leaders for Vanilla Shogun 2" Aesthetic mini-mod. Now contained in its own independent and wholly optional packfile. This mod replaces ALL Kisho Ninja Officers in vanilla shogun 2 with the visually pleasing fall of the samurai menpo masked model. It also changes the Hattori and Tokugawa clans Kisho Ninja officers to this model, but with a clan specific custom skin due to their infamy for use of ninja. As mini-mod only overrides the look of a unit and does not deal with stats, it should not affect online play and does not need activation in the S2 mod manager. (not included with lite or steamworks version, available in full version or as a standalone mini-mod.)

These minimods are entirely optional and are not required for the mod to work, they can be removed from the data folder if you do not wish to use them.

The updated art assets have also introduced unit randomisation, utilising faction colour textures for trims on some of the models.

Spoiler for Unit Randomisation:

Please give it a try and provide feedback!

Cheers,

Scope

FULL CHANGELOG IN CONTEXT BOX AT TOP OF PAGE - Keep reading for more info or Jump to bottom of post for Download Link!

About The mod

With the general release of the "Hattori clan DLC" to the masses back in 2011, I was inspired to create a unique ninja hero unit, there were no similar mods and this predated the "Saints and Heroes" DLC pack of 2012 (which conveniently had "The Hanzo's Shadows", a unit so close to my original mod that it could easilly be a clone!)
I originally wanted to spice up the Hattori experience, as it was lacking in the Shinobi Department despite its selling point being that it is the clan which specialises in Ninja. This was my first DLC and was meant for personal use, but it had good reviews and gradually expanded into the Tokugawa (to give those without the Hattori DLC a piece of the action), and it now has a FOTS unit too.
The Saints and Heroes DLC has not made this mod obsolete, and I have changed focus to ensure this mod expands on the original and brings a more unique set of Ninja Heroes to the table - so that it can be used alongside the very vanilla feeling Hanzo's Shadows available to every clan, as the ninja orientated clan's stronger alternative. (Think of the "Shimazu Katana Hero", but with more than just a simple stats boost).
I have also taken the time to create custom art assets for the Ninja Heroes - utilising the cooler looking models provided by CA, with skins I have modified or created from scratch.

The Hattori Ninja Hero

The Hattori Ninja Hero is the more aggresive of the two Sengoku era units, Its warriors are in peak condition, and represent the best the Iga-Sokoku-Ikki have to offer from its clans. It can hide easier and for longer than normal kisho ninja due to it's mastery of Shinobi-iri (the art of moving unseen). Combined with its ability to throw its devastating (yet limited), supply of firebombs much further than lesser ninja - you have a guerilla unit capable hit and run attacks that can shake the morale of the most battle hardened samurai. They are no Pushover in Melee Either! With an increased attack power, and powerful charge, they can also use the Warcry ability to strike fear in the hearts of lesser men. Being masters of Wilderness Survival, they also have campaign map stealth (like the Ninja Agent), and are immune to attrition.

Unlike the Hanzo's Shadows which need a "Legendary Mizu Shobai" district to recruit, The Hattori have direct access to the most veteran ninja through their shinobi clan ties - This Hero unit may be recruited from a Level 3 Stealth Building Criminal Syndicate allowing for much earlier access.

The Tokugawa Ninja Hero

Tokugawa Ieyasu's use of ninja during the Sengoku period is as renowned as that of Hattori Hanzo. It should come at no small surprise that Hanzo was actually a personal friend and adviser to the man who would become the future military leader of Japan, and is said to have sent many Ninja into the service of the Tokugawa clan.
The Tokugawa Ninja Hero is the Tokugawa Daimyo's Personal Bodyguard and enforcers of his will; acting as his eyes, ears and more often than not - executioners. The Tokugawa's famed use of these phantoms caused fear not only in rival clans, but among threats closer to home. The threat of being eliminated for treacherous deeds is a very real prospect to those subservient to the Tokugawa, so any settlements where the Ninja Hero makes his presence felt will be granted a policing bonus to public order. This aura of obedience and compliance extends to the soldiery in the Daimyo's service, and in battle the Ninja hero can call upon the Hold Firm ability, inspiring allies to stand thier ground in the face of overwhelming odds. The trade-off for this unique ability is that the Tokugawa Ninja Hero is not quite as powerful in melee as thier Hattori counterpart, however they are still a worthy hero in close combat and a higher melee defence means that they may outlast other hero units. They too share the other perks of the Hattori Ninja Hero - Campaign map stealth, Immunity to attrition, reduced detection range, and an increased firebomb range of 75 yards that can be thrown whilst hidden.

The Tokugawa's close ties to the clans of Iga and Koga, means that they too can recruit this hero unit early by building the Level 3 Stealth Building Criminal Syndicate.

The Shinobi Hero

By the time of the 19th century, Ninja had become the legends of common folklore and mysticism. Over embellished tales of supernaturaly powered espionage agents who can become invisible, or leap tall buildings in a single bound sounds more like 'Superman' than 'Superspy' nowadays. However, The superstitious nature of people during that age made it harder for them to seperate fact from fiction, and easier for the ninja to exploit an enemies fears of preternatural ability to gain an edge in combat.

The Shinobi Hero Unit is a mercenary clan of Veteran Ninja, selling its services only to those Daimyo who have gained enough prestige to capture thier attention. This unit is possibly the most deadly melee unit in the fall of the Samurai Campaign, the challenge is getting them close enough to the gun totting masses without being riddled with bullets... Close enough for a sword (as the fictional Captain Nathan Aldrin would say!) They are superior in strength of arms, but run that risk of being overwhelmed by masses of Large sized melee units like Shogitai, or being shot to pieces en-masse. The good news is that they do retain some ranged ability by being able to throw firebombs just as far as the Hattori and Tokugawa Ninja heroes whilst remaining stealthed. They also benefit from the Warcry ability, a reduced detection range, campaign map stealth, and immunity to attrition.

While their ancestors may have been loyal to the Shogun, these Shinobi have no such preference when choosing allegience. They are loyal first to thier clan, and whoever is paying them last. This means they are less exclusive to hire, but you will have to build a Level 4 Legendary Samurai Dojo to recruit them.

Download Mirrors for Version 3 LIVE NOW!

Please use the below mirror, or download from the attachments at the bottom of the post...

Please leave feedback - it is invaluable to help with future development!

TWCenter Download Link: TW Center Downloads

Gamefront Mirror: Mirror 1 (v3.0.1)

(I will check the links periodically to ensure they are still live, else use the attachment link below. Please report dead links to me by PM)

Standalone Addons and mods

Other mods created to be used with the Ninja Hero mod, but can be used standalone without the main mod, or mixed and matched for the best experience.

"Hanzo's Shadows" Ninja Hero Reskin (for saints and heroes DLC)" - Reskins "Hanzo's Shadows" dlc unit to use my Ninja Hero Skin.

"Ninja Daimyo for Hattori Campaign"- Reskins Hattori Daimyo to use my Ninja Hero skin.

ENJOY!

**Mori_ClanTaisho6016** · December 08, 2011, 11:07 AM

beat me to it. very nice

**Neptune4394** · December 08, 2011, 11:27 AM

very nice mod!

**Neptune4394** · December 08, 2011, 12:06 PM

Will you check screenshot?

**scope2007** · December 08, 2011, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by Neptune4394

Will you check screenshot?

This isn't a bug, when there is no General in your army - the highest ranking unit is elected to become the general...

Generals CANNOT hide.

Try a custom battle with a general unit, it will work fine

Let me know if you encounter further problems and I will check them out

**Neptune4394** · December 08, 2011, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by scope2007

This isn't a bug, when there is no General in your army - the highest ranking unit is elected to become the general...

Generals CANNOT hide.

Try a custom battle with a general unit, it will work fine

Let me know if you encounter further problems and I will check them out

oh i see
thank you for the response

**ShimazuClan** · December 08, 2011, 09:08 PM

Hey what scabbard and sword is that?

**kairlano** · December 09, 2011, 06:16 PM

This is an awesome mod! Any chance you could do a tutorial for unit creation?

**scope2007** · December 10, 2011, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by kairlano

This is an awesome mod! Any chance you could do a tutorial for unit creation?

Better still, I can link you to the tutorial which taught me to make this. I am definitely no expert, I started with this tutorial and the final result was this mod around 3 days later.

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=443856

Ele's tutorial was invaluable to me, there are a few things I had to learn myself or look elsewhere to get this to the level of quality I have reached - but It is definitely the place the start.

You will also need Pack File Manager (available in the mod forums).

Using this tool you will need to extract the tables indicated in the tutorial from your Shogun 2 data.pack and the units.loc file from your en_localisationl.pack (or whatever language you play the game in).

Extract these to your data folder, create a new .Pack file and call it whatever you want. In the menu's of PFM - add the directories you just extracted and follow the tutorial which will instruct you how to add a custom uesugi unit.

You will then be able to modify the method from the tutorial to create your own custom unit from scratch

**kairlano** · December 11, 2011, 12:25 AM

Much appreciated, I'll go give it a shot. Keep up the good work; looking forward to any other mods you release.

**Brutalsubtlety** · December 16, 2011, 08:44 PM

Great idea; well done, Inglorious Bastards. Good job.
Here Rep+ Hattori Ninja Hero?

**TWFonzarelli** · December 16, 2011, 10:23 PM

This mod looks like a real treat. Will it work with an existing campaign?

D'oh, Megaupload took it down and i'm getting an unusual error from gamefront.

**Mudora** · December 17, 2011, 06:25 AM

I have the same problem of TWFonzarelli, megaupload is down and gamefront give a server problem. Could you upload again?

Thanks a lot.

**scope2007** · December 17, 2011, 08:52 AM

Working on a new mirror now

and yes, this should work with an existing campaign savegame.

Originally Posted by scope2007

Working on a new mirror now

and yes, this should work with an existing campaign savegame.

New mirror: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7FQNUR29

For some reason my file violated the megaupload ToS =/

I have no idea HOW, as it does not contain any sort of defamatory, illegal or obscene content... hmm.

I am working on a more permanent mirror, as this will likely happen again.

Edit: Gamefront link seems to be working fine for me at this moment in time.

**Mudora** · December 17, 2011, 09:30 AM

Thanks a lot for upload again.

**TWFonzarelli** · December 17, 2011, 02:47 PM

Indeed, just grabbed it off MU.

This, plus grabbing RotS, Sengoku Jidai units, and Ikko-ikki at a ridiculously low cost will have me playing S2 all weekend.

Shoulda held out on the Blood Pack that I bought on tuesday. Oh well...

I'll be back to give feedback on the mod

Thanks again Scope!! really looking forwards to this!

**Hopit** · December 17, 2011, 02:55 PM

DL links not working

**scope2007** · December 17, 2011, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Hopit

DL links not working

Megaupload are starting to take the piss now...

I will be contacting them for an explanation of HOW this harmless file is breaching the ToS.

In the meantime enjoy this video from Naxzul of the totalwar.com forums who made a pretty awesome duel video using my mod.

http://vimeo.com/33675329

**TWFonzarelli** · December 17, 2011, 03:18 PM

saw tat on YT, that where I learned of this mod

EDIT:

I just finished a custom battle with them. They're awesome! perhaps a bit unbalanced in comparison with other heroes.

1) in custom Battles, you can pick more than one Ninja hero, however they are limited to JUST Hattori which is good.

2) their Melee Defense(17) is greater than Katana Heroes(10). personally i think it should be a bit less than Kat. Heroes perhaps 8?

3) their Melee offense is equal to Katana Heroes. Not sure if thats for balancing but I believe that it shouldn't be better than Kat. Heroes. Samurai should be better at melee than Ninja.

4) Abilities seem good, though I think they're very well suited for Rapid Advance.

5) Is their a reason you did not add fire-bomb throwing? Perhaps, if you can, you can make them ever so slightly better than Hattori Kisho ninja at throwing bombs.

Those were the main things I fet passionate about. I'll let you know more if there is more

Otherwise its a very good start