The History
A month or two ago, I posted some images on both the EV Image Board , and the EV Developer's Corner. These images consisted of a host of shipyard graphics that I had produced a few years earlier for a plug-in that never took off. The gist of my post was that I was putting these ship graphics (complete with spins and targets) up for grabs. Or alternatively, if someone wanted to take the plug concept off my hands and apply some time to the project, I'd be quite happy to allow that to happen.

As I recall the response was good, and many people expressed interest in both the plug concept and the individual graphics (some of which have been distributed and are now part of at least two other plugs/TCs).

One such voice of interest sprang from Wyvern, who offered to code and write missions for the project <long intake of breath> which was nice.

The State Of Play
We've been working together on the project ever since. It started out as a simple plug for EVO, but gradually as I laid out the plot and the work that I'd already undertaken, we started to realise that both the graphics already produced and the plot, not-only favoured being turned into a TC, but they demanded it.

And so Alpha Espial was born. We are still a long way off completion, and there is still a great deal of road left to travel, but here we are.

The Website
I've spent the last few weeks of my spare time building a site to accompany both our development team (Plumb Lunatic) and the TC. Most of it is up and running, including an ezboard discussion forum. I've set this up to provide us with a facility where people can post comments and ideas, and to allow the team and our testers to brainstorm online. But everyone is welcome.

So come have a look around the site and tell us what you think, and who knows there may be space for a few more on the team

(url="http://"http://www.ped.org.uk/espialhome.html") The Plum Lunatic Development Website(/url)

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Plumb Lunatic Development
(url="http://"http://www.ped.org.uk/espialhome.html") Alpha Espial , see through the visible.(/url)

(This message has been edited by Hudson (edited 05-07-2001).)

Reads a bit like one of Pratchett's pre-Diskworld books. I look forward to seeing more info.

-STH

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Oh the Pratchett. Many thanks be to you, for a compliment you have paid me.

Oh, and the other thing, I think we have to get permission from Ambrosia or Mr Burch in order to produce a TC. Any information anyone can give me on the subject would be greeted with much rejoicing. (distant) yehy (/distant)

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Plumb Lunatic Development
(url="http://"http://www.ped.org.uk/espialhome.html") Alpha Espial , see through the visible.(/url)

Quote

Originally posted by Hudson:
I think we have to get permission from Ambrosia or Mr Burch in order to produce a TC.

ummmm, huh? why would you have to get permission?

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• MadFax7 (url="http://"mailto:MadFax7@hotmail.com")mailto:MadFax7@hotmail.com(/url)MadFax7@hotmail.com

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Originally posted by MadFax7:
**ummmm, huh? why would you have to get permission?
**

Possibly because you were, say, using sounds "liberated" from EV.

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(Insert Signature Here)

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Originally posted by Hudson:
**Oh the Pratchett. Many thanks be to you, for a compliment you have paid me.
**

You wouldn't believe the crappy cover art they have for His books here in the States. I gave up on US releases of his books and order everything from the UK now. Besides, it was almost impossible to get "Lords and Ladies" here.

For a while I was w writer for a weekly pub, and we often honoured Pratchett. Can I interest you in:
http://hellskitchen..../09.EndGame.pdf http://hellskitchen....oopidPeople.pdf

Quote

Also posted by Hudson:
Oh, and the other thing, I think we have to get permission from Ambrosia or Mr Burch in order to produce a TC. Any information anyone can give me on the subject would be greeted with much rejoicing.

While it might be considered good form to get permission, it's not strictly necessary. I believe that using some things from the EV/EVO sinerios(?sp?) falls under fair use.

-STH

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You don't need permission. Why would you need permission? You're helping Ambrosia by extending it making it last a lot longer for players. Plus, it's just replacing resources of another plug (the Data files). Nothing against that.

Also, even if ASW required that; If you've programmed plugs before you realize that there is no way that Ambrosia can tell if you're replacing resources that Matt Burch put in. Luckily, Ambrosia realizes that and doesn't demand permission.

Good luck on the TC. I look forward to playing it.

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Why must I lose to these idiots? -- Grand Master Nimzovich

Quote

Originally posted by seant:
**You wouldn't believe the crappy cover art they have for His books here in the States. I gave up on US releases of his books and order
everything from the UK now. Besides, it was almost impossible to get "Lords and Ladies" here.
**

Heh. I had trouble getting a hold of most of his books except "Lords and Ladies". For instance; I could not find "Pyramids" or "Whitches Abroad" until I went across the border to Canada. I in fact usually go to Canada (it's only a 1.5 hour drive) when I hear there's a new book (much cheaper, plus, good covers).

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Why must I lose to these idiots? -- Grand Master Nimzovich