Ok, we gotta do something about the lack of MotF servers.
As such, we are introducing the MotF Server Challenge.
Basically, this is a simple concept. In exchange for hosting a dedicated 24/7 MotF server for a given amount of time, we'll put your reasonable feature(s), with 100% priorty, into MotF.

Want certain emotes in the game? Host a server and we'll put them in!
Want a subadmin kick/ban system? Host a server and we'll work on it for you!
Wanted to help out the mod? Now you can!

Details:
We'll add anything that the MotF team feels would be a fair server time for work exchange and fits into the MotF mod. The server time required will be based on the difficulty of adding the feature. Probably based on a 10 manhours per month uptime system.
The server can have whatever settings you want as long as it's running one of the more recent MotF releases and isn't too off the wall. We will be checking to be sure the server is actually online and running MotF during the agreed upon time.
You must contact us before "serving the time" so we can work out details. Server time must be done in advance to the addition to the feature(s). Sorry, but we've been screwed over too many times with promised exchanges to give feature advances.
Part of the deal is that we'll work on your feature exclusively (well, during our MotF work at least) unless it's done.
In addition, you'll get your name in the MotF credits and our thanks.

Please note that this doesn't mean we'll be ignoring everyone else. It just means that Server Challengers get priorty.
If you're interested, contact the team today at razorace@hotmail.com!

"Hello,
I've updated my Web page over at http://jedidreams.codealliance.ca/ with a new plug-in I wrote that imports Ghoul2 models into 3ds max Release 4.x or 5.x."

"Lightsaber – The player will start with a lightsaber he creates choosing from different hilts and blade colors.  The player will be able to use the lightsaber for the entire game, eventually earning the right to wield a saber staff, or one lightsaber in each hand.  A full range weapons and Force Powers is also available to the player, as in Jedi Outcast.
Player Character – As the player, you get to create a custom Jedi character to play through the game with, choosing from hundreds of potential combinations.  As a student at the Jedi Academy, you will train under Luke Skywalker and Kyle Katarn.
Timeline – The game takes place one year after the events of Jedi Outcast; fourteen years after A New Hope.
Game Engine – Jedi Academy uses a heavily modified version of id Software’s Quake III: Team Arena engine.

New features added since Jedi Outcast are:

• Character customization system - allows players to create their own Jedi in both SP and MP (estimating 2160 combinations currently)
• Ghoul II enhancements including the Ghoul infinite Model modification system - Allows for modular model enhancements, custom colorization, and expanded animation support
• New ICARUS II scripting system for Single player and Multiplayer.  Now allows for scripted events in multiplayer matches.
• New map creation tools allowing for models to be used as in world objects instead of just textures.  Creates richer 3-D environments.
• New non-linear mission progression system.
• Raven’s ARIOCHE terrain system.
• Portal skies
• Rag doll skeletal system
• Enhanced vehicle system.  Allows for new ride-able vehicles in addition to previous drive-able ones
• Character and vehicle enhancements designed to enable expanded mod support.  Modders will be able to design their own Jedi, character outfits, sabers, etc. Development – Jedi Academy is being developed by Raven Software in conjunction with LucasArts and Activision.

LucasArts is publishing and distributing the game in North America.  Activision is distributing the game in all non-North American territories."

===

Jedi Academy Q and A:
A Brand New Interview on GameSpy

Jedi Academy Info:
The Ravensoft Forums

Our current plan is to go to Open Beta in early May. This all depends on how polished we are. I realize lots of you want to play but it is important that we make your play experience an enjoyable one.

From the author:

JK2 Review is a new map review site covering both SP and MP maps for Jedi Knight 2. Our review team currently consists of: Eldritch, Kal El, Kastraelie, Kengo, Leslie Judge, Louis, SunBurN, Tigris, Wedge, who between them have a fair deal of mapping and gaming experience. We already have reviews on the site, with many more on the way! Work on the site is ongoing, with other features planned soon including articles on the world of mapping and interviews with members of the community. JK2 Review can be found here: www.jk2review.com

From Geoff:

ForceRemap will allow you to re-align the textures on 3do models. This tool is intended to complement JED and is for texturing purposes only. Basically i decided to create this tool because stitching in JED won't allow you to wrap a texture seamlessly over a complex shape. ForceRemap allows you to do this. While it's true that Milkshape can be used for this purpose, i belive that FR is easier to use, and it's free.

Two skins that were textured with it are included as examples and to illustrate its capabilities. Please visit the homepage and view the readme for more information.

http://www.thecia.net/users/garcher/forceremap/

NOTE: This is the first public release, and while it appears to be stable i expect there will be bugs. So please report them to me with as much detail as possible if you find them. Special thanks to Friend14 for beta-testing this program.

Check it out.

"The Never-ending Story Thread, an interactive story on the Massassi forums since the summer of 1999, now has its own webcomic! Read up about it here or go directly to the webcomic homepage at http://nesi.keenspace.com. The webcomic will update every Wednesday and Saturday."