Hi everyone!

I know its been a while since we looked at creating a basic system that is free for everyone to access, but I would like to suggest that a new effort be started. Zmud and mushclient are very common tools for Windows users, and creating GUI interfaces for them is a lofty goal that I hope continues, but they certainly aren't very universal clients.

Instead, I'd like to start up a new project that modifies Whyte's Imperian Mudbot system (created under GPL) for use with Lusternia. The goals would be to create a basic, accessible healing system that is free for anyone to use with any client; to provide an ingame mapping system that covers all public areas without detracting from the enjoyment of exploration, and finally to make it easy and customizable in use.

I'm only a hobbyist coder, but I know that we have many amazing coders and creative minds in Lusternia, and I think we can create something really wonderful. If you're interested, please speak up! The main emphasis would be on C++ coding, but there is also going to have to be creative ideas suggested, and work collating information on simple combat triggers and defences.

The beauty of this system is that other modules can be created and added later, to do anything that the creators want. In this way, if we can create a useful and stable base, it can really give every player an equal opportunity to succeed in the amazing world of Lusternia.

Is this something that others would be interested in working on?

If so, please contact one of the moderators of this forum and ask to be added to the System Projects subforum so that we can discuss the idea in more detail.

Those who are interested in creating a free, basic Zmud or Mushclient interface for Lusternia, don't forget there is one going on right now! Again, see your friendly moderator for more details on how to be involved.

Edit: Actually, unless a moderator wants to correct me, I think you'll have to PM Estarra if you want to be added to the projects forum. It sounds like the moderators don't have that power.

Where can I DL it and take a look?

And man... 'Project L'? I don't think you could come up with a more cheesy name.

Well, darn it... Mushclient took Project M.

I'm open for the name, I was just following the previous conventions.

It's available at sourceforge for download - http://sourceforge.net/projects/imts (sources and compiled)

Eww, C.
Looks interesting though so I'll look at it tomorrow anyway.
Thanks.

I do not have the skills needed, but I'm interested nonetheless. I guess I can't help, but I can cheer you on.

Well, like I said, coding isn't the only task. When the mapper is ready for Lusternia, we'll need to hire explorers to map different areas and so on. Input on what sort of combat triggers/healing is also important.

So please get involved!

Idea sounds good, I'd help if I knew more but I know little to nothing about c++, but I also do think if you did this it should be for a free client... I know there are free trials of zmud... but why bother if you cant pay for it, and its going to cut you in the end?

Aye, sorry if I made it a little confusing... this is not a Zmud project.

It is for a program that can be used with any client on either Windows or Linux, including Nexus.

how is that possible with all the different coding that has to be done with all the different clients? (im the biggest noob coder eva)

Mudbot works as a standalone program that connects to a mud server (Lusternia.com). Then whatever client you wish to use connects to Mudbot, so it communicates between your chosen client and whatever mud you are connecting to, ie

Lusternia -> Mudbot -> Client

When I was playing around with MUSHclient, I tried Whyte's system out, and I found it to be disruptive and counter-intuitive. It's a proxy server that doesn't let me connect directly to the game. Any modifications I make to my system would have to be made in the C code. Just the facts that the system was difficult to setup and maintain was enough to put me off, and I have been writing C/C++ code professionally for the last nine years.

In my opinion, coding directly for zMUD is the easiest way to make a combat system. I write all my scripts in text files, and they all go beyond the standard ideas of "import a bunch of settings and then tweak the heck out of them." I like clean imports, and I also like the fact that I can then go directly to the settings editor to make minor updates and test things out.

Also, keep in mind that supporting a free system is much more time consuming than actually writing the system. The more complex and difficult to use, the more effort you'll need to expend to document the system and help people who use it.

I wish you luck in your efforts, but I'm going to stick to updating my zMUD scripts (which I may one day release to the public, but without support!)...

Yea support suck.

If anyone want my system i'm like sure but: 1- its crappy one, 2- i could not have time to help you correct it or explain it.

It looks promising. Would we need to recompile every time we edit the code though? Seems like kind of a hassle. I looked at the code and I have a lot of ideas, though.

Note: do NOT contact me. I can't give access. That means stop sending me PMs, people!

As far as I can see, yes, for any significant modifications you'd have to recompile, few of the important things are actually scripted.

That's one of the major disadvantages of this client.

out of curiousity, how would this work. By that I mean, would the person who wants to use it have to download it or something, or would everyone automatically have it?

And another quick question, how well is this going, by which I mean, how soon do you think it will come out? I don't mean to sound demanding or anything, I'm just curious.