Changing General's Bodyguard Unit

**BroTank** · August 12, 2016, 06:33 PM

Hey guys,

So, I have really been having a difficult time changing the High Elf's body guard units. I enjoy Elron's spearmen, and thoroughly do not enjoy having mounts for a bodyguard. With that being said, I've attempted to make the proper modifications to make this change. However, I can't get it to work to save my life. I'm a 100% novice at making any "modifications" to a game, but I have followed several guides to ensure I was doing it properly. For instance, I followed the directions listed in the link below. However, the changes simply don't register. The text files represent the proper changes, yet nothing is modified. To test this, I changed Elron's age to 20, from 50. Yet, even that didn't change. I'm also using steam, if that makes a difference? I modified the proper files in the location I had installed the The Third Age mod. If anyone has any insight at all, I would greatly appreciate it. I can also provide more specifics if needed, I'm just unsure of what information may be needed in order to help aid me with this annoyance.

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...al-s-Bodyguard

Sincerely,

Bro Tank

**Ngugi** · August 13, 2016, 04:47 AM

Hello BT, welcome to TWC

However, the changes simply don't register

Hmm, this sounds like either you do not have administrative rights currently so the files are at "Read Only" (thus need to Edit Security), and/or it's a Virtual Store matter.
Check this thread for info on both those matters: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...h-pictures-!-)

**BroTank** · August 13, 2016, 12:34 PM

Hello!

First off, thank you for the reply! I looked into your advice, but I haven't had any luck. I went through and changed the permission if/where it was applicable. This didn't seem to work for me. Next, I checked the Virtual Storage path, but there wasn't a Medieval Total War 2 folder there to delete. I'm puzzled as to why nothing will change... Do you have any other ideas? If needed, I can screenshot my changes in the text files to show you what I've done. But, I followed the guidance of various guides I was able to find. Thank you for much for your help!

Bro Tank

**Ngugi** · August 13, 2016, 12:47 PM

OK, hmm, concerning this

To test this, I changed Elron's age to 20, from 50.

When you open descr_strat afterwards/now, is Elrond's age there still 50 or has it rewerted back to 20?
Also, you did check in a new campaign? Not all changes applies to saved games.

**BroTank** · August 13, 2016, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by Ngugi

OK, hmm, concerning this
When you open descr_strat afterwards/now, is Elrond's age there still 50 or has it rewerted back to 20?
Also, you did check in a new campaign? Not all changes applies to saved games.

Hello!

It was at 20, but I just noticed it had reverted to 50 today. I'm unsure if this was due to some of the changes I have made. And yes, I always test with a brand new campaign, as I was told it isn't save compatible. I've attached some of the edits I've made. I've played around with them quite heavily, so I hope these are the proper changes. Let me know if you see anything incorrect!

Bro Tank

**Ngugi** · August 13, 2016, 01:32 PM

The type-name in export_description_units.txt [EDU] differs from the unit's name in descr_strat: there's a "_" more in the EDU.

I'm most surprise the campaign do not crash at start from that to be honest.

**BroTank** · August 13, 2016, 01:52 PM

Thank you again for helping me! Here is a mass post of the 3 text files. What's wrong? I can't seem to get it to work.

**Ngugi** · August 13, 2016, 01:55 PM

The type-name from the EDU and the name in descr_strat must match, now the former has "_":s but the latter do not

**BroTank** · August 13, 2016, 02:26 PM

Do you have Skype or Discord? I'm a little confused still

**Ngugi** · August 13, 2016, 02:49 PM

Afraid not, not at home ATM.

It should say Elf_Spear_BG in descr_strat.txt [DS] just as it says Elf_Spear_BG in the EDU, not only Elf Spear BG as you have in the screen shots of the DS.

Thing is however, that if you misspelled the unit name in DS and thus assigned the generals a unit that technically do not exist, the campaign should not start with the old general unit instead (because you replaced them), but it should either go back to the menu or crash completly.
Ergo, I do think there's some case of Virtual Store matter here in play. Since you are using Steam, do Steam has a Virtual Store folder and there're M2-folders hidden within that?

**BroTank** · August 13, 2016, 02:58 PM

I made the change so that they all reflect Elf_Spear_BG.... Other than that, do you see anything wrong? I checked the VirtualStore folder, and there is nothing there. I even checked to display all hidden folders... But, I can also tell that it isn't using the text files I modified.... I'm adjusting everything under the folder I have renamed for steam, being the "crusades" folder. Yet, Elrond is still displaying as 50 years old. In my text, he is set to 20 still.

**Ngugi** · August 13, 2016, 03:05 PM

Nope, don't see anything wrong.
But what you describe (a difference between saved edits to the files and what's actually seen ingame) should not be possible, with less than that the compuer/engine actually read files from somewhere else than the folder the game is installed in, since you edited the files from the install folder. Ergo some kind of Virtual Store or equal effect.

What Windows do you have?
I'll ask ElvenKind drop by and we'll see if he has any idea what's up.

**BroTank** · August 13, 2016, 03:08 PM

Do you think I would be best off deleting the mod, and attempting a fresh start?

Also, it is Windows 7

**Ngugi** · August 13, 2016, 03:21 PM

Since your edits do not apply, it should not be needed; the big questionmark at this point is why your edits do not apply

But as said, ElvenKind might know when he drops by, that's not my strong side.

**BroTank** · August 13, 2016, 03:37 PM

Ok, I went ahead and deleted everything and did a clean installation following to forum post you linked me. I actually made the edits in like 5 seconds, and it worked! I literally spent at least 3 hours yesterday trying to figure out what I did wrong. But, I think I messed up in my installation process. My 3.2 patch didn't actually work (I installed it), but I didn't look at a guide on how to actually install the mod correctly. So, I assume that my own version of installation worked, but not the way it was supposed to, and that is why I was having such terrible difficulty getting anything to work. Thank you for your guidance in trying to help me solve this issue