The Hunt - A HVT series

[jcae2798 132]

Ladies and Gents, I present to you my my mission design series:

"The Hunt"

Pictures:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/53m65fh1uwv4pz2/Terroristleader1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/er6kihysxl6zd50/Terroristleader2.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/g8rbgaabjz9irwj/AFRLeader1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ab3lmxuqff3xcne/AFRLeader2.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u0u6vhnxu23ak8m/ALTIS%20Leader1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/983zj9njzvlm9nn/ALTIS%20Leader2.jpg?dl=0

 

 

 

 

The mission series is designed around finding and eliminating High Value Targets.  The missions are completely dynamic and random.  Every play will result in a different experiences.  The whole map is randomly populated while you go on the hunt for these HVTs.  Each map is designed around different factions and slight differences.  For example:
-Some maps may present IEDs
-Some maps offer to find and secure ammo caches.
-Some maps may have random camps throughout the map.
-Some maps offer optional tasks for additional resources.



How the mission series works:
-Mission is designed to go out and scope the area for these HVT's.
-Towns/Cities around the map will be populated with either Enemies or Civilians (or both?).  Each unit has a chance to share Intel.  A action menu will auto appear about 8 meters away. Use this to find the HVTs.
-Some maps offer iIntel pieces.  These pieces if found will offer Intel to HVT directly.
-Intel taken off bodies will direct you to HVTs and/or Ammo Caches.  The Intel is randomly generated so if an Intel piece was already generated for HVT1, new Intel will not show up.



Current features:
-AI Recruitment (Both RHS and vanilla factions)
-AI re-enforcements scattered throughout the map and per your call (using menus 0-0-X)
-Vehicle spawners to support addons
-Fast Travel back to Base when enemies are clear of AO
-Switchable units for more control.  Both AI recruited and requested via menus will be available.  A pilot stationed at BASE is also available to support transporting vehicles/repair depots.
-ACE Ammo Cache to support ACE3 mod.
-ALiVE Support module to call for CAS/Artillery/Transport  (Yes saving is supported!!)


So enough with the writing.  Before I start listing out the mission details, one last thing.  I wanted to share big props to the other community members for all their hard work pumping out addons, custom scripts, missions, scripting support, etc..  Without them this would not be possible.  Also my scripts were based off the mission "Hunter Six".  If you have not played that mission yet, go check it out.  His design and scripts were so simple to learn from.  Without that, I wouldn't have this design to share.



Required Addon for all missions:
-ALive  (Yes saving is possible!!)

Other addons required depending on mission selection:
-CAF 1.5
-RHS US and Russian forces
-TRYK''s Mukti-Play Uniform's Pack

Other optional addons to add randomness:
-Camoface
-HiddenIdentityPack
-TacticalBeards
-HLC Weapon Packs (AK)
-BAF Landrovers

Although I list some of these as optional, I recommend you run them all where possible.

Altis (CSAT):
-Requires ALive
-Supports RHS US addon for recruitment.

Bornholm (AAF  / RHS Russian):
-Requires ALive
-Requires RHS (For RHS version)

Isladuala (African Rebels):
-Requires ALive
-Requires RHS US (ARMY)
One of the following are required, but the more, the better for randomness):
-CAF 1.5
-TRYK''s Mukti-Play Uniform's Pack
-RHS US and Russian forces
-Camoface
-HiddenIdentityPack
-TacticalBeards
-HLC Weapons Packs (AK)
-BAF Landrovers

Kunduz (Middle East Terrorist):
-Requires ALive
-Requires RHS US (Marines)
-CAF 1.5
One of the following are required, but the more, the better for randomness):
-TRYK''s Mukti-Play Uniform's Pack
-RHS US and Russian forces
-HiddenIdentityPack
-TacticalBeards
-HLC Weapons Packs (AK)
-BAF Landrovers

Panthera (Russia Military):
-Requires ALive
-Requires RHS

PR FATA (Middle East Terrorist):
-Requires ALive
-Requires RHS US (Marines)
-CAF 1.5
One of the following are required, but the more, the better for randomness):
-TRYK''s Mukti-Play Uniform's Pack
-RHS US and Russian forces
-HiddenIdentityPack
-TacticalBeards
-HLC Weapons Packs (AK)
-BAF Landrovers

##WIP##:
Nziwasogo (African Rebels):
-Requires ALive
-Requires RHS US (ARMY)
One of the following are required, but the more, the better for randomness):
-CAF 1.5
-TRYK''s Mukti-Play Uniform's Pack
-RHS US and Russian forces
-Camoface
-HiddenIdentityPack
-TacticalBeards
-HLC Weapons Packs (AK)
-BAF Landrovers

Takistan (Middle East Terrorist):
-Requires ALive
-Requires RHS US (Marines)
-CAF 1.5
One of the following are required, but the more, the better for randomness):
-TRYK''s Mukti-Play Uniform's Pack
-RHS US and Russian forces
-HiddenIdentityPack
-TacticalBeards
-HLC Weapons Packs (AK)
-BAF Landrovers

Other maps can be requested and I'll see what I can do.

Feedback is welcome and appreciated!!


SPOILERS:

-There are a total of 4 Intel pieces scattered throughout map at towns/bases.
-Both Civilians and Enemy units have a chance of sharing Intel.  A action menu pop up will appear when you're about 8 meters out or so.  Car enemies will not share anything.
-UAV can be used to spot locations.  For performance reasons, some spawns are limited to ground distance only.  Bases and Leader locations will be the only spawn points in AIR units.
-Only player and UAV's will spawn AI

 

 

Known Bugs:
-For performance reasons, sometimes AI get stuck in Simulation states.  You can still kill them as needed.
There is a repair/rearm marker at base.  Sometimes ALiVE helis will land on it.  If this happens, you cannot repair/rearm with them there.  You can fix this by asking them to fly away
-The garrison script sometimes causes AI units to spawn in locations that cause them to fall to death.  Just ignore and move on.  However they could still present Intel!
-Rare but if at the start of the mission it shows one of the HVT's being killed, restart mission as while spawning him in it may have killed him  :)
-Since AI are enabled/disabled via simulation for performance reasons, sometimes when you back out to far, sending AI units into the AO or bombing the area while not within distance could lead to dead bodies not displaying correctly or chance of AI not being able to react.  However returning will result in dead AI units.



Other thoughts for mission makers:
The design behind these scripts are somewhat simple to use.  Or you can leave the mission as is and populate your own tasks.  I just wanted to share that you can use them at your own leisure, and if you have any questions feel free to post them.   Have Fun.

[linuxmaster9 101]

How many players? how many slots?

[jcae2798 132]

Hey there, sorry this is SP mission only.

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

Dude. Look at the help thread I just started a few minutes ago. Did you just answer my prayers??? :)

https://forums.bistudio.com/topic/185728-alive-new-player-looking-for-sp-help/

So I can actually play this and SAVE my progress? Using the vanilla save/load without issue?

[jcae2798 132]

Hey @Hero, haha, well maybe but not really.

 

So i've been a big ALiVE fan and until recently never ran the dedicated server (because i couldnt figure it out!).  So I designed these missions that was similar to how ALiVE works where the missions is designed around the whole map.  I also use some of the ALiVE features but not all.  That is why the save/load should work without issues.  The main problem with ALive Save/Load feature is the profile system.  Since my missions dont use profiles from ALiVE that is why it works.

 

So to answer ur question, yes it does use ALIVE and yes saving does work.  However its not fully utilizing ALIVE and thats why it works in my scenario.

 

 

BTW since i've learned to run the dedicated server, i havent looked back!  Specially with the new HC options.  Freaking epic.  I've been thinking about posting a HELP topic on this topic for people that have new to this setup and never played arma in the past.  You still need to have some type of computer background i think though..

 

Anyways hope you like it.  Let me know

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

Hey @Hero, haha, well maybe but not really.

So i've been a big ALiVE fan and until recently never ran the dedicated server (because i couldnt figure it out!). So I designed these missions that was similar to how ALiVE works where the missions is designed around the whole map. I also use some of the ALiVE features but not all. That is why the save/load should work without issues. The main problem with ALive Save/Load feature is the profile system. Since my missions dont use profiles from ALiVE that is why it works.

So to answer ur question, yes it does use ALIVE and yes saving does work. However its not fully utilizing ALIVE and thats why it works in my scenario.

BTW since i've learned to run the dedicated server, i havent looked back! Specially with the new HC options. Freaking epic. I've been thinking about posting a HELP topic on this topic for people that have new to this setup and never played arma in the past. You still need to have some type of computer background i think though..

Anyways hope you like it. Let me know

I'm playing the Kunduz mission right now (very nice!) and although I see how to save using 0-0-8, for the life of me I can't figure out how to load.

Am I supposed to use vanilla loading? When I use the vanilla load option, my game seems to freeze so I'm not sure exactly what's going on. The same with trying to use the Virtual Aresenal.

This mission seems incredibly cool and exactly what I'm looking for so I'm pretty excited! If you saw my thread, than you'd know I'm very eager to learn how to create a dedicated server and play missions like this so I can kill ISIS. LOL!

Not to push you on my thread but you may be the help I was looking for. ;) EDIT: I see you stopped by! :)

Anyway, regarding this mission, I also can't figure out how to tell the pilot to transport me and my team places. Since the pilot is not on "my team," I'm not sure how to tell him where to take me.

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

Ok...

So I take that back. Loading actually does work. But it took me over 15 minutes to get back in game from the loading screen. Perhaps the same is true with the aresenal. Are these load times normal on your end?

EDIT: I just tried a test reload and my game is definitely frozen this time. I can't even alt+tab out of the game.

I'm going to try a different map/mission.

EDIT 2: Just tried PR FATA and loading and aresenal work fine. I think something is wrong with the Kunduz mission. The Kunduz map doesn't need AiA by chance, does it? PR FATA actually does though you didn't mention it so I guess if it needs it that could be why.

Anyway, I'll have more on the PR FATA mission tomorrow. Gonna get in a decent session tonight. If you do get a sec on the helicopter transport question, that would be much appreciated. Have a good night.

[spotter001 82]

Didn't notice these missions before, gonna play through now.

[jcae2798 132]

@hero, when you eneter the heli, use scroll wheel and choose "Talk to pilot"  that should work.  

 

 

i think i may need to revisit as i think to use alive menus i made the laser designator rquired when i should have used radio or something default.... let me know

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

Jcea, I've got to tell you; aside from me learning how to set up a server and getting going with ALiVE, the is EXACTLY what I was looking for man! I highly encourage anyone discovering this thread now that's been chasing what I've been chasing to get PR FATA up and running and give it a go! I'm not sure if you plan on expanding or supporting this series too much in the future, but you have the makings of a real gem here and I have SO MANY ideas. :)

So last night, I took a team of myself and 5 recruits out to the surrounding villages. We didn't encounter much resistance at first. Suddenly I see a bunch of civilians running around and we came under heavy fire. ISIS was attacking what appeared to be a random friendly tank of ours from an automatic rifle in the back of a pickup. I sniped the two guys, stole their truck, and made my way into a larger village.

All of us came under fire. I lost half of my team but aquired two very key pieces of intel and tonight we're going to make our way to those waypoints, hoping to find our targets.

This mission is exhilarating and it's really impressive how similar it feels to mine and my buddies' full-blown ALiVE sessions. It's impressive how much you managed to pack in there. :)

Thanks for the heads up on the laser designator. My MP team leader usually handles these things so I had no idea I needed it to use the menus. I hope that works for controlling the chopper because I definitely don't get a "talk to" option using the scroll wheel. I like your idea of it being done with the Radio but honestly, as long as I can get it done, laser designator or not, I'm ok with whatever method you choose.

Though these are not part of my more "grand" ideas for the missions, here are some quicker smaller thoughts/questions:

1. It's not clear to me at all what those two very small red icons are on the map.

2. The AI teammates don't seem to utilize a revive system for me when I get shot. Basically, I'm ok with no respawn but I'd like to have a chance to get healed.

3. When you take control of AI teammates, there's no option to switch back to the team leader. I had to use the debug console to teamswitch back.

4. I don't have the DLC so it's a little frustrating for the main helicopter at base to be behind a paywall.

5. Though this is a "me" issue, I have no clue how to equip the IED detector to make sure the roads are safe. Some instructions in your briefing would be helpful. I have it on me, but how do I use it?

6. Like I said before, I think the Kunduz mission is broken. It locked up my computer really bad when I tried to load the game.

Anyway, these are small things in the grand scheme of things. And like I said, speaking of grand scheme, I do have some ideas for how to expand this in small ways if you're ever interested.

Thanks you so much for this. It's exactly what I wanted. This mission series needs more love/downloads! Thanks so much it's been a real treat!

[jcae2798 132]

@hero,

try the following:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/62p2ixgd8bt0wap/TheHunt_TEMP.Kunduz.pbo?dl=0

 

I changed it to a radio only so u can use choppers from ALIVE.  Use the alive key to bring up the menus.  I also changed the heli.  The reason the bigger one is used is for transporting the cantainers for fast travel, etc...

 

I have no idea why ur load times would be freezing   MOD related maybe?

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

@hero,

try the following:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/62p2ixgd8bt0wap/TheHunt_TEMP.Kunduz.pbo?dl=0

I changed it to a radio only so u can use choppers from ALIVE. Use the alive key to bring up the menus. I also changed the heli. The reason the bigger one is used is for transporting the cantainers for fast travel, etc...

I have no idea why ur load times would be freezing MOD related maybe?

Thanks for the updated PBO. I'll give it a try and let you know. :)

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

Sorry quick question if you get a chance.

So the question marks. Generally how close to the question mark is the objective? I've got one on my map now and I just don't see anything near it. Is there any indication what the Intel is leading me to or are some of the question marks possibly red herrings from false intelligence?

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

The new PBO for Kunduz is running like a dream. I appreciate that!

Unless I'm missing something (which I probably am), I'm still not sure how the transport options are supposed to work. The chopper at the base doesn't have anyone inside it. There is a pilot standing next to the heli but the heli itself is just siting there idle and there's no real obvious way to command the pilot to go inside.

When I pull up the ALiVE menu when standing at base, I do see an option to pick a chopper but after selecting it, clicking on the map and hitting the green accept button, nothing happens.

Ultimately, I ended up using the vanilla radio (0-0-X) menu to call in transport and get dropped off that way. So in the end, I was able to use a heli to travel. Though calling one in when there's several right next to me feels strange. :) Could you clarify the correct method for how to be transported to and from base with your updated PBO?

Anyway, still having a blast here! If you do get a chance, I'd love some clarification on the radius for the question marks. I'm trying to remember how wide they were in Hunter Six but I don't ever remember having a problem in that mission. In this one I roamed around for over an hour in the vicinity of the "?" symbol and didn't find anything.

[old_painless 183]

In Hunter Six the question marks for dead rebels are spot on, 5-10 meters max

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

In Hunter Six the question marks for dead rebels are spot on, 5-10 meters max

Thanks. That seems to be what I remember too which is why I was looking for some clarification from Jcea.

Old Painless, I know you love Hunter Six as much as I do. If you're looking for something a little smaller scale/less complex, but with a modern day middle eastern/terrorism vibe, I HIGHLY recommend this mission. I especially like the PR FATA version and think I'll like Kunduz a lot too.

It's pretty exhilarating patrolling for Intel and running into civilians to search and random hostile Afghani's/Pakistani's.

This is an excellent mission and deserves way more downloads!

Though to be fair it could use a bit information in the menus about how to properly play it.

[jcae2798 132]

It's a randomized 800 meter zone.  I believe if you check my mission notes in the map briefing section, there is a spoiler section that should share more details.

 

Keep in mind that intel might present both HVT and/or AMMO Caches.  Use drone to spot area.

[old_painless 183]

@Heroes: Yeah, I read your recommendation and comments and figured I would like it too. Although a little daunting on how to get it up and running  :)  Having never tried Alive and the other mods i will need to set up as well. I'll try this one out soon-ish, I always admired Kunduz as a map project and the PR team are producing stunning mods as well.

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

@Heroes: Yeah, I read your recommendation and comments and figured I would like it too. Although a little daunting on how to get it up and running  :)  Having never tried Alive and the other mods i will need to set up as well. I'll try this one out soon-ish, I always admired Kunduz as a map project and the PR team are producing stunning mods as well.

I wouldn't worry about anything being daunting. I'm a very black and white kind of video gamer so if something isn't told to me in a direct way, I tend to have confusion figuring out certain things on my own. Compound that with me being relatively new to ARMA (150 hours in total) and you get the kind of posts I made in here. :) This mission will NOT be a problem for you. In fact, after you play it yourself, I'll be asking you to help me in no time. :)

Kunduz is a lovely map. If you know of or find any SP missions for it, my PM box is always open.

I'm not too familiar with how to use ALiVE myself, actually. I just happen to have it downloaded because once a week or so, me and a few friends play some MP and all of our missions require it. Just like any mod, it's an easy install and this mission here is sort of ALiVE-lite any way so don't worry about not being able to grasp it. So far I haven't needed to interact with the ALiVE menu at all. I can call transport/evac/backup troops all from the radio 0-0-X menu. Don't let needing ALiVE deter you. It's just needed because it sets up the dynamic nature of the mission.

The other mods required for the Kunduz PBO are easy to set up as well.

Like I said before, the framework to this mission is awesome. If Jcea continued fleshing it out (with a story or conversations with recruits, etc), it would be, to me, the "perfect" scenario.

I highly recommend you try it.

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

It's a randomized 800 meter zone.  I believe if you check my mission notes in the map briefing section, there is a spoiler section that should share more details.

 

Keep in mind that intel might present both HVT and/or AMMO Caches.  Use drone to spot area.

Thanks. So the area is large. That explains it. I appreciate you clarifying that.

And I'm glad you responded. I had no idea there was a drone I could use in the mission. LOL! That oughta help assuming I figure out how to use it! ;)

[old_painless 183]

Cheers Heroes, thats reassuring. I'll call out once I try it.

[jcae2798 132]

Thanks. So the area is large. That explains it. I appreciate you clarifying that.

And I'm glad you responded. I had no idea there was a drone I could use in the mission. LOL! That oughta help assuming I figure out how to use it! ;)

 

Haha, i guess everyone had their own playing style.  The mission i built i guess was designed with my style in mind where you have to recon at times.  Easiest way is to use a drone.

 

Tips:

Go into Virtual Arsenal

-From the Backpack, select UAV Bag (select the greenest/beige bag.  The brown one is CSAT and the greenest of them all is AAF. 

-Select the UAV from the devices where you would select the GPS normally

 

Then back to game from scroll menu select Build Darter (UAV).  From the group scroll wheel again and select connect to UAV.  Then you can take control from the scrool wheel again.  I suggest you check out Youtube for tips on this and other ALIVE features  :)

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

Jcea, could you do me a favor and take a look at the PR FATA PBO when you get a second?

When me and my AI recruits board the CH-67 Haran chopper I'm not getting the "talk to pilot" mouse wheel option. This is whether or not I have the laser designator in my inventory. Other smaller choppers in this mission work no problem but this one I have no option to control.

Also, in the updated Kunduz PBO, the "Talk to Pilot" option works in the CH-67 Haran.

It's not a big deal if you're too busy seeing as the PR FATA map is pretty small and I could just drive. But in a pinch I'd like to be able to evac if you could check it out for me and let me know if I'm missing something.

[HeroesandvillainsOS 1504]

I think there's a problem with the Kunduz PBO. I've searched the entire north east section of the map and there's not a single enemy/civilian/or sheep :) to be seen. Real world time is one hour and not a living breathing thing has popped up anywhere.

[jcae2798 132]

Sorry only helis loaded with Pilots (controlled by ALIVE) will have the option to transport (talk to pilot).  Sounds to me you're getting in the one meant to be used by the player instead.

 

As for the map being empty, i'll take a look when i have a few.  But if you dont see any Civilians or Enemy units sounds like something broke and the map isn't spawning any units.  That sucks  :( 

 

My recommendation is if you pass by more then 3 cities and you see neither, then something most likely is broken.  Most towns should have either one....