From: broehl@sunee.uwaterloo.ca (Bernie Roehl)
Subject: Re: TECH: Worlds, rooms & portals
Date: Mon, 3 May 1993 14:36:52 GMT
Organization: University of Waterloo



In article <1rsib5INN70h@shelley.u.washington.edu>
robert@cpuserver.acsc.com (Robert Grant) writes:

>1) Portal representation - my current thoughts on this are that any
>type (.def file) can be made into a portal (i.e. its virtual
>manifestation).

Yes, this is the way to go.

>though it does make it possible that the exits from a room
>could be very obscure and frustating to a user not familiar with the
>designers thoughts.

Exactly!  Some designers may *want* their exits to be obscure and
frustrating!

> So should there be a standard manifestation, or what?

Yes, definitely.  You should allow *anything* to be a portal, but
suggest a standard design for "obvious" exits.

You may also want to make portals operate only if certain conditions
are met; I'm not familiar with multiverse so I'm not sure if that
capability already exists or not.  (I'm thinking of things like doors
having keys or combination locks or suchlike).

>2) Object transitions through portals - is this acceptable, or what?
>I think the possibility of becoming a new persona by passing through a
>portal is a very attractive one - comments?

I think it should be possible, but the default should be to maintain
your representation.

-- 
	Bernie Roehl
        University of Waterloo Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering
	Mail: broehl@sunee.UWaterloo.ca
	Voice:  (519) 885-1211 x 2607 [work]