Jumping Creatures
version 1.10
2011 July 10
by The Magus  AKA Henesua
henesua@gmail.com

This ERF includes one Special Combat AI Script, and an example creature that exhibits the jumping behavior. For the creature, see the "Dire Spider, Jumping" in the creature palette under Custom : Monsters : Insects : Spiders.

The purpose of this system is to enable certain creatures to leap obstructions in the tileset, such as chasms, or complicated wok meshes.

Possibilities for future development include adding flying creatures, and teleporting creatures. I've considered swimming, but am unsure how to discern watery obstructions from other kinds.


Instructions:

Setting up a module and testing the system:
1. Open a module
2. Import this ERF into the module
3. Add several of the "Dire Spider, Jumping" to an area with a chasm.
4. Test the mod.


Creating additional jumping creatures:
1. Create a new creatures
2. Edit Properties
   a.	Select the "Advanced" pane
   b.	Click the button marked "Variables"
   c.	Enter a new variable
		name: X2_SPECIAL_COMBAT_AI_SCRIPT
		type: string
		value: _ai_jump_spec
   d.	Click "Add"
   e.	Click "OK" on the Variables window
   f.	Click "OK" on the Creature Properties window

Note:
Spiders are considered a special "jumper", and gain some benefits such as the ability to knockdown enemies that they jump on, as well as the ability to cross exceptional distances indoors (assuming that they climb on ceilings and walls to cross chasms/obstructions). To indicate that your creature is a spider, include "spid" in the creature's tag, and give it Race: Vermin.

Change log:
v1.1 - added explicit calls to attack after jumping
     - flag set to skip normal combat ai after a successful move/jump