AOE3 Forums

Hey everybody..just joined these forums because I have a question. I am trying to change the number of times a shipment can be sent from the Home City (most shipments can be sent once-I want to be able to change it to anything I want) I am working with the Asian Dynasties. Right now I am trying to back-engineer an infinite shipment mod, but I haven't met with any success yet. It should be fairly easy, I think, but I don't really have any experience working with this particular game. Mostly, I think I just need to know where to find the files, but a step by step tutorial would be appreciated.
 

Northern_lord:

The modding thread!

...

HELP I was modding and I deleted fonts2.xml and now my game like sucks I cant read for **** and the graphics now suck small balls big time

Welcome Shades103,

To start off..You'll need a utility called AOE3-ED..This tool will enable you to open the .bar files for the tad version and extract and edit what you're about to do..You will find what I think you're after in the Homecity(your civ).xml.xmb file..You'll need to convert to an .xml file to edit it..In the homecity(your civ)..You'll see all the techs available for your civ..There is a line that states "infinite times in whatever age" you want it to be available in..That may do it..

Now may I add in case you're unaware?.With AOE3 files..They all refer to each other..The proto, animations, art and civ and techtree..As you can see.. It can go on an on..All I'm trying to point out is..Just modding one file may not get you the desired effects you're after..I am including a link to some great tutorials..It may be in your best interest to read them before attempting anything..There is also an modding forum at H.G. with a great search function..That might help you too..You can join and then you'll be able to ask questions there also.

Good luck with your idea.

Please..Keep us posted?.If any other questions should come up..We'll do our best..

Regards

http://aoe3.heavengames.com/modding/tutorials/index.shtml

Aha! I believe I have found what I am looking for. I haven't tested it yet, but..

Drawing from the Japanese HC, because most of their unit/resource shipments can be sent twice..

         <card>
            <name>YPHCJapaneseMonkCombat</name>
            <maxcount>1</maxcount>
            <level>0</level>
            <prereqtech>-1</prereqtech>
            <age>0</age>

This is the description for one of their cards that can only be sent once. (it's a bonus or somesuch)

        <card>
            <name>ypHCShipWoodCrates4</name>
            <maxcount>2</maxcount>
            <level>10</level>
            <prereqtech>ypHCShipWoodCrates2</prereqtech>
            <age>2</age>
            <displayunitcount>1000</displayunitcount>
            <infiniteinlastage>1</infiniteinlastage>

 This one can be sent twice. (it ships wood crates)

         <card>
            <name>HCShipCoinCrates1</name>
            <maxcount>-1</maxcount>
            <level>0</level>
            <prereqtech>-1</prereqtech>
            <age>0</age>
            <displayunitcount>300</displayunitcount>
            <infiniteinlastage>1</infiniteinlastage>

This one can be sent infinite times. (more crates)

What I needed to edit is the    <maxcount>(number)</maxcount> line

the maximum count is how many times the card can be shipped. (-1 is infinite.) 

Can the game run using the extracted and converted xml files, or do i have to put it all back in a .bar first? 

Shades103,

All you need to do is..Place your modded file into the data folder in the program files/AOE3 folder..Leave it as an .xml file..That way..You can edit it again as you need to..You really can't put it back into the .bar file that you extracted it from.

Regards