unspecified error when modifing sm_factions

[Zombimode]

Hi
Those "unspecified errors" are realy annoying. I think I have traced the problematic file: when I put a modified descr_sm_faction.txt (I've added 4 new factions to it) to an otherwise unmodified retrofit modfolder, the game crashes on starup with said unspecified error.

What could cause this?
I have followed the step-by-step guide for new faction to the letter but it just dont work.

On a side note: this is actualy not the only problem. If I put all my modified files together for the full mod (including battle_model.modeldb and edu) the game crashes on startup without errormessage et all! The battle_model.modeldb doesent have any syntax errors. Syntax errors result in "black-screen-only-exit-by-pressing-enter" type of crash.
If I delet the battle_model.modeldb and the edu, this problem vanishes (but I still get an unspecified error). Any ideas on this issue?

Help would be VERY appreciated. I fear if I cant solve those problems this would be the death for my modding project. Hundreds of hours would be for nothing

[SigniferOne]

Why did you add four factions, and only then test them out in the game? That's not the way to do it, you must add a tiny piece and test it right away.

Besides, to add factions you need to edit about 6 or 7 files, not just descr_sm_factions.txt.

[Zombimode]

Why did you add four factions, and only then test them out in the game? That's not the way to do it, you must add a tiny piece and test it right away.

Yeah, I guess I found it out the hard way.

Besides, to add factions you need to edit about 6 or 7 files, not just descr_sm_factions.txt.

Of course. As I said I followed this this tutorial to the letter.

[Gigantus]

There is syntax checker available for the modelDB file. check the download section for it, not sure if it was made by Alpaca

[SigniferOne]

Yes try the syntax checker, which should clear up most of your problems for modelDB. With factions, I don't know what to tell you. You may be in tough luck. Make sure that logging is on the trace level, and if the log gives nothing helpful, I'm afraid you'll have to start the adding of factions from the beginning. There are a few aspects of the game that are extremely sensitive and have little by way of debugging information, and adding factions is one such thing.

[Gigantus]

If you are adding units for a new faction then you will have to modify the checker to be able to check properly.

[Turin Turumbar]

Hi
I have the same error, but I think all my files are ok. I did it a second time with this tutorial and another faction name, but I get the same error -.-
I uploaded my files, so that you can check if there is something wrong:
http://rapidshare.com/files/114104726/OstenMod.rar
Thanks for help

Turin

Edit: Problem solved, some strings in the expanded.txt were missing. Now it works

[Gigantus]

Hi
Edit: Problem solved, some strings in the expanded.txt were missing. Now it works

You must have had the vanilla version of shared.txt and tried it with kingdom. Happens to the best of us.

Have fun playing.