Talent Tree/Character Stats

[frickinchicken]

I was wondering if you could create a code which made an RPG talent tree (like WOW...it can be different, though...that's just the only physical manifestation of it I can use as an example) where new characters could create an RPG personality but not be too farfetched. Charries on my RPG site have been stupid by trying to give themselves high ranks in all stats. Here's what I have in mind:

When a character is first created, a stat box would pop up (like in your Character Creator code...which is AWESOME, by the way) with a handful of different stats (for example: agility, strength, beauty/handsomeness, etc) with drop-down boxes beside each stat that would allow you to choose 1-5. However, initially, it would only allow you to have 30 points invested in your "talents".

Later, when a character reaches a certain amount of posts (lets just say 50), the box would again pop up (or be accessed from the profile) and say that you could add 10 more points to your stats. However, I would rather it let you add points, not completely change the ones you already have. This is why I think the talent tree approach is better because the choice is final and leads to the possibility of another stat, etc etc etc.

I know that was totally complicated, and if you need me to clear it up at all, I can. I loved your set-up for the Character Creator, and I'm sure you could use pieces of that code for it especially since you were hoping to beef it up. Thanks so much!

[Wormopolis]

Character creator code is going to be getting a rewrite soon. Im going to add in a stat array that you setup that lets you modify stats based on post count AND karma.


Here is a problem I see with points somehow being gifted when a post count is reached. lets say there was a way to do it. Bobby reaches 50 posts and gets 10 points. then for some reason, some staff member sets his post count back to 45 posts. when Bobby reaches 50 posts again, he gets another 10 points. That doesnt seem all that fair to everyone else. and that is assuming the gifting works at a post count.

the second issue would be storage off these individual point modifiers for each stat. you only get so much space in personal text to store data. the character creator is guilty of that currently. the ability to store the board and thread takes up a lot of room.

lastly, by making it where a user can adjust their stat scores, that means it has to be stored in a place they CAN modify.. which also means they can modoify it at any time if they disable headers.

[frickinchicken]

Lotsa holes, huh?
Hmmmm...
I'll address each in turn:
1) What if you programmed the code to remove points if the post count was again downgraded? It would be the same as adding them, just a reversal. So, if the admin takes Bobby's post count away, they would also take away his "giftedness".
2) Why would it have to be in personal text? I've seen plenty of codes where it affects profiles, etc but is placed in the header/footer of the forum. This way, it would leave the personal text alone.
3) By placing the code in a header/footer instead of filling up personal text, the average member would have absolutely no access to it unless they were given mod powers.

I'm not an expert on codes so some of those answers may make sense to me but not at all to you. Just trying to put in my two cents.

Thanks for checking out my request!

[Wormopolis]

1) if bobby had already spent the points, how would the code know which stats to subtract from?

2) it doesnt HAVE to be personal text, but it HAS to be one of the fields that the user can edit. website can be used, but you have to be tricky and put a website url in there with teh data. location can be used but has less space available then PT does. PT gets 100 characters. so it usually gets used.. too much sometimes. any code that lets the USER configure something utilizes some kind of storage.
3) true. by putting stuff into the headers, you can bypass all the storage requirements. however it also means that YOU have to go in and update every members data. and I would advise against giving a bunch of people access to your headers regardless.

RPG codes typically take a lot of time to write, which is why they are prohibited on PBS to request. I dont want to dissuade you on this request, but its starting to sound liek some sort of external storage is going to be involved if you have a lot of stats to track. external storage would also solve dilemma 1 because it could be stored when the last points were awarded and if post count was changed, it would have a number to compare to so points werent awarded a second time.

[frickinchicken]

Ack. I see the dilemma. How about this for storage:
Confine it to a board or category? It wouldn't be as profile oriented (actually, not really at all), but it would be more like one of those personality tests (or whatever) that you generate on another site which then provides you with a code so you can copy and paste into your banner, personal text, etc etc etc. For example: Bobby knows (because he has read the rules like a good member) that once he reaches 50 posts, he has an upgrade available. He then goes to this hypothetical board which asks him what he would like his stats to be. He already has a stat tree in banner so he knows what talents he already possesses. So, in stat banner 2, he puts stats that he knows will work well with what he already has. He hits enter and the code generates for him a copy and paste box with coding for his banner. The two codes together will add up his new stat count.
Sounds kinda complex, but it's just another idea that may be a stepping stone to a better idea.

[Wormopolis]

so basically.. you want to store the data for the stats in the signature?

[frickinchicken]

Basically. But the code itself (the bulk of the data and characters) would be generated in the header/footer of a board.