nlundberg wrote:Hi Vinylrake!
Heya!
nlundberg wrote:2. If I start a multiplayer game I can by fiddling around with the settings get to choose one of the two 40k maps and then play (but since I am not connected to a server I will of course be the only one in the game).
True. IF you connect to the mariusnet server you could play a Warhammer 40k map if other people have the same W40K plugins you do in their plugins folder(s) . (You probably know this - I mention it just in case you didn't)
nlundberg wrote:3. What I want to do is pick a map (one of the 40k maps or any others) and deploy the enemy units from scratch and tell them what to do during the single player game. So I am not looking to replace the units in an existing mission, I want to create one by myself, but not the map.
Ah... in that case you want to MAKE A MAP! w00t! Always good to have new maps and things to play Myth on.
Basically, at a very high level - conceptually - you have described the mapmaking process - at least in the example you give of wanting to use a multiplayer map as the basis of a solo map. I'll give a high level overview of the steps involved so you have an idea of what's involved then I'll point you to some really good mapmaking walkthroughs. ok?
Basically what you will need to do is:
1) Pick the map you want to use as the basis for your map. (It will be much simpler if you start with a Warhammer 40K map)
2) Using Untag (a free PC/Mac Mapmaking utility available at the Tain), 'dissassemble' the map into it's (editable) components (in Myth speak they are called 'tags' so the menu command is something like 'extract all tags')
Your tags will be extracted into your local folder.
[If you don't start with a Warhammer map, you will have save your local folder, then use Untag and extract all the WH40K tags from the unit plugin, then open up all the units in FEAR, write down their monster/unit tag 4 letter codes, then rename your local folder, and rename your saved WH40K local folder back to just 'local folder', then you'll have to merge the folders and later decide whether to include the units IN your map or have them require the plugin like the existing WH40K maps (I assume) do... etc....)]
3) Using LOATHING you will first delete all the units for the different teams that the multiplayer map uses, and any netgame objects like balls, flags, etc. Then you will add the new player (team) and enemy(team) units to the map, assign them to groups/platoons/squads and script the actions that you want them to do, and create the conditions for what constitutes winning and/losing the level. (e.g. If you need a dorf to complete the level and all your dorfs die you can add in logic so the level will end and display one of the 'you lost' screens, if the goal is for at least one player unit to reach a specific point on the map (say an escape tunnel) then you can code that win condition)
4) Then you will test it, and spend days/weeks fixing and enhancing things
5) If you are really ambitious you might add custom splash graphics or level text that scrolls at the beginning of your map or soundtrack or whatever.
6) When you are ready to share your creation with the world, you will use Fear to turn your modified local folder into a plugin that everyone can download to play your map.
Note 1: these aren't the ONLY useful articles, or the only place to find them, but these are some very useful ones and they are all available at the same place.
Note 2: If you have never edited a map before, I'd recommend going through one or more of the mapmaking walkthroughs and playing around with at least the unit related sections and the scripting so you get an idea of how Loathing works. There will be lots you don't need to know, but even skimming might lodge something in your brain that you will remember later when you run into it down the road.
Basic Map Editing/Creation:
http://mything.org/index.php?a=article- ... 0000000067 ** very good short overview - touches on just about every aspect of mapmaking/editing **
http://mything.org/index.php?a=article- ... 0000000399 ** detailed walkthrough **
"
How to build a single-player Myth II map with Fear and Loathing" has a section on basic scripting that might be useful.
Scripting Specific Articles: (Ares' articles are quite good, the article called 'Simple Solo Map Scripting' appears to be a good short overview )
http://mything.org/index.php?a=article- ... =scripting
There are LOTS of other mapmaking articles at mything.org, just click the SB link under the Mapmaking Articles link in the graveyard sidebar.
caveat for existing mapmakers: I am aware I glossed over/skipped some things in the list of tasks, I was trying to keep it fairly simple and just mention the crucial bits.
I managed to load up the 40k units and maps in Multiplayer but I like to play it in solo mode. I figured that that can not be too hard so I loaded up Fear and Loathing. Umm, I get nowhere...