Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 corwynn Jan 11, 2009 2:21:00	I've uploaded a generic template that can be used by those people wishing to reskin scenarios. It can be accessed here: http://www.4shared.com/file/80056208/62cb1530/LFR_Reskin_Template_v05.html EDIT: latest version is 1.2 It uses the "Quick Gude to Changing Mods with DME" post that has been sticky'ed on this forum as a rating system for the amount of change in the reskin. I've already used this template for one reskin (which I'll post at a later date), so I know it works fairly well. But for now I'd really like to get feedback! Ideally I'd like to get feedback from those people actually considering writing "reskins" of scenarios and being nice enough to share them with the rest of us. Is this something that you'd use? Is it too cumbersome, doesn't have enough structure, or just right? Are there any problems with it that you've noticed. Thanks!
#2 corwynn Jan 13, 2009 12:07:21	I've received some feedback, and have incorporated those changes into the v1.0 version of the template. It's available at the following location: http://www.4shared.com/file/80462865/14e4e44c/LFR_Reskin_Template_v10.html Thanks!
#3 corwynn Jan 13, 2009 14:25:56	As I suspected might happen, more people took a look at the template now that a reskin'ed scenario has been released. As a result, I'm updating the template once more to add some good feedback. http://www.4shared.com/file/80484380/6c033311/LFR_Reskin_Template_v11.html Template is now v1.1
#4 Alphastream Jan 13, 2009 16:19:56	I like it. I will post my Arkanul 1-1 changes in the format at some point in the near future. However, I'm a bit leery of including the monster formats. I would rather see just the parts that are being modified, such as the line for a new power or a changed power. I suppose it is fine for a complete remake of a monster, but it still runs into copyright issues. For example, the 'reskinned' monster that WotC did in the first combat of Icy Spire is very different than the original (you know which monster I mean if you look at the combat), but is clearly derived from it. Posting the whole monster... I don't know. I otherwise like the template. Now we need a central storage place.... I've got another similar idea that could benefit from a storage place, but I need some more time to deploy the idea. Stay tuned.
#5 corwynn Jan 13, 2009 16:49:47	I like it. I will post my Arkanul 1-1 changes in the format at some point in the near future. Great, I'm looking forward to reading it! This is exactly what I was hoping for Posting the whole monster... I don't know. The monsters I wrote are original creations. I wasn't trying to mimic anything, or use another creature as a basis or template. But yes, this is something that reskinners need to be aware of -- you can't just change some parts and then republish the whole monster. I otherwise like the template. Now we need a central storage place.... I've got another similar idea that could benefit from a storage place, but I need some more time to deploy the idea. Stay tuned. Excellent. I'd like a good central storing place for it as well!
#6 Alphastream Jan 14, 2009 13:42:47	"The modification rating is copyrighted to Teos Abadia, and is used with permission. " is not necessary. I am not in any way copyrighting the DME guide. You can just mention the DME thread (maybe with a link) and if you care to call it open source, you can do so. I consider it non-copyrighted and free for everyone to use. Thanks, though!
#7 corwynn Jan 14, 2009 15:05:10	"The modification rating is copyrighted to Teos Abadia, and is used with permission. " is not necessary. I am not in any way copyrighting the DME guide. You can just mention the DME thread (maybe with a link) and if you care to call it open source, you can do so. I consider it non-copyrighted and free for everyone to use. Thanks, though! Cool. I'll remove that in the next version of the template. You mentioned that you'll have your reskinned Akan1-1 out today? If so, can't wait to read it!
#8 Alphastream Jan 15, 2009 2:15:12	I'm running the mod this weekend, so I had impetus to make the changes. Here is a moderate reskin of AKAN1-1. I took some minor liberties with the format, though I am not sold on a particular way of doing this (bold, underline, etc.). I found the template to be very good. Now to see what people think of the idea as a whole. Teos
#9 corwynn Jan 15, 2009 10:17:56	I'm running the mod this weekend, so I had impetus to make the changes. Here is a moderate reskin of AKAN1-1. Very cool. I'm reading it now. I took some minor liberties with the format No worries at all. Let me mention a couple of quick things though: I like the change you made at the bottom of the cover page regarding the DME guide, and will update the template to reflect that. On the cover page you prominently mention the name of the original scenario. In effect, it looks like the title of this reskin is the same as the original. I was careful not to do that in the template and my reskin so that there is no accusation that this might be confused with the original scenario. The way that you do changes to the combat stats seems to work well. I was a little skeptical of trying something like that, thinking that it might be too confusing, but you pulled it off really well. In the future, if I'm just tweaking a monster's stats, I'll do the same thing. I love the goblin "airborne ranger" feel of encounter 3! The way you handled xp due to the strengthened encounters is brilliant. It's very fair, and will reduce any chance that players might feel like the judge is unfairly making the combats harder for no reason. And I'll add the "Word of Thanks" to the template as well. It's important that all reskinners build goodwill in the community.
#10 corwynn Jan 15, 2009 10:21:37	One more quick (and perhaps important thing): You credit Mike Lee as the original author. It's supposed to be Colin Marco. Let me know if you plan on making some changes. If (and when) you're done, I'll post this to the LFR wiki :-) Also, will you be posting an announcement to the LivingFR group? I feel it's important that we let people know these reskins are available. Cheers!
#11 Alphastream Jan 15, 2009 16:01:59	I updated the file. Thanks for the excellent comments. You know, I probably credited Mike Lee because he is everywhere I look - on every board, every place... probably in my house right now (hopefully with an all-natural organically raised beef cheeseburger...). I thought about the title, but it really is the same story, just with some additions to bring about a bit more LFR background. I just added (Re-Imaged) to help clarify the title. I'm glad Mike is happy with the changes to CORM1-1. The original is a really good scenario. One thing that I am learning is that an author has to follow a number of strict rules for various reasons. Re-skinning we get to ignore these controls. That can affect our quality, in exchange for greater creativity. Just removing the limits on size, XP, and so on give a lot of creative freedom. Hopefully LFR authors will not be angered by any efforts and will understand where they come from - fan hacks rather than an attempt to say we can do it better. I really am still on the fence on various aspects of DME. I am just exploring the possibilities, still unsure of what I like. Teos
#12 corwynn Jan 15, 2009 16:29:46	I've added a link from the LFR wiki! http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Living_Forgotten_Realms:Akan%C3%BBl_region I see you posted a link from the LivingFR yahoo group as well.
#13 corwynn Jan 15, 2009 18:32:04	I've uploaded a new version of the LFR Reskin Template, now v1.2 It includes some of the changes that Teos has made to the reskin for AKAN1-1. http://www.4shared.com/file/80848348/368966ed/LFR_Reskin_Template_v12.html