How do I add a new ability?

from Sins Forums

I am trying to create a brand new ability for a star base that is based on the pirate's flak burst ability (though I plan to adjust it to match each faction's style at some point).  I am using the bin-to-text converter that I found here on the forum.  That said, I have been able to modify existing items without issue.  What I am unable to do is add anything new.  I have no idea what I am doing incorrectly and I am having difficulties finding a solution via forum search.  

I will list the steps I took to create a new ability named "AbilityStarBaseFlakBurst" that is a direct copy of "AbilityPirateFlakBurst". I ask that someone with experience creating new entities please tell me what I am doing wrong.

Steps:

1) Created a "TestMod" folder in the "...\AppData\Local\Ironclad Games\Sins of a Solar Empire\Mods-Diplomacy v1.011" directory.

2) Created a "GameInfo" subfolder in "TestMod" (I also have empty "String" and "Textures" folders here)

3) Copied "AbilityPirateFlakBurst.entity" to the new GameInfo folder.

4) Used the conversion tool to convert it to text.

5) Adjusted the antimatter cost down (starbases don't start with any) and the cooldown time up (to compensate).

6) Saved as "AbilityStarBaseFlakBurst.entity" and converted back to bin.

7) Edited (via steps 3-6) the StarBasePsi.entity to have "AbilityStarBaseFlakBurst" as ability 3 and moved the phase lane interference ability to 4. (Note: I know this works if I use an existing ability...I even used the existing AbilityPirateFlakBurst.)

8) Built a Psi star base with mod enabled and watched SINS crash.

I know I have to be missing something. Any help would be appreciated.

modding
7,111 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top

did you add the new entity(s) to your entity.manifest in the root folder of the mod?

harpo

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Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top

I was not even aware of that step.  Is there somewhere that I can read all the steps required to implement new entities? I assume the manifest must be in some specific format so it would be nice to know where I can find all of this information.  The search here and plain internet searches just aren't yielding what I need to know.

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Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top

Ahh..I see one thing I didn't do right: When I downloaded your mod tools I for some reason ended up with only the text binner.  I went back and re-downloaded your tools and now i have the manifest builder, stringer, etc. 

Thank you very much for the information.  I hope to be doing a lot of modding in the near future!