Techtree Contest #8 - The Seal of Magus

[neo_sluf]

I have many things to do i can't join the contest..

Goodluck to the contestants!

 

[HammerFist]

Hey people, I will maybe upload my first wip of chaos defensive race xD, u will see my awesome idea about protecting of houses ;p

 

[BronzeOregon]

Lain-Eo, Lost Elves. After being forced deep into their underground temples, the Elves of Scho'del'emar realized that their time as a living race would come to a close in their vast caverns. Ten-thousand years later, these "Lost Elves" would emerge, but not all of their vengeful armies would be made up of such creatures. For the Lost Elves had devised a way to become immortal, and to spite time itself. As an Elf lay upon their deathbed, their soul was linked with a carapace nearby. At first, it happened by accident, and the elf's soul vanished soon afterward, but, by entering into a dark and terrible magic, they learned how to enslave their own people's souls. These were eventually known as Manifestations, and they toiled and built their master's structures. Swiftly after this, the Elves developed from a mystical seal a similar concept to their armor, allowing a spirit to be bound to it, and fight once again.
Shamed by this new warrior on the frontlines, the rank-and-file warriors amongst the Elves redoubled their efforts to subdue their realm, and began to look hopefully to the surface. The Chromerital (Time Worthy) Council then decided that the only answer was to besiege the world of the mortal races, and crush them. When the Elves returned to their ruined temples, they reported of great towns, and great lands, devoted entirely to military gatherings. Astounded, the Council ordered the design of buildings both familiar and farfetched to confuse and debilitate their foes. Following this, the utilitarian and evil looking Eternity Font was developed. With a top platform for their military strategists, it also contained a flaming channel of souls, to produce their greatest weapons...

Just some backstory for my entry, maybe I should've entered into an "Incredibly Vague Fantasy Writing Contest, eh?"

 

[Kingz]

I am gonna follow this for now... maybe ask to judge if i get the time and that is ok with you guys...

Maybe then i could keep my mind of the other things.
Anyhow good luck to all.

Too bad

Wazzz
isn't here...

Some would argue that.

 

[Garfield1337]

Is it a problem to import skins that overwrite textures of default races?
I can attach them to separate models if it is.

 

[Kallimachos]

Nice concepts so far! I'm quite busy with university but end of may is still some time to go so i think I'll join doing some kind of worgen/unholy/dark/vampire-ish race for the Enu-Xa theme

 

[WerePhoenix]

I beleave the answer will be yes, but I'm going to ask it, so I don't break any rules. Are we allowed to replace a starting point with our base structures/units?

 

[BronzeOregon]

Lain-Eo

If I'm not back before the contest ends, then this is my final entry.

 

[HammerFist]

That was really fast. Going to check it now.

 

[Kallimachos]

Ok here is my WIP, did not do too much yet, but well, 1st step
We aren't supposed to do MUI triggers, right?

 

[Pharaoh_]

Ok here is my WIP, did not do too much yet, but well, 1st step
We aren't supposed to do MUI triggers, right?

Depends on the functionality that they are going to be given.

 

[Garfield1337]

So, Pharaoh_, What about this?

Is it a problem to import skins that overwrite textures of default races?
I can attach them to separate models if it is.

 

[Pharaoh_]

Separate models, please. Not that they will affect the gameplay, but they can be misleading in appearance and the player may think of them as his own.

 

[RED BARON]

If at least 4 or 5 people finished their work there will be no extended dead line, but if for excample only 2-3 finished there will be extended deadline, but those people who finished in time will have for excample bonus of 5 points. What you think?

We already have this in some cases actually (With 5 points if one have submitted a resource). But I do believe that deadlines extension should only be given in rare cases. Like with no submissions, but with people very close to finish. Or in those situations were something just bugs out.

 

[Kallimachos]

Depends on the functionality that they are going to be given.

I was thinking of unit / Hero Spells as well as a set-up for the new race

 

[Pharaoh_]

I was thinking of unit / Hero Spells as well as a set-up for the new race

Well heroes are unique, but unit's aren't, which means that MUI is definitely required there. Make sure that the hero spells are at least MPI.

 

[Retera]

Hey; I was thinking I might join this, depending on if I have time.

But, regardless of that, I was thinking that when it was over I could (with permission) compile any or all of the techtrees made here into one giant mod for the game, that could be run as an EXE (or maybe a java JAR, I've done a lot with those) on any computer with Warcraft 3 installed. It would be a lot like TToR, and would work on 1.26 Battle.net. I've been working on my own project like that here.

That is something I have done before and have the know-how to do efficiently. In addition, because of Dumpling's MultiRace Template here on the hive, we can add races to the player's drop down menu instead of replacing, so that we could retain the original races.

(Edit: I reread Dumpling's stuff, and he says he has only tested the MultiRace Template on LAN. I, too, have only used it on LAN, but I really assume it would work in both places.)

 

[Xerxes]

Looks like my overconfidence got the best of me... I never knew making a custom race fun and balanced, whilst following the criteria could be so much work (though I did expect that from the start)... looks like I'm dropping out of this one =(

 

[Garfield1337]

What's the purpose of being able to edit game constants? The races should fit a melee map.
Editing game interface also seems like a bad idea. Most of the things (for example, changing resource type) will apply to other races making it only sensible to play it in single player.

 

[Kingz]

Editing game interface also seems like a bad idea. Most of the things (for example, changing resource type) will apply to other races making it only sensible to play it in single player.

I did it with my submission for techtree contest because it was needed to see the full idea of my race. (lumber icon and tooltip was changed)

So imo it's really not a problem.

 

[Retera]

If the stuff was compiled with dumpling's MultiRace Template, I'm pretty sure you could change Gameplay Interface / Gameplay Constants for one race, but not for the others, due to the weird way that his thing loaded UI data (it opened a separate MPQ for each race).

 

[Garfield1337]

Here's a WIP, just an overview of the race (Ain-Ha). There are still many things to be done including upgrades, custom abilities, detachment/squad system for basic units and some other systems.

 

[Kallimachos]

What's the purpose of being able to edit game constants? The races should fit a melee map.
Editing game interface also seems like a bad idea. Most of the things (for example, changing resource type) will apply to other races making it only sensible to play it in single player.

I guess you should change gameplay constants in terms of Dependency - Heroes as well as Town Hall Tiers

 

[Pharaoh_]

More WiPs, people!

Show some screenshots!

 

[Orcnet]

Pharaoh_ don't make us rush I can't even make a WIP CREAM

 

[WerePhoenix]

Well it seems like Garfield's and my idea of the seal was quite similar. :S
Do I have to think of something new?

EDIT: A quick texture update.

 

[Garfield1337]

Do I have to think of something new?

Of course not.

It's not surprising it's similar. It's same seal afterall, same concept.

 

[HammerFist]

I am so sorry that I cannot finish my entry. Why? Because I have 3 weeks to fix all my marks and really a lot to read. So I wont give final entry. I have done about 50% of work 2 weeks ago, but from then I have done nothing.

 

[Kallimachos]

As the Pharaoh wants, here is a first Screenshot ^^
That's the most of what I've got so far

 

[Garfield1337]

Nearly done. The main thing left to do are heroes and credit list, everything else is pretty much done.
I borrowed some concepts for the race from the game Company of Heroes.

EDIT: Attachment removed.

 

[Pharaoh_]

3 days left people! Do your best!

 

[Garfield1337]

Here's my final entry based on Ain-Ha seal, The Order. I made 2 out of 4 heroes custom, couldn't bother more I guess.
Race highlights:

• Detachment/Squad system for basic units.
• Custom attack mechanics for a flying unit.
• Mostly custom triggered spells.
• Dependent on Lieutenant unit. Most of the units are weaker than average alone, but with a lieutenant, stronger than average.
• Most of the units use same texture for a more uniform appearance and uniqueness.

Screenshots

 

[Kallimachos]

2nd WIP

My Race is called the 'Nyctan Cult' for the Enu-Xa seal. It's a Union of mostly werewolfs, who are aided by some other mysterious outcasts who follow the path of darkness.

The whole race origins in a group of humans who incidently fell under the curse of a powerful undead magician when founding their nation on desecrated ground, whereas they got infected by a dark virus. Now they prefer living in the darkness, yet daylight does not harm them and live a life of organized savages, feared by other civilized nations. Due to the story of their becoming, they have attracted plenty other sinister creatures with a mysterious background who dwell within their cities, everybody practizing their own rites and pursuing their mysterious creeds, while being led by mighty alphas and cultic leaders.

Techtree:

Strategy Tips

Heroes

The Nocturnal Terror is a great starting hero. He has the bulk to tank some damage and his standard spells are easy to cast. Maxing 'Call of the Carnivore' first will get your army a useful healing option while the decent damage boost lets you clear early creep camps faster. Go for 'Rabid Strike' if you need a disable/pseudo-nuke or for the Aura if you want to boost dps.

The Angel of Deceit is a bit squishy but his spells offer great variety and potential. Casting 'Abacinate' on an inimical hero while turning his army against him with 'Misguidance' can twist around a battle to your favour, if the enemy is not prepared enough. 'Hellish Conversion' is great for denying and can also be used to creep in the beginning. If you don't want to sacrifice a unit, just summon a Wolf in one of your Kennels.

The Arctic Alpha is perfect for killing single targets at first and messing around with larger groups of enemies later. His 'Icicle Hook' can bring an enemy hero into a really tough situation, if cast accurately. The passive serves well against invisible units. His ultimate synergizes extremely well with the Angel of Deceit's. Just Run to the enemies, trap them with your ulti and Cast the Angel's ulti.

The Haunting Scarecrow can stand a good fight on his own with 'Head Throw', but he excels with the right hero support/when supporting himself. 'Scare' is a great tactical disable to scatter inimical troups while your army/second hero does the rest.

General Tactics

NElf is a great ally, as allmost all of your units also benefit from the night boni, which also makes the Nyctan Cult a nice option against NE, as it counterbalances their night bonus.

UD is another great ally, due to the DK being able to heal some of your units, like the Nocturnal Terror.

Consequently use 'Unleash them!' from your Kennels to scout nearby areas, pull creeps or just to defend the base against rushes.

NT & Dusk Aviators
Max the Predator's Aura & Call, rush for T2 and get dome DAs. As soon as you get T3 and research 'Focus' for them, in combination with the Nocturnal's buffs it will drive their IAS to an insane rate.

If building a Mischief Factory, you can spam Raid Technicians and build a circle of Mungos close to the enemy base with the Technicians inside, so they can repair, safe from meelee attacks. Additionally, you can upgrade them and upgrade some to Cobras for aa coverage.

Against invisible units:
Dust of Appearance, Arctic Alpha's 'Perception', Research 'Surveillance' for your towers.

Against casters:
Hexecutioners (Spell-immunity, cleanse, Manaburn), Vermin Hags (Mass dispell at Adept level), Foul Cherubs (Coriaceous Skin)

Against air-unis:
Sagittarians, Raid Technicians -> Cobras, Towers, Angel of Deceit's 'Hellish Conversion' also 'Misguidance', Foul Cherubs win against Wyrms, Gryphons, Chims. Agony Orb (Market)

Against ranged/siege units:
Eclipsefiends(very fast and high dps, 'Bloodthirst')

Against buildings:
Raid Technicians -> Mungos, Cobras, Shatter Colossi

Recovery possibilities:
Vampire Potion & Fed Caddle & Hp Potion (All Market), Mythcultists (Superstitious Aid), Angel (Hellish Conversion), Nocturnal (Call of the Carnivore), Foul Cherub (Coriaceous Skin)

Escape tactics:
Sagittarians' 'Ambush', Staff (Market), Haunting Scarecrow's 'Scare', Nocturnal Terror's 'Thriller'

Disablers/Debuffers:
Arctic Alpha (Icicle Hook, Ulti), Angel (Abacinate, Misguidance), Nocturnal Terror (Rabid Strike), Haunting Scarecrow (Scare, Head Throw), Mythcultists (Heresy at Master Level), Eclipsefinds, Foul Cherub (Both on attack after Upgrade)

Summons:
Fed Caddle (Item from Shop), Yard/Guard Wolf ('Unleash them!' at the Kennels), Fungus (Vermin Hags' 'Fungal Bolt'), Underworld Guardian (Angel's Hellish Conversion)

Edit: Serves as an info board now

 

[Wazzz]

things certainly are looking different

 

[WerePhoenix]

Unfortunatly, a lot came up at the end of school and I was unable to finish my submission.
Anyway good luck people, I'll keep an eye on the poll.

 

[Retera]

Does this officially end at the start of the 28th of May or the end of the 28th of May? What if I tried to make an entry right now, today, in a hurry?

 

[Xerxes]

Does this officially end at the start of the 28th of May or the end of the 28th of May? What if I tried to make an entry right now, today, in a hurry?

The Zephyr ended on the 24th, and was closed like two days after. Oh and I think and I quote, "following the GMT + 0.00 Time Zone".

 

[Retera]

Hmm... Does that imply I might be able to slip in? Either way, I had an idea that I think would be cool and I'm going to start trying to make it even if it dies halfway through or is too late to submit.

 

[Xerxes]

You can slip in, though you will have in the worst possible time.

 

[Kyrbi0]

DO EET. Who needs models & time? Just go full bore.

Also, check your PMs.

 

[Kallimachos]

Final Entry

Poooh, final entry in the last minutes^^

The race description and techtree you can find here

Edit: had to change 2-3 minor bugs/ tooltips, corrected version here

 

[Retera]

So if I'm to assume that this ends at 12:00 GMT, is that two minutes ago or 58 minutes from now? Google seems to think I still have 58 minutes?

 

[Garfield1337]

So if I'm to assume that this ends at 12:00 GMT, is that two minutes ago or 58 minutes from now? Google seems to think I still have 58 minutes?

It's 23:05 GMT+0 atm so yes, you have time. It doesn't really matter even if you're late a few hours, the thread doesn't get closed exactly at that time.

 

[Xerxes]

I think you have to ask Pharaoh_ now because he's the host.

 

[Kallimachos]

So if I'm to assume that this ends at 12:00 GMT, is that two minutes ago or 58 minutes from now? Google seems to think I still have 58 minutes?

lol, well then i did it in the last 62 minutes ^^;
sorry if i stressed, time zone confused me

gl everyone

 

[Retera]

Out of time

 

[Kyrbi0]

It's 23:05 GMT+0 atm so yes, you have time. It doesn't really matter even if you're late a few hours, the thread doesn't get closed exactly at that time.

Even if the thread isn't closed, you have to be careful; if they are running things fairly, any submissions after the deadline (regardless of thread closure) wouldn't be accepted.

 

[Retera]

Well, I'm enjoying making this techtree, so I'm going to fight to finish it as fast as possible even if it's just for fun

Also I just play-tested that submission and there were innumerable things horribly broken with the unit data still, so I'll be working on that. I challenged myself to try to make all of the art assets and the techtree in one day, and didn't quite make it .

The only import in the map that needs any crediting is the Science Vessel, which I made on a request a while back by editing a base animationless model made by Infrenus, I think it was, for Kam, that wasn't finished. That first version just had the siege engine texture, so there was a lot of adding and modifying that I did to get it where it was when I made it back in roughly January or some time like that.

Edit: A little description of my techtree: They are the S.E.N.T.I.N.E.L., the Spacewide Empire of Naturally Talented and Intelligent Night Elven Lifeforms, empowered by the might of Rain-Tek (the are a futuristic race, probably timetraveled back from the future), who are space travelers with powerful technology.

Image

 

[Kallimachos]

@Retera just looked at it, cool idea the models are awesome! (especially the Cyborg-Bear^^)

 

[Retera]

Thanks