Collaborative Civs by Xanatos Industries

[GPuzzle]

Let me adress a few things.

Civ 5 has Icons work in two different ways:

First, stock image. It's the Leader and Unit and Building Icons. Those will never change. The only Civ image that does that is the one that represents the Civ - the one you see when you select the Civ to play it.

Second, alpha image. Literally empyting the space of what you want, and letting the game automatically fill it for you (it already does it). The Civs have two colors - Background (text, the very border of something, so Yellow for Sweden, for example), and Main (the main color, so Blue for Sweden, for example). It's the one that's going to appear in the main game. However, this also happens with Unit Icons! It's why you can have Brazilian Keshiks with the Keshik's Icon in the Unit itself, the Alpha Icon above them and Brazil's colors filling the Alpha Icon.

So:

- Yes, it is possible to give the Con Artist an Unique Alpha Icon - it's an unit.

- Try making that Tree Icon literally empty space. In fact, I think it's better if we use that Tree Icon with a green background for the Civ Icon.

- I think it's possible to give unique new art to the Great Artist, not exactly sure if anyone has done that. Maybe as a joke giving them the same paintings when they're actually falsifications or something. I don't know.

 

[David Xanatos]

Here's the tweaked Con Artist, Doktor:

So basically, something like that, but less crappy.

Also, GPuzzle, I'm not sure I'm following you here. If by 'empty space' you mean a transparent background, it already has one. As for using the tree for the main Civ icon too, I'm reluctant to do so. It was, admittedly, my first thought, but the Wheel is so iconic, not to mention the perfect shape for it. I'll put one with the tree together and see how I like it. Also, what I meant about the unit icon colors was just setting it up so they match the civs colors, which, from what you're saying, I gather is a somewhat automatic process.

 

[GPuzzle]

Empty Space means that the Alpha Icon itself for the Civ is made of empty space, and limits an area that the main color will be added - an Alpha Layer is shown as transparent but existing, so a first layer of point won't actually reach it. It's pretty much "you don't add the main tinture to this area" for the computer. Afterwards, the computer fills the parts assigned as background ones, such as the text and borders, with the background color.

It is an automatic way of doing so. The computer recognizes that it shouldn't add paint there when going through the main paint, and when it goes through the secondary paint it just adds where it detects an alpha layer.

Really, that's how it works.

 

[DoctorMcGann]

AFAIK there's only one way to have multiple icons for a unit, and that's to have it change by era. Could be wrong.

 

[David Xanatos]

Empty Space means that the Alpha Icon itself for the Civ is made of empty space, and limits an area that the main color will be added - an Alpha Layer is shown as transparent but existing, so a first layer of point won't actually reach it. It's pretty much "you don't add the main tinture to this area" for the computer. Afterwards, the computer fills the parts assigned as background ones, such as the text and borders, with the background color.

It is an automatic way of doing so. The computer recognizes that it shouldn't add paint there when going through the main paint, and when it goes through the secondary paint it just adds where it detects an alpha layer.

Really, that's how it works.

How's this?

I also put together some versions of the symbol as the tree. I honestly think I might put it up to a vote. Anyway, here are those:

With Gradients

Without

If we were to use just the tree, I'd lean towards the one with gradients so long as it didn't mess up any of this color scheme business.

 

[GPuzzle]

Uhm, as for the Alpha Icon, remove that circle. It's literally nothing when you look at it, but it is there, which means that you don't see it, but the computer recognizes.

 

[DoktorApplejuce]

Alright, how's this?

And what about this for the civ Icon?

 

[DoktorApplejuce]

Also the colour scheme is just done via coding, and isn't influenced directly by the image you use as the icon.

(For GPuzzle, if you haven't gone through it already, the colour scheme is:
Icon
R - 0.9176
G - 0.5529
B - 0

Background
R - 0.749
G - 0.9216
B - 0.6353 )

 

[David Xanatos]

Uhm, as for the Alpha Icon, remove that circle. It's literally nothing when you look at it, but it is there, which means that you don't see it, but the computer recognizes.

Alright, I guess this should...do it?

---------------------------

Line is there so you don't mistake that big empty space for just regular nothing. It's not actually part of the image, don't worry.

Alright, how's this?

And what about this for the civ Icon?

Concerning the Con Artist Icon, honestly, just use the mock-up I posted as a guide, that's more or less what I'm going for exactly as far as colors. Upon further thought, however, I do think an addition might be in order: most great person icons have something behind the person related to what they do, as such, if you could manage to implement the table in the foreground of this image:

Spoiler :

Into the icon behind 'Bobby', I think it'd add a lot. I also realize it wouldn't be easy, so don't feel too pressured if you don't think it would be possible to make look good.

As far as that Civ Icon goes, get rid of that weird white ring and nudge the tree juuuust a tick to the left, and we might have something here!

Oh, and, after giving it some thought, I think there should just be one Great Work of Art that gets added with this Civ that only the Con Artist produces: The Jackalope. Here's a picture I think would work for it:

Spoiler :

 

[DoktorApplejuce]

Concerning the Con Artist Icon, honestly, just use the mock-up I posted as a guide, that's more or less what I'm going for exactly as far as colors.

Really? I thought that skin tone was incredibly grey. I used the exact same skin tone in the last one I posted that's in the Stanford Pines image.


Is this more to your liking?

 

[David Xanatos]

Really? I thought that skin tone was incredibly grey. I used the exact same skin tone in the last one I posted that's in the Stanford Pines image.


Is this more to your liking?

See, my issue with the civ symbol as it is right now is that the gradient effect just kinda stops before reaching the rim. If that's to leave room for the golden rim to be put over when it's implemented in the game, fine, but otherwise, it really should cover the whole thing.

As for the skin tone issue, you have a point, but for all the rest of the colors, I'd really prefer you stick to the example, we can see how it looks that way and go from there.

 

[DoktorApplejuce]

See, my issue with the civ symbol as it is right now is that the gradient effect just kinda stops before reaching the rim. If that's to leave room for the golden rim to be put over when it's implemented in the game, fine, but otherwise, it really should cover the whole thing.

It's how Firaxis makes theirs.

 

[David Xanatos]

Fair enough then. We'll use it. Any progress on the Con Artist?

 

[David Xanatos]

Going to start working on Leader Interaction Dialog for Stan.

Greeting (Generic): Hey there! Name's Stan Pines. May I be the first to welcome you to Gravity Falls! Home of the Mystery Shack!! Could I interest you in a T-Shirt? How 'bout a bumper sticker?

Greeting (France): Whoa-ho! Hey there short stuff! Nice hat. Anyway, welcome to Gravity Falls! Home of the Mystery Shack!! I get the feeling you're into snowglobes, am I right? Only 20 bucks! What do you say?

Greeting (America): Hey I recognize you! You're the one dollar bill guy! So, uh, just between you and me, how much'd they pay you for that gig?

Greeting (England): Wow, that is some dress you got there, toots! Anyway, welcome to Gravity Falls! Home of the Mystery Shack! Could I perhaps interest in you in a form-fitting T-shirt? That little number can't be too comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Greeting (Spain): Hey there, toots! Welcome to Gravity Falls! Home of the Mystery Shack! That's a nice cross you got there! Looks like real gold. Just between you and me, how many karats we talkin' on that thing?

Greeting (Denmark): Heh-hey, nice beard! How much wax you gotta use on that thing? Can't be easy to maintain all those braids. Listen, there's this crazy stuff called 'hair gel' I think you'd be into. Perhaps I could interest you in some? Anyhow, welcome to Gravity Falls!

Greeting (Polynesia): Hey there! Welcome to Gravity Falls! Home of the Mystery Shack! Say, your name sounds familiar: weren't you in one of those 'animes' the kids like so much? I don't tend to keep up with these things, really.

Greeting (Aztec): Woah! And I thought that French Guy's hat was fancy! Just between us, what kinda bird didja get those feathers from? It wasn't really a peacock, was it? Anyway, welcome to Gravity Falls!

If you accept a trade offer made by him: Remember: We put the 'fun' in no refunds!

Asking for help (e.g. luxury resource for free, large sum of money): Hey, uh, look...things...things aren't goin' too well over here. You've got your stuff together pretty well: think you could spare a little? I promise, I'll pay you back in Stanbucks later.

Being informed of a plot against him: Those punks think they can pull one over on Stan Pines?! I don't think so! Thanks for the heads up, pal. I won't forget this.

Accepting a trade offer (Hate): And they call me a swindler?!

Refusing a trade offer (Hate): That's Highway Robbery! What're you tryin' to pull?!

Accepting a trade offer: Pleasure doin' business with ya! Heh...

Refusing a trade offer: Ahahaha, ahaha...yeah, no.

Requesting an embassy: I think we oughta set up an embassy over at your place, get a better idea of where we're both at. How 'bout it?

Requesting open borders: Hey, d'ya think we could maybe pass through your land? It'd make getting merchandise to you that much easier! You could pass through ours, too of course. Whaddaya say? Deal?

I'll add more later.

 

[David Xanatos]

Starting on the Civlopedia Entries.

Stanford Pines

Mr. Mystery

Lived: ??? - Present

Titles: Mr. Mystery, Grunkle Stan

Civilization: *Insert Symbol here*

Game Info: *UA Info here*

Overview: Stanford 'Stan' Pines, also known as Mr. Mystery, is owner of the low-budget tourist trap 'The Mystery Shack', located in the small town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. Known for ceaselessly peddling his over-priced wares, he'll cut every corner he can get away with if it means making a profit. Great Uncle to Mabel and Dipper Pines, he finds himself looking after them this summer. But strange things are happening in town: plans set in place long ago are finally reaching fruition. What is Stan hiding? And more importantly, why is he hiding it? Only time will tell...

History: WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS, TURN BACK NOW! (<-- That should be included in-game as well)

Spoiler :

Stanford Pines grew up in the town of Glass Shard Beach, New Jersey with his twin brother, Stanley. Although generally a somewhat meek child, his father's efforts to 'toughen him up' with boxing lessons eventually paid off, leading to his defeat of a purse snatcher at the local movie theater. This earned him the affection of one Carla 'Hot Pants' McCorkle, with whom he shared a relationship for some time before she was, according to him, stolen away from him by a charismatic hippie named Thistle Downe. Whose Van he may or may not have subsequently driven off a cliff.

Details are sketchy beyond this point, but it's known that at some point, Stan was a door-to-door salesman peddling 'Stan-Vacs', which bore the unfortunate tagline, 'they suck more than anything.' After this, he apparently turned to a life of crime, living life as a grifter under many aliases, such as Stetson Pinefield, Hal Forrester, and Andrew '8-Ball' Alcatraz. Eventually his luck ran out, and he landed in a Colombian Prison. Little to nothing of his life is known after that point, other than his eventual arrival in Gravity Falls and purchasing of the property that became the Mystery Shack.

 

[DoktorApplejuce]

Alright, how's aboot this?

 

[David Xanatos]

Whiten up the eyes and teeth just a bit more and I think we finally got it!

 

[DoktorApplejuce]

Bueno?

*Edit: Is it just me, or does that look like a different skin colour? I swear it's the exact same as in the last image, I've put them both side-by-side in gimp and compared, and they are identical. The the contrast of the slightly bluish eyes and teeth in the previous one obviously act as an optical illusion. Weird.

 

[DoctorMcGann]

Yeah, was going to say. That's a very common optical illusion, where a colour looks totally different depending on what colours it's contrasted with.

 

[David Xanatos]

Muy Bueno!