I have been working on the LOS changes as per RFE 1391523 and would like to get 
some feedback from anyone interested is LOS threads:

1. Added options for the module designer to force the start or the end (or 
both) of the LOS thread to snap to the grid, to suit the LOS rules for the game 
in question. 

2. Added a Report Format that will report the use of the LOS thread each time 
the mouse is released. The formatted report includes options to display the 
Start Location, the number of locations checked and a list of the locations 
listed. You can generate reports like:

   newbie: LOS Checked from 0406 to 0703 (Range 3) [5 Locations checked: 0505, 
0605, 0604, 0704, 0703]

QUESTION: Should a basic default Report Format be included so that all existing 
modules will start to automatically report LOS checks, or should it be left up 
to individual module maintainers to add to their modules at their leisure?

3. I have stopped short of the final request to make the LOS thread visible, 
but offer a compromise. 

To make the LOS thread visible to your opponent in real time will generate 10's 
or 100's of commands that will ultimately overload the central server(s). The 
result will unsatisfactory anyway, as the commands will arrive in bursts and 
the LOS thread will jerk around all over the place. The additional reporting I 
have added probably makes this request redundant.

However, the idea of using a LOS thread to mark an attack and have it 'persist' 
and be seen by the opponent has merit.

PROPOSAL:
 a) An additional option on the LOS thread 'Persistent LOS?' and an additional 
Icon 'Persistent LOS active Icon'
 b) A persistent LOS will be sent to the opponent and displayed on their screen 
when the mouse is released.
 c) A persistent LOS will be visible even after the initiating player clicks on 
the map to end the LOS session, and any hidden counters reappear
 d) While a persistent LOS is visible, the LOS icon will change to the 
'Persistent LOS active' icon. 
 e) A persistent LOS will dissappear when either player next clicks the LOS 
button, and the Icon will return to normal.

This scheme means all LOS checks will either be persistent, or not be 
persistent, you can't mix the two. If you need both, you could have 2 LOS 
threads, one non-persistent for LOS checks and on persistent for marking 
attacks.

Another possible option would be to have persistence turned on by clicking in 
the LOS button a second time while viewing a standard LOS thread. This the 
counters to re-appear as if you had clicked on the map, but the LOS will 
persist. This is more flexible, but is not exactly intuitive.

All thoughts appreciated.

____________________________________________________________
Brent Easton                       
Analyst/Programmer                               
University of Western Sydney                                   
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

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