Overcoming the 5 hero ability limitation

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

I came up with the genius idea of having alternative choices for skills, allowing more versatility for the player. The only wrench in this genius idea is that the hero skill option can only hold 5 skills, so I can't put the options there directly.

My best solution would be setting up a dummy skill that opens up a dialog upon click that asks the player which of the 2 they want to pick. Then adding the skill of choice via trigger. Is there a more efficient way or this is my best bet?

Chaosium · Jul 24, 2024

There is a trick, hit shift+enter on the ability list and you can input much more, you just need the raw code of your abilities

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

Chaosium said:
There is a trick, hit shift+enter on the ability list and you can input much more, you just need the raw code of your abilities

View attachment 481103

Nice! That would save me from a channel and dialogue. I just hope it won't crash the game.

Nichilus · Jul 24, 2024

Chaosium said:
There is a trick, hit shift+enter on the ability list and you can input much more, you just need the raw code of your abilities

View attachment 481103

Sadly, this does not work (at least on Reforged). You can input more hero abilities than the limit, however in World Editor and in game you will have access only to first 5 abilities in the list (in case of WE, I am talking about modifying hero ability level of preplaced units).
Even trying things like disabling the first four abilities in game does not help - the hero in question will then have access only to the fifth ability in the list.

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

Nichilus said:
Sadly, this does not work (at least on Reforged). You can input more hero abilities than the limit, however in World Editor and in game you will have access only to first 5 abilities in the list (in case of WE, I am talking about modifying hero ability level of preplaced units).
Even trying things like disabling the first four abilities in game does not help - the hero in question will then have access only to the fifth ability in the list.

Yeah, I have classic warcraft and it's not working with that either. Any suggestions? Or should I stick to dummy abilities leading to dialog that asks which ones the player wants?

Nichilus · Jul 24, 2024

You cannot add hero ability via trigger, as far as I know. Or to be more precise, you can add them via trigger, but it will add them like it does with normal abilities - it will be immediately learned level 1 ability and it will not appear in the 'Learn skill' submenu.

In theory, you could try to get rid of hero abilities altogether. Instead imitate the 'Learn skill' submenu using Spellbook and dummy abilities. Dummy abilities would only serve to show the description of the spell while learning it, and to detect which skill you selected.
Then via trigger detect when dummy skill has been clicked and add/level up the actual non-hero skill.
However compared to the default 'Learn skill' menu, in Spellbook you would not see the level of the ability as a number in lower-right corner of the ability's icon.

Edit: Also, since the dummy skills for detecting which spell to learn would still be actual skills, they would interfere with unit's current order

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

Nichilus said:
You cannot add hero ability via trigger, as far as I know. Or to be more precise, you can add them via trigger, but it will add them like it does with normal abilities - it will be immediately learned level 1 ability and it will not appear in the 'Learn skill' submenu.

In theory, you could try to get rid of hero abilities altogether. Instead imitate the 'Learn skill' submenu using Spellbook and dummy abilities. Dummy abilities would only serve to show the description of the spell while learning it, and to detect which skill you selected.
Then via trigger detect when dummy skill has been clicked and add/level up the actual non-hero skill.
However compared to the default 'Learn skill' menu, in Spellbook you would not see the level of the ability as a number in lower-right corner of the ability's icon.

Edit: Also, since the dummy skills for detecting which spell to learn would still be actual skills, they would interfere with unit's current order

Ah, man, I really shot myself in the foot with that, it seems. That turned out even more complicated than I thought.

Greedy Procrastinator · Jul 24, 2024

Hmm, I saw multiple skills option on the map Necris (frozen project) in cyrillic language, they used spellbook and in there they clicked the ability to learn it.
For example player clicks the red button to level up or learn ability and there are 11 spellbooks named "melee" "arcane" "fire" "ice" etc, inside of them there are variety of abilities with different requirements.

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

Gree-D said:
Hmm, I saw multiple skills option on the map Necris (frozen project) in cyrillic language, they used spellbook and in there they clicked the ability to learn it.
For example player clicks the red button to level up or learn ability and there are 11 spellbooks named "melee" "arcane" "fire" "ice" etc, inside of them there are variety of abilities with different requirements.

I'm not sure how they would look like in action. These aren't seem to be hero abilities or if they are, I'm not sure about how it would properly make them learn the ability.

Greedy Procrastinator · Jul 24, 2024

WarCortez said:
I'm not sure how they would look like in action. These aren't seem to be hero abilities or if they are, I'm not sure about how it would properly make them learn the ability.

Well they somehow did it, but you should try out the map to experience. Also I can suggest fantasy life but there abilities are fixed to the class system it has

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

Gree-D said:
Well they somehow did it, but you should try out the map to experience. Also I can suggest fantasy life but there abilities are fixed to the class system it has

Is that map is in 1.31? My 1.26 can't open the latest maps.

Greedy Procrastinator · Jul 24, 2024

WarCortez said:
Is that map is in 1.31? My 1.26 can't open the latest maps.

Necris is 1.26 compatible

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

Gree-D said:
Necris is 1.26 compatible

I searched it but I don't see it among the uploads. Where is it?

Greedy Procrastinator · Jul 24, 2024

WarCortez said:
I searched it but I don't see it among the uploads. Where is it?

Necris / WarCraft 3 / Моды - XGM

…

xgm.guru

It should support englais
Edit: left upper corner check for RU change to ENG, by default it shpuld be eng because it depends on your browser language

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

Gree-D said:
Necris / WarCraft 3 / Моды - XGM

…

xgm.guru

It should support englais
Edit: left upper corner check for RU change to ENG, by default it shpuld be eng because it depends on your browser language

Well, I found the download but the map first crashed my editor, then it said missing trigger data and refused to open it.

KitsuneTailsPrower · Jul 24, 2024

TasHeroLearnEx Will this work for your use case?

Greedy Procrastinator · Jul 24, 2024

WarCortez said:
Well, I found the download but the map first crashed my editor, then it said missing trigger data and refused to open it.

Because its encrypted, i didnt suggest to open it in editor

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

Gree-D said:
Because its encrypted, i didnt suggest to open it in editor

Without opening it in editor, I can't find out the trigger I need.

KitsuneTailsPrower said:
TasHeroLearnEx Will this work for your use case?

Sadly, it needs 1.31 version and I have only 1.26 which won't open it.

polardude · Jul 24, 2024

with Engineering Upgrade and Spell Book you can make so a hero can pick a aiblity from a shop learn it

but evey with this i still think 5 is max i have not try

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

polardude said:
with Engineering Upgrade and Spell Book you can make so a hero can pick a aiblity from a shop learn it

View attachment 481119

but evey with this i still think 5 is max i have not try

I can only add 2 to the ability upgrade section.

polardude · Jul 24, 2024

you need to make a shop with items that can be use with Engineering Upgrade and Spell Book then the hero can pick a aiblity from a shop learn it

Events
- Unit - A unit Acquires an item
Conditions
- (Owner of (Triggering unit)) Not equal to Neutral Passive
Actions
- -------- --------
- Set VariableSet Skill_Unit = (Triggering unit)
- Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Acquired = (Item being manipulated)
- Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Acquired_Type = (Item-type of Skill_Item_Acquired)
- Set VariableSet Skill_Found_Slot = 0
- -------- --------
- For each (Integer Skill_Index) from 1 to Skill_Total_Amount, do (Actions)
  - Loop - Actions
    - If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
      - If - Conditions
        
        Skill_Item_Acquired_Type Equal to Skill_Item_Type[Skill_Index]
      - Then - Actions
        
        For each (Integer Skill_Inv_Slot) from 1 to 4, do (Actions)
        
        Loop - Actions
        
        Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Other = (Item carried by Skill_Unit in slot Skill_Inv_Slot)
        
        -------- --------
        
        If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
        
        If - Conditions
        
        Skill_Item_Acquired_Type Equal to (Item-type of Skill_Item_Other)
        
        Skill_Item_Acquired Not equal to Skill_Item_Other
        
        Then - Actions
        
        Set VariableSet Skill_Found_Slot = 0
        
        Game - Display to (Player group((Owner of Skill_Unit))) for 10.00 seconds the text: |cffff0000You canno...
        
        Player - Add Skill_Lumber_Cost[Skill_Index] to (Owner of Skill_Unit).Current lumber
        
        Item - Remove Skill_Item_Acquired
        
        Skip remaining actions
        
        Else - Actions
        
        If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
        
        If - Conditions
        
        Skill_Item_Acquired Equal to Skill_Item_Other
        
        Skill_Found_Slot Equal to 0
        
        Then - Actions
        
        Set VariableSet Skill_Found_Slot = Skill_Inv_Slot
        
        Set VariableSet Skill_Found_Index = Skill_Index
        
        Else - Actions
      - Else - Actions
- -------- --------
- If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
  - If - Conditions
    - Skill_Found_Slot Greater than 0
  - Then - Actions
    - Unit - Add Skill_Abil_Spellbook[Skill_Found_Index] to Skill_Unit
    - Unit - Set level of Skill_Abil_Engineering[Skill_Found_Index] for Skill_Unit to Skill_Found_Slot
    - Player - Disable Skill_Abil_Spellbook[Skill_Found_Index] for (Owner of Skill_Unit)
  - Else - Actions

Events
- Time - Elapsed game time is 0.00 seconds
Conditions
Actions
- -------- Set this to the total number of skills: --------
- Set VariableSet Skill_Total_Amount = what ever u need !!
- -------- --------
- -------- First skill: --------
- Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Type[1] = Dash
- Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Engineering[1] = Dash - Engineering
- Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Spellbook[1] = Dash - Spell Book
- Set VariableSet Skill_Lumber_Cost[1] = 1
- -------- --------
- -------- Second skill: --------
- Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Type[2] = Battle Roar
- Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Engineering[2] = Battle Roar - Engineering
- Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Spellbook[2] = Battle Roar - Spell Book
- Set VariableSet Skill_Lumber_Cost[2] = 1
- -------- --------
- -------- Third skill: --------
- Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Type[3] = Book of Teleportation
- Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Engineering[3] = Book of Teleportation - Engineering
- Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Spellbook[3] = Book of Teleportation - Spell Book
- Set VariableSet Skill_Lumber_Cost[3] = 1
- -------- --------

and now you need when he is done picking to remove the items that give him the abilitys and the number of caried items and move the hero etc

but evey with this you cant get pass 5 but i have not test it

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

polardude said:
you need to make a shop with items that can be use with Engineering Upgrade and Spell Book then the hero can pick a aiblity from a shop learn it

Events

Unit - A unit Acquires an item

Conditions

(Owner of (Triggering unit)) Not equal to Neutral Passive

Actions

-------- --------

Set VariableSet Skill_Unit = (Triggering unit)

Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Acquired = (Item being manipulated)

Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Acquired_Type = (Item-type of Skill_Item_Acquired)

Set VariableSet Skill_Found_Slot = 0

-------- --------

For each (Integer Skill_Index) from 1 to Skill_Total_Amount, do (Actions)

Loop - Actions

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

Skill_Item_Acquired_Type Equal to Skill_Item_Type[Skill_Index]

Then - Actions

For each (Integer Skill_Inv_Slot) from 1 to 4, do (Actions)

Loop - Actions

Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Other = (Item carried by Skill_Unit in slot Skill_Inv_Slot)

-------- --------

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

Skill_Item_Acquired_Type Equal to (Item-type of Skill_Item_Other)

Skill_Item_Acquired Not equal to Skill_Item_Other

Then - Actions

Set VariableSet Skill_Found_Slot = 0

Game - Display to (Player group((Owner of Skill_Unit))) for 10.00 seconds the text: |cffff0000You canno...

Player - Add Skill_Lumber_Cost[Skill_Index] to (Owner of Skill_Unit).Current lumber

Item - Remove Skill_Item_Acquired

Skip remaining actions

Else - Actions

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

Skill_Item_Acquired Equal to Skill_Item_Other

Skill_Found_Slot Equal to 0

Then - Actions

Set VariableSet Skill_Found_Slot = Skill_Inv_Slot

Set VariableSet Skill_Found_Index = Skill_Index

Else - Actions

Else - Actions

-------- --------

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

Skill_Found_Slot Greater than 0

Then - Actions

Unit - Add Skill_Abil_Spellbook[Skill_Found_Index] to Skill_Unit

Unit - Set level of Skill_Abil_Engineering[Skill_Found_Index] for Skill_Unit to Skill_Found_Slot

Player - Disable Skill_Abil_Spellbook[Skill_Found_Index] for (Owner of Skill_Unit)

Else - Actions

Events

Time - Elapsed game time is 0.00 seconds

Conditions

Actions

-------- Set this to the total number of skills: --------

Set VariableSet Skill_Total_Amount = what ever u need !!

-------- --------

-------- First skill: --------

Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Type[1] = Dash

Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Engineering[1] = Dash - Engineering

Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Spellbook[1] = Dash - Spell Book

Set VariableSet Skill_Lumber_Cost[1] = 1

-------- --------

-------- Second skill: --------

Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Type[2] = Battle Roar

Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Engineering[2] = Battle Roar - Engineering

Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Spellbook[2] = Battle Roar - Spell Book

Set VariableSet Skill_Lumber_Cost[2] = 1

-------- --------

-------- Third skill: --------

Set VariableSet Skill_Item_Type[3] = Book of Teleportation

Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Engineering[3] = Book of Teleportation - Engineering

Set VariableSet Skill_Abil_Spellbook[3] = Book of Teleportation - Spell Book

Set VariableSet Skill_Lumber_Cost[3] = 1

-------- --------

and now you need when he is done picking to remove the items that give him the abilitys and the number of caried items and move the hero etc

but evey with this you cant get pass 5 but i have not test it

That looks rather complicated for something that may or may not work.

polardude · Jul 24, 2024

well this makes so what ever ability you pick the hero gets to learn it

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

polardude said:
well this makes so what ever ability you pick the hero gets to learn it

Learn it as you can upgrade it from skill points? My goal is not to really exceed the 5 ability, only to have 8 ability option from which the player could choose 4.

polardude · Jul 24, 2024

WarCortez said:
Learn it as you can upgrade it from skill points? My goal is not to really exceed the 5 ability, only to have 8 ability option from which the player could choose 4.

yes he will to be able to level it from skill points

you can try download my map call Mystical Survival V1.3 you cant open it but you can test it out in single player and see for yourself

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

polardude said:
yes he will to be able to level it from skill points

you can try download my map call Mystical Survival V1.3 you cant open it but you can test it out in single player and see for yourself

Is it reforged? Because I have 1.26 classic.

polardude · Jul 24, 2024

WarCortez said:
Is it reforged? Because I have 1.26 classic.

that map is made so you can play in both if i remember correct

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

polardude said:
that map is made so you can play in both if i remember correct

It doesn't even show up on the list of maps.

polardude · Jul 24, 2024

WarCortez said:
It doesn't even show up on the list of maps.

Mystical Survival V1.3

Mystical Survival v 1.3 By Polardude ( Story ) A great demon call Celsius from a unknown realm has open a portals in this mystical land a unknown Angel has brought your soul here. and has brought fallen heros from a mystical realm that you get to use. the Angel possessed extraordinary magical...

www.hiveworkshop.com

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

polardude said:
Mystical Survival V1.3

Mystical Survival v 1.3 By Polardude ( Story ) A great demon call Celsius from a unknown realm has open a portals in this mystical land a unknown Angel has brought your soul here. and has brought fallen heros from a mystical realm that you get to use. the Angel possessed extraordinary magical...

www.hiveworkshop.com

I meant the list of in-game maps. I placed it inside and when I opened the game I didn't see it.

polardude · Jul 24, 2024

heem the map is a w3x-fil normal you can play that in both and w3m-fil is for reforged but i can be worng.

so i open it op and made ss for you

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

polardude said:
heem the map is a w3x-fil normal you can play that in both and w3m-fil is for reforged but i can be worng.

so i open it op and made ss for you

View attachment 481211
View attachment 481212 View attachment 481213
View attachment 481214
View attachment 481215
View attachment 481216

I see. I found something similar here:

How to give a hero an ability that is not yet learned

I want to make a map where heroes will be given a random ability that they can learn. For example a Paladin hero could be given Blizzard/Immolation/Critical Strike/Mass Teleport. The issue is when I use the "add ability" trigger, the given ability starts off at [Level 1]. I want the player to be...

www.hiveworkshop.com

polardude · Jul 24, 2024

it seams more complicated then what i got

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

polardude said:
it seams more complicated then what i got

How is that more complicated?

get Holy Light
- Events
  - Unit - A unit Acquires an item
- Conditions
  - (Item-type of (Item being manipulated)) Equal to Glyph of Purification
- Actions
  - Item - Remove (Item being manipulated)
  - Unit - Add Give Holy Light to (Triggering unit)
  - Unit - Remove Give Holy Light from (Triggering unit)

polardude · Jul 24, 2024

WarCortez said:
How is that more complicated?

get Holy Light

Events

Unit - A unit Acquires an item

Conditions

(Item-type of (Item being manipulated)) Equal to Glyph of Purification

Actions

Item - Remove (Item being manipulated)

Unit - Add Give Holy Light to (Triggering unit)

Unit - Remove Give Holy Light from (Triggering unit)

i was looking ad Spell Menu System 1.2c

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

polardude said:
i was looking ad Spell Menu System 1.2c

I only examined the map. It has 4 items on the ground and picking up each adds an ability, replacing a placeholder, disabled channel.

Uncle · Jul 24, 2024

The sky is the limit if you don't want to rely on the Hero Skill Menu. Of course, you can still rely on Hero Skill Points as a visual indicator, these can be modified via triggers.

When limited to 1.26, I would probably try something like this:

1) Import a custom CommandFunc.txt file to hide unwanted buttons from the command card. I'm pretty sure you can still use the Hotkeys even when the ability is hidden. This gives us more room on a Hero's command card. (May not work on older versions?)

2) Have an "Open Menu" ability on the hero, which once activated, disables all of their "active" abilities (hiding them from the command card) and enables all of their respective "learn" abilities (which would have been added but disabled by default) - assuming that the "active" isn't at max level yet.

3) You can then manage these learn abilities via triggers:

Learn Bash
- Events
  - Unit - A unit Begins casting an ability
- Conditions
  - (Ability being cast) Equal to Learn Bash
- Actions
  - If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
    - If - Conditions
      - (Unspent skill points of (Triggering unit)) Greater than 0
    - Then - Actions
      - Hero - Modify unspent skill points of (Triggering unit): Subtract 1 points
      - If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
        
        If - Conditions
        
        (Level of Bash for (Triggering unit)) Equal to 0
        
        Then - Actions
        
        Unit - Add Bash to (Triggering unit)
        
        Else - Actions
        
        If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
        
        If - Conditions
        
        (Level of Bash for (Triggering unit)) Less than 5
        
        Then - Actions
        
        Unit - Increase level of Bash for (Triggering unit)
        
        Else - Actions
        
        -------- Reached max level, prevent it from being learned again --------
        
        Unit - Increase level of Bash for (Triggering unit)
        
        Player - Disable Learn Bash for (Owner of (Triggering unit))
    - Else - Actions
      - -------- ERROR - Not enough skill points! --------
  - Unit - Order (Triggering unit) to Stop.

4) Activate the "Open Menu" ability again to undo this process, enabling "active" abilities and disabling "learn" abilities.

Of course you could turn this into a system by using Array variables. That would be nice for automating the whole process and keeping things organized. You could also move all of this off to another Unit if you wanted the Hero to remain fully functional while picking a skill to learn, plus it would avoid the need for hiding command buttons.

This is just my approach, do whatever feels best to you.

WarCortez · Jul 24, 2024

Uncle said:
The sky is the limit if you don't want to rely on the Hero Skill Menu. Of course, you can still rely on Hero Skill Points as a visual indicator, these can be modified via triggers.

When limited to 1.26, I would probably try something like this:

1) Import a custom CommandFunc.txt file to hide unwanted buttons from the command card. I'm pretty sure you can still use the Hotkeys even when the ability is hidden. This gives us more room on a Hero's command card. (May not work on older versions?)

2) Have an "Open Menu" ability on the hero, which once activated, disables all of their "active" abilities (hiding them from the command card) and enables all of their respective "learn" abilities (which would have been added but disabled by default) - assuming that the "active" isn't at max level yet.

3) You can then manage these learn abilities via triggers:

Learn Bash

Events

Unit - A unit Begins casting an ability

Conditions

(Ability being cast) Equal to Learn Bash

Actions

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

(Unspent skill points of (Triggering unit)) Greater than 0

Then - Actions

Hero - Modify unspent skill points of (Triggering unit): Subtract 1 points

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

(Level of Bash for (Triggering unit)) Equal to 0

Then - Actions

Unit - Add Bash to (Triggering unit)

Else - Actions

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

(Level of Bash for (Triggering unit)) Less than 5

Then - Actions

Unit - Increase level of Bash for (Triggering unit)

Else - Actions

-------- Reached max level, prevent it from being learned again --------

Unit - Increase level of Bash for (Triggering unit)

Player - Disable Learn Bash for (Owner of (Triggering unit))

Else - Actions

-------- ERROR - Not enough skill points! --------

Unit - Order (Triggering unit) to Stop.

4) Activate the "Open Menu" ability again to undo this process, enabling "active" abilities and disabling "learn" abilities.

Of course you could turn this into a system by using Array variables. That would be nice for automating the whole process and keeping things organized. You could also move all of this off to another Unit if you wanted the Hero to remain fully functional while picking a skill to learn, plus it would avoid the need for hiding command buttons.

This is just my approach, do whatever feels best to you.

I found this system that's fairly simple and works with items. However, I struggle to make it more elegant. I wanted it to open a dialog of choice between two skills upon learning a dummy skill but it don't seem to like it.

Uncle · Jul 25, 2024

I see, Engineering Upgrade has some neat tricks. They actually broke it in ~1.31 so this solution isn't usable anymore but it seems like a good choice for you.

Anyway, you can change the Events to anything you want, it's only these 2 Actions that matter for adding the abilities:

Actions
- Unit - Add Give Critical Strike to (Triggering unit)
- Unit - Remove Give Critical Strike from (Triggering unit)

Here's a dialog example for the Paladin. When he levels up the menu will appear and offer him a choice between two abilities:

Paladin Dialog Show
- Events
  - Unit - A unit Gains a level
- Conditions
  - (Triggering unit) Equal to Paladin 0000 <gen>
- Actions
  - Dialog - Clear Pal_Skill_Dialog
  - -------- --------
  - Set Pal_Skill_Ability[1] = Give Critical Strike
  - Set Pal_Skill_Ability[2] = Give Mana Shield
  - Set Pal_Skill_Ability_Real[1] = Critical Strike
  - Set Pal_Skill_Ability_Real[2] = Mana Shield
  - -------- --------
  - For each (Integer Dialog_Loop) from 1 to 2, do (Actions)
    - Loop - Actions
      - Dialog - Create a dialog button for Pal_Skill_Dialog labelled (Name of Pal_Skill_Ability[Dialog_Loop])
      - Set Pal_Skill_Dialog_Button[Dialog_Loop] = (Last created dialog Button)
  - -------- --------
  - Dialog - Show Pal_Skill_Dialog for (Owner of (Triggering unit))

Upon clicking one of the buttons, the Paladin will either learn the ability or increase it's level by 1:

Paladin Dialog Click
- Events
  - Dialog - A dialog button is clicked for Pal_Skill_Dialog
- Conditions
- Actions
  - For each (Integer Dialog_Loop) from 1 to 2, do (Actions)
    - Loop - Actions
      - If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
        
        If - Conditions
        
        (Clicked dialog button) Equal to Pal_Skill_Dialog_Button[Dialog_Loop]
        
        Then - Actions
        
        If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
        
        If - Conditions
        
        (Level of Pal_Skill_Ability_Real[Dialog_Loop] for Paladin 0000 <gen>) Equal to 0
        
        Then - Actions
        
        Unit - Add Pal_Skill_Ability[Dialog_Loop] to Paladin 0000 <gen>
        
        Unit - Remove Pal_Skill_Ability[Dialog_Loop] from Paladin 0000 <gen>
        
        Else - Actions
        
        Unit - Increase level of Pal_Skill_Ability_Real[Dialog_Loop] for Paladin 0000 <gen>
        
        Else - Actions

This doesn't account for max level cap, but that's an easy addition.

You can also scrap this "increase level" Action if you don't want the Dialog to increase existing ability levels:

Else - Actions
- Unit - Increase level of Pal_Skill_Ability_Real[Dialog_Loop] for Paladin 0000 <gen>

But if it's a one-time "learn new ability" sort of thing then it's even more simple, you can get rid of the Ability_Real variable and do this:

Paladin Dialog Click
- Events
  - Dialog - A dialog button is clicked for Pal_Skill_Dialog
- Conditions
- Actions
  - For each (Integer Dialog_Loop) from 1 to 2, do (Actions)
    - Loop - Actions
      - If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
        
        If - Conditions
        
        (Clicked dialog button) Equal to Pal_Skill_Dialog_Button[Dialog_Loop]
        
        Then - Actions
        
        Unit - Add Pal_Skill_Ability[Dialog_Loop] to Paladin 0000 <gen>
        
        Unit - Remove Pal_Skill_Ability[Dialog_Loop] from Paladin 0000 <gen>
        
        Else - Actions

WarCortez · Jul 25, 2024

Uncle said:
I see, Engineering Upgrade has some neat tricks. They actually broke it in ~1.31 so this solution isn't usable anymore but it seems like a good choice for you.

Anyway, you can change the Events to anything you want, it's only these 2 Actions that matter for adding the abilities:

Actions

Unit - Add Give Critical Strike to (Triggering unit)

Unit - Remove Give Critical Strike from (Triggering unit)

Here's a dialog example for the Paladin. When he levels up the menu will appear and offer him a choice between two abilities:

Paladin Dialog Show

Events

Unit - A unit Gains a level

Conditions

(Triggering unit) Equal to Paladin 0000 <gen>

Actions

Dialog - Show Pal_Skill_Dialog for (Owner of (Triggering unit))

Dialog - Clear Pal_Skill_Dialog

-------- --------

Set Pal_Skill_Ability[1] = Give Critical Strike

Set Pal_Skill_Ability[2] = Give Mana Shield

Set Pal_Skill_Ability_Real[1] = Critical Strike

Set Pal_Skill_Ability_Real[2] = Mana Shield

-------- --------

For each (Integer Dialog_Loop) from 1 to 2, do (Actions)

Loop - Actions

Dialog - Create a dialog button for Pal_Skill_Dialog labelled (Name of Pal_Skill_Ability[Dialog_Loop])

Set Pal_Skill_Dialog_Button[Dialog_Loop] = (Last created dialog Button)

Upon clicking one of the buttons, the Paladin will either learn the ability or increase it's level by 1:

Paladin Dialog Click

Events

Dialog - A dialog button is clicked for Pal_Skill_Dialog

Conditions

Actions

For each (Integer Dialog_Loop) from 1 to 2, do (Actions)

Loop - Actions

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

(Clicked dialog button) Equal to Pal_Skill_Dialog_Button[Dialog_Loop]

Then - Actions

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

(Level of Pal_Skill_Ability_Real[Dialog_Loop] for Paladin 0000 <gen>) Equal to 0

Then - Actions

Unit - Add Pal_Skill_Ability[Dialog_Loop] to Paladin 0000 <gen>

Unit - Remove Pal_Skill_Ability[Dialog_Loop] from Paladin 0000 <gen>

Else - Actions

Unit - Increase level of Pal_Skill_Ability_Real[Dialog_Loop] for Paladin 0000 <gen>

Else - Actions

View attachment 481219

This doesn't account for max level cap, but that's an easy addition.

I did change the event. This is what I did:

Choice
- Events
  - Unit - A unit Learns a skill
- Conditions
  - (Learning Hero) Equal to Hero
- Actions
  - Trigger - Turn off (This trigger)
  - Dialog - Change the title of Dialog1 to Which one you pick?
  - Dialog - Create a dialog button for Dialog1 labelled Haemorrhage
  - Set Yes = (Last created dialog Button)
  - Dialog - Create a dialog button for Dialog1 labelled Shield Bash
  - Set No = (Last created dialog Button)
  - Dialog - Show Dialog1 for Player 2 (Blue)

Choice Copy
- Events
  - Dialog - A dialog button is clicked for Dialog1
- Conditions
- Actions
  - If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
    - If - Conditions
      - (Clicked dialog button) Equal to Yes
    - Then - Actions
      - Unit - Add Add Haemorrhage to Hero
      - Unit - Remove Add Haemorrhage from Hero
    - Else - Actions
      - If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
        
        If - Conditions
        
        (Clicked dialog button) Equal to No
        
        Then - Actions
        
        Unit - Add Add Shield Bash to Hero
        
        Unit - Remove Add Shield Bash from Hero
        
        Else - Actions
        
        Do nothing

That however, resulted weird outcomes. It added Shield Bash but not Haemorrhage. When I tried with Siphon Mana, it turned it into some Channel-like, no target ability that didn't work. Ideally, this should change the dummy ability into the choice of ability upon learning but I'm not sure what's wrong.

Uncle · Jul 25, 2024

Did you modify the Spellbooks to use these new abilities?

WarCortez · Jul 25, 2024

Uncle said:
Did you modify the Spellbooks to use these new abilities?
View attachment 481222

Yes. With the item solution, all of them worked fine. But when I set the event to learning the skill, that's when it turned weird.

Uncle · Jul 25, 2024

WarCortez said:
Yes. With the item solution, all of them worked fine. But when I set the event to learning the skill, that's when it turned weird.

Well, it worked fine for me using my above triggers (I updated the post since you last replied). Which was actually unexpected, I guess the bug is fixed or maybe I was thinking of a different bug.

Did you just rename those abilities or are they new? Because all of the Object Editor data must be setup properly.

WarCortez · Jul 25, 2024

Uncle said:
Well, it worked fine for me using my above triggers (I updated the post since you last replied).

Did you just rename those abilities or are they new? Because all of the Object Editor data must be setup properly.

They're custom abilities. But I don't get why it bugs out when I activate or learn manually the dummy ability and with that, triggering the choice.

The goal should be to decide which one the player wants upon learning. After that, it would level up normally, no need to using trigger for more levels.

Uncle · Jul 25, 2024

WarCortez said:
They're custom abilities. But I don't get why it bugs out when I activate or learn manually the dummy ability and with that, triggering the choice.

The goal should be to decide which one the player wants upon learning. After that, it would level up normally, no need to using trigger for more levels.

Can you send me what you have? I can open older maps, you just can't open mine.

It really sounds like an Object Editor issue since your trigger is adding/removing the abilities properly.

Also, my post shows how to handle a "just for initial learning" setup at the bottom.

WarCortez · Jul 25, 2024

Uncle said:
Can you send me what you have? I can open older maps, you just can't open mine.

It really sounds like an Object Editor issue since your trigger is adding/removing the abilities properly.

Also, my post shows how to handle a "just for initial learning" setup at the bottom.

I made a test map instead, I don't want to put here my work in progress. The same thing happens when I tie the event to the "learn skill".

Uncle · Jul 25, 2024

Okay, so you're changing the way it's supposed to work. The PLACEHOLDER abilities are meant to be hidden and you replace them with the Real abilities by adding/removing the Spellbooks. The PLACEHOLDER ability is not meant to be learned, seen, or interacted with in any way by the user.

Here's one setup that may work for you. I gave the Paladin a normal unit ability called Open Skill Menu which brings up the Dialog:

Dialog Open
- Events
  - Unit - A unit Begins casting an ability
- Conditions
  - (Ability being cast) Equal to Open Skill Menu
- Actions
  - Unit - Order (Triggering unit) to Stop.
  - Dialog - Clear Dialog1
  - Dialog - Change the title of Dialog1 to Which one you pick?
  - Dialog - Create a dialog button for Dialog1 labelled Siphon Mana
  - Set VariableSet Yes = (Last created dialog Button)
  - Dialog - Create a dialog button for Dialog1 labelled Defend
  - Set VariableSet No = (Last created dialog Button)
  - Dialog - Show Dialog1 for Player 1 (Red)

Dialog Click
- Events
  - Dialog - A dialog button is clicked for Dialog1
- Conditions
- Actions
  - If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
    - If - Conditions
      - (Clicked dialog button) Equal to Yes
    - Then - Actions
      - Unit - Add Unlock Siphon Mana to Paladin 0000 <gen>
      - Unit - Remove Unlock Siphon Mana from Paladin 0000 <gen>
    - Else - Actions
      - If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)
        
        If - Conditions
        
        (Clicked dialog button) Equal to No
        
        Then - Actions
        
        Unit - Add Unlock Defend to Paladin 0000 <gen>
        
        Unit - Remove Unlock Defend from Paladin 0000 <gen>
        
        Else - Actions

The Object Editor data is pretty much identical to what the original map used with the addition of my new Open ability:

Note that I had to change the Art - Button positions of my (Placeholder) abilities to make them hidden:

I don't know why I needed to do this when it was unnecessary in the original map... Weird mechanics at work here.

Oh and remember that the Channel ability has some weird functionality to begin with. You should almost always set "Disable Other Abilities" to False, otherwise it will Pause the caster and cause all sorts of weird side effects.

WarCortez · Jul 25, 2024

Uncle said:
Okay, so you're changing the way it's supposed to work. The PLACEHOLDER abilities are meant to be hidden and you replace them with the Real abilities by adding/removing the Spellbooks. The PLACEHOLDER ability is not meant to be learned, seen, or interacted with in any way by the user.

Here's one setup that may work for you. I gave the Paladin a normal unit ability called Open Skill Menu which brings up the Dialog:

Dialog Open

Events

Unit - A unit Begins casting an ability

Conditions

(Ability being cast) Equal to Open Skill Menu

Actions

Unit - Order (Triggering unit) to Stop.

Dialog - Clear Dialog1

Dialog - Change the title of Dialog1 to Which one you pick?

Dialog - Create a dialog button for Dialog1 labelled Siphon Mana

Set VariableSet Yes = (Last created dialog Button)

Dialog - Create a dialog button for Dialog1 labelled Defend

Set VariableSet No = (Last created dialog Button)

Dialog - Show Dialog1 for Player 1 (Red)

Dialog Click

Events

Dialog - A dialog button is clicked for Dialog1

Conditions

Actions

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

(Clicked dialog button) Equal to Yes

Then - Actions

Unit - Add Unlock Siphon Mana to Paladin 0000 <gen>

Unit - Remove Unlock Siphon Mana from Paladin 0000 <gen>

Else - Actions

If (All Conditions are True) then do (Then Actions) else do (Else Actions)

If - Conditions

(Clicked dialog button) Equal to No

Then - Actions

Unit - Add Unlock Defend to Paladin 0000 <gen>

Unit - Remove Unlock Defend from Paladin 0000 <gen>

Else - Actions

The Object Editor data is pretty much identical to what the original map used with the addition of my new Open ability:
View attachment 481225 View attachment 481226
Note that I had to change the Art - Button positions of my (Placeholder) abilities to make them hidden:
View attachment 481227
I don't know why I needed to do this when it was unnecessary in the original map... Weird mechanics at work here.

Oh and remember that the Channel ability has some weird functionality to begin with. You should almost always set "Disable Other Abilities" to False, otherwise it will Pause the caster and cause all sorts of weird side effects.

I know the placeholder meant to be replaced but I don't understand why it's a problem to interact with it. They're supposed to be replaced anyway and under normal circumstances the Goblin Tinker's abilities are being used before being replaced by their upgrades. So why does it make a difference whether they are visible or being interacted with?

Uncle · Jul 25, 2024

WarCortez said:
I know the placeholder meant to be replaced but I don't understand why it's a problem to interact with it. They're supposed to be replaced anyway and under normal circumstances the Goblin Tinker's abilities are being used before being replaced by their upgrades. So why does it make a difference whether they are visible or being interacted with?

I don't know, the fact that this works in the first place is witchcraft. Why would adding and then removing an ability cause ONE of the four Placeholder abilities to suddenly get replaced with a different ability, permanently. We're exploiting unintended mechanics here.

But you can try to mess with it some more, I believe the Stop order I introduced in the first trigger may help with some of your previous issues, since you were Pausing the Hero with Channel.

This solution doesn't even bypass the 5 Hero Ability limit as far as I understand. Although, I suppose it allows for more than 5 choices, but you're still limited to 5 in total.

WarCortez · Jul 25, 2024

Uncle said:
I don't know, the fact that this works in the first place is witchcraft. Why would adding and then removing an ability cause ONE of the four Placeholder abilities to suddenly get replaced with a different ability, permanently. We're exploiting unintended mechanics here.

You can try to mess with it some more, I believe the Stop order I introduced in the first trigger may help with some of your previous issues.

Unfortunately, I cannot use "open skill menu" ability. My hero has every slots occupied (4 skills and 2 special abilities). That's why I tried to use the placeholder for some efficiency. But if a level 67 moderator doesn't know what's this, I really don't have high hopes solving the issue.

Overcoming the 5 hero ability limitation

Attachments

Attachments