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Old 01-14-2018, 08:24 PM
Darkscis
Sarnak
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 62
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You don't have to 'code' anything at all to run a server. It is basically set up now as a fire and forget, the windows executable will even apply patches for you.

If you want to customize content and deviate from the original database (usually the PEQ one) then you will need to know/learn how to modify an SQL database. This governs changing NPC's/loot/items/spells etc.

If you want to customize quests you will need to know/learn either Perl or Lua. This governs modifying quest scripts, encounters and item quests.

If you want to customize the back end features of the server, you will need to know/learn C++ and modify the source. You will also need to learn how to compile that source into your own binaries, merge new changes into your custom code and apply patches without breaking your server. The changes possible with this are enormous however and too varied to list.

In a nutshell;
If you just want to host a server for you and your mates to play on, you don't need to change anything. It will be set up as a pseudo-classic server with modern changes requiring groups/raids etc. You can select in the install process whether to enable bots to round out parties.

If you want a "nostalgia" classic server you really only need to play with the database (SQL). For some reason though, people seem to think adding mana stone, un-nerfed circlet of shadow and rubicite = classic server. They make 5 or 6 changes, lock it down to Kunark or Velious and releases their new server expecting millions to flock to this amazing masterpiece. It inevitably fails.

Finally, if you want a *true* classic server, you need to change everything almost from the ground up. This means custom code for old formulas, reverting quests and reverting items/loot drops. There is absolutely no point in doing this, as it already exists.

What I have seen most (but definitely not all) servers around here do is approximate classic->PoP and then go custom. Even my server was guilty of this. You end up with bored players who have done the progression content a million times. These days it pretty much seems like you go full custom, or you don't bother. Of course, if you are just doing it for yourself/mates then it doesn't matter.
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