Dragon Age Toolset Wiki - User contributions [en]

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-14T01:51:33Z

Talisander: /* Village by the Sea by Talisander */

[[File:Community_Contest_back.jpg|link=Community_Contest_Main_Page]] [[File:CC_BSN_GetInvolved.jpg|link=http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/&v=discussions]]

== Brief ==

Design a town/village/hamlet level. The contest discussion thread can be found [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/discussion/9469/ here].

'''DEADLINE: Monday 13 September''' - your entry must be ready for judging before midday GMT+0. It is strongly recommended you submit well before this time in case you run into troubles. Modifications to your submission are welcomed - the newest version of your entry will be judged, although modifications made after the submission date will not be judged.

=== Requirements ===
All entries must:
* portray a "friendly" settlement of some kind
* be complete - do not enter a small section of a larger city, unless you also submit the rest of the city.
* lvl source as well as exported layout files must be included. ''(.lvl file, as well as the folder generated by Do All Local Posts, which can be found: My Documents/Bioware/Dragon Age/Addins/(addinname)/Core/Override/ToolsetExport/(layout))''
* contain at least the "outdoor" level. Additional rooms are optional, but if included, areas must be set up with area transitions.
* be submitted before monday 13 september midday (GMT+0)

=== Guidelines ===
Strong entries will:
* ... have around a dozen or so buildings and outhouses. Consideration will be made for extending the level by adding interior levels.
* ... visually portray the towns primary function such as fishing town, mining town, farm town, etc. For example, a farm town might include features like a miller, grocery market and bakery. A defensive outpost might have a wall around it.
* ... consider access to the town. This may inlude roads, paths, harbours, etc.
* ... include an area resource to add a handful of important interactive objects, such as doors. The town doesn’t need to be populated in this contest.
* ... have considered the sky and surrounding environment in the distance.
* ... be usable in a variety of mods. Please don’t go too overboard with weird additions such as crashed alien ships or other features that would make it extremely specific to a module.
* ... prioritise level design over custom content. While custom props are allowed, such contributions must be shared with the level and will not gain "bonus points". You should try entering any custom props you make to our [[Community_Contest_2:_Prop_Model|second contest]]!

== Groups and Prizes ==

=== Groups ===
This contest has only one group.

* 1st place - 15 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 10 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 5 points, chooses third
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

To receive an "entry point", your submission must meet the requirements of the contest, listed at the top of this page

=== Prizes ===

Please see [[Community_Contest_Prizes|Community Contest Prizes]]

== Helpful tutorials ==
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_4SgkiYUsw Complete Outdoor Level Making Video Guide] by mikemike37 (recorded for this contest)
* [[Level|Level Editor]] by various (Builder Wiki)
* [[Level_Editor_Tutorial|Level Editor Tutorial]] by various (Builder Wiki)
* [[Making a new, playable module]] by Fen Tabris
* [[Building levels]] by Fen Tabris
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szWKgj2ZuXo Custom Level and Room Building] video tutorial by [http://social.bioware.com/64020/ st4rdog].
* [http://bg2redux.student.utwente.nl/trac/wiki/TutorialLightmapping Lightmapping guide and troubleshooting] by mikemike37
* [[Model_list|Model List]] - Wiki list of prop/structural models with pictures
* [http://social.bioware.com/project/3270/ DA Toolset Prop List] - Downloadable prop list files - .doc and .xls

= Entries =

For information on how to enter, please see the [[Community_Contest_Entry_FAQ|Entry FAQs]]

For information on Judging, please see the [[Community_Contest_Judging|Judging]] page.

IMPORTANT - consent to share

By entering this competition you consent to share your work for other community members to benefit from.
Where appropriate, source files should be shared.
The work *MUST* be your own (obviously you may use DA props and selection groups).
Do not use custom props unless you have explicit consent from the author to share. You must include them with your level.
Others may use and modify your work in their Dragon Age mods, though are encouraged to give credit.
As the entries are judged, local copies will be saved If your work is taken down.
If your work is taken down, you allow for it to be re-uploaded, crediting the work in your name. 

== The Swamp by Ponozsticka ==

* '''[[CC_The_Swamp_by_Ponozsticka|Full Wiki Page]]'''
* '''[http://dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1599 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

As you can see from screenshots and other files, the village is situated in the middle of the swamp, among ancient ruins of the city that used to be there long time ago (before the place turned into a swamp). Remainings of the city can be seen to the north of the settlement, while southern roads are being used by merchants, this way there are less plants (carriage wheels, walking etc.)

Village itself is surrounded by wooden fences, to secure it from anything that might come from the swamp. In the middle of the village you can find the market, while the outskirt serves as camp for merchantes or traspassers.

[[File:Plot2.jpg|400px|Fences]] [[File:Swamp13.jpg|400px|The Fog in the Village]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Settlement of Belgray by Jackkel Dragon ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1635 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

Belgray is a small human settlement in the Brecilian Passage, on the road to Gwaren. It is nestled in the hills in the southern part of the Brecilian Forest, and a mountain stream provides water and travel into the forest. A mountain trail leads to the main road to Gwaren.

This is a small area (~ 64m x 32m walkable). It is best used in a hilly area near water. The name, of course, can be changed to whatever fits the setting best. There is a night version of the area that has a lit bonfire along with altered lighting.

[[File:CC1_jackkel_day1.jpg|250px|Day 1]][[File:CC1_jackkel_day2.jpg|250px|Day 2]][[File:CC1_jackkel_night1.jpg|250px|Night 1]][[File:CC1_jackkel_night2.jpg|250px|Night 2]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Ojardsi by Turtlecrunch ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1626 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''
* '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT2_OZuwThs Ojardsi v0.12 Video Tour]'''

Ojardsi was first a Tevinter city, and now a crumbling ruin that has attracted a large population of surfacer dwarves. Human stragglers have joined the settlement as well, though they've had to build their houses themselves. And eventually with the humans came the attention of the Chantry, which promptly made its mark on the nascent village. This angered the dwarves considerably, and they have been falling back on old habits, reconstructing their Paragons from memory and building a competing house of worship. With their contemplation of the old religion, most of Ojardsi's dwarves have also returned to a kind of caste system: newcomers to the settlement must live in designated areas with only tents for shelter, and must work many years before they are eligible to join one of the dwarf common houses.

[[File:Trcunch ojardsi v012 01.jpg|250px|Chantry and Surfacer Shaperate]][[File:Trcunch ojardsi v012 03.jpg|250px|The pub!]][[File:Trcunch ojardsi v012 06.jpg|250px|Overview]][[File:Trcunch ojardsi v012 07.jpg|250px|Yeah, there aren't any creepy old ruins being desecrated by capitalism here...]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Sylvhaven by Princecorg ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1666 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

Sylvhaven is a small fisher village located north to Gwaren. It was once a place where merchants, itinerants and any kind of trepassers travelled to.

[[File:Sylvhaven01.jpg|300px]] [[File:Sylvhaven02.jpg|300px]] [[File:Sylvhaven03.jpg|300px]]

[[File:Sylvhaven04.jpg|300px]] [[File:Sylvhaven05.jpg|300px]] [[File:Sylvhaven06.jpg|300px]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Hillside Village by AmstradHero ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1673 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

Atop a lush hillside, this small farming village offers respite, shelter and trade for weary travelers. A plateau with a path leading upwards offers an even better view of the houses below. Fields of crops around an assortment of houses, a tree filled landscape and a lake all combine to make a pleasing vista.

[[File:Hillside1.jpg|300px]] [[File:Hillside4.jpg|300px]] [[File:Hillside6.jpg|300px]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Village in the River by Nattfodd ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1670 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''
* '''[http://social.bioware.com/project/3446/ Bioware Social Network Project Page]'''

Once a mighty stronghold, today this village is inhabitated by Fereldan human people. The architecture of the buildings and the divine atmosphere a visitor can feel, make this village still a safe place to rest and refill. Placed to the extreme northen border with the land of Orlais and used during orlesian wars by both sides.

Not more is known of its original inhabitants; all seems to be very old and builded up in an ancient time ruled by the gods.

[[File:CC1_001_21.jpg|400px]] [[File:CC1_001_11.jpg|400px]]

[[File:CC1_001_16.jpg|400px]] [[File:CC1_001_22.jpg|400px]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

==Hakkon's Gift by Lord of Fangs==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1630 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

I named this settlement Hakkon's Gift as per the background tale on the DA Nexus page. It can be renamed as appropriate for any module it is used in. Basically, it's a former Avvar village built into the side of a snowy ridge in a newly explored area of the Frostback Mountains, Wintersbreath Pass. It is now populated by hardy Fereldan hunters and trappers. Obviously this can be changed to reflect the module- I tried to arrange the terrain and vista mountains so that the entire scene sloped upward, so that it didn't necessarily have to be located high in the mountains. It could be used as a mountaintop town, a snowy foothill town, etc.

All models are stock- I made heavy use of buildings pieced together from various props to portray a primitive culture. Hakkon's Gift includes two zone entrances/exits on opposite ends of the village, with paths leading away. I included a possible dungeon/adventure zone entrance just outside the village- an ice cave, its entrance frozen over (can be set up with an invisible area transition). A team has broken through and maintains a small entrance into the cave. I tried to set it up so it could be easily ignored (by removing the props or just not adding an area transition) and used simply as a place to visit just outside of town if the module does not have such a dungeon/zone.

Points of interest: Craft enclave and trading post, frozen ponds with ice fishing camps (ice is walkable), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, gate/bridge over a frozen ravine, storytelling cave, shaman's hut with ancient runestone, a new building's construction site, Hammerhall (intended as a tavern/mead hall/whatever), thane/village chief's longhouse.

[[File:wbp10a.jpg|300px]] [[File:wbp29a.jpg|300px]] [[File:wbp28a.jpg|300px]] [[File:wbp24a.jpg|300px]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

==Evermist by TimelordDC==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1647 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''
* '''[http://social.bioware.com/project/1845/ Part of the Blood and Lyrium Module]'''

Evermist is a village located between West Hill and Highever. The primary sustenance of Evermist is farming, supplemented by fishing.

The village has been designed to offer various areas of interest/story-points:
* A few houses have been built on earth/rock mounds looking almost purposely raised to hold those houses aloft
* There is a separate area for the peasants who work the farms, identified by primitive huts
* The Chantry (or a generic fort-like structure) is in an extremely strategic and defensible position overlooking the village
* There is a sunken house in one of the mounds but without any structural damage, almost as if it was done by magic
* A huge manor house has had its doors closed for a while now though rumor has it that lights can be seen flickering inside in the night
* A boarded house atop one of the mounds has been warded by the Chantry and the villagers have been asked to keep their children away from it
* Though the rich folk living under the shadow of the Chantry never seem to do any work or own any farms, they get richer and have isolated themselves off from the rest of the 'common' folk

There are 2 entrance/exit points to Evermist -> one through the forest near the stream and one near the high walls of the manor.

Additional information for builders:
* The level uses a resized gate fence to fit in with the fence sizes. This is included with the level and is called plc_tl_gatefence. You need to place the folder plc_tl_gatefence in your <addins>/core/override when working on the level.
* Due to the views from elevated areas, the draw distance for some of the vegetation is High.

[[File:Evermist_Birds_Eye_View2.jpg|250px|A bird's eye view]] [[File:Evermist_View_from_Chantry2.jpg|250px|As seen from the Chantry balcony]] [[File:Evermist_View_Across_Market.jpg|250px|A view across the central market]] [[File:Evermist_Walk_Along_Woods.jpg|250px|A tranquil path along the woods]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Village by the Sea by Talisander ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1675 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

A small farming town on the outskirts of a walled city. To the south, a wide sea has swallowed the ruins of the last great empire.

[[File:TalisCC001.JPG|300px|From the Northern Road]]
[[File:TalisCC002.jpg|300px|The Sea]]

[[File:TalisCC003.JPG|300px|The Mountain]]
[[File:TalisCC004.JPG|300px|Sunken Ruins]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-14T01:50:46Z

Talisander: /* Village by the Sea by Talisander */

[[File:Community_Contest_back.jpg|link=Community_Contest_Main_Page]] [[File:CC_BSN_GetInvolved.jpg|link=http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/&v=discussions]]

== Brief ==

Design a town/village/hamlet level. The contest discussion thread can be found [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/discussion/9469/ here].

'''DEADLINE: Monday 13 September''' - your entry must be ready for judging before midday GMT+0. It is strongly recommended you submit well before this time in case you run into troubles. Modifications to your submission are welcomed - the newest version of your entry will be judged, although modifications made after the submission date will not be judged.

=== Requirements ===
All entries must:
* portray a "friendly" settlement of some kind
* be complete - do not enter a small section of a larger city, unless you also submit the rest of the city.
* lvl source as well as exported layout files must be included. ''(.lvl file, as well as the folder generated by Do All Local Posts, which can be found: My Documents/Bioware/Dragon Age/Addins/(addinname)/Core/Override/ToolsetExport/(layout))''
* contain at least the "outdoor" level. Additional rooms are optional, but if included, areas must be set up with area transitions.
* be submitted before monday 13 september midday (GMT+0)

=== Guidelines ===
Strong entries will:
* ... have around a dozen or so buildings and outhouses. Consideration will be made for extending the level by adding interior levels.
* ... visually portray the towns primary function such as fishing town, mining town, farm town, etc. For example, a farm town might include features like a miller, grocery market and bakery. A defensive outpost might have a wall around it.
* ... consider access to the town. This may inlude roads, paths, harbours, etc.
* ... include an area resource to add a handful of important interactive objects, such as doors. The town doesn’t need to be populated in this contest.
* ... have considered the sky and surrounding environment in the distance.
* ... be usable in a variety of mods. Please don’t go too overboard with weird additions such as crashed alien ships or other features that would make it extremely specific to a module.
* ... prioritise level design over custom content. While custom props are allowed, such contributions must be shared with the level and will not gain "bonus points". You should try entering any custom props you make to our [[Community_Contest_2:_Prop_Model|second contest]]!

== Groups and Prizes ==

=== Groups ===
This contest has only one group.

* 1st place - 15 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 10 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 5 points, chooses third
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

To receive an "entry point", your submission must meet the requirements of the contest, listed at the top of this page

=== Prizes ===

Please see [[Community_Contest_Prizes|Community Contest Prizes]]

== Helpful tutorials ==
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_4SgkiYUsw Complete Outdoor Level Making Video Guide] by mikemike37 (recorded for this contest)
* [[Level|Level Editor]] by various (Builder Wiki)
* [[Level_Editor_Tutorial|Level Editor Tutorial]] by various (Builder Wiki)
* [[Making a new, playable module]] by Fen Tabris
* [[Building levels]] by Fen Tabris
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szWKgj2ZuXo Custom Level and Room Building] video tutorial by [http://social.bioware.com/64020/ st4rdog].
* [http://bg2redux.student.utwente.nl/trac/wiki/TutorialLightmapping Lightmapping guide and troubleshooting] by mikemike37
* [[Model_list|Model List]] - Wiki list of prop/structural models with pictures
* [http://social.bioware.com/project/3270/ DA Toolset Prop List] - Downloadable prop list files - .doc and .xls

= Entries =

For information on how to enter, please see the [[Community_Contest_Entry_FAQ|Entry FAQs]]

For information on Judging, please see the [[Community_Contest_Judging|Judging]] page.

IMPORTANT - consent to share

By entering this competition you consent to share your work for other community members to benefit from.
Where appropriate, source files should be shared.
The work *MUST* be your own (obviously you may use DA props and selection groups).
Do not use custom props unless you have explicit consent from the author to share. You must include them with your level.
Others may use and modify your work in their Dragon Age mods, though are encouraged to give credit.
As the entries are judged, local copies will be saved If your work is taken down.
If your work is taken down, you allow for it to be re-uploaded, crediting the work in your name. 

== The Swamp by Ponozsticka ==

* '''[[CC_The_Swamp_by_Ponozsticka|Full Wiki Page]]'''
* '''[http://dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1599 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

As you can see from screenshots and other files, the village is situated in the middle of the swamp, among ancient ruins of the city that used to be there long time ago (before the place turned into a swamp). Remainings of the city can be seen to the north of the settlement, while southern roads are being used by merchants, this way there are less plants (carriage wheels, walking etc.)

Village itself is surrounded by wooden fences, to secure it from anything that might come from the swamp. In the middle of the village you can find the market, while the outskirt serves as camp for merchantes or traspassers.

[[File:Plot2.jpg|400px|Fences]] [[File:Swamp13.jpg|400px|The Fog in the Village]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Settlement of Belgray by Jackkel Dragon ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1635 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

Belgray is a small human settlement in the Brecilian Passage, on the road to Gwaren. It is nestled in the hills in the southern part of the Brecilian Forest, and a mountain stream provides water and travel into the forest. A mountain trail leads to the main road to Gwaren.

This is a small area (~ 64m x 32m walkable). It is best used in a hilly area near water. The name, of course, can be changed to whatever fits the setting best. There is a night version of the area that has a lit bonfire along with altered lighting.

[[File:CC1_jackkel_day1.jpg|250px|Day 1]][[File:CC1_jackkel_day2.jpg|250px|Day 2]][[File:CC1_jackkel_night1.jpg|250px|Night 1]][[File:CC1_jackkel_night2.jpg|250px|Night 2]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Ojardsi by Turtlecrunch ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1626 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''
* '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT2_OZuwThs Ojardsi v0.12 Video Tour]'''

Ojardsi was first a Tevinter city, and now a crumbling ruin that has attracted a large population of surfacer dwarves. Human stragglers have joined the settlement as well, though they've had to build their houses themselves. And eventually with the humans came the attention of the Chantry, which promptly made its mark on the nascent village. This angered the dwarves considerably, and they have been falling back on old habits, reconstructing their Paragons from memory and building a competing house of worship. With their contemplation of the old religion, most of Ojardsi's dwarves have also returned to a kind of caste system: newcomers to the settlement must live in designated areas with only tents for shelter, and must work many years before they are eligible to join one of the dwarf common houses.

[[File:Trcunch ojardsi v012 01.jpg|250px|Chantry and Surfacer Shaperate]][[File:Trcunch ojardsi v012 03.jpg|250px|The pub!]][[File:Trcunch ojardsi v012 06.jpg|250px|Overview]][[File:Trcunch ojardsi v012 07.jpg|250px|Yeah, there aren't any creepy old ruins being desecrated by capitalism here...]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Sylvhaven by Princecorg ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1666 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

Sylvhaven is a small fisher village located north to Gwaren. It was once a place where merchants, itinerants and any kind of trepassers travelled to.

[[File:Sylvhaven01.jpg|300px]] [[File:Sylvhaven02.jpg|300px]] [[File:Sylvhaven03.jpg|300px]]

[[File:Sylvhaven04.jpg|300px]] [[File:Sylvhaven05.jpg|300px]] [[File:Sylvhaven06.jpg|300px]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Hillside Village by AmstradHero ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1673 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

Atop a lush hillside, this small farming village offers respite, shelter and trade for weary travelers. A plateau with a path leading upwards offers an even better view of the houses below. Fields of crops around an assortment of houses, a tree filled landscape and a lake all combine to make a pleasing vista.

[[File:Hillside1.jpg|300px]] [[File:Hillside4.jpg|300px]] [[File:Hillside6.jpg|300px]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Village in the River by Nattfodd ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1670 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''
* '''[http://social.bioware.com/project/3446/ Bioware Social Network Project Page]'''

Once a mighty stronghold, today this village is inhabitated by Fereldan human people. The architecture of the buildings and the divine atmosphere a visitor can feel, make this village still a safe place to rest and refill. Placed to the extreme northen border with the land of Orlais and used during orlesian wars by both sides.

Not more is known of its original inhabitants; all seems to be very old and builded up in an ancient time ruled by the gods.

[[File:CC1_001_21.jpg|400px]] [[File:CC1_001_11.jpg|400px]]

[[File:CC1_001_16.jpg|400px]] [[File:CC1_001_22.jpg|400px]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

==Hakkon's Gift by Lord of Fangs==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1630 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

I named this settlement Hakkon's Gift as per the background tale on the DA Nexus page. It can be renamed as appropriate for any module it is used in. Basically, it's a former Avvar village built into the side of a snowy ridge in a newly explored area of the Frostback Mountains, Wintersbreath Pass. It is now populated by hardy Fereldan hunters and trappers. Obviously this can be changed to reflect the module- I tried to arrange the terrain and vista mountains so that the entire scene sloped upward, so that it didn't necessarily have to be located high in the mountains. It could be used as a mountaintop town, a snowy foothill town, etc.

All models are stock- I made heavy use of buildings pieced together from various props to portray a primitive culture. Hakkon's Gift includes two zone entrances/exits on opposite ends of the village, with paths leading away. I included a possible dungeon/adventure zone entrance just outside the village- an ice cave, its entrance frozen over (can be set up with an invisible area transition). A team has broken through and maintains a small entrance into the cave. I tried to set it up so it could be easily ignored (by removing the props or just not adding an area transition) and used simply as a place to visit just outside of town if the module does not have such a dungeon/zone.

Points of interest: Craft enclave and trading post, frozen ponds with ice fishing camps (ice is walkable), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, gate/bridge over a frozen ravine, storytelling cave, shaman's hut with ancient runestone, a new building's construction site, Hammerhall (intended as a tavern/mead hall/whatever), thane/village chief's longhouse.

[[File:wbp10a.jpg|300px]] [[File:wbp29a.jpg|300px]] [[File:wbp28a.jpg|300px]] [[File:wbp24a.jpg|300px]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

==Evermist by TimelordDC==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1647 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''
* '''[http://social.bioware.com/project/1845/ Part of the Blood and Lyrium Module]'''

Evermist is a village located between West Hill and Highever. The primary sustenance of Evermist is farming, supplemented by fishing.

The village has been designed to offer various areas of interest/story-points:
* A few houses have been built on earth/rock mounds looking almost purposely raised to hold those houses aloft
* There is a separate area for the peasants who work the farms, identified by primitive huts
* The Chantry (or a generic fort-like structure) is in an extremely strategic and defensible position overlooking the village
* There is a sunken house in one of the mounds but without any structural damage, almost as if it was done by magic
* A huge manor house has had its doors closed for a while now though rumor has it that lights can be seen flickering inside in the night
* A boarded house atop one of the mounds has been warded by the Chantry and the villagers have been asked to keep their children away from it
* Though the rich folk living under the shadow of the Chantry never seem to do any work or own any farms, they get richer and have isolated themselves off from the rest of the 'common' folk

There are 2 entrance/exit points to Evermist -> one through the forest near the stream and one near the high walls of the manor.

Additional information for builders:
* The level uses a resized gate fence to fit in with the fence sizes. This is included with the level and is called plc_tl_gatefence. You need to place the folder plc_tl_gatefence in your <addins>/core/override when working on the level.
* Due to the views from elevated areas, the draw distance for some of the vegetation is High.

[[File:Evermist_Birds_Eye_View2.jpg|250px|A bird's eye view]] [[File:Evermist_View_from_Chantry2.jpg|250px|As seen from the Chantry balcony]] [[File:Evermist_View_Across_Market.jpg|250px|A view across the central market]] [[File:Evermist_Walk_Along_Woods.jpg|250px|A tranquil path along the woods]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

== Village by the Sea by Talisander ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1675 Dragon Age Nexus Project Page]'''

A small farming town on the outskirts of a walled city. To the south, a wide sea has swallowed the ruins of the last great empire.

[[File:TalisCC001.JPG|300px|From the Northern Road]]
[[File:TalisCC002.jpg|300px|The Sea]]
[[File:TalisCC003.JPG|300px|The Mountain]]
[[File:TalisCC004.JPG|300px|Sunken Ruins]]

=== Judges Comments ===

Judges will leave comments both as contructive suggestions for the entrant and also as impartial guidance for any looking to make use of your work.

File:TalisCC004.JPG

2010-09-14T01:48:35Z

Talisander:

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2009-12-09T14:51:03Z

Talisander: /* Schroedinger's Flag? */

There are many categories of plot but fortunately only two types of '''plot flags''':

* Main flags
* Defined flags

== Main Flags ==

A Main Flag is a bit like NWN Plot Entry only with a few added features and fields. Just as with their NWN equivalent, they can be either "Not set" or "Set". They have the following properties/fields:

* Flag Name
* Flag
* Reward
* Has Journal
* Final
* Repeatable
* Default Value
* Area Location Tag
* Offer ID
* Journal Text
* Plot Assist
* Comments

You can set the Flag Name to whatever you like, however you'll want to get your naming conventions sorted out early on and stick to them like glue (it will pay dividends when it comes to using them). The Flag is a incrementing and unique integer. If you choose a reward the Reward field displays the label of the row from the rewards.2da*. Entering anything in to Journal Text will cause Has Journal to change from nothing to "Yes". Final, Repeatable and Default Value should be self explanatory.

The significance of Area Location Tag, Offer Id and Plot Assist remain a mystery to me.

You can have a total of 128 Main Flags (numbered 0 to 127) in any single plot.

== Defined Flags ==

On the face of it Defined Flags are much simpler than Main Flags. These too can be either "Not set" or "Set" but have fewer properties/fields, namely:

* Flag Name
* Flag
* Reward
* Area Location Tag
* Offer ID
* Plot Assist
* Comments

You can have a seemingly unlimited number of Defined Flags (numbered from 256 upwards). However after adding about 800 Defined Flags to a single plot the Plot Editor began to run a little slow.

I said "on the face of it" because as I was about to find out Defined Flags are evil and twisted ...

== Little Red Riding Hood Redux ==

In Little Red Riding Hood Redux (our Builders Event module) you had to collect some food, drink and flowers before Grandmother would allow the plot to progress. I, naively, thought I could achieve this by setting up three Defined Flags (one for each item) and setting them using the equivalent of the Module's OnAcquireItem event.

The submission deadline was fast approaching when I threw together a module event script that looked a lot like this:

<dascript>
#include "wrappers_h"
#include "events_h"
#include "plt_no_good_deed"

void main()
{
int bEventHandled;
event evEvent = GetCurrentEvent();
int nEventType = GetEventType(evEvent);
switch(nEventType)
{
case EVENT_TYPE_CAMPAIGN_ITEM_ACQUIRED:
{
// the item's owner is the creature who triggered this event
object oOwner = GetEventCreator(evEvent);

// the item is the first entry in the event's objects list
object oItem = GetEventObject(evEvent, 0);
string sItemTag = GetTag(oItem);

// check the tag for special cases and raise appropriate defined flag
if(sItemTag == "food")
{
WR_SetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_FOOD, TRUE);
}
else if(sItemTag == "drink")
{
WR_SetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_DRINK, TRUE);
}
else if(sItemTag == "flower")
{
WR_SetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_FLOWER, TRUE);
}

// check if all defined flags have been raised: and raise main flag
if(WR_GetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_FOOD)
&& WR_GetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_DRINK)
&& WR_GetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_FLOWER))
{
WR_SetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_ALL_ITEMS, TRUE);
}

bEventHandled = TRUE;
break;
}
}

// fall through logic
if(bEventHandled == FALSE)
{
HandleEvent(evEvent, RESOURCE_SCRIPT_MODULE_CORE);
}
}
</dascript>

It looks sound enough: each time a plot item is acquired we set the appropriate Defined Flag. If all three Defined Flags are set then we set the Main Flag which controls the a node in Grandmother's conversation.

Unfortunately we didn't have time to test it and so we were somewhat confused and a little chagrined with it our demonstration ended a little prematurely with Grandmother refusing to say much more than "Yes deary?"

To understand why we have to know a little bit more about the differences between a Main Flag and a Defined Flag.

=== Setting (and Checking) Expectations ===

What we didn't know at the Builders Event was that although the state Main Flag can be checked and/or updated, the state of a Defined Flag can only be checked. My attempts to update the Defined Flags in the above script were always doomed to fail.

In addition, while a Main Flag can be checked and/or updated just using withoug resorting to scripting (by merely selecting options on a conversation's "Plots and Scripting" tab), checking a Defined Flag will always involve a call to the appropriate plot script ... and we hadn't written one of those!

With Defined Flags there's simply no getting away from scripting.

To check the state either type of flag through scripting we can use the native GetPartyPlotFlag function or the derived WR_GetPlotFlag function. To update the state of a Main Flag we can use the native SetPartyPlotFlag function or the derived WR_SetPlotFlag function. Normally Main flags are changed from "Not set" to "Set" (0 to 1) but the reverse is possible too.

=== Schroedinger's Flag? ===

It took me a while to get my head round Defined Flags mostly because I find referring to these as "flags" rather unhelpful. Calling them flags makes me think they have an intrinsic state and can be set or unset just like the Main Flags. Unfortunately this is not the case.

So if it isn't really a flag what is it?

Quote: by Craig Graff (BioWare)
I tend to think of it as ... peering in on Schroedinger's cat

In reality a Defined Flag is just an integer constant that is used to identify which snippet of code to run in a plot script. The snippet of code is scripted to return a true/false value just as StartingConditional script were in NWN. The difference here is that you would normally have several Defined Flags in a single plot script.

=== Little Red Riding Hood Redux Redux? ===

So if I had to remake LRRHR again what would I need to do to make it work? There are a couple of options however at this stage I can't really say which is better.

==== Option A ====

In this option we change PLAYER_HAS_FOOD, PLAYER_HAS_DRINK and PLAYER_HAS_FLOWER from Defined Flags to Main Flags. These are just temporary flags so we don't give them any Journal Entry, Reward, etc. In this way they become settable so we can leave the part of the original script that checks tags and updates flags.

Conversely we leave PLAYER_HAS_ALL_ITEMS as a Defined Flag but we relocate that part of the code to the plot script. The resulting script should look something like:

<dascript>
#include "wrappers_h"
#include "plot_h"

#include "PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED"

int StartingConditional()
{
// default result is false
int nResult;

event evEvent = GetCurrentEvent();
int nEventType = GetEventType(evEvent);

// the plot flag is the second value in the event's ints list
int nPlotFlag = GetEventInteger(evEvent, 1);

if(nEventType == EVENT_TYPE_GET_PLOT)
{
switch(nPlotFlag)
{
case PLAYER_HAS_ALL_ITEMS:
{
// check if all main flags have been raised
if(WR_GetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_FOOD)
&& WR_GetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_DRINK)
&& WR_GetPlotFlag("PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED", PLAYER_HAS_FLOWER))
{
nResult = TRUE;
}
break;
}
}
}
return nResult;
}
</dascript>

==== Option B ====

In this option we do away with the module script altogether. Instead of using Main Flags to determine if the player acquired the quest item we can use the dynamic nature of the Defined Flag and use the plot script to evaluate the current value of the PLAYER_HAS_ALL_ITEMS flag.

<dascript>
#include "wrappers_h"
#include "plot_h"

#include "PLT_NO_GOOD_DEED"

int StartingConditional()
{
// default result is false
int nResult;

event evEvent = GetCurrentEvent();
int nEventType = GetEventType(evEvent);

// the plot flag is the second value in the event's ints list
int nPlotFlag = GetEventInteger(evEvent, 1);

if(nEventType == EVENT_TYPE_GET_PLOT)
{
switch(nPlotFlag)
{
case PLAYER_HAS_ALL_ITEMS:
{
// get a reference to the player
object oHero = GetHero();

// check if all main flags have been raised
if(IsObjectValid(GetItemPossessedBy(oHero, "food"))
&& IsObjectValid(GetItemPossessedBy(oHero, "drink"))
&& IsObjectValid(GetItemPossessedBy(oHero, "flower")))
{
nResult = TRUE;
}
break;
}
}
}
return nResult;
}
</dascript>

* Incidentally just to prove BioWare developers do have a sense of humour one of the entries in rewards.2da is "HorseDrownsWhileFlying DO NOT USE". Okay may be that says more about my sense of humour than theirs.