Version 23(BETA) of Sword Coast Stratagems released

[DavidW]

An install error in tactical_bg1\minor_bg1.tpa line #72-85 :

DEFINE_ACTION_FUNCTION jenkal BEGIN

MAKE_PATCH

level=>6

level2=>6

insert_script_high=>dw#jenka

xp_value=>650

enforce_charclass=>is_bg1

END

LAF edit_creature STR_VAR creature=slythe tv=yes END

 

LAF install STR_VAR files=~dw#jenka.baf jenkal.d~ location=resource END

 

LAF extend_area_script STR_VAR area=EVALUATE_BUFFER ~%FirewineRuins%~ bottom=ar5201_jenkal location=resource END

LAF extend_area_script STR_VAR area=EVALUATE_BUFFER ~%ESewers%~ bottom=ar0226_jenkal location=resource END

 

slythe should be jenkal.

 

Fixed, thanks.

 

Eventually a typo with misplaced % sign in c4end.tpa ? :

LAF compile_rename STR_VAR file=EVALUATE_BUFFER ~battleho=>%tutu_scriptb%attleho~ location=resource END

No, that's correct. "tutu_scriptb" compiles to "b" on BGT and BGEE, to "_" on TUTU. The creatures are battleho.cre on the former, "_attleho.cre" on the latter.

[Salk]

Hello again!

 

NOTES:

 

1) the autoinstall option does not seem to work - the .exe file looks for setup-stratagems_autoinstall.tp2 in the main Baldur's Gate 2 directory. I guess the file auto.tp2 found in the Stratagems directory should be renamed setup-stratagems_autoinstall.tp2 and moved to the main Baldur's Gate 2 directory.

 

2) the "Smarter Genies" component does not come with two options as it is stated in the Readme

 

3) What does "Smarter Throne of Bhaal final villain" do exactly? I did not find this component in the Readme

 

TEST 1: Baldur's Gate 2 TOB + Official Patch+ ToBEX 26 + BG2 Fixpack v10 + BGT v1.18

 

RESULT:

 

~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #1000 // Initialise mod (all other components require this): v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #1901 // Standardise spells: BG1 vs BG2 -> Introduce BG2 spell scrolls into BG1: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2120 // Slightly weaken insect plague spells, and let fire shields block them: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2160 // Add an extra copy of some hard-to-find spell scrolls: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2180 // Prevent Simulacra and Projected Images from using magical items: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #3030 // Re-introduce potions of extra-healing: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4000 // Faster Bears: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4020 // More realistic wolves and wild dogs: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4040 // Make party members less likely to die irreversibly: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4051 // Decrease the rate at which reputation improves -> Reputation increases at about 1/2 the normal rate: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4120 // NPCs go to inns: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4150 // Allow the Cowled Wizards to detect spellcasting in most indoor, above-ground areas in Athkatla: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4160 // Increase the price of a license to practise magic in Athkatla -> License costs 10,000 gp: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4170 // Increase the price asked by Gaelan Bayle -> Gaelan wants 40,000 gold pieces: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4180 // Make Freedom scrolls available earlier: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4215 // Remove unrealistically helpful items from certain areas: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #3323 // Remove unrealistically convenient ammunition from certain areas -> Remove unrealistically helpful items from certain areas: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4240 // Treat mages' and priests' High-Level Abilities as innate abilities rather than memorisable spells (each may be taken only once): v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #5060 // Ensure Shar-Teel doesn't die in the original challenge: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #5900 // Initialise AI components (required for all tactical and AI components): v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6000 // Smarter general AI: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6010 // Better calls for help: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6034 // Smarter Mages -> Mages cast short-duration spells instantly at start of combat on difficulty settings of Hard or higher: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6044 // Smarter Priests -> Priests cast short-duration spells instantly at start of combat on difficulty settings of Hard or higher: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6200 // Improved Spiders: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6300 // Smarter sirines and dryads: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6310 // Slightly harder carrion crawlers: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6320 // Smarter basilisks: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6500 // Improved golems: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6511 // Improved fiends -> Fiends have normal hit points: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6520 // Smarter genies: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6531 // Smarter celestials -> Celestials have normal hit points: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6541 // Smarter dragons -> Dragons have normal hit points: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6551 // Smarter beholders -> Don't give beholder rays any chance of burning through spell protections; beholder antimagic blocks all spells, including harmful ones, for a round (simulates D&D rules): v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6560 // Smarter mind flayers -> Illithids have only original-game resistances; Illithids can see through invisibility: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6570 // Smarter githyanki: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6580 // Improved Vampires: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7000 // Improved doppelgangers: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7020 // Improved deployment for parties of assassins: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7040 // Relocated bounty hunters: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7050 // Improved Ulcaster: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7060 // Improved Balduran's Isle: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7200 // Tougher chapter-two end battle: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7210 // Tougher chapter-three end battle: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7220 // Tougher chapter-four end battle: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7230 // Tougher chapter-five end battle: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7250 // Improved final battle: v23(BETA)

 

These components were successfully installed without issues. I would suggest to make WeiDu automatically uninstall all the components upon choosing to uninstall "Initialise mod".

 

At a later time, I will attempt to make an identical installation using a customized stratagems.ini file to see if that causes problems.

[Jarno Mikkola]

I guess the file auto.tp2 found in the Stratagems directory should be renamed setup-stratagems_autoinstall.tp2 and moved to the main Baldur's Gate 2 directory.

Nope, the weidu.exe can run any and all correctly renamed files... as long as the setup-**.tp2 and the weidu.exe is renamed as setup-**.exe, and in some cases the .tp2 doesn't even need the setup- infront of it. The problem is that there's no setup-stratagems_autoinstall.exe in the game folder...

 

Test1: Why is the weidu.log not complete ? As you did it for reference, it should contain all the parts, not just the SCS... duh.

[Salk]

The problem is that there's no setup-stratagems_autoinstall.exe in the game folder...

 

There is in mine (http://www.picpaste.com/scs-Wud37DHJ.jpg)

 

Test1: Why is the weidu.log not complete ? As you did it for reference, it should contain all the parts, not just the SCS... duh.

 

Except for ToBEx and the BG2 Fixpack, there are no modifications installed.

[Salk]

TEST 2: Baldur's Gate 2 TOB + Official Patch+ ToBEX 26 + BG2 Fixpack v10 + BGT v1.18 + customized stratagems.ini

 

stratagems.ini customization:

 

AI_Does_Not_Detect_Items 1

Genai_Does_Not_Adjust_Levels 1

 

Result:

 

~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #1000 // Initialise mod (all other components require this): v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #1901 // Standardise spells: BG1 vs BG2 -> Introduce BG2 spell scrolls into BG1: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2120 // Slightly weaken insect plague spells, and let fire shields block them: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2160 // Add an extra copy of some hard-to-find spell scrolls: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2180 // Prevent Simulacra and Projected Images from using magical items: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #3030 // Re-introduce potions of extra-healing: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4000 // Faster Bears: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4020 // More realistic wolves and wild dogs: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4040 // Make party members less likely to die irreversibly: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4051 // Decrease the rate at which reputation improves -> Reputation increases at about 1/2 the normal rate: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4120 // NPCs go to inns: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4150 // Allow the Cowled Wizards to detect spellcasting in most indoor, above-ground areas in Athkatla: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4160 // Increase the price of a license to practise magic in Athkatla -> License costs 10,000 gp: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4170 // Increase the price asked by Gaelan Bayle -> Gaelan wants 40,000 gold pieces: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4180 // Make Freedom scrolls available earlier: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4215 // Remove unrealistically helpful items from certain areas: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #3323 // Remove unrealistically convenient ammunition from certain areas -> Remove unrealistically helpful items from certain areas: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4240 // Treat mages' and priests' High-Level Abilities as innate abilities rather than memorisable spells (each may be taken only once): v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #5060 // Ensure Shar-Teel doesn't die in the original challenge: v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #5900 // Initialise AI components (required for all tactical and AI components): v23(BETA)
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6000 // Smarter general AI: v23(BETA)

 

 

Error messages for Smarter General AI:

 

1) [tb#_compile_eval_buffer/stratagems_external/workspace\ssl_out\dw#summe.baf] PARSE ERROR at line 47 column 1-59

Near Text: )

[CheckStatGT] argument [ENCHANTMENT_IMMUNITY] not found in [stats.IDS]

 

2) FATAL ERROR (Cannot find library file stratagems_external/workspace/autolib.slb) at C:\Program Files\Black Isle\BGII - SoA\stratagems\ssl\ssl.exe line133.

 

These lines are repeated many times when patching some files. For 1), the PARSE ERROR is found at different lines.

 

The stratagems.debug shows reports the first error but not the second. Despite all the errors, WeiDu reports the component as "Successfully installed". I am not sure I can trust that though.

 

I guess something in the stratagems.ini messes up the Smarter General AI component.

 

Can you understand anything from the WeiDU and debug messages, DavidW?

[DavidW]

1) the autoinstall option does not seem to work - the .exe file looks for setup-stratagems_autoinstall.tp2 in the main Baldur's Gate 2 directory. I guess the file auto.tp2 found in the Stratagems directory should be renamed setup-stratagems_autoinstall.tp2 and moved to the main Baldur's Gate 2 directory.

No, it's just missing. I'm not sure how that happened - at a guess, my test environment already had it present and I didn't notice. Attached if you're interested. (auto.tp2 is automatically generated and does something different.)

 

2) the "Smarter Genies" component does not come with two options as it is stated in the Readme

Nor did it ever - I'm not sure why the readme ever claimed it did. (Possibly I thought it should, and intended to code it.)

 

3) What does "Smarter Throne of Bhaal final villain" do exactly? I did not find this component in the Readme

It's there, it just calls said villain by her name. (Yes, this is an inconsistency that should be fixed.)

 

These components were successfully installed without issues.

That's a relief. It's annoying to release compatibility-unfriendly mods but it would have been embarrassing to release something that plain didn't install.

 

I would suggest to make WeiDu automatically uninstall all the components upon choosing to uninstall "Initialise mod".

Are you sure it doesn't? The "initialise" installation marker is required for all other components.

 

I guess the file auto.tp2 found in the Stratagems directory should be renamed setup-stratagems_autoinstall.tp2 and moved to the main Baldur's Gate 2 directory.

Nope, the weidu.exe can run any and all correctly renamed files... as long as the setup-**.tp2 and the weidu.exe is renamed as setup-**.exe, and in some cases the .tp2 doesn't even need the setup- infront of it. The problem is that there's no setup-stratagems_autoinstall.exe in the game folder...

Jarno, not for the first time, PLEASE stop guessing and stating your guesses as if they are authoritative. It just confuses things.

setup-stratagems_autoinstall.tp2

[Salk]

I would suggest to make WeiDu automatically uninstall all the components upon choosing to uninstall "Initialise mod".

Are you sure it doesn't? The "initialise" installation marker is required for all other components.

 

Well, when I run Stratagems.exe again, I choose to display every component.

 

The first is of course "Initialise". I uninstall it and WeiDu proceeds to uninstall that and all the other components as well, it seems [note: it chokes on component 4000 - ERROR: error copying [stratagems_external/backup/4000/temp_file2].

 

Then I get prompted to choose what to do with the second component I had installed after "Initialise" (for some reason the first one "Introduce BG2 spell scrolls into BG1" is skipped altogether - the WeiDU log will show it as installed, in fact), namely "Slightly weaken insect plague spells, and let fire shields block them: v23(BETA)".

 

I choose "uninstall" again and WeiDu reports that it is now successfully uninstalled. I continue uninstalling each component previously installed untill I get to the "Increase the price of a license to practise magic in Athkatla".

 

At this point it won't uninstall it. I choose "U" but the same line comes back asking me the same. I choose then "N" for "No Change" and move to the next one: "Increase the price asked by Gaelan Bayle". Same problem. The uninstall fails and I am asked the same. I choose "No Change" again.

 

The next components uninstall fine. I guess that those two that do not uninstall correctly might have some problems in figuring out what choice I made when I installed them, perhaps?

[Salk]

[CUT]

 

TEST 6: Baldur's Gate 2 TOB + Official Patch+ ToBEX 26 + BG2 Fixpack v10 + BGT v1.18

 

I have reverted the stratagems.ini customizations to default:

 

AI_Does_Not_Detect_Items 0

Genai_Does_Not_Adjust_Levels 0

 

I have uninstalled Stratagems completely.

 

Result:

 

SUCCESS - It seems that the "Initialise Mod" component needs to be uninstalled and installed again in order to make the stratagems.ini changes be effective.

[DavidW]

 

SUCCESS - It seems that the "Initialise Mod" component needs to be uninstalled and installed again in order to make the stratagems.ini changes be effective.

 

Yes. (The readme says so, doesn't it?)

 

Just to check, you're now getting a successful install with the ini options you selected? If so, that's reassuring: it confirms my general impression that SCSv23 is basically fine in itself but doesn't play nice with some other mods.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Salk]

Well, DavidW. I am partly successful with the .ini customizations I wish to have. In TEST 6 I was successful in restoring the default stratagems.ini settings and make it into a smooth install. Here's the situation with the customized stratagems.ini entries:

 

 

TEST 7: Baldur's Gate 2 TOB + Official Patch+ ToBEX 26 + BG2 Fixpack v10 + BGT v1.18 + customized stratagems.ini

 

stratagems.ini customization:

 

AI_Does_Not_Detect_Items 1

 

Result: same as TEST 2 - It seems that this latest version chokes when AI_Does_Not_Detect_Items is set to 1. I know stratagems.ini customizations are unsupported but this particular option installed fine with SCS (II) v21 and is by far the one I am most passionate about. Is there something that can be done to restore it or is it too much of a pain?

 

TEST 8: Baldur's Gate 2 TOB + Official Patch+ ToBEX 26 + BG2 Fixpack v10 + BGT v1.18 + customized stratagems.ini

 

stratagems.ini customization:

 

Genai_Does_Not_Adjust_Levels 1

 

Result: SUCCESS - This stratagems.ini option installs fine.

[Salk]

One more thing. Am I correct to assume that this:

 

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// No-ammo
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

BEGIN @47 DESIGNATED 3321 SUBCOMPONENT @48 GROUP @5

[...]

BEGIN @47 DESIGNATED 3322 SUBCOMPONENT @48 GROUP @5

[...]

BEGIN @47 DESIGNATED 3323 SUBCOMPONENT @48 GROUP @5

 

should be changed to:

 

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// No-ammo
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

BEGIN @3321 DESIGNATED 4216 SUBCOMPONENT @48 GROUP @5

[...]

BEGIN @3322 DESIGNATED 4217 SUBCOMPONENT @48 GROUP @5

[...]

BEGIN @3323 DESIGNATED 4218 SUBCOMPONENT @48 GROUP @5

[kreso]

SCSv23 is basically fine in itself but doesn't play nice with some other mods.

This. I couldn't install it when tweaking .ini file, same as Salk. On a modded game (BGT, Refinements etc.) it installs correctly. It doesn't even show those 2 harmless install errors as with a Fixpack-only install.

It appears that only Spell Revisions compatibility should be adressed.

[DavidW]

Result: same as TEST 2 - It seems that this latest version chokes when AI_Does_Not_Detect_Items is set to 1. I know stratagems.ini customizations are unsupported but this particular option installed fine with SCS (II) v21 and is by far the one I am most passionate about. Is there something that can be done to restore it or is it too much of a pain?

Probably. (As much on the canary-in-a-mine principle as anything else - if it doesn't work, that means some part of my code isn't doing what I think it ought to do, and that's worth being aware of and sorting out.)

 

Can you give me a minimal set of components (e.g., "Initialise + AI initialise + General AI") that causes an install failure with that option selected?

 

(& yes, you're right about the ammunition component.)

[Salk]

Thanks for your help, DavidW!

 

When I tested the stratagems.ini customizations I only installed:

 

Initialise Mod

Initialise AI

Smarter General AI

 

exactly like in the minimal set of components of yours. If there is anything I can do to help, please tell me.

[Salk]

I couldn't install it when tweaking .ini file, same as Salk.

 

Have you encountered my same kind of installation problems using the AI_Does_Not_Detect_Items 1 customization in the stratagems.ini file, kreso?