Bi-Weekly Update 8/30

[Ramsey]

1) Update Overview: (TOC)

-SWGEmu Web Development
-New Test Center Login System
-Database Wipe
-New Profession Representatives!
-Accurate Server Status
-Loot Group System
-State packs
-Various Bug Fixes (listed)

2) Body:

SWGEmu Web Development:

We have begun preliminary work on what we are calling a Packaged Community Portal (PCP). This PCP will be shipped with every server, and will allow server operators to have access to many tools they will need to manage their server and player base. Public, User, and Administrative access will yield different results when accessing the PCP. When an anonymous web surfer lands on the PCP page, they will find information about the server, how to join, the server status, and much more. If they create an account through registration, or login with an account, they will gain access to information such as their profile, character information, a viewable list of inventory items for each character, guild pages if they are in one, and faction pages if they are in GCW. The administrator interface will give access to a full set of tools for manipulating the server, and keeping it in optimum shape. Everything from setting up the connection information to posting updates and bringing the server up and down to despawning resources and deleting/banning characters and accounts.

Please drop by #swgemuwebdev if you are interested in contributing to the idea. We are looking for potential developers with knowledge in PHP, XHTML, CSS, and XML.

A live demo can be tracked at http://pcp.swgemu.com.

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New Test Center Login System:

We have recently changed the way the Login and user system on the Test Center functions. The Test Center and the SWGemu forums are now linked. For you, this means that from now on you must use your username and password from the SWGemu Forums to log into the SWGEmu Test Center.
If you have not already done so, you will need to register at the SWGEmu forums, and use that username and password both here and on the Test Centre from now on. This is the only way of creating an account for use on the Test Center.

We have posted a more detailed announcement reguarding this subject a few days ago in this topic.

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Database Wipe:

As you have all probably realised, the Test Center's database was wiped on 08/30. This means that every account, character and item was deleted. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to retrieve your lost items or characters. The DB wipe was to accomodate the transition to the integration of the TC and the Forums.

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New Profession Representatives:

Please join me in welcoming the new Prof Reps who have volunteered their time to help make the SWGEmu better.

Thank you to all those that sent me apps, it was not easy to choose the final list as some profs had multiple good candidates.


Bounty Hunter: Iakimo
Musician: Amitrov_Derinth
Pistoleer: Aslad
Ranger: whistletock
Swordsman: egoa
Teras Kasi Artist: Murreki
GCW: Sirius

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Accurate Server Status:

Revisions; 611, 613, 614

Bobius has added a "StatusServer" thread to Core3 which will return an XML file detailing the status of the server. The test center now has this change implemented. You can check the server status either in the #test channel topic, or by pointing your browser to http://chicago2.swgemu.com:44455 . Revision 614 (linked above) in particular shows website owners how to check the server status with a PHP script. We will integrate a test center status script with a few changes coming to our web page .

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Loot Group System:

Revisions; 581, 588.

We mentioned "loot groups" in our previous update and have continued to expand on them in the last few weeks. Loot Groups are now being documented in the lootgroups.xls file (docs folder). The spreadsheet contains information on the loot database to make scripting new creatures and their drops, easier. All creature scripts have been updated to use this new system. We are confident this particular change will make maintaining scripted mobs an almost enjoyable task for future server admins.

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Statepacks:

Revision: 602.

Along with a few other fixes, cRush has added state packs to the game and put them out on bluefrogs for general consumption. Please report any bugs regarding state packs to him via the support system.

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Various Bug Fixes:

-Profanity filter now checks entire name for blacklisted words.
-Added system messages for the Group and meditation actions.
-Creature & Player attacks/skill scripts cleaned up.
-Updated trainer locations (Thanks to the Profession research team!)
-Character deletion now removes more information from the database.
-HAM bar updating fixed.
-Regen begins after primary wounds are removed.
-Bluefrogs deal focus damage.
-Fire Blankets added to bluefrogs.
-@kill & @killArea no longer destroy bodies, so that respacks can be tested.
-Server startup time improved.
-Stat migration exploit fixed.

Along with these feature bugs being fixed, we (mostly Oru & TheAnswer) have done an excellent job in plugging memory leaks (among other assorted bugs) by getting YOUR feedback directly from Test Center logs.

The following 14 revisions fixed major threats to stability;
579, 591, 593, 595, 603, 604, 605, 610, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 634.