The Dink Network

Have you looked into creating a D-Mod, but can't really seem to get the ball rolling? Are you a seasoned D-Mod developer, but motivation is lacking?

Well, here's another contest to draw your attention.

For this D-Mod Contest, you must create a D-Mod involving the main character(s) rising to power in some way.

View the comments for more information.

The Rules

Deadline: All entries must arrive be uploaded via the Upload Form before July 20th, 2008.

Eligibility: All non-staff members can participate. Staff members may also participate in the contest, but they will not be able to vote or view the other entries before the rest of the community.

Voting: Voting will be conducted by eligible staff members during the month following the deadline.

Prize: The 1st placed entrant will receive a copy of the DinkC Reference book, not to mention bragging rights until the next contest rears its head.

If a group effort was involved in the creation of a winning D-Mod, only one prize will be awarded.

Specifications: These requirements must be followed in order to be eligible for the contest:

The D-Mod must be centered upon a playable character's rise to power. This ascension to greatness can be relative, however. Ethel's duck taking rule over Stonebrook would be just as valid as Dink becoming King.

The protagonist must succeed in rising to power. This may not necessarily be the end of the game, but their rise to power must be the central theme of the d-mod.

It is recommended that you create a typical RPG/Adventure-style D-Mod for the contest, though originality is an excellent way to set your d-mod apart.

Size: There are not any size limitations, either in map screens or file size. However, it is strongly recommended that entrants focus on making a quality D-Mod, rather than a larger quest of dubious worth.

Cancellation: Prizes will only be awarded if two authors / groups submit D-Mods for the contest. Also, Tal can cancel the contest at any time he pleases for any reason he chooses. The usurped King Daniel will be supplying the competition's prize.

Misc: If you have any questions, or think some of the rules are a bit silly, please post a comment or a message on the board.

Previously released D-Mods are not eligible, nor major parts of their map and/or story. For example, Sharp couldn't take Milder 3, make Milder become king of the universe, and submit it for the contest.

The staff decided on a "Rise to Power" theme to commemorate Tal's new found power.

If have been working on a D-Mod for a while that fits in the rules, please start a new one. Contest D-mods are a special breed, and if we find out you are submitting something you started last year, Duck Assassins will be sent for.

You can submit more than one entry. But beware: you may end up 'splitting the vote', and allowing another D-Mod to win.

Example

A lowly pig farmer comes to be head pig farmer of the multinational corporation, Pigs Inc. The methods used to do this are completely up to the player; do you make money and buy out the local farms? Or destroy the competition through underhand means?

I have longed for this! Perfect theme too!

Me love you!

/join contest

I'm fond of you too, Marpro.

Hopefully this contest will be as successful as the last.

I love how the contest rules still use "Sharp submitting Milder 3 for the contest" as an example

So, the character, the guy the player plays as must rise to power, not the bad guy. Am I right?

This is awesome! The DinkC Reference will be mine!

Interesting. I might join in (but no promises)!

Yup, has to be the player character. D-mods where an NPC rises to power is fairly standard fare.

Unless of course the player character is the bad guy...

New graphics are accepted, right? And the player doesn't have to be Dink?

I would think that both of those go without saying, but yes. Those are both permitted and encouraged.

This sounds like fun. But when I win can I have
cookies instead?

Aww, this sounds fun! Too bad i'm away!

Will it suffice if a character's rise to power is an integral part of the story or has the gameplay revolve around him trying to gain that power?

Maybe it readed there, but I didn't notice this one:

Do I just upload it in TDN like a normal D-Mod or do I upload it to somewhere else?

Feel free to upload it to the Dink Network, but make it very obvious that it is an entry for the contest.

Scratcher:

Of course it suffices that the rise to power is an integral part of the story... that is the contest requirement. As for trying to gain that power, the rules state that the character must attain that power, even if that is not necessarily at the end of the D-Mod. The character could conceivably lose that power in a comical downfall, but he/she/it must work up to the power at some point.

I like contests. I cannot participate, but will be ready to play.

What I meant is, whether the player character needs to try to get that power or if it's okay for it to be tossed to him- With him getting that power still being an important part of the dmod, but not necessarily something the character pursued or even desired. For example: Player tries to help his friend become king, friend dies and player becomes king instead.

I admit I should have worded that better the first time. =)

Hmm...

That's not so much a rise to power as it is a sudden acquisition of power, but then again, after a few clueless years I was only tossed the crown in a spur-of-the-moment deal.

I don't mind the idea, myself. But the story should still revolve around this power, and the end should still involve something climactic relating to this power.

I'll let Sabre chime in.

Hey.

Exactly when and how your protagonist rises to power is completely up to you. As long as it is the central theme of the d-mod, then that is fine.

Something's wrong here... I still haven't come up with an idea yet!
And by the way, has anyone begun?

I've begun, and it looks very nice!

You could always steal skull's idea.

I have begun work on thinking out a story. I've already made seven basic ideas of which I chose three to work out some more. I'll make up my mind about which idea to go for probably this weekend.

So I suppose you could say I'll probably be in this contest. (I'm going to be pretty busy probably, so I don't know how good it's going to be... )

Great! I'll participate if I can make the deadline.

Having the story mostly figured out should help as that's usually what makes me abandon dmods halfway through.

Finally, I've come up with some ideas! Now I can begin... Hope it won't be as lame as I fear it can turn out. Meh.

One more question:
I didn't quite understand must there be two or more Authors for this D-Mod to get the prize, or can there be only one or two authors making it?

For better put:
Should there be two or more authors, or must there be no more than 2?

I suck in english man.

What it says is that no matter how many people are involved in making the DMOD, only one prize will be given.

"Cancellation: Prizes will only be awarded if two authors / groups submit D-Mods for the contest. Also, Tal can cancel the contest at any time he pleases for any reason he chooses. The usurped King Daniel will be supplying the competition's prize."
If this is what you ment, it means 2 or more D-MODS must be entered for any judging to take place.

I might participate in this contest, that's if I can make a complete dmod, lol. I always seem to make half-dmods and either they get deleted somehow or I just can't be bothered finishing them.
Anyway, I might finish this one in time, I've already thought of an idea and started with the mapping and it's looking good.

I'm going to participate as well, I've thought of the plot and has already started with mapping and some small scripting jobs. A lot of time has passed since I released a D-Mod, so I've sort of lost my touch with DinkC.

Don't know why I'm saying this, since no one knows who I am, but I shall be entering the contest with my first d-mod (or at least, my first whole-hearted d-mod).

It will feature the death of a nation, the rise of a looked-down-upon race, the theme (inability to communicate instigates unjust violence) that foreshadows the end, Ethel's revenge, one last hope for the human race, and the recovery of an ancient technology.

What more could you want?

Speaking of which, since when does the username form here accept so few characters?

Wow, sounds like a hell of a D-Mod Ancient Good luck with your work!

I agree, go for it.

Hah, now I can steal your idea!



Sounds good.

I'm considering joining in on this one. Could be fun to start something new.

Sorry for the double post, but I need to make sure this isn't overlooked.

Let's say that for a completely different DMOD that I started awhile back I made a town approximately 35 screens (done in a matter of mere hours and not nearly detailed to my satisfaction.) Further down the road I decided I would never complete that DMOD, but I kept that town area because it looked nice. I plan to add much more detail and the story itself is completely different. Would that be legit to use for the contest?

Well, the rule that you have to start from scratch can't be checked. So it is primarily a 'code of honor', and it's up to you to fill it in. Personally I see it only as a way to prevent people from having an unfair advantage, so as long as it is only a small part of the work that goes into the DMOD I wouldn't mind.

*Sigh* Tsk, tsk, rabidwolf. You don't ask them if you can break the rules!

I wouldn't mind. But, who knows. The staff of this forum can be a bit ippity-snippity at times.

EDIT: Wait a minute, was ippity-snippity the correct phrase?

Nah, we just tend to be that way with dumb 12-year-olds who tell other members to "die".

I personally don't see much of a problem with using a partially finished map.

I've got no issues with this. The rule is in place to prevent people submitting a d-mod they have already put a lot of work into.

If you only have a few map screens with little or no detail I can't really see anyone objecting - It would only become a matter of contention if you had a fully mapped out town containing dozens of NPC's and an unlockable minigame based around TalPorn.

...unlockable minigame based around TalPorn....

That was rather 'specific' , Sabretrout.
Are you working on a new project we should know
about?

*slowly emerges from the shadows and proceeds to make his first post in the forums*

A sound competition, I must admit. I might try and join in, depending on whether or not I can even get started on my first D-mod or if I finish it.
For the moment though, count me in.

I'll throw my hat in the ring. And since this will be my first D-Mod, I have one question which affects my plot. Is it possible to create a point of decision for the protagonist to choose from one of two possible paths? And then to have separate landscapes, quests, and endings based on that choice? If so, (and I'm guessing it would require a good bit of scripting to accomplish) what scripting elements would I need to put into place? I hope I haven't bit off more than I can chew. Oy.

Hi

Yes, it's perfectly possible to do that but it's a lot of work! Check out I, Kara Gu for an example.

As regards scripting it's pretty simple. If you have different areas that's easiest because all you'd need is some blocker to stop the player going back, if you use the same area you'd just need to use global variables to control what happens.

Thanks Sparrowhawk, I'll check that out. And sorry for the slow reply. You replied so quick I didn't realize it was not my own post.

Do I need to start my mod from zero?? On my mod I've started to use the Dink main game map, but it has a completely different history, scripts and some modifications on the map ( You'll be able to enter at PortTown, for example ). Is that "illegal"?

Ohhh... July 20th is the deadline. For some reason I thought it was June. Hmm.

Ahh. it seems that many of us are making our first D-mods for this comp. Wonderus news! TDN isnt going dead after all!

Ohhh... July 20th is the deadline. For some reason I thought it was June. Hmm.

I thought that too, actually. I haven't got started yet... I've had so much work lately.

I have some great ideas though

Ditto. Though, I at least have an outline written and a rather detailed map for the first area all done.

I've spent way too much time on the graphics and gotten very little done in scripting. Although I have the basic idea in my head, I've only gotten the intros done. *sigh*
Actually, this is what always happens. I spend all my time making graphics and then I get sick of the game before I even do the scripts.

How's it going guys and gals? Any progress?

I haven't actually started, and I now doubt I will...

I have had way too many problems trying to get my computers to try and run all the programs that I supposedly need to make a D-mod.
I've typed out the plot into an almost story-format and drawn up a couple of maps in Paint that I was going to build for the d-mod properly later though so if anyone is interested I can pass that on to them and they can try and build a d-mod from there, contest or no.
Otherwise I'm forced out of this one.

It was too hot to work on my dmod...except for
when it was too rainy and blah...

I've got a new main character ready to go from heavily edited graphics from SimonK (animation is very tedious eh?) and I'm starting work on the map now (DinkDude is helping with a couple other graphics in the mean time.) My story line is coming together with considerable assistance from merder, and I'll be working on scripts in a week or so. I was hoping to make an epic, but it looks like I only have time for a quest size. I guess quality is more important than quantity anyway right?

Finally some incentive to work on a DMOD, my last one was restarted 3 times before being thrown into the trash bin.

Now if only I could remember my password...

Can i use the map from the original game with a few modifications or is it against the rules? Like eeping stonebrook, windmere...etc as they are with only a few modifications here and there?

I don't see why you couldn't, as long as you make an original story with them.

I never would have thought mapping would take this long... Not only that but it seems like my mod is growing exponentially! The first area is over 20 screens, and it is supposed to be a village!

That isn't surprising, but if you want to save time cut the village size down so that you only have the buildings necessary to advance the story. Just a minor, not-so-helpful tip for ya Skuz.

I'm thinking of just zipping it up and tossing it to the side, and starting a new one. I've got a lot planned for the story and the way its shaping up it is going to be Epic sized, and I don't think I will do the story justice if I try it as my first DMOD.

When you're making a village try to get that cozy, adventure feeling about it if possible. The houses could be close to each other to make it more town-like and spice that up with flowers, barrels and so on. Just my thoughts.

Edit: by the way, don't rush. Work hard on every screen

I agree. I also think it seriously helps that you map out your area before hand with pencil and paper. Having a reference of what you will seriously speed up the time it takes to map, leaving you free to add neat little details with the multitude of sprites you have at your disposal.

Hey guys does anyone know how to change the graphic sequences of the main character in the middle of the game? For instance you play with dink in the beginning and then he turns into a duck or something at some point in the game?

Like the Mystery Island fountain? Me, no idea sorry.

There are a couple ways to do this, but by far the simplest is to do something like this:

sp_base_idle(1, 760);
sp_base_walk(1, 760);
sp_base_attack(1, 750);

This would change Dink into a goblin.

Thanks a million I'll try this.

Hey guys can any1 tel me how i can create a new usable item, a pumpkin 4 example, and make it disappear from the screen and appear in dink's item menu and let dink say smthng like i picked up a pumpkin? Also can u tel me how i can use this item? I mean what is the code in C 4 all the previous?

I can't tell you that - well, I probably can, but I can't be bothered - but I can tell you this: this thread is not for DinkC/D-Mod questions. It is to discuss the contest. If you have questions, post them in a new thread.

RAURGH!! GR-GR-GROOOORLLLL!! <upon realization that Dmod must be finis in a fortnite>

I forsee long nights in your future... and in mine. I hope others like my D-mod when they play it, as I am likely to be sick of it once it's done.

How's it going for you all? I've just finished my storyboard and all ideas... 14 days for mapping and scripting, it could be tight.

I will succeed.

Ah, I was gonna work on mine but...then I didn't.

I, too, have assayed to give up the fight. I shall, perhaps, complete the Dmod in the future. I am now playing Red Alert 1...

I'LL BE BACK....

One word: shoot.

I got so involved in my D-Mod that I made it a hell a lot larger then planned, meaning that it won't be done in time... Nevertheless I will submit a D-Mod for the contest so I'm planning on starting a simple romp now and get it completed in time...

Then I'll get back to my other D-Mod.

Creating D-Mods are entertaining.

I’m about done with my D-Mod now. Just checking for bugs and adding the last pieces. I hope it's OK if I upload it later tonight.

I've uploaded mine. Please consider Version 1.02 for the contest as the rest have bugs. This is the latest version that's y it works better that the other 2. It's also the only 1 uploaded today. U'll find the upload date in the file description. Thanks and sorry 4 the inconvenience.

Uploaded!

What happened with the contest?

I secretly made a 'special' dmod (Simon style) and sent
it to Sabretrout. Naturally he declared me the winner
of the contest and sent me the prize.
I can't reveal what the prize was
but it was awesome. Really, really awesome.
If you knew, you'd die of jealousy. Bwahaha!

Yup. Carrie wins.

Sabre, I did send you some tea... Did you receive it? I fear that you didn't.

I'm drinking it right now. 'Tis lovely.

/poke

Apologies for the delay (again). Rest assured, discussions on which d-mod should be proclaimed the victor are ongoing.

Why don't we just say that DinkDude won?

Because we know that lying is wrong.
<sips from glass of Schnapps>

Unstickied, due to being over. Ahem.