OCR TF2: Stab stab stab!

[Powerlord]

We've released mandatory updates for Team Fortress 2, Day of Defeat: Source and Half-Life 2: Deathmatch. The notes for the updates are below.

-Eric

------------------------------------------

Source Engine Changes (TF2, DoD:S, HL2:DM)

- Fixed server crash exploit related to audio buffer overruns

- Fixed server crash caused by using changelevel2

- Updated console logging system to minimize opening and closing of files, greatly improving performance under certain conditions

- Additional improvements for client/server stability

Team Fortress 2

- Added the Texas Half-Pants and the Bolt Action Blitzer

- Updated the Teufort Tooth Kicker so it can also be equipped by the Engineer

- Updated the Scrap Pack so it can now be crafted, gift-wrapped, and traded

- Updated the Short Circuit

- Fixed projectiles not being cleared if they were blocked by buildings or other projectiles

- Fixed not incrementing the "How the Pests Was Gunned" achievement for destroyed stickies

- Fixed being able to place buildings in nobuild zones

- Fixed Red team Pyros being able to grief teammates by attacking them with the flamethrower and then switching to team Spectator during the attack

- Added the ability to remove Strange parts via the Restore button in the backpack

- Added the ability to reset scores on Strange items via the Restore button in the backpack

- Crates now display their series number in the backpack view

- Added new "tf_hud_no_crosshair_on_scope_zoom" to the Advanced Options menu

- Fixed using the "inspect" command to Spy-check teammates

- Fixed the Bazaar Bargain increasing its head count while shooting at ÜberCharged enemies

- Fixed defense buffs reducing crush and telefrag damage

- Fixed a bug that would cause Medics to reduce the health of heal targets if the target had earned more health than their normally allowed max overheal

- The Cozy Camper’s description now correctly reflects the actual speed reduction while scoped and is now applied correctly when using the Huntsman (speed for the other rifles remains unchanged)

- Add the object entindex to the object_deflected game event

- 本地化檔案已更新

BLU will update shortly as usual. Hopefully the new server updater is quicker than the old one.

[Top Gun]

I'm really glad to hear that you're planning on taking this on, Baha; piggybacking on Ichi works fine, but it'd be great to keep up the official OCR server and have a few extra player slots. I don't really have much of a preference in terms of plugins or settings, though pregame mayhem is a must, and I think limiting Payload/Dustbowl-esque maps to two rounds is a good idea. If you do need some help, I'd definitely be able to chip in a few bucks per month.

[ParanoidDrone]

Whelp, time to try out the Kunai again.

[IRJustman]

Maps: Stock for sure, but there are two which really chafe me.

One is Hydro since it has enormous potential for stalemates which quite likely contributes to the known quality of driving users away per what Paranoid said.

The other I take issue with is Degroot Keep, especially its atrocious "Shakespeare" filter (which is very broken RENAISSANCE-era--NOT Medieval--commoner speech, not "high-class" speech; "thee" and "thou" are NOT upper-class speech, just FYI). Broken speech filters aside, this map gets very old very quickly, especially considering the limited weapon selection of the game mode. Rounds go by very quickly so even the current twenty-minute length seems like an eternity.

If you must include either one, put shorter time limits on them, e.g. twenty minutes for Hydro and fifteen for Degroot.

On the subject of custom maps, please please PLEASE restrict them to good release-quality maps. Some of these alpha-quality maps tend to be problematic, considering some I've seen look very incomplete. Panic is one exception since it is very good quality and is one of the few payload race maps I actually enjoy (for reference, I tend to dislike payload race in general). I'm talking about maps which are missing textures. I'm on the server to play a game, not playtest someone's incomplete map (I'm not talking about yours, Paranoid; I know for a fact I'm playtesting a work-in-progress).

Plugins: Definitely keep Mapchooser Extended which hooks into the internal voting system. Sometimes, using the number-based system makes me use voice commands, which annoys me because I never use them anyway. I think the pre-game mayhem's a great ice-breaker. What I would also like to see is something that works much like votemute, but gags ALL forms of communication, so we can completely squelch any problem user. That or have the votemute insert a gag as well. If we don't want to hear from the user, we should be able to silence him entirely, right down to his typed responses. Let him use voice commands for gameplay reasons.

Settings: Allow custom sounds and player models. Also, the settings Powerlord had in place to discourage teamswitching and teamstacking were pretty effective at performing their assigned purpose.

As for custom sounds (also includes models), you can whitelist as broadly or as narrowly as you desire so you can use custom sounds (I use the sound of a one-inch Type C Ampex VTR starting and TF2 music instead of the 16mm projector start plus music for replay's sound and Touhou-related sounds for other events as examples). Baha, if you get a tree listing of the appropriate directory, you can easily create the whitelist.

Features: Not sure what to suggest here.

Admins: Hard to comment on this one here, but we need people who will enforce both gameplay and decorum rules, with particular emphasis on decorum. The admins we had were overall pretty good. One of the reasons I stuck with OCRTF2 and Ichimonai and why I run my own was their strict decorum rules and enforcement of same.

Reserve Slots: Paranoid said it well here. It's a tough call to do this one, but it all depends on the circumstances.

--IJ

[Gamemaster1379]

Most of the other things I've wanted to take note of have been addressed already, however, one such thing is the inclusion of this plugin. http://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?t=161320 It is a must. There are hackers that blow VAC out their ass and go about wreaking havoc on servers, avoiding user prompted kicks due to constant name changes. This plugin is a way to shut them down and make them manageable by self elimination.

[phill]

There are still a few bugs in the BuiltinVotes extension, although it appears to be working correctly for multiple-choice votes. The remaining bugs appear to affect Yes/No votes only. Having said that, I'm not really updating BuiltinVotes any more...

Who is? or is the plan to let it die?

[Super-Duper Sombrero]

Maps: I like having customs available, but not on the rotation. Also tc_hydro is no good, keep that off the rotation.

Arena maps have never really been my fancy, and I don't like how they leave people out of the game after dying or if they get stuck spectating. Personally I don't want to see them at all, unless specifically nominated for whatever reason.

Plugins: The array of plugins that Powerlord had running was pretty good, though apparently the sheer quantity was what tended to bog down the server quite a bit of the time. I want to at least keep the mapvoting on the F1-4 keys, that was nice.

That plugin that showed you who's spray you look at was good for spray enforcement, and a necessity if you want to continue with the 'no porn sprays' rule (which I am in favor of).

I'm not really sure what most of the rest of those plugins that powerlord had listed do specifically, but most of them seem to facilitate map voting.

You may also want to look into the plugin that kicks people who change their name every half second or so? I remember it being mentioned a while back, but not sure if it was implemented. The name cycling makes it difficult for admins to target for bans.

Settings: Alltalk should always be on. This is the primary reason I favor this server and community.

Crits... are a source of ambivalence. On one hand, it can seemingly punish good players for no reason at all, and instant death is very rarely what I would consider 'fun'. On the other, it can help even the battlefield on occasion, and gives newer players a bit more of a fighting chance. In theory, anyway. Personally, I'm in favor of no-crit with option to turn on. But then again, I primarily play Sniper, so take that as you will.

Features: The replay system is nice to have, but seems to be a bit buggy. I'd like to have it, but not at the cost of stability.

The ranking system is kinda fun but ultimately unnecessary.

Some sort of party mode vote would be nice. I like party mode.

Also the full moon all the time mod, that's a good one.

Admins: Be careful who you pick here. Admin abuse is one of the most annoying things to put up with as a regular player. I remember playing on the server one night on a relatively slow night, there were only about 8 or so of us on. One of the admins joined and started playing with noclip and whatnot. As a spy. Very very annoying so I left.

I personally have a bit of experience running admin on a counterstrike server a long while ago, and I'd volunteer if you need people. I'm usually online and available pretty late at night if you need more coverage in that timeslot.

Reserve Slots: Depends on how you want to pay for the server. If you're looking to take donations, I would recommend reserve slots only to donators and mods(obviously). If you're paying for it entirely by yourself, probably just give slots to regular community members.

Just my two cents. I'd be willing to donate as well, if you're looking to see how many might be interested in doing that.

[IRJustman]

Maps: I like having customs available, but not on the rotation. Also tc_hydro is no good, keep that off the rotation.

Agreed on both, though add Degroot Keep given the reasons I laid out in my posts, or at least, put a mercifully-short map time length on it.

Arena maps have never really been my fancy, and I don't like how they leave people out of the game after dying or if they get stuck spectating. Personally I don't want to see them at all, unless specifically nominated for whatever reason.

Eh, I'm meh about arena maps, but one of my least favorite game types is payload race.

WHICH REMINDS ME...

Another map that needs to have serious work done to it is Hightower. This map sucks so hard. This map's endgame takes entirely too long and I don't know how long it takes until the mechanism that ends the game by pushing the carts forward starts on this one.

Plugins: The array of plugins that Powerlord had running was pretty good, though apparently the sheer quantity was what tended to bog down the server quite a bit of the time. I want to at least keep the mapvoting on the F1-4 keys, that was nice.

Seconded.

That plugin that showed you who's spray you look at was good for spray enforcement, and a necessity if you want to continue with the 'no porn sprays' rule (which I am in favor of).

Ties in with the "decorum" rules I always harp on. It's in my own server's config.

I'm not really sure what most of the rest of those plugins that powerlord had listed do specifically, but most of them seem to facilitate map voting.

He picked up revising MapChooser Extended, all the way to the point of hooking it into the game's own voting subsystem.

You may also want to look into the plugin that kicks people who change their name every half second or so? I remember it being mentioned a while back, but not sure if it was implemented. The name cycling makes it difficult for admins to target for bans.

Powerlord wrote one, the one GM was referring to.

Settings: Alltalk should always be on. This is the primary reason I favor this server and community.

Thank you. That's definitely something I'm all in favor of. Plus I don't necessarily play to win; I love conversing with everyone there. In fact, most of the people here whom I play EllFourDeeTwo versus with, we always set alltalk to on.

Crits... are a source of ambivalence. On one hand, it can seemingly punish good players for no reason at all, and instant death is very rarely what I would consider 'fun'. On the other, it can help even the battlefield on occasion, and gives newer players a bit more of a fighting chance. In theory, anyway. Personally, I'm in favor of no-crit with option to turn on. But then again, I primarily play Sniper, so take that as you will.

Features: The replay system is nice to have, but seems to be a bit buggy. I'd like to have it, but not at the cost of stability.

It all comes down to the fact that at least one or two of the founders come from a company whose forte is just about everything but quality assurance.

The ranking system is kinda fun but ultimately unnecessary.

Three words:

I.

Hate.

Stats.

Really, just about the only thing the stats system was ever useful for was finding the idiots and their names who've infested the server so I could add them by Steam ID to my own instance of SourceBans. Otherwise, it's all about dickwaving.

I have other things that came to mind a bit later afterward, so I'm going to relegate those to their own post.

--IJ.

[ParanoidDrone]

For the record, the "carts roll forward during overtime" mechanic exists only on Nightfall. Pipeline and Hightower have no such contingency in place. That said, I enjoy PLR for the most part, Pipeline in particular.

Expanding on Sombrero's point, I think server stability should be...not a goal, that's not the right word, but a definite factor in deciding what plugins, settings, etc. to use. Given the choice between a perfectly vanilla, stable server and a tricked out unstable one, I'll take the first every time. If that means removing some plugins, then so be it.

[Super-Duper Sombrero]

Powerlord wrote one, the one GM was referring to.

GM posted while I was writing mine, but yes.

GM stop teleporting through time and stealing my posts, it's bad form.

[Native Jovian]

On maps: I generally agree with the "all Valve maps except the server-clearing ones (eg, Hydro) plus select custom maps". Any custom maps we have on our default map rotation should be popular enough that people can be reasonably expected to have it already. We don't want to force half the server to download the map when we switch.

On plugins: pregame mayhem is always fun, and Powerlord's map plugin is good stuff too.

On settings: The main thing I care about is default server size and respawn times, because messing with either of those completely borks map balance. Other than that, I like two rounds per map for Attack/Defend and PL/PLR maps, but CP, KOTH, and Arena are probably better off with three, given that they're a little more dynamic from round to round anyway. I'd prefer sudden death over standard stalemate, and melee-only sudden death over that. I'd say leave random crits and random pellet spread on -- they're part of the game by default and we're not a competitive server, so I'd rather keep them that way.

On reserve slots: I like it when reserve slots just prioritize server regulars over random pubs in terms of getting on to the server when it's full. Maybe privileges like nominating maps or calling for votecrits/votemelee would be good, but I don't think they need any minimod powers like kicking people or setting them on fire.

[Powerlord]

I'd prefer sudden death over standard stalemate, and melee-only sudden death over that.

I found out that you don't even need a plugin for that any more... Valve added a cvar for melee-only sudden death:

mp_stalemate_meleeonly 1

[Necro]

Maps:

Most of the stock maps are good enough. Customs should be handled with care.

Plugin:

As long as there is some sort of voting functionality I can't complain.

Settings:

I prefer no random crits no damage spread yada yada so pro competitive tryhard.

Alltalk is fun.

There should be some sort of votekick functionality just so we don't have to bug admins to get rid of asshats.

Reserved Slot:

If we need to buy reserved slots that's cool.

[Bahamut]

To add some thoughts:

I removed tc_hydro, cp_degrootkeep, and the arena maps from the maplist I intend to use for the automatic map choosing list and have them still on for the comprehensive maplist. I have a boatload of custom maps that I downloaded, but of course it'll all be trial and error when it comes to figuring out which ones to keep and which ones should go. If there are any specific requests for certain maps, I'm all ears.

I will try to get a second server as an event server/secondary server.

Here's a list of maps I've downloaded so far, if anyone wants to give feedback on a certain map sucking and that I shouldn't put it on, tell me so I can widdle this list down! Keep in mind also that I am still searching for a lot of candidates for the serve, so this is by no means a done list.

arena_mach2

ccp_circlejerk_rc1

cp_antiquity_b5

cp_bazillion_rc5

cp_beamvalley_v2

cp_blackmesa_final_2

cp_broma

cp_busytown

cp_castle4

cp_desertfortress

cp_follower_2

cp_four_trees_v2

cp_furnace_rc

cp_glacier_rc6

cp_indulge

cp_labor

cp_lwobtsud (dustbowl mirrored)

cp_mario_bros_beta8_2

cp_marioblast_2011

cp_medieval_siege

cp_mountcoaster_v6

cp_observatory4

cp_oilfield_v2

cp_orange_horizon

cp_overflow_2

cp_pacman_wtf (you knew it was coming)

cp_science2

cp_sdnaldab (badlands mirrored)

cp_snowbridge_thallus_2

cp_stag

cp_station_b1

cp_tiplevarg (gravelpit mirrored)

cp_toy_fort_beta2

cp_warpath

cp_warpath2

cp_waste_final

cp_yranarg (granary mirrored)

cp_zinkenite_b3a

ctf_biomass_rc1

ctf_chaos

ctf_haarp

ctf_impact2

ctf_landfall_rc

ctf_mach4

ctf_mercy

ctf_trof2 (2fort mirrored)

ctf_turbine_pro_b1

koth_aperture_science_iiia

koth_hardrock_rc

koth_skylab_rc1

pl_cashworks_prefinal

pl_goldheist_canyon_rc4_2

pl_halfacre

pl_jordan_canyon_final

pl_manngrove_rc5

pl_moonlit_b5

pl_redship_rc3

pl_retawdab (badwater mirrored)

pl_swiftwater_frc20

pl_vesper_b2

plr_panic_b2

tc_meridian_rc3

tc_ramparts_a4

tc_spectre_b5

Edit: I forgot to add, I will not put customs into the automatic voting maplist unless it is by popular demand. All customs will have to be nominated. If people want to check out some of these maps ahead of time and give approval or disapproval, It would be much appreciated. I have a feeling if we miss any, Gamemaster will figure out how to break maps anyway

[Brushfire]

CASHWORKS!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

As far as Admins go, Since PL is stepping down, and Garian quit a zillion years ago, our crop of what was left is sufficient to keep the peace.

Brushfire

Bahamut

ParanoidDrone

DarkeSword

bark

FireSlash

D-Lux

Vimk

Those are whom we have listed as admins prior. I dunno if Steven (D-Lux) still wants to do it, or Fireslash or Mikey B(Vimk). Bark is also a wild card in this. I can still do the late night thing so no one has to be bothered when we get problems late at night, but it would help if had a second one. I dunno if we need eight, but I am sure it wouldnt hurt.

[Top Gun]

There was a PL map called Boundary I played once that seemed pretty fun; it's essentially a Badwater clone.

[Bahamut]

I am going to choose a new crop of admins. Regularity and professionalism are the two most important traits I'm looking for here. I also would like to preferably have a secondary admin as well who can access the server in full like me in the event I'm not around and there's a TF2 update that needs to be pushed or some other random factor.

Ideally, I'd like to pick out of those who currently regularly play TF2 and have a clean slate. I'm leaning towards certain people, but I want to talk to them first. If there is anyone possibly interested who feels he or she can meet those two main criteria, feel free to drop me a message and we can discuss it.

As for reserve slots, I think I would like to set up a donation system - a nominal $2 a month sounds fair.

Top Gun - grabbed pl_boundary_final just now, it's in my collection of maps in waiting.

[ParanoidDrone]

Regarding admins, I'm on the west coast now instead of Louisiana, on the off chance it makes a difference. I'm perfectly willing to keep my position, but grad school has a nasty habit of eating my free time. I'd also like to preemptively remove myself from consideration from root admin on the grounds that I don't have a fucking clue how to operate a server.

Regarding customs, I don't have any major problems with Bahamut's list since odds are they'll rarely be played anyway. However, I do have a strong dislike for Orange maps, and IIRC we played on koth_aperture before and collectively decided we didn't like it. I do recognize a fair number of maps that I know are of halfway decent quality, so props for that.

[Brushfire]

I'll throw in my hat for modship. Not root or anything like that.

[phill]

I'm leaning towards certain people, but I want to talk to them first.

I'm totally one of those people right? *cough* At any rate, I wouldn't mind being more active in the community so I'll toss my hat into the ring.

[Gamemaster1379]

I mentioned it before, but I'll go ahead and throw the offer up again. I can lend a hand. I've become well versed on server management from running Ichi, shbouldn't be anything new.

[D-Lux]

While keeping my admin abilities would be cool, I can firmly state that I have moved on to other games for primary entertainment. TF2 is in more of a nostalgia / change of pace category for me these days.

[Bahamut]

Updating the list of customs that I have here:

arena_blackwood

arena_loz_dungeon_eagle_b3

arena_mach2

arena_pokemon_b1

ccp_circlejerk_rc1

cp_antiquity_b5

cp_area51_v4

cp_basement_v3

cp_bazillion_rc5

cp_beamvalley_v2

cp_bestinclass_v2

cp_blackmesa_final_2

cp_bloodstained

cp_broma

cp_busytown

cp_castle4

cp_convoy

cp_desertfortress

cp_devilsbrew_final

cp_dust_town_b2

cp_erosion_b8c

cp_follower_2

cp_four_trees_v2

cp_fragrun

cp_furnace_rc

cp_glacier_rc6

cp_grand_canyon_v1

cp_grassland_rc3

cp_gydan

cp_halo_bloodgulch (misnomer - it is really foundation)

cp_harbor_v2

cp_hotelhell

cp_hyrulecastle_a1

cp_indulge

cp_industrial_b7

cp_kakariko_a3

cp_labor

cp_lwobtsud (dustbowl mirrored)

cp_mainline_rc6

cp_mario_bros_beta8_2

cp_marioblast_2011

cp_medieval_siege

cp_mountcoaster_v6

cp_observatory4

cp_oilfield_v2

cp_orange_horizon

cp_overflow_2

cp_pacman_wtf (you knew it was coming)

cp_ravine_b2

cp_roswell

cp_science2

cp_sdnaldab (badlands mirrored)

cp_shabbytown_final

cp_shock

cp_snowbridge_thallus_2

cp_spyhard_rc1

cp_stag

cp_stark_b2

cp_station_b1

cp_takeback_mountain

cp_temple_rc3

cp_tiplevarg (gravelpit mirrored)

cp_titan_rc1

cp_toy_fort_alt3

cp_toy_fort_beta2

cp_warpath

cp_warpath2

cp_waste_final

cp_wildmire_b3

cp_yranarg (granary mirrored)

cp_zinkenite_b3a

ctf_aerospace_b4

ctf_atrophy_b4

ctf_biomass_rc1

ctf_chaos

ctf_convoy_v2

ctf_crossunder

ctf_crypt_rc1

ctf_decker_rc1

ctf_facing_worlds_v1

ctf_haarp

ctf_halo_beavercreek_2

ctf_impact2

ctf_landfall_rc

ctf_mach4

ctf_mercy

ctf_operative_b1

ctf_royal_b3

ctf_subterranean

ctf_sunsettown_f1

ctf_trof2 (2fort mirrored)

ctf_turbine_pro_b1

koth_diabolical_final

koth_fever_b1

koth_hardrock_rc

koth_haunted_hall

koth_lighthouse_rc3

koth_megaman6_b5

koth_moonshine_rc

koth_pacman_wtf_b2

koth_scorched_final

koth_skylab_rc1

koth_sollytude_final

koth_supernintendo

koth_windwaker_v1

pl_beerbowl_b5a

pl_borax_rc

pl_boundary_final

pl_cashworks_prefinal

pl_cave_b6

pl_deadwater_snow

pl_deadwood

pl_deplane_b6

pl_dustbowl_b4

pl_goldheist_canyon_rc4_2

pl_gravelpit_beta4

pl_halfacre

pl_jordan_canyon_final

pl_manngrove_rc5

pl_moonlit_b5

pl_outback_rc4

pl_redship_rc3

pl_repository_rc3

pl_research_island

pl_retawdab (badwater mirrored)

pl_swiftwater_frc20

pl_universe_b4

pl_vesper_b2

pl_wintertown_finalfix2

pl_woodland_final

pl_yamashiro_b3

plr_clandestine

plr_panic_b2

tc_meridian_rc3

tc_ramparts_a4

tc_spectre_b5

[ParanoidDrone]

One thing that just came to mind. I remember there being a kerfluffle a while ago over some troll abusing the exact words on the MOTD to justify his actions. With that in mind, either instead of or in addition to the rules, can we have a general "Don't be a douchebag" rule? Preferably in all caps, bold, 72-point font. (Not really, but you get the point.)

[Lyrai]

Wouldn't the point where he's trying to specifically point out that if you take the motd JUST RIGHT "I'm not trolling it says I can do it lololol" an admin just kicks him for being a nuisance?