alhoon

Haven't have the chance to test a new theory for the missing IDs but here it is: I always put an "erase char" clause for the extra characters I add, so that the player won't meet them before their time. When the conditions are met, I spawn them. Yet, the erase char may be the problem; I'll try spawning them in the locked areas (i.e. behind the rock borders etc) and relocate them instead when the conditions are met.

Adding people is very easy with it though, once you do it 2-3 times. I even wrote a script for a character!

Sorry if I came along as attacking you or I was offensive, it was not my intention. I don't consider it time wasted. If I did... I would simply not answer. It is not a bother.

That's why you have to delete everything above and below the zone you want... After you isolate your zone, use the bat-file to make it readable. Paste on a txt to get the right sizes. Copy from there. Paste on the right place in the calc thing and it will be usable. After I isolate a zone, it takes me less than 2 minutes to add someone and test.

With hours of dedication, following the instructions as faithfully as if they're a Shaping spell up to step 5 of the readme, and then more or less winging it. I save the input data to a txt first and then pass them to the calc thing. Instead of step 6, I go to the output of the lines I've added, copy the hex part, go to the myfile part, finding the exact lines (the spreadshit gives you the number of the line) and replacing them. Then I replace the whole zone with the new one. To test, don't load from within the zone. Load from outside and go in. If it Crashes to Desktop, you messed up.

Yes. It's the link in post 13 of this thread: http://spiderwebforums.ipbhost.com/index.php?/topic/20452-blades-of-geneforge-zone-simulator/

alter_stat changes are kept? Good to know. Very, very good. Anyone remembers my Gazerforge suggestion? That makes it easier to implement.

Yes. But average at weapons means I have to put stats there and in strength. I can't go for Shaper-built, cause unlike the Shaper that needs intelligence, some shaping, leadership and mechanics and practically little else (I've found that you don't need to buy anything up to 10; make the artifacts that give those insane bonuses to creations and they count as +6 levels or something; my cryora could kill an Unbound near end level)... shocktrooper would need combat stats, a little strength and dexterity and magic is more expensive. So I would need to have a little less intelligence, hence 1-2 less creations. That aside: It seems that after you kill something, the if (char_in_party(num) > 0) doesn't function properly. Alas, I'll have to add a new mage there and try again. EDIT: The above was not true. No ID for anyone seems to work in the Drypeaks, but they DO work for people elsewhere. I can use the char_in_party for people respawned in a couple of different zones I've tested. Just NOT the Drypeaks.

Weeeeell... perhaps you could create\mod a different creature type and replace your companion. But this is a rough method and requires using those unused creature slots and then the editor to add that new creature somewhere. In any case Gameman, do you think you could polish a bit your text-mostly mod? It would be absolutely great to have actual content mods that would strengthen the story. I wanted to try playing an agent or shocktrooper but I was worried about the lack of creations. I like having many powerful creations. Perhaps a mod for GF4? I would like to replay it and mods would make it better...

I did, using 1500. Haven't thought to go as high as 3000 back then. I was sure I would get my numbers "just around the corner". Stopped at about 15000. The 3000 figure is what I ended up when double checking. I triple-checked using 5000... Is it possible that some creatures don't have an id? Could it be because said mages have been killed and then respawned?

There are, but if I put 15000, I get a message that my script is trying to do too much. Actually, I usually go 1000, not 3000. i.e. 0-1000, 1001-2000, etc. Also, Z60, starts at about 1150... so I took a guess that the mages would be up to 15000 or something.

I decided to start this thread to share scripting advice with similar minded people so that we don't have to reinvent the wheel every time. Using "exhaustive search" technique and this trick: In a dialog script (signposts are nice), put this temporary script (Remember to remove it after testing!): code = num=10; // It can be whatever number you want from the creatures in the zone // you can see the numbers if you use the editor. add_char_to_party(num); temp=1; while (temp<3005) { if (char_in_party(temp) > 0) { change_coins(temp); } temp=temp+1; } break; You talk to the signpost, creature 10 is added to your party (if spawned) and then you see its number from the coins you gained. I don't know how good you're in scripting, so I'll add this: At the beginning of the zone dialogue txt, you should have: // dlg.txt begintalkscript; variables; short num; short temp; MY PROBLEM: And that's a big one, so please help. Not all creatures seem to have a "total" number! After ~20 hours of work I can't find the number for the mages in the bone peaks. I can do some stuff to circumvent it and not lose a whole quest chain, but it would be far simpler and more efficient if I could find, or generate, some identifier for them to see if they're in party. Else if I put a flag when they're recruited and then they die or are dismissed, the events will keep happening...

Shaila. Certainly interesting and she did end up to the Foundry probably if you give her to the Shapers. I don't think she can be freed though. Your choices are kill her or give her to the Shapers to "cure" her.

For Base defense, I had enough to go around. The turrets for example could have been there. I didn't want to bog down the fight though nor it was plausible that your enemies would attack with a minor force; better to say that part of their forces would be tied down fighting yours and have the character take on the main threat. If I would add anything in that case, it would be a guardian to lead the force and a couple more navigation points. That's what has been restricting me there. In any case, I think that a thread dedicated to your efforts would be useful. There are people here that do much more than I do. It would be good.

Hello Gameman! I'm really glad you are willing to add to the game and I believe a mod that adds companions with backstories, opinions etc would be useful. Truth be told, I'm using companions in the Warrior mod but they're available in the late game. Know that any kind of alteration requires a lot of effort. To add people, I used that editor (http://spiderwebforums.ipbhost.com/index.php?/topic/20452-blades-of-geneforge-zone-simulator/). The first links are broken, but down the line there's one that works. It is not an easy one to use, let me tell you that. What you want to do, add people, can be done by the editor. However, you can at times "add" people by taking someone and changing their name and stats from the script and that's x10 easier. Remember in Perikalia, that you "buy" a battle Alpha? The same script can be used to add anyone in your party, as long as you go through the quite long trial-and-error to find their number. For example, Phyllida, in Gazaki Uss can be added to your party from the script with " add_char_to_party(74); " To remove her, it requires a bit more trial and error... You need to find her total number. For Phyllida, it is 1205. So, to remove her from the party you need a script command of " remove_char_from_party(1205); " There are a lot of random people here and there that you could "repurpose". Want an agent? Take that lazy gal in Alwan's fort, move her to a cell or something, rename her, change her level and give her a backstory and a quest. Need a mage? There are some bandit mages that you could swing away and turn them from bandits, to bandit captives. That kind of thing. Where things get tough and actually require the editor in my opinion is when you have a good reason to want to put a high-level quest in a low-level area. Sure, you could have the player fighting 35 level cryoras but... wouldn't it be better to have wingbolts and kyshaaks there? That's where you need the editor. If you need any pointers, I would be happy to help. We could do it in private messages if you prefer, or you can open another thread and get the opinion of the several veterans here.

It doesn't seem anticlimatic since we talk about Ghaldring... Anyway, thanks for your consideration regarding the spoilers of GF2. I hear too many good things about it. I try to keep away from it. Distance myself from it emotionally and the "Guardians-are-best" mechanics and wait for it to be updated. I am starting to crack.

A quick catch-up on my activities: I managed to use the GF5 editor I found on this site to successfully add creatures that a zone didn't have. While that may not seem too important, it unties my hands as I can choose the areas that make sense for the quests I want to make without the constraint of what types of creature were there. For example, I can in the future have a quest for the PC to create a servant mind for his base or have an agent try to assassinate the PC and more, Much more! So far, I haven't uploaded anything new. But things are happening in the warrior mod. While it's less ambitious than the Shaper one, it has more content.

Probably true. But it's a game so I want what I like. I'm pretty sure I can make it with One high-lvl Vlish, a cryodrayk, Greta, a drakon and a gazer and perhaps another Vlish or Rot. Sure, not optimal. But I doubt I will meet any serious problems with those. Yes. And with Hoge breaking up, I won't risk it. DHONAL'S ISLAND Hmmm... highest concentration of Shapers, even compared to Terrestia and ... a drunkard commander (I liked Captain Celeste though) Loved the Shaping stones Hoge was throwing. Do we know if the creations made are rogue or can be controlled normally? Commander Sobel the non-sober mentioned that the guardian general is one of the top of Terrestia and perhaps among the best in shaper lands. Are Shapers spreading their tyrrany elsewhere? Also, there was mention of General Greiner's Line of troops. "West to the Line" etc Also, Shaper arrogance seems to have been limitless (or it's a plot hole don't spoil!) here. An island chokefull of Shapers and there were spawners and rogues being bred without anyone noticing? The Shaper reaction, from what I got from Shaper Mooney was an order to let some dangerous machinery to run, turning an underground tunnel to a very dangerous place; even if the Shapers win, this place will be one more of the places locked by Shapers that troubles brew. Met a servile sent from Litalia. He mentioned "Litalia's Masters". Isn't Litalia the human-side boss of the Rebellion? Oh, and the guy forced me to make a choice! Fight for Freedom (and power-without-limits), the rights of creations to exist and think for themselves... under a madwoman that killed my friends or Oppose her and support an evil, tyrranical, powerhungry regime that ruthlessly slays whatever stands in its way and takes what it wants... under quite more sane people, defending their lands and I'm part of the regime. After 10 minutes of concideration, I went with the safe choice: Told NO to Litalia (until I get lots of training from the Shapers...). When I start seeing all that power she and her messengers tell me about, I'll consider fighting for cannist... fighting for Freedom. Thankfully, the choice wasn't final. Shaper Oppression is more pronounced in this island, giving me a reason to start considering the Rebellion. Later, I met with some nice guards that will probably end up fighting for the freedom of Serviles. Sergeant Rema said she's depressed by how dependent the Serviles are... Lost some Shaper Rep there, but it had to be said. Servile slavery is where I draw the line. I was considered way to Shaper so far, to the point obvious rebels don't give me quests... Students of magic are terrified that my character could shut down their school, one word by a Shaper and the school would be shut down, just because. Disgusting powerhoarding \ conditioning of mages to feel they are forever thrall to the Shapers and should be grateful to be able to reach a tiny portion of their potentional. The Teacher, Gretchen, is a mage and professor for decades and is lower than my character and acts "properly" subservient. All those oppressed people... would bolster the ranks of the rebelion if I manage to break them out of their Stockholm Syndrom and the belief that THAT is their lot in life. And I found a nice Shaper woman that is concerned about Creations, calling what Shapers do cruel. Would become a nice Lifecrafter when we liberate the islands. Most of the people of the Keep are angry with the Shapers anyway. Traveling, around inspecting domes to look for canisters. A rat here, a trap there... that kind of leisury thing. And then I open the door and there are 7 plated Artilae with 92hp each. Dead before I managed to move my char. And some funny stuff: I found a shipwright. Shapers told her to repair a Shaping vat. Didn't even tell her what it is. Sent her living tools and essence for reasons unknown (she can't use either). EDIT: I Met my first Drakon! Lovely fellow... Not shy at all showing the genocidal mania of drakons. Loved his "polite" answers... "Who is Akhari Blaze\Ghaldring\Easss?" a nice string of insults and threats followed. Elementary school kind of trolling reply. We can all guess what the answers would be if this was not a PG13 game... He mentioned an Easss that made Ghaldring, and Easss was made by the geneforge. Who was that Easss? I thought Ghaldring was the first. But for all that's holy... 1600 hp? Ghaldring had 3000 in GF5 and everything had more hp and dealing more damage. That chatty friendly fellow has x2 Rhaul's hp. Litalia serves the Drakons?! That's news to me... That's what she meant in the end of GF5 that her chains were broken with the fall of the Drakon leadership. Also, I am not sure Litalia serves the Drakons, despite the Drakons thinking so. They were thinking that about Drayks and Serviles too in GF4 and GF5. It was not true. I didn't like Lord Rahul's speech about how the chaos is an opportunity for the Ashen Isles (and him) to increase the prestige from a backwater remote colony used to gather herbs, crystals and make things. As usual, the ONLY good Shaper that shows a bit of Empathy is rebel oriented (and dislikes me).

Just... 6? I am at two or tree... I need (Check I didn't say want, I said need) one for Drakons, one to go from Drayk to Cryodrayk and one for Gazers. I am at the precipe. And there are so many nice canisters this game. Most are for the things I use.

Got my butt kicked in Madness mire. Had to replay the zone like 4 times. A mix of bad luck and bad tactics. After a couple of times becoming overwhelmed by fading enemies as I "stand and fight" making 2 steps, getting hit by a slow curse etc. I decided to make a run for what I assumed it would be spawners and bunker up somewhere and head afterwards. The combo of losing 1 every 3 rounds or so while the enemy lost none was worse than fighting Unbound. At least then, you could run away and leave 1 creation to distract the Unbound! I found a nice dungeon and made a run for it. Since it was surrounded by marsh with a single part leading to it, I figured it would give me a respite, or that the spawners may be there (like the Mad Creator of the Monarch). And I found out the curse is stronger there! As I was about to head up, I found magical conduits! That's when I realized the area can be dealt with from here. Servant minds!? Litalia made and left Servant minds able to create and control creations? If that's possible, why mess with Spawners? These are more effective and far more sane option than "spawn things that eat people". You actually create unmoving Shapers. I guess that's where Alwan got his idea to make the Control Core A, B and presumably C in GF5. Anyway, that was a really underwhelming battle. No creations. Perhaps I was wrong and those minds just control creations, like the usual Shaper ones. They went down without landing a single hit on me, Greta or Alwan or my 3 Vlish. Except if Essence armor is that good. And what was the ending of "OK, now you can leave." What? Without going back to Diwanya? Just want to the dock and leave? What about the situation with Lankan? In any case, Lankan seems to have been right. Diwaniya, just with some of the force he has in his throne room, would be able to wipe out everything there. He was too cautious. A good scout or two, like, you know Lankan's people could do much. If he had extended a-kind-of-olive-branch in the beginning, like telling Lankan through a message "I will forgive your indiscretion if you and your friends scouted ahead to give me info on what's on the North side. Then I will absolve you of your crime as a reward for your service" everything would be OK. After all, Lankan's main problem was that he was sitting in the mud while his friends died. He would probably accept such a mission. And the below-the-circumstances man literally cries from relief. Sobs and all. I hope I will have the chance to say how crappy Diwaniya is to the Shaper Boss in next island. Then, I went to Lankan. To my astonishment, I can't tell him what happened. It's give cannister for him to "fight the monsters" that I have already dealt with, or promise to give him the cannister. More or less, this island could have used a bit more polish. It feels... unfinished. QUESTION: How many Cannisters till you start losing it? Cause I found (and didn't use) cannisters that give me very useful things (Healing craft and Vlish). QUESTION 2: When going to the port, Alwan talked to me about how happy he is to kill rogues and slay traitors. Does this mean I'm considered pro-Shaper? Greta said nothing.

Finally had time to play a bit. Met a Dock-guard named Finn. She's guarding a locked door... without being entrusted the keys, in the middle of nowhere. Hurray for Shaper efficiency and trust on outsiders. Also found the notes of "madman" named Krya that more or less went tiny necro-monarch. His lab seems completely empty except a book, that Alwan suggests I don't read, that writes "Chant to feed the shades". No thanks. I'm pretty sure things will turn bad if I read a spell written by a madman, that is called feeding of undead shades.

That long for news if it is in the planning? I'm not asking about the finished product. Just when we should expect it.

I didn't read the spoiler but: I think I recall the golem now. It was an interesting dungeon... but I don't recall the drakon. That could really have been put in or to the test. Drayks, yes, Drayks, or evil human rebels could be the ones abusing drakons for once, kidnapping them, and turning them to the Presence in order to hit Shapers behind the lines. One thing we haven't seen in the games, is another rebel party abusing Drakons. Even if it is creating them just as expendable creations (like they do with Drayks).

The name sounds familiar, but I don't recall where the Okavano was. Wasn't it a swamp?

I have no idea what the corruption is. It's even better if the presence (yeah, silly name) is localized! You can throw it on Beta Core or Gama Core or Delta Core (we all know Alwan will keep those going) without fear it would spread everywhere and become the Agent Smith of Geneforge. It could also weaken a fort or two, or cause disruption behind enemy lines (yes, the last is terrorism. You all know that Rebels are not above that).