Ludo Kressh

Awesome, Snowba11! I was going to set about converting the stock maps to Rebellion once the new GalaxyForge was released, as well as craft a few Star Wars maps as well. When the time comes, I'd love some help with that.

Oh, that sounds about awesome. I love the tiered system you got going there. What about the newly added Corvette class? And will fighters in any way get beefed up slightly so that they're a bit more of a threat (especially in groups)?

What would the configuration be, exactly? I would guess the following: Is that about right? What're the choices available for the Alliance, NR, and Vong?

Alright, fair enough. It does look good. For the Empire? The thing is, that's it's meant for, according to Wookiee. Yup. Just put it in for the sake of a more complete reference. Okay, but perhaps an updated skin is in order? Aww shucks. :v I'm with Lavo on this one: if there's nothing better, use it. It's your call, as he said. This, is awesome. Ah! That would be pretty sweet. Do you happen to have some screenies of your work thus far? While I'm not opposed to the Mandos, I am opposed to using ships that old. Using ships that are from long before the Clone Wars and after the GCW doesn't fit the pirates well. One thing I have noticed is that EJ made a Marauder model, which while used in other Sins mods and present in SoGE's files, is presently unused. That craft was used by many pirate groups, in both a variant fitted with turbolasers and one with missiles. They even had room for 12 starfighters; this could easily mean that they could be carriers as well holding a single squadron of Y-Wings (which were also used by pirates) and I can rig up a squadron of Z-95 Headhunters to serve as a fighter squadron. Two Marauder variants, each with a squadron of fighters, Bulk Cruisers and DP20 corvettes for anti-fighter duties (I plan to convert the DP20 into a lightly-armored but heavily anti-fighter frigate for the Alliance, or the CIS Patrol Frigate can used instead), Escort Carriers for additional fighters (as those are just converted cargo ships), Dreadnaughts for bombing planets, CC-9600s, Trafed IIs, and Bayonets as lighter support/combat frigates, and you have yourself a true bunch of pirates with their own crappy lot of ships. Agreed. A hodgepodge of vessels from each of the major factions within the current era parameters would be ideal, and the mix above fits that bill well. Question: what're your plans, Lavo, in regards to the Loyalist/Rebel subfaction used in Rebellion? Will each of the factions be getting a Rebel subfaction at any time? Special supercaps, perhaps?

Could work. Though the Empress was pretty darn weak canonly, one could pass this off due to it having more of a shielding/starfighter focus than the standard, or that there is no standard. I don't think I'll get around to the Remnant, not for a long time. As they're just so similar to the standard Empire, there's very few differences. No worries - I wasn't expecting them for a long while either, if at all. Same with the KotOR factions, if ever at all. Your idea for the Empress sounds about right for the Rebs, even the NR. ...Clearly you haven't played the beta recently, the CIS and Republic both have unique star bases and hangar defenses already. You'd be correct, as I recently had to wipe my computer and have misplaced my Entrenchment key AND game disc. I also haven't been able to play a full game in many months due to university. When the Rebellion version is released, I'll give them a look. I really don't know. The Lucrehulk was well known to be shielded as all hell, the Providence and Bulwark are also solid ships. The Munificent and Trade Fed. Carrier are okay, the Reculsant is the same sack of crap it always is, and the Vulture Droid is the second worse fighter in the game (only the TIE Fighter is worse). The Trade Fed. Frigate II might be a bit too well shielded, but otherwise the CIS' frigates aren't too spectacular; the Diamond Cruiser is awful, the C9979 is slow as molasses, and the Hardcell is barely passable, being the worst of the "upgraded" scouts (the Assassin corvette isn't much of a "upgrade" and doesn't count). The Victory SDs might be a bit underpowered, having only 6400 shields. Hmm. Droids better than "trained" TIE pilots? Better not include that in the Imperial Navy's Recruitment drives. "Train for five years, and still end up no better than a mediocre AI!" :v

Awesome screens! The Tector does like a tad wonky, but that Executor is epic. I like the design of the team colors for the Tartan, but the lines could be a little thicker (not by a lot, but perhaps a couple pixels). Otherwise, it looks sweet.

Oh good! I thought I was going to have to challenge you to a duel over this. The following would be a suitable Alliance hangar defense, I think: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/File:Nova_Orion_Station.jpg The Empress station for the starbase would, again, simply be a larger, hardier-looking XQ (prhaps 2-2.5 times as large as the XQ. Fair enough. Then the Golan would be most useful as an Imperial starbase. Possibly for the Remnant as well, unless a Chiss alternative pops up. It's worth noting, however, that neither the Republic or CIS, according to Wookieepedia, made use of the Golan IIIs. So, I still contend that the IGBC Platform for the CIS, and perhaps Jovan Station for the Republic, would be most fitting alternatives. The use of Jovan Station wouldn't be too far-fetched, as many Republic assets otherwise unarmed, like the Consular cruiser, were outfitted for military use. Why not a space station to boot? :v I did notice that a bit. What was the reasoning behind that? I know some of the CIS vessels/units were of very high quality, but generally mediocre due to their mass-production and overall expendability, especially the mainline droid units. The former quality units would be the likes of the Providence and Bulwark cruisers. The latter lacklusters being the Recusants, Vulture droids, and so forth. The Lucrehulks were very well shielded and endowed with starfighters, but proved to be mediocre due to their weapons layout. Overall, the idea was: good firepower, but weak health and little expense due to be mass-produced and thoroughly automated or managed by droids. The Republic, however, were consistently solid performers, but not particularly spectacular. The Jedi commanders using them made them special, but the key to the overall success of Republic ships, I think, was the consistency of the builds - flexible, durable, and decently priced, combined with excellent crewmanship. That's just my opinion, however.

Aww. I was looking forward to some starbase variety, each with their own advantages/disadvantages: Empire/Remnant: Tough, powerful, but most expensive among the factions (Remnant gets Chiss fighters) Rebellion: Great shields, weak armor, great starfighter support. NR: Beefed-up Rebellion starbase - more shields, better fighters, slightly more health. Republic: Balance of firepower, health, and cost CIS: Decent firepower, but slightly weak and most inexpensive of the factions; good in groups The Golans, I thought, were best used as the hangar defenses were: defense platforms, akin to heavy-duty turbolaser emplacements, but not deep-space starbases unto themselves. That's reserved for the big Bertha starbases. But it's still your call. Perhaps later on? Any ideas for the replacement CIS military lab? Edit: Here's one: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/File:Kashyyyk_space_rebel_outpost.jpg Gotcha.

Since we're moving to Rebellion within the month, this is a great opportunity to swap in and out some current structures and ships without inconveniencing ourselves beyond reason. The following are some of my own personal suggestions for orbital structures: By all means, everyone pipe in and chip in. All hands are welcome. *Updated - 6/15/12

You're awesome Warb! Thanks - just be sure to remove the Open Circle Fleet insignia. The Itani station would be a great Imperial military lab. The fact it has an ISD bridge on it made me lol - it's gotta be Imperial. Speaking of which, how about this one for size?: http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111103170728/starwars/images/a/a4/Gotal_Pirate_Base.jpg It looks like a hodgepodge of cruiser parts - perfect for near-do-well spacers. Would it be alright if I start a thread specifically to brainstorm new structures and such? It'll be easier to reference in the future if anything, and to keep things organized. A last thin: dunno if this will be of any help Lavo, but it's a listing of every new file, entity, buff, etc. added to Sins via Rebellion: http://forums.sinsofasolarempire.com/419390 I have no clue if it's still relevant, but I stumbled upon it, and thought of you.

The race entities? GRR. The one place I did not look. Thanks again. Awesome! I gotta say, once properly pimped-out in its proper colors, the Republic Navy is one of the best looking around. Would you mind hooking us up, Warb? Or else I can peek at the files and see what I can do... Perhaps it was an R&D prototype, much like the early Imperator? That's always a good retcon route. :v I did not know that. Where'd it say that happened? As a wise man once put it: "Hrmm... I see what you're saying. You are correct and I concede my argument."

Whoa! What file would that be, if you don't mind me asking? Either way, thank you Lavo - you work miracles. :v Ah, I see. Sounds good! As long as I don't have to re-rig anything, I'd be fine with that. Though the Acclamator, iirc, used the gray skin during the Clone Wars, particularly in Ep. 2 and Clone Commando. It was only the animated series that had re-skinned Acclamators. The Victory looks very nice as is as well, though as with all things, I'd be more than happy to take a look at least. The Vindicator would likely look nice with a reskin mind you. As they would be reskins, rerigging would not necessarily be involved (though I confess of having no knowledge about it, one way or the other). Here's a reference pic for a Rep VSD paint scheme (minus the Open Circle Fleet insignias): http://www.vince-t.de/img/ships/RVSD01.jpg (The 7 Deadly Sins mod has a VSD with team colors like this, at least) Similar vessels would sport similar schemes; a preview of such for a Vindicator would be Warb's Republic Interdictor: http://empireatwar.filefront.com/screenshots/File/108469/1 And a Consular cruiser: http://empireatwar.filefront.com/screenshots/File/107749/1 And though I agree with you on the point that early Acclamators were grey-hulled, by mid-war (namely the TCW series) standardization of the fleet came about through the red piping on grey or white, like the Vennies. The pre-TCW games, comics, etc. don't show it because it hadn't been considered at that point (events are valid, but details are "retconable"). Now that TCW is G-level canon (albeit timeline issues prevail and need working on by Mr. Chee at Lucasfilm), I figure we may as well go along with it, at least for the Acclamator II's, and maybe the Consulars, Heavy Corvettes, etc. Also, I'm unsure as to the CW-era placement of the Vindicator cruiser. According to Wookiee, it's an Imperial, rather than Republic, vessel, used as an escort frigate alongside or in lieu of ISDs. Perhaps replacing the Vindicator with the Arquitens may be more accurate. And maybe nerfing the Acclamator II's stats (mainly damage) slightly and making it available a little earlier on, with earlier research (around the level of advanced starfighter designs?). And don't get me started on the Imperials not having that VSD II! xD Just some suggestions. If I knew how to rig, code, and skin, I'd do it myself. But being a dunce and poor, I'm limited to petitioning more capable persons. This looks really nice! I'd love to put that in; would make for some nice variety among refineries. Agreed. There's also a civilian space station model (http://www.moddb.com/mods/towcw/images/civilian-spaceport#imagebox) that would be a great trade station, and few others worth noting. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing these being implemented across the factions, rather than different varieties, seeing their respective conflicts are only a few decades off from one another and only varied really in their ships and politics. The Vong, naturally, would have their own structures. That's just me, however.

The Supply Ship is indeed gorgeous (like all of Warb's models, TBH), and should replace the Core Ship. I always had the understanding that the Core Ship was, in essence, a large-scale alternative to the C-9979 lander when large amounts of supplies are needed for loading or offloading planet-side (per AotC), not as a warship in its own right. At most, it was a jumbo-sized escape pod for Lucrehulks (as it housed the command bridge and such). The Supply Ship is definitely worthy as an alternative. I would also consider the Givin Wavecrest Frigate as a possible alternative (perhaps to replace the TradeFed Superfreighter...with a greyscale reskin to boot?): http://empireatwar.filefront.com/screenshots/File/118723/1 (reload image as necessary to view) The new Providence model would be ideal, though the skin is a tad too animated. That can be remedied, however. On that note, I always wondered this: are their plans to bring more "Republic" skins to some of the Rep ships, namely the Acclamator, VSD, and the Vindicator? The neutral grey hull was more of an Imperial scheme than Republic, and since the Praetor recently got a skin, why not the others? This refueling station, BTW, would make for a wicked resource refinery: http://www.moddb.com/mods/towcw/images/refueling-station#imagebox Thanks for the nod - I'll go through the textures again and tighten them up to ensure they're of at least middling quality. Ideally, I'd redo the entire window set (HUD, Research menus, etc) to a more in-universe fee, but I'm hardly talented enough. We'll see, however - I'm feeling adventurous enough. Once a basic beta for Rebellion is up, I'll also start converting the scenario maps from the vanilla game to work with the planet set for SoGE, plus some SW sector maps.

It looks fantastic! Sad to hear that the work ahead seems, eh, daunting. For the amount of work you (and Warb) have done, you deserve a salary. Let us here in the peanut gallery know how we can help in any way, besides moral support.

Hmm. Sorry about the minor issues. You know me: too exuberant to post my product before adequately testing them. :v As to the Supply icons: yeah, I located them as well, and despite much searching, the location of the large Capital Supply icon is as of yet unknown. I scoured the .window files and checking the coordinates right up until my computer starting acting up and had to clean install Windows 7, impeding work (although not losing it, thank God). After a few hours of searching, I had nothing, but the background image you mentioned. I'll give the bugger another look-see tomorrow and see if we can remedy the matter - it's gotta be in the Ingame Menu files! It really is the strangest thing.

/shameless double post And here're some updated textures for Rebellion - let me know how they work! http://www.speedyshare.com/Y8UnG/SoGE-Rebellion-Textures-1.0.zip Also, test out this slightly bluish take on the Galaxy.dds, and let me know if it's preferable to the current one. http://www.speedyshare.com/hENu6/New-Blue-Galaxy-1.0.zip

As requested, here's the first iteration of the Rebellion HUD. http://www.speedyshare.com/v7zBB/SoGE-Rebellion-HUD-1.0.zip

Sure thing. I can get started today.

Early July is a good assumption for the public release. The speed depends primarily on when IC/SD releases the new ConvertXSI, and the restoration of the SVN server. At this rate, I'll have a Rebellion version ready before the SVN is back up; I expect the beta up late June if the SVN is functioning at that point in time. Awesome! I just downloaded Rebellion, and happened to peek at the various graphical improvements since Entrenchment. I gotta say, once SoGE is ported, it'll one of the nicest mods to grace the Sins community, as even vanilla Reb is gorgeous to behold.

Due to a recent computer wipe and misplaced Entrenchment serial key, I'm unable to work until a functioning Rebellion version is ready for distribution. Any time-frame for the first Rebellion version to be up for download? Early July or something?

/gravedig Lavo: I'm still working on the missing Capital Slots research menu icon, but in the meantime here are some revised SoGE faction characters (seen during the loading screens) for each of the factions, plus some to come in the distant future. http://www.speedyshare.com/FB4CX/SoGE-Faction-Characters-2.0.zip

A Godsend, surely. Thanks!

Thanks! Nothing should have been hiding those textures... It must have been the Vanilla version at fault - I'll be sure to use the Entrenchment files when I can. If you have any other hints, do PM me, as I need all the help I can get. :v Did the Fleet Training pic show up on the Fleet Upkeep/Recruitment research page? That one is missing from mine, and I'm having the darnest time converting the .Brushes files on my glitchy Vista x64 with the ForgeTools so I can track it down further. Would you be so kind as to hook a brother up with some .Brushes files that are not in binary format? I'd immensely appreciate it.

Actually, I did go through the files and corrected the Nova Crystal faux pas and some of the research icons. The corrections have been placed in the new Strings and Windows folder in the 1.25 file now up, plus a few other things. The same with some of the icons, the logistics pic excluded (must locate it!). I thought I could sneak in the corrections before anyone noticed... I suppose not, so I apologize for my incompetence. I'm glad you like them, at any rate. I'll see about the separators...They would be nice!

Agreed on the Heavy Lifter - that's MUCH more appropriate for the task. As for the Vong, I honestly couldn't say. Perhaps something like this?: http://images.mocpages.com/user_images/6720/1207020476_SPLASH.jpg Only, a bit more coral-like, with some flagellum-like propulsion structures in the rear. Also, I re-uploaded my texture pack, with a few corrections and additions thrown in for kicks.