Problems setting up a custom race

Another beginners issue

http://galciv.wikia.com/wiki/Custom_race
from GalCiv2 Forums
I wanted to start a new game as a custom race, so I tried to set things up (something like pop growth+econ+luck...). After clearing all pre-selected abilities I recognized that some stuff like "soldiering +XX" and "loyalty +YY" would remain as what I'd describe as the custom races core abilities.

I had expected being able to customize everything, so I searched the WIKI about that a bit. Here I got to read something about racial bonus, inherent bonus and finally inherent bonus, not removable.

So my question is: Does that mean I may change some of these and some not? And how may I alter these pre-settings? (Do I have to edit some file in the end??)

Thanks a lot,
swh.
5,273 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I think you can change them, but it might make your race non-metaverse friendly.

If you're running DL (dread lords) or DA (dark avatar), I can tell you where to look. I can't help if you're running TA (twilight of arnor), though I'm sure somebody will know.

If you're running DL, find the 'RaceConfig.XML' file.

If it's DA you're running, find the "CUSTOMRACENAMEHERE.XML" file (replace CUSTOMRACENAMEHERE with whatever your race is called)

open them with notepad

For DL you will have to scroll down or ctrl+F to find your race in the list.

Then you should see something similar to this:

<.ECONOMICS>0<./ECONOMICS>
<.Ability0>0<./Ability0>
<.WEAPONS>0<./WEAPONS>
<.Ability1>0<./Ability1>
<.DEFENSE>0<./DEFENSE>

(minus the fullstops)

I can't say for sure what things like ability1 are meant to be at the moment, but you can change any other numbers as you see fit. Just edit the numbers in between the tags and save the file. (I would make a backup of the original just in case you mess up.)

For DA, it's a little more simple. Each race has their own XML file, so it's just a case of finding the abilities section of yours and editing it.

I'm not a modding expert btw, so perhaps it would be best to wait for somebody who is a modding expert to reply before digging around in the guts of the game.

hope this helps ~
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thank you Nickziller, that's a good start.

But I still can't believe the player is left with hacking some file to change his custom race... Of course I intend to play games on the Metaverse with it, so people should know which abilities they may change to what extent. I think I read something about it in the forums long ago but can't find it anymore...

(Besides I'm only playing DL at the moment.)
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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Of course I intend to play games on the Metaverse with it
End of quote


If you intend to go on the metaverse with it, bear in mind that most changes made outside the game that are not purely aesthetic will cause a cheat flag.
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
people should know which abilities they may change to what extent.
End of quote


If you intend to go on the metaverse with it, bear in mind that most changes made outside the game that are not purely aesthetic will cause a cheat flag.
End of quote


Hmmm... Since I wish to keep it Metaverse-compatible, the custom race is now nothing than another pre-defined race (soldering+morale instead of, lets say, miniaturization+military bonus) on which I may spend my 10 ability points on?

Don't get me wrong - just try to figure that out... I've noticed some guys here submitting custom race games to the MV, so they all like the soldiering bonus that much??
(Perhaps this is some DL-specific limitation?)

To shorten things I'd propose leaving the custom race blank in abilities but giving it more ability points to spend upon.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Custom races are more flexible in DA/TA (They get 5 additional points, rather than any preset bonuses).
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks kryo, so it seems I have to get DA soon...  :)