Variant Editor - Beginners Guide to the Assembly Kit

[jupsto]

I'm trying to make a new unit I've pretty much got it all down BUT linking my saved variantmesh to the database entry of the new unit isn't explained. I am using DAVe instead of PFM but I dont see how that is relevant because:

this guide and this sticky are essentially editing the same sort of variantmesh file right? but neither cover adding it to the database of a mod.
blackheartz's guide explains putting the unit into the database, but skips adding new variants.

See the problem? no details on how to combine the two to actually make a new unit. Or am I missing something?

I tried putting the saved unit mesh into

working_data/VariantMeshes/VariantMeshDefinitions

as above, and putting name of saved mesh into "variants" DB, but ofc didn't work.

[jupsto]

So I cant edit my post? lame

anyway I have no idea how I managed to get it working, but somehow I did after alot of fiddling around.

but now I have new issue that my new iceni sword cavalry float in the air sometimes when they die

http://i.imgur.com/Dx6bsyd.png

other animatiosn work fine, go no idea on this bug because i copied existing scout riders/ iberian cavalry entries. let me know if you got any ideas ;p

[Picchioviola]

I have a problem when creating units: when I choose an helmet like "corinthian_helmet_bronze", the two sub-references necessaries to add crests there aren't there at all! Is this only my problem?

[Picchioviola]

I have a problem when creating units: when I choose an helmet like "corinthian_helmet_bronze", the two sub-references necessaries to add crests there aren't there at all! Is this only my problem?

Sorry, stupid question, I didn't read well the guide...

[Mackles]

@jupsto

The original issues, which you figured out but I'll go ahead and confirm anyway, is that you need to link the VMD file to the correct unit in the unit_variants table. Use the full VMD file name and the units code from the main_units table.

As for the floating riders, I've seen this before but with vanilla elephants. Not sure what that could be, unless you used the wrong animation set, manentity or mount?

@Picchioviola - To make a helmet with crests create a new definition and use the helmet template. Once done save this, then when you are putting together the full unit you'll want to right click on helmet and click "Add mesh reference". This will then allow you to load in your previously saved custom helmet file.

[jupsto]

Thanks for reply,

I decided to make a different sword unit for iceni instead and was expecting the same bug, but its fine. so still no idea on that front if anyone else gets it, sorry.

[Banksia]

I wnat to add greaves to the Roman centurion. I have it all worked out in the Variant Editor. I can also find the new variantmesh file in the retail etc. folder. But it does not appear in game? I have tried to tinker around with BoB and PFM with no succes... Help!

[Mackles]

If you have added your variantmeshdefinition to your .pack file, define it in the "variants" table. To do that just type the file name in again, so if you saved it as "Roman_Centurion" then write that. If this is just a simple overwrite of the existing Marian and Imperial centurions then this should be all you need. If not then you'll also want the "land_units_officers" and "battle_personalities" tables.

[Banksia]

Do you add it via PFM? Tried ectracting and whatnot... Got a pack file that i placed in the data folder or Rome2 but it did not work

[Garakan]

Thank you for this Guide!
I really enjoy changing the Units!
I do have one Problem, though.
I try to add Shields to a Cav Unit with Lances, and i use the Weapon Slot 3. In Game, the Shields appear on their Back, and not on the left Arm. When i dismount them, the Shields are gone.
Is it not possible to add Shields to a Cav Unit with Lances, or is Weapon Slot 3 the wrong Slot in this case?
I tried 4 and 5 also, but the result was the same.

[Mackles]

IIRC lances must be used with both hands, just like with other similar unit (e.g. Companion Cavalry, Cataphract Camels, etc). If you also give them a secondary melee weapon like a sword then when they get close into combat they will use sword and shield, so long as you have given them the correct animation set. Otherwise the shield will remain on their back. May be wrong, been a while since I did anything related to this xD

[Dietre]

i have a question about the cine_skins. Is there a way to convert them to normal skins that wont give the horror movie effect to their faces and hands. I have redone a lot of units in the game but I cant get a redo of the Spartan youths just right. What I want to use is the Spartan tunic but most of the available skins don't have chests, and if you use a barbarian full body skin, it clips through the tunic and greeves or forearm armor will clip as well.

the game has a full body greek but it is a Greek_cine_fullbody skin and there for will do weird stuff with the faces and hands.

Any help with getting a skin to have a bare torso for creek would be awesome!

[Mackles]

As far as cine_skins go, I'm fairly sure they only work on the campaign map(?, I've forgotten their actual purpose xD) so what you need is a 3D texture modeler to sort you out with at least one new version torso.

[cowbell kid]

When I add a custom helmet to a unit and a helmet that was already present, the custom helmet doesn't appear on the unit. Some of the men will have the helmet that was already there but the ones who are supposed to be wearing the new helmet aren't wearing a helmet at all.

[Roemerboy]

Hey!
Nice tutorial.
Bt I've got a small problem.
Everytime I select the Variant Editor TWeak crashes.

Here is what I got so far: http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/950...umcgdgacfg.jpg

Someone knows what I can do?

[Mackles]

When I add a custom helmet to a unit and a helmet that was already present, the custom helmet doesn't appear on the unit. Some of the men will have the helmet that was already there but the ones who are supposed to be wearing the new helmet aren't wearing a helmet at all.

What are your graphics settings? Lower unit detail will limit the number of armour pieces that were used, unless something changed in the recent patches that I forgot about! In any case there is a limit of five slots per armour type, although that can be circumvented by using variant mesh definitions in each slot which contain more than one entry!

Hey!
Nice tutorial.
Bt I've got a small problem.
Everytime I select the Variant Editor TWeak crashes.

Here is what I got so far: http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/950...umcgdgacfg.jpg

Someone knows what I can do?

I'm currently having the same problem, the latest updates to the game or tool may have broken it. I'll try to reinstall, and if that doesn't work I'll put in a support ticket on the official forums.

[Celticus]

What are your graphics settings? Lower unit detail will limit the number of armour pieces that were used, unless something changed in the recent patches that I forgot about! In any case there is a limit of five slots per armour type, although that can be circumvented by using variant mesh definitions in each slot which contain more than one entry!



I'm currently having the same problem, the latest updates to the game or tool may have broken it. I'll try to reinstall, and if that doesn't work I'll put in a support ticket on the official forums.

I seem to be having the same issue and no matter how high my settings my custom made helmet will not appear on the unit I created in game. I have followed your saving procedure but it does not seem to be working.

[Mackles]

I seem to be having the same issue and no matter how high my settings my custom made helmet will not appear on the unit I created in game. I have followed your saving procedure but it does not seem to be working.

There is an in-built limit of 5 slots for any one unit slot (e.g. You can have 5 different skins in the skin slot, or 5 different variantmeshes in the skin slot). Are you exceeding this limit? As I mentioned in the example, you can possibly get around this limit by constructing your unit cleverly, so using variantmeshes to help add diversification instead of just directly adding the file.

[Roemerboy]

Alright!
Good to know that I am not alone with this problem.

[Mackles]

A reinstall fixed the problem for me, it might be worthwhile giving it a try Roemerboy!