Thursday - August 30, 2001 - 07:46:21PM
DC MapGen Name Change-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I've gotten a few e-mails about the name "Dungeon Crawl MapGen" as opposed to the "Serpent SDK MapGen Module" and I've decided that the build name for it will now be "TerraFormer" which - of course - means Earth Maker. I think it's a suitable name. (What, Vandal Hearts 2? I don't know what you are talking about!)

Note: If you don't understand - don't worry. The comment is kinda wierd even for people who have played the game. Those of you who do get it - haha

Thursday - August 30, 2001 - 07:31:45PM
Sprite Test and Other news-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I've just added a screenshot of the latest Sprite Test I ran a few minutes ago. I'm happy to report that things are running smoothly, although there are a few minor glitches in the movement of the sprites - collision detection is operating fully. I've also taken this opportunity to nab a quick screen shot of this program [HTML NewsForge ver1.21] for all of you watching wit eager eyes. Another quick note - the Archive page now features an archive of all of the screenshots I've showcased since this page's emergence.

Wednesday - August 29, 2001 - 11:21:42PM
DragonPhinn = Private Tutor?-DragonPhinn [webmaster]
I started teaching the good folks at Sanjeev Nair's Page how to program using Delphi. Hopefully, when I'm finished he will be able to make programs for this page and his own. Maybe even write a tutorial or two. For all of you folks who are newer - or into a less Game related programming course - you might want to follow my friend in his misadventures with programming. Although right now the site is focused on him and his computers, you will begin to see more programming related articles grace the page. I suggest you bookmark it and visit it. But no more than you visit my page. Because...my page is your favorite...right?

Tuesday - August 28, 2001 - 11:08:28PM
Some more Updates-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
OK - I was working on starting positions today - i.e. where the player begins quests - and I was working on three different ways to implement it. The first way was to have a startx and starty that only activated if the map was the default map (first map in the list). But that would be more work than payback - plus cut the editor off at the knees because I wanted different players to start off in different places. So I figured I would make the starting points selectable by QuestDev. This also was a bad idea. Mostly because you had to actually view the maps to decide where the points would be - and that meant a way to scroll between all the maps - time consuming and too much work for this lazy programmer. So I decided on a hybrid on the first two ideas. You would choose the starting positions of the maps and then in QuestDev you would select which maps would be the default one. Of course that means updates all around. I'm sure you all fancy that idea. Well thats all for now. Till next time - laterz.

Tuesday - August 28, 2001 - 10:26:33AM
QuestDev enhanced-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I've added a bunch of new modules to the beloved QuestDev. Although I should probably finish the EvenDriven module (not all of the events are triggerable to tell the truth) I thought that I should get the skeleton of everything down and then go back and finish making the rest. This is just because I'm curious to see where I am going to have problems. I've added the following to QuestDev:

• Breeding Pit
• Directors Chair
• Weapon Forge
• Spell Forge

Monday - August 27, 2001 - 08:04:52PM
Still working-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
There isn't much going on around here as far as programming is concerned. I'm working on a new version of the Map Generation program for Dungeon Crawl featuring some new features. It'll be ver1.2 - and I believe I will post the EXE - but probably not source. It will feature a few new pieces of functionality - mostly updates that I realized will be required to be implemented if I wanted it to function properly with newer version of both QuestDev and the actual engine itself. Till next time - Laterz.

Thursday - August 23, 2001 - 02:53:27PM
NewsForge Source-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Many of you have noticed that I haven't posted any source or exe for NewsForge, and honestly it's because I'm not totally satisfied with it. Although I'm using it to make this post right now, I don't think it will help very much for other users. At least not yet. I'm working on making the program use custom templates lon

Thursday - August 23, 2001 - 02:51:29PM
Working on Console-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I'm working on a console program for my server which will read and interpret log files. The Server Admin prefers console over win32 - so it's a nice change of pace from my normal programming routine. Although not the first time, it's a little different. Because of functionality problems, I've decided to use a form, but give it the feel of a console application. I'll post source and the executable upon completion.

Sunday - August 19, 2001 - 09:52:12PM
I'm Back!-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Although there are only a meager two weeks left in summer, in which I plan on mostly having fun with my friends and band, I will try and work on programming related things. Sadly, my little trip to the outside world has dulled my desire to program - meaning I want to spend more time having fun with other people, and less time sitting on my butt typing all day. Till then, laterz.

Sunday - August 12, 2001 - 09:30:48PM
Going Away for the Week-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Hey everyone, this is DP signing off for the next week. As the end of sniffle summer rolls around it's time for my annual camping week where I try and get away from the hustle and busltle of city life, drop whatever computer related projects I'm doing, and just chill out in the great out doors. I think it's a healthy way for programmers to stay on the ball. It also makes me really want to program when I get back. (A whole week? No programming? It's tough). Anyway, since I'm the only one who works on the site, I figured I'd just let it get a little out of date. I'll post news when I get back. Till then - laterz.

Friday - August 10, 2001 - 10:35:51PM
Downloads Section-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I added a downloads section to the page. I use the term "added" loosely, since I actually just changed the links image and the links.htm. It doesn't really matter, since I did it to save time. (Not because I'm lazy. My, no!). Besides, I'm sure you'd rather me work on tutorials and my other projects than this page...right?

Friday - August 10, 2001 - 06:54:43PM
Dungeon Crawl w00tness-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Ok, I just finished debugging Dungeon Crawl Quest editor, and now the entire link section is working. Once I complete a few more functions - Creature Creation being the next task on the list - I will begin work on the actual gaming engine. How sweet is that? I started work on a basic MP engine that didn't support loading of external maps (this will probably be released as the Demo version of Dungeon Crawl or something) but it hasn't been coming along to fancy-like. I still have a lot of kinks to work out (my knowledge of the TDXPlay Component definatly could use some honing). In any case, till next time - laterz.

Friday - August 10, 2001 - 06:50:17PM
HTMLNewsForge ver1.21 Test-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I just wrote a program for my friend over at Sanjeev Nair's Page and decided to add functionality so that it worked on The Dragon's Lair as well. It's basically an HTML editing program which allows me to update the news on my page (or any page that uses my news template) without CGI scripts or other annoying hassels. It's still pretty beta, but I'm probably going to release a working *.exe file as well as source, (maybe even a tutorial) for the public to look over and maybe even adjust. I was thinking about selling it, but I really hate those greedy jerks who sell everything instead of helping out the little people like me. So I decided against it. Till next time, laterz!

August 09, 2001 -6:05amEST
New Project (Sorta)-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
My friend wanted me to help him write a program that would update the news on his page, without CGI or Perl. I just had to take a bit of automation off the top, but the end result was a great HTML news generating program called HTMLNewsForge. It's at ver1.21 right now, and I'll be releasing the finished product, source code, and tutorial on how it functinos in a little bit. Till then.

August 05, 2001 -6:36pmEST
Dungeon Crawl QuestDev Preview!-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I just added some new screenshots showing off my Dungeon Crawl QuestDev Application. Things are running really smootly. You can view the main window (sporting the spiffy logo I created but a few hours ago) as well as my pride and joy EventDriven. It also has a much much more respectivle version of the LinkIt module, which is less accident prone (a point and click interface as opposed to purely textual editing). This is some of my best work, and I hope it shows!

August 04, 2001 -9:14pmEST
TDXPlay Tutorial FINISHED-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Started and completed today, I wrote a tutorial on all I knew (and some I didn't) about the TDXPlay component. After reading it, you should be able to program your own basic multiplayer games. Check it out from the Recent Tutorials area, or through the tutorial link on the main menu.

August 04, 2001 -1:49pmEST
MapGen Tutorial FINISHED-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
That took a SCARY amount of time to complete, and I apologize, but I think it was well worth the wait. I added a useful table of contents which skips directly to the section of code you need, as well as bolding what should be bold and bluing what should be blue. It took an insane amount of time, and I hope you people appreciate it. If you read it, and learn something from it, then it's worth the time I spent. Enjoy! [use the link in the New Tutorials for quick acess].

August 02, 2001 -11:56pmEST
New Server-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I've finally found another server - rather, my friend has MADE another server, for me to use so I can drop this crappy 50megs. Bear with me while I make the transfer, and the Server Admin irons out the bugs. In the meantime, the site might experiance some downtime, and I'll probably hold off on the updating for a while. Until then, here is a great link for you folks Delphi32, the best compilation of components I have ever seen.

July 29, 2001 -12:57amEST
Dungeon Crawl Quest Developer-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Alright, I've just done some major work on Dungeon Crawl QD - hopefully a beta will be ready in a few weeks. I'm going to be slightly busy soon, with a makeup regents coming up, so I don't know how work will be affected. On a side note, I'd like everyone to check out The Delphi Educator about thier elite particle tutorial and download.

July 27, 2001 -7:00pmEST
Dungeon Crawl/MapGen update-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I've totally revamped the MapGen engine featuring brand new coding. You can download the working exe file here. E-mail Me for broken links. Here is the description I put on the prog.

Fix on Sunday, July 29, 2001 1:29am by Webmaster DragonPhinn -
Hi people, it turns out the ASCII thing was eating up too much space on the window, misaligning a lot of graphics for some people. I've moved it to a temp space Here, enjoy!

July 22, 2001 -6:06pmEST
New Forums-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
New forums have been installed - courtesy ezBoard. Please use the link at right to visit them! I'm currently looking for moderators for the forums, so if you are interested post or drop me a line. For the Community forums, anybody can apply - however I expect some basic knowledge in any of specialized assistance topics before I allow anybody to become a moderator there. Thanks in advance.

July 22, 2001 -1:42amEST
A new Counter-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Since I plan on releasing this site to the public soon, I decided to add a counter to keep track of traffic flow. If it ins't sufficient, it won't be worth my time to keep the site running. Let's cross our fingers as I complete the final pieces to my Delphi site and then contact more renowned members of the community about my opening.

July 21, 2001 -4:02pmEST
Accepting Parameters-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I just figured out how to accept parameters when loading programs, which means I will be able to associate Serpent SDK Files with the actual program. I'll try and get the code snippet area working - as soon as my JavaScripter gets it working.

July 21, 2001 -3:30pmEST
DelphiX Book Deal!-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I recently corresponded with the writer of Inside DelphiX (he was also creator of the custom components) who had his book published in Japan. He was looking for publishers to make his book available in America, so I got in contact with Wordware (publishers of my Delphi OpenGL book) and began intermediating the conversation. Things are looking up, and the wheels are turning. If this book gets published in America (the only DelphiX book) then it will be because of me. W00t!

July 19, 2001 -1:59amEST
Updating is Back in Style-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I'm really sorry people! My computer broke, which puts me back about a month into development. I'll keep working on the site, but more importantly I'm going to work with Serpent SDK and try and get back on schedule. I want a working version of this game BEFORE school starts, or else things will really slow down. I am also waiting to get CuteFTP back on this machine before I do heavy updating. Going through 50megs without an FTP is like the Brooklyn Bridge during rush hour.

July 5, 2001 -1:37amEST
News Archive Created-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
The front page was getting a little crowded, so I moved some of the older back news to the "News Archive" page. You can use the link at the bottom of the current news section to view what you've missed.

July 5, 2001 -1:34amEST
Serpent SDK Change-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I've changed the SDK format - Dragon's Fire will now be a SEPERATE program. This is for ease of BLQ programming. It won't make a big difference, but I thought you people should be informed.

July 5, 2001 -1:25amEST
Screenshot Section Added-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
To show off my latest developments with Serpent SDK [Black Lance], I added a screenshot area beneath the New Tutorials table. You can click to see the latest screenshots of my work - currently they are showcasing the new format for Serpent SDK 2.0 I suggest you take a look. Here is a short explanation of each.

• Serpent SDK PreBeta Collage - this has all of the screens (shrunk for loading sake) in a little design I made.
• LinkIt ver3.2.1 SDKi PreBeta - A screen of the new SDKi (SDK Integrated) LinkIt program which allows you to link maps into layouts.
• MapGen ver2.0 SDKi - A screen of the MapMaker 2.0, the flagship program of the SDK series. Allows you to make map files.
• Event Driven 2.2b Skeleton - The basic skeleton of the Event Driven program. I'm still fiddling with the design to support new events...could take a while. Its what I'm currently working on.

July 4, 2001 -3:15pmEST
New Tutorials-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I ported the two tutorials from the last site over to the new Dragon's Lair. One, "The Basics" is up and ready. The other "How MapGen Works" is partially complete - because explaining the whole thing takes forever. I also started writing another Beginner tutorial on Object Pascal which I have yet to finish. Check them out over in the tutorials section. [Note: They are still useful, even though they aren't finished].

July 4, 2001 -2:08pmEST
Fixed Percentage Error-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Aww...Serpent SDK's completion percentage was tainted because LinkIt was being averaged in twice. As it is now, we are now only 27% complete. Thats ok, I'm going to keep working - I hope to have the first beta out by August. Here's hoping!

July 4, 2001 -2:01pmEST
Serpent SDK Updates-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Happy Fourth, everyone! I've made some great updates on Serpent SDK - namely the LinkIt module. I've reprogrammed it to work nicer with the other modules as well as the base program. That's another percent completed. w00t for Serpent SDK!

July 2, 2001 -12:12pmEST
Tutorials Section Ready-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
The tutorials section is ready, now I have to start writing tutorials! You'll also note the useful little tutorial menu at right, which will show the 5 latest tutorials for Delphi. Remember, you can submit your own tutorials at DragonPhinn@apok.org.

July 2, 2001 -11:51amEST
Known Error on Page-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
By the way, I know about the whole problem on the Credits page - the names and stuff aren't right. I'm sorry about not getting everyones names up there, but if you could just send me an e-mail regarding your position, company/organization, and full name (or name to be displayed) I'll fix it ASAP.

July 2, 2001 -11:49amEST
Legal Section Updated-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I wrote up a legal page to help people understand how far they can take my free stuff. Basically it says you can't use my source unless I said you could, you can't redistribute it, and you can't sell it. There are some other stuff in there, so if you're worried you can check it out for yourself.

July 2, 2001 -2:09amEST
More Updates-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I stopped the Projects link from bypassing the Projects Index page. Added some more info on Black Lance, and have officially declared it 32% completed! Horray!

July 1, 2001 -11:59pmEST
Projects Section Updated - Black Lance-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
I've added some information on the joint venture between Otakujin Corp and PhinnCorp Ltd Productions. Black Lance - one of the major projects underway, now has some great FAQ and info about it in our projects section. For all of our RPG fans, it's definatly worth a look.

July 1, 2001 -10:27pmEST
Continuing Renovations-DragonPhinn [Webmaster]
Hello, and welcome to "The Dragon's Lair", a new e-source for your Delphi Game Programming needs. I will continually update this site with new information that will aid aspiring game programmers make better games - faster. When completed, this site will contain tutorials, sample source code, a fully interactive Delphi Community, and much much more. But in the meantime, please bookmark this site and revisit soon to see what the latest developments will be. Thanks for coming!

Check out the REALLY old stuff.