This is part two of the series of email interviews with high profile Rogue Spear mod designers.  Our second interview is with Serellan, creator of such mods as Operation Snow Wolf, and The Rooster's Map Pack.  Be sure and drop by his site for the latest.

Midas: When someone is starting out making mods, they have to start somewhere. What was your first mod project, and how did you begin on it?

Serellan: My first project I worked on was the Tango Skins Mod. I started in November of '99, looking to make the Terrorist & Hostage skins available in Multiplayer. At the time, I knew nothing about the Rogue Spear file structure, so, with initial help from Mother.May.i and Rodion, I sat down and figured it out. It took quite a while to finally get it right, and by the time I finished and released the first version in early February, I had already started to branch out and do some map retexturing and other mods.

Midas: It seems that many of your mods are projects that have never been attempted before. Where do you come up with your ideas? Do you ever say, "Wouldn’t it be cool if..." and then attempt it?

Serellan: That is how most of my projects get started. I rarely plan much of anything out in advance, I just kind of work on what interests me at the time.

Midas: Every mod maker eventually makes a "bad" mod (I assume, maybe that’s not true); what’s been your most dismal failure? 

Serellan: While not a dismal failure, I did make a big mistake with Deadly Protocol when I released it. I had been working on the Mission Pack for a few months, and was already past my release date by two weeks (that’s the last time I set a firm release date!). Anyway, in my rush to get it out, I didn't fully test the installer. When I tested it on my system, I just had it install over my copy of the mod. It worked fine, so I released it. When I checked my mail the next day, the 90 or so emails I got let me know that there was a problem. The mod wouldn't work. I checked again, and the installer hadn't picked up the empty directories that the mod needed to run. I quickly through together a patch containing the empty folders, and got it out. That was pretty embarrassing.

Midas: Where do you turn to for help with mods? Is there a good source of information for mod makers on the web?

Serellan: Since I learned the system, I could pretty much figure most things I want to do on my own. If I can't figure something out, the Red Storm Entertainment Forums are a great place for info. There are quite a few people there that know the system in and out. When other people ask me, I usually direct them to the tutorials at Planet RS, RS Database, Gravedigga's, and Rodion's sites. I find that most questions that people ask can be answered in the tutorials. I get quite a few "Tell me how to Mod" general emails. Unless it is specific and quick to answer, I usually direct people to my Mod Forums or to the tutorials.

Midas: What advise do you have for the fledgling modder out there?

1. Read the tutorials & the forums. Most of those editing tutorials weren't there when I got started. Use 'em! And forums are one of THE best sources of modding info.

2. Try to think of something new and original Don't start off your career with a "Compilation Weapons Mod". There are already a hundred of these out there, and no one is looking for one. If you want to make a weapon mod, try an original approach. Look around, see what people have done, and try something new. If there is already a hugely popular mod out that does what yours does, chances are you won't be recognized.

3. Attention to detail. This is where most people are lacking. Live it!

Midas: Thanks Serellan, there's some great advise in there.