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Mailing List Logs for ShadowRN

From: "Michael E. Cating" <bs601@*********.FREENET.EDU>
Subject: D. Henry and crowd
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 1993 13:53:13 -0400
*****ENCRYPT: @*.Henry#1@
>>>>>[Thanks for the run-down on the team. Oh, and I found out what you
mean about Hansei and her "abstract solutions". I sat down with the team
this morning to brainstorm ideas about the game, the arena, and the
rules, and we hit our first snag. We were fiddling with the deckers
running both the Matrix and the choppers, and we just couldn't get past
the fact that a decker would have to be REALLY good to get that done.
Hansei came up with a solution that might just be possible. We take some
of the burden of controlling the choppers off by giving them superior
autopilots. On top of that, we give them programming that allows them to
accept one-word commands and execute complicated instructions. I'm
already working on a new programming language that would allow this. We
could allow the deckers to implement their own programs by distributing
the programming language, which will be known as OptiSign.

OK, here's how I imagine the system to work. The autopilot/standard
programming allow the chopper to fly around the maze while the decker's
cruising the Matrix-maze. Standard functions of the AP/SP are simple
sweep (look for 1 type of target), complex sweep (look for all kinds of
target), evade (a very cheap function to be used only if the decker is
involved in Matrix combat) and map. All of the possible targets will be
in the chopper's 'puter, so ID is no problem. Oh, and the AP/SP are very
easy to overload. It'll shut down and demand decker control whenever
combat is imminent (i.e. when it IDs a target). We also might make the
AP/SP a straight-and-level system (in that it doesn't account for
altitude changes). That way, the decker has to keep an eye on the
terrain in front of the chopper or he'll crash into a sloping ceiling.
Of course, the AP/SP would warn the decker of any dangerous
circumstances.

I can't see one decker controlling more than one chopper. We could set
up a number of types of games, though: free-for-all, demolition teams,
capture the flag, etc. One other situation I haven't addressed yet:
Matrix combat simultaneous with chopper combat. This could get really
hairy if one decker's fighting virtually and really, while two other
deckers are splitting the tasks. The first decker would almost have to
punch the evade activate on the AP/SP (or his own evade program) and
then battle it out in the Matrix and hope the other chopper's distracted
somehow.

I don't think we should force the deckers to accept a specific form in
the Matrix. What we could do is give them programs that have showy
effects. We might/could also force them to use our decks. That would
probably be best for the sake of fair play.

I've talked a bit with Sul Taney and we've decided to make the maze
switchable. Basically, we'll put in sliding doors, ceiling panels, etc.
Did I mention that we want to have multiple levels? The deckers will be
updated about what levels the other opponents are on, as well as their
bases. Boy, those deckers will have a lot to do, but if that OptiSign
system works out, they ought to be able to handle it.

Enough for now. I'm going to get back to work on OptiSign. The
implementation's pretty easy, and Sou's helping me out while
simultaneously modifying/upgrading the choppers' autopilots. More as
situations arise!]<<<<<
-- Mercer [87:34:19|69-15-73]

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