Need Mod assistance. A lot of it.

[Max Power]

I realize that this has certianly been posted elsewhere, but I would like to ask that a forgiving soul answer these questions here.

1. Starting off with the picture sets..I downloaded some from Atrocities, and he has graciously given instructions on how to mod in picture sets. However, when I follow his instructions, the pictures come out looking far too small. They are nearly hard to see. I assume that I am doing something wrong..I think it is because the images have already been made, and very little conVersion is required. See http://www.darkdrone.perooz.com/Thu11s/feralyards.htm , follow the links to the Hydran section (or for that matter, the Lyran).

2. The rest of my questions have to do with a total lack of knowledge.

a. Is it possible to create a entirely new tech tree, with new weapons, ranges, etc?

b. I already can see that it is possible to edit the script files for the AI. How about is this done? Or am I asking for a migrane?

c. Would it be possible to create a scenario type setup, with the races being fixed, planets inhabited already set, and fleet size and composition set as well? I read the manual and there was a few pages that alluded to it, but nothing set that I could see. I think I likely missed it, so excuse my foolishness.

3. Unrelated to the above, how do you edit the preferences for the Boards here? I am used to reading the first post on top and subsequent ones after. The arrangement here is driving me up a wall..there's usually a way to change it but I cannot find it.

Thank you.

[capnq]

1. I don't know, and couldn't find how to get to the Hydrans or Lyrans on your site to check them.

2a. Yes. Creating a new tech area involves editing several files in the Data folder. For new weapons, this would involve TechArea.txt and Components.txt. The chapter on modding in the Gold manual does a good job of describing what the various files do.

2b. The best way to learn how to edit AI files (or any SE4 files, really) is to look at how the existing files are laid out.

2c. Yes, but it's a long and tedious process. You have to set up a game with all the players set to human control, then manage all the empires until you've got them all into the initial state you want.

3. No, there's no way to change your Preferences to first post on top on these Boards. Once you get used to it, it makes it quite easy to see which Posts are new.

[Phoenix-D]

"Yes, but it's a long and tedious process. You have to set up a game with all the players set to human control, then manage all the empires until you've got them all into the initial state you want."

Do not underestimate how much of a PAIN this is. That is, unless you're making a 1 player scenerio and/or can trust the AI to properly play everything into position.

Phoenix-D

[Fyron]

1. I don't know, and couldn't find how to get to the Hydrans or Lyrans on your site to check them.
Click on Ships in the bottom frame. Then click on the Orion Pirates button in the center frame. Scroll down a bit, and you'll find the Hydrans and Lyrans.

[Atraikius]

I can't remember the name of the program, but there is a SFC utility program that will allow you to view SFC models. Otherwise, you can just use SFC itself, change the data file to use a specific model for a specific ship and use the 1 on 1 simulator. From either; just take a screen shot from top down, and a perspective view; use paint to clean up the background, and adjust thier sizes to the 128x128 and 36x36 pixels.

[Gryphin]

Reading the post in cronological order:
Click on the "Printer Friendly" icon on the bottom left.
It is much easier to read that way.
I go one step further and copy / then paste as text only into a word processor. Then format to 14pt type.