Rorke's Drift. [QUENCHED]

[Gillipig]

I like the new name for 1 reason only! It will be the furthest down on the list of maps, (except beta maps) and figures to get more games played on it due to that reason! If it had been in the middle among all other maps it wouldn't have that advantage! So a very tactical choice of title I must say !

[natty dread]

I liked the old name.

[cairnswk]

koontz1973
i have this movie in my collection and also saw it when it was first released as a huge feature movie one friday night...some many years ago.
I personally think the old title Rourke's Drift suits the map better for the style you have there.
However, if you want to change it to Zulu, is there anything you can do to improve the legend and title to give it a feel of "Zulu".
I don't think the white "marble-ish" background fits with the map, certainly from a design point...certainly it is very legible, but there are other colours that can be placed behind the legend to make it legible also.
Perhaps you could change the background to something compatible with the colours of the map.
Perhaps each side of the title...zulu shield crossed with spears and on the other side a cannon with some brits guns leaning against them...
Perhaps some sandbags or bricks walls around the legend like you have in the map itself.
I'm not sure what the significance of that cross is apart from the reverend in the film/story...
mmmm. i think i'm going to watch this movie again tonight to see if i can come up with some other things that might be appropriate, but will give the map a complete lift to another dimension (if i may)

[koontz1973]

I like the new name for 1 reason only! It will be the furthest down on the list of maps, (except beta maps) and figures to get more games played on it due to that reason! If it had been in the middle among all other maps it wouldn't have that advantage! So a very tactical choice of title I must say !

That was not the reason behind the change and being at the bottom, I see it not giving it to much of an advantage.

I liked the old name.

In a sense I do to but as I said, Rorke's Drift is not well known as a title but Zulu, because of the film is. I am going to try a title with both in.

koontz1973
i have this movie in my collection and also saw it when it was first released as a huge feature movie one friday night...some many years ago.
I personally think the old title Rourke's Drift suits the map better for the style you have there.
However, if you want to change it to Zulu, is there anything you can do to improve the legend and title to give it a feel of "Zulu".
I don't think the white "marble-ish" background fits with the map, certainly from a design point...certainly it is very legible, but there are other colours that can be placed behind the legend to make it legible also.
Perhaps you could change the background to something compatible with the colours of the map.
Perhaps each side of the title...zulu shield crossed with spears and on the other side a cannon with some brits guns leaning against them...
Perhaps some sandbags or bricks walls around the legend like you have in the map itself.
I'm not sure what the significance of that cross is apart from the reverend in the film/story...
mmmm. i think i'm going to watch this movie again tonight to see if i can come up with some other things that might be appropriate, but will give the map a complete lift to another dimension (if i may)

Lots of points so I will address them one at a time.
God you must be older than me.
So do I and it was watching it that gave me the idea for the map. Have it on Blu (looks stunning despite the DNR issues).
The old title gave it some flavour in the sense of what is this map about, lets try it approach but ZULU gives it that instant recognition.
The white marble effect is white washed wall. Very in keeping with the feel of the map. It is taken from a photo of my house.
Have been trying to place more Zulu symbols in for a while but MrBenn suggested the VC, in it has stayed for a long time but I can give it a go.

TO DO LIST.
New title legend.
Place Zulu symbols in.
Remove VC.

Back in a few hours when done.

[cairnswk]

... but MrBenn suggested the VC, in it has stayed for a long time but I can give it a go.

TO DO LIST.
New title legend.
Place Zulu symbols in.
Remove VC.

Back in a few hours when done.

Ah so that what it is...the VC says nothing to me about Zulu, sorry MrBenn, very British though.
Other things i notice that might help if you can pull it off...
...the wooden fence around the zulu village...
...the zulu teeth necklances and bead combinations on the women...
... the feather, black and white and the 6 strips on the shields each side...
...stonewalls....
...if you want to keep the off white background....perhaps make it into some shapes that represent the encampment, or the top of the church....perhaps with some thatching on it...


hehe...yes i'm probably older than you...so take your time with the artwork if you're going to do it.

[koontz1973]

Ah so that what it is...the VC says nothing to me about Zulu, sorry MrBenn, very British though.
Other things i notice that might help if you can pull it off...
...the wooden fence around the zulu village...
...the zulu teeth necklances and bead combinations on the women...
... the feather, black and white and the 6 strips on the shields each side...
...stonewalls....
...if you want to keep the off white background....perhaps make it into some shapes that represent the encampment, or the top of the church....perhaps with some thatching on it...


hehe...yes i'm probably older than you...so take your time with the artwork if you're going to do it.

There is no Zulu village. The necklaces and bead option I looked into a few verwions back when people complained about the little figues. The problem with this is that they are exceptionally colourful and would stand out to much with the earthy colours I wanted for the map. Will look at the thatch idea but I am not sure that I could pull that one of.

[cairnswk]

...
There is no Zulu village.

Yeh, at the beginning of the movie when the reverend and his daughter are watching the ceremony when the reverend gets the message that 10,000 soldiers have been killed elsewhere.

The necklaces and bead option I looked into a few verwions back when people complained about the little figues. The problem with this is that they are exceptionally colourful and would stand out to much with the earthy colours I wanted for the map. Will look at the thatch idea but I am not sure that I could pull that one of.

OK, the other option i thought about, was to use some extra space for the title and create a top title that has 11 VCs spread across it, with the sirnames of each VC winner above/below it, that way you could still keep MrBenn's VC theme.

Anyways, leave it to you and see what you develop.

[Sniper08]

yea when watching the movie there are zulus firing on the british from hillside thats why i thought i should be put into the map.

as for the name change im not sure i like it maybe im just used to it being called rorkes drift. Maybe a better name is battle of rorkes drift that way its higher up on the map list.

what ever title is gonna be the final one i think you still need to focus on the writing of the title in the top right corner as it hasnt been as good as other parts of the map.

[koontz1973]

...
There is no Zulu village.

Yeh, at the beginning of the movie when the reverend and his daughter are watching the ceremony when the reverend gets the message that 10,000 soldiers have been killed elsewhere.

The necklaces and bead option I looked into a few verwions back when people complained about the little figues. The problem with this is that they are exceptionally colourful and would stand out to much with the earthy colours I wanted for the map. Will look at the thatch idea but I am not sure that I could pull that one of.

OK, the other option i thought about, was to use some extra space for the title and create a top title that has 11 VCs spread across it, with the sirnames of each VC winner above/below it, that way you could still keep MrBenn's VC theme.

Anyways, leave it to you and see what you develop.

In the film there was a meeting place. Not an actual village but a ceremonial place for weddings and coming of age ceremonies for men.
I liked your idea about getting rid of the VC so please do not take it back. The problem with the VC is that it is ornamental with lots of detail lost at small sizes.

[koontz1973]

yea when watching the movie there are zulus firing on the british from hillside thats why i thought i should be put into the map.

as for the name change im not sure i like it maybe im just used to it being called rorkes drift. Maybe a better name is battle of rorkes drift that way its higher up on the map list.

what ever title is gonna be the final one i think you still need to focus on the writing of the title in the top right corner as it hasnt been as good as other parts of the map.

Wanted the zulus firing from the hillsides, which is one of the reasons I gave the chieftains the ability to bombard. This in the end got taken out. Battle of rorkes drift can be the title but I really do not care where it goes on the map list as long as it gets there.

Here are some options to choose from.

Let me know which ones you all like and sorry for PMing you all.

What we have here are some styles and images that I believe would fit. Added the new legend made of thatch (hate this as it is hard to see the words and could create problems with colour blind test). The title is done in a couple of ways, what ever it turns out to be then one of these two would be used. The images include Asagis arm, Zulu shield, map of Zulu land with the red dot for battle site, full zulu warrior done in pencil and the VC.
Can do any combo. But bear in mind, I do not want the title to be the thing that draws everyone's attention.

EDIT:Just worked this one up, what does everyone think because I like it.

Click image to enlarge.

[Gillipig]

Rorke's drift is a more intelligent title but Zulu is better because people know what it means and it stands out from other maps with that Z! Rorke's Drift is not a battle site as well known as Pearl Harbor etc. and people won't know what it's about! Before I saw the movie I've read about it in history class and I loved history when I was a kid (I know weeeeird !) so the connection is clear to me but I'm not sure it is to others! I think Zulu is a better title but I'm not sure I like any version of the name written yet! I don't think you should go back to Rorke's drift again!

[Sniper08]

Rorke's drift is a more intelligent title but Zulu is better because people know what it means and it stands out from other maps with that Z! Rorke's Drift is not a battle site as well known as Pearl Harbor etc. and people won't know what it's about! Before I saw the movie I've read about it in history class and I loved history when I was a kid (I know weeeeird !) so the connection is clear to me but I'm not sure it is to others! I think Zulu is a better title but I'm not sure I like any version of the name written yet! I don't think you should go back to Rorke's drift again!

i disagree, zulu are a people not a battle you wouldnt call the battle at pearl harbour american or japanese because of the people that participated in it.

Battle of Rorkes Drift is the best name for the map.

EDIT:Just worked this one up, what does everyone think because I like it.

Click image to enlarge.

that title is a good on if you could tone down the yellow glow as it suits the style of the map.

idk about the faded image in the legend,it doesnt seem like the right image to use if you were to use a faded image.

[koontz1973]

Back to original writing but put the full name in.

ZULU Rorke's Drift.

I must admit that I love the original title and really want it in somewhere. If this does not work then it will go back to being Rorke's Drift. As for the image, I liked it but it might cause a problem with copyright so I am not going down that route.
Apart from the overall title, this seems to work the best.

Click image to enlarge.

[Seamus76]

I also agree it should be Rorke's Drift. Didn't really like Zulu from the start, but adding the symbols ties it all in nicely. As for the legend image, to me, it's a little distracting. I like the way it's headed though.

[koontz1973]

Why not

ZULU Rorke's Drift

as the title?

[Sniper08]

Why not

ZULU Rorke's Drift

as the title?

like i said above zulu are a people ,this map is about a battle and rorkes drift is a battle.Battle of rorkes Drift or just Rorkes drift are the 2 best titles imo.

you removed the yellow glow completely i thought i would look better toned down.Perhaps on the beft side of the title where you have the arm with a spear you could put a britsh soldier so that both sides that took part in the battle are represented in the title.

[Seamus76]

I like it.

[koontz1973]

Last attempt for today. I will go away and think about it tonight. If any more suggestions come in over night, I will read them and then make a decision on this. The images are going to stay and I like the text as it is. It is just the title.

At least no one can say I have not tried.

Titles on offer.
Rorke's Drift (2nd choice)
Battle at Rorke's Drift (My favourite)
Zulu (not really liking this even though I started it)
Zulu - Rorke's Drift (maybe)
Zulu - Battle at Rorke's Drift (maybe +)

Click image to enlarge.

The small version would probably lose the VC's as they would just be blobs of gold.

[Gillipig]

Why not

ZULU Rorke's Drift

as the title?

like i said above zulu are a people ,this map is about a battle and rorkes drift is a battle.Battle of rorkes Drift or just Rorkes drift are the 2 best titles imo.

you removed the yellow glow completely i thought i would look better toned down.Perhaps on the beft side of the title where you have the arm with a spear you could put a britsh soldier so that both sides that took part in the battle are represented in the title.

I'm a bit torn here. I think you should either go with Battle of Rorke's Drift or Zulu Rorke's Drift. Just Rorke's Drift doesn't hint enough about the map. Zulu is a hint to what the map is about and so is "battle of"! I think you can go with either of those alternatives!

[Sniper08]

koonitz if your torn on the name put up a poll and see what ppl think

[koontz1973]

Not torn at the name but this morning I thought sod it and change it. Rorke's Drift was there from the start and I really want it in which is why I said it was one of my 2 choices. Opened a can of worms up.

Look back tomorrow to see the final name and legend. After that I will go through the map with a fine tooth comb and remove all artefacts and try to put this one to bed.

[Seamus76]

Not trying to throw too much in, but how about something like "ZULU Uprising - Rorke's Drift", or "ZULU Uprising at Rorke's Drift"? Personally I don't think you need too many of the symbols in the title, and removing the one's on the side might give a little more space to work with.

[cairnswk]

.... "ZULU Uprising at Rorke's Drift"....

I like this one because it encompasses everything, and can still get into the Zs, and i don't think it is too much.

koontz1973, Wow, i didn't expect this to happen so fast but glad you ar thinking over it with some sleep because this is when you will find the solution...believe me, it just happens this way.

The title....I'd get rid of the running zulu and spear throwing images in the title and just have two Zulu shields there either side along with the VCs.

[Victor Sullivan]

.... "ZULU Uprising at Rorke's Drift"....

I like this one because it encompasses everything, and can still get into the Zs, and i don't think it is too much.

koontz1973, Wow, i didn't expect this to happen so fast but glad you ar thinking over it with some sleep because this is when you will find the solution...believe me, it just happens this way.

The title....I'd get rid of the running zulu and spear throwing images in the title and just have two Zulu shields there either side along with the VCs.

I think cairns summed up my thoughts nicely on the title debate.

-Sully

[lostatlimbo]

Seems all the discussion is about the title, but what about those impassables?

The map generally looks rather spiffy, but the impassables... well, they look like floating blobs. Are they supposed to be rocks? They remind me of caulk or shaving cream or something. I mean no offense, but these really stand out (in a negative way) on an otherwise good looking map.

I'm also unclear as to the purpose of the mustard between Shaka Kahn and Vusumuzi, as well as Jadzia/Xop and Sbu. Is this line also meant to be impassable? It is not currently listed in the legend as such.

I'd also reconsider the solid red "150 yard" line. While I understand its purpose, the visual suggestion is that it too is impassable. If you changed it to a dotted line, shaded those 19 territories differently or even just simplified it to any territory touching the... sandbags? giant worms? I think that would serve the same purpose without the bright red eyesore.

Lastly, I'm confused as to why you've colored the territories differently. Visually this suggests there are bonuses to be had by holding all of a section/continent, but there is nothing in legend or original post to confirm this. If there are no continent bonuses, why not just unify them? Its confusing and doesn't add anything to the quality of the map, imo. I spent a couple minutes considering the gameplay implications of having certain bonuses divided by river warriors before I realized they weren't bonuses!

Hope that helps