new maps - where to upload ?

Robert Thompson · #1 December 29th, 2003, 05:21 AM

I have been having a play with the map editor, and it doesn't seem too hard to create new maps derived from ProFantasy's Campaign Cartographer (which is a cool protgram BTW). Making the map work did involve a number of graphic conVersions, editing individual pixels, running Dom 2 in debug mode and making a map file by hand. Not as straightforward as I could have wished, but no individual step was particually hard.

I have made one map as a test - completely different to the maps that come with Dominions II. This one is a group of islands (with 80 provinces). Just the thing for Atlantis & Ry'leh and a pain to others. But mainly to just learn how to make maps.

Now, the question is where I should post this map for people to look at and comment on ? I'm not sure the MODs/Scenarios forum was the best place.

So, any suggesstions as to where it is best to post new maps (possibly there is another Dom 2 forum elsewhere concerned with map making I don't know about) and receive feedback upon them ?

Saber Cherry · #2 December 29th, 2003, 06:36 AM

Weeeel... I don't know. Illwinter would be best, but they have been "away" for a week or so. DominionsX (www.dominionsx.com) is possible, though. Probably your best shot in the short term.

Darryl · #3 December 29th, 2003, 07:07 AM

So is DominionsX going to be the "standard" place? I haven't made any maps but I'm about ready to download and play some different ones!

Darryl

Gandalf Parker · #4 December 29th, 2003, 03:56 PM

Quote:

I have been having a play with the map editor, and it doesn't seem too hard to create new maps derived from ProFantasy's Campaign Cartographer (which is a cool protgram BTW). Making the map work did involve a number of graphic conVersions, editing individual pixels, running Dom 2 in debug mode and making a map file by hand. Not as straightforward as I could have wished, but no individual step was particually hard.

I agree that there are alot of things that could make it easier. There is a terrain generator in GIMP that Ive gotten to make some pretty good images with but I cant seem to get past that. I could probably use a layer to put down some interesting borders and capitals but Im not about to manually create a .map file with all the terrains and neighbors.

Do you mind if I use what you have done to create some modified games. Such as Rlyeh, Atlantis, Ermor all allied with hand-made gods and starter boosts (for the this-game-is-too-easy crowd)

If you are interested in doing alot of maps for while, I can give you an account to create your own site. Doesnt have to be fancy if you dont want but it will give you a place to upload to and link in conversations here. Heck I can even give you access to my mess at www.techno-mage.com/~dominion if you want to clean it up

Its mostly Dom1 stuff with a few efforts at Dom2 things.

Bowlingballhead · #5 December 31st, 2003, 04:53 AM

Eef. Ow. Ugh. Finally does my own test map work! Here is the crucial detail that was not in the instructions, so that others who are trying and failing can craft their own:

Do not use pure white anywhere on your map. One pixel of pure white marks the center of each province, and defines that province's existence.

Also, the 'new map' function just doesn't work. It doesn't even work with the computer's own maps. Forget it. Take one of the computer's .map files, cut out everything but the barest bones (switching names so that it will fit your map) and use the 'load map' to fill in the details.

Psitticine · #6 December 31st, 2003, 04:42 PM

I don't know what's going on with the upload facility here on the Shrapnel Boards, other than it is broken until the bugged upgrade is replaced by something better developed. When it is back up, there should be support for uploading maps here. I have no idea when they'll be able to get the new boardware in place though, or even if they've decided on which direction to go with it.