#1 Question: What the heck do I do in this server?
Short version: Copy your keymap file, paste
bindCommand(keyboard0, make, control, "m", TO, "remoteEval(2048, Mercs::Login, \"password\");");
to the bottom. Join a Mercs, Inc. server, and press CTRL-M to log in. Scan the building to choose a mission, and shoot it to play. Press CTRL-M again and play using a default Talon. Enjoy.
Long version: here
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http://pub84.ezboard.com/bstarsiegescripting
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Overview
Mercenaries, Inc. is a server script that uses random missions and persistent player stats to model mercenary games such as Mechwarrior 1 or Elite. When a player joins the server, he must log in using a special keybinding function to properly play. The first time a player logs in, his password is written to a file. Afterwards, he must log in with the same name password to play.
Money is used (for now) to buy and equip vehicles. Players start with no money, but all the equipment needed to equip a Talon with small lasers or light autocannons is free. All other equipment costs are based on the standard combat values. Players can play missions to gain money, giving them access to more vehicles and equipment. A player's account is saved to file, and persists through server restarts.
Players start in a lobby map. After logging in, they can repeat the login command to see how much money they have in their account. The structure in the lobby can be scanned to scroll through the list of available missions, which is randomly generated by the server. When players then shoot the structure, the mission is selected and will run in a few seconds.
After selecting a vehicle configuration, players drop onto the map, and will be informed of their vehicle's cost. Players must have enough money to cover this cost, but it will be refunded (minus transport fees) if the mission is successfully completed. If the player can't cover the cost, the vehicle will be destroyed, sending the player back to the vehicle screen. Otherwise, he can log in again to confirm his choice. Players who didn't log in at the lobby will be forced to the vehicle screen for the duration of the mission.
After the mission begins, players who die are forced to wait in the vehicle screen. This forfeits the entirety of the vehicle cost, which is immediately deducted from the player's account (and saved). Players are advised to stay in the mission until everyone is finished, however, because players who were killed are still eligible for a share of the spoils if the mission was successful. Bounties for kills are also tallied at the end of the mission.
When the mission is completed, either successfully or not, players are sent back to the main lobby on Mars to select a new mission.
Acknowledgements
Thanks go out to Ground Pounder, who provided the first server as well as scripting help and bug reports. Thanks to Kayosoni and K'vancetre, for suggestions and support. And finally thanks to everyone who's stopped by to just play the darn thing.
Downloads:
Server scripts
Mercs version 0.2.2 -- 7/11/01
Mercs version 0.2.1 -- 7/8/01
Mercs version 0.2 -- 7/7/01
Mercs version 0.1 -- 7/1/01
Mercs version 0.0.9 -- 6/29/01
Mercs version 0.0.8 -- 6/22/01
Mercs version 0.0.7 -- 6/21/01
Mercs version 0.0.6 -- 2/25/01
Mercs version 0.0.5 -- 2/15/01
Mercs version 0.0.4 -- 2/14/01
Mercs version 0.0.3 -- 2/13/01
Mercs version 0.0.2 -- 2/12/01
Mercs version 0.0.1 -- 2/11/01
Client files
Client pack version 0.4 -- 7/7/01 -- new functions related to player-controlled AI drones
Client pack version 0.3 -- 7/1/01 -- new function (CTRL-F3), aborts a mission in progress, forfeiting bounties but avoiding the vehicle loss penalty. Login is now CTRL-F1, status CTRL-F2
Client pack version 0.0.2 -- 6/21/01 -- includes an extra function (CTRL-P, calling Mercs::statusReport() ) which helps you out in the Search and Destroy mission
Client pack version 0.0.1 -- 1/11/01 -- optional. A working keymap for login and a "free" Talon configuration (costs nothing in-game)
More questions:
What is the current list of changes?
See MercsInc_WhatsNew.txt
What are the values for vehicle costs / bounties?
See MIConfigCosts.cs
What are the values for AI vehicle configurations?
See MercsIncUnitList.cs
Help! I keep dying when I try to join a mission!
Barring bugs in the script, this is either because:
1. You joined after everyone already started the mission. You will have to wait until the mission completes to join back in the game lobby on Mars.
2. Your vehicle configuration costs more money than you have available. For the most part, cost is based on the combat value of a vehicle, but certain components are free -- standard Talons, small lasers, light autocannons, basic computers, micro reactors, light engines, carlam armor. The idea is that you will always be able to play a mission for free using a stripped Talon equipped with basic weapons, no matter how little money you have.
Where the heck are the targets?
If you downloaded the 0.0.2 or higher client pack, you can press CTRL-F2 in the Seek and Destroy mission, and TACCOM will give you a direction and heading towards a target.
Where can I send questions, suggestions or bug reports?
Please post comments on the Starsiege Editing and Scripting forum