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I find the menu music quite loud and rumbling bassy and would like to be able to disable it completely. I try to disable here (see screenshot), but I think that probably only disables the piano/music box song theme. I still hear synth keyboard, bell hits, drum hits, ambient music type stuff going on. I'd like to turn it all off. If it only had quiet wind whistling noises, that'd be fine. It's all the ambient music stuff I don't want. It's jarring when you're playing a mission and have to go to the menus to adjust something like brightness. The ambient menu sounds loudly kick in For the longest time, I didn't give it much thought and figured it was just a bug that would get resolved. But now I think I've realized it actually just disables the piano/music box song and it was probably intended to be this way? If so, another toggle field would be great, such as, "Menu Ambience ON/OFF" Or volume sliders for "Main Menu Music" and "Menu Ambience" so we can choose our own volumes that we like... ranging from 0% to 100%. To be honest, if we had this level of control, I'd probably set both to like 10-15% volume rather than completely off. With their current loudness setting, I definitely want them both off.

the definition is just using backcolor set to all black with 50% alpha should be able to create a material with a translucent filter effect and replace backcolor with background /material/path

For some reason, my custom main menu background image has huge compression artefacts when seen in the TDM menu. I took it from an ingame location using TDM's F12 screenshotting tool, then opened it in GIMP and exported as either .tga or .dds. Also tried .jpg. If I open one of my .jpg briefing images from the internet in GIMP and convert it to .tga, that's perfectly sharp in the TDM menu. Definitely quite weird, since I've seen plenty other missions with reasonably sharp ingame screenshots, and my screenshot looks good while it's still in GIMP. AMD driver issue? This is a screenshot of the foggy sky in the TDM menu, which should be completely uniform: Compared to a screenshot of the same area in GIMP:

One last chance! In the two mock-ups attached to this post I am printing out each block of text a total of 9 times. In my humble opinion this is as close as we can get to a true outline. 9 times may sound excessive but I recall very complex in-game digital screens with tons of text and graphics in Doom 3 and I assume my approach cannot hinder performance in any way. I can be wrong, though. Download a pk4 and place it in your TDM root folder. Do not use quicksaves/loads, start a new mission when switching pk4. Delete the pk4 once you are done with testing. Some missions to give this a go: Seeking Lady Leicester: Intro Braeden Church: Beginning The Black Mage: Intro + Beginning A New Job: Intro + whole mission Here is a comparison in extreme situations (better to experience it in-game because of image compression): Outlined white [z_Subs_212_NoBG_Yellow_v5.pk4]: Outlined yellow [z_Subs_212_NoBG_Yellow_v5.pk4]: And also attached the original, improved version [z_Subs_212_YesBG_Geep_v4.pk4]: z_Subs_212_NoBG_Yellow_v5.pk4 z_Subs_212_NoBG_White_v5.pk4 z_Subs_212_YesBG_Geep_v4.pk4

I guess added sector is enough to drop the idea of more thickness on lower half of the ellipse. It is possible to expose colors of background and text to cvars. If the location ring image is black-and-white with varying alpha, then I suppose it should be possible to expose its color too (by modulating configurable color).

In the first post of the other topic Geep proposed: Then Stgatilov's answer: But I think applying subtitles in different languages shouldn't be too hard I would think, but I don't know how the current translation system works. The engine should apply the correct subtitles based on the applied language setting, this doesn't need a whole new language system I think. Not sure who's going to write those subtitles though. I can only do Dutch and English and nobody needs Dutch I think. I suggest further discussion of this to take place in topic https://forums.thedarkmod.com/index.php?/topic/21741-subtitles-possibilities-beyond-211/

Hidden Hands: The Lost Citadel ============================================================== Title: Hidden Hands: The Lost Citadel Filename : hhtlc.pk4 Authors: Jack Farmer with Amadeus & Joebarnin Date of release: 18.09.2020 Latest version: 5 (released June 2021) EFX: Yes ============================================================== Hidden Hands series: I - Initiation II - Vitalic Fever III - The Lost Citadel ============================================================== Available via the Dark Mod Mission Downloader (Version 4) ============================================================== Jack Farmer: Mapping & drafts Amadeus: Editing and revising of all texts for readables, narration and dialogues, testing of gameplay and gameplay mechanics, all alpha testing & performance optimization joebarnin: Beta testing lead, debugging and debugging reports Beta testers: Krilmar Joebarnin Cambridge Spy manzanita-crow Shadow Voice actors: New Horizon: The educated Builder & Brother Gilbert (Briefing video) Goldchocobo: The naive Builder, guard (A union of its own) Jedi_Wannabe: Two guards (Of monsters and master guards) AndrosTheOxen: Jonus, guard (A union of its own) Boy Lag: Guard (Evolution of the peasants) Malasdair: Narrator (Briefing video & in game comments) Special thanks to: - Springheel, Sotha, and Fidcal for the tutorials - VanishedOne, HMart, Destined, Grayman, Joebarnin, Dragofer, demagogue, AluminumHaste, STRUNK, Geep and ERH+ for patiently answering my questions and solving in-game issues - All voice actors & beta testers for their great support - All others not mentioned here who answered my questions in the Newbie thread or via PM Pilfered items: - Setup for the main menu animation originally developed by Goldwell for "Snowed Inn" - Portal sky with trees originally developed and arranged by Dragofer for "Down By The Riverside" - Selected cliff sections originally developed and arranged by Dragofer for "A Perilous Refuge" - The scary, red-eyed Builder ghosts that have been originally developed by Bienie for "Longhorn Lodge" - Floating boat set-up originally developed by Bikerdude for one of his missions Contributors from the Inventor's Guild: - STRUNK created a prefab (S.T.A.R.S) used for various puzzles and mechanical items, he also helped with models - Dragofer supplied the experimental func_mover entity (modified by STRUNK to fit the mission purposes) - Joebarnin provided the script alteration for the mechanical locks - Grayman adjusted the switch/door mechanics for all sliding doors and fixed several AI problems Additional ambient sounds by gigagooga All other new ambient tracks and sound effects produced and mixed by Jack Farmer Explosion sound taken from freesound.org produced by tommccann Drowning man sound taken from freesound.org produced by muses202 Engine room machine sound taken from freesound.org produced by Astounded Electric zap taken from freesound.org produced by Joel_Audio Briefing video by SirSmokeALot "Walk On Roses" (title screen reprise) RC Deickler - Drums & loops R. Recum - Keyboards gigagooga - Additional ambient outtakes This mission is dedicated to all past & present Dark Mod and Dark Radiant contributors - thank you for all of your hard work over the years. ============================================================= Listen to another crazy inventor and learn more about his sick brain! Marvel at the latest inventions from the Inventors Guild! Sneak through long forgotten ruins and face (yes. I know, once again) the unspeakable evil! Show the undead that the living are not to be trifled with! Solve puzzles the complexity of which would even melt the brains of Nobel Prize winners!

Updated patch along with new test builds. Windows: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13lQig7Yzfc_jovU2zZklxLV1QOKAjkXe/view?usp=sharing Linux/Ubuntu: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j7DoWBKuBAFdVH2Y-2LcYsgdtJNBabmn/view?usp=sharing @stgatilov Could you please update test-frob-daftmugi? Changes in update: Bodies can be dragged instantly by holding frob and moving the mouse. Food can be eaten the same way as extinguishing a candle. (Pending) Add menu setting "Hold Frob to Use", with options: Quick (200ms) - short delay before use Delayed (400ms) - long delay before use TDM original Current design: Frob Pick up body and shoulder it (carry it) / Drop body Pick up candle/lantern and carry it / Drop candle/lantern Pick up food and carry it / Drop food Pick up an item and carry it / Drop item Hold frob (for special action) Drag body or body limbs Pinch out candle (also, pinch out candle while carrying it) Toggle lantern off/on (also, toggle lantern while carrying it) Eat food (also, eat food while carrying it) Hold frob and move mouse to instantly drag body. Addressed concerns from initial design to current design: Changed the candle behavior to pick up on frob and extinguish on held frob. Added @AluminumHaste's suggestion to allow un-shouldering a body on frob. Added @nbohr1more's suggestion to allow extinguishing a candle while holding it. Added @Skaruts's suggestion to allow instant dragging of bodies on mouse move. Tried to address @snatcher's suggestion of making the extinguish candle delay 500ms instead of 200ms. There's a planned menu setting to set it to "Quick" (200ms) or "Delayed" (400ms). Also, I hope the "instant" body dragging will work well for you. I think this is finally in a good place. It's evolved quite a lot since its initial design. I've tried to address as many concerns and suggestions as I could. Thank you everyone who gave feedback! It's much appreciated!

I am pleased to announce the release of our new fan mission, The Hare in the Snare: Part 1 Mission type: City Missions + Inn/Tavern Description: People are being abducted off the streets and a Watch Captain requires the services of a thief to help him find out why. Download link (v1.0.2-release): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HYvM_u56wDB16uIlb7qgS_q3P24V69MO/view?usp=sharing Credits: Mapping and original characters: @Frost_Salamander Story, readables, custom models, voices and cinematics: @Kerry000 Menu title track produced and mixed by @JackFarmer with selected gigagooga sound samples Beta testers: @Cambridge Spy @Zerg Rush @Amadeus @Acolytesix @Lzocast @wesp5 @nbohr1more @Kerry000 @ate0ate @Wellingtoncrab @prjames Additional thanks: @Dragofer, @nbohr1moreand @peter_spyfor technical help @Springheel for the modules and tutorials @kingsalfor allowing @Kerry000to abuse his manbeast everyone else on Discord and the TDM forums who offered assistance Requirements and notes: This mission requires TDM 2.09. Earlier versions will probably work but you might see one or two missing models. You may experience some FPS drops in some areas with lower-end hardware. Mid-range and above should be fine. If you have issues, I highly recommend you use shadow maps instead of stencil (settings -> advanced -> shadows implementation). It makes a big difference. For 'Hard' and 'Expert' the light gem sensitivity has been increased by '1' (meaning easier for AI to detect you). Screenshots:

That's because this mission overrides mainmenu_briefing.gui and it does exactly that: /*************************************************************************** * * The "Back" Button * **************************************************************************/ windowDef BriefingNewGameButton { rect POS_BRIEFING_MAIN_MENU_BUTTON matcolor 1, 1, 1, 1 background "guis/assets/mainmenu/buttons_start/back" visible 1 } windowDef BriefingNewGameButtonH onAction { set "cmd" "play sound/meta/menu/mnu_select;"; // Switch to the mod menu set "gui::targetmode" MM_STATE_MOD_SELECT; resetTime "MainMenuModeSelect" 0; } } This file was written before The Great Main Menu Refactoring, so it uses explicit state names. The correct modern approach would be to set "gui::targetmode" MM_STATE_BACKWARD, which would cause engine to look what is considered previous in builtin tables, and hopefully move to main menu. Also, this file was written before the change related to start mission / install mission. At that moment, current mission was started from mission selection screen, so this custom gui redirects to that screen instead of just main menu.

Maybe we should adjust menu setting to only include these "integer ms" values (while secretly settings com_maxfps between two consecutive ms values for reliability).

I'd like to better understand what you want. The design of dragging bodies is to hold frob (key down) to drag and release frob (key up) to let go. That way it's impossible to walk away while unintentionally dragging a body. Plus, it's quick to grab and move several body limbs in rapid succession. This is thought to provide a better experience, especially for new players. Towards the beginning of this thread, I created a "tdm_frobhold_drag_body_behavior" cvar. https://forums.thedarkmod.com/index.php?/topic/22198-feature-proposal-frob-to-use-world-item/&do=findComment&comment=487580 "tdm_frobhold_drag_body_behavior", default:"1" Which drag body behavior? 1 --- on frob key up, drop body (limb). 0 --- on second frob, drop body (limb), TDM v2.11 (and prior) behavior. That cvar was removed shortly afterwards, because it was said that it wasn't needed. With that cvar set to 0, a second frob would be required to let go of the body. Is that the behavior that you want? If so, I can add that cvar back. Also, I saw elsewhere that you want the ability to revert back to the old way. If you mean that all of the controls match TDM 2.11, that can be done with "tdm_frobhold_delay 0" and there will be a menu setting to disable it as well.

This is the mission I built to learn DR (with some lengthy gaps when Life intervened), and naturally has much in it I'd do differently now. As a starter mission it's fairly simple (manor house; object to steal; locked door; shiny things) and of moderate size, though the evidence from beta testing is that your mileage may vary on that point. Just completing the mission requires one unconcealed key and is mostly about working out where to go. If you want to get all the loot, it's assumed you enjoy hunting high and low for trinkets. And keys. And clues about the first two.The grounds/exterior and the chapel may be somewhat taxing performance-wise.Paintings galore: none of them loot. Don't bother checking.Every mansion needs at least one Dark Secret, but there's no special reward or objective for piecing fragments together, and some strands are left deliberately dangling...If you can't bear even two seconds (precisely) of undead, stay out of Thanks to all the people whose assets, test reports and/or advice in NDRQs went into this. Screenshots: Download link Construction notes (for those who like reading):

I have assumed that, although there are models made, it is not a simple copy - paste, independent if it is from these repositories or stolen from other games. Regarding AI, it can be a good tool for certain assets, bad only if it is used as a shortcut to create a game and not just as another design tool. The AI tool listed, although it can be create other things, can be used very well to quickly create textures, for example, saving time in the game developement. AI also can be used to create classical paintings, much used in TDM, without any copyright problems, things like this, and maybe even better adapt to the plot as the same paintings used since several Years now, apart of the one I made for the Black Mage. It is clear that stealing designs from other creators is very ugly and certainly a bad path, which is why I have said that piracy is not necessary, with the free and open-use resources available. You surely have other sources of these, apart from the list What I put.

Creating a new thread for this as it was being discussed in an old beta-testing thread starting here: https://forums.thedarkmod.com/index.php?/topic/21822-beta-testing-high-expectations/&do=findComment&comment=490751 I suppose the main questions are: when should this spawnarg be used, if at all? why was it introduced in the first place? Can we get it documented properly on the Wiki so misuse isn't propagated? @stgatilov @Dragofer

I think there was a quirk in the engine that treated pure 0 black as an artist error so a small uplift was added to ensure proper light response. This was more critical when the ambient had a Fresnel component. The DXT1 encoding was to save on storage. I think that's a silly rationale since a pure single color texture could technically be represented by a single pixel. No pressing need to compress that or even a 32x32 texture but I suppose if someone is obsessed with saving texture storage they could choose png or a better dxt version. TLDR; Transparent \ Blend textures should be fine with 0,0,0 color and single color textures don't need aggressive compression. _black should be fine for all such materials.

So I recently had a hankering for the TDM OST, and really wanted to get all those ambients loaded nicely into iTunes or on my phone for easy listening. That means getting them in .mp3 format rather than the .ogg files that come with the mod. After some digging, I found a very old version of the OST available for download on Mod DB: https://www.moddb.com/mods/the-dark-mod/addons/official-soundtrack-vol-1 However, it dates from way back, and is even missing the iconic main menu music. I subsequently found that VLC Media Player is a good way to easily convert the files myself, and I've started happily doing so for my own use. This got me thinking, though: would it be worth compiling and releasing an updated soundtrack?

In High Expectations, I used a custom water material because I wanted a water surface that was dark and not entirely transparent. It looked pretty decent and I am using it in my next FM as well. However in 2.12 the water material has a greenish tinge to it (see attached screenshots). Here is the material - it's basically 'water_stream' with a blend stage using matt black: https://github.com/FrostSalamander/fsx/blob/main/materials/fs_water_stream_dark.mtr These screenshots have the brightness and gamma cranked up to maximum, because the difference is subtle (but noticeable) on normal levels and the screenshots were way too dark without it. High Expectations: WIP FM:

After a long time and a lot of delays, I'm extremely happy and relieved to announce the release date for my first map; Lords & Legacy, on Friday the 30th of August, 2013! Lords & Legacy v.2.1 Resume: Screenshots: http://imgur.com/a/Lj8UJ#0 Notes: Build time: 2013/03/30 - 2013/08/30 To install, simply put the .pk4 file in your fm folder and install from the in-game mission menu. It is a large mission with optional objectives, so make sure to save often. The ropes in the beginning have a 'slick' surface, to simulate being 'slack lines'. They are difficult, but once you get a hang of the slide they can be fun. A couple of the large areas can be a bit rough on performance, and can be improved by adjusting the LOD slider in video options. A few of visportals open only when you get close. This is to keep the frames smooth inside the respective building, due to early inexperienced design. If you find any bugs which affect the gameplay experience, then you're very welcome to post them here, but please use the spoiler tags. Big thanks to 'Obsttorte', 'Springheel', 'Greyman', 'Bikerdude', 'Sotha' and rest of 'The Dark Mod Team'for all the help, guides and tricks. Also thanks to the other TDM users who provided fantastic support and feedback during the build. Thank you for beta-testing: 'Bikerdude', 'TylerVocal', 'Simplen00b', 'nbohr1more', 'Briareos H.' Special thanks to: 'Danus', 'Dsx' & 'Stanleh' for testing, help and support. v.2.0.1 changelog: Bugs: -The "Master Thief" challenge was impossible to do for a while, due to incorrect values. Fixed. -Getting seen by "The Killer" now also fails the "Ghost" challenge. -The 3 cardplaying guards no longer float mid air, as their chairs are now nailed to the floor. -Fixed the sound of the furnace continuing after the flames were extinguished. -Fixed weird glittering on the power cables around the map. -Fixed some moonlight popping in and out. -Fixed openable windows in Commons, clipping into the frame. -Fixed a book dropping through a desk. -Fixed visportals closing too close in Lancel's Tower, slight hit on performance though. -Added more monsterclip to Service Tower and Robert's Tower's entrance. -Improved a few vis_portals with func_portals. -Replaced curbs in Slums and Commons with some more detailed versions and changed textures. And a lot more little unecessary tweaks. Gameplay: -Added new challenge: (Jack White) - Do not knock-out anyone. -Reduced the amount of starting gear, depending on difficulty. -Added cubemaps to most windows on the map. -Redid most func_statics in Commmons Quarter to reduce tris and increase performance. Draw count is still somewhat high. -Removed all transparent windows as they didn't have actual gameplay value, just a performance drain in exchange for glitchy visuals. -Lancel's safe can no longer be picked. Find the key! -Added a couple minor cosmetic details in the sewers. -Moved a coinpurse from a wealthy commoner's sleeping butt to his nightside table. Also adjusted his furniture so thieves can better move around. -Changed sounds for several doors across the map. Once again, a big thanks to 'Bikerdude' for taking the time help out and locate room for improvement! v.2.0 changelog: Bugs: -Fixed various textures and surfaces and a few minor tweaks. -Tweaked some sounds to be in line with TDM 2.0 changes. -Fixed 2 certain AIs being too sensitive rather than drunk. (Thanks to AluminumHaste!) -Tweaked LOD on some objects, to prevent windows "popping" in and out. Gameplay: -Added more monsterclip to the towers, so the AI can now run up and down stairs. Only the stairs in the small tower has issues still. -Added more monsterclip in the city so the guards can follow you up all stairs. -Added a few minor details. -Windows in the city now dims sound, resulting in less aggro from guards and more convincing soundscape. -Reduced 'draw calls' in all the large areas, increasing performance. The map is still heavy at certain areas. Another big thanks to 'Bikerdude' and 'Greyman', for taking time out of their own schedules to help optimize the map's draw count and other significant adjustements! v.1.0.3 changelog: Bugs: -Fixed 4 black chairs in one of the towers -Fixed a floating painting -Fixed several clipping objects v.1.0.2 changelog: Bugs: -Fixed zfighting in the library's bookshelves -Fixed a black window in one of the towers -Fixed several typos in readables Gameplay: v.1.0.1 changelog: Bugs: -Fixed an issue with the main objectives not being in "sync". -Fixed console spam from a script Gameplay: -Adjusted required loot for each difficulty from "3000, 4000 and 5000" to "2500, 3500 and 4500".

Not this time though, the campaign is getting some PC press coverage, some major outlets like Rock Paper Shotgun included: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-black-parade-is-a-thief-mod-from-a-team-including-a-dev-at-arkane-and-an-original-thief-designer The TDM / cgtextures.com situation made me think though; maybe, instead of worrying what future license might include, there could be a steady effort to replace photo-sourced textures with hand-made / proc-gen ones? That list is huge, but the peace of mind in the end is priceless.

I saw and heard a lot of stuff in The Black Parade which definitely isn't OK for them to use... sounds and textures from Thief 3 and a lot of other games. Seems like they are not very particular with that stuff. As you mentioned, probably best to just ask them.

Nice. FWIW, I saw Black Parade crediting textures.com in their credits.avi. Not sure whether they've read the license, but Thief doesn't even use zip packages for content, just for storage. The whole stuff gets extracted during installation into a dedicated folder and it's fully accessible.

I hope I'll return to Connection feature in DarkRadiant soon. Since better GUI is the first on the TODO list, I decided to create a poll about used features. Almost half a year have passed, and hopefully some usage patterns exist now. Unfortunately, our forum only allows 3 questions in a poll, so I created poll in google forms. Here it is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8ITryAHqiByvXIKdRJcfQnnvgDxgN8gNlFckxXtr2rms-IQ/viewform?usp=sf_link Depending on results, some features can be removed from the GUI, or put to less obvious location (like "advanced" tab or whatever).

For the menu setting, maybe we could re-purpose the "Show Menu Tooltips" setting. Who would want to not see the tooltips? They aren't intrusive! As for examples, two come to mind. Player frobs some junk item: Don't let everyone think an elephant entered the room. Hold down the 'Creep' key while you move objects to avoid making a ruckus. A guard starts searching the player: A guard is searching for you. If you dare blackjack them, get the drop on them from behind. Forget about bashing from a side or upfront, you'll only make things worse. First one has been a thing for a while if I'm not mistaken and should be communicated; thought we had to rely on the TDM Modpack... The blackjack effectiviness is known to cause confusion, especially on Thief players, since Garrett seemingly knows just the right spot to bash no matter the alert level of a guard. And I don't believe adding the Deadly Shadows-like animation to TDM was a proper solution; players should be able to read the situation instead of focusing on the blackjack, which sometimes you can't even see because everything is pitch dark. Of course, the second example should take in mind a previous standard explanation on blackjacking under normal circumstances when you equip the blackjack, for example.

https://bugs.thedarkmod.com/view.php?id=5641 But look fine in TDM.