Well here it is.... I've been working on this for quite some time. I still have not completed some detailed descriptions of a few steps of the process. But, this is a long document and I need to start getting feedback on it. I also have explicitly asked for some help describing a few of the steps.
I am hoping for this document to be used by the Topic Leader as a detailed step-by-step "How To" manual for orchestrating the creation of a pokemon in the CAP project. The sequence of events is enumerated in the overview. Each step of the sequence has a detailed description in the guide below. The detailed descriptions should give the TL clear direction on the goal and scope of each step of the process. In some cases, the description even includes text that should be copy-pasted directly into the OP of certain threads.
The goal here is to eliminate some of the confusion during the creation process and make the process more organized and enjoyable for everyone in the community.
I would appreciate any help you can give to improve the content of this document. Once we finalize all the edits, I will rework the Process Guide sticky to include this document.
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Process Order of Events
(Multiple events on one "bullet", means the events kick off simultaneously)
- Concept Submissions
Topic Leader Nominations
- Concept Poll
Topic Leader Selection
- Main Type Poll
- Secondary Type Poll
Stat Spread Submissions
Art Submissions
- Style Bias (Offensive/Defensive/Mixed)
- Build Bias (Physical/Special/Mixed)
- Stat Rating Poll
- Stat Spread Poll
- Art Poll
- Ability Discussion
Sprite Submissions
- Ability Poll
- Attack Moves Discussion
- Attack Moves Poll
Defense and Support Moves Discussion
- Defense and Support Moves Poll
- Complete Movepool Poll
Name Submissions
- Name Poll
Pokedex Entry Submissions
- Sprite Poll
Pokedex Poll
- Server Implementation
Finalize Analysis
Misc (Pre-Evos, Height, Weight, etc.)
- Playtesting
Detailed Process Descriptions
Concept Submissions
(To be posted in the OP)
This is where we define the general goal of the upcoming project. The Concept will be a guiding force throughout the ensuing project, to ensure the the final result is a cohesive competitive pokemon. Any discussions, suggestions, or submissions in later topics, that do not support the spirit of the Concept, will be moderated by the Topic Leader.
All members of the community are welcome to post ideas and comments in this thread. At the conclusion of the discussion, the CAP Moderator will select several participants from this thread to make formal concept submissions that will be voted on in the Concept Poll.
Concepts should be presented as high-level descriptions of a general idea. They should not be detailed pokemon designs. Since we have polls to determine each aspect of the pokemon, we don't want the entire pokemon determined by the details of the Concept.
For example, this would an appropriate level of detail for a concept:
Concept: "Kingdra of the Sun"
Description: A balanced pokemon with a varied movepool under normal conditions. But, it will have an ability that allows it to become a dangerous sweeping force in sunny weather.
This would be too specific and restrictive:
Concept: "Kingdra of the Sun"
Description: A big flaming lizard pokemon with 90-100 in all attacking and defensive stats. It's speed will be 80-90, and it will have Chlorophyll for an ability -- so that when Sunny Day is in effect, it will be able to sweep opponents with powered up Fire Blast and Overheat. It should also have Swords Dance and Flame Wheel to take advantage of its decent Attack stat.
The latter description basically eliminates most of the creativity in the typing, art, stats, ability, and movepool polls.
It is hard to provide solid concept descriptions without basically designing the entire pokemon right off the bat. Submissions should be written and chosen carefully, to avoid these problems.
(To be posted in the OP)
This is the thread for people to announce their desire to be the Topic Leader for the upcoming creation project.
Do not suggest other people. If someone doesn't strongly desire to be a Topic Leader without provocation, then we don't need them signing up for the job. Topic Leader is not an honorary title. It requires a lot of work and attention. If you are not prepared to fulfill all the responsibilities, then do not throw your hat in the ring.
Do not post here that you want to be on the TL Selection Panel. That panel will be selected after we have a slate of candidates. Candidates cannot be part of the panel. Go here for more information on the Topic Leader and TL Selection Panel.
This thread is strictly for candidacy posts, and posts supporting those candidates. Please stay on topic.
Here are the guidelines for posting in this thread:
- Do not suggest other people. If you want you encourage someone else to run, then send them a PM.
- If you are new to the CAP project, don't bother signing up to be a Topic Leader. Lurk moar.
- Include a summary of your involvement in the CAP project.
- Make a pitch for why you should be selected. If you can't present and defend yourself, then how can you expect to lead a project whose primary function is discussion and debate? Convince us that you are a good choice.
- Poor spelling, punctuation, and grammar are great ways to look like an uneducated idiot. It's not a great way to look like a thoughtful, intelligent, community leader.
- Even if you don't think you are better-qualified than certain other candidates, you still should consider posting a candidacy. Candidates not selected as the TL for this project, will be on the "watch list" by the community for next time. Don't post your name if you don't intend to be active in the project, even if you are not selected. Like I said, if you post here, people will be scrutinizing your involvement more closely in the future.
- Feel free to post support for any candidates already named.
- Please do not post disparaging remarks about any candidates.
If these rules are not followed by all posters, I will moderate the offenders.
This is the poll to vote on the submissions made by the Concept Submitters selected at the conclusion of the Concept Submission thread.
Topic Leader Selection
This is not a poll or thread. It is an internal process coordinated by the CAP Moderator.
The TL is selected by a Topic Leader Selection Panel. The panel is comprised of past TL's and several other senior members of the CAP project. The Selection Panel maintains it's own membership, however past TL's are automatically added to the panel, unless they decline to participate. Current members of the Selection Panel are not allowed to run for Topic Leader. Therefore, the TL Selection Panel should be named only after all interested candidates have been nominated.
General criteria for TL Selection Panelists:
- A history of involvement with the CAP project
- Active participation
- A history of advocating opinions that are representative of the community as a whole
- Respected by others on the project
The CAP Moderator serves as the non-voting chairperson of the TL Selection Panel. The chairperson organizes the nomination threads, coordinates private voting by the TL Selection Panel, and only votes in the case of a tie. The chairperson ensures the panel does its job in a timely and efficient manner, and ensures there are no improprieties during private voting.
Once the TL has been selected, they create and lead all subsequent threads related to the creation project.
This decides the "primary" type for the pokemon. Types that have been recently used on previous CAP creations should be avoided, if possible. Click polling is suggested, to encourage new participants to vote and join the project at the outset. Towards the end of this poll, discussion regarding the secondary type is encouraged.
Secondary Type Poll
This decides the "secondary" type for the pokemon. Since so many dual-type combinations have not been covered in-game, mono-typing is generally discouraged. Types that have been recently used on previous CAP creations should be avoided, if possible. Click polling is suggested. Towards the end of this poll, discussion regarding the Style and Build is encouraged.
Stat Spread Submissions
The Stat Spread Submission thread is intentionally started very early in the process. Based on past pokemon, it's obvious there are a lot of people that enjoy discussing detailed stat spreads long before the actual stat spread poll. We do not want to police those early bird discussions in the normal threads, therefore we create a dedicated thread for all Stat Spread discussion. Does it matter that we don't know the style, build, or anything else about the pokemon? No. If people waste a bunch of time in this thread on submissions that turn out to be useless when the stat spread poll comes around -- so be it. This is the place for people to "prove themselves" to the TL, for purposes of being selected to submit a spread for the actual stat spread poll.
Art Submissions
(To be posted in the OP)
All art designs, ideas, inspirational material, and submissions are posted and discussed here.
Here are the guidelines for posting in this thread:
- Art submissions are designs to guide the creation of final battle sprites that will be used for the pokemon.
- Any rendering medium can be used to present a design, as long as it is a full-sized design. Sprites are not allowed here. Spriting is a separate process that will occur later.
- Compressed images of reasonable dimensions should be posted. Oversized submissions (file size or image size) will be deleted.
- Colored designs are strongly encouraged for final submissions. However, many artists prefer to post uncolored designs and sketches, to solicit early feedback, then color them later for final submission.
- If artists wish to comment or criticize other artists' work, this is the place for it. Criticisms amongst artists are discouraged in the later art poll threads.
- No art submissions should be modified by others without the explicit permission of the original artists.
- Using other submissions as "inspiration" for an original artwork is allowed. However, outright "stealing" of designs is prohibited.
Art submissions for the art poll will be selected by the Topic Leader, based on preference and feedback in this thread. There is no process for overturning the Topic Leader's decision. If you are not comfortable with this stipulation, then do not make an art submission. Do not post any complaints here or in later threads.
(I NEED HELP HERE)
Build Bias (Physical/Special/Mixed)
(I NEED HELP HERE)
Stat Rating Poll
This poll determines the desired overall "power level" of the pokemon's base stats. In the past, the Base Stat Total (BST) was used to measure the power of base statistics. Since BST is a very poor measurement for stat power, the CAP project now uses Stat Ratings to determine the overall effectiveness of a pokemon's base stats. Polling is simpler, and the results are more useful. The Stat Rating is determined by a formula created by X-Act.
Information about the formula is located here.
A utility for calculating Stat Rating is located here.
This poll determines the exact base stat spread for the pokemon. Based on participation and feedback in the Stat Spread Submission thread, the TL should select several people to make formal Stat Spread Submissions. These submissions are the voting options in this poll. The OP should contain a list of all the submissions, along with a description of the spread by the Stat Spread creator.
Art Poll
This poll determines the artistic design for the pokemon. Later in the process, the design will be used as a reference for making the battle sprite. Art submissions for the art poll will be selected by the Topic Leader, based on preference and feedback in the art submission thread. To encourage participation by multiple members of the community, it is advised that the topic leader choose no more than one art submission per artist. If an artist submits multiple high-quality artworks, the TL should contact the artist to determine which one they prefer to submit to the final poll. The art for all voting options should be included in the OP and referenced by artist name in the poll.
Ability Discussion
This thread is open for discussion of existing ingame abilities, and possible new abilities for the pokemon. New abilities should be considered with caution. The TL should be actively involved in this discussion to prevent unreasonable ability suggestions (new or existing) from gaining support. The TL will use the suggestions and feedback from this thread to determine the voting slate for the Ability Poll.
Sprite Submissions
(To be posted in the OP)
Rules
1) Sprites should be inspired by the winning design from the Art Poll. It does not need to be an exact rendition of every detail of the design; "artistic license" is granted to all spriters. However, drastic deviation from the selected art design is discouraged.
2) All sprites (front and back) can have a maximum size of 80x80.
3) All sprites (front and back) must have a complete, unbroken, distinguishable outline. It does not need to be a black outline, but it must be clearly distinguishable from the adjacent interior colors of the sprite. Look at the ingame sprites for examples.
4) Sprites must be in PNG format
5) Use 8-bit truecolor (aka 8-bit RGB) or less. This does NOT mean 256 color mode.
6) Use transparent backgrounds
7) Fusions of other sprites are not allowed. All sprites must be scratch sprites.
8) Do not alter, fuse, recolor or otherwise modify another spriter's submission – unless the original artist explicitly gives permission.
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in the submission being disqualified and the post will be deleted.
Sprite submissions for the sprite poll will be selected by the Topic Leader, based on preference and feedback in this thread. There is no process for overturning the Topic Leader's decision. If you are not comfortable with this stipulation, then do not make a sprite submission. Do not post any complaints here or in later threads.
Additional Information
There are 8 possible sprites:
Front Normal Male
Front Normal Female
Front Shiny Male
Front Shiny Female
Back Normal Male
Back Normal Female
Back Shiny Male
Back Shiny Female
In most cases, spriters submit a Front Normal sprite first. Once feedback comes in and the poll nears, they make the other sprites.
You do not have to make different Male and Female sprites, but it helps. Since there are only minute differences between most ingame male and female sprites, it’s not very hard to tweak the sprite for a different gender. Some spriters have made noticeable changes between genders, and that’s fine too.
Shinies are just recolors, so that’s not too tough. There’s lots of people that can’t scratch, that are willing to recolor your shiny, if you really don’t want to do it yourself. Just ask in the submission thread and you’ll get plenty of offers to help.
Please look at your transparent sprites against different colored backgrounds, not just white. In Shoddy, the sprite will be displayed on multiple background colors in the Team Builder and in battle.
Ability Poll
The Topic Leader chooses a slate of Abilities based on suggestions and feedback in the Ability Poll. Normally, two abilities are chosen. It is left to the TL's discretion as to whether "No second ability" is voting option on the poll.
Attacking Moves Discussion
The TL should post an initial competitive Attacking movepool in the OP of a discussion thread. This initial movepool should only contain damage-dealing moves that are considered "competitive". No "flavor" moves should be included. Moves that do not deal significant damage should not be included (see Non-Attacking moves below). As a general rule, any competitive move that can be prevented by Taunt, should not be included in this discussion. It is up to the TL's discretion as to which moves should be discussed in this thread, and which moves should be deferred until the Non-Attacking Moves Discussion. The community should post regarding necessary additions and removals to the list proposed in the OP. No full learnset posts are allowed in this discussion, and should be strictly prohibited.
Attacking Moves Poll
This poll is for voting on controversial attacking moves. Based on suggestions and feedback in the Attacking Moves Discussion, the TL should select a slate of moves that were not generally agreed upon by the community. It is entirely up to the TL as to which moves are deemed "controversial".
Non-Attacking Moves Discussion
The TL should post an initial competitive Non-Attacking movepool in the OP of a discussion thread. This initial movepool should only contain competitive moves that do not do damage to the opponent, or moves whose damage impact is negligible. For example, Rapid Spin and Knock Off are considered non-attacking moves, even though they do a small amount of damage. As a general rule, any competitive move that can be prevented by Taunt, should be included in this discussion. The community should post regarding necessary additions and removals to the list proposed in the OP. No full learnset posts are allowed in this discussion, and should be strictly prohibited.
Non-Attacking Moves Poll
This poll is for voting on controversial non-attacking moves. Based on suggestions and feedback in the Non-Attacking Moves Discussion, the TL should select a slate of moves that were not generally agreed upon by the community. It is entirely up to the TL as to which moves are deemed "controversial".
Complete Movepool Submissions
This is the thread where all competitive moves are integrated into a complete pokemon movepool, which includes Level-Up, TM, HM, and Egg Moves. This is also the thread where Breeding Group is discussed.
Based on participation in the previous movepool threads, the TL should select several members to present a complete movepool submission. Since all the competitive moves will have been decided, the movepool submissions will merely add "flavor" moves to round out the movepool.
The members selected to make submissions should be listed in the OP of this thread. The selected submitters can post their WIP movepools in this thread for feedback and discussion from the rest of the community. X-Act wrote a guide that describes the characteristics of an appropriate movepool.
That guide is located here, and should be used as a reference for all movepool submitters.
If anyone attempts to include additional competitive moves, not agreed in the previous polls, it will be the TL's responsibility to see that the submitter removes them from the full movepool submission.
All the members selected in the Complete Movepool Submission thread should make a final submission to the TL. These submissions should be listed in the OP of the poll thread and voted on by the community. No alterations, edits, or conditional votes will be accepted. By the time the final movepool is polled, all competitive movepool aspects have already been decided. Therefore, the final movepool is really a vote of individual preference on what best fits the flavor of the pokemon.
Name Submissions
This is a short discussion thread for everyone to submit possible names for the new pokemon. All members are welcome to submit names.
Name Poll
Based on submissions and feedback in the Name Submission thread, the TL selects a slate of names for the Name Poll. Click polling is strongly encouraged.
Pokedex Entry Submissions
This thread is for submitting and discussing pokedex entries for the new pokemon. Pokedex entries should adhere to the spirit and example of existing ingame pokedex descriptions. As the thread progresses, the TL should add and remove the top candidate entries to the OP of this thread. That allows the community to make wording adjustments, if necessary, without scrutinizing every entry posted in the thread.
Sprite Poll
This poll determines the battle sprite that will be used when the pokemon is implemented on the CAP battle server. Sprite submissions for the art poll will be selected by the Topic Leader, based on preference and feedback in the Sprite Submission thread. The sprites for all voting options should be included in the OP and referenced by artist name in the poll.
Pokedex Poll
Based on submissions and feedback in the Pokedex Entry Submission thread, the TL selects a slate of pokedex entries for the poll. Generally, three pokedex entries are selected in the voting process - one entry each for Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.
Server Implementation
TBD
Finalize Analysis
TBD
Misc (Pre-Evos, Height, Weight, etc.)
TBD
Playtesting
TBD
