[UO Herald] To Some Housebuilder

[UO News]

Greetings,
If you have recently followed some ill advice on how to achieve an illegal house foundation in Ultima Online, now is your time to undo it. From tomorrow on, agents of the housing office will search for such foundations and sanction the owners.
Thank you!

Continue reading...

 

[Flutter]

Um... what?

 

[Old Man of UO]

Wonders if this also applies to the Return To Brit houses.

 

[Old Man of UO]

Um... what?

Pretty... cryptic, huh?

 

[Faeryl]

I know what they're talking about... But I'm not saying anything.

 

[silent]

I can see the posts tomorrow, I bought this house from someone and now it's gone. Wanna shed some light on what people should be looking for?

 

[Petra Fyde]

I can see the posts tomorrow, I bought this house from someone and now it's gone. Wanna shed some light on what people should be looking for?

illegal house foundations?
House foundations that don't look like the ones that come from the house foundation menu I would imagine.

 

[Maximus Neximus]

I can see the posts tomorrow, I bought this house from someone and now it's gone. Wanna shed some light on what people should be looking for?

Yeah that would be nice. I bought my house from someone and haven't changed it. Is it something that would be obvious?

 

[Faeryl]

Yeah that would be nice. I bought my house from someone and haven't changed it. Is it something that would be obvious?

If it's not of the foundations listed in the menu, then it's illegal. I'd say it would be pretty obvious. But if you're not sure, just open the menu and compare them to what you have.

 

[Petra Fyde]

If in doubt simply go into the house menu, change your foundation, then change it back to the one you prefer. You don't have to go into full customization just to change the foundation.

 

[ilot]

While your at it, why don't take the opportunity to also look for people with tons of val hammer, millions of checks of millions, more inquis that could possibly spawn, etc and take action? There is so much to look for, what's the point of house foundation? Weird priority.

 

[Raptor85]

I wonder if they're just talking about houses that are converted from classic to custom that go "improperly placed" after....if so that would suck because that means a LOT of houses people use are about to be deleted.

 

[Picus at the office]

I can hardly wait for this "fix" to go in where everyone loses a house. It will only take 4 months for the revert after the silence....

 

[Petra Fyde]

If you haven't followed any 'ill advice' ie used an exploit, then you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Old Man of UO]

While your at it, why don't take the opportunity to also look for people with tons of val hammer, millions of checks of millions, more inquis that could possibly spawn, etc and take action? There is so much to look for, what's the point of house foundation? Weird priority.

That's what I was thinking as I kept reading this thread... sure, it may be an exploit, but so are the other dupes and what not.

 

[Flutter]

Does this house foundation give people some sort of advantage in the game?
I mean.... why would we care about someone's house foundation?

 

[Flutter]

I know what they're talking about... But I'm not saying anything.

Maybe post a screenshot? You don't have to show location or house owner or anything.... just what it looks like? Maybe we can understand better why it's so important.

 

[Aibal]

Does this house foundation give people some sort of advantage in the game?
I mean.... why would we care about someone's house foundation?

Because it diverts attention away from their last blunder with factions, and prepares the subscribers for the next blunder, which is most assuredly happening soon.......

 

[Flutter]

Because it diverts attention away from their last blunder with factions, and prepares the subscribers for the next blunder, which is most assuredly happening soon.......

lol...

 

[Sevin0oo0]

maybe it allows them to place something where it's not supposed to go?
they know who they are

 

[MalagAste]

I'm going to assume maybe that's bad of me that those guilty of whatever know who they are.

 

[Obsidian]

I wonder if they're just talking about houses that are converted from classic to custom that go "improperly placed" after....if so that would suck because that means a LOT of houses people use are about to be deleted.

I hope not. I have a New Mag house I won in the lottery that was too close to the plot in front of me. I had to have Mesanna place it for me. I can't remember the plot plot number but I think it was SW-5.

 

[RaDian FlGith]

Odd... when I first read this announcement, the first thought in my mind was one of my houses that had been legally placed, but which now reads "Illegally Placed." I honestly didn't take it to mean anything about the legality of the TYPE of foundation, but of the PLACEMENT of the foundation.

Which, of course, makes me wonder, given the speculation, just what they ARE talking about.

 

[LordDrago]

What I worry about, is who are the agents from the housing office, how well trained arfe they, and how are they going about these "housing sweeps"?

Let's face it, you can have 2 different GM's called for the exact same problem, one will say he cannot fix the issue, and the other will fix the issue in 2 seconds flat.
There have been numerous examples of different GMs, devs, etc,, having different understandings of what they can and cannot do (both in regards to having the capability as well as the authority). As much as I applaud this action, and would hope that it is a sign of more actions to come (dupers/scripters), I shudder (slightly) at what the results may be. Some of my worries go beyond this specific problem (housing foundations), but just wanted to throw this thought out there.

 

[weins201]

I am sorry but SOME clarification needs to be put out or at least ensure a Message on your account before any action is taken. If this is a Goza Issue, somone better answer up NOW. If is about illegally placed houses, some have been around FOREVER and nothing should ever happen to them.

If this does not really affect anyone elses game play then decs could definatly spend some more time on Duping, and many more serious exploits.

 

[GalenKnighthawke]

I know what they're talking about... But I'm not saying anything.

Please pick between these options:

1. If you have a house, worry, this is not obviously illegal and can perhaps be done accidentally; or
2. Do not worry, this is something that is transparently illegal and you have to set out to do.

Sorry to put you on the spot but if you're correct then you're the only poster I've noticed who has specifically claimed to know what this is about.

-Galen's player

 

[Sevin0oo0]

Mesanna has a thing for housing, I'd guess she'll lead the charge, and if they are a Cal's List candidate, they may also get a Cheaters ain't Welcome here notice.

 

[Faeryl]

Please pick between these options:

1. If you have a house, worry, this is not obviously illegal and can perhaps be done accidentally; or
2. Do not worry, this is something that is transparently illegal and you have to set out to do.

Sorry to put you on the spot but if you're correct then you're the only poster I've noticed who has specifically claimed to know what this is about.


-Galen's player

Option 2.

There's no way to do it accidentally. If you've done it, you know you've done it.

 

[GalenKnighthawke]

Option 2.

There's no way to do it accidentally. If you've done it, you know you've done it.

Many thanks.

I shall surely hope you are correct about what it is!

-Galen's player

 

[Martyna Zmuir]

Just give the offenders the "crystal" foundation type permanently. That should be punishment enough...

 

[Uriah Heep]

Nerf those overpowered Foundations!!!!!!!! They seriously afffect my gameplay! This is important stuff ladies and gentlemen. Much worse than mobs spawning in unreachable locations, much more important than fixing the town invasions where mages can actually play it, way more important than fixing the scroll drop list where pinks for item ID and taste ID and camping and what have ya drop as often as the needed ones.

Ima sleep better tonight knowing this is being done!

 

[GalenKnighthawke]

Without saying how this ranks relative to other priorities in the game, and without any knowledge of what this could be, I must point out that housing is a very important game system, one of the things repeatedly cited that makes the game particularly unique and particularly worthwhile, and it totally makes sense that an exploit or similar thing in the housing system would be a priority.

Whether or not it is your particular priority is not, by any stretch, relevant.

-Galen's player

 

[Larisa]

I'm assuming that by manipulating a house foundation to make it something that is not in the game is in fact manipulating the coding, getting inside the game itself...which is bad....you people that are being sarcastic about *OMG HOUSE FOUNDATIONS A GAME STOPPING ISSUE!* very well may be if someone can manipulate the code...think about it and don't be so sarcastic.

The initial message is MEANT to be vague, only the people that have done this get the message...and hopefully they GET the message

 

[Sevin0oo0]

if you have recently .

One would think the Goza is not 'recent', didn't they already give guidelines for these?

 

[Uriah Heep]

I'm assuming that by manipulating a house foundation to make it something that is not in the game is in fact manipulating the coding, getting inside the game itself...which is bad....you people that are being sarcastic about *OMG HOUSE FOUNDATIONS A GAME STOPPING ISSUE!* very well may be if someone can manipulate the code...think about it and don't be so sarcastic.

The initial message is MEANT to be vague, only the people that have done this get the message...and hopefully they GET the message

I just kinda figure if someone was actually "manipulating code" they would probably do it with more marketable stuff than a house foundation, sheeeesh. And they do it all the time, the stump hacks, the field hacks, the list is long...

And Galen, point taken. I withdraw my complaint, a hosue foundation is *clearly* much more important than all the dozens, hell, hundreds of bugs we have been fighting. Now get off my ass....

 

[Larisa]

yeah but remember the housing system is on a VERY old code that it seems everyone is afraid to mess with..and with good reason!

So if someone was actually ABLE to do so? Imagine the possibilities...no wait..don't......:/

I don't want anyone going up in there and messin with my house...do you?

I just think that the very cryptic message is all that is needed, the ones who did these things will know they have been found out and are hopefully squirming.

Kudo's Mesanna and Team....make 'em squirm

 

[Sevin0oo0]

what if the foundation issue allowed them to keep their existing 'legally' placed house without further problem? still a back-burner issue?

 

[LordDrago]

What if this is just a test run on teh deployment of a new "Ban Hammer SWAT Team" and they are just testing out some functionality on a rather small hack?

I can dream can't I?

 

[GalenKnighthawke]

I just kinda figure if someone was actually "manipulating code" they would probably do it with more marketable stuff than a house foundation, sheeeesh. And they do it all the time, the stump hacks, the field hacks, the list is long...

And Galen, point taken. I withdraw my complaint, a hosue foundation is *clearly* much more important than all the dozens, hell, hundreds of bugs we have been fighting. Now get off my ass....

Wow.

First of all, Sir Moderator, I am not "on" any part of you.

Second of all, Sir Moderator, I am not "on" any part of you.

Third of all, as I stated above (I'll bold some of the parts to make it easier to read; I hate doing that but if I must, I must), without saying how this ranks relative to other priorities in the game, and without any knowledge of what this could be, I must point out that housing is a very important game system, one of the things repeatedly cited that makes the game particularly unique and particularly worthwhile, and it totally makes sense that an exploit or similar thing in the housing system would be a priority.

Whether or not it is your particular priority is not, by any stretch, relevant. Even if you're a Moderator.

-Galen's player

 

[Tazar]

From what I understand - this is a MUCH more serious issue than it appears to be on the surface - and it is bad enough to need a quick-fix. It does not involve Goza Mats or Improperly Placed Houses. If you have exploited it - you know it.

For those of you that play the game normally - you should have no concerns.

 

[Pawain]

For those of you that play the game normally - you should have no concerns.

Define normal. I do a lot of things that others do not normally do. I just spent an hour playing with water barrels. I milked the EM on LS.

 

[startle]

All this conversation has left me very curious. Someone make sure to get a screenshot of it and once it's fixxed send it to me!

Yea, even if you get ban'd for it, take a pic for us to see what you did... We're all curious!

 

[Petra Fyde]

oh for goodness sake!
They can't give any more clarification, or some clever idiot will try to work out how it's done and the exploit will spread.
Yes, I do know what it is - It was posted on Stratics from where I removed it PDQ.

 

[Dragonater]

yeah but remember the housing system is on a VERY old code that it seems everyone is afraid to mess with..and with good reason!

So if someone was actually ABLE to do so? Imagine the possibilities...no wait..don't......:/

I don't want anyone going up in there and messin with my house...do you?

I just think that the very cryptic message is all that is needed, the ones who did these things will know they have been found out and are hopefully squirming.

Kudo's Mesanna and Team....make 'em squirm

I agree, this message is directed towards a very specific group . I'm guessing they know who they are because to be have this illegal foundation I assume you must have to have taken very detailed steps to achive the (illegal) result.
So I think the rest of us can just chill and not worry about a "knock on our door" from the housing agents.

 

[PJay]

why couldnt this have been sorted with a patch fix? Why is this even worthy of news status and why they hell is the only thing getting fixed the colour of someones house foundations i mean who gives a damn??

Theres a bug list which we were asked to fill in and as far as im concerned noone gives a damn about that but OH crap those foundations arnt right we shall spend valuable time sorting that.

Sickens me the money wasted and the exploits and bugs left for more months.

 

[OvenBird]

why couldnt this have been sorted with a patch fix? Why is this even worthy of news status and why they hell is the only thing getting fixed the colour of someones house foundations i mean who gives a damn??

Theres a bug list which we were asked to fill in and as far as im concerned noone gives a damn about that but OH crap those foundations arnt right we shall spend valuable time sorting that.

Sickens me the money wasted and the exploits and bugs left for more months.

The foundation could be part of a new housing tiles pack, which would mean more money for UO, more resources for the devs, and a good reason to seek them out if they were obtained illegaly... And remember Al Capone was taken down for tax evasion. Just saying.

 

[Lady Storm]

OK Settle down all of you....
Galen stop picking on Uriah or you will get the corner! Bravo on Larissa's point. She said it best and should be lissened to. Tazar has it right also. This only concerns players who did this exploit, IT IS NOT YOUR CONCERN UNLESS YOU DID IT. As Petra quite frankly said.
The old code is a very delacate thing for uo players, any messing with it in any shape of form will ripple in waves down the chain to all of us... it is a big no no to even think to try.
Any illegal action as this has broad implacations for us all, even if it at first looks safe and harmless. All it takes is one IDIOT to break in and there go's years of game history and items down the drain if not player accounts as well. I dont want to know how or who. All i give a fig about is that my part of my UO world is safe as are my friends and family's.
I am glad they are giving those who did it a chance to fix the wrong... mighty sporting of them. As the past can vouch the Dev is not known to giving heads up warnings like this.

 

[Lord Nabin]

oh for goodness sake!
They can't give any more clarification, or some clever idiot will try to work out how it's done and the exploit will spread.
Yes, I do know what it is - It was posted on Stratics from where I removed it PDQ.

This is Correct. EA has a policy not to discuss "Publicly" these exploits so that they do not spread and do further Damage.

We should be thankful that at least they recognized that some people might have been caught unaware on this one and they gave us a heads up before cleaning it all up.

I am satisfied with that and while curious as to what the details are, the bottom line is that it doesn't really mater and I can get back to playing knowing full well that my houses are safe and sound.

 

[Prawn]

removed

 

[Gilmour]

This is Correct. EA has a policy not to discuss "Publicly" these exploits so that they do not spread and do further Damage.

^ this, and Faeryl told you all you need to know.