Starbound

Starbound

Pandora's Box (Legacy - Read description)
 This topic has been pinned, so it's probably important
Elsen Rykker  [developer] 24 Aug, 2017 @ 2:25pm
The Pandora's Box Q/A
This is a closed thread detailing possible questions that could be asked about the mod, and with various answers. I will update it with good questions from time to time, if applicable


Q: "What happens when I subscribe/download this mod?"

A: When you subscribe (or download if you're on the CFF), changes will immediately become apparent:

1. 99% of the vanilla monsters in the game will change to one of the variations in this mod! (This includes the stuff in your capture pods, which
will change as soon as you release them!)

When you visit a planet for the first time, unique monsters picked for spawning will pick a variation, and stick with it. (It's sort of like
the procedural monsters, albeit the variations aren't handled the same way as the colorations of procedurals are!)
You may meet a black Gleap on one planet, and a Green one with a black stomach on another!

(The vanilla sheets for the monsters still exist, and they can still potentially use those! Removing them wouldn't be right.)

2. On ungenerated planets of certain biome types, there will be new unique monsters! (Most of them are relatives to Starbound creatures you are likely
already acquainted with, but possess their own strengths, weaknesses. (They can also have their own tricks up their sleeves..(if monsters even have
sleeves.)))

(NOTE: New unique monsters will NOT spawn on planets you have already visited prior to installing this mod. This will also apply to any monsters
I add in new updates. Please bare this in mind.)


Q: "What happens when a new variation is added for monster that already has variations?"

A: This is where an unfortunate technicality occurs. If any monsters get new alts in an update, and they already had them, they will reroll *AGAIN*.

For the most part, I consider most of what I have added variant-wise as complete.. but a couple monsters that are a bit more lacking in number may have new ones added someday...


Q: "What happens if I unsubscribe from this mod?"

A: A lot of things actually, and you may not like the result...

From what I have tested, all unique monsters should start using their original looks again if the mod is removed. HOWEVER...

This mod also adds new unique monsters, and this is where the actual removal problems occur...

Any planet you have visited that has monsters not in the base game that would spawn on it that this mod adds (stuff like the Nocttop for example), will crash you to your ship. There isn't much I can do about this.

Re-subscribing should fix any issues brought about by the mod's removal.

(In general, please remember to exercise caution when subscribing and unsubscribing to mods.. these things aren't plugins! Depending on the mod, you may not be able to just add it and remove it as you please! (Think Frackin Universe) Either make back-ups, or go at your own risk...)

If you decide you no longer wish to use Pandora's Box at all?... You will either have to do some world deletion, or delete your save. Not to scare you or anything here.. but that's common caution with mod usage. (You get a warning when you first start installing stuff for a reason you know...)


Q: "Does it work with multiplayer?"

A: Without having the mod installed for all users? Nope. Ignoring the variants, the mod adds unique monsters of it's own. (This means content that wouldn't be present in another user's game)


Q: "What do you mean by variants, and new uniques? What's the difference?"

A: Variants are basically just alternate bodies for the monster to use (You know how you get a pet with a different pattern from character to character? Yep, that's what system they use.)

New uniques, are monsters this mod *adds*. They have attributes that set them apart from their relatives (Unless it's custom), and are often found on different worlds.


Q: "How does the spawning work?"

A: It works just like it does for the procedural monsters (albeit using the method ship pets use)

Variants occur from biome to biome. To encounter more variants, you'll have to explore more planets and biomes!


Q: "Can I capture these monsters?"

A: Yes, absolutely! All variants and (usually) future uniques can be captured.
(Some monsters, like the Erchits and Oculobbers can NOT be captured.)


Q: "Is it compatible with <insert mod here>

A: That will depend on what the mod in question does. If it changes the name/category associated with a monster that has variants in this mod, those variants will not work.

I REALLY want other mods to be compatible with this, but universal compatibility is pretty much a pipe dream. If any of you encounter a mod that may be messing with something in Pandora's Box (or vice versa), please let me know. I will attempt to rectify such incompatibilities where possible. (and mods incompatible will be added to an incompatibility list)


Q: "I have a monster idea!"

A: One thing, great! (Another thing, that's not really a question but still noteworthy!)

I can't guarantee will make it into the mod, but I'm always open to suggestions! How this is handled depends on what you're suggesting.

-New monster variations are cool, but a majority of the vanilla spritesheets are pretty much done variation-wise. (Adding more results
in a re-roll of that monster's body, and I only like doing that if I'm doing a big rework/expansion to it's variations.)
-If you're suggesting a new monster, awesome! I love monster suggestions! But there are still some guidelines to consider...
1. The monster must either be in the vanilla Starbound artstyle, or look pretty dang close. I won't throw just anything into the mod (and sub-sequentially the game world
itself), as if it doesn't look quite right, it could break immersion.
2. If you have a spritesheet, the monster MUST be custom. (Either made by you, or tweaked from the vanilla assets.)
I will not accept sprites ripped from another game, or created by a different person.


Q: "Hey, why didn't you respond to my suggestion, feedback, or comment?"

A: I try to keep track of your replies and comments to the best of my ability. I check my pages when I can!

If your comment goes unacknowledged, I have either not seen it, seen it and not had time to reply, or have seen it,
and just acknowledged it and continued on. I do have stuff in life to deal with ya know, and the mod doesn't update itself. XD
(Although it would be pretty cool if it could... lol)


More questions may be added to this in the future.
Last edited by Elsen Rykker; 14 Nov, 2017 @ 8:05pm