Dragon Age Toolset Wiki - User contributions [en]

Community Contest 6: Equipment Contest

2011-01-07T18:54:41Z

Adonnay: /* Crow & Crane */

[[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 ==
'''Create a piece of equipment. ''' There are two groups:

* Armour Retexture Group - This group is creating a new texture for an existing DAO armour or shield.
* Weapon New Model Group - This group is creating a new weapon or shield model.

The contest discussion thread can be found [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/discussion/12522/1250851/ here].

'''DEADLINE: Monday 10 January''' - your entry must be ready for judging before midday GMT+0. It is strongly recommended you submit well before this time (sunday!) 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 (many of these steps are covered in the video tutorial):
* complete the [[Community_Contest_6:_Equipment_Contest#Checklist||entry checklist]] below and agree to the [[Community_Contest_6:_Equipment_Contest#Consent_to_Share||Consent to Share]]
* include either a retexture OR a new model for the piece of equipment

* have a unique ID in a variations GDA
** reserve a variation slot on the [[Community_Contest_ID_Ranges#Variation_sheets|Contest ID page]]
** create the variations GDA

* be created as an item in the toolset
** have a name/description/style that fits DA-canon or generic-canon (do not make a lightsaber or reference the Dagobah system in the description, for example, but you do not ''need'' to reference Ferelden)
** create a dadbdata of the item (R click the item resource > Builder to Builder Create)

=== Guidelines ===
Strong entries will:

* have a strong visual design

*''Retexture Group:''
** if using an existing DA model, make the new texture distinctly different so as to do something "new"
** have a high quality of texture at a suitable resolution (see below)
** accommodate tinting the item

*''new Model Group:'' - (in addition to texture standards above)
** be positioned and scaled correctly to fit character and animations well.
** have a high quality of model
** use a suitable polycount (see below) and use the budget effectively

=== Suggestions ===
* New Model Group: sword, blunt weapon, staff, bow, shield,
* Retexture Group: clothing (full-body), chest armour, boots, gloves, shield

=== Allowable ===
While no "bonus points" will be given for the following, entries may:
* create armours for just one race/gender combination (HM, HF, EM, EF, DM, DF, QM). Obviously, creating for all seven combinations is great too :)
* use existing DA models provided a new texture is made which is distinctly different
* use existing DA textures provided a new model is made which is distinctly different
* modify existing DA models or textures provided the overall texture/model combination is dintinctly different from the original
* include several pieces in one submission (ex. boots, gloves, chest items as an item set)
* entering the contest several times, including entering both groups (provided a single entry only enters a single group)

=== Not Allowable ===
Please:
* do not use somebody elses model or texture unless you have permission to do so under the consent to share outlined below
* do not submit weapons for which there is no suitable animation ''(For example, there is no DA animation for thrusting with a pike, firing a sling, etc)''
* a single entry may not enter both groups - your entry is EITHER a new (textured) model, OR it is a retextured existing model

== Groups and Prizes ==

=== Groups ===
This contest has two groups. A single entry may only enter one group.

=== Retexture Group ===
* 1st place - 10 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 5 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 3 points, chooses third
* Best Newcomer - 3 points (unless 1st, 2nd or 3rd place)
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

=== New Model Group ===
* 1st place - 15 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 10 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 5 points, chooses third
* Best Newcomer - 3 points (unless 1st, 2nd or 3rd place)
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

=== Best Newcomer Award ===
If an entrant has not entered a Community Contest before, they qualify for the Best Newcomer Award. This award is given to the newcomer with the highest number of votes.

=== Prizes ===

Please see [[Community_Contest_Prizes|Community Contest Prizes]]

== Helpful Links ==

=== New Model Group ===
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWvxMXzEbuM Custom Weapon Appearances] - covers how to set up a weapon in 3DS Max for exporting.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJ8yhGborY Adding item appearances to DA] - covers how to add your new appearance to DA without replacing anything.
* [http://social.bioware.com/project/2336/ Eshme's Import/Export Script] for 3ds max and GMax (new models only)
* [[Texture_Formats|Texture Formats]] - Builder Wiki
* [[ItemVariations.xls|ItemVariation Documentation]] - Builder Wiki

=== Retexture Group ===

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E_slY9Latk Retexturing an existing model] - covers how to find and retexture a DA armour model.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJ8yhGborY Adding item appearances to DA] - covers how to add your new appearance to DA without replacing anything.
* [[Tutorial:_Reskinning_an_Item|Tutorial: Reskinning an Item]] - Builder Wiki
* [[Texture_Formats|Texture Formats]] - Builder Wiki
* [[ItemVariations.xls|ItemVariation Documentation]] - Builder Wiki

== Guidelines (extended) ==

=== Models ===
As a guideline (not a strict limit), aim for 1000 - 2000 triangles for weapon/shield models. Anything over 3000 triangles had better have a very good reason for it ;)

=== Textures ===
The recommended is in line with DA spec. Its pretty safe to go over though, but you shouldnt need more than double the texture space. I would not recommend using two or more textures - its really not needed for equipment.

'''Weapons/shields'''
* recommended: 512x512
* reasonable maximum: 512x1024

'''Full-body outfit''' (includes hands/gloves and feet/boots)
* recommended: 1024x1024
* reasonable maximum: 1024x2048

'''Chest'''
* recommended: 1024x1024
* reasonable maximum: 1024x1024

'''Boots/gloves'''
* recommended: 256x256
* reasonable maximum: 256x512

=== GDA (variations) ===

Remember that you should be EXTENDING (and not replacing) the variations. This also applies to replacing textures - forcibly overwriting textures WILL BE JUDGED UNFAVORABLY, since it requires extra work to fix. As such your variations sheet should contain ONLY one extra line.

Mike will include a screenshot of his finished GDA once he's done.

= Entries =

=== Entry File(s) ===

'''File Contents:'''
* dadbdata of your item file
* variations GDA
* mmh, msh, phy, mao, dds as appropriate

'''File Format:'''
one .7z file (preferred)

=== Checklist ===

# Create your file (see above)
# Create a [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/ Dragon Age Nexus] page for your entry and upload the above file. Please include "Community Contest" in the title.
# Edit '''this''' page with a description and pictures of your content.
#* Please include pictures which are both functional as well as attractive (so your work can be seen clearly)
#* Link to your DA Nexus page. See the sample entry.
# Optionally, let us know in the [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/#discussions Contest Discussion Thread] that you've entered

For the general entry guidelines (as well as more detail on the above steps), please see the [[Community_Contest_Entry_FAQ|Entry FAQs]]

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

== Consent to Share ==

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 (prop models, VFXProj files).
The work *MUST* be your own (obviously you may use DA assets).
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. 

== Warhammer by mikemike37==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1957 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''
This is just a sample entry for others to see the sort of thing judges might expect to see, and the format in which it has been submitted.

NOTE: it is not a requirement of this contest to create the script to give the item to the player, or create any kind of player package. You do have to create the item in the toolset and export it as a dadbdata though.

[[File:Cc6_warhammer.jpg|500px|Room Plan]]

=== 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.

== HjorrMikill by Nattfodd ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1989 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''
* '''[http://social.bioware.com/project/3965/ BSN project page]'''

HjorMikill means GreatSword in ancient language.
Protected by the mountains and snow, this sword was probably forged for a King when the elders were young, to protect in troubled times.
This sword is the backbone of the life a warrior knows,
forged in fire and ice: who will be the one ready to let this old sword to sing again?

[[File:HjorMikill_05.jpg|500px|top|Logo]]

[[File:HjorMikill_03.jpg|500px|left|Swing 1]] [[File:HjorMikill_01.jpg|500px|Swing 2]]

[[File:HjorMikill_04.jpg|500px|Swing 3]]

=== 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.

== Mage Helm by BlackPhi ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1988 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

This leather helm is for the mage who prefers to be discreet. At first glance it is merely an ordinary leather helm, only on careful examination are the lyrium infused runes visible. For effective discretion this should be combined with mage's leathers and a mage's club.

An entry for the retexture group.

The helm is restricted to mages (human mages at present) and provides a mental resistance bonus.

Any apostate mage who wants to remain free for long (and doesn't fancy spending the rest of their life in the Korcari Wilds) needs to break the habit of wearing distinctive flowing robes with a daft-looking hood and a dirty great staff poking above their head. This helm is a part of a set of items to provide magical benefits whilst looking, to a casual glance, like ordinary gear.

[[File:Helm-Front.jpg|400px|Front View]] [[File:In-Disguise.jpg|500px|Mage Incognito]]

[[File:Helm-Back.jpg|400px|Rear View]]

=== 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.

== The Valorous by Vaylise==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2005 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

This retexture is for females only; though, it is available for Human, Elf, and Dwarf races.

Armor description: The Valorous is designed for fashion conscious women to show off their wealth and style in this aesthetically pleasing armor. Even in the battlefield, this lightweight armor is sure to draw the envy of many with its genuine gold studs delicately patterned across the fine polished leather.

[[File:Vaylise_Armor_HF.jpg|500px|Different Views]]
[[File:Vaylise_Armor_HF_closeup.jpg|500px|Close Up]]

=== 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.

== Cudgel by BlackPhi ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2007 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

A lump of wood, crudely shaped and polished, for hitting people with. As used by peasants, poorly equipped militia and low-level thugs.

Although clubs are a staple of FRPG, DA:O doesn't include any, so this entry for the new model group fills the gap.

[[File:CC6_Cudgel-Sheathed.jpg|400px|Cudgel Sheathed]] [[File:CC6_Cudgel-In-Action.jpg|600px|Cudgel In Action]]

=== 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.

== Crow & Crane by Adonnay ==

* '''[http://dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1970 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

A set of two longswords for the dual wielding archetypes. They are meant to really shine during dialog scenes hence the slightly larger textures of 1024 x 1024.
Both swords are quite powerful and are meant for higher level content.

[[File:CC06_cnc01.jpg|400px|Crow and Crane]]
[[File:CC06_cnc02.jpg|400px|row and Crane]]
[[File:CC06_cnc03.jpg|400px|Crow and Crane]]

=== 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:CC06 cnc03.jpg

2011-01-07T18:47:39Z

Adonnay: Crow and Crane

Crow and Crane

File:CC06 cnc02.jpg

2011-01-07T18:47:16Z

Adonnay: Crow and Crane

Crow and Crane

File:CC06 cnc01.jpg

2011-01-07T18:45:22Z

Adonnay: Crow and Crane display shot 01

Crow and Crane display shot 01

Community Contest 6: Equipment Contest

2011-01-07T18:38:57Z

Adonnay: /* Judges' Comments */

[[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 ==
'''Create a piece of equipment. ''' There are two groups:

* Armour Retexture Group - This group is creating a new texture for an existing DAO armour or shield.
* Weapon New Model Group - This group is creating a new weapon or shield model.

The contest discussion thread can be found [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/discussion/12522/1250851/ here].

'''DEADLINE: Monday 10 January''' - your entry must be ready for judging before midday GMT+0. It is strongly recommended you submit well before this time (sunday!) 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 (many of these steps are covered in the video tutorial):
* complete the [[Community_Contest_6:_Equipment_Contest#Checklist||entry checklist]] below and agree to the [[Community_Contest_6:_Equipment_Contest#Consent_to_Share||Consent to Share]]
* include either a retexture OR a new model for the piece of equipment

* have a unique ID in a variations GDA
** reserve a variation slot on the [[Community_Contest_ID_Ranges#Variation_sheets|Contest ID page]]
** create the variations GDA

* be created as an item in the toolset
** have a name/description/style that fits DA-canon or generic-canon (do not make a lightsaber or reference the Dagobah system in the description, for example, but you do not ''need'' to reference Ferelden)
** create a dadbdata of the item (R click the item resource > Builder to Builder Create)

=== Guidelines ===
Strong entries will:

* have a strong visual design

*''Retexture Group:''
** if using an existing DA model, make the new texture distinctly different so as to do something "new"
** have a high quality of texture at a suitable resolution (see below)
** accommodate tinting the item

*''new Model Group:'' - (in addition to texture standards above)
** be positioned and scaled correctly to fit character and animations well.
** have a high quality of model
** use a suitable polycount (see below) and use the budget effectively

=== Suggestions ===
* New Model Group: sword, blunt weapon, staff, bow, shield,
* Retexture Group: clothing (full-body), chest armour, boots, gloves, shield

=== Allowable ===
While no "bonus points" will be given for the following, entries may:
* create armours for just one race/gender combination (HM, HF, EM, EF, DM, DF, QM). Obviously, creating for all seven combinations is great too :)
* use existing DA models provided a new texture is made which is distinctly different
* use existing DA textures provided a new model is made which is distinctly different
* modify existing DA models or textures provided the overall texture/model combination is dintinctly different from the original
* include several pieces in one submission (ex. boots, gloves, chest items as an item set)
* entering the contest several times, including entering both groups (provided a single entry only enters a single group)

=== Not Allowable ===
Please:
* do not use somebody elses model or texture unless you have permission to do so under the consent to share outlined below
* do not submit weapons for which there is no suitable animation ''(For example, there is no DA animation for thrusting with a pike, firing a sling, etc)''
* a single entry may not enter both groups - your entry is EITHER a new (textured) model, OR it is a retextured existing model

== Groups and Prizes ==

=== Groups ===
This contest has two groups. A single entry may only enter one group.

=== Retexture Group ===
* 1st place - 10 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 5 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 3 points, chooses third
* Best Newcomer - 3 points (unless 1st, 2nd or 3rd place)
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

=== New Model Group ===
* 1st place - 15 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 10 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 5 points, chooses third
* Best Newcomer - 3 points (unless 1st, 2nd or 3rd place)
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

=== Best Newcomer Award ===
If an entrant has not entered a Community Contest before, they qualify for the Best Newcomer Award. This award is given to the newcomer with the highest number of votes.

=== Prizes ===

Please see [[Community_Contest_Prizes|Community Contest Prizes]]

== Helpful Links ==

=== New Model Group ===
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWvxMXzEbuM Custom Weapon Appearances] - covers how to set up a weapon in 3DS Max for exporting.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJ8yhGborY Adding item appearances to DA] - covers how to add your new appearance to DA without replacing anything.
* [http://social.bioware.com/project/2336/ Eshme's Import/Export Script] for 3ds max and GMax (new models only)
* [[Texture_Formats|Texture Formats]] - Builder Wiki
* [[ItemVariations.xls|ItemVariation Documentation]] - Builder Wiki

=== Retexture Group ===

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E_slY9Latk Retexturing an existing model] - covers how to find and retexture a DA armour model.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJ8yhGborY Adding item appearances to DA] - covers how to add your new appearance to DA without replacing anything.
* [[Tutorial:_Reskinning_an_Item|Tutorial: Reskinning an Item]] - Builder Wiki
* [[Texture_Formats|Texture Formats]] - Builder Wiki
* [[ItemVariations.xls|ItemVariation Documentation]] - Builder Wiki

== Guidelines (extended) ==

=== Models ===
As a guideline (not a strict limit), aim for 1000 - 2000 triangles for weapon/shield models. Anything over 3000 triangles had better have a very good reason for it ;)

=== Textures ===
The recommended is in line with DA spec. Its pretty safe to go over though, but you shouldnt need more than double the texture space. I would not recommend using two or more textures - its really not needed for equipment.

'''Weapons/shields'''
* recommended: 512x512
* reasonable maximum: 512x1024

'''Full-body outfit''' (includes hands/gloves and feet/boots)
* recommended: 1024x1024
* reasonable maximum: 1024x2048

'''Chest'''
* recommended: 1024x1024
* reasonable maximum: 1024x1024

'''Boots/gloves'''
* recommended: 256x256
* reasonable maximum: 256x512

=== GDA (variations) ===

Remember that you should be EXTENDING (and not replacing) the variations. This also applies to replacing textures - forcibly overwriting textures WILL BE JUDGED UNFAVORABLY, since it requires extra work to fix. As such your variations sheet should contain ONLY one extra line.

Mike will include a screenshot of his finished GDA once he's done.

= Entries =

=== Entry File(s) ===

'''File Contents:'''
* dadbdata of your item file
* variations GDA
* mmh, msh, phy, mao, dds as appropriate

'''File Format:'''
one .7z file (preferred)

=== Checklist ===

# Create your file (see above)
# Create a [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/ Dragon Age Nexus] page for your entry and upload the above file. Please include "Community Contest" in the title.
# Edit '''this''' page with a description and pictures of your content.
#* Please include pictures which are both functional as well as attractive (so your work can be seen clearly)
#* Link to your DA Nexus page. See the sample entry.
# Optionally, let us know in the [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/#discussions Contest Discussion Thread] that you've entered

For the general entry guidelines (as well as more detail on the above steps), please see the [[Community_Contest_Entry_FAQ|Entry FAQs]]

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

== Consent to Share ==

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 (prop models, VFXProj files).
The work *MUST* be your own (obviously you may use DA assets).
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. 

== Warhammer by mikemike37==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1957 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''
This is just a sample entry for others to see the sort of thing judges might expect to see, and the format in which it has been submitted.

NOTE: it is not a requirement of this contest to create the script to give the item to the player, or create any kind of player package. You do have to create the item in the toolset and export it as a dadbdata though.

[[File:Cc6_warhammer.jpg|500px|Room Plan]]

=== 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.

== HjorrMikill by Nattfodd ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1989 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''
* '''[http://social.bioware.com/project/3965/ BSN project page]'''

HjorMikill means GreatSword in ancient language.
Protected by the mountains and snow, this sword was probably forged for a King when the elders were young, to protect in troubled times.
This sword is the backbone of the life a warrior knows,
forged in fire and ice: who will be the one ready to let this old sword to sing again?

[[File:HjorMikill_05.jpg|500px|top|Logo]]

[[File:HjorMikill_03.jpg|500px|left|Swing 1]] [[File:HjorMikill_01.jpg|500px|Swing 2]]

[[File:HjorMikill_04.jpg|500px|Swing 3]]

=== 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.

== Mage Helm by BlackPhi ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1988 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

This leather helm is for the mage who prefers to be discreet. At first glance it is merely an ordinary leather helm, only on careful examination are the lyrium infused runes visible. For effective discretion this should be combined with mage's leathers and a mage's club.

An entry for the retexture group.

The helm is restricted to mages (human mages at present) and provides a mental resistance bonus.

Any apostate mage who wants to remain free for long (and doesn't fancy spending the rest of their life in the Korcari Wilds) needs to break the habit of wearing distinctive flowing robes with a daft-looking hood and a dirty great staff poking above their head. This helm is a part of a set of items to provide magical benefits whilst looking, to a casual glance, like ordinary gear.

[[File:Helm-Front.jpg|400px|Front View]] [[File:In-Disguise.jpg|500px|Mage Incognito]]

[[File:Helm-Back.jpg|400px|Rear View]]

=== 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.

== The Valorous by Vaylise==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2005 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

This retexture is for females only; though, it is available for Human, Elf, and Dwarf races.

Armor description: The Valorous is designed for fashion conscious women to show off their wealth and style in this aesthetically pleasing armor. Even in the battlefield, this lightweight armor is sure to draw the envy of many with its genuine gold studs delicately patterned across the fine polished leather.

[[File:Vaylise_Armor_HF.jpg|500px|Different Views]]
[[File:Vaylise_Armor_HF_closeup.jpg|500px|Close Up]]

=== 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.

== Cudgel by BlackPhi ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2007 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

A lump of wood, crudely shaped and polished, for hitting people with. As used by peasants, poorly equipped militia and low-level thugs.

Although clubs are a staple of FRPG, DA:O doesn't include any, so this entry for the new model group fills the gap.

[[File:CC6_Cudgel-Sheathed.jpg|400px|Cudgel Sheathed]] [[File:CC6_Cudgel-In-Action.jpg|600px|Cudgel In Action]]

=== 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.

== Crow & Crane ==

=== 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 6: Equipment Contest

2011-01-07T18:38:29Z

Adonnay: /* The Crow & Crane */

[[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 ==
'''Create a piece of equipment. ''' There are two groups:

* Armour Retexture Group - This group is creating a new texture for an existing DAO armour or shield.
* Weapon New Model Group - This group is creating a new weapon or shield model.

The contest discussion thread can be found [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/discussion/12522/1250851/ here].

'''DEADLINE: Monday 10 January''' - your entry must be ready for judging before midday GMT+0. It is strongly recommended you submit well before this time (sunday!) 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 (many of these steps are covered in the video tutorial):
* complete the [[Community_Contest_6:_Equipment_Contest#Checklist||entry checklist]] below and agree to the [[Community_Contest_6:_Equipment_Contest#Consent_to_Share||Consent to Share]]
* include either a retexture OR a new model for the piece of equipment

* have a unique ID in a variations GDA
** reserve a variation slot on the [[Community_Contest_ID_Ranges#Variation_sheets|Contest ID page]]
** create the variations GDA

* be created as an item in the toolset
** have a name/description/style that fits DA-canon or generic-canon (do not make a lightsaber or reference the Dagobah system in the description, for example, but you do not ''need'' to reference Ferelden)
** create a dadbdata of the item (R click the item resource > Builder to Builder Create)

=== Guidelines ===
Strong entries will:

* have a strong visual design

*''Retexture Group:''
** if using an existing DA model, make the new texture distinctly different so as to do something "new"
** have a high quality of texture at a suitable resolution (see below)
** accommodate tinting the item

*''new Model Group:'' - (in addition to texture standards above)
** be positioned and scaled correctly to fit character and animations well.
** have a high quality of model
** use a suitable polycount (see below) and use the budget effectively

=== Suggestions ===
* New Model Group: sword, blunt weapon, staff, bow, shield,
* Retexture Group: clothing (full-body), chest armour, boots, gloves, shield

=== Allowable ===
While no "bonus points" will be given for the following, entries may:
* create armours for just one race/gender combination (HM, HF, EM, EF, DM, DF, QM). Obviously, creating for all seven combinations is great too :)
* use existing DA models provided a new texture is made which is distinctly different
* use existing DA textures provided a new model is made which is distinctly different
* modify existing DA models or textures provided the overall texture/model combination is dintinctly different from the original
* include several pieces in one submission (ex. boots, gloves, chest items as an item set)
* entering the contest several times, including entering both groups (provided a single entry only enters a single group)

=== Not Allowable ===
Please:
* do not use somebody elses model or texture unless you have permission to do so under the consent to share outlined below
* do not submit weapons for which there is no suitable animation ''(For example, there is no DA animation for thrusting with a pike, firing a sling, etc)''
* a single entry may not enter both groups - your entry is EITHER a new (textured) model, OR it is a retextured existing model

== Groups and Prizes ==

=== Groups ===
This contest has two groups. A single entry may only enter one group.

=== Retexture Group ===
* 1st place - 10 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 5 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 3 points, chooses third
* Best Newcomer - 3 points (unless 1st, 2nd or 3rd place)
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

=== New Model Group ===
* 1st place - 15 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 10 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 5 points, chooses third
* Best Newcomer - 3 points (unless 1st, 2nd or 3rd place)
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

=== Best Newcomer Award ===
If an entrant has not entered a Community Contest before, they qualify for the Best Newcomer Award. This award is given to the newcomer with the highest number of votes.

=== Prizes ===

Please see [[Community_Contest_Prizes|Community Contest Prizes]]

== Helpful Links ==

=== New Model Group ===
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWvxMXzEbuM Custom Weapon Appearances] - covers how to set up a weapon in 3DS Max for exporting.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJ8yhGborY Adding item appearances to DA] - covers how to add your new appearance to DA without replacing anything.
* [http://social.bioware.com/project/2336/ Eshme's Import/Export Script] for 3ds max and GMax (new models only)
* [[Texture_Formats|Texture Formats]] - Builder Wiki
* [[ItemVariations.xls|ItemVariation Documentation]] - Builder Wiki

=== Retexture Group ===

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E_slY9Latk Retexturing an existing model] - covers how to find and retexture a DA armour model.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJ8yhGborY Adding item appearances to DA] - covers how to add your new appearance to DA without replacing anything.
* [[Tutorial:_Reskinning_an_Item|Tutorial: Reskinning an Item]] - Builder Wiki
* [[Texture_Formats|Texture Formats]] - Builder Wiki
* [[ItemVariations.xls|ItemVariation Documentation]] - Builder Wiki

== Guidelines (extended) ==

=== Models ===
As a guideline (not a strict limit), aim for 1000 - 2000 triangles for weapon/shield models. Anything over 3000 triangles had better have a very good reason for it ;)

=== Textures ===
The recommended is in line with DA spec. Its pretty safe to go over though, but you shouldnt need more than double the texture space. I would not recommend using two or more textures - its really not needed for equipment.

'''Weapons/shields'''
* recommended: 512x512
* reasonable maximum: 512x1024

'''Full-body outfit''' (includes hands/gloves and feet/boots)
* recommended: 1024x1024
* reasonable maximum: 1024x2048

'''Chest'''
* recommended: 1024x1024
* reasonable maximum: 1024x1024

'''Boots/gloves'''
* recommended: 256x256
* reasonable maximum: 256x512

=== GDA (variations) ===

Remember that you should be EXTENDING (and not replacing) the variations. This also applies to replacing textures - forcibly overwriting textures WILL BE JUDGED UNFAVORABLY, since it requires extra work to fix. As such your variations sheet should contain ONLY one extra line.

Mike will include a screenshot of his finished GDA once he's done.

= Entries =

=== Entry File(s) ===

'''File Contents:'''
* dadbdata of your item file
* variations GDA
* mmh, msh, phy, mao, dds as appropriate

'''File Format:'''
one .7z file (preferred)

=== Checklist ===

# Create your file (see above)
# Create a [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/ Dragon Age Nexus] page for your entry and upload the above file. Please include "Community Contest" in the title.
# Edit '''this''' page with a description and pictures of your content.
#* Please include pictures which are both functional as well as attractive (so your work can be seen clearly)
#* Link to your DA Nexus page. See the sample entry.
# Optionally, let us know in the [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/#discussions Contest Discussion Thread] that you've entered

For the general entry guidelines (as well as more detail on the above steps), please see the [[Community_Contest_Entry_FAQ|Entry FAQs]]

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

== Consent to Share ==

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 (prop models, VFXProj files).
The work *MUST* be your own (obviously you may use DA assets).
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. 

== Warhammer by mikemike37==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1957 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''
This is just a sample entry for others to see the sort of thing judges might expect to see, and the format in which it has been submitted.

NOTE: it is not a requirement of this contest to create the script to give the item to the player, or create any kind of player package. You do have to create the item in the toolset and export it as a dadbdata though.

[[File:Cc6_warhammer.jpg|500px|Room Plan]]

=== 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.

== HjorrMikill by Nattfodd ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1989 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''
* '''[http://social.bioware.com/project/3965/ BSN project page]'''

HjorMikill means GreatSword in ancient language.
Protected by the mountains and snow, this sword was probably forged for a King when the elders were young, to protect in troubled times.
This sword is the backbone of the life a warrior knows,
forged in fire and ice: who will be the one ready to let this old sword to sing again?

[[File:HjorMikill_05.jpg|500px|top|Logo]]

[[File:HjorMikill_03.jpg|500px|left|Swing 1]] [[File:HjorMikill_01.jpg|500px|Swing 2]]

[[File:HjorMikill_04.jpg|500px|Swing 3]]

=== 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.

== Mage Helm by BlackPhi ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1988 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

This leather helm is for the mage who prefers to be discreet. At first glance it is merely an ordinary leather helm, only on careful examination are the lyrium infused runes visible. For effective discretion this should be combined with mage's leathers and a mage's club.

An entry for the retexture group.

The helm is restricted to mages (human mages at present) and provides a mental resistance bonus.

Any apostate mage who wants to remain free for long (and doesn't fancy spending the rest of their life in the Korcari Wilds) needs to break the habit of wearing distinctive flowing robes with a daft-looking hood and a dirty great staff poking above their head. This helm is a part of a set of items to provide magical benefits whilst looking, to a casual glance, like ordinary gear.

[[File:Helm-Front.jpg|400px|Front View]] [[File:In-Disguise.jpg|500px|Mage Incognito]]

[[File:Helm-Back.jpg|400px|Rear View]]

=== 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.

== The Valorous by Vaylise==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2005 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

This retexture is for females only; though, it is available for Human, Elf, and Dwarf races.

Armor description: The Valorous is designed for fashion conscious women to show off their wealth and style in this aesthetically pleasing armor. Even in the battlefield, this lightweight armor is sure to draw the envy of many with its genuine gold studs delicately patterned across the fine polished leather.

[[File:Vaylise_Armor_HF.jpg|500px|Different Views]]
[[File:Vaylise_Armor_HF_closeup.jpg|500px|Close Up]]

=== 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.

== Cudgel by BlackPhi ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2007 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

A lump of wood, crudely shaped and polished, for hitting people with. As used by peasants, poorly equipped militia and low-level thugs.

Although clubs are a staple of FRPG, DA:O doesn't include any, so this entry for the new model group fills the gap.

[[File:CC6_Cudgel-Sheathed.jpg|400px|Cudgel Sheathed]] [[File:CC6_Cudgel-In-Action.jpg|600px|Cudgel In Action]]

=== 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 6: Equipment Contest

2011-01-07T18:38:07Z

Adonnay: /* The Valorous by Vaylise */

[[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 ==
'''Create a piece of equipment. ''' There are two groups:

* Armour Retexture Group - This group is creating a new texture for an existing DAO armour or shield.
* Weapon New Model Group - This group is creating a new weapon or shield model.

The contest discussion thread can be found [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/discussion/12522/1250851/ here].

'''DEADLINE: Monday 10 January''' - your entry must be ready for judging before midday GMT+0. It is strongly recommended you submit well before this time (sunday!) 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 (many of these steps are covered in the video tutorial):
* complete the [[Community_Contest_6:_Equipment_Contest#Checklist||entry checklist]] below and agree to the [[Community_Contest_6:_Equipment_Contest#Consent_to_Share||Consent to Share]]
* include either a retexture OR a new model for the piece of equipment

* have a unique ID in a variations GDA
** reserve a variation slot on the [[Community_Contest_ID_Ranges#Variation_sheets|Contest ID page]]
** create the variations GDA

* be created as an item in the toolset
** have a name/description/style that fits DA-canon or generic-canon (do not make a lightsaber or reference the Dagobah system in the description, for example, but you do not ''need'' to reference Ferelden)
** create a dadbdata of the item (R click the item resource > Builder to Builder Create)

=== Guidelines ===
Strong entries will:

* have a strong visual design

*''Retexture Group:''
** if using an existing DA model, make the new texture distinctly different so as to do something "new"
** have a high quality of texture at a suitable resolution (see below)
** accommodate tinting the item

*''new Model Group:'' - (in addition to texture standards above)
** be positioned and scaled correctly to fit character and animations well.
** have a high quality of model
** use a suitable polycount (see below) and use the budget effectively

=== Suggestions ===
* New Model Group: sword, blunt weapon, staff, bow, shield,
* Retexture Group: clothing (full-body), chest armour, boots, gloves, shield

=== Allowable ===
While no "bonus points" will be given for the following, entries may:
* create armours for just one race/gender combination (HM, HF, EM, EF, DM, DF, QM). Obviously, creating for all seven combinations is great too :)
* use existing DA models provided a new texture is made which is distinctly different
* use existing DA textures provided a new model is made which is distinctly different
* modify existing DA models or textures provided the overall texture/model combination is dintinctly different from the original
* include several pieces in one submission (ex. boots, gloves, chest items as an item set)
* entering the contest several times, including entering both groups (provided a single entry only enters a single group)

=== Not Allowable ===
Please:
* do not use somebody elses model or texture unless you have permission to do so under the consent to share outlined below
* do not submit weapons for which there is no suitable animation ''(For example, there is no DA animation for thrusting with a pike, firing a sling, etc)''
* a single entry may not enter both groups - your entry is EITHER a new (textured) model, OR it is a retextured existing model

== Groups and Prizes ==

=== Groups ===
This contest has two groups. A single entry may only enter one group.

=== Retexture Group ===
* 1st place - 10 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 5 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 3 points, chooses third
* Best Newcomer - 3 points (unless 1st, 2nd or 3rd place)
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

=== New Model Group ===
* 1st place - 15 points, chooses first
* 2nd place - 10 points, chooses second
* 3rd place - 5 points, chooses third
* Best Newcomer - 3 points (unless 1st, 2nd or 3rd place)
* All other entries meeting requirements - 1 point

=== Best Newcomer Award ===
If an entrant has not entered a Community Contest before, they qualify for the Best Newcomer Award. This award is given to the newcomer with the highest number of votes.

=== Prizes ===

Please see [[Community_Contest_Prizes|Community Contest Prizes]]

== Helpful Links ==

=== New Model Group ===
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWvxMXzEbuM Custom Weapon Appearances] - covers how to set up a weapon in 3DS Max for exporting.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJ8yhGborY Adding item appearances to DA] - covers how to add your new appearance to DA without replacing anything.
* [http://social.bioware.com/project/2336/ Eshme's Import/Export Script] for 3ds max and GMax (new models only)
* [[Texture_Formats|Texture Formats]] - Builder Wiki
* [[ItemVariations.xls|ItemVariation Documentation]] - Builder Wiki

=== Retexture Group ===

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E_slY9Latk Retexturing an existing model] - covers how to find and retexture a DA armour model.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvJ8yhGborY Adding item appearances to DA] - covers how to add your new appearance to DA without replacing anything.
* [[Tutorial:_Reskinning_an_Item|Tutorial: Reskinning an Item]] - Builder Wiki
* [[Texture_Formats|Texture Formats]] - Builder Wiki
* [[ItemVariations.xls|ItemVariation Documentation]] - Builder Wiki

== Guidelines (extended) ==

=== Models ===
As a guideline (not a strict limit), aim for 1000 - 2000 triangles for weapon/shield models. Anything over 3000 triangles had better have a very good reason for it ;)

=== Textures ===
The recommended is in line with DA spec. Its pretty safe to go over though, but you shouldnt need more than double the texture space. I would not recommend using two or more textures - its really not needed for equipment.

'''Weapons/shields'''
* recommended: 512x512
* reasonable maximum: 512x1024

'''Full-body outfit''' (includes hands/gloves and feet/boots)
* recommended: 1024x1024
* reasonable maximum: 1024x2048

'''Chest'''
* recommended: 1024x1024
* reasonable maximum: 1024x1024

'''Boots/gloves'''
* recommended: 256x256
* reasonable maximum: 256x512

=== GDA (variations) ===

Remember that you should be EXTENDING (and not replacing) the variations. This also applies to replacing textures - forcibly overwriting textures WILL BE JUDGED UNFAVORABLY, since it requires extra work to fix. As such your variations sheet should contain ONLY one extra line.

Mike will include a screenshot of his finished GDA once he's done.

= Entries =

=== Entry File(s) ===

'''File Contents:'''
* dadbdata of your item file
* variations GDA
* mmh, msh, phy, mao, dds as appropriate

'''File Format:'''
one .7z file (preferred)

=== Checklist ===

# Create your file (see above)
# Create a [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/ Dragon Age Nexus] page for your entry and upload the above file. Please include "Community Contest" in the title.
# Edit '''this''' page with a description and pictures of your content.
#* Please include pictures which are both functional as well as attractive (so your work can be seen clearly)
#* Link to your DA Nexus page. See the sample entry.
# Optionally, let us know in the [http://social.bioware.com/group/2535/#discussions Contest Discussion Thread] that you've entered

For the general entry guidelines (as well as more detail on the above steps), please see the [[Community_Contest_Entry_FAQ|Entry FAQs]]

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

== Consent to Share ==

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 (prop models, VFXProj files).
The work *MUST* be your own (obviously you may use DA assets).
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. 

== Warhammer by mikemike37==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1957 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''
This is just a sample entry for others to see the sort of thing judges might expect to see, and the format in which it has been submitted.

NOTE: it is not a requirement of this contest to create the script to give the item to the player, or create any kind of player package. You do have to create the item in the toolset and export it as a dadbdata though.

[[File:Cc6_warhammer.jpg|500px|Room Plan]]

=== 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.

== HjorrMikill by Nattfodd ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1989 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''
* '''[http://social.bioware.com/project/3965/ BSN project page]'''

HjorMikill means GreatSword in ancient language.
Protected by the mountains and snow, this sword was probably forged for a King when the elders were young, to protect in troubled times.
This sword is the backbone of the life a warrior knows,
forged in fire and ice: who will be the one ready to let this old sword to sing again?

[[File:HjorMikill_05.jpg|500px|top|Logo]]

[[File:HjorMikill_03.jpg|500px|left|Swing 1]] [[File:HjorMikill_01.jpg|500px|Swing 2]]

[[File:HjorMikill_04.jpg|500px|Swing 3]]

=== 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.

== Mage Helm by BlackPhi ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1988 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

This leather helm is for the mage who prefers to be discreet. At first glance it is merely an ordinary leather helm, only on careful examination are the lyrium infused runes visible. For effective discretion this should be combined with mage's leathers and a mage's club.

An entry for the retexture group.

The helm is restricted to mages (human mages at present) and provides a mental resistance bonus.

Any apostate mage who wants to remain free for long (and doesn't fancy spending the rest of their life in the Korcari Wilds) needs to break the habit of wearing distinctive flowing robes with a daft-looking hood and a dirty great staff poking above their head. This helm is a part of a set of items to provide magical benefits whilst looking, to a casual glance, like ordinary gear.

[[File:Helm-Front.jpg|400px|Front View]] [[File:In-Disguise.jpg|500px|Mage Incognito]]

[[File:Helm-Back.jpg|400px|Rear View]]

=== 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.

== The Valorous by Vaylise==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2005 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

This retexture is for females only; though, it is available for Human, Elf, and Dwarf races.

Armor description: The Valorous is designed for fashion conscious women to show off their wealth and style in this aesthetically pleasing armor. Even in the battlefield, this lightweight armor is sure to draw the envy of many with its genuine gold studs delicately patterned across the fine polished leather.

[[File:Vaylise_Armor_HF.jpg|500px|Different Views]]
[[File:Vaylise_Armor_HF_closeup.jpg|500px|Close Up]]

=== 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.

== The Crow & Crane ==

=== 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.

== Cudgel by BlackPhi ==

* '''[http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2007 Dragon Age Nexus project page]'''

A lump of wood, crudely shaped and polished, for hitting people with. As used by peasants, poorly equipped militia and low-level thugs.

Although clubs are a staple of FRPG, DA:O doesn't include any, so this entry for the new model group fills the gap.

[[File:CC6_Cudgel-Sheathed.jpg|400px|Cudgel Sheathed]] [[File:CC6_Cudgel-In-Action.jpg|600px|Cudgel In Action]]

=== 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 ID Ranges

2010-12-20T09:00:49Z

Adonnay: /* weapons and shields */

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

So that all Community Contest entries are compatible with one another and also with other mods that are around, IDs must not conflict. To ensure this, we must reserve ID ranges for strings and 2da ranges.

= String ranges =

Please modify this table to reserve String IDs '''before you use them''' (to avoid lost work). Append within our range if required. Please do not use from outside this range.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Range Begin
! Range End
! Used by
|- style="color:#ff6666;"
| '''89000000'''
| '''89999999'''
| '''Entire CC Range (to be divided up)'''
|-
| 89000000
| 89099999
| Organiser reserved range
|-
| 89100000
| 89100999
| Cuvieronius
|-
| 89101000
| 89101999
| Vaylise
|-
| 89102000
| 89102999
| BAPACop
|-
| 89103000
| 89103999
| BloodsongVengeance
|-
| 89104000
| 89104999
| Jackkel Dragon
|-
| 89105000
| 89105999
| Lord Uber Dowzen (uberdowzen)
|-
| 89106000
| 89106999
| Shadow5973
|-
| 89107000
| 89107999
| Lobo
|-
| 89108000
| 89108999
| mikemike37
|-
| 89109000
| 89109999
| Mengtzu
|-
| 89110000
| 89110999
| Available
|-
| 89111000
| 89111999
| (please keep extending this list as requried)
|}

=== Why reserve an ID range? ===
This prevents the need for other modders to change your strings. This prevents any chance of overlapping IDs with other entries or other mods. This means that if you attach voice to conversations, or specify a StringID in a 2da, these connections will not be broken when others use your mod.

=== How many do I reserve? ===
Just take 1000 unless you need more. Do not take less, we've got plenty to spare ;)

=== How do I set my module to use those strings? ===

* While logged in to builder wiki (same as login here), edit the page to put your name next to the range.
* In Toolset, go File > Manage Modules > (select your module) > Properties
* Set the following:
** StringID Begin
** StringID End
** StringID Last Used
* Hit OK and close dialogue.

= 2da Ranges =

We have reserved 24000 - 26000 in most 2das. Please reserve as many as you anticipate you will need, but don't be wasteful (reserving 200 when you only need 6 is wasteful). If you need hundreds, it's probably worth reserving your own range outside of the contest range.

== General ==

=== M2DA_base ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Range Begin
! Range End
! Used by
|- style="color:#ff6666;"
| '''24000'''
| '''26000'''
| '''Entire CC Range (to be divided up)'''
|-
| 24000
| 24499
| Organiser reserved range
|-
| 24500
| 24509
| mikemike37
|-
| 24510
| 24519
| (please keep extending this list as requried)
|}

=== ABI_base ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Range Begin
! Range End
! Used by
|- style="color:#ff6666;"
| '''24000'''
| '''26000'''
| '''Entire CC Range (to be divided up)'''
|-
| 24000
| 24499
| Organiser reserved range
|-
| 24500
| 24509
| mikemike37
|-
| 24510
| 24519
| (please keep extending this list as requried)
|}

=== placeable_types ===

''nb a bug is causing the range of 24000 and above to not work in-game so we're using 14000-16000 instead.''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Range Begin
! Range End
! Used by
|- style="color:#ff6666;"
| '''14000'''
| '''16000'''
| '''Entire CC Range (to be divided up)'''
|-
| 14000
| 14499
| Organiser reserved range
|-
| 14500
| 14509
| mikemike37
|-
| 14510
| 14519
| (please keep extending this list as requried)
|}

== Variation sheets ==

=== weapons and shields ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Sheet
! ID reserved
! Used by
|- style="color:#ff6666;"
| '''All variations sheets'''
| '''140 - 160'''
| '''Entire CC Range (to be divided up)'''
|-
| mace_variation
| 140
| mikemike37
|-
| longsword_variation
| 150 - 151
| Adonnay
|-
| longbow_variation
| 140
| example - delete me!
|-
| longbow_variation
| 141
| example - delete me!
|}

=== armour and clothes ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Sheet
! ID reserved
! Used by
|- style="color:#ff6666;"
| '''All variations sheets'''
| '''140 - 160'''
| '''Entire CC Range (to be divided up)'''
|-
| armor_light_variation
| 140
| example - delete me!
|-
| armor_light_variation
| 141
| example - delete me!
|-
| gloves_massive_variation
| 140
| example - delete me!
|-
| gloves_massive_variation
| 141
| example - delete me!
|}

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T10:14:46Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect. 
+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents 
- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help. 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

'''Adonnay''' on Belgray

+ Day/Night variations 
+ Good use of houses and terrain 
- Seems a little "clean", could use a little more props 
- unreachable building in the back of the village 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

'''Adonnay''' on Ojardsi

+ Dark atmosphere, feels like the end of the world with all those mixed architecture and the reddish ground 
- I usually don't go too much into the technical side but the tiling could use some retouching and many of the collisions are missing 
- The mixed architecture is a bit overdone in some places and feels a little out of place 
- Large unused areas should be avoided 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

'''Adonnay''' on Sylvhaven

+ Great viking/norse themed village 
+ Nice marketplace with distinct "shops" 
+ Good (=rare) use of ruins on the hill, unfortunately not reachable, would make a nice place for some worshippers 
- Palisades should not only cover the entrance but the whole hill 
- Piers are a little too cluttered, front piers cannot be reached (would make a nice panorama spot) 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

'''Adonnay''' on Hillside Village

+ Fitting dark atmosphere 
+ Lots of details like tools, a building site and gardens 
- Ruin entrance seems a little misplaced and artificial 

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

'''Adonnay''' on Village in the River

+ Great, original idea 
+ With the right ambient sound the waterfall will really make an impression 
+ Nice temple and impressive palisades 
- Many prop popups (lookout tower, temple gargoyles), not sure if this are technical limitations 
- Very few props/details 
- The level borders seem very artificial (sharp edges, only one treeline that can be seen through), probably engine limitations 

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

'''Adonnay''' on Hakkon's Gift

+ Amazing Panorama 
+ Great many details and recognizable professsions 
+ Really like the cavern entrance, the ice (plus fishermen's tents) and the shaman hut 
- Palisades slightly overused 
- Could use a little more huts to cover some of the open spaces 

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

'''Adonnay''' on Evermist

+ Great use of crops, gardens and fences 
+ The river and the bridges are a nice touch 
+ Slum/alienage for the poor? Certainly realistic 
+ Quite large without beeing repetetive 
- Some collision issues and see through parts (i.e. the "shrine" on the hill, a hole in the door to the fort) 
- Level could use more collision borders to prevent getting to close to the edges since the tree textures are very crude 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

'''Adonnay''' on Village by the Sea

+ Awesome panorama with the three windmills and the rolling hills 
+ Many details 
+ Nice mediterranean atmosphere 
+ Very nice castle, I wish I could walk through the gate 
- No harbour or pier of any sort seems unlikely for a village at the sea 
- the sea feels a bit bland

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T10:14:24Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect. 
+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents 
- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help. 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

'''Adonnay''' on Belgray

+ Day/Night variations 
+ Good use of houses and terrain 
- Seems a little "clean", could use a little more props 
- unreachable building in the back of the village 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

'''Adonnay''' on Ojardsi

+ Dark atmosphere, feels like the end of the world with all those mixed architecture and the reddish ground 
- I usually don't go too much into the technical side but the tiling could use some retouching and many of the collisions are missing 
- The mixed architecture is a bit overdone in some places and feels a little out of place 
- Large unused areas should be avoided 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

'''Adonnay''' on Sylvhaven

+ Great viking/norse themed village 
+ Nice marketplace with distinct "shops" 
+ Good (=rare) use of ruins on the hill, unfortunately not reachable, would make a nice place for some worshippers 
- Palisades should not only cover the entrance but the whole hill 
- Piers are a little too cluttered, front piers cannot be reached (would make a nice panorama spot) 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

'''Adonnay''' on Hillside Village

+ Fitting dark atmosphere 
+ Lots of details like tools, a building site and gardens 
- Ruin entrance seems a little misplaced and artificial 

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

'''Adonnay''' on Village in the River

+ Great, original idea 
+ With the right ambient sound the waterfall will really make an impression 
+ Nice temple and impressive palisades 
- Many prop popups (lookout tower, temple gargoyles), not sure if this are technical limitations 
- Very few props/details 
- The level borders seem very artificial (sharp edges, only one treeline that can be seen through), probably engine limitations 

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

'''Adonnay''' on Hakkon's Gift

+ Amazing Panorama 
+ Great many details and recognizable professsions 
+ Really like the cavern entrance, the ice (plus fishermen's tents) and the shaman hut 
- Palisades slightly overused 
- Could use a little more huts to cover some of the open spaces 

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

'''Adonnay''' on Village by the Sea

+ Awesome panorama with the three windmills and the rolling hills 
+ Many details 
+ Nice mediterranean atmosphere 
+ Very nice castle, I wish I could walk through the gate 
- No harbour or pier of any sort seems unlikely for a village at the sea 
- the sea feels a bit bland

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T10:13:26Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect. 
+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents 
- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help. 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

'''Adonnay''' on Belgray

+ Day/Night variations 
+ Good use of houses and terrain 
- Seems a little "clean", could use a little more props 
- unreachable building in the back of the village 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

'''Adonnay''' on Ojardsi

+ Dark atmosphere, feels like the end of the world with all those mixed architecture and the reddish ground 
- I usually don't go too much into the technical side but the tiling could use some retouching and many of the collisions are missing 
- The mixed architecture is a bit overdone in some places and feels a little out of place 
- Large unused areas should be avoided 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

'''Adonnay''' on Sylvhaven

+ Great viking/norse themed village 
+ Nice marketplace with distinct "shops" 
+ Good (=rare) use of ruins on the hill, unfortunately not reachable, would make a nice place for some worshippers 
- Palisades should not only cover the entrance but the whole hill 
- Piers are a little too cluttered, front piers cannot be reached (would make a nice panorama spot) 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

'''Adonnay''' on Hillside Village

+ Fitting dark atmosphere 
+ Lots of details like tools, a building site and gardens 
- Ruin entrance seems a little misplaced and artificial 

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

'''Adonnay''' on Village in the River

+ Great, original idea 
+ With the right ambient sound the waterfall will really make an impression 
+ Nice temple and impressive palisades 
- Many prop popups (lookout tower, temple gargoyles), not sure if this are technical limitations 
- Very few props/details 
- The level borders seem very artificial (sharp edges, only one treeline that can be seen through), probably engine limitations 

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

'''Adonnay''' on Village by the Sea

+ Awesome panorama with the three windmills and the rolling hills 
+ Many details 
+ Nice mediterranean atmosphere 
+ Very nice castle, I wish I could walk through the gate 
- No harbour or pier of any sort seems unlikely for a village at the sea 
- the sea feels a bit bland

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T10:13:02Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect. 
+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents 
- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help. 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

'''Adonnay''' on Belgray

+ Day/Night variations 
+ Good use of houses and terrain 
- Seems a little "clean", could use a little more props 
- unreachable building in the back of the village 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

'''Adonnay''' on Ojardsi

+ Dark atmosphere, feels like the end of the world with all those mixed architecture and the reddish ground 
- I usually don't go too much into the technical side but the tiling could use some retouching and many of the collisions are missing 
- The mixed architecture is a bit overdone in some places and feels a little out of place 
- Large unused areas should be avoided 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

'''Adonnay''' on Sylvhaven

+ Great viking/norse themed village 
+ Nice marketplace with distinct "shops" 
+ Good (=rare) use of ruins on the hill, unfortunately not reachable, would make a nice place for some worshippers 
- Palisades should not only cover the entrance but the whole hill 
- Piers are a little too cluttered, front piers cannot be reached (would make a nice panorama spot) 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

'''Adonnay''' on Hillside Village

+ Fitting dark atmosphere 
+ Lots of details like tools, a building site and gardens 
- Ruin entrance seems a little misplaced and artificial 

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

'''Adonnay''' on Village by the Sea

+ Awesome panorama with the three windmills and the rolling hills 
+ Many details 
+ Nice mediterranean atmosphere 
+ Very nice castle, I wish I could walk through the gate 
- No harbour or pier of any sort seems unlikely for a village at the sea 
- the sea feels a bit bland

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T10:12:23Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect. 
+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents 
- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help. 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

'''Adonnay''' on Belgray

+ Day/Night variations 
+ Good use of houses and terrain 
- Seems a little "clean", could use a little more props 
- unreachable building in the back of the village 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

'''Adonnay''' on Ojardsi

+ Dark atmosphere, feels like the end of the world with all those mixed architecture and the reddish ground 
- I usually don't go too much into the technical side but the tiling could use some retouching and many of the collisions are missing 
- The mixed architecture is a bit overdone in some places and feels a little out of place 
- Large unused areas should be avoided 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

'''Adonnay''' on Sylvhaven

+ Great viking/norse themed village 
+ Nice marketplace with distinct "shops" 
+ Good (=rare) use of ruins on the hill, unfortunately not reachable, would make a nice place for some worshippers 
- Palisades should not only cover the entrance but the whole hill 
- Piers are a little too cluttered, front piers cannot be reached (would make a nice panorama spot) 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

'''Adonnay''' on Village by the Sea

+ Awesome panorama with the three windmills and the rolling hills 
+ Many details 
+ Nice mediterranean atmosphere 
+ Very nice castle, I wish I could walk through the gate 
- No harbour or pier of any sort seems unlikely for a village at the sea 
- the sea feels a bit bland

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T10:11:59Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect. 
+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents 
- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help. 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

'''Adonnay''' on Belgray

+ Day/Night variations 
+ Good use of houses and terrain 
- Seems a little "clean", could use a little more props 
- unreachable building in the back of the village 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

'''Adonnay''' on Ojardsi

+ Dark atmosphere, feels like the end of the world with all those mixed architecture and the reddish ground 
- I usually don't go too much into the technical side but the tiling could use some retouching and many of the collisions are missing 
- The mixed architecture is a bit overdone in some places and feels a little out of place 
- Large unused areas should be avoided 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

'''Adonnay''' on Village by the Sea

+ Awesome panorama with the three windmills and the rolling hills 
+ Many details 
+ Nice mediterranean atmosphere 
+ Very nice castle, I wish I could walk through the gate 
- No harbour or pier of any sort seems unlikely for a village at the sea 
- the sea feels a bit bland

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T10:11:08Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect. 
+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents 
- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help. 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

'''Adonnay''' on Belgray

+ Day/Night variations 
+ Good use of houses and terrain 
- Seems a little "clean", could use a little more props 
- unreachable building in the back of the village 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

'''Adonnay''' on Village by the Sea

+ Awesome panorama with the three windmills and the rolling hills 
+ Many details 
+ Nice mediterranean atmosphere 
+ Very nice castle, I wish I could walk through the gate 
- No harbour or pier of any sort seems unlikely for a village at the sea 
- the sea feels a bit bland

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T10:10:22Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect. 
+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents 
- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help. 

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

'''Adonnay''' on Village by the Sea

+ Awesome panorama with the three windmills and the rolling hills 
+ Many details 
+ Nice mediterranean atmosphere 
+ Very nice castle, I wish I could walk through the gate 
- No harbour or pier of any sort seems unlikely for a village at the sea 
- the sea feels a bit bland

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T10:08:39Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect.

+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents

- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help.

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

'''Adonnay''' on Village by the Sea

+ Awesome panorama with the three windmills and the rolling hills 
+ Many details 
+ Nice mediterranean atmosphere 
+ Very nice castle, I wish I could walk through the gate 
- No harbour or pier of any sort seems unlikely for a village at the sea 
- the sea feels a bit bland

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T09:33:44Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect.

+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents

- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help.

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T09:33:20Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T09:32:49Z

Adonnay: /* Judges Comments */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

'''Adonnay'''

+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect.

+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents

- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help.

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright

Community Contest 1: Settlement Level

2010-09-17T09:31:30Z

Adonnay: /* Settlement of Belgray by Jackkel Dragon */

[[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 was Monday 13 September.

'''Contest is now closed, please pick up the bundle [http://www.dragonagenexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1559 from here] to see all the great entries! Winners will be announced Monday 20.'''

=== 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 ===
'''mikemike37'''

Nice use of fog and overcast sky. Lillies look great :) nice expansive level. great use of vegetation.

Improvements: a darker ground texture would help the ground look more saturated/peaty. Fewer trees at level edge, placed at depth, rather than making one solid wall? More vegetation in playable area/settlement? Tilted ruins "sinking into swamp"? Where was lightprobe placed - water reflection doesn't seem to match level?

'''semper'''

comments:
* another color for the sunlight - the level is covered in fog but still there's yellow light shining at the chars
* although it's a swamp the level mesh is too flat in the walkable area
* more vegetation in playable area
* the trees in the distance are too repetitive. better use a varation of trees combined with a vista tree line and a more 3d placing.
* floating vegetation
* personally i found the distance fog too dense. the skyline was covered in white. i would have created it darker and played with sea fog, the prop where the fog only covers the ground.

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the day/night variations. Robust little hamlet level with careful attention paid to collision. Lite on resources (good for load time).

Improvements: Could have used higher UVTile on the ground textures. Watchtower looks unlightmapped? Surrounding hills very plateaue-ed and flat. Vista mountain objects? Night sky is extremely blue.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of textures is too big in size
* a lot more props and vegetaion would improve the atmosphere
* floating houses
* no vista objects - the feeling of a big world is lost
* the ship in the sea could use an animation (select the boat prop and type "boat" in the default animation tab within the object inspector)
* clouds are too pixelated

'''Adonnay'''
+ Great Atmosphere but I understand why you wanted more fog. Discovering the ruins while walking through would have been a great effect.
+ Nice details like the merchant weagon and the separated tents
- Large portions of the map have no vegetation and seem more desert like than a swamp, perhaps a different ground texture would help.

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the grandeur of the ruins. Interesting and distinctive use of terrain. Too bad the layout didn't include all the buildings you prepared in the level :(

Improvements: *really* needs terrain collision to block off the no-collision vistas. Would like to see more tesselation to prevent such sharp low-poly edges on terrain. Greater UVTile should have been used to increase rock pixel density. No minimap generated. Gaps in objects could be blocked off with other props.

'''semper'''

comments:
* the uv tiling of the texures is too big in size
* the level lighting is too flat, wrongly colored and comes right from the front instead from above
* the level geomatry lacks tesselation
* the ground texture is overly used and therefore the walkable path is hardly noticeable
* very good and monumental buildings
* better use of terrain collision

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Love the attention paid to the view out to sea. Nice walkable piers. Some great details with falling leaves, glowing magic fire and animated lights and heaps of carefully placed props.

Improvements: could use some collision to prevent the player WASD-walking off the piers. some pretty unexpected terrain collision on one slope that probably doesnt need to be there

'''semper'''

comments:
* the terrain collision is bugged at the "catwalk". the player can't walk down the sides which feels odd.
* collision usage to prevent the player falling off the piers
* level lighting is too bright - doesn't fit the sky
* very good usage of props and full of details
* the sea is gorgeous
* good usage of vista objects, besides the trees in the background - better use tree nodes for this

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Nice dramatic sky, lighting and wind! Great use of a wide variety of props and ground textures.

Improvements: two routes to the upper village might help reduce the tedium of walking up the path. some smoking chimneystacks might compliment the grey sky/mood, even though its daytime.

'''semper'''

comments:
* uv tiling of the grass texture is too big in size
* atmosphere is stunning
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* level lighting is a bit too yellowish
* full of details, very good usage of props and vista objects

== 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 ===


'''Important: water VFXs required to get water like the screenshots was NOT included in bundle v1-00.
For now, you can get the dazip from the DANexus page to test the level as it was intended until a bundle fix is made.
Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


'''mikemike37'''

Really unique idea. Cool little huts and the terrain-houses turned out nice! Nice gloomy sky and dramatic shadows compliment the imposing ancient building, framed nicely as you enter the gates.

Improvements: Large stone bridge to connect level. More ambient light would allow player to see in shadows. Higher UVTile would give greater pixel density to the ground. Larger area and vista objects would prevent the need to wall off the backdrop in such a flat manner. Consider finding something as pillars to break up the uniformity of the wooden town wall surround.

'''semper'''

comments:
* there's no light probe so the character shadows are too dark
* better use tree nodes instead of the vista tree line - looks too flat
* try to create lod meshes for the objects used with the buildings to avoid a pop up effect
* the cliffs could use more tesselation, props and a better texture usage to avoid the repetitive for the eye
* uv tiling of the ground texture is too big in size
* floating trees near the right cliff
* unique buildings
* try to break up the surrounding wall with destroyed parts and towers or a construction site to keep it interesting

==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 including large pond just outside village), totem poles to the ancient Avvar gods, a butcher/smokehouse/meat trader, 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), frozen cave entrance, thane/village chief's longhouse.

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

=== Judges Comments ===

'''mikemike37'''

Good use of props to give flavour. Love the sloped level and torches and mountain vistas. Ice is a nice touch.

Improvements: would love to see a snowfall weather VFX applied to the whole level. Path could use... something? little stones/posts marking the way/footprints (flat texture prop, like bloodstain props). Ice lakes sould use invisible floor collision to allow pathfinding.

'''semper'''

comments:
* full of details with lots of props
* very unique level design
* very good usage of vista objects
* the surrounding fence is too repetitive, try to break this up
* good lighting
* try to highlight the walking path

==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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really vibrant and well-thought out large village level with many uses. Good use of terrain to help features stand out.

Improvements: could really use some more attention paid to collision (use terrain collision walls - pathfinding logic and WASD-movement off cliffs/up steep slopes, many objects can be walked through). One-way wall in large gatehouse.

'''semper'''

comments:
* tree line is too near in distance and looks flat, better use a bigger terrain size and tree nodes
* floating buildings
* on top of the hill there's a model "bug" where you can look through the uncovered background of a door prop
* no terrain collision
* windmill without ambient animation (just select the windmill prop and type "wind" within the default animation tab of the object inspector)
* the terrain mesh is too flat
* a lot of details and a very good usage of props
* the fence prop is heavily used - try to breake this up

== 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 ===

'''mikemike37'''

Really visually arresting, lush colour palette! nice little islands dotted in the distance. Great mediterranean seaside atmosphere.

Improvements: level should be nearer to 0,0,0 in editor: quite hard to find! Really wanted to walk through portcullis to see what else was there! Couple of ships dotted out at sea? Yellower sun? Can walk through statue (it has no collision, use terrain collision or an invisible box).

'''semper'''

comments:
* unique level design with stunning atmosphere
* very well fleshed out level mesh
* ambient animations - great!
* full of details with lots of props
* the default cottages seem out of place with so many terracotta roofs around
* the one tree near the wall of the sea is sunken into ground
* the ground texture of the right side with the 4 windmills looks too boring
* sunlight is a bit too bright