The Dynamic Sizing System(and CTF map)
by HellFace(armstron@flash.net)
3-12-98

word wrap this txt file(under EDIT, right there at the bottom of the menu)


WHAT IS IT?

The DSS allows you to set a map so that it will AUTOMATICALLY adjust it's size
for the number of people playing.  This adjustment is only made ONCE at the start
of play.  A single adjustment is less likely to confuse.

WHERE CAN I SEE IT?

HWHELL2.bsp.  Heavy Weapons Hell 2 is the only map as of this writing that uses this system.


HOW?

A TF timer times out the first 2 minutes the map is active.  The spawn points
are set to trigger a TF GOAL.  The TF GOAL relays to a QUAKE RELAY counter(IMPORTANT!!).
The QUAKE counter opens the doors after X counts.  When the TF timer hits the 2 minute
mark, it REMOVES the Quake relay counters.  The size is now set for the remainder of play.

WHY THE QUAKE RELAY?  WHY NOT JUST USE THE TF GOAL?

TF goals have one great advantage over Quake ENTS.  They can be REMOVED and later put back.
Quake ents, once removed, STAY removed.
If you use the TF goal, it will return after the timer goes off.  Then the map will increase
in size eventually no matter how many(or few) players there are.  If you KILLTARGET a Quake
relay, you shut the system DOWN for good.


SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The QUAKE RELAY hits its target:  "EAST".  This opens the portals
to that area.  You cover all the access points(and I mean ALL) with fake walls.  They are actually
DOORS.  Name all the doors "EAST" and set them to NEVER CLOSE.  You can also
name moving platforms EAST and they won't start moving unless the trigger goes off.
If you have multiple size options, you can name the other half of the map "WEST"
The counter for EAST trips at 12 players.  Counter for WEST trips at 21 players.
Now the map will set it's size according to THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO SPAWN IN THE FIRST TWO MINUTES.
Not the number who connect.  The number who use a spawn point.

On DSS.MAP, you will notice the counters are set for 4 and 8.  CHANGE IT.  That is only for the demo.  Keep the numbers lower for a smaller map, and larger for a bigger one.

REMEMBER!  More people will join after the timer has run out, so LOWBALL your estimate!


HUH?  I DON'T GET IT...

Look at DSS.MAP.  LOOK CAREFULLY.  Take your time.  After 2 days, if you still don't get it, 
you can e-mail me at:

armstron@flash.net

with your questions.  PLEASE, try to make the questions SPECIFIC.  Don't just say, "I don't get it."
I am very willing to help, but I got my limits.


LAST WORDS:

The test map, "DSS.BSP" Is a fully functional CTF map for TF.  You can actually play it.  Very good for 1 on 1 battles.

-HellFace


