[Johny25]

I'm making an RPG and am wondering if anyone knows of an excellent host site. I need a unique Domain Name to (tho not required). I know of www.catalog.com. With no suggestions, I'll stick with catalog.com.

I found this site. Does it host? I think I want to be a little more specific with my rpg, tho. This requires a unique website design and feel.

Eventually, the website will need access to a Database (For items, accounts, etc)

About my rpg, I will probably run a user page here so people can download the latest build. I already have a build, but you can't do anything other than marvel at a moveable DD control.

My engine thus far uses Direct Draw 7 and VC++ 6 (Uses MFC). Very bare bones MFC app, tho. It manages each tick, its not based on timers or messages alone. I know that MFC has simplifed some functions.. like tcpip (I think). But that is a long way off, the entire game is at hand.

The story is non-linear. It is basically a background story, and the rest of the story is player built. I will probably finish a stand alone single player freeware version before I attempt to make a commercial online version. That is the plan, atleast. I need a fan base, first. This requires me making a freeware version. It will probably go something like this-> Player gathers wealth. Player establishes a village. Player fortifies village to defend against wandering Entities that threaten the Durability of the Village Infrastructure.

This freeware version would be more like a LONG/involved tutorial. The online version will include village combat, on top of player combat. This means players can attack structures. The online version would also sport additional quests/etc. Thus villages MUST be protected from invasion/looting/pillaging/etc. There will be a deep ranking system in villages, as well. There's still a lot of design I have yet to finish. However, I have already a good amount, but it'll be a long time before I have a complete design. In the meantime, I code and design. I need team members though. So if you're interested, send me an email. Once I have my website setup, this will be far easier.

Here is the Brief Background Story (Sci fi):

************************************
United Galactic Security

Military report [EL847933021]:

In response to enquery on 8/5/2180.

The device known as the "Rift Infusor" was not found, but further investigation uncovered clues pertaining to the nature of the technology. Although much of the area was incinerated, we hope for more evidence shortly. A comprehensive report is forthcoming.

The following voice file, among dozens, was confiscated from the Worx Basin Laboratory computer network before the absolute and total destruction of it therein. We hope this provides some resolution as to the whereabouts of Mr. Blake Edwards.

File: Update: 6/2/2180
************************************
"Lucky for the new security, hmm? If it weren't for that I'd wager UGS would have had a workaround. They might have been able to tap into the Infuser, if it weren't for private teams like the IronClads. We knew that there would be a hack eventually, following the trail of clues we must have left behind. How many instances have they wondered why Worx Laboratory was using slightly more surge than required for their work? How many missing colonists do they need for a hint? And consider the bursts, completely unexpected. Perhaps they detected those to?"

"Doubtfull, Mr. Lake. The possibility that they detected the bursts is at best remote. They would need the Rift Infusor itself, which I believe is out of the question. Last I was there, they were still simulating photon coil operation. I figure we have 4 hours tops to get everyone through the gate. On top of that we need to loop the inducer, resulting in a catastrophic explosion minutes after we gate. The Titus colony should be fine. But our project, everything, will be gone. There's so much more we needed to know. What if we're wrong? The problems that have emerged recently are cause for concern. Nonetheless, the underlying system is functional. Mr. Lake, setup the Inducer on a loop ASAP. Mr. Thorn, you better be listening. Gather everyone together and Gate them immediately, got that? Follow the project plan people, you all know what to do.

"Thorn here, 10-4 Blake."

"I have to comment, Blake. I doubt very little that our initial formula will prove wrong. I'm concerend with the new flood of data. I've spoken to you about this, but the RGS system processes twofold more projections. If there is another band we're missing here, this might explain it. I know that we have no time to prove one way or another, but we could be moving more than just those who've joined The Welcome. Remember those people we saw inside the spacial rip? What the hell was that? Science? Give me a formula that can produce energy at that level, and I might as well be God. They were like ghosts. And then you have to consider the additional individuals that arrived. They were not on the list. No bugs detected. We had the bots swarming them, but found nothing. Our only choice was to send them through. And about the Doctor. I spoke with him, we had a long talk. Blake, those people had no IDF signature. Every known lifeform has an IDF signature! And there is something else. Doc couldn't work his reader on these people, it was spitting out garbage. I'm going to speculate for a moment. What if the continuum is living? What if it were observing us? About the Rift Particles that continue to crop up in the newest research, have you considered that the Continuum isn't connected to these in a neutral state? It worries me dearly. I keep seeing those ghosts, god."

"Understood, Will. But we know so little about the continuum. There's nothing more we can do, however. No time, and we have to complete what we set out to do. You know it, I know it, once this is done we're gone. Period. On the other side, there's no real way to know if we can figure any of this out. Outside of an absolute project catastrophe, most of our memory will be lost. Thats that. I'm going to finish a farewell note for UGS and seal it up. The rest of you follow the project plan and get everyone out, little less than 4 hours and counting.."
************************************
End File: Update: 6/2/2180

File: Farewell
************************************
What is the "Rift Infusor" project? It started small, between a group of us down here. We knew that with diligence and our expertise combined, we could compile this project together, ahead of its theorized counterpart. 3 geniuses of our time put their blood into this project, under your noses. They to are gone, forever. Endless years trained by, a sweaty spell in all manners of the thought. Well this spell grabbed us by the throat! Dreams and overnight brainstorm. This was more than a vision! We were putting together something unmentionable. Something so wrong, but unstoppable. You cannot expect such vigour to die away. This project started for reasons I cannot fathom, to this day. They say the Devil is in the details. Where did God go. Where did we go?! Nonetheless, things happened. Low and behold one day a surprise was upon us. The inducer succeeded, we had a gate. The day of welcome was near.

This is a timeless void we live in. Never have I believed this more than I do now. We succeeded in opening the fabric of time, the tissue that cradles us. Isn't this the place we were born in? We played as babies? We grew into adults and henceforth built ourselves pretty kingdoms? And now I've reduced it to the smallest of fabrics, a figure deep within the blood of our universe. A pulse strong, beating without condition. Every day, every night, nothing stops this!

One day. It was one day. I've named it The Welcome. On this day 100's visited, a meeting we had arranged. Strangely, many others were to arrive. The "unmentioned". Straight through our security. A security breach? No. The computers never noticed the additional individuals. This was the strangest thing of all. We didn't know it at first. The first clue that something was odd was the laboratory doctor and a following head count. The laboratory doctor was stone cold that day. He had run a series of tests because of "abnormal readouts", to say the least. He looked like a ghost when I later prodded him for answers. All he could manage was, "Blake, just keep the ball rolling. There's something larger than us at work." I know him well, I trust that his judgement is strong. What is of even greater concern is that we rechecked the computers. The "unmentioned" are not listed, but there is nothing at all wrong with the security system. Like they were ghosts. And we're the inventors of the Rift Infusor, of all things?! And we can't explain this? I do admit there was a strange air. Stale? I can't say. Maybe the UGS knows something about this? Yes, all of this under your nose! God forbid that you ever find yourself real senses! Real power isn't given, its taken. I know damn well. And thats why the UGS is where it is. The UGS is going to choke on this one, for a long time.

During the welcome, one man asked me, "Why is God?" I couldn't respond. In his eyes I saw. Such a secret we have kept. We've played with fire, for sure. But a success I knew, but cannot trully understand. I will confide with you for one moment about an angel I saw during my accident on the Titus colony. An angel called my name, I almost died. Its given me nightmares ever since. In that mans voice I heard this voice, again. "Why is God?" Not so much a voice, but a thought. Why? Who is this man? This man, who is he? Little time I had, and nor did I want to attract any attention to my experience on Titus. Might think me crazy? Don't need to remind me. And you, I just wanted you to know about this episode. Yes, I'm devouted to God. In all its mystery. Whatever happens of The Welcome and the project itself, thats for God to say. Gods word lives. In his angels, in us.

About the visitors. More came. In total, 9500 entered the gate. This was all planned beforehand. Using the latest in teleportation, we were able to port many from a Corser Transport Ship in orbit around Mars. Some very rich individuals played a large role. Noeone is left, though. Hard to believe it was only days ago. Privacy counts, and here it is life. Many souls now, gone. They're gone for good. Another place. A place I've named Praxis. Universes away from you or I, deep within a galaxy teaming with life. Here a new world brews, and words give no justice to its beauty. The visitors will certainly prosper in this world. Due to the affects of Gate Walking an individual soul never dies. Their matrix is retained within the continuum. In other words, a loop. The only way to alter this is to re-initiate the process. Offcourse, in theory. Much of this isn't well understood. Very dangerous. But there is more to this theory than I would ever admit to. Conveniently, the theory stays with me. This whole ordeal has been quite taxing.

My time is nary an hours worth. This writing, gone. Be left for you sure, but me? What about me? I am sorry for toying with such native forces. I am hardly alone. But the secret is that I did not do this alone. Not one member of my team is aware of the true nature of this project. A garden of souls, it is. This secret will die with me? That decision is for God alone. It is not my decision. It never was. There was something far greater than us at The Welcome, moving these people like the hand of God.
************************************
End File: Farewell
************************************


// Comment on the world mentioned
// Land
Large Land Map surrounded by Ocean
Grassland
Swamp
Rocky Basins
Rivers
Underground Cave System

// Infrastructure
Pre-Defined system of Villages
Pre-Defined system of non-Human habitation

// Living Entities
Pre-Defined system of Human Entities (NPC)
Pre-Defined system of other non-Human Entities (NPC)

// World Name
Praxis or Paraxia

// Condition
Intelligent lifeforms have inhabited this planet for 1107 years
Medeival Technological Level attained
Alien Intrusion continues on this world in small numbers
Ample resources for isolated civilizations
Military activities are healthy
Genetic stability is strong
Educational Level is stable
Disease Level is stable
Animal Population is stable
Worship is strong

Conclusion: Praxis fullfills all stated conditions
_________________
Your Confidant,
Jon S

[XMark]

You might want to talk to Mandrake about possibly being hosted at indie-rpg.net
_________________
Mark Hall
Abstract Productions
I PLAYS THE MUSIC THAT MAKES THE PEOPLES FALL DOWN!

[mandrakeIO]

yup, yup. i could host you. give you space and database. but i have no knowledge of you game much. pretty much indie-rpg.net is mostly for people i know pretty well and respect there gaming snuff.

so, yeah, i'll read over the info. any screenshots for me to oogle at?

[Johny25]

Here are the 2 builds I have fashioned since August. The old one and new one are included. The new build is a work-in-progress. I am working on a Direct Draw GUI (My own design).

http://home.teleport.com/~jonsebox/Demo.zip

Here is some more Design Information:


Possible Name Changes: "Primordial Visions", "Primal Visions", "Genesis Keepers Online", "Rift Splitters", "Visions", "Visions: Volume I", "Continuum", "Gate Walkers: I", "Gate Walkers Realm", "Lords of Praxis", "Gate Walkers Online", "Continuum Lost", "Kingdoms Hold", "Visions Lost", "Praxis Revisited", "SunChild", "Time Children", "Praxis Online", "Keepers Online", "Time Child Online", "Genesis Child Online", "Gate to Eternity", "Eternity Lost", "Timeless Visions: Online", so forth.

Top 5 Names: "Primordial Visions", "Genesis Keepers Online", "Praxis Online", "Lords of Praxis: Online", "Timeless Visions: Online"

The main feature of this game:
A deep player-run village interface, where players can manage and conquer villages of all sorts. Be aware that only Player-run villages can attack one another. NPC villages are invulnerable, forever (Some natively, some because of huge monetary wealth). The interface supports a deep support network, wherein if a village doesn't work together the village will not be able to "pay its bills". This is the goal, and ultimate destiny of the design.

I have a Web Designer currently constructing my webpage design.

I need 2 programmers. (VC++ 6, DX 7/8.1 SDK)

Anyone who is generally interested, please send me an email.

That is: jonsebox@teleport.com

I will be doing my best to setup a webpage soon enough. So keep in touch. I will eventually need more than what I have posted. That will most likely be: 1 Artist, 1 Musician. But that will be a while because the engine needs work. However, I could use a Mock-Up Artist and post these images on the website.

From there I will have to learn. But #1 Goal right now is to establish an Internet presence from the Start. This way those who are interested in the Game can post on the Forums their own comments and wishes. This way the game is not just my own work, but the work of many.

Thanks for the replies. Positive reinforcement is appreciated. Its hard enough when you have to learn everything from the ground up, but to have people constantly warning you of the difficulties and pains doesn't help either. I know it is not easy, but I want advice, not dissuasion. This is all for transcendence, not wealth. I've been in this seat since early August, so trust me when I tell you that I know how difficult this is. That is why I am looking for those whom are interested and willing to join the party. I alone cannot make this a success. Its like a quest, you need the skills of everyone to overcome the challenges. To think of yourself as wholly able and ready to face any and all contenders, is foolish. I am not that person. I want to make a successfull design, it won't compete with the best. It won't even come close!! I simply cannot create that lvl of content. What I can do is produce content, applicable to my own design. As I mentioned in my previous post, a team can feasibly develop a Text Rpg and still produce monetary returns. With this in mind I plan on developing an RPG that enforces slimmed media content, while fattening content relating to gameplay and other less studious material. Most people can Design a monster, but not everyone can draw a reasonable monster. This is what I am alluding to.

Because I believe it is of interest to some, I will explain more about the Design itself.

About the actual GUI interface. I intend on developing an extendible interface, wherein the user has great flexibility in their use of its functionality. For instance, all gui elements are moveable and multiple state. This means your inventory can be both a bag and a complete gui interface for whatever might be required to access and use your inventory. The interface will not clutter the screen, and users are free to custom design it for their own tastes. I have the user in mind, here. Specifically, those who desire to 'fine-tune' the interface. Some games 'Hard-Code' the interface, not allowing the user to edit its position/state. So my point is clear. User, User, User.

About Players and Entites alike. They will not be represented by some 32 bitmap images (animations), but rather by a profile image which can be equatable with a "Card". Think of a Card Game, now you understand. So my point is clear. For those who have the manpower to produce more animations - the skills to realize this - all the power to you.

Graphics: 16bit, Hybrid Layering (Isometric), 64x31 tiles, Direct Draw.

The Isometric Layering will be as simple as possible. Whatever is required to convey the meaning of a scene, is what will be done. Anything outside of this is left to the imagination. Again, larger more skillfull teams would likely do more. This is not my concern, however.

The Indoor Interface will most likely be a Top Down 2d interface. Dungeons, for instance, require this interface. NOT Isometric. Most GFX will be very simple (Few will be pixel drawn.. they will simply be textures). Some buildings will not have this interface, but rather a window. For instance, Shops or other such service buildings (Tollhouse, etc).

Structures themselves will also be rather simple. Nothing spectacular here, no twisting or curving geometry. Just a collection of walls and a covering. Offcourse, the texture of a structure will be different dependent on the material used. Differing materials will give differeing Durability. Be aware that structures have a Durability and when this reaches 0% they are deleted from the map. All structures degrade over time, and can also be attacked. When a structure is frequented (accessed), the user is able to see its durability and the correpsonding cost to repair it. Those villages protected by a Lord will offcourse possess different characteristics (Which will affect the structures and players and laws..etc). The laws (Which correspond to the Lord and other properties)... are determined at the Town Hall where Players vote .. and the Mayor (Leader of the Village) makes decisions. There will be lvls of ranks in a village, as well. But there will only be 1 Village Leader. Those with high rank can assign duties to the village slaves (Souls that are purchased from a Soul Lord). Lower rank members will not have such powers. Also depending on the Soul Lord the Village is worshipping (Giving resources to), a certain lvl of worship is required. This is another form of the payment a Soul Lord requires (outside of physical wealth like money). Those whom worship more than is required, will be benefitted by the occassional random spell cast issued by the Soul Lord (As a measure of thanks). Those with a higher Lifeforce will, unfortunately, have to worship longer (They have their mind on other things, lol). So now you know a little more about how villages work.

*****************
-There will be different materials allowed for each structure (Some more durable than others)
-Note that Player-run structures can be destroyed

House
More than one version will be available (Different sizes and Textures).
Guildhouse
Guildhouse for all 'types' of Guilds.
Warehouse
For Storage.
Shop
If you want to set up a permanent shop, you need this.
Large Shop
More volume for the large shop (More products).
Stable
Primarily the place where you find a horse (For travel).
Theater
Entertainment.
Library
Read books here. You can't add books to an NPC Library (Static).
Town Hall
Taxes, Voting, Village Problems, all these and more belong here.
Shrine
Worship. Show your testament to Paraxis (Or... the religious factions)
Graveyard
If a Player Run Village desires to build this, it lists all Village Member Deaths.
Tower
Defense building.
Keep
Larger Defense Building.
Castle
Largest Defense Building.
Prison
Undetermined, but I'm determined to find a use for it.
Wall
Perimiter defense (Keeps people out of a village). Use a Gate to let only members in.
Gate
Used to filter people as they enter/exit. The owner sets the properties (Public, Members, etc)
Well
Use to gather water (Without having to find a lake/river/ocean)
Dock
Use to dock Ships and other vessels.
Tollhouse
Use to allow access to a 'resource' for only people who are willing to pay.


4.0.5.5 Other Structures:

Faery Mound
Faeries build this when they're in larger numbers (Encampment).
Dogon Swamphouse
Dogons build this when they're in larger numbers (Encampment).
Magoth Cave
Magoth (Stone Eater) enter/exit this Cave.
*****************


AI Entities will follow a freeform routine. Acheiving a balance between all Entities will be key to the successfull implementation of this design. For instance, when 2 of the same species meet they may "group". When enough of them have grouped they form an "Encampment". When the pack gets large it becomes powerfull, and likewise very dangerous. So it is required that parties of players on occassion destroy these packs before they become a menace to villages and other communities alike. Some AI Entities will possess greater intellect. So instead of simply forming an encampment, they may defend/plot/expand. This creates a very frightening scenerio, if left unchecked. Offcourse, there will be a limit to how many Entites of a particular type can exist.. but it still possesses the ability to become a thwarting power, if given the room to build upon.

When a player is created they cannot be attacked.. nor can they attack.. this lasts forever until the player turns off the grace period. The player is also given food/water and credits (anything that results of the credits is nodrop notrade.. to prevent exploitation).. and the player is also given 2 possible setups for creation (The items that they receive).

Character creation is flexible. 2 classes are available: Soul Keeper, Gate Walker. The 2 represent: Soul, Body, respectively. However, either class can mix properties. So a Gate Walker can have similar qualities as a Soul Keeper. However, the cost of "Soul" properties are less expensive for a Soul Keeper. This goes the same for "Body" properties. Characters are also allowed to choose faults, which add to the points pool (You allot these to define your character).

Preliminary Character Creation #1:
(Soul Keeper)////

--(Spirit)

(0/3) +Psychi -> Proficiency with regard to spell casting.
(0/3) +Capture -> Ability to command an Entity.
(0/3) +Ressurect -> Ability to resurrect dead Players.
(0/3) +Sight -> Ability to view random world locales.
(0/3) +Blessed -> When in worship at any Shrine, you're invulnerable to all attack.

--(Body)

(0/6)(0) +Talent -> Give your character natural talents.
(0/6) +Mind -> Learn skills at an accelerated rate.
(0/6) +Body -> Increase your body mass and corresponding strength.
(0/6) +Senses -> Increase hearing, sight, tracking, directional senses.
(0/6) +Blessed-> Guiding Spirits may cast spells to your benefit

--(Character Faults)

(+2 Pool) Hunger -> You often suffer ailments due to consumption of food.
(+3 Pool) Skin Rot -> You cannot remain in direct sunlight without harm to your health.
(+1 Pool) Confusion -> Can select any combination listed.
-Sight -> At times you suffer episodes where you cannot see clearly.
-Combat -> At times frustration overtakes you, combat becomes more difficult under these circumstances.
-Conversation -> At times others may not understand your words.
(+1 Pool) Fear
-Animals -> As a result, you lose combat efficiency while engaged in combat with an Animal.

The Design allows for a character to not only roleplay his 'character state', but to experience his/her character state. The Design will obviously be expanded. My Job is to expand the Design and update the website. I would prefer to hold 3/4 Design and 1/4 Programming.

Ok, that is a more expansive peek into the Design. But I can't put everything down. The Design is very flexible. But maybe some people who may be doubtfull of its potential will see me more eye to eye. Note: This is not the Design Document. This is a morsel of the current design, only meant to 'inspire'.

I would need an open cgi-bin for the website. I so much need a team. I can't do this alone. A group, not unlike an RPG 'group' (Everquest,etc). Same thing. That is the primary function of the website - To bring together our motives and couple them into a single goal. Namely, to finish this project not only for money, but for the sake of experience and those who want a deeper rpg experience. Offcourse, I will also produce a freeware version. On the same token, much of the freeware version content will be made commercial when it goes online (But for only the online version).
_________________
Your Confidant,
Jon S

[Mandrake]