FRED: Advanced Mission Building

In this section, we'll build a more complex mission and polish it up. If you're following along, be warned that this can take a couple of hours; don't tell your wife/girlfriend/mother that you'll be right there, because you won't.

Designing the Mission
If you want to try this mission (Order of the Eye) out before you know what happens, you can find it at Descent Chronicles FS1 Missions Section. I'm also hoping it will appear on the upcoming Silent Threat expansion CD.

This mission will involve an attack on a Shivan cargo depot. The GTA hopes to destroy most of the cargo, but steal one container full of warp coils. Furthermore, some Vasudan holy warriors, the Order of the Eye, are debating whether to join the Terran/Vasudan alliance or the Hammer of Light.

Unbeknownst to the GTA, the cargo depot is bait for a trap. When the Terran freighter tries to make off with the warp coils, a Shivan cruiser will jump in to intercept it. The Terrans will jump in a cruiser of their own, and then the Shivans will bring in two more.

The climactic issue of the mission is whether the Terrans can destroy one of the Shivan cruisers before their own is taken out. If so, the Order of the Eye will join them. Otherwise, the Order will join up with the Hammer of Light.

The rough sequence of events is therefore:

  1. Player arrives, along with other fighters.
  2. The cargo depot is scanned, and mostly destroyed. A Terran freighter shows up to grab the warp coils.
  3. A Shivan cruiser jumps in.
  4. The Terran cruiser jumps in.
  5. Two more Shivan cruisers jump in.
  6. The Order of the Eye joins one side or the other, depending on the outcome of the battle.

The forces involved are:

  • Terran fighters: Alpha and Beta wings, plus Delta as reinforcements.
  • 12 Shivan cargo containters.
  • Two Shivan freighters.
  • Shivan fighters: Anu wing present to start with, Rutvik wing appearing a bit later.
  • The Order of the Eye: The cruiser PVC Horus and six Thoth fighters.
  • GTFR Pelican.
  • Three Shivan cruisers, Tarzak, Famine, and Pestilence.
  • The GTC Stark.
  • Pranshu wing, more Shivan fighters.

Creating Objects
Read about movement commands, mouse commands, the toolbar, and the Objects editor. Also, read enough about the Ships editor to be able to rename a ship.

Place the following objects:

Jump node
At -5000,-5000,5000.
Waypoint 1:1
At the same location as the jump point. You'll have to create it elsewhere, then use the Objects editor to move it to that location.
Alpha wing
4 GTF Ulysses fighters, with Alpha 1 (the initial ship) at 0,0,0. Be sure to place them in proper formation, as explained under the Form/Disband Wing button. For example, Alpha 2 should be at roughly -100,0,-100.
Beta wing
4 GTF Hercules, with Beta 1 at roughly 500,0,-200.
Delta wing
3 GTF Valkyrie, with Delta 1 at roughly 100,0,0.
Shivan cargo containers
12 SAC 2, in some interesting pattern around 1000,-500,3000. In my version, I used a sort of three-dimensional cross, with two containers out along each axis.
Gordantha wing
2 SFR Mephisto, around 3000,200,2000. Have them point toward the waypoint (using the Objects editor).
Anu wing
4 SF Scorpion, with Anu 1 at 2000,0,3000. Have these point toward either Alpha 1 or one of the cargo containers.
Rutvik wing
3 SF Basilisk, with Rutvik 1 around 0,0,3000. These should point toward one of the cargo containers.
PVC Horus
PVC Aten, around -5000,400,100.
Pisces wing
6 PVF Thoth, near the PVC Horus.
GTFR Pelican
GTFR Poseidon. It doesn't matter where you put it; we're going to make it automatically appear near the cargo container with the warp coils.
SC Tarzak
Around -3000,-3000,4000. Have it point toward the GTFR Pelican.
SC Famine
Around -200,-3000,3300, pointing toward the waypoint.
SC Pestilence
Around 600,-3000,4000, pointing toward the waypoint.
GTC Stark
GTC Fenris, around -1200,3000,4500, pointed toward the SC Tarzak.
Pranshu wing
3 SF Manticore, Pranshu 1 around 1000,-3500,5000, pointing toward the GTC Stark.

This is a good time to save the mission.

Using the Editors
Read about the Ships and Wings editors, and make the following changes:

Alpha wing
Arm each ship with a Prometheus, a Flail, and 40 Hornets. (You can mark all of them, and then open the Ships editor to edit all their weapons at once.) Set Alpha 2's Persona to Wingman 1; we're going to have him send a particular message later, and we want him to have a consistent face and voice. In the Wing editor, make initial order 1 "Attack any ship."
Beta wing
Arm these with Prometheus, Banshee, Interceptors, and Hornets. Give an initial order to attack Gordantha (priority 50) and another to attack any ship (priority 40).
Delta wing
Prometheus, Flail, and Fury. Initial orders to attack any ship. In the Wings editor, check Reinforcement Unit.
Shivan cargo containers
Under Misc in the Ships editor, uncheck "Cargo known" and check "Protect ship". The first requires the player to inspect the container to find out what's inside, while the other prevents other ships from attacking it.

You'll also need to set cargo for each one. If your creative juices are running thin, here's what I used:

  • Electrino conducers
  • Life support equipment
  • Engine parts
  • Alluvial dampers
  • Warp coils
  • Squeaky dog toys
  • Coolant
  • Phlogiston
  • Medical supplies
  • Electronics
  • Phase inducers
  • Etheric rotors
Gordantha wing
Set initial orders to waypoints once, waypoint path 1. Set the departure cue (in the Wings editor) to 
      are-waypoints-done-delay
        Gordantha
        Waypoint path 1
        0

This way, these ships will warp out if and when they reach the waypoint inside the jump node.

Anu wing
Shivan light laser, Shivan heavy laser, and Interceptor. Initial orders to attack any ship.
Rutvik wing
Shivan mega laser, Shivan heavy laser, Interceptor, and Hornet. Set # of waves to 2, so that more of these will show up after the first batch is destroyed. Set arrival delay to 30 seconds (so they'll show up 30 seconds after the player), and set min and max delay between waves to 15 and 30. Finally, give initial orders to attack any ship.
PVC Horus
Set team to unknown.
Pisces wing
Prometheus and Interceptor. Team unknown, initial orders to guard PVC Horus.
GTFR Pelican
Set the arrival location to near ship SAC 2 5 (or whichever one contains warp coils). Set the arrival cue to 
      is-cargo-known-delay
        10
        SAC 2 5

so that the Pelican will show up 10 seconds after the player inspects this containter. Set the departure cue to 

      are-waypoints-done-delay
        GTFR Pelican
        Waypoint path 1
        0

and give initial orders to dock with SAC 2 5. (We're going to use an event to tell the Pelican to head for the waypoint after docking.)

SC Tarzak
Initial orders to attack GTFR Pelican. Arrival cue is 
      <
        distance
          GTFR Pelican
          Waypoint path 1:1
        5000

so this ship will jump in as soon as the Pelican gets within 5000 meters of the waypoint.

SC Famine and SC Pestilence
Initial orders to attack GTC Stark. Arrival cue is 
      has-arrived-delay
        30
        GTC Stark
GTC Stark
Initial orders to attack SC Tarzak. Set it to arrive 30 seconds after the Tarzak jumps in.
Pranshu wing
Shivan mega laser, Interceptor, MX-50. 3 waves, 15 to 30 seconds apart, with the first arriving 20 seconds after the GTC Stark. Check "No arrival message" (we have a particular one in mind, which we'll add as an event), and give initial orders to attack any ship. DEPARTURE CUE

Save the mission, then read about the Events editor.

First, we need to create some messages:

Name Text .ani Built-in .wav Persona
Cruiser, eh? They've brought in a cruiser. Two can play at that game. Hang on, we're coming in. Head-CM1 none Terran Command
As prophecy foretold Is is as the prophecy foretold. They cannot be stopped. Head-VC none Large Ship Vasudan
We are with you We are with you, Terrans Head-VC none Large Ship Vasudan
Surrender to destiny Surrender to your destiny, Terrans. The Prophecy is at hand. Head-VC none Large Ship Vasudan
Get the Tarzak We have to show the Order of the Eye that the Shivans are not Gods. All fighters, attack the SC Tarzak! Head-CM1 none Terran Command
Enemy presence detected Enemy presence detected Head-CM1 TC_arrival2.wav Terran Command
What, you just noticed that? What, you just noticed that now? Head-TP1 none Wingman 1
We got 'em. All right, we got them. All craft, return to base. Head-CM1 none Terran Command

Now for the events proper:

Name Sexp Comments
Gordantha destroyed 
	when
	  is-destroyed-delay
	    0
	    Gordantha
	  do-nothing
In the directive text field at the bottom, put "Destroy Gordantha". This will put a directive at the left of the player's HUD instructing them to do this. The directive will turn blue when accomplished, or red when it becomes impossible (when either of the Gordantha ships escape).
All cargo inspected 
	when
	  is-cargo-known-delay
	    0
	    SAC 2 1
	    SAC 2 2
	    SAC 2 3
	    SAC 2 4
	    SAC 2 5
	    SAC 2 6
	    SAC 2 7
	    SAC 2 8
	    SAC 2 9
	    SAC 2 10
	    SAC 2 11
	    SAC 2 12
	  unprotect-ship
	    SAC 2 1
	    SAC 2 2
	    SAC 2 3
	    SAC 2 4
	    SAC 2 6
	    SAC 2 7
	    SAC 2 8
	    SAC 2 9
	    SAC 2 10
	    SAC 2 11
	    SAC 2 12
Note that SAC 2 5, the one with the warp coils, does not become unprotected. When this event occurs, the other GTF fighters will attack the remaining containers. The directive text for this one is "Inspect all cargo".

Note that, to add all those containers, you'll have to use the "add data" item in the SEXP editor.

Destroy other cargo 
	when
	  is-destroyed-delay
	    0
	    SAC 2 1
	    SAC 2 2
	    SAC 2 3
	    SAC 2 4
	    SAC 2 6
	    SAC 2 7
	    SAC 2 8
	    SAC 2 9
	    SAC 2 10
	    SAC 2 11
	    SAC 2 12
	  do-nothing
This also has directive text: "Destroy cargo except warp coils".
Warp coils grabbed 
	when
	  has-docked-delay
	    GTFR Pelican
	    SAC 2 5
	    1
	    0
	  add-goal
	    GTFR Pelican
	    ai-waypoints-once
	      Waypoint path 1
              89
This causes the Pelican to head for the waypoint at the jump node after docking with the cargo containing the warp coils.
Pelican escaped 
	when
	  has-departed-delay
	    0
	    GTFR Pelican
	  do-nothing
This has directive text "Escort GTFR Pelican". Also, check "chained". This way, the directive will not appear until the previous event has occurred, that is, the Pelican has grabbed its cargo.
A Cruiser, eh? 
    when
      has-arrived-delay
        10
        SC Tarzak
      send-message
        GTC Stark
        High
        Cruiser, eh?
This causes the Stark to announce that it's coming in, 10 seconds after the Tarzak arrives.
Pranshu arrived 
    when
      has-arrived-delay
        0
        Pranshu
      send-message
        #Command
        High 
        Enemy presence detected
Snappy comeback 
    when
      has-arrived-delay
        3
        Pranshu
      send-message
        Alpha 2
        High 
        What, you just noticed that?
Just for good measure, chain this one so it won't happen until after the "enemy presence detected" message.
Eye unimpressed 
    when
      has-arrived-delay
        10
        SC Famine
      send-message
        PVC Horus
        High
        As prophecy foretold
This is just for drama.
Get the Tarzak 
    when
      has-arrived-delay
        20
        SC Famine
      send-message
        #Command
        High
        Get the Tarzak
      add-goal
        Alpha
        ai-chase
          SC Tarzak
          89
      add-goal
        Beta
        ai-chase
          SC Tarzak
          89
      add-goal
        Delta
        ai-chase
          SC Tarzak
          89
Terran command decides to concentrate on the Tarzak, in hopes of bringing the Order of the Eye into the fight. This event sends a message and commands all fighters to attack the Tarzak (unless they have player orders, which have higher priority).
Tarzak destroyed 
    when
      is-destroyed-delay    
        0
        SC Tarzak
      do-nothing
Directive text "Destroy SC Tarzak", and chain it.
All enemies destroyed 
    when
      and
        or
          is-destroyed-delay
            0    
            PVC Horus
            Pisces
          is-event-true-delay
            Eye joins Terrans
            0
        is-destroyed-delay
          0
          SC Tarzak
          SC Famine
          SC Pestilence
      send-message
        #Command
        High
        We got 'em
You will need to create the event "Eye joins Terrans" before you can put it in the SEXP here.

To bring this event about, the GTA has to destroy all three Shivan cruisers and either enlist or destroy the Order of the Eye. This should be chained, with the directive "Destroy all enemy cruisers."

Go back into the Wings editor, and give Pranshu wing the departure cue 

    is-event-true-delay
       All enemies destroyed
       0

This way, the Pranshu fighters will flee after this event occurs; fighting them would be anticlimactic.

Shivan cruiser destroyed 
    when
      percent-ships-destroyed
        33
        SC Tarzak
        SC Famine
        SC Pestilence
      do-nothing
This event occurs as soon as any Shivan cruiser is destroyed.
Eye joins Terrans 
    when
      and
        is-event-true-delay
          Shivan cruiser destroyed
          10
        not
          is-destroyed-delay
            0
            GTC Stark
      send-message
        PVC Horus
        High
        We are with you
      change-iff
        Friendly
        Pisces 1
        Pisces 2
        Pisces 3
        Pisces 4
        Pisces 5
        Pisces 6
        PVC Horus
      add-goal
        Pisces
          ai-chase-any
            89
      add-goal
        PVC Horus
          ai-chase
            SC Famine
            89
      add-goal
        PVC Horus
          ai-chase
            SC Pestilence
            89
If this occurs, the Order of the Eye joins up with the Terrans and attacks the Shivans.
Eye joins HOL 
    when
      and
        is-destroyed-delay
          10
          GTC Stark
        not
          is-event-true-delay
            0
            Shivan cruiser destroyed
      send-message
        PVC Horus
        High
        Surrender to destiny
      change-iff
        Neutral
        Pisces 1
        Pisces 2
        Pisces 3
        Pisces 4
        Pisces 5
        Pisces 6
        PVC Horus
      add-goal
        Pisces
          ai-chase-any
            89
      add-goal
        PVC Horus
          ai-chase
            GTC Stark
            89
This is similar, but has the Order of the Eye joining the Hammer of Light (represented as "neutral" -- they'll attack Terrans, but Shivans will attack them anyway).
Stark survived 
    when
      and
        not
          is-destroyed-delay
            0
            GTC Stark
        is-event-true-delay
          All enemies destroyed
          0
      do-nothing
Directive text: "Protect GTC Stark".

Save the mission, then read about the Mission Objectives editor.

We're going to have two primary goals, two secondary goals, and one bonus goal.

Goal (name and text) SEXP Comments
Obtain warp coils 
    is-event-true-delay
      Pelican escaped
      0
Primary goal. Notice how, by using is-event-true-delay, we avoided replicating a SEXP from the Events editor. This is more important for more complicated events.
Destroy all other enemy craft 
    is-event-true-delay
      All enemies destroyed
      0
Primary goal.
Destroy all other cargo 
    is-event-true-delay
      Destroy other cargo
      0
Secondary goal.
Protect GTC Stark 
    is-event-true-delay
      Stark survived
      0
Secondary goal. Check "Objective Invalid", so that this won't show up in the briefing. Then, go back to the Events editor and change the SEXP for the event "A cruiser, eh?" and change the SEXP to: 
    when
      has-arrived-delay
        10
        SC Tarzak
      send-message
        GTC Stark
        High
        Cruiser, eh?
      validate-goal
        Protect GTC Stark
Eye joined up 
    is-event-true-delay
      Eye joins Terrans
      0
Bonus goal.

Save the mission and read about the Team Loadout editor.

Put in plenty of everything for this mission -- say, 5 of each kind of ship or cannon, 50 of most missiles, and 500 Hornets and Furies.

Save the mission and read about the Background editor.

Adjust things to taste. I used 2000 stars and a purple Nebula03.

Save the mission and read about the Mission Specs editor.

Entitle the mission "Order of the Eye", and put your name as the designer. For the mission description, put something like "Convince some Vasudans to join by attacking a Shivan cargo depot." Choose a music track you like; I used #8 (Strike).

Save the mission and read about the Briefing editor.

This briefing will have 5 stages:

Stage View Text
1 A cargo wing (Cargo), a lone cargo container (Warp coils, highlighted), and a wing of enemy freighters (Freighters). We have one more thing to do before jumping to Beta Aquilae. Our target is a Shivan cargo depot. In addition to destroying the depot and any freighters in the area, we are going to attempt to steal some warp coils.
2 Alpha and Beta wings. Be sure to use the Player Fighter Wing icon for Alpha. $f Alpha and $f Beta wings will do the job. $f Alpha will scan the cargo and destroy everything but the warp coils, while $f Beta attacks freighters. There will probably be enemy fighters in the area, so be careful.
3 GTFR Pelican After we find the warp coils, the $f GTFR $f Pelican (F9) will jump in, grab them, and head for the jump point. The $f Pelican will rendezvous with us in Beta Aquilae.
4 Delta wing If you get into trouble, call in $f Delta wing.
5 Pisces and PVC Horus The $f Order $f of $f the $f Eye will be watching from a safe distance. Get this job done quickly, and with luck they'll sign on.

Pick some music for the briefing.

Save the mission and read about the Debriefing editor.

There are 5 debriefing stages:

Stage Usage Formula Text Recommendation Text
1 
    is-goal-true-delay
      Destroy all other enemy craft
      0
We gave better than we got today, which is always good against the Shivans. Good work, pilot.
2 
    is-goal-true-delay
      Obtain warp coils
      0
We got the warp coils we needed. Now we can head to Beta Aquilae with the remains of our fleet.
3 
    is-destroyed-delay
      0
      GTC Stark
The loss of the GTC Stark is a blow to us all. It is a pity you could not save it. Distract the enemy cruisers by attacking them. A shot fired at you will probably miss, and is one less shot fired at the GTC Stark.
4 
    is-goal-true-delay
      Eye joined up
      0
The Order of the Eye should prove to be a valuable ally. Your skill showed them that the Shivans are not invincible.
5 
    is-event-true-delay
      Eye joins HOL
      0
The Order of the Eye has joined up with the Hammer of Light. Another enemy is the last thing we needed. Destroying a Shivan cruiser before the GTC Stark is destroyed should convince the Order of the Eye to sign on with us.

Save the mission and read about the Command Briefing editor. There are two stages to the command briefing:

Briefing Text Ani Filename
You may have noticed that we've picked up some travelling companions. The Vasudan Order of the Eye are holy warriors of some sort. They are still debating whether the Shivans are the Destroyers of Vasudan prophecy. If we can fare well in battle against the Shivans, perhaps we can get them to join us rather than the Hammer of Light. cb_vasrefuges.ani
We've also received some of the new Ulysses space superiority fighters. Reports say these are doing well. Try not to scratch them. cb_ulysses.ani

Save the mission and heave a big sigh of relief.

Testing
Test out the mission. You may need to correct some typos or other errors, and you may want to adjust the balance or layout. Adding your own sound files can add to the enjoyability of the mission.

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