First official UOX3 House of Commons Chat

# Sixth official UOX3 House of Commons Chat

#### August 6th, 2000

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Developer answer
Question
Misc

Welcome to another UOX3HOC Chat
We know it has been a long time since the last, and we do apologize
Tonight's meeting is pretty open, there's no specific topic
If you have any questions, /msg the QuestionBot in the form /msg QuestionBot !qadd My question to add goes here
and please, don't spam the bot :
Okay folks, ask away!
Sephiroth: Question 2: "Are any drastic script changes going to take place relatively soon? or even at all?"
Sephiroth: I'll take this I suppose ;)
Sephiroth: I'm currently in the process of overhauling the existing scripts into a new system, which is basically the same as the current but cleaner.
Abaddon Who are the key players in the UOX Dev Community and what are they working on now?
Abaddon: Well, actually, that's a very good question
Abaddon: Recently the UOX Development Community has taken a big step forward
Abaddon: As of now, EviLDeD and I are the 2 server coders
Abaddon: EviLDeD is also the head of the project as it stands
Abaddon: Recently, we created some more teams within UOX3 itself
Abaddon: Decius now heads up our newly formed Tool Development Team
Decius: :)
Abaddon: He has a team of 9, and they will be endeavouring to bring you new tools soon
Abaddon: Seph is the head of our Definition Team and our Script Team (currently the same, soon to be split)
Abaddon: however, as of the moment, we have no Documentation Team (though we're still looking for one)
Abaddon: Decius, why don't you tell us who's in your team, and if anything's coming soon?
Decius: ok. Well as Ab just said currently there are 9members
Decius: They are not just Americans, which will mean we could theoretically code
Decius: 24hrs a day to bring you guys tools
Decius: As they encompass most of the world
Decius: As for tools well we are open to suggestions there are 2 tools currently in dev
Decius: One is a Serial compactor which is coming out soon, this tool renumbers the SERIAL values in items.wsc and chars.wsc
Decius: because as we all know the number doesn't ever get reset when you delete stuff.
Decius: The other is a little hush hush till i get my head around the idea.
Decius: As for members not many made it here today.
Decius: If your a member and your here speak out now, damn it :)
Decius: All tools will be open source along with an OCX i wrote before heading the team
* Sephiroth notes that since it's moderated that is impossible ;)
Unseen: Hehe, I'm helping with any database related stuff with tools.
Unseen: And whatever other skills I can muster up
Decius: Aside from that I guess I'd better mention I'm not a complete vb newbie at least i hope not. I've programmed a few things for UOX now.
Decius: Anyway Seph you want to take the floor?
Sephiroth: I'm heading up the script\definition team, Unseen is gonna be helping a bit too =).
Unseen: Absolutely
Sephiroth: Also, some questions have come in concerning what I said earlier (at least that's how I understand them) the Definitions are like current scripts, they handle item's and npc's mostly.
Sephiroth: The new scripts I'm not real sure yet, still haven't gotten a lot of info on them, but they will be based on jscript and I believe allow for some of the things hard coded now to be scripted.
Sephiroth: A reminder, if you're referring to a previous question, please point that out ;). Also, I'm still looking for Definition writers, and scripters, Email me at shogberg@myndtrip.net for any applications\info.
Sephiroth: I'm done unless Unseen has anything to say.
Unseen: Nope
Sephiroth: Also, the new definitions will be done script side here within the week, since EviL isn't here I'm not real sure how long til it's done code side
Is housing going to be worked on soon, or are other priorities coming first?
Abaddon: That's a very good question, and in actuality, I do have an answer, shock horror :>
Abaddon: Yes, housing is definitely being worked upon. We do have things that are considered more critical
Abaddon: But housing is definitely being worked upon, when it's complete it'll be a much cleaner system from a code perspective, and from an end user's perspective too
Abaddon: It is part of our revamp to the source code, which is progressing well, and hopefully we'll be able to make a big general release within the month
Abaddon: But as it stands at the moment, there are still a number of issues being dealt with
I'd like to mention, just in case anyone thinks this, I am not the Chaos that made CGMT =)

Any chance of adding an option into GM tools to change the command prefix for those of us who use 2.0.0 and greater?
Decius: That is an immense possibility, but can only be possible with tools we created. Unless other developers see fit to release code to use to change there tools.
Decius: A lot of the tools such as CGMT were released a long time ago
Decius: and the dev's for those have not been heard from since and without there source it will be impossible to change.
Decius: Although in the future the Devteam will i hope come up with a new GM tool to beat ShardAce, CGMT and Accomplice.
Unseen: Most tools still being supported support selectable prefixes, the others....like Decius said, no source, no luck.

If I manipulate my scripts now will I regret it and have to redo them after you make your changes? Are they that drastic I guess I mean?
Sephiroth: This depends what you are doing really.
Sephiroth: If it's adding a few items, it's easy enough to convert those over to the new system without worrying about item numbers\difficulty learning, it's really quite similiar (and the item numbers are quite flexible).
Sephiroth: Rewriting the damages of every weapon would be something you'd have to do over, although I'm basing all my damage and armour values off stratics.
Unseen: I always follow stratics for my work
Decius: Also my script editor supports current and Seph's new format and has renumbering and publishing facilities to fix scripts to new format.
Decius: Blatant self plug :)
Sephiroth: =)

Will UOX be multi-threaded in the future?
Abaddon: Yes, it certainly will be
Abaddon: If you can find previous UOX3HoC chats, you'll know that's a yes
Abaddon: There are a number of issues with threading though, and they each need to be dealt with
Abaddon: From what I understand, a few have tried threading without much success, but we believe we know how to deal with that
Abaddon: So yes, it's certainly on the agenda, no doubts of that
Xuri: Speaking about the previous chats...I'll update uoxdev.com with the previous ones soon. (and this one too, eventually ;)

What are the major differences between UO and UOX?
Chaos: Thats a little tricky, but I believe this question means OSI style of gameplay and UOX
Chaos: With UOX, as a shard admin, you have the potential of making your own items, your own monsters, etc
Chaos: Its really limitless with what you can do, but of course, you can always make the game OSI style.
* Sephiroth adds in There are utilities out there that permit you to change the map if you so desire.
Chaos: All the resources can be found at www.uoxdev.com, and you can always get customized scripts =)

Is any one going to document all the features in uox, there are tons of undocumented features, commands etc in the source
Abaddon: Well, that's why we're looking for a Documentation Team
Abaddon: Yes, we want to document a lot more, and I'm working alongside Evil to document the source a lot better as well
Unseen: I'm hoping to organize a lot of the features and functions (not source)
What about the notoriety/monster aggression? also, will the new system of scripting be interchangeable with the current system? cut/paste form old to new, vice versa
Sephiroth: I'll take part 2 here.
Sephiroth: Most of the new Definition system is the same as the old style. Most of it is just a rewrite for cleanliness and bug killing. The only new part is SECTION ITEM # is replaced with [itemname], and a few new commands.
Sephiroth: Decius' script editor will auto change the item numbering part for you.
Abaddon: As for monster aggression, that's being worked on
EviLDeD: Ill head the first part of that answer up
EviLDeD: Notoriety will be changed a lot over the long term, as it stands now it is very one sided in many ways.
EviLDeD: As for aggression I am not sure how to answer that question possibly re submit that question with a little more specifics
Could you give us some information on what new features are coming to UOX3 in the future?
Abaddon: Well, we plan a lot really
Abaddon: I can't really go into a lot of specifics (why spoil the surprise? :) but I can tell you the general stuff we've been working on
Abaddon: Magic has taken a fair degree of revision, it's a lot neater now, we think you're going to love it
Abaddon: Weather's been fleshed out and updated, and we'll be adding support for the seasons (in our own special way)
Abaddon: Townstones are likely to change, combat's going to be neat, and accounts... well, there's a nice surprise there, that one I'm not going to spoil :>
Will you open for more programmers on the main dev team anytime soon?
EviLDeD: YES! However time is of the essence here, we are working to set up a system that will help secure the best team possible.
EviLDeD: There is going to be an application process, and of course a screening process, and not withstanding that all fixes, and enhancements that are
EviLDeD: considered to be good for the long term of uox3 it will be considered.
EviLDeD: so in short answer to that quest yes we will be taking in 3 more coders when the time permits.
EviLDeD: I suggest all you super coders and idea makers start getting all your ducks in a room, and quaking a song, cause soon we will be looking

I plan on making my own noto system that combines with monster aggression, is the coding going to prohibit this or will the scripts alone allow this to occur? Sorry if that is awkward
EviLDeD: The new coding will most likely prohibit ANY hard coded changes that you might make. As for the script as we flesh out the system more we can better answer that, but at this stage I would like to say yes this would be something that we are keeping in mind
EviLDeD: and that will most likely be very configurable on the whole.
Xuri: Just a note to any newcomers...To ask a question, /msg QuestionBot !qadd Your-Question-goes-here

Any chance of making it so we could use the old uo noto system in uox, this could be turned on or off?
Abaddon: Well, you could go in and code it I guess
Abaddon: If you are prepared to put the time and effort in to code it, then go ahead
Abaddon: But we feel that is not good for the future of UOX3, so it is not likely to go into the main development strand
Abaddon: However, with the Scripting system we're planning to put in
Abaddon: It may be feasible via that mechanism

When and where will there be a new official page for UOX3?
EviLDeD: As soon as it gets completed. The new home will be www.uox3.net, and will deal with everything related directly with uox3. As the main systems of this website are finished it will be made live, I hope that this would have been last month, however life is as life does and is busy as always.
EviLDeD: so keep your browser pointed to www.uox3.net and look for the new website soon.. sorry for the delay.
Are there any UO Client emulators?
knoxos: okay I guess that's my part
Chaos: hehe
EviLDeD: Yes there are, and knoxos the creator of one might wish to talk a little about the emulator
EviLDeD: now its your part.
knoxos: thanks, yes there is a new UO client emulator on work, it is the only GNU i know of and it is written in java
knoxos: I hope one day it will come with it's own graphic files, so the emulator community will be free. So you don't have to have the offical client anymore to play UOX
knoxos: Currently you can view the static world in graphic world, and logon to an UOX shard and walk around in text based mode.
knoxos: There is still a lot do, but a lot has been done already tough...

Are any new trigger tokens/methods gonna be coming our way such as the ability to wear items that fire triggers?
Abaddon: Highly unlikely, truth to tell
Abaddon: The trigger system as it stands is just not worth the time and effort to invest into it
Abaddon: We're hoping to supplant the trigger system with a much more powerful and flexible scripting system
Abaddon: Having said that, we're trying to at least tidy up the triggers (not adding more) for a new release, so that you're not abandoned during the transition period

Also to follow up previous question will wearable items be able to directly modify stats and skills such as a Necklace of Treasure Hunting that gives +20 cartography or similar, you know where I'm coming from?
Abaddon: This doesn't really affect the trigger system so much
Abaddon: As it stands, all stats can be modified by a particular item, but not skills
Abaddon: Depending on demand, we'll look at adding skill modification, though it is distinctly possible

I was told by several people that all noto/monster aggression changes could be done within scripts and not have to alter the code at all, is this true? could i make a daemon aggressive to a blue and not a red? (example)
Abaddon: Well, as it stands I don't believe that is possible
Abaddon: There are a few standard template AI's in the code
Abaddon: but we're hoping to extend the system greatly with the Script system, so you will have final and ultimate control in that regard

Are you guys privately funded or you doing all this for the pure joy of doing it while working a steady job (do you people ever sleep... hehe)? rock on either way, I just don't see how you guys can script and code 24/7 and still afford internet connection, hehe
Decius: For me its love, anyone else?
EviLDeD: well thanks for the thought. no we are not paid, and yes for what ever sickness that this might elude to we do this all for nothig but the feeling of having even just one message like this one to make it all worth while...
* Sephiroth coughs -Now Accepting Donations
Abaddon: For fun, for learning, and to alleviate boredom :
Sephiroth: wanna help out the cause, donate EviL a low GB hard drive so he can run his shard
Abaddon: It's nice to be part of something big
Unseen: I enjoy doing it, though some members of my family don't :P
Decius: They come to repossess my phone tomorrow
Xuri: I'm doing it (doing what?) because I can't sleep, really.
* Sephiroth secretly takes all the funds and stashes them away from the other devs\scripters
Sephiroth: oops......
Decius: hehe
EviLDeD: we're not angels wither so send all donations for the devteams, payable EviLDeD, and I will see that the funds make it to the respected team.
EviLDeD: or maybe I will just start up a TeamGetTogther fund, where we can all play baseball and bbq shrimps, and get drunken
* EviLDeD wonders if he said that out loud
* Xuri heads off to put a lot of pay-banners up on his site
Sephiroth: drunked!!!!!!

Can you implement a script token known as No-Drop, so you can add high items requiring the user to earn it, not to get a million and give to newbies
Abaddon: It would be nice wouldn't it?
Sephiroth: bwuahahahaha
Abaddon: We'd prefer it to be a part of the script system, though I don't think there'd be all that much harm in putting it in
Abaddon: It's a nice idea, and... hmm, I can think of some other applications, yes... Okay, it looks like it could be a goer

Can Decius be both good looking and intelligent? by Dices
Decius: Yes I can!
Decius: Can I add Egotistical to the list :)
EviLDeD: Well that is only relevant to how much liquor is consumed over a brief period of time, balanced over the amount of visible like and bar smoke, with bad music on in the background, and is only augmented by the number of peanuts still in the bowl as opposed the on the floor.
Decius: you know it
Sephiroth: the answer is c
EviLDeD: :))
Xuri: hehe..
Decius: Isn't the answer 3.2134?
Sephiroth: only on Wednesdays
Decius: Seriously i love these guys!!!
Decius: oooh and Cameron Diaz and Jeri Lynn Ryan

Is it just me or are you guys the greatest people ever and are the Sphere people really Nazis or are they just mean to people who ask questions about things that require thought to respond about?
EviLDeD: Not sure how to take this one, as I know Westy, and nix, very well and well I have no ill towards them or sphere in any way however if they are anal then I cant really comment. We try to answer all that we can if we can, As the only true way to determine what's needed or not needed etc is to hear from the people that use it.
Decius: here here
* Sephiroth apologizes, but he must duck out, someone drink a pre-hoc beer for me
Sephiroth: thats post-hoc

Is any of UO's files copyright? If so, why haven't we all gotten sued yet? =P
EviLDeD: Because we are small fries :) so don't act like a big potatoes and everyone will be a-ok
Decius: Also its because we don't charge that OSI/Origin whatever don't pick on us as much as they might like :)
Decius: After all can they sue us for a percentage of nothing?
Decius: Questions is what I do!
Xuri: And UOX itself doesn't violate any copyrights...no UO files are used IN UOX3. ;)

Abaddon: Well folks, seems there aren't any more questions for us tonight
Abaddon: Thank you once again for making UOX3HOC a success
Abaddon: it was really good to see you all here, with so many questions
Abaddon: And thanks for helping us test Qbot 0.1, it had never been tested before :
Decius: I luv Dices!
Abaddon: Thanks all for coming, and have a lovely day
Abaddon: If you have any further queries, message us when we unmoderate
Abaddon: And remember, Decius is your Tool Dev Lead, Evil's your Project Lead, and I'm just a busy body who has too much time on his hand