OLC

[Athon]

I've spoken to a few players and I've noticed a trend:

Some players are deterred from building areas because they don't want to build an area in notepad first. These players generally have experience building elsewhere using a OLC-esque system and don't want to do all the coding by hand. Others, and by others I mean me, are lazy.

What about allowing players to build their first area using OLC if they submit a full area concept? The concept could include a map/layout, quest ideas, and general "theme" to the area.

I bring this up because I likely would have had my Temple of Moradin finished by now if I was using OLC. I can handle writing code just fine (it's necessary for quests and such) but for pumping out rooms, mobs, etc. you can't beat OLC.

[Harroghty]

I updated all of the builder help files a while ago. The file for "New Builders" reads:

*Note: New builders are no longer required to build off-line
but it is encouraged for those who wish to learn the system.
Builders beginning on-line will omit steps four through six.

[Selveem]

Actually, though I don't think I talked to Athon about it, this definitely is my sentiments on the matter as well.

Glad to hear this was updated. If we already have access to the test port but no builder access yet, what's the process for that?

[Harroghty]

The process is the same for any building project (and it is outlined in the Builder Council help files).

- Apply to build an area via the Applications forum.
(You should consult the seasonal building guidance prior to your application.)

- Receive approval to begin work.
(This may be as quick as "go ahead" for veteran builders with OLC access and test port "know how", or we might ask a few questions and provide some initial guidance.)

- Meet with me, Lath'lain, or Mask on the test port and receive a brief orientation on how to start.

- Start working and refer to me, Lath'lain, or Mask with problems or questions (at least one of us, usually two of us, are on the test port every day).

The big thing to keep in mind is that the focus of new areas should be adventuring. You can make a little town, but it's got to include quests (think something like Kregor's Highmoon or my Citadel of the Rampant Eagle). Anything that you submit needs to have at least a couple of good quests, particularly those that service the goals listed in the building guidance. Feel free to fire away with questions.

[Andreas]

Is this still a thing? Before I took my extensive break, I was an OLC builder. All my existing areas on FK I built using OLC with a coder (mostly Mystra) coming along behind me to add quests and so forth. I find it much easier personally to build in OLC rather than writing it all out in a text editor and then handing it over to a coder to put together. I can immediately see what rooms look like and have them laid out properly. I can also make objects and know what they look like without making color mistakes in a text editor and having to fix them later. I'd probably be a far more prolific builder if I could be working in OLC on the test port again. Might take a few rooms to knock the rust off, but I think I could handily pick up OLC building again in a day or two.

[Harroghty]

It really doesn't work as well with the new SVN system as it once did with the process of uploading through the website.