Question about DAT editing

[divisortheory]

When you change a mob's name in the DAT file, is it OK to give it a name that's longer or shorter than the original name? Or must it be exactly the same number of characters?

[Jeryhn]

There's a maximum number of characters per entry. So yes, if the original name is short enough, you can add characters to the mob's name, just fill in the "blank" spaces.

However, don't use <t> in macros or anything, as whatever you change will show up in everyone else's chat log because of whatever determines the <t> function's code.

[divisortheory]

However, don't use <t> in macros or anything, as whatever you change will show up in everyone else's chat log because of whatever determines the <t> function's code.

That's odd, are you sure about that? A guy in my LS recently had a weird problem in Zhayolm Remnants with a possibly corrupted DAT file. All the mobs kept showing up as "NPC" for him. In one instance, someone ELSE /poked a mob, and in HIS log it showed up as "So and so pokes the NPC." I have a SS, here:

http://media.pixpond.com/31f4nu.jpg

Perhaps emotes work differently from <t>?

[DoliantheBard]

DAT looks like trouble.

[Jeryhn]

I mean like when you use <t> in a chat line, as if you would in an assist macro. Tested this myself.

For instance, I renamed the Sanction guy in Whitegate to "Sanction".
Had someone else with me in my party.

I /pointed and /poked it, and he saw the emote message with the guy's name.
I said "(/assist) <t>" in my chat log, and he saw the word "Sanction".

EDIT: For clarification, I tested this with battle messages too, using two characters. Changed one of Lizzy's placeholders into a "Rock Lizzy", and removed all chat filters from both characters. In my chat log, I killed damaged and killed "Rock Lizzy" and in the 2nd account, it saw me damage and kill a "Rock Lizard".

[divisortheory]

Yea I know what you meant, I was just surprised that emotes and chat lines worked differently. I guess when you do a <t> it replaces the text on the client side before it sends the message to the server, and with an emote it just says "do this emote against the mob with DAT file ID 1234566". Then with the emote it probably translates that after receiving it on the client.

Edit: Now that I think about it that actually makes perfect sense, since emotes have to be translated into the language of the client.

[Septimus]

Yea I know what you meant, I was just surprised that emotes and chat lines worked differently. I guess when you do a <t> it replaces the text on the client side before it sends the message to the server, and with an emote it just says "do this emote against the mob with DAT file ID 1234566". Then with the emote it probably translates that after receiving it on the client.

Edit: Now that I think about it that actually makes perfect sense, since emotes have to be translated into the language of the client.

Since you could use a <t> and be in a whole different zone that a person doesn't have installed (if they don't have that expansion) because of party, linkshell, or tell. It would have to send the name as part of the text for tags like <t> and <lastst>.

[Matricide]

emote works differently since it's gotta translate to different clients. it uses the mob ID not the actual name, and your client picks up the name locally from your dat.

i wouldn't fuck around with changing the names of npcs to something longer than they already are, however.. i edit my dats with a hex editor and if the replacement is too short i use 00's in the hex to fill out the empty space.. but i rather keep the length exactly the same and be creative.

[Tanag]

What's a good free hex editor to go about doing this?
Also is there a list of zone dats somewhere?

I'm at work and most sites are blocked, so my limited searching on google isn't giving me much

[SephYuyX]

Ultaedit is free for 30 days, its quite good, and really easy to find a cracked version.

Dunno about a handy list, but AltanaView will say what they are.

[Bununyunu]

If I edit more than what is highlighted, I encounter problems. I like to see both sides so I know what I am editing. It seems that FFXI needs a null (00) to know where the name ends.


http://img469.imageshack.us/img469/5535/hexcopyhj7.jpg

[Tanag]

Ultaedit is free for 30 days, its quite good, and really easy to find a cracked version.

Dunno about a handy list, but AltanaView will say what they are.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

[divisortheory]

If I edit more than what is highlighted, I encounter problems. I like to see both sides so I know what I am editing. It seems that FFXI needs a null (00) to know where the name ends.


http://img469.imageshack.us/img469/5535/hexcopyhj7.jpg

23 appears to be a game limitation for the maximum length of an enemy name. Even if you inserted another null after that I question whether or not it would work. I was able to find a number of mobs with 23 letters in their name, but never found one with 24 or more.

[Matricide]

i like cygnus, but there are plenty of free or shareware hex editors out there.. as for the list i found this awhile back i haven't confirmed it but my guess is that it's accurate.

ROM/26/37.dat -- West Ronfaure
ROM/26/38.dat -- East Ronfaure
ROM/26/39.dat -- La Theine Plateau
ROM/26/40.dat -- Valkurm Dunes
ROM/26/41.dat -- Jugner Forest
ROM/26/42.dat -- Batallia Downs
ROM/26/43.dat -- North Gustaberg
ROM/26/44.dat -- South Gustaberg
ROM/26/45.dat -- Konschtat Highlands
ROM/26/46.dat -- Pashhow Marshlands
ROM/26/47.dat -- Rolanberry Fields
ROM/26/48.dat -- Beaucedine Glacier
ROM/26/49.dat -- Xarcabard
ROM/26/52.dat -- West Sarutabaruta
ROM/26/53.dat -- East Sarutabaruta
ROM/26/54.dat -- Tahrongi Canyon
ROM/26/55.dat -- Buburimu Peninsula
ROM/26/56.dat -- Meriphataud Mountains
ROM/26/57.dat -- Sauromugue Champaign
ROM/26/63.dat -- Qufim Island
ROM/26/64.dat -- Behemoth's Dominion
ROM/26/76.dat -- Horlais Peak
ROM/26/77.dat -- Ghelsba Outpost
ROM/26/78.dat -- Fort Ghelsba
ROM/26/79.dat -- Yughott Grotto
ROM/26/80.dat -- Palborough Mines
ROM/26/81.dat -- Waughroon Shrine
ROM/26/82.dat -- Giddeus
ROM/26/83.dat -- Balga's Dais
ROM/26/84.dat -- Beadeaux
ROM/26/85.dat -- Qulun Dome
ROM/26/86.dat -- Davoi
ROM/26/87.dat -- Monastic Cavern
ROM/26/88.dat -- Castle Oztroja
ROM/26/89.dat -- Altar Room
ROM/26/94.dat -- Middle Delkfutt's Tower
ROM/26/95.dat -- Upper Delkfutt's Tower
ROM/26/98.dat -- Castle Zvahl Baileys
ROM/26/99.dat -- Castle Zvahl Keep
ROM/26/102.dat -- Throne Room
ROM/26/103.dat -- Ranguemont Pass
ROM/26/104.dat -- Bostaunieux Oubliette
ROM/26/106.dat -- Toraimarai Canal
ROM/26/109.dat -- Zeruhn Mines
ROM/26/121.dat -- Lower Delkfutt's Tower
ROM/26/127.dat -- King Ranperre's Tomb
ROM/27/0.dat -- Dangruf Wadi
ROM/27/1.dat -- Inner Horutoto Ruins
ROM/27/2.dat -- Ordelle's Caves
ROM/27/3.dat -- Outer Horutoto Ruins
ROM/27/4.dat -- The Eldieme Necropolis
ROM/27/5.dat -- Gusgen Mines
ROM/27/6.dat -- Crawlers' Nest
ROM/27/7.dat -- Maze of Shakhrami
ROM/27/9.dat -- Garlaige Citadel
ROM/27/13.dat -- Fei'Yin
ROM/27/15.dat -- Qu'Bia Arena
ROM/27/29.dat -- Ship bound for Selbina
ROM/27/30.dat -- Ship bound for Mhaura
ROM/27/32.dat -- San d'Oria-Jeuno Airship
ROM/27/33.dat -- Bastok-Jeuno Airship
ROM/27/34.dat -- Windurst-Jeuno Airship
ROM/27/36.dat -- Ship bound for Selbina
ROM/27/37.dat -- Ship bound for Mhaura
ROM/27/39.dat -- Southern San d'Oria
ROM/27/40.dat -- Northern San d'Oria
ROM/27/41.dat -- Port San d'Oria
ROM/27/42.dat -- Chateau d'Oraguille
ROM/27/43.dat -- Bastok Mines
ROM/27/44.dat -- Bastok Markets
ROM/27/45.dat -- Port Bastok
ROM/27/46.dat -- Metalworks
ROM/27/47.dat -- Windurst Waters
ROM/27/48.dat -- Windurst Walls
ROM/27/49.dat -- Port Windurst
ROM/27/50.dat -- Windurst Woods
ROM/27/51.dat -- Heavens Tower
ROM/27/52.dat -- Ru'Lude Gardens
ROM/27/53.dat -- Upper Jeuno
ROM/27/54.dat -- Lower Jeuno
ROM/27/55.dat -- Port Jeuno
ROM/27/57.dat -- Selbina
ROM/27/58.dat -- Mhaura

====== Rise of the Zilart Areas ======
ROM2/13/95.dat -- Cape Teriggan
ROM2/13/96.dat -- Eastern Altepa Desert
ROM2/13/97.dat -- The Sanctuary of Zi'Tah
ROM2/13/98.dat -- Ro'Maeve
ROM2/13/99.dat -- Yuhtunga Jungle
ROM2/13/100.dat -- Yhoator Jungle
ROM2/13/101.dat -- Western Altepa Desert
ROM2/13/102.dat -- Valley of Sorrows
ROM2/13/103.dat -- Ru'Aun Gardens
ROM2/13/104.dat -- Dynamis - Beaucedine
ROM2/13/105.dat -- Dynamis - Xarcabard
ROM2/13/106.dat -- The Boyahda Tree
ROM2/13/107.dat -- Dragon's Aery
ROM2/13/108.dat -- Temple of Uggalepih
ROM2/13/109.dat -- Den of Rancor
ROM2/13/110.dat -- Sacrificial Chamber
ROM2/13/111.dat -- Chamber of Oracles
ROM2/13/112.dat -- Full Moon Fountain
ROM2/13/113.dat -- Korroloka Tunnel
ROM2/13/114.dat -- Kuftal Tunnel
ROM2/13/115.dat -- Sea Serpent Grotto
ROM2/13/116.dat -- Ve'Lugannon Palace
ROM2/13/117.dat -- The Shrine of Ru'Avitau
ROM2/13/118.dat -- Stellar Fulcrum
ROM2/13/119.dat -- La'Loff Amphitheater
ROM2/13/120.dat -- The Celestial Nexus
ROM2/13/121.dat -- Dynamis - San d'Oria
ROM2/13/122.dat -- Dynamis - Bastok
ROM2/13/123.dat -- Dynamis - Windurst
ROM2/13/124.dat -- Dynamis - Jeuno
ROM2/13/125.dat -- Cloister of Gales
ROM2/13/126.dat -- Cloister of Storms
ROM2/13/127.dat -- Cloister of Frost
ROM2/14/0.dat -- Ifrit's Cauldron
ROM2/14/1.dat -- Cloister of Flames
ROM2/14/2.dat -- Quicksand Caves
ROM2/14/3.dat -- Cloister of Tremors
ROM2/14/4.dat -- Cloister of Tides
ROM2/14/5.dat -- Gustav Tunnel
ROM2/14/6.dat -- Labyrinth of Onzozo
ROM2/14/7.dat -- Kazham-Jeuno Airship
ROM2/14/8.dat -- Rabao
ROM2/14/9.dat -- Kazham
ROM2/14/10.dat -- Hall of the Gods
ROM2/14/11.dat -- Norg

====== Chain of Promathia Areas ======
ROM3/2/111.dat -- Phanauet Channel
ROM3/2/112.dat -- Carpenters' Landing
ROM3/2/113.dat -- Manaclipper
ROM3/2/114.dat -- Bibiki Bay
ROM3/2/115.dat -- Uleguerand Range
ROM3/2/116.dat -- Bearclaw Pinnacle
ROM3/2/117.dat -- Attohwa Chasm
ROM3/2/118.dat -- Boneyard Gully
ROM3/2/119.dat -- Pso'Xja
ROM3/2/120.dat -- The Shrouded Maw
ROM3/2/121.dat -- Oldton Movalpolos
ROM3/2/122.dat -- Newton Movalpolos
ROM3/2/123.dat -- Mine Shaft #2716
ROM3/2/124.dat -- Hall of Transference
ROM3/2/126.dat -- Promyvion-Holla
ROM3/2/127.dat -- Spire of Holla
ROM3/3/0.dat -- Promyvion-Dem
ROM3/3/1.dat -- Spire of Dem
ROM3/3/2.dat -- Promyvion-Mea
ROM3/3/3.dat -- Spire of Mea
ROM3/3/4.dat -- Promyvion-Vahzl
ROM3/3/5.dat -- Spire of Vahzl
ROM3/3/6.dat -- Lufiase Meadows
ROM3/3/7.dat -- Misareaux Coast
ROM3/3/8.dat -- Tavnazian Safehold
ROM3/3/9.dat -- Phomiuna Aqueducts
ROM3/3/10.dat -- Sacrarium
ROM3/3/11.dat -- Riverne - Site #B01
ROM3/3/12.dat -- Riverne - Site #A01
ROM3/3/13.dat -- Monarch Linn
ROM3/3/14.dat -- Sealion's Den
ROM3/3/15.dat -- Al'Taieu
ROM3/3/16.dat -- Grand Palace of Hu'Xzoi
ROM3/3/17.dat -- The Garden of Ru'Hmet
ROM3/3/18.dat -- Empyreal Paradox
ROM3/3/19.dat -- Temenos
ROM3/3/20.dat -- Apollyon
ROM3/3/21.dat -- Dynamis - Valkurm
ROM3/3/22.dat -- Dynamis - Buburimu
ROM3/3/23.dat -- Dynamis - Qufim
ROM3/3/24.dat -- Dynamis - Tavnazia
ROM3/3/25.dat -- Diorama Abdhaljs-Ghelsba
ROM3/3/26.dat -- Abdhaljs Isle-Purgonorgo

====== Treasure of Aht Urgan ======
ROM4/1/45.dat -- Open sea route to Al Zahbi
ROM4/1/46.dat -- Open sea route to Mhaura
ROM4/1/47.dat -- Al Zahbi
ROM4/1/49.dat -- Aht Urhgan Whitegate
ROM4/1/50.dat -- Wajaom Woodlands
ROM4/1/51.dat -- Bhaflau Thickets
ROM4/1/52.dat -- Nashmau
ROM4/1/53.dat -- Arrapago Reef
ROM4/1/54.dat -- Ilrusi Atoll
ROM4/1/55.dat -- Periqia
ROM4/1/56.dat -- Talacca Cove
ROM4/1/57.dat -- Silver Sea route to Nashmau
ROM4/1/58.dat -- Silver Sea route to Al Zahbi
ROM4/1/59.dat -- The Ashu Talif
ROM4/1/60.dat -- Mount Zhayolm
ROM4/1/61.dat -- Halvung
ROM4/1/62.dat -- Lebros Cavern
ROM4/1/63.dat -- Navukgo Execution Chamber
ROM4/1/64.dat -- Mamook
ROM4/1/65.dat -- Mamool Ja Training Grounds
ROM4/1/66.dat -- Jade Sepulcher
ROM4/1/67.dat -- Aydeewa Subterrane
ROM4/1/68.dat -- Leujaoam Sanctum
ROM4/1/69.dat -- Chocobo Circuit
ROM4/1/70.dat -- The Colosseum
ROM4/1/71.dat -- Alzadaal Undersea Ruins
ROM4/1/72.dat -- Zhayolm Remnants
ROM4/1/73.dat -- Arrapago Remnants
ROM4/1/74.dat -- Bhaflau Remnants
ROM4/1/75.dat -- Silver Sea Remnants
ROM4/1/76.dat -- Nyzul Isle
ROM4/1/77.dat -- Hazhalm Testing Grounds
ROM4/1/78.dat -- Caedarva Mire

[Septimus]

i like cygnus, but there are plenty of free or shareware hex editors out there.. as for the list i found this awhile back i haven't confirmed it but my guess is that it's accurate.

dats

There are two things that I find odd about that list. First is that Lower Delkfutt's Tower is not next to Middle and Upper. Second that "The Last Stand" is not included. That doesn't mean that it is incorrect, just strange that Square would organize their files like that, and that the unused zone (probably a BCNM space) isn't in there.

EDIT- Oh wait, or was the Last Stand edited out of our dat list with ToAU?

[Teorem]

If I edit more than what is highlighted, I encounter problems. I like to see both sides so I know what I am editing. It seems that FFXI needs a null (00) to know where the name ends.

23 appears to be a game limitation for the maximum length of an enemy name. Even if you inserted another null after that I question whether or not it would work. I was able to find a number of mobs with 23 letters in their name, but never found one with 24 or more.

The limit is 24 characters/bytes and null-termination is not necessary.

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/9...tchangedu9.jpg

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/3...ingeffiel6.jpg

Taken while I was surveying Dynamis-Beaucedine just last night.

[DoliantheBard]

If I edit more than what is highlighted, I encounter problems. I like to see both sides so I know what I am editing. It seems that FFXI needs a null (00) to know where the name ends.

23 appears to be a game limitation for the maximum length of an enemy name. Even if you inserted another null after that I question whether or not it would work. I was able to find a number of mobs with 23 letters in their name, but never found one with 24 or more.

The limit is 24 characters/bytes and null-termination is not necessary.

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/9...tchangedu9.jpg

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/3...ingeffiel6.jpg

Taken while I was surveying Dynamis-Beaucedine just last night.

DAT is confusing.

[Tanag]

I gave some dat editing a try and it seemed to work great, however at one point I messed up somewhere and all my NPC's were called "NPC" for that zone.
Any idea what I did so I don't do it again? I assume I missed a null or something and that broke everything, I just couldn't find my error.

[Thranduil]

I would assume that if you say, added the mobs job to every dynamis monster in the dats while keeping the original name intact you could automatically call the job of mobs with your assist me macro.

Since <t> is sent via the client, there would be no way to tell the difference between <t>="Vanguard Mason [JOB]" (with the job name in the dats) and <t>="Vanguard Mason" [JOB], right?

Whats the longest named dynamis mob/NM?

[Tanag]

This is what I had planned to do but it doesn't really work.
Some statues/eyes pop 4 mobs of different jobs. So having Vanguard Eye (WAR,WHM,MNK,SAM) is way to long. The only way to do it would be to abbreviate it somehow.
VE (WAR,WHM,MNK,SAM) would work, and would help pullers out a fair bit. Doesn't do much for macros though.
The other problem is if these dats are made and distributed by a leader of an LS, if a disgruntled member decides he wants to take down that LS he could call a GM and easily have anyone using the dat suspended.
So really making these would have to be for private use only, or use my a small group of close friends, and using macros to your advantage would be less than ideal.