Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod

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Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/14/2008 2:03:02 PM

jremilla

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I am thinking of making a LoTR mod. Does anyone have a suggestion about how I can implement the idea of a character carrying the Ring? Obviously, the victory condition for the Fellowship side is someone (Frodo) getting the Ring to Mount Doom. Thanks.

Post #: 1

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/14/2008 7:14:30 PM

tweber

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The simpliest way is to set up an event where there is a small chance that the good guys win (e.g., ring is destroyed) and a small chance the bad guys win (ring is captured) each round after a certain round number is past.

A more elegant way would be giving each side action cards that could influence the chance of capture or the chance of winning (e.g., go through a certain pass, use gollum's help)

Both of these are fundamentally abstract.

Another idea would be to add a prelude type scenario before the main battle. In the first scenario, you could do the whole part about getting to rivendell but do it with ships. Frodo would be a sub and have to get across the map. You could implement different types of water to represent different land types (and even change coloring). The nice thing about water is it does not leave a trail. If the Frodo character gets to Rivendell, you could then load the next scenario which would be the battle part.

(in reply to jremilla)

Post #: 2

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/14/2008 9:05:30 PM

darrellb9

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Go jremilla! That would be great!

I still have SPI's Middle Earth game from the late '70s. Had a lot of fun playing that one.
I've had good success taking pictures of board game maps and using the overlay feature in the editor and getting the hexes to pretty much line up. If you'd like a picture of the map from Middle Earth I'd be glad to send it to you. It's big

(in reply to jremilla)

Post #: 3

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/14/2008 9:37:48 PM

Captain Cruft

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From: England
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I actually think that some of the earlier (much bloodier) periods in Middle Earth would map better to a wargame than the LotR period. The stuff in the Silmarillion and LotR Appendices.

Possibly a bit obscure for general interest though ;)

(in reply to darrellb9)

Post #: 4

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/14/2008 11:30:01 PM

jremilla

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db99:
Thanks for the encouragement. I was also a big fan of the SPI game, which I still have. My thought was to scan it in and use it as a template to make a map.

Captain Cruft:
You are probably right about the Silmarillion being a better source of war game material, but as I said above I really loved the SPI board game and am determined to either goad a real game developer into making a War of the Ring game for the computer or do it myself if I have to!!

(in reply to jremilla)

Post #: 5

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/15/2008 1:33:04 AM

rhinobones

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quote:

ORIGINAL: jremilla
Thanks for the encouragement. I was also a big fan of the SPI game . . .

I can provide you with a jpg of the map used for the TOAW version of WotR. It was made from the SPI game.

Regards, RhinoBones

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Post #: 6

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/15/2008 2:54:56 AM

Bombur

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Captain Cruft

I actually think that some of the earlier (much bloodier) periods in Middle Earth would map better to a wargame than the LotR period. The stuff in the Silmarillion and LotR Appendices.

Possibly a bit obscure for general interest though ;)

Correct, but these wars lasted for a few hundred years (hard to simulate in AT) and once the gods intervened the war was pretty over. Maybe it would be possible to allow Morgoth to win by destroyng the Elfic and human kingdoms earlier?

(in reply to Captain Cruft)

Post #: 7

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/15/2008 10:46:56 AM

Vic

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i think the actioncard driven system is most realistic.

i would make it so that the ring would move slowly forward, but can be slowed down by Sauron playing costly PP cards.
the ring should imo only be capturable by Sauron after he has�won on the battlefield (capturing Rohan and Gondor).�

it might be a nice touch to actually physically show the location of the ring on the map by changing around landscapetypes.

kind regards,
Vic

< Message edited by Vic -- 2/15/2008 11:00:34 AM >

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Post #: 8

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/15/2008 6:33:38 PM

GrumpyMel

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I actualy thought about doing a scenerio for the War of the Ring myself.... had a good amount of work done with a map and some custom sf types..... but then I got scared off by the copyright implications.

Mel

(in reply to Vic)

Post #: 9

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/21/2008 11:01:43 AM

Vic

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Is anybody actually working on this since i started designing a "Lords of the Tactics" scenario as a "fun project".

kind regards,
Vic

(in reply to GrumpyMel)

Post #: 10

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/21/2008 6:34:32 PM

Delyn Locksmiths

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I have made a map of middle earth if you want it Vic.

(in reply to Vic)

Post #: 11

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 2/21/2008 6:55:43 PM

Vic

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Nah i am making my own, but i was just wondering of i am not stealing somebodys vibe here :)

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Post #: 12

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 11/22/2008 10:05:45 AM

Grymme

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It seems a lot of people were making fantasy scenarios at one time or another. How far did you guys go? Any possibility of handing over unfinished work?

Vic for example, what happened to your lord of the tactics?
Grumpy what happened to your work?
Delyn? Do you still have the map?

< Message edited by Grymme -- 11/22/2008 10:06:44 AM >

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Post #: 13

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 11/22/2008 3:55:34 PM

Vic

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I got the system pretty far.
i'll zip it and mail it to you.

It was time and the fact that its odd if a designer releases copyrighted material that stopped me completing it.
Also my version would only be playable HUMAN to HUMAN since i was very creative in creating this scenario. (all land except towns is done as sea so that you can keep your units hidden very well)

but i'll mail you. take a look and see if you can continue the work.

it would be a cool scenario.

kind regards,
vic

(in reply to Grymme)

Post #: 14

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 11/22/2008 10:12:18 PM

Grymme

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Thanks for the goods. The scenario looks really far out. Had already started my own so ill keep it though. Might steal some ideas though.

Here is a mapoverview. I went for simulating a smaller part of the map but to get a more "strategic feel" for the central area of the war.

Does anyone know where you might find really nice SFT symbols. Such similar to the ones used in the civil war scenario would be perfect?

Also ideas for units events, pictures and flags are appreciated.

The six playable regimes are Mordor, Isengaard, Moria, Gondor, Lorien and Rohan.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Grymme -- 11/22/2008 10:13:17 PM >

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Post #: 15

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 11/23/2008 11:24:44 AM

Vic

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Ok. If anybody else wants to get mailed my work in progress LOTT files i can send them to you too. just ask. you can send an email to vic@xs4all.nl

(in reply to Grymme)

Post #: 16

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 11/27/2008 1:35:09 AM

Bombur

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It would be possible to define Frodo as a land unit with carrier capacity, and the Ring as an nuclear bomb with range of one and self destruction? If activated close to the Tower, it would destroy it. Sauron could de defined as a fixed unit with a very high command rate. Once Sauron is destroyed the game isn�t automatically ended. It will be necessary to wipe out the enemy units (in the book, they actually lost their "command and control chain" and were beaten), but it will be a relatively easy work. I always found the book a little unrealistic, because the numeric superiority of Sauron was so massive and Gondor�s Army was so overextended that they could have won even if the ring were destroyed....
-Only trouble with my model is, how to have all the nazguls dead if the ring is destroyed?

(in reply to Vic)

Post #: 17

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 11/27/2008 7:40:02 PM

Grymme

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Thanks for all ideas. I am working a little here and there on the scenario. When i have time.

Here is a screenshot of some of the units that will be in the scenario.

Units should include

Basic infantry
Rangers (good side only)
Scouts
Longbowmen
Uruk Hai (evil side only)

Officers
Wagons

Field war machines
Siege Machines

Light Cavalry
Heavy Cavalry

Troll/Ent
Olifant

Dragon/Eagle

War ship

Suggestions on other units to include are welcome.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 18

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 11/27/2008 8:09:55 PM

Grymme

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Screenshot of a unit guarding the entrance to Isengaard

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 19

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 11/29/2008 1:30:03 PM

Grymme

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After much searching i finally found some countergraphics that i actually like. The screenshot depicts some of them. If someone by chance should happen to recognize them from somewhere there is no need to point out from where :)

Some thoughts about the scenario.

Since this is a strategic scenario my goal is to simulate a strategic conflict in middle earth. Although i am not nescessarily opposed to small roleplaying element they are not the main thing. The scenario will also probably focus on creating feeling rather than on groundbreaking new events and mechanics. My limitations as scenariodesigner is not insignificent in this choice.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 20

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/2/2008 9:36:46 PM

Grymme

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The two towers square of

Have implemented "pirates of umbar event" and "path of the dead" event. Have spent a huge amount of work on the graphic counters. They still look half amateurich, but i am working on them

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 21

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/4/2008 4:24:32 AM

tweber

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One idea for the ring would be to use slots. You could start a slot in a hex and then 'move' it through action cards. You might give the ring a certain probability to be found it enemy troops are present in the hex.

(in reply to Grymme)

Post #: 22

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/4/2008 2:35:53 PM

Grymme

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Sounds like a good idea. I am a little short on modding ability when it comes to slots and variants though (dont know how to make them). Maybe when i am ready with the rest of the scenario someone could help me.

My progress so far

Map                            100 % done
SFT:s                          80 % done
Graphics                      60 % done
Events                        10 % done
Starting positions etc     5 % done
Rules, research etc        50 % done
Testing & Balance         not started yet

(in reply to tweber)

Post #: 23

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/5/2008 3:01:35 AM

Jeffrey H.

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From: San Diego, Ca.
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I like your counter graphics. Can you share a few secrets about how you go about creating them ? I'm not prying about the source, I'm curious about the methods you use.

_____________________________

History began July 4th, 1776. Anything before that was a mistake.

Ron Swanson

(in reply to Grymme)

Post #: 24

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/5/2008 10:28:44 PM

Grymme

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PM sent to Jeffrey

Work is progressing on the counters, although it really is a lot of work.
Decided to put som heroes in for flavour. So far i have Eomer, Eowyn, Erkenbrand & Theoden (for Rohan), Denethor II, Boromir, Faramir and Imrahil (for Gondor.

Suggestions for 3-7 heroes for Lothlorien, Isengaard, Orks of Misty Mountains & Mordor is always welcome. Mordor will of course get the 9 Nazguhls.

Screenshot shows some of the Rohan setup.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 25

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/7/2008 9:35:55 AM

Grymme

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I uploaded an early version of my War of the Ring scenario to the scenariobank. Its far from finished. But should still be playable. All suggestions/critique is welcome.

Here is the current scenariodescription

This scenario simulates the war of of Middle Earth at the end of the third age.

Six playable regimes.
Gondor
Rohirrim
Lorien
Mordor
Isengaard
Orks of the Misty Mountains

Range of HQ-power is reduced to 1
Cost of HQ is 4.

No research,

New units & Unit changes

Officers replace staff. They have twice the staff points (20) but cost 200pp
Light Cavalry. Move like horse. Slightly stronger.
Ents. Like light tanks but have bonus in forest and move by foot. Only 2000hps
Troll. Like light tank but doesnt have minus in forrest. Move by foot. Only 2000hps
Uruk hai. Sligthly stronger infantry
Rangers. Like SMGs but can carry more supply & have some AA value.
Longbowmen Like mortars but have decent AA value
Siege artillery. Like normal artillery, but weighs 50 and moves by the speed of 1 hex/turn.
Scouts can carry 7 turns of supply.
Winged beasts & Eagles (like fighters but with 20% longer range & can carry 1 wgtpoint)

Each regime has heroes & special units. Rohan has Erkenbrand, Eomer, Eowyn & Theoden. Orks of the Misty Mountain has Glorfimbel and Balrog of Moria. Mordor has Witchking of Angmar, Mouth of Sauron, Sauron, Grond & 8 more Nazguhls. Gondor has Faramir, Boromir, Imrahil & Denethor II.

Victory conditions

The following cities are worth 5 VP:s
- Minas Tirith, Pelalrgir, Dol Amroth
- Barad Dur, Minas Morgul, Dol Guldur
- Helms Deep, Edoras
- Isengaard
- Moria
- Telain

Mordor wins by controlling 6 Locations
Gondor wins by controlling 5 Locations
Rohan wins by controlling 4 locations
Isengaard, Orcs of the Misty Mountains or Lothlorien win by controlling 3 locations.

If a player on one side wins then the other players on that side is considered part in that victory.

Special events

There is a 20 % chanche each turn that the Pirates of Umbar joins the Mordor regime.

On the fifth turn 2 regiments of Dwarven engineers join Lorien.

(in reply to jremilla)

Post #: 26

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/7/2008 11:38:07 AM

Grymme

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The counters in the game put together.

What i am looking most for is a counter for ents. If someone know where ther is one please let me know.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 27

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/7/2008 10:19:43 PM

Bombur

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Congratulations for you great work, Grymme.
I would like, however, to point to two minor troubles
1-A few png symbols are lacking (3 of them, actually)
2-Isengard still have axis minor graphics. I will fix it and send back to you.

(in reply to Grymme)

Post #: 28

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/7/2008 10:43:20 PM

Bombur

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Actually there are just a few units with wrong graphics. I did minor changes and sent them back to Grymme.

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Post #: 29

RE: Trying to Make Lord of the Rings mod - 12/17/2008 9:45:32 PM

Grymme

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Thanks for your help Bombur.

Uploaded new version of the scenario today (v 76).

Among things added.
- Research system implemented.
- 40+ heroes.
-Redrew some roads, locations etc.
- Added some new & special locations. Harad, Barad Dur, Helms Deep, Entmote, ports, Nests etc.
- More units added. Great Eagles & Dragons, Younglings (young ents), Heavy Cavalry and more.
- Completed setups of 6 major powers.
- Redrew a lot of the countergraphics to make them look nicer.
- Special terrain Impassable mountain.

Scenario is playable. But there might be missing pics, sft symbols, flavour text etc. Events not added and will need test for balance. But i think it looks really nice.

Below is screenshot of most of the map on t 1. (kingdom of harad & umbar pirates are to much south to be shown in screenshot).

- If people whish to contribute i would very much appreciate suggestions for strategic events (other than dealing with the ring).
- Also if someone knows which strategic unit is used for each power. Right now i use Eored (Rohan), Regiment (Gondor), Legion (Mordor, Isengaard & Orks of the Misty Mountain) and Kohort (Lorien). But it would be much nicer to have the historic unitdesignation.
- Have some idea about implementing Palantirs, but cant separate moving ability from recon. Or can i?
- Other suggestions & feedback also welcome