EAW questions

[FM WarB]

I just received 1776 and F&I War. (I knew working on my Wateloo-Wavre scenario with new units file would cause them to arrive.)
1) I notice there is no weapons file in the main folder, and pdt files call different numbers of named weapons. Are there pre set weapons names that can be used if you call them by the right Letters? If so, what are the Letters which call which weapons' names universally? I havent studied all pdt files and seen how they are named in games, yet.
2) The F&I War Special scenario states, "Changes to the game engine has enabled cavalry to be coded in the OOB file in such a manner that they can conduct successful mounted charges." What exactly does that mean?

[rahamy]

Here's the current weapons in the games:

http://www.hist-sdc.com/1812.html#weap

But after the next round of updates a weapon.dat file will be used, and then quite a few alterations to the PDT files. So if you are going to be doing any modding I'd suggest you wait a few months until I can get these updates out.

Have no idea on #2...can you elaborate please? Where exactly is that stated?

[FM WarB]

Al Amos uses a non standard pdt file in his 1776 Independence day scenario. For cavalry there is a weapon type small arms, coded as D in the pdt file. This apparently, how I dont know, makes cav more effective in melee.
All letters but A, I and L are used in this file.
As someone who has tinkered with weapon.dat files in the Nappy games, I think I will wait for the EAW engine updates before I do any major modding.
I find it curious no leaders.bmp file is included in 1776, but one does appear as I'd expect in the F&I War Info folder.
Apparently some weapons may have some unexplained capabilities, and I still havent figured out indirect arty fire.
Do Grenadiers have any special abilities, beyond their usual oob coded higher morale?

[rahamy]

Al Amos uses a non standard pdt file in his 1776 Independence day scenario. For cavalry there is a weapon type small arms, coded as D in the pdt file. This apparently, how I dont know, makes cav more effective in melee.


The D type weapon gives a 50% melee bonus.




All letters but A, I and L are used in this file.
As someone who has tinkered with weapon.dat files in the Nappy games, I think I will wait for the EAW engine updates before I do any major modding.
I find it curious no leaders.bmp file is included in 1776, but one does appear as I'd expect in the F&I War Info folder.


1776 was the first game JT released with HPS in the Musket type genre...he was trying to differentiate as much as possible from the Talonsoft games. Accordingly there are bmp files for each battle in the main game directory that have the leader faces. I'm glad he didn't stick with that format!




Apparently some weapons may have some unexplained capabilities, and I still haven't figured out indirect arty fire.

When in Fire mode, you can select an arty unit with Indirect capability, press & hold the "Alt" key and then right-click where you want them to fire. It will do so, with a percent chance of scatter.



Do Grenadiers have any special abilities, beyond their usual oob coded higher morale?

Nope.

[FM WarB]

Thanks, Rich
Is there anywhere a list of unit types, as coded in the oobs?

[rahamy]

OOB Info for EAW series

All "U" type units

Foot

I = Infantry
M = Militia (can form extended line)
G = Grenadier
L = Light (can form extended line)
N = Indian (can form extended line - only)

Artillery

A = standard artillery
H = Horse artillery (twice the movement point allowance)

Cavalry

C = Normal Cav units
D = Militia Cavalry

"L" type units

L = Normal leader
K = Indian leader

"G" type units

G = Ships, then you use only a weapon entry to designate their armament - i.e. a cannon size such as 32 lbs. and then a number of guns:

G 12 5 Z 84 0 Ship Madison

G = Ship
12 = number of guns
5 = quality
Z = weapon type
84 = image in units.bmp
0 = 3D image
descriptive text

[FM WarB]

Thanks for the info, Rich

[Lord_Valentai]

Question, since in the EAW maps can be created (unlike ACW ones) is there a list of how to make the maps and what each coordinate links to? IE, what is the codes for trails, roads and such?

[AlAmos]

Maps in any of John's game series can only be made by map editors. The map editor cannot be shared.

[Lord_Valentai]

Understood...so the maps around for the EAW series were made by designers with said editor? I remember a very good one called Independance Day.

[rahamy]

Yep, pretty much...I think there's a couple of hacked maps out there, but most originated with Al or myself.

FWIW I have some more maps for the 1776 game coming out in the not to distant future.

[Lord_Valentai]

Is it possible for people to request simple maps? I was only thinking of a 10x10 or so.

Thanks again.

[rahamy]

10 x 10?? man, that's small! But yes, I can make up a small map for you, if you send me the details of what you are looking for.

But don't forget, there is a way to make a sub-map from an existing larger map. This may very well meet your needs, as there's already quite a bit of map terrain out there.

http://www.hist-sdc.com/1812.html#submap

If not, e-mail me directly and I'll see what I can do.

[FM WarB]

I presume P is pike and L is lance. Hello Lauzon Legion lancers.
A is code for Congreve rockets:...what is their suggested firepower? Any odd capabilities/frailties? (There's room for Whinyates rocket weapon in my CW scenarios.)

[AlAmos]

I just uploaded a zip file with 10 or so odd maps for Campaign 1776. A couple are historical, the rest are just hypothetical. Hopefully, they inspire some new scenarios.

[rahamy]

P is not used in the engine for the first three games.

A was coded with indirect fire ability and very poor effectiveness.