Hard Light Productions Forums

Modding, Mission Design, and Coding => The FRED Workshop => Topic started by: Bullhorn on November 21, 2013, 11:26:57 pm

Title: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on November 21, 2013, 11:26:57 pm
Suggestion:

I'll create a basic, Empty mission - background,  installation(s), node(s), asteroids, basic GTVA defense force, etc.

An "opponent" takes the part of the invading NTF. I will give a basic roster of available forces and primary objectives and restrictions.

I will act as the GTVA, with a reasonable, but hidden from NTF,  roster.

The purpose is not to "win" but to game out an interesting battle.

I now give the NTF player the Fred file - and they place and enact the initial NTF forces and moves - about 3 mins worth. 

They send me back the Fred file,  and I place the countering GTVA units and moves.

And so on, until the end.

Anyone interested?

BH



Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Rodo on November 22, 2013, 07:38:29 am
So we basically get a limited amount of forces and we're supposed to make a strategy out of them to get the best battle we can out of those?
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on November 22, 2013, 02:42:08 pm
Correct.
We can script our own forces,  but not the opposing. Actions such as boarding must use a random generator for success - eg, say 50% initial +5% for each subsystem destroyed on the target.

We can each have one WILD CARD,  anything, so long as it is not just more ships,  and is REASONABLY canon (ie No NTF version of the Colossus!).  A specialised ship is fine and an inventive, cool or smart ability is always welcome.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lepanto on November 22, 2013, 08:11:08 pm
This sounds awesome! Count me in!
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Rodo on November 23, 2013, 06:58:02 am
I will participate too, note that I might be a little slow depending on the amount of stuff I already have to do for other mods. If that's fine by you then count me in as well.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on November 23, 2013, 11:59:57 am
Great!

It's probably best if I essentially Act as Games Master (or Battle Master?  :cool:).

I'll create the battle space and parameters and upload tomorrow evening.

As a basic guide,  the GTVA will have weak initial forces,  strong reinforcement. The NTF will have a  very strong initial force,  low reserves.

Before I send the file I'll ask you to PM me your WILD CARD idea. It must be fairly canon,  not massively hard to implement and reasonable in scope.  If there is a dispute I will ask a 3rd party of appropriate experience and knowledge to weigh in.

Choose your sides gentlemen.
First post in wins.
BH
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on November 23, 2013, 12:05:25 pm
I wish I cold join, but my monitor is busted, so I can't access my machine. I'll be interested to see how this goes.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lepanto on November 23, 2013, 12:53:25 pm
Again, count me in.

So, if I understand correctly, you've changed it so that both sides will be controlled by players? Sign me up for the NTF side. Hail Neo-Terra!  ;)
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on November 23, 2013, 08:54:38 pm
Correct.
Great,  Lepanto (very appropriate name) is NTF.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Rodo on November 24, 2013, 09:14:11 am
I'll do GTVA then I suppose?
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on November 24, 2013, 04:02:01 pm
Correct  :nod:

A new thread dedicated to this is setup now,  named Operation Dynamic.
http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=86150.0

This sets out the basic background and mission details; it's also where I will upload the fs2 file.
BH

Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: crizza on December 01, 2013, 07:17:11 pm
Best luck guys, this sounds realy interesting.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 03, 2013, 03:40:20 pm
Thank you!
I have the basic mission layout developed, some background laid in and some important SEXPs set up.
The main thread will be updated shortly.

BH
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 03, 2013, 03:55:04 pm
I'll be watching too. :)
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 07, 2013, 07:35:58 pm
Excuse me. I didn't know if you'd mind me posting in the other thread, so I'll post here. I'd like to follow what you're doing, but I've never actually added a model like you want me to with the installation. Would you (or anyone) mind telling me how please?
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 08, 2013, 06:57:50 am
No problem.

Go to the linked wiki page above,  scroll to the bottom,  download the file from FS Mods.

Unzip into its own folder in your main FreeSpace folder - NOT into Data or any other folder, just FreeSpace/Bretonia.

Within Bretonia create a Data folder.
Within Data create 3 more folders - Models, Maps, Tables.

Your file structure should now look like this:
Freespace
->Bretonia
--->Data
----->Maps (place textures here, .pcx, tga etc)
----->Models (all .pof files)
----->Tables (the .tbm file goes here)

Open the FreeSpace open launcher called, handily enough,  Launcher.

Click the FEATURES button.
In the command line space type this EXACTLY:

-mod Bretonia

Done.

You should also have the Media VPs already installed.

These are also basically a mod,  but Always go last on the command line, I. E. :

-mod Bretonia,MediaVp etc

NOTE no space between Bretonia's comma and the M of Media...

Enjoy.
I'll include the Bretonia in future uploads.

BH
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 08, 2013, 11:18:51 am
Thanks, I got it working.

At least I think I did. The installation is there alright, but those Argos jump in and then just die immediately. And nothing else hostile arrives. Is that intentional at this stage?
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 08, 2013, 03:06:11 pm
Sleipner wing dies off the top, to illustrate the danger of the JumpNode.

Maybe re - download? I updated that file a few times immediately after the initial upload.

Now,  the sequence should be Sleipner arrives, dies; the rest of the NTF arrive in; the cruisers duke it out while the Transports charge past.

This whole series needs to be more structured, to avoid having the NTF get wiped out by a couple of lucky snap events.
I have an idea for a stabilising element,  which could drive a really cool fighter/bomber furball.

Anyhow,  I suggest redown load.

BH
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 08, 2013, 03:16:15 pm
I redownloaded it.

This time more NTF arrived, but got obliterated by the node just like the Argos.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Rodo on December 08, 2013, 04:33:09 pm
Ok, downloaded it and created a OpDinamic mod folder with everything required inside. Mission working correctly.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lepanto on December 08, 2013, 04:43:35 pm
Thanks for running this. I'm definitely excited about playing!

I just downloaded the most recent version, and the one time I ran it, the subspace disruption-effect still destroyed all the NTF ships.

BTW, would you mind changing the NTC Herod's name; say, to the NTC Poltava?

Also, is it okay if I write some role-playing posts for the NTF in this thread?
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 08, 2013, 04:47:53 pm
This time more NTF arrived, but got obliterated by the node just like the Argos.
Yup,  it's not fully setup yet, but you have the correct file.
Next update will give the NTF a safer arrival window and emplace the start off GTVA FORCES.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 08, 2013, 05:15:22 pm
This time more NTF arrived, but got obliterated by the node just like the Argos.
Yup,  it's not fully setup yet, but you have the correct file.
Next update will give the NTF a safer arrival window and emplace the start off GTVA FORCES.
I guess I'll wait for that then. :yes:
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 08, 2013, 05:17:46 pm
Poltava sounds great, done.

NTF role play - I'm not opposed,  just unsure what you mean? Is it banter between NTF & GTVA?
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lepanto on December 08, 2013, 07:14:24 pm
Thanks!

On roleplay: I'd like to write some narrative posts like in Spoon's WoD forum game: http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=85262.0 (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=85262.0) If Rodo's up for it, I'd like to exchange some banter between our two admirals, whether by putting dialog messages in-mission on our turns, or just RP posting on the forums. Whatever floats your boat.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 08, 2013, 07:22:17 pm
The goal of this is to create a fun battle rather than defeating the other player, yes? This would certainly enhance that.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Rodo on December 08, 2013, 07:51:09 pm
No problem for me, you may change or suggest what you like :yes:
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 08, 2013, 07:54:46 pm
Sounds great! I like the idea of two admirals goading each other,  online or ingame is cool.

Rodo, what's your wild card?

BH
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 08, 2013, 07:57:12 pm
Looks to me like the game just got a whole lot more interesting! :)

A suggestion, talking trash could be fun, but how about another idea, if you want to use it? Have these two Admirals know each other, perhaps even be friends, before Lepanto's Admiral sided with Bosch and the NTF...

Of course, you can do whatever you like, and I'm sure Lepanto has his own ideas.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 08, 2013, 09:13:43 pm
Betterer and Betterer. :cool:

Let's say Lepanto's Admiral (name?) was just a Cruiser captain,  before getting involved in the NTF. Rodo's Admiral is an actual Rear Admiral, formerly in command of the young turk, whom he found reckless and needlessly aggressive,  but smart and effective in combat. He sought to dampen/focus the captain but this was perceived as controlling,  or worse - dismissive and timid of young energy.

To piss of the Rear Admiral further his home system is Polaris with our NTF captain, now a full Admiral,  has just spent a month cleansing of loyalist forces (and civilians).
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 08, 2013, 09:32:19 pm
Well, that is for Rodo and Lepanto to decide, but I will leave this here as something to possibly get the mind juices flowing on this kind of thing, this time it's the opposite, friends and enemies at the same time. It's from Suikoden II, so if anyone wants to avoid spoilers from that game, don't watch it. You can watch it all, or start about a minute in for the part I'm thinking of:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7To9Y_sJ1L0
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Rodo on December 08, 2013, 10:31:41 pm
Wild card? you mean like something special for the mission?

I'm not sure, what can I ask for?
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 10, 2013, 06:53:09 am
yup, exactly -
It can be anything reasonable, inventive or cool.
No silliness, e.g. "oh look the GTVA had a terran Sathanas ALL ALONG!!!  WE WIIINNNNN"

Something that gives your forces a short-term tactical (i.e. mission based, not universe based) advantage.

PM a few ideas to me if youre unsure and we can bat it back and forth.

BH
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 10, 2013, 07:38:30 am
Off topic a bit, but is there no drop down Spoiler code for this forum?
Id like to hide/avoid the reams of text....

Spoiler in brackets just gets me this:
Spoiler:
Drat it.

It jsut blacks out the text?
BH
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 10, 2013, 07:58:32 am
HOLY S&*%!!!!

I can do in-game text!!???

OH HELL YEAH.

OH HELL YEAH.

OH HELL YEAH.

OH HELL YEAH.

Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 10, 2013, 08:51:46 am
So,
Im working on a PRELUDE mission, that sets up the scenario from an Alpha 1 perspective.

This is a fun little thing that establishes the GTI Havan Bay, general strategic situation and the danger of the JumpNode.
This will play first, then scramble/red alert straight into the main Operation Dynamic mission, which is where Lepanto/Rodo will duke it out.

This prelude is nicely cinematic; I aim to use extensive cutaways and cutscenes.
And boy oh boy was I happy to discover subtitles...

The file is attached here - you can get the feel for what Im doing.

IT IS NOT FINISHED.
THE climax/major event has not yet happend, so bear that in mind.

The GTC Sri Lank and NTC Singapore play in this.

BH





 

[attachment deleted by an evil time traveler]
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 11, 2013, 10:42:09 am
Don't use red alert. It's notoriously buggy.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 11, 2013, 01:03:30 pm
Yikes,  copy that.

How so?
Bh
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 11, 2013, 01:22:29 pm
Yikes,  copy that.

How so?
Bh
It can crash your campaign. I had to start Wings of Dawn over because of it.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: niffiwan on December 11, 2013, 03:13:05 pm
Yikes,  copy that.

How so?
Bh
It can crash your campaign. I had to start Wings of Dawn over because of it.

I'd say that advice is out of date.  Red Alert *used* to be buggy, but it should be pretty stable post 3.7.0 / new pilot code.
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lorric on December 11, 2013, 04:06:10 pm
Yikes,  copy that.

How so?
Bh
It can crash your campaign. I had to start Wings of Dawn over because of it.

I'd say that advice is out of date.  Red Alert *used* to be buggy, but it should be pretty stable post 3.7.0 / new pilot code.
Nice pre-empt there, niffiwan. I was starting to wonder could Red Alert screw up a new 3.7.0 pilot with multiple campaigns on it. I was going to ask you sometime. :)
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on December 22, 2013, 09:23:09 pm
Nearly done my PRELUDE mission for this, which sets up the general story and mission topography.

Heres a screenie.

BH

[attachment deleted by an evil time traveler]
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lepanto on January 27, 2014, 10:48:59 am
I don't like to prod, but it's been over a month, and I'd just like to know if you have any intention of finishing this. I'm still willing to play if you're still willing to run it.  :)
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Bullhorn on January 27, 2014, 03:04:14 pm
No problem.  :)
Yes I have most of my files ready,  just Real Life in the way right now.

Give me to the end of the week, less.

Bh
Title: Re: FRED gamed mission
Post by: Lepanto on January 27, 2014, 03:21:16 pm
K, thanks.  :D