[Balanor]

I don't think I was clear, so let me explain further. :)

I created a new floorplan. I call it floorplan001, and add/ link doors, put seat waypoints on the nailed-to-the-floor chairs :P, torch sounds on torches, nap pads near the beds. ;)

I then create a copy, calling it floorplan002. As I understand it, this is so all those who sing paeans of joy upon seeing my (slightly) different plan can then purchase one as well. lol At this point it is an exact replica of 001, just with different door tags and area tag/resref. :)

Now, I go back to area 001 and change lighting, door appearances, music, add funky placeable sounds, etc. ;) All to suit my particular vision.


Is the above scenario allowed? Or do the two areas need to be exactly alike for scripting purposes, generating a new interior once the hordes of adoring fans rush to purchase my (slightly) different layout? :P

I gave this some thought, and I have to say no to that scenario.

First let me explain why two identical areas of every floorplan are needed:
The two copies of an area are required because if multiple people have the same floorplan, and one is in their building when another tries to enter their building, it will go to the 'backup' floorplan, populate the area with their furniture, and the second person will never even know the difference. Although if a third person tries to enter their house with the same floorplan though, since there aren't any more copies, they get an OOC message that they can't enter at this time, to try again later, and to notify the admin if it happens often - because that means I need to create a 3rd copy of the floorplan. So far though, 2 copies of a floorplan have held us very well up to now, and I really doubt we'll ever need more than that for any floorplan.

In your scenario, your PC would basically have its own floorplan, and assuming no one else would ever use it, there would be no need for a copy. Now while I want to give everyone the option to get a floorplan they really love, my motiviation isn't entirely altruistic either. I want to use every floorplan submitted to benefit the entire Thay community by increasing the total variety and options for player owned buildings.

So to sum it up: the two copies of the area do need to be identical and designed with the intention that the floorplan may be used by others for something different than what you intend (although certain tiles will make various rooms pretty obvious/similar).