A Land Far Away

HDMs working on the ALFA2 mods, in order for staff to provide better service and to put us on the same page in the development process, the DMA staff requests an update on the following:

1. How much have each of you built?
2. How far are you from putting up a beta? (is it possible to put up a beta now?)
3. How many, and which, people listed on your teams are actually productively participating?
4. Do you need or want help, and in what area?
5. What particular obstacles/challenges are slowing down your progress the most?
6. And the most difficult question... are you continuing with the proposal?

Respectfully

How much have each of you built?

We've got at least 4 exteriors where the roads, buildings, and terrain have been laid down. Placeables, scripts, creatures (+ backgrounds and quests), transitions, and interiors need doing yet. We've got roughly [up to] 31 areas left to build in the city proper (all told). We also have UM level 1 built to much the same degree with at least another 4 to go.

How far are you from putting up a beta? (is it possible to put up a beta now?)

Ideally, when we get South Gate, Adventurers Quarter, the Yawning Portal, Sewers, and Undermountain level 1 completed. But for the sake of expediency, we could probably release a beta module as soon as the Adventurers Quarter is completed, with all its static content of course, as that's the designated starting area, if it's in the best interest of ALFA to have playable areas ASAP. In other words, release on a smaller but more regular basis.

How many, and which, people listed on your teams are actually productively participating?

HEEGZ, Rick, Sheyjin, and I with Marklos collaborating.

Do you need or want help, and in what area?

Only serious volunteers, and by that I mean people who understand how much work this really is and know they have the time for it. I can pretty much deduce that from the history and level of involvement of the people volunteering.

Writing (character backgrounds, quests, storylines), Interiors, Content (blueprints), in order of priority, are areas we could definitely use the help. Exteriors as well if someone wants to pick up one of the Wards we're not working on ATM.

What particular obstacles/challenges are slowing down your progress the most?

Time. Besides the demands of my career and personal life, I'm routinely caught between building, scripting, and trying to manage what needs doing.

And the most difficult question... are you continuing with the proposal?

Of course. Not in its original form, but then again, it was always my expectation to scale back according to what we could actually achieve once we had some real data to work with.

*bump*

As I mentioned via PM after the forum went dark, Rick's also built a couple of sewer areas. Not sure how many there will be in total quite yet, but likely a few dozen all told.

I believe I answered this in a PM, WW, post that if you still have it, if not I'll just respond again here.

Also: Look for an update on the front page soon thanks to my excellent team and Rotku for offering.

and even further in the future, look for the Myth Drannor 'trailer', it is nearing completion as well and we're proud of it as well

Hey WW,

as per my pm I'll post a further update by the end of the month.

Donrath

Alfa 003

Halrin wrote:and even further in the future, look for the Myth Drannor 'trailer', it is nearing completion as well and we're proud of it as well

Awesome! I remember Xerxes WD trailer for NWN1 and that was an impressive bit of work. It would be nice if we could do this for every server...great idea.

OK here is my progress..

ABR creatures. was building them strictly for UM but went ahead and did more.
1) Libris Mortis
2) Monster Manuals 1-4
3) Fiend Folio
4) Monsters of Faerun
5) Oriental Adventures
6) Undermountain Box set

total of about 450 creatures

Skullport

1) Lower Port exterior built
-- need the interiors done, would like some help.

Undermountain

Level 1
all areas (empty) built for a total of 41
all 41 areas are connected
currently have 7 areas complete - placables/traps/doors ect...

Level 2
2 areas built -- these are the areas connected to lvl 1

* need to know what spawn system wea re using and where to get it.

Dont think Blackwill's seen this yet.. we have been busy on our own forums and this is way down the list..

I'll prompt his response..

PS: we have a news of the week thread in our forums to keep interested people updated, click the link in my sig to check it out.

I PMed my response to mista Warlock.

To report, everyone has provided a response. I must admit, some of the responses were sketchy, but then again beggars (me) can't be choosers.

Thank you everyone, and i hope we can work out a system whereby regular reports will be far easier to both obtain and provide. The projects all have a long way to go and i think we need to do our best to 'pacify' the impatience of the community as a whole. Teasers will work, as will regular reports. I respect each and every one of you and hope, in the position of logistics, i will find means to help in communications and in obtaining community assistance. It is, however, essential to my recovery that i disappear for the remainder of this month.

I gather Heegz may need to pose someone else to manage communications during my departure. When i return, he/she will, of course, be assassinated.

Respectfully,
Roy

I can handle the communication for February and March if needed. Also, there is now a stickied thread in General Discussion now so this thread has served it's purpose. Future updates can be sent via PM so that the sticky thread can be updated. Thanks for collecting the info WW.