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You don't have to do all of these steps yourself! Just post whichever you feel like doing [https://forum.tuxemon.org/ in the forum], and we might be able to find someone to help fill in the rest.  
You don't have to do all of these steps yourself! Just post whichever you feel like doing [https://forum.tuxemon.org/ in the forum], and we might be able to find someone to help fill in the rest.  


This page is about designing a creature from scratch. See [[Completing Creatures]] for advice on adding to monsters that have already been designed.
== Introduction ==
In short, the way to contribute a monster to the project is to draw or paint it, or to create pixel art of it (a "sprite").
There are no particular requirements for drawings or paintings, because they are not used in the game. Pixel art is used in the game, and so it should be 64 pixels by 64 pixels, with the monster facing forward and to the right.
More details and advice is below, but feel free to just dive in and start creating some monsters!


== Design ==
== Design ==
Tuxemon are cartoony monsters. Some are cute, while others are fearsome or mysterious.
It is difficult to provide concrete advice for the design of a tuxemon. Look at other monster battling games, especially Pokemon, and think about:


One trick might looking at creatures from other monster battling games, and thinking about:
* What the creatures are based on: puns (like Farfetch'd), obscure animals, animals with an elemental twist, etc.  
 
* How they are represented: How detailed are they? How are complex concepts communicated in simple shapes? How cute are they? Is there a difference between how basic Pokemon, first stage Pokemon and second stage Pokemon are depicted?
* What the creatures are based on: puns, obscure animals, animals with an elemental twist, etc.  
* What is added to the Pokemon to make it distinctive, appealing and iconic
* How they are represented: How detailed are they? How are complex concepts communicated in simple shapes? How cute are they? Is there a difference between basic monsters and their evolved forms?
* What is missing from Pokemon that might be added to other cartoon creatures: What is the Pokemon style?
* What is added to the monster to make it distinctive, appealing and iconic


[http://blazeknight-94.deviantart.com/art/Fakemon-Tutorial-283276446 blazeknight-94's tutorial] describes six origins:
[http://blazeknight-94.deviantart.com/art/Fakemon-Tutorial-283276446 blazeknight-94's tutorial] describes six origins:
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[http://frozenfeather.deviantart.com/art/eye-chart-251804495 FrozenFeather's eye chart] could be useful.
[http://frozenfeather.deviantart.com/art/eye-chart-251804495 FrozenFeather's eye chart] could be useful.
Sources of inspiration:
* [http://phoenixdex.alteredorigin.net/resources/fakemon-concepts-and-ideas/ Phoenixdex Fakemon Concepts and Ideas]
* [http://ideadex.tumblr.com/ The Ideadex]


=== Mechanical Conceit ===
=== Mechanical Conceit ===
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This is the approach of the [http://www.smogon.com/cap/ Create-a-Pokemon project].
This is the approach of the [http://www.smogon.com/cap/ Create-a-Pokemon project].


=== Name ===
== Name ===
There are no hard-and-fast rules for names, but consider:
There are no hard-and-fast rules for names, but consider:


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=== Type(s) ===
=== Type(s) ===
In Tuxemon, there are five [[types]], and a tuxemon can belong to one or two of them.
In Tuxemon, there are five [[types]], and a tuxemon can belong to one or two of them:


* '''[[Fire]]:''' Includes creatures associated with energy, like electricity, light and heat, dragons and other legendary beings, and poison.   
* **Fire:** Includes creatures associated with energy, like electricity and heat, dragons and other legendary beings, and poison.   
* '''[[Water]]:''' Includes creatures associated with the sea, lakes and swamps, ice and snow, the weather, liquids like blood, and fish and amphibians.  
* **Water:** Includes creatures associated with the sea, lakes and swamps, ice and snow, the weather, and fish and amphibians.  
* '''[[Wood]]:''' Includes creatures associated with plants, lichen and fungi, poison and venom, forests, the natural environment, the wind and flying, and the wilderness.  
* **Wood:** Includes creatures associated with plants, lichen and fungi, forests, the natural environment, the wind and flying, and the wilderness.  
* '''[[Earth]]:''' Includes creatures associated with the ground and underground, dirt and soil, mountains and rocks, caves, and ancient and buried things.
* **Earth:** Includes creatures associated with the ground and underground, dirt and soil, mountains and rocks, caves, and ancient and buried things.
* '''[[Metal]]:''' Includes creatures associated with steel, light and darkness, mechanical and robotic things, psychic powers and other unnatural things, humankind, and the undead.
* **Metal:** Includes creatures associated with steel, darkness, mechanical and robotic things, psychic powers and other unnatural things, humankind, and the undead.


=== Evolutions ===
=== Evolutions ===
A creature can have any number of evolution options. However, it will typically not evolve more than twice. For example, [[Botbot]] can evolve into [[PiCC]], [[B-ver.1]], [[K9]] or [[mRmOswitch]]. However, once it's evolved into one of those, it cannot evolve again.  
A creature can have any number of evolution options. However, it will typically not evolve more than twice. For example, Botbot can evolve into Beaverbot, Fishbot, Petbot or Monkeybot. However, once it's evolved into one of those, it cannot evolve again.  


An unevolved tuxemon is in its "basic stage". A tuxemon that has evolved once is in its "first stage"; if it has evolved twice, it is in its "second stage".  
An unevolved tuxemon is in its "basic stage". A tuxemon that has evolved once is in its "first stage"; if it has evolved twice, it is in its "second stage".  


Evolution can be:
Evolution can result from the tuxemon reaching a certain level, from it consuming a particular item, or from some other criterion being satisfied.  
* '''standard''', where the tuxemon evolves after reaching a certain level;
* '''item''', where the tuxemon evolves after being exposed to a certain item (Morph Items);
* '''gender''', where the tuxemon evolves only if it's of a certain gender ([[Female]], [[Male]] or [[Neuter]])
* '''location''', where the tuxemon evolves only if it's inside of a building or outside of it;
* '''variables''', where the tuxemon evolves only if a certain variable is True (eg. [[Event_Reference#Variables]], etc.);
* '''stat''', where the tuxemon evolves only if a certain stat (melee, speed, etc.) is greater/less/equal of another one;
* '''tech''', where the tuxemon evolves only if in the party there is someone with a specific technique (eg. [[Ram]], etc.);
* '''steps''', where the tuxemon evolves only if it walks a certain amount (eg. 1000, etc.);


== Graphic Design ==
== Graphic Design ==
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Although there is no direct use for illustrations in the Tuxemon game, artworks are excellent for developing the creatures, promoting the game, and serving as references during spriting.  
Although there is no direct use for illustrations in the Tuxemon game, artworks are excellent for developing the creatures, promoting the game, and serving as references during spriting.  


There are many tutorials for drawing monsters. My preferred one is:
There is a distinctive style, the "Sugimori style", that Tuxemon is sometimes faithful to.
 
There are many tutorials for this style. My preferred one is:


* [http://nachtbeirmann.deviantart.com/art/Ken-Sugimori-Tutorial-Pt-1-420735324 NachtBeirmann's]
* [http://nachtbeirmann.deviantart.com/art/Ken-Sugimori-Tutorial-Pt-1-420735324 NachtBeirmann's]
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I use Krita, but others work in GIMP, Photoshop or other drawing software.
I use Krita, but others work in GIMP, Photoshop or other drawing software.


== Sprites (Pixel Art) ==
== Sprites ==
With enough time and practice, anyone can make sprites. There are many free and open source tools available that you can use for creating sprites. Your first attempts at spriting may be met with criticism, but this criticism should be viewed constructively to help make your sprites better.  
With enough time and practice, anyone can make sprites. There are many free and open source tools available that you can use for creating sprites. Your first attempts at spriting may be met with criticism, but this criticism should be viewed constructively to help make your sprites better. Ignore the people who say "it's garbage" and take the advice of the others where you can. No one can sprite perfectly at first.  


While there is a [[Default Palette]] that you can use, currently contributions do not have to use the default palette and many do not.
Sprites should ideally be done using the Tuxemon Default Palette ([http://www.tuxemon.org/files/Tuxemon.gpl download it as a GPL file]).
 
Alternatively, artwork colors can be converted to fit the Tuxemon palette by using the [https://github.com/ShadowApex/pysnesify PySNESify] utility, which will change each pixel color to its closest color available from the SNES/GBA era platforms.
 
[[File:Tuxemon_palette.png]]


Sprites should be saved as PNG files. Do not save them as JPG files: they will lose quality. The PNG format is a lossless image format that will make sure that your images do not degrade in quality when you save them.
Sprites should be saved as PNG files. Do not save them as JPG files: they will lose quality. The PNG format is a lossless image format that will make sure that your images do not degrade in quality when you save them.
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Front and back sprites are 64 by 64 pixels.
Front and back sprites are 64 by 64 pixels.


'''Light Source:''' Upper left corner.
**Light Source:** Upper left corner.


'''Angle:''' The tuxemon should be facing the viewer, but at an angle so the left side of its body is also partly visible.  
**Angle:** The tuxemon should be facing the viewer, but at an angle so the left side of its body is also partly visible.  


'''Techniques:''' [http://www.yarrninja.com/pixeltutorial/chapter12.htm Sel-out], Minimal Dithering, No Anti-Aliasing
**Techniques:** [http://www.yarrninja.com/pixeltutorial/chapter12.htm Sel-out], Minimal Dithering, No Anti-Aliasing


'''Colour Palette:''' 16 colours, including white, almost-black and transparency.
**Colour Palette:** 16 colours selected from the palette, including white, almost-black and transparency.
   
   
==== Sizes ====
==== Sizes ====
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The only edge that should be cut off is the bottom. For example, this sprite is incorrect because the left-hand-side is cut off:
The only edge that should be cut off is the bottom. For example, this sprite is incorrect because the left-hand-side is cut off:


https://wiki.tuxemon.org/images/archive/0/0b/20160730022548%21Nemo01-back.png
[[File:Nemo01-back.png]]
 
Here is a corrected version:
 
https://wiki.tuxemon.org/images/0/0b/Nemo01-back.png


==== Great sprites ====
==== Great sprites ====
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[[File:dune-pincher-front.png]]
[[File:dune-pincher-front.png]]
[[Dune Pincher]] by tamashihoshi. Notice how tamashihoshi didn't make the legs by copying one leg and using it multiple times. This should almost always be avoided, even for very small parts of the creature like eyes. In general, you should redraw each element.  
Dune Pincher by tamashihoshi. Notice how tamashihoshi didn't make the legs by copying one leg and using it multiple times. This should almost always be avoided, even for very small parts of the creature like eyes. In general, you should redraw each element.  


[[File:anu_front.png]]
[[File:anu_front.png]]
[[Anu]] is very well put together by princess-phoenix. Because it's only a medium-sized creature, it doesn't take up the whole 64 by 64 pixels, only part of it. princess-phoenix has also made some parts more detailed and other parts less detailed: for example, the legs just end in points but the face is very complex. This suits the cartoony style of Tuxemon.  
Anu is very well put together by princess-phoenix. Because it's only a medium-sized creature, it doesn't take up the whole 64 by 64 pixels, only part of it. princess-phoenix has also made some parts more detailed and other parts less detailed: for example, the legs just end in points but the face is very complex. This suits the cartoony style of Tuxemon.  


[[File:Hoarse-front.png]]
[[File:Hoarse-front.png]]
rsg167's [[Hoarse]] is dynamic and interesting.  
rsg167's Hoarse is dynamic and interesting.  


[[File:sumobug_front.png]]
[[File:sumobug_front.png]]
tamashihoshi's [[Sumchon]] is cute, well-proportioned and takes a concept - a sumo wrestler insect - to its natural conclusion.
tamashihoshi's Sumobug is cute, well-proportioned and takes a concept - a sumo wrestler insect - to its natural conclusion.


[[File:dracune.png]]
[[File:dracune.png]]
Spalding004's [[Dracune]] is the cocoon of a blood-sucking butterfly, so of course it looks like a vampire hanging upside with its cloak wrapped around it! A very clever design.  
Spalding004's Dracune is the cocoon of a blood-sucking butterfly, so of course it looks like a vampire hanging upside with its cloak wrapped around it! A very clever design.  


[[File:wooden-donkey-front-alt.png]]
[[File:wooden-donkey-front-alt.png]]
Leo's [[Duntree]] looks adorable, and has a lovely mix of colours. The leaf hat is a nice touch!
Leo's unnamed wooden donkey looks adorable, and has a lovely mix of colours. The leaf hat is a nice touch!


==== Tutorials ====
==== Tutorials ====
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* [http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=176686 Chesu's spriting series]
* [http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=176686 Chesu's spriting series]
* [http://siraquakip.deviantart.com/art/Spriting-Tutorial-SirAquakip-401222417?q=favby%3Athefirebreather%2F12505205&qo=23 SirAquakip's]
* [http://siraquakip.deviantart.com/art/Spriting-Tutorial-SirAquakip-401222417?q=favby%3Athefirebreather%2F12505205&qo=23 SirAquakip's]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOuk1H-aL24 Oripoke/InvoluntaryTwitch's]


=== Face Sprites ===
=== Face Sprites ===
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[[File:sumoworm_face_1.png]] [[File:sumoworm_face_2.png]]
[[File:sumoworm_face_1.png]] [[File:sumoworm_face_2.png]]


tamashihoshi's face sprites for [[Katapill]] are my favourite. It is an iconic face, with an obvious but appealing motion (the chomping of the mandibles) and the shading is really nice.  
tamashihoshi's face sprites for the unnamed prevolution of Sumobug is my favourite. It is an iconic face, with an obvious but appealing motion (the chomping of the mandibles) and the shading is really nice.  


[[File:dandicub_face.png]] [[File:dandicub_face_2.png]]
[[File:dandicub_face.png]] [[File:dandicub_face_2.png]]


Face sprites don't have to be elaborate. Here, the animation is just moving one pixel up and then one pixel down, to reflect the bobbing motion of the floating [[Dandicub]].
Face sprites don't have to be elaborate. Here, the animation is just moving one pixel up and then one pixel down, to reflect the bobbing motion of the floating Dandicub.  


== Rules ==
== Rules ==


When you create a page for the monster on the wiki, you'll be prompted to provide other details:
A tuxemon's stats and other in-game rules are defined in a JSON text file in the game's `resources/db/monster` folder.
 
Tuxemon have a number of stats:
 
* Type(s)
* ID
* Weight
* Attack*
* Defense*
* HP*
* Special Attack Base*
* Special Defense*
* Speed*
* XP Give Modifier
* XP Require Modifier
 
\* These stats also have a range of stat modifiers, to reflect how the stat changes as the creature levels ups.


* Species Name: A word or two that describes an aspect of a monster's nature. It is used in the format: "The X Tuxemon", like "The Flame Tuxemon" or "The Dark Forest Tuxemon". It's okay for multiple tuxemon - even unrelated tuxemon - to have the same species name.
We haven't set particular rules for stats yet. Just assign what you believe makes sense.
* [[Body Shape]]
 
* Catch Resistance: Between 0 (impossible to catch) and 1 (standard chance of catching)
=== Techniques ===
* Techniques (up to four, or leave blank for default techniques)
 
We haven't set particular rules for techniques yet. Just assign what you believe makes sense.
 
== Other Details ==
At the moment, we do not describe or create cries, body shapes, egg groups, etc., for tuxemon.
 
On the wiki we do record a tuxemon's "species name" - a word or two that describes an aspect of their nature. It is used in the format: "The X Tuxemon", like "The Flame Tuxemon" or "The Dark Forest Tuxemon".  
 
It's okay for multiple tuxemon - even unrelated tuxemon - to have the same species name.


== Distribution ==
== Distribution ==
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You might also want to post it on [https://www.reddit.com/r/fakemon r/fakemon] or on DeviantArt. When I do this, I include a little link back to the project so we can promote Tuxemon.  
You might also want to post it on [https://www.reddit.com/r/fakemon r/fakemon] or on DeviantArt. When I do this, I include a little link back to the project so we can promote Tuxemon.  
   
   
== Directly adding a monster to the Tuxemon game ==
=== Directly adding them to the Tuxemon game ===
The JSON files for a tuxemon to be used in-game are auto-generated from the wiki from time to time. You can also manually create a JSON file to get the monster in the game more quickly.
 
Upload the creature's JSON file to the `resources/db/monster` folder and the creature's four PNG sprites (two face sprites, front sprite, back sprite) to the `resources/gfx/sprites/battle` folder.
Upload the creature's JSON file to the `resources/db/monster` folder and the creature's four PNG sprites (two face sprites, front sprite, back sprite) to the `resources/gfx/sprites/battle` folder.
   
   
To test out your new creature in Tuxemon, you'll need to use the [http://www.mapeditor.org Tiled map editor] to edit one of the existing maps in `resources/maps` and add an **event action** to add your new creature to your party! For more information on adding event actions and conditions to a map, check out the [[Map Editor Events]] page.
To test out your new creature in Tuxemon, you'll need to use the [http://www.mapeditor.org Tiled map editor] to edit one of the existing maps in `resources/maps` and add an **event action** to add your new creature to your party! For more information on adding event actions and conditions to a map, check out the [[Map editor events]] page.
 
[[File:Fruitera add.png]]


Now when you launch Tuxemon, get your newly created monster and enter combat to see them in action!
Now when you launch Tuxemon, get your newly created monster and enter combat to see them in action!

Please note that all contributions to Tuxepedia are considered to be released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (see Tuxepedia:Copyrights for details). If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly and redistributed at will, then do not submit it here.
You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource. Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!

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