aldara6166

Date: 7/16/2005 1:35:53 PM Author: eddiem I'm afraid the type of translation which you mean isn't possible. What is being discussed here is the translation of the program interface. As for the SC4tool itself, I will let Andreas explain further on that but basically it is still at a fairly early stage of its potential. Eddie Sorry, guess I misunderstood. So, what you are saying is the translations are for the game menus, descriptions, etc. I got it now. Yeah, hopefully in the future we will be able to convert the descriptions at the touch of a button...that would be nice. Thanks Eddie...as always.

I have downloaded this program and it's updates and will be trying it soon. I think it will make things especially easy for those of us that haven't really had the time or patience to try and learn iLive or DatGen yet. It will especially make transit enabling easier as well...think I might just start doing that for some of the stuff I've downloaded...just to see if I can really do it. One question though...mainly for eddiem since he is our Japanese liason...since a TON of us download alot of the Japanese BATs...especially from the Massively Gigantic Japanese BAT thread...is it possible to work on a Japanese translation next, so that we can get those lots to show up with the proper text in game? I know it is a lot of work, but I trust you guys will work it out. Glad to have people like you guys/gals working here (for free of course )...it definitely makes a mediocre game totally awesome! The updates... well ... keep em coming...

Another nice update. I like the layout on the commercial and residential sectors...especially the diagonal street mod. I would like to see an updated picture though of what that area looks like after all the residentials and commercials are built up. One question though...do you have a copy of The Golden Chimaera in that library of yours? And how many copies do you have available for checkout? If there are none I make a motion, as one of those on the admistrative board, to buy several copies. It is definitely a great book to read, wouldn't you agree? Great update...keep em coming...

Jeronij, Another excellent update. The beaches look good, as do your commercial industries. And of course, the pond and CD's mod look great in the second half of the update as well. One question though, how did you get those trees on all of PEGs pond tiles? Did you edit those yourself? Another great update...sad to see we are closing in on the end of the best CJ on Simtropolis!! Keep em coming...

D, Another great update. I like your industrial area, especially with the truck stop built in there. We have several truck stops around here, and if I was any good with the BAT I would make some. And the soccer team, the Trump Corporate Raiders. That is soooooo funny! Great one! And of course, the mayor would want to walk to work not because he is lazy but because he is environmentally conscious. Too many cars on the road create pollution and we wouldn't want to pollute this beautiful region, now would we! And finally, the rail warehouse...nice addition. Any industrial area needs a good transfer point. Even though there are some really excellent rail stations in the game/on the STEX, I think this is closert to being realistic. Now, if someone could combine one or two of the best rail stations with this transfer point...WOW! Great update...very nice... keep em coming...

Sunrise came very early the next morning. The bright rays filtered through the windows of their home like little lasers, searching for a target to destroy. Dust danced and tumbled on the breeze, floating in and out of the rays of sunshine. Leo was the first to awake, as a small feather floated in through an open window and brushed across his face. Leo awoke with a start. When he was fully conscious and realized what had waked him, he laughed quietly to himself. Silently, he got up and prepared himself for the day. Before he left the room, he tucked the feather gently between two pairs of pants that were folded on top of the table in the corner. Leo quietly surveyed the house for his companions, and finding no signs of anyone else he retreated to the living room. He crossed the room to a table in the corner and silently poured himself a glass of water. He marveled at how the water from this region tasted so crisp and clean. As he sat down with his glass of water, he began to contemplate the riddles that they had seen and been told the day before. As he relaxed, he stared out the window at the sunrise. Ever since he had come to be in this place, he marveled at how beautiful the sunrises and sunsets were. As the sun slowly rose high above the tree tops, it looked as if an angel of God was ascending into the heavens, as the sun merged with the low clouds. His thoughts began to drift to times when he had visited several East Coast resorts with his parents as a child. Even then, he had marveled at how beautiful the sunrise was, especially over the Atlantic Ocean. A small red, orange and yellow bird suddenly landed on the window sill and chirped loudly. This broke Leo from his reverie. He stared at the bird for a few moments, as the bird stared back. Just as suddenly as it had appeared, it flapped its wings again and was gone. Now that he had been brought back to reality, he had remembered his pocket notebook. He had a small, hand-made, leather pocket notebook with gold-tipped corners. It was given to him by his father, who had gotten it from his father, and his father before him. His father had given it to him just before he had entered graduate school. It was one of the last times he had spoken to his father before he was killed in a car crash. Picture BI20-1 --------------------------------------- Leo had been unable to sleep the night before, and his thoughts had drifted to his father as they often times did. He missed his father terribly, and constantly wished that he had just one more moment with him to really tell him how he felt, how much he loved and appreciated him. He remembered many of the times that he had been with his father before his death but had not taken the opportunity to speak about what really mattered. This made him remember the notebook that he had been given by his father. He remembered bringing it along with them on this trip. He immediately remembered putting it in one of the pairs of pants in his backpack before his was assaulted in the forest. He rushed over to the table in the corner with all of his clothing. He rummaged through the pants there until he found it. He then lay back down on his bed clutching the notebook tightly to his chest. He relaxed for just a moment, and before he realized it he was dozing off again. As he slept, he dreamt about the three riddles that they had heard that day. As Wynston read the last riddle to them, he awoke. He knew that he would not get much sleep that night, so he decided to put his time to good use. He flipped to a new page in his notebook, and began scribbling down the three riddles that they had heard. Picture BI20-2 Picture BI20-3 Picture BI20-4 After he had finished writing down each riddle, he flipped back to the first riddle. He sat staring at the page for several minutes, trying to decipher its code. Many images began floating through his head, including his father. He knew that he would never be able to figure out these riddles with all of these thoughts clouding his mind. So, he put the notebook down on the bed and closed his eyes for a few minutes. He intentionally forced himself not to think of anything. At first, it was difficult. But, after a few minutes his mind was suddenly clear and ready for the task at hand. After clearing his mind, he picked up the notebook again and flipped back to the first riddle. After reading it silently to himself for a few minutes, Leo began scribbling a few key observations. He thought to himself that silent probably referred to quiet or even not moving. He felt that fright meant scary or ugly, and that night was either night, or darkness. He tried to think of what ebbs and flows symbolized for several moments, but the only thing he could come up with was water, and he was questionable at best about that one. When he was satisfied that he had some of the clues figured out, he turned to the second riddle. He read and re-read the riddle several times. He was beginning to get very tired, and his fatigue was beginning to cloud his mind. He yawned deeply and stretched his arms. Burn, he thought to himself, that has to be a fire or maybe even a candle. Could it possibly mean the sun? He wrote it down, but soon dismissed the idea. He next thought of 10th time after the new moon. Again, after thinking for several minutes he could only come up with the obvious answer, the cycle of the moon. But that is too obvious. he thought to himself. He finally turned to the last riddle, realizing that he had to get some sleep. This would be a little easier than the rest, he just knew it. Wynston had already been able to point them in the right direction by figuring out that the riddle referred to the island of Artes Herreto. Fertile and fallow could refer to an oasis of some sort out in the desert. he thought. Again, he sat in thought for several minutes, but all he could come up with for from wenst my water flows was some sort of underground spring. He thought this to be possible, especially if the riddle were about an oasis in the desert. Satisfied that he had plenty of clues figured out for tonight, he closed his notebook and clutched it to his chest. Within a few breaths, he was fast asleep again. --------------------------------------- Leo sat and stared at the riddles and clues that he had written out the night before as he drank his water. He spent several minutes flipping from page to page and back again, reading over what was written. He was deep in concentration when he heard a loud growl. The growl was very deep and guttural, so loud that it echoed in his ears. He immediately began looking around the room when he heard it again. This time, the growl was accompanied by a dull ache in his side. He put his hand over his healing wound when he heard the growl again. This time he finally realized that he was still alone in the room, and the only thing that was growling was his empty stomach. He chuckled quietly to himself as he reached for a piece of fruit. What is so funny? asked Allison. Oh, nothing, I'm just a little paranoid since my little accident. he said with sarcasm. Ok. Whatever. said Allison. Leo just shook his head. How did you sleep last night? he asked. Allison replied, Ok I guess. You? Not so well. I was up several times last night. With that, he began to explain to her about how he had tried to figure out the riddles. Before he could open his notebook and show her, a voice called to them from the hallway outside the room. I see that the rest of the gang is already awake. Sorry. they chimed in unison. Did we wake you professor? asked Allison. No, I had been lying in bed for a few minutes thinking that I needed to roll my butt out of bed when I heard you guys talking out her. You just motivated me to do it, that's all. he said light heartedly. In a more serious tone, he asked Now, what was it you were saying about the riddles and some of the clues? Well professor, you see... With that, Leo spent the next 45 minutes recounting his mental session from the wee hours of the morning. When he was done, the professor just sat there rubbing his chin, deep in thought for a few minutes. The professor was just about to explain what he was thinking about the clues when there was a knock at the door. Leo got up to answer the door, and returned to the living room with Wynston. Come. he said with a motion towards the door. The entire village is waiting for you on the beach. The whole village is waiting for us on the beach. Why are they doing that? asked Allison with curiosity. It is an old village tradition. Whenever the warriors or fishermen were about to embark on a journey of epic proportions, they would have a ceremony on the beach. There are torches, bon fires, pigs roasted on a spit, music, dancing, and lots of traditional chanting. Wynston explained. Allison looked flustered. The situation they were in had been getting to her more and more, particularly over the last few days. But, we aren't part of the village. she said. We are sort of like hostages, only we are treated with a lot more respect and have our own house. Wynston looked at her with slight annoyance before responding to her comment. You may be right, but, without you the people of the village will never see their beloved idol ever again. The elders thought that if you are given the same farewell ceremony as their warriors and fishermen, that maybe you would carry some luck with you and actually be successful. At the very least, they are hoping that you don't die. They hope that we don't die! exclaimed Allison before she was cut off by Wynston. Please, gather your things quickly. The elders are awaiting your arrival. If you wish to make it to the first island by sunset, you must leave soon. It is not safe to travel the open ocean after dark. I will wait outside for you. Wynston said with looking at her. With that, he turned and left the room. Leo and the professor both looked at Allison with disgust. You really don't know when to shut up do you. If we have any intention of getting back home, we have no choice but to do this. Besides, we don't know what will happen to us if we stay here anyway. Leo said. Everyone in the room could tell that he was perturbed, and they all filed out and went to their separate rooms. Within just a few moments, they all met Wynston outside of their home. Wynston surveyed the group to make sure that they were ready to go. Seeing that they had all of their clothing, he turned and began walking across the docks towards the beach. Please, follow me. he said as he walked off. As they rounded a bend in the docks, the beach came in to view. It was not until then did they realize how big this ceremony would really be. It seemed as if every man, woman and child from the village was gathered on the beach to await their arrival. As they walked, Wynston explained what would happen during the ceremony. First, each person would be greeted by the elders with a kiss on each cheek. Next, the elder's children would place leis around each of their necks. Afterwards, there would be chanting and dancing around a large bonfire that was surround by nine torches which represented each of the nine elders. After the dancing and chanting was finished, they would be presented with a hand-crafted boat to make their trip in. The boat would be loaded with fruit, fresh water and large portions of roasted fish and pig. From there, the elders would cast off the boat and they would begin their trip. The ceremony lasted for almost two hours. All three had munched on everything that would soon be placed in their boat. Their boat was rather large, but the three of them could handle it without difficulty. The boat was carved out of a large tree that the villagers had cut down out of the forest. It had been fashioned with a sail, a rudder and three small benches. The sail was made out of several animal skins that had been stitched together, and there was even a small storage hold that was carved in the front of the boat and fashioned with a lid to keep their belongings dry. It was beginning to reach high noon as the ceremony wound down. Wynston ushered them to the boat, as the elders began chanting again in their native tongue. As they got in to the boat, the villagers began crowing around the boat. Allison got in first, followed by the professor and finally Leo. Allison sat at the front of the boat, and with a natural feminine curiosity, she looked in the cargo hold. What she saw surprised her; in the storage hold was all of their gear that they had lost when they were abducted. She gasped in surprise, which caused Leo and the professor to look in the hold. When they realized what was there, they all three turned back to Wynston in shock. I knew you would need that stuff on your trip, so I had them return it to you. said Wynston. With that, the elders all placed their hands on the boat and pushed them in to the sea. To reach the first island, just follow the path of the sun across the water. When you come within sight of the island, you'll have to turn south but you'll know when to do that. Just make sure you reach the island before sundown or you'll be lost forever. Paddle if you have to, but get to that island before sundown. Good luck. Wynston's voice trailed off as they set out across the sea. Leo steered the boat, and they made idle chit-chat as they sailed. Within a short time, the beach and the village were no longer in sight. A short time later, all that could be seen was the open expanses of the ocean. As they sailed, they watched the fish, dolphins and other sea life as they swam beneath the surface. The ocean floor was barely 15 feet deep, and they could see all the way down. They had heard Wynston call this area the Shallows, but now they knew exactly why it was called that. The Shallows extended for almost 10 nautical miles before it dropped off to the normal ocean depth. A few times during their trip, Leo had to slightly correct their course to stay on the same heading as the sun. After a few hours, the sun began to slowly slip downward. Professor Cricks knew that they would need to make up some time somehow, since the winds were not completely favoring them. As he looked about the boat, he found several hand-carved paddles. Allison and the professor took turns paddling, although Allison's turns always seemed to last just a few minutes while the professor paddled for some time. As the sun began approaching the horizon, Allison spotted their destination. Leo kept the boat headed towards the setting sun for a short time before turning south towards the island of Care Sariesso. The professor ran some minor calculations through his head, and he knew that it getting to the island before sunset would be cutting things mighty close. The professor looked from the island, to the setting sun, and back to the island again. With concern in his voice, he said, Leo, come up here and help me paddle so that we can try to make up some time. Allison, go to the back of the boat and steer. Please, for god sakes girl, do not get us off course. Pick a point on the island and steer towards it. If you get us off course, we might not get there before dark. They paddle for close to an hour, as the sun continued to set over the horizon. With each passing minute, they were getting closer and closer to the island. When they were about two nautical miles from the island beaches, the sun began to set beneath the horizon. They knew that they had little time left, and began to paddle harder. Soon though, the rumble of thunder echoed loudly across the water and lightning began to dance around the island. Dark clouds suddenly began setting around the island as the wind picked up speed. The seas seemed to rise instantly and their boat began to pitch from side to side. They were caught in a sudden thunderstorm with only a short distance to go. As quickly as they had approached the island though, the swells and the wind began to push them back out to sea as the sky grew black. **************************** Personal Messages: sirgeoj2 - Thanks for the compliments. I am glad that you mentioned the copyright stuff, because I had not thought of that. I am going back right now to page 1 of the Britaney Islands section of my CJ to put a copyright statement on each and every chapter. As for publishing this story... ...I'm already one step ahead of you. I have said since almost the beginning of this section that I want to publish this as a novel. This update makes Chapter 19 of the novel. Most novels are at least 55,000 and with this update it puts me at almost 39,000 words! That means that if I submit the novel right at 55,000 words, and each chapter is about 3,000 words I will be done in 5 chapters...not sure if that is possible or not with the storyline I want to tell but we'll see. Thanks for suggesting it though...it shows you really like the story! Oh, and if I've never said it before... Welcome to the TRV! I hope you become one of our regular contributors! dhoppeii - I hope you are enjoying your vacation down there in Virginia Beach. I wish I was there with you. Oh yeah, have a rum and coke for me too while your there...matter of fact, have a BUNCH of them for me while you are there! You never did respond to say if you liked the last update or not...I'm sure you did, but you only printed it out. Go ahead, leave us hanging like that!! And yeah, I heard you and about a thousand other people on the interstate honking their horns!! MrCinatit - Well, I see you are coming out of lurking more and more these days...character flaw or just plain awesome writing? Anywho... ...the ruins are all off of the STEX...they are also a few in-game things. I think one of them was a Maxis creation I got off the web site and long, long time ago (about the only good thing I got off their web site.) Thanks for the compliments. I haven't decided exactly what tricks Allison will have in store for the group. As always, thanks for the visit. If I can come up with any links for the ruins, I'll post them for ya. jacqulina - Thanks for visiting, as always. Like it was said in another CJ, don't worry about your short updates...at least you take the time to leave some comments, when other people just read through and move on. I think it is great that you follow the story through each update, and I appreciate every visit. Thanks. Oh yeah, congrats on getting the first comment on page 14!! Also, can you post a link for your CJ so I can visit and leave some comments for ya please? To All - I appreciate everyone's strong support of this CJ. As my tag line says, I do appreciate each and every visit and comment. We are definitely moving towards the close of the novel portion of my CJ, but I hope it won't be the end of the CJ. I may try my hand at doing a CJ like lots of other people by just posting a bunch of pics with a few explanations. We'll see. Who knows...maybe this CJ will be a place for me to get going on my second book in the series, who knows... And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

Ahhh...now I see what the landmark is. The area definitely looks great. And thanks for the terraforming shots again...they look good. Great job...keep em coming...

D, The update looks great. I like the stadium zone and the college. And the sound barriers around the library are a nice touch...don't want people interupted while they are reading The Golden Chimaera now do we. Nice, very, very nice... keep em coming...

It's definitely looking good...the sunken highway looks good, as well as the transportation layout. The terraforming shots are excellent. Certainly a good start to a new CJ...just wondering what the landmark is. Looks nice...keep em coming...

Personal Messages: Darmok - Glad to see you liked the latest update. I may change it, sort of tweak it before it goes to a publisher but I guess it is ok for now. And yes, your assumption is correct...this is the beginning of a mystery and puzzle section for the book. But, don't you worry, there will still be some action in there for you action junkies as well. Oh yeah, and thanks again for promoting my CJ in yours this last update. Thanks again... To All - First off, for anyone who hasn't visited the CJ's I have listed in my signature they are definitely a MUST READ! As for this CJ, as Darmok pointed out we are at a pivotal part of the book. I do try to have updates come out as regular as possible, but if an update takes a little longer than usual, it is gecause I want it to be perfect. I'll just have to appologize up front for any delays. The next few days are going to be hectic around my house...RLS and all with a mother-in-law staying for a few days on top of it. I'll try to get the next update out there as soon as possible though. Hmm...still can't believe a couple of days go by and Darmok is the only person to comment... guess all of my regulars are just taking an RLS hit too. And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

Outstanding beginning to what I'm sure will be another excellent CJ. Very glad to have been one of the founders of Fuscienne Bay...definitely among select company in that meeting. Oh yeah, you may want to post a quick link to this in your Goldenrod thread, and then ask that it be closed by a mod...just a thought. Great start dude...definitely gonna follow this one and put it in my signature! keep em coming!!!

Darmok, Another simply fantasic update...first off, I love how you did your terraforming pics...those images look awesome. I haven't seen anybody do it that way before...great idea! The underground spring and the pond...very nice, as usual. Ahhh, and once again you promote my CJ...BRILLIANT! Glad to see the people of the Anduin Valley love to read my book. Who knows...maybe readers of your CJ will want to read the book too and visit my CJ! Great idea...definitely a great idea. especially the reading/sitting areas outside the library. It looks great. As always, great update...just can't expect anything less! Keep em coming... Date: 7/11/2005 8:12:42 PM Author: creature Absolutly fantastic Darmok.  Everything you've built works really well together, which means that the cities look stunning.  Small question, why do you and several other people put little bits of streets everywhere, such as per the first 'Modifying the Avenue' image? Again, fantastic work. -creature- Darmok, I'll answer this for ya. creature, we use this as a method of leveling the ground we wish to build upon. If you have an area that you want to uniformly be the same height, you can plop a single street or road tile on that tile. Then, if you start plopping single street or road tiles around it, all of the adjoining tiles will automatically adjust to the exact same height as the first tile. Hope that helps...it is a super easy way of terraforming without the god mode tools.

Another excellent, truely great update Jeronij. It is really a shame that this CJ has to end. I like the park alot, especially the extra terraforming you did for it. Great job...keep em comin...

Shame to see Goldenrod Plains go by the way side. It was definitely a good CJ. Can't wait to find out what you are going to do with your new CJ. Make sure to start a new thread and post the link in here... As for the new thread... keep em coming...

http://www.imgcity.net/server/primary/Update_19--BritIslands11.gif align=baseline> Wynston looked at the professor as he took a bite of his dinner. He nodded in the professor

My first vote would be A. Lake Oceana My second vote would be D. Lexine

You probably have the NAM installed with one too many files. Read the README.TXT file that came with the latest version of the NAM...it will show you which file it is. The NAM comes with a UK Right-to-Left Hand Driving Switch file...makes the roads into the UK version.

Another great update. The plasma beam idea is pretty funny. I like the highway...and the development in the area looks good too. The hospital...definitely a plus. Great job... keep em coming...

Two more fine updates D. Great job. In the first update, I definitely like the residential sector with the church in it. I also like how you have the sound barriers between the train tracks and the residential sector. And of course, the school fields and the industry look great too. The second update, I like how you redid the avenue...definitely works better. The stock exchange...wonderful idea along with the development it brought. The school of architecture and the mayors house look good also, although I wonder if people would be yelling out their windows from the highrises or not. The whole CJ just keeps looking better and better... keep em coming...

*throws hat in to ring* Sign me up...mine will be the Leather Lungs! (long story - fire department related )

So sorry to hear about your game crash. I really like Nuked York. But, as everyone else has said, this is definitely a nice start to your new area. Question for you though, why not use the Landscape Designer program to create a new region? Just curious. Great start...keep em coming...