--- title: Building objects summary: Objects are weapons, armor, containers, food, scrolls, wands, and anything else portable. This guide covers oedit — types, values, applies, wear flags, extra descriptions, and how to test. order: 30 updated: 2026-05-18 --- # Building objects Objects are anything portable a player can `look` at, `take`, `wear`, `use`, `eat`, `drink`, or `wield`. You build them with `oedit`. ## Open the editor ``` oedit 3050 Open object vnum 3050 (or create if new) ``` ## Main menu ``` -- Item number : [3050] 0) Version : 1 1) Keywords : iron sword 2) S-Desc : an iron sword 3) L-Desc :- A serviceable iron sword has been dropped here. 4) A-Desc :- (description shown when worn or used) 5) Type : WEAPON 6) Extra flags : (none) 7) Wear flags : TAKE WIELD 8) Weight : 10 9) Cost : 250 A) Cost/Day : 12 B) Timer : 0 C) Values : 0 3 8 3 0 0 D) Applies menu E) Extra descriptions menu: Set. F) Material : iron H) Adm Level : 0 M) Min Level : 5 N) Max Level : 0 P) Perm Affects: (none) O) Obj Spells : None S) Script : Not Set. T) Spec procs : Not Set. W) Copy object X) Delete object Q) Quit ``` ## Keywords / S-Desc / L-Desc / A-Desc Same conventions as mob descriptions: - **Keywords**: space-separated; what players type. Include synonyms. - **Short desc**: appears in inventory, in act() text. Article-prefixed and lowercase ("a long sword"). No period. - **Long desc**: room line — what the player sees lying on the ground. End with period. - **Action desc**: shown when worn (for armor/jewelry) or used (for devices/scrolls). Multi-line OK. ## Item types (`5`) The single most important field. Type determines what `Values` mean and what player commands work. | Type | Player can | val0 | val1 | val2 | val3 | val4 | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | `LIGHT` | wield / wear | — | — | hours (`-1` = perm) | — | — | | `SCROLL` | quaff / recite | level | spell1 | spell2 | spell3 | — | | `WAND` | use | level | max_charges | current_charges | spell | — | | `STAFF` | use | level | max_charges | current_charges | spell | — | | `WEAPON` | wield | — | dice_count | dice_sides | weapon_type | — | | `FIREWEAPON` | wield (ranged) | — | dice_count | dice_sides | weapon_type | — | | `MISSILE` | hurl | — | — | — | — | — | | `TREASURE` | take | — | — | — | — | — | | `ARMOR` | wear | ac_apply | — | — | — | — | | `POTION` | quaff | level | spell1 | spell2 | spell3 | — | | `WORN` | wear | — | — | — | — | — | | `OTHER` | take | — | — | — | — | — | | `TRASH` | take (low value) | — | — | — | — | — | | `TRAP` | (passive) | spell | hit_chance | charges | trap_type | — | | `CONTAINER` | open / close / look in / put / get | max_weight | flags | key_vnum | corpse_flag | — | | `NOTE` | read | language | — | — | — | — | | `LIQUID_CONTAINER` | drink / fill / pour | max | current | liquid_type | poison | — | | `KEY` | unlock | — | — | — | — | — | | `FOOD` | eat | hours_filled | — | — | poison | — | | `MONEY` | take | coin_amount | — | — | — | — | | `PEN` | write | — | — | — | — | — | | `BOAT` | enter `water_noswim` | — | — | — | — | — | | `FOUNTAIN` | drink from | max | current | liquid_type | poison | — | | `SPELLBOOK` | study | — | — | — | — | — | | `DEVICE` | use (with spec proc) | charges | — | — | — | — | | `PORTAL` | enter | target_room | — | — | — | — | When in doubt: look at an existing object of the same type and copy its values structure. ## Values (`C`) — example breakdowns ### Weapon ``` 0 3 8 3 0 0 ^ ^ ^ ^ │ │ │ └── attack type (3 = TYPE_SLASH) │ │ └──── dice sides (3d8 base damage) │ └────── dice count └──────── unused ``` Common attack types: 0=hit, 1=sting, 2=whip, 3=slash, 4=bite, 5=bludgeon, 6=crush, 7=pound, 8=claw, 9=maul, 10=thrash, 11=pierce, 12=blast. Match the weapon's appearance. ### Container ``` 20 0 -1 0 0 0 ^^ ^ ^^ ^ │ │ │ └── corpse flag (1 = is corpse) │ │ └──── key vnum (-1 = no key needed) │ └────── container flags (closeable, closed, locked) └────────── max weight (kg) ``` ### Light ``` 0 0 24 0 0 0 ^ ^ ^^ │ │ └── hours of light (-1 = permanent, 0 = burnt out) │ └──── unused └────── unused ``` ### Liquid container ``` 8 8 14 0 0 0 ^ ^ ^^ │ │ └── liquid type (14 = ale, look up the table) │ └──── current contents (0-max) └────── max contents ``` ### Spellbook page ``` 0 0 0 0 0 0 (then via the Spellbook menu G, add spell entries) ``` ## Extra flags (`6`) | Flag | Meaning | |---|---| | `GLOW` | Player sees a soft glow when carried/worn. | | `HUM` | Faint humming. | | `NORENT` | Can't be left at rent. Force-junked at log out. | | `NODONATE` | Can't be donated. | | `NOINVIS` | Can't be made invisible. | | `INVISIBLE` | Default invisible — need detect_invis to see. | | `MAGIC` | `detect magic` picks it up. | | `NODROP` | Can't be dropped (cursed). | | `BLESS` | Counter to `NODROP` curses and other bless-required gates. | | `ANTI_GOOD/NEUTRAL/EVIL` | Refuses to be worn by chars of that alignment. | | `ANTI_MAGE/CLERIC/THIEF/WARRIOR/JEDI/...` | Class-restricted wear. | | `NOSELL` | Shopkeepers refuse to buy it. | | `QUEST` | Quest item — special handling. | | `UNIQUE` | Player can only carry one. | | `NORENT_VAULT` | Can't be stored in a vault. | ## Wear flags (`7`) Where the object can be worn. **Always include TAKE** if players should be able to pick it up. | Flag | Slot | |---|---| | `TAKE` | Can be picked up / put in inventory. | | `FINGER` | Ring (max 2). | | `NECK` | Necklace (max 2). | | `BODY` | Body armor. | | `HEAD` | Helmet. | | `LEGS` | Pants. | | `FEET` | Boots. | | `HANDS` | Gloves. | | `ARMS` | Bracers / sleeves. | | `SHIELD` | Shield. | | `ABOUT` | Cloak. | | `WAIST` | Belt. | | `WRIST` | Bracelet (max 2). | | `WIELD` | One-hand weapon. | | `HOLD` | Off-hand item. | | `2H_WIELD` | Two-handed weapon (occupies wield + hold). | | `FACE` | Mask. | | `EYES` | Glasses. | | `EAR` | Earrings. | | `ANKLE` | Anklet. | | `BACK` | Backpack / quiver. | Don't combine WIELD with body slots; don't combine HOLD with NECK; etc. The engine doesn't always enforce, but the UX assumes one-slot-per-item. ## Applies (`D`) When worn, these modify the wearer's stats. Up to 6 applies per object. ``` 1) APPLY_STR +1 2) APPLY_HITROLL +2 3) APPLY_DAMROLL +1 … ``` Common APPLY_* targets: | Apply | Effect | |---|---| | `APPLY_STR/DEX/CON/INT/WIS/CHA` | Stat modifier | | `APPLY_HITROLL` | Attack bonus | | `APPLY_DAMROLL` | Damage bonus | | `APPLY_AC` | Armor class (negative is better) | | `APPLY_HIT` / `APPLY_MANA` / `APPLY_MOVE` | Max pool bonus | | `APPLY_LEVEL` | (rare) effective level bonus | | `APPLY_AGE` | Age modifier | | `APPLY_SAVING_PARA/ROD/PETRI/BREATH/SPELL` | Saving throw bonus | **Balance discipline**: A +1 sword is interesting; a +12 sword is broken. Compare to existing objects of similar level/cost. ## Weight / cost / rent / timer / min level - **Weight** (kg). Players have weight caps. Heavy = encumbering. - **Cost** is what the object sells for in shops. (Shop multipliers apply on top — see [Building shops](/builders/zones#shops).) - **Cost/Day** is the rent per game day. Cheap rent → players will hoard low-rent items. - **Timer** in ticks. 0 = no timer. Use for time-limited items (a glowing rune that fades after N ticks). - **Min level** = required level to wear/wield. `0` = no minimum. - **Max level** = max level that can wear (anti-twink). `0` = no max. - **Adm Level** = required admin level (most objects 0). ## Extra descriptions (`E`) Keyword-triggered `look at X` text on the object. Same as room extras. Useful for inscribed weapons, runed scrolls, monogrammed jewelry. ``` keywords: runes inscription text: The runes glow faintly: "Forged in Khazad-dûm." ``` ## Permanent affects (`P`) Always-on while worn — adds an `AFFECTED_BY` bit to the wearer. Examples: - `DETECT_INVIS` — wearer can see invisible. - `INVISIBLE` — wearer is invisible. - `INFRAVISION` — see in the dark. - `SANCTUARY` — half damage. Sparingly. SANCTUARY rings make low-tier dungeons trivial. ## Object spells (`O`) Spells the object casts on wear, or on a `use` / `quaff` command. Set the spell number + level. Wand/staff/scroll/potion types implicitly use these via their value slots — `O` menu is for special cases like cast-on-wear armor. ## Spec procs (`T`) C-side procs attached to the object. Two families: - **Device procs** (`SPEC_TRIG_DEVICE`) — fire when the player runs `use `. Wands, staves, magical trinkets. - **Normal procs** (`SPEC_TRIG_NORMAL`) — fire on commands typed while carrying/wearing the object. Banking objects, portals, boards. See the [Spec procs reference](/staff/docs/spec-procs/) and the [full catalog](/staff/docs/spec-procs-catalog/) for the underlying mechanism. ### Common object procs | Proc | run_type | Purpose | Key fields | |---|---|---|---| | `Device_cast_spell` | DEVICE | `use` casts a spell | freq 100, term 0, num1 = spell vnum, num2 = caster level | | `Device_purge_object` | DEVICE | Object self-destructs after use | freq 100, term 1 (last in chain) | | `Device_load_mob` | DEVICE | `use` summons a mob | freq 100, term 0, num1 = mob vnum | | `Device_load_object` | DEVICE | `use` loads an object | freq 100, term 0, num1 = obj vnum | | `Device_purge_mob` | DEVICE | `use` purges a target mob in room | freq 100, term 0, num1 = mob vnum | | `Device_kill` | DEVICE | `use` damages the wielder or target | freq 100, term 0, num1 = damage | | `Device_echo` | DEVICE | `use` echoes a message | freq 100, term 0, num1 = message id | | `Device_unlock_door` | DEVICE | `use` unlocks a specific door | freq 100, term 0, num1 = room vnum, num2 = direction | | `Device_toggle_door` | DEVICE | `use` opens/closes a door | freq 100, term 0, num1 = room vnum, num2 = direction | | `Device_adjust_align` | DEVICE | `use` shifts the user's alignment | freq 100, term 0, num1 = delta (-1000 to +1000) | | `Device_do_damage` | DEVICE | `use` damages the user (cursed item) | freq 100, term 0, num1 = dam, num2 = type | | `Banking` | NORMAL | Carry/wear → `balance`/`deposit`/`withdraw` work | freq 100, term 1 | | `Send_money` | NORMAL | Money-transfer device | freq 100, term 1 | | `ATM` | NORMAL | Banking ATM variant | freq 100, term 1 | | `Gateway` | NORMAL | Portal object — `enter ` teleports | freq 100, term 1, num1 = target room | | `Board` | NORMAL | Bulletin board — read/write/remove | freq 100, term 1, num1 = board id | | `Item_modify_damage` | COMBAT | Adjusts damage when wielded | freq 100, term 0, num1 = modifier | | `Item_perfect_damage` | COMBAT | Flat damage on hit | freq 100, term 0, num1 = fixed dam | ### Attach flow ``` oedit T open spec proc menu N insert new usually 100 leave 0 to use registry default 1 for single-shot or terminator; 0 for stacking per the proc for COMBAT procs: resist_types[] index Q → y ``` The Type field (`5` in the main menu) should usually be `DEVICE` (16) when you attach a `Device_*` proc — that's what makes `use ` route to the spec. ### Worked examples #### Example 1 — Wand of fireball with charges A wand that casts fireball on each `use` and disappears when charges hit 0. ``` oedit 3050 5 → 14 (WAND) C → values: 1=charges (e.g. 5), 0=level (e.g. 10), other=0 T → N → Device_cast_spell freq 100, term 0 num1 = SPELL_FIREBALL vnum (look up in `spedit list` or constants) num2 = 10 (caster level for the cast) T → N → Device_purge_object freq 100, term 1 Q → y ``` `Device_cast_spell` handles the cast on `use`. `Device_purge_object` runs after, and (when its internal logic detects 0 charges remaining) destroys the wand. Most trees use the wand's val[1]/val[2] charge tracking — the Device_cast_spell decrements automatically. #### Example 2 — A portable bank An abacus that lets the holder bank from anywhere. ``` oedit 4001 (an oaken abacus) 5 → 21 (OTHER) 7 → TAKE HOLD T → N → Banking freq 100, term 1, num1..5 = 0 Q → y ``` Holding the abacus, players can type `balance`/`deposit 100`/`withdraw 50` and the proc handles it. #### Example 3 — A teleporter portal A doorway object that players `enter` to teleport. ``` oedit 5001 (a shimmering portal) 5 → 26 (PORTAL) 7 → (no TAKE — fixed to the room) T → N → Gateway freq 100, term 1 num1 = 3001 (destination room vnum) Q → y ``` When a player enters the portal, the Gateway proc moves them to room 3001. #### Example 4 — A scroll that summons a guardian mob A one-shot scroll that summons a guardian when read. ``` oedit 6001 (a tattered summoning scroll) 5 → 2 (SCROLL) T → N → Device_load_mob freq 100, term 0 num1 = 6050 (the guardian's mob vnum) T → N → Device_purge_object freq 100, term 1 Q → y ``` The scroll loads the guardian, then self-destructs. #### Example 5 — A cursed amulet An amulet that damages the wearer on `use`. ``` oedit 7001 (a wraithbound amulet) 5 → 9 (ARMOR) 7 → TAKE NECK 6 → NODROP (cursed — can't be removed without remove curse) T → N → Device_do_damage freq 100, term 1 num1 = 30 (30 hp per use attempt) num2 = 4 (resist_types[4] = Electric, for example) Q → y ``` #### Example 6 — A magic key that unlocks a specific door ``` oedit 4500 (a brass key) 5 → 18 (KEY) — note: also works as ITEM_OTHER if you want use-to-unlock semantics T → N → Device_unlock_door freq 100, term 1 num1 = 3045 (the room with the door) num2 = 0 (direction NORTH = 0) Q → y ``` #### Example 7 — A bulletin board ``` oedit 3800 (a bulletin board) 5 → 21 (OTHER) 7 → (no TAKE — fixed to the room) T → N → Board freq 100, term 1 num1 = 1 (board id — pairs with the boards table) Q → y ``` Players can `read 1`, `read note`, `write`, `remove ` to interact. #### Example 8 — A weapon with combat damage modifier A flaming sword that adds fire damage on hit. ``` oedit 8500 (a flaming sword) 5 → 5 (WEAPON) C → values: dice 2d8, type slash, etc. 7 → TAKE WIELD 6 → GLOW (so the player sees it's magical) T → N → Item_modify_damage freq 100, term 0 num1 = 8 (+8 damage per hit) internal = 2 (resist_types[2] = Fire — routed through fire resist) Q → y ``` Combat procs on weapons fire **per hit**. Set `internal` to the resist type so the bonus damage routes through the correct resistance check (a fire-resistant mob takes less of the bonus). ### Device proc semantics When `use ` is typed: 1. Engine walks the player's inventory + equipment for objects with DEVICE-type procs. 2. For each matching object, runs the proc (with the typed argument as the target). 3. Procs run in order until one terminates the chain (`term=1`) or returns success. A typical wand layout — `Device_cast_spell` (term=0) followed by `Device_purge_object` (term=1) — means: cast the spell, then check destruction. The destruction proc only runs after the spell proc, because they're in order. ### When to use a trigger instead For object behavior that needs custom logic, dialogue, or quest checks — use an [object trigger](/builders/triggers). Spec procs are right for: - Standard device patterns (use → cast/load/unlock/damage) where the proc already exists. - Banking, portal, board patterns where the named proc handles the full interaction. - Combat damage modifiers that need to participate in the resist pipeline natively. Triggers are right for: - "On wear, check player class and refuse if wrong class" — OTRIG_WEAR. - "On get, fire a flavor message and grant a temporary affect" — OTRIG_GET. - "When the player types X while holding this, respond Y" — OTRIG_COMMAND. ### Reading existing procs To copy a working setup from another object: ``` stat obj oedit → T → E (examine each line) Q (exit without saving) ``` Then replicate the values on your new object. ## Scripts (`S`) DG triggers attached by vnum. Object triggers fire on get/drop/give/wear/remove/use/cast/etc. See [Triggers](/builders/triggers). ## Save + test `Q` → `y` saves. ``` load obj 3050 Spawn the object next to you stat obj 3050 View its prototype wear sword Test wearing it remove sword oset 3050 weight 5 Tweak the live instance ``` Test that: 1. Wear/remove works on the right slot 2. Applies fire on wear (check your stats before/after) 3. Permanent affects apply 4. Min level + alignment + class restrictions actually block 5. Scripts fire (if attached) 6. Spell-cast objects do what their values say 7. Timer ticks down (if set) ## Balance reminders - Match level. A level-5 item with +3 hitroll is broken for a level-5 player. - Don't stack applies. One stat + one save is plenty per item. - Watch min level. Wishy-washy min levels create gear churn problems. - Cost approximates value. A +5 sword at 100 gold is auto-buy bait. ## See also - [Building rooms](/builders/rooms) — place your objects via zone reset commands. - [Building zones](/builders/zones) — equip mobs with your objects. - [Building triggers](/builders/triggers) — scripted item behavior. - [Building assemblies](/builders/assemblies) — crafting recipes that produce your object.