[Citizen] Russian Gondor (Patron: Druvatar De Bodemloze)

[Okmin]

Druvatar De Bodemloze

hi my name is druvatar de bodemloze,
& I have been a citizen here at TWC for at least a half a year. Most of my contributions have been in the realm of modding. I have released four major mods
& the person I am Patronizing today has helped me significantly with the mapping aspects of three of theses mods, his name is Russian Gondor http://www.twcenter.net/forums/member.php?u=71198
also he has made significant contributions in other areas such as writing competitions held here at TWC.
He has been a long term member in whom I always have been able to "reach-out too" for help with whatever is my current modding project, He is reliable & capable, he has a wonderful & amiable personality & I feel Citizenship for him is appropriate, he has earned & will most likely continue to make quality contributions to the TWC community which warrant formal recognition.
thank you

Russian Gondor

Greetings honorable members of the CDEC, as you may know, I am Russian Gondor (Misha being my real name), am 14 years old, and am applying to be a member of the Artifex group (being the apprentice of the esteemed Druvatar De Bodemloze). I have been attached to modding, especially in the areas of Medieval II: Total War for quite a while. I have been on these wonderful forums for about two years (since early January 2010). Originally, the great mod Third Age Total War brought me to these forums, and ever since I have been amazed with the art of modding. Although, modding covers many aspects of the game, but I choose to specialize especially in mapping and 2D applications (art, videos, UI, strat map changes, etc).
Before listing my contributions, I would like to present what mapping and 2D artwork does to mods. In my opinion, these things are most important in making a mod successful. Even though custom battlefield textures have been recently discovered, battlefields are pretty much vanilla-like in all mods (other than having custom units of course). Now, the person sees mainly the campaign map as well as the loading screens (especially if some have slightly out-dated computers). Hence, mapping and 2D art are the most important part of a mod (in my humble opinion of course).
Another thing that I believe you must know is a brief history of my modding experience. I believe most of you know how hard modding is (especially with the Medieval TW engine) to a “nooby” and a child (I was 12 when I started opening myself up to the realm of modding). Eventually, through the long, toiling nights and the well-made tutorials, I learned to map correctly, as well as work on UI/strat maps.
Now, for the most important part as usual, my contributions. I have mainly contributed and worked together with Druvatar De Bodemloze. I have finished the maps for a total of three mods: Claimants, Heirs, and Conquerors (CHC), Sands of Conquest, and A’ Fil’ Di’ Spada’. I am also currently working on a map for Dragonborn Total War. Now, to show you I will link the ground types. You can see the textures, heights, climates, water_types, and all the good stuff if you play the mod (I recommend you do, Druvatar and I will be honored).
Here are the links to my work:
Forum for CHC/AFDS : (I urge you to try these mods) http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1474
CHC map (ground types):

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

A’ Fil’ Di’ Spada’ (ground types):

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Forum for Sands of Conquest: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1754
Sands of Conquest map (ground types):

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Not only do I contribute to modding as a member of Artifex would, I also regularly contribute to the forums in events as well as tutorials. I am a Local Moderator on the forums for ChC, Sands of Conquest, and Rusichi Total War and help keep these forums nice, clean, and running. Not only do I help with keeping the forums clean, I also create tutorials that are needed.
Rusichi Total War installation guide (after a flawed installation process): http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=
I have also created a tutorial on how to create smooth coastlines for mods:
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=414148
Last but not least, I contribute to the forums in discussion and events (as any good citizen would). You may see my Writing Desk in Tale of the Week: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=428394. I have also started to contribute in the Picture of the Week competitions.
Personally, I believe becoming Artifex would signify the contributions I have made, being backed up by my contributions to the forums. Thank you very much for your time, regardless of the outcome on your vote, I will continue to be a good community member and continue modding.

[MasterBigAb]

I know him and was sure he'll show up here soon
I do also know parts of his work, have to digg a bit more bout the tuts etc...

But leaning towards a yes from the first impression.

[Mega Tortas de Bodemloze]

Tsk tsk tsk.....It's not nice to peek at Christmas presents early....


This lad is well known to me and early polling suggests that he may well be a 1st time go!!!!....

[m_1512]

Shovel up, Lads!:

[Romanos IV]

I've searched some things, and here are my first impressions/notes:

• The Rusichi total war installation guide link is obviously wrong and gives an error.
• The A` Fil` Di` Spada` submod looks pretty good so far.
• The Sands of Conquest contains some very nice work done by Russian Gondor.
• The Coastlines tutorial has fundamental flaws, as seen by other modders in the thread.

Overall, I'd say he's on a good track. I think I'm leaning towards a yes.

[Radzeer]

- Modding: Since I'm not a modder, I'd like to see some discussion about that by those who actually know what they say. Especially that he goes for the Artifex badge.
- Tutorials: The first link is broken (maybe somebody could PM him or his patron), the second is technical enough for me, but he did not lose his cool while he was being criticized which is good.
- Other: It counts less toward the Artifex, but I like that he is versatile. Usually modders and writers are two separate skills. He has won TotW competitions before he stopped writing because he took up more modding. I also like his attitude. And in case somebody is interested, he has no moderation history.

So I am leaning toward a yes, unless the resident modders convince me that his modding work is not worthy for the Artifex badge.

[Mega Tortas de Bodemloze]

but he did not lose his cool while he was being criticized which is good.

Well...in some of the modding threads his diplomacy with the other modders was less than sterling, which is something he never showed when he hung out in TotW. It's by no means a deal breaker, but the brownies and Christmas cookies just got yanked off the table.

Tis not a giant issue cuz well...He is a modder after all...

[Okmin]

Poll.

[Mega Tortas de Bodemloze]

*Looks up*

Already... Where does the time go! I better get digging and the Modding vote better hurry up and drag their carcasses in here{discussion wise}...

[Finlander]

I will delve into more detail about this client after Christmas when I am relaxed and well eaten, but I have to say that after a quick testing of the Sands to Conquer mod I got a feeling that the map is still somewhat unfinished or something. Recently I have been practising mapping by making my own campaign maps and it is not as difficult or time-consuming as some may think - infact similar map could be done rather quickly, I'd say. I can't help thinking that the map still needs some "love" and polishing: the coasts are full of annoying land squares, mountains have odd, unnatural peaks and other similar issues.

The previews of the maps shown in the application doesn't really show much of his work. Honestly saying they were not anything stunning pieces of layout, but of course I understand that the ground types doesn't necessary have to be drawn in great detail to have remarkable effect on eye-candy or gameplay. I am now pointing more to the European maps btw...
(edit. I take back a bit on this, actually now thinking they are alright.)

In conclusion I would like to say that the maps done by him are average, not necessary the best "quality" seen in the fields of map making and they still needs some polishing in my opinion but still they are doing their job. Similar quality can be done by a large group of people without serious skills, maybe a bit of time. The positive side here is that he clearly has interest in modding and he already has been helping mods by volunteering to work on them. I think it is again the question about quality/quantity thing. And have to remind myself that we are not really here to deliver Opifexes either...
Just my few early thoughs about the client, going to think more this after few days. Sorry if I am starting to sound a bit negative; getting late here and I am tired and angry.

Any infractions or notes, btw?

[Radzeer]

Any infractions or notes, btw?

As I said, no moderation record.

Mega, I have not checked his other interactions outside of the work he cited. If he was less than stellar in that, I guess that's just how it is. So the question is if somebody wants to go for the Artifex badge, how much of non-modding stuff should be counted in. So for example, his TotW runs are nice and all, but are those completely unrelated to his application?

[MasterBigAb]

As I said, no moderation record.

Mega, I have not checked his other interactions outside of the work he cited. If he was less than stellar in that, I guess that's just how it is. So the question is if somebody wants to go for the Artifex badge, how much of non-modding stuff should be counted in. So for example, his TotW runs are nice and all, but are those completely unrelated to his application?

Whether you call it Civitate or Artifex is in my eyes more a formality and more to give Citizens the possibility to display their badges according to how they would like to represent themselves and would like it to be seen...
So these are all Citizen applications, and if he applies "for Artifex" and we say we do not count other contributions then or we count them lesser cause he said "Artifex" and not "Citizen" is kind of unfair.

What I personally like very much about Citizens, or members that like to become a Citizen is when they are not bound to one "little" area. Like in this case. He did some good writing, has been around for some time, friendly (not yet checked the issue Mega mentioned) and also started learning modding, helped mods and is eager to learn more and spread his skills and help...
Modding which somehow is the major point this side exists....

I am more then leaning towards a yes.

[Okmin]

By the way, on this one I'm more open to extending the poll because of holidays.

[Genius of the Restoration]

By the way, on this one I'm more open to extending the poll because of holidays.

Good plan chief. I'll get to looking at this in the coming days.

[Mega Tortas de Bodemloze]

By the way, on this one I'm more open to extending the poll because of holidays.

Let's, please kind Sir...

As I said, no moderation record.

Mega, I have not checked his other interactions outside of the work he cited. If he was less than stellar in that, I guess that's just how it is. So the question is if somebody wants to go for the Artifex badge, how much of non-modding stuff should be counted in. So for example, his TotW runs are nice and all, but are those completely unrelated to his application?

This appl.'s a tweener, the writing won't stand on it's own, nor will the mapping. Tis a question of comming together on these two halves and judging their combined worth.

(not yet checked the issue Mega mentioned)

Well, As I check for the "Solid Citizenship" criteria, I'll shout out if I see anything else worrysome. At times modders who are very focussed on their craft, are not very open to negativity and do not react well to it.

That said, I do find the applicant very outgoing, positive, and more than willing to reach out and help others. Since he is a friend of mine and I know him fairly well, the negativity took me by surprize.

[m_1512]

This appl.'s a tweener, the writing won't stand on it's own, nor will the mapping. Tis a question of comming together on these two halves and judging their combined worth.

I surprised Mega said this. Why writing is solid, my dear friend. He is one of the stalwarts of the TotW, his contribution by virtue of participation. Writing, we should consider it as well. Just my few coins.

Recently I have been practising mapping by making my own campaign maps and it is not as difficult or time-consuming as some may think - infact similar map could be done rather quickly, I'd say. I can't help thinking that the map still needs some "love" and polishing: the coasts are full of annoying land squares, mountains have odd, unnatural peaks and other similar issues.

I don't disagree with you. But just this point, mapping is tricky, unless it is in your line of specialty. In your case, Art. But I take your word for expert analysis of the work.

[Finlander]

I surprised Mega said this. Why writing is solid, my dear friend. He is one of the stalwarts of the TotW, his contribution by virtue of participation. Writing, we should consider it as well. Just my few coins.




I don't disagree with you. But just this point, mapping is tricky, unless it is in your line of specialty. In your case, Art. But I take your word for expert analysis of the work.

Ofc there is its own tricky parts in mapping as there is for every aspect of modding, but what really bothers me is that it looks like it is left halfway done. According to his own words, he has specialized himself in mapping and 2D, so it is natural to rise the standards of critism, and many parts of the map there is left behind bad looking shapes and coastlines, which makes it look like it is still a craft and not a finished product. In addition, he has hosted a tutorial for smooth coastlines, so can't I expect that he is capable of doing them in his own maps then? This all just feeds my sucpision of his maximal dedication for his work. :/

One part of good citizen material is that the applicant has shown his full skills and dedication to do the task given to him. In this case, honestly saying, I believe he has not done his best he is capable of.

[Radzeer]

the writing won't stand on it's own

This, I agree with. I would never base citizenship approvals solely on TotW entries however successful they are. This is a nice icing on the cake but only if some other work carries the heavy load.

[Okmin]

Okay, you now have until next year on this one

[m_1512]

I would like to interest myself in his work done as writer and a local moderator.
Would PM the patron.