Generals Bios Project

[Gil R.]

I haven't been able to check yet on Kimball -- I'm now downloading Open Office so that I can deal with .xls files that way, in fact -- but am wondering who else might be of interest to you.

[Gil R.]

Okay, Open Office works perfectly, so I was able to check and see that Kimball is indeed yours. I take it that you've read the various guidelines and pointers (e.g., don't exceed 3900 characters maximum, stick to the same format used for other bios, etc.)?

[jeffk3510]

Yes, I have read all of that, and understand it all.  I will be able to do Kimball shortly if not now.  I can do whoever you would like.  I will not be able to do the more well-known generals at the moment that are still left, because I have finals up until Tuesday.  Once those are over, I have all of break aside from work. 

[Gil R.]

Well, start with Kimball for now, and I'll try to come up with more names. Any preferences in terms of Union vs. Confederacy? (Note that Battleline has done about half of the Confederates already.)

[Jonah]

Any more you need?

[Gil R.]

Sure, there are lots more, though no particular name jumps out at me. Perhaps the thing for you to do would be to look at the commanders.txt file in the Data folder (using Excel is best) and see which generals who don't have bios might be of interest. Then run the name(s) past me and I'll check to see if anyone has already been assigned the general(s).

[Jonah]

Wait, Where would I find the Commanders text file?
 

[Jonah]

Or should I say, where is the data folder located on this site?

[Gil R.]

In the main FOF folder one of the sub-folders is called "Data," and that's the one that has commanders.txt.

[Jonah]

Wait, FOF folder that comes with the game you mean? Or can it be opened through the site? Sorry, I just can't find it.

[Jonah]

Sorry for all the questions.

[Gil R.]

It's part of the game. When you install FOF, you create a "Matrix Games" folder inside of which there's the "Forge of Freedom" folder, and inside that are a bunch of sub-folders, including "Data."

[Jonah]

Ahh. Thanks Gil!

[Xerkis]

Did a search and saw the name listed only once in a list of generals - but was wondering if the is a bios being done (or is already done) for Brig General James Nagle? I'm a 6 generation descendant of his. So it has a big personal interest for me.
Thanks,

[Gil R.]

Xerkis,
No, no one has done Nagle yet. Would you like to do it? It would be great to have you write his bio. (Note: The character limit is 3900.)

[Xerkis]

Now that would be a huge honor!

You mean to tell me you have him in the game? He isn’t in all that many history books.

I just today purchased the game – and have been trying all day to figure it out – so I would want to look at other bios first, to see how they are being done.

Is there a dead line on when to get it done?

[Gil R.]

He's definitely in there. We have more than 1000 generals in the game (which includes a heck of a lot of brevet generals, perhaps a decision we should have thought through more carefully). He's General#234. If you want to see his picture, go to the FOF folder, then GFX, then MUGSHOTS, and look for the file Gen234.pcx.

Since we have no bio for him his stats are currently randomized, but once you do your bio you can recommend historically accurate numbers and abilities. (I'll be watching for bias, so don't tell me he was "Superb" in each rating category! [:D])

There's no deadline, but since our programming for "Crown of Glory: Emperor's Edition" is winding down we will soon be releasing another FOF patch, and I could include your bio.

Incidentally, "Battleline," one of our two most prolific bio-writers, is a descendant of another general, Cullen Battle. He wrote that bio, as well as about two hundred others.

[Xerkis]

That is awesome!

But like I said - I just got the game today - and still can't figure most of it out yet. You know what that means? Gonna have to read. So as far as saying what his stats might be - I will have to start with just one question.

Stats?... General?... Generals with stats??

OK - that was three questions.

[Gil R.]

If you're starting off with the "Basic" game then you might not be seeing generals or stats. (I think they are only in the "Intermediate" and "Advanced" game.) Make sure that the options for generals are turned on next time you start a new game.

If you haven't already, you should watch our 4-min. promotional video (links can be found in a thread in the main part of the FOF forum), since that shows you how to point and click, move units, etc. It wasn't meant to be a tutorial, but can still be helpful.

[jeffk3510]

I realize this is three years late..

What is the status of this and is anyone working on these, or are they all created?

If so, where are the files?

Thanks.