Got a lovely reply to my inquiry from Slitherine's director, Iain McNeil:<br>
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<br>
"Hi Jenny,<br>
<br>
thanks very much for the mail and the offer of assistance. We're working closely with a number of Roman enthusiasts and to increase the number of people involved at this stage would add a lot of complication. I'm also into table top wargaming and the Patrician Roman is my army of choice, so we know a little about the period. We're trying to ensure we get the setting as accurate as possible, whilst maintaining a good balance for the gameplay.<br>
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I think the best way we can use you is if we come up with a question we cannot answer, then I'll post a query on the forum and see if anyone has any ideas about it. Which would be the best section to post questions in - the game area? I've also added you to our mailing list so you will be updated on any major developments.<br>
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One thing we have to bear in mind is that we are making a game and not a simulation, so sometimes we have to "tweak" history a little to get the best results. We'd rather get it right than wrong, but sometimes the game is just more playable if we do things a certain way, which can sometimes upset puritans. Hopefully this wont put too many of your people off :-) Once again, thanks for the offer of help and we hope you enjoy the game when it is released.<br>
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Do your members know of the British Historical Games Society (
www.bhgs.co.uk ). There are also a number of other federations for different countries, which can be accessed from the links page. If your members are interested in wargaming then it would be well worth a look as there are lists of clubs, competitions etc.<br>
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Cheers<br>
<br>
Iain McNeil<br>
Director<br>
Slitherine Software<br>
<br>
<br>
-----Original Message-----<br>
From:
[email protected] [mailto:
[email protected]]<br>
Sent: 22 August 2001 08:26<br>
To:
[email protected] <br>
Subject: Research assistance<br>
<br>
<br>
Have just been informed of your website; the Legion game looks very promising. You are touching on areas of Roman history which haven't been treated by the computer gaming industry in the past, and it's a wonderful, fairly chaotic period.<br>
<br>
Our Roman history discussion group, based at
pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk, is very interested in helping you with your project. We are an educated mix of professional historians and amateur enthusiasts who can assist with advice on not only the historical world of ancient Rome but also the appearance and armament of Roman soldiers during the early Republican and later periods. Several of our members would be willing to devote significant time answering questions, playtesting, or other assistance you might find useful.<br>
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It's always very exciting to hear of new projects in the works that simulate ancient Rome. I wish you the best and look forward to hearing from you.<br>
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Cordially,<br>
<br>
Jenny Cline<br>
Admin, Roman Army Talk forum<br>
Heidelberg, Germany<br>
[email protected] <br>
[email protected] "<br>
<br>
<br>
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<br>
Now isn't that charming? Much different from the developers at CA who were working on the STW sequel; that was like trying to communicate with a stone wall.<br>
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Let's give these guys our full support! (And try supporting authenticity w/o being too picky about details E EM )<br>
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I'll let Neil know that Slitherine staffers are welcome to "stump the board" with questions. Between Jasper, Sander, and our other lads I don't think they can do it!<br>
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Cheers,<br>
Jenny<br>
<br>
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