Hi! My name is Vyacheslav Maltsev and I am the developer of this particular website. I've designed Wahapedia as a handy tool for the beginners to get into complex Warhammer 40,000 tabletop universe. And it is
Universe indeed with 26
factions, more than 100
codexes/supplements/dataslates, over 850 unit profiles and about 2400 special rules.
I started to work on the site in 2013.
Google Sites has been chosen as a platform for its ability to edit pages via browser and for free hosting without any ads. At the beginning I just typed text into pages using Google Sites tools. I asked for help on
Warforge forum and lots of people lend me a helping hand. But still I had to spend much time on the pages adjustment in mode.
After two years of development I have come to an idea of
data-driven website. Frankly, I am not a web-designer. I am database programmer and have chosen the instrument which I know better:
1C:Enterprise. Shortly, the meaning is:
- Input codex data into appropriate database tables.
- Generate HTML-code based on database data.
- Upload HTML-code into the appropriate page using an Autohotkey script.
This approach allowed me to unify the style for all pages and significantly reduce the time of creating a web page. Previously building a complete codex took 1.5-2 months, now it takes 1-2 weeks. The work with the database requires specific knowledge, so I refused help of Warforge comrades. However, I am extremely grateful to them for their support during the initial stage of the site’s life.
All codexes had to be re-entered once again. Simultaneously I worked on modifying 1C:Wahapedia database code. The bulk of the current codexes, expansions and supplements have been implemented by the end of 2016.
Many may ask, "Is it legal?" I do not think so. If the Games Workshop finds this site and considers it to be dangerous for their business the company will require site’s closure. However, I would like to say a few words in defense of my offspring:
- The site does not store any codexes’ scans. Pictures from rulebooks are used only to illustrate the rules of the game.
- The site does not contain a literary component (background) of codexes. The exception is the text of no more than 1-2 paragraphs to describe special rules, wargear and missions.
- I do not plan to include any advertising on the site or enable a paid subscription. Using of the site is completely free.
- In the end GW will receive benefit from this site, as beginners will learn the game easily. Also you still have to pay for paints and miniatures – you can’t download it from the Internet.
– But still. What if GW will send you a "love letter"? – you may ask. For this question, I have some answers:
- Site can go offline. No, I won’t abandon the site! Just will make a local copy, and upload it on some torrent or other file storage. You’ll have to download all files every time the site updates.
- Site can be moved to another hosting which is out of the British Themis’ reach. For example, in the .ru (or .рф) zone. This option would require money on hosting and domain name, which I do not have. So, I will need your support.
- It is possible to stay on Google Sites but close public access to web site. For trusted users only.
The main part of the rules for the Warhammer 40,000 has been included in the site but the work is far from its end. There is still a number of obsolete but popular supplements and dataslates that worth to be placed on Wahapedia pages. Additionally Games Workshop periodically pleases us with codex updates and new releases.
Wahapedia - порядок разработки
Everyone who contributed to the development of Wahapedia (troubleshooting, data entry or financial support) are listed down below in alphabetical order. Thank you all!
