Problem making a simple mod

[c3baker]

I'm really having trouble setting up a simple mod. Basically, I was following the instructions given in Kael's Video Tutorial in the Tutorial subforum. Essentially I have created a new mod that adds a new leader to the game. I've created a new mod with an assets directory with only the leaderhead's XML file and the leaderheads art XML file plus new artwork.
Everything is setup fine, the file structure is exactly the same as other mods/the default Civ4 BTS file structure, I have Assets directory, XML directory, etc.

The problem is, when I load my mod the files I have in my assets directory which are supposed to replace the default files are totally ignored. So the mod loads up and keeps on using the default Beyond the Sword files. What is going on here? What do I have to do to get the mod to use the new Assets folder?

 

[Wolfshanze]

Did you put your files in a Mods folder, or the Custom Assets folder? A lot is ignored if it's in the Custom Assets... they need to be in a Mods folder.

 

[Popcornlord]

Some word prossesors (Like Microsoft Word) saves don't work. I use Notepad.

 

[c3baker]

Yes I have all the material in the mods folder with it's own assets folder, everything seems to be structured as it should. Also I am using a program called EditPlus to edit the XML files and the saving seems to be working.
I've tried testing with different changes to the Leader files, just renaming Alexander to "X", changing art work around, things like that - even doing things like have the leaderheads XML file point to artwork that doesn't exist - things that one would think would make the mod not load, and the mod still loads fine, just with the mod assets files ignored.

 

[Wolfshanze]

Yes I have all the material in the mods folder with it's own assets folder, everything seems to be structured as it should. Also I am using a program called EditPlus to edit the XML files and the saving seems to be working.
I've tried testing with different changes to the Leader files, just renaming Alexander to "X", changing art work around, things like that - even doing things like have the leaderheads XML file point to artwork that doesn't exist - things that one would think would make the mod not load, and the mod still loads fine, just with the mod assets files ignored.

According to what you say, everything should work, so it's confusing that it doesn't.

Here's a thought... have you ever tried anybody else's mods? Do they work as they should? You might want to download a mod (one that's popular and works) and see if it comes-up as it should in game... you can then also use a working mod as a model of how to ensure yours works (compare the two file structures and/or XML files).

Perhaps you're missing something obvious... maybe a folder is one-step out of place in the tree or something... maybe your updated art XML files aren't pointing to the right file. It's time to start double and triple checking your work if you think it's right but it isn't working... you had to have missed something (usually something simple). One little folder out of place and/or one XML entry that is wrong can keep the whole thing from not working right.

As I said... sometimes the best way to make your own mod is to closely observe other mods... it's how I got started.