[RPG GAME] Project Tal'arn

[Kronix]

Introducting...

Project Tal'arn

The most exciting online game you'll ever play!

Have you played Multi-User Dungeons (MUDs) before? How about a variant (MUSH, MOO, etc.)? Ever wanted to start your own?

Are you interested in Role-Playing Games (RPGs)? Ever wondered why your favorite game didn't have the 'Spell of Blorfin' or some other neat idea? Ever wanted to design your own combat system?

Interested in joining an online community? Want to put your VB skills to work? Or how about your ASP abilities? Perhaps you're a master graphics artist?

Then here's the Project for you!

HISTORY

Tal'arn is not a new concept - it's actually a project that's been worked on for almost 4 years. We're a small group (currently 4) who want to build our vision of the perfect MUD. Recently, we've chosen an interesting blend of VB application and ASP script to host the game. Hence, Tal'arn is not your typical MUD... and it's not your typical web game.

GAME OVERVIEW

Tal'arn is set in a distant land, with strange races. The level of development would be roughly equivalent to our own mid-nineteenth century. Magic is present in the realm, which offsets the growth of technology somewhat, but the two exist together.

Players will find a unique blend of adventure waiting. Unlike most MUDs, where combat is the sole centerpiece to gameplay, Tal'arn focuses on real RolePlay (RP). While combat is indeed a large part of the game, it's in no way the center of life (or death). Players can choose a variety of occupations, from clergy to shopkeeper, to militia, to guide. In fact, players are encouraged to create their own occupations, should they find that none suit their desires.

TARGET AUDIENCE

We desire a healthy playerbase of individuals who are NOT playing the 'hack-'n-slash' method of raising levels and gaining experience. While a level system (and exp) will be present, players will quickly find that combat alone will fail to move them very far in the world.

So, what sorts of players DO we want? Our playerbase will be those who enjoy great RolePlay interaction, whether it's through a good puzzle, a healthy argument in the Guild Hall, a group combat scenario on the hillside, or simply a lazy chat at the local watering hole. Hence, we're looking for mature players who want to interact, not just win the game (...although winning is nice!).

INVITATION

Now, Tal'arn isn't going to disappear. We've been at this a long time, and we can continue this way. So, if this invitation fails to generate even a single response, the game will continue forward.

But progress is slow, and so we're opening the door to other like-minded adventurers who wish to participate in the building of this great project. We're actually quite interested in intermediate-level programmers. You don't have to be a firey VB Programmer to join us - we can use your skills and hopefully have some fun along the way.

Specifically, we're looking for:

* VB Programmers - Client application (mostly finished).
* VB Programmers - 'GameBot' or NPC controller.
* ASP and SQL-savvy Scripters - ASP and DB interface.
* 3D Graphics Designer - Poser, POV-Ray, Max, Lightwave, etc.
* 3D Animation Designer - Realistic and fantasy animations
* 2D Graphics Designer - Icons, Still-shots, web graphics, etc.
* 2D Photographic Designer - Good skills in Photoshop, etc.


If you think you may be interested, please visit http://talarn.finesite.com/ and look at the skeleton layout we have for the game. Yes, the pages are not pretty, but that's where YOU come in! Come join us and offer new ideas and talents.

[Aathos]

I might be interested in helping with the scripting part. Email me at chsone@hotmail.com

[Kronix]

Aathos is hard at work helping with the ASP and db interfaces. Thanks, Aathos!

Anyone else care to join? C'mon, I know there's a lot of secret Artists hidden amongst all these programmers.

Actually, the game is headed for Alpha testing here pretty soon. We invite any newbie or intermediate VB programmers as well. This should be a fun way to work on small projects dedicated to a big goal, and build up some VB experience.

[sql_lall]

Sounds good.
I am mainly a VB programmer, but have a strenght in Maths, so can help out in Algorithms etc.
email: sql_lall@hotmail.com

[JoeCool]

I like this project a little more than the other online RPG. You seem to have skills in leadership, dedication and VB. Sorry Flame, just don't know if I want you to lead a project I'm working for. I would implore people to consider this project. It seems to have a good base.

I can help out a bit VB-wise but I'd namely be interested in doing design, history, world layout, etc. I've always wanted to work on an online MUD with a huge world.

Do you have any design or programming (other than the Client Application, which is quite impressive for a person to just do on their own before recruiting) done?

Any forums or communication plans?
Thanks,

Joe

[Kronix]

Glad to hear you're interested, JoeCool. Sql_lall, I've emailed you, and will wait for your response before continuing. JoeCool, mind if I drop you an email as well?

Some answers to your questions:

I would implore people to consider this project. It seems to have a good base.

As the original post implied, we are a dedicated group. There are only a few of us at present, so any help you feel you can offer would be appreciated. However, we're also not going to up and disappear, so hopefully you don't have the impression this is a fleeting whim.

Any forums or communication plans?

Yes, we have communication between our developers established - for real-time chat, we tend to use MSN Messenger. We also have a developers forum to post messages, etc. I'd be glad to send you that link if you're interested in helping out.

Do you have any design or programming... done?

We do. In fact, most of the game is concieved (envisioned, etc.), and much of the design has been laid out. That doesn't mean we're aren't open to new ideas, but we have a specific direction we're headed. For a good overview, visit our temporary web page: http://talarn.finesite.com/

As for programming, yes, we've got some done. Currently, Aathos (who responded at the onset of this thread) is working on constructing a useable interface with our ASP server to manipulate our database structure. This will allow for easy building of areas, etc.

The client is well under way, and is very close to Alpha testing - that is, open to serious building and development. The only real obstacle right now is Finals week. :)

Even now, without an Alpha release, there is much to be done.

I'd namely be interested in doing design, history, world layout, etc.

Perfect - we've definitely got a spot for you. It's a bonus that you know some VB code, but not a requirement by any means. We need help with design, game history and theme/storyline, and world layout is a great topic of discussion.

I've always wanted to work on an online MUD with a huge world.

These are exactly the type of people we hope will be interested in the project - those who enjoy MUDs, and would like to be involved in establishing their own.

In short, if any of you have interest in the project, feel free to email me: phoenix@talarn.finesite.com or leave your email here. I'll get back with you as soon as possible.

[Kronix]

This doesn't really affect any of you, but in case you're considering joining the project, this might be of interest:

We've been long considering a name change for our game. Of course, the final verdict comes just AFTER I start a thread asking for help. So, for fear of generating much noise and confusion about which project is which...

We have officially decided to rename our project: Tal'arn. Why? Several reasons.

1) Anyone who does a simple search on the web will generate numerous hits for DarkWynd - none of them related to our project. We'd like to be a bit less obscure.

2) Related to #1, there have been hints of copyright infringement due to the name DW, so rather than launch our game with our beloved title and be forced to change it later, we'll do it now.

3) Tal'arn tends to be a bit more Tolkien-ish. Perhaps it will add to the general game atmosphere.

We'll be posting more in-depth information on our development forums for those who are interested (ie, what Tal'arn means, etc.) so feel free to join the Tal'arn Development group!

[JoeCool]

Although this may seem a little forward, I'd be interested in the position of Lead Designer. :D Otherwise, I'm fine as a designer. In any case, please do send me the forum URL.

-Joe

[Edneeis]

So I noticed there is no actual download (just a place holder) for the client app, what do you have so far? I may be interested in helping. Do you already have the bulk of the 'engine' done or still in the process or what is the status?

[Kronix]

JoeCool - Lead Design is a possibility. Let's chat, and we'll definitely get you busy with something.

Edneeis (and others) - If you're interested in exactly where the project stands, here's a link to our development status:

http://talarn.finesite.com/status.htm

This is an 'in-house' document, so it's perhaps a bit cryptic. Glean what you can from it, but at the least it will show you our projected direction.

Development right now is separated into four phases: Pre-Alpha, Alpha, Beta, and Game Release.

Pre-Alpha: Design, planning, and rudimentary coding. We want to have a semi-stable client to make sure this idea is really going to work, or else we'll have to go at it from another angle. This phase is mostly done, and we're nearing a stable release of the Client. It will allow us to log in, create a character, and then interact with other players. Movement will be present, and basic communication commands (say, tell, yell).

Alpha: Here's where we get to work. We want to have a stable building environment by this point, so Area Builders can begin to implement basic room layouts. We'll be tackling object and mobile (mob) coding at this point, so perhaps Builders will need to suffice with area/room layouts for a few months.

When we're ready, we'll start putting object, mob, and trigger code out for Builders to play with. Trigger scripting may/may not be available. But at the very least, we want an easy interface for Builders and potential ADMIN players.

Beta: Okay, so here's when the game is actually released (on a limited level) for testing. We'll be inviting specific players to try things out. We should have a few Areas created, and some basic mobs/objects to toy around with. Hopefully, we'll have enough to actually entertain a limited playerbase while we work out bugs and such.

Ideally, that limited playerbase will move up into the Immortal (IMM) ranks and act as the game staff when the game goes into final release. This way, we have experienced players in charge, rather than just the 'I levelled faster than all of you' players.

Game Release: Heh, this is what it's all about. We play!


So, specifically answering your question, Edneeis, we've got a stable Client set up, minus basic game commands. The client can interact with our ASP pages on the server, and seems to function properly. We have NO game controller yet (the NPC controller that takes care of most of the rest of the game), but that'll come after the Client is available for Alpha testing.


For those who haven't visited the web page yet (please do!), the basic premise is such:

Tal'arn is the 'Green Valley' that legend holds as a resting place in the afterlife for good folk of the world. Players go through life making their own way until they meet their final demise (you can die several times). In the end, whether you reach Tal'arn or not is still a mystery... perhaps there is a whole new realm waiting.

Or some such general idea. As I mentioned, the storyline is still a bit fuzzy, but the game layout is not.

Anyhow, the game consists of a basic MUD-style interface. Anyone who has played the old 'Colossal Cave Adventure' back in the '80's, or tried any DIKU-style MUD variant knows what to expect... EXCEPT we're focused on good role-play and intellectual challenges instead of 'hack-'n-slash' level advancement.

Yeesh, I tend to post long. :) Hopefully, this gives a better idea of where we're headed. Any who find this line of gameplay interesting are free to email me for further info.

[JoeCool]

Very sorry about taking so long to get back to you Kronix, I was formatting my harddrive (real viscious virus). Your forum keeps having an 'internal server error' but I'll keep checking. Looked at the site, nice concepts, great design base to start building from.
Thanks,

Joe

[Kronix]

Yup, sorry about the forum site, folks. We're in the process of shuffling it over to the new address... and somewhere something went a bit awry. Was working this morning. Boggle.

I'll take a look at it now and get back with you.

[Kronix]

Okay, all. Here are the correct links to various information about the Tal'arn Project:

Skeleton Site: http://talarn.finesite.com

Development Status: http://talarn.finesite.com/status.htm

Project Forums: http://talarn.finesite.com/forum

Project Descriptions: http://talarn.finesite.com/projects

Those of you who've expressed interest in helping, please come login to the forums.

[Kronix]

Some screenshots of the game Client interface have also been posted. Might give you a feel for what we're shooting towards.

[Kronix]

Some of you have expressed an interest to start working with us on Tal'arn, but seem a bit reluctant, perhaps not knowing exactly where to start, or what talents you could offer.

Take a look at our Project Description Page (http://talarn.finesite.com/projects/). Here, we've broken down the projects into four basic categories:

* Coder - Projects involving VB code snippets
* Builder - Projects concerned with building areas, objects, etc.
* Admin - Projects enveloping the general administrative side of the game
* All - Projects for anybody involved in the above categories

Hopefully, you'll find a project on these lists you feel you can contribute to. If you've got an entirely different idea of ways to help, let us know.

Again, if you'd like to join us, feel free to visit our Development Forum (http://talarn.finesite.com/forum/), or stop by our temporary Web Page (http://talarn.finesite.com) for further information.