(Description of mod file structure below is not how it is currently, but it is planned to be this way in 2.2 final. It's very similar to current versions though, just not in quite the same order.)
Mutator files contain mutator-exclusive units and their accompanying data, they rely on the Patch file.
The Patch file contains global updates that can easily be released by me to improve minor bugs after a release. For instance, I could post a new armcom.cob if the aiming problem isn't sorted out despite the changes to their script. It relies on the HD file.
The "HD" file is a passthrough file that's blank. At some point in the future when I begin posting the high-detail models I'm working on, it will contain those and will thusly be an optional download only for computers that can handle it. it relies on the Base Data file.
The Base Data file contains all universal things, stuff that every mutator uses. Things like scripts, sounds, extra textures, buildpics, loading pics, you name it. It relies on the usual suspects, the OTA textures and other stuff that comes with spring.
There are exceptions. For instance, the (H) mutator relies on the Standard version mutator, which in turn relies on the Patch.
---------------------------
Bug Starts Here
---------------------------
This does not occur in .72b, only in the latest beta. I suspect it was inadvertently caused while trying to allow compatibility with "mutator"-like files with no sidedata file.
The (F) mutator, using four tech levels with merged vehicles and kbots in one factory relies, like the other mutators, on the patch data, which relies on the base data.
To duplicate the bug:
.cheat
.give armcom
.give techforge1
Now, have the commander build a level 1 tech forge of his own. They use the kbot lab model. Note that in the tooltip it says "Tech Forge", clearly indicating that it is reading the correct FBI file.
However, when the commander finishes building, it will be a vanilla kbot lab with no build menu, since the game IS correctly reading the sidedata file from (F), which has no entry for "armlab".
The tech forge you .gave yourself at the beginning WORKS though! There is clearly no problem on my end. Yet for some reason the commander built a kbot lab, not a tech forge. I can't come up with any logical explanation, so I leave it to the tech geniuses.
This isn't really urgent for me, the (F) variant isn't a real huge deal if it doesn't work. Other people's mods might be seriously affected though. Please fix this whenever possible. Thanks!
