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The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

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The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby TaCktiX on Sun Aug 31, 2008 6:14 pm

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Regulars and Newcomers,

It's the Lucky #7 issue already. We've had a ton of Foundry activity of late, as can be seen by the 9 new maps adorning the Create a Game dialog. Behind the scenes in the Foundry itself, maps have been moving around like crazy, with stamps a-flyin' and progress being seen everywhere. In fact, 4 new Advanced Drafts missed our cutoff for this issue, but expect them to be covered next issue. On a down note, Gimil has had to resign from Formatting Editor due to responsibilities elsewhere, though he'll continue to help with graphics and the like.

Hope you enjoy,
TaCktiX
Senior Editor

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wcaclimbing wrote:Here's an explanation of what a licker is and why they do what they do.

The Licker's main task is to take some of the workload off of the map CA's.
We do that by taking one of three tasks, either Ideas, Gameplay, or Graphics.
I am specifically doing Ideas stamps, and maybe a graphics one here or there.

A licker's job is to watch their assigned maps, whichever maps they may be, and help guide the map through production, if that guidance is needed.
That doesn't necessarily mean that the licker must actively participate in all discussions in a thread, as long as they can read through and determine what has been happening recently.

A licker is just like a regular foundry member, except that they are assigned specific maps to help stamp.
Just like CA's, lickers do it as volunteer work, and real life often gets in the way. Most lickers have a specific time or day that they check the maps they are assigned, so they can go through them all at once. Some may prefer to receive a PM from a mapmaker that feels their map is ready for a stamp, others may want to just get to each map when time allows them to read the thread and leave a good response.

From what I have heard from the CA's, stamp licking helps them a lot, because it takes some of the work off the CA's already busy schedules. Which means that, over all, maps will be looked at and moved more often than if it was just one CA doing it all with no lickers to help out.

For those of us that do licking, its a pretty fun job. You get to browse around the forums and check out all the maps on your list. There is lots of interesting stuff out there that I wouldn't usually notice. :D

Regarding the maps that I am doing, I will be licking on most of the maps in the Drafts forum, with Gimil covering the rest of them.


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Name: CC City Mogul
Creator: DiM
Stamps: ImageImageImageImageImageImage
Description: The dice have been complained about since the birth of CC. This map aims to make that a non-issue by making every single bonus 5 times the normal size. Craft a shopping empire on this blueprint-styled map, and erect a manor and shopping mall to declare your mercantile victory.
Present Development: Quenched.

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Name: Archipelago
Creators: ZeakCytho and Mjinga
Stamps: ImageImageImageImage
Description: A small chain of islands is at war! This fictional archipelago is fought over by the players in a simple classic-style map. The sharp graphics go hand in hand with the lack of gameplay quirks, a driving impetus behind this map.
Present Development: Following some graphical tweaks on a particular volcano, this map looks to be nearing an XML stamp in the near future.


Name: British Isles Revamp
Creator: Gimil
Stamps: ImageImageImageImageImage
Description: One of the most beloved maps in the game is getting a makeover. The creator has redone the look of the map to be much cleaner and geographically accurate to the Isles.
Present Development: Stalled, but more or less complete.


Name: Charleston, SC
Creator: RjBeals
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Description: Charleston, famous for its role in the American Civil War, the American Revolutionary War, and...Conquer Club maps? In this take on America's second largest Atlantic seaport, Rj has created a straightforward large map with simple but attractive graphics.
Present Development: Quickly getting both Gameplay and Graphics, this map is awaiting some last comments before entering the Forge.


Name: The Citadel
Creator: TaCktiX
Stamps: ImageImageImageImageImage
Description: What better place to have a military takeover than at a military college's campus? That is the premise of The Citadel. Based directly off of the campus and its buildings, this medium-sized map goes for fairly straightforward gameplay, with a couple of quirks.
Present Development: More or less complete, with an XML stamp added to the list recently.


Name: Conquer 4
Creators: gimil, KEYOGI, and yeti_c
Stamps: ImageImageImageImageImage
Description: In some ways, Conquer 4 is a simple map: all bonuses are determined by only two rules. But every territory can attack 8 ways and bonuses are where you make them. This map will certainly be crazy to play, with bonuses coming and going simply by conquering one territory.
Present Development: XML Passed, Quench expected soon.


Name: Europa
Creator: MrBenn
Stamps: ImageImageImageImage
Description: The creator set out upon a simple goal: make a map about the way Europe really is, even down to Vatican City. He's stayed true to that vision, and the map reflects it, with a clean look to all the countries no matter their size. The map makes good use of natural boundaries to create impassables, adding to the clean feel of the map.
Present Development: Also a quick gainer of Gameplay and Graphics, this map long in process seems to be winding down at last.


Name: Golfe du St-Laurent
Creators: Lone.prophet and Unit_2
Stamps: ImageImageImageImage
Description: The Gulf of St. Lawrence (French, Golfe du St-Laurent) is the world's largest estuary, but conservation takes a backseat to beating the pulp out of others on this map of the gulf and its surrounding areas. It's an average-sized map with well-done textures and area-appropriate colors. Its classic gameplay is without any gimmicks and should be easy to pick up.
Present Development: Due to the Final Forge slowdown, this map has been very quiet of late. A completed XML is still on the way.


Name: Imperium Romanum
Creator: Qwert
Stamps: ImageImageImageImageImage
Description: The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires that ever existed. This map encourages you to build that empire for yourself by commanding legions, cities, and ships to gain an edge on your foes. Graphics are vibrant and eye-catching, with lots of Rome-related paraphernalia on the edges.
Present Development: More or less complete, awaiting Quench.


Name: Madagascar
Creator: t-o-m
Stamps: ImageImageImageImage
Description: Another small map in the pipeline, this time of the island nation of Madagascar. Gameplay is straightforward, and the territory naming accurately reflects the regions of the country. Graphics are fairly simple, which helps the appeal of the map.
Present Development: Stalled from a mapmaker hiatus, but looking to be back in progress soon.


Name: Oasis
Creator: wcaclimbing
Stamps: ImageImageImageImage
Description: Calling Oasis a phenomenon would do it no credit. This graphical feast has taken the Foundry by storm, leaving several regular commenters drooling for the next update. It's based around a central objective Grand Oasis surrounded by decaying desert, and lots of one-territory bonuses sprinkled throughout. Watch out for this map, it's certain to change the way objective maps are made.
Present Development: A finished XML is due any day now, and font differences between large and small are being discussed on the graphical side.


Name: Poker Map
Creators: yeti_c, Coleman, and WidowMakers
Stamps: ImageImageImageImageImage
Description: Go all in with this take on a poker game. With a mixed-up deck spread on a well-rendered poker table, gameplay will revolve around creating poker hands through force. No bluffs here, this should turn out to be quite an interesting map.
Present Development: XML passed, and Quench expected soon.


Name: San Marino
Creator: Ruben Cassar
Stamps: ImageImageImageImage
Description: The Ruben Cassar formula to a T: a simple map based around a small area. It's attractive to the eye, and while being average size has plenty of bonuses that should be easy to get and hold onto.
Present Development: This map has been relatively quiet in the wake of the Forge slowdown. More activity should be forthcoming.

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Name: Ancient Greece Revamp
Creator: Mr. K
Stamps: Image Image
Description: This is a revamp to the current Ancient Greece map. The creator is making the graphics crisper and cleaner without altering the gameplay. The style retains the classical flair that it had before, but is overall brighter and of a higher quality.
Present Development: The thread has been beset with a few personality clashes, but is progressing at a swift pace.


Name: Brazil
Creator: RjBeals
Stamps: ImageImage
Description: The ultimate winner of the well-publicized Brazil Revamp Competition, Rj has created a map that simply oozes with color, fitting for a nation known for its vibrant culture. Graphics are the order du jour now.
Present Development: Brazil regained its true north orientation and the neon impassables went up in a haze of smoke thanks to comments. Other tweaks are certain to be in the works.


Name: Das Schloß
Creator: Cairnswk
Stamps: ImageImageImageImageImageImage
Description: This map is unique in several ways. For one, it is the only map that can only be won by completing the objective. For two, it's gone back from quenching into the foundry with a major rework of the map's mechanics to fix some unforeseen balance issues.
Present Development: Discussions about the bonuses and the reworked gameplay are the main focus right now. Once issues are resolved on those and all present games on the older map are completed, the map will get re-quenched.


Name: Eastern Hemisphere
Creator: Oaktown
Stamps: Image
Description: What happens when you slice the world in half then age it 90 years? This map showing the far side of the world around 1910! It's the time when the great European empires are crumbling, and the creator has worked hard on making gameplay appropriate to the time setting. Expect a fresh world experience soon.
Present Development: Changing text so it's thematically accurate and various other tweaks are the topics of discussion right now.


Name: Forbidden City
Creator: Cairnswk
Stamps: ImageImageImage
Description: The Forbidden City has always been an interesting part of Chinese history since its construction in the Ming dynasty. So the most quenched mapmaker has taken a unique bent in portraying it. Instead of just featuring the City itself, he has added outsiders from all over history that have tried to take over the City in some way. Add to that the simple, illustrative graphics reminiscent of Chinese culture circa 19th century, and you've got the whole enchilada.
Present Development: Graphics stamped and stickied for ease of access. All comments requested, particularly gameplay.


Name: Famine
Creator: Bryguy
Stamps: Image
Description: 8 players, 8 castles, and a famine on the land. Grab your empire's territories, but also grab the resources to feed it. It's a unique premise gameplay-wise, and should make play on it fairly exciting and ruthless.
Present Development: The graphical update has been released, and it appears to have made a significant improvement to the look of the map. Comments to further improve the graphics and balance the gameplay are being encouraged.


Name: France, 18th Century
Creator: Pamoa
Stamps: ImageImage
Description: The French Revolution changed the course of European history, so having a map based on the country at that time only makes sense. It's a simple, attractive small map, with classic gameplay. The clean approach to the map has made it very interesting to watch as it has progressed.
Present Development: In the midst of another debate, the most recent version is several pages back in development.


Name: Germany Revamp
Creator: Pepperonibread
Stamps:ImageImage
Description: The current Germany map, as many German members have pointed out, is quite inaccurate. In this revamp, Pepperonibread is redrawing many of the borders to more accurately reflect the real Germany, as well as changing many of the territory names. Finally, the graphics will be completely overhauled and replaced with, in the words of Gimil, "super cool, shit hot graphics."
Present Development: A new update is slow in coming, due to the mapmaker being saddled with the end of summer reading essays, but it should be released soon.


Name: Haiti
Creator: Edbeard
Stamps: Image
Description: This small map shows the nation of Haiti, the western half of the island of Hispaniola. The simple and clean colors and font choices reflect the purely classic gameplay used in the map.
Present Development: The bonuses are currently being hammered out in detail. Because of the map's small size, it is necessary that the bonus values be very balanced.


Name: Halloween Hollows
Creator: Cairnswk
Stamps: Image
Description: Holiday-themed maps have been absent from Foundry production thus far, and this map seeks to break that trend. Taking the plethora of creatures and items associated with Halloween, this map incorporates riddles and standard gameplay into a dark All Hallow's Eve look.
Present Development:Making the riddles clear enough as well as general improvement of the colors are on the table for improvement.


Name: Holy Roman Empire
Creators: Grayhawke and Pamoa
Stamps: ImageImage
Description: The Holy Roman Empire has been said to neither be Holy, nor Roman, and most certainly not an Empire. At least CC players can fix the last part by building their own on this map detailing the HRE and surrounding nations. Taking a combination continent/influence bonus gameplay, the map tries to bring out some of the history of the HRE, all the while backing it with simple, solid graphics.
Present Development: Now enlivened with more vibrant colors, small nitpicks on the graphics are driving updates. Continent naming suggestions are being asked for.


Name: Iron Curtain
Creator: RjBeals
Stamps: Image
Description: The Soviet Union and its constituent Warsaw Pact nations formed the basis of the feared Iron Curtain. This map takes that large region and turns it into a 96 territory map colored in shades of iron. Its construction is very clean, and the gameplay fairly open with a minimum of impassables. Recreating a symbol of oppression never was so much fun.
Present Development: Color selections and the role of impassables in the gameplay are the main focus right now, though the next update has been delayed.


Name: Maze Craze
Creators: WidowMakers and yeti_c
Stamps: ImageImage
Description: This map is big: 454 territories big. And it has a very novel gameplay revolving around neutrals that reset to much higher values when they're conquered. This is definitely a map to watch as it develops further.
Present Development: After a short hiatus, the map is back to the grindstone, working toward finalized graphics. Gameplay decisions are being debated at present.


Name: Rail Australia
Creator: Cairnswk
Stamps: Image
Description: Cairns is becoming a master of serial maps. Following up Rail USA and Rail Europe is this third map, Rail Australia. It brings, as expected, the rail system from Down Under into vivid color. Unlike the other two though, there are added twists to the map that should make play very interesting and varied.
Present Development: Nearing a gameplay stamp by clarifying attack routes and other bonuses.


Name: Romania
Creator: Foregone
Stamps: Image
Description: Romania is a little-known country in Eastern Europe, yet steeped in history dating back to the Roman Empire (hence its name). This map takes the country and infuses a piece of parchment with a no-frills depiction of the country, with a touch of hand-drawn charm.
Present Development: Fresh in the main Foundry and busy getting comments to improve both gameplay and graphics.


Name: Switzerland
Creator: Kaplowitz
Stamps: ImageImage
Description: Switzerland is famed for its bank accounts, neutrality in war, and sweeping mountains. So have a hostile takeover on this average-sized map of the country. Graphics are simple and the gameplay matches, with only classic continents and impassables.
Present Development: With a lighter look, the map is making good strides toward being Graphics Passed.

Name: Trench Warfare
Creator: Mibi, Incandenza, and Yeti_C
Stamps: Image
Description: This map brings WWI style Trench Warfare to life! Two opposing fronts are separated by a large no mans land. Players will scramble for bonuses in trenches and use gameplay features such as mortars and artillery to bombard a path across no-mans land before rising from the trenches and blasting through to the other side. The high-quality and realistic graphics compliment this gameplay style very nicely.
Present Development: Minor tweaks are being made to the legend and gameplay; an ideas stamp is not far away.


Name: USA 6 Region Map Pack
Creator: WidowMakers
Stamps: Image
Description: This project is bold. WM is aiming to create 6 maps based on the 6 regions of the USA map, all with the same essential mechanics. The graphics are simple and effective, reflecting the colors and territories of the USA map while keeping a new set of flair. It's sure to be perfect tournament material, as well as an interesting set of maps to play with friends.
Present Development: All six maps are up, and gameplay is being discussed before further graphical improvements are incorporated into them all.


Name: Wales
Creator: Mr. Benn
Stamps: Image
Description: With maps of Ireland and Scotland already quenched, it is only natural that a map of Wales be developed. The graphical style is simple, and makes heavy use of Welsh motifs. The gameplay is mostly classic, with one twist: each geographical territory has two sets of armies, one for each clan in the area. Special bonuses are given for holding both clans in the same shire.
Present Development: Currently, the creator is playing with the map size to see if he can fit all the information in while reducing a need for vertical scrolling.


Name: War of the Triple Alliance
Creator: Oaktown
Stamps: Image
Description: This map captures the War of the Triple Alliance, South America's bloodiest war, fought on one side by Paraguay and on the other by Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The muted colors and faded images help make this map truly feel 19th Century. The gameplay is classic, lacking any sort of twist or gimmick.
Present Development: Undergoing minor graphical tweaks to make the map's theme consistent throughout.


Name: WWI: Ottoman Empire
Creator: Cairnswk
Stamps: Image
Description: World War I has also slipped into the void of uncoveredness, but thanks to Trench Warfare and this map the War to End All Wars will get its just deserts. The map takes on a lesser-known part of the war (though the famous battle of Gallipoli was fought here), focused around Turkey and the Central-allied Ottoman Empire. The general theater is portrayed in simple, understandable colors and the gameplay is fairly standard on this medium-sized map.
Present Development: How the inset is represented on the map is up on a weeklong poll right now.


Name: WWII Europe
Creator: Qwert
Stamps: Image
Description: Long stalled due to its large size, this map has undergone a weight-loss program and now fits within the size requirements. Taking his WWII Eastern and Western Front maps and meshing them with a Central front in the middle, this is a map that covers the entire theater of the war in Europe. With a large scale, and lots of opportunities, it will definitely be the WWII map to play when it's quenched.
Present Development: The map is showing significant improvement and input is being requested on map abbreviations on the small and large versions.

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Name: Bering Strait
Creator: Lanyards
Stamps: [Advanced Draft]
Description: This is a geographic map of the region of the Bering Sea. Half of the map is in Asia, half in America. The game play is all classic, with the minor exception of a few territories that are not part of any continent. The graphics are fairly simple, and capture the cold feeling of the Arctic.
Present Development: Silent of late and in danger of being moved into a forced vacation due to a lack of updates.


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This week CC diva Robinette has taken time out of her busy CC schedule to give you all this nice piece of fiction.

Robinette wrote:It started out like any other day, the crisp bite of the early dawn air adding a rosy-colored quality to my cheeks while I tilled the soil, carefully planting seeds that would hopefully grow into a bountiful harvest of points...

I have always loved this calm and quiet part of the day, a perfect time to think in retrospect of times past... Of good times like when I took fourth place in the standings... and bad times, like global Independence Day, when our world was invaded by white saucers that took up positions above each and every country on our precious world. I can still remember them saying they came in peace, "to help us", yet wondering if assimilation or extermination was their true intent. They did eventually leave our world, but to this day it seems to me that the radiation exposure left behind an effect... kinda like how an image could burn into an old computer screen... These thoughts remind me to apply my SPF-50 sunscreen and to put on my sunglasses... Looking around I see that the morning dew is almost gone and I realize that this is going to be a hot day. The sky is clear and calm, and in the distance I hear the cry of an eagle piercing the silent air.

Others should be waking up now, so I start heading back in the direction of the farm house... several friends spot me and come running, out of breath and gasping for air... "We've been looking all over for you Robinette, you've got to come quick".

Waiting at the farmhouse are a helicopter and 2 men, Air Force officers, with instructions to take me to the strategic command headquarters. "Give me a few minutes to change and to have some coffee", but they insist there is no time for that and away we go. "We'll brief you on the way" they say.

"What--- There are other worlds?" I ask in disbelief...
"Yes, and they have asked specifically for you to act as an ambassador of sorts!"...
"ME? Why me? Surely we should send a diplomat. Or, or..."
"They asked for you by name"
I spent the rest of the flight in silence, pondering the notion that there really could be other worlds out there.

From the air I can see that Strategic Command is in complete chaos; the buzzer sounds, and I see that we have just gone to DEFCON 2... men are frantically running around everywhere, preparations of all sorts are being made, which explains why I saw those missile silos opening while we were on descent.

I am taken below the surface and into a room with a device that I've never seen before. "We have been told that this device will transport you to their space craft in orbit above the Earth" explains the young technician in charge. I am not at all bothered by his young age, in fact, I have found that the youngest seem to understand new technologies the best, so if my life is to be put on the line, I would prefer to trust one of these young guns to get it right. 6 spinning rings of different colors surround me in a glowing sphere, and in a flash of light I am transported to the space craft.

The first thing I notice is that my world below is completely round. There were those who speculated about this, but in all our experiences the world has always behaved as if completely flat... well, except for that mysterious anomaly that allowed a connection between Alaska and Kamchatka. I stared at the round earth in amazement, and then pondered what other mighty wonders I might see this day.

The space craft breaks orbit, and in the blink of an eye I see the stars suddenly stretch lengthwise and feel a great sensation of speed... I begin to wonder why I am alone in this room, could it be that they feel I am not yet ready to see what people from other worlds look like? Or perhaps there is another reason...

The space craft has returned to a normal orbit, but below I see completely different worlds... there are dozens of planets of all sizes, and circling around each of those are a dozen or so more moons... I can also see what looks like planets of all sizes that appear to be at different stages of construction. Could it be that everything in our universe begins here? I have never subscribed to the thinking that everything in our universe evolved by chance, but rather, I have always believed there was an architect involved... could this be where the gods of this universe reside?

Now I am hearing a loud intermittent buzzing sound... BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Suddenly, out of no where, something grabs my shoulder and starts shaking... BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! more shaking but I cannot see anything... BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! and now I hear my name... BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!... I am terrified and wishing that I was back home safe from this terrifying situation... BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! more shaking... "Robinette"... "Robinette"... "wake up, you're sleeping through your alarm"...

Whew... It was all just a dream............ or was it?
Well, I know one thing for sure, there's no place like home... 8-)


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This issue we interviewed Mr. K about his revamp of his own map, Ancient Greece.

How old are you/what gender are you/where do you live? Answer specifically, vaguely, or not at all.
I'm a 21 year old male, from Philadelphia born and raised.

How did you find out about Conquer Club?
Few years ago a bunch of friends and I played a couple games of risk late at night when we had nothing else to do. One of my friends (Hoff, the maker of the Germany map) found this site and introduced it to the rest of us (including Banana Stomper, maker of the Tamriel map) and we got pretty addicted for a short while. As an engineer-in-training, I always enjoy making stuff more then using stuff, which is why I started making maps(Ancient Greece, Alexander's Empire). Oh, and in case there was any question, I'm Greek, which is where the interest in the Greek-themed maps came from.

What is your favorite map currently up for live play? Why that one?
Hmm... I haven't played actively in over two years. In the past week or two since I've been back, I've only played a few games. One Classic, one Doodle Earth, two The New World, and currently one on Alexander's Empire. All except Alexander's Empire were chosen because they were they were the only Speed Games available with the settings I liked. I did enjoy Doodle Earth, but I played with different rules I didn't quite understand. Same goes for New World (where I played Fog of War), which was neat but confusing for this old-schooler.

As far as game-play goes, if my memory serves me right, Middle East has always been my favorite. I haven't played it lately, but it is thrilling to me. Which is why I started the revamp. I must admit whoever took it over did a much better job then I would have, kudos to them!

How did you first find the Foundry?
Guess I already answered this. I always love making things. When I played Age of Kings, I made scenarios. When I visited fan-sites, I started making my own. Played RISK, made my own maps. Always love making my own stuff, which is why I'm about to start my senior year of Mechanical Engineering.

You left the Foundry for a long time. Why?
Just lost interest in playing RISK. And anyone who has made a map can tell you, the Foundry is quite demanding! Sometimes more so than a paying customer. I didn't feel like getting started on a new project right then, and since I wasn't playing RISK anymore, I had no reason to stay.

How did you find your way back to the Foundry after so long?

Well someone was apparently a fan of a map idea I had posted a long time ago
viewtopic.php?f=63&t=59067
Somehow, they found me on Myspace and started sending me messages through there. I checked out the discussion and everyone was talking about the idea as impossible, since the creator was long gone. I figured, I'm right here, might as well let the people know they're free to try it if they like! So I stopped by to make that announcement. While I was here, I checked out the Ancient Greece map and realized, I could do much better.

What was your first map? Why that one?

Ancient Greece was my first. Chose it because, I am Greek and theres a great history of Ancient Greek warfare. Figured it would be a great place for modern board-game warfare. I was actually surprised it didn't already exist.

How many quenched maps do you have?

2; Ancient Greece and Alexander's Empire

What's your favorite kind of feedback?

The only type of feedback I don't like is demanding feedback. When people take their own opinions to be more important than mine or anyone else's. A lot of things in graphics cannot be objectively considered "good" or "bad," they're just a matter of personal preference. Ultimately, since no one has commissioned this map, the map-maker's preference is the most important. I always like to take other people's opinions into consideration, and if everyone disagrees with me, then I take that as a sign and all go with the popular vote. But if you're the only one, or one of few, that has a difference in opinion, definitely feel free to let me know, but don't command change. I find nothing more frustrating then when someone finds their own opinion to be more valid then any one else's. I appreciate everyone's opinions and feedback, but when people start making demands on things that are a matter of opinion (and don't desist when asked), it makes me want to abandon the project all together. So please, do let me know any opinions or suggestions you have, I honestly appreciate them all, but don't present your opinionated request as a change that *must* be made. That, I do not appreciate.


What "keeps you going" through getting a map through the Foundry?
I love the artistic side. I like making these maps from scratch, its fun. And once I've put so much effort into it, it's hard not to finish it and make sure it gets through to the end. This time since I'm only doing a revamp I don't have to think about XML or strategy, so that's ideal for me. I just get to do the fun part, the only drag is perfecting it. Which is for the best, of course.


What inspired you to revamp Ancient Greece?

Well I spent the latter part of my summer at work revamping their company website. After spending so much time with graphic editing, I thought, I can make this look so much nicer.


What are some of the major changes you're making to the map?

Just the image. I want to make it look nicer, and more authentic. You'll notice all the territory colors are very earthy. Browns and yellows and greens and whites and blues. I don't think people realize what a luxury all these brilliant colors are that we now have surrounding us. Back in the day you had to go out to the meadows to see some of the good ones ;)


How much time do you spend on each update?
It all depends on how much I want to do, and how good of an idea I have for what I want to be done.


What do you think of the foundry process in general?
Personally I've always thought it was a little more by-the-book then it needed to be. But I'm the hardheaded type. I know what I need to do to get something done right, and when I don't see the sense in doing something else i just wont do it.
I have to give them credit though, it gets the job done and it gets it done well. If I was running this thing I would want it to be this strict too. I just don't like doing stuff I know I don't need to do, especially when I'm taking my own time to do it free of charge.


Any questions that weren't asked above that you'd like to have answered?
I hope that everyone enjoys the new version of Ancient Greece whenever it gets through. I think it will definitely be a big improvement.


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It appears that the majority of people play 15 or less maps on a regular basis, but the minority has a substantial vote as well. Subdividing the minority, more people play fewer than 30 maps, with only six votes for 30+ maps.

wcaclimbing wrote:I've been trying to play every new map at least once or twice, and then more if I like it.
But if I'm looking for a good traditional game, I always go back to my old favorites: Africa, Asia, Great Lakes, Indochina, Scotland, and USA, to name a few.
If I'm looking for something with some different strategy, then there's AoR 1 and 2, Dday and Feudal for me to play with.
There are others I like also, but those are the ones I'm most interested in right now.

So I guess I fall into the 6-15 category.


fireedud wrote:I play only about 4-10 games at a time, but I try to play every map on a regular basis.


yeti_c wrote:I voted "A bunch" - I try to play all maps - but have been on a self enforced hiatus until September - itching to make/join some games!!!


foregone wrote:I like to keep it interesting so I'll generally just sift through the new games every once in a while and semi-randomly join the games, though I stick to the pretty standard gameplay maps and have a preference for geographical maps.


dittoeevee8888 wrote:Whatever tourneys throw at my way, I guess, since my spots are reserved for tourney...so I just voted "some" though I don't really play maps regularly.


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Wrap up

We would like to thank you all for taking the time to read and enjoy our newsletter.
See you next time!

ZeakCytho - Perspectives Editor, Spotlight Editor, Maps In Development Editor
wcaclimbing - Graphics
gimil - Graphics
InkL0sed - Formatting Editor, Proofreading Editor
TaCktiX - Senior Editor, Editorial Editor, Maps in Development Editor
Last edited by TaCktiX on Tue Sep 02, 2008 6:43 am, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby InkL0sed on Sun Aug 31, 2008 6:17 pm

Well done! =D> ;)
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby edbeard on Sun Aug 31, 2008 6:29 pm

you might want to say that Mr. K is the one being interviewed
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby TaCktiX on Sun Aug 31, 2008 6:43 pm

Oops. The staff switcharound always produces some quirks. :D
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby Night Strike on Mon Sep 01, 2008 12:38 am

There you go gimil, I helped you out by stickying this one for you. See, we tournament folks aren't mean to you all. ;)
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby blakebowling on Mon Sep 01, 2008 12:55 am

Night Strike wrote:There you go gimil, I helped you out by stickying this one for you. See, we tournament folks aren't mean to you all. ;)

shhh. I have a reputation here :P
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby Androidz on Mon Sep 01, 2008 2:39 am

How did you find your way back to the Foundry after so long?
Well someone was apparently a fan of a map idea I had posted a long time ago
viewtopic.php?f=63&t=59067
Somehow, they found me on Myspace and started sending me messages through there. I checked out the discussion and everyone was talking about the idea as impossible, since the creator was long gone. I figured, I'm right here, might as well let the people know they're free to try it if they like! So I stopped by to make that announcement.


he mentioned me:D


Another great issue =D>
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby whitestazn88 on Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:12 am

excellent as usual
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby yeti_c on Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:37 am

Agred - although I'm not sure how much Robinette's story was relevant?!

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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby InkL0sed on Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:03 am

Night Strike wrote:There you go gimil, I helped you out by stickying this one for you. See, we tournament folks aren't mean to you all. ;)


Gimil???

Typical, the mod gets all the credit :( :roll: ;)
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby Incandenza on Mon Sep 01, 2008 1:31 pm

Another great newsletter... and a fantastic piece by Classic-maven Robinette. I rather liked the "white saucers" bit.

yeti_c wrote:Agred - although I'm not sure how much Robinette's story was relevant?!

C.


Read closely, you shall see the light. 8-)
THOTA: dingdingdingdingdingdingBOOM

Te Occidere Possunt Sed Te Edere Non Possunt Nefas Est
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby casper on Mon Sep 01, 2008 11:58 pm

Nice update. fyi, the Haiti link is to World War II Europe and not Haiti
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby anyrose on Tue Sep 02, 2008 11:40 pm

Whatever happened to the Boston map?
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby TaCktiX on Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:42 am

The mapmaker lost interest in the project and stopped updating it. The Newsletter has never covered the Boston map.
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby Robinette on Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:22 pm

Incandenza wrote:Another great newsletter... and a fantastic piece by Classic-maven Robinette. I rather liked the "white saucers" bit.

yeti_c wrote:Agred - although I'm not sure how much Robinette's story was relevant?!

C.


Read closely, you shall see the light. 8-)




heehee... Thanks incan...
i knew you would see at least some of the foundry connections...

Image

And yet, overall, i am dismayed by the lack of response to my prose... :-k

If not understood, then perhaps i should have written something more simple? :-s
And if it was not liked, then perhaps the foundry is too nice to critique? :-#
Or perhaps it was skipped over because there were too many words to read? #-o
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby Androidz on Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:24 pm

i liked your text robin:)
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby t-o-m on Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:03 pm

Although one thing,

Madagascar comment wrote:Present Development: Stalled from a mapmaker hiatus, but looking to be back in progress soon.

I'm not on a break, theres just nothing to do whilst i wait for Andy to XML pass it - I've done XML, centering, large/small, and Forza has confirmed that the XML is good and pass worthy, im not on a break - just waiting for Andy.
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby yeti_c on Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:05 pm

Robinette wrote:
Incandenza wrote:Another great newsletter... and a fantastic piece by Classic-maven Robinette. I rather liked the "white saucers" bit.

yeti_c wrote:Agred - although I'm not sure how much Robinette's story was relevant?!

C.


Read closely, you shall see the light. 8-)




heehee... Thanks incan...
i knew you would see at least some of the foundry connections...

Image

And yet, overall, i am dismayed by the lack of response to my prose... :-k

If not understood, then perhaps i should have written something more simple? :-s
And if it was not liked, then perhaps the foundry is too nice to critique? :-#
Or perhaps it was skipped over because there were too many words to read? #-o


I like the pretty picture.

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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby Robinette on Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:21 pm

yeti_c wrote:I like the pretty picture.

:lol: perhaps that's what was missing... pretty pictures to help visualize the story...





Androidz wrote:i liked your text robin:)

:) thanks androidz...
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby TaCktiX on Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:47 pm

The Newsletter is so dang big compared to the standard post that replies to it are rare, and mentions of specific sections are typically to point out gaffs by the staff. It gets viewed like crazy, but response isn't overwhelming.
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby Androidz on Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:55 pm

Robinette wrote:
Androidz wrote:i liked your text robin:)

:) thanks androidz...


np=)
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby yeti_c on Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:35 am

Quite some time since the last issue came out?!

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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby TaCktiX on Wed Sep 17, 2008 1:24 pm

It should be done shortly. We've waited 3 days for Andy to get us his intended Spotlight, but no word, so we're releasing without one.
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Re: The Foundry Newsletter: 7th Issue

Postby yeti_c on Wed Sep 17, 2008 1:26 pm

TaCktiX wrote:It should be done shortly. We've waited 3 days for Andy to get us his intended Spotlight, but no word, so we're releasing without one.


Ah - might've know it was the monkeys fault!!! I guess you could ask one of the other CA's and they could escalate to a different admin?!

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