For the record, this is the bug I was fixing:
FinneyOwnzU wrote:
Here is another log snippet from PvE, with circle bugging out again. This is really frustrating - please change circle to work all the time. Something in the code is not registering targets as fighting.
Code:
[HP:100%] [ME: 62%] [PE:100%]
>
The Floating Stairway
This staircase seems to wind ever upwards into the heights of this tower,
spiralling gracefully between several landings. The steps are carved out of
alabaster marble and quite flat, exhuding a mystical, intense white glow.
Closer inspection reveals that they aren't in fact connected with each other
but hover in mid-air, kept there through magical means. Several identical
doors on each landing lead past stone archways and deeper into the tower.
The peripheral view from the stairway is quite dizzying, one's gaze lost in
the tower's white brilliance.
Obvious exits: n e s w u d
Fhaeron is here, fighting Avril.
Scarab is here, fighting Avril.
Morzatu (a drab male centaur) is here, fighting Fhaeron.
Reinald (a well-bred male human) is flying here.
Kaim (a dignified male elf) is here, fighting Fhaeron.
Callie (a blond female half-elf) is here, fighting Fhaeron.
Avril (an alabaster male sprite) is here, fighting Fhaeron.
Aurenna (a brash female half-elf) is lying here prone.
Aotlan (a dapper male gnome) is here.
[HP:100%] [ME: 62%] [PE:100%]
>
Fhaeron grins as Avril is engulfed in a poisonous cloud!
Fhaeron glows with mystical energy!
Avril turns slightly green, but it passes.
[HP:100%] [ME: 62%] [PE:100%]
>
Kaim starts to concentrate.
[HP:100%] [ME: 62%] [PE:100%]
> circle scarab
Their party isn't fighting right now.
This ought to be fixed now. Finney's first log in this thread, while no doubt frustrating, did not appear to be a bug and I still don't consider it to be a bug. The first time I read this thread, I focused entirely on the logs. I came back to this thread now and notice for the first time that there were suggestions for gameplay changes. Okay, so let's talk about it.
I don't think you should be able to open with a circle stab at any time. Sure, backstab is better, particularly with double backstab, but circle stab is still on the same damage level as a cleave. I can't remember the time when Finney says you could use it at will, but if we did change it away from that, it was no doubt because it proved to be overpowered (which I can believe).
Given that there do seem to be times when there aren't many choices for a rogues opening attack, what I'd be slightly more willing to do is make hamstring available as an opener in all situations. It has the benefit of hamstring making more sense as a way to run someone down who is trying to flee. And even though hamstring does equivalent damage to circle stab, it has another limitation which would become more relevant, in that you can't keep using it if you've already mangled both their legs.
Thoughts?