Scenario Editor Question

[YiLong]

I got a little tired of the often lame starting positions on random map, and was so surprised that there are so few user created maps out there, that I decided to make my own.

I used the AC faction set, and made bases for every faction. If I run the game turn by turn in the editor everything plays out as planned, but if I choose 'play scenario' from the main page then there are some problems.

1 - The alien ship descending message eliminates my pre-placed alien cities.
2 - Cult of planet base disappears from the island I set them, and they appear with a colony pod on the next nearest continent (which is planned to be the domain of the Free Drones) (I'm wondering if they get eliminated in turn 1 or 2 by MW, as their island contains Pholus Ridge and the Ruins, and is fungus heavy)

Any experienced people out there who could offer me a little advice? I'm pretty new to SMACX, and even newer to the editor.

Thanks.

[YiLong]

Nevermind. I found a workaround by splitting the continents in half. If anyone is interested I will upload it after a playtest. Not so much a scenario as a custom map with fixed starting locations.

The aim was to create a map where everyone is near enough equal in power by mid-game (in single player/huge map)

Playtest is working out well so far, with only Roze lagging behind a little. I'll let you know how it works out.

ps - is there a proper thread for discussing and posting single player maps? Could someone send me in the right direction please?

[bdanv]

welcome to the SMAC community, YiLong!
it's good to see someone else interesed in experimenting with the scenario editor there days.

I used the AC faction set, and made bases for every faction. If I run the game turn by turn in the editor everything plays out as planned..

using the scenario editor can be tricky. are you sure all the factions in your scenario have their specific SE features?

but if I choose 'play scenario' from the main page then there are some problems.

1 - The alien ship descending message eliminates my pre-placed alien cities.
2 - Cult of planet base disappears from the island I set them, and they appear with a colony pod on the next nearest continent (which is planned to be the domain of the Free Drones) (I'm wondering if they get eliminated in turn 1 or 2 by MW, as their island contains Pholus Ridge and the Ruins, and is fungus heavy)

the aliens and the Cult are starting later in the game. maybe this was your problem.
can you post a save of this version of the scenario? i'm interested because i never managed to reproduce their late start in a scenario.

Nevermind. I found a workaround by splitting the continents in half. If anyone is interested I will upload it after a playtest. Not so much a scenario as a custom map with fixed starting locations.

no other changes but the split?

The aim was to create a map where everyone is near enough equal in power by mid-game (in single player/huge map)

an easier way is to use the 'accelerated start' option of the game. you can even advance 80 years into the game and still everyone starts at the same level in the power graph.

Playtest is working out well so far, with only Roze lagging behind a little. I'll let you know how it works out.

please do.

ps - is there a proper thread for discussing and posting single player maps? Could someone send me in the right direction please?

you can find 2 recently published maps here. there are other links i can provide. you just have to ask..
even more, we have also challenging SP scenarios and even a Game of the Month for SP.
see my signature for that.

[vyeh]

YiLong,

Welcome to 'poly Creation.

I got a little tired of the often lame starting positions on random map, and was so surprised that there are so few user created maps out there, that I decided to make my own.

I read about this method for improving the starting positions. After you create a random game, save the map. Then start the game and load the saved map. I don't have time to find the reference now, but it sounded interesting.

I used the AC faction set, and made bases for every faction. If I run the game turn by turn in the editor everything plays out as planned, but if I choose 'play scenario' from the main page then there are some problems.

1 - The alien ship descending message eliminates my pre-placed alien cities.

The alien ship is programmed to come in the year 2106. If you set the mission year in the scenario editor to 2110, you won't have a problem.

2 - Cult of planet base disappears from the island I set them, and they appear with a colony pod on the next nearest continent (which is planned to be the domain of the Free Drones) (I'm wondering if they get eliminated in turn 1 or 2 by MW, as their island contains Pholus Ridge and the Ruins, and is fungus heavy)

That is what happened. Set "Do or Die" and this problem won't arise.

Any experienced people out there who could offer me a little advice? I'm pretty new to SMACX, and even newer to the editor.

I can. Start by reading The Scenario Editor. Then post your questions. I will try to remember to come here daily to see if you have posted.

Nevermind. I found a workaround by splitting the continents in half. If anyone is interested I will upload it after a playtest. Not so much a scenario as a custom map with fixed starting locations.

Did you save it as a map? I would be interested.

The aim was to create a map where everyone is near enough equal in power by mid-game (in single player/huge map)

Now this is with all seven factions controlled by the computer. If you were doing a scenario for one human player, you would have to give the AI a significant advantage. The AI is pretty stupid.

Playtest is working out well so far, with only Roze lagging behind a little. I'll let you know how it works out.

I thought you were using the AC (original game) factions.

ps - is there a proper thread for discussing and posting single player maps? Could someone send me in the right direction please?

There is a thread at the top of this forum Singleplayer Map Creation Contest - First Edition

Note: I intend to edit this post to answer your other questions. Be sure to check back until I've indicated the post is finalized.

I guess it is OK to mention other forums here. You might be interested in the patch in my signature. It fixes some bugs.

Edit: I have finalized this post. I hope my answers were helpful.

regards,
vyeh