CLAIM: Visual Design (Settlement & Shop Signs)

[Xae]

Originally posted by Deeza
I'd say that we use the new sign meshes and you can create a new design for them that's based on that theme but with a BM twist (perhaps an Argonian eye?)

Well, seeing as it's a land-wide establishment they probably could and would use their own sign, unique to the Mages' Guild. Either a retex of the vanilla signs or a modified version thereof. I think a sign separate from the standard city styles would be of benefit. It sets the establishment apart from the other, shall we say, "common" ones. If not for aesthetic reasons then for practicality, as players will undoubtedly notice and recognise the Mages' Guilds on their first visit to the respective BM cities.

A tie-breaker could be useful. Anyone else want to chip in?

[Ibsen's Ghost]

Given the filesize of KP's delicious sign meshes, I'm not keen on doing that many original signs unless the filesize of the textures is very, very small (like 171kb maximum or preferably 86kb like many of our tapestries).

However, cities are different. Any shops, Inns or blacksmiths should have their own sign. I have attached the city planning for the cities here in this post but if you're unclear what function any of these names serve then please go ahead and ask. Likewise, if you feel the names should be changed. PrettyMurky's 'Gourmet Gecko' idea was much better than 'The Tasty Lizard'!

Again, I'd like to keep the filesize down where possible. The Gideon mesh alone is 230kb and that soon adds up if you add fancy textures to it with a new mesh and texture for each sign. People may have noticed that the bsa archive is now close to 700mb which is a lot for some people. Not that I want to scrimp on quality...and those sign textures are definitely quality! :goodjob:

As for the other settlements, it may prove best in the long run to use a generic set without their own unique names. Therefore, all non-city Inns, shops and blacksmiths etc. share the same sign. However, does anyone feel that there should be two generic sets - one set of Argonian generic signs and one set of more Imperial signs?

I favour the idea of using generic Leyawiin signs for the Imperial-style dwellings and perhaps our own unique mesh (and textures) for the Argonian ones...? This will, of course, crank up the filesize again though but we should benefit once more from our modeller's unique skills.

[Xae]

The names are a bit too ambiguous for me to proceed with confidence. Serpentine Emmanuel is a commercial establishment, should it have a sign? Candice's Carnivalia sounds like a store but it could also be a place that the player has no use for, selling funny hats and jingle bells. I wouldn't know.

If someone who knows could transcribe a quick list with the names and what kind of establishment they are (inn, general store, blacksmith, armourer etc) that'd be very helpful.

[Ibsen's Ghost]

Okedoke, this list includes all those buildings needing signs. Here goes:

Gideon

• The Tasty Lizard - renamed to Gourmet Gecko (Restaurant).
  
• Fighter's Guild - same as any BM FG.
  
• Mage's Seminary - the BM Mage's Guild (same as any BM MG).
  
• The Marshland Glow Inn - (Inn).
  
• Trelaan Ashheart (Undertaker & Crematorium).
  
• Cold Blood; Hot Steel (Blacksmiths/Armoury).
  
• Candice's Carnivalia (Clothing shop for the Gideon Carnival).
  
• M'Tasarr's Tricksy Trinkets (General Goods / Pawnbrokers store).
  
• Serpentine Emmanuel ('Exotic' Brothel - nick_op created a poster for it).
  

Stormhold

• Hospice of Mara (A sort of Inn for the diseased).
  
• Gatehouse Bar (Drinking establishment).
  
• Gatehouse Blacksmiths & Armoury (Blacksmiths/Armoury).
  
• Stormhold Mages Guild - the BM Mage's Guild (same as any BM MG).
  
• Stormhold Tradehouse (Merchant's Centre).
  
• Allenie's Allembic (Alchemy Store).
  
• Both Stormhold Customs, Excise & Permits and Stormhold Embassy Tower can be referred to as 'Stormhold Customs and Embassy'.
  
• Sorkvid's Terrible Terrarium (Museum and Pet Store - possibly to buy pet companions).
  
• Inferno Inn (Inn).
  
• Hole-in-the-Wall Bar (no sign needed. It's a secret bar!).
  
• Fighter's Guild - same as any BM FG.
  
• Morrowind Embassy (Embassy - could possibly use the same sign as 'Stormhold Customs & Embassy').
  
• Stormhold Mercer's Guild (Guild Building for mercers - cloth-makers, in other words - may use the same texture for Soulrest so just give it the generic title 'Mercer's Guild').
  
• Rottmere Museum of Argonian Folklore (Museum).
  

Soulrest

• The Howling Seadog (Inn).
  
• The Hourglass Bookshop (Bookshop).
  
• Otiak's Powder Parlour ('Novelty' Alchemists...ahem...for Skooma and Hist sap).
  
• The Bloody Resolution (Blacksmiths/Armoury).
  
• Sotho Manor (Operational HQ of the Sotho Tren Faction).
  
• Corals & Coronets Inn & Bar - just give the sign the name 'Corals & Coronets' (Bar).
  
• The Guildhalls - same as any BM Mages Guild, Fighters' Guild or Mercer's Guild).
  
• Soulrest Port Authority (Government Port Building).
  
• Elsweyr Embassy (Embassy - could possibly use a similar sign to 'Stormhold Customs & Embassy' or maybe the same one, if it fits).
  
• Botanical Glasshouse - to be renamed to 'Soulrest Arboretum' (relaxation area and place of study for alchemists and mages).
  

I think that covers everything. =)

[Xae]

Ah, excellent. You're like the Ghost of Christmas Present. In a good way.

Edit: Will update progress in this thread.