Guide: Other People`s Stuff And You
Since it came up several times now... let`s talk about making changes to files created by others. Here are some important rules:
1) Ask before you do it. The author himself, or alternatively one of the senior writers if the author isn't easily reachable easily. It is possible that plans exist for the creature/npc/event that you would interfere with. There may also be ancillary or connected materials you are unaware of already in the game. We senior devs have a fairly good idea of who might still be around and what can be considered fair game.
2) The original spirit of the creature should be preserved. Avoid sudden and wild gender preference shifts, large thematic shifts, etc.
3) If you do want to work on improving something, announce it in this thread... we don't want anyone starting on the same thing in parallel. Also, don't stake claims on a lot of stuff all at once you're interested in. You can make inquiries on several at once, but be specific which one or two you want to work on at any given time.
4) Much of the older content in the game has new material which was paid for through Writer for Hire donations. Some creatures and NPCs also originate from these commissions. As such, it is important to preserve and protect this material, as someone paid to have it made. Improvements and additions are possible, but greater diligence is needed and should definitely be cross-checked with the dev involved.
5) Just adding a new scene for player loss or player victory, as long as the above points are followed, is the easiest and is the least likely to cause problems. The new material should be in keeping with the rest of the material.
6) Some of the more basic starting monsters (like the Female Husky and the Latex Fox) are to be kept with a more basic set of content and are not to have overly extensive scenes, as they are meant to get the player warmed up for the more exciting content to come. As well, these provide a base of more generally acceptable content that most players can enjoy - other later critters can sought out for the more kinky fun certain fans may desire. That doesn't mean they can't benefit from having an additional scene variation or two added to them.
Some Files you can have a look at:
Sarokcat's stuff -> Largely available for enrichment, but always check as a lot of it has either had WfH work or has connected materials, so care is needed.
Damaged's stuff -> Alien Felinoid, Bovine, Lizard Girl and (maybe) Awesome Tree can be worked on pretty freely, but be sure to check with the senior dev's first to be sure what you're planning doesn't interfere with connected materials. Skunk and Feline might also receive additions, but changing these require a lot more diligence and has a lot more restrictions due to the degree of connected WfH material - you must absolutely discuss and review any such changes with Stripes personally. The Wyvern's received (and still receiving) a major reworking by Blue Bishop and probably shouldn't be touched. If you really want to write a scene variation you think'll work, check with him, but there's better spots to focus your attention otherwise.
Hellerhound -> Long abandoned, most everything was left unfinished. Stripes has reworked/repaired/updated a lot of it, so check in with him if something in there interests you. For the Zoo/Power Plant and Gryphons Plot ask Wahn.
Kaleem's stuff -> Available for improvement and renovation, but be aware that chunks of this are kinda iffy as far as functionality. I'd recommend you limit changes and additions to new critters scenes for the moment.
Lago Moro -> Long abandoned, files could use player victory scenes
Darthan/Gels.i7x -> Still around but not really active. Likely wouldn't mind some additions made to their possible scenes. Do check with him first though to make sure, as there's probably some thematic details and quirks he can point out for you to keep in mind.
hiccup/Cannon.i7x -> No player victory sex, very short endings
hiccup/Random Events.i7x -> Some Events that could be added on to for multi-stage awesomeness (to keep the overall number of events down)
Kazard/Random Tentacle Horror For FS.i7x -> does not have an ending
Soren/Mothgirl for FS.i7x -> Only bare bones ending
Tentabear/Hermaphrodite Latex Vixen For FS.i7x -> Several slots prepared for more player victory options (various oral sex).
TheRecipe/Caveman.i7x -> Not sure if he's still around. Contains an adequate amount of scenes, but more could be added.
Trav/Cute Chinchilla Girl For FS.i7x -> No player victory sex, bare bones ending
UrsaOmega/Shadow Beast.i7x -> No player victory sex
Verath/Tristian.i7x -> Could use an ending for him/his brother.
And the "Red List":
Active Writers -> ALWAYS ask first.
Nuku's critters -> Available for improvement with more scene variations, but keep point six from above in mind when dealing with most of these.
Stripes's stuff -> Ask him if you want to add some scenes to an NPC or critter of his. For many, this wouldn't be a problem as long as they fit.
Dragonflayer -> Don't touch these. Stripes or maybe Blue Bishop will give them some fine tuning someday. There's... complications involved.
Zero -> Don't touch these. Ever. More effort than it's worth to fix em.
mirumu -> The Butterfly is very complex and very different from the rest of the game's content. Very experienced and cautious devs only.
The Stables -> The material dealing with the NPCs and quests here is quite complex and deals with advanced techniques and permanent infections, so don't touch those portions.
Sweraptor -> Blue Bishop planning to completely remodel these guys eventually, so talk to him.
EDIT: Updated the list somewhat - Stripes