The cover:
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-Small.png)
-clash
I'm not a big fan of typical RPG illustrations. So I'm fine with non figurative art. Now I'm trying to guess what you're trying to convey here. Is it simplicity, or fluidity? Am I even close?
Quote from: boulet;359198I'm not a big fan of typical RPG illustrations. So I'm fine with non figurative art. Now I'm trying to guess what you're trying to convey here. Is it simplicity, or fluidity? Am I even close?
You are spot on with fluidity - also a swooping movement, flexibility, and organic feel. My covers have always suffered from a sameness that I am trying to move away from. This is different. Was your reaction positive or negative?
-clash
It's also a visual theme running throughout - here's the Vehicle Control Sheet, for example:
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/VCS-small.png)
-clash
Oh! It's a whole visual identity applied across the game! I like the idea.
Quote from: boulet;359210Oh! It's a whole visual identity applied across the game! I like the idea.
Cool! I was expecting more resistance to the look, but so far response has been positive. Thanks!
-clash
very neat. I am looking forward to the game.
Quote from: Silverlion;359228very neat. I am looking forward to the game.
Thanks, Tim!
There will be a small surprise announcement when I release IHW:SC. One other persona knows about it outside my gaming group. Hopefully folks will be intrigued!
-clash
Well just my ten cents. As for a theme through out the book I like it. But as the front cover I dont. If I was to look at it on the shelf it would make me say what the hell is that? But not in the way that I might pick it up. If it were me I would like to see something that conveys the games theme/topic more. On the other hand I think you and the previous posters comments about how it conveys clean/simplicity/fluidity are dead on. I guess I would just like it to come off more spacy. If that makes sense. Like I said just my ten cents.:idunno:
Quote from: flyingmice;359193The cover...
Er...hmm. Okay, I want you to know at the outset that I intend this comment in the most helpful manner possible.
It looks like a naked woman sitting on a pane of glass, viewed from below. Honestly, almost the first thing I saw.
I'm guessing you're aiming for a
Traveller-esque cover, something stark, yet dynamic. Man, the GDW folks really stumbled onto a fantastic design with the original edition for simple lack of an art budget (which, I might add, is a design that Mongoose kind of flubbed by adding an arrow point to it). I'd suggest something a little less brush-strokey.
!i!
(P.S. On the Vehicle Control Sheet -- this is for an atmospheric vehicle, I take it? The "Altitude", "Climb", "Dive", and "Ceiling" headers don't quite jibe with Zero-G vehicular maneuvers.)
Quote from: Ronin;359233Well just my ten cents. As for a theme through out the book I like it. But as the front cover I dont. If I was to look at it on the shelf it would make me say what the hell is that? But not in the way that I might pick it up. If it were me I would like to see something that conveys the games theme/topic more. On the other hand I think you and the previous posters comments about how it conveys clean/simplicity/fluidity are dead on. I guess I would just like it to come off more spacy. If that makes sense. Like I said just my ten cents.:idunno:
Hi Ronin!
Thanks for the input! This is the response I was expecting, actually. It makes plenty of sense. If this book were in widespread distro, it might make a difference, but nobody is going to pick this book up off a shelf and wonder what's in it. They will be looking for it explicitly - something very like it - in the first place.
-clash
Quote from: Ian Absentia;359236Er...hmm. Okay, I want you to know at the outset that I intend this comment in the most helpful manner possible.
It looks like a naked woman sitting on a pane of glass, viewed from below. Honestly, almost the first thing I saw.
I'm guessing you're aiming for a Traveller-esque cover, something stark, yet dynamic. Man, the GDW folks really stumbled onto a fantastic design with the original edition for simple lack of an art budget (which, I might add, is a design that Mongoose kind of flubbed by adding an arrow point to it). I'd suggest something a little less brush-strokey.
Hi Ian!
Hehe! Rorschach strikes again! :D
Yes, I am going for very stark and simple, and Traveller - as it usually ends up being - is a huge inspiration. On the other hand, unlike what you were aiming for with Mariner, I'm looking to avoid direct association with Traveller. I'm also implying a stylistic break for those who have been following the StarCluster or In Harm's Way series. StarCluster has a "look" and IHW has a "look". This is like neither. I've come a long way as a designer since I released StarCluster 1E back in 2002.
Quote(P.S. On the Vehicle Control Sheet -- this is for an atmospheric vehicle, I take it? The "Altitude", "Climb", "Dive", and "Ceiling" headers don't quite jibe with Zero-G vehicular maneuvers.)
Exactly. The VCS is for anything operating in atmosphere - ground vehicles can just ignore the altitude bits. There are separate control sheets for non-planetary vehicles.
-clash
Hi Clash:
Hmmm. How do I say this. I like the general flow of things. I REALLY like Star Clusters btw, but i think you need some depth to the cover art. It's...umm....blah!
I do like how you carry it over on the other pages and it looks better there but when it is by itself it just doesn't quite cut it. Perhaps you need a star field or something in the background? Some planets? Ships? Don't know. You're the artist here and not me. This doesn't speak to your talents. Your other covers always grabbed you and this one doesn't quite do it.
That being said....I'm looking forward to see what else you might do for it. (grins).
Bonni
Looks like the cover to an Art Appreciation or whatever those mandatory classes are called. :hmm: Also kinda makes me feel...airsick? :jaw-dropping:
Doesn't spring THIS IS SCIFI right offhand but yeah, does stick out. And all this talk of gravcars now makes think of Fifth Element or Star Wars with all the airsicky flying moments. :eek: (dashes offscreen)
Quote from: Ronin;359233Well just my ten cents. As for a theme through out the book I like it. But as the front cover I dont. If I was to look at it on the shelf it would make me say what the hell is that? But not in the way that I might pick it up. If it were me I would like to see something that conveys the games theme/topic more. On the other hand I think you and the previous posters comments about how it conveys clean/simplicity/fluidity are dead on. I guess I would just like it to come off more spacy. If that makes sense. Like I said just my ten cents.:idunno:
Gotta say I'm with Ronin on this. Can't see it as a cover but as a stylistic element it works great. My only other concern would be what type of mood you're trying to create. The last time I saw your system it was medium crunch with lots of high numbers. The design seems at odds with that. But I love the way it looks behind the vehicle sheet.
Pete
Damn you Ian. Damn you.
I like the idea of fluidity as a theme but I'm not sure this particular cover conveys that. Maybe if it was in black or red instead of greenish. Something more calligraph-ish. Yeah, red on a white background.
Regards,
David R
Quote from: David R;359296Damn you Ian. Damn you.
I like the idea of fluidity as a theme but I'm not sure this particular cover conveys that. Maybe if it was in black or red instead of greenish. Something more calligraph-ish. Yeah, red on a white background.
Regards,
David R
Like This?
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-2-Small.png)
I don't know about anyone else, Clash, but I dig it :D
It looks mysterious or maybe enigmatic.... but retains it's fluidity.
(And finally a bright color in your books !)
Regards,
David R
Quote from: Casey777;359272Looks like the cover to an Art Appreciation or whatever those mandatory classes are called. :hmm: Also kinda makes me feel...airsick? :jaw-dropping:
Doesn't spring THIS IS SCIFI right offhand but yeah, does stick out. And all this talk of gravcars now makes think of Fifth Element or Star Wars with all the airsicky flying moments. :eek: (dashes offscreen)
That's kind of what I was going for, Casey! :D
-clash
Quote from: David R;359359I don't know about anyone else, Clash, but I dig it :D
It looks mysterious or maybe enigmatic.... but retains it's fluidity.
(And finally a bright color in your books !)
Regards,
David R
Great! I'm not much for bright, primary colors. When I changed the color I moved it until I was happy, then upped the saturation by a couple notches... :D
A calligraphic look was something else I was going for.
-clash
Well with it BRIGHTRED it looks even more like that then! ;)
It's a better color but it looks just a tad too...solid now? The detail in the design isn't showing up on my end as much now, with the center being almost just solid red. Maybe ramp down just a tiny touch. Could be my monitor tho and tired eyes.
clarification: the brush strokes in the very center aren't distinct to me now.
I like the red Clash. But I think a black backghround would really make it pop. But then it would be kind of be Traveller like, and I know you want to avoid that. But it would really sing space RPG to me. Again, what do I know.:idunno:
Quote from: Ronin;359372I like the red Clash. But I think a black backghround would really make it pop. But then it would be kind of be Traveller like, and I know you want to avoid that. But it would really sing space RPG to me. Again, what do I know.:idunno:
This is what it looks like with a black background:
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-3-Small.png)
-clash
Quote from: Casey777;359365Well with it BRIGHTRED it looks even more like that then! ;)
It's a better color but it looks just a tad too...solid now? The detail in the design isn't showing up on my end as much now, with the center being almost just solid red. Maybe ramp down just a tiny touch. Could be my monitor tho and tired eyes.
clarification: the brush strokes in the very center aren't distinct to me now.
The web version is smaller and less detailed than the print version, which is painted at 300 dpi. There isn't any real difference in the pictures but the color, Casey. :D
-clash
I like the red on white version best, I think.
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice;359378I like the red on white version best, I think.
-clash
I like the black personally but I tend to like that combination anyway.
Either the white or the black background is good.
Black Background:
More like Traveller
Less glaring on my eyes
The red at the beginning blends in better and is awesome looking
White Background:
Stands out more
Tends to be a little glaring on my eyes...perhaps if you backed off a notch with the red.
The red reminds me more now of blood and not space. Oh wait. Death in space...blood...never mind.
- Bonni
Try doing it with black, white streak, red name? Just an idea.
For my 2 cents, I like the white background with the red swoosh (??).
However, I would suggest changing the text colors to make them stand out against the image.
And I do like that as a cover. The minimalist look is good, very good. I really detest the busy looks of the old AD&D and Megatraveller covers with what appears to be kid's cartoons.
Quote from: flyingmice;359375This is what it looks like with a black background:
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-3-Small.png)
-clash
I like that.:)
Great work, Clash! Always liked the art in your games and I think this is a nice approach. Personally, I prefer the first one (white and green). It could also be blue or purple (both in the light tone range, just like the green), since these colors best represent StarCluster (based on what was previously released).
I do not like the red one, because it feels more like Blood Games (especially with the black background) and conveys a violence that clashes ( ;) ) with the fluidity and "spacyness" of the game.
Also, in the interest of fluidity, you should do something about these "pen tablet artefacts" I highlight in your cover. The broke the organic feel of the cover because they feel artificial (which they are, since you used a tablet, right?). And also, I would advise the remove the ":". Again, in the interest of minimalism and fluidity.
(http://membres.multimania.fr/skynetstock/cover.jpg)
Finally, I must say that your vehicle sheet is great! Best sheet you've created! Will all the layout get an upgrade compared to your previous release? Don't mean to be blunt, but your games could use a more aesthetically pleasing layout.
Anyway, this it very nice!
Hi guys!
Taking in all the criticism. The red on black does remind me too much of Blood Games, so that's out. Good point Scaredy Squirrel! The violent feel of the swoosh and the blood-like color are pluses. This is a StarCluster game, but it's also an In Harm's Way game, so it is military in nature. Blood and violence are appropriate. White for purity of purpose, red for sacrifice. That works on many, many levels.
I toned the red back to my first impulse - I bumped up the saturation a notch or two after I was satisfied. apparently it was too much. Also, I've worked over the tablet artifacts to smooth things over. Dropped the colon too! As for the inside layout, it's not changing. It does what I want.
Result:
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-4-Small.png)
-clash
I'm a big fan of minimalism and in avoiding strict realism in these sorts of things -- most RPG covers just look like comic books to me, and not in a good way. So I think that the direction this is heading is very cool. I do think it needs some kind of clearer symbolic connection to the content, though. For example, using the black background, perhaps adding a pale gray-on-transparent star field (above the black but behind the swoosh and text) would sell the concept.
This is certainly heading in a brave direction (for the RPG world) that I like a lot.
Quote from: flyingmice;359377The web version is smaller and less detailed than the print version, which is painted at 300 dpi. There isn't any real difference in the pictures but the color, Casey. :D
Right, but my monitor or local lighting might be different from your setup and I was looking at that pic last night with tired eyes. All of which might make the same jpeg look different to me.
The latest version looks better, a softer red yet still bright and the detail and overall cover stands out.
The interior layout was fine for me so cool re: no change.
Quote from: flyingmice;359444Hi guys!
Taking in all the criticism. The red on black does remind me too much of Blood Games, so that's out. Good point Scaredy Squirrel! The violent feel of the swoosh and the blood-like color are pluses. This is a StarCluster game, but it's also an In Harm's Way game, so it is military in nature. Blood and violence are appropriate. White for purity of purpose, red for sacrifice. That works on many, many levels.
I toned the red back to my first impulse - I bumped up the saturation a notch or two after I was satisfied. apparently it was too much. Also, I've worked over the tablet artifacts to smooth things over. Dropped the colon too! As for the inside layout, it's not changing. It does what I want.
Result:
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-4-Small.png)
-clash
Clash, how about trying it with the
Starcluster title in black ?
Regards,
David R
Quote from: David R;359528Clash, how about trying it with the Starcluster title in black ?
Regards,
David R
I think the StarCluster becomes too heavy:
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-4A-Small.png)
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice;359530I think the StarCluster becomes too heavy:
Yeah, I agree.
Regards,
David R
Quote from: Casey777;359481Right, but my monitor or local lighting might be different from your setup and I was looking at that pic last night with tired eyes. All of which might make the same jpeg look different to me.
The latest version looks better, a softer red yet still bright and the detail and overall cover stands out.
The interior layout was fine for me so cool re: no change.
Awesome! I do think the red was too bright, but i also know I am more partial to muted, subtle colors, so i went past my normal limit. I am much happier with the current version.
-clash
Quote from: Halfjack;359467I'm a big fan of minimalism and in avoiding strict realism in these sorts of things -- most RPG covers just look like comic books to me, and not in a good way. So I think that the direction this is heading is very cool. I do think it needs some kind of clearer symbolic connection to the content, though. For example, using the black background, perhaps adding a pale gray-on-transparent star field (above the black but behind the swoosh and text) would sell the concept.
This is certainly heading in a brave direction (for the RPG world) that I like a lot.
Thanks Brad! Whatever else, I think it will stand out. ;D
-clash
Clash, I'm fiddling with your basic design and finding that something diagrammatic in the background in pale gray (or low opacity) has a nice effect. Obviously not this diagram :) but maybe something more closely related to your game or its topic.
(http://www.phreeow.net/images/sctest.png)
I still think that you need something in the background to tie it into space Clash. The cover art is great. I love concept of it but I'm just afraid that it is not going to reach out to people. It You need something muted behind. You can barely see it perhaps but it would be enough to get the concept that it is a space RPG. Even if it is not a grid pattern, a star cluster (which would be perhaps cool), even a ship. Try that out and see if it strikes you. Otherwise just keep your original design and we'll try and spread the word (which we always do) on what it is about.
Bonni
Quote from: Halfjack;359544Clash, I'm fiddling with your basic design and finding that something diagrammatic in the background in pale gray (or low opacity) has a nice effect. Obviously not this diagram :) but maybe something more closely related to your game or its topic.
(http://www.phreeow.net/images/sctest.png)
I like the looks of that! Maybe put a constellation in the background? Like the stylized connect the dots kind?
Quote from: Halfjack;359544Clash, I'm fiddling with your basic design and finding that something diagrammatic in the background in pale gray (or low opacity) has a nice effect. Obviously not this diagram :) but maybe something more closely related to your game or its topic.
How's this, Brad and Bonni?
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-5-Small.png)
-clash
Hi Brad, Bonni, and Pete! How's this look?
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-5A-Small-1.png)
-clash
I'd say a bit too busy on my end. Might only put one "system" part in a corner.
Maybe a little paler and behind the swoosh. Let it be the background so it doesn't interfere.
Hi clash. I'd like to see that starmap back there without the numbers if possible.
Too crowded and the numbers get in the way. I agree, try only a bit in a corner or somesuch.
No numbers, more faded.
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-5C-Small-1.png)
-clash
Now it looks like a watermark (or I've just been looking at too much snow this weekend WHITEOUT :eek: so can't see)
Clash - I think this is the best one yet.
Casey - is the comment about the watermark mean you like it or not?
I personally like the faded part of it as long as it doesn't have the numbers on it. I like that you can only barely see the map but it still shows up so that you can tell it's a map, etc.
- Bonni
I like the "unfaded" one better. Although my preference is no star map. And Tandoori and Damon :hmm:
Regards,
David R
Quote from: Bonni56;359603Casey - is the comment about the watermark mean you like it or not?
Not like. It shows up only when I'm looking for it and serves as a watermark.
Edit: Oh and forgot to post why I'm intrigued by this game.
I've been watching the film Barry Lyndon (for the first proper time) and it clicked. This game is IHW *and* Starcluster. Barry Lyndon's rather a Han Solo typu. Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin have inspired scifi series.
Add in the merc company stuff from the modern day IHW game...mix in the intrigue and Brits from Commonwealth sourcebook...
So...this might be perfect for Age of Sail in Spaaaaaaaaaace gaems!
Quote from: Casey777;359615I've been watching the film Barry Lyndon (for the first proper time) and it clicked. This game is IHW *and* Starcluster. Barry Lyndon's rather a Han Solo typu. Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin have inspired scifi series.
You sir, are a gentleman and scholar :hatsoff:
Regards,
David R
Quote from: Casey777;359615Not like. It shows up only when I'm looking for it and serves as a watermark.
Edit: Oh and forgot to post why I'm intrigued by this game.
I've been watching the film Barry Lyndon (for the first proper time) and it clicked. This game is IHW *and* Starcluster. Barry Lyndon's rather a Han Solo typu. Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin have inspired scifi series.
Add in the merc company stuff from the modern day IHW game...mix in the intrigue and Brits from Commonwealth sourcebook...
So...this might be perfect for Age of Sail in Spaaaaaaaaaace gaems!
So, I have to make a choice between the faded one and the white background. Those are my two favorites.
Casey, you are exactly on! This is both IHW and StarCluster equally, and you can pull anything you like from any of my other games. it will all work. :D
-clash
I think the swoop needs to be more opaque -- it should cover the grey material completely, which would remove the "watermark" feel and place the grey diagram firmly in the background.
Quote from: Halfjack;359629I think the swoop needs to be more opaque -- it should cover the grey material completely, which would remove the "watermark" feel and place the grey diagram firmly in the background.
Not possible with my software, I'm afraid. The swoop is at 100% opacity. I tried layering swoops on top of each other, which works, but it gets too red. I tried changing the paint style, but it changes the flavor of the swoop and it's still slightly transparent.
I give up. I will go with either the red swoop on white, or the watermarked one. Thanks everyone for the help!
-clash
Hrms. Not sure if I like it--other people do so that is good.
I think it might be more interesting if we had a "blueprint" for a starship and a humanesque body in watermark gray. Suggesting the "build it yourself" aspects of this version of the game. With maybe a bit of a star system in one corner. So it be one corner light gray blueprint human/alien body, another corner the ship, other corner the star system and then Clash's name in the final corner.
Quote from: flyingmice;359624Casey, you are exactly on! This is both IHW and StarCluster equally, and you can pull anything you like from any of my other games. it will all work. :D
A setup like that is why I have stuff like a 9mb 37 page illustrated campaign pitch burning a HOLE IN MY BRAIN. (online view via Scribd (http://www.scribd.com/full/26535325?access_key=key-ehpmyli0ta6qu8j0nrs)) :banghead: The quote's more what I want it to be than an actual quote, I want to replace some of the images with better ones, and the whole thing needs tightening up but mmmm do I like it. Legends of the Galactic Heroes on 11. (love this landing scene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyGHlyNZ0Z0#t=2m14s))
Quote from: David R;359617You sir, are a gentleman and scholar :hatsoff
Thanks! :hatsoff: And a Huzza for this game!
Quote from: flyingmice;359599No numbers, more faded.
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-5C-Small-1.png)
-clash
I like this one a lot. I was hoping this wouldn't end in frustration for you tho. Everyone's tastes are close but different enough that you gotta go with the pic that makes you smile when you look at it. (You know that already, of course.)
Pete
Quote from: Casey777;359659A setup like that is why I have stuff like a 9mb 37 page illustrated campaign pitch burning a HOLE IN MY BRAIN. (online view via Scribd (http://www.scribd.com/full/26535325?access_key=key-ehpmyli0ta6qu8j0nrs)) :banghead: The quote's more what I want it to be than an actual quote, I want to replace some of the images with better ones, and the whole thing needs tightening up but mmmm do I like it. Legends of the Galactic Heroes on 11. (love this landing scene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyGHlyNZ0Z0#t=2m14s))
That.is.beautiful! IHW:SC will cover the military side, and you can pull whatever civilian stuff you need from StarCluster.
QuoteThanks! :hatsoff: And a Huzza for this game!
And a huzza for you, Casey! You are awesome! :D
-clash
Quote from: pspahn;359667I like this one a lot. I was hoping this wouldn't end in frustration for you tho. Everyone's tastes are close but different enough that you gotta go with the pic that makes you smile when you look at it. (You know that already, of course.)
Pete
Hi Pete!
I'm frustrated because my graphics programs can't do something I can see in my head. I know
exactly what Brad means, and I just can't get there from here. I was pushing pixels all through the Super Bowl, and it just wouldn't do what I wanted it to do! That's a first.
I'm not frustrated at all about the fantastic response to my post. I anticipated a *lot* more resistance than people showed, and everyone was pitching in trying to help find just the right thing to pull it off. Thanks to everyone for your help! You guys are the best! :D
-clash
Quote from: David R;359613I like the "unfaded" one better. Although my preference is no star map. And Tandoori and Damon :hmm:
Regards,
David R
I name my star systems with the first thing that pops into my mind. I imagine some bored astronomers committee back on Earth with the successor to the Hubble, naming stars with these whacky names because "Hell, it's not like anyone's ever going to go there! It's 300 freaking light years away! Let's go with Tandoori!" and everyone in the committee hoots and laughs and pours another martini. That's how real science gets done!
-clash
Quote from: Silverlion;359631Hrms. Not sure if I like it--other people do so that is good.
I think it might be more interesting if we had a "blueprint" for a starship and a humanesque body in watermark gray. Suggesting the "build it yourself" aspects of this version of the game. With maybe a bit of a star system in one corner. So it be one corner light gray blueprint human/alien body, another corner the ship, other corner the star system and then Clash's name in the final corner.
Hi Tim!
Way too busy, brother! It's getting too far from the original concept.
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice;359698I'm frustrated because my graphics programs can't do something I can see in my head. I know exactly what Brad means, and I just can't get there from here. I was pushing pixels all through the Super Bowl, and it just wouldn't do what I wanted it to do! That's a first.
If you want a hand, shout. I'll see what I can do with your original work.
Quote from: Halfjack;359717If you want a hand, shout. I'll see what I can do with your original work.
I will happily use all the help I can get! Thank you for the offer, Brad!
The starmap is in PNG format, and the swoop is in DPP format, which I can export in DWG, DXF or HPGL formats as well as most bitmap formats. The lettering is not a problem.
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice;359774I will happily use all the help I can get! Thank you for the offer, Brad!
The starmap is in PNG format, and the swoop is in DPP format, which I can export in DWG, DXF or HPGL formats as well as most bitmap formats. The lettering is not a problem.
Let's keep the vector stuff vectory -- send me the starmap as is and the swoop in DWG or DXF and I can work with those. If you can add the lettering afterwards that's cool, otherwise I'll need the font or a pointer to it. Host it somewhere and PM me the links or I'll send you an email address. Happy to help out here.
Quote from: Halfjack;359776Let's keep the vector stuff vectory -- send me the starmap as is and the swoop in DWG or DXF and I can work with those. If you can add the lettering afterwards that's cool, otherwise I'll need the font or a pointer to it. Host it somewhere and PM me the links or I'll send you an email address. Happy to help out here.
Arrrgh! DWG and DXF just export the line without the pressure information. I can't reconstitute the swoop from either type of AutoCAD file. It comes out with a uniform width. Back to square one! Thank you so much for the offer, Brad, but it's not going to work.
-clash
AH! I got it! :D
(http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u341/flyingmice/Front-Cover-6-Small.png)
The secret was pasting copies of the swoop in white under the red swoop! Thank you everyone for your help and ideas! :D
-clash
Hey good solution, Clash. That's way closer to what I was thinking of, so of course that looks great to me. :D
Quote from: Halfjack;359829Hey good solution, Clash. That's way closer to what I was thinking of, so of course that looks great to me. :D
Yeah, Brad - this was what I had in my head from your description and example, but getting there was a pain! :D
Thanks again for all your help!
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice;359838Yeah, Brad - this was what I had in my head from your description and example, but getting there was a pain! :D
Thanks again for all your help!
Any time. I love, by the way, the fact the one of those stars haloes the C in your name. :D
Quote from: Halfjack;359839Any time. I love, by the way, the fact the one of those stars haloes the C in your name. :D
HA! I didn't even notice! That's a riot! :D
-clash
BTW, just to let folks know, IHW:SC is on schedule for release at the end of February. I have to do a final spell check and the Index, and maybe some spot illos. After that it's ready for release. This game does not replace StarCluster 2E, it complements it. You can play IHW:SC in the pregenerated StarCluster setting, or play StarCluster 2E with a custom Cluster, or whatever combination you like. IHW:SC is the military side to StarCluster's Civilian emphasis.
-clash
Great news Clash! Will be looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Quote from: Bonni56;360038Great news Clash! Will be looking forward to seeing the finished product.
I'm getting excited too, Bonni! SC was my first game, and I'm trying for a full re-creation while staying completely compatible. :P
-clash
OK - I'm looking for reviewers for In Harm's Way: StarCluster! Anyone interested?
-clash
LOL. Sorry Clash. Can't review your work. I'm too biased to do a fair review. Test play yes, review...well those I save for test play (grins).
Quote from: Bonni56;360213LOL. Sorry Clash. Can't review your work. I'm too biased to do a fair review. Test play yes, review...well those I save for test play (grins).
Thanks anyway, Bonni! I'm just happy you are here! :D
-clash
Just to let you all know - I forget that most people here ignore the Announcements forum - I released In Harm's Way: StarCluster (http://www.flyingmice.com/ihwsc.html) yesterday. It's big, over 400 pages, and stuffed with tools. IHWSC will be the model for my next SF project, StarCluster 3E - which will cover the civilian side of the equation - so I have also simultaneously put StarCluster 2E (http://www.pigames.net/store/product_info.php?cPath=43_73_75&products_id=320) out for free DL. You can mix and match IHWSC and SC2E to your heart's content.
Enjoy!
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice;362344Just to let you all know - I forget that most people here ignore the Announcements forum - I released In Harm's Way: StarCluster (http://www.flyingmice.com/ihwsc.html) yesterday. It's big, over 400 pages, and stuffed with tools. IHWSC will be the model for my next SF project, StarCluster 3E - which will cover the civilian side of the equation - so I have also simultaneously put StarCluster 2E (http://www.pigames.net/store/product_info.php?cPath=43_73_75&products_id=320) out for free DL. You can mix and match IHWSC and SC2E to your heart's content.
Enjoy!
-clash
I received it Clash. Thanks for putting out such a great prodect and for offering StarCluster 2E for a free Download. It is downloading now. :) It will be interesting to see what you do with the civilian side of the equation because you KNOW that is more along my lines of what I normally like to play.
- Bonni
Quote from: Bonni56;362532I received it Clash. Thanks for putting out such a great prodect and for offering StarCluster 2E for a free Download. It is downloading now. :) It will be interesting to see what you do with the civilian side of the equation because you KNOW that is more along my lines of what I normally like to play.
- Bonni
Hi Bonni!
Well, right now you can use StarCluster 2E characters with IHWSC rules. Create a Cluster, make a ship from the IHWSC, and bop around as you like. The two games are synergistic, which is why I released SC2E for free at the same time as IHWSC. Now, though, your players can also be aliens native to the Cluster rather than just humanoids.
I intend to do with the civilian side what I did with the military side - make tools for making your own fun. :D
-clash
Quote from: Bonni56;362532I received it Clash. Thanks for putting out such a great prodect and for offering StarCluster 2E for a free Download. It is downloading now. :) It will be interesting to see what you do with the civilian side of the equation because you KNOW that is more along my lines of what I normally like to play.
- Bonni
Well, right now you can use StarCluster 2E characters with IHWSC rules. Create a Cluster, make a ship from the IHWSC, and bop around as you like. The two games are synergistic, which is why I released SC2E for free at the same time as IHWSC. Now, though, your players can also be aliens native to the Cluster rather than just humanoids.
-clash
Sounds good to me Clash, but I'm having a problem downloading 2E. It stalls out and then when it DID finally manage to finish downloading it, it says it is not a good copy. I did this on the work computer which is a fast connection and I know it's not a firewall that is stopping it. Have you heard anybody else having problems?
- Bonni
Quote from: Bonni56;362544Sounds good to me Clash, but I'm having a problem downloading 2E. It stalls out and then when it DID finally manage to finish downloading it, it says it is not a good copy. I did this on the work computer which is a fast connection and I know it's not a firewall that is stopping it. Have you heard anybody else having problems?
- Bonni
Nope! Did you DL it from Precis Intermedia or from RPG Now/DTRPG?
-clash
Quote from: flyingmice;362546Nope! Did you DL it from Precis Intermedia or from RPG Now/DTRPG?
-clash
I downloaded it from Precis Intermedia. I'll try through DriveThruRPG since I've ordered from them before and always have good results.
-Bonni
:) I am happy now. Went to DriveThruRPG and downloaded it in the amount of time it has taken for me to post these last two postings. I love DTRPG. :)
Thanks for that suggestion Clash.
-Bonni
Quote from: Bonni56;362549:) I am happy now. Went to DriveThruRPG and downloaded it in the amount of time it has taken for me to post these last two postings. I love DTRPG. :)
Thanks for that suggestion Clash.
-Bonni
In the meantime I sent you a copy directly via email... :D
I wonder what the problem is with PIG? No-one has ever reported any trouble with them before!
-clash
I wonder if it was because I tried to download the unzipped file instead of the zip? Anyway, DriveThru had it and in less than a minute I got it so all is well.
-Bonni
Quote from: Bonni56;362557I wonder if it was because I tried to download the unzipped file instead of the zip? Anyway, DriveThru had it and in less than a minute I got it so all is well.
-Bonni
*THAT* could be! it's only available as a zip, because the distribution has the StarCluster Orbital Transit Calculator included. It's a *sweet* tool. It does the math for orbit to orbit transits, and adds a random factor to compensate for where the worlds are in orbit. Just plug in the first orbit number, then the second orbit number, and then the Gs of acceleration - fractional G works fine - and it pumps out the number of hours the flight will take. If you enter the same parameters twice in a row, the two answers may be very different because of the random orbital differences included in the answer.
-clash