Scenario Design Contest

[Kael]

On December 16th you will get to play with the scenarios we have created. But I'm curious to see what kind of things you guys can come up with. So we are holding a scenario contest.

I believe the scenario engine is very powerful and allows you to create very unique scenarios with minimal programming. Unlike the others, where ideas were all that really mattered this one will require you to create something and may take some python programing skill.

For now Im just putting this out here so people can start thinking about the scenario they want to create. Have fun!

Here are the rules:

1. The only XML files you are allowed to change are text (adding a new text file for your scenario), event and event trigger (only adding new events you call from your scenario).

2. The only python files you are allowed to change are ScenarioFunctions.py and CvRandomEventInterface.py (for your added events).

3. You should include a mapscript of course.

4. Entrants can enter as teams.

5. If you want to create a new python file for your scenario that is fine.

6. I'll have an unused game option open and available for your use (this will make more sense when you see how the "Ice" scenarios are distinguished.

7. The contest ends on March 16th, 2009. Take plenty of time to playtest, get feedback and tweak your scenario to make it as good as possible.


Check out the following post for more technical details about the scenario engine: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=5826059&postcount=3

Additionally GAMEOPTION_WX_EXTRA has been left open for this contest. Scenario designers are welcome to use it.

 

[Zechnophobe]

Um, so we can edit the ScenarioFunction.py... does that include creating for instance, new functions or internal class definitions in it?

 

[Kael]

Um, so we can edit the ScenarioFunction.py... does that include creating for instance, new functions or internal class definitions in it?

Yeap anything you want. I'll add an option that if you want to create a new python file for your scenario thats fine.

 

[Zechnophobe]

Kael, I have work and school to do, why must you taunt me so?

Challenge Accepted! Now I just have to figure out exactly which scenario I want to make.

There's 'The Eternal Revel' where you play a minor belseraph empire. Victory requires you to maintain a Golden Age of a certain length, but you have no world spell or great people to do it... But you do have other, more interesting ways, oh yes you do.

Or how about the 'Valley of Taint', where you play a small group trying to bring about the end of the world.. or at least the end of the valley. Use your adepts to spread Entropy nodes, which in turn spread hell terrain, enabling some of your most devestating powers!

The "Master's Hand" scenario is all about building the Perfect Golem, which of course requires scrounging up the perfect golem parts. And hey, until then, your imperfect golems will have to help you get those last few parts, won't they?

Or maybe something else. I dunno yet.

 

[MagisterCultuum]

The only xml files we can change are text, event, and event trigger? Why do you have to limit us like this?

I'm not sure its even worth coming up with something if I can't at the very least add some more world units.

I was really hoping we could have an alternate scenario to Mulcarn Reborn in which preventing Auric's ascension once the ritual was underway gave Laroth the power he needed to usurp Arawn's throne and to invade Erebus, probably by tricking the Sidae into summoning him. I like the idea of having to choose which once-mortal god you'd to try to fight.

 

[xienwolf]

The entire point is to restrict you to existing units and mechanics as much as possible. Otherwise it becomes a "Who can make the best toys" instead of "Who can make the best story" contest (also why you aren't allowed full DLL modifications)

Besides, as long as you can change the text file, you can rename anything you want. I do wish you would allow modifications to the Art Defines as well so we could make some units different sizes, then you could make a giant Wraith and call him Laroth (or other nefarious plans).


Besides, a creative man can do a lot with just python if he puts his mind to it. I personally would just kick and scream that so few things that I want to modify are exposed and wind up shelving anything I make for a personal project with matching DLL work

 

[thomas.berubeg]

Hmmmm.... the precursor to "The Age of Despair" Awaits...

 

[Zechnophobe]

The entire point is to restrict you to existing units and mechanics as much as possible. Otherwise it becomes a "Who can make the best toys" instead of "Who can make the best story" contest (also why you aren't allowed full DLL modifications)

Besides, as long as you can change the text file, you can rename anything you want. I do wish you would allow modifications to the Art Defines as well so we could make some units different sizes, then you could make a giant Wraith and call him Laroth (or other nefarious plans).


Besides, a creative man can do a lot with just python if he puts his mind to it. I personally would just kick and scream that so few things that I want to modify are exposed and wind up shelving anything I make for a personal project with matching DLL work

Yup, it is a contest that I'm sure also is a test of the premade scenario tools.

All things considered, there are a lot of ways to use the existing items to create new things. For instance, you can start a civ with an axeman, and give it a unique name via a python call, and the hero promotion, or use the python to modify it's base strength. I'm fairly certain it's a cantrip to then do checks to see if that specific unit is doing things, which will allow unique effects as well.

In a way, I think Kael has the right idea to not let people go completely bonkers, as it limits the number of people with 'cool ideas' who don't actually complete anything, because they bit off more than they can chew.

 

[Kael]

The only xml files we can change are text, event, and event trigger? Why do you have to limit us like this?

I'm not sure its even worth coming up with something if I can't at the very least add some more world units.

I was really hoping we could have an alternate scenario to Mulcarn Reborn in which preventing Auric's ascension once the ritual was underway gave Laroth the power he needed to usurp Arawn's throne and to invade Erebus, probably by tricking the Sidae into summoning him. I like the idea of having to choose which once-mortal god you'd to try to fight.

Vehem would just submit Fall Further and win.

 

[Moon Hunter]

Hmmmm.... the precursor to "The Age of Despair" Awaits...

Yeah, I'd submit my old idea. I had (and still have) too much to do in real life instead of trying to start learning python and c++. Ended up the way I left it, just in the level of idea brainstorming. If anyone is interested to do anything in that area, they are free to do so. I remember Vehem and Thomas Berubeg showed interest and offered to help...

Would be cool to see it in the real thing though

 

[Grey Fox]

Cool, I think I will enter this contest - what will be the time limit?

 

[thomas.berubeg]

Yeah, I'd submit my old idea. I had (and still have) too much to do in real life instead of trying to start learning python and c++. Ended up the way I left it, just in the level of idea brainstorming. If anyone is interested to do anything in that area, they are free to do so. I remember Vehem and Thomas Berubeg showed interest and offered to help...

Would be cool to see it in the real thing though

I've Started Work on the Age of Despair

 

[Zechnophobe]

Doesn't look like many people wanted to enter this, which is too bad. I'm curious to see what comes out of it. (Also a bump in hopes that post .4 people will have renewed vigor).

 

[Kael]

Doesn't look like many people wanted to enter this, which is too bad. I'm curious to see what comes out of it. (Also a bump in hopes that post .4 people will have renewed vigor).

I think people are playing the scenarios right now. I didnt expect to many people to be creating right off the bat which is why I dont have the deadline until March.

 

[Psychic_Llamas]

id like to see a scenario about Kylorin and his students. i have enough projects to do than to worry about a scenario atm, and i cnat mod python well so im out. but a scenario where Kylorin fights perpentach and barbatos and his other students would be cool and emersive.

 

[Mailbox]

I might do a Barbatos (undead leader of some sort, Barbatos is canon, could use any leader with the right traits or spring some python trait addition) vs. other evil leaders. I'd need to get a little better at python but I think it would be doable.

 

[MagisterCultuum]

I'm still thinking that the limits on what files we can change might be too strict for me to end up doing anything.

I was thinking that something dealing with Laroth's usurpation of Arawn's precept could be cool, but I think having something actually take place in the Netherwold might be too much. Likewise I'm thinking I'd probably want to take an scenario set in the Age of Magic or the Age of Dragons way beyond what the mod can handle. Right now I'm leaning towards something you've written more about. A scenario where you have to save Auric and Varn from Haerlond and out of the Shadowed Vale could be nice, and it would make an appropriate prerequisite for any scenario with either the Illians or Malakim in them. I was also thinking that a scenario following Valin Phanual and Saverous on their quest to return the Order to the true path could be nice. Either way, I think Kael may need to reveal a few more details first.

 

[Switchblock]

Deadline in March, eh?
Alright, that gives me a couple months to figure out how to write python and DLL scripts, and how to make all the XML fit in!

If I somehow am able to do all this with no prior programming experience, can you submit more than one? I'm thinking of a fun little scenario where the Baron gets to have some fun, or a longer, deeper scenario with the Kuriotates.

 

[MagisterCultuum]

Why do people keep saying they'll need to learn C++? We aren't allowed to change the DLL anyway. Do they just mean to become more familiar with some f the xml tags?

 

[Switchblock]

That, in fact, is my lack of programming experience, lol.

XML is pretty easy, but I'm always afraid of accidentally killing something when I go through the python, what program should I edit that with?