• New Horizons on Maelstrom
    Maelstrom New Horizons


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Guide Frequently Asked Questions

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Captain Maggee

Aussie Pirate
Storm Modder
Pirate Legend
NOTHING IN THIS THREAD IS GUARANTEED TO BE CORRECT ANY LONGER!
For up-to-date information, refer to New Horizons FAQ | PiratesAhoy!


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FORUM USE

1. No double-posting required; you'll get a reply as soon as possible!
This also includes not asking the same question in several different threads.
If you noticed you put your post in the wrong place, either:
a) let a moderator know and we can move your post for you, or;
b) post in the right spot and then edit the wrong one so it reads: "Moderator, please delete this post"
OPTION B is preferable ;)

2. Don't ask questions in Personal Conversations that can be asked on the forum!
You are more likely to get an answer if you post on the forum as there are more people on the forum who can answer.
And it saves our moderators' and modders' Conversation inboxes from filling up. :cheeky

Request 1: Please post which game version you are running in your signature.
This assists people trying to help you so that they know if:
a) It's already fixed
b) It needs fixing
Also, some of our modders don't have a clue about some of the content in older game versions (i.e. Build 13 and older).

Request 2: New members to the forum, please don't make judgements about the forum 'till you know us!
New members who in their first post come out and say something like "please answer"... there is no need to do this. We are an international forum, so if you don't think you're getting an answer, it might be because someone is looking for the answer or a person who knows the answer hasn't logged on yet.

INDEX:
1. General Game
2. General Build Mod
3. Build Mod Gameplay
4. Build 14 FAQ
5. Links
 
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GENERAL GAME

1. Which game are we talking about?
This forum is concerned with the 2003 PC game "Pirates of the Caribbean", developed by Akella.
It is more-or-less a sequel to the original "Sea Dogs".
Detailed information about the different game versions can be found in this thread: http://www.piratesahoy.net/threads/information-about-the-game.19509/

2. Where can I get the game?
The game seems rather hard-to-find these days. Try Amazon.com, eBay.com or the Yahoo Store

3. Which operating system(s) does the game work on?
The game was made only for Windows, and has not been tested on Mac OS or Linux, so we cannot confirm whether it works on those or not.
It has been confirmed to run properly on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Early tests suggest it also works without issue on Windows 8.

4. My game doesn't work; now what?
I had the typical crash after starting a new game on windows 7 and tried every suggestion under the sun. None worked for me until I found a site (http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/pc/how-to-make-old-programs-work-on-windows-7-922313) which provides a link to the "Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.6" (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=7352).

I downloaded the "ApplicationCompatibilityToolkitSetup.exe". This includes a program called "Compatability Administrator (32-bit)" which has a list of what appears to be every game in existence, including - surprisingly - Pirates of the Caribbean by Akella. The tool seemed to install a fix and after playing the game and restarting my computer the game now works.
The game tends not to work if:
- You have an Intel Onboard Graphics Card [workaround with this Intel Graphics Fix]
[NOTE: Improved version of this fix included in Build 14 Beta 2.5 installer]
- You use the AVG Free Antivirus software [solution: fix its settings!]
- You use ffdshow and don't have the game added to your "exception list"
- You don't make sure to disable "Safe mode" for Sounds in Config.exe to avoid crashes and graphic freezes
*Note* If you have an Intel card AND an NVidia card in the same laptop, please see this solution to enable the NVidia card for POTC: http://www.piratesahoy.net/threads/fix-for-intel-graphics-card-problems-laptop-nvidia-users.19956/

5. My original game works but the mods don't; now what?
If you have Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8, install the original game OUTSIDE of Program Files (e.g. C:/My Games/Pirates of the Caribbean).
The security system doesn't allow changes to files in Program Files.

If you can't get the game to work and none of these things apply to you, then feel free to post it in PotC Technical

6. All the writing in the menus are blurry and can't be read... Can I fix this?
Yes, load up your config file in the main PotC directory and make sure your graphics level is set to "High".
 
GENERAL BUILD MOD

1. What is the Build Mod?
The "Build Mod" is a modpack developed by this community, improving the original game mentioned above by fixing bugs and adding brand new content and features.
It has been worked on by many modders since the original game's release back in 2003, and is still going strong to this day!

2. What is the latest version?
The latest version of Build 14 is Beta 2.5.
Build 13 Final is the most stable, but we would strongly recommend Build 14 Beta 2.5, which is almost as stable and adds a lot more AWESOME features:
- Different Flags Mod
- Realistic Periods Mod
- Several new storylines
- Many new ships, characters and locations
- and much, much more!

Since most members here now play Build 14 Beta 2.5, getting support for this is easier than for the earlier editions.

3. How do I install the latest version of the Build Mod?
Please see this link to our ModDB Downloads page: http://www.moddb.com/mods/new-horizons/downloads
Step 1: Install the original game to any folder outside of Program Files.
Step 2: Extract Build 14 Beta 2.1 Full to the same folder, following all instructions carefully, and overwriting all necessary files.
Step 3: Extract Build 14 Beta 2.5 Light to the same folder, as above.

4. The RunMe.bat file is giving "file not found" error messages. What's wrong?
Usually when it gives an error message about missing files, it means the files it was trying to move are already where they needed to be or the files it wanted to remove were already not there.
So basically, that's nothing to worry about.

5. I installed the Build Mod as per the instructions, but now my game doesn't work
Please "Enable Error Logging" as follows:
- Open "engine.ini" in your main game folder.
- Find the "debuginfo = 0" line and change it to "debuginfo = 1".
- Find the "runtimelog = 0" line and change it to "runtimelog = 1".
- Find the "tracefilesoff = 1" line and change it to "tracefilesoff = 0".*
- Start the game and wait until the error occurs.
- Now find compile.log, system.log and the possible error.log in your main game folder.
- Post their contents in Build Technical

*It should look like this:
Code:
tracefilesoff = 0
[script]
debuginfo = 1
codefiles = 0
runtimelog = 1


6. Who made/makes the Build Mod?
Please refer to the PotC Modding Team thread (please note the list was last updated in 2008, so does not give credit to more recent contributors).
 
BUILD MOD GAMEPLAY

1. How do I change the game's settings?
B13: Open BuildSettings.h in your main game folder and make whatever adjustments you want. New game required for some tweaks, but not all.
B14: Use the Options>Advanced Options menu in the game. If you have a game running, SAVE BEFORE CHANGING THE OPTIONS!

2. Is there a cheat mode?
Yes, there is:
At the bottom of InternalSettings.h is this line:
Code:
#define ENABLE_CHEATMODE 0
Change the 0 to 1

================================
Cheats:
================================
Numpad 0 = Godmode
Numpad 1 = Officer 1 Fake Level-Up
Numpad 2 = Officer 2 Fake Level-Up
Numpad 3 = Officer 3 Fake Level-Up
Numpad 4 = Player Level-Up
Numpad 5 = Player Fake Level Up
Numpad 6 = + 100000 Gold and + 10000 Wealth
Numpad 7 = Cycle through reputations (increase/decrease reputation)
Numpad 9 = Trigger enemy attack (cheatmode not required)

3. If I use the A or D buttons my character slides and can go through solid objects; why?
The original game didn't have sidestep, so we added it. We tried to include collision detection, but failed.
Easy way to stop it is to not press the buttons ;) (or reassign them).

4. My reputation is horrible. How can I change what people think about me?
Firstly, you probably didn't know what caused this. Your reputation goes down when:
- You failed to pay off a loan from the loan shark "on time".
- You failed to deliver cargo "on time".
- You hit or killed civilians or merchants.
- Your landing party and/or officers hurt or killed a civilian. Note, this can happen even at a distance if your officers use guns.
- You fired on a friendly or neutral ship.
- You basically did the evil thing in a certain situation.
To fix this, do the obvious thing: good deeds. talking to people and helping them, rescuing shipwreck survivors, finishing quests you still have going which give you a reputation bonus, etc.

5. Why are there two numbers for skills on the character sheet?
The first is the character's "native" skill; the second is the skill after bonuses and penalties from items AND/OR ship class have been taken into account.

6. I can't continue to the next boarding deck :modding
If your game is running in windowed mode, minimize it (else close it). Go to PROGRAM/console.c and find this section of code:
Code:
void ExecuteConsole()
{
ref pchar = GetMainCharacter();
if (!bSeaActive) ref lcn = &Locations[FindLocation(pchar.location)];
ref ch;
int i;
int limit;
Add this line under it and save:
Code:
LAi_EnableReload();
Now hit F12 whenever you get stuck and it SHOULD allow you to continue.

7. Since installing Build 14 Beta 1, I find that the ships are harder to handle and I have to visit every location for me to fast travel to them, why?
In Beta 1 we have enabled realistic mode by default, this includes counter rudder and having to visit every place :yes
If you want to fix this, go into Realism Settings (in Options menu) before starting the game and swap Realistic Mode with Arcade Mode.

8. I sometimes get a "using gold" message when opening chests, and I can't open treasure chests; what do I do?
For some reason, this seems to happen when you have the Ammo Mod disabled in Advanced Options. As a temporary fix, you need to enable the Ammo Mod and start a new game.
 
BUILD 14 FAQ

1. How can I play as *this guy* and get *that ship*?

You can buy many outfits at a tailor's shop (pirates only appear for purchase on pirate settlements), and put the outfit on through the F2>Character interface.
To get a unique ship, find Hendrick Vanderdecken in a well known place by getting a well known object from a well known character in another well known place (the ships are highly expensive, though).

FOR CHEATERS AND BETA TESTERS:
OPTION 1: Open PROGRAM\Storyline\[Storyline].c and then change the lines:
Code:
sl.(sn).start.model = "*MODEL ID*";
sl.(sn).start.ship = "*MODEL ID*";
to the model of your choice (ship is the ID located in PROGRAM\Ships\Ships_init.c) (NEW GAME REQUIRED)
NOTE: In Hoist the Colours this WON'T work at all, and in the other storylines there is a chance for different ships and some character models change at certain points.

OPTION 2:
Step 1) Open PROGRAM\Console.c and navigate to this section of code used to give you a ship:
Code:
        // Give ship
        // ------------------
        //    GiveShip2Character(pchar,pchar.ship.type,pchar.ship.name,-1,PIRATE,true,true);
        //    GiveShip2Character(pchar,"NL_Amsterdam","Amsterdam",-1,HOLLAND,true,true);
        //    GiveShip2Character(pchar,"CursedDutchman","Flying Dutchman",-1,PIRATE,true,true);
        //    GiveShip2Character(pchar,"QueenAnnesRevenge","Queen Anne's Revenge",-1,PIRATE,true,true);
        //    GiveShip2Character(pchar,"RN_SteamFrigate","HMS Astrea",-1,ENGLAND,true,true);
        //    GiveShip2Character(pchar,SHIP_CURSED,"Black Pearl",-1,PIRATE,true,true);
Step 2) For one of the example lines, change the sections highlighted with asterisks below:
Code:
GiveShip2Character(pchar,"*MODEL ID*","*YOUR CHOSEN NAME*",-1,*NATION*,true,true);
Where *MODEL ID* is the same as in OPTION 1, *YOUR CHOSEN NAME* is the in-game name you wish to give the ship, and *NATION* affects the stats of the model, by determining which nation built it (for more details, refer to the top of PROGRAM\Ships\Ships_init.c).
Step 3) Remove the // from the beginning of the same line.
Step 4) Navigate to this section of code used to change your character:
Code:
        // Models and Times (for screenshot-making)
        // ------------------
        //    GiveModel2Player("Jack",true);
Step 5) Replace the word "Jack" with the ID of your chosen character, and remove the // from the line.
Step 6) Save the file, start the game, load a new game OR a save game, and press F12. Upon reloading to another location, you should now have your chosen ship and character.

IDs for commonly requested PotC movie characters and ships:
SHIPS:
Black Pearl = "CursedPearl" OR "UncursedPearl" OR "BlackPearl" OR SHIP_CURSED (for skeleton crew + fog. Note: NO quotation marks)
Wicked Wench = "WickedWench"
HMS Interceptor = "HMS_Interceptor"
HMS Dauntless = "HMS_Dauntless"
Flying Dutchman = "CursedDutchman" OR "FlyingDutchman"
HMS Endeavour = "HMS_Endeavour"
Empress = "Empress"
Queen Anne's Revenge = "QueenAnnesRevenge"

CHARACTERS:
Jack Sparrow = "Jack" OR "depp"
Davy Jones = "DavyJones"
Captain Barbossa = "Barbossa"
Blackbeard = "Blackbeard"
Cutler Beckett = "Cutler_Beckett"
Will Turner = "Will"
Tia Dalma = "TiaDalma"
Ragetti = "Ragetti"

2. If I go into the options menu when in game, it won't let me resume my game. :modding
This is a confirmed problem which at the current time we can't fix. If we allow a game resume, it won't let you do anything and will be completely stuffed.
What we suggest you do is SAVE before opening the options so you don't lose your save game, then change the game settings after closing and reopening the game, and then load your save game again (NOTE: some settings require a new game).
NOTE: Fixed as per Build 14 Beta 2.5

3. For no reason at all my crew morale drops at an incredible rate and mutinies against me :(
If you have too much money your crew becomes jealous and will become unhappy with you and eventually will mutiny...
To stop this either get rid of/hide your money, pay to raise morale or change the way you're paying your crew, eg. sign articles with them.
NOTE: Explanatory note added ingame as per Build 14 Beta 2.5
FOR CHEATERS:
To turn off this mod go to the bottom of InternalSettings.h, go to the bottom and change the 0 to a 1 on the line:
Code:
#define UNLIMITEDLOOT 0
4. How finished are the various storylines?
Please refer to this thread.

5. I've been playing the stock PotC for a while now and am confused about the new island names
The island names change over periods now but generally this is how the original islands now are named:
- Falaise de Fleur > Martinique
- Redmond > Jamaica
- Isla Muelle > Puerto Rico
- Oxbay > Barbados
- Conceicao > Grenada
- Douwesen > Bonaire
- Quebradas Costillas > Nevis
- Khael Roa > Cozumel


BUILD 14 GAMEPLAY TIPS

- The game now contains a "Profiles" system, which groups savegames together per storyline and profile name.
If you start a new storyline game but already had savegames from a previous time you started that story,
you can create another profile by clicking the "Player" text and typing in another name.

- In Select Storyline, you can choose your player type (Merchant, Corsair, Adventurer, etc.)
This defines which of your skills will increase faster than the others and is indicated with tick marks in F2>Character.

- Hired officers contribute their skills also if they're not in your "active" officer party.
Note that they only contribute the skills that are correct for their type.
In the Passengers interface, you can reassign officers, see their effective skills.
The total effect of player + officers is shown as the player skills in the Passengers interface

- Hiring a doctor with a good defence skill and having medicine on board will decrease after-battle casualties.
Wounded crew are shown as [healthy crew] / [wounded crew] in F2>Ship.

- You can change the appearance of your sails in F2>Ship>Sails.

- You can fly other nations' flags through F2>Relations. If it is a false flag, you can be recognized.
The chance for this increases if you are famous and as you get closer to friendly ships that are of an enemy nation.
Flying your Personal flag, the sea relations will be the same as your real relations.

- If you're confused on island names and positions, consult the Archipelago Map in F2>Inventory>Maps.
You can also buy island maps from the item traders, which will give you town and shore positions and names.

- If you get stuck in any of the storylines or sidequests, check the walkthroughs on the Wiki:
http://wiki.piratesahoy.net/index.php/New_Horizons_Quests

- Realistic Sailing Mode
. Wind direction has a much bigger impact and you can't sail into the wind any more (in Arcade mode, you can)
. Different rig types have a MUCH bigger impact than in Arcade mode
. Ships require counter-rudder to stop a turn

- In Arcade mode, based on what spyglass you've bought, they will show:
. Nation
. Ship name
. Ship type
. Cannon type of other ship
. Hull and sail damage
. Number of crew members
. Speed
. Charge type (eg. balls, chainshot or grape)
There IS an inaccuracy built into these spyglass observations (can be increased or turned off in "Advanced Options"),
but since a real spyglass cannot give you this information at all, in Realistic mode,
your spyglass tells you only other ships' name when they're close, but nothing else.
Spyglasses only enlarge the view (better spyglasses enlarge more) and you have to observe the other ships yourself.
So you'll have to pay proper attention to the other ship's type, colour scheme and flags to define whether she could be hostile or not.

- "Fast Travel" ashore is disabled for most locations, until you manually discovered them by walking through town.

- "Sail To" at sea is disabled for all locations until you've manually discovered them by sailing to them.
The buy-able maps here really help you to find certain shores.

- "Sail To" at sea is disabled for all ships that are too close to you (no instant teleports to right next to the enemy ship)
and also for all ships that, based on your speed relative to the other ship's speed, you cannot overtake.

- Ashore, when there's enemies around, the red flashing icon and danger music doesn't start until they actually draw their swords.
This way, you are not pre-warned of any impeding danger.

- Realistic Game Mode removes 'list of ships' log messages upon entering 3D sailing mode at an island
 
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