Northrend Bound v1.85

[cleavinghammer]

You can turn that off at the start.

 

[Wark]

If you reach the correct limit of gold, you win
Kinda boring for some people like me

That winning condition's initially turned off, and can be turned on based on a majority vote. So, it's not a must have type thing.

I read about the bloodmoon mechanic

That's at the shrine in the North, the obelisk in towns can point the way for you.

 

[Nigerian NiBBer]

That winning condition's initially turned off, and can be turned on based on a majority vote. So, it's not a must have type thing.


That's at the shrine in the North, the obelisk in towns can point the way for you.

How do you do the "majority vote" thing?

 

[Wark]

How do you do the "majority vote" thing?

In game, there's a "-help" command that shows you all in game commands. Some of them are for specific game modes.
For each player that types, for example, "-hardmode", it counts their vote. If over 50% of the players (or just 1 if solo) votes for a certain game mode, it turns on.

This recent update is more of a patch in preparation for future updates.
The latest patch of WC3 really messed with some default settings.

 

[nhs325]

Erm, Hi, so the newest version of the map won't load on my warcraft 3, I keep getting the FATAL ERROR bug thingy and "the memeory could not be "read' ". Is this a bug or what? I can play the previous versions properly and my patch is 1.27b.

 

[Wark]

@nhs325
Yea, version 1.29 of WC3 is probably why.
This latest version is for that patch. In that case, I have a backup of v1.68 just for such an occasion.
I'll put it back up.

I guess the latest update to WC3 means players with older versions cannot play newer maps.
What to do... should I continue updating on an earlier version of WC3, or develop ideas with the latest version?
Quite the predicament.

 

[Ardenaso]

I'm thinking you could make a "deluxe" version for 1.29 with all the huge expansions, etc.

Current version is fine in my opinion other than a few more content to squeeze for the object/size limit.

 

[Graflar]

Is there a reason someone wouldn't want to download the latest patch of Warcraft 3?

It's a little excessive to expect a map developer to support multiple versions of Warcraft 3.

@Wark You have a lot more room for creativity with the newest patch of Warcraft 3. Develop ideas with the new version.

Just have 1.68 as a backup. Anyone who doesnt want to download the latest wc3 client can just play 1.68.

 

[Jumbo]

Any chance for a player cap increase now that 24 players are possible? I'm not saying it should be 24 limit in this map, but somewhere a bit higher than 9 perhaps?

 

[Wark]

Any chance for a player cap increase now that 24 players are possible?

Totally doable, and it's exactly why my next substantial update is taking so long. I am having to redo many systems.
I'm thinking about making it have a player cap of 12 to 15.

 

[Jumbo]

Thank you for responding so fast. You could also increase map size a bit if need be. =)

 

[Wark]

Yea, I plan to drop the bottom out and add another continent maybe.
On that note, what colors would be good to add?
Black is NOT an option: it's reserved for enemies and Townsfolk.

 

[Jumbo]

Player colours? Well, those that are most distinguishable from the other ones =).

 

[Keas]

An awesome map indeed. Trying it right now. I have a question though how does the AI work? It seems like bandits roaming the map which i love (immersive)

 

[Wark]

how does the AI work?

There's 4 sets of AI the map's running:
- The computer player bandits, which are just a custom race using an AI script. I triggered their gold income to be based on the amount of lumber they gather and kills they make.
- The roaming dead (vampires, zombies) which are a separate AI script with no build order.
- The Townsfolk, which are basically 3 unit groups that alternate between move orders through set paths marked with regions. This one was very tedious with pathing.
- And, boss AI, which are basically some scripted spells for each fight. It's just triggered.

 

[Keas]

There's 4 sets of AI the map's running:
- The computer player bandits, which are just a custom race using an AI script. I triggered their gold income to be based on the amount of lumber they gather and kills they make.
- The roaming dead (vampires, zombies) which are a separate AI script with no build order.
- The Townsfolk, which are basically 3 unit groups that alternate between move orders through set paths marked with regions. This one was very tedious with pathing.
- And, boss AI, which are basically some scripted spells for each fight. It's just triggered.

Amazing. I will check it out on a LAN review (we gather once a month to check good games and War 3 custom maps) but single player is awesome! nice work

 

[Wark]

I will check it out on a LAN review

Give me a couple of days to fine tune things for WC3 v1.29, and I'll have a 12 player version out!

EDIT: multiboard may not be working until the next hotfix from Blizzard, sorry.

 

[DrakPanda]

Gold Victory condition still enabled by default, voting for it and winning the vote disables it.

 

[Wark]

Gold Victory condition still enabled by default

I'll double check that. It may just mean I have to switch a boolean check.

EDIT:
After a rapid succession of tests and tweaks, v1.72 should work perfectly now!

 

[broccolu]

Thank you for this map! I like how you have balanced complexity/accessibility. Some feedback (disclaimer: I've only played single-player, I didn't play much FOTN, I might be retarded):

- Is the starting hero for each race different, other than the +- 1 or 2 attribute points? If that is the only difference, then maybe make them the same.
- Since the 1.7 update, skeletons summoned from the shovel are neutral to the player that made them.
- The shovel feels a bit OP (or maybe it just suits my playstyle). It is quick, free, usable anywhere. Some ideas: make digging cost mana, make digging take a few seconds, increase the cooldown.
- Trader & Banker starts feel underwhelming. Trading doesn't seem to pay off. I take the Trader start, spend all gold on Rare/Common Haul, then sell it "high", but it doesn't seem to really be profitable.
- I'd like to be able to sell items in the smaller towns, dunno if that would have a bad effect. Finding (and keeping up with) a trading caravan is too costly in time/effort. Maybe if they were slower?
- Maybe make note somewhere that your map works with adding computer players, such as on this page, or in the map's description. I only found out by reading comments. (I love this feature BTW!)
- Fishing puts loot in the hero's inventory, but digging puts it on the ground (and the bag picks it up). I prefer it like digging.
- Using the backpack feels cumbersome. I think it is better in "Daemonic Sword" - it can move, but it regularly teleports to the player's feet. There's no need for pesky auto-pickup if it has a bit of freedom to move.
- When the inventory is full, I can't pick up another stackable item, I need to drop something first. I know this is an issue with the base game, but I've seen other maps that get around it somehow.

 

[Wark]

skeletons summoned from the shovel are neutral to the player

I think I forgot to change a player number for the skeletons when increasing the number of available players. That means they likely belong to player 12 (brown).
I'll have to fix that immediately...
The stacking issue is something I just haven't figured out yet. I don't know how other maps do it. The system I use is bare bones, made it meself, but its functional. Better than no backpack I suppose.

The Banker option was more of a request from more experienced players who just want freedom to play their own way. It gives them a hefty gold bonus to compensate.
Trader's personally my favorite pick, and some people just really like fishing. So, options for all!

There are major differences between races if you build up the Racial techtree. Otherwise, with Hero or Bandit techtrees, they are pretty much the same.

 

[broccolu]

Trader's your favourite eh? Maybe it's proof that the map caters well to different mindsets.

I had a look around for a pre-made item stacking solution, here's what I found: Easy Item Stack 'n Split v2.7.4
I gave it a go, and got it working on a new blank map using the "GUI" implementation. It stacks items even when the inventory is full, and seems to be free from bugs. However, "inventory is full" messages need to be disabled. I'd understand if you'd rather not risk unforeseen bugs though

 

[Wark]

@PartumCreed when do you notice it crashing?
I'm trying to remove those. If you notice a crash, please report it here. It helps me to solve those bugs.

 

[DrakPanda]

so many updates i hate to see the bug count under your shoes

 

[Wark]

Naw, the rapid updates are because of bugs I was fixing.
So much testing, trying to get it right.

 

[BloodyMagicka]

Hi Wark! i played 1.76, nice work!

While playing i encounter with some things i want to report;
*Zephry(which drops from leviethan) orb effect is not working,
*I saw player kill mayor just with seige unit from far away(for me its no problem but other players forced me to kick him idk if its abusing?)

And may i suggest ;
*put limit on air units(max 6 maybe) so they cant abuse with 70 air unite
*It would be nice if bandit have range hero or maybe flying range hero would be interesting

 

[MrAsD]

i dont know how to reproduce this bug, but every time after some time playing de Shrine of north(that bring calamitys) dissapear and never appear again

 

[Wark]

Is that version 1.75? I know about it, and fixed it in the latest version, 1.76

 

[DrakPanda]

i dont know why but when i try to host 1.76 (or any other recent version) on MMH it never wants to work, idk if its a MMH thing or a map thing and MMH doesnt like something about it

the map just never gets hosted

other maps work so i doubt its me, ive tried to private it give it a stupid random name so others wouldnt have the same name nothing

also ive never seen this game being hosted personally

really wanna play with people /sad panda

 

[BloodyMagicka]

@DrakPanda MMH doesnt support +12 maps yet, so you can host at ent gaming it supports. And i hosted 1.76 many times even with Full house but unlucky i think i hosted when you were not online i think if there is somekind game arrange platform like discord it would be more easy to find game

 

[Wark]

I saw player kill mayor just with seige unit from far away(for me its no problem but other players forced me to kick him idk if its abusing?)

Naw, that's not abusing. If they build up to a point for siege, then by all means.
It makes me sad the other players wanted to kick the person instead of reacting to it. They could always send some spies their way...
Mass air units are something hard to balance with anything other than mass ranged units.

i dont know why but when i try to host 1.76 (or any other recent version) on MMH it never wants to work, idk if its a MMH thing or a map thing and MMH doesnt like something about it

I really don't know anything about the state of bots or how they work. I usually play this multiplayer on battle.net.
I know a few other players who use ENT, I think, for an RP group.

EDIT:
Got some info about the problem. MMH can't host maps going over the 12 player limit, and this latest version uses 16 different player slots.
What I can do is make another version with reverted AI systems which goes below 12 players, but that will take some time.

 

[DrakPanda]

Got some info about the problem. MMH can't host maps going over the 12 player limit, and this latest version uses 16 different player slots.
What I can do is make another version with reverted AI systems which goes below 12 players, but that will take some time.

no dont diminish your map becuase the bots cant handle it

perhaps a discord server for your map though? to make games of your map happen more

 

[monkeyboy15]

no dont diminish your map becuase the bots cant handle it

perhaps a discord server for your map though? to make games of your map happen more

we already have one for war3 maps

 

[DrakPanda]

we already have one for war3 maps

already have what? your sentence has no context.

you mean a discord for this map? i dont see one linked on the project page or mentioned in game.

 

[monkeyboy15]

already have what? your sentence has no context.

you mean a discord for this map? i dont see one linked on the project page or mentioned in game.

Yes a discord. There was one on the project. If ya want one i can send ya one.

 

[DrakPanda]

Yes a discord. There was one on the project. If ya want one i can send ya one.

well there isnt one stated and unless the dev ,wants to make/states, a discord as the official discord for this map i dont want it

 

[zlowly]

I want to actually request something to change in the map, as you see i always goes and keep going with the guild hall. I really love going into the dungeon, finishing quests, and the events. But, only having the option on having 10 to 14 food by the time you build your second tent won't do anything quite right if you want to hire those troll/orcs unit up in the north. Which means you must contest one of the town to upgrade your food limit by 10(15 perhaps?), here is the problem... I kinda wish that the Town that goes hostile is the only town we challenged not every single town existed. I have my horse goes from town to town and the next thing i noticed is that horse already gone without a trace because the town attacked my horse, simple because i contested some town far away where my horse currently residing at.

 

[DeltaTwoZero]

Dudes, Where can I find Gold Mines?

 

[broccolu]

Dudes, Where can I find Gold Mines?

If you choose the Founder Techtree, it is something you can build with your main hero.

 

[Jared]

SO i was playing last night and found two things that are odd to me
1) you cant make a long bow only find it on the skeletal pirates
2) you can only make the off hand gun

 

[rikkisix]

Love the game played it with my friend last night and the night before that, sorry if this is already been answered, by when i myself attack yellow (Tested with army as a bandit / Lord / hero group.) It would give me a wc3 error and crash the game.


Also, is it me or do bandits or well, anyone level very quickly do to crafting? i've seen games where bandits are 40'ish with tier 3, yet they never fought me. And even smelting iron ore or crafting upgrading my armor gives me quite a lot of exp, maybe this is something that should only be rewarding to Founders?

 

[Captain_Teemo]

Could you update the max players to 24? Don't need map size updated just want pure chaos xP

 

[feachairu]

hi can you make it that's not must 129 again? 9 players is okay like that 168(but update ver)
thank you

 

[Wark]

Could you update the max players to 24? Don't need map size updated just want pure chaos xP

hi can you make it that's not must 129 again? 9 players is okay like that 168(but update ver)

This is one of the biggest problems I am currently facing with the development, and as of right now I am delaying an update to see what the next Blizzard update will do. There has even been some very odd glitches with oversized maps regarding blight and AI movement.
It's effectively splitting the players who can use the map.
As for updating the version for maps before v1.29 of WC3, well, it is possible, but I may have to reduce the player count to 8 because of how the new town contesting system works. (I need an extra player slot for that)

I don't plan on going over the 12 player limit because of stability issues, and 4 additional player slots are being used to control the AI.

I kinda wish that the Town that goes hostile is the only town we challenged not every single town existed.

This is solved in version 1.76, but I recognize it's a problem still in 1.68.
I've been thinking about increasing the food given by the guild hall.


Give me a month to brainstorm some things guys, and to cool off from some burn out. Thank you for your patience.
I can say this:
I am currently looking into new mercenary factions, a possible Naga race, backpack improvements, and finally trying to thwart the crash bug with AI by simplifying them even further.
I am also experimenting with better terraining and programming techniques with a different project in the works.

 

[Eric Borbely "Aekylas"]

To: @Wark , the resident English Teacher

I must admit, I usually do not post on forums, but god damn I just had to make an account and give you some support.

I love your map. Recently my friend and I were playing FOTN; my friend having rediscovered it recently from his childhood. I poured over forums wondering about finding an updated version only to discover that it hadn't been finished. Sad

Then I saw someone mention Northrend Bound. Northrend Bound? Well, I'll give it a try. And sure enough, I loved it. I'd say better than FOTN at this point. Better, or at least equal to. Sure, there are no wives and what not. But you have a hell of a better AI. Good quests, etc.

I know that burned out feeling, for sure. For the sake of all our enjoyment and continued interest in Warcraft, I hope you continue your project. I have loved it for the past 10 hours, and will continue to love it for many more after this post.

I would love to offer my helping hand in your endeavors, by any means necessary.

Eric Borbely
GT: "Arkylas"
Steam: ericborbely1 / Arkylas
[email protected]

P.S. Honestly though, contact me if there is any way I can help.

Edit1: I am stuck on v1.65 due to running an outdated wc3 client. Have not tried the updated map yet, though I am quite excited to.

 

[Enigma777]

Exactly like life in the north but with more features! Glad I found this.

 

[Wark]

Would everyone be OK with 8 players maximum?

I've been preparing for an update with improvements, but I need 5 player slots for computer AI and other functions.
This in turn will make the game playable once again for players not using v1.29 of Warcraft 3, but still have all those new features.

 

[cleavinghammer]

I would, but I never play with more than 2 AIs anyway.

 

[Jared]

That sounds great my computer can only handle 2 AI's so it don't lag a lot, one other thing is the undead blight kinda makes it a little slower then if I play other races at all. And it's your map you are updating getting opinions is great but it all comes down to what you want to do. Tho I am looking forward to that tool you can build the turret and factory with

 

[Wark]

I am looking forward to that tool you can build the turret and factory with

That will come later. Right now, I plan to improve night time and the internal systems
Downgrading to 8 players maximum will also slightly make file size more manageable, and systems a bit cleaner.