Intermittent Task Execution

[Lazzah]

Something strange is happening in Essex!

In one of my WIP's I have an object, a name badge (synonym "name"), which is part of an NPC. I have it set as readable and there is a description when it is read.

The problem occurs when I type READ BADGE or READ NAME because it doesn't always work! I can type either command and get the response "I don't know what you want to do with the name badge." then immediately re-type the command and get the correct response. Of course, if I create a specific READ BADGE task then the command works every time, but I shouldn't have to do that.

Anyone got any ideas why this might be happening? Saabie? Campbell?

[saabie]

The only thing I can think of is that the text box has a blank page set to "Only display once", either in a task or the object description or the "When read display this" property.
If it's not one of those could you post the detailed debugger output for both cases, when it doesn't work and when it does.

[ralphmerridew]

a) Export the game to a file. Search through the file for the badge. If the problem is something like what saabie said, it'll be more visible.

b) Try READ BADGE 10 times in a row. Are there any patterns to when it doesn't work?

[Lazzah]

The only thing I can think of is that the text box has a blank page set to "Only display once", either in a task or the object description or the "When read display this" property.
If it's not one of those could you post the detailed debugger output for both cases, when it doesn't work and when it does.

No, nothing like that in the task. Well, whatever was causing that anomaly is no longer affecting the game, READ BADGE is working fine today without the extra specific READ BADGE task.

Very odd!

[ralphmerridew]

ISTR that if an object is part of an NPC, you may not be able to refer to it before you examine the NPC.