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[Jon Bon]

--->OFFICIAL PAGE<---

Introduction

Hello everyone, I am Jonathon Stuart Bon(Jon Bon) CEO of Bon Ink Creations and Project Lead for Merlin the RPG. I just want to start off by thanking all who are reading this (thanks) and next I want to talk briefly about the game. For the full game write up click here.

Merlin the RPG is a fan project inspired by the British Broadcasting Channel(BBC) television show, Merlin a.k.a. Adventures of Merlin and of course the Arthurian legend itself. The creation process is in two stages. First is to create a Merlin Kit for use by anyone with rpg maker xp to make their own rpgs with the characters of Merlin. Second to create Chapters 1, 2 and 3 and then release the Merlin Kit at the same time as the chapters. There are a few odds and ends that will need to be done by outside talent. Generally speaking there are a minimum of three positions needed, 1 graphic designing, 1 spriting and 1 scripting. However should the person for each spot not be able to achieve each demand, more people will be recruited as needed.
The ideal candidate is someone who is a fan of Merlin or the Arthurian legend itself and is excited about working on the project.

This is an excellent opportunity for talented people in this field to get their work out there and noticed and work on a project that will see completion.

Job Specifics

The first focus will be to complete the Merlin The RPG Kit and then use that kit to make the first three chapters of the game. Once the first three chapters are made, they can be released one at a time while the rest of the project is worked on. At the same time the Merlin the RPG Kit can be released. The kit will only include, character sprites, classes, move sets and graphics, items and equipment, maps with minor eventing, music, title screens, and game over screen.

This is a free project. With that said, Bon Ink Creations is willing to pay for high end material or the services of someone in general who is skilled and dedicated to the job. There will be an overall project deadline and an individual work deadline for work assigned. This deadline will be negotiated between the worker and myself.
Aside from work Bon Ink can not complete, there are many tasks that can be assigned for people who wish to get on board. If you feel you want to participate in this project we can find something for you to do, do not hesitate to post a reply.
Examples of work needed are given below.


Graphic Designer

A person/People is/are needed who can draw/design:
-Single frame pictures of the main (some secondary) characters and main enemies, from sprite and real life photo references.
-A banner, logo, and title screen for the project.
-Custom Merlin window skin

Scripter

The main need for a scripter is broken down into two parts, so in theory it could be done by more then one scripter.

Script Search & Compatibility Checking

The real need here is to be able to tell if the desired scripts are compatible with the Sideview Battle System script.

Spoiler

Main Script(s)
1. Sideview Battle System Version 2.1xp
Excellent script, allows side view battle system, with animated sprites as enemy battlers, and weapon icons animated during attack ins in battles, very final fantasy 6 in style.

Wanted Script(s)
I have used scripts 1 and 2 in the past and am familiar with them, however do not know if they are compatible with the current main script.
If anyone reading this has opinions on the following scripts or suggestions on replacements, please post a reply.

1. Alchemy Script(Alchemy Pot)
This script is excellent for combining items.

2. Item Storage Script(Locker and Storage System)
This is a two part script, it is possible to use just the storage system and not the visual locker part, which is the intention.

3. Party Swapping Script(for large roster games)
I need a suggestion for this script, something that allows the player to pick from a set roster that can be altered as the game progresses and characters are introduced.

4.Opening Cutscene
The ability to have a cutscene either evented or .avi etc file, play at the opening screen when selecting new game, load etc.
Ideally it would play the cutscene followed by 1 minute of still frame of the game name/logo then loop.

Custom Menus
If a script exists that you know of that may cover the need listed below, then please post a link or as much information as you have regarding the script.

Spoiler

1. Opening game options
The ability to choose from credits along with the other options and have it play an event or editable script would be ideal.


2. Start Menu
Customized start menu, reference pictures and menu needs not yet available.

3. Book/Special Options Menu
This may be a large task. This menu will act as Merlin's spell book but for game options.
It will display things like story progression, chests obtained by area, basically anything toggle able by variables.
It will also include a section where you can change the window skin, a help section telling you a hint on what to do next to progress the story, a recap of past completed story, information on the main characters, and tons of other neat and game relevant information.
The idea is pretty simple, you would need to call up certain pictures overlayed in the right order based on either variables or switches. Since the project is being created in stages, a script that allows for easy addition to new categories in the menu would be ideal. So something that had multiple pages when listing what screens to view(maybe a 'more..' option), such as character rosters, since more characters will be added as the chapters come out, but may not be completed in entirety.
On the other hand, ALL data for book 1 will be completed before the script is needed, so it could be possible to create the script with all pictures and data already present. However more books are planned in the future and that data will not be available for them before the script is ready.


4. Tournament Shop bought with variable count as currency
Exactly as name implies, a shop display that shows:
-items, their description, and their variable cost.
-Your current variable cost count
-Exit option
The menu would then allow you to select the desired item and the script would check your variable count and remove the right amount if no negatives and give you the item, or it would inform you do not have enough for the purchase.
Alternately, you could have the non purchase able items greyed out and have them error sound effect when selected. Either would be fine.

Spriter
This is probably the most hefty of all the jobs needed. However there will be very little work created from nothing if any at all. Most work will have reference pictures from the television show, and all sprites will be able to be made in part by looseleaf(the website used to make the sprite look for this game).
Sprites will be used rather then battlers for battle scenes. Therefore there will be no need for battlers for any of the sprites created.
|Below is a list of everything currently needed to complete the kit

The Great Dragon

Spoiler

By far the most important sprite, this needs to be a sprite only, but could work as a drawn still picture, with different frames for minor animation. Below are some reference pictures for size scale, coloring, and visual representation.
At the very least he has to be 6 times or so larger on screen then a standard sprite.
And requires 2 sprites, one on land/standing, and one flying.

Faceshot

Front view

Side view

The Black Knight
Four sprite themes are required for this character, however you have a model to work from.

Spoiler

~Standard Black Knight Sprite.~
This one needs to be made before the others can be made.
Needs trim on tabard removed, and metal armor collar, and custom helmet.

Model Pic

Reference Pics below

Front


Side


Back


~Two-Hand sword black knight~
This would need 5 different frames then the standard sprite.
a 3 frame animation, all side view, beginning with sword behind and ready to strike, and second with sword pointing forward post strike/charge, and third same as second but on reverse feet side, so when toggled between, does running.


1 frame of the knight with sword down in the ground in front of him, reference below.


1 frame with the sword up and blocking.


~Horse and Shield~
Horse Pic(needs to be black)


Black Knight and Shield Pics



~Wraith Face~
Same as the first sprite with a wraith head.
This RTP sprite has an almost perfect head, minus the hair.



Wraith head, arms out right before being vanquished.

Dog Statue
2 sprites are needed for this. One as just a dog statue, and one as the live dog after being animated from a statue.

Spoiler

Cockatrice
Two sprites are needed for this monster.
I think I may have seen something similar if not exact to this in the past, but have not been able to relocate it.

Spoiler

~Standard Cockatrice~
This RTP monster has sort of the same look intended, minus the extra legs, and add the back fins.







~Roaring/Dead Cockatrice~

Questing Beast
Two sprites are needed for this creature.

Spoiler

~Standard Sprite~




~Leaping/Roaring/Death/Hidden in Darkness Sprite~

Pixel Work
The following are small pieces or edits that need to be made.

Spoiler

~Morteous Flower~

Single Flower


Flower Bunch


~Afanc Egg and Clay Figure~

Clay Figure


Egg Closed


Egg Open W Clay Figure Inside


Egg Glowing W Clay Figure Inside


~Chandalier~

One with and without cobwebs, or only one without. From a top view though, not bottom.

Credits

Full credit will be given to anyone who creates or suggests anything of notability for this project by name in the appropriate credits sections on the Merlin The RPG website, and in game credits.
If you continuously help out with the project you will be credited with a title or unique credit header, if you help out in small bits or once you will be credited in the appropriate section, IE Thanks, Community Help, Extra Scripters/Spriters etc.
Should a group or company wish to lend aid, we are entirely open to putting your tag/logo at the beginning of the game for recognition on work done.
We are also open to partnering with another group or organization if they desire to share the project in its entirety or as a part.

How To Get Involved

If you want to help out at your own pace, then feel free to work from any of the references given above, or to contact me about more references if needed or extra input etc.
I would ask that if you are going to attempt any of the stuff I need created please post here first saying you will be attempting it, so others do not attempt without knowing they are not the only one.
If you wish to join the team making the game then please use the form below as a guide line or just post and let us know a bit about yourself and what you have done etc, a link of your work is strongly suggested if your work is not easily searched via RMXPU or google.


Name: (your name)

Preferred Contact Method: (MSN,Email,VOIP, etc.)

Position: (Graphic Designer/Spriter/Scripter)

Commission or Free or Pay: (Per piece/No pay/Flat fee at project end)

Portfolio link(s): (yourportfoliolink.com)
Company Website: (companyname.com)
Project Link: (myproject.com)

Edited by Jon Bon, 15 May 2011 - 02:06 AM.

[nanou-gr]

i am a spriter/ mapper. if you need any help just pm me!