Greetings,
It's been a year since we started off this lovely publication for the informing of the wider CC about the goings-on in the Foundry, keeping them abreast of what maps are on the horizon, and of course giving them an opportunity to affect the maps that they will play on. I'd say that's the biggest attraction to the Foundry for me, you really do make a difference. How many other things do you know of that you can point at and say "I had an effect on that, and here's where?" And how about on the scale that the Foundry and CC offer? That's pretty awesome.
On a slightly more downer note, we tried to feature a lot of things in a "1 year retrospective" sort of light, and on a lot of our community participating things, nobody replied. Community Perspective was going to feature any people's two cents about the past year in the Foundry, even if they haven't been around for a year. We have nothing to show for it. WCA's Tablet was going to pay homage to the hilarious funny maps by encouraging the community to intentionally create bad maps. He got no submissions. The lack of participating is utterly killing our motivation to do the newsletter, folks. I and the rest of the staff sometimes feel we're speaking to an empty void, spending hours for no real purpose. I know, I know, you love the Newsletter, love reading it and think we're doing good work. But when we seek input and get not even a one-liner, it's rather disappointing.
On a final downer, InkL0sed is leaving his position at proofreader after a year, and layout editor after 6 months of service. We wish him the best, but that leaves us with two positions open that need filling! Please PM
TaCktiX if you have interest in filling either of these positions.
Aside from that, we've got a fairly full issue, with some new banners by
pikkio of Oceania fame, A Look Back at the very 1st Foundry Newsletter, an Editorial from Gimil about his time as C.A., and a Spotlight on the map Monsters by
dolomite13 . Feel free to peruse and enjoy the 21st Issue, the 1st Anniversary Issue.
Cheers,
TaCktiX
Senior Editor
In this section we cover every map presently in development. Each map is accompanied by a brief description of the map's theme, graphics, and gameplay, as well as what's been happening in the last couple of weeks. Finally, a link to each topic, the map's creator(s), and what stamps it presently has are noted.
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Name: Germany Revamp Creator: Pepperonibread
Stamps: 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: No recent updates.
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Name: Antarctica Creator: e_i_pi
Stamps: Description: Conquer Club has featured at one time or another all continents, save one: Antarctica. To avoid the problems of "boring chunk of ice with only research stations on it" and the treaty protecting it from conquest, the mapmaker has cast the map forward in time to 2060, when ice has given way to land, and everyone is vying to conquer it all. The graphics are suitably cold yet colorful, and the conquest basis of the map has been well-thought-out. The map merely asks that you conquer the previously unconquerable Antarctica.
Present Development: Currently stuck by having conflicting feedback on how to iron out the last graphical issues.
Name: Atlantis Creators: Premier2k and
Nemesischild Stamps: Description: Ever want to visit Atlantis? Ok, maybe a myth, but not anymore! Atlantis is unique map that is sure to get CC gamers talking. Great layout and design, with a bounty of colors keeping it lively.
Present Development: Looking to be near a graphics stamp, with just a few last edits to make.
Name: Austerlitz Creator: pamoa Stamps: Description: Have you ever wanted to be Napoleon? Well here is your chance fight his battle, win his victory or turn it into his defeat. With new and complicated game play, this map will be challenging players for years to come. The beautiful landscape is full of small details and a little history for those of us not fully aware of Napoleon's triumph.
Present Development: In need of more comments than it's getting to polish things up.
Name: Balkan Peninsula Creator: ZeakCytho Stamps: Description: This is a gorgeous map of the Balkan Peninsula. The gameplay is classic, with numerous small continents and easy to take bonuses.
Present Development: On hold until the end of exams.
Name: CC Archery Creators: Kaplowitz and
gimil Stamps: Description: CC Archery is a map that mimics players shooting at targets, and one disgustingly cute rabbit. Bonuses are easy to get, making gameplay fun in the early game. The graphics are heavily tongue-in-cheek, which serves as a boon for this map.
Present Development: Silent.
Name: Central America Creator: Igoasklucyl Stamps: Description: Fresh out of the Central America Amateur competition, this map is a representation of the Central American nations with classic gameplay and smooth tropical graphics.
Present Development: Getting some gameplay feedback to spice up the map and balance it out.
Name: Chess Creator: john9blue Stamps: Description: A map based on one of the oldest games, to put it simply. It's a lovely rendering of a late-game chess match, with auto-deploys on held pieces and attack routes based on piece movement. That alone makes for a different and engaging gameplay, sure to set this map apart. So grab the speed clock and claim checkmate soon.
Present Development: Quiet of late.
Name: Conquer Mart Creator: lzrman Stamps: Description: Ah, the shopping mall. Home of After Thanksgiving sales, last stands against the zombie apocalypse, and armed conflict. Well, in the past there wasn't any armed conflict, but this map seeks to change that, with fights over the departments and stores of a standard shopping mall being the order du jour. An overhead view shows off the floorplan of conquest, similar to a mall directory.
Present Development: Soon to release another new version.
Name: England Creator: MrBenn Stamps: Description: Green and Pleasant Land indeed. This map displays England and only England, in many shades of green. Wonderful graphics make this map a showcase of real talent unless you happen to not like green. No special features except for a inset to include London.
Present Development: Still looking for an ample way of describing the bonus scheme.
Name: Europe 1099 Creator: Beko the Great Stamps: Description: The Crusades, you can hear the clashing of swords and the crying of peasants just from a glance at this map. Look closely and you will see it was painted on cloth. The setting of this battle, Europe and a touch of Africa during the 1099 Crusade. This map plays to the religious aspects of the time period and looks like it will make a great game.
Present Development: Quiet recently.
Name: Feudal Epic Creator: Gimil Stamps: Description: The long-awaited sequel to the original conquest map, Feudal War. Whereas Feudal War was restricted to only 6 players, Feudal Epic has enough for 8 people, with wide and expansive village regions in between to clash and vanquish your enemies in. Otherwise, the gameplay is the same, if not better, than the original Feudal War, making this a certain favorite when it quenches.
Present Development: Awaiting another update.
Name: First Nations of North America Creator: Tisha Stamps: Description: Painted on a parchment for all to see, a picture of early North America. Divided into its early tribes, from the tip of Greenland to the tip of Mexico, and everywhere in between. With good old fashion standard game play this map will be a delight to those players that like to keep it simple.
Present Development: No post-move update yet.
Name: Gilgamesh Creator: Oaktown Stamps: Description: This map is unique in at least one way: it grew out of a rejected revamp entry. Now divorced from the confining Centerscape gameplay, the maker has crafted a vibrant and mythologically-informed look at the Fertile Crescent during ancient times. Utilizing portions of the Gilgamesh epic, the map has both standard and special bonuses, leading to a very diverse gameplay.
Present Development: Improvements seem to be getting more and more incremental, perhaps a stamp or two soon?
Name: Iron Curtain Creator: RjBeals and
the.killing.44 Stamps: 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: Deluged by gameplay feedback.
Name: Long Island Creators: sailorseal and
LED ZEPPELINER Stamps: Description: A long thin block of territories surrounded by boats forking off at the end is the basic design of the map. A medium to small map with very few bonuses will give a new challenge to any player that decides to take it.
Present Development: Silent.
Name: Mexico Creators: fumandomuerte and
MrBenn Stamps: Description: This map just oozes the flavor of the country it is representing. It's a classic map with ports similar to the Philippines map, and its color scheme is straight off the Mexican flag itself. The vibrant colors and Mexican theme definitely contribute to the appeal of this map.
Present Development: Looking to improve the mountain impassables on the map.
Name: Monsters! Creator: dolomite13 Stamps: Description: This map makes you think just to look at it. A highly complex game play style with a fun and lovable theme, MONSTERS! It is essentially Monsters vs. Wizards in a fight for power stones, monsters, wizards and points.
Present Development: Now soliciting feedback on the gameplay elements present on the map. Diagrams included, too!
Name: New Zealand Creator: Reggie Mac and
LED ZEPPELINER Stamps: Description: This is a map of New Zealand, complete with some surrounding islands. The graphics are clean and simple, and the gameplay is totally classic.
Present Development: Awaiting a response on the gameplay feedback.
Name: Rose City Creator: lostatlimbo Stamps: Description: lostatlimbo has a very creative premise for this map: highlight all the unique features of Portland and turn them into gameplay features. That coupled with a bright and borderline garish color scheme creates a different map that likely will break the "limited appeal" problem that other city maps have run into.
Present Development: Getting closer to a latched-down gameplay.
Name: Route 66 Creator: oaktown Stamps: Description: Route 66, nothing says USA like this good old-fashioned road. Look at it, and you see a miniature USA. There are no territories out on the open road, just lots of different routes. From Chicago to LA, branching out all of the country. Players have to scramble for routes from sea to shining sea bringing a sense of home for players all across America. The fun isn't just reserved for them however, as any player will enjoy this new map created by the recently retired from C.A.
oaktown himself.
Present Development: Updated, and looking really shnazz.
Name: Switzerland Creator: Kaplowitz and
Wcaclimbing Stamps: 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: An uncertain future for this map.
Name: Trafalgar Creator: Cairnswk Stamps: Description: The Battle of Trafalgar was a turning point in Europe during Napoleon's reign With unorthodox naval tactics, Admiral Nelson destroyed the French/Spanish fleet with no ships lost. This map strives to depict that pivotal battle, with cannon bombardments, boarding parties, and bonuses requiring most, but not all, of ships to be held. A clever model depiction and a solid color scheme help to make the map a bird's eye view of naval warfare at its height.
Present Development: Nearly at a graphics stamp
Name: Treasure Map Creator: LED ZEPPELINER Stamps: Description: A colorful take on a classic nautical "Treasure Map" featuring skull and cross bones with a few classic sailing ships thrown in. An objective style game play with a island hopping setting gives the player the feel they are hunting for a treasure. Arrr!
Present Development: Sporting some graphical tweaks, but still no gameplay stamp.
Name: Vancouver Creator: Shakeycat Stamps: Description: This is a map of the greater Vancouver area. It has mostly classic gameplay, with attack routes between ports and special bonuses for holding various transportation modes, i.e. train lines.
Present Development: Awaiting a graphical go-over by MrBenn.
Name: World Cities Creator: sully800 Stamps: Description: For those who loved Classic, maybe this will fill the void left in your heart. A typical image of the world (Moved 40* to the left) with cities instead of countries. With a well done graphical style and interesting game play to boot, this looks like a great map.
Present Development: Lots of feedback has been replied to, a new version should release soon.
Name: WWII: The Invasion of Poland Creator: samuelc812 Stamps: Description: Sporting the colors of World War II, this starting positions map has many special features keeping you always interested such as planes, tanks and bonuses for commanders. Take a look at this map and you just might learn something.
Present Development: Working on some gameplay tweaks to finish balancing things out.
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Name: Conquer Club National Bank Creators: lzrman and
a.sub Stamps: [Preliminary Review]
Description: (Alarm goes off)
You are breaking in to Conquer Club's National Bank, they have made the map, all you need to do is get the money and get out. Objective: Get 6 money carts and the get-away car to win. The only problem: there are other players standing in your way.
A unique style of gameplay forces players to break their way into a bank with all of the territories named after members of the crack team who made the map. Sneaking your way past alarms, searching for carts of money, this map has many thrills to come.
Present Development: Under some gameplay discussion to balance things out.
Name: Judea Creator: Len44 Stamps: [Preliminary Review]
Description: Finally someone will do it, make the un-makeable map, Israel (Judea)! With a strictly historical shape and a well done earthy feel this map has quickly gained support.
Len44 didn't stop there, he has not only started a great map but as spiced it up with a few complex game play features in a style of his own.
Present Development: Silent.
Name: The 13 American Colonies Creator: Industrial Helix
Stamps: [Preliminary Review]
Description: Yankee doodle went to town riding on a pony...
The 13 original American Colonies from Maine to Georgia. With a focus on regions far surpassing states from a territorial perspective.The land mass has ships to its right and Indian Territories to its left, but beyond that is other all a simple game play map.
Present Development: Just called for Preliminary Review.
In the Editorial, we ask a member of the Conquer Club community to write about some aspect of the Foundry. Subjects thus far have ranged from first-timer perspectives to a fictional look at future mapmaking, with plenty in between. Anyone interested in writing an Editorial is asked to PM
TaCktiX about it.
This issue, former contributor and moderator gimil writes the editorial.
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My time as a blue .......
In celebration of the 1st year anniversary, I'd like to take you back to a year ago, to our very first issue. It's been redone to be on a nice PDF, with a few extra tidbits on the side. If you like that look, let me know so I can try to do future issues in PDF form in addition to our normal forum presence.
Link (2MB) In the Spotlight, we typically cover a staff-selected map and mapmaker in an interview. Mapmaker motivations, inspirations, and the like have been covered, with plenty of surprises in between.
This issue we spotlight Monsters made by dolomite13.
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What graphics editing program do you use? What's the hardest thing you find about making maps? The easiest? What sort of research goes into your maps, if any? Do you base the design of this map off of any others? if so which? How old are you/what gender are you/where do you live? Answer specifically, vaguely, or not at all. How did you find out about Conquer Club? What is your favorite map currently up for live play? Why that one? What interested you in mapmaking? What kind of feedback do you like getting the most? What "keeps you going" through getting a map through the Foundry? You are a first-time mapmaker. What advice do you have for people who are starting on their first maps? How did you decide what graphics styles to go with? How much time do you spend on each update? How much of that time do you enjoy? Were there any suggestions that you absolutely loved? Or any that you really hated? What do you think of the foundry process in general?
Ok everyone....
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I was planning on writing about all the funny maps I have gotten, but since no one sent in funny maps, I don't have anything to talk about.
Subscription Enjoy this week's issue? Haven't signed up yet?
Then feel free to subscribe to the newsletter by sending a PM with your name to the Newsletter's senior editor, TaCktiX
(clicky) . By subscribing you will receive every new issue of the Newsletter straight into your inbox, keeping you up to date with all the new latest developments in the Foundry.
Wrap up We would like to thank you all for taking the time to read and enjoy our newsletter.
See you next time!
InkL0sed - Formatting Editor, Proofreading Editor
sailorseal - Spotlight Editor, Maps in Development Editor
pikkio - Graphics
TaCktiX - Senior Editor, Editorial Editor, Perspectives Editor, Maps In Development Editor, A Look Back Editor
wcaclimbing - Graphics, WCA's Tablet
Originally posted June 7th, 2009 
