Oolite Bulletins

Venator Dha wrote:

Redspear wrote:

Yeah, sharkskin is different, the 'scales' are not the same and perhaps don't qualify as true scales (just as feathers might not qualify as scales despite the common heritage). Anyway, once again, I digress

I'll look forward to the introduction of the feather boa to the game

<chuckles>

Venator Dha wrote:

Redspear wrote:

Yeah, sharkskin is different, the 'scales' are not the same and perhaps don't qualify as true scales (just as feathers might not qualify as scales despite the common heritage). Anyway, once again, I digress

I'll look forward to the introduction of the feather boa to the game

That's so bad that it's good

Venator Dha wrote:

Redspear wrote:

Yeah, sharkskin is different, the 'scales' are not the same and perhaps don't qualify as true scales (just as feathers might not qualify as scales despite the common heritage). Anyway, once again, I digress

I'll look forward to the introduction of the feather boa to the game

now this post alone warrants a "Like" button...... saves all the quoting.... lol

Like!

roflmao

The Full Monty! All three Python variants are now done.
(Click for full-size)

First is the 'standard' (NPC and player) version, based on Giles' design with a slight tweak to the colours and a 'python' logo added.



This is the 'alternate' version, which is as per the original (including a re-working of the weird 'stoned demon' decals).



And the BlackDog, the pirate version, again as per the original but with re-worked decals....and I just couldn't resist adding a few flames.

The Orbital Shuttle.
Probably the most ignored and seldom seen of the core ships (if it counts as a ship at all), but included nontheless. It's a funny little thing, but at least it was relatively quick and easy to do.

(Click for full size)


Being a shuttle, I have added some ablation shielding to this one based on the ceramic tiles used on RL(TM) shuttles, as it obviously has to re-enter the atmosphere.
Which has made me think. Canon says that most of the Elite/Oolite ships do not have atmospheric capability - they are spaceships, pure and simple. But there are exceptions, notably the Adder and the Moray. So, should I be adding heatshields to these as well? As always, thoughts, comments etc gratefully received.

<ponders if someone should make an overpowered version>

And on to the Sidewinder. TBH I'd forgotten that there was only one version in the old core set, so this is my re-imagining of it. There will be others when I get round to the 'Extra Ships' supplement though.

(Click for full-size)

Me again...

Very much like what you've done with the shuttle and the ageing effect looks good on the python but (here it comes...) the engine on those pythons looks noticeably odd to me...

Thinking about your design approach (specifically: not altering the model besides adding the engines) I'd suggest trying one smaller engine surrounded by 3-6 even smaller ones.

As mentioned before, an engine that big (on an otherwise unaltered model) really stands out but IMO this is to the model's detriment. Another possibility would be to recess it into the python body (against your methods?) or to flatten the engine model (more in line with your philosophy perhaps but you may have ruled this out at the design stage).

Anyway, good work and I also like the sidewinder. Thanks.

Redspear wrote:

...the engine on those pythons looks noticeably odd to me...

Maybe I just like big engines
Point taken though, as I had wondered about this myself - not just the Python but some of the others as well. Multiple smaller engines? Maybe. I was looking at the Anaconda the other day trying to picture it with an array of smaller engines, and quite liking the mental image I was getting. So this is a real possibility.
I am going to have to revise all the textures at some point to allow for the improvements that have come along since I started this project anyway so a re-think on the engine layouts is a logical step as well. At this point, everything is open to change and nothing is final or set in stone.
My mind-set at the moment is to more or less finish the textures for the few remaining ships, to at least get the 'donkey work' done, then revisit them all to revise, tweak and update them. This should ensure a consistent look and a uniform standard for the whole lot, and engine re-thinks etc can be done at the same time.
And this is the 'fun' part of the project! - sorting out the code is going to be a major chore as well and I've hardly started on that, although I have been sorting out some aspects of shipdata as I go along. Still, loads to do there though, so at least I've got plenty of time to ponder.

The Thargoids. These will look familiar to Smivs'Shipset users, but are in fact completely new textures started from scratch, but following a similar design, and with a couple of features carried over. They are however higher resolution with more detailing and normal mapping. The old shipset ones were pretty close copies of Giles' designs, and these new ones are even closer to the originals in keeping with the ethos of this shipset.

(Click for full size)

Venator Dha wrote:

Redspear wrote:

Yeah, sharkskin is different, the 'scales' are not the same and perhaps don't qualify as true scales (just as feathers might not qualify as scales despite the common heritage). Anyway, once again, I digress

I'll look forward to the introduction of the feather boa to the game

Standard pirate wear, surely?



(images from the film Stardust, if you don't recognise them)

ffutures wrote:

Venator Dha wrote:

Redspear wrote:

Yeah, sharkskin is different, the 'scales' are not the same and perhaps don't qualify as true scales (just as feathers might not qualify as scales despite the common heritage). Anyway, once again, I digress

I'll look forward to the introduction of the feather boa to the game

https://bb.oolite.space/index.php
Standard pirate wear, surely?



(images from the film Stardust, if you don't recognise them)

Lightning, wall, babylon, candle