Warcraft 3 Terraining Class

[Daffa]

Done with my simple terrain
Just tell me when we have to showcase it

 

[InfernalTater]

Don't get excited, I still won't be able to create more videos yet, I need the editor for that. But I will be able to talk to you, got internet explorer working on the desktop (really bad timing, the desktop's windows installation got screwed up by a power surge, had to get a new hard drive, install windows, still trying to find the drivers for it... Might have to take the motherboard out and look at the other side for the numbers, and I really don't like the idea of that.

Anyway, I thought my instructions were pretty clear. I even capitalized the most important word. Make a terrain using ONLY the height tool (and cliffs to create water, but the water should be filled in and the cliffs gone on the finished product). That means no tiles but dirt, no doodads, nothing. And yes it's important that you use dirt because dirt is a very good tile for being able to see the shading of the height. I know you guys want to do full terrains, but it's important that you get your terrain's shape looking good first. If you place doodads and tiles, then decide you need to raise some more height, add a mountain, extend a plateau or something, everything in that area would get screwed up. And that's why you wait until you're satisfied with the shape/height of everything before you do the tiles and doodads.

Thank you MasterTrainer for properly reading the instructions and explaining to them. If only they'd listened to you.

As for how to make "puddles", watch the video again, I taught how to during it.

 

[Binsu]

OK understood. Removed all tiles and now just plain Plateau and I also make waterparts but of course an alternative way without using blizzard cliffs as an addition. =)

 

[Kaizer]

Oh dam, guess I'll have to do it all over again
Ignore my first submission

 

[GreeN!X]

Well, it's confirmed then, I'll start mine right away. :3

 

[Binsu]

Finished mine.

 

[Kaizer]

You have to submit it via Pastebin

 

[GreeN!X]

Woops, forgot about that. Sorry. X3

 

[Daffa]

Goody, I guess mine's sucks hard

 

[InfernalTater]

Since I'm a student, I am not allowed to teach (maybe), but may I suggest the teacher to give a 'uniform' terrain, then tell the students to make mountains in relation to the video, then posts the picture in front page and rate it, just like in class, we have a uniform test papers/books/problem solving, etc...

BTW, we cant be limited by not using blizzard cliffs coz since we all consider ourselves as noobs in terraining, might as well include everything...

I already did make a video showing how to make mountains, then the assignment was to create a terrain using only those tools (which would most likely also be mountains). They don't need to copy the exact same thing as the video, though, because an important part of learning to terrain is practicing your ability to take what's on your mind and put it on the ground.

Yes, you can and will be limited by not using blizzard cliffs. You can't learn how to do something the right way by doing it the wrong way as a crutch. Using the height tool is not difficult, don't use being "new" as an excuse. All you have to do is try. Your terrain doesn't have to look great, it just has to exist and you have to put effort into it. You won't get any better unless you do more than what you already do. Every time you try you'll get a little better, just so long as you put effort into it. Nobody has experience doing something before they do it, but that doesn't stop them from trying. Don't let it stop you either.

 

[Binsu]

Here is my Assignment. I have also made an introduction on my Pastebin:

Terrain Class Assignment #1

 

[UgoUgo]

Hell_Master, I cant seem to download the map.

Signing up as student.
Im interested to see what kind of knowledge you have to offer.

Homework

 

[Xonok]

Done mine too. I guess.

When I read that I should only use the height tools, then I took it as a challenge. Thus, waterfall without doodads.

 

[InfernalTater]

Well, even the desktop is not working, so now I'm typing using internet explorer on my XBOX. It's pretty annoying, so don't expect me to be as active until I get my laptop back.

Good job on that waterfall, Xonok, way to be creative. I'll check your map as soon as I can to make sure you did a good job on the mountains as well.

For the rest of you, I also look forward to seeing your maps. Remember that you are free to spend more time improving your assignments. It's important that you master terrain height before you proceed to the next step. Terrain height, despite being one of the most basic principles of mapmaking, is also one of the most influetial. Doing a good job with the height tool is enough to make your terrain look good and very custom, even if you don't use any imports whatsoever. Keep practicing height until the next lesson is released, even if you think you're already doing well, it's still possible to improve. Even as a teacher I expect to improve throughout the experience of this class. You should spend a total of at least an hour, more comfortabely two, dedicated to practicing with the height tool to get comfortable with it. The more accustomed to it you become, the better you will be at putting the shape of the land in your mind onto the ground of your map, and that's what's most important: Being able to make what you imagine. Not simply being able to make something else that you look at. Good luck everyone, and most importantly, have fun! This isn't just work; this is art, a chance for you to express yourselves!

 

[Binsu]

@TLI-Inferno
SO we are still allowed, I see..... will do improve mine if its ok?

Hell_Master, I cant seem to download the map.

Signing up as student.
Im interested to see what kind of knowledge you have to offer.

Homework

WIll do changes for now =)

 

[Gilles]

Done mine too. I guess.

When I read that I should only use the height tools, then I took it as a challenge. Thus, waterfall without doodads.

Use that smooth tool that the teacher talked about. Constantly. It deserved to be mentioned over and over again. Use it.

 

[Binsu]

Yeah I do agree. With only Plateau, it looks messy and noised much.

 

[Xonok]

Actually I barely used plateau.

 

[Binsu]

Actually I barely used plateau.

Lol I thought you used one but If you have some.... dont forget to Smoothen them.

 

[Xonok]

Lol I thought you used one but If you have some.... dont forget to Smoothen them.

I guess this is about the light. From lighted sides it doesn't really bring out the height differences as much. I usually use tiles to make it more visible, but in this case it wasn't allowed.

 

[EmoBrother]

Re-working . . . on mine.

EDIT :
Done !!
Here's my assignment
I hope it doesn't looks ugly.

 

[Daffa]

I'm going to show mine, although I haven't totally done yet
Mine looks like waters in a mountain terrain

 

[FRENGERS]

Humm.... Nice Thread and Ideas it's Fenomenal. Keep it up
+ REPT

 

[FRENGERS]

Done mine too. I guess.

When I read that I should only use the height tools, then I took it as a challenge. Thus, waterfall without doodads.

Cool How to do that??

 

[GreeN!X]

Hmm.. I think I'll still work on my homework more. I only made it in a few minutes and I feel that it really lacks effort. :/

 

[Binsu]

@FRENGERS
It depends if you are a student here, he cannot say for you will gain upper hand.

 

[Xonok]

Cool How to do that??

You can watch TLI-Inferno's video, it shows how. The main problem is not about getting 2 water levels to exist together, but making them look good.

 

[InfernalTater]

@FRENGERS
It depends if you are a student here, he cannot say for you will gain upper hand.

This is exactly why I didn't want this to be turned into a contest. I wanted to reward people based on quality and effort instead of rewarding them based on their ranking against each other. Turning this into a contest causes people to try to push others down and themselves up instead of everyone working to pull the whole group up.

 

[Xonok]

Can't say for everyone, cos I'm not everyone, but I'm definitely towards having more people that can make goods maps(even if only terrainwise, it's still a step up).

 

[DESTROYER123]

I'll do it.
Just one question (I think it's answered but I'm bored to read the hole thread ):
I post a picture or uplpoad the map??

 

[Xonok]

I'll do it.
Just one question (I think it's answered but I'm bored to read the hole thread ):
I post a picture or uplpoad the map??

It's highly recommended to show the map. A screenshot can't possibly show all angles.

 

[DESTROYER123]

Oke.

 

[Daffa]

here's my small terrain, I'm busy so i just post the link : http://www.hiveworkshop.com/forums/pastebin.php?id=n0x0z6

 

[DESTROYER123]

Here you go.
I post a screen too so people can get a view without download.
Looks a shit to me (a real one).

Clickboomscreen!

Download the map click the attachment bellow Terrain Class 01.w3m (24.3 KB)

 

[Xonok]

Here you go.
I post a screen too so people can get a view without download.
Looks a shit to me (a real one).

Clickboomscreen!

Download the map click the attachment bellow Terrain Class 01.w3m (24.3 KB)

Careful with the caterpillar.

 

[MasterTrainer]

Creative.

 

[InfernalTater]

Here you go.
I post a screen too so people can get a view without download.
Looks a shit to me (a real one).

Clickboomscreen!

Download the map click the attachment bellow Terrain Class 01.w3m (24.3 KB)

I said a few times during that video: No caterpillars! You need height variation. Raise some parts to a peak. What you've done is somewhat interesting, but you need to prove that you can make good-looking mountains.

 

[DESTROYER123]

As you wish, Master.

 

[DESTROYER123]

Updated a bit.
Comment, suggest, insult.
I'm alright with everything.
I have also add a small mountain at the top right corner.

Clickboom!

Click to download above:Terrain Class 01.w3m (25.9 KB)

 

[Binsu]

I suggest use Plateau for me your terrain still looks like a Caterpillar.

 

[GreeN!X]

@DESTROYER try using the smooth tool with the second to the largest size of brush on those mountains, it may remove the caterpillar-like look. :3

For my homework, I'll work on it later. I really didn't work on anything today. Didn't feel quite well x3

 

[MasterTrainer]

@DESTROYER Randomize your terrain more using Lower and Raise.

 

[Binsu]

@DESTROYER Use Raise Tool on the ground, Plateau tool then Smoothen the sides for they looked Noised when Plateau-d. Just a suggestion.

 

[MasterTrainer]

Oh and when I say use 'randomize using lower and raise' I mean make the ground look like you used "Noise" but much more smoother.

Oh and don't use Noise.

 

[GreeN!X]

^Why? does it bug or sumthing?

 

[Xonok]

Noise is a powerful tool if used right, which is also why it destroys a terrain if used wrong.
If you use it carefully like TLI suggested(1 click, no holding down), then you should be fine.
Even if you screw something up you can just use Ctrl + Z

 

[GreeN!X]

That and I also use the smooth tool after using the noise tool. Those methods usually suffice for me.

 

[MasterTrainer]

@Hera_ it's not bugged. It just brings an unpleasant look to a terrain, especially in this situation. If for example you want a rugged terrain, use the raise and lower tools to randomly raise and lower your terrain to make it look more rugged. Use the Noise in that situation and it will look ugly.

Oh and the noise and smooth only produce small height differences compared to when you don't slack off and use the raise and lower tools.

 

[Strydhaizer]

LOL , i forgot that im a student here. Hi Classmates

 

[DESTROYER123]

Thanks for advices people!
I'll go for it tommorow.
Also Stryderzero this is something epic!
Good Job!
+rep