Hard Light Productions Forums

Modding, Mission Design, and Coding => The FRED Workshop => Topic started by: Yoseph on July 26, 2004, 02:25:58 pm

Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Yoseph on July 26, 2004, 02:25:58 pm
The Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future website is up, with online encyclopedia, ship listings, timeline and more.

//www.cambium.com/eotp

And yes, I'm STILL looking for some support for the FS2 mod.
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: karajorma on July 26, 2004, 03:17:02 pm
Looks good as always Yoseph. :yes:
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: .::Tin Can::. on July 26, 2004, 03:38:22 pm
I havent heard of this mod. Anyone want to fill me in? I looked at the website and Im still a little lost... :confused:
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Black Wolf on July 26, 2004, 03:39:19 pm
It looks visually stunning, but I still don't think you're going to get an awful lot of support from the community for a campaign that's essentially based on religion...:wtf:
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Gloriano on July 26, 2004, 05:20:25 pm
Cool site :)
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Yoseph on July 26, 2004, 06:14:23 pm
Black, I really have to say I take offense to your premise.

A. Its not "Based" on religion. Religion is an element of the story. (Admited a nice chuck of it)

B. Then the community obviously hates Babylon 5, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Battlestar Galaticia, and a whole host of other books, shows, and universes, because all of those have a deep inclusion of religion. (PS: I believe there's mods for all of those above listed universes)

C: Belief in God isn't tied to technology levels. If anything, that fact that 97 percent of americans believe in some form of God proves that, even in our highly advanced times.

If you don't like EOTP's plot, story, graphics etc, feel free to tell me that, do it publicly, even better, offer suggestions for improvement, but don't use some BS arguement that appears to be "religion is bad".

PS. If your refering to my note on the about page...I'd remind you that the same overall theme was used in several episodes of B5. I simply take it to the next level, and have people of all faiths working side by side.
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Black Wolf on July 27, 2004, 03:42:18 am
Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph
Black, I really have to say I take offense to your premise.

A. Its not "Based" on religion. Religion is an element of the story. (Admited a nice chuck of it)


The protagonists were forced out of earth because of religion. They allied together because of religion. They made alliances with not one but two completely alien races because they had similar religions (Which is completely whacky IMO, but I'm not going toget into that). You have a star of david on all your Blueprints. Your ships are named things like "Lion of Judah". That's based enough for me.

Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph
B. Then the community obviously hates Babylon 5, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Battlestar Galaticia, and a whole host of other books, shows, and universes, because all of those have a deep inclusion of religion. (PS: I believe there's mods for all of those above listed universes)


Never seen B5 or much of BSG, but I have seen DS9, and there's a big difference between a spiritual race of oppressed aliens who worship technologically advanced aliens who exist outside of normal space time, and who are never treated as anything but aliens throughout the entire series.

Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph
C: Belief in God isn't tied to technology levels. If anything, that fact that 97 percent of americans believe in some form of God proves that, even in our highly advanced times.

If you don't like EOTP's plot, story, graphics etc, feel free to tell me that, do it publicly, even better, offer suggestions for improvement, but don't use some BS arguement that appears to be "religion is bad".


However, over the last several hundred years, we've seen a gradual and significant diminishing in the power of the church (Not just the Zoroastroan based ones either - pretty much all faiths have been decreasing in significance in peoples every day lives, with the possible exception of hinduism), and the strength of most peoples religious beliefs. Of those 97% how many do you think go to church every day, or even believe for any reason other than their parents told them to? Admittedly, There're still bastions of christianity andf strong faith, but it's decreasing with every generation.

Also, I suggest you reread my post - did I ever say Religion was bad? No. I never even gave you my personal opinion on religion (though I assume you've figured it out by now). What I said was that I don't expect you to get much support (ie. direct offers of assistance) from the community with a campagn based on religion. And I sand by that statement. Go read the (locked) religion threads. They pretty much chow the overall communities attitude toward religion (NB - I'm not talking about any individuals here - I'm talking about what I saw as the average views of the entire group).

Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph
PS. If your refering to my note on the about page...I'd remind you that the same overall theme was used in several episodes of B5. I simply take it to the next level, and have people of all faiths working side by side.


Once again, never seen B5, so this isn't really relevant to me.

Look, I'm not trying to knock your work. The models and effects are amazing, and I'm sure you've put a lot of work into the storyline and suchlike. But in my opinion you won't get much assistance from the community with so many religious elements to worry about. I think I'm right, I may be wrong. We'll have to wait and see, won't we?
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Yoseph on July 27, 2004, 11:25:18 am
I'm going to use every power of self control I have not to lose my maturity with you, Black, as Shrike has asked as all. However.....

Quote
Originally posted by Black Wolf


The protagonists were forced out of earth because of religion. They allied together because of religion. They made alliances with not one but two completely alien races because they had similar religions (Which is completely whacky IMO, but I'm not going toget into that). You have a star of david on all your Blueprints. Your ships are named things like "Lion of Judah". That's based enough for me.



Point by point - Earth was taken over by a neo-socialist/communist group that erased /all/ religion, by force. Many examples of these styles of groups exist in history - Nazis, various forms of communists (USSR, China etc). The only difference is, this group takes over the world. So yes, all of the religious people who aren't killed, leave. That means everyone, including Dieists. As for the aliens; if one believes in God as I do, it makes sense that God (in whatever form) might show up and talk to the other races of the universe, right? Maybe  that's a streech, who knows. That symbol if you look closely is a star of david, a cross, and 2 cresants and stars (for those of you who don't know, the symbols of Judiasm, Christianity and Islam, respectively). The one ship is named CSV Lion of Judah. The rest have purely secular names; CSV Saratoga, CSV Ark Royal, etc etc.

Quote
Never seen B5 or much of BSG, but I have seen DS9, and there's a big difference between a spiritual race of oppressed aliens who worship technologically advanced aliens who exist outside of normal space time, and who are never treated as anything but aliens throughout the entire series.


Uh, if that's your impression, you haven't seen the show. Because the last season is FULL of religious undertones, including episodes where Sisko becomes a prophet, and then dies and is reborn in the end.

Quote

However, over the last several hundred years, we've seen a gradual and significant diminishing in the power of the church (Not just the Zoroastroan based ones either - pretty much all faiths have been decreasing in significance in peoples every day lives, with the possible exception of hinduism), and the strength of most peoples religious beliefs. Of those 97% how many do you think go to church every day, or even believe for any reason other than their parents told them to? Admittedly, There're still bastions of christianity andf strong faith, but it's decreasing with every generation.


Really? I guess that's why the Vacitan is still one of the most powerful countries on the planet, and the Pope one of the most respected people in the world. Maybe that's why some 60 percent of americans attend church on a regular basis. And that number isn't going down - in fact, in light of recent events, its been trending /higher/.

Quote

Also, I suggest you reread my post - did I ever say Religion was bad? No. I never even gave you my personal opinion on religion (though I assume you've figured it out by now). What I said was that I don't expect you to get much support (ie. direct offers of assistance) from the community with a campagn based on religion. And I sand by that statement. Go read the (locked) religion threads. They pretty much chow the overall communities attitude toward religion (NB - I'm not talking about any individuals here - I'm talking about what I saw as the average views of the entire group). [/color]


Well black, perhaps I assumed some stuff given your tone, but I wasn't that off, now was I? :)

And you know, perhaps your right. Perhaps everyone in this community thinks that religion is a "crutch for the weak minded" and what have you. If that's the case, so be it.

And hey, if that's your opinion, make a campaign where the League of Sol blows away the religious folks. ;)
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Black Wolf on July 27, 2004, 12:08:57 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph

Point by point - Earth was taken over by a neo-socialist/communist group that erased /all/ religion, by force. Many examples of these styles of groups exist in history - Nazis, various forms of communists (USSR, China etc). The only difference is, this group takes over the world. So yes, all of the religious people who aren't killed, leave. That means everyone, including Dieists. As for the aliens; if one believes in God as I do, it makes sense that God (in whatever form) might show up and talk to the other races of the universe, right? Maybe  that's a streech, who knows. That symbol if you look closely is a star of david, a cross, and 2 cresants and stars (for those of you who don't know, the symbols of Judiasm, Christianity and Islam, respectively). The one ship is named CSV Lion of Judah. The rest have purely secular names; CSV Saratoga, CSV Ark Royal, etc etc.


OK. So strip away the history/timeline/whatever and it's the oppressed believers vs. the evil atheists. Even if this wasn't blatantly obvious, you then put Religious symbols throughout the art and documentation, and named what is as far as I can tell the main ship in the campaign with a religious title. I mean, come on.

As for the aliens, I see where you're coming from there, but look at your own examples. Judaism, Islam and Christianity - all worshipping the same god, in three completely different ways. And that's when you've only got one braintype to think. Aliens would think totally differently to us, and yet you think that religion, something that comes from some of the most elemental needs in the human psyche (that is, to understand the world around them, to understand why things are the way they are) would be so similar in a creature that's had a totally different evolutionary pathway? That thinks differently, that acts differenty, that sees and experiences its environment differently? That doesn't make any sense. I'm sorry, but it just doesn't.

Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph

Uh, if that's your impression, you haven't seen the show. Because the last season is FULL of religious undertones, including episodes where Sisko becomes a prophet, and then dies and is reborn in the end.



Err...yeah. Bajoran religion. Big difference. The prophets, the wormhole, and their link with with the Bajorans was the focus of the series. This is ligitimate and well trodden Sci Fi terrain.

Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph

Really? I guess that's why the Vacitan is still one of the most powerful countries on the planet, and the Pope one of the most respected people in the world. Maybe that's why some 60 percent of americans attend church on a regular basis. And that number isn't going down - in fact, in light of recent events, its been trending /higher/.
[/b]

50 years ago, not going to church was pretty much a direct cause of subtle social stigma. 100 years ago, church was a central part of peoples lives, and Social stigma took on a whole new meaning. These days, don't go to church? Meh, nobody cares. Atheism is on the rise, but apathy's taking off in leaps and bounds. I went to a Catholic school years 8-10, and in my final year the relgion teacher asked our class how many people firmly believed in God. 2 people raised their hands. Out of thirty. This is typical in my experience. I'd like to know where you're getting your figures from though - I'm sure it'd be an interesting read.

Keep in mind though, we obviously come from two totally different backgrounds, and from what I understand, America's a hell of a lot more theistically inclined than Australia. That's going to influence your thinking, and mine too.


Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph

Well black, perhaps I assumed some stuff given your tone, but I wasn't that off, now was I? :)


No, but you did manage to change the point  I was making from "I don't think you're going to get much help with a religion based campaign" to "I hate religion and you're a dumb dumb". Kudos.
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Tiara on July 27, 2004, 01:13:19 pm
Religion should be an aspect of a campaign, not the focal point.
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Goober5000 on July 27, 2004, 01:42:18 pm
Why not?  This is a different approach to campaign storytelling; I for one am interested to see what comes of it.

(Though I disagree that Muslims, Jews, and Christians could all get along in the same fleet with no conflict whatsoever. ;))
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: jdjtcagle on July 27, 2004, 01:50:17 pm
You all "should" know were I stand ;)

I'm for it...
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Gloriano on July 27, 2004, 02:35:10 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Goober5000
Why not?  This is a different approach to campaign storytelling; I for one am interested to see what comes of it.
 



That is true Different is good
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: .::Tin Can::. on July 28, 2004, 07:05:18 am
I was gonna say, who cares if its about religion? If you have fun playing it then by all means play it. Does it really matter THAT much to you where you would argue with the creator over... religion?
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: karajorma on July 28, 2004, 07:50:08 am
Depends how much the "Religion good, Atheism bad" angle is shoved down your throat.

If the game obviously has an agenda then it's unlikely that I'd be able to stand it. If the religion stuff is just background then I'll enjoy it.
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: .::Tin Can::. on July 28, 2004, 08:32:38 am
I doubt he has his agenda at hand. Nazi's vs religion is not pushing anything on anyone.
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: karajorma on July 28, 2004, 10:41:01 am
Depends on whether or not the game makes out that all atheists are nazis. Are there any atheists on the good guys side?
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: .::Tin Can::. on July 28, 2004, 11:12:33 am
We will just have to wait and see...
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Yoseph on July 28, 2004, 11:31:44 am
I suggest that you all take note of the "Character Bio" page under TV Series. One of the lead characters in the show I have planned is an atheist scienist that creates some specific technology used on the Lion of Judah.

So to answer your question, no, in the EOTP not all atheists are bad. Just the ones with really big guns trying to take over the galaxy. :)
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Tiara on July 28, 2004, 12:44:19 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph

So to answer your question, no, in the EOTP not all atheists are bad. Just the ones with really big guns trying to take over the galaxy. :)

You're saying i'm bad!? you little... :mad:



























:p
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: kv1at3485 on July 28, 2004, 12:56:09 pm
^ Hey, there's nothing wrong with outfitting an Apollo to carry a BFRed and going out and conquering the galaxy... ;7
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: karajorma on July 28, 2004, 02:13:08 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Yoseph
I suggest that you all take note of the "Character Bio" page under TV Series. One of the lead characters in the show I have planned is an atheist scienist that creates some specific technology used on the Lion of Judah.

So to answer your question, no, in the EOTP not all atheists are bad. Just the ones with really big guns trying to take over the galaxy. :)


In that case I have no problem with the campaign :)
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: magatsu1 on July 28, 2004, 04:38:33 pm
Your story reminds me of early MechWarrior games. The whole "Earth as a Lost Paradise etc" with factions attempting to reach it first. I didn't read all your text so apologies if I got that wrong.

On a personal note, I find too much religion tends to leave a bad taste in the mouth.
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Setekh on July 31, 2004, 05:00:17 am
Quote
Originally posted by Goober5000
Why not?  This is a different approach to campaign storytelling; I for one am interested to see what comes of it.

(Though I disagree that Muslims, Jews, and Christians could all get along in the same fleet with no conflict whatsoever. ;))


Yeah, what he said. ;) I'm keen to see what comes of this campaign, too. :nod:
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: karajorma on July 31, 2004, 06:25:58 am
Quote
Originally posted by Goober5000
(Though I disagree that Muslims, Jews, and Christians could all get along in the same fleet with no conflict whatsoever. ;))


Well if you think about it all the stupid funementalists would have stayed behind to fight. Only the sensible ones would have run away :D
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Yoseph on July 31, 2004, 01:27:18 pm
We left the Wabaists behind, along with the KKK, and more rabid ACLU members :p
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Night Hammer on August 02, 2004, 06:28:21 pm
Arent  "Echoes of the Past" and "Vision of the Future" Timothy Zahn Star Wars books about Thrawn?
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Yoseph on August 02, 2004, 06:45:36 pm
Uh, no. :P

There is a book about thrawn that has "Echoes" in it, didn't know it existed till a friend of mine pointed it out a few years ago.
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Black Wolf on August 02, 2004, 10:19:06 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Night Hammer
Arent  "Echoes of the Past" and "Vision of the Future" Timothy Zahn Star Wars books about Thrawn?


The books are Spectre of the Past and Vision of the Future. I thought the same thing though - had to do a bit of googling to confirm otherwise though.

http://www.futurefiction.com/star_wars_by_timothy_zahn.htm#specter
Title: EOTP Website Up
Post by: Night Hammer on August 03, 2004, 12:10:01 am
knew those sounded farmiliar