latest release:
1.1 – Feb 2011

features:
- simple binary interface
- regularly updated random lunatic ravings
- changes shape at will
- can be warn as a ‘pet’. (will shrink to 1/3rd size)

script disclosure:
- One (1) LSL script
- Makes randomly timed HTTP calls to a quote database, timer
has a minimum run of 90 seconds up to 300 seconds.
- Runs a sensor call to check for presence of nearby agents before
potentially wasting bandwidth.
- Does not contain any listens (or really an interface whatsoever)

Development Notes

hmm started off as a kind of ‘virtual Rez’ project.
I was planning a hiatus at the time and thought people would miss me, so I thought I’d spend about 20 minutes making a box that randomly said my usual catchphrases. (ie, my keep-alive signal of “hmm”, which is said every so often so people know I’m still conscious but working.)

Then I started adding in more phrases, and realized what I really needed was a web db.
… it snowballed from there.

Basically, every so often hmm will ping the server for a Say (stuff in quotes) or a State (stuff in /me), or a Shape (a bunch of prim params). It has no listens, but the random speech will sometimes unsettle people.

Future Development Plans

- Minor adjustments to runtime, sensor ping on operation to reduce unheard http calls. (done)
- More robust fail conditions for when Dreamhost keels over. (done)
- Quantum Box Knit Cozies. (in development)
- Spin-Off, Themed Products.

The SHiNYbrand Tactical Action Game System (TAGS) is basically airsoft for SL. It’s simple, quick, and just works when you need to shoot some people.

Unlike more detailed roleplay or combat simulation systems, TAGS emphasizes simplicity,  quick action, and fun. It is intended for situations where no everyone is a gun collector, uses the same system, or where outfitting everyone w/ compatible gear would be a logistical nightmare.

The meter, which comes with a pistol, is free.
More powerful weapons that only function with the TAGS system will be cheap.

On a lighter note, it’s a chance for Rez to get some mileage out of his investments in Prefabrica and other sculpt packs.

Notable Features

• Simplified interface for fast pick-up and play action
• Cheat-Proof (*reasonably, at least it will be)
• Optimized for latency. (compared to vastly more complicated systems)
• Balanced (in the sense that people can’t bring in their own overpowered guns)
• Free, with cheap weapon upgrades.

Quick Start

1. Wear Meter HUD.
2. Wear Weapon (you can attach all you want, only the last one you attached will be used by the meter)
3. Click the Meter HUD. You can select a team color or say Solo. This doesn’t affect gameplay, it’s just cool.
   Notice that changing the team color will colorize the meter and weapon to match.
4. Aim, shoot other players until they die. Repeat. You know how to do this.

Meter Menu Commands
“semi” – switches gun to Semi-Automatic
“burst” - switches gun to Burst fire (if available)
“reload” - reloads the weapon magazine
“team>>” - allows you to pick a team color or ‘go solo’ if you’re not on a team.
“ping” – find out who else in the sim has a meter
“help” – should point to this page

Sim-Wide Chat
Speak on /11 to send a message to all players in the sim

Team Sim-Wide Chat
Speak on /22 to send a message to your team

Game Mechanics

Player has 100 hit points. As the player gets shot, they lose points.
If the player can manage to not get shot for 10 seconds, they will regenerate 5 hp every 5 seconds
When the player dies, they are down for 30 seconds. They cannot fire their weapon while dead.

TAGS requires TAGS weapons and does not support other guns.
The gun does not function without the meter.

Some TAGS weapons have Burst and Auto firing modes.
On attachment,your TAGS weapon will automatically arm the optimal firing mode for that weapon, you can change modes from the main menu.
There is no firing delay between shots. You can burn through a clip in seconds, the ammo display on the hud may be delayed.
Bullets do spread, have effective ranges in tens of meters, and damage will fall off after those ranges.
In most cases, you cannot whack someone from across the sim due to bullet spread. But if you manage, it’s worth at least 2 points.
At closer effective ranges, you can nail a static target in a few decent shots.
If you’re moving, you’re spread pattern will be larger.

Using HTTP, the GridTalkie network delivers messages in realtime between sims. It’s more reliable than group chat, and a hell of alot more adaptable. There is no in-world server to set up. You just wear it and set you desired channel.

You can also buy custom copy/transfer models for your group, with packages starting at L$5k.

Find out more at GridTalkie.com!