Tocs1001

Hey I love the new forum, I'm transfering my post from the old one as well as updating it

First a Little about my project. I'm the only person working on it right now , plus I'm in school so don't think it will be done any day, month, or year soon! It's a standard fantasy MMORPG called "Legends of Alterion" Alterion being the world. The website is http://home.fuse.net/Dragonstorm/main.shtml , the website is mostly done I have to change the URL which someone else has a file they need at the current URL for about a week more, and I'm going to fix it so it will just be Home.fuse.net/LegendsofAlterion no .shtml extension, and after I actually have a working Alpha I will purchase a domain name... It's Using Ogre 3D to render http://www.ogre3D.org/ (Really cool and easy engine). and Soon OpenAL for my music and Sound needs. Its slow going with just me working, but its one of my most fun projects I've ever undertook.

Now my questions =P...

NPC Dialog...Client or Server Side?
I plan to have NPC dialog stored in XML files for the different "trees" of talking. Dialog has the ability to place items in your inventory, take items out, and que a quest. If dialog is entirely on the client side, it would only have the actual dialog, but couldnt place items, the server would then send a que to add an item to the inventory. But if the Dialog was all on the server, the server would send any actions as well as what the NPC was saying. Which is Best?

World Handeling
I've been trying to think of a way to handle the masses of objects placed around on the Heightmap terrain. I think another XML file would be in order here. It could have tags stating Position, rotation, scale, mesh name, alternate textures, and maybe Names for the items. The XML could form a huge list of where to place these items in 3D space on both the client and the server. If I put it all in files instead of hard coding it into the game I could modify the world without rebuilding! Is there a better way to handle this, or have I hit gold?

Combat Equations
I've dabbled with equations for calculation damage and so forth. Combat is split into 6 lvls 3 defence 3 offensive lvls. for melee its Speed, Strength, Accuracy. Everyone has the same 3 defensive lvls of Health, Agility, and Guard. I dont know quite how to put it all into equations along with armour, buff, and weapon bonuses.. if anyone knows any documentation on how to create a nice balanced combat system/equation I would love that!

Graphically Handeling Armour
I just dont know how to go about changing a character's mesh to fit the armour of what their wearing, so if you go from Cotton Shirt to Steel Plate Body it doesnt look like your wearing a steel shirt. Any ideas on how to tackle this, maybe some tutorials/documentation. I know a lot of effects can be made by simply changing the texture which is easy pie to do.


Thats all I can think of as for questions right now... Any help is greatly loved.
Thankyou hope dagger for your replies on the other forum!

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dacrazyboi

wow, sounds interesting...be sure to inform us when youre done i wanna test it xD