   Small, start-up MUD project
Team name:No formal identity (yet); this is expected to change.Project name:EthosBrief description:We are looking to build a team interested in developing a unique MUD engine that will bring fresh, new forms of game-play and modern innovation to this old, time-worn genre.  While the engine itself is codenamed "Ethos," the team will also be developing a full game (as of yet unnamed) with a fully original feel and IP.  Other projects may include supportive software such as a custom client and developer client.Target aim:The games we develop will be free-to-play.Ethos is not expected to be released publicly for free, but if it's got the quality that we hope it will, it may be privately licensed for a commercial fee.Compensation:Volunteer Only.  If commercial success becomes a solid, realistic goal, compensation for active team members will be discussed then - but this is a free game in a niche genre not known for its commercialism.  We can hope and aspire. :)  Technology:Ethos is a type of "LPMud", meaning it is a library that runs on top of a driver.  The driver we are using is called DGD (Dworkin's Game Driver), which is available through the AGPL license and written in C.  We do not anticipate needing to ever modify the driver.Programming:- C- LPC (a "C-alike" interpreted language similar to Pike)Since Ethos is almost entirely written in LPC, you must be willing to learn it.Knowledge of basic unix commands is helpful but not required.Talent needed:Programmers2 to 3 people.Expected to actively participate and invest an interest in the early development/design of Ethos; must be able to clearly communicate with others on the team, including non-programming members; should have an understanding of clean, efficient practices and design.Feature Designers1 to 3 people - may be individuals in other roles, mostly programmers.Discuss and design various features about how Ethos will work, as well as its launch game, while keeping in mind the spirit and goals of both the library and the game.  -Innovation- and experimentation is a primary goal here, so individuals should not be afraid to suggest new solutions to old problems.  Strongly interested in individuals with a knowledge of artificial life programming/design, artificial intelligence, ecology, and economics. Team structure:Sarah Bonner - Programmer & DesignerRyan - Marketing; World DesignerWebsite:None open to public.Contacts:Please contact Sarah Bonner through email: sbonner8@cox.net  Previous Work by Team:Approximately 10+ years working with and on MUDs, mostly through "building" (area writing/creation), bug fixing, and serving as a GM.Additional Info:It is important to point out that this project is in an EXTREMELY early stage of development (early design) and nothing substantial has yet been programmed.  It is nonetheless a serious commitment, and as such we expect serious inquiries only.  Ethos, and the games that we plan to run from it, is intended to be an innovation - a new approach to a lot of two-decade-old problems; it is our hope that it will define a new standard amongst MUDs in terms of not just gameplay quality but world quality and shine new hope on the genre as a whole.  The target audience can be described, within the community, as "RPI" (Roleplay Intensive) -- meaning that we are building for ROLEPLAYERS AND STORYTELLERS, not for PvP/hack-and-slash/number-crunching gameplay.   Feedback:QUESTIONS AND CONSTRUCTIVE ONLY (no flames or game/genre-bashing, please)[Edited by - Parhelion on May 29, 2010 8:26:47 AM]