Updates on Orc

1) The idea of creating this as Open Source is looking rather impossible. Everything boils down to the database which is copyrighted by ICE. The only real solution that would be to create a completely original database which still might not be enough if ICE also owns the "structure" and "rules" which I also believe is the case. In the end, Orc is a bit too specialized to be Open Source. Streamlining it is also a solution where Orc becomes generic enough to be able to handle most attack systems in a very basic manner. I will be discussing a possible license with ICE when it comes to Orc so yes, I have removed Orc from being Open Source.

2) Ran through Orc during a game and I was actually impressed. If a program doesn't work I will usually jettison it in favor for something I am used to, but with Orc I not only used it once for a big combat I used it twice for another big combat. A few issues get crop up, for example Hit Points were not getting applied except if you hit the apply button and the program forces the user a bit too much. So I am going through Orc to create a program that is a bit more streamlined:

• Message boxes will appear reminding GM's on events or statuses of players. For example, if a player is stunned, the program will no longer control your actions on the stun, it will simply tell you the player is stunned. This allows for House rules as well.
  
• I am going to remove a LOT of fields from the add player in favor of having fixed values for defense: Melee DB, Missile/Bolt DB, Area/Ball DB and that's it. I will still have a field to adjust DB with or without shield.
  
• User fields/GM Screen. There will two buttons, one for the player and one for the target that the user can bring up for user fields. These fields can be used for shadow or lighting, cover or elevation, etc. It can also be used for Adrenal Defense or Adrenal Evasion values as well. Adding User fields will be another tab in the add players dialog where you can add as many user fields as you want for the player. A general user field XML will be created that will always display for every player.
• Re-arranging the GUI's for a bit more of a streamlined look and to make certain values stand out and easier to read such as the hit attack and the critical areas.