I am new to server development with EQEMU, but had worked on other projects before, some other new MMORPG private emulators. That being said I may have accidentally found a workaround for old clients that want to run newer zones, namely the newer zones from VoA / RoF / Live zones.
Client side recognition of the newer zones is really the only issue, i.e. older zone numbers/names that are recognized can be used to load new zones, as long as changes to the eqg file do not reflect any leftover data.
Example:
although your client may be able to see zone 732: cityofbronze, a #zone 732 or #zone cityofbronze will not zone you in. Your client does not recognize 732 as part of the total eqg known zones. Zones like arttest (996) loading test <??> might be cloned to utilize other new zones like VoA cotyofbronze zoneid #732
Test:
I did a search in explorer bar in EQ directory for all extensions beginning with a working zone inktuta. <xxx> zone id is 296. Bad choice i know, but of course if this 'fake clone' could load a zone, perhaps the rest would not be so difficult?
Renamed all files from EQ directory with zonename inktuta to cityofbronze
Logged in to Server, did a search for zones: #fz 296
2 listings for 296
296: inktuta, Inktu'Ta, the Unmasked Chapel
296: cityofbronze, Erillion, City of Bronze
query complete. 2 Rows shown
#zone 296 : RESULTS
was able to zone into City of bronze, although the zone is missing other functions s3d.obj and some NPC I feel this is a bridge to bringing the newer expansions to light.
Perhaps cloning other known zones, and working with existing clientside known numbers can allow the addition of these newer zones after more research is completed.
Personal note:
If anyone has older archived version of VoA compatible zones .s3d files (not sure they exist, seems that they dont) please contact me, also looking for newest compatible version Feb 12th version of client for RoF
Hope this may help
Golden79
ggg.antareswines@gmail.com
or PM ME
UPDATE:
attempted similar test with zone: load2 (#185)
#zone 185 RESULTS:
was able to zone into Erillion City of Bronze, but major structures were missing, most NPC are Davinci mobs, (models not part of .chr ) and missing textures/objects (NO cityofbronze.s3d )
working doors
some working animations (old)
<NEED> cityofbronze.s3d seems everything should be work fine, can use old textures/animations for NPC's