Discover & Settle - a new land.
Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:14 pm
Hi!
This is my first ever attempt on a map, you all will probably notice this. I hope I am in the right place
I have read many guides tonight but its impossible remember everything so I figured I better get this idea and draft out of my head and then focus on the details.
Change Log:
Latest version:
Old images:
Info
Name: Realms of Fatiko (not decided)
Theme: Fantasy/Imaginary Land/Real Fiction
Regions: 81
Bonus Zones: 10
Special features: Grid system, All & Half bonus zones, Border Conflicts, Bonus Stars and Starting Positions.
Intro
General
Gameplay
Graphics -
XML -
Im a novice programmer so I dont think XML should be too hard for me or Genevra. But if the graphical workload becomes too much I might need some help. Advices and tips are always welcomed.
Read the XML guides and it seems simple enough
I'm sure have missed some things now....
Critique away!
This is my first ever attempt on a map, you all will probably notice this. I hope I am in the right place
I have read many guides tonight but its impossible remember everything so I figured I better get this idea and draft out of my head and then focus on the details.
Change Log:
Spoiler
02 sep -
New graphics - made Blood and Magic areas into Hills and Mountains. Better visible borders between areas. More details.
Created poll about the name/theme.
Renamed areas - Those above + Fields, Lake , Sea and Plains.
31-aug -
New alternative map with beaches as starting positions, added text about it too.
Changed big star bonus from 4 to 6.
Changed the order of the text in this post.
Added In consideration/To do sections.
Added one line about story.
New graphics - made Blood and Magic areas into Hills and Mountains. Better visible borders between areas. More details.
Created poll about the name/theme.
Renamed areas - Those above + Fields, Lake , Sea and Plains.
31-aug -
New alternative map with beaches as starting positions, added text about it too.
Changed big star bonus from 4 to 6.
Changed the order of the text in this post.
Added In consideration/To do sections.
Added one line about story.
- Click image to enlarge.
Old images:
Spoiler
Original:
(large)
(small)
Info
Name: Realms of Fatiko (not decided)
Theme: Fantasy/Imaginary Land/Real Fiction
Regions: 81
Bonus Zones: 10
Special features: Grid system, All & Half bonus zones, Border Conflicts, Bonus Stars and Starting Positions.
Intro
Spoiler
I wanted to have a map where you could move in every direction of the compass(8) for every region. Where almost every region is a zone border and counts for the zone bonus. I also wanted to have some border conflicts to create some more dynamism, as well as half zones bonuses. Bonus stars would be another area of clashing but easier to maintain.
These arent unique features single-handedly but together I think they make a nice combination. Something I have been looking for to play with.
The idea is to give many opportunities to get bonus from. Whether it be small or large ones.
Graphically I wanted it to look like terrain viewed from above(high above). No buildings or other constructions since its a new land waiting for discovery and settling.
These arent unique features single-handedly but together I think they make a nice combination. Something I have been looking for to play with.
The idea is to give many opportunities to get bonus from. Whether it be small or large ones.
Graphically I wanted it to look like terrain viewed from above(high above). No buildings or other constructions since its a new land waiting for discovery and settling.
Spoiler
Name -
Im not entirely sure on the name. Fatiko is a combination of my own and my girlfriend's nick. We both play here and she might help me with the XML.
Other suggestions are welcomed
Theme -
This could be easily changed but a fantasy theme seemed suitable. Only thing that would need to adjust to move away from fantasy, is the name of Blood and Magic zones. And perhaps some graphics.
Story? -
You are a settler that are discovering a new land and its riches.
Im not entirely sure on the name. Fatiko is a combination of my own and my girlfriend's nick. We both play here and she might help me with the XML.
Other suggestions are welcomed
Theme -
This could be easily changed but a fantasy theme seemed suitable. Only thing that would need to adjust to move away from fantasy, is the name of Blood and Magic zones. And perhaps some graphics.
Story? -
You are a settler that are discovering a new land and its riches.
Gameplay
Spoiler
Grid System-
You can move in any 8 direction of the compass, so all non-edge regions have 8 borders.
No real way of building up a stronghold or a chocking point.
Regions -
8 x 8 = 64 main land squares + a border of 17 beaches = 81 regions Split up into 10 zones; Blood, Forest, Jungle, Sea, Ocean, Savanna, Swamp, Magic, Dessert and Volcano. The zones are color coded. Note that not all zones are applicable to giving bonus due border conflicts.
Balanced bonuses after how many regions, borders, borders in conflict and incoming attack possibilities. Will post a chart later.
Border Conflicts -
There are 4 border lines in conflict:
Jungle - Dessert(2)
Forest - Sea(2)
Ocean - Savanna(4)
Savanna - Swamp(3)
All & Half Zone Bonus -
Two different bonuses are listed for each zone. All when you own every region. Half for when you only own half of the regions(rounded up). Both are including those regions in conflict.
Some quadrants(4x4) might be overpowered, I realised now. But with the vulnerability of every zone and region, it might not be a problem after all.
I like Half bonuses since it would make it so that only taking one region wouldn't be enough to break a bonus.
Bonus Stars -
There are 4 small stars that give you +1 bonus and 1 large star that gives you +6 bonus.
Starting positions? -
I havent thought much about this. I dont think there is a huge imbalance except for the small stars, which would be excluded and start with 3 neutrals.
After some talk I realised starting positions would be needed to remove the drop bonus chance.
You simply start at the beaches with 6 troops, while the inland would have 3 neutrals or more. This is to discourage the players from attacking each other in the beginning when in close proximity.
Might expand the starting area to include the regions closest to the beaches as well, to give more room when it is 5+ players. Would probably exclude red blood regions from that due drop bonus chance.
In consideration/To do
Bonuses -
Needs to be reviewed
Neutrals -
Thinking of having 3 neutrals on all the land except the small stars and red blood area. The small stars would have 5 and blood 4.
Objectives? -
Nothing in mind for now but could make it so that holding all stars, 8 regions, for a turn would be win.
You can move in any 8 direction of the compass, so all non-edge regions have 8 borders.
No real way of building up a stronghold or a chocking point.
Regions -
8 x 8 = 64 main land squares + a border of 17 beaches = 81 regions Split up into 10 zones; Blood, Forest, Jungle, Sea, Ocean, Savanna, Swamp, Magic, Dessert and Volcano. The zones are color coded. Note that not all zones are applicable to giving bonus due border conflicts.
Balanced bonuses after how many regions, borders, borders in conflict and incoming attack possibilities. Will post a chart later.
Border Conflicts -
There are 4 border lines in conflict:
Jungle - Dessert(2)
Forest - Sea(2)
Ocean - Savanna(4)
Savanna - Swamp(3)
All & Half Zone Bonus -
Two different bonuses are listed for each zone. All when you own every region. Half for when you only own half of the regions(rounded up). Both are including those regions in conflict.
Some quadrants(4x4) might be overpowered, I realised now. But with the vulnerability of every zone and region, it might not be a problem after all.
I like Half bonuses since it would make it so that only taking one region wouldn't be enough to break a bonus.
Bonus Stars -
There are 4 small stars that give you +1 bonus and 1 large star that gives you +6 bonus.
Starting positions? -
I havent thought much about this. I dont think there is a huge imbalance except for the small stars, which would be excluded and start with 3 neutrals.
After some talk I realised starting positions would be needed to remove the drop bonus chance.
You simply start at the beaches with 6 troops, while the inland would have 3 neutrals or more. This is to discourage the players from attacking each other in the beginning when in close proximity.
Might expand the starting area to include the regions closest to the beaches as well, to give more room when it is 5+ players. Would probably exclude red blood regions from that due drop bonus chance.
In consideration/To do
Bonuses -
Needs to be reviewed
Neutrals -
Thinking of having 3 neutrals on all the land except the small stars and red blood area. The small stars would have 5 and blood 4.
Objectives? -
Nothing in mind for now but could make it so that holding all stars, 8 regions, for a turn would be win.
Graphics -
Spoiler
This was only something I made this evening during some hours. My girlfriend(nicked Genevra...) helped with me some second opinions. We both know that there is a long way to go though.
Application -
Photoshop CS3.
Region names -
I havent put them in yet(too eager to make this thread). Im thinking of simply have a letter or two related to the zone/border conflict plus a number. Similar to Feudal Wars.
Terrain Texture -
Made the texture via some filtering and random painting. Not too much thought went into it. I wanted to do something simple to get a start. It turned out quite okey. The only suitable theme I could find for this was Fantasy and so it became
Ellipse Troop Shadow -
Might not be visible in every region. Mainly brown swamp area, where I dont think it will be needed due the light colours of troop number anyway. The shadow might be too transparent/light overall though. Ellipse because I think it will fit better with the square and more importantly the color code, I love to use.
Colorblindness friendly ? -
I have no real clue about this. The map and zones are basically are about colors. I tried to make different textures for each zone.
Some monitors might have problems with the contrasts etc.
Trying to make the texture for each area different.
Could otherwise be solved by having different troop shadow.
"Papyrus" Background -
Tried to mimic a papyrus texture. The edges are more worn out. The space around the title even more so.
The latest version looks more like a discoloured canvas.
Bonus Chart -
I think this was simply and good enough. Serves it purpose. Might be confusing with All and Half...
Font -
I used Papyrus...
Symbols -
The compass and the stars are some standard symbols I found in PS.
In consideration/To do
More beaches(non-playable) -
Add beaches to the land bordering the sea and ocean.
Whats the difference between sea and ocean? -
Trying to be creative with a deep and shallow part. Not sure if its enough. Could make the sea into a lake by adding some sandy borders.
No Blood and Magic - (Been fixed now)
To move away from the fantasy theme, these area would need to be changed.
My non-fantasy thoughts are to make the purple into greyish mountain/hill area. Red could be black cracked area, like an abyss.
Gold and Gem mines -
To be less abstract and more themed, I could make the stars into different mines. Small star to a gold mine. The big star into a gem/jewel/diamond mine.
Application -
Photoshop CS3.
Region names -
I havent put them in yet(too eager to make this thread). Im thinking of simply have a letter or two related to the zone/border conflict plus a number. Similar to Feudal Wars.
Terrain Texture -
Made the texture via some filtering and random painting. Not too much thought went into it. I wanted to do something simple to get a start. It turned out quite okey. The only suitable theme I could find for this was Fantasy and so it became
Ellipse Troop Shadow -
Might not be visible in every region. Mainly brown swamp area, where I dont think it will be needed due the light colours of troop number anyway. The shadow might be too transparent/light overall though. Ellipse because I think it will fit better with the square and more importantly the color code, I love to use.
Colorblindness friendly ? -
I have no real clue about this. The map and zones are basically are about colors. I tried to make different textures for each zone.
Some monitors might have problems with the contrasts etc.
Trying to make the texture for each area different.
Could otherwise be solved by having different troop shadow.
"Papyrus" Background -
Tried to mimic a papyrus texture. The edges are more worn out. The space around the title even more so.
The latest version looks more like a discoloured canvas.
Bonus Chart -
I think this was simply and good enough. Serves it purpose. Might be confusing with All and Half...
Font -
I used Papyrus...
Symbols -
The compass and the stars are some standard symbols I found in PS.
In consideration/To do
More beaches(non-playable) -
Add beaches to the land bordering the sea and ocean.
Whats the difference between sea and ocean? -
Trying to be creative with a deep and shallow part. Not sure if its enough. Could make the sea into a lake by adding some sandy borders.
No Blood and Magic - (Been fixed now)
To move away from the fantasy theme, these area would need to be changed.
My non-fantasy thoughts are to make the purple into greyish mountain/hill area. Red could be black cracked area, like an abyss.
Gold and Gem mines -
To be less abstract and more themed, I could make the stars into different mines. Small star to a gold mine. The big star into a gem/jewel/diamond mine.
XML -
Im a novice programmer so I dont think XML should be too hard for me or Genevra. But if the graphical workload becomes too much I might need some help. Advices and tips are always welcomed.
Read the XML guides and it seems simple enough
I'm sure have missed some things now....
Critique away!
