Getting Medieval

Stormcaller3801

L5: Dapper Member
Jul 5, 2009
249
28
This map was created for a special event inspired by the Soldier/Demo update, specifically with regards to the Eyelander and Chargin' Targe. The event is, as might be expected, a medieval warfare style map, intended to restrict weapon and class options via server-side mods and/or admin enforcement to the following:
  • Demoman - Eyelander and Chargin' Targe
  • Soldier - Equalizer
  • Sniper - Huntsman

The map was designed per the organizer's specifications: King of the Hill, a large open area in the middle, and castles.

Each castle features four ramps. All four make use of func_push brush entities to launch people quickly across the map and/or onto the battlements. The ramps on the ground require individuals to jump off of them in order to be launched; the ones on the battlements do not.

The ramps were added in part to try and balance out the advantage Snipers would have by being the only individuals with long-range weaponry. Similarly, the lack of easily available ammunition and health while on the battlements, and the difficulty avoiding melee combat on the battlements were also intended to try and balance out this issue. The organizer has already stated that there may be an upper limit on the number of Snipers allowed per team, imposed server-side, which would further assist with this.

Leaping from the ground will place an individual onto the battlements and/or the edge of the roof. Leaping from the battlement ramps will deliver the individual at very high speeds to the opposing castle wall (and I do mean to the wall). Running off the battlement ramps will deliver the individual at very high speeds into the water, which will preclude impact damage.

The rocks along the wall were, at request, made scalable, and should allow for movement from a castle wall to the water, and then from the water to a castle wall.

It is possible, while leaping from a battlement ramp, to see off of the map for a very brief period, if using specific ramps and adjusting the camera angle to attempt to do so. As this is the only time it is possible and the event this map is intended for will only last (at maximum) sixteen hours, I chose to forego adding a 3-D skybox on the basis that it would require more time and effort than was justified, as well as potentially risking not having the map ready on schedule.

Feedback is, of course, welcome.
 
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gamemaster1996

L13: Stunning Member
Sep 30, 2009
1,064
134
Why are people obsessed with medeival mods?
 

nik

L12: Fabulous Member
Aug 14, 2009
987
564
I like the atmosphere of the area leading to the castle

but would the water still be running?
 

Fireman

L4: Comfortable Member
Mar 21, 2008
150
59
Would it not make sense to allow all the other classes, just restricted to their melee weapons?
 

Stormcaller3801

L5: Dapper Member
Jul 5, 2009
249
28
Why are people obsessed with medeival mods?

I would imagine because it involves swords. And everyone likes swords.

I like the atmosphere of the area leading to the castle

but would the water still be running?

I'm not an expert, but I'm fairly certain not all rivers freeze up completely. This one's more of a creek, and arguably I could've added some broken ice to the surface... but it's easier this way, and we're in a game where throwing pee on your friends extinguishes fire, but throwing pee on your enemies makes them burn hotter. Even if it's the same jar of pee.

Would it not make sense to allow all the other classes, just restricted to their melee weapons?

I think the idea is that anything else would look too modern. Although given that the clothing doesn't change... In any case, I'm not in charge of the event, I just made a map to help run it. And they already rejected my idea of letting Soldiers charge up the Buff Banner by using the Equalizer to mine gold. :p
 

keithgarry

L2: Junior Member
Apr 16, 2009
59
8
This map shows a lot of promise. I wonder if the pickaxe taunt will be allowed. ;)

BTW, in the third picture... have you tried putting the archway door onto same smoothing groups? I wonder if that would help with the lighting.
 

Stormcaller3801

L5: Dapper Member
Jul 5, 2009
249
28
Map has been updated after it was determined I was an idiot and left the clip visgroup unchecked, allowing people to fall off the map. I also took the opportunity to include several spectator cameras.