Computer PBeM and where it should be taken

Colin,

you should probably be hashing out this kind of discussion on the recently
busier GZG computer list.

Someone will have sub info.

ftgzg-computer@wraith.cs.colorado.edu

That's the addr. I can't recall the addr of the server that grants you
memberhsip. I think it is same server, different email addr.
(majordomo@wraith.cs.colorado.edu?) usual subject blank body contains
subscribe ftgzg-computer

I think that's close. Someone will post the real info....

As an aside, I notice no one has suggested rules based resolution? ie, I
submit my orders to fire, and they can include a number of ranked statements.
Each statement can contain a "target id", a "conditional statement(s)" and a
weapon indicator.

For example

target id types: Nearest Ship Specific Tag (DD#13, Bogey#12) Any Enemy

conditionals: mass > x mass < x class = <CA, CL, etc> range > x range < x
range = shortest range = furthest (still in range) target = enemy (default
case) target = all

weapon indicator all weapons all beams beams F beams FP beams FS all weapons
in arc x all remaining

You could even do this in some sort of XML format, and then gradually expand
the list of tags you handled... you wouldn't have to do them all at once.

You'd get a ship's firing orders that would consist of:
[DD15_Firing]
Target=DD04 Conditions=RANGE<12
Weapons=ALL_BEAMS
Target=NEAREST Conditions= Weapons=REMAINING

Thus the orders processor would evaluate these. It would check if DD04 was
under 12", and if so fire all beams that bear at it. Otherwise, it would move
directly to rule #2. It would then target the nearest vessel (enemy default)
and fire any remaining weapons in arc and range.

Just a thought or two.