How to make an emergent faction playable from start

[Supermoler]

In this tutorial, I'll explain how to make an emergent faction (mongols, timurids etc) playable from start, while they will still receive the hordes later.

Its very important to read carefully, because any mistake can make crash.

1st part

We will have to edit only descr_strat.txt, located in Medieval2/data/world/maps/campaign/imperial_campaign

However, you can still make map_faction.tga (starting position map) , vc_faction.tga (victory conditions map), vcs_faction.tga (short campaign victory conditions) and description_faction.txt. The "faction" in the name of the file shall be replaced with the name of the new faction.

You can also add them victory conditions in descr_win_conditions.txt.

2nd part

Now, lets make the mongols playable from start.

Open descr_strat.txt, add mongols to playable list, then search for this:

faction mongols, balanced smith
ai_label default 
dead_until_resurrected
denari 10000
denari_kings_purse 3000

Delete the red line, so they are there from start. But they still need region(s), armies and family member(s).

The next step is to search for a region in descr_strat, to give to them.
Here is an example:

settlement castle
{
 level town
 region Tbilisi_Province
 year_founded 0
 population 2500
 plan_set default_set
 faction_creator moors
 building
  {
  type core_building stone_wall
 }
 building
 {
  type barracks town_guard
 }
}

Now, copy that from its place, then put to your faction. It should look like this:

faction mongols, balanced smith
ai_label default 
denari 10000
denari_kings_purse 3000
settlement castle
{
 level town
 region Tbilisi_Province
 year_founded 0
 population 2500
 plan_set default_set
 faction_creator moors
 building
  {
  type core_building stone_wall
 }
 building
 {
  type barracks town_guard
 }
}

When you done this, go back and delete Tbilisi from the rebels. Its very important, because a region can have only 1 owner.

After that we will add an army with a faction leader, because if we don't, they will rebel when you start the campaign.

First, check the coordinates of the castle we gave them. Since we dont know that, we must launch the game to check that.

Note: Launch the game with the vanilla descr_strat.txt, otherwise you will get a crash, since we didnt remove the rebel armies from the castle.

Type show_cursorstat when you pointed your mouse on Tbilisi.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Okay, we have the coordinates. Search for x 278, y 109 in the descr_strat.
You will find this:

character sub_faction turks, Kuchuk Ilker, general, male, age 23, x 278, y 109 
army
unit  Turkish Archers    exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit  Turkish Archers    exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit  ME Town Militia    exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit  ME Town Militia    exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0

Delete that!
When done, go to your faction, and add this:

character Genghis, named character, male, leader, age 40, x 278, y 109

We are done with the family member part. Now make an army.
Open campaign_script.txt, search for mongols and you will find their horde script.
Scroll down until you find a part like this:

 
   army
   unit  Mongol Bodyguard  exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Foot Archers  exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Foot Archers  exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0

Then copy some units to your faction leader.

Important: Dont put names into descr_strat from campaign_script, or you will get crash!
If you dont know any name for them, just write "Blabla", the game will just show a space if the name isnt on its list.
It will look like this:

character Genghis, named character, male, leader, age 40, x 278, y 109
army
   unit  Mongol Bodyguard  exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
   unit  Mongol Infantry   exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0

Okay, you are done! Go check your new stuff.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Conclusion

Congrats, you have learned how to make an emergent faction playable from start.
This can be done with any faction, for example timurids, you just have to put other units from the script.

If you get CTD, or kick to menu, check your system.log, it tells where is the problem.

[Rougeman]

ahh!

thanks so mucho!!

rep for you!

[Lord Ragnar]

Master Supermoler, Followed your guide with reference to the Teutonic Order been placed in the Early era. Gave them Thorn, as a base,deleted both rebel army and ref to settlement.Gave Teutonic Order 2 armys. 1, in settlement 1 outside, both armys give generals names as "random_names" just to get things going.CTD only when I get to start the game ie after main menu,click options,click start followed by"MTW unspecific error!Sooo Q1. Is there a different way to install TO. Q2. Was it because the settlement "Thorn" has a Plugin in the buildings bit. Anyhoo all I want to do is have TO start early era. PS have used your guide for Mongols and not a prob at all. Please advise

[Supermoler]

Which campaign or mod's descr_strat are you editing? Teutons arent available in the vanilla Medieval2 so that can be the problem.
Also, You can always check the log file to see what is the problem.

[Lord Ragnar]

Which campaign or mod's descr_strat are you editing? Teutons arent available in the vanilla Medieval2 so that can be the problem.
Also, You can always check the log file to see what is the problem.

Sorry,Master Supermoler. I'm editing SS 6.4 Early era. descr_strat as follows.
; Custom campaign script generated by Romans Campaign Map Editor
; Modified by Meneth and Fair Prince as part of the Stainless Steel Names Overhaul Project (SSNOP)
campaign imperial_campaign
playable
england
france
hre
spain
venice
sicily
milan
scotland
cumans
byzantium
russia
moors
turks
egypt
denmark
portugal
poland
hungary
jerusalem
lithuania
kievan_rus
aragon
norway
teutonic_order
kwarezm
end
unlockable
end
nonplayable
timurids
papal_states
mongols
slave
end

start_date 1100 winter
end_date 1560 winter
timescale 0.25

followed by.
faction mongols, balanced smith
ai_label mongol
dead_until_resurrected
denari 150000
denari_kings_purse 15000
faction teutonic_order, balanced smith
ai_label catholic
denari 100000
denari_kings_purse 3000
settlement castle
{
level town
region Thorn_Province
year_founded 0
population 2400
plan_set default_set
faction_creator poland
building
{
type core_castle_building wooden_castle
plugin c_hansa c_hansa
}
building
{
type castle_barracks mustering_hall
}
}
character random_name, named character, age 20, x 211, y 228, label teuton4leader, family
traits FactionleaderTO 1, MilitaryInclination 1 , Military_Edu 3 , NaturalMilitarySkill 2 , GoodCommander 3 , Bloodthirsty 2 , BattleDread 2 , StrategyDread 2 , PublicFaith 3 , ContentGeneral 3 , Prim 2 , ReligionStarter 1
unit TO Bodyguard exp 5 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Sword Brethren exp 2 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Sword Brethren exp 2 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Burgher Pikemen exp 4 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Burgher Pikemen exp 3 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Prussian Archers exp 3 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Prussian Archers exp 3 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Prussian Archers exp 3 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Prussian Archers exp 4 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Ritterbruder exp 3 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Ritterbruder exp 2 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0

Any ideas.
I did notice this.type core_castle_building wooden_castle
plugin c_hansa c_hansa

[Supermoler]

No problem
I have deleted that "plugin c_hansa c_hansa" as you said but I dont know the effect of that.

Firstly, the game doesnt understand those units, so next time copy names from export_descr_units.txt located in SS6.4\data.
Secondly, some stuff were missing from the leader's line. Because this, I copied an English faction leader's line and changed the coordinates to Thorn.

Go ahead and try fixing it yourself. (patience and training makes the master)
Feel free to ask if you dont understand something, I hope I can help

I have attached the descr_strat which is working for me. Added some units, so its ready to play

[Macue]

I have a little problem here, I don't get it to work, when I press start i get back to menu crash.

Here is the modified text:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

faction mongols, balanced smith
ai_label default
denari 10000
denari_kings_purse 3000
settlement castle
{
level town
region Tbilisi_Province
year_founded 0
population 2500
plan_set default_set
faction_creator moors
building
{
type core_building stone_wall
}
building
{
type barracks town_guard
}
}

character Genghis, named character, male, leader, age 40, x 278, y 109
army
unit Mongol Bodyguard exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Infantry exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Infantry exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Infantry exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Infantry exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Infantry exp 6 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0

Can you see if you find my fails? Cause I can't find them, and I have had a look at system.log, no clue what to do

[Lord Ragnar]

No problem
I have deleted that "plugin c_hansa c_hansa" as you said but I dont know the effect of that.

Firstly, the game doesnt understand those units, so next time copy names from export_descr_units.txt located in SS6.4\data.
Secondly, some stuff were missing from the leader's line. Because this, I copied an English faction leader's line and changed the coordinates to Thorn.

Go ahead and try fixing it yourself. (patience and training makes the master)
Feel free to ask if you dont understand something, I hope I can help

I have attached the descr_strat which is working for me. Added some units, so its ready to play

Been a bit slow in the reply my friend. I'm using "SS 6.4 with MSC 6.0 no castles add on" Thanks for the descr_strat file. What I will try and do is use your Thorn info and merg it with current descr_strat file. As for the bit on not understanding the units "Sword Bretheran & Prussian archers" i will take this bit as down to a building been present. I've messed about with these units for the TO in the Late campaign before and had no probs. Soo It must be another thing. Anyhoo, Can i still use the TO family tree mod still with the early campaign. And will i need to alter the CS for when the TO are emerging as normal. ie change army or location from which they will appear. Thanks alot Supermoler.

[boboav]

Yes, but I have already find how to make an emergent faction playeble, but AS HORDE

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=465246

[Supermoler]

@ macue

I dont know whats the problem, I checked but didnt find. When I get home I'll see it again. Until that, here is a completed descr_strat.txt with Mongols (works),
so you can find the mistake yourself: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/attac...0&d=1283340178

@ boboav

Thanks for showing that. I'll try it too, because hording is fun sometimes

[Macue]

@ macue

I dont know whats the problem, I checked but didnt find. When I get home I'll see it again. Until that, here is a completed descr_strat.txt with Mongols (works),
so you can find the mistake yourself: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/attac...0&d=1283340178

Thanks man
+rep

[danny X]

just of interest, what will happen with the mongols in the descr_campaign_script.txt, will they still spawn?

[Supermoler]

I think yes, they will spawn, because the script is just based on turn numbers. Someone should try reaching that event with this mod

[RGJ]

Hi, I added Norway to the playable list in the descr text file every thing works fine except I cannot recruit any units.
What other txt file do I have to change?
Thanks.

[Supermoler]

Hi, I added Norway to the playable list in the descr text file every thing works fine except I cannot recruit any units.
What other txt file do I have to change?
Thanks.

I'm sorry, I really can't help you in that, as far as I know, that needs unpacking the data of M2TW Teutonic folder and then adding recruitment/units to the faction. You should post a thread in here:
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=276

Your question has nothing to do with emergent factions, and need upacking of data (that's why I don't make mods like that).

Good luck

[Toho]

damn i though this tutorial would get past the whole "need a region" thing, will it ever be possible to have something like Rome Barbarian Invasion?

edit: is it possible to start with like 4 or 5 stacks in ships or on land and the player can start hit wherever he wishes? or does he have to have a capital somewhere?
what i need is kind of like the Norman Invasion of england. they arrive as a horde and then start conquering territories as their new kingdom.

[Supermoler]

I think there is a way to do that. Here is a tutorial for making land horde: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=465246

So, I guess if you want to put them in ships, simply add to the script a new part like:

 
character Geiles, admiral, male, age 20, x 112, y 146 
army
unit cog exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0

By spawning a fleet on the same position you spawn an army will place the army in the fleet.

[Prince of Piombino]

i'm trying to do this for 164 total war (adding trier) but i get a ctd when i try to play as them
faction trier, balanced caesar
ai_label catholic
denari 10000
denari_kings_purse 2500
settlement
{
level large_city
region Erzbistum_Trier

year_founded 0
population 5000
plan_set default_set
faction_creator trier
building
{
type hinterland_wunder_05 porta_nigra
}
building
{
type core_building large_stone_wall
}
building
{
type hinterland_tower cannon_towers
}
building
{
type castle_port c_port
}
building
{
type hinterland_roads highways
}
building
{
type hinterland_temple_catholic church
}
building
{
type equestrian stables
}
building
{
type hinterland_roads roads
}
building
{
type hinterland_farms farms
}
}

character Maximilian, Prinz-Bishof, male, age 20, x 74, y 161
army
unit 1648 Bodyguard exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Pikeniere exp 1 armour 1 weapon_lvl 1
unit Pikeniere exp 1 armour 1 weapon_lvl 1

[monterey99]

I tried this. But when I tried to launch the campaign it sent me back to the singleplayer menu. I checked the system log like you said and it said:

19:13:16.446 [script.err] [error] Script Error in data/world/maps/campaign/imperial_campaign/descr_strat.txt, at line 2986, column 23
could not create settlement at script line 2986.

PS: This is my setting for the mongols in descr_strat.txt

faction mongols, balanced smith
ai_label default
denari 10000
denari_kings_purse 3000
settlement castle
{
level town
region Tbilisi_Province


year_founded 0
population 2500
plan_set default_set
faction_creator mongols
building
{
type core_castle_building wooden_castle
}
building
{
type barracks garrison_quarters
}


}


character Genghis, named character, male, leader, age 40, x 278, y 109
traits Factionleader 1 , GoodCommander 2 , Energetic 1 , PublicFaith 2 , StrategyChivalry 4 , ReligionStarter 1
ancillaries apothecary
army
unit Mongol Bodyguard exp 1 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Foot Archers exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Infantry exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Infantry exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Horse Archers exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Horse Archers exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Light Lancers exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0

[monterey99]

I tried this. But when I tried to launch the campaign it sent me back to the singleplayer menu. I checked the system log like you said and it said:

19:13:16.446 [script.err] [error] Script Error in data/world/maps/campaign/imperial_campaign/descr_strat.txt, at line 2986, column 23
could not create settlement at script line 2986.

PS: This is my setting for the mongols in descr_strat.txt

faction mongols, balanced smith
ai_label default
denari 10000
denari_kings_purse 3000
settlement castle
{
level town
region Tbilisi_Province


year_founded 0
population 2500
plan_set default_set
faction_creator mongols
building
{
type core_castle_building wooden_castle
}
building
{
type barracks garrison_quarters
}


}


character Genghis, named character, male, leader, age 40, x 278, y 109
traits Factionleader 1 , GoodCommander 2 , Energetic 1 , PublicFaith 2 , StrategyChivalry 4 , ReligionStarter 1
ancillaries apothecary
army
unit Mongol Bodyguard exp 1 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Foot Archers exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Infantry exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Infantry exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Horse Archers exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Horse Archers exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0
unit Mongol Light Lancers exp 0 armour 0 weapon_lvl 0

Never mind. I forgot to remove the rebel army in Tbilisi