Currently the dev team is very small, so bare with us.
-----UPDATE-----
(*NEW*)1/22/13(*NEW*)
UPDATE FOR APPLICANTS:
- When coding you MUST use Minecraft Forge, as that is what we are using to make this mod! Also, it is recommended that you watch and/or read tutorials on forge if you haven't worked on it before.
- All current applicants will be notified of this change immediately.
12/25/12
So we have all agreed we don't want this to die, but we also have other stuff we want to do more than this. We will continue working on this mod, but it will be something we do while we are bored, while we are waiting for something to download, etc. Eventually we will get enough done to release a new version.
We have also come up with a new idea.
THIS IS NOW A COMMUNITY MOD! (Read below, right under the 'INTRO' for the full scoop!
12/4/12 [outdated]
Due to finals coming up in school in two weeks everyone has stopped working on this mod. WE ARE NOT DONE! As soon as our finals are over we will continue working on this mod. To those that were told they would get to test the first version 2 weeks+ ago, I am so sorry. We will make it up to you guys, if your still interested, you 6 will be our official testers for every closed testing we eventually get to. That means your names will be included in the The Team section and you will get other special benefits, like a DL of a new version 24 hours before we post the update here, a gun named after you that you get to design (within reason of course), and possibly other things. To those who aren't those 6, don't worry. We will have an additional 6 people test a closed version (those 6 will not stay the same). Also. If anyone knows how to make a properly working gun that doesn't have glitches, wanna help make this mod? Msg me here or PM me, cheers.
-----INTRO-----
The open-world of Borderlands 2 is great. There is always something to do, and if you aren't interested in doing your quests you can always run something over or blow something up. But have you ever invaded a bandit camp and sighed to yourself, thinking, "Gosh, I wish I could make my own camp..." Well I have. And here it is. The goal of this mod is to add as many features from Borderlands 2 to Minecraft as possible while not completely changing things.
THIS IS NOW A COMMUNITY MOD:
-----WHAT YOU CAN DO-----
ANYONE WITH MODDING EXPERIENCE is welcome to help out! Just choose one of the below features, make a reply here saying you want to work on that feature, and we will put your name next to it on the list. That way others won't choose that as what they wanna work on. When you finish email me the mod files, I will put them into the mod, and we will credit you with that part. That is how we are making this a community mod. By the community for the community.
Terms:While you get full credit for the features you make, we retain the right to edit them. We will NOT change them completely, but if something else needs to flow with it, or something like that, some editing will have to be done to your files and we will do that, however we won't take credit, you will still retain full credit for that part. If something is not well done we retain the right to not use it in this mod, and will make that features available to the community to sign up for again. Even though this mod is going to be a community project, with many features being made by other people, you don't have the right to take credit or redistribute this mod without MY DIRECT consent. If you did make a feature(s) for this mod and it was put into the actual mod you may take credit for that part(s) ONLY. We retain the right to remove a feature at any time, however you will still be credited for that feature, it will just say [removed] next to it. (*NEW*) ALL applicants MUST use Minecraft Forge, as that is what we are using to make this mod! Also, it is recommended that you watch and/or read tutorials on forge if you haven't worked on it before.
APP:
1. IGN:
2. Age:
3. Feature you want to work on (only get 1):
3-2: Second choice feature (if someone beat ya to the other one or otherwise):
4. Modding Experience (brief explanation of how good you are and such, etc):
5. Evidence/ Examples of yourModding (pictures, links, etc):
6. Why you want to help (short paragraph):
7. How to get in touch (you can PM. must be something other than PMs on these forums):
8. Do you agree with our terms?:
(Copy and paste this app (so it is easier to read):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
NOTE: NurseSharks and I (as well as some friends) are still in charge of this mod. We would appreciated it if you stay in touch, PM, email, and otherwise, with us (this account). When you get accepted to make the features you asked to do, it would be strongly advised to PM me with ideas and such, so we can brainstorm things. I won't take over, it is ultimately up to you what you do, but I am watching over this project, and thus it is ultimately my decision wether we keep a feature or not. I will provide a test version to our 6 official testers before I make a final decision (unless it is awful), but if you tell me your ideas, ask for my ideas/opinions, and keep me updated it will go a lot smoother. Also, I am more than happy to put a poll up for you exactly as you want it if you can't decide on something, it just has to pertain to what you are working on.
TL;DR: Pm me and stay in contact about everything, it will make things go smoother.
Features available for people to work on:
Bullymong (choose one of the types)
monglet
brat
adult
slinger
badass (if you choose adult you also do this, just add some cool stuff to the adult model, like spikes)
nomads
bandits
marauders
bruisers
bandit tech (cars)
(weapons taken atm)
pistols (a few different looking ones)
SMGs (a few different looking ones)
Snipers (" ")
Assault Rifles (" ")
Shotguns (" ")
Rocket Launchers (" ")
Weapon specials (elemental effects, accuracy, chance of getting stats and how good they are, PM me about this one, it is complicated)
HD texture pack (this one will be difficult as you must also have HD textures for the stuff other people are working on, multiple people will be working on this, so LIST WHAT YOU WILL TEXTURE FOR HD, and pm me)
class specials (deception, phase lock, gunzerking, turret, deathtrap)
ammo (can't be a drop, must be an item that is picked up and adds to a counter in the gui, this one is difficult and there are reasons behind these requirements, PM me about this)
catch-a-ride stations
cars to go with catch-a-ride stations (pm me about this, i will have to get you in touch with the person doing Catch-A-Rides)
random-gen bandit camps (pm me about this, i will have to get you in touch with the person doing bandits)
Shields (pm me more info needed)
biomes (pm me more info needed)
loot chests (pm me more info needed)
more things coming as I remember them/get recomendations
(THERE WILL NOT BE HYPERION FOR A WHILE SO DONT ASK)
-----PLANS-----
[outdated]
Choose your Ability - choose an ability once you reach level 5. The abilities are based off those of the Borderlands 2 characters (Deception, Gunzerking, etc)
Level system - lvling up extends things like health, hunger bar, base damage, etc.
Badass Ranks - Get 1 Badass Rank when you complete an achievement. Put it into stat upgrades.
Guns - A extremely advanced gun system which adds many different parts of guns (as well as different types), many attachments and elemental addons, to resemble the gun system in BL2 as closely as possible. Regular Minecraft weapons will also have random stats depending on the type of weapon. (higher chance of more damage etc)
Biomes - a few biomes added to the game in which many BL2 features are prominent
Mobs - a few of the mob types in BL2 as well as their variations (Pup Skag, Adult Skag, Corrosive Skag, etc.) Skags, Bullymongs, Rakks, Stalkers, possible others
Possibly Bandits - like psychos, midgets, etc.
Bandit Camps - a possibility to add later, if bandits are added
Catch-A-Ride!'s - unlock different types of vehicles and spawn them at Catch-A-Ride! stations that randomly generate throughout the world (also maybe craft your own?)
Loot Chests - randomly generated chests that spawn in slightly hidden places
Shield - if we can figure out a good way to add it
Many More! - we have a few other ideas, but as the mod develops more will come up
Ideas welcome! - If we like your idea we will add it to this list!
-----SO FAR-----
Our priority right now is the guns and mobs, mainly because it is simpler than the other stuff.
What Can Currently Be Shown:
Midget!(Texture/Code in progress)
Thoughts? The skin isn't complete yet, but we wanted to show you a wip pictures of it. Also, this skin is the first to have a HD textures.
ClapTrap!(Texture Not Started)
Thoughts? the picture came out a bit pixel-y, and we also haven't made a skin for it yet.
NurseSharks is also working on the Midget and is almost done, we will post a pic later.
Rakk! (Model/texture in progress)
What do you all think? Ok model? I'm thinking, the wings should be slightly bigger (wider)
Thanks to NurseSharks for the whole model and skin. Note from NurseSharks: "The skin came out darker in the screenshot than I anticipated, sorry about that. Also, the skin won't be as bland, but currently a ton of the wing parts overlap in such a way that if they aren't the same color all the way they spaz out and get a funny glitch-sort of thing. I will fix that later once we get feedback on the wing size. Thanks!"
Pup Skags! (Coding in progress)
Please tell us what you think of the model and skin. If you have any suggestions please tell us, thanks!
Torpedo654, 0strichGuy11, SneakyCreepah, SgtFexxx, DrowndJellyFish, Mojo4o - Official Testers
xXKillSwitchXx - Coding-Guns, Biomes-secondary
Prokillerz - modeling/texturing
Blfngl- Gun-Coding
Jonhalo - Consultant
-----SUPPORT-----
Currently all we will ask for is you to vote on our polls, keep the topic update by posting ideas, comments, and concerns, and to help us spread the word! You can also contact me with questions, comments, concerns, and ideas at [email protected].
-----OLD POLLS-----
For archives sake, here are all the old poll questions and the winning responses.
What should we focus on (work on) next?
-Weapons!
What should we have as our main feature in the first Alpha release?
-Semi Functioning Pup Skag plus 2 weapons that can aim and shoot properly
What should it require: Modloader or Forge (this will really only matter to you if you have other mods)
-Forge
-----GIVE US YOUR INPUT!-----
We want YOUR ideas! reply to this topic with your ideas, your thoughts on our ideas, and anything else! There is nothing like a bunch of players helping you get started to give us the motivation to move forward.
0. USED TERMS
MOD - modification, plugin, a piece of software that interfaces with the Minecraft client to extend, add, change or remove original capabilities.
MOJANG - Mojang AB
OWNER - AnotherPerson, Original author(s) of the MOD. Under the copyright terms accepted when purchasing Minecraft ([a href='http://www.minecraft.net/copyright.jsp' class='bbc_url' title='' rel='nofollow']http://www.minecraft.net/copyright.jsp[/a]) the OWNER has full rights over their MOD despite use of MOJANG code.
USER - End user of the mod, person installing the mod.
1. LIABILITY
THIS MOD IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' WITH NO WARRANTIES, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE. THE OWNER OF THIS MOD TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES INCURRED FROM THE USE OF THIS MOD. THIS MOD ALTERS FUNDAMENTAL PARTS OF THE MINECRAFT GAME, PARTS OF MINECRAFT MAY NOT WORK WITH THIS MOD INSTALLED. ALL DAMAGES CAUSED FROM THE USE OR MISUSE OF THIS MOD FALL ON THE USER.
2. USE
Use of this MOD to be installed, manually or automatically, is given to the USER without restriction.
3. REDISTRIBUTION
This MOD may only be distributed where uploaded, mirrored, or otherwise linked to by the OWNER solely. All mirrors of this mod must have advance written permission from the OWNER. ANY attempts to make money off of this MOD (selling, selling modified versions, adfly, sharecash, etc.) are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN, and the OWNER may claim damages or take other action to rectify the situation.
4. DERIVATIVE WORKS/MODIFICATION
This mod is provided freely and may be decompiled and modified for private use, either with a decompiler or a bytecode editor. Public distribution of modified versions of this MOD require advance written permission of the OWNER and may be subject to certain terms.
I'd love to see something like this, with an emphasis on the randomly generated weapon system. It was not only limited to guns but also traditional minecraft weapons like swords, bows, etc. I would love to see a mod that is "minecraft inspired by borderlands" rather than "minecraft pretending to be borderlands".
Skill trees and biomes sound really cool, too. It would be nice if the biomes were reminiscent of borderlands areas, like "dust", "highlands", "tundra", "caustic caverns", "eridium blight", etc.
As a borderlands fan I'll definitely keep watching this and would love to see it completed, good luck!
I'd love to see something like this, with an emphasis on the randomly generated weapon system. It was not only limited to guns but also traditional minecraft weapons like swords, bows, etc. I would love to see a mod that is "minecraft inspired by borderlands" rather than "minecraft pretending to be borderlands".
Skill trees and biomes sound really cool, too. It would be nice if the biomes were reminiscent of borderlands areas, like "dust", "highlands", "tundra", "caustic caverns", "eridium blight", etc.
As a borderlands fan I'll definitely keep watching this and would love to see it completed, good luck!
Thank you and I like the idea of the BorderLands gun system put into vanilla minecraft weapons, I'll figure out a way to add that.
I made a quick, simple signature and added it to the bottom of the post. Once some parts of the mod start getting completed we will have pictures of those as our main signature.
We almost have the Gun-Crafting-Table GUI done... what should we call it? We can't decide if we like Markus' Gun Maker Ma-jig. On one hand, it is sort of in theme with the humor of Borderlands 2, on the other hand it's a bit annoying to say... any input?
Cool!The idea sounds good, man!Frontier is a good game, MINECRAFT able to join the MOD and can support LAN, then, then I think he must be a super-praise MOD!If you are able to put the frontier 2 inside the weapon system with the boss system introduced this completely is MINECRAFT version of frontier!I hope you will do it.
Cool!The idea sounds good, man!Frontier is a good game, MINECRAFT able to join the MOD and can support LAN, then, then I think he must be a super-praise MOD!If you are able to put the frontier 2 inside the weapon system with the boss system introduced this completely is MINECRAFT version of frontier!I hope you will do it.
I'm not sure I understand what your saying and what you mean... but alright! Thanks!
lol my brother bought this game a couple of days ago and on the second day of playing with him i thought a borderlands mod would be cool then today i saw this
lol my brother bought this game a couple of days ago and on the second day of playing with him i thought a borderlands mod would be cool then today i saw this
i can manage all of that and try to get this mod popular i can also help with some of the basics i.e. creating/desining new mobs and blocks
Right now we are good, but you are welcome to advertise if you want. It will be hard to as there is not much to show yet. As for testing we are going to have a closed beta by the end of October, if you sign up for that (when we offer sign ups) you can help test.
I will definitely keep the offer of helping with the actually modding in mind as we move forward though, thank you!
Sounds like a good mod, if you do it right. The BL series is amazing, and nearly impossible to top, or meet quality-wise. I hope it works out for you, but I'm kind of having some doubts. Mostly just due to the sheer amount of things that will need to be added to make it successful, and most people (me not inclusive, but all of my friends), don't have computer's good enough to handle that kind of raw awesomeness.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
For backwards time travel to be possible, wouldn't every instant in the universe have to be stored somewhere, or time to be something physical you could travel through? Either way doesn't work with the current laws of physics.
Wow, this sounds like a great Mod! I would definately download this. I have an idea and I dont know if anyone else suggested this, but you should try to add shields, shields in MC would be really cool
Sounds like a good mod, if you do it right. The BL series is amazing, and nearly impossible to top, or meet quality-wise. I hope it works out for you, but I'm kind of having some doubts. Mostly just due to the sheer amount of things that will need to be added to make it successful, and most people (me not inclusive, but all of my friends), don't have computer's good enough to handle that kind of raw awesomeness.
First off, let me say our plans section is more of what we hope to add. We will have most of those features, but they may be scaled down. Second, countering what I just said, eventually, we want this to be a big mod that brings a borderlands experience without making minecraft too crazy. One of the features we will be implementing is a menu similar to that of Mo' Creatures, allowing the user to turn off and adjust all features present in the mod. So, if Timmy has a very strong computer, he can find himself in the midst of an intense combat against a a fire badass skag and a few rakks, while Jonny, with a computer that wouldn't be able to handle a super large mod, may find himself battling a fire badass skag with no fire animations and no rakks as the flying may lag his computer. Also note, mods don't tend to lag someones computer too much more than regular minecraft does. It's when you have 10 large mods and an hd texturepack things start getting bad. We will try our hardest to make sure as many people as possible can use this mod once it is complete, but the truth is we don't want to limit the experience for those who can experience it.
Wow, this sounds like a great Mod! I would definately download this. I have an idea and I dont know if anyone else suggested this, but you should try to add shields, shields in MC would be really cool
Shields as in the Borderlands shields, right? Not "knights in shinning armor" shields I'd assume. We thought about this in passing, manly because we aren't too sure how to have an item effect the player's stats without having to be equipped somewhere, which won't work. There have been a few mods that added new equipping slots that all got hung up on 1.3.2 due to a change in Minecraft's code. We don't want to run into problems like this. If you have any ideas on how to have an item in, say, a player's hotbar, that edits stats we would be happy to listen though!
you should make it compatible with BorderCraft Texture Pack
NurseSharks (our lead texture designer) is busy trying to figure out how to put a texture on the complicated skag model we have just given him to play around with. Eventually, if he finds the time and the mod is doing good, well into its non-beta release stage, he may try to tackle texture support. Honestly though, that is something we will leave o the community or the texture pack creators. We will be happy to link them on our page or provide a DL of an add-on someone else made, but apart from that we will probably focus on the mod itself.
Brief Note:
UPDATE FOR APPLICANTS:
- When coding you MUST use Minecraft Forge, as that is what we are using to make this mod! Also, it is recommended that you watch and/or read tutorials on forge if you haven't worked on it before.
- All current applicants will be notified of this change immediately.
So we have all agreed we don't want this to die, but we also have other stuff we want to do more than this. We will continue working on this mod, but it will be something we do while we are bored, while we are waiting for something to download, etc. Eventually we will get enough done to release a new version.
We have also come up with a new idea.
THIS IS NOW A COMMUNITY MOD! (Read below, right under the 'INTRO' for the full scoop!
Due to finals coming up in school in two weeks everyone has stopped working on this mod. WE ARE NOT DONE! As soon as our finals are over we will continue working on this mod. To those that were told they would get to test the first version 2 weeks+ ago, I am so sorry. We will make it up to you guys, if your still interested, you 6 will be our official testers for every closed testing we eventually get to. That means your names will be included in the The Team section and you will get other special benefits, like a DL of a new version 24 hours before we post the update here, a gun named after you that you get to design (within reason of course), and possibly other things. To those who aren't those 6, don't worry. We will have an additional 6 people test a closed version (those 6 will not stay the same). Also. If anyone knows how to make a properly working gun that doesn't have glitches, wanna help make this mod? Msg me here or PM me, cheers.-----WHAT YOU CAN DO-----
ANYONE WITH MODDING EXPERIENCE is welcome to help out! Just choose one of the below features, make a reply here saying you want to work on that feature, and we will put your name next to it on the list. That way others won't choose that as what they wanna work on. When you finish email me the mod files, I will put them into the mod, and we will credit you with that part. That is how we are making this a community mod. By the community for the community.
Terms: While you get full credit for the features you make, we retain the right to edit them. We will NOT change them completely, but if something else needs to flow with it, or something like that, some editing will have to be done to your files and we will do that, however we won't take credit, you will still retain full credit for that part. If something is not well done we retain the right to not use it in this mod, and will make that features available to the community to sign up for again. Even though this mod is going to be a community project, with many features being made by other people, you don't have the right to take credit or redistribute this mod without MY DIRECT consent. If you did make a feature(s) for this mod and it was put into the actual mod you may take credit for that part(s) ONLY. We retain the right to remove a feature at any time, however you will still be credited for that feature, it will just say [removed] next to it. (*NEW*) ALL applicants MUST use Minecraft Forge, as that is what we are using to make this mod! Also, it is recommended that you watch and/or read tutorials on forge if you haven't worked on it before.
pistols (a few different looking ones)SMGs (a few different looking ones)Snipers (" ")Assault Rifles (" ")Shotguns (" ")Rocket Launchers (" ")Weapon specials (elemental effects, accuracy, chance of getting stats and how good they are, PM me about this one, it is complicated)Choose your Ability - choose an ability once you reach level 5. The abilities are based off those of the Borderlands 2 characters (Deception, Gunzerking, etc)Level system - lvling up extends things like health, hunger bar, base damage, etc.Badass Ranks - Get 1 Badass Rank when you complete an achievement. Put it into stat upgrades.Guns - A extremely advanced gun system which adds many different parts of guns (as well as different types), many attachments and elemental addons, to resemble the gun system in BL2 as closely as possible. Regular Minecraft weapons will also have random stats depending on the type of weapon. (higher chance of more damage etc)Biomes - a few biomes added to the game in which many BL2 features are prominentMobs - a few of the mob types in BL2 as well as their variations (Pup Skag, Adult Skag, Corrosive Skag, etc.) Skags, Bullymongs, Rakks, Stalkers, possible othersPossibly Bandits - like psychos, midgets, etc.Bandit Camps - a possibility to add later, if bandits are addedCatch-A-Ride!'s - unlock different types of vehicles and spawn them at Catch-A-Ride! stations that randomly generate throughout the world (also maybe craft your own?)Loot Chests - randomly generated chests that spawn in slightly hidden placesShield - if we can figure out a good way to add itMany More! - we have a few other ideas, but as the mod develops more will come upIdeas welcome! - If we like your idea we will add it to this list!Midget! (Texture/Code in progress)
Thoughts? The skin isn't complete yet, but we wanted to show you a wip pictures of it. Also, this skin is the first to have a HD textures.
ClapTrap! (Texture Not Started)
Thoughts? the picture came out a bit pixel-y, and we also haven't made a skin for it yet.
NurseSharks is also working on the Midget and is almost done, we will post a pic later.
Rakk! (Model/texture in progress)
What do you all think? Ok model? I'm thinking, the wings should be slightly bigger (wider)
Thanks to NurseSharks for the whole model and skin.
Note from NurseSharks: "The skin came out darker in the screenshot than I anticipated, sorry about that. Also, the skin won't be as bland, but currently a ton of the wing parts overlap in such a way that if they aren't the same color all the way they spaz out and get a funny glitch-sort of thing. I will fix that later once we get feedback on the wing size. Thanks!"
Pup Skags! (Coding in progress)
Please tell us what you think of the model and skin. If you have any suggestions please tell us, thanks!
What should we focus on (work on) next?
-Weapons!
What should we have as our main feature in the first Alpha release?
-Semi Functioning Pup Skag plus 2 weapons that can aim and shoot properly
What should it require: Modloader or Forge (this will really only matter to you if you have other mods)
-Forge
SIGNATURES - BANNERS:
by AnotherPerson (Me)
by cowmonkey http://www.minecraft...6730-cowmonkey/ (Thank you cowmonkey for this awesome signature!)
DISCLAIMER/TERMS OF USE
0. USED TERMS
MOD - modification, plugin, a piece of software that interfaces with the Minecraft client to extend, add, change or remove original capabilities.
MOJANG - Mojang AB
OWNER - AnotherPerson, Original author(s) of the MOD. Under the copyright terms accepted when purchasing Minecraft ([a href='http://www.minecraft.net/copyright.jsp' class='bbc_url' title='' rel='nofollow']http://www.minecraft.net/copyright.jsp[/a]) the OWNER has full rights over their MOD despite use of MOJANG code.
USER - End user of the mod, person installing the mod.
1. LIABILITY
THIS MOD IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' WITH NO WARRANTIES, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE. THE OWNER OF THIS MOD TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES INCURRED FROM THE USE OF THIS MOD. THIS MOD ALTERS FUNDAMENTAL PARTS OF THE MINECRAFT GAME, PARTS OF MINECRAFT MAY NOT WORK WITH THIS MOD INSTALLED. ALL DAMAGES CAUSED FROM THE USE OR MISUSE OF THIS MOD FALL ON THE USER.
2. USE
Use of this MOD to be installed, manually or automatically, is given to the USER without restriction.
3. REDISTRIBUTION
This MOD may only be distributed where uploaded, mirrored, or otherwise linked to by the OWNER solely. All mirrors of this mod must have advance written permission from the OWNER. ANY attempts to make money off of this MOD (selling, selling modified versions, adfly, sharecash, etc.) are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN, and the OWNER may claim damages or take other action to rectify the situation.
4. DERIVATIVE WORKS/MODIFICATION
This mod is provided freely and may be decompiled and modified for private use, either with a decompiler or a bytecode editor. Public distribution of modified versions of this MOD require advance written permission of the OWNER and may be subject to certain terms.
thanks and that would be awesome, I just hope we can get a working beta version out with a few of the features soonish :/
Skill trees and biomes sound really cool, too. It would be nice if the biomes were reminiscent of borderlands areas, like "dust", "highlands", "tundra", "caustic caverns", "eridium blight", etc.
As a borderlands fan I'll definitely keep watching this and would love to see it completed, good luck!
Thank you and I like the idea of the BorderLands gun system put into vanilla minecraft weapons, I'll figure out a way to add that.
good timing?
I will definitely keep the offer of helping with the actually modding in mind as we move forward though, thank you!
First off, let me say our plans section is more of what we hope to add. We will have most of those features, but they may be scaled down. Second, countering what I just said, eventually, we want this to be a big mod that brings a borderlands experience without making minecraft too crazy. One of the features we will be implementing is a menu similar to that of Mo' Creatures, allowing the user to turn off and adjust all features present in the mod. So, if Timmy has a very strong computer, he can find himself in the midst of an intense combat against a a fire badass skag and a few rakks, while Jonny, with a computer that wouldn't be able to handle a super large mod, may find himself battling a fire badass skag with no fire animations and no rakks as the flying may lag his computer. Also note, mods don't tend to lag someones computer too much more than regular minecraft does. It's when you have 10 large mods and an hd texturepack things start getting bad. We will try our hardest to make sure as many people as possible can use this mod once it is complete, but the truth is we don't want to limit the experience for those who can experience it.
Shields as in the Borderlands shields, right? Not "knights in shinning armor" shields I'd assume. We thought about this in passing, manly because we aren't too sure how to have an item effect the player's stats without having to be equipped somewhere, which won't work. There have been a few mods that added new equipping slots that all got hung up on 1.3.2 due to a change in Minecraft's code. We don't want to run into problems like this. If you have any ideas on how to have an item in, say, a player's hotbar, that edits stats we would be happy to listen though!
NurseSharks (our lead texture designer) is busy trying to figure out how to put a texture on the complicated skag model we have just given him to play around with. Eventually, if he finds the time and the mod is doing good, well into its non-beta release stage, he may try to tackle texture support. Honestly though, that is something we will leave o the community or the texture pack creators. We will be happy to link them on our page or provide a DL of an add-on someone else made, but apart from that we will probably focus on the mod itself.