Need help on adding Traits

**Decist** · May 28, 2010, 05:45 PM

I saw this tutorial by Alpaca which you can see by clicking this link http://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showth...-coding-Traits

I unpacked the files using the unpack_all file in tools folder, I followed the instructions using the readme.txt but I found this one very unclear.

V. USING MODIFIED FILES
______________________________________________________________________

- To use the modified files create a batch file in your
Medieval II: Total War folder

- In the batch file add the following line

medieval2.exe --io.file_first

- NOTE: Due to a timestamp check, the following unpacked files will
cause the game to crash and must be deleted before the game is
launched:

data\descr_geography_new.txt
data\descr_geography_new.db

- Save the batch file and then launch Medieval II: Total War using the
newly created batch file.

It tells you to make a new batch file, well what is that? And also, I unpacked all of the files but I could not find these files text/export_VnVs.txt and text/export_ancillaries.txt. I saw files that named sxport_VnVs.txt.string also the same as export_ancillaries with the .string in the end of the file name.

I'm sorry but I really need help on adding traits.

**Augustus Lucifer** · May 28, 2010, 05:55 PM

You need the strings.bin converter to generate text files from the bin files.

The method with batch files is create a file called mymod.cfg and put in it:

Code:

[io]
file_first = true

Then create a file called mymod.bat and put in it:

Code:

start medieval2.exe @mymod.cfg

That only enables you to mod the base game in the base game folder, which is generally not advised. To create a mod you'll need to create a mod folder and make more additions to the CFG file. I won't repeat all of that here because it can be verbose and dependent on what exactly it is you want to do. Have a look at gigantus' Bare Kingdoms folder, and also the Modding Basics class which was conducted at the TWC University.

(As an aside, a CFG file is just a text file with the .cfg extension, which much like an INI file takes a special format that can be easily interpreted for configuration settings by program code. BAT files also contain text and are exactly what they sound like, batches of commands for the computer to execute which you could run through Command Prompt(cmd.exe) on windows, except written down so they can be executed quickly and easily.)

**Decist** · May 29, 2010, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by Augustus Lucifer

You need the strings.bin converter to generate text files from the bin files.

The method with batch files is create a file called mymod.cfg and put in it:

Code:

[io]
file_first = true

Then create a file called mymod.bat and put in it:

Code:

start medieval2.exe @mymod.cfg

That only enables you to mod the base game in the base game folder, which is generally not advised. To create a mod you'll need to create a mod folder and make more additions to the CFG file. I won't repeat all of that here because it can be verbose and dependent on what exactly it is you want to do. Have a look at gigantus' Bare Kingdoms folder, and also the Modding Basics class which was conducted at the TWC University.

(As an aside, a CFG file is just a text file with the .cfg extension, which much like an INI file takes a special format that can be easily interpreted for configuration settings by program code. BAT files also contain text and are exactly what they sound like, batches of commands for the computer to execute which you could run through Command Prompt(cmd.exe) on windows, except written down so they can be executed quickly and easily.)

Ok. I have successfully converted the bin files inside my text folder to .txt now how can I do that BAT/CFG? By making a notepad? if so where should I save it?

**Decist** · May 28, 2010, 08:47 PM

I'm not planning to make a mod I just want to add a super imba trait that gives 10 commands and some other stuffs. So.. all i need is that string.bin converter to generate text files that I asked in this topic? Thanks by the way. I just want to clarify things out.

**Augustus Lucifer** · May 28, 2010, 10:47 PM

Basically yes. You'll still want the simple BAT/CFG setup provided above because otherwise the game doesn't know to check the files before the packs so it won't register changes.

**Decist** · May 28, 2010, 11:15 PM

Ugh.. I need phyton to run this. I downloaded phyton and unzipped it now i looked through the files but i have no idea how to install it theres no executable file for installation.

**Ishan** · May 29, 2010, 12:39 AM

Use this link to download python 2.6 download the version that supports your system. The download contains a .msi extension so it's pretty much auto.
Then you can use the converter by just clicking the .py file
Hops this helps.

**Decist** · May 29, 2010, 02:22 AM

which link should I choose? I have windows 7.

**Ishan** · May 29, 2010, 02:48 AM

Choose this link

Windows x86 MSI Installer (2.6) (sig)

**Ishan** · May 29, 2010, 05:29 PM

This .bat file of yours is basically like a .exe file for launching your mod.
Create a new text doc and rename it .bat file and inside place the command i.e. the location of your mod.
This bat file remains in the main directory of your mod along with the cfg file.
And similarly create new txt file and rename it's extension to cfg and place the following command inside cfg file to allow the mod files to run from your mod.
[io]
file_first = true

**Decist** · May 29, 2010, 05:43 PM

I'm not making a mod, I just want to add a new trait sir :/

**Ishan** · May 29, 2010, 06:52 PM

Adding a trait itself alters the default vanilla campaign so it's a mod(modification). Whenever you launch the game using .bat file you are running a mod.
Even the Crusades, Teutonic campaign are nothing but adv mods my lad.

**Decist** · May 29, 2010, 08:42 PM

Oh sorry. I'm still confused. How can i do that? The file I want to edit is located in my data folder this is the file name export_descr_character_traits I believe i need to edit more files to succesfully make the mod but I don't kn ow the file names

**Ishan** · May 29, 2010, 11:46 PM

Read the following tutorial to add traits.
Adding Traits

**Decist** · June 29, 2010, 06:49 PM

My game closes after loading right after executing the game. It shows the loading screen for 3 seconds then walla, the game closes. All i did was unpack the files using the unpacker provided by the game and used Alpaca's converter to convert my files to text and edit some traits save and start the game. Oh and I'm using the batch file method to run file first. I've deleted the 2 files called geography something.. with db and .txt version. coz the readme file said that it can cause the game to crash. please help me :/.

**irishron** · June 29, 2010, 06:58 PM

Did you delete the map.rwm and start a new campaign?
Do you have the error log in your cfg file set to trace?

**Decist** · June 29, 2010, 07:00 PM

Where can i find the error log? Sorry, im pretty noob a this. I've deleted the map.rws and fired the game same thing happens.

Theres a log folder in my medieval 2 total war but there are no files in it. I've tried going to C:\Users\your name\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\SEGA\Medieval II Total War to check but theres no medieval 2 total war folder there. only rome total war.

**irishron** · June 29, 2010, 08:01 PM

You need a modfolder. http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...ht=bare+geomod is a good place to start. If you mod the vanilla files and you don't back up the originals, you stand a chance of reinstalling the game. A little care now will yield many great rewards later.