Province Editor v101 - Updated

[Ballbarian]

Attached to this post is a tool to make creating custom provinces for RanDom a whole lot easier.

7/08/07 - Replaced v100 with v101: Now supports RanDom ver 2.03 (SemiRandom ver 1.06) and the new "_OR_" tag which will allow placement of a single province file across a wide variety of terrain types.


From the included ReadMe.txt:
-


Province Editor v1.01
Author: Ballbarian
Email: semirand AT dom3minions DOT com
Web: http://www.dom3minions.com/~semirand/


About:
*****************
The Province Editor is a tool for creating province files (.gan)
for SemiRandom. It may also be useful as an aid in the development
of custom provinces for non-SemiRandom scenario type maps as well with
some slight modification of the output.


Requirements:
*****************
The Province Editor was developed in VB6 and will therefore requires
the VB runtime dll which you probably already have on your system.
If not, it is widely available on the net. (If you are having problems
with the vb libraries, Gooles and Gandalf reported having some luck
with this link: http://www.ascentive.com/support/new/libraryfiles.exe

The Province Editor will also require SemiRandom. If you are using
the RanDom map generator, then you will already have SemiRandom.


To Install:
*****************
Place the D3PEv100 folder in your dominions3 directory (you should
have a SemiRandom folder here as well). I would recommend taking
a moment to create a shortcut to ProvinceEdit.exe and place the
shortcut on your desktop, or somewhere convenient for you.


Getting Started:
*****************
The first time that you run ProvinceEdit.exe, you will see an open
dialog. Use this to locate SemiRandom\SemiRandom.exe.

Once the program is loaded, you should see a window split into two
distinct sections...

The top section contains four tabs. In theory, you should be able
to walk through the process of creating a province file somewhat like
reading a book. Work from the top left corner to the bottom right
and then move on to the next page and continue. In practice, you
will likely find yourself skipping back and forth as the theme for
the province develops.

The bottom section contains the "Unit Finder". Use the controls at
the left to set various filters and remember to hit the [Apply Filters]
button to uhh... apply them. Use the right dropdown box to browse
units by name. Tip: Use the up/down arrow keys to browse the list
and the description box will update as you browse. Tip2: If you
select a unit, notice that the grey box will fill with a blue unit
number. This is a link to that unit in the Online Unit List and
clicking it will open that units information page in your default web
browser. The user name and password are provided at the bottom of the
window for your convenience. These blue unit links also appear in the
poptype and magic site selectors.

Take note of the 2 green [?] buttons. Pressing these will open
and close a help window which will update with information as your
mouse moves over various control sections.

The first time you create a province, remember to change the
author name from the default to something original to you! This
will help to prevent conflicts with other users provinces. The
index number will auto increment when you save your province,
but you can change it manually as well if needed.


Simple as 1,2,3:
*****************
Step 1 - > This tab is where you build the gan file name. This step
is very important as it will tell SemiRandom where your province might
appear when it modifies a map file. Careless settings might make it
impossible to place the province at all!

Step 2 - > This tab is where you can set some key attributes of the
province. The province name, population and type, features, structures
and victory points may all be set here.

Step 3 - > This tab is where you can build a garrison for the province.
Set commanders and their attributes, magic, items, bodyguards, units, etc.
There is also a button which is enabled when there is a fort
in the province. Use this to enable defenders outside of the castle walls.
As you work through the sub tabs, use the [Submit] bottom to add commands
to the code box at the left. You can also edit this manually.

Step 4 - > This tab is where you can preview your creation and save it if
it is ready. You may return to previous steps at any time and your changes
will be updated when you return. Use the [Save As] button to select a location
to save the gan file without adding it to SemiRandom's gan list. Use the
[Save and Add] button to automatically save the gan file to your SemiRandom
gan directory and add it to your gan list so that it is available for use
the next time you SemiRandomize a map. Use the [Clear Garrison] button to
clear the code box containing units and commanders from Step 3. Use the
[Clear All] button to reset every control back to a fresh start. Do not hit
these buttons accidentally, because there will be no warning box asking you
if you are sure that you want to!


Sharing is good:
*****************
Remember to share your best thematic creations with the community! You may
submit gan files, name lists, and RanDom settings to: semirand AT dom3minions DOT com


Forum Discussions:
*****************
RanDom version 2
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=523661

RanDom version 1 (OLD)
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=496176

SemiRandom version 0.95 (OLD)
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=496171

Online Unit Reference
http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=497152


[b]Since the dom3minions server is deceased, the semirandom email address is no longer working. If you wish to submit semirandom files, for now just use:

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=50

[Ballbarian]

Attachments on the fritz so updated post to link to an alternate download on Gandalf's server. I will really be counting on your feedback as I will not be able to use download counts as encouragement. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[DigitalSin]

The link to the alternate download seems to be having a bit of trouble too, but I'll keep trying and tell you when I test it.

[Gandalf Parker]

Hmmm I have had others comment on that also. I had an internist security guy for awhile who tended to put entire countries into the firewall blockage. I think now that he is gone I will go back and start deleting those.

[Ballbarian]

If you are having trouble downloading, here is an alternate location on MediaFire (http://www.mediafire.com/?6n01dtqmds4).

[DigitalSin]

Sorry to be such a problem, but thanks for the alternate download anyways http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[DigitalSin]

Odd, the MediaFire download isn't working either. It gives me a message that says the data isn't available on any server or something like that.

[Ballbarian]

Believe it or not, it would appear that MediaFire is having issues this morning. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

It was definitely working shortly after I uploaded. Just confirmed that other MediaFire links (posted by others) are giving the same error. Note that the message says to try again later.

[DigitalSin]

Haha, the province editor really must have some sorta beef with me, if it goes to these lengths http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Ballbarian]

lol, Hang in there DigitalSin. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Gandalf Parker]

Did you try the Dom3minions link again? I made some changes which might have helped

[DigitalSin]

Nope, the Dom3Minions link still hates me. MediaFire works though.

[DigitalSin]

I've done a little test, just to see what its like, and its very easy to use, very well laid out and comprehensive. I'd make some actual provinces, but I'm afraid you'd just end up with 100+gem income after hacking your way through a 9f9a or somesuch monstrosity.

[Ballbarian]

Thank you for the feedback DigitalSin. It really is appreciated. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif


I'd make some actual provinces, but I'm afraid you'd just end up with 100+gem income after hacking your way through a 9f9a or somesuch monstrosity.



Well. Seeing the flaw is a huge step to overcoming it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif
Design some provinces that are intended to be interesting but not the greatest battle in the history of dominions. Try things that you think would be thematic for a given location. Sometimes in my games I think it is a simple thing that draws my attention the most. In my current game, there is a cave province called "Nether Chasm" which contains simple cavemen, a few dogs with dark vision and a cave drake. No special magic sites or anything super powerful, but it was an interesting encounter nonetheless. Sometimes the province files only change the name of the province and it's population (some of the Faerun provinces come to mind). Every once in a while, it is nice to find a powerful location (like Eden).

Might as well give it a go since you went to so much trouble to download it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Gandalf Parker]

Go ahead and do any provinces you want. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
I suspect that eventually the offers will get broken into different sets. Those are are only slightly changed to be more themed (suitable for MP games), and those which are more like SURPRISE! (for rarely scattered into SP games). And also theme sets such as Leif used to do (era of Vampires and Werewolves, The Horse Age, Aftermath)

[Ballbarian]

For anyone who had problems with the alternate download links, attachments appear to be working again. (Thanks Mindi!)

[Stryke11]

Changes from ver. 1 already posted: Name, made defenders tougher, unrandomized the items (thanks Ball and Gandalf!) and gave her more nature-y bodyguards in the vine ogres.

Stryke11-2_U_A_N_FST_.gan

--Description:
--First try at a unique province. Basically the idea is a powerfull enchantress has used her magic and beauty to lull a bunch of guys into her servitude so she can live like a queen. I don't know if the Ancient Oaks is the right place, but since she's so "enchanting" I wanted there to be an enchantment bonus there.

#lab
#population 5000
#poptype 50 --Militia, Lt Inf, Hvy Inf, Scout
#feature "Hall of Ancient Oaks"
#feature "Forest of Delights"

#commander 485 --Great Enchantress
#comname "Bellisima"
#additem "Thistle Mace"
#additem "Vine Shield"
#additem "Ivy Crown"
#additem "Robe of Missile Protection"
#additem "Birch Boots"
#additem "Cat Charm"
#additem "Barkskin Amulet"
#mag_nature 3
#mag_astral 1
#xp 500
#bodyguards 2 362 --Vine Ogre
#units 20 29 --Light Infantry
#units 20 39 --Heavy Infantry
#units 20 33 --Archer
#units 10 22 --Knight

[Stryke11]

Hey Ballbarian:

Can a terrain only be listed as one thing? I want a gan that can work in mountains, plains, forests, farm...pretty much everywhere but the sea, swamp, waster, and likely cave.

Also, while I get terrain, I'm not quite sure what the terrain/site box does. Also, pattern and climate confuse me...I wasn't aware each province had a climate...I thought that was based on dominion.

[Ballbarian]

The next release supports an additional flag (_OR_) which will allow your province to appear in a province with any of the selected terrain types. I have already updated SemiRandom and the Province Editor to support this, and will likely have the new versions posted by this weekend.

In Dom3, terrain values in a map file can contain flags for site types. This just means that the selected province has a greater chance of magic sites of the given type. The "many sites" flag in a province means just a higher chance of a magic site appearing in the province.

It is also of note that the Dom3 random map generator places these flags and will sometimes include an icon in the map image indicating (for example) a volcano for a fire site.

In SemiRandom, you can tell it to place your province only in provinces that contain the given site flag.

Patterns are just geographical locations that SemiRandom is able to detect in a map. So if you want your province to appear only next to large bodies of water, you would choose "Coast", if you wanted it to appear only in an isolated water province surrounded by land, you would choose "Lake".

A general description of patterns follows:
Island - land completely surrounded by water.
Lake - water completely surrounded by land.
Volcano - mountain with no mountain neighbors OR firesite.
Peninsula - land surrounded by water with only one land neighbor.
Valley - land surrounded by edgemount or mount with at least two being mountain and at least two being non-mountain.
Coast - land which borders at least one water neighbor.
Lost - land with no neighbors.


Climates are just a SemiRandom thing. The default settings in SemiRandom/RanDom are for the southern 25% of the map to be treated as Hot or tropical climate, and the northern 25% of the map to be treated as Cold or arctic climate provinces. All remaining provinces (in the middle of the map) are considered Mild or temperate.

You can also define climate bands, where there are arctic north & south poles and a central tropical equator with 2 temperate bands separating them.

The climates only affect provinces which have a climate requirement defined. So cold provinces can only be placed in cold climates, hot in hot and mild in mild. If no climate preference is selected, then the province can be placed in any of the climates.


Wow, I just gave a really long answer to a couple of simple questions. Pardon my rambling. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Ballbarian]

Oh, and btw, I will include your province in the next release. Perfect addition. Not too hard, but still an interesting location.

I agree that is more difficult to resist the temptation to create nightmare provinces with huge rewards. I am guilty of that more often than not. Many times I start with a simple idea, and then as I am browsing the units and sites, I think, "Wow, that would be cool if I just added this & that, and oh, now the defenders need beefed up, I'll just add this guy." http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Gandalf Parker]

I foresaw that at the beginning of the project but I thought it was a great stepping stone to getting some scenario maps made. Hook people into "just design one simple province" and let them find out that their ideas are more geared toward a complete map fitting that theme. I would like to see "the World of Vampires" or "When Dinosaurs Ruled" done as themed maps.

[Stryke11]

I'm interested in making "exile" or "counterfaction" provinces where using Pythium for example it could be a rogue Empress (cousin of the Emperor) in a province with some kind of fortification and some nation specific guardians (in this case maybe some emerald guard and serpent cataphracts, with a theurg or two for fun).

I need to wait until the next release though because I don't want these to be terrain specific...I want them to crop up anywhere...well, they would need to be age specific.

This can be done with Ulm (Black Lord), Marignon (Rogue Inquisitor), well, honestly, pretty much any nation that has a power structure with leaders and nobility. (Pangaea being kind of chaotic might not be suited for this idea).

It would be cool if you could then recruit a small amount of the basic, everyday troops of that nation in that province, but I know that's coded into the game that it can't be done.

[Gandalf Parker]

Maybe a small outbreak of Pangaean vine creatures. We already have a party province with Pans and maenads and lots of wine.

There are some magic sites which can grant units such as the Centaur Chariots.

[Endoperez]

The 'Gateward Valley' which allows the recruitment of Centaur Chariots would work pretty well as a renegade Pangaea province. Enslaved Centaurs, Tyrant the Dryad (descriptive, but also a pun on "treant" - I really like this idea already), satyrs hoplites, revelers, etc.

Black Lord, Rogue Inquisitor etc sound a bit like modded units. New units can't be created in map files, which the province editor and SemiRandom work with, and descriptions can't be changed either. This means that while it's possible to set an Inquisitor with H2, B2 and perhaps some suitable LA Marignon commanders as a renegade Marignonese province, you can't change the Inquisitor's description or name to imply that he's renegade.

BTW, splinter nations would work well for small provinces. An inquisitor, 10 crossbows, 10 halberdiers would make for a nice, small addition to an indy province. All nations could have several such splinter provinces with varying commanders, national units and fitting non-national units. Abysians and Salamanders (and a fire site?); Mictlan Priest, Slaves and Jaguar Warriors; a Vanhere, few bodyguard Vanir and a Gnome; an Atlantian Consort, or perhaps a Traitor Prince helping a Toad Trinbe (i.e. toad tribe troops and the commander replace swamp defenders and poptype)...

[Saulot]

I have to chime in that I very much like the idea of fragment/splinter nations/provinces, and hope to see more.

[jutetrea]

What's the best way to submit? via attachment or text+attach. Personally I like to see the whole province + attachment, but it can get lengthly. I'll do both and if its too long i'll edit and delete.

--Description:
--A Discovery! A Ruined city, dark and foreboding. A dense fog that smells faintly of decay hovers over the entire city. As you explore you hear faint creaks and rhythmic moans. You hope its just the wind, yet a faint chill crawls up your spine. Suddenly you hear screaming from your rearguard! To Battle!

@1 landname
"City of the Dead"
#fort 14 --Dark Citadel
#population 100
#poptype 88 --NO RECRUITABLES
#knownfeature "Windswept Catacombs"
#knownfeature "Well of Darkness"
#knownfeature "Tomb of the Ancients"
#knownfeature "The Mausoleum of the Great Sarlah"
@4 commander
1438 --Ktonian Necromancer
#additem "Skull Staff"
1468 --Oracle of the Dead
#additem "Skull Staff"
181 --Wraith Lord
#additem "Wraith Sword"
#additem "Horror Helmet"
#additem "Winged Shoes"
1442 --Attendant of the Dead

@6 units
40 1363 --Ancestral Spirit
40 534 --Corpse Construct
40 192 --Longdead
40 535 --Longdead Archer
40 189 --Longdead Horseman
20 396 --Revenant

| OUTSIDE THE CASTLE |
----------------------------------
#owner 23 -- after this, units are owned by special monsters
----------------------------------
| INSIDE THE CASTLE |

#commander 644 --Dracolich
#comname "Urkolymotryx"
#additem "Wraith Crown"
#additem "Ring of Sorcery"
#additem "Ring of Regeneration"
#clearmagic
#mag_fire 2
#mag_death 4
#mag_nature 3
#xp 400

@6 commander
1442 --Attendant of the Dead
#additem "Skull Staff"
1442 --Attendant of the Dead
1708 --Consort of the Dead
#additem "Skullface"
178 --Demilich
#additem "Skullface"
#additem "Skull Staff"
#additem "Ring of Sorcery"
178 --Demilich
#additem "Skullface"
#additem "Skull Staff"
1438 --Ktonian Necromancer
#additem "Skull Staff"
#randomequip 4

@5 units
40 1363 --Ancestral Spirit
40 534 --Corpse Construct
40 191 --Longdead
40 535 --Longdead Archer
20 315 --Soulless Giant

[jutetrea]

--Description:
--You stumble upon a cheery village, a bit primitive, but everyone seems

happy. They welcome you with open arms, showering you and your troops

with food and drink. As the festivities continue a soldier stumbles to a

stop in front of you. With a panicked look to his eyes, he points at

the platter in front of you heaped with meat "People! They eat PEOPLE!"

At his cry the entire villages rise up to secure their next meal!

@1 landname
"A Peaceful Village"
#population 4000
#poptype 80 --Tribals, Lion
#knownfeature "The Great Cauldron"
#knownfeature "Hall of Flayed Skins"

#commander 122 --Blood Henge Druid
#additem "Blood Thorn"
#additem "Boots of Youth"
#additem "The Heart of Life"
#additem "Brazen Vessel"
#clearmagic
#mag_nature 4
#mag_blood 4
#xp 400
#bodyguards 15 727 --Jaguar Warrior

@3 commander
122 --Blood Henge Druid
122 --Blood Henge Druid
122 --Blood Henge Druid

#commander 1296 --Erinya

@4 commander
1602 --Lion Tribe Witch Doctor
1602 --Lion Tribe Witch Doctor
1600 --Lion Tribe Warrior
1600 --Lion Tribe Warrior
@2 units
40 1601 --Lion Tribe Archer
40 1600 --Lion Tribe Warrior

[jutetrea]

--Description:
--Your troops stumble upon a peaceful glade where there appears to be a

temple to some sort of nature god. Everything seems a bit more alive,

the trees and grass are shining with vitality, the small animals running

underfoot look sleek with health. You can feel the effects yourself,

even the ankle you twisted in yesterday's battle feels a bit better. The

priestesses of the temple come to meet with you while their followers

tend to your wounded. All is well until a shout is heard from the back

of the camp, your soldiers have violated some of the camp followers! The

high priestess is beside herself, declaring your entire force unclean and

unwelcome. As your soldiers get more out of hand the priestesses

withdraw and start a summoning. Suddenly the followers return with

weapons of war and a Great White Bull suddenly appears, summoned by the

priestesses. To Battle!

@1 landname
"Secluded Temple"
#temple
#population 2000
#poptype 42 --Amazon, Jade
#knownfeature "Lyfjaberg"
#knownfeature "The Sacred Glen"
#knownfeature "Hidden Forest"
#knownfeature "Pool of Sanctity"

#commander 1773 --Tuatha Sorceress
#additem "Thistle Mace"
#additem "Vine Shield"
#additem "Boots of the Messenger"
#additem "Amulet of Resilience"
#additem "Moonvine Bracelet"
#additem "Ivy Crown"
#clearmagic
#mag_nature 5
#mag_astral 1

#commander 979 --Great White Bull
#additem "Ring of Regeneration"
#additem "Amulet of Resilience"

@12 commander
1433 --Kitsune
1433 --Kitsune
151 --Daughter of Avalon
364 --Enchantress
364 --Enchantress
1773 --Tuatha Sorceress
1773 --Tuatha Sorceress
242 --Priestess
242 --Priestess
242 --Priestess
353 --Jade Priestess
353 --Jade Priestess
@2 units
20 370 --Jade Maiden
40 354 --Amazon

[Ballbarian]

I really like the idea of splinter provinces. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

For the moment, just doing a quick scan of the posted provinces, and a few comments...

City of the Dead:
@4 commander
1438 --Ktonian Necromancer
#additem "Skull Staff"
1468 --Oracle of the Dead
#additem "Skull Staff"
181 --Wraith Lord
#additem "Wraith Sword"
#additem "Horror Helmet"
#additem "Winged Shoes"
1442 --Attendant of the Dead

Won't work.

Should be something like:
<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
@4 commander
1438 --Ktonian Necromancer
1468 --Oracle of the Dead
181 --Wraith Lord
1442 --Attendant of the Dead

@3 additem
"Skull Staff"
"Skull Staff"
"Wraith Sword"

#additem "Horror Helmet"
#additem "Winged Shoes"
</pre><hr />

I think you were trying to say something like, "If Ktonian Necromancer, then give him a "Skull Staff", If an Oracle, give him a "Skull Staff", If a Wratih Lord, then give him a "Wraith Sword" &amp; a "Horror Helmet" &amp; "Winged Shoes", If an Attendant of the Dead, then don't give him anything. But instead you would get some weird map code like [#commander #additem "Wraith Sword"] which would (best case) cause the line to be ignored by Dom3, or (worst case) crash the game.

The solution that I proposed, would select one of the four commanders (randomly) and then select one of the three items listed (randomly) and then add the "Horror Helmet" &amp; "Winged Shoes" for a result in the map file like:
<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
#commander 181 --Wraith Lord
#additem "Skull Staff"
#additem "Horror Helmet"
#additem "Winged Shoes"
</pre><hr />

Btw, I really, really like the fact that you have taken advantage of the description field in the editor. Nice. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif
I am secretly crossing my fingers that the mighty Illwinter gods will bestow the gift of allowing descriptions as an option for provinces viewable in game prior to an assault upon the given province. Would be a fantastic addition for scenario type maps. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Stryke11]

I'm glad people seem to like the splinter nation idea. No, I didn't mean edited characters...we'd have to pretend that they're rogue, but to anyone that looks they'd just seem like a small mini outpost of the faction they represent...except they will also fight against their own faction!

Yes, we have to use our imagination a bit, until we can create our own characters.

I should be able to have a bunch done in a weekend once the new version comes out.

[Stryke11]

Jutetrea, I think you're doing the same thing I did before...did you intend your Tuatha Sorceress to have ALL the items you list, or just one of them, randomly? I believe the @ sign makes it random. Same with the magic. So she only gets either nature 5 or astral 1, not both. Each item has to have their own # line if you want more than one.

Ball can explain it better than I can.

[jutetrea]

Hmm,

So if I want a commander to have specific items I should separate him out via the program.. i.e. do my "main" commander, name, items, magic, bodyguards if any. Then my "thug" separately (by double clicking to remove "main" from the addition box) name, items, magic, bodyguards. Then my miscellaneous commanders as a group?

If I add items under the miscellaneous commanders (those i don't want to bother with magic, names, bodyguards) they will always be random on who gets it?

So, in the above case, If I want everyone (3 commanders) to have a skull staff, do I need to add @1 additem skullstaff or @3 additem skullstaff?

Also, say i have 1 commander. I want to add random items for all slots. leave everything blank, have it be dom select and hit submit? or have to hit submit for each item slot?

How about if I want him to just have 1 random item total?

I'm assuming the levels under the dom select are the various construction levels needed for the item? Or # of items?

On the left of the item screen:
I'm assuming =artifact filters to only show artifacts, -artifact subtracts them; but

what is considered special? the wish only items? (or event npc items?)

what are the P1, L1, P2, L2
I'm assuming P1 = path needed to create item
L1 = levels in a magic path? levels in const school?
p2 = second path to simulate a specific unit? a la E/B for blood stone?
L2 = ??

Yes, I would love the ability for an after battle report for special provinces only to show the description above the unit counts. We know they're going to do battle, as its the nature of the game, so all descriptions would need to be cheesy in that regard.

I like the splinter nation as well, but it would be much more powerful if the "kingdom" idea were ever implemented.

[jutetrea]

hmm, bugger.. I always wondered what the @ sign meant, I thought it was just simulating 6 lines of #additem. Yeah, generally when i put an item in there I want the unit to have it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

For the future i like the idea of essentially "item lists" for increased replayability ... but baby steps http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Stryke11]

It would be nice if there was a way to test our creations by simulating a battle (using the dom3 program) and watch how our creations come up on the battle screen.

That way we'd easily notice flaws in the code. Like noticing they only have one of the items you wanted rather than all.

[Ballbarian]

Wow. I think that is the most questions that I have seen in one post. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I will try to answer them all, but for those who haven't stumbled upon it, there is a detailed help file in the "RanDom/SemiRandom/" directory called ReadMe.txt. It is overall, geared more towards using SemiRandom by itself, without the frontend tools, but it might save you some confusion to browse through it.

It is also very helpful to become familiar with the Dom3 map editing document from Illwinter. Of course one of the best tools is to study a couple of existing gan files that come with the program to get a general feel for the structure.




So if I want a commander to have specific items I should separate him out via the program.. i.e. do my "main" commander, name, items, magic, bodyguards if any. Then my "thug" separately (by double clicking to remove "main" from the addition box) name, items, magic, bodyguards. Then my miscellaneous commanders as a group?



That is pretty much the approach that I take.
A simple structure that I use in my own provinces is:
<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
Boss Commander
Name
Items
Magic
Bodyguards
Units

Generic Commander
Bodyguards
Units

Thug
Name
Items

Sub/Support Commander
Sub/Support Commander
Sub/Support Commander
</pre><hr />


If I add items under the miscellaneous commanders (those i don't want to bother with magic, names, bodyguards) they will always be random on who gets it?



Not 100% sure that I understand the question, but if you have...
Sub/Support Commander 1
Sub/Support Commander 2
Sub/Support Commander 3
#additem "Stuff"
...then Commander number 3 will receive the "Stuff".



So, in the above case, If I want everyone (3 commanders) to have a skull staff, do I need to add @1 additem skullstaff or @3 additem skullstaff?


For each of the 3 commanders to get a skull staff:
Sub/Support Commander 1
#additem "Skull Staff"
Sub/Support Commander 2
#additem "Skull Staff"
Sub/Support Commander 3
#additem "Skull Staff"

Also I want to be clear here...
If you add 1 and only 1 specific item, then the line will be:
#additem &lt;item name&gt;

If you want to have a chance of 1 OF 3 items, you would use:
@3 additem
&lt;item name&gt;
&lt;item name&gt;
&lt;item name&gt;

If you want 1 and only 1 random item from one of the item lists you would use:
@RANDOM additem &lt;item list name&gt;

If you want Dom3 to assign random items:
#randomequip &lt;0-4&gt;



Also, say i have 1 commander. I want to add random items for all slots. leave everything blank, have it be dom select and hit submit? or have to hit submit for each item slot?



Yes. Basically. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif
If you want to let Dom3 handle the random items, make sure that the item list is blank, select "Let Dom3 generate" from the drop down box, and select the level (0-4) from the drop down box beneath it. 0=small chance/weak items, 4=largest chance/strong items. This does not guarantee that Dom3 will fill all slots however.

If you really want to have all slots filled with a random item then you would need to submit a random item list for each slot, or use one of the @RANDOM item lists for each slot.

Note that there is a small glitch that will sometimes cause the 0-4 drop down box to not re-enable itself after an item has been removed from the the list. To kick start it, just reselect "Let Dom3 generate" again and it will reset itself.



How about if I want him to just have 1 random item total?


For just 1 random item you could use:
<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
@3 additem
"Fire Sword"
"Ice Sword"
"Sword of Sharpness"

OR

@RANDOM additem 1HANDWEAPON
</pre><hr />



I'm assuming the levels under the dom select are the various construction levels needed for the item? Or # of items?



I think that I covered this in the previous answer. If it is still not clear, be sure to let me know and I will try to expand on it.



On the left of the item screen:
I'm assuming =artifact filters to only show artifacts, -artifact subtracts them; but

what is considered special? the wish only items? (or event npc items?)



You are correct on the =/- artifacts filter.
Specials are items that are not available through construction research, but are found on some special monsters, like Bogus's "Greenstone Armor", and "Precious".
(USE ARTIFACTS &amp; SPECIAL ITEMS SPARINGLY OR THEY WON'T BE SPECIAL ANYMORE! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif )



what are the P1, L1, P2, L2
I'm assuming P1 = path needed to create item
L1 = levels in a magic path? levels in const school?
p2 = second path to simulate a specific unit? a la E/B for blood stone?
L2 = ??



You are very close.
P1 = the 1rst path needed for a mage to craft an item.
L1 = the level in that 1rst path required.
P2 = the 2nd path needed for a mage to craft an item.
L2 = the level in that 2nd path required.


I hope that helps some. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

(If you make corrections to your provinces, be sure to edit the existing posts &amp; replace the attachments. Then I can add them to the next release!)

[Ballbarian]

It would be nice if there was a way to test our creations by simulating a battle (using the dom3 program) and watch how our creations come up on the battle screen.

That way we'd easily notice flaws in the code. Like noticing they only have one of the items you wanted rather than all.



Actually the thought had crossed my mind...
Considered just making a very simple 6 province map with 1 central starting point for a human nation and 5 neighbors. Then you could edit the map file and just paste in your test batch, create the game, attack a province, and view the results.

I am stretched thin... Stryke11? How are your map making skills? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Gandalf Parker]

Something like the mini-map battle simulator?
Battle Sim (http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&amp;Board=d3smm&amp;Number=471188&amp;Forum= f195&amp;Words=%2Bbattle%20%2Bsimulator&amp;Searchpage=0&amp;L imit=25&amp;Main=471188&amp;Search=true&amp;where=sub&amp;Name=&amp;da terange=1&amp;newerval=5&amp;newertype=y&amp;olderval=&amp;olderty pe=&amp;bodyprev=1#Post471188)

[jutetrea]

THANKS! That helped lots.

With the quick support I can't help but add a couple more:

Is there an undead tag in the unit finder? Lifeless works, but picks up elementals and such. Am I just being blind?

Is there a way to open and edit a previous GAN file?

Sites: Killfeatures remove all previous sites, correct? If I do not add killfeatures, will manually added sites supersede randomly placed? If I manually add 2, is there still a possibility for 2 randoms to show up?

Would it be possible to add a "all" selection under Lead in the unit finder? So I can sort just by commanding ability?

What does "clear garrison" do? Remove the province population starting troops? Is that something I should have been doing with my other gans?

Going back to your previous examples if I enter 10 commanders and hit submit, it then shows up as @10 commanders. Does that mean only certain ones will show up randomly or will all 10? Same with troops?

[Ballbarian]

Something like the mini-map battle simulator?



Yep. Something very much like that Gandalf. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Hmmm... But that means that I need to create a mini-SemiRandom that will read a gan file's contents and perform the random functions to generate the sample map code...

I will have to think on this more after this round of updates is complete.






Is there an undead tag in the unit finder? Lifeless works, but picks up elementals and such. Am I just being blind?



Look under "CType" (Creature Type).
This includes:
Normal (not one of the other 4 types)
Undead
Demon
Magic Being
Animal



Is there a way to open and edit a previous GAN file?



You can't see it, but there is a "Load" button in place, however, that feature is still several versions away from being enabled at the moment. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

For now, if you have already saved and then find a minor error, or something that you would like to change, just open the GAN file in a text editor and make the corrections from there. Or, when it involves something a little more complex, just pop into the province editor and create the code that you want, select it from the preview or garrison text box, use right click + copy, or CNTRL+C to copy the code and paste it into your open GAN file where appropriate.



Sites: Killfeatures remove all previous sites, correct?



Correct.



If I do not add killfeatures, will manually added sites supersede randomly placed?



I believe that if you do not use killfeatures Dom3 gets first dibs on filling those 4 slots. That means that there is a risk of your manually placed sites not having a spot to fill and they will just be ignored.



If I manually add 2, is there still a possibility for 2 randoms to show up?



That is my understanding of how it works. Except a better way to look at it is that it is possible that 2 random sites will be placed by Dom3 and (if you are lucky) 2 slots will remain for your 2 manually added sites.



Would it be possible to add a "all" selection under Lead in the unit finder? So I can sort just by commanding ability?



As it is now, the "all" is implicit. Just uncheck the "Lead" filter, and all units will be listed. There are very few units that have 0 leadership if made into a commander. (Correct me if I am mistaken on this point!)



What does "clear garrison" do? Remove the province population starting troops? Is that something I should have been doing with my other gans?



The "Clear Garrison" button is just a quick way to clean out the Commander/Units section in Step 3, as opposed to the "Clear All" button which resets EVERYTHING. "Clear All" is essentially like closing the program and restarting it again.

Usually I will create my province, preview it in Step 4, and then hit "Save and Add" when I am happy with it, and finally hit "Clear All" to start the next province project. The exception being when I have another province in mind that is very similar to the one that I just finished, and then I might just hit "Clear Garrison" and then make changes from there.




Going back to your previous examples if I enter 10 commanders and hit submit, it then shows up as @10 commanders. Does that mean only certain ones will show up randomly or will all 10? Same with troops?



If you enter 10 commanders &amp; hit submit, you are telling the province editor to generate code that will tell SemiRandom that you want 1 of these 10 commanders (selected at random) to appear in the province when the final map file is generated.

Same with troops.
Same with ANY list in the province editor. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif
The key thing to look for is the "@" symbol in the generated code, which is your signal that ONE of the things in the subsequent list will appear at that spot in the final map file.

[Endoperez]

Are there lists of fire, death etc sites of varying power yet? That'd help all special provinces a lot. As an example, the great city of the undead could have two minor death sites, one major death site and one fixed death site. The names might not quite suit the city theme, but it'd allow for varying rewards.

[Stryke11]

Ballbarian said:

I am stretched thin... Stryke11? How are your map making skills? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



If you're asking if I have any graphic design skills, then no, not at all. If you just want me to make a random six province map using SemiRandom, then sure, I could do that http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Kristoffer O]

I saw thet Jutetrea had the site lyfjaberg in his secluded temple. Does it work? It is intended to heal troops, but I don't thik it does.

Hmm, I should gather myself and finish all those old maps I started on.

[jutetrea]

hmm, no idea. just saw there was a site with a heal bonus, wanted to build a temple around it... mid-difficulty stationary chalice type thing.

Did not know there was a bug associated with it.

[Ballbarian]

Are there lists of fire, death etc sites of varying power yet? That'd help all special provinces a lot. As an example, the great city of the undead could have two minor death sites, one major death site and one fixed death site. The names might not quite suit the city theme, but it'd allow for varying rewards.



Excellent idea Endoperez! It is not supported at the moment, but I glanced at the code and it looks like a simple one line change to allow it. I will try to squeak something in before the weekend release.


@Stryke11
I was really hoping that in your professional life, you were a world renowned artist capable of producing a visually stunning masterpiece that we could use. But, any old stretch of pixels with six white dots would suffice. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif



@KO
Hmmm... I don't recall actually seeing that site in game so far. Can anyone else confirm whether it works or not?

More KO maps? Yes please do finish them! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif
Were you working on scenario style maps, or good ol' fashioned general strategic maps? And, have you considered creating a couple (or a dozen) SemiRandom provinces for the collection? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

[Gandalf Parker]

The question about choosing two sites and would there be a chance to get 2 other random sites made me think..
Since we have something for random equip armor and such, can we create a list for random site in order to pad provinces out to the full 4 slots?

[Endoperez]

I'm pretty sure that's how Ballbarian read my request. I think the "one line change" would be in allowing #knownfeature to be along the commands that can read queues, along with #additem and such.

[Stryke11]

Ballbarian said:
@Stryke11
I was really hoping that in your professional life, you were a world renowned artist capable of producing a visually stunning masterpiece that we could use. But, any old stretch of pixels with six white dots would suffice. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif




Sadly enough, I don't even know how to do that at this point...maybe if someone can point me to a mapmaking tutorial.

Since KO brought it up, more maps would be very nice. That is, designed maps. Random maps are great, but Aram, the Eye, Dawn of Dominions, those things are just super awesome. So if you're still reading this thread KO, I squarely put my vote towards more maps http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[Ballbarian]

Ok...Finally got some time this evening and made some quick changes. Whipped up three simple sample site lists (say that three times fast http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif ), and created a test province.

The following GAN file...:
--Description:
--The very threads of existence must be torn asunder, then burned, then the
--ashes scattered, until all is nothing and no one exists to remember existence.
--Tharizdun is the god of Eternal Darkness, Destruction, Decay, Entropy,
--Malign Knowledge, and Insanity. He was imprisoned ages ago by a coalition
--of deities to prevent the destruction of existence itself. Tharizdun is known as
--the Dark God, and He of Eternal Darkness. Although imprisoned, Tharizdun
--still has a degree of his original multiverse-threatening power...

@1 landname
"Tharizdun's Lair"
#temple
#poptype 27 --Militia, Archers, Hvy Inf
#killfeatures
#knownfeature "Temple of Darkness"
<font color="brown">@RANDOM knownfeature WIZARDDEATHSITE</font>
<font color="brown">@RANDOM feature SUMMONDEATHSITE</font>
<font color="brown">@RANDOM feature MINORDEATHSITE</font>

#comname "Tharizdun"
#additem "Horror Helmet"
#additem "Boots of Stone"
#additem "Lifelong Protection"
#additem "Amulet of Antimagic"
#clearmagic
#mag_death 6
#mag_fire 6
#mag_blood 6
#bodyguards 3 467 --Foul Beast
#units 1 1000 --Demon Jester
#units 7 88 --Fiend of Darkness
#units 33 303 --Imp
#units 66 638 --Spine Devil

#commander 1564 --Mad Cultist
#commander 1564 --Mad Cultist
#commander 1564 --Mad Cultist
#commander 1564 --Mad Cultist

#commander 963 --Mad Priest
#commander 963 --Mad Priest
#commander 963 --Mad Priest
#commander 963 --Mad Priest

...Generated the following province:
-- GAN FILE: GREYBALL19_TMP_U_R_OR_EMT_MNT_S_
#nostart 86
#land 86

--Description:
--The very threads of existence must be torn asunder, then burned, then the
--ashes scattered, until all is nothing and no one exists to remember existence.
--Tharizdun is the god of Eternal Darkness, Destruction, Decay, Entropy,
--Malign Knowledge, and Insanity. He was imprisoned ages ago by a coalition
--of deities to prevent the destruction of existence itself. Tharizdun is known as
--the Dark God, and He of Eternal Darkness. Although imprisoned, Tharizdun
--still has a degree of his original multiverse-threatening power...
#landname 86 "Tharizdun's Lair"
#temple
#poptype 27 --Militia, Archers, Hvy Inf
#killfeatures
#knownfeature "Temple of Darkness"
<font color="brown">#knownfeature "Grayshade Forest"</font>
<font color="brown">#feature "The Shaded Lands"</font>
<font color="brown">#feature "Windswept Catacombs"</font>
#comname "Tharizdun"
#additem "Horror Helmet"
#additem "Boots of Stone"
#additem "Lifelong Protection"
#additem "Amulet of Antimagic"
#clearmagic
#mag_death 6
#mag_fire 6
#mag_blood 6
#bodyguards 3 467 --Foul Beast
#units 1 1000 --Demon Jester
#units 7 88 --Fiend of Darkness
#units 33 303 --Imp
#units 66 638 --Spine Devil
#commander 1564 --Mad Cultist
#commander 1564 --Mad Cultist
#commander 1564 --Mad Cultist
#commander 1564 --Mad Cultist
#commander 963 --Mad Priest
#commander 963 --Mad Priest
#commander 963 --Mad Priest
#commander 963 --Mad Priest


The catch is that the province editor is not going to directly support this. If you will be using the province editor, you will have to manually insert the @RANDOM feature/knownfeature lines, and then remember to not switch tabs before saving or else the changes will be lost. An easy workaround to that is to add the @RANDOM feature/knownfeature lines to the Garrison box on tab 3. This way the changes will remain intact regardless of how many tabs you flip back and forth through. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Ballbarian]

Sites added to the next release as of this post:
ZIGGY9_LO_U_A_OR_EMT_MNT_S_N_L_
GREYBALL1_HOT_CO_U_R_OR_FST_N_L_
GREYBALL2_HOT_CO_U_R_OR_FST_N_L_
GREYBALL3_TMP_VL_U_R_WST_L_
GREYBALL4_TMP_CO_U_R_OR_FST_S_N_
GREYBALL5_TMP_U_R_OR_EMT_MNT_L_
GREYBALL6_TMP_U_R_PLN_WTR_L_
GREYBALL7_TMP_U_R_PLN_WTR_N_
GREYBALL8_TMP_CO_U_R_FRM_WTR_L_
GREYBALL9_HOT_VC_U_R_OR_PLN_EMT_MNT_FST_S_N_
GREYBALL11_CLD_U_R_OR_PLN_EMT_FST_FRM_S_N_L_
GREYBALL12_CLD_U_R_EMT_WST_S_
GREYBALL13_CLD_U_R_EMT_WST_S_
GREYBALL14_HOT_U_R_OR_EMT_MNT_N_L_
GREYBALL15_CLD_U_R_OR_SWP_N_L_
GREYBALL16_CLD_U_R_WST_L_
GREYBALL17_CLD_U_R_WST_N_
GREYBALL18_TMP_U_A_OR_EMT_S_N_
GREYBALL19_TMP_U_R_OR_EMT_MNT_S_
ENDO2_U_A_OR_PLN_EMT_MNT_FST_FRM_S_N_L_
ENDO3_U_A_OR_PLN_EMT_MNT_WST_SWP_FST_FRM_S_N_L_
ENDO4_U_R_OR_PLN_SEA_EMT_MNT_WST_SWP_FST_S_N_L_
ENDO5_M_A_PLN_N_
ENDO6_U_R_OR_SEA_DEP_S_N_L_
ENDO7_CO_U_A_OR_PLN_S_N_L_
ENDO8_U_R_OR_FST_S_N_L_
ENDO9_TMP_U_R_FST_L_
ENDO10_TMP_M_A_FST_L_
ENDO11_U_A_OR_FST_S_N_L_
ENDO12_CLD_U_A_FST_N_
ENDO13_U_R_SEA_DEP_N_
MAGESET1_M_A_OR_SEA_DEP_S_N_L_
Stryke11-2_U_R_N_FST_
Jutetrea6_U_R_S_City_of_the_dead
Jutetrea7_HOT_U_R_N_FST_A_Peaceful_Village
Jutetrea8_VL_U_R_N_FST_A_Secluded_Temple

That is 36 additional gan files. Thank you to everyone for your contributions to the project so far! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

It will probably be late tomorrow before I will be able to upload the updated versions of RanDom &amp; the Province Editor.

[jutetrea]

Peaceful village updated - took out lists

[jutetrea]

updated city of the dead - took out lists

[jutetrea]

updated secluded temple - took out "lists"

[jutetrea]

4 more quick provinces

Arachnid forests - low level rewards, spiders, black spider leader w/random items

Troll Caverns - low rewards, trolls, troll king leader w/random items

Unfortunate Crossroads - SC encounter, heavily equipped Grey lord with a few phantasmal knights for company

Mountain of Gods - Heavy SC encounter, 8-10 Norse Gods and Goddesses armed to the teeth and brimming with power, good site rewards

[Ballbarian]

Great jutetrea! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I made some minor changes to some of the file names for placement. I noticed that you are using "Common" on most of your provinces. Common = Multi (_M_) which would allow the province to be placed multiple times on the same map. When a province has a single name, I much prefer to use "Unique" (_U_) which means that it can only appear once on a map.

Also, keep in mind that when using "Add" (_A_), the commanders and units are added to the defenders that Dom3 places. This can result in some really strange mixes. Anytime I change the population type, I try to use "Replace" (_R_) and add appropriate defenders to match the pop type selected. I really wish we could set pop type before Dom3 assigns defenders.


Thanks again!


I am now nearly finished getting the next round of updates in place. I suspect that I will be able to release the new versions before I call it a night.

[Gandalf Parker]

Can we get better valley recognition? At the moment its two ways out? Can we check for those two not connecting to each other? And then maybe add "box canyon" for the others?

Do we have one way out? Are we making those caves?

[Gandalf Parker]

Can we get better valley recognition? At the moment its two ways out? Can we check for those two not connecting to each other? And then maybe add "box canyon" for the others?

Do we have one way out? Are we making those caves?

We should have a GAN file for "lost" that uses the new random site lists to make sure that a lost is filled with sites. Not caring what sites they are, just that they should be full.

[jutetrea]

Ah, never thought about the replace/add feature. R is what I would want at all times then, thought that would be the default.

on the Unique/common standpoint the low level stuff should be repeatable, but maybe only a few. For instance, I don't see why there can't be 4 or 5 spider provinces in a 400 province map. On the other hand, there should only be one city of the dead with a big named dracolich, so unique. Is there a way to moderate how many of the commons are placed within their province type constraints? For instance, even if hitting 100% randomized I wouldn't want every forest to be a spider forest.

[Stryke11]

Wow, lots of gans! This next release is going to be great!

Oh, I didn't know about the add/replace either, though in my province it might actually make it better to have extra troops...unless they're amazons, which would be...weird.

Hey, the command that takes away the randomly assigned sites to make room for your custom ones...is that included in the editor, or do I have to add that line (and what is it?) manually? Thanks!!

[jutetrea]

When you're choosing sites from the drop down you'll see

"known" above the dropdown and to the left

and

"killfeatures" above the dropdown to the right

or add #killfeatures manually on the line above your sites

edit: and yeah, when all the questions are answered simple sites are real easy and quick. Very very nice tool.

Now to just figure out how to have a 200 province map and get about 50-60 of these sites in.

[Gandalf Parker]

quickie list of map commands such as are used in the programs:
http://www.dom3minions.com/docs/map_qref.txt

3.1 #dom2title &lt;text&gt; The title of the map.
3.2 #imagefile &lt;filename&gt; The image file of the map

4.1 #scenario This command tags the map as a scenario
4.2 #description "&lt;text&gt;" The description of the map
4.3 #neighbour &lt;province nbr&gt; &lt;provincenbr&gt; Makes it possible to move
4.4 #nostart &lt;province nbr&gt; Tags a province as unstartable.
4.5 #terrain &lt;province nbr&gt; &lt;terraintype&gt; Sets the terrain of a province.

*** #defaultmapzoom &lt;nbr&gt; default view usually 1.00-5.00
5.1 #maptextcol &lt;red&gt; &lt;green&gt; &lt;blue&gt;&lt;alpha&gt;
5.2 #allowedplayer &lt;nation nbr&gt; Makes this nation one of the allowed
5.3 #landplayers &lt;&gt; no affect in Dom3
5.4 #seaplayers &lt;&gt; no affect in Dom3
5.5 #features &lt;0-100&gt; Sets the magic site frequency.
5.6 #start &lt;province nbr&gt; By creating at least one start location for each
5.7 #specstart &lt;nation nbr&gt; &lt;provincenbr&gt; specific nation to a specific start
5.8 #nohomelandnames home lands no longer named for nations
5.9 #computerplayer &lt;nation nbr&gt; &lt;difficulty&gt;
5.10 #cannotwin &lt;nation nbr&gt; This nation will not granted the win
5.11 #victorycondition &lt;condition nbr&gt;&lt;attribute&gt;
5.12 #victorypoints &lt;province nbr&gt; &lt;1-7&gt; number of VP this province is worth
5.13 #god &lt;nation nbr&gt; "&lt;commandertype&gt;" pre-select the god of this nation
5.14 #scale_chaos &lt;nation nbr&gt; &lt;(-3)-3&gt; Forces the dominion scale
5.15 #dominionstr &lt;nation nbr&gt; &lt;1-10&gt; dominion strength of a nation
5.16 #landname &lt;province nbr&gt;"&lt;name&gt;" sets name of a specific province.
5.17 #nonamefilter disable Map filter that displays province names
5.18 #allies &lt;player&gt; &lt;player&gt; specific AI will not attack AI
5.19 #startspell &lt;player&gt; "spell name" nation with spell preresearched.

6.1 #land &lt;province nbr&gt; kill off province and allow settings
6.2 #setland &lt;province nbr&gt; do not kill province but do allow settings
6.3 #commander "&lt;commander type&gt;" place commander and allow settings
6.4 #comname "&lt;name&gt;" overwrites the active commander's random name
6.5 #bodyguards &lt;nbr of guards&gt;"&lt;type&gt;" Gives bodyguards to commander.
6.6 #units &lt;nbr of units&gt; "&lt;type&gt;" squad of soldiers to commander.
6.7 #clearmagic Removes all magic skills from the active commander.
6.8 #xp &lt;0-900&gt; Gives experience points to the active commander.
6.9 #mag_astral &lt;level&gt; Gives magic ability to the active commander.
6.10 #randomequip &lt;0-4&gt; Gives random magic items to commander.
6.11 #additem "&lt;item name&gt;" give specific item to commander
6.12 #killfeatures Removes all magic sites from the active commander.
6.13 #feature "&lt;site name&gt;" Puts a magic site in the active province.
6.14 #knownfeature "&lt;site name&gt;" a found magic site in province.
6.15 #fort "&lt;fort type&gt;" Puts a fort in the active province.
6.16 #temple Puts a temple in the active province.
6.17 #lab Puts a laboratory in the active province.
6.18 #owner &lt;nation nbr&gt; Changes the ownership of the active province.
6.19 #unrest &lt;0-500&gt; Sets the unrest level of the active province.
6.20 #population &lt;0-50000&gt; population number of the active province.
6.21 #poptype &lt;poptype nbr&gt; Sets the population type of the active nation.
6.22 #defence &lt;0-125&gt; Sets the province defence of the active nation.

added note:
use of #owner can cause units listed after that line to patrol a castle
rather than defend it (making it harder to take). Using 23 can create
independent patrollers. Use of a nation not matching the owner of the
province can create seigers.

*** at this time:
The random map generator will put in a default map zoom, but not a map
text color. The map editor will put in a map text color but it deletes
commands it doesnt recognize such as default map zoom

[Ballbarian]

7/08/07 - Replaced v100 with v101: Now supports RanDom ver 2.03 (SemiRandom ver 1.06) and the new "_OR_" tag which will allow placement of a single province file across a wide variety of terrain types.

[Ballbarian]

Can we get better valley recognition? At the moment its two ways out? Can we check for those two not connecting to each other? And then maybe add "box canyon" for the others?



It is a possibility.


Do we have one way out? Are we making those caves?



Any province with border mountains and only one neighbor are automagically turned into caves.


We should have a GAN file for "lost" that uses the new random site lists to make sure that a lost is filled with sites. Not caring what sites they are, just that they should be full.



There are a few gan files for lost provinces, but a "Multi" type that just fills magic sites would be a nice addition.



Ah, never thought about the replace/add feature. R is what I would want at all times then, thought that would be the default.



Probably should have been. Sorry about that.


on the Unique/common standpoint the low level stuff should be repeatable, but maybe only a few. For instance, I don't see why there can't be 4 or 5 spider provinces in a 400 province map. On the other hand, there should only be one city of the dead with a big named dracolich, so unique. Is there a way to moderate how many of the commons are placed within their province type constraints? For instance, even if hitting 100% randomized I wouldn't want every forest to be a spider forest.



I certainly wouldn't have a problem with 4 or 5 spider provinces, but those provinces should use some form of random name instead of just one name. That is the biggest reason that I changed it to unique.

Currently there are only two options. Unique &amp; Multiple. But even at 100% randomized, it is very unlikely that you could get every forest province of one type as long as there are other types possible, and currently there are. My approach to Multiple type provinces is to make them highly random and pretty generic so that even if they appear next to each other, they should be quite different in many respects.



Hey, the command that takes away the randomly assigned sites to make room for your custom ones...is that included in the editor, or do I have to add that line (and what is it?) manually? Thanks!!



What jutetrea said. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif



Now to just figure out how to have a 200 province map and get about 50-60 of these sites in.



For a 200 province map with about 50 provinces modified, you should (in theory) be able to set the fiddlePercent to 25 est.

[Stryke11]

Thanks Ball! I'll get crackin' on some provinces after work tonight!

[Stryke11]

Would there be a way to make the "counterfaction" province right next door to the real faction? That would make sense for two reasons: 1) it makes sense that the rebel faction wouldn't be across the world from the main faction and 2) it's more fun to have the faction fight it's own, as it has more of a civil war flavor, than to have some other random faction fight them. Could we do this if we knew the province numbers for the map generated?

Either way, I'm so tired of X Tribe warriors and militia and heavy cavalry that it will be nice to just have provinces with national troops, no matter which nation you're playing.

[Gandalf Parker]

Even better if people design them logically based on their favorite nation to play. The units, and equipment, that makes sense for Abyssia is very different than those for Caelum or Pangaea.

Sub-themes are fun to consider also. We have a Pangaea party province (pans and maenads), a centaur one with well armed archers, a harpy kamakazi one, and should come up with one for plant creatures.

Some of the nations are made up of some units that were conquered by someone else. That would lend itself to both the conquered breaking away to a new province, and the conquerers maybe breaking away in a purist movement.

[Ballbarian]

Would there be a way to make the "counterfaction" province right next door to the real faction? That would make sense for two reasons: 1) it makes sense that the rebel faction wouldn't be across the world from the main faction and 2) it's more fun to have the faction fight it's own, as it has more of a civil war flavor, than to have some other random faction fight them. Could we do this if we knew the province numbers for the map generated?



Not easily with the current design.
Might be a nice project for a scenario map? For that matter, you could take an existing SemiRandomized map and then manually adjust the inhabitants as you suggest around the placed start positions.



Even better if people design them logically based on their favorite nation to play. The units, and equipment, that makes sense for Abyssia is very different than those for Caelum or Pangaea.

Sub-themes are fun to consider also. We have a Pangaea party province (pans and maenads), a centaur one with well armed archers, a harpy kamakazi one, and should come up with one for plant creatures.

Some of the nations are made up of some units that were conquered by someone else. That would lend itself to both the conquered breaking away to a new province, and the conquerers maybe breaking away in a purist movement.



Excellent ideas in there Gandalf.
Now fire up the Province Editor before you get distracted! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Stryke11]

Ok...this took for flippin' ever. I'm sure there's tons wrong with it so Ball please look through it if you can.

This is my first time with a garrison and having multiple itemed and trooped commanders. I also attempted to have a communion going on outside the fortress. Also, I chose a Jade Sorceress to represent royalty of the Emerald Empire (they're both green, right?). If anyone could suggest a more appropriate chassis, please let me know. There aren't a lot of good female leader types, and a battle vestal chassis seemed a bit too...wholesome...for Zoe.

One thing is that a few different nations have Pythium's basic nationals, and therefore there were more than one unit number...I don't know if there is a difference, but if I put in the wrong ones let me know. Enjoy! More nations to come!

Filename: Stryke11-2_U_R_OR_PLN_EMT_MNT_SWP_FST_FRM_N_

--Description:
--After going through great pains to have the emperor of Pythium, her husband, assasinated, the empress Zoe watched her machinations backfire as the emperor's brother seized power. She was barely able to escape the capital with a few supporters before they were all captured. She found her way to this frontier province, were she is biding her time in relative safety and plotting anew.

#lab
#fort 40 --Fortress
#population 5000
#poptype 74 --Lt Inf, Lt Cav, Cataphracts
#commander 1386 --Legatus Legionis
#comname "Julius Constantious"
#additem "Sceptre of Authority"
#additem "Lucky Coin"
#additem "Dragon Helmet"
#additem "Chain Mail of Displacement"
#additem "Birch Boots"
#additem "Amulet of Missile Protection"
#additem "Amulet of Antimagic"
#bodyguards 10 7 --Emerald Guard
#units 15 3 --Serpent Cataphract
#units 20 1105 --Triarius
#units 20 1104 --Principe
#units 20 1103 --Hastatus
#units 20 50 --Slinger

#commander 42 --Theurg
#comname "Aetius"
#additem "Starshine Skullcap"
#additem "Robe of Missile Protection"
#additem "Boots of the Messenger"
#additem "Crystal Matrix"

#commander 42 --Theurg
#comname "Ammianus"
#additem "Starshine Skullcap"
#additem "Robe of Shadows"
#additem "Birch Boots"
#additem "Crystal Matrix"

#commander 538 --Theurg Communicant

#commander 538 --Theurg Communicant

#commander 538 --Theurg Communicant

#commander 538 --Theurg Communicant


| OUTSIDE THE CASTLE |
----------------------------------
#owner 23 -- after this, units are owned by special monsters
----------------------------------
| INSIDE THE CASTLE |


#commander 352 --Jade Sorceress
#comname "Zoe"
#additem "Faithful"
#additem "Shield of Valor"
#additem "Starshine Skullcap"
#additem "Robe of Shadows"
#additem "Birch Boots"
#additem "Amulet of Antimagic"
#additem "Dancing Trident"
#mag_air 4
#mag_astral 4
#bodyguards 10 7 --Emerald Guard

#commander 1386 --Legatus Legionis
#comname "Marcus"
#additem "Sceptre of Authority"
#additem "Lucky Coin"
#additem "Dragon Helmet"
#additem "Chain Mail of Displacement"
#additem "Birch Boots"
#additem "Amulet of Missile Protection"
#additem "Enormous Cauldron of Broth"
#bodyguards 10 7 --Emerald Guard
#units 40 7 --Emerald Guard
#units 25 51 --Battle Vestal
#units 5 2 --Old Standard
#units 40 1104 --Principe


#commander 41 --Arch Theurg
#comname "Lactantius"
#additem "Starshine Skullcap"
#additem "Robe of Shadows"
#additem "Boots of the Messenger"
#additem "Elixir of Life"
#additem "Spell Focus"
#additem "Shield of Valor"

#commander 42 --Theurg

#commander 42 --Theurg

#commander 42 --Theurg
#additem "Banner of the Northern Star"

[Ballbarian]

I am no expert on Pythium, but it looks good to me.
It wouldn't make any difference to me which Triarius I found in your province, but I believe the set you wanted would be #688 (and then 687 &amp; 686 for Principe &amp; Hastatus).

If it really concerns you, I recommend creating a generic game on a large map with all nations for a given era and set them all to human. Then you can view that nations recruitment. Get the unit info screen and then hit SHIFT+I to view the unit number for the one you want.

I'm not sure if Crystal Matrix works with Theurg Communicants or if you have to actually be using the Slave Matrix as well?

On setting population:
I keep seeing folks setting population to 5000. That is positively fine, but just so you know, you can leave that field blank and Dom3 will assign population values as usual. If you want to have no population at all, then assign '0'. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Overall, it is a very nice contribution and I look forward to taking that fortress from them in my next game. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Stryke11]

Hey Ball, is there a way to restrict to a certain age? Both of my latest gans wouldn't make too much sense outside of middle age.

Ok, so here's tonight's rebel faction:

Stryke11-3_U_R_OR_PLN_EMT_MNT_SWP_FST_FRM_

--Description:
--Duke Gunter Von Karstein, dissatisfied with the direction the Iron Kingdom of Ulm was being led, raised no small portion of the Ulmish nobility against the current power structure. Even the normally steadfast order of Guardians was split by fissures over this rebellion. The loyalist forces, however, were victorious and though the support of the rebellion by the nobility was initially strong, many distanced themselves from Gunter after a few military blunders. Now what little remains of Gunter's forces are holed up in a fortress in this province, awaiting the inevitable counterattack.

#lab
#fort 41 --Castle
#poptype 27 --Militia, Archers, Hvy Inf
#feature "Earth Blood Seepage"

#commander 115 --Commander of Ulm
#comname "Hans Wurz"
#additem "Sceptre of Authority"
#additem "Black Steel Tower Shield"
#additem "Black Steel Helmet"
#additem "Black Steel Full Plate"
#additem "Boots of the Messenger"
#additem "Amulet of Antimagic"
#additem "Endless Bag of Wine"
#bodyguards 5 66 --Guardian
#units 20 72 --Black Plate Infantry
#units 20 68 --Black Plate Infantry
#units 20 74 --Black Plate Infantry

#commander 115 --Commander of Ulm
#comname "Karl von Brock"
#additem "Sceptre of Authority"
#additem "Black Steel Tower Shield"
#additem "Black Steel Helmet"
#additem "Black Steel Full Plate"
#additem "Boots of the Messenger"
#additem "Amulet of Antimagic"
#additem "Endless Bag of Wine"
#bodyguards 5 66 --Guardian
#units 20 76 --Black Plate Infantry
#units 20 78 --Black Plate Infantry
#units 20 80 --Black Plate Pikeneer

#commander 70 --Black Lord
#comname "Baron Graff"
#additem "Lightning Spear"
#additem "Black Steel Kite Shield"
#additem "Dragon Helmet"
#additem "Black Steel Plate"
#additem "Boots of the Messenger"
#additem "Bracers of Protection"
#additem "Girdle of Might"
#bodyguards 5 69 --Black Knight
#units 20 69 --Black Knight

| OUTSIDE THE CASTLE |
----------------------------------
#owner 23 -- after this, units are owned by special monsters
----------------------------------
| INSIDE THE CASTLE |

#commander 113 --Lord Guardian
#comname "Rutger Wold"
#additem "Halberd of Might"
#additem "Black Steel Helmet"
#additem "Chain Mail of Displacement"
#additem "Birch Boots"
#additem "Amulet of Antimagic"
#additem "Enormous Cauldron of Broth"
#bodyguards 5 66 --Guardian
#units 20 66 --Guardian
#units 20 66 --Guardian

#commander 325 --Master Smith
#additem "Earth Boots"
#additem "Flame Helmet"
#additem "Robe of Invulnerability"

#commander 325 --Master Smith
#additem "Rainbow Armor"
#additem "Earth Boots"
#additem "Amulet of Missile Protection"

#commander 325 --Master Smith
#additem "Pendant of Luck"
#additem "Earth Boots"
#additem "Elemental Armor"

#commander 70 --Black Lord
#comname "Duke Gunter Von Karstein"
#additem "Bow of War"
#additem "Spirit Helmet"
#additem "Chain Mail of Displacement"
#additem "Boots of Stone"
#additem "Amulet of Antimagic"
#additem "Elixir of Life"
#bodyguards 5 69 --Black Knight

As always, problems, corrections, hearty thanks? Let me know. Also, I am getting the feeling I may be overdoing the magic items a bit. I don't know if the conqueror will get all of them or if some will be lost. If they get all then I may need to tone it down for both of my rebellions. I just want the items to make the province harder. Maybe a 20% recovery rate would be ideal. Any ideas?

[Ballbarian]

Currently there is no way to restrict a province to a certain age. Not saying never, just not now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

At first look, I didn't see any problems, so I offer hearty http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/heart.gifthttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/heart.gifhhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/heart.gifahttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/heart.gifnhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/heart.gifkhttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/heart.gifshttp://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/heart.gif instead. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

With the right units and a fair bit of effort, it is possible to retrieve quite a few items. Overall, I wouldn't worry about it too much (IMO).

[Foodstamp]

This is an incredible tool. Thank you so much for creating this.

I have a couple of questions for you if you have the time...

On the "Step 1" page there is a section listed as "size". Does checking normal, small and large screen for the map size, or the province size?

Is it acceptable to check a terrain type and a site type? Or will doing that make a province never be used?

I am at a loss on the usage of the climate tag, as well as using the climate settings in the map generator as well, could you give a brief overview on how they work?

Finally, would it be possible to give us some examples as to what combinations will and will not work in "Step 1" of the province editor?

Thanks!

[Endoperez]

Climate:
When generating .map files, you choose whether warm provinces are in the center and cold provinces up and down from there (warm equator, cold poles) or whether warm is down, cold is up (similar to Europe, North America, northern Asia).

[Ballbarian]

Less than 4 hours sleep and a long day at work so please forgive my short answers, and thank you for the positive feedback Foodstamp!


On the "Step 1" page there is a section listed as "size". Does checking normal, small and large screen for the map size, or the province size?



Province size.


Is it acceptable to check a terrain type and a site type?



Yes!


I am at a loss on the usage of the climate tag, as well as using the climate settings in the map generator as well, could you give a brief overview on how they work?



Endoperez covered this well. (Thanks Endo!)


Finally, would it be possible to give us some examples as to what combinations will and will not work in "Step 1" of the province editor?



For examples, look to existing Gan filenames. Step 1 is all about building the file name with the desired flags. For a little more help, I will paste the filename flags below:
<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
GAN FILENAME FLAGS:
-------------------
&lt;Climates&gt;
_HOT_ Hot Zone (southern map)
_CLD_ Cold Zone (northern map)
_TMP_ Temperate Zone (mid map)

&lt;Patterns&gt;
_IS_ ISLAND
_LK_ LAKE
_VC_ VOLCANO
_PN_ PENN
_VL_ VALLEY
_CO_ COAST
_LO_ LOST

&lt;Treatment&gt;
_R_ REPLACE - (#land) Set active prov &amp; kill everyone in it. Used to REPLACE randomly placed units.
_A_ ADD - (#setland) Set active prov. Units added to existing.
_M_ MULTIPLE - More than one of a single province gan may be added to the map file.
_U_ UNIQUE - Once a single instance of the province gan is "picked", it can not be picked again.

&lt;Terrain&gt;
_S/L/N_ Small/Large/Normal
_PLN_ Plains
_SEA_ Sea
_WTR_ Some water
_MNT_ Mountain
_SWP_ Swamp
_WST_ Waste
_FST_ Forest
_FRM_ Farm
_MST_ Many Sites
_DEP_ Deep
_CAV_ Cave
_FS_ Fire Site
_AS_ Air Site
_WS_ Water Site
_ES_ Earth Site
_SS_ Astral Site
_DS_ Death Site
_NS_ Nature Site
_BS_ Blood Site
_PS_ Priest Site
_EMT_ Edge Mountain</pre><hr />

[Foodstamp]

Thanks for the great responses guys. You have both pretty much answered my questions I had about this great tool.

One more quick question if I may. If I were to create a province with the "OR", Forest, Water Site, Death Site. Am I right in thinking that it will search for a forest province with either a death or water site?

[Endoperez]

I think that would be any one of the three. I'm not sure how the site modifiers work, but I think you can do (forest and water site) OR (forest and death site)

[Stavis_L]

Ballbarian,

I've emailed your account in your .sig a group of .GAN and .GOD files. The .GOD files are all late age, so hopefully they fill a gap...

[Gandalf Parker]

MUCH appreciated!

[Endoperez]

Indeed, especially if these are as good as your suggestions in the magic site thread.

[Ballbarian]

Thanks Stavis_L. I received your email and will give them a look and an upload tomorrow. (Off to bed for now! :) )

[Ballbarian]

No time for a proper upload tonight, (forgot that my daughter had a band concert), but I did take time to look the files over. They will make great additions to the library. I will definitely get them added this weekend (if not sooner).