pasteee python module

i-ghost — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:46:00 +0000

There are no shortage of pastebin websites, however not all of them provide an API as flexible as pastee. After the service launched, I wrote a simple python module to interact with the service.

I wrote this in an hour of my spare time, so it's not a polished as I'd like. There's a branch currently open which implements the API 'expire' option however my testing at the time I opened the branch indicated that the expire option had yet to be implemented on the service. I'll make sure to return to this module and merge the branch when I confirm the option is actually working server-side.

If there are any humans reading this blog, let me know what you think in the comments section.

Working title: 'nature'

i-ghost — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:28:00 +0000

A preview of a map I've been developing in my spare time.

As good as it may look, this Portal 2 map is far from complete. There are various bugs and issues highlighted by play-testers which need addressing, and I've just recompiled it after having redone most of the brushwork in the name of optimisation in order to cut down on unnecessary visleaves (or is that visleafs?).

This map was primarily created as an exercise in minimalistic skybox lighting, a common feature among maps which employ the "destroyed Aperture" aesthetic. In addition, the map makes use of static prop lighting in combination with an env_wind which is what is responsible for the lovely, swaying shadows cast by the descending vines.

In terms of gameplay the map is intended to be used as an introduction type map, either to the game mechanic used in the map (which isn't particularly unique, I think) or to an entire map-pack. A simple loop has been created in which the player transports a cube or two around the map to reach the end goal, artificially increasing the time the player spends in the area; a trick used in virtually every Source map ever.

A quick note about the "destroyed" theme

I've found that this theme works best when there is a central light source, preferably the skybox in addition to a light_spot and projected texture, with no additional "artificial" lights placed by the mapper; this includes the observation rooms (use the unlit instances). Any additional light sources should also be skybox lights e.g. a smaller hole in the ceiling, which can be glimpsed to the left of the image. If you're having trouble picking materials, try to start off with are "blendblackfloormetal_dirt02", "white_wall_tile004*", "black_wall_metal_005*"; and make sure the player never starts with PotatOS, there are guides available for that purpose.

What's left?

The map lacks anything resembling an entrance or exit, and the placement of certain puzzle elements are not final. In addition, the water reflections aren't working properly, although that's easily fixable I think and is pretty low on my list of priorities. There is also a lack of detail on the Turret side of the map which will need to be addressed on the final detail pass of the map, probably with a displacement to add to the "destroyed beauty" design. After that, more play-testing and refinement to try and eliminate any remaining bugs.

Hello world

i-ghost — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Initial blog entry

Just testing out the new Dotclear blog software; it's much more straightforward than the old wordpress.

i-ghost.co.uk

pasteee python module

Working title: 'nature'

A quick note about the "destroyed" theme

What's left?

Hello world