Starscape Released

[Randallw]

I notice when using a starscape quadrant, only maybe 1 in 5 systems actually have anything in them.

[Shadowstar]

One of the early requests I had from my old Stars! player base was to somehow recreate the feeling that there is actually empty space between star systems, so this was an attempt to do that. The theory is that warp points aren't just confined to systems, they can appear anywhere. It also presents some interesting territorial situations, such as deep space stations, and areas where anomalies can spawn. It also allows players with the right tech to build thier own star systems in areas that are otherwise empty.

As for the graphics, no stock images should be included anywhere in the files, except for the components.bmp and other icon sheets (those are included since they had to be modified). As for the imagemod, without it, those images would come up as blanks. I tried to seperate them at one point and lost some of the graphics, so I decided to keep them in.

If you know of a way to do it in a cleaner way, let me know. Otherwise, one of these days I am planning on replacing the parts of it that I'm using with my own content anyway, since I can do it, just didn't have the time. Ideally, one day Starscape should be completely independent of any other mods, namely the image mod. I always prefer to use my own graphics anyway.

BTW, the majority of new planet pics are my work, I only used a few from the image mod that I liked. I could probably remove most of that stuff in a later Version.

[Shadowstar]

Ok, what I've decided to do is make a bit of an update to Starscape. I'm gonna get the latest Version of the imagemod and compare that to what's in the current Version of Starscape.

After that, I'll see if I can reduce the size of the download, and post a new Version on the site. Sort of a "spring cleaning" so to speak. The mod's spent so much time in closed development, it could no doubt use some community resynching. Thanks for the advice, Kwok.

Any races created with the current Version of Starscape should be just fine in the new Version, so if there are any of you out there making races, don't worry, go ahead and finish them and send them in when ready.

[General Woundwort]

Is there any sort of specific background to this universe that we ought to tailor our races to, or can we run wild?

[Shadowstar]

Starscape has a history, a long and complex one at that, but it doesn't really affect new races that much (at least not at this stage). In fact, its sorta meant for players to discover the history of the universe as they play. Here are the basic facts though:

1) Approximately 600 years ago, there was a major astronomical cataclysm (a quantum supernova) that caused skies to burn on all of the planets in this area for about a week. Whether or not this was significant to your race's history is up to you. Some races see it as a religious sign, others recognize it as a natural event. The event will be used as a chronological milestone in intergalactic relations. The event caused some races to experience heavy loss of life and destruction during its duration, depending on thier exposure. You could put something like that into your history, if you want, but its not neccessary.

2) There seem to be alot of humans in this universe. Nobody really knows why. If you're not creating a human race, this fact probably has no bearing on your race. If your race is human, perhaps there are rumors or artifacts that indicate your people were part of another race of spacefaring humans at one time? Again, up to you, as the creator of the race.

3) Terrans are allowed, but there are special rules regarding them. Confer with me through email if you want to create a terran race.

4) This game takes place somewhere in the Milky Way galaxy, some distance from the Orion Arm (not too far though). Where exactly will be determined by the sole player who has made the transition from the old Stars! mod to SEIV. He is sort of an "elder race" and the actual starting location depends on where he chooses to land his generation ship.

5) There is a form of energy called Chaos Energy, which some races have attempted to control over the years. You could have a race that worships Chaos or tries to control it if you wish. This could have effects on your race throughout the game.

6) The Starscape universe works as follows: Normal space is just that: normal space. It is surrounded in four hyperdimensional vectors, seperated by interspatial barriers. Along these vectors lie Hyperspace, with Subspace in the opposite direction, and then Metaspace, with Q-Space opposite it. Theoretically there are more hyperdimensional vectors, but they are not known yet. Null-space was removed after we moved over from Stars! (the term was used to describe a form of space that no longer exists as a result of the cataclysm). Warp points are an unknown phenomenon to new races (but they can still use them).

Additionally, the transition from Stars! to SEIV came with some fundamental changes to the way ships have to move through space (anyone who used to play Stars! will understand this). The Cataclysm was the event that altered the universe in this way. It had little effect on the planets themselves, but made warp drive impossible. Artificially-created warp points are now used to get about. Thier creation is another story, which players will discover as they play.

Starscape also allows players to create thier own home system along with thier race, with some minor balance-related limitations. If you're interested, discuss this with me through email.

[Randallw]

Originally posted by Shadowstar:
One of the early requests I had from my old Stars! player base was to somehow recreate the feeling that there is actually empty space between star systems, so this was an attempt to do that.

I thought it might be an attempt at realism like that. Just making sure you knew.

[General Woundwort]

Originally posted by Shadowstar:
3) Terrans are allowed, but there are special rules regarding them. Confer with me through email if you want to create a terran race.

Nah, my idea would probably have been a copyright infringement anyways. I'll just do something unique. Thanks for the background though.