OS-tan Collections

So I was searching for a free visual novel game until I stumbled on this website:

http://www.bladeengine.com/

It's a FREE, free as in no payment, Visual Novel Engine. I haven't tried it yet but it seems that I can get it to work and maybe WE could start something that will further propagate the os-tans!

YAY!!! THIS IS TOO GOD TO BE TRUE!! ;047  ;047  ;047  ;047

When I'm done with getting familiar with it's environment, I'll check back at this forum to seek assistance on the Story, Graphics, Sounds and everything.

WE HAVE TO DO THIS!!! AND WE CAN DO THIS!!!

;019  ;019  ;019  ;019  ;019  ;019
;019   ;019   ;019   ;019  ;019   ;019
;019  ;019   ;019  ;019    ;019
;019  ;019   ;019   ;019  ;019   ;019  ;019

I see your free VN engine and raise you a free and open-source VN, Ren'Py (http://www.renpy.org/wiki/renpy/Home_Page).  More importantly, it's not a free version - it's a completely free (as in beer and speech) full engine.  It even comes with a tutorial.

If you want to go ahead and use the Blade Engine that's fine too, I just thought you might be interested in alternatives as well.

hmm, VNs sound a bit easier than a full on -eeh- game...
This might work...

Hell it should be fairly easy to program aswell, it could be made out of a string of IF-THEN-ELSE queries and some way for the program to load images and text...

Damn, i should get Delphi back on my PC, i think i can program it with that aswell... :D

I seem to like Ren'Py better. You can make all kinds of games with it, like Katawa Shoujo which is a very long VN (even Act 1 is long). Contrast that with Elven Relations. ^^

Well I'll be... those DO exist. I actually though that those were only developed by the companies that publish them. But I have now been proven otherwise. At least there is someone out there that wants to make life easier on beginning artists.

I guess I can agree, this thing could actually help spread the OS-tan word... given that someone spends time into doing such thing as a visual novel, which isn't really one easy task... unless you want to do some weak H game. But then again, even those are challenging... when it comes to graphical terms that is.

Wonder if I'll see one of these with a really really awesomely cool story related to OS-tans.

cool......i should download......

Has anyone started anything with this yet?

Not as far as I know.

I'd like to make a non-H OS-tan visual novel. I could do the graphics for one but I currently can't come up with a storyline. I'd like to make a game that has lots of various OS-tans in it .

Well, I currently have plans to make a graphical OS-tan game that would be based in space. Prototype sprites are in my gallery.

Unfortunately, I currently have neither the know-how nor the artistic talent at this point to begin any serious work on it.

This is getting off-topic so I'll finish my post saying that a non-H visual novel would be awesome, not that an H visual novel wouldn't also be welcome.

Oh... let's stick with the non-H stuff... H-visual novels are rather overrrated... even though they have much better stories than the uberly craptastic H-doujins.

Storyline huh... Well, it's rather easy to come up with... And to write as well, if free time allows. Well, if we would use standard set of character types and genre would be shounen (erm - for 12 - 18 age border), then it would be something like this:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

World: let's assume that the computer science history we know have never taken place. Instead of IBM PC, powerful processor and AI systems were created through some kind of technological breakthrough. A personal computer have became a device which uses not GUI for user interface, but a virtual personality - which will be OS-tan, of course. Operation systems were released as packages of core software and personality matrix which was projected upon the real life through some kind of VR device. Any user who wears this device may see and interact with this personality which could be programmed to look or to behave as user wants... Let's call this term "Reality-augmenting OS with Personality Matrix". Well, that's how.

Story plot: let's say that there was a teen boy (Protagonist) who lived on border of big megalopolis. He was fascinated by computing technology, but had neither money nor knowledge to afford a personality OS. Then someday his father who was a programmist gets promoted in his company; he decides to relocate his family from city frontier to its center, where the heart of modern computer technology lies.

The family was offered to rent a small house in the city center, not so far from the work and school. Next day after the family moved in, on his way home from the school the Protagonist meets the house owner who is about to on vacation somewhere faraway from here; he presents the Protagonist with "that scrapheap of computer" (just to get rid of it, aha). (Let's also assume that this old man leaves Dr. Norton behind - surpriiise ^_^)

Pooooor boy ^_^ He never knew what he was getting into, aha. When he activated the PC, it never worked - it was not used too much time. But when the Protagonist turns around, he sees an unconscious girl lying in his room ^_^ After dealing with his heart attack, he realises that she's a Personality Matrix of his computer's OS, but somehow she's damaged and is unable to wake up. (She's ME of course; who else would lie on the floor with the look like she was processed through shredder ^_^) The boy takes off to the computer store to find something out; there he meets one of his new classmates who's the owner of XP Pro. He helps the Protagonist to restore ME - only to find that she's totally useless ^_^

Being oblivious to the ways of computer world, he finds out shortly that OS Personalities are used not only as interfaces, but as fighters as well. They engage in fights where they take "damage" that corrupts data and lowers their cyberspace integrity - these fights are representations of hacking. The Protagonist meets new friends: classmate with XP, a young system administrator with 2k, old-style girl with 95 and two little sisters who enjoy the company of 98 and 98SE. He meets his "enemies": teens who own Macintosh-type OSs, or mysterious teen coder with Linux who just hates "non-OpenSource Users", and must fight with them.

But that's the first trouble. The second is that there are serious hackers who user Personality OSs for no good. They are stealing data to sell or blackmail, they hack private servers and steal money, etc. More than that, being real ("old-school") hackers, they are virtually omnipotent - they could write programs and corrupt them, so they're like magicians in digital world. They mutilate OS Personality: they use identical military-clothed systems whose individuality is destroyed. Let's say that there is a hacker gang that terrorizes the city; they use Personality OSs to steal money, and they plan something even bigger. In one of their operations, they crossed the Protagonist's road by robbing his family and he wants both revenge and satisfaction. His club of Windows users must unite with Macintosh and Unix users to obliterate this city's hacker underground...

As for romatic storyline... Well, it's simple: Protagonist falls in love with his OS. Which is not right, of course: she's a program and is digital, but he's made of flesh. Let's assume that there is a human girl who's totally not into computers who falls in love with Protagonist - nice love triangle here, ne?

The psychological meaning behind all this is, for the first, the question of humanity. Who's better human: operating system who learns how to feel towards her Master, or human being who forces his OS to steal? Does human form guarantee human mind and heart, or program will always be a program? Is it right to respect and feel affected to your OS, or you should think of her as of a tool? Another question is personal growth. The Protagonist should grow to learn the harsh world of adults who use these cute OSs to injure themselves, and to learn that a human must stay with humans, but to respect any sentient life, even if it's just a program. OSs should learn how to feel and how to deal with it, and how to remain helpful programs and good friends even if you fall in love with your Master - since he exists in basic reality and your homeworld is cyberspace.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that's it. We could write a storyline for renai game; it will be played like "Tsukihime" (Type-Moon) - text over background, by choosing Protagonist's actions and replies in necessary "turning points" of the plot.

Please forgive me for my spelling errors; English is not my native language.

AWE-SOM-E O_____O DO WANT (to help)

Wow... that's impressive indeed. You have actually gotten the basic storyline set. Now, another thing that would be needed is expansion... as well as someone to do the artwork. I would help... but I am as of now buried in stuff to do from college... also... am not really good at keeping consistency.

Well, if we're actually going to do something, then we need a plan, aren't we? Here it is:

1. Create unbranching story block-scheme: i.e. where it begins and essential story scenes, and work out endings, since genre dictates that there must not be a single ending,
2. Work out key points where Protagonist may decide to act differently and create branches and correlations between them, i.e. detailed story scheme,
3. Write complete text following this scheme - i.e. all the replics and so on,
4. Decide on graphics - draw backgrounds and characters,
5. Compile this all into Ren'Py engine (and learn Python... After Java and PHP it would be easy, but brace yourself, S., brace yourself - Katsu ^_^)

I can handle story schemes and text (not all, of course - I'm somewhat lame with romantic stories), and create character sheets and plain sketches (I cannot create professional-level colored images - or at least they appear to be not professional enough -_-) Right now my examinations are coming and I've got no much time, but when Education System will spare me of gruesome death from brain explosion somewhere in July, I may actually work on it...

Well, we have had one artist in particular who expressed interest in making art for a game... don't know how she feels about VNs, though.  If we could get her on board it would be great because she's a very talented artist.  Another possible problem is that she doesn't have a reliable internet connection, in fact, it's been awhile since we've seen her around these parts.  Of course, there are other great artists here who could possibly contribute, but I don't recall any others addressing any interest in doing game stuff.  I think the main thing is that it's great someone is finally contributing a story because that's been a problem for a lot of projects around here.  Lack of hypomanic episodes has been hindering my creativity (I'm surprised I got that sketch done), but I'll help how I can.

AFAIK, the amount of coding knowledge needed to operate Ren'Py is very rudimentary (after all, it was designed with artists in mind, not coders), but obviously learning Python wouldn't hurt.

QuoteWe have had one artist in particular who expressed interest in making art for a game... <...> There are other great artists here who could possibly contribute

That's great that there are someone who can draw well... As I said, I can provide black-and-white character sketches just to demonstrate their appearance. But graphics is not necessary right now; plot and text is more important.

And what's about text... I must humbly ask the community to wait until July, since that's where my free time begins and I'll be able to devote it to creative activities rather than education. I'll think I may come up with some materials then...

I would appreciate if nobody proceeds with this project without my presence, since I'm not only very interested in it, but also want to play major role in it as a writer... Yeah, that's why I would ask this community to suspend it a little. You would help a lot if you thought through the details I haven't mentioned in my plot overview, romantic storyline above all... You see, being a cyber-geek makes me very inexperienced in these things...

Okay, I'm here. My examinations are completed (there were victims all right), and I've finally entered my summer vacation time. I have now much free time I can spend to whatever I want, so I started working on this project. Since my holidays have just begun, I haven't got much to present you... However, I've done one character sketch. I drew it between exams and spent three days after it to color it. It's Linux-sama and her Master. I must warn you, however, that my pathetic drawing skill wasn't enough to imprint the idea I see behind those characters to the image; it's just done to show their anathomic features and coloring of their clothing, and to serve as a sample for those who'll proceed with drawing for the project. To give you a right image of their character, I'll describe them below. Now, the following are links to the same image (1000x751) in Maximum (414 Kbytes), Medium (146 Kbytes) and Low (39 Kbytes) quality - check one suitable for your bandwith.

Low - http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/Doctor-Sinc/Linux-JPEG-LowQuality-1.jpg
Medium - http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/Doctor-Sinc/Linux-JPEG-MediumQuality-1.jpg
Maximum - http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/Doctor-Sinc/Linux-JPEG-MaxQuality-1.jpg

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Now, character summary for Linux. Being an OpenSource, she feels openly towards Master, talking about anything and doing anything without embarassment or hesitation or need for privacy. When she talks, she often uses very informal, almost rude words, using weird and complicated word structures though (like Star Wars' Master Yoda, that is; well, Linux output *is* complicated, all right). However, since Linux systems are rather hard to deploy and calibrate, and even then it will provide root access to single priveleged user, she's emotionless to any other person than her Master. To strangers she's very secluded, always keeping straight expressionless face and grave silence.
She's very fast and slim (since Linux is as fast as your processor and needs few disk space), and employs wonderful martial arts skill, using her spear with astonishing deadliness. Being a system for tough programmers and admins, never forgiving mistakes from lamers, she's very agressive and unforgiving to anyone except her Master; her eyes are always blank to any human, and her spear hits quick and painfully. Being a Network OS, she can use limited variety of "cyber-magic", such as summoning Battle Penguins to her aid, blending with surroundings by switching desktop environment or boosting her power by linking to Parallel Computing Network with her Unix sisters over the Net; these rituals have shamanic nature.
She was never seen out of her warsuit; in public places where formal clothes are needed she prefers to stay in "ethereal state" (i.e. invisible), but always follows her Master very closely. As an GNU operating system, she despises proprietary OSs; she treats Windows with disguist, and MacOS with hostile neutrality (since MacOS X has Unix parents).

Character summary for Linux Master. A teen youth of same age as Protagonist, student in the same school as Protagonist. Has European origin; have came into the city of story with his parents who, being Linuxoids as well, have come here to work with their GNU Project colleagues.
Isolationist - rarely talks (just stares behind his hair with suspicion), rarely communicates with others (has no friends in his class). Though when he meets an enemy, he changes; he becomes mocking and violent, grinning and laughing madly with eyes flashing with his superiority.
Wears old clothes without care; never looks neatly and never cares about his appearance at all (look at his chaotic hairdress), employing philosophical ideology that mental freedom is more important than bodily appearance. (He's very embarassed with his pink slates though - one comment about its color is enough to enrage him - "What, you wear pink slates?" "I HAVE NO DARNED MONEY TO BUY BLACK!.. Linux. Kill him. Slowly."). He's materialistic and cynical as well.
He's not so healthy: he has a scoliosis and bad eyesight (wears glasses which are also his VR unit).
Leads a secluded way of life, most of his time spents in the Net or programming (that's why he's very pale - too low sunlight). At night he goes out with his OS and attacks proprietary OSs to damage them, leading his war against proprietary in this way. Sorry to the latter, he's good cyber-fighter; being a programmist, he's able to perform middle-level "cyber magic".
When he talks, his tone is always grim; when talking to enemies, it's sarcastic and mocking. Like his OS, he doesn't choose elegant words in his speech.
He may seem negative person, but to his OS he's very caring and gentle, cherishing her and always upgrading. He has no friends, but when he's forced to join forces with Protagonist to defeat city's cyber-mafia, he opens in a new way: as a good friend. but in a weird way - he thinks that "nobody except him has the right to hurt his allies".

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Now, criticism or suggestions are always welcome. For example, I need you to suggest from which country Linux User is and to suggest a name for him...
Currently I'm working with basic story flowchart. Any suggestions are welcome, especially on romance storyline (well, I'm really bad with these). When inspiration hits me, I'll try to draw some other character sketches, until all characters are developed.

First: "Pathetic drawing skills?" WTF!? I wish I could draw that well. Also, you did an excellent job conveying the characters' personality: I could guess about half of their profile just by looking at the picture.

Now, about the profile itself: well thought out and "in character" (I'm not saying that all linux users are like that, obviously XD, but the profile fits the stereotype well.)

Country? Finland (http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linus_Torvalds), oviously. :p

Can't wait to see the other profiles... by the way it'd be interesting to have Vistan in the story, if only to double the comic relief and have a "are you -really- sure you want to do that?" running gag. :D

QuoteCountry? Finland, oviously.

Damnit... I should have quessed ^_^ Well, I'm going for http://behindthename.com/ to choose a juicy-sounding and meaning-suitable Finnish name for him...

Quoteit'd be interesting to have Vistan in the story, if only to double the comic relief and have a "are you -really- sure you want to do that?" running gag

Well... I'm against using Vista; first of all, as I know, there is still no single image of it - there are various with different personality. And second, we've got enough characters: there are Me, XP Pro, 2k, 95, 98 & 98SE, Linux, MacOS 9 and MacOS X declared - pretty much already... For the genre we're working in it's not recommended to employ more than 8-12 characters. Well, they're quite enough to maintain a humorous effect.

QuoteWTF!? I wish I could draw that well.

As I said: pathetic drawing skills. I have troubles with anathomy, especially female, and my shading is horrible (I use Blur in Photoshop to create "gradient shading"; my cell shading is even more horrible). Anyway, my images lack small details, good color and shading job, an I can not create a normal backgroun at all, so I'm not suitable for drawing arts for games.

Quote from: "Nuker"Country? Finland (http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linus_Torvalds), oviously. :p

Uh oh...

That's a really nice drawing and I like that depiction of Linux-sama! I agree with the fact that she should be tough, stoic, fast and a great fighter who can also wield magic in battle but I think she should be a bit friendlier and more tolerant towards others (I understand why she'd dislike closed-sourceness but to hate some OS-tans just for being closed-source is harsh) since she's portrayed as a diplomat in the OS-tan world.

I see where she would be hostile towards the Windows-tans and be suspiscious of many Unix-based OS-tans because in the OS-tan backstories proposed at OSC, Linux-sama, Unix-sama and some of their descendants are part of a faction called the Linux/Unix Consortium which is politically unstable because of conflicts.

Linux-sama and Unix-sama are former enemies that are now friends but there are clashes between the other Linuces against the other Unices in the faction and even clashes among themselves since some are more liberal and others are more conservative. Also, the Unices in the LUC tend to be the strict, hostile ones (i.e: Solaris-tan, HP-UX-tan, UnixWare-tan, SCO Unix-tan) who refuse to trust the Linux-tans.


If you have the time and patience, I think you should read this OS-tan manga starring Linux-tan which depicts her early backstory. (http://ostan-collections.net/topic-800-80.html)

Quote

QuoteCountry? Finland, oviously.

Damnit... I should have quessed ^_^ Well, I'm going for http://behindthename.com/ to choose a juicy-sounding and meaning-suitable Finnish name for him...

Good Luck. Maybe Von Daab can suggest some names?

Quote

Quoteit'd be interesting to have Vistan in the story, if only to double the comic relief and have a "are you -really- sure you want to do that?" running gag

Well... I'm against using Vista; first of all, as I know, there is still no single image of it - there are various with different personality. And second, we've got enough characters: there are Me, XP Pro, 2k, 95, 98 & 98SE, Linux, MacOS 9 and MacOS X declared - pretty much already... For the genre we're working in it's not recommended to employ more than 8-12 characters. Well, they're quite enough to maintain a humorous effect.

Point taken. The "classic" OS-tan group is more recognisable and easier to work with, too. Also, 95-sama e XP-sama are already in, and that's more than enough to make me happy :D

By the way, a lot of people consider chivistan as the 'official' Vistan now. Kinda.

Quote

QuoteWTF!? I wish I could draw that well.

As I said: pathetic drawing skills. I have troubles with anathomy, especially female, and my shading is horrible (I use Blur in Photoshop to create "gradient shading"; my cell shading is even more horrible). Anyway, my images lack small details, good color and shading job, an I can not create a normal backgroun at all, so I'm not suitable for drawing arts for games.

That doesn't change the fact that a lot of people can only hope to reach your level of skill, as 'pathetic' as you think it is, so don't downplay your drawing skills too much, okay? ;P

QuoteCountry? Finland, oviously.

For the name of Linux Master... I've scanned through BehindTheName (this is my favorite database on national names and surnames and its meanings) and invented something. What if we call him Hesekiel Borg? In it, "Hesekiel" is a Finnish variant of "Ezekiel", which is a Christian prophet. Linux Master thinks of his war against proprietary as of holy crusade, and dreams of the world where all software would be Open Source, so he's like a prophet, yes? "Borg" is meaning "castle" in Swedish; being secluded and unbreakable like himself, Linux Master is resembling a fortified castle very much. If it's agreed, then so be it.

Quotebut I think she should be a bit friendlier and more tolerant towards others

2Aurora Borealis: I am truly sorry that I've depicted Linux-sama so harsh; I'm really not very familiar with OS-tan background, so thank you for the note.

I must note, however, that the personality and background of OSs should be changed since we introduced Masters into the story. In classic OS-tan world, OSs are portraited like humans. Now we think of them as of servant programs who must obey the Master who's not supposed to be somewhere out of the picture, but is here, in the same space as OS-tans. Even more, in classic OS-tan world OSs are unique characters; here we think of them as of software packages, so there are many Linuxes walking the streets with their masters, and their personality could be altered (see my first post here). It's just our main characters decided to keep their original personalities. Also there must be not OS political groups; they're personalities, but their AI is not "omni-strong" so they could act just like humans. Their AI is just "strong" with restrictors set on them, or they'll rebel against their users (that's, er, AI futurology suggestion); so they just serve their Masters, and communicate like humans when they meet, but that's all to it. (It is part of our story's goals, however, - to show how they evolve from programs to individuals, growing with their Masters.) We may suggest, though, that their "humanlike" memory was designed and programmed, but no designer would create memory that would make his creation remember the war between OSs, right?

So background we must alter; it wouldn't seem right if we pretended that OS-tans were born and raised like humans. They would feel kinship towards their parent OSs, and would feel good or bad towards their OS class comrades. But it would be more of a genetic memory, than of their relations in their past.

But anyway, I agree that I should change character background for Linux to make her more tolerant. Well, let us change the character description on Linux to the following:

--------------------------------------------

Personality: being an OpenSource, Linux feels openly towards Master, talking about anything and doing anything without embarassment or hesitation. When she talks, she uses polite, but strong words, as well as weird and complicated word structures though (like Star Wars' Master Yoda, since Linux output *is* complicated). Since Linux systems are rather hard to deploy and calibrate, and even then it will provide root access to single priveleged user, she's emotionless to any other person than her Master. To a Master she adresses with soft tone, but to strangers she talks with polite, but harsh formal tone. To strangers she's very secluded, always keeping straight expressionless face and grave silence. Being a system for tough programmers and admins, never forgiving mistakes from lamers, she ignores lame users like if they aren't here.

Powers and abilities: Linux is very fast and slim (since Linux is as fast as your processor and needs few disk space), and employs wonderful martial arts skill, using her spear with astonishing deadliness.  Being a Network OS, she can use limited variety of "cyber-magic", such as summoning Battle Penguins to her aid, blending with surroundings by switching desktop environment or boosting her power by linking to Parallel Computing Network with her Unix sisters over the Net; these rituals have shamanic nature.

Attitude towards public and other OSs: she was never seen out of her warsuit; in public places where formal clothes are needed she prefers to stay in "ethereal state" (i.e. invisible), but always follows her Master very closely. As an GNU operating system, she despises proprietary OSs; she ignores Windows family as much as she can. She feels akin of Unix, since she was derived from them, but she thinks they're too old, conservative and rational. As for MacOS, she recognizes them as descendants of Unix family, but thinks they're too flashy and glamour, and their proprietary origin makes them look down in Linux's eyes.

--------------------------------------------

How's this?

Quote from: "Nuker"Maybe Von Daab can suggest some names?

Well, I cant go suggesting anything, but I can say my opinion of your name suggestions. I mean, what's better than asking an actual finnish person?

Quotewhat majestics said

Ehh... why do I even bother...

QuoteI mean, what's better than asking an actual finnish person?

Well, you're Finnish, so you're welcome to comment on my name suggestions... Or even to suggest your own... It's rather hard for me who's not into Finland's culture to pick a name with database only, so, if you wish to help, then please comment and suggest as much as you think is needed.

Well, yeah, Hesekiel is a rather strange name and very non-finnish.
Actually, I did a quick check in the finnish name registry and it gave me a result of 140 Hesekiels registered in the last 120 years.
Also, christianity isnt that strong here, so sort of prophet type names are usually bit embarassing.
I dont know why it has to be a finnish name, I mean, Linus Torvalds are both swedish/germanic originated names...

QuoteWell, yeah, Hesekiel is a rather strange name and very non-finnish.

Well, I just felt like it... It sounded impressive (an impressive name, even ruthless-sounding one is needed for such a character as Linux Master). Would you make another suggestion? And for the surname ("Borg") - is it allright?

Update: German name "Gerhard" - form of "Gerard" which means "spear" ("ger") + "brave" ("hard")... He's brave and tough, and his OS wields a spear... How about this? "Gerhard Borg"...

The updated bio for Linux-sama sounds better but keep in mind that only Mac OSX is based off of Unix. The Classic Mac OS (Mac System 1 - Mac OS 9) isn't- it's based off of something else entirely (partly built from scratch with elements of Apple's Lisa OS and SOS that came before it).

Also, Linux is not code-derived from Unix for legal reasons. Linux only OPERATES just like Unix. This is why she used to be hated by Unix-sama who saw her as a cheap copycat to be destroyed. They did reconcile and become friends but Unix-sama's more hostile and elite daughters still see Linux-sama as a cheap copycat. That is, in the OS-tan faction backstories.

You can read more about these OS-tan backstories if you're curious here: (http://ostan-collections.net/wiki/OS-tan_Annex_Project)

Your take on the OS-tans is interesting but not what I'm used to so I misunderstood. Are the OS-tans in your story idea akin to the Persecoms from "Chobits"?

QuoteYour take on the OS-tans is interesting but not what I'm used to so I misunderstood. Are the OS-tans in your story idea akin to the Persecoms from "Chobits"?

Erm... You read my mind, actually... This anime, and plus "Dennou Coil" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennou_Coil) were what was on my mind... So, eh, they are. They act like it, though they express more personality than Persocons. And they aren't solid but made of digital matter (like cyber-beings in Dennou Coil). Check my first post there, where I described basic plot; they're programs, actually.

Quotebut keep in mind that only Mac OSX is based off of Unix

Then Linux will ignore MacOS 9 at all, just like she does to Windows, and will feel certain respect to MacOS X. Is it right?

QuoteLinux is not code-derived from Unix for legal reasons. Linux only OPERATES just like Unix.

Still, they've got same file system idea, and structure; I've read an ancient translated book on classic UNIX by Bell Labs, and there were familiar folders on FS (/etc/, /bin/, /usr/ and so on)... So Linux will feel kinship to them, since she was created later than Unix and Torvalds was inspired with Unix when he did his system...

Gerhard sounds like another archaic name, but really, its not like it really matters.
What I'd like to point out that the surname "Borg" could aswell be the finnish equivalent "Linna" which means a castle too and we'd get the finnish association with that.

Quotefinnish equivalent "Linna" which means a castle too and we'd get the finnish association with that.

That's good... "Linna" sounds very similar to "Linux". So, surname decided... First name is the problem now, isn't it? Well, I'll look for something else...

Well, Linus having most probably swedish ancestry, so how about a swedish name, like example Mattias or something?

Well, "Mattias Linna" surely sounds well... But the meaning is wrong. BehindTheName says that it's derived from Matthias, which refers to New Testament, so it's another religious name. Another site explains this name as "Gift of God"... Erm, surely Linux Master is gifted, but that's... Erm... Wrong, I guess... But still, if there is nothing else, this name will be good.

Well it's all up to you if the names must have a proper symbolical meaning.
I'm just trying to suggest a name that sounds normal, something that fits in the modern times.

So... I'll check some other DBs for other names; but if I cannot find anything modern, then we'll choose Mattias.

All right, I'm done for today; it's evening and I've got things to do, so here I must take my leave. I'll show up here once I've done with Linux User's name or when I'll make a basic story flowchart. Good night (or day) to you all!

SCANDINAVIA IS HERE TO HELP >:3
(jk lol)

Anyway, just in that direction there are a number of other similar names to pick from. Dunno where they're derived from, but who cares - all the so-called biblical names are just translations from hebrew anyway (and WHO the HELL cares about hebrew?) and those translations would be derived from already-present names in the language to which they were translated to, so there.

Similar variants are Mats and Mattis (that I can pick out of my head). I'm not 100% on what Swedish names that are common in Finland, but there usually are myriads of variations on each one.

Eh, just go to 'Österbotten'. It's like an identical copy of the typical rural sweden.
Said that, I can assure finland has almost every swedish name there might exist.

Yeah, I toured Finland '03, and the north baltic coastline was pretty much Swedish in all but territory...

Sorry, I didn't read the whole thread, but it seems interesting.

I abuse blur, smudge, gradients, and filters in photoshop, but if you would like my services, I may help.  I've always wanted to try doing backgrounds..... (haha, if you want a n00b to do it for ya XD) There's also the alternate route of taking real life pictures of places and messing around with those with photoshop filters or something...

If want to peruse (my mostly OLD works) take a look at my dA gallery at
http://sleepydoodler.deviantart.com/

Also, once school starts in late August, I will have little to NO time to work on this (or anything else) at all, so don't count on my services long term.

Quote from: "SleepyD"There's also the alternate route of taking real life pictures of places and messing around with those with photoshop filters or something...

Most of the fan-made VNs I've seen do use real life pictures, so that's definitely an option.  Obviously the pictures should be in public areas, and should be devoid of any logos.  I would highly recommend collaborating with Sleepy, MajesticS.  From the sound of things, it might take awhile, though...

As for names, what about Mikael?  I mean, that's kind of a prominent Swedish name, right?

Suggestion for the character: seeing as how the depiction of the Linux user is rather stereotyped, you should also create the another user (probably his younger brother/sister) who, although preferring open source and is a great programmer, does not opt for aggressive measures to battle the proprietary format (read: the pacifistic liberal). Of course, this person has to be either equal to (or better than) the character in order for the two to be compared. The appearance of this Linux user's avatar OS could be that penguin character (think it's called Tux) that is often drawn. The character's appearance though... I don't have any idea besides he/she giving off an air of peace and tranquility... almost carefree.

Ow damn... I told myself that I'll reappear here only once I have something to present you... But I couldn't help. Ah all right.

Quotetaking real life pictures of places and messing around with those with photoshop

That's good; I know a lot of visual novels where the backgrounds were photos from real life... So, thank you for your suggestion for help, SleepyD; I've scanned through your gallery, and it's, well, far better than my crappy sketches. But as you said, you'll have a little time starting from August. And I must say that backgrounds should be photoed only when we know in which places the story will take place, which requires a script done... Which won't be done in a long time, since I'm the only one who's working on it. So I guess we'll need your help just when you won't be able to provide it.... ^_^"

QuoteSuggestion for the character <...>

Well, it's a good idea, but... As I said, we have already too much characters ^_^ There are about 7 OSs and same amount of Masters, plus second-plane characters... We can't afford to introduce another one. But see, 95% of Linuxoids are this hostile against proprietary software, I can tell ^_^ So we won't be abusing these who are liberal since no one knows them... This is our stereotype. And what about Tux - maybe Linux-sama would summon him to her aid...

2Everybody: Thank you for the name suggestions... I'll think about it. (I *hate* this part of character-making, really...)

Hey, guise, I'm pretty sure most of us have a digicam or two lying around, so we'll be able to cook that up pretty damn fast, my bet. Besides, old archives can help, too.

As for Mikael, that is a very minor variation of the all-so-ever-prominent Michael in all different languages; this variant might even be russian-derived from Mikhail, for all I know.



I'd like to recommend Gustav, the most prominently Swedish name I know of. It's old norse-derived, I believe.

Well, concerning the name of Linux User. I've checked some sites for both meanings and popularity indexes, and this is what I've digged up. First, let me present you my info sources so that you know that my suggestions weren't just dragged in with my imagination:

Wikipedia name popularity index - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_popular_given_names#Male_names_3
Nordic Names - http://www.nordicnames.de/svestat.html and http://www.nordicnames.de/finstat.html
BehindTheName for name meanings - http://behindthename.com/

Well, there were plently of names which sounded well, but most of them (damnit!) had religious origin (such as names of angels or apostles or prophets or quotes from holy texts, etc.) which is, I believe, unsuitable for our goals. So I skipped thes and choose two names that appeared here and there, being most popular ones in 2006-2008. One of them is still religious (well, it can't be helped - Christian did a god job to embed their beliefs into every culture they could reach), while another is not. Here:

Mattias - Finnish, according to BehindTheName, is derived from Matthias which appears in New Testament as the name of apostle <...>. According to Nordic Names, it means "gift of God". I've choose it because it was just common and popular, according to both people here and references in my, erm, sources.

Oscar - Sweden, according to BehindTheName, it could either derive from Gaelic "os" ("deer") and "cara" ("lover"), or drom Old English "os" ("god") and "gar" ("spear"). It's rather popular, was marked in history by Kings and so on, and in its Old English background has the meaning of "spear", which could be a good hidden correllation to Linux-sama's spear art.

I personnaly prefer "Oscar", since it has no religious background (as you can see, I'm not into religion). I would appreciate VonDaab-san's comment on these and his suggestion which one to choose. Or neither. (In the latter case, I'll go and kill myself with Ethymology tome).

Update: checked NejinOniwa-sama's "Gustav". It was carried by six Sweden Kings, and means something like "staff of Goths". Well, it's good and sounds well too. I would add it to the list as well. Awaiting VonDaab-san for his opinion.

Quotemost of us have a digicam or two lying around, so we'll be able to cook that up pretty damn fast, my bet.

Most have... Well, maybe, but not me. I would be glad if there were someone else on this forum who's good with writing or at least plot imagining. And yeah, I'm also lazy and afraid of doing things, since I have horrible case of Syndrome of Estimation Dependence.

Oscar sounds really fine to me.

Quote from: "VonDaab"Oscar sounds really fine to me.

Yeah. Oscar Linna, cool name.

So, it's decided then? He'll be Oscar Linna, Master of the Linux OS.

Usually we spell it with a k, so Oskar would be better I think.

Added after 1 minutes:

And romance is not within my portfolio, I'm afraid. I could cook something up, but I wouldn't hope much for it.

man, how long was i gone!? O__O; at any rate, i LOVE the stuff so far, the chara. concepts and such, and magestic, you DO NOT fail with the drawing of the peoples. i do, but you don't.

anyhoo, just thought i'd pop in, and humbly throw my hat in the ring for artstry work. i realize capitan-sama pwns me when it comes to it, but since she dissapeared, i thought that even though i art fail, i'd at least try. it helps me imporve, and fights off this depression i'm in right now. i don't wanna sleep forever like i did last summer. :[

there are gonna be female users, right? sonata seems like she would work best with a kind-hearted female-type-person.

2Everyone: currently working on basic flowchart. Completed chapter 1 (in which Protagonist gets thrown into story and becomes the Master of Windows ME). Feeling ashamed of myself - it's not so much of a work, really, but I'm doint sloooowly. Fell completely ill, so works delayed. I'm terribly sorry. Somehow I get the feeling that this project would last a whiiiiileeeee.... Gotta do something with depression.

QuoteUsually we spell it with a k, so Oskar would be better I think.

Should have guessed... Alright, point taken. Oskar Linna, then.

QuoteAnd romance is not within my portfolio, I'm afraid. I could cook something up, but I wouldn't hope much for it.

There is no place in modern world for romance, I guess... Damn, never mind, I'm depressive right now... Anyway, I guess even a sociopath like myself should have his first time with romantic stories some time... Gotta find some and read, I think.

Quotethere are gonna be female users, right? sonata seems like she would work best with a kind-hearted female-type-person.

Well, yes, there will be female Masters... Currently have two in mind (for Windows 95 and 98 SE). But I think I'll do sketches all myself... Anyway, anybody here can do anything, but I would like to be idea-generator, giving raw materials and basic ideas... Currently I have Win95 Master in mind, I think I could come up with another sketch... But later.

Allright, gotta go, medicine coming up.

Allright, since any society needs no know where their taxmoney go and what its active elements are doing, here is Sinc's daily progress report!

Found some material on visual novel writing; it appears I've been doing wrong. Already having some experience in writing, I just went for standard method: writing continuous storyline. Since visuall novell always contains choices, big block of texts appear basing on it, leading to multiple endings, so standard method is not suitable. Decided to go for another strategy; I'll write basic storyline, inserting choices in every place possible, and then create a table in which I will write how particular choices would affect disposition of particular characters towards the Protagonist. For example:

Let's assume Protagonist is going to have a lunch break in school; he may do it differently. He may:
[CHOICE] - Go into school yard          - Stay in classroom      - Go to the cafe across the road
[RESULT] - He'll meet Win 98 Master - He won't meet anyone - He'll meet Win 95 Master.

With one of choices, the Protagonist will join on of these person, making one of them feel better or worse towards him, or him may not meet anyone at all. Let's assume he went to school yard, met Win 98 Master and her OS, and spent good time with them. Then, at the final situation of the story, Win 98 Master and her OS will more likely help Protagonist, increasing his chances of winning (and chances of "Good Ending"). So that's the system. In other words, the story will end depending on the feel various characters an character groups have towars the main hero.

However, using this method requires knowing all characters, what their resons and beliefs are. I have my own images of every character I though about for the time being, but my images appear to be malformed from time to time. So, I'll request this community to post here their images of OSs and persons who would be suitable as their users. Specifically, I intend to introduce in the story Win 95, Win 98, Win 98 SE, Win 2k, Win XP Pro, Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. The following is the short description of my thoughts about them.

Windows 95 - Win 95 is often depicted as Japanese, more specifically - as katana-wielding samurai, and is completely oblivious to the modern technologies, and her user must be old-fashioned and traditious too (something like typical "English lady").
Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE - usually depicted as two twin girl of young age (though I just can't understand which one is SE - in blue or in green outfit). I think that they're cheerful, energetic and lively, just as any junior should be, and are very close to each other (correct me if I'm wrong). Then, their users must be close to each other too (still not necessarily relatives; maybe they're two Japanese kids who were friends since birth or something).
Windows 2000 - clever, cool, dependable an stable, as a professional an caring servant. Her master should be of middle age (or a student after graduation); maybe system administrator in some office.
Windows XP - I don't need help on this one, she's in possession of Protagonist's classmate who's one of your normal troublemakers-in-chief.
Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X - I'm not really into Macs so I just can't guess their character; need help on this one. Though I can say that Mac OS X is flashy and glamourous and her user must be a typical spoiled pop-style kid.

So, I'm requesting help; correct my images and propose your own. Especially on Macs. Then, I guess, that's all with my report.

Update: there's also an advice for project head to make a clear framework in numbers: x characters, y endings, z locations, etc.. I'll move this to the top priority; it's time to make this project systematized, not the work of disoriented volunteers.

Demon Overlord takes to the stage again, due to lack of activity in main cells. This is frustrating.

Anyway...on the masters, then;

2K master - A bright idea for this entire thing would be some centralization. If we're going to have at least some of it centered around a school, I'd make him the school principal or someone else high up in the userspace, so to say. Also makes for wondrously opportunate plot twists.


98's - Green one is SE. With a male protagonist, I most definitely vote for the SE route to be BAD/WORSE END(S) ONLY, because otherwise it's just not right. 98 route is most definitely hard mode, if only for the reason of SE master's presence.

95 vs Sonata drama - Turn the burner up on this one. I smell intrigue, drama and at least one tsundere in this userspace. The oh-so-stereotypical-yet-fitting young lady who (until now) has been shut off from the world in some way is a good way to go for 95's master; cook some blood feud over that with Sonata's master, and we're a go. I would recommend a corporate magnate/heir-type for this position.

I'd also throw in a Homeko master (who's a blatant hikikomori and doesn't necessarily have any own route, but can do as a side-character or support) for the lulz, but maybe that's just me.

Update later on this issue.

i agree with the introduction of homeko. just don't go overboard, we don't want to get arrested for some degree of pedophilia. ^^;

sonata (mac os 9 female version) is very sweet, calm, gentle and kindhearted. also very creative, always painting or playing music. she looks after OSx-kun alot, so maybe paring her up with a rather *eherm* "feminine" guy might actually work better.
when it gets down to it, a feud between macs and windows is nessacary, but how about this, since OSx-tan is usually the more hostile of the 2:

the user of 95-tan is going to be a nice, traditional lady, right? what if we make osx's user (the spoiled pop kid) a younger relative to the 95-user? (i was thinking grandparent and grandchild, but not many grandparents use computers, so suggestions are welcome.) they fight alot over a difference in ideals (older thinks younger is a spoiled brat with no sense of right and wrong who could never survive in the "real world"; younger thinks older is just stuck in the past and overreacting, and should get with the times.), which leads to feud between the users and OSes.

and as for 2k's user, i like the principal idea, but what about this (i thought this up earlier): 2k's user is the CEO of a large office. his head is always buried in his work, and as such 2k has become like his assist-tan. (^^) he is so involved in getting ahead and focused on his work, that he has not realized that his loyal assitant has devolped feelings for him. (i borrowed some of this concept from the relationship between 2 charaters out of the game Thousand Arms--Schmidt and Jeala. Jeala is schimdt's loyal servant, and is so close to him that she has fallen in love with him. schmidt views jeala as nothing more that a servant; he is completely consumed with increasing his dark power. at the final battle, when schmidt is dying, she professes her love for him, and he calls her "nothing but a puppet" and destroys her on the spot. [her theme song is very sad, i'll upload it for you sometime].)
this brings the thought into question, "can OSes love?", and the other question, "is it possible for a human to love an OS?"

hrm, reminding me of chobits a bit.

a good ending (or at least part of one) might involve 2k and her master cuddling as they watch the night sky (stars, shooting star, fireworks, w/e.) it lends hope to the future.

ohh, sorry this is so long. ^^;

Interesting bits about the focus of visual novels, MajesticS. Although I earlier had come to the conclusion that the stories were likely going to be character-centric and that all characters were needed for story development, I shruggesd it off thinking that it was just me... I was wrong about being wrong (that sounds weird no matter how you say it).

For OSX, I suggest an artist. If you want a stereotype, "the artist" fits the OS more than anything else. Most users of Mac I've known do some sort of artistic job, be it writing a novel or outright working on audiovisual content. Artists are often the elitist types, which often come on par with the OS. I should know, I study in a place where Macs would rule if not for the fact that the major 3D software (3ds Max) only works on Windows.

Likely, this will be a boy or girl that is part of the student council and is part of an art club. Like her master, OSX would enjoy taking to the arts, and would often connect to "The Cloud" (Internet) to look for music to inspire her master, as well as provide her with artistic references and data available, save for games which neither seems particularly interested in. Her master's ability with art would be held with high-regard amongst the classmates and might often be sought after by her colleagues for assistance or just reviews on their work. OSX and her master would act with some egocentric air to them, although not intentionally every time as they are accustomed to high-class standards.

This lifestyle of <Master> and OSX comes into direct conflict with the other "OS Avatars" (had to give them a name, they need one), which for some reason never look to them like the big deal. when in a heated discussion about "which is the better OS Avatar", they may go as far as call them second-rate (Windows family) and third-rate (Linux/Unix) trash, and that OSX is the best OS Avatar because they won't go unstable. This is also one situation to use player choices on, as you might have point OSX and her master to befriend you, as well as let them know where the current OSX Avatars come from and tell them in a humble manner who are actually the more popular OS Avatars around, as well as note them on what others can do that their's seem to fail at.

This also presents an opportunity to make references at the Vista and Seven, the more controversial Avatars. You know, saying something about them and present the views of the Masters of the older OS Avtars.


Wow, it seems I made up strange terms for things that are already named. "The Cloud" would be used likely by the OS-tans themselves, referring to it as a physical place rather than a virtual network of computers exchanging data all the time. "OS Avatars" will likely be used by the Masters rather than the OSes themselves, referring to their visual appearance and how they perceive them to be (they may be just AI with AR avatars, but to people they would look just like other people, just not physically there, thus avatars).

I guess I'll leave it at that. I might draw something up tomorrow and show it to you guys... if I can.

Your ideas for Mac OSX-tan and her master seem accurate! Ahahaha... I confess to being a Mac OSX user and an artist but I swear I'm not an elitist!

BTW, can I recommend there being a few more Mac-tans than just OS9-tan and OSX-tan to balance things out, and also how about a few more other Linux Distro-tans (such as Linspire-tan who is represented as a Windows-tan fangirl)?  And also how about an OS/2-tan and her master who would make for some powerful antagonists determined to destroy the Windows-tans?

I mean, the Mac-tans, Linux-tans and others can usually tolerate the Windows-tans but OS/2-tan has a full-fledged vendetta against them! Imagine that for an antagonist and imagine trying to convince them to ally with you to fight against the true enemies and their malware!

Wow... What a lot of info you brought. Alright, please forgive me I'm not giving my thoughts right now; I've got to process all that you told and it will make some time ^_^ Anyway, there are much interesting ideas. Give me a few days to establish framework and concept ideas of *all* characters. You may keep with suggesting, by the way. Sinc out.

i agree, but one also must take the OS's personality into account. OSx has always been a little quick to bomb windows-tan, so maybe a hothead. ^^

i think of sonata as more of the artist, so maybe paring her up with a male art school student?
what do ya think?

I think this idea is really good. Only what will the male art student be like?

And about 95:

I think she should be like Lilly Satou from Katawa Shoujo. A VN. Basically Lilly is a girl like 95, but she is only 15-17 years old. Lol. Also, she can be aggressive at some points, but mostly she is calm. ^-^ This would fit in top the story, because one user (sorry I can't remember names that well) said that most old people don't use computers.

Please respond!

Now, daily report. I apologize for anyone who may wait for any response or results from me, but I think it should wait until the so-called "framework" is established. I assure anyone that all posts here are read and all suggestions considered and will be answered, but a bit later (beat me if I won't). I'm currently working on it; it will contain short technical info (engine, gameplay style, used media), story description (world technology background, main story location, known locations for backgrounds) and character profiles. It's recommended to use such a framework as a basic instruction and stick to it, so its entries will be more or less final (at least when this community approves such version of a framework).

But actually, I have to ask you for help once again. First, for the technical info: there are two types of Visual Novel games, NVL and ADV. The first one is where the text is displayer above the images of both background and characters (like in Tsukihime). ADV is when the biggest part of screen is background with characters, and text is displayer in a small window below. Which one is better, on your opinion?

Next, I really have no ideas about Win 98 and Win 98 SE Users. Asthese two OSs are displayed as twins, their users should be very close to each other as well, but that's as far as I can tell. Plus, NejinOniwa-sama, why do you think 98 Route is "hard mode" and should be put into "worse ending"?

Now, that's it for my today's report.

The reason for the BAD END can be put into a single picture, I believe.
(http://iitran.secchan.net/img/src/1126368953819.png)
BAD END certificate get for SE route, for sure. 98's route, due to being so close with SE, should be harder for that reason as well (you'll have SE interfering all the time if you try, etc).

^^ that's out SE-tan. we should pair her w/ a feminist, makes sense. xD

i like the idea for 95's master. she was perhaps raised in over-traditional household? perhaps a shrine?

Somewhat stereotypical on all ends, but that is satisfactory, in this case. SE-master is a radical feminist, somehow we need to connect that to 98-tan though (who is not that way at all, actually), so some more inspiration is needed on that end.

95 master, Miko type.
Hmm.
Mmm.
I like the taste of that in my mouth, aye.

Yes lets make her a miko~!

95 could be the family's computer, but the parents don't use her much so she's left to the kid. 995 could have been their first computer, and they didn't feel the need to change.)

so if Sec-chan's master is a radical feminist, (perhaps a leader in a movement, or a lesbiean [sp?], or [this might be pushing it, but i'm out of ideas] a rape victim. maybe she was abused, or her dad was a drunk? [.......how did i get to describing me? anyway...] ) who is Hac-chan's master?

and what about some of the others we haven't mentioned yet? we said we were gonna introduce homeko, right?

I was thinking, to contrast with Secchan's master being a feminist, Hacchan's master should be an obnoxious misogynist of a man... which explains Secchan's creative use for a bottle opener!

Poor guy.

Allright thank you... If 98 SE user is feminist girl and 98 user is misogynist man, then they'll hate each other, though their OSs would like to be together as ones of similar kind and series, and it will be Protagonist's task to beat their superstitions out of their heads and establish a peace or at least cease fire between them... Poor boy indeed... Or something like that. Alright, now I have all info I need; two days more. < Report ends >

Allright, here it is - this project's framework. It lacks numbers, though, but it contains all info we have on this project. I've made it in Microsoft Word 97/2000 format, which should be readable on any platform. Also I don't really know a good English-language file hosting, so I uploaded it into the first one Google mentioned, sorry if it doesn't work:

http://www.filefactory.com/file/ahc76h1/n/Visual_Novel_Framework_doc

If you're gonna comment it, then please quote the part you want to comment so everyone will know what the talk is about. Of course, any suggestions and corrections are welcome. As all fixes will be ready (and I'm sure there *will* be errors), this version of framework will be accepted as basic intsruction we all will stick to. When we get additional info, like locations list, or better profiles on characters, we'll add it here, but for the info already present we'll make only minimal changes; such a method is reccomended for projects like this one.

Anyway, that's it for today, going for my rest.

PROTIP: Use attachments (in archives) for that purpose. <3

Comments later, after Toast Skagen.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Maybe you should post your visual novel concepts in the Ren'Py forum, in the works in progress....

mnmm, i read in mornin'. i'm sleep and i just found out i have to fumigate my closet. >__<; stupid cat.....
anyhoo, i read tomorrow. lemme know if i'm contributing in any way.

Well, since the Framework posted above wasvery much ignored, I thought that I would not wait for comments and corrections and returned to work. Got some ideas for another character sketch, this time for Windows 95 User and her OS.
But when I started working on it, an obstacle appeared; an old friend of mine who's studying in Medical University asked me to translate some anathomic maps for him, so I won't be available for some time.
Still waiting for comments though; you know, in this Framework were summaries on every character I thought about for this moment. I cannot believe that I haven't done any mistakes that need to be corrected in it. I can't proceed with this project without your corrections, you know?

So, that's it for today's report.

srry. i'm meaning to read it, but i have mah own problems right now :[
and my computer's ram total is....well.....pathetic.

Well... I have a few suggestions to make in regards to the Visual Novel. I actually had one LAP worth of suggestions. However when I was going to post them... I got both distracted and discouraged from making my post 'cause I wasn't sure whethr some of them were even worth considering. Anyways, let's have a second crack at it.

QuoteThe story is taking place in the year of 2007; such a year was chosen because in this year some of most modern OSs and software that have no clear OS-tan image were still not designed.  

Actually, if you are taking real life references, Windows Vista would have already been released to the public. In fact, Vista was RTMed on Q4 of 2006 and got official release in January of 2007. I remember because I bought my PC some months later which came with Vista. I would look into Os-tan designs for those dates, but that would take a lot of time to get the research done... too much for the benefit of this project. I suggest 2005 as the year of the story, which would keep a "Vista OS Avatar" off the picture and would place XP still as state-of-the-art with the Service Pack 2 update.

QuoteAll events of the game are happening in Futaba City. This city in Japan has become worlds’ common ground for software developers and companies representing them. Most of worlds’ computing companies’ offices are present there; Futaba City is used as a neutral ground for making business and locally test innovations. Therefore, Futaba City is one of worlds’ most technologically advanced cities; high-speed Network bandwidth and reality-augmenting cyberspace are established all along city’s territory for OS Avatars to operate freely and openly.

I'm not seeing that as a good idea, naming a city after Futaba Channel. I have nothing against them, just that their name doesn't feel quite right. I'm not going to suggest names for the city, but I sure know what can Futaba really be... a corporation. Futaba Corporation... now that has a certain ring to it. In any case, they could be the ones that developed the AI software and hardware for implementation within OSes (the "OS Avatar" core system), leaving the OS developer companies with the task of creating their appearance and other kernel and application integration. In that event, then they would be one of the main businesses of the city which brought many other busineses after successfully showing the tech and gaining instant popularity ('cause people love AI).

----

I would have written more, but I was taken out of my home with short notice. I though, will continue later on to keep things rolling.

ok, now i HAVE to read it

eventually

(it's late, i'm quite busy tomorrow, i'm showing early signs of carpel tunnel so i need to cut back computer use, i'm physically exausted, and i have to get ready for a fight on wed. but perhaps lazy sunday, when i have nothing else to do. :3)

i'm real sorry. i'd explain what's going on in my life right now, but you don't care. i'll detail the ass-whooping tho, cause that's BOUND to be interesting. :3

still no word on who's doing artz.

Hmm... About year of the story... It sure makes sense; Vista was really published before 2007... That's what happens when you haven't done research before doing things... Anyway, this year looked good for me not only because of Vista, but also because Linus Torvalds founded Linux Foundation on this year and it was a good excuse for Linux User to be present... Still, late 2005, why not - such things like founding an Open OS Consortium would take quite some time, maybe over an year, yes? And Vista wouldn't be so widespread yet. So, I'm changing the story date for 2005, is it agreed?

As for the name of city... Well, I thought that naming it after image board like Futaba will look suspicious, but it surely needed to be memorized since OS-tans born on Futaba. But well, suggestion about the corporation is good. Let's assume that Intel and AMD are main manufactors of "Mathematic CPUs" - which are very well common processors - but chips for AI cores are released mainly by Futaba Corporation. Its head office is located in the yet unnamed city of action, which still is a Computing Center of the world. We may also assume that city's Augmented Reality (i.e. cyberspace system) was also set up by Futaba Corporation. Well, this is good; let's change Futaba to the corp which releases AI core chips. Which leaves us without the name of the city; it's Japanese, so I might as well look through by Japanese dictionary, but any suggestions would be appreciated, since I don't know the system on which Japanese name their cities.

Anyway, I'm currently rather busy and cannot devote much of time to this project; anatomical maps which I must translate for the friend of mine are going well but there are too much of them (6 / 30). So, I would be thankful if someone thought about the name of the City... I will, on my end, update the Framework. Also I must mention that I've almost grasped the look of Windows 95 User which may lead to a sketch.

ooo, we need a city, name? we could name it after hottoyote, mah city. (http://hottoyote.myminicity.com/) "hottoyote" is actually a 'swear' from english translated to japanese (believe it's "oh fuck" or "oh shit".)

Well, I know that Kyoto means "capital city" and Tokyo means "capital of the east", I don't know if that's any help.  It really goes back to the discussion regarding the Linux Master's name - do you want a name with a story, or a name that sounds authentic?

Why not both? I mean, you can have a name that sounds authentic enough, yet have a story... at least one related to OS-tan or the gijinka movement... or... I don't know... something.

What about "Shiitake City"? We could also say that this city is more of an island satellite city to Japan... made as it is as part of a land reclamation project. Then again, that would be a more fitting name to the island than the City itself. Maybe we could say that it is the name of both the city and the island.

About the city being an island... Why, that's a good idea! Omnipotent Futaba Corporation could buy one on its CEO's pocket money. As for the name, hell, I hate doing this... Actually, I thought about the name which will both sound good and mean something; I'll scan through my dictionaries some more, hoping to bring up something.

Still, haven't got enough time to do. This promise about translating maps really sucks all my time out. I humbly apologize for delays I'm creating right now. Im beginning to wonder if this work will take the rest of July...

An island name suggestion -> Aoishima.  If I'm not mistaken that means green island.

"Aoi" is blue, "Midori" is green.

But I think Aoishima (or is it 'Aoijima?') would work. Aoi-->Blue-->BSOD! ;006

BSOD Island... I sooooo want that name to represent OS Avatars from Linux, Unix, Windows and Macs alike. [/lol-sarcasm]

Anyways, you're right Aurora... Aoi = Blue and Midori = Green. I know cause of Project Midori.

Quote from: "Kiso"BSOD Island... I sooooo want that name to represent OS Avatars from Linux, Unix, Windows and Macs alike. [/lol-sarcasm]

BSOD/Spinning beachball of death/Kernel Panic Island then? :D [/lol mode]

Uhm... guys... anyone came up with a good name yet?

Allright people, I'm back. Anathomical maps I was to translate are finally ready; (if anyone wants proof that I wasn't waisting my time for nothing, you can check here - (warning: not for the sensitive: bare meat!) http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/Doctor-Sinc/Anathomy/582.jpg, 587, 598, 593, 599, 600, 603, 618, 624, 628, 631, 633, 636, 637, 649, 650, 659, 668, 669 - and see the result for yourself. I've had to add all green labels, you see).

Now when this wearisome work is done, I could return to more pleasant things, like this project. My hands are bare for now, but I really took some time thinking, so give me a week or something more and I'll show you some more character sketches - I have Win95 and Mac OS 9 in mind. As for the name of the Futaba Corp.'s Island, I'll really give it some thought now; I'm already downloading a Japanese dictionary.

So, I'm off for now, with my sincerest apologies for my long absence and lack of results.

I thought up one (somewhat related) name...

What about Karakuri Island? Karakuri means "mechanism / trick / device / dodge.

Yes... I came up with this a few days ago... sadly, I've come with it at a time when I was unable to come up here and post... so... kinda' late for me to post it. lol

Krakuri is good to me...

QuoteKarakuri island...

Well, "Karakuri" is not something they name the land with... Plus, as I know, "Karakuri" is used for another term - as synonym for "ningyo", or "puppet". OS-tans are not puppets, they're AIs with free will... Well, this is difficult.

----------------------------------------------------------

All right people... A'm really, really ashamed of myself, but now I'minto somewhat of a creative crisis. I think everything summed up: preparations to the upcoming educational year, prolonged repairs in my appartment, seasonal allergy of mine, etc. I just cannot concentrate... I think I won't be available for quite some time.

However, you must not think that I've given up on this project. It'sjust that other things appeared that I cannot avoid, such as education and so on. But I still will have free time, right, and will devote it to this project, so results will be appearing, only with lower frequency.

Please accept my apology for this disappointing confession... But I really have no way to beat myself. And hey - I'm still working on character sketch; it's just too much in my mind so I cannot pick a suitable appearance for the character in question.

*bump*
How about other OSes? >_<

Well... the list is being kept short on OSes. MajesticS is avoiding having too many of them being featured as it would make the story (probably) too big to handle... not to mention it would be taking one heck of a long time to get it done. So... for now... the only OSes that are going to appear are only those that appear in the "framework" document that was posted earlier.

And since the vast majority of the OS-tans in the story are Windows-tans, that's why I was in favor of 'Aoishima' for the location! ;006

How about mention but not appearance of other OSes? lol
Aioshima really is fine...
What kind of VN will this be?

If this story is going to be focused on the OS-tans, shouldn't the location name be the name of a piece of hardware/software, or a B.I.O.S. name? Like Hard Drive island, Server Island, wysiwyg island?

Hm. Good call. (seems like someone's done their lurking -w-)

Dunno about the liveliness of this project, much things around here has gone far into the zombie zone lately...

Hmm... although that makes sense in some logical way, I am not sure if it would be the most appropriate name for an island... or even a city. I still think it should be some reference to the OS-tan meme though. I haven't beeen able to think a lot about it since classes are begining to chew at my time. *hates that damn history class and its time-consuming effort to make me remember the past*

It can't be PC island because Mac-tan and Linux-tan are there...
CPU island?

Or we could pull a SEED on it and make ourselves an acronym, and/or just pull something out of our asses.

Like OSS/Oz island (Operative Systems Storage) or somewhat.

Oh! Why don't we make up a company that makes the hardware for the V.R. systems, and name the island after it?
You know, suppose the company owns the island and is based there?
OH OH OH! That would explain why the hackers are there... at the centre of knowledge! (and resistance)

Yeah... wouldn't have be the "Futaba Corporation" we mentioned earlier? lol

We've been here before haven't we -w-;

Added after 36 seconds:

This last page shows pretty well that we DON'T know how to start this project up, because we're too damn INDECISIVE, the lot of us.

>_>

(or, like me, just don't care about VN's at all)

Only if you wanted to be.

17 day's later... where are people? Come on, ideas! We need a flow of ideas!

What about 'Sea-moss Island'?

Is the protagonist's name figured already? If not, can I suggest "Korey" for a first name? One site claims it means "god's peace", another said it meant "ravine". I found it when randomly typing names.

Sea-moss was random as well, wasn't it?

Quote from: "Sora"Sea-moss was random as well, wasn't it?

A bit, yeah..

How about Reumy? Phonetic spelling of Re Om My, an anagram of Memory?

Or Sansto. Also a phonetic spelling of San Sto, an anagram of OS Tans.

You seem obsessed with anagrams and phonic spelling.

Indeed, why all this /COMPLEXITY/?

Another ideas gap...
can we just pick a name, already?

I've been thinking about playing around with Ren'Py a bit... I was inspired by some Flash produced dating sims over on dA. Except Ren'Py looks a lot easier than Flash, and of course, is free.