MSFC Dominion Mod

[Dan1025]

Excellent work there Majestic, this mod's coming along really well. It's a shame the Dominion Ultimate creators didn't have your help

 

[Majestic]

Thanks for the compliement Dan, though back in 2002 I couldn't do any modelling work so I wouldn't have been much help to them.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

maj, beyond the beautiful shots you've provided, i personally think it genius that you've included the dominion insignia on a lot of the stations... i don't recall seeing too many on any ships/stations before. good show!

 

[Majestic]

maj, beyond the beautiful shots you've provided, i personally think it genius that you've included the dominion insignia on a lot of the stations... i don't recall seeing too many on any ships/stations before. good show!

I actually got the idea of Achilles as most of his Metathran stations have done that. Syf is also doing a bit of that with Yesteryears too. But thanks for the compliment, it's appreicated.

 

[Dan1025]

Thanks for the compliement Dan, though back in 2002 I couldn't do any modelling work so I wouldn't have been much help to them.

Still from the way this mod is progressing it could become the "new Dominon Ultimate"

 

[Majestic]

Thanks Dan, Not trying to competite or anything, I just want an up-to-date fully Dominion race as it's surprising how often they are simply left out or just simply added to the Cardassians. Not that anything is wrong with the latter I just feel they are worthy of being a full seperate race.

Anyway work on this may slow down a little due to working on Yesteryears a bit again. I am hoping I can spare some time to finish these guys up as I only need a couple of stations and a couple of ships modelled and model wise they are complete.

I may considering how much time I have release the Federation (as they are the favourite among most) at roughly the same time as I have all ships except the Defiant. Most Federation ships just need texture editing, hardpointing and a few permissions.

EDIT: Well today after doing a couple more hours coding Yesteryears I was in the mood for some modelling/kitbashing. I hereby started and completed the Dominion Starbase, albeit it started out differently which I did like I do like the final version posted below.

Spoiler: Starbase

Spoiler: Starbase

Spoiler: Starbase

Spoiler: Starbase

There are a few texture errors I still need to fix but all in all the Starbase is pretty much complete.

 

[Avon]

Mate, this just looks better and better. Nice job, looking forward to this

 

[Majestic]

Thanks Avon, glad you approve. Hopefully I can really make something of this once I get all the models complete, right now that is my main aim.

Well this is something I don't usually do, that being posting in-progress shots of models but I need some opinions on the following, here I have a construction ship/freighter (I don't know which yet).

What do you think of it, does it work for you, is it dominion enough and something you think the Dominion would actually build?

I really want to hear your honest thoughts on this design, as I am not sure if I like it or not. It's taken me about 2-3 hours to complete, just needs regrouping and hardpointing now.

Spoiler: Utility Ship

Spoiler: Utility Ship

Spoiler: Utility Ship

 

[Dan1025]

Well the concept is good, but the ship (IMO) resembles an attack ship too much to be a utility/non-combat vessel, and the textures on the middle container section look a little off to me (I think its the small amount of space between the lines).

As to not knowing whether to use it as a mining ship or a construction ship, you could go with the FleetOps approach and use it as both, using a fusion weapon to switch between "Mining Mode" and "Construction Mode".

Anyway keep up the great work, this should be a great mod

 

[Majestic]

Yes well I just wish I was better at modelling as I would make it more different, I also make the space between the containers on purpose to give a modular look.

I will keep working on it but I will most likely use it as a freighter.

Thanks for the feedback and honest opinion Dan.

 

[Aerilon]

I really want to hear your honest thoughts on this design, as I am not sure if I like it or not.

Spoiler: Utility Ship

Spoiler: Utility Ship

Spoiler: Utility Ship

As you know, I am not a fan of kitbashes, so I expect, me answer is obvious.

Why not use the more common Dominion Construction Ship? The ones shown, bottom left, of your second starbase picture? Starbase looks good by the way.

 

[Majestic]

Well I do really like the design I did but as Dan said it looks too Attack ship, so I might just complete the hardpointing of the model and make it a single download available here in the downloads section. I have also gave Dan's suggestion a lot of thought and finally made a decision on the non-combat ships.

Each race is having three non-combat ships (utility ships), a construction and two freighters. I have dropped cargo ships as they are useless for a multiplayer only mod and colony ships I decided not to include them for a change, instead crew will be acquired like in Armada 1.

So I have also furthered the utility ship by using a suggestion from Dan. Basically you can only build one utility ship called the Utility Frame. Basically it's a ship that has a big empty gap in the middle of it with a frame structure for pods. Then using the fusion weapon you can choose which pods you want (weather it be construction or one of the two freighter types). I am also considering but not sure yet on the ability to change types, say you get heavily attacked and your main base and basically everything you have except for an outlying mining station is destroyed. Using this change method you can convert one of your freighters into a construction ship and rebuild your base at the mining facility area.

The only problem from the above is that the AI won't use the fusing weapon so I may be forced to have two methods (one for players who play against the AI and one for players who play against other players) and have the files hot swappable meaning all one needs to do is replace the odf, techtree and AI files which takes like 5 seconds so they can switch between the two types.

I have already started working on the Dominion utility frame and got it complete. All I need to do now is to do the pod versions. Another update is that I have decided on 9 combat ships, the Dominion Dreadnaught I did some research and discovered it's actually a 1500 meter battleship, though a massive 4500+ version was seen over Cardassia in the last DS9 episode I am ignoring that. So the Battleship (former dreadnought) will be a mass buildable ship but much smaller than previously.

Onto another topic, I have decided, at least for the time being to do something different with this mod. The Dominion will be the first race for the mod, that isn't changing. But I am tried of the same old same old races (namely the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians, Borg etc) while they will no doubt be included down the line sometime, for the meanwhile I have decided to include some races that either haven't been done before or have been done years ago and need an update.

Starting with Dominion Ultimate, the Breen need a major update as does the Dominion which I am currently doing. (After reading your latest news article and finding out you are actually now including the Breen I hope I am not stepping on your toes Tycoon). I have looked over at Battleclinic and have started to convert some of the Breen ships, with the Battlecruiser (canon) and cruiser already complete and only need hardpointing. The Breen will be the second race of the mod (I have had intentions of including them for sometime now).

Additional races I am considering though unsure weather I have the skills to complete them are the following:

• Sona
• Hirogen
• Kazon

I will have to get permission from modellers such as Avon to use and kitbash their models to make a fleet out of them before I could start any of the races. It will also be a lot of work and I will no doubt request some assistance from at the very least a modeller, I could do most of the texture work (applying not creating) myself if needed.

I am also considering another Delta Quadrant race, ideas include:

• Vidian
• Mawasi (Year of Hell)
• Zhal (Year of Hell)
• Nyhidron (Year of Hell)
• Krenium (Year of Hell)
• A Delta Quadrant Alliance of sorts

Although no final decision have been made on this front, as it's too early to tell what I will do here or if I will do it. Right now my focus is on completing the Dominion and getting the Breen further along as well as working on Yesteryears which is higher up in my priorities than this mod.

 

[Dan1025]

Sounds good Majestic and I'm glad my suggestions helped

I'm glad to hear that the Breen are getting a revival, apart from the (rather low quality) version on a2files we don't have anything for them, and the models on Battleclinic are much better.

The additional race idea sounds promising, it'd be great to have more ships available for races like the Son'a and Hirogen.

Keep it up

 

[Avon]

I will have to get permission from modellers such as Avon to use and kitbash their models

You dont need my permission for anything mate. What's mine, is yours...........Unless it's already Ash's lol

Anyway, this all sounds great. Also, I have absolutely no time (or passion) for modelling at the moment (as I'm sure Ash will tell you). But, if and when, you get around to the Hirogen, I'm sure I can help out a little. After making the Hirogen ship for my Caretaker pack, I've always wanted to see them done properly.

EDIT: Btw I liked the bug/freighter you built there. Would have been exactly how I would have done it. However, the frame and different pod idea is pretty cool, and quite unique

 

[Majestic]

I'm glad to hear that the Breen are getting a revival, apart from the (rather low quality) version on a2files we don't have anything for them, and the models on Battleclinic are much better.

The additional race idea sounds promising, it'd be great to have more ships available for races like the Son'a and Hirogen.

Thanks Dan, my point exactly about the Breen and while ZH is having them in now (as confirmed by Ash's latest new post) I still want to take a crack at them and improve upon what Dominion Ultimate has done like I am with the Dominion.

I too am looking forward to the Sona and Hirogen, two races I have wanted to do for years and simply haven't had the skills to do so until recently.

You dont need my permission for anything mate. What's mine, is yours...........Unless it's already Ash's lol

Thanks Avon, that will make my job easier.

Anyway, this all sounds great. Also, I have absolutely no time (or passion) for modelling at the moment (as I'm sure Ash will tell you). But, if and when, you get around to the Hirogen, I'm sure I can help out a little. After making the Hirogen ship for my Caretaker pack, I've always wanted to see them done properly.

Thanks Avon that too would be a big help, I doubt I will get to them anytime soon with my focus on Yesteryears, and getting the Dominion ready for release. I also plan on completing the Breen before starting on any of the other races.

EDIT: Btw I liked the bug/freighter you built there. Would have been exactly how I would have done it. However, the frame and different pod idea is pretty cool, and quite unique

Yeah I like the design a lot myself. If I was able to change the attack ship enough to look like a new vessel I would be using it as my basis for the utility vessels but with my modelling skills as they are I will have to (and I have) found another way to do this. That model will be completed and available in the downloads section at some point so it may not go to waste allowing others to use it if they need it.

Below is a quick picture of the utility vessels as they currently stand. I have been working on and off for the past couple of days attempting to get them right. I still have a bit to do, like making a construction version and altering the textures quite a bit (getting rid of that horrid purple on the front for starters) and the important issue of attempting to find a way to get in contact with Deemon and gaining permission.

Spoiler: Utility at it's earliest

 

[Starfox1701]

James tried something like this for KA2 with ship veriants. Works for the player but plays hell with the AI. :x

 

[Dan1025]

Those utility ships look great Majestic

 

[Majestic]

James tried something like this for KA2 with ship veriants. Works for the player but plays hell with the AI. :x

Yes I think I remember reading something about it a while ago. I actually came up with an idea where the AI builds the final versions but the player builds the frame. Since to my knowledge the techtrees are for players only (AI doesn't follow it) I will set the AI to build the final versions but the player won't be able to, hence they have to use the frame method.

Example:

Player
Builds dnship01 then has to use fuse weapon to get: dnship02, 03 and 04.

AI
Builds dnship02, 03 and 04 but doesn't build 01 as it has no need for it.

Due to this so there will be no construction ships to start with, one must build them.

Those utility ships look great Majestic

Thanks Dan, I wasn't too sure about them but they turned out okay. You may noticed I removed the top and bottom nacelles from the model too.

 

[Aerilon]

Starting with Dominion Ultimate, the Breen need a major update as does the Dominion which I am currently doing. (After reading your latest news article and finding out you are actually now including the Breen I hope I am not stepping on your toes Tycoon). I have looked over at Battleclinic and have started to convert some of the Breen ships, with the Battlecruiser (canon) and cruiser already complete and only need hardpointing. The Breen will be the second race of the mod (I have had intentions of including them for sometime now).

I've become accustomed to people having the same ideas as me. Don't worry about it.

Many projects share similarities, but each have their differences. Your Dominion Mod for starters has the Dominion. Zero Hour doesn't. Instead, I've got the Tholians. My Romulans are having Reman ships too, from my current knowledge of your project, it is Romulans only.

Futhermore, you've stated that your Dominion Mod is a simple ship & station replacment, whereas ZH changes planets, asteroids, nebulas and such, so even though there will be similarities, there will be many differences.

Just don't go including the Tholains

Additional races I am considering though unsure weather I have the skills to complete them are the following:

• Sona
• Hirogen
• Kazon

No idea about the Hirogen or Son'a, but STNewGamer (FileFront Forums) had a thread about a Son'a Race that he had hoped to do.. Maybe worth looking into?

I am also considering another Delta Quadrant race, ideas include:

• Vidian
• Mawasi (Year of Hell)
• Zhal (Year of Hell)
• Nyhidron (Year of Hell)
• Krenium (Year of Hell)
• A Delta Quadrant Alliance of sorts

The last option, you've got a Delta Quadrant Alliance? Just a thought, but why not have the Mawasi, Zhal and Nyhidron as a Delta Quadrant Alliance (a good side) opposed to a bad side?

 

[Majestic]

My Romulans are having Reman ships too, from my current knowledge of your project, it is Romulans only.

Thats correct I don't like mixing those two up like I don't like mixing the Cardassians and Dominion up. In any event like the Klingons and Federation the Romulans have been put on the back-burner in fact I am considering a full Reman race instead of the Romulans but it's only really a thought at this stage.

Futhermore, you've stated that your Dominion Mod is a simple ship & station replacment, whereas ZH changes planets, asteroids, nebulas and such, so even though there will be similarities, there will be many differences.

Just don't go including the Tholains

I won't be, they are in Yesteryears and that will be it for me. I want this project as different as Yesteryears as possible and I don't mean just the era either, but the races as well. I will no doubt install Midnight on this mod but I will most likely be removing most planets from maps and only have one or two just for eye candy. In the end the mod will be more combat and resource gathering with asteroids or something rather than having planets and all that in the way.

No idea about the Hirogen or Son'a, but STNewGamer (FileFront Forums) had a thread about a Son'a Race that he had hoped to do.. Maybe worth looking into?

I don't visit Filefront Forums anymore, infact I barely visit the main site, I've learnt the best way not to get harassed over there is to either not go or not post, both are pretty effective. Plus I think I saw something of that project before I unofficially left, but it was all kitbashed stock and the models looked aweful being stock and streched textures.

The last option, you've got a Delta Quadrant Alliance? Just a thought, but why not have the Mawasi, Zhal and Nyhidron as a Delta Quadrant Alliance (a good side) opposed to a bad side?

It's an idea I will consider, in fact I may end up going with it considering they were allied against the Krenium in the Year of Hell so it is possible in the new timeline that they do again (if they exist). Might be a little tricky with units (ships and stations) but all the races I have proposed are in the same boat so I am sure I could conquer it.

 

[Aerilon]

Thats correct I don't like mixing those two up like I don't like mixing the Cardassians and Dominion up. In any event like the Klingons and Federation the Romulans have been put on the back-burner in fact I am considering a full Reman race instead of the Romulans but it's only really a thought at this stage.

I know a few other people who don't like to mix races. I suppose, in the long run, it has pro's and con's.

I don't visit Filefront Forums anymore, infact I barely visit the main site, I've learnt the best way not to get harassed over there is to either not go or not post, both are pretty effective. Plus I think I saw something of that project before I unofficially left, but it was all kitbashed stock and the models looked aweful being stock and streched textures.

It is true, that many of them were horrific kitbashed models. However, some of them did have some potential behind them, and if were re-created, could work very well.

It's an idea I will consider, in fact I may end up going with it considering they were allied against the Krenium in the Year of Hell so it is possible in the new timeline that they do again (if they exist). Might be a little tricky with units (ships and stations) but all the races I have proposed are in the same boat so I am sure I could conquer it.

I'm sure you and Syf could muster something up.

One thing I do ponder though... If this is a Dominion War Project (which it very much appears to be), why are you adding loads of other races?

 

[Kosh Naranek]

Here's my suggestions for special weapons:

Dominion:
Jem'Hadar Attack/Assault/Commando Pods
Breen Dampning Torpedo (a 'bug' stolen by DS9 crew was stated in the episode as having one installed)

Federation:
Ablative Shield (more commonly known as 'deployable ablative armor')
Deflector Pulse (as seen in 'Best Of Both Worlds')
Isokinetic Cannon (like the one Voyager was equipped with)

Breen:
Dampning Torpedo

Klingon:
Assault Transporters (longer range than normal transporters, but not as stable (hence, while it beams off large parts of the ship's crew to the target ship, station, or planet, not all will survive the trip))

Romulan:
Reman Attack/Assault/Commando Pods
Scorpion Assault Craft Deployment (sends out a swarm of Scorpions to attack enemy target)

That's all I've got....for now, at least.

==========================================================

Quick Thought: I thought it was canon that Dominion ships didn't have any windows at all.

==========================================================

A massive MSFC multiplayer match? I'm game. Using Hamachi, I can probably even host it.

==========================================================

I do not know about that the Descent ship also Showed up in VOY: "Scorpion" as well as a depicted the mine layer.

as seen here

Actually, its implied in the episode that the image you have there is the mine itself.

 

[Achilles]

well the Dominion stations are very good, I especially like the light turret. you are an ingenious Kitbasher

 

[Majestic]

Thanks for the suggestions Kosh, I want to keep the dampening technology for the Breen to distinguish the races a bit but your other suggestions I will put down on paper with the my own ideas. Thanks.

EDIT:

well the Dominion stations are very good, I especially like the light turret. you are an ingenious Kitbasher

Thanks Achilles that means a lot coming from you.

The light turret is one of my favourites. I just use what I can and in fact that station/turret in question used parts from two of your stations (the shipyard and heavy turret models).

 

[Kosh Naranek]

You're welcome, Majestic.

 

[Majestic]

Well not alot has heppened with the mod as of late but I am still working on it, I am just spliting my time between the upcoming site upgrade, Yesteryears and the Midway fan fiction.

I have been doing some thinking on this project and I have decided to still do the Cardassians in the initial release, reason is I just like their designs so much and the feel of the race.

So the Dominion and the Cardassians will be released pretty close together. I have also decided for Cardassian stations to use the Bridge Commander stock Cardassian bases as my base templates. From them I will be kitbashing most of the Cardassian stations that I require and have started working in this.

I have also been looking at Cardassian ship designs for the Cardassians, I currently have five confirmed combat classes (one needing to get permission before I use it and all but two requiring texture work). I also have three additional designs (one needing modelling and two requiring texture edits) so that is a total of 8 classes, amost the entire fleet.

Also as much as I like Achilles' Cardassian models (Galor/Keldon) I have found and poly reduced two alternatives and while not as low as Achilles' versions these two designs have really helped me in getting the other designs textures pretty close to the new Galor and Keldon.

Updates and pictures will be posted soon.

 

[Achilles]

I retextured that Constructor years ago for Major A Payne, permission did not seem to be an issue.

I made it so the upper pylon can be removed very easily and is still textured. If you want this let me know, I can alter the texture to match the others.

 

[Majestic]

Thanks Achilles, I may be PMing you about this over this week and see about getting the texture changed and what not.

 

[Dan1025]

For the Cardassians you could use Zorg's models/textures for kitbashing or retexturing other ships, they have great textures and are really high quality for their (amazingly low) poly count.

 

[Majestic]

I never liked Zorg's texture truth be told, but I found a alternative, it just means I have a fair bit of texture editing and/or retexturing. In the end despite being more work I think they will look a lot better.

Once again thanks for the suggestion Dan.