Third Age Total War Expanded Mod (1.4.1/RCRR/ME Lore/More)
What is TATWE?
TATWE is currently based upon TATW 1.4. However, the real power of this mod will be unleashed when 1.5 comes out and I can build upon that release. In the mean time, as both the best, easiest, and cleanest mod compilation, I give you TATWE BETA 1.0.
The Third Age Total War Expanded is a Complete Community Mod Merge Project with a fancy name. The latest version is fully updated to TATW 1.4.1 (including ALL the 1.4.1 bugfixes + ALL LEFT OVER VANILLA BUG FIXES save one - the gap in roads issue, which isn't really a bug, just a misread by the game). The Third Age Total War Expanded - Basic includes the most popular submods (RR/RC + ME Lore + 1.4.1 Bugfixes + More), while the TATW-Expanded includes even more features and parts from other submods to create the most expanded mod compatibility yet..
Third Age Total War Expanded - Basic is a submod that aims to make installation of multiple mods easy for new and old users alike. It will focus on compiling and making the latest and greatest versions of existing submods available in one simple download. In other words, think of it as a community project that if permission is given we will be able to include options to install what ever mod you require. It will primarily be based upon RCRR, ME Lore, 1.4.1 bugfixes, and other small additions. It will aim to remain true to the original submod author's intentions.
Third Age Total War Expanded - Extended will basically include everything that TATWE-B will include plus additional submods, units, factions, and my work to make an entirely new mod that does not exist yet. It will host a compilation of improvements from works like FROME with a few of my own changes, adding in new units, doubling the amount of units for Silvan Elves (AOR -new skins) to simulate two separate factions (Mirkwood and Lothlorien) will maintaining them as one playable faction, separating Dwarves into two factions East and West, new factions such as Vail of Anduin and possibly Shadow of Angmar, and lots of other features. The focus will be on quality, not quantity, include three or four custom provincial campaigns where the faction standings will vary and will maintain as much as possible the size and condition of the current map and work by KK and the TATW team. See below for details.
~I may also do a third version that deals with adding a bigger map, more settlements, and even more factions, as the biggest issue I see DaC facing is so many factions on such a small map and that is why I am not focusing on this idea at this time due to the amount of work required.~
As I am a perfectionist and update my own personal game file every time something new comes out with in days(in fact I pretty much view modding my primary artistic outlet) as opposed to actually playing the game, I aim to share with you the latest and greatest mods and submods. As I already spend countless hours making my own game the best it can be, I thought to myself why not share that work with the community.
As I don't know how to make an installer, I am seeking new team members to assist in the project of making multiple versions of files for individual download preferences, especially someone who can create an installer. My goal is to make many versions of the files involved so that you could click on an installer, select which mods you would like to install by checking a box, and then the installer will install the whole thing for you bug free with no work by you.
All credit goes to the following authors of the mods they have given me permission to integrate.
The Team
Me, as I have labored mostly myself to make all of the following submods compatible with one another and to integrate the latest 1.4.1 bug fixes.
However, I am seeking someone that is able to make an installer, 2D artist, and help making versions of files, which I'll discuss below. If anyone would like to assist me with making alternate versions of files or an installer, please send me a pm.
For example, if someone wants to take the time to merge DaC with ME Lore submod, or FROME, I would be happy to add you to the team and upload the merged files here for download as its own version or to include with a future installer.
Features and Credits
The focus of this mod, besides compatibility of most submods, will be to make a Basic version that simple includes compatible submods and an Extended version that will seek to add new factions and new units in a balanced matter, which happens to be my specialty. It will be built off of the RCRR system and hopefully new units will be balanced with help from Point Blank for those that he chooses not to include in his RCRR mod. Most excitedly I am looking forward to implimenting many things from the FROME submod I am aware of the size of the map and balancing additions accordingly, and may or may not do a big map version with a larger extended map, more settlements, and more factions if time permits. I'll talk more about my plans in the future development section.
Currently This Mod features and supports all of the following:
TATWE-B
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
TATWE-E
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Optional Graphic Enhancements
- May slow down battles, only recommended for high end computers
Optional Permanent Arrows Beta File by FortressofRain (two settings I need to test for realism having to do with wall impact duration for arrows).
Optional Longer Burning Men Play Time Effect
Compatible Mods
Compatible Mods are all other mods that you are able to download and use directly over this mod without any problems. If there are other mods you would like to be included in this project please post here and I will do my best to integrate it.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Current Versions
Currently I will be uploading two versions available for download, and will add more in the future. Until an installer is made and I am able to follow through with my pick your package idea, the first release will be known simply as Third Age Total War Expanded - Basic (TATWE-B) and Third Age Total War Expanded - Extended (TATWE-E) and what each will include will be listed above in the features section.
TATWE-B OPEN BETA 1.0
TATWE-E OPEN BETA 1.0
Just so you know, I play the TATWE-E version. It includes all of the extended changes as is, including the extended burning men and permanent arrows optional downloads.
Know Issues
MESHES Unkown:
I replaced 2 meshes with updated ones from TATW 1.4.1, and am awaiting to here from Point Blank if RC/RR using different meshes from different submods that should be used instead of the 1.4.1 meshes. If you are experiencing an issue, I have included backup meshes from RR/RC. All you need to do is delete the following meshes and rename the _BackUp to delete the _BackUp part. The meshes are as follows:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Also I have included the 1.4.1 mesh for Faramir found in _units/heroes but am using the RCRR mesh called faramir_lod0.mesh because I am 99% sure this is the correct mesh to use for RCRR. If you have any issues with faramir you can try to rename it faramir_lod0_backup.mesh and rename faramir_lod0_1.4.1.mesh to faramir_lod0.mesh.
I have play tested this myself without any bugs, but please remember this is an open Beta for both versions. Any problems should be posted below and include an error or trace log. There should be no issues or CTDs that I am aware of except what is present in the mods I have compiled.
*Solved the other problem previously found here*
The only thing you should see in your error log is the following and it is normal from vanilla:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Future Releases
The open beta will be based on current releases and both first official TATWE-B 1.0 and TATWE-E 1.0 will be released and based on TATW 1.5 and submods built on 1.5 or adapted for or compatible with 1.5. Comunity feedback will be appreciated and help shape future releases.
Progress and Future Versions
In the future I will be making two main versions, unless an installer can be made, and possibly a third version with a larger map and more settlements. They will be subject to both community feedback and suggestions but ultimately my discretion as the final say as I'm the one doing the work.
The first version, TATWE-B will be a pure version. It will feature TATW 1.5 (when it comes out), RCRR submod (most current and bug-free update), ME Lore submod (most current and bug-free update), and very few additions based on feedback, such as the few extras it already features.
The second version TATWE-E will be an extended version seeking to add other small submods, and new factions and units from other submods. Basically this will be my mod, adding all the things I like and adding my own work as well to create an entirely new mod different from any other but including the work of others that I love and enjoy. It will be based upon RCRR system.
-Better Campaign AI, possibly XAI 4.0 when it comes out.
-A very big and special secret which I'm not telling until it's done, but you'll love it.
For TATWE-E
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Installation
You must install TATW 1.4. You may or may not install 1.4.1 bug fixes as the TATWE mod compilation includes them and will overwrite those files anyway. Preferably do not install the bug fixes, just in case.
It doesn't matter if you have any mod previously downloaded as long as the mod is INCLUDED in the download. For example if you already have RCRR submod then just download and install and don't worry about compatibility.
But if you download this over any other mod not listed in the the features section for the downloaded mod it will most likely not work. See the compatibility section above for other submods that ARE compatible and that you can download at will over TATWE. If you have any other submods installed, you must have a clean download of TATW 1.4 installed before you can apply either of my mods.
TATWE-B or TATWE-E
-Install TATW 1.4
-Download File TATWE-B (Full or Part 1 and 2, not both) or TATWE-E (coming soon!)
-Extract to Medieval 2 Total War/mods/Third_Age, overwrite all
-Run File_Tasks.batch file (deletes map.rwm and clears cache)
-Play game (Not Save game compatible)
-Plus Rep everyone who made or contributed to the above mods
Optional Permenent Arrows or Burning Men Effect
-Download file/s
-Rename Old Files with "file name"_BackUp.txt
-Drop into Third_Age/data folder
-Play Game (Save game compatible)
Download Link
Don't forget to run the File_Tasks.bat before playing!
TATWE-B Full Download
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AZYCSBGW
TATWE-B Part 1
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OXCXIDE7
TATWE-B Part 2
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JABTADFI
TATWE-E
Coming Soon!
Optional Downloads for TATWE (Basic and Extended)
Permanent Arrows File Beta
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JFJP3XI2
Extended Burning Men Effect
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=B2O9KRZE
Optional Downloads for TATWE-B
-Coming Soon!
Optional Downloads for TATWE-E
-Coming Soon!
Previews for TATWE-E
Coming Soon!
Originally Posted by FortressofRain
Although I'm drowning in various kinds of work I would love to make a contribution to this modscene, the only impedement being that I lack any of the skills or know-how to do so, and on top of that English isn't my mothertongue (as you probably figured out by now). But I'm really eager to learn and want to give something back to the community that already given so much to us, regular players, that if you would need some assistance and can spare the time to get me started on the job I'm willing to lend this project a hand.
