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09:49, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Update 67.

Posted by jase
jase
admin, 3468 posts
Cogito, ergo procuro.
Carpe stultus!
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 06:03

Update 67

New Features:
  • Secondary GM aliases (only) can now be hidden from the game by giving the character the "Hidden" tag.
  • Added <smallcaps>Small Caps</smallcaps>.
  • Different dice sizes can now be added and/or subtracted from each other and presented as one result.
  • GMs can now create a template for access requests (a.k.a. requests to join) that appears above the compose screen on new access requests.
  • Allowed an anchor point to be placed within messages (GM only) and character sheets/descriptions (anyone) with [anchor name_of_link].  Zoomed to by making <a href=#name_of_link>Zoom</a>.
  • Added the Last Unicorn Games system to the dice roller.
  • Added the Prowlers & Paragons game system to the dice roller.
  • Added the AGE System to the dice roller.
  • Added the Only War system to the dice roller.
  • You now receive a warning if a change is made to a character sheet or description while you are also editing it.


Changes:
  • Different way of reporting versions and the changes they contain.  How enthralling.
  • New accounts are now required to give a month and year of birth.
  • Access to the adult section of RPoL must now be applied for, which is then granted by a moderator.  Once permitted you also must do a (quick and instantly approved) age statement for each adult game you are in.
  • Email notifications now have an unsubscribe link in the email header to lessen the chance of being detected as spam.
  • Updated the Warhammer Test roll to include the actual die rolled.
  • Changed some of the logic behind the dice rolling to make it less error prone.  Hopefully didn't make any errors doing so.
  • Stopped the compose message screen being so sensitive about excessive use of "quote" in short messages.
  • The "View Profile of" drop-down list for GMs is now grouped into player and non-player characters.
  • Added last modified parameter to game maps to (try to) stop browsers from displaying out-of-date images from their cache.
  • User created external links now have "rel='nofollow'" for search engine optimisation (to ensure there's no unnatural link penalty for the sites we link to).
  • Merged the game website and external links to one section; Game Links.
  • Tweaked the layout of the game links to allow for a more consistent display plus reduce redundancy.
  • Popup stickylist can now notify on new private messages, game messages, or both.
  • If you remove a (non-deleted) game from your stickylist via the minus symbol on the main menu, you will now receive a small box allowing you to add it back, plus instructions on how to find missing games that you play in.
  • Standardised (most of) the titles of the site pages, and set them so the start has the most relevant information.


Fixes:
  • Stopped the language lines messing up characters that were being converted to HTML codes (e.g. < and >) as well as really implement half of the language line fix that I professed to do previously.
  • Stopped (game) banned users being listed in some GM screens.
  • Fixed the dice roller log not handling email addresses in the "Reason for roll" field, and made it generally more robust.
  • Stopped the game info screens sometimes obfuscating the logon time for GMs.
  • Fixed message subject sometimes being truncated when replying to private threads.
  • Fixed custom themes not removing message colouring in all circumstances, you will need to edit and re-save your custom theme.
  • Stopped some input fields sometimes being truncated at a single quote.
  • Thread filters now survive page changes.
  • Stopped unofficial lurkers getting notified of new posts in threads they couldn't see.
  • Fixed certain combinations of "pre" causing new lines to vanish.
  • Added in missing descriptions for some game categories.
  • Wiki - Stopped Creole italics (//) killing hyperlinks (http:italics!).
  • Wiki - Stopped multiple/leading spaces being removed.
  • Fixed system moderation messages not displaying and grouping correctly in rMail.
  • Stopped some GM screens allowing reserved tags to be used.
  • Fixed the dice roller returning a result of zero when combining unique rolls with re-roll ones.
  • Navigating away from a message preview now alerts you if you haven't changed the body text.



If you have having issues please reply here.
This message was last edited by the user at 03:46, Sun 23 Aug 2015.
emeriliath
member, 59 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 06:19
  • msg #2

Update 67

quote:
Access to the adult section of RPoL must now be applied for, which is then granted by a moderator.  Once permitted you also must do a (quick and instantly approved) age statement for each adult game you are in.

Where do we go to apply for access to the adult section, now?
jase
admin, 3469 posts
Cogito, ergo procuro.
Carpe stultus!
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 06:21

Update 67

Just use the site, you'll be prompted.

If you must do it manually, go to your user preferences.
Laurre
member, 120 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 06:23
  • msg #4

Re: Update 67

jase:
Just use the site, you'll be prompted.

If you must do it manually, go to your user preferences.


Are the approvals automatic or are you guys really *that* fast? :D.
emeriliath
member, 60 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 06:34
  • msg #5

Re: Update 67

It was a painless process to update those games.

Am I right, per an earlier RPoL Announcement, that GM's are no longer allowed to ask for birthdates, due to there not being high enough security for such personal identifying information?
bigbadron
moderator, 14882 posts
He's big, he's bad,
but mostly he's Ron.
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 06:41

Re: Update 67

quote:
Am I right, per an earlier RPoL Announcement, that GM's are no longer allowed to ask for birthdates, due to there not being high enough security for such personal identifying information?

Not exactly.  GMs are still allowed to ask for any information they want.  The site, however, no longer requires them to ask for age statements.

There has never been an announcement that GMs are not allowed to ask for birth dates.
This message was last edited by the user at 06:42, Sat 22 Aug 2015.
jase
admin, 3470 posts
Cogito, ergo procuro.
Carpe stultus!
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 06:44

Re: Update 67

Laurre -- We're that fast.  67 approved and counting.

It's a manual process, but we get a prompt akin to a new rMail.  With two mouse clicks we can approve all requests that don't need further investigation.  I deliberately made it simple to approve so we could do it as quickly as possible.

emeriliath -- It's not a case of permitted, but it's no longer required.  GMs now have to do zero age tracking.  If a player has access to your game then that means that they have already made an acceptable age statement (statements, actually).  (... aaaaand beaten to it by BBR, how surprising!)

Wait, 74 approvals now.
Morgan Coldsoul
member, 210 posts
24+ years experience
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 06:59
  • msg #8

Re: Update 67

I hope this makes things a lot simpler and better for the admin staff as well as GMs. Thanks for all your hard work on the programming.
V_V
member, 479 posts
You can call me V, just V
Life; a journey made once
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 07:18
  • msg #9

Re: Update 67

Morgan Coldsoul:
I hope this makes things a lot simpler and better for the admin staff as well as GMs. Thanks for all your hard work on the programming.


Very much agreed. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I see updates, and it's an unexpected gift I didn't know I was getting, and therefore almost always 100% excited. What little (like maybe <5%) I'm not excited about is purely a matter of indifference (like new systems being added) but I'm still glad I have the option should I have the desire, and that others who wanted it get it.

Thank you so much, to all the mods, but especially jase for doing this. All these goodies I now get to try out! I can tell this is a labor of love, and I certainly feel I reciprocate it. ^_^
alum666
member, 120 posts
not as in alumnis
as in K Al SO4
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 07:19
  • msg #10

Re: Update 67

Hi there;

I'm experiencing an age-statement glitch.  I've been approved to view adult games, but the site won't let me apply for new ones.

Sorry for the intrusion!
steelsmiter
member, 1445 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 07:28
  • msg #11

Re: Update 67

jase:
New Features:
  • Secondary GM aliases (only) can now be hidden from the game by giving the character the "Hidden" tag.
  • Added <smallcaps>Small Caps</smallcaps>.
  • Added the AGE System to the dice roller.
  • You now receive a warning if a change is made to a character sheet or description while you are also editing it.


Changes:
  • Stopped the compose message screen being so sensitive about excessive use of "quote" in short messages.
  • The "View Profile of" drop-down list for GMs is now grouped into player and non-player characters.
  • If you remove a (non-deleted) game from your stickylist via the minus symbol on the main menu, you will now receive a small box allowing you to add it back, plus instructions on how to find missing games that you play in.


Fixes:
  • Fixed message subject sometimes being truncated when replying to private threads.
  • Stopped some input fields sometimes being truncated at a single quote.
  • Thread filters now survive page changes.
  • Fixed certain combinations of "pre" causing new lines to vanish.
  • Added in missing descriptions for some game categories.
  • Fixed the dice roller returning a result of zero when combining unique rolls with re-roll ones.



If you have having issues please reply here.


I don't have questions or issues, I'd just like to say that I'm absolutely happy with and amazed by these changes. The only real thing is that I have the word "unsubscribe" as part of my spam filter because my bank doesn't use that word, and most everything that I don't like does.

Hidden NPCs are interesting. I'm not sure what they would be used for, but I did kind of follow that conversation. smallcaps is amazing. i can now speak like death, which is great for running discworld games. Also I'm ecstatic about running my AGE system game I've been planning, so that is a nice addon, and not being blindsided by player edits is convenient. At this point in the message, I literally just stopped getting hit for excessive use of quotes as I'm trying it out by continually hitting preview every few words or so just to check it out. I think I'll end it there, because I only wanted to say the first paragraph, but I am genuinely happy about all the quoted changes.
This message was last edited by the user at 09:40, Sat 22 Aug 2015.
jase
admin, 3471 posts
Cogito, ergo procuro.
Carpe stultus!
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 08:12

Re: Update 67

In reply to alum666 (msg # 10):

I can see you've been approved for adult access plus one game.  If you're still having issues then rMail me which adult games you cannot get into.


Glad the update has been so well received, and with little or no issues.

158 159 160 approvals...
Flarelord
member, 326 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 08:19
  • msg #13

Re: Update 67

Thanks, guys! Everything appears to be in order for me right now
JohnB
member, 2007 posts
Demigod of the Stunties
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 08:20
  • msg #14

Re: Update 67

Thank you Jase :)
tulgurth
member, 161 posts
35 years of gaming
Still going strong
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 08:38
  • msg #15

Re: Update 67

I was surprised having to give an age statement for a game I am running.  But a couple of clicks later, it was done and it was painless.
OptimalCarnieage
member, 36 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 14:04
  • msg #16

Re: Update 67

Alright it's a bit annoying to suddenly be unable to post in the games I have been in for months (and had to put age statements to in order to join) due to this new change. Now I have to wait until a Mod can get around to approving my 29 year old existence before I can post in my games again. It's a bit inconvenient and annoying to say the least, plus it feels unnecessary since we still have to send age statements to the GMs of the games we are in.

So please explain to me the purpose of this. I thought this sort of thing was supposed to get rid of the need to send an age statement to every single game I want to join, which was fine with me. However this does not seem to be the reality, simply one more annoying layer to get through in order to have some fun.
Flarelord
member, 329 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 14:07
  • msg #17

Re: Update 67

Once this is done, no GM will be responsible for collecting statements - once the main statement for adult access is approved, 'confirmations' submitted to the site itself are automatically approved.
SunRuanEr
member, 30 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 14:08
  • msg #18

Re: Update 67

My understanding is that the point is that you no longer have to send in age statements to GMs, because of this - of course, right this minute, most of them are probably still requesting them because the update just went in a few hours ago.

An immediate boon that I can see - although Jase or one of the mods would have to confirm if it works this way - is that it looks like this would make changing a game from a lower rating up to Adult a lot more painless than it has been previously. (Since previously it required removing everyone and having them all re-apply to get those age statements in.)
Shannara
moderator, 3568 posts
Whatever you do,
DON'T PANIC!
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 14:11

Re: Update 67

Yes, that annoying few seconds until a moderator approved your request was terribly inconvenient, but I'm glad you survived it!  ;)

Yes, you do have to send age statements to the games you're in, but there is no approval there (UNLESS your statements don't match).

Moderators will no longer have to go through the laborious process of removing people from games for not giving age statements, sending out rmails, answering complaints/questions from those who were upset that they got removed ... etc.

And, as SunRuanEr pointed out, it will make changing a game to an Adult rating much easier.
This message was last edited by the user at 14:58, Sat 22 Aug 2015.
azzuri
member, 130 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 14:53
  • msg #20

Re: Update 67

OptimalCarnieage:
Alright it's a bit annoying to suddenly be unable to post in the games I have been in for months (and had to put age statements to in order to join) due to this new change. Now I have to wait until a Mod can get around to approving my 29 year old existence before I can post in my games again. It's a bit inconvenient and annoying to say the least, plus it feels unnecessary since we still have to send age statements to the GMs of the games we are in.

I'm a lot older than you, and I didn't mind a bit. If you don't like the protocols, don't play on RPoL. I did not wait for more than five seconds for both updates requested.

I'm still going to require statements from my new players.
fireflights
member, 207 posts
playing with Fire
always burns
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 15:03
  • msg #21

Re: Update 67

I agree with azuri, I am a hell of a lot older than you, by almost ten years to be exact and I didn't mind one bit, it didn't take long and it was extremely less painless then you're trying to make it out to be. Buck up and grow up or stop playing on the site because we knew for MONTHS this was coming and if you didn't keep up on the posts going on about it then that's your problem, not Jase or the Mod's fault.
Skald
moderator, 650 posts
Whatever it is,
I'm against it
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 15:08

Re: Update 67

For anyone who's interested, you can read all about the discussion that was had regarding the introduction of Age Statements here: link to a message in this forum.

It went down fairly well ...
emeriliath
member, 61 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 17:37
  • msg #23

Re: Update 67

I've noticed in multiple games that I am getting red-light indicators when new posts have been made in groups in which I do not have access.
steelsmiter
member, 1448 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 17:47
  • msg #24

Re: Update 67

I'm getting that same thing for a game I know the GM is running a separate game in other groups.
donsr
member, 794 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 17:56
  • msg #25

Re: Update 67

I have seen the   'new post" lights as well, and went to the games, and there wasn't new posts?

 In one of my games it happened once, but hasn't  happened since this morning.
jase
admin, 3474 posts
Cogito, ergo procuro.
Carpe stultus!
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 04:32

Re: Update 67

Are these for games you are a player in, or lurker of?  tx.
donsr
member, 795 posts
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 04:37
  • msg #27

Re: Update 67

one of the games I am a PLayer..one of the slower games...the other Games  was my 'faster paced"  game..it only happened once there.

 hasn't happened  since late yeasteday early tody.
steelsmiter
member, 1451 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 04:39
  • msg #28

Re: Update 67

for me, it's only one I play in I haven't lurked a game in ages.
emeriliath
member, 63 posts
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 05:05
  • msg #29

Re: Update 67

All of these games in which it is occurring for me, I am a player.
facemaker329
member, 6671 posts
Gaming for over 30
years, and counting!
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 05:55
  • msg #30

Re: Update 67

My understanding is, the 'no indicators' change is for games where you're an unofficial lurker ONLY...ie, you've visited the game so it's been added to your sticky list, but you haven't removed it.  If you're in the game as a player or an official lurker, then it doesn't change anything...
DarK_RoniN
member, 1 post
Avatar of Shadows
Age: ??
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 10:49
  • msg #31

Re: Update 67

Also playing in a game where I don't have access to a group (our party split and went in different directions and the GM separated them into different groups so we couldn't see their posts).

But I'm still getting the red post-number notification that a new post has been put up every time they make a post.
It just started doing that after the update.
silverelf
member, 159 posts
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 11:09
  • msg #32

Re: Update 67

In reply to DarK_RoniN (msg # 31):

the same.
jase
admin, 3477 posts
Cogito, ergo procuro.
Carpe stultus!
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 12:00

Re: Update 67

Thanks for the reports.  I've been going over the code and can't find what I changed in this version (the one change list in regard to NMIs was actually hotfixed in about a year ago!).  I'll go over it all some more after my dinner.  (c;
Gaffer
member, 1294 posts
Ocoee FL
40 yrs of RPGs
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 12:53
  • msg #34

Re: Update 67

Shannara:
And, as SunRuanEr pointed out, it will make changing a game to an Adult rating much easier.

I suppose I won't have to remove everyone and request age statements (if I didn't already) and then reinstate them, as it used to be.

But if I have players who have not already gotten their age verification done for some other game, will they be flagged/notified automatically when I switch the status from MATURE to ADULT?

Thanks.
bigbadron
moderator, 14888 posts
He's big, he's bad,
but mostly he's Ron.
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 13:03

Re: Update 67

They still need to give an age statement (to the system, not to the GM) in every game.  Now, however, they will be automatically reminded to do so when they try to access your game, and do not need to be removed before the rating is changed.
Shannara
moderator, 3572 posts
Whatever you do,
DON'T PANIC!
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 13:10

Re: Update 67

The system also tells you whether or not your players have requested 'Adult' status when you change over a game's rating, so you know which players you might lose if you proceed.  :-)
jase
admin, 3478 posts
Cogito, ergo procuro.
Carpe stultus!
Sun 23 Aug 2015
at 13:18

Re: Update 67

We're kind like that.  (c;


As for the false message indicators, I think I found my rogue bit of code.  Was causing the main menu to falsely alert (but not the stickylist).

Take two tablets and let me know if pain persists.
emeriliath
member, 64 posts
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 04:42
  • msg #38

Re: Update 67

I have not seen any reoccurrences today.

Thanks for everything you do!
steelsmiter
member, 1454 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 04:50
  • msg #39

Re: Update 67

the problem's gone for me.
DarK_RoniN
member, 2 posts
Avatar of Shadows
Age: ??
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 10:37
  • msg #40

Re: Update 67

Yep, doesn't seem to be happening any more.  Thanks :)
Evil Empryss
member, 1358 posts
Because knowing
is half the battle!
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 14:07
  • msg #41

Re: Update 67

Shannara:
The system also tells you whether or not your players have requested 'Adult' status when you change over a game's rating, so you know which players you might lose if you proceed.  :-)

I really like this.  I do have a question, though, regarding the warning under the list:
quote:
Any suspension/denial of adult privileges is confidential between the moderators and the player in question.
Moderators will not provide any information to GMs regarding such (so don't ask!).

I know we're not supposed to ask you for details on the why of the final answer, but will the list show "Denied" if they are denied adult access, or will it just continue to say "Not Requested"?

I need to know when to stop harassing my players to request access. ^_^
Utsukushi
member, 1349 posts
I should really stay out
of this, I know...but...
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 15:24
  • msg #42

Re: Update 67

Everything is looking great!  Going to go set up a Hidden NPC now...

...Er, maybe, I mean -- can just anybody see this?  Drat.

quote:
Take two tablets and let me know if pain persists.

Pretty excited about these free tablets, though!  Even if using them without logging out might throw my NMIs off.

Good grief.  I had to wait nearly 30 seconds for Adult approval.  I think OptimalCarnieage has it backwards. 
quote:
It's a bit inconvenient and annoying to say the least

That was a bit inconvenient to say the most.  Not even convinced I can justify that -- it was significantly less troublesome than a grain of sand in my shoe, and that's the sort of thing I might normally describe as a bit inconvenient and annoying.

I did think it was a little weird that I could go into an Adult game, and the application thing doesn't come up until you click on an actual thread -- but I'm sure there are reasons.
This message was last edited by the user at 15:35, Mon 24 Aug 2015.
Shannara
moderator, 3573 posts
Whatever you do,
DON'T PANIC!
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 15:33

Re: Update 67

In reply to Evil Empryss (msg # 41):

The system will show if you have any players that are denied adult access.   It will not provide any further information than that.
Utsukushi
member, 1350 posts
I should really stay out
of this, I know...but...
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 15:59
  • msg #44

Re: Update 67

On the NMI issues note, though -- I just had a game pop back onto my menu with Everything Unread that hasn't had a new post since 2013.  I checked with the GM to ask if she'd been doing anything that might have caused it, and she didn't think so, though she had apparently been testing some things with the new adult system so.. maybe some unexpected interaction there?
steelsmiter
member, 1455 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 16:13
  • msg #45

Re: Update 67

I've noticed the only way I've been able to access Game Introductions since the update is through the GM menu. Was this deliberate? Is it new or was there something from before I didn't notice?
Shannara
moderator, 3574 posts
Whatever you do,
DON'T PANIC!
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 16:15

Re: Update 67

It's in the Game Info line, to the left of the FAQs / Help link.
steelsmiter
member, 1456 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Mon 24 Aug 2015
at 21:35
  • msg #47

Re: Update 67

I feel like I should have known that, and it's incredibly convenient :D
steelsmiter
member, 1465 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 01:39
  • msg #48

Re: Update 67

Ok, so I've added my first hidden character, but how do I actually use the character?
Joebobcool456
member, 38 posts
An Orange a day
could help in some way
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 02:11
  • msg #49

Re: Update 67

Well they're hidden so the players don't know about them yet, so to use them and make them 'visible' to the players you'd naturally have to un-hide them.

Then, I suppose if you still want the players to be in the dark, you could change the tag back to hidden after you put the post up.
steelsmiter
member, 1466 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 02:18
  • msg #50

Re: Update 67

I see. I think I'll stick to just using the NPC tag.
jase
admin, 3489 posts
Cogito, ergo procuro.
Carpe stultus!
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 02:43

Re: Update 67

I think you're misinterpreting the intent of the tag.  Might want to check out the original request - link to a message in another game.
steelsmiter
member, 1467 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 02:53
  • msg #52

Re: Update 67

jase:
I think you're misinterpreting the intent of the tag.  Might want to check out the original request - link to a message in another game.

Actually I remember, and was active in that thread, but what I'm getting at is:

quote:
If a post is made for a character with the "Hide" flag, clicking on the Character Name will not show the character description as normal. Instead, it will show a message that denotes that this character's description is hidden.

How is that done. I don't have access to hidden characters for the express intent of making posts in their names without revealing them entirely.
Joebobcool456
member, 39 posts
An Orange a day
could help in some way
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 05:01
  • msg #53

Re: Update 67

There does appear to be a bug that prevents a GM from posting a reply to a thread as a hidden NPC then, as I seem to be unable to find any of my three hidden characters in the 'post as' list.
jase
admin, 3490 posts
Cogito, ergo procuro.
Carpe stultus!
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 07:11

Re: Update 67

In reply to steelsmiter (msg # 52):

That was one of the parts of the original request, that's not how it ended up working, however.  Intentionally showing that the character was hidden was counter-productive, so it the system just pretends it's not there.

Hidden aliases will not show anywhere in the game except for the GM screen.  Trying to use it in the game just doesn't work because, for all intensive purposes, it's not there.


In reply to Joebobcool456 (msg # 53):

Check the thread I linked, the request was to be able to setup a NPC/PC ahead of time, but have it hidden from the game until such a time as it was ready to be used.  When you are ready to use it, unhide it by changing the tag.
steelsmiter
member, 1468 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 07:21
  • msg #55

Re: Update 67

That being said, what is the actual purpose of a hidden character?
bigbadron
moderator, 14894 posts
He's big, he's bad,
but mostly he's Ron.
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 07:28

Re: Update 67

It allows the GM to set up a character for introduction a bit later, without letting the players know that the character will soon be a part of the game.

For example, before hidden characters were available, the GM could not suddenly add a character called "Supreme Evil Guy™" without revealing to any player who checked the Cast List that "Supreme Evil Guy" might soon be making an appearance (thus ruining the surprise).
ppwhere
member, 6 posts
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 10:02
  • msg #57

Re: Update 67

Hiding is all good (and I'm even using it) but it is not too easy to set them up as even the GM can only see them when they are 'unhidden'. After hiding the only thing you can do to unhide the npc you can't modify (or even view) them at all...
This message was last edited by the user at 10:03, Sat 05 Sept 2015.
steelsmiter
member, 1469 posts
GURPS, BESM, Fate, Indies
NO FREEFORM! NO d20!
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 10:15
  • msg #58

Re: Update 67

ppwhere:
After hiding the only thing you can do to unhide the npc you can't modify (or even view) them at all...

Yep, this is exactly the thing that gets me about it. There seems to be no purpose behind a name you can not do anything with other than the arguably negligible "purpose" indicated by bbr.
This message was last edited by the user at 10:19, Sat 05 Sept 2015.
ppwhere
member, 7 posts
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 10:29
  • msg #59

Re: Update 67

It is not as bad. I like the fact that you can keep them out of most of the lists (especialy the name list when making a commment, you really don't want to comment with a hidden character).
The only thing I would like to be different to be able to load them somehow to edit while hidden, but even the current version is not too bad.
I have quite a lot of NPCs so using this as a way of handling who is active and who is not, to make the NPC list always a short one to be better to handle in character details and easier to find the one to make a comment)
bigbadron
moderator, 14895 posts
He's big, he's bad,
but mostly he's Ron.
Sat 5 Sep 2015
at 11:12

Re: Update 67

In reply to steelsmiter (msg # 58):

I would not consider it a "negligible" purpose.  It means that I can create a character, including its public description, then hide everything until I need it.

Now while I could do the same thing using a word document or the like, doing it on RPoL means I can unhide the character from any computer or mobile device that I can use to access the site.

I find that very useful.
Heath
member, 2887 posts
If my opinion changes,
The answer is still 42.
Tue 8 Sep 2015
at 17:51
  • msg #61

Re: Update 67

I agree.  Those are the little hidden "gem" features at RPOL that many GMs find very valuable.  I just did the "future NPC" characters publicly for a long time and hoped no one would notice until the characters were formally introduced.
LonePaladin
member, 499 posts
Creator of HeroForge
Mon 14 Sep 2015
at 05:47
  • msg #62

Re: Update 67

Oh, man! I just tried this. Where has this been?

Is there any way we can get the help pages updated with all these tidbits? I'd like to see a better explanation of tags, anchors, easy tables...

But really, one of the biggest things I think the help pages need is a demonstration of how some features look to players versus the GM. Things like language groups, secret lines, that sort -- the things that show up one way to the GM, but a different way to players (and that depends on which players are looking).

I've really never been in a game where the GM uses all these neat little tricks, so I have no idea how they look from the bigger side of the table.
GamerHandle
member, 805 posts
Umm.. yep.
So, there's this door...
Mon 14 Sep 2015
at 07:18
  • msg #63

Re: Update 67

In reply to LonePaladin (msg # 62):

*chuckle* - I use these extensively.  Especially when I ran a MERP game (languages being a big deal and all).  Running an EQ game where it's similarly an issue, so the language groups are helpful.
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