Instructions for manual editing:
This method works for all MTW2, whether its Call of Warhammer, vanilla or any other MTW2 mod. It might even work for other total war games since the engine is pretty much unchanged.
For some helpful references on what each values in the files mean I recommending having a look at Custom Effects for Projectiles thread @ http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...or-Projectiles
It explains nicely what each of the values does. Its also a helpful guide if later you want to change how the tracers look yourself or add other crazy effects.
Now lets get started.
First go to your /*mod name*/data folder and open descr_flaming_projectiles.txt
(for editing vanilla it'll be just /data, but if you can't find it you'll prob need to unpack the files first, see other guides as to how to unpack).
Now add the following entries to the file:
Code:
effect arrow_tracer1
{
type ribbon
{
alpha_max 255 ; Alpha value at start of trail
alpha_min 64 ; Alpha value at end of trail
fade_start 100 ; Distance to start fading out.
fade_end 200
head_width 0.1 ; Width of the ribbon at arrow end
tail_width 0.1 ; Width of the ribbon at the tail end
texture models_effects/textures/arrow_trail.texture
}
}
effect bullet_tracer1
{
type ribbon
{
alpha_max 255
alpha_min 128
fade_start 100
fade_end 200
head_width 0.1
tail_width 0.1
texture models_effects/textures/arrow_fire.texture
}
}
You can put the entries anywhere, either at the very bottom or top or middle. Just make sure to keep the same format as the rest of the file.
What you're doing here is basically creating two ribbon type custom tracer effects which you can attach to any projectiles. After which all the weapons which use the said projectiles will come equipped with tracers.
I like using the ribbon effect as it cuts down on resource usage. But if you're a modder, you can later change it to anything you like, like particles or glows or whatever. Back in day I remember changing all normal arrows to have fire arrow effects in Rome TW for example.
Alright next step is to find the projectiles you want to add the tracer effects to.
Open export_descr_unit.txt
Find the unit you want to use with tracers. (like a gunpowder unit)
Now check what weapon the unit uses in the stat_pri row.
Eg for the unit called Handgunners, it'll be like this:
stat_pri 10, 5, musket_low, 140, 12, missile, missile_gunpowder, piercing, none, musket_shot_set, 0, 1
musket_low - so this is the weapon the unit uses
Next open descr_projectile.txt
Search for the same wpn (musket_low) and find the "set" used in the effect row here.
Eg:
Code:
projectile musket_low
effect bullet_model_set - what we're looking for
end_effect bullet_impact_ground_set
end_man_effect man_impact_tiny_set
etc...
See the "bullet_model_set" in the effect row? Now copy that and open descr_flaming_projectiles.txt.
(or descr_arrow_trail_effects.txt if its not in descr_flaming_projectiles.txt. Its in one of those two)
Search for bullet_model_set (or whatever its called in the effect row of the wpn you want)
It should look like this:
Code:
effect_set bullet_model_set
{
lod 1000
{
bullet_model
very_small_shockwave
}
}
Add bullet_tracer1 after the very_small_shockwave line while keeping the formatting.
So that it'll be like this:
Code:
effect_set bullet_model_set
{
lod 1000
{
bullet_model
very_small_shockwave
bullet_tracer1
}
}
Now you're done with bullets.
For arrows, just do the same thing as before.
Eg Empire archers will have
stat_pri 7, 1, longbow_low, 200, 24, missile, missile_mechanical, piercing, none, 0, 1
Look for longbow_low in descr_projectile.txt.
You'll find it has:
Code:
projectile longbow_low
effect arrow_warhammer_model_set
Ok go to arrow_warhammer_model_set in descr_flaming_projectiles.txt
Add arrow_tracer1 after the arrow_warhammer_model line so that it'll be like this:
Code:
effect_set arrow_warhammer_model_set
{
lod 1000
{
arrow_warhammer_model
arrow_tracer1
}
}
And you're finished!
Other notes -
You might of noticed that in descr_projectile.txt all of the bows and crossbows actually use arrow_warhammer_model_set as the projectile effect. So this means all you have to do eg is to add one arrow_tracer1 to arrow_warhammer_model_set and all the bows and crossbows will have tracers!
Once you get the hang of it, you can just browse the descr_projectile.txt and change descr_flaming_projectiles.txt and skip chking through export_descr_unit.txt. The entries are all straightforward and identical for nearly all the wpns anyway.
In other mods and vanilla bullet_model_set and arrow_warhammer_model_set may go by a different name or have more than 1 set. But it doesn't matter, just add the tracer lines to whatever the proper entries are called and the effect will be the same.
Hope this helps anyone who wants to add tracers in MTW2. (or in case I lose my MTW2 files haha)