Welcome! These forums will be deactivated by the end of this year. The conversation continues in a new morph over on Discord! Please join us there for a more active conversation and the occasional opportunity to ask developers questions directly! Go to the PS+ Discord Server.

Project Muse: Recruitment Drive

18 posts / 0 new
Last post
Quincey Forder Quincey Forder's picture
Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
Hello, folks! A couple weeks ago, while brainstorming with TreChriron about an online character generator and manager that would be aviable online, and so would was born the Project Muse As ideas flew, it was growing more and more ambitious. in a nutshell it would consist as such -Dynamic character creation, menu and icon based rather than filling spread sheets cell by cell. the mecanics would be hidden as would the calculus. the user says what scores he wants in this or that skill and the application would calculate the amount of CP/Rez being spent. by printing, a PDF would be generated with a "traditionnal" character sheet look (could be custom sheet) -Character management: choice of current morph and automatic adjustment to the sheet, spending Rez point, management of reputation, networking and contacts, purchase, conception and sale of gear (see point(s) below) -A market of sort for gear, by using either credits or rep levels. Something akin to IMVU's virtual store, Second Life Market Place, Amazon, etc, but with fictive money and updating the character sheet/file with he new gear. -Morph database and creation mecanism for instant sheet adjustment when resleeving -collecting characters in an online vault either for private use or pregen characters for fellow players/GM to download and use. More ambitious ideas soon joined them: -Interactive Rep system between characters, allowing virtual tables and much, creating an IC network of players through characters. -characters uploading their creations (morphs, blueprint, weapons, etc) on the market, with a rating system, awarding them rep (R-rep for morph, C-Rep for pregen, G-rep for Weapons, etc) -3D modeling of one character's avatar, again like IMVU or Second Live. These would change depending on what morph the character is sleeved in. Taking snapshot and saving said image for either the sheet or forum avatars -Setting manager: streetmap of habitats, canon and original, with point of interest and character location (handy for mush and virtual table like Maptool) -interactive dice roller with MoS/MoF calculus and Another suggestion was made, but the more I look at it, the less it looks feasable: IOS(ipod/ipad) and/or Android application to link with the vaults and manage one's charact on the fly. That would be awesome but potentially costly -VPN-ish party management for GM and his/her party, to share character sheet, rep and rez management. So when a player has an idea for rez-spending between two game, he or she would submit change on his or her sheet and the GM, through the VPN would be notify and could endorse the change or deny it. GM could also contact one player-character directly or character to character messengering like they'd do on the Mesh (or RLy, on soft like Rolistik, Inferno or Maptool) I have ideas, plenty of them, but I totally lack the skills (in programming, and graphics stuff) to do it myself or alone. So I'm looking for a programmer (or more), graphist (for user interface and Flash) and possibly sysop for the vault, market and repnet part. I know that the Admin of EP France would be interested at least in the vault part. Down bellow you'll find some idea I've had for the interface, aiming for a Mesh-like look. these are very crude, made with Windows Paint, but it should give you an idea of what I was thinking. I don't know exactly what the general interface would look like, so far I've got the aptitude/skills part down. [IMG]http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad130/Quincey_Forder/projectmuseinter... [IMG]http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad130/Quincey_Forder/projectmuseskill... [IMG]http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad130/Quincey_Forder/newskillpanel.pn... Think this could be very handy and quite an innovative way to manage characters and setting for RL tables, virtual tables or mushes if supported by Transhumans Studios, this could lead also to something like Pathfinder Society or Shadowrun's missions. What do you all think?
[center] Q U I N C E Y ^_*_^ F O R D E R [/center] Remember The Cant! [img]http://tinyurl.com/h8azy78[/img] [img]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg205/tachistarfire/theeye_fanzine_us...
tasuret tasuret's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
1) Those are hexagons. Count the sides again. 2) I like this idea. It would be best to get a barebones version working first, and then to add the extra things. What you should do is make a toolchain or suite; this is something that would be way easier if it was "do one thing and do it well"; then you could have several smaller programs/web apps that work together. You might have a scope problem if you try to do this without something like Flash; writing it in Java or something that would run natively would be way better. It's feasible when you start looking at it, but it would be a long development time if you make it a web application. What you could do is make two parts: A reference utility (handling all the dice rolls and reference materials) and an interactive character sheet. If it's intended to be used entirely on the computer, it might be best to save PDF output for v2. Because, if you're going to print a character sheet, you'll probably edit it later. If you don't have erasable ink, what's the point of printing a generated sheet?
Quincey Forder Quincey Forder's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
1) you mean about the heptaedron? Well it would be in 3D, actually, in my idea. Each side would have an aptitude on it. you select it and skill icon would spread the icons for the skills parented by that one aptitude. Do you see what I mean? thanks for the info, but I know NOTHING about online application programming or structure. My HTML knowledge dates from 1996~98. See why I need programmer( s)? I have ideas, but know the knowledge to make them a reality.
[center] Q U I N C E Y ^_*_^ F O R D E R [/center] Remember The Cant! [img]http://tinyurl.com/h8azy78[/img] [img]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg205/tachistarfire/theeye_fanzine_us...
tasuret tasuret's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
I'd love to help. I'm afraid I might not be able to do it myself (of course), but if a small team could form it, I would definitely assist. I'm pretty much just starting my education, but I'd love to help once it hits alpha.
Quincey Forder Quincey Forder's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
all help is welcome! like ideas and suggestions. I can't think about everything all by my seee-eee-lf (don't wanna be... aaall byyy myseeee-eee-eeelf!) was pondering on the rep interface, this afternoon
[center] Q U I N C E Y ^_*_^ F O R D E R [/center] Remember The Cant! [img]http://tinyurl.com/h8azy78[/img] [img]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg205/tachistarfire/theeye_fanzine_us...
Teh_Az Teh_Az's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
Ideally, we need something that optimizes online play. I hope this could be that project. I'm not much of a coder, but I could help with everything else, especially if you could synchronize this project with play-by-post. I could help with that.
nezumi.hebereke nezumi.hebereke's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
Given the format you're looking at, the first step is getting an artist (or better, an animator). I can program, and I can figure out the javascript or whatnot for something like this, but I'm not a miracle-worker!
Redwulfe Redwulfe's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
Yes, pleas use html5 and JavaScript rather than flash or something of that nature. Red
There are only 10 kind of people in the world; Those who understand binary, and those who don't. Red
Quincey Forder Quincey Forder's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
maybe we could imagine a lighter version option, but the idea is to really to simulate a mesh application assisted by a muse. Ergo: flash it's not just character creation, it's character management and interaction between players that I...we are aiming for EP is a really innovative game, and this would really innovate the way a character is managed and resources shared online
[center] Q U I N C E Y ^_*_^ F O R D E R [/center] Remember The Cant! [img]http://tinyurl.com/h8azy78[/img] [img]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg205/tachistarfire/theeye_fanzine_us...
Redwulfe Redwulfe's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
Yes but I don't think you need flash to do so. What you seem to be describing can be done without it. For example the hexes on the side that are skills can be a moreover effect. As the person puts his mouse over a hex the larger hex changes to the skill associated for better browsing of the smaller harder to read hexes. then the person clicks on the hex and the larger hex changes to the skill selected. You can even have the small hex as an image flyout. This link has a simple image flyout just click on the image to get it to flyout and click on the large image to fly it back. http://nixbox.com/projects/jquery-image-flyout/examples.php For the object that is rotated on the side for a selection, this can also be done in Java script. here is another simple example. http://www.ajax-zoom.com/examples/example15.php more complex rotates can be done and they can even be rotated on all axis. For Character management you can save the character on your machine or a sever using XML. For interaction there are many chatroom style options for this as well. VTT can be done with a launch to a Java app that is ran on the server or on the host computer if you wish to have it as a downloadable application. Many VTTs currently use this including the upcoming D&D VTT. These can be beautiful and stylish and don't use flash. Though they do use Java. Flash is great don't get me wrong, I am not a flash hater, but with forethought you can do it without Flash in a format that is more accessible to all. I unfortunately would not use this if it is in Flash. There is not much flash can do that can not be done with HTML5, Javascript, and Java with some planning. That being said if you wish to do it in Flash that is your choice. I can volunteer to help with this if it is not in flash. I know this sounds like I am anti flash, I really am not. I just don't use flash because it is not good with the hardware I currently prefer to use, especially when I can do all I want without it. Red
There are only 10 kind of people in the world; Those who understand binary, and those who don't. Red
Quincey Forder Quincey Forder's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
Sounds great! I was sayin flash, because I though that was needed to get the Mesh effect. I can't say anything about the programming, though, I'm out of my depth there (mine, considering the extend of my knowledge in programming, is the kiddie pool!). And, seeing the size this project is growing to, a team effort For the saves on HD, I think it would be a good idea to have several possible layouts. I'm thinking about the full official sheet, the pregen presentation sheet as seen in the corebook and NPC Prime, but also Kindalas' or Trechiron's spreadsheets or Insidious' portfolio For the setting manager part, it would be a cool idea to include Meltwater in the mix. It would also give this fan created setting some public spotlight. It's brilliant, and ought to be known. Meltwater, I mean. ATM, I'm pondering about the Rep manager, while the general interface continues to boggle me. Ideas and suggestion would be welcome like the messiah! (and no! I don't plan to put them on a cross!)
[center] Q U I N C E Y ^_*_^ F O R D E R [/center] Remember The Cant! [img]http://tinyurl.com/h8azy78[/img] [img]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg205/tachistarfire/theeye_fanzine_us...
Redwulfe Redwulfe's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
Oh flash can certainly do everything you need and more, but there are other ways to do it that we should not rule out. that being said I think we should try to use HTML5, Javascript (Jquerry), and Java. Maybe some PHP as well. Other options are: Flash which needs native graphics acceleration and is usually resource intensive on Mac machines and can not be used on iPads and iPhones. Silverlight- which is basically Macrosoft's version of Flash. But from what I know of it is not as resource intensive but still at this time will not work on iPad or iPhones. Rumors have it that that will change. Adobe Air which can be scene in action in devil teams army builder for Infinity. Same as silverlight but no rumors of iPad use. Here: http://www.infinitythegame.com/dt_army/index.html All of this being out there the system we use defines the skill set we will need. I can help a little with Javascript and HTML5, but I know very little on the coding side for Flash, Silverlight, or Air. So far who do you have to help? Red
There are only 10 kind of people in the world; Those who understand binary, and those who don't. Red
Quincey Forder Quincey Forder's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
looks like Flash might be out, since one of my (wishful) idea for Project Muse is also to be workable on ipad-iphone/Android as real time character sheet. A sort of augmented reality character sheet, if you will. How, I don't have the slightest technical idea. but I think we should first focus on what we'd like to see in that application -character generator -character management (morph change, Rez point spending, etc) -Rep and networking management (reputation management either on RL/virtual table, or MMO-ish for mush or Society/Mission/Camarilla exchange, contact management according to rep) -setting manager (dome maps, habitat detailled plans, pictures, who's who, commercial (IC, that is) stuff and all) -TACNET -a VPN-like for GM to link with his or her players and share material as well as shared character managed. Sort of like Maptool and Rolistik. if you have other ideas, they're welcome speaking of maptool, a multi-user die roller would be handy. one that all or selected players would see. could be part of the Tacnet and/or a general mode
[center] Q U I N C E Y ^_*_^ F O R D E R [/center] Remember The Cant! [img]http://tinyurl.com/h8azy78[/img] [img]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg205/tachistarfire/theeye_fanzine_us...
thelabmonkey thelabmonkey's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
If I could recommend a platform to develop for, it would be a web based solution. All or most of the calculations and scripts in Javascript with a database backend... reasons being three-fold: 1) No plugins or downloads other than the web-page (and its scripts which is basically transparent to the user). 2) You can use CSS and existing javascript frameworks such as prototype or mootools to create multi-browser compatible flash-like interactions and animations. Even fake-out 3D effects to some degree. 3) No need to 'update' an app (since if it is an app it's basically just a portal to the web page) and no multi-platform pipeline (mac, win, droid, etc...) That being said, I'd be all for the maptool option since its already got a ton of realtime group connectivity built in. Making a framework for it would not really make it prettier, but would have so much functionality built in that it might be better to go that route. I started on a javascript/html/css combat manager in like, November, but have been completely destroyed with work since then. I'll try and dig it out and post it online so you can see (a very incomplete) version of what I'm talking about.
Quincey Forder Quincey Forder's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
I think it could work on both front -A java/php web-based application for the creation, management etc -a Java downloadable application like maptool for desktop, android, i-OS device (iphone, ipod, ipad) that import-export data with the web-app that works as digital character sheet/assistant First, I think we should focus on the web part. On Darkcast forum, Sysop advised to work by iteration. What should we do first?
[center] Q U I N C E Y ^_*_^ F O R D E R [/center] Remember The Cant! [img]http://tinyurl.com/h8azy78[/img] [img]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg205/tachistarfire/theeye_fanzine_us...
thelabmonkey thelabmonkey's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
This is meant as a recommendation... I'm no dev guru or anything... before you even touch UI or code, I would suggest creating a spec for the character sheet... maybe it doesn't have to be intensely detailed, but it should identify the types of data and vague groupings that you will need for a character sheet. For instance, maybe something like this: character - player name, character name, campaign, rez background - background, factions, memes, custom background story flavor text ego - ego stats, luc, ego traits, moxie rep* - name, rep scores morph* - type, traits, dur, mods etc... *more than one allowed From there you can create a database schema. Since you've got your spec sheet, someone could be laying out a non-automated but fillable character sheet that can be stored and retrieved from the database. From there you have your foundation on which to build all the sundry automation you'd need for auto character generation and things.
chissene chissene's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
this is a wonderful idea xD . . anyone think about a muse for android tablets and if it could be realizable ?
geek_centric geek_centric's picture
Re: Project Muse: Recruitment Drive
Hay guys I've only had the EP book for a week and a half but I'm already memorized by it! I'm a web developer by trade. While.I'm not so good with graphics (I do create gfx but I'm not great) I do a lot of PHP, JavaScript HTML and CSS and would love to help with this project.