Building Proposal Guidelines
Archipelago is in need of builders. If you are an experienced player on Archipelago and can commit to creating a quality, richly described zone in a pre-agreed period of time, we might be interested in what you would like to build. We look for the following things in an area: clear, well written descriptions, area must fit into the overall medieval/fantasy theme (such as Ars Magica's Mythic Europe) of the mud (no SciFi) The area must not appear on any other mud. Archipelago has quality unique and original areas. Do not expect to see Midgaard, Drow, or Thalos on this mud. We prefer that you use your own creativity and ideas. We do not want to end up in trouble with J. Random publisher for copyright violation. Absolutely no TSR (the makers of Dungeons & Dragons) areas in any way, shape, or form. Also zones that are heavily laden with sexual innuendo will not be accepted, and deleted if built.
Absolutely no coding (programming) knowledge is necessary to build. The only things you will need are an ounce of creativity, a command of the English language, a willingness to be edited, and enough time to spend writing. Building on Archipelago is simply writing descriptions and creating stories, then placing them into the online, in-game, menu driven building editors.
One of the greatest things about building on Archipelago is its totally online building editors. No more fumbling about with world, shop, zone, mobile, and object files. All of this editing can be done while logged into the mud.
Another interesting place for prospective builders to explore is some of the original builder help files created when Archipelago was getting off the ground. These builder help files are now a bit dated in places, but still have useful and vital information concerning Archipelago´s building style.
When you submit a proposal to build, mudmail Ratatosk. Please use this format for the mail:
Subject: [Mortal's Name] BUILDING: Zone name Make sure the proposal is in ASCII readable text email without any attachments of any sort. In the proposal email, please include the following information about the area:
Area Name:
Approximate number of rooms:
Approximate difficulty of this area:
Attachment:
Where should this be attached? Is it important to be attached through a forest? Is it an island?
History:
A brief background of the proposed area.
Description:
A detailed description of the proposed area. This should include main features. If it is a quest zone, include a brief summary of the quest.
Major Mobs:
Major Treasures:
Theme of Area:
Quest? Puzzle? Combat? Exploration? Alternate Town? Racial Homeland/Home City?
General comments:
Anything else you would like us to know. (e.g. special procedures you envision requiring implemented)
Credits:
If the idea is not yours, be nice and give credit where credit is due. Please note that we are not interested in Dungeons & Dragons (TSR) based zones.
Building Samples:
Describe at least ten rooms, ten mobiles, and ten objects you are going to place within your zone. This is vitally important, because we use these to help us determine your writing ability.
Archipelago's "Double Mountain and Moon" Logo copyright
1995-1996 by Jason Chayes and
Archipelago.
Page design and contents copyright 1996 by David Czeck and
Archipelago.
Last Updated: 15:04:21 GMTSunday,
20 October 1996
Wowie-Zowie!