Author Topic: afk marker/indicator (Read 195 times)

pejsaboy · « **on:** July 25, 2006, 04:31:59 pm »

I was thinking that some kind of indicator for being afk might help. I'm not sure what would be the best fit in the interest of not being distracting or interrupting RP. A certain color or design on a flag might work. I hate to even mention the abomination of a game, but in WoW a small 'afk' text just floats above the character's head when you type it in.
For the most part, missing someone's //afk in the chat channel isn't a big deal, but there are times when it could be a problem. It might save you from getting left behind [and possibly dying as a result] during a rest stop on a long quest.
I'm sure there are more pressing suggestions to be added, but this is the only one I have thought of so far

pejsaboy · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2006, 08:45:18 pm »

Plenty of looks, no one has any opinions?

Weeblie · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2006, 03:21:17 am »

I belive most people thinks: "Sure, if it's implemented... Won't hurt, but not really necessary..."

As for DM quests. I usually send a message to the party leader or the DM (depending on how many persons attending the quest), saying "I have to grab some food. Back in a minute!" or "Bio!". Sometimes the DM moves your character along with the party, and other times ports you when you come back again. Well... Point is... One doesn't have to worry about it then.

Acacea · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2006, 03:40:36 am »

I hesitate from replying because while I can understand how a few people would find it useful, I just immediately get this mental image of Hlint full of people with little AFKs hovering over their heads. In this image, I suddenly feel as if I am playing Everquest or WoW or something. I die a little inside.

Honora · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2006, 05:07:02 am »

Perhaps instead of AFK the marker could read, "Stares into space" or "Lost in contemplation" or somesuch that would get the message across without interrupting the RP flow.

I don't think it's a bad idea, but it would depend on the difficulty in implementation.

darkstorme · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2006, 09:40:29 am »

Well, there's no way of keeping text over a character's head save using a heartbeat script... not so cool (save the heartbeat scripts for the feat I'll suggest later. *grins*). Is there a little-used spell VFX that could take the place? Some little points of light floating over the character's head, or a glow around them, or some such? (Probably the fewer emitters, the better.)

pejsaboy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2006, 03:56:55 pm »

I agree wholeheartedly with Acacea that the floating afk's would not be a good way to do it. I simply put it in there as a reference. Also, definitely would not want to waste a heartbeat script on it. Those are a last resort as far as I'm concerned. An unused vfx would be an ok idea. probably better than a flag... a bunch of afk flags would look a little ridiculous.
Hmmm, maybe it's an idea better left unused?

jan · « **Reply #7 on:** July 30, 2006, 04:20:39 pm »

If your just in town and want to go afk , there is a simple way to make others know that ...just go away to a safe place and pray/meditate....that way those with manners will leave you alone :-)