What is wrong modding convoys?

[Kossatx]

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-- (faction, x, y, cargo, interval, spawnturn, blockadable)

DefineConvoy(2, 116, 0, 90, 6, 5) -- Germany - Sweden
DefineConvoy(2, 102, 1, 100, 10, 8, 1) -- Germany - Norway

Hi again, I have moded these two german convoys in but something strange happens. Sometimes the norwegian convoy spawns in consecutive turns, not after 8 turs as it is coded. The swedish convoy spawns the same way, without waiting 6 turns. Anyone knows why this happens?

[Robotron]

The convoy spawn routine "SpawnConvoy" includes a slight random modifier so you cannot rely on exact convoy spawn dates.

[Kossatx]

Wow! It is possible the real random routine is between 1 and the number specified in the formula? In the example of the norwegian convoy between 1 and 10?

[Robotron]

Whoops, forget SpawnConvoy, such a function does not exist. There is however a function ConvoySpawn.

The spawning interval randomization takes place in function ManageConvoys.
Or you could use a randomizer while defining the convoys with function DefineConvoy.

You have slightly misread how DefineConvoy works regarding interval and first spawnturn, so I'll re-explain.

function DefineConvoy uses six variables (or seven if the convoy is meant to be affected by the North Sea Blockade).

Let's have those variables represented by letters for explaining purposes:

DefineConvoy(a,b,c,d,e,f,g)

a is the ID of the nation that owns that convoy
b is the x coordination where the convoy will spawn
c is the y coordination where the convoy will spawn
d is the amount of strength points the convoy will have
e is the interval: the number of turns which must pass for this convoy to respawn after he has reached his destination
f is the turn the convoy will be spawned the first time in the game
g is either left out or has a value of 1, meaning the convoy will be prevented from spawning once the North Sea blockade is in effect.

So for the Norway convoy that means:

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DefineConvoy(2, 102, 1, 100, 10, 8, 1) -- Germany - Norway

This convoy belongs to Germany (Germany has faction ID 2)
It will spawn of x coordinate 102
It will spawn at y coordinate 1
It will have a unit strength of 100
It will reappear every 10 turns (you could use a randomizer here)
It will first appear on turn 8 (you could use a randomizer here)
It will be affected by the North Sea Blockade (because of 1)

[Kossatx]

Thanks again Robotron How did you learn so much about modding this game?

[Robotron]

First I browsed older posts from when the game was still "hot", there I found some ideas how to mod basic stuff.

Then I looked at mods from sabratha, kirk23 and DanielHerr and copied what I found was working good.

Then I learnt some lua. There are some good beginner's tutorials to be found in the net.

Rest was trial & error. A LOT of trial and error. ^^

[Kossatx]

Ok, many hours and a lot of talent. You have done a great work with your mod