Mathew Steel

I'm glad you did! I thought I saw some audio files too, but when I went back to check, I had forgotten where they were. The animation list -?C:\Program Files (x86)\Firefly Studios\Stronghold 2\AnimList.txt - seems to contain a list of all the animations the NPCs have. For example, coughing, eating, playing. The majority there seem to be commonly seen animations. However, there are references to different movement animations that I have not noticed in-game, such as "Run Unfit" and "Walk Injured".? As for the teenagers, I believe you are correct. Originally, I had no idea what they meant, but after starting the game up and looking a while longer, I did notice that the miller boys appear much older than the children seen skipping around the entertainment buildings and hovels.

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy it :)

Before I start, I'd like to point out that many of what I am about to list are likely to have been discovered before. I am simply posting my own discoveries, in hope that perhaps not all of you have seen them! I should note, this is all discovered by using Stronghold 2 - v1.4.1 (The most recent patch). The "readme" file: The first easy-to-find file I found, was the "readme" file located in the default SH2 directory (C:\Program Files (x86)\Firefly Studios\Stronghold 2). The file contains information on the background of the game's campaign, along with a "Before you start" section, where you are told about updating your drivers to the most recent. This is all fairly simplistic stuff so far. It's apparent this file has been updated with each version of the game, as the next part lists the changes and additions to the game in each individual patch, from v1.2, all the way to v1.4.1.? The next part of this "readme" file contains very useful information on all of the graphical settings in-game. A lot are fairly simple, but to those who may not have a clue what "Early culling" or "Anisotropic Filtering" is, it could prove quite useful when deciding on that even middle-ground between performance and eye-candy. It's convenient that I found this file so soon, as it made me realise my mistake in my yesterday's post about Anti-Aliasing (Which I'll refer to as "AA" for the sake of convenience). I knew beforehand what AA was, however, what I saw yesterday, in what I believed was a result of poor AA, was incorrect. It was in-fact completely down to the "Bloom" effect.? "Bloom" - An effect that causes very bright objects to glow. Turn off bloom to increase performance. Looking back now, it does make me feel a bit dense for not realising my error sooner. It is in the name after all. Regardless, bloom seems to be poorly implemented in SH2, as objects do not only glow with this technique enabled, but they blind. Stone especially, becomes painful to stare at for a long period of time. Moving on, the file even has an FAQ section. This amused me, as I've never come across a game "readme" file that contains tips on how to play the game, certainly not ones with links to tutorials and guides. For example, this -?www.stronghold-knights.com (Then click on walkthroughs) i18n\en.xml file: This part was where I made my first real discoveries. This file contains many of the text dialogue used in the voice acting in-game. It contains all the typical sentences, such as "Another estate is mine" and "Idiots! Fall back!" This section even contains the subtitles for the tutorial. One thing I did notice, were a number of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. I've not noticed them in-game, but they must surely be there. I must add, changing the subtitles will not change the speech.? Also in this file are all of the AI's names. Amusingly, you can change these names to your liking. It won't have any real effect, however, it's quite funny seeing all the villagers in your estate share the name of "Dwayne Pipe".? The most interesting find in this file, was that the .xml shares many elements to previous games. "A message from..." messages, make many references to characters from Stronghold, for example, in line 16075 (If you edit the file using Notepad++), you will see "A message from the Snake", and in line 16087, "the Wolf". It actually includes every character from the game. As well as this, there seems to be subtitles for dialogue related to trading. "Send me these goods" is noted, like we see in the Crusader games.? When it comes to setting your username in-game, there are a number of specific names that have been assigned a .wav file to them, allowing Sir William to pronounce the name correctly in the main menu. If your username does not fit one of these listed, it will use the default welcome message. These names include "Lord", "Sir", and "Lady" as their titles, along with a fair amount of names, such as "Hades", "Tom", "Wibble", and "Fantasia". Again, editing these names will simply cause Sir William to pronounce the wrong name. If one were to edit "Tom" to "Christopher", when setting one's username to "Lord Christopher", the message would play as "Lord Tom" (Assuming Christopher is not an already created name in the .xml file). This same concept is applied to many other languages to, there are German titles and names in this same file. Animation List: This part is a simple .txt file containing all the different animations in-game. This was fairly basic stuff, although, I did come across some things I've not encountered before. For example, the "Run Unfit" animation, as well as different walk animations, like - "Walk Injured" and "Walk Depressed". If any of you have seen these animations in-game, I'd be interested to see them myself. Otherwise, I can only assume these are ideas that never made it into the full game. Meshes: In the directory -?C:\Program Files (x86)\Firefly Studios\Stronghold 2\meshes\units\animals - there are a few skins available for things I don't believe exist in-game. These include "Wild boars" and "Donkeys". Of course, I may be having a blank mind, yet I do not recall seeing any of these once. Again, I can only assume this is down to ideas that were originally meant to be added, but were cut out upon release. There also seems to be another example of unfinished ideas in -?C:\Program Files (x86)\Firefly Studios\Stronghold 2\meshes\units\animations - where there is a folder for "Child" as well as "Teenager". Originally, I believed "Teenager" to be a place name for peasants that weren't in occupation, yet, upon inspecting the folder further, I noticed a "ride_oxen" animation, again, one I have not seen before. Saying this, there are a few examples I can think of where AI do seem younger. For example, the millers, and the workers in the kitchens. There are references to these specific occupations in the folder, which lead me to that conclusion. FX: Perhaps my favourite find was the FX folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\Firefly Studios\Stronghold 2\fx). Here, there is a plethora of sound effect files, saved as .wav files. It's strange to hear arrows piercing metal without any visual aid. It's also very impressive to see that there are over 15 different sound effects for the arrows as they fly off the bow. As is typically well-known, it is possible to edit most of the visuals in the game. This includes buildings, crests, and textures, all from the SH2 directory. The FPS Issue: Now, this section is not related to the directory, however, I did want to explain it. First of all, I haven't a clue as to why the game works in this way, and after searching the Internet, and doing my own investigating, I have not come up with a fix. Stronghold 2's FPS limit is based off your set game speed. If the game speed is set to 10, you will not get more than 10 FPS. If it is set to 30, then 30 FPS. 60, then 60FPS, and so on. Map editor seems to be capped at 40FPS no matter what your settings. It is out of the question if this is down to my system specs, and after a little research, I'm not the only one who has noticed this weird trend.? Of course, the best solution is to set the game speed to whatever you wish to cap your FPS to. I personally have always played at a very high game-speed, but I can imagine for those of you who enjoy the default 35 speed, it must be frustrating. I have however noticed, that this limit is not present in Stronghold 2 Multiplayer. ?

You know what, this has inspired me to do some proper research into this. I'll make a new thread in the week with all my findings. Screenshots etc. Doubt it'll be useful, but might be interesting at least! :)

I don't know if anyone else experiences this, however, I've tried numerous things to fix it, and it remains. Simply, enabling AA in SH2 causes textures to become ridiculously high in brightness, causing a glaring white effect on grass and more noticeably stone. I haven't a clue why it happens, and it really isn't a big issue, as AA doesn't do much in SH2. However, I am curious if it's a global issue. This is on v1.4.1. On a similar note, using "Bloom" causes quarry stone to become very bright and blinding also. I feel I should also add that there seems to be an FPS cap on the game of around 36.99/37FPS. No matter what my settings are, that is the maximum I can achieve. My specs are certainly not the reason behind this!? EDIT?- After more research, I've discovered something quite interesting. Setting the game speed to 90, allowed me to get 60 FPS (As I enable VSync). I imagine that 90 isn't a requirement, I pushed the extreme for the sake of noticeable difference.

Simply, I've 3 Steam game codes, for which I have no interest. Enjoy! Volgarr the Viking -?JB6AQ-Y8L7P-WH6F9 Rise & Shine - 4DKEN-E0KXQ-6QEPV Headlander -4HJ5W-7HZND-CAE3A

Geralt stood up, looking out at the rain, then back to Goodman, "Perhaps another time" he replied dismissively. Goodman maintained eye-contact, suggesting his want for Geralt to tell. Geralt sat back down on the cold stone, placing the leather sack beside him.? "Very well...whatever it is they call you," Geralt began. "Allow me to explain. For the past years, I have been surviving off mercenary work..." He noticed Goodman became uneasy hearing these words. "Fear not, I chose my contracts personally, and only completed the contract once enough information was presented. It was all going well. I was making good money, for simple tasks, didn't need kill one man. However, this soon changed, after a certain contract, with a value not even the richest could decline, became known to me. Duke Renault was to pay a great sum to whomever would ruin the crops of a large village far from those he profited from. I admit with regret that I accepted the contract. Yet, there was a catch, he took a belonging of mine as debt, if I failed the contract, he would keep my belonging." Goodman waited for more to be told, but after waiting a few more seconds, he spoke, "I assume you failed the mission?"? "In its simplest terms, yes, however, I chose to fail. Once I arrived at the village...the sights I saw...soldiers pillaging, mocking, simply fear-mongering..." Geralt paused, his eyes met Goodman's, who was listening carefully. "I did what any good man would do...I fought back. I seized a weapon from a soldier I kicked to the ground, causing uproar. I admit, I bit off more than I could chew. I wounded two, then ran...My hatred for Renault not only lies with him taking my beloved sword, but for hurting the lives of innocents." The two sat in silence. Goodman, visibly in shock of what he had heard, stared into the distance. His thoughts were interrupted as Geralt questioned, "You mentioned a friend of yours was taken by Renault. Was he killed?"

The figure stood up, "I'm Geralt," the stranger shook Goodman's hand, "Geralt Cynan." Geralt opened the leather sack, pulling a few gold coins out of it, he handed them to Goodman. Goodman, looking at Geralt with confusion, did not take the gold. Before Goodman could speak, Geralt continued, "Allow me to assist you...Renault has something of mine, which I would very much like back..."

No more than an hour had passed since Goodman's chase. Surely the guards would have halted their search by now. Goodman felt ready to move once more. Heavy rain could be heard pounding against the stones and leaves, as well as howling wind, one which would no doubt keep the superstitious indoors. Goodman pondered his next move. For certain, he needed a plan to rescue Loring, for it was unclear of his fate. The guards were undoubtedly embarrassed by Goodman's escape, and Goodman feared it would be taken out on Loring. He needed to think fast, and act faster. Goodman saw the muffling sounds as a great opportunity to leave unseen, and if it were not for a new sound, he surely would have done so. Chain mail and muddy footsteps became more and more apparent, soon followed by shouting. It was impossible to understand all that was said, but no doubt, somebody was fleeing. Moments later, a figure ran straight at Goodman, knocking him back into the cave. The figure covered Goodman's mouth, as he put his finger to his own lips, to tell Goodman to remain silent. The fleet of chain mail soon passed as quick as they came. The figure removed his hand from Goodman, then fell back against the wall of the cave, letting out a sigh. "Thank you, stranger" he panted. Laying his head back and looking up at the ceiling as he tried to catch his breath. Goodman, who now regained a grasp on the situation, finally had a better look at the figure. Clearly male from his voice. He wore loose fitting clothing, a cheap material, now soaked by the rain. He seemed unarmed, yet he was gripping a leather sack tightly in his right hand.?

It was once said that it takes more than troops to win a war, and by heavens I hope that man spoke truth, for I have found myself in a situation no man, nor beast, would like to be part of. When one's reputation has been manipulated to nothing but cinders, there is little chance for them. I, Lord Steel, have no allies in these lands I once called my own. These lands were once a place of war and terror. I, along with few friends, brought peace via strength and diplomacy when I was a young man. Soon enough I was offered to protect the land's and its people, I did so willingly, and successfully. If it were not for a recent plot to defame me, these lands would remain a safe place.? We thought it was the end of him many decades ago. He who calls himself The Hawk. Lord William's brother - Pascal. His constant bombardment of the weak for his own gain, and his plot to kill The King, meant that he proposed a great threat to the peace we wanted to much. In time, we had no option but to take care of him. We were sure that was the end...Lady Seren said she would ensure he never sets foot on common ground again. I always knew she was not someone to put my faith in, however, William had convinced me otherwise. It was her discreet want of the throne that led to her siding with Pascal, creating a plan to defame me, and finally rising to power. A few years ago, not even a Freeman would fear her, but now, an entire united power fears her.? The Alliance of Merryfay was established at the end of the Odieux War. It consisted of twelve Lords, all with their own land, army, and kingdom. Now, it is no more. Seren and Pascal threatened the weaker Lord's of The Alliance to step down, or face a torturous life of constant raiding, pain, and blame. It wasn't long before my people revolted. They were lied to by several spies of Pascal, posing as townsfolk, spreading dishonest information. I was made to appear a thief. It was told that the food given to my people was stolen from the members of The Alliance. This was untrue. My own guards allowed the people into the Keep, where I was given an option to step down, or be killed. Knowing this was the first step of a bigger picture, I stepped down, with the intention of uncovering the truth, and restoring justice and peace to the lands. I have a small settlement, hundreds of miles from my previous home. There are few people who have not learnt of my past, and have willingly built families on my new, but small, land. My first order of business is to raise a small military power, in order to protect myself and my new followers, who will soon be of great help in my upcoming task of finding Pascal and Seren, and to put an end to this evil treatment, once and for all. - The Legend of the Mistaken Lord *in progress*

Another...another attack, another set of apologies from the left, another set of misused terms being thrown around, another day of no change, and so will come - another.

Why thank you very much :D

Character name: Geralt Cynan Character age: 19 Personality: Heedful, sceptical, unpatriotic Titles: None Possessions: A stolen short sword Talents & Skills: Well-educated, fair strength, is well equipped with melee weapons. Physical Description: Tall, slim, fit, agile, a faded scar on his right cheek. Brief History: Born into a lower-class family, however received a good education from his father. Both parents are still alive, however, he has not seen them in years due to his decision to fend for himself. Has been in trouble with guards and neighbouring villages due to causing many political arguments. Can handle himself well during one-on-one combat, but he lacks tactical offensive knowledge.

Change.org is a fantastic site that has helped achieve hundreds of changes across the world. My petition specifically is one that has been bothering me for a while now, and with the UK leaving the EU, we'll have a good opportunity to do something about it. As of now, in the UK, the minimum sentence for a rape charge that involves a 16 year old is 5 years. Under 16 but older than 13 is 8, and under 13 is 10. Arson has a minimum sentence of 5 years also, the same as rape. It's pathetic, and it needs to change. For the petition to be given to the Government, it needs 100,000 signatures. It's a long way away, but at 5 signatures, it'll be advertised on Change.org's site also. I understand if you disagree with my wants, and that's fine. There is no certainty a new law will be passed if it reaches 100,000, but it will at least be considered. Here is the petition -?https://www.change.org/p/increase-uk-minimum-custodial-time-for-rape-from-5-years-to-15 Thank you to Chris for allowing me to share it here, and thanks to all of you for reading! :)?

I know it's a bit late, but exams are soon over, and I'll be looking for something to keep me busy in the meantime :P? I was wondering if I could rejoin this new adventure by creating a new character? I've read over chapter 2 in its entirety, and will happily wait for a moment to join-in that keeps to the reality of the events! Regardless, it's been quite some fun reading through it all again.?

So, it's definitely possible, just bit of a pain in the behind to achieve? :P I'm doing very well, thank you! Started my exams today, so far so good, they'll all be done by the end of next week :D?Yourself?

Surely one could just upload the XML file along with the map, with the instructions on how to overwrite the original XML file? This is assuming that once the names have been chosen by the map, they remain the same providing the file has not changed? Or would it be a situation where each time a new game/load is created using said map, the village names would be randomly selected once again?

Hate to double post! But I've just noticed that? a. You're new here & b. You're also from Wales A very warm welcome to you! :)?

Good! Glad I could help :)

Been a while since I've replied to these type of posts! For a site such as a bridge to work, it must be built on level ground, where either sides of the bridge are flat and even. There must be enough width for the bridge to fit correctly, and the bridge must not be too long. If the bridge is disappearing, one or more of these factors aren't in place. OR There are for whatever reason, limits to how many buildings are built by the AI at one time. If you have multiple destroyed structures that are AI repaired, chances are the bridge is further down the queue. OR (Again) I have noticed that all the maps I've played have had 1 building site per estate. Try tiling that bridge in a specific area, and then try again. One site per estate seems to make things run smoothly. OR (Last one, I promise) The tiles below the bridge are corrupted/old version tiles. You should be able to flatten the terrain, remove the territory, then redo the terrain height and territory mapping once more.? If the problem persists after these options, I'll do some experimenting of my own! It's been too long :)?

As the title says, do any of you still play Battlefield 2? By BF2, I mean the PC-only version, here's a link - https://www.battlefield.com/games/battlefield-2 It always has been my favourite Battlefield game, even today, I still go back and play it for the nostalgia and the great gameplay. I'm curious as to how many of you share my huge love for this game!

Congratulations to the two of you! I don't believe I've met Mezzy yet, as I'm not really active in the Stronghold game sections anymore. However, I can say without a doubt that Crusader is very active on the site. Always good to stop by and read some of the history posts and so on! :D?Again, congratulations to you both!

Thank you both! Haha :D I'll remember that advice!

Thank you to the both of you! I'm very excited :D

By some miracle, I passed :D?thank you by the way, Crusader! :)