Still here

[Arcalian]

I started two different monty haul maps, and have left both of them hanging for now. I'll get back to it soon, I especially want to play with friendly monsters during fights.
And I've already learned quickly that having npcs in the party without a paladin to manage them borders on the impossible.

But the simple fact that it's beta, with the limited number of monster sprits and npc portraits available, slows me down significantly. I want to do more with this--I do, very badly!--but there simply isn't enough there yet. It's like a kid trying to build a castle when he only has half a dozen legos.

So, essentially, I'm just waiting for more stuff. I'll be here when there is.

[Uatu]

I'm not helping much with the programmer, but I can do graphics... Are you looking for more small pics and sprites? Anything in particular? (I can't promise anything, but it does help to know what people are looking for out there.)

[Jadefang]

If you count all the art available for regular FRUA, there's really a ton out there.

But I guess that the non-completely functional combat engine and spell system (probably the most interesting aspects for me) discourages me the most from completing anything.

[Uatu]

Well - I can't help much with that, besides supporting our friendly neighborhood Paul Stevens, but there is still much we can do with the system... for example, although monsters can't use magic yet, we can give them items with magical properties that they can throw to simulate magic; monsters' attacks can be given magical properties already, too (like paralyzation, etc.).

When I have time, I can try to do more sprites, small pics, etc. to help you guys out, though.

[Arcalian]

I know the combat engine still isn't perfect, and frankly if I don't have to face any spell-casting enemies right now that's just fine.

That's partly why I was just mucking around with monty haul type maps, you know, kick the door, kill the monster, grab the treasure, whilst waiting for 1.0 and some full fledged mods to get this thing fully rocking.

And I know that Uatu and others have done some great artwork. Trouble is, a lot of that isn't in the download; there aren't enough npc sprites to go around, nor portraits (unless I want to use storekeep pics and so forth).

First map was meant to be for an all-evil party. But being unable to control your npcs is a pain, and getting killed by them if you make a mistake in battle is even more of a pain. Later on, some skeletons refused to die.

Second map is really sketchy at this point, outdoor/city map, and I know I'll be using friendly monsters, at the least, on it, in every fight, the idea being they "Heal" themselves after every battle and keep fighting with/for you. I do beleive the old gold box games gave the party a silver dragon ally named Maya in that same fashion. Naturally, I will be using a Paladin to manage all this!

Also, the original post of this thread wasn't meant to be overly critical, not even in a constructive sense. It was mainly meant to say, I'm still here, even if I'm not posting as much, and waiting for the fabled day when 1.0 comes to life.

(This is the third time I've tried to post this message. #$%^ technical problems....)

[Uatu]

NPC sprites? Or small pics? (Small pics basically look just like portraits - there isn't any difference. Sprites have three frames and no background.) Want to be sure I know what is needed...

The download, I would guess, does not include everything to keep the size down. You are of course free to download art and use it as you like (you don't have to use what is included by default).

(I hope you are not asking for a silver dragon icon, because that would be a TON of work ...)

[Arcalian]

Ehhh? No no Uatu, I'm not asking you to make anything, it's just most of what you've made (including that lovely witch npc sprite) isn't in the DC download. Mostly I need npc sprites and portraits. Just so there's enough of each to go around for a party of six (and various and sundry human allies/enemies).

The whole thing about the silver dragon was just my illustrating an actual gold box example of the friendly monster concept.

Guess I should figure out how to download stuff from your site, nuh?

[Uatu]

'Tis easy! Just:

1. Right-click what you want
2. Save!

Then just select the folder and file when you want to use it in DC, it's quite easy!

I think you are looking for small pics (not sprites) - you can see the difference on my site (sprites have a far, middle, and close version of the same creature on a plain-colored background).

I do like silver dragons, so I would like to make one someday - it would look cool, I think (I did a gold dragon, though.)