PlanetSize.txt knowledge base
 

1) In PlanetSize.txt, there is a field for "Special Ability ID". Ring and Sphere worlds have this value set to 1 and 2 respectively, while all the other planet sizes have a 0.

I'm guessing this field is referring to something in some other file, but I can't figure out which file/field it's referring to. Does anyone know?

2) Where does the field Stellar Size get it's possible values from? Another file or are these just hard-coded values?

Re: PlanetSize.txt knowledge base
 

1. In stock, this refers to components.txt, the Ring World and Sphere World Placement Generators

2. Not sure. Hopefully modable but my tests haven't been promising.

Re: PlanetSize.txt knowledge base
 

Yes you can add new types of ConstructedWorld to the game. It is a real pain right now but it can be done.

Re: PlanetSize.txt knowledge base
 

Its no worse than SE4, where it was quite easy too. Just need to add new SM comps to create them, and add all the requisite bits for a new planet type (planetsize entry, stellarobjectypes entries, possibly xfileclass_stellar entries).

The Special Ability ID value in PlanetSize.txt is the basis for each type of constructed planet:

Name := Ringworld
Special Ability ID := 1

If you look up the Ringworld Placement Generator, you will see this number on its ability 1 Amount 1 value:

Ability 1 Type := Constructed Planet - Create
Ability 1 Description := Will create a Ring World around a star.
Ability 1 Scope := Space Object
Ability 1 Range Formula := 0
Ability 1 Amount 1 Formula := 1
Ability 1 Amount 2 Formula := 2

Amount 1 refers to which planet type will be created. You would need to make your new type have a "3" to make it distinct. I'm not positive what Amount 2 refers to; both RW and SW placement generators have it listed as 2.

Next, look at the req for gravity plating:

Ability 2 Type := Constructed Planet - Requirements
Ability 2 Description := Must have [%Amount2%]kT of Gravity Plating present at location.
Ability 2 Scope := Space Object
Ability 2 Range Formula := 0
Ability 2 Amount 1 Formula := 1
Ability 2 Amount 2 Formula := 10000

The amount 1 here refers to the custom group value for the type of req component you need (and the amount 2 refers to the kT total you need). Take a look at the Gravity Plating component:

Name := Planetary Gravity Plating
...
Custom Group := 1

The cables have a Custom Group value of 2.