best way to create in-depth scenario?

[RegentBob]

I want to work on a scenario based on the world as it was in 1775. Not just the American revolution, but the whole world at that time. I don't want to develop a whole new world map, and I don't want to create a mod. I want to use the "Earth" map that comes with the game, and use the standard rules and units. I have a plan, actually lots of plans, which I will gladly outline if anyone is interested.

My question is, how do I best create a new scenario, using the "Earth" map, but with different civs, cities, and diplomatic stances than are included in the Earth (4000BC) or Earch 1000AD scenarios? Do I tough it out and edit the text, test it, edit it, test it, etc.? Is there a way to use the Worldbuilder and edit the text too?

What's the best way?

 

[Paasky]

Well, if you don't modify any assets (civs, units, buildings, improvements, etc) but just the map, its easy. But then you couldn't have certain civs.

The easiest way to modify the map is to open the scenario from the my docs\my games\civ4\ folder and edit it in notepad. This way you can change the civs, their names & colours. The main editing would be done with the world builder in civ4 (load the scenario & press ctrl+w).

XML editing is the next step, but I suggest you start small if you don't have existing editing experience. I started with a simple mod that made new world sizes, water levels & game speeds.

 

[Andrew_Jay]

You can still edit the civs to a degree - create new names, new leader names, etc. Changing their traits or their unique unit however will require you to go into the .XML files.

Since this is a 1775 scenario, U.S. Navy Seals aren't going to be much use to you, but you could create a second English civ, but rename it "America", give it American city names, the American blue colour, Washington as its leader, etc. and use the Red Coat as a unique unit.

Dale's In Depth Look at the .WBS File is an excellent source for creating scenarios, you should definately check it out.

There's actually a surprising amount of stuff you can do from just the WorldBuilder File, and very easily through text.

 

[RegentBob]

Yes, I've been reading Dale's guide and it is very informative. In fact, it has already raised some more questions regarding how some of the options work.

But the point of my question was that (I'm lazy) and I didn't want to text for a while, then see how much I got right, then edit some more, check it again, etc.

Did I mention I'm lazy? I like the Worldbuilder program, but I guess I didn't realize that you can alternate editing some with notepad, then some with the Worldbuilder.

Thanks for your responses and help.

 

[Andrew_Jay]

Also keep in mind that a lot (virtually all) of the text file editing will simply involve copying and pasting the correct terms from either Dale's posts or the .XML files.

To make sure things are working, just occasionally look over your work - just today I had a scenario failing when I tried it, only to discover that I had CIVIC_SLAVERY written in as CIVIC_CIVIC_SLAVERY (must have pasted it wrong). I know that must sound a little daunting, to have to get such tiny details right, but it's not so bad.