Jewel of the Empire coordinates & xml (new xml?)

[Neilhouse]

Yeah, I'd like a mod to check this one out to decide whether or not it's playable. I think it is!

[ParadiceCity9]

you cant just call it india...

[Wisse]

i think you need someting behind your bonuses

[Contrickster]

Thanks for continuing the suggestions.

When I get the nod from Andy I will continue with any issues that remain on the development of this map.

KEYOGI has provided useful suggestions all the way through this thread but KEYOGI - though a mod - does not have final say on whether a map is acceptable or not.

That is why I am waiting for official acceptance that were this map approved up to foundary member's standards it would be accepted. I am worried there has been no such word yet even at this late stage.

As I thus have no confidence in my own map I'm loathed to continue with it at this time.

[Gozar]

As I thus have no confidence in my own map I'm loathed to continue with it at this time.

No continue!

Look at your poll! Others have overwhelming confidence in this map.

[DiM]

Thanks for continuing the suggestions.

When I get the nod from Andy I will continue with any issues that remain on the development of this map.

KEYOGI has provided useful suggestions all the way through this thread but KEYOGI - though a mod - does not have final say on whether a map is acceptable or not.

That is why I am waiting for official acceptance that were this map approved up to foundary member's standards it would be accepted. I am worried there has been no such word yet even at this late stage.

As I thus have no confidence in my own map I'm loathed to continue with it at this time.

i had to wait for 44 pages before andy posted in my map and not it got t final forge. i guess you just have to be patient.

[Contrickster]

Well there are some issues that have been raised to discuss in the meantime.

1. Continent bonus - Himalayas - 3 or 2
2. Continent bonus - Colonialists - 5 or 4
3. Add new XML ideas to map?
4. Key - background (such as?) or plain?
5. 35 territory map. Okay? (Yes, it's a small map, for 3-5 players).

I'm not convinced by arguments for change at this time. But I recognise a difference of opinion exists and am open to more views and to change of my own view.

[Wisse]

i had to wait for 44 pages before andy posted in my map and not it got t final forge. i guess you just have to be patient.

i 30 or something

[KEYOGI]

I think the map warrants further development. The map still looks a bit incomplete, but I don't have time to give the map a good look over and pick it apart. I'm sure the foundry community can give you plenty of suggestions to keep development moving along.

[Contrickster]

KEYOGI, I'd appreciate it if you took the time to give the map a more detailed look over.

You think you can pick it apart - go on, try. I'd love to capitalise on any useful suggestions you may have for this map.

If you like put your suggestions in the context of those 5 points I previously outlined, or add some new ones into the mix yourself.

[Wisse]

ok well i am now gonna list it:
you have a nice style of map making but this things are strange i think:
1) all borders are white/yellow but the ones north are gray, why?
2) i don't think the textures does fit good, but i don't mind if it stays
3) what is the brown thing between the red and green countries? mountain or desert? i don't know, mayby you could make it clearer, and also make a better one because i don't like this one
4) why did you make hills with white tops and with brown tops, i suggest make them all wite tops
5) i don't like the dea routes, they are just simple white dots
6) you need something behind your bonuses
7) also i don't like the background, at least make where the sea is sea

i hope you can do something with my suggestions

[DiM]

ok well i am now gonna list it:
you have a nice style of map making but this things are strange i think:
1) all borders are white/yellow but the ones north are gray, why?
2) i don't think the textures does fit good, but i don't mind if it stays
3) what is the brown thing between the red and green countries? mountain or desert? i don't know, mayby you could make it clearer, and also make a better one because i don't like this one
4) why did you make hills with white tops and with brown tops, i suggest make them all wite tops
5) i don't like the dea routes, they are just simple white dots
6) you need something behind your bonuses
7) also i don't like the background, at least make where the sea is sea

i hope you can do something with my suggestions

1. the north one is gray because that's where india borders asia
2. the texture gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. it's discrete and i like that.
3. it's a desert. it could be improved
4. the white tops are himalayas and those always have snow caps, the other mountains are lower and don't have snow caps.
5.so what if there are simple white dots? i like it cause it flows naturaly and does not distract attention
6. why? if the bonuses are visible there's no need for a specific background. on the contrary
7. it's an artistic view of india. that's why there's no asia and no ocean. the whole india is floating through some clouds and in the background is it's history.


it's clear you haven't read the thread again. all the above points have already been debated (except 6)

[Contrickster]

Would anyone who has yet to post in this thread like to comment on this map?

First impressions etc.

If you're new don't be frightened, will treat you gently I'm asking for those new to this map for fresh insight.

[AndyDufresne]

Well lets see what we've got here!


First off, I notice you've got a lot of dead space, due to the shape of India. Are you going to work on a title for say...the top right? I think something could be done there, and it would be very proper.

Also, you've got interesting things working against each other. You've got the brighter gameboard, and the not so bright backdrop. Have you considered maybe making it a little less dark, or making the images not so striking? I like the images idea, but you don't want them to stand out too much. Hm, the Mongol Empire map used images similar to what you're doing, but they are much more subtle and less intrusive. So perhaps tone them down a little, so they don't distract from the map. And if you made it all perhaps a lighter shade, it might help mesh everything together. (It might not though! )

As for your Bonus Legend, it's rather plain. I'd up the size of it a little, make it bigger. Consider adding a border around it. What could you do to stylize it and give it an Indian feel? Perhaps flanking either side there could be two Indian Elephants with their trunks touching over the middle top? Okay, maybe not that...but you get the idea. Give it some Indian feel, and make it stand out a little more.

I'm also not a fan of the pink color you used for Colonists. I like the brightness of the map you've got, but I feel the pink might be too much. Maybe a different color. Maybe the use of a brown? Or a paler gray blue? I just feel the pink looks a little odd to my eye.

Regarding the attack routes, the dots alright, but they seem simple and plain. I'm not sure what you can do here, I just thought I should mention that.

The mountains are alright. Stylized mountain graphics can work in many maps. I'm not sure what I don't like about yours though. Maybe they seem hovering over the map, rather than apart of the image.

Also, while looking at the mountains, could make some non-existent attack routes clearer? I mean take a look Nagpur and Vinhiya. They can't attack, right? Maybe add another mountain there on the right. Same goes for Gorkha and Delhi...and maybe Sikh and Lahore.

Regarding the text, it's nice and easy to read. But what other choices have you looked into?

Lastly, regarding the small map, I'd bump up the font size to make everything a little clearer, if you're set on the font, that is.

Lastly lastly (I forgot something), I like your signature. Actually, it's my favorite part of the map.


--Andy

[Contrickster]

Well lets see what we've got here!


First off, I notice you've got a lot of dead space, due to the shape of India. Are you going to work on a title for say...the top right? I think something could be done there, and it would be very proper.

Also, you've got interesting things working against each other. You've got the brighter gameboard, and the not so bright backdrop. Have you considered maybe making it a little less dark, or making the images not so striking? I like the images idea, but you don't want them to stand out too much. Hm, the Mongol Empire map used images similar to what you're doing, but they are much more subtle and less intrusive. So perhaps tone them down a little, so they don't distract from the map. And if you made it all perhaps a lighter shade, it might help mesh everything together. (It might not though! )

As for your Bonus Legend, it's rather plain. I'd up the size of it a little, make it bigger. Consider adding a border around it. What could you do to stylize it and give it an Indian feel? Perhaps flanking either side there could be two Indian Elephants with their trunks touching over the middle top? Okay, maybe not that...but you get the idea. Give it some Indian feel, and make it stand out a little more.

I'm also not a fan of the pink color you used for Colonists. I like the brightness of the map you've got, but I feel the pink might be too much. Maybe a different color. Maybe the use of a brown? Or a paler gray blue? I just feel the pink looks a little odd to my eye.

Regarding the attack routes, the dots alright, but they seem simple and plain. I'm not sure what you can do here, I just thought I should mention that.

The mountains are alright. Stylized mountain graphics can work in many maps. I'm not sure what I don't like about yours though. Maybe they seem hovering over the map, rather than apart of the image.

Also, while looking at the mountains, could make some non-existent attack routes clearer? I mean take a look Nagpur and Vinhiya. They can't attack, right? Maybe add another mountain there on the right. Same goes for Gorkha and Delhi...and maybe Sikh and Lahore.

Regarding the text, it's nice and easy to read. But what other choices have you looked into?

Lastly, regarding the small map, I'd bump up the font size to make everything a little clearer, if you're set on the font, that is.

Lastly lastly (I forgot something), I like your signature. Actually, it's my favorite part of the map.


--Andy

Best comments so far. Lots to work on.

I will start the map again. I've started again a few times, each time map has been better. Hopefully this will be the last time.

However - I've not got Fireworks to do detail anymore. I don't think Gimp is good enough so I'll download Photoshop trial and use that.

Unless anyone has any objections to doing maps in Photoshop or would suggest I use another (trial) program.

[Contrickster]

Just to note I'm considering "Decay Territories" and "Max Troop Limit" XML - both of which lack has written "YES" by in the new XML thread.

BTW Andy thanks again for the comments!

[Mr.Bond]

Hey Guys,
Fantastic map, but u can add the number of territories by adding cities to it.

[Contrickster]

Excellent idea!

Not done anything yet.

Maybe won't do anything for another week either so if you have good ideas still time to make them.

[sam_levi_11]

i know this goes against what most people want, but brighten up the colours in some cases, india has vibrant colours, no dull colours.

mughais needs brightening a LITTLE.
himalayas a lot
sikhs a bit.
bengal could do with it aswell.

i know this will go against others idea but i want it to feel really indian.

[Contrickster]

I've never been a graphic artist before this map so it's been a great effort to get the map how it is and I've run out of steam now. Also, now I have only GIMP to work with which is not got the best tool for map-making.

I like the map and would like to see it go live, as would others, it has some charm and playability and for all the flaws is better than some maps out there.

But I cannot do it on my own now. I would consider help on this map to make it a joint project if anyone would like to take it further.

[Contrickster]

Think it just needs a title and maybe a frame around the legend.

[AndyDufresne]

I do like the background, but perhaps there is too much contrast between the light colors and the dark back drop. Perhaps if you lightened the black slightly...I'm not sure. Can you post both the large and the small versions also sometime?


--Andy

[DiM]

I do like the background, but perhaps there is too much contrast between the light colors and the dark back drop. Perhaps if you lightened the black slightly...I'm not sure. Can you post both the large and the small versions also sometime?


--Andy

several background tones have been proposed at some point and i believe this one was chosen as the best. i personally like the fact that it is darker. it contrasts with the map very nicely.

[AndyDufresne]

Actually the other tones have only simply been other colors...but all around the same consistent 'darkness'.


--Andy