StarCraft: Sons of War opens its doors

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Hello there. Some of you may have heard about this project through WB; some of you may be former members reconsidering; and a few others may have heard nothing at all about this.

I will not explain what this project is about or what it hopes to achieve: instead, I'd like to publically announce that SoW has finally stepped out of the dark and acknowledges itself as a public project by the .org community and for the .org community. Our working area will still be private, but we, aided by the amazing skills of Ultrazealot and Pharazon, have constructed a site where you can browse around and satisfy your curiosity a little: main features of the project, goals, and joining requisites are displayed in an elegant and clean manner.

Can you join Sons of War? Of course. That's the main goal of this thread, to have people browse our site and look at a little more than rumors :)

All the basic info is there, if you have any questions, or wish to apply for joining SoW, go to the contact section and send a mail with the specifications depicted there. Just to give you a broad idea, here's the skills we're needing at the moment:

- 3D rendering (Alias, Blender, Maya, etc.)
- 3D animation (lighting, environment, and texturing)
- 2D artists (Photoshop for example)
- Sketchers (we favor concept and imagination over technique)
- Voice Casting (mature voices required, male and female :concern: )
- Storywriters (you will see in the site that the main storyline positions are already taken: however, our 2 top writers constantly complain about not having enough points of view. COMPETENT writers are welcome)
- Modders (we'll probably wait for Firegraft to come up: meanwhile, we'll edit the tilesets, and we'd appreciate a little help on that)
- Musicians (our musicians haven't showed up in a considerable time: positions there can be considered open)

Any future references, doubts or questions, include them in your email.

We're proud of what we have achieved so far, and would like to thank the .org network for all their support, starting with that news post who got our project running.

THX, and enjoy :)

http://www.sonsofwar.pyrom.net

[Shortyland05]

a couple of questions,

are you keeping with the old SC graphics?
how are you going to replicate Kerrigans voice(if you are...)?
how long do you reckon this will take?

thanks

[DiscipleOfAdun]

I assume your modding team is capable enough to inform you of impossible ideas, I hope. Oh, and if it was me, I'd just make as much of the mod as possible for some old version where you'll have the .pat file from Stargraft, since Firegraft does support .pat imports. Just a suggestion...

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Don't worry, our modders specialize in crushing our dreams :)

Now seriously, yes, we know what's possible and what's not. Our modders are in a standby phase right now, since the unit attribute desing is "queued" right now. However, once we take care of other things, we'll get back on it :)

I didn't know Firegraft suports the old .pat files, those are good news.

To Shortyland05, we ARE keeping with the old graphics, good ol' 2D; Kerrigan has been found within our voice casters (ShadowGonissa), and with some nice Audacity tweaks we're set for life; this will take long, we're barely in 10%.

[Ahzz]

sc2 will be announced before its finished.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

SC2 is an uthopy, dear Ahzz. Until then, we can try.

[SilverCrusader]

finally... now i can start in contact with you guys... i've been out of touch for a while, but it is time to jump in the fun.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Well, you still haven't submitted your map to us so we can seee your work. How are you supposed to "jump in the fun" if you're not even approved? :P

[SilverCrusader]

... Do unfinished maps count? If they're close to being finished?

*EDIT*
Well I am uploading my almost finished map here, it utilizes Web Triggers (without them this map would be a pain to make).

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Actually, we'd like to see your melee map skills. And no, unfinished maps don't count, if you don't finish your own maps how will you finish ours?

[ULTRAZEALOT]

lol.
sadly true XD

[own3d0406]

I wish I could contribute. :(
Hope you guys actually finish it.

[SilverCrusader]

heh, being strict eh?
It will only take me 30 minutes or so to finish. As for melee map skills? I have virtually none, but I can make them if I put the effort to. I'm primarily a trigger artist, and yes, I know the AI scripts very well.

[Protogod]

I will not explain what this project is about or what it hopes to achieve: instead, I'd like to publically announce that SoW has finally stepped out of the dark and acknowledges itself as a public project by the .org community and for the .org community.

(everyone already knew about this)

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Proto, always so charming :)

[SilverCrusader]

... not here guys...
ok i'm done with the map.

[Protogod]

Proto, always so charming

too charming for your lil' project, eh?

[B.A.Baracus]

Ive never heard about any of this, and I know everything that goes on- everywhere.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

This was only a temporary shout here in WB, you can search and you'll see several threads regarding the project, mainly recruiting: after we got all we needed to start though, we GTFO from here and started working silently, so that's probably why you know nothing about it; there was also a news post in sc.org (record, >300 replies).

Indeed proto, your "charm" was quite noticeable :o

[SilverCrusader]

am i joining or not?

[bloodbane]

I want to see the full story line

[SolidSamurai]

If this hasn't already been suggested:

- You should edit up the FAQ section. Those 'A=', are a little confusing, especially considering there's no 'Q='.

- Provide a link on the little blizz logo

- This'll all make it look a little more professional, whether being made by fans or not

All I can really do to help out is offer utterly brilliant unit suggestions. Hope you guys have payed attention to some of 'em. I mean, I'm almost sure none of you have actually bothered to read any of them, despite how much detail they all involve; rather then simply 'cover weaknesses'.

I think it'd be a good idea to include units that create fully new strategies, which shouldn't be too hard. The one difficulty with this would be allowing it to cohede with those that already exist

Now I hope people are listening to that. Offer suggestions as to why not, otherwise.

[SilverCrusader]

The new units have for the most part have already been decided.

OH and BTW, can i join...

[SolidSamurai]

Looks like Silver Crusader's giving us all an excuse not to listen to me. You were the same guy who said "we didn't even think about those".
Honestly... it hurts me inside.

Whatever, I guess you guys don't need my creativity for the project.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Oh, don't listen to him :)

We're currently in a debate, 3 new units vs 6 new units. The reason is, we have 3 units quite set up right now but the other 3 stay shrouded in the mist. You'd have to see the whole set to balance them out, but this has to be discussed first in the forum.

SC, if you don't know what you're talking about, please be quiet (said in a polite manner) :) We're evaluating your map and will give you results soon. And we also need that melee sample as well.

BTW, we might be uploading some sneaks soon ;)

Meanwhile you can look at Pharazon's newest sketches on sc.org... oh wait, it's down... again >_>

[bloodbane]

6 new units if its 2 per races
3 units per race
new units for all races and new hero units
if u cant decide in a week flip a coin
and become two face

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

...

>_>

...

[SilverCrusader]

i'm not a melee map type guy...

[Tael_Zenith]

Wee about frikken time we get an update here. Well lets see...

I sent a map in a while ago, wondering if you got it...? I have free tiem to spare now so if your interested, PM me or somthing.

Oh and just a FYI... I'll hunt you down and go Crackling on you if you take as long as Project Revolution... :confused:
:shiftyl::shiftyr:

Heh
Just my :2cents:

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Tael ZEnith... I don't remember :o

was it with the same username? what kind of map was it?

[SilverCrusader]

hey torrsake, whats your B.net name.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

the same as everywhere else, USWEST. I dunno why you need it though.

[SilverCrusader]

just out of curiosity... how long does it take to evaluate a map?

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

As long as it takes sc.org to put up the moderator list :P

Can you give me a... break? I have A LOT of SoW issues to attend and your map WILL be evaluated, just give me time and stop asking. I'll do it as quickly as I can.

[grover1311]

i have a question, are the team members the main members on the site? cos my name inst under the test team XD

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

The testing phase is still A LONG way from here. If you check the site, this is currently at more or less 10%.

[SilverCrusader]

i can help be your secretary xD, that would speed things up.

[Mr.Bad]

Torrasque, the site is pretty nice, the only comment I have to make is to spellcheck it, as there are several mistakes such as hav, for have, and you also spelled suicidalkismet as suicidalkimset.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

We spellchecked it already, but by your comment, I suppose we missed something. I'll see to it :)

[grover1311]

ITSTORRASQUE4U, that wasn't my question

[Ktan]

Guys, keep it on topic. I've noticed a few spammy posts and they risk derailing the entire thread.

[SilverCrusader]

Ktan is just shaking in anticipation to close this thread probably. ok j/k

So can i become your secretary, i'm good at making coffee xD. I'm actually serious about this...

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

No thanks.

And Ktan is right, lets keep on topic. If you have any questions regarding the project (logical, not "can I see the storyline" or something like that >_>) now is the time to ask.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Here's some sneaks for you pervs ;)

Subject #284-D
Codename: Deimos

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o135/Phara-/Deimosvol2small.jpg

Subject #???
Codename: Phobos

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q105/ULTRAZEALOT/sweetbabe-1.jpg

Enjoy :)

Credits to Ultrazealot and Pharazon.

[grover1311]

oooo nice

[SilverCrusader]

again pharazan and UltraZealot blow me away.

[Basan]

Cool looking images. That Deimos character seems to be supposed as a Zerg-Toss hybrid, although he somewhat looks like a Predator (without the mask). ;) Good looking, btw.

And that Phobos one seems to be a Sapiens Hydralisk of sorts. All in all, excellent work so far. :tup:

[Razorstorm]

Still need storywriters? Im good at them.

[2hededlizrd]

Those two characters were my brainchild [TY, TY], and Phara and UZ did a very nice job bringing them to life. They are indeed Protoss/Zerg Hybrids, and the main characters of our expansion.

BTW, I'm a member of the Storyline team, and while the skeletal framework is complete and the plot has been established, I'd still appreciate a skillful person or two that can write up good mission breifing scripts for our voice actors, as well as possible cinematic scripts.

THX

[DarkMirror]

I might be able to do that. It might take time, but I can write up the scripts. Give me a plot for a mission and i'll make a briefing as a showcase of what i can do.

[bloodbane]

those pics remind me of spawn
Am I in the game?

[IrishDutchman]

how are you going to replicate Kerrigans voice(if you are...)?

Kick someone in the nuts, make him read out the text. Hey! Presto! Kerrigan voice.

[Tael_Zenith]

Uh... I sent two maps if i recall correctly, an UMS and a Melee, through my email, Tael_Zenith@yahoo.com.

just checked. sent in the 24th of December O-o. you can nix the recordings though, I have not the voice for it, IMO.

[matefkr]

maybe the huge spine on the shoulder of the hybrid isn't a too good idea, but this looks like realy cool at all!

But what is the next one named phobos? If it's a hybrid too, this will not fit to the previous story, becouse zeratul said that: "i've never seen a creature like this before" - or something.

[Basan]

Kick someone in the nuts, make him read out the text. Hey! Presto! Kerrigan voice.

I may be able to do some voice overs (if asked) with nutty accents* if necessary, but not that one. Definitely. :P

* - According to Dunch', that is. :lame:

[SilverCrusader]

man I really hope I can join in soon, and don't have to make another map..

[Haladras]

Hey! What the heck? I'm the briefing's master!

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

I'm orry Tael, but I really don't recall :(

Is there any possibility you could send them again? BTW, we won't be needing mappers until we're done with tileset editing, so it might take a while. Reason why you as well, Silvercrusader, are not a priority and it's taking that long.

[Razorstorm]

Well I can do MBs and storylines.

[SilverCrusader]

Well mapping isn't the only thing I'm good at, I'm also a programmer. C++ FTW!
And I would be more than happy to write up Read Me's or even a C++ program that has text and stuff.

[DarkMirror]

Im up for briefings if you tell me what you want. I stated this on the last page.
(Plus, to the guy who said that there cant be two hybrids, stfu. This revolves around the "sons of war", phobos and diemos. Both are hybrids on char or something.

[Morth]

I sent in an application. I can do Briefings and help with Storyline, tell me if there's any problem with the e-mail, seems like there have been a few others from the posts here...

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Not a problem really, our writers are currently reviewing your work :)

[SilverCrusader]

Could I perhaps show my skills by making a mission?

[DarkMirror]

Am I in or not?

[Basan]

"Patience is a virtue" and 'oddly' enough I just can't get tired of that motto sentence... :rolleyes:

[SilverCrusader]

we live in a fast paced world, not many ppl understand the value of patience.

[Basan]

we live in a fast paced world, not many ppl understand the value of patience.

Eh, I guess that it'll come sooner or later... with *Ugh* age. :P

[Hasharin]

I could fill a sketching position...tell me the details of the sketch and I'll be happy to do it.

[2hededlizrd]

To Darkmirror and anyone else that wants to write mission breifings: Sorry I haven't been around to give you a sample mission, but here it is:

Characters: Sarah Kerrigan, Cerebrate (Random Name Here; we haven't decided yet)

Scene: Infested Platform, above Char

Mission: Kerrigan's dominance in the Koprulu Sector has gone uncontested for five years. However, there have been psionic disturbances plauging her mind for quite some time. She wanted to go and investigate, but she had to wait for you to grow up and assume temporary control over the myriad and wild Zerg Swarms. Without a strong-willed person nearby, the Zerg would rampage out of control, and will be unrestrainable. Kerrigan has finally been able to capture or grow enough Cerebrates from dead material to make her job much easier.

Kerrigan finally decides to investigate the psionic disturbance, believed to originate on the planet Braxis. Meanwhile, she places you in the care of a veteran Cerebrate named (Random Name Here), and leaves you.

A band of Terrans, maybe a part of a scout team, has encroached on the borders of Char. (Random Name Here) thinks this is a good opporotunity to test your control over your new Brood, and tells you to destroy the Terran party.


THis is a little rough, but I think this'll serve. We have one scriptwriter, and although he'd say otherwise, it's too much work for just one guy to do. Sample mission breifings can be PM'd to me or to ITSTORRASQUE4U (preferably both, if possible), and we'll get back to you ASAP after your submission.

Again, Thanks and sorry for the delay XD

[DarkMirror]

By "Sarah Kerrigan", you mean infested Kerrigan, right?

[2hededlizrd]

Yes, of course. I thought using her full name would be more accurate, but I was talking about the Queen of Blades we all know and hate XD

[DarkMirror]

Alright. I'll get right on it. However, I have a question about the form its supposed to be handed in as. Shopuld I make a map, or just do the script without any wait times, etc? Casue I kinda suck at making waits.

[SilverCrusader]

Queen of Blades we all know and hate
as much as we all hate her transformation, it was for the better, sadly enough, her 30 dmg concussive riffle was pitiful, and she couldn't even call in nuclear strikes. After she transformed she had 50 dmg normal, and cloak, consume, and psonic storm. She basically got a 200% awesomeness boost.
(Zeratul still pwns with his 100 dmg and perma cloak).
Could I perhaps make that mission... just to show my skills?

[2hededlizrd]

About wait times: It doesn't matter. Really, I'm interested more in the actual content of the briefings then any wait times, or screen images, or anything else. Don't include a map please; we don't need one yet, and it's not my call when we start mapping so don't ask XD

Once we get a script for all 27 missions set, then we'll worry about the specifics of the briefing screen. I suck at wait times too, so you're not alone XD

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Don't include a map please; we don't need one yet, and it's not my call when we start mapping so don't ask XD


You just encouraged them to ask :D

Our mapping team will be assembled when we finish editing the swamp tileset. If you have even attempted modding a tileset before, you know the pain it is, so it will probably take long.

SC, you'll have your so desired results before thursday.

[SilverCrusader]

thats good, 'cause you know how I went and got all those mappers? I still have them.

[Morth]

re: 2hededlizrd (http://www.warboards.org/member.php?u=37871)'s post

If we already sent a message, do you now want us to send a new message for that sample mission briefing? If so, do you have a suggested length?

[SilverCrusader]

thursday is here, unless you live in Japan... than it is Friday.. which is late..

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

I'm sorry for the delay, the results are in.

We're terribly sorry, but your skills are not what we need. Your map is whoring with triggers yes, but what we need is creativity in all aspects: terrain, doodads, triggers, etc. The ONLY thing you could actually do to get in would be doing melee maps, but as you have stated before that you don't make melee maps, then it's pretty much gg.

Thanks for the concern though.

[SilverCrusader]

ahhh i see, your looking for all around people, not just severe trigger experts. Well, i guess i'm not needed then.

So there is no way at all i can help with the project? Even as a programmer?

P.S. those are creative triggers, they used a concept no one else has before :P

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Of course. As soon as we finish tileset editing, we'll be grabbing mappers all around. If we have a trigger problem we'll probably post it around here, so you can help by advicing here if you know the answer :)

[SilverCrusader]

kk sounds good to me.

[TheDriver]

Yayzor ! Finally ! :D I'm glad for ya ! after lots of time sow has entered 'black sheep wall'. Once again i <3 you all for you're hard work. I'm Proud to be in your presence. *Time For Some Karma :P*

[SilverCrusader]

Well.. it wasn't a big suprise to me, i already know most of the stuff... I was helping develop it in its early stages... but than i got kicked out cause i was uneeded, oh well.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Hey there, you thought this thread was dead? no! Here's another sneaky peeky, it's a new weapon for a new Protoss Unit... and that's about all I'll say :)

Now, what do we currently need? We are in desperate need of:

Modders of any caliber: Our current modders are also the heads of the SWTC project, so they don't always have the time to drop by in SoW. Modders with decent knowledge of the current modding capabilities, who can tell us what is doable and what is not.

Some storyliners of decent value: We only have 3 writers thus far, and while they handle things nicely, sometimes we need multiple inputs about something: don't just say "lolz, me wanna be writer, lol", but post a link to your work instead.

Voice casters: Male and adult voices, especially Raynor, Zeratul, Mengsk and a few new faces. Attach your voice casts to the mail you send to sc.sonsofwar@gmail.com

And soon (yes, soon) mappers: we need terrain submissions, so if you haven't submitted a map to us do one with the mission described in an early page in this very same thread, by 2hededlizrd: It's on the Omega platform and it still doesn't have anything new in it, so you can make it already. It's basically a "welcome back to SC sucka, now re-learn how to play" mission, so we don't need any complicated triggers: think the mission over and concentrate yourself on beautiful terrain.

Lastly, if you have applied but haven't received a response, don't despair! We're currently a little busy but we'll find time to give you a reply.

Well! with no further ado, enjoy:

[DarkMirror]

Im a somewhat good writer. But it depends on what type of writing.
Oh, and I have to do that briefing, but if you want some writing look in the creative concepts room. I uploaded some of my stories.

[Basan]

Nice pic', 'Torrasque. :tup: I might try the "adult, male voice casting" if you're tight up on ppl for it. Just keep up the good work. ;)

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Goodie goodie, Basan! If you like, I can give you a character list via PM for you to work out.

Thanks for the compliment, I'm really satisfied with this rifle :)

[grover1311]

i like the rifle =] so uber

[Protosschick99]

Sorry I missed the opening of the thread Torrsake--Been busy doing Jesus stuff, lolz :P

To Everyone:

Yes this project is something that we on the team are taking seriously. I am involved in voice casting and I gotta say it's been A LOTTA fun! :D I get to record my voice with different scripts and then we all come together and give each other pointers and whatnot.

If you think voice casting is easy and you can just pop it out--It's not always like that. You've gotta control your breathing, practice your pronunciations, work on forming certain words because if your mouth says words a certain way it'll sound a certain way. I mean, there is soo much that goes into voice casting--I can only imagine what the mod and map ppl are doing--Or the 3D peeps.

I'm not trying to scare you guys but I will tell you it's worth it :) The team that has assembled is truly unique and we all bonded quickly.

So submit your stuff and join the Sons of War Team! :D

[Basan]

*Meh* Still waiting for that PM, 'Torrasque. ;)

[SilverCrusader]

funny.. the rifle doesn't have a bar labeled "rate of fire", nice one torrsake.

[WimzWaben]

That "rifle" looks more like a cannon to me... A cannon of sexiness XD
Pretty good job on the model though. Some more interesting textures would make it look cooler- the surfaces look a little bland... Just my opinion, dont mind me :D

[U-238]

Rifle's too detailed for the game assuming you're keeping with the current graphics engine. (which you'd be best off doing to avoid legal troubles. ;))

Scale down the details. Otherwise they'll all "mesh" together and you'll have more of a "bloby" looking thing that an actually weapon.

[SilverCrusader]

lol, nah that isn't the actual sprite used in the game lol, that would have to be a pretty insane engine to do that. I'm thinking around oblivion, so the gamebryo engine.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Thanks U-238, but this is (hopefully) for cinematic purposes. BTW Basan, I'm sorry for the delay, you'll get those profiles today ;)

[gregleo2]

Ahh, Torrasque, I see our little expansion is getting out there...

[Infested_Zeratul]

That "rifle" looks more like a cannon to me... A cannon of sexiness XD
Protoss don't use rifles anyways, anyways, saw it, nice.

Sorry for being dead for like the past forever but I might remain dead. This time, it seems we've gotten more people's attention.

There's like an extremely detailed render or sketch of everything, yeah, for cinematics and teh fan art :P. Be expecting to see some really crappy attempts of drawing that rifle or anything else on sc.org when the project's finished XD

[Basan]

Thanks U-238, but this is (hopefully) for cinematic purposes. BTW Basan, I'm sorry for the delay, you'll get those profiles today ;)

Seen it. :) Anyway, is there any specific free program you advise me to make those files or can I simply go bonkers in regular Windows audio recorder? :P

Btw, if you don't mind am goin' to throw a few weird accents over there. Hope you'll like it, though. ;)

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Of course, feel free to experiment :)

Sound Recorder is fine, but Audacity is much better and it's free. Get it here:

http://www.download.com/Audacity/3000-2170_4-10058117.html

I only sent you the Terran characters, but if you also want to give Protoss a go, I'll send them in as well.

Also, if any of you warboarders can do Zeratul, Artanis, Duran, Mengsk or Raynor, please do let us know.

[Basan]

I've already thought of Audacity when posted (as in, counselled others to use it before), but just wanted to get a second opinion. :smirk:

...
I only sent you the Terran characters, but if you also want to give Protoss a go, I'll send them in as well.

Also, if any of you warboarders can do Zeratul, Artanis, Duran, Mengsk or Raynor, please do let us know.

Let's start small and see what I can do. I sure don't wanna get a full load of promises before being totally sure of what I can make. ;)

Maybe I'll try these later on... but that way most characters will sound like twins. :P

[smasher25]

hm It'll take a miracle for SC2 to be released within the next few years but yes we will still try.

[SilverCrusader]

Blizzard really doesn't stand a chance agaisnt us, we know more about StarCraft than they do.

[Protosschick99]

lolz--Ya think so? :P

[SilverCrusader]

1. Fans' melee maps surpasses Blizzards.
2. Fans' triggers surpasses Blizzards.
3. Fans' SC playing skills far surpass Blizzards.
4. We live the world of StarCraft everyday, they live the world of WarCraft.
the only thing they have that we don't is an access to the code, and the god forsaken map editor.

[U-238]

the only thing they have that we don't is an access to the code, and the god forsaken map editor.

And there you have it folks! The bases of pure hippocratic argumentation.

Congrats.

[SilverCrusader]

do itashimashita!
And another advantage they have is they all work in one facility, if we could do that we'd save months.

[Mr.Bad]

And another advantage is that they're paid for what they do, so there isn't a risk of their project falling apart.

[markymark]

I think there are still a lot of Starcraft fans in the blizzard company. Blizzard just doesnt let them make great games because Warcraft is selling so good.

[rky_nick]

Looks and sounds pretty good, but I think the hybrids should be a little more "Protossish". Other than how they stand and actual hands, they're pretty much hydralisks from what I've seen. Remember that because the zerg infest a body, the body mutates instead of changing that drasticly.
just my opinion, anyways keep it up and a few questions...
1) is this an actual expansion or a standalone game?
2) I picked up that its still gonna be 2d, but will the graphics be the same?
3) are there any changes trigger/mapediting wise or will it just use normal starcraft map editors?
and lastly
4) how much do you plan to expand gameplay and unitwise, are these 3 or 6 new units going to be the only unit additions or will it be more than just some new tilesets and a new campaign? will there be any changes or additions to the gameplay?

[SilverCrusader]

Give me a few years to make an MMORPG that will blow away theres, just a few years...

1) is this an actual expansion or a standalone game?
Expansion

2) I picked up that its still gonna be 2d, but will the graphics be the same?
No, we can't touch the engine. The graphics will be exactly the same.

3) are there any changes trigger/mapediting wise or will it just use normal starcraft map editors?
No changes to the way we map (other than new units). We'll probably have to use SCM Draft 2 and import the data.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

For the hybrids, if you look closely one of them (Deimos) has no Zerg features besides his skin: everything else is protoss/humanoid. Phobos on the other hand, has very little or no protoss features at all.

I'll answer your questions gladly :)

1) An expansion. Since we don't have the source code, it's impossible for us to make a brand new game. The storyline also branches from the official SC universe.

2) Yes. Apart from some dandy changes, this expansion still uses the SC engine. If you want fancy graphics, you can go look at WC3 mods like Revolution or Acathla.

3) Trigger changes are not that demanding: we'll leave that aside and work with our current editors.

4) If you talk about present gameplay, we're gonna tweak the present units a bit. Underused units like the Queen will be given a bigger role (always with a watchful eye on balance) and some new heroes will add to the single player experience. Multiplayer experience is still foggy; it may be possible if our modding requirements don't clash with the BN engine.

Feel free to ask all you want :)

[rky_nick]

Thank you for answering my questions. I'd love to see the queen have more power, especially with it's infest ability. Being able to infest more things would be sweet, especially if you could get infested protoss(hybrids) by infesting a gateway, and infesting tanks and stuff would be awesome too.
I'd also love to see more seige units like the tank,reaver, and lurker. A good Protoss one might be a moveable shield recharger than goes into seige mode like a tank to recharge shields, a protoss medic!(to make up for needing to go into "seige mode", it would have alot of health)

[Ktan]

1) An expansion. Since we don't have the source code, it's impossible for us to make a brand new game.


Not forgetting that that would be illegal. :P

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

All social revolutions against the opression have been "illegal" ;)

[DiscipleOfAdun]

Multiplayer experience is still foggy; it may be possible if our modding requirements don't clash with the BN engine.

Maybe you should start asking me if they will. ;) The main seller of any mod is it's multiplayer.

[MidnightGladius]

Ditto. But from the ideas that've been floating around, it might get a bit... difficult.

[Mr.Bad]

You guys could probably start up your own multiplayer service somehow. It would cost money of course, so probably not, but it would be pretty cool if you made your own b.net for the expansion.

[SilverCrusader]

Blizzard won't like that AT all, and they will shut us down.

[Mr.Bad]

Why do you say that? I can't see them caring, why would they?

[SilverCrusader]

Blizz doesn't like us trying to do what they do.. face it.

[Mr.Bad]

Good point. Although, it still doesn't make sense that they would really care whether or not you made up your own battle.net. Frankly, if the expansion was succesful, it might attract more followers to the game.

[Ktan]

You'd have to be very carefully. Frankly, even by calling it an expansion, you're probably brushing against all kinds of rather scary legal red tape. As long as you maintain that it's unofficial and for no profit, however, you should be ok on this count.

If you set up your own service, Blizz would probably see that as trying to draw customers away from B.Net. Sure, it's free advertising for StarCraft, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are bigger issues that cancel this out.

[U-238]

I can't remember offhand where I read it (and I'm not trying to stop this project before you guys even get it started) but somewhere (I think it's the hard copy of the FAQ) it states in specific writing that you cannot create a custom expansion without the express permission of Blizzard Entertainment.

So I wouldn't go around calling it an "expansion" if I were you. A powerful total conversion? Maybe. (depending on how far this gets) But I think it'd be a good idea to drop the "expansion" part.

As for setting up your own multiplayer: I wouldn't be too difficult presuming you can fly under the radar enough to where they won't notice (which would be a very difficult task) or you work with them and get them to allow you to set one up for that specific purpose. (Which would be a very difficult task too)

So there's no "easy" way but if you look at it, on one hand you can get it up and running only to have "blizz" crash your party with legalities and possible lawsuits up here.^ Or, on the other hand, you try to work with them and face the very real possibility that they'll say "no" which then they will be keeping a closer eye on you in case you try to fly in under radar and possibly decide that they don't like what you're doing and shut you down period.

Modding, as I've learned(the hard way), is a very delicate subject. Your either ok or you're not. There's no middle line.

[UnHoly-Assassin]

Or, you could keep this whole thing secret until you're done, and by then if they give you the cease and desist it's already too late for the files are already circulating 'round the net.

[SilverCrusader]

Yeah, don't call it an expansion, call it a total modification.

[own3d0406]

OR just call it: StarCwaft Sons of War and say it's a completely new game.

Yeah loopholes FTW!!! :banana:

[Mr.Bad]

Nope, that'd be copyright infringement

[SilverCrusader]

so much for your loopholes...
call it Star Craft: Sons of War, and say it is an entirely new game... because you made Star Craft 2 words xD

[own3d0406]

Nope, that'd be copyright infringement
Jeeze, so morbid. Fine, then call is SonsOfITSTORRASQUE4U!!!! Yeah loopholes FTW!!! :banana:

[Mr.Bad]

No, not that. You are using Starcraft's source. It would be illegal make your own game.

[own3d0406]

No, not that. You are using Starcraft's source. It would be illegal make your own game.
Well, I have no idea how to get pass this. Spill coffee on yourself and sue McDonalds? :confused:

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

The legal issue is over. We just need to change the "expansion" title to something else, Total Conversion or something and we'll evde all legal issues.

And sueing Mc Donalds would be too extreme :)

[SolidSamurai]

How about placeholder expansion, or fanfiction oriented campaign.... or fan-created quasi-expansion (spammed every time the term 'expansion' shows up >_>). Have an additional FAQ question that explains this.

[U-238]

Or, a better idea yet! Just call it what it is. A TOTAL CONVERSION.
/booming, loud, voice

[Mjolniir]

i'd like to help out, but with negigible skills, doubt it .
I do, however have some concepts and ideas.

1) terran battlecruiser shields: 100 energy cost and uses remaining energy for "fuel" as well
as hp, would automatically disable the yamato cannon(1st point off). energy drain
would be the same as a cloak

2)"tunnel":lurkers can move very slowly while burrowed, but may not attack while doing
so

3)"infest":expand this ability to units, queen takes damage=remaing hp of infested unit

i have more if you would like to hear them(unit concepts too), but i do not believe that i can do any more, unless sketches

the hammer falls

[SilverCrusader]

And sueing Mc Donalds would be too extreme
Yeah, but it sure as hell would be fun.

[Basan]

If I recall it right (from some ol' reading around here) Lurkers are quite unique because they were extremely difficult to deal with in modding terms... and to make that burrow moving trick most likely you'd have to pull some game engine editing. So, at this point, I believe that that it's impossible to do (although I may be wrong and if so would like to be corrected). ;)

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Indeed. In order to make lurkers in BW, Blizz had to "hack" its own engine to make them work. In the same way as adrenal glands, devourers and lurker eggs, we cannot work with lurkers.

[MidnightGladius]

lol, looking at the Lurker's coding is actually quite fun. I'm surprised Blizz actually went through all the effort they did to make it come out halfway decent.

[SilverCrusader]

I wouldn't call it hacking into their own engine, their editor automatically has access to the source code. So you just click a few buttons and up pops the code.
(I think they thought the programmers were a bit bored so they made them make the the lurker).

[U-238]

heh, as Nomad put it:

Lurkers are, without a doubt, the biggest hack I've ever seen.

HOWEVER!!!! Since it IS a hack this means it can also be reverse engineered and one could probably find out how to give the same ability to other units. (it'd take time and know how but it's possible)

I wouldn't call it hacking into their own engine, their editor automatically has access to the source code. So you just click a few buttons and up pops the code.
(I think they thought the programmers were a bit bored so they made them make the the lurker).

Wrong. I think your visualization of blizzards "editor" is a little stretched. Their editor did not have access to the actual source code nor did it have source code editing abilities. What blizzard DID have was access to the people who wrote the source code. This allowed them to make changes. But it definetly WAS NOT some little program where a person could just press some buttons, walk off to heat up some ramen, come back, and see the code. (technology wasn't THAT advaced back then. Isn't that advanced now.)

[Mjolniir]

well....what do u think about the others, and i do have more by the way

PM me if you want them

the hammer falls

[matefkr]

Blizzard source code editro called: borland c++ whatever. scenarios have been made by staredit, except that a versian which ignores campaign scripts -more punctually, the our staredit version is a changed to not see scripts with staredit invicible flags checked.

That is all..

Or ask blizzard.

[Basan]

Blizzard source code editro called: borland c++ whatever. scenarios have been made by staredit, except that a versian which ignores campaign scripts -more punctually, the our staredit version is a changed to not see scripts with staredit invicible flags checked.

That is all..

Or ask blizzard.

Speak of what you are entirely certain of. :P
*Points* Check the Deception map (http://www.battle.net/scc/OS/motm2000.shtml).

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Mjolniir: We're through with that part of the project already, thanks for the help though :)

And don't worry about the voice casts Basan, take your time. It's not a priority ATM ;)

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Sorry for the long absence in this thread, but we've had some techincal issues. I'm glad to announce however, that our site now has a new gallery with previews of our current stage of development for you to enjoy. There's also a WIP (Work In Progress) section where you can see what we're currently creating and send feedback to our mail adress in the "contact" section so we can improve it according to your comments!

To see all this, just xlick the link in my siggy :)

[U-238]

Link? Link! I see no link your incompotent fool! :p

[ULTRAZEALOT]

Link? Link! I see no link your incompotent fool! :p
www.sonsofwar.pyrom.net

[Ahzz]

http://www.warboards.org/showthread.php?t=26932&page=5

sorry. Read my post. seems like this just lost many of its potential users, unless you guys are finishing somewhat soon-ish

[Shai]

I may do Duran, I had some samples that I made while adding some infested effects as well, but the files got deleted a long time ago since I dropped the project of translating Huncraft into English, plus the story sucked(A hungarian told me that.).

I think you remember me, you offered me your voice acting of Artanis :P

Gimme a few lines and next week, I will have them for you :)

[SilverCrusader]

I think us mappers should start making some campaign terrain to get the hang of it, remember to give the computer player the advantage. And there shouldn't be that many expos, I say around 3 on a small mission to around 8 or 9 on the last ones.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

As soon as I debug some tileset issues we'll get our mappers back on track. Once that's done, I'll PM you the installment of the first mission and if you provide us something convinicing you're in... again XD

Perhaps we'll use Duran, perhaps we won't Shai. But do send your samples to us, using any script from BW. Also, we need some voices for Zeratul and Jim Raynor, if you want to try that out.

And Ahzz, you're probably right, but still this will carry on. Until I hear tonite's announcement myself, I won't move a finger :)

[Shai]

If your "expanasion" continues after BW, then you must use Duran, since he is the ruler of the hybrids you make isn't he? ;)

[DarkMirror]

Im in mapping wise.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Yes, but not as a main character ;)

[DarkMirror]

Actualy, caould I join in as a mapper? I cna do terrain ok, but I'm not as good with doodads.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Lol, how can you be good with terrain and bad with doodads? I'd like you to send us a sample, if you may.

[DarkMirror]

Ok...what i meant was that i can do terrain just fine, but I'm not as good at placing doodads.

[SilverCrusader]

doodads are very important to the story, thats one thing blizzard's mappers are good at placing.

Alright, so SCII has been announced, so I think we should pick the pace up a bit, SCII won't be released for some time, and as the release date draws nearer, the SC community will get more and more excited about SC things.

[DarkMirror]

Well, you guys wont be very popular unless you release it within a year. Cause in about two SC II comes out, and no one will give damn about an unofical expansion.

[Galiant]

Well, you guys wont be very popular unless you release it within a year. Cause in about two SC II comes out, and no one will give damn about an unofical expansion.


He's Right you know!


On the other subject:

When will it be released anyway?
I've completed all musics for terran, so.. what next?

[SilverCrusader]

step it up is what I says.
So far, SCII looks like utter pwntage, and blizz finally got back into the swing of things.
When we release this, it will have to be pretty big, everyone will be craving more StarCraft, and we'll be there to give them some.
I'm sure blizzard will be more than happy to try and appease their fans. Maybe we can even promote SCII all over the place in it, I'm sure Blizz wouldn't mind.
Right now though, I was reading about SCII and it said that the shrine where the dragoons were made was destroyed, I'm going to recreate the battle of that in my own campaign, that will be good practice, and I will have something to show you guys.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

That's perfect.

I know a lot of folks here think this is dead, but it actually brings up more expectations for SOW. We now have the opportunity of not only producing an unofficial expansion, but closing an epoch of gaming with a golden lock.

[Shai]

Couple of questions:

1) When its getting released? I know it was questioned in this thread pages ago, but I don't have time to check all the pages.

2) In the story, it says that one of the Hybrids kill Duran. Isn't Duran supposed to be stronger than most of them?

3) Could I be a voice actor for a cerebrate? I did Daggoth good sometime ago :P

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

1) This will come out before SC2, and that is enough :)

2) Not if you create a perfect being :)

3) Of course, we'll have some new cerebrates around :)

[Shai]

Great, I will have the samples for you this coming week :)

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

That sounds great. Also, anyone with amazing 1337 photoshop skills and a lot of patience could help me out in editing tilesets.

[SilverCrusader]

I don't know the first thing about photoshop, or have many skills on it, but I'm kick ass at making sprites with pixels.

[U-238]

*idea* (and I know this has SOMETHING to deal slightly with SC2 ktan :p)

Blizzard has announced that SC2 comes 4 years after the events of BW. 4 years is alot of time. Time that could be filled in. ;)

[Ktan]

Haha, see, that's fine by me.

It just means you won't be able to kill any main characters, unless they are definitely dead by the time SC II comes around.

[Ahzz]

Blizzard has announced that SC2 comes 4 years after the events of BW. 4 years is alot of time. Time that could be filled in.
true and requires completely rewritten story -.-;;

[Shai]

Meh, they don't need to stay accurate for SC2, let them make their own unoffical expansion, besides Duran is dead in this game, and in SC2 he would definitely return, so this requires a new storyline =/

[U-238]

lol, the storyline doesn't really even matter much right now anyways. The restructuring of the game is what's important right now. Storylines are one of the last things that are really focused on. (other than the initial "push" or "idea" that provides the basis, but you've already got that.)

[SilverCrusader]

this'll prove to delay us even more... at least plan out the first mission... I want something to work on.

[ITSTORRASQUE4U]

Work on the campaign you're going to send to us meanwhile.

The storyline may need some arrangements, or may not. We can make some minimal tweaks to it, or we can branch our own alternate universe where Jimmy Raynor marries Zeratul or whatever we want :)

The modding aspect of the mod is the most important to us right now. After that, teams of capable gamers will be assembled for balance testing in the melee field, afterwards mappers will be recruited. As for now, what we need to do is get our sprites done, our tilesets done, and our units done.

[SilverCrusader]

Alright. I find placing all these units and stuff so boring, but I'm slowly making progress. I'm trying some stuff that is pretty new for a campaign, like open fields, and every zealot that dies is transformed into a dragoon o.O + extra dragoons ever 3 minutes or so, it'll be real hard to beat.

[MidnightGladius]

Holy riggedness. At least make the zeal deaths leave "corpses" that can be collected, brought back to base, and then reborn as Dragoons. Also, the corpses should be kill-able so as to not find an enemy doing nothing but zeal/HT/archon and getting goons from dead zeals :/

[SilverCrusader]

I'm so ebil!
nah, there are large open fields of massive protoss armies, and u start off surrounded by photon cannons, this is a big dog mission MG. This is like bonus mission after the last mission. Oh, and you get bottlenecked agaisnt the protoss force on 2 bridges, unless u wanna fly, but you'll be shot down really fast. I did leave some mercy on the bridge part =), and u get tons of minerals and chances to expo.

[Ahzz]

heh. I suppose you wont need a AIscript coder.

[andman3000]

We probaly might. For the new units and teh campain.

[DarkLStrike]

Lets hope to get this out before StarCraft II comes out. ^_^
(or SC II will ruin it for everybody)