View source for Mortar Field

A mortar field is an invisible platform which moves around the map, combined with random explosions on the area of the platform and a sound effect of an incoming mortar strike just before it hits.

==Making the platform==

The invisible platform must be a <code>func_tracktrain</code>. Create a thin 128 &times; 128 [[unit]] <code>nodraw</code> brush and tie it to <code>func_tracktrain</code>.

 Name : MortarTrain
 DisableShadow : yes
 DisableReceivingShadows : yes
 FirstStopTarget : MortarTrack1
 StartSpeed : 500
 MaxSpeed : 500

Go in flags, and check :

* No Pitch (X-rot)
* No User Control
* Passable 

Then place various <code>path_track</code> entities around the map (wherever you want your mortar to blow randomly). Their path must finally come back to its starting position.

Name the first <code>path_track</code> <code>MortarTrack1</code>.

==Rigging the explosion==

Above the platform, place various <code>env_explosion</code> entities. Make it so that there are three at the base placed diagonally, then up and up until there is only one <code>env_explosion</code> on the top of the stack. In other words, make it look like a pyramid of entities. However, leave some space between the <code>env_explosion</code>s so it wont be too concentrated.

When they are place, select all of them and give them the following properties:

 Name : ExplosionMortar1
 Parent : MortarTrain
 Magnitude : 180 (Its small, but there are a lot, so its a lot)

Go in flags, and check <code>Repeatable</code>.

Now you've got a quite big explosion. If it's too big for your taste, delete a few <code>env_explosion</code> entities.

If you want more effect, you can add an <code>env_shooter</code> and make it shoot gibs of rocks when the explosion occurs.

# Parent the <code>env_shooter</code> to <code>MortarTrain</code>.
# Pick the model from the debris folder.
# Simulate a physic and choose the rest.

==Adding the sound effect==

Now we should have an explosion moving around the map, but we want to add something to make it sound like an incoming mortar strike.

Put an <code>ambient_generic</code> in the air, approximately in the center of all the <code>env_explosion</code> entities.

 Name : MortarIncoming1
 Sound : The incoming mortar sound
 Volume : 10
 MaxAudibleDistance : 4500
 SourceEntityName : MortarTrain

Then, if you want another sound for when the mortar hits, you can put another ambient_generic in.

==Tying it all together==

Place a <code>logic_timer</code> somewhere in your map:

 UseRandomTime : yes
 MinimumInterval : Your choice
 MaximumInterval : Your choice

Then go in outputs:

 Ontimer : MortarIncoming1  Playsound Delay 0
 OnTimer : ExplosionMortar1 Explode   Delay 1

If you want to put an env_shooter in, just add

 Ontimer : Env_shooter Shoot, Delay 1

Now, compile it and you should have a working mortar field!

==See also==

* [http://www.pcgamemods.com/mod/12220.html Downloadable example map]


[[Category:Level Design]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]