The current Temple of Hecate Online was created in roughly four months by a team of only two men: Greg Crowfoot (Research, 3d Modeling, Graphics) and Edward Hall (Web Page Design and Coding).

Research, 3d Modeling and Graphics:

Extensive research was conducted using everything from books, to Internet sources (including the Tufts University Persues Project's magnificent online facilities) to ensure that the smallest details were as accurate as possible. From this information, 3d modeling was undertaken.

No single 3d program was used to create the Temple images. Instead several where employed in concert with one another. The primary 3d program was Caligari Corperations' Truspace 2, with additional meshes constructed in 3d Studio MAX. With the exception of one or two items, everything was constructed from scratch, since many items simply did not exist and those that did did not provide the level of quality desired.

Human and animal figures used in the Temple's sculptures were created in Poser 3, then imported to Truspace 2 for final work and incorporation into the virtual sets. Sky and landscape images were rendered in Bryce 3d, and also imported into Truspace.

Because of the sheer size of the files, the final render was done in stages, with the statues being rendered separately from the buildings, etc. When all of this was completed, the individual elements were then combined as a composite in Photoshop 4.0 and special effects such as color adjustment and torches were added to the scenes.

In order to assist in the coding of such a large site, a simulation employing all of the rendered images was then created. It was designed to act as closely to the real web site as possible, and to provide a map for final assembly.

Web Page Design and Coding

Where the original Temple was complex, the new version is at the least 5 times as complex as its predecessor. For each picture used, there are at least 2 pages of HTML.

As with the original, the walk through was used as a base for constructing a web version. In the process, user interface issues are solved, gaps are filled in, and translation to the internet is made as painless as possible. It is always a delicate balancing act between making sure the artistic vision is expressed, and technological requirements are met. In some cases they conflict, and in a few happy places they build upon each other.

One issue that was especially difficult was insuring that the diverse population of the internet could navigate and enjoy the temple. While optimized for the newer web browsers and wide true color screens, the Temple is in fact navigateable with a text only browser. We don't recommend it, but it can be done.

Along the way, various HTML tricks and a host of secondary graphics were used to enhance and accommodate the central look and feel of the Temple. Although a product of technology, the Temple remains a holy place.

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All graphics are Copyright©, 1998, Greg Crowfoot. All HTML and scripting is Copyright© 1998, Edward Hall. All Rights Reserved. by GreyLight Internet.