Of Cards and Confusion

[SOCL]

Okay, I've been around for more than 2000 posts and, yes, I have no clue about Rebellion editing nor cards (I have a basic understanding of what a card is, but nothing 100% for sure). Cards are the images and what-not used for characters and vehicles and so forth in the game, correct? And by using RebEd, one can replace some of the default cards to put in new ones, correct?

 

And how long have I been here?

 

So, for instance, I could download, say, the Allegiance-class card from the site and all I would have to do is use the magical RebEd, replace a starship, and, boom, I have the Allegiance-class in the game? Is this correct, or am I that ignorant?

 

Also, I am terrible at making any images (if mentioned this before), so I was wondering if anyone would mind making a new Thrawn card (that's if I even understand what a card is) using this image in place of the old one. Subsequentally, would anyone mind then explaining to me how exactly one goes about replacing the original with the new....

 

And maybe someone could replace the Pellaeon image with a better one (though I have yet to really find one...perhaps in the image on the CCG collector cards?...)?

 

Also, I had this crazy idea about making an "Imperial LAV Regiment" (LAV standing for "light-armored vehicle" as a support unit for the regular "Imperial Fleet Regiment". Basically, it would be less powerful than the regular "Imperial Army Regiment" (a heavy armored vehicle regiment, in my opinion, since it carries AT-ATs and AT-STs), consisiting of older, faster vehicles like the "TIE Crawler", Chariot LAV landspeeder and Speeder Bike, and AT-PT (All Terrain Personal Transport). I figured it could work like support units for the lightly-armed Imperial Fleet Regiment or as basic support for the Stormtroopers that are already in the game.

 

If anyone is up to the challenge or willing to coach me along and be annoyed out of there mind by stupid questions coming from a less than computer-minded person (i.e. me), then please...um...I guess post or PM me.

[Guest JediIgor]

SOCL, I can't tell if you have read this or not, so please look at it:

http://www.swrebellion.com/contentid-11.html

 

Using the same tutorial I was able to make my first Bill Clinton card years ago (oh man, that's a really old tutorial ).

 

Hmm.. I wonder who wrote that!

 

Anyhow, making cards should be self-explanatory. Replace the image, and then dabble with the stats. It's a little harder if you want your encyclopedia entry to be long though, you might have to mess around with the DLLs for that (maybe the_mask will see this, he's our resident DLL expert hehe).

[Texas_Fett]

It IS actually quite simple...and believe me, once you start fiddling around with a few cards, it'll cascade until you've editing pretty much everything. Take a look at the tutorial...it's especially helpful. Then you'll be wanting to change the models, the sounds, the .dll's...

[Mad78]

The tutorial is helpful. I remember when i first tried to make a card... A week later I had finally finished it

[Darth-Griffin]

I still cant make them that well, but damn do i use them

 

Go for it i say, you wont regret it

[SOCL]

SOCL, I can't tell if you have read this or not, so please look at it:

http://www.swrebellion.com/contentid-11.html

I was beginning to wonder where that went.

 

So, the idea about the LAV Regiment, does that really require anything special? Is that even considered a card? And to clear-up a few things, a mod is a "model"...or is it a "modification"? Does it take something different to swap-out ships (such as switching, say, the Star Galleon for the Allegiance-class?) or is that done with RebEd (sorry, it's been a while and I'm not at home looking at my computer)? Additionally, would this require a different program other than RebEd? I also came to realize that cards are different types of files (some will be .rmx and some will be something else...I can't remember the .whatever right now), does this make a difference when uploading the cards? If so, how and to what extent does it change the process through RebEd? Please, any help would be great.

 

Again, how long have I been here?... Apparently not long enough.

 

Damnit, where's Scathane when I need him....

[AdmiralFishface]

So, the idea about the LAV Regiment, does that really require anything special? Is that even considered a card?

The idea certainly qualifies for making a new card. You'll need quite a handful of .bmps and the required text and can, after putting it all into RebEd, save it all to a card.

 

And to clear-up a few things, a mod is a "model"...or is it a "modification"?

Modification. Although a mod can in many cases include models.

 

Does it take something different to swap-out ships (such as switching, say, the Star Galleon for the Allegiance-class?) or is that done with RebEd (sorry, it's been a while and I'm not at home looking at my computer)? Additionally, would this require a different program other than RebEd?

To change the in-game pictures, stats and encyclopedia text, RebEd will suffice. If you want to change the tactical model, though, you'll need 1) the model ready and in the right format 2) the model importer.

 

I also came to realize that cards are different types of files (some will be .rmx and some will be something else...I can't remember the .whatever right now), does this make a difference when uploading the cards? If so, how and to what extent does it change the process through RebEd?

If you play around with a character's stats, and save in RebEd, it will automatically save to a .rcc character card. Such a card can only be loaded into character slots. The other card types work the same way. That's to keep you from loading, say, character's stats into troop slots, which would be... confusing (and most likely wouldn't work).

[SOCL]

1) the model ready and in the right format

Which means what when I download a file from this site?

 

2) the model importer.

Which is?, and found where?

 

If you play around with a character's stats, and save in RebEd, it will automatically save to a .rcc character card. Such a card can only be loaded into character slots. The other card types work the same way. That's to keep you from loading, say, character's stats into troop slots, which would be... confusing (and most likely wouldn't work).

Okay, that makes more sense. So what's the difference between character and troop cards? How do they differ so I can tell them apart when tweaking the game?

 

 

Also, to write longer texts than the game provides, I have to do something with the dll files, correct? What is it? How? Should I contact Mask rather than confuse myself some more?

 

 

 

EDIT:

I have a few cards now, but do I also have to download a corresponding mod with it to change the image in tactical view?

[SOCL]

Sorry for double-posting, but I am SO confused!

 

Okay, so I got down how to use RebEd to replace cards...that's cool. The thing is, I put the Dominator SD card to replace the Imperial Assault Transport, so I obviously wanted to change the assault transport's model to that of the Dominator. So I downloaded the Dominator model and the mod exchange file made by Jahled, Trej, mask, and a few others. I then went ahead and followed the instructions and was quite pleased when the program said I had successfully replaced the Assault Transport with the Dominator. So I went into RebEd and clicked on the Dominator's Capital Ship entry, sure enough there it was...then I clicked on the 3-D/Tactical model view...there, spinning as though mocky my efforts, as the Assault Transport model. Now it is 42 minutes past midnight, Lando has handed Han over to Vader in Cloud City, and I think I've totally screwed up my game (it's okay, if I have to I'll uninstall everything and start over). The question is: WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!

 

I'm SO confused! What do I do? What have I done wrong? Basically, all I want to do is replace what ships I think are basically worthless with really cool ships people have made, but I can't figure it out! Additionally, how am I suppose to know which card goes with which model from the downloads? For instance, there are a few Allegiance-class Star Destroyer cards, but only one model. Which cards goes with the model? Same with the Dreadnaught, the Eclipse, the Sovereign, the Carrack, the Lancer... Is there some way to clear this up? Is anyone willing to help a fellow SWR-er how is lacking sleep and will probably end up trying to fix it himself to only find his computer exploding in his face while he comes to find out that Boba Fett's real voice is actually tinged with a New Zealand accent!

 

--burn-out--

 

 

EDIT:

I had a dream last night that everytime I opened Rebellion or RebEd, Leia would walk by my door saying, "Saul, don't! It's a trap! It's a trap!"

[Texas_Fett]

Whoa bud! Take a deep breath!

 

First off, cards are not tied to the models. You can change a 'card' image and stats without affecting it's 3D tactical model. Likewise, you can change the model without affecting the card.

 

Secondly, any changes you make will not take full effect until you begin a new game. If you open a current game after changes are made, you're just going to hose everything.

 

Third, check to make sure you didn't inadvertantly replace one of the other ship models. I've done it a couple of times myself, which just goes to show that following the tutorial and backing up your stuff is mighty important.

 

Other than that, it sounds like you've gotten the hang of things already. Did you use Mask's model importer? That GREATLY simplifies matters. You can find it in the downloads section here, or at Mask's website (Check the links section, or the tab at the bottom of any of his posts). He even has a turorial for replacing the fighter tactical images.

[Darth-Griffin]

Third, check to make sure you didn't inadvertantly replace one of the other ship models. I've done it a couple of times myself, which just goes to show that following the tutorial and backing up your stuff is mighty important.

 

Yep just did that myself Thought i replaced the VSD2 with the XQ2 model but put the new model in the ISD2 slot. (moan, groan......)

 

The model importer does make easy work of bringing in new models, but be warned it does not make back-ups!

[SOCL]

Whoa bud! Take a deep breath!

Yes, I probably should.

 

First off, cards are not tied to the models. You can change a 'card' image and stats without affecting it's 3D tactical model. Likewise, you can change the model without affecting the card.

Right.

 

Secondly, any changes you make will not take full effect until you begin a new game. If you open a current game after changes are made, you're just going to hose everything.

Hmm...maybe that's what happened. Wait...you mean I'll lose everything I tried to do if I load a saved game? I ask because I tried replacing the Galleon with the XQ2 platform, did (both model and card), then I changed my mind, when to RebEd, clicked "Restore Default", restored to Galleon, loaded the game and no more platform. So...does this mean when I send a Galleon into tactical, I'll end up with a platform?

 

Third, check to make sure you didn't inadvertantly replace one of the other ship models. I've done it a couple of times myself, which just goes to show that following the tutorial and backing up your stuff is mighty important.

Shoot, I forgot about backing-up...

 

Other than that, it sounds like you've gotten the hang of things already. Did you use Mask's model importer? That GREATLY simplifies matters. You can find it in the downloads section here, or at Mask's website (Check the links section, or the tab at the bottom of any of his posts). He even has a turorial for replacing the fighter tactical images.

I did use that, but I got confused when it got into the technical lingo and when it told about how the tactical dll has to be in the folder of the directory and how the dots before it determine where the folder of the... You can see why I've been having issues.

 

Here's the question, though. I uploaded the Dominator Interdictor Star Destroyer over the Assault Transport, both the model and the card. I started a game, but when I saved the game and came back to RebEd, I still only saw the Assault Transport when I clicked to see the 3-D/tactical image (the spinning one). What's going on?

 

Also, how does one use RebEd to make it so it takes less time to build a ship? I mean, I know how to lower and the cost and what-not, but not how to reduce the time (after all, waiting 300 days from an ISD is a little too long)?

[Texas_Fett]

Hmm...maybe that's what happened. Wait...you mean I'll lose everything I tried to do if I load a saved game? I ask because I tried replacing the Galleon with the XQ2 platform, did (both model and card), then I changed my mind, when to RebEd, clicked "Restore Default", restored to Galleon, loaded the game and no more platform. So...does this mean when I send a Galleon into tactical, I'll end up with a platform?

Um...yes. But not until you start a new game. (I think)

 

Shoot, I forgot about backing-up...

I feel your pain.

 

I did use that, but I got confused when it got into the technical lingo and when it told about how the tactical dll has to be in the folder of the directory and how the dots before it determine where the folder of the... You can see why I've been having issues.

Take the time to re-read it and see if it become clear. Remember, Mask is writing this with english as a second language. If all else fails, consult the master himself. (Mask)

 

Here's the question, though. I uploaded the Dominator Interdictor Star Destroyer over the Assault Transport, both the model and the card. I started a game, but when I saved the game and came back to RebEd, I still only saw the Assault Transport when I clicked to see the 3-D/tactical image (the spinning one). What's going on?

 

Also, how does one use RebEd to make it so it takes less time to build a ship? I mean, I know how to lower and the cost and what-not, but not how to reduce the time (after all, waiting 300 days from an ISD is a little too long)?

I think you might have saved it over another spot. That's the only explanation I have for it. (Mask? Any ideas?)

 

As for the time to build, lowering the cost directly affects the time to build. Reference the cost to build a Y-Wing starfighter versus a TIE. The cost for the TIE isn't much lower, but it can mean a difference of 8 days in-game from a single normal shipyard early on in a game. Basically, take the cost and mulitply it by 4 for the time (in days) to complete the build on a single shipyard. I don't know if that's the exact formula, but it's a decent rule of thumb. Remember, too, that additional shipyards reduce the time of production, and Advanced shipyards even more so.

[SOCL]

I did use that, but I got confused when it got into the technical lingo and when it told about how the tactical dll has to be in the folder of the directory and how the dots before it determine where the folder of the... You can see why I've been having issues.

Take the time to re-read it and see if it become clear. Remember, Mask is writing this with english as a second language. If all else fails, consult the master himself. (Mask)

No, it's not the language/wording, just some of the technical lingo (the file types and whatnot). After a few minutes of reading and checking different files to find what type of files they are, I more-or-less figured out what everything meant.

 

Here's the question, though. I uploaded the Dominator Interdictor Star Destroyer over the Assault Transport, both the model and the card. I started a game, but when I saved the game and came back to RebEd, I still only saw the Assault Transport when I clicked to see the 3-D/tactical image (the spinning one). What's going on?

I think you might have saved it over another spot. That's the only explanation I have for it. (Mask? Any ideas?)

Hmm... Well, I went ahead and reinstalled everything and started from scratch. After an hour or so of playing around with the game-included cards to make them more to my liking, I went ahead and replaced the Assault Transport with the Dominator Star Destroyer. After that, I took a deep breath and went ahead with the process of replacing the Assault Transport model with the Dominator model, after which I started a new game which, of course, does nothing to show me whether the model is working or not because I would have to spend a terribly long time before going into combat with a Dominator. Now, I went ahead and closed out Rebellion and got online and...here I am. I guess I'm just worried that I'll check the "Dominator ISD" entry in RebEd and see the correct card but not the correct model. Additionally, I was curious if I have done something wrong or if I still need to do something else before the model will work(?).

[turtles11]

Ok, so I'm a late bloomer - I just discovered this site and I LOVE Rebellion. I've spent my whole weekend making cards and playing. Now I'm trying to share my cards by uploading them and I keep getting this message about RebEd cards must be JPGs? I saved the thumb as a JPG, but I'm still getting this message. Does the card ITSELF need to be made from JPGs? I made all mine from BMPs and they work great. Some of the cool cards I created:

 

Gen. Grievous

A'Sharad Hett

Quinlan Vos

Villie

Sly Moore

Adi Gallia

[Darth-Griffin]

Not sure about the upload as its been a while

 

However i would be interested to get a copy of each of those cards!

Email > webmaster@diplomats-empire.com

 

Thanks

[Evaders99]

The thumbnail image that is used to browse cards must be JPG (200x100).

That is so it doesn't take minutes upon minutes for people surfing them.

 

The actual cards are obviously saved through the RebED system, in a R?C format

[turtles11]

The thumbnail image that is used to browse cards must be JPG (200x100).

That is so it doesn't take minutes upon minutes for people surfing them.

 

The actual cards are obviously saved through the RebED system, in a R?C format

 

That's what I thought. So, I upload the .rcc file and the .jpg as the thumbnail and it's 200X100 and I still get a message about needing to be in .jpg format. I think the upload function of the site is broken or I'm misunderstanding what it is I'm supposed to be uploading. Am I not supposed to upload the .rcc file? Just the .jpg and the chars description?

[pparis17]

I to would very much like an answer to the question. I have given the

thumbnails a .jpg extension but the website says it is still not the correct .jpg image. I am going insane trying to figure this out, but thats because i'm very tired and may have overlooked something. Please, could somebody help!

[Evaders99]

Well you can't actually just rename an image to .jpg. It has to be saved in the jpeg format. Use Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Gimp...

[pparis17]

I figured out what I was doing wrong. I wasn't saving the thumbnail pics in the RebEd directory. Boy, I feel stupid. Oh well, I hope your ready evaders because I just sent you a couple of cards. There the first ones I've made.