Broken Triad Released (05/31/08)

fortuni on 15/6/2023 at 22:56

Yes the FMDML package is irrelevant for this FM but you can't install FMDML package without also installing the common script module, so want to establish which scripts are available in his Thief folder, are they in his FM folder or in his OSM folder, if so which scripts are in there.

baeuchlein on 15/6/2023 at 23:00

I see. Could be interesting as well. Let's see what he reports.

Anyway, it's smelling a lot like script problems of some kind now, if you ask me.

Wallaby on 16/6/2023 at 15:47

Quote Posted by baeuchlein

@fortuni

I was thinking that a DML somewhere in the T2FMDML package would always try to load the newest script version(s), but I was wrong. I mixed up such a DML with one that was made for Haplo's "Insanity's Crescendo".

However, I have indeed found a mechanism that overrides loading the script modules from the FM folder. It's the "uber_mod_path" setting in cam_mod.ini. In my installation, the relevant lines in cam_mod.ini are:

Code:

; these are mod paths that override the active FM in the search order
uber_mod_path .\OSM

The first line is just an explanation/comment, but the second line indeed tells the game to look for some files in the osm folder before looking for them in the folder into which the FM has been unpacked by FMSel.

If I leave the second line as-is, then thief2.log states that NVScript v1.2.8 from 2021 is being loaded. If, however, I "comment out" this line, then NVScript v1.0.10 from 2008 is loaded instead. Given that "Broken Triad" was published in 2008, the latter script version must be the one from "Broken Triad", while v1.2.8 is the one T2Fix v1.27e placed in my osm folder inside the game's main folder.

Similar things happen with tnhscript.osm and script.osm as well, by the way.

And once again, if I make both the scripts from "Broken Triad" as well as "T2Fix" inaccessible for the game, I get exactly where Wallaby hangs: The cutscene in the White Cathedral starts, but neither is there Garrett's body in the magic circle, nor does Lennard appear as he should.

I think it's time to check what Wallaby's thief2.log says about NVScript and the other two script modules. AFAIK, there are other cutscenes to come in the campaign, and I wouldn't be surprised if these would hang again for Wallaby.

Actually, I checked my cam_mod.ini. and changed the line from ;uber_mod_path mods\UpToDateOSMs+MyGemMod to uber_mod_path .\OSM, sorry if I didn't update you earlier but I wanted to check if it was alright, and apparently, you nailed the problem, infact I was able to conclude both Arkford and Tempest Isle without any problem at all. I really want to tank you very much for the help you have given to me @baeuchlein @fortuni @R Soul. This is a beautiful community.

fortuni on 16/6/2023 at 16:38

So not a problem with wrong scripts as such but an incorrect cam_mod.ini

Glad to see your all good.

Out of interest it's a good idea to keep a backup folder of your important files so if you ever need to re-install Thief or you mess with a file you can easily replace those files. Saves a lot of time reconfiguring Thief to your desired individual settings.

My backup folders (TG + T2) contains the following files
cam_exe.cfg
cam_mod.ini
Dromed.cfg
lg.ini
used.bnd
USER.CFG

baeuchlein on 16/6/2023 at 19:23

I usually make a clean version of a Thief installation whenever I use a new T2Fix version. Then I use 7-Zip to pack the whole installation into a single .7z file, which I then store on an external hard disk reserved for backups and similar things. Additionally, I have a backup strategy, meaning that I copy my internal hard disks onto that external disk from time to time. That usually is enough.

The only thing I am a bit puzzled about here is that I never had to check that OSM/"uber_mod_path" entry in my cam_mod.ini. One of all the T2Fix versions must have put it in automatically. Strange that this apparently did not happen for Wallaby - maybe under some circumstances T2Fix "forgets" to make that entry. We should make a mental note of this...

Anyway - this is a perfect example for why it's basically a good idea to have that "uber_mod_path" thing, taking care of older scripts in FMs automatically. The ones in "Broken Triad" apparently were so old that they did not work anymore for Wallaby's operating system, while they still worked for mine (I checked that out while testing all this). With the appropriate setting in cam_mod.ini, the problem is usually solved automatically for the player without him/her even knowing of it.

bjack on 17/6/2023 at 21:13

I experienced the same blockage during a cut-scene, just after drinking the nightshade. I thought I had the latest Tfix and I didn't see any strange paths in cam_mod.ini.

After a few attempts at "fixes", I just re-downloaded the newest tfix and ran it. Loaded my last save and got past the cut-scene. I'm in the crematorium now, so it seems I'm past the issue.

I'm enjoying the FM though quite a bit. It's been a while since I played it last, so it's almost like a new mission set to me. I really like these "have to make a potion" type FMs. Much more challenging than the simple sneak and grab.

If you've never played this one (unlikely unless you are new), or haven't played it in years, I highly recommend it. Just make sure your tfix is fully up to date.

baeuchlein on 17/6/2023 at 22:58

Quote Posted by bjack

Hm. Beats me.:weird:

However, my notes on that mission state that I also had a weird problem once when drinking the nightshade potion: Weird colours, altered video resolution that stayed (and confused the monitor), and some other odd things. Next time a strange hooded guy pretending to be my friend tells me to mix and drink some drugs I'll bail out.:cheeky:

marbleman on 3/8/2023 at 22:04

Sigh

Once I updated to T2Fix 1.27e, I thought the problems with these missions were finally over.

That turned out not to be the case, as trying to play it today, I ran into the same old issues of scripts not working properly.

At the start, when you encounter the hammer scene, there is no flashbomb effect when you hit the hammer. The portcullis to the cemetery is frobbable even though it shouldn't be. I didn't explore futher, but I'm sure all other issues like not being able to read the flower card are still present as well.

baeuchlein on 4/8/2023 at 01:34

In theory, this problem should be gone with TFix v1.27e. Reality, however, often defies theory.:rolleyes:

Please check whether the uber_mod_path setting in your cam_mod.ini file (located in the game folder) includes the .\OSM entry, as in (https://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121515&p=2502677&viewfull=1#post2502677) this post. Unfortunately, the installer apparently does not always make sure the line or entry is there.

If there is no line beginning with uber_mod_path in cam_mod.ini, or if the line begins with a ";", add a new line as seen in the post I mentioned.

If there is a uber_mod_path entry in cam_mod.ini, but that path is not present in there, you can add it to the line. Example: If you find

Code:

uber_mod_path supermod

in your cam_mod.ini, change it to

Code:

uber_mod_path supermod;.\OSM

, and "Broken Triad" should work now.

If you see anything else there, or are unsure for any other reason, please tell us how your uber_mod_path line looks like, and we'll try to help you further.

If you added the .\OSM entry, but it still does not work, check whether the OSM folder inside your Thief 2 folder does contain the files nvscript.osm, script.osm, tnhscript.osm and version.osm. Tell us if one is missing.

TaffedTooMuch on 6/8/2023 at 01:50

So I decided to replay this incredible mission, but it is sadly still bugged with NewDark.
In the White Cathedral, the cutscene freezes midway, the last thing happening is the keeper saying "dispose of him in your usual fashion as well".
Changing 2021 NVScript for 2022 version helped with some other scripts not working correctly, such as mechanist not knocked out by the windowframe. But this thing hasn't changed even on replay with the new osm version. Other solutions above aren't working for me either. :confused:
I'm running on Windows 10 with TFix 1.27 and FMSel. My system is French which causes some bugs with keyboard binding as I discovered (qwerty keyboard is not read properly by the game). I wonder if it can be helped, or maybe someone can share their saves throughout both missions?