Buda5 F.A.Q.

Q:Whats the Story?

A:Your name is Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Blaylock. Having grown up on the fringe of society in the outer colonies, you joined up with Earthforce immediately after finishing school. You graduated flight school at the top of your class and quickly began what was sure to be a successful military career.

Your plans quickly derailed however when your first squadron commander was caught selling EarthForce starfury parts on the black market. To your total dismay he testified in his court-martial that you were his right-hand-man in the operation! You knew he didn’t exactly care for you, but this? After being grounded for several months, you were eventually cleared in your own court martial of any wrong-doing. The damage had been done however – an invisible black mark would follow your record where ever you went from then on and your chances of rising through the officer ranks were gone before you’d even started.

Dejected and bitter, you resigned your commission and spent the next several months drifting around the colonies, finally ending up at the Orion IV station. Raider activity in the area was on the rise, and you were able to find employment as a fighter pilot on the station defense force – flying delta-V zephyr fighters on routine patrols to act as a deterrent. Depressed and feeling sorry for yourself however you began relying on alcohol to get you through the endless nights. As you began to miss patrol shifts the station began to miss sending your pay-chits, and you were soon out of work again.

Strung out and slumming it, near rock bottom, an individual going by the name of Peterson seeks you out – saying he has a job for you if you’re interested. One of the upstart ‘exploitation’ corporations, companies founded on stripping newly found worlds of resources and alien technology for a fast credit, has contracted with him to establish a gray-operations group to work outside the normal channels – protecting the corporation’s interests where an official presence might be frowned upon. Peterson wouldn’t give you much background on himself, except that he had been an EarthForce commander during the Minbari War – and appeared to be holding a grudge against Earthforce. With seemingly nowhere else to turn, you accept the job.

.Q:I can’t get enough of Mavra – where can I hear more of her?

A:Baldur’s Gate 2 players rejoice! Mercurial has several character soundsets available at Gamers-Allegiance. Her Brekke, Irlan, Scarlet and Sorschana soundsets are available here, with more being released all the time.

Installation and Hardware Problems

Q:I’ve installed the campaign successfully and can play the missions, but the main menu screen is blank, and I don’t see any videos or hear speech in the briefing. Whats wrong?

A:The beginning of the first mission ‘Transitions’ should start with a video, and all in-mission text should be accompanied by speech. First check that the AUDIODIR and VIDEODIR paths in your DREADNAUGHT.INI file located in your IWAR directory are correct. Your DREADNAUGHT.INI file should include the following two lines (replace C: with your installation drive, and my_iwar_folder with the full path of the folder you installed IWAR in):

AUDIODIR "C:\my_iwar_folder\psg\resource\video"

VIDEODIR "C:\my_iwar_folder\psg\resource\audio"

If there is a semicolon (;) at the beginning of either of these lines then delete the semicolon and save the file. Check the file paths carefully that they are correct – one user has reported his installation missing the ‘\’ between my_iwar_folder and psg.

Q:I can hear speech in the briefings, but the main menu screen is blank and I don’t see any videos. The game crashes when beginning Instant Action, and in the ‘First Blood’ mission after they say they’re opening the jumpgate. Whats wrong?

A:The second part of the installation wasn’t completed successfully. Run SETUP2.EXE to install the second half of the campaign.

Q:I have a Geforce or TNT2 video card and the game crashes immediately after starting it in software mode. It also doesn’t work using the 3Dfx shortcuts. Can I still play the game?.

A:In the Windows control panel turn the Graphics Accleration slider all the way down to disable hardware graphics acceleration. You may have to re-boot your computer after doing this. If this still does not successfully solve the problem you may have to also run the game in ‘windowed’ mode. Edit the command line in the ‘Buda5_Raiders Software’ shortcut to include this switch: –w

As an alternative KinkyJ posts this tip: "You should be able to run full screen by running 'program files\DirectX\DXDiag.exe' and disabling DirectDraw Acceleration under the 'Display' Tab. I find that works best as you don't need to restart the computer to disable/enable DirectDraw. I made a shortcut to DXDiag on my desktop to make it easier!" Thanks KinkyJ!

The 3Dfx mode only works with 3Dfx Voodoo series graphics cards running Glide (and no, there aren’t any Glide wrappers fully compatible with IWAR). Owners of other cards must run the game in software mode.

Q:I’m running the game in software mode. Can I use a resolution higher than 640x480?

A:Independence War includes the unsupported resolution of 1024x768 in software mode. The game will work fine in this mode, however the loading screens and cockpit interior graphics will be corrupted. Edit the command line in the ‘Buda5_Raiders Software’ shortcut to include this switch: –1024x768

General Topics

General:

Q: What is Buda5?

A: Buda5 is an attempt to turn PC game Independence War into a Babylon 5 starship simulator. Made entirely by amateur fans of both worlds with no profit gained (so don't sue us). Buda5 includes a full single player campaign.

Q: What do I need to use it?

A: You need either the original European release 'I-War' with a 3d patch that you can download from the official Independence War website, the American release 'Independence War' or the latest release: 'Independence War Special/Deluxe Edition'. Buda5 works on all, but Defiance is highly recommended since it will be superior to the I-War version of Buda5.

Q: What is the next campaign like?

A: Raider campaign. Still a long way off, but slow progress is being made.

Q: Do I need to download all models separately?

A: No, this handy model pack means you can now just sit back and watch that status bar do all the work :-)
If you just want to play the campaign, get the self installing Minbari War pack. You only need to mess with the separate model downloads if you want to make your own missions or just generally take Simon's latest creations for a spin.

Q:Will Buda5 overwrite my I-War?

A: Yes and no, mostly no. The mod will overwrite some files, but the changes will only take effect when playing custom missions. You can still play I-War by loading it normally. (wihout the -noslab switch)
If you tier of Buda5 (god forbid), then just re-install Independence war, and you're back where you started. No loss.

Q: This mod is too hard to install!

A: Not anymore! We finally have a self installing Minbari War campaign. If you run into trouble regardless, post on our forums.

Q: Buda5 crashed when I tried to run it.

A: The most likely cause is that you don't have some of the required files. Check the contents of the debug.txt file in your I-War directory. The last few lines usually explain what the problem is. If you can't figure it out, post the last few lines of the debug to the Buda5 message board and ask for help there.

Q: The game constantly asks for CD2, but I have edited the command line! I'm using the original I-War with a 3dfx patch.

A: Try to make the shortcut to game.exe instead of iwar.exe.

Q: Can I use your models / resources?

A: That depends on what you use them for. Generally the ansrew is 'yes', as long as you use them for non-profit purposes and remember to include proper credits to the right people. If you want to use Simon's models, go ahead, but remember to give him the credit. Of course its also nice to let us know you are going to use our resources, so please post on the boards or mail us. Note that there are some models that are not made by Buda5 dev team members, but rather visiting 'guest stars'. If you use those, you need to ask permission from the author - check the models page on details. (e.g. Kier Darby and his Whitestar)

Q: Will you make a mod for the upcoming Independence War 2?

A: Probably. It depends on how well IW2 can be modded, but chances are high that it is at least as easily modified as I-War.

Q: What does "Buda" mean?

A: Don't ask. :-)

*sigh* We don't have a clue, but its too late to do anything about it now. Our webmaster, the Merciful, studied the matter and posted the results on our message forum. Apparently "Buda" is a great many things - none of which have anything to do with Babylon 5. If you REALLY want to find out more, use the search funtion on the mods forum.

Graphics:

Q: The software mode graphics look like crap!

A: Download and install both softwarefix packs from the models page. That fixes your problem.

Q: They still look like crap, except when I shoot near a ship!

A: Sounds like you using I-War software mode. Sorry, no fix for this one. Use either hardware mode or Defiance software mode.

Missions:

Q: I can't get mission template X to work!

A: The mission templates are meant for advanced scripters as a reference. Since many of them are quite old and haven't been updated, they may not work. If a template doesn't work, just forget it. Try another template or wait for the missions to come out.

Q: What are these 'mission templates'?

A: In the early days of Buda5, the models came with scripts that generally described how the ship was laid out. Just forget it. You are better off without these buggy pieces of ****. :-)

Q: When will the missions be ready?

A: The minbari war is ready! New campaigns will be released when they are due.

Q: I can't see the briefing/in-game movies!

A: Edit the VIDEODIR line in your dreadnaught.ini file so that it displays the FULL path. The file in question can be found from your I-War or Defiance install directory. Make sure you remove the ; sign to uncomment the line.

Example:

original:
; VIDEODIR "\psg\resource\video"

change to:
VIDEODIR "C:\Program Files\Defiance\psg\resource\video"

Q: I can't hear speech!

A: Edit the DIALOGUEDIR line in your dreadnaught.ini file so that it displays the FULL path. The file in question can be found from your I-War or Defiance install directory. Make sure you remove the ; sign to uncomment the line.

Example:

original:
; DIALOGUEDIR "\psg\resource\audio"

change to:
DIALOGUEDIR "C:\Program Files\Defiance\psg\resource\audio"

The Minbari War:

Q: Dealings chrashes!

A: Try to re-download the Centauri Vorchan model. That could fix it. Also check your debug.txt for this line:
IWar 1.100 05/19/00 19:35:06 Could not find resource 'psg\resource\sounds\B5\Jumpgateshort.wav'
If you find it, copy the jump2.wav sound from ...\sounds to psg\resource\sounds\B5\ and rename it to jumpgateshort.wav - you'll need to make the B5 folder yourself.

Q: The olympus fleet does not leave system in A Show of Force.

A: Re-download the olympus and unzip it on top of your current files. You probably don't have a certain ship file.

Technical:

Q: Where can I find information on scripting, custom models, etc.?

A: Check out the links in our resources section or visit the I-War or the Buda5 message board and ask us. We'll be happy to help you out.

Q: How did you sort out the textures on the ships? What is the process with lightwave?

A: You place the textures on ships in Lightwave, then convert the texture image to I-War pix format and put it to the proper I-War texture dir. The texture image must use the I-War palette and should be 256x256, I think.

Q: What are the pix texture files and how do I convert them to a more useful format?

A: The pix files are I-War native files. You can use the I-War texturing kit to convert them to TGA files (and from there to whatever you desire). The instructions are in the texturing kit.

Mission Hints and Walkthroughs

CAUTION!!!! CAUTION!!!! CAUTION!!!!

SPOILERS BELOW!

CAUTION!!!! CAUTION!!!! CAUTION!!!!

Mission Hints

Transitions: Jack be nimble, Jack be quick. But no-one said Jack be fair. [walkthrough]

First Blood: Divide and conquer, but beware the serpent's sting. [walkthrough]

Cakewalk: Two heads are better than one, and its always good to have someone cover your back. [walkthrough]

Instigation: Two words – Run Away.

The Tables Turn:

Low Bidder:

Making Ends Meet:

Territh:

Strange Relations:

The Rules of the Game:

Express:

The Enemy of My Enemy… :

Favor the Bold:

Gravedigger:

Incarceration:

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust:

Cubbyhole:

Double Trouble:

Signs & Portents:

Nijinsky:

Hansel & Gretel: Theorum: The shortest distance between point A and line BC is along a line perpendicular to line BC passing through point A.

Resurection:

MISSION WALKTHROUGHS

Transitions

The mission can be completed simply by disabling Charlie squad before they disable you - your wingmates are disposable. After the start command order your wingmates to target one of Charlie squad while you target another. One shot should 'kill' a ship. Charlie squad will disable your wingmates before they concentrate on you, so use that time to pick them off one by one.

To get a perfect score your wingmates must survive. Ironically their best chance of survival comes when you tell them to run away. Use the 'practice' time to have them escort you further away from Charlie squad. When the attack order is given order them to remain in position, or flee attackers, then charge in on Charlie squad, disabling them before they get to your wingmates. Alternatively use the 'practice' time to sneak up on Charlie squad and ambush them. If they happen to not be paying attention then who's fault is that? Make sure you don't completely destroy any of them though.

You'll next be asked to run the gauntlet against all the fighters. Simply fly away rapidly, continuing to accelerate using free thrust. As they begin to approach but before they're in firing range change your direction by about 45 degrees and continue to accelerate forward. They will overshoot you and at best get one or two shots off. This is the standard evasion maneuver.

First Blood

From hyperspace fly through the jumppoint when it opens, then just wait around the gate until it recharges and IPX jumps through. The fighters will form up to escort the science vessel and will not engage until you or your wingmates attack. Order your wingmates to attack one of the fighters while you formate with the other one and get in position along side him. As soon as you hear your fighters attack their target you should fire on and destroy the other. If you still have trouble then understand that one fighter will always target you while the other will target your wingmates – determine which is which then next time playing order your wingmates to attack the fighter which will target you, while you attack the fighter which will
attack your wingmates.

Beware of the forward firing arc of the science vessel - it can be quite deadly if you or your wingmates get in front of the ship. After the fighter escort is destroyed keep an eye on your wingmen and either order them to hold position or to follow you so as to keep them out of the science vessel's forward arc. Slip behind the science vessel and damage it slowly until the crew abandon's ship and launches the shuttles. Once the shuttles have launched finish off the ship. Do NOT destroy the shuttles.

Cakewalk

Jump through the jumpoint when Mavra opens it, then target the rendevous waypoint and fly towards it. A cutscene will take you to the freighter's location.

You need to disable the freighter by attacking it. The freighter is unarmed and rather fragile - so don't over do it here. After the freighter is disabled Mavra will attempt to dock with the container. Two red-striped
fighters will appear and attack you and Mavra. You can go ahead and engage them, but they have the advantage of surprize and will eventually disable you and Mavra, then capture the container and destroy the freighter.

Once they've destroyed the freighter fly over to Mavra's position. You'll learn that you have no weapons, and she has no thrusters, however between the two of you there is one fully functional ship. Dock to Mavra and then pursue the red-stripe fighters. If they've dropped off your contact list you can track them down by heading towards the gate. Fly first to the original freighter waypoint, then proceed from there to the gate. They're flying at the assisted flight maximum speed, so you'll need to overthrust to catch them.

Once you catch them you need to destroy the fighters and recapture the container. Mavra's guns are working and she'll help you out, but remember that she is facing towards your rear. When you get about 50k off the fighters one fighter will break off and pursue you. One technique is to use the match speed autopilot to match speeds with the attacker and line him up in your forward sight. Next rotate 180 degrees so he is directly behind you. Aligning the outlines on the contact orb can help you line up. Now decelerate using thrust override towards the fighter until Mavra engages him. It may be helpful to switch the tri-view to contact view to watch the fighter and observe if Mavra's shots are striking. Adjust as necessary.

The second fighter will attempt to flee towards the gate with the container. Aproach that fighter and use the match speed autopilot again to move into formation with him. Use your free thrust controls to maneuver into position directly above the fighter. Now spin 180 degrees again (check the contact orb) so Mavra can attack the fighter. Keep an eye on the damage level of the container as some of her shots may strike it instead (you'd almost think she WANTED to destroy it), and rotate away if necessary to let it repair. Reposition yourself and repeat as needed.

When both fighters are destroyed dock to the container and then return to the jumpgate.

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