Registered Member #633
Joined: 3:59:33 pm GMT 10/24/05
Posts: 1173
Gerbo and I have been working on a new Thain goodie; Player-generated content (i.e. modules) that will run on the Thain server.
No need to go into too many details at present on how it'll work, etc. (that stuff can wait until we know this works), but at this time I have created a couple of mods that can be "hung" off Thain -- think of it as a module-inside-a-module -- that need to be tested in order to both prove the concept and work out the bugs with implementation and removal.
I've tested them myself, but that's not the same. We need some players to really find the landmines.
I will need a few volunteers to playtest the concept on an older version of Thain to be run offline.
I'm shooting for Saturday, December 3rd, time to be determined. I will host the test, and I figure it should be about 2 hours, give or take. I reckon 4-6 players would be a good test, and if there's more interest I'll just run multiple tests the same day at different times.
Of course, player feedback is also desperately wanted. Please note this might be buggy and fraught with potential peril, at first, but that's why we're testing!
Registered Member #633
Joined: 3:59:33 pm GMT 10/24/05
Posts: 1173
The Test!
From: AtanatarAlcarin (MattNoto) Date: December 3rd Time: 16:00 GMT (4 PM London) (11am New York) (8 am Western US) (6 PM Helsinki) (3 am, December 4th, Tokyo) * IF there is an issue with time zones/availability, let me know! Place: To be Determined (I'm setting up a server to host, don't have an IP for direct connect yet)
AIM: To test at least one (1) Non-Thain adventure that will run under the main Thain module. The purpose of this test is Proof of Concept. We are studying a plan to allow player-generated content (in module form) to run under Thain. We are specifically testing for the following elements:
1. Ease of implementation/removal from the Thain module 2. Integration issues (testing non-Thain-standard creatures/items/scripts/variables) 3. Performance issues (lag, graphics issues, and so forth)
Those who have volunteered will receive a PM on the Thain forum 1 hour PRIOR to start of test. This will contain the pertinent direct connect info. I will be signed into the Thain Forum two hours before liftoff, just in case.
If you haven't volunteered already, and would like to, send me a PM!
We will be using a very old version of Thain for our initial tests, so as to not disturb/destroy anything (Version 4.69, if anyone's counting). Future tests, I would hope, would use newer versions of Thain for more-accurate results.
Q&A:
Q: What should I expect to experience as a player in this process?
A: It's better to tell you what you WON'T experience: you will not experience sophisticated gameplay. You will not be overwhelmed with stunning visuals. You will not be enraptured and delighted by a wickedly-complex plot. You will be treated to an old-fashioned hack-and-slash dungeon slog involving a few routine and boring fetch-and-carry quests. We're testing the basics here; it doesn't need to be complicated, at first. Future tests will include more bells-and-whistles as I learn more.
More complexity, better visuals, more involved plots, will come later when/if implementation occurs. You have to walk before you run. I anticipate no major problems, but it's best to start small and adhere to the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid).
Q: Can I bring my main Thain Character to play?
A: No. Considering the simplicity of the initial test mods, bringing your Thain toons would probably be overkill. We will have everyone roll a brand-spankin' new character upon connection. I, as DM, will level them to the appropriate level for the adventure, and the players will be given a selection of (standard) NWN gear appropriate to their characters and levels. Again, this is in keeping with the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid). No need to worry about creating exotic builds, either: standard builds and classes will be more than sufficient.
Q: What do you expect me to do, other than play?
A: I would expect you, and would ask you, to take notes about your experience and send me your feedback. Do not spare my feelings. Direct and brutal criticism is expected and appreciated. Just don't expect a Christmas card if it's too harsh...(just kidding. The more straightforward, the better I like it).
Q: What will you be doing?
A: I will be observing in invisible DM mode. I will be watching for glitches and be there to ensure that TPK does not happen (it is not intended to happen, but you never know). Know in advance that my DM skillz are quite rusty, and I expect more than a few interruptions to play as we encounter problems or unforeseen issues.
Q: How much time will this take? I have a life, you know.
A: If all goes as planned, approximately 2 hours from start to finish. If all doesn't go as planed, you are all damned to eternity inside a broken module, your souls slowly dissipating into the caustic mists of the Hells, trapped forever unless you send $29.99, plus shipping and handling, to this address...Sorry, I don't know how Bando got in here.
Q; I can't make the test! How can I still be involved?
A: I would LOVE to run more than one test, with more than one group. I think that would be the absolutely bestest thing EVAH! One consequence of this initial test is that whatever I learn from it will be applied and then tested again! If I you can't make Saturday, Dec 3, then let me know so I can set up additional tests.
Q: Can I get some background on the mod, so that I can plan my character ahead of time?
A: No. FOIG, dammit.
Q: What happens if the test is successful?
A: I go to Gerbo, give him the results, a lot of documentation on the procedures that I've used to do this, the rules that should be used to govern it, specific instructions on how to implement and remove mods, and he and Staff have a whip-around, perhaps play for a bit, make some recommendations, and then decide whether they want to make this a recurring feature of Thain. The ultimate goals are to have players take a more active role, and to ensure a continuous flow of content that doesn't require a DM to run/create/build. Once the thing is in place, every few weeks there should be something new, perhaps a couple of something new's, for everyone to do on a more-or-less continuous basis.
Registered Member #633
Joined: 3:59:33 pm GMT 10/24/05
Posts: 1173
At least one volunteer (two would be better) needed to test direct connect to my test server. Wednesday afternoon/evening (November 30, between 3pm-8pm my time, that's GMT-5) would be best. Should take no more than 15-30 minutes of your time.
[ The Island of Thain ]
Volunteers Needed!
