Sauron & The One Ring submod for TATW 2.1 // Version 1.1 RELEASED // (including Immortal Nazgul)

[Baron Samedi]

THIS SUBMOD IS OUTDATED & INCORPORATED INTO MY COMPILATION. PLEASE DO NOT POST HERE BUT IN THE THREAD OF THE COMPILATION. THANK YOU!!!

Sauron & The One Ring submod

Features:

• introducing Sauron in campaign when playing Mordor
• immortal Nazgul & Sauron-script
• 5 unique video events
• Frodo from the fellowship campaign
• unique ancillary and trait for Sauron
• unique hero-ability for Sauron
• improved Sauron's battle-performance
• working strat-map model for Sauron

Requirements:

• TATW 2.1

Installation:

• Download-link: HERE
• Extract the contents of the download in: …\Medieval II Total War\mods\Third_Age and allow it to overwrite everything
• Additionally download PATCH 1.1 (see below) and extract in: …\Medieval II Total War\mods\Third_Age and allow it to overwrite everything
• For fixed Sauron portrait: download and extract in: …\Medieval II Total War\mods\Third_Age

F.A.Q. (contains spoilers):

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

* I can't let Sauron leave Barad Dur when starting a new campaign. What is wrong with him?
He needs the one ring to regain his strength and to conquer Middle Earth.

* How do I find the one ring?
Send one of the Nazguls to the Shire.

* What do I need to do when my general has the one ring?
Get his ass to Barad Dur and give immediately the ring to Sauron!

* If play a siege battle with Sauron I get a ctd. What happened?
Siege battles with Sauron aren't possible. Avoid or autoresolve.

* WTF I see multiple Sauron's in my battles. How is this possible?
Known limitation of the game. Play on small unit scale.

* What do I need to do when I lost Sauron in battle?
In case of losing Sauron, the enemy general or captain who acquires the ring sends it to the White Council in Rivendell. In this case send one of the Nazgul to Imladris to capture it back.

* Do I get a bonus/penalty when I give the ring Sauron or lose it?
You will get a one-time small economic boost and a elite stack if Sauron acquires the ring. Each time you lose Sauron your economy will take a hit. This is done to prevent the abuse of the immortal Sauron-script.

* What happens when I use ''Sauron's curse'' in battles?
The morale of your enemy will take a serious drop for a certain amount of time. Use it to your advantage.

* Can the ring be destroyed?
No.

* Can the A.I. get Sauron and squash my troops.
No.

* Can I use Frodo when playing Eriador?
No, he wants to stay in the Shire forever.

* My Witch-King dies and when he respawn he isn't Faction Leader anymore?
Known limitation of the immortal-nazgul-script.

* Is this submod compatible with other submods?
Only if they don’t modify the following files:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

• descr_character.txt
• descr_hero_abilities.xml
• descr_model_strat.txt
• descr_names.txt
• export_descr_ancillaries.txt
• export_descr_character_traits.txt
• export_descr_unit.txt
• expanded.txt
• export_ancillaries.txt
• export_VnVs.txt
• historic_events.txt
• names.txt
• campaign_script.txt
• descr_strat.txt

* Is this submod save-game compatible?
No.

* How do I uninstall this submod?
Extract the contents of the Uninstall.rar in:...\Medieval II Total War\mods\Third_Age

Screenshots:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Credits:

• Special thanks to King Kong and all of the TATW team for making this magnificent mod for us to enjoy
• kai for the immortal nazgul-script
• Louis Lux for the fixed Sauron portrait

Notes:

• Go HERE to see how to make this submod compatible with AUM or other submods that changes the export_descr_unit.txt in ..\Medieval II Total War\mods\Third_Age\data

[Sensei Kiisu]

I'll be happy to help you out on this mod if you need it (:

this sounds very similar to the Lotr-tw when I think about it, 'finding' the ring and such ^^

[.:Zack Fair:.]

Looks very good! Like in bfme 2! no flame plz

EDIT: What will the curse of Sauron do?

[kaiser1993]

love the work so far. good luck

[drogoth232]

Like all the above posts. Really good!

And like Zack Fair said just like in BFME2 (you can count BFME1 if you mod )

[extremechimping]

haha that looks cool, just bookmarked it and am awaiting it's availability to be downloaded =D

[Stitch074]

Awesome mod idea. Maybe you can add something for the good factions that is like a crusade. When the one ring is found the crusade will be called on Hobbiton, except instead of trying to take Hobbiton all the good factions that join will go and protect Hobbiton.

[MVB1837]

Awesome! I have been waiting for something like this for a very long time.

A few friendly suggestions:

1) The Sauron model implemented in TATW 2.0 is very aesthetically pleasing, but... not the best in other respects. First, he's near invincible, completely destroying balance (I once had him single handedly defeat an army of 1000+ elves). He's also quite slow and unresponsive. He spends a lot of time just standing there, which brings me to my next suggestion.
2) I understand the issue is his sheer size, and that's the reason he doesn't behave quite properly. Honestly, I'd suggest having him serve the capacity of a regular dismounted general. Functionality is more important than the physical size of the unit. Perhaps his bodyguard could be dismounted Black Numenoreans? Or Uruks. Whichever makes the most sense Lore-Wise.
3) He could be killable similarly to the 'Immortal Nazgul' mod. Sauron spawns when Mordor is in possession of the ring. When he "dies" in the battlefield, the Ring is transferred to the general that was victorious over him, and he can respawn again if the Ring is reclaimed. This way, he doesn't have to literally be immortal but there's a workaround that doesn't destroy the fun of the game. This would also make him available in siege battles.
4) Instead of just naming him 'Sauron,' perhaps a title more fitting, such as, 'Lord Sauron,' or 'Lord Sauron the Great.'

I hope these are helpful! I've put a lot of thought into this concept. I'm glad to see someone's pursuing it.

[The Holy Pilgrim]

A few friendly suggestions:

1) The Sauron model implemented in TATW 2.0 is very aesthetically pleasing, but... not the best in other respects. First, he's near invincible, completely destroying balance (I once had him single handedly defeat an army of 1000+ elves). He's also quite slow and unresponsive. He spends a lot of time just standing there, which brings me to my next suggestion.

He works fine animation wise in my game. Also, make him fight one unit of Trolls. You'll see how much of a bully he really is

2) I understand the issue is his sheer size, and that's the reason he doesn't behave quite properly. Honestly, I'd suggest having him serve the capacity of a regular dismounted general. Functionality is more important than the physical size of the unit. Perhaps his bodyguard could be dismounted Black Numenoreans? Or Uruks. Whichever makes the most sense Lore-Wise.

I'd have to disagree with this. He's suppossed to be large. He is a god after all (IIRC). And plus, it just makes him that much more cooler!

3) He could be killable similarly to the 'Immortal Nazgul' mod. Sauron spawns when Mordor is in possession of the ring. When he "dies" in the battlefield, the Ring is transferred to the general that was victorious over him, and he can respawn again if the Ring is reclaimed. This way, he doesn't have to literally be immortal but there's a workaround that doesn't destroy the fun of the game. This would also make him available in siege battles.

I like this idea alot. It would defenitely make the game a whole lot more interesting.

4) Instead of just naming him 'Sauron,' perhaps a title more fitting, such as, 'Lord Sauron,' or 'Lord Sauron the Great.'

Personally, I think Sauron is good enough. But if it was decided that he'd have a title, "Lord Sauron" would be the best choice.

I hope these are helpful! I've put a lot of thought into this concept. I'm glad to see someone's pursuing it.

[extremechimping]

4) Instead of just naming him 'Sauron,' perhaps a title more fitting, such as, 'Lord Sauron,' or 'Lord Sauron the Great.'

I think he should have the title Sauron the Deceiver personally

[Noobio]

A few friendly suggestions:



3) He could be killable similarly to the 'Immortal Nazgul' mod. Sauron spawns when Mordor is in possession of the ring. When he "dies" in the battlefield, the Ring is transferred to the general that was victorious over him, and he can respawn again if the Ring is reclaimed. This way, he doesn't have to literally be immortal but there's a workaround that doesn't destroy the fun of the game.



4) Instead of just naming him 'Sauron,' perhaps a title more fitting, such as, 'Lord Sauron,' or 'Lord Sauron the Great.'

I hope these are helpful! I've put a lot of thought into this concept. I'm glad to see someone's pursuing it.

on 3) that would be really great !!!

on 4) i think just, "Dark Lord Sauron" would be better.."sauron the great" sounds a bit too much "heroic" and less "menacing" in my opinion..

[GabberJoop]

Sweet idea.

[Bloodly]

More is doable; consider the One Ring mod that existed before 2.x. It shouldn't be just Mordor hunting, potentially. After all, the Orc factions are also nearby, as is Isengard who wants it for themselves. Eriador/Arnor will have to seriously look to it's defences.

If a non-Mordor Evil faction gets the Ring, there should be 'talks'. Mordor will gladly pay any price to get the Ring(For once the AI money scripts are useful!). War is possible, but only if you're being an ass about it. I imagine pop-ups and gifts of money, troops, etc, and a mission to bring the Ring-Bearer to Mordor, a Mordor army, or a Nazgul.

For Good, the risk is far greater; Sauron WILL call a crusade first thing, provided he can't assasinate the Bearer first. Still, the Ring's power might be awesome in war and an reason to use the Bearer in war.

If Sauron appears on the main map(even 'non-moving'), all Evil factions should get a loyalty+obedience boost. If he actually gets it, his improved will should grant extra command stars(Maybe a trait? 'The Will of Sauron') as well as further improved loyalty and obedience.

[glassakias]

good work and +rep. have you considered asking nirnaeth to combine your submods. that way, benefits for the other factions can be implemented and mordor can have sauron

[Baron Samedi]

Thanks for the replies all (+rep)

I'll be happy to help you out on this mod if you need it (:

The only problem right now is implementing the stratmap model of Sauron correctly. Do you have experience with modeling, milkshape or stratmap models?

EDIT: What will the curse of Sauron do?

Right now it is a buffed up version of the ''Terror of the Witch-King''. So it will decrease the morale of the enemy. It has a stronger morale decrease compared to the ''Terror of the Witch-King'' and you can use it 5 times in battles instead of 2 times. I made this ability for the fun of it, so I am open for suggestions what sort of hero ability Sauron should have (effect, name, etc.)

Awesome mod idea. Maybe you can add something for the good factions that is like a crusade. When the one ring is found the crusade will be called on Hobbiton, except instead of trying to take Hobbiton all the good factions that join will go and protect Hobbiton.

There can only be one type of crusade in the game and this is already used for the evil factions. Besides I don't how to script this sort of things.

Awesome! I have been waiting for something like this for a very long time.

A few friendly suggestions:

1) The Sauron model implemented in TATW 2.0 is very aesthetically pleasing, but... not the best in other respects. First, he's near invincible, completely destroying balance (I once had him single handedly defeat an army of 1000+ elves). He's also quite slow and unresponsive. He spends a lot of time just standing there, which brings me to my next suggestion.
2) I understand the issue is his sheer size, and that's the reason he doesn't behave quite properly. Honestly, I'd suggest having him serve the capacity of a regular dismounted general. Functionality is more important than the physical size of the unit. Perhaps his bodyguard could be dismounted Black Numenoreans? Or Uruks. Whichever makes the most sense Lore-Wise.
3) He could be killable similarly to the 'Immortal Nazgul' mod. Sauron spawns when Mordor is in possession of the ring. When he "dies" in the battlefield, the Ring is transferred to the general that was victorious over him, and he can respawn again if the Ring is reclaimed. This way, he doesn't have to literally be immortal but there's a workaround that doesn't destroy the fun of the game. This would also make him available in siege battles.
4) Instead of just naming him 'Sauron,' perhaps a title more fitting, such as, 'Lord Sauron,' or 'Lord Sauron the Great.'

I hope these are helpful! I've put a lot of thought into this concept. I'm glad to see someone's pursuing it.

First of all thanks for the suggestions.
1) I am personally very pleased with the Sauron on the battlemap.
2) I agree that functionality is also very important, but to me only a 1-man-Sauron-squad feels epic. Other variants don't have my preference to be honest.
3) Yes very good. Sauron should be killable, but the problem if the enemy general gets the one ring it would be very hard to trace him down and get the ring back. I was also thinking that instead of the ring going to the general who killed Sauron, the ring is taken to the council in Imladris (does this makes sense under the lore-experts under us?). Then if you take that settlement you get the ring back and sauron will spawn again. It's just an idea so let me know it this makes sense at all ( I am still working on this part)
4) I could change it. Does anybody else also agree that the name should be changed?

More is doable; consider the One Ring mod that existed before 2.x. It shouldn't be just Mordor hunting, potentially. After all, the Orc factions are also nearby, as is Isengard who wants it for themselves. Eriador/Arnor will have to seriously look to it's defences.

If a non-Mordor Evil faction gets the Ring, there should be 'talks'. Mordor will gladly pay any price to get the Ring(For once the AI money scripts are useful!). War is possible, but only if you're being an ass about it. I imagine pop-ups and gifts of money, troops, etc, and a mission to bring the Ring-Bearer to Mordor, a Mordor army, or a Nazgul.

For Good, the risk is far greater; Sauron WILL call a crusade first thing, provided he can't assasinate the Bearer first. Still, the Ring's power might be awesome in war and an reason to use the Bearer in war.

If Sauron appears on the main map(even 'non-moving'), all Evil factions should get a loyalty+obedience boost. If he actually gets it, his improved will should grant extra command stars(Maybe a trait? 'The Will of Sauron') as well as further improved loyalty and obedience.

Nice suggestion. For the time being I will think about what other effects the ring could have on the other factions in Middle Earth.

have you considered asking nirnaeth to combine your submods. that way, benefits for the other factions can be implemented and mordor can have sauron

Actually no. My first aim is to make this submod work efficiently and after that we will see what might happens.

[MVB1837]

I had another idea. This one pretty easily implemented, if you wish.

If you recall, RC/RR had Saruman leading the Isengard faction, but his unit could never actually leave Isengard.

You could have Sauron present in Barad-Dur as Mordor Faction Leader and simply unable to ever leave unless he is personally holding the Ring. This would make a good bit of sense, as the books suggest he did have a physical body and simply could not or chose not to leave the Dark Tower without the Ring. He personally interrogates Gollum, who remembers his hands.

[l-Jamie-l]

sounds really good, i agree with MCB1837, Sauron should be present in Barad-Dur with 0 movement points, and the ring could add movement points as a way for him to leave. Is there a way of keeping Sauron a one man unit, but still be able to be used in sieges?

[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]

I've already thing about this possiblities and told about it with KingKong himself, when, preparing the 2.0 release. And we faced a wall.

My submod is actually in work to be compatible with 2.1. I'll be happy to work with you, but the matter is, there is no way to get Sauron as both character and unit in TATW. The only way I know is to have a Sauron at the size of a human.. not be best solution.

[JorisofHolland]

Thanks for the replies all (+rep)
3) Yes very good. Sauron should be killable, but the problem if the enemy general gets the one ring it would be very hard to trace him down and get the ring back. I was also thinking that instead of the ring going to the general who killed Sauron, the ring is taken to the council in Imladris (does this makes sense under the lore-experts under us?). Then if you take that settlement you get the ring back and sauron will spawn again. It's just an idea so let me know it this makes sense at all ( I am still working on this part)

It makes sense. It would be epic if the council then would send the 'Nine Walkers' against you, but I know that isn't possible when AI controlled.

4) I could change it. Does anybody else also agree that the name should be changed?

No name would be the best, from lore point of few. But Sauron the Great (not Lord!) is fine as well.

I've already thing about this possiblities and told about it with KingKong himself, when, preparing the 2.0 release. And we faced a wall.

My submod is actually in work to be compatible with 2.1. I'll be happy to work with you, but the matter is, there is no way to get Sauron as both character and unit in TATW. The only way I know is to have a Sauron at the size of a human.. not be best solution.

Who said he cannot be human-sized? I don't remember that it is said in The Silmarillion that the Ainur are bigger than Men and Elves. And it fixes so many problems it actually sounds like a good idea.

[coheedswicked]

Who said he cannot be human-sized? I don't remember that it is said in The Silmarillion that the Ainur are bigger than Men and Elves. And it fixes so many problems it actually sounds like a good idea.

Sauron is a maia in the service of melkor (an ainur)... both however exist primarily as spirits and can take whatever physical form they please... so a smaller sauron wouldnt necessarily be inaccurate... just less epic.