Hak update... update
Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 4:58 pm
Getting nearly ready to release the new set of haks now. So far we're looking at:
Creatures Hak: Many custom creatures added (finally!); will be a bit before these start showing up on servers, since they'll need compliant blueprints built and tested, but this update gives the models, textures, and animations that make it possible. Should be all wrapped up and ready to roll.
Items Hak: Selections from 3 more vault packs included in the new version, ACME Full Metal Packet; BTH Weapons 1.31, and Amraphael's Hand Held Light Sources. Among other things, this means belt-type tabbards usable with any armor type, by any race (need to be tooled onto armor/clothing though), 3 new plate armor base types (which work for all genders/races), new swords, axes, clubs, warhammers, and staves, as well as some lantern/candelabra/improvised torch models.
GUI hak: Added Kemo's Description editor, an interface that supports custom portraits and dynamic descriptions without lagging out our DMs. Also, made changes to PC Tools which allow text macros to be sent to the party channel for scouting or other purposes.
FX hak: Added dynamic weapon VFX; these allow swords, axes, shields, bows, and lutes to optionally be visible when unequipped, as sheathed/slung. When enabled, the "sheathed" versions will disappear as the weapon is equipped, and reappear when unequipped. The models aren't great, but they are acceptable stand-ins for RP purposes, and they are OFF by default, so they can be left off by those who don't care for them. Management of VFX will be done via custom PC tools buttons (Page 1 and 2). Also available are VFX quivers and backpacks (low-rez).
2DA hak: Changes to support above systems, also to support PCs taking a 4th class. Additionally, the dieties 2DA is edited to allow Spirit Shamans and Rangers to follow any diety within two steps of their alignment. New icons have been added for custom dieties, and Bahamut has been added to the listings.
ACR hak: Various core script improvements and fixes, including a new ACR_SkillCheck() function which takes into account blanket skill synergies when reporting results (Ex: 5+ base ranks of Sense Motive gives +2 to Diplomacy checks). This new system has been integrated into the PC tools skill roller, and will soon be incorporated to all other scripted skill checks on servers when possible.
Currently, I'm just squashing a few lingering bugs and looking for any other simple ACR fixes I can apply in the next day or so; hoping to release the new haks midweek.
When the Live servers switch over to the new hak versions, expect a significant wait on downloading when first connecting to TSM or BG, as 6 haks will need to be redownloaded. I will switch ADL server priority to allow Beta servers leeway in going on to the new haks, though PCs testing the Betas will be stuck downloading each time they "switch" unless they make backups of the haks and switch before joining.
I will post instructions on that when we make the switchover.
Creatures Hak: Many custom creatures added (finally!); will be a bit before these start showing up on servers, since they'll need compliant blueprints built and tested, but this update gives the models, textures, and animations that make it possible. Should be all wrapped up and ready to roll.
Items Hak: Selections from 3 more vault packs included in the new version, ACME Full Metal Packet; BTH Weapons 1.31, and Amraphael's Hand Held Light Sources. Among other things, this means belt-type tabbards usable with any armor type, by any race (need to be tooled onto armor/clothing though), 3 new plate armor base types (which work for all genders/races), new swords, axes, clubs, warhammers, and staves, as well as some lantern/candelabra/improvised torch models.
GUI hak: Added Kemo's Description editor, an interface that supports custom portraits and dynamic descriptions without lagging out our DMs. Also, made changes to PC Tools which allow text macros to be sent to the party channel for scouting or other purposes.
FX hak: Added dynamic weapon VFX; these allow swords, axes, shields, bows, and lutes to optionally be visible when unequipped, as sheathed/slung. When enabled, the "sheathed" versions will disappear as the weapon is equipped, and reappear when unequipped. The models aren't great, but they are acceptable stand-ins for RP purposes, and they are OFF by default, so they can be left off by those who don't care for them. Management of VFX will be done via custom PC tools buttons (Page 1 and 2). Also available are VFX quivers and backpacks (low-rez).
2DA hak: Changes to support above systems, also to support PCs taking a 4th class. Additionally, the dieties 2DA is edited to allow Spirit Shamans and Rangers to follow any diety within two steps of their alignment. New icons have been added for custom dieties, and Bahamut has been added to the listings.
ACR hak: Various core script improvements and fixes, including a new ACR_SkillCheck() function which takes into account blanket skill synergies when reporting results (Ex: 5+ base ranks of Sense Motive gives +2 to Diplomacy checks). This new system has been integrated into the PC tools skill roller, and will soon be incorporated to all other scripted skill checks on servers when possible.
Currently, I'm just squashing a few lingering bugs and looking for any other simple ACR fixes I can apply in the next day or so; hoping to release the new haks midweek.
When the Live servers switch over to the new hak versions, expect a significant wait on downloading when first connecting to TSM or BG, as 6 haks will need to be redownloaded. I will switch ADL server priority to allow Beta servers leeway in going on to the new haks, though PCs testing the Betas will be stuck downloading each time they "switch" unless they make backups of the haks and switch before joining.
I will post instructions on that when we make the switchover.
