Begin the transition from INI to YAML
[mudpy.git] / lib / mudpy / misc.py
index 6a16436..1f3909b 100644 (file)
 # -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
-u"""Miscellaneous functions for the mudpy engine."""
+"""Miscellaneous functions for the mudpy engine."""
 
-# Copyright (c) 2004-2010 Jeremy Stanley <fungi@yuggoth.org>. Permission
+# Copyright (c) 2004-2014 Jeremy Stanley <fungi@yuggoth.org>. Permission
 # to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software is granted under
 # terms provided in the LICENSE file distributed with this software.
 
+import codecs
+import os
+import random
+import re
+import signal
+import socket
+import sys
+import syslog
+import time
+import traceback
+import unicodedata
+
+import mudpy
+
+
 class Element:
-   u"""An element of the universe."""
-   def __init__(self, key, universe, filename=None):
-      u"""Set up a new element."""
-      import data, os.path
-
-      # keep track of our key name
-      self.key = key
-
-      # keep track of what universe it's loading into
-      self.universe = universe
-
-      # clone attributes if this is replacing another element
-      if self.key in self.universe.contents:
-         old_element = self.universe.contents[self.key]
-         for attribute in vars(old_element).keys():
-            exec(u"self." + attribute + u" = old_element." + attribute)
-         if self.owner: self.owner.avatar = self
-
-      # i guess this is a new element then
-      else:
-
-         # not owned by a user by default (used for avatars)
-         self.owner = None
-
-         # no contents in here by default
-         self.contents = {}
-
-         # parse out appropriate category and subkey names, add to list
-         if self.key.find(u":") > 0:
-            self.category, self.subkey = self.key.split(u":", 1)
-         else:
-            self.category = u"other"
-            self.subkey = self.key
-         if not self.category in self.universe.categories:
-            self.category = u"other"
-            self.subkey = self.key
-
-         # get an appropriate filename for the origin
-         if not filename:
-            filename = self.universe.default_origins[self.category]
-         if not os.path.isabs(filename):
-            filename = os.path.abspath(filename)
-
-         # add the file if it doesn't exist yet
-         if not filename in self.universe.files:
-            data.DataFile(filename, self.universe)
-
-      # record or reset a pointer to the origin file
-      self.origin = self.universe.files[filename]
-
-      # add a data section to the origin if necessary
-      if not self.origin.data.has_section(self.key):
-         self.origin.data.add_section(self.key)
-
-      # add or replace this element in the universe
-      self.universe.contents[self.key] = self
-      self.universe.categories[self.category][self.subkey] = self
-
-   def reload(self):
-      u"""Create a new element and replace this one."""
-      new_element = Element(self.key, self.universe, self.origin.filename)
-      del(self)
-   def destroy(self):
-      u"""Remove an element from the universe and destroy it."""
-      self.origin.data.remove_section(self.key)
-      del self.universe.categories[self.category][self.subkey]
-      del self.universe.contents[self.key]
-      del self
-   def facets(self):
-      u"""Return a list of non-inherited facets for this element."""
-      if self.key in self.origin.data.sections():
-         return self.origin.data.options(self.key)
-      else: return []
-   def has_facet(self, facet):
-      u"""Return whether the non-inherited facet exists."""
-      return facet in self.facets()
-   def remove_facet(self, facet):
-      u"""Remove a facet from the element."""
-      if self.has_facet(facet):
-         self.origin.data.remove_option(self.key, facet)
-         self.origin.modified = True
-   def ancestry(self):
-      u"""Return a list of the element's inheritance lineage."""
-      if self.has_facet(u"inherit"):
-         ancestry = self.getlist(u"inherit")
-         for parent in ancestry[:]:
-            ancestors = self.universe.contents[parent].ancestry()
-            for ancestor in ancestors:
-               if ancestor not in ancestry: ancestry.append(ancestor)
-         return ancestry
-      else: return []
-   def get(self, facet, default=None):
-      u"""Retrieve values."""
-      if default is None: default = u""
-      if self.origin.data.has_option(self.key, facet):
-         raw_data = self.origin.data.get(self.key, facet)
-         if raw_data.startswith(u"u\"") or raw_data.startswith(u"u'"):
-            raw_data = raw_data[1:]
-         raw_data.strip(u"\"'")
-         if type(raw_data) == str: return unicode(raw_data, "utf-8")
-         else: return raw_data
-      elif self.has_facet(u"inherit"):
-         for ancestor in self.ancestry():
-            if self.universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
-               return self.universe.contents[ancestor].get(facet)
-      else: return default
-   def getboolean(self, facet, default=None):
-      u"""Retrieve values as boolean type."""
-      if default is None: default=False
-      if self.origin.data.has_option(self.key, facet):
-         return self.origin.data.getboolean(self.key, facet)
-      elif self.has_facet(u"inherit"):
-         for ancestor in self.ancestry():
-            if self.universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
-               return self.universe.contents[ancestor].getboolean(facet)
-      else: return default
-   def getint(self, facet, default=None):
-      u"""Return values as int/long type."""
-      if default is None: default = 0
-      if self.origin.data.has_option(self.key, facet):
-         return self.origin.data.getint(self.key, facet)
-      elif self.has_facet(u"inherit"):
-         for ancestor in self.ancestry():
-            if self.universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
-               return self.universe.contents[ancestor].getint(facet)
-      else: return default
-   def getfloat(self, facet, default=None):
-      u"""Return values as float type."""
-      if default is None: default = 0.0
-      if self.origin.data.has_option(self.key, facet):
-         return self.origin.data.getfloat(self.key, facet)
-      elif self.has_facet(u"inherit"):
-         for ancestor in self.ancestry():
-            if self.universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
-               return self.universe.contents[ancestor].getfloat(facet)
-      else: return default
-   def getlist(self, facet, default=None):
-      u"""Return values as list type."""
-      import data
-      if default is None: default = []
-      value = self.get(facet)
-      if value: return data.makelist(value)
-      else: return default
-   def getdict(self, facet, default=None):
-      u"""Return values as dict type."""
-      import data
-      if default is None: default = {}
-      value = self.get(facet)
-      if value: return data.makedict(value)
-      else: return default
-   def set(self, facet, value):
-      u"""Set values."""
-      if not self.has_facet(facet) or not self.get(facet) == value:
-         if type(value) is long: value = unicode(value)
-         elif not type(value) is unicode: value = repr(value)
-         self.origin.data.set(self.key, facet, value)
-         self.origin.modified = True
-   def append(self, facet, value):
-      u"""Append value tp a list."""
-      if type(value) is long: value = unicode(value)
-      elif not type(value) is unicode: value = repr(value)
-      newlist = self.getlist(facet)
-      newlist.append(value)
-      self.set(facet, newlist)
-
-   def new_event(self, action, when=None):
-      u"""Create, attach and enqueue an event element."""
-
-      # if when isn't specified, that means now
-      if not when: when = self.universe.get_time()
-
-      # events are elements themselves
-      event = Element(u"event:" + self.key + u":" + counter)
-
-   def send(
-      self,
-      message,
-      eol=u"$(eol)",
-      raw=False,
-      flush=False,
-      add_prompt=True,
-      just_prompt=False,
-      add_terminator=False,
-      prepend_padding=True
-   ):
-      u"""Convenience method to pass messages to an owner."""
-      if self.owner:
-         self.owner.send(
-            message,
-            eol,
-            raw,
-            flush,
-            add_prompt,
-            just_prompt,
-            add_terminator,
-            prepend_padding
-         )
-
-   def can_run(self, command):
-      u"""Check if the user can run this command object."""
-
-      # has to be in the commands category
-      if command not in self.universe.categories[u"command"].values():
-         result = False
-
-      # avatars of administrators can run any command
-      elif self.owner and self.owner.account.getboolean(u"administrator"):
-         result = True
-
-      # everyone can run non-administrative commands
-      elif not command.getboolean(u"administrative"):
-         result = True
-
-      # otherwise the command cannot be run by this actor
-      else:
-         result = False
-
-      # pass back the result
-      return result
-
-   def update_location(self):
-      u"""Make sure the location's contents contain this element."""
-      location = self.get(u"location")
-      if location in self.universe.contents:
-         self.universe.contents[location].contents[self.key] = self
-   def clean_contents(self):
-      u"""Make sure the element's contents aren't bogus."""
-      for element in self.contents.values():
-         if element.get(u"location") != self.key:
-            del self.contents[element.key]
-   def go_to(self, location):
-      u"""Relocate the element to a specific location."""
-      current = self.get(u"location")
-      if current and self.key in self.universe.contents[current].contents:
-         del universe.contents[current].contents[self.key]
-      if location in self.universe.contents: self.set(u"location", location)
-      self.universe.contents[location].contents[self.key] = self
-      self.look_at(location)
-   def go_home(self):
-      u"""Relocate the element to its default location."""
-      self.go_to(self.get(u"default_location"))
-      self.echo_to_location(
-         u"You suddenly realize that " + self.get(u"name") + u" is here."
-      )
-   def move_direction(self, direction):
-      u"""Relocate the element in a specified direction."""
-      self.echo_to_location(
-         self.get(
-            u"name"
-         ) + u" exits " + self.universe.categories[
-            u"internal"
-         ][
-            u"directions"
-         ].getdict(
-            direction
-         )[
-            u"exit"
-         ] + u"."
-      )
-      self.send(
-         u"You exit " + self.universe.categories[
-            u"internal"
-         ][
-            u"directions"
-         ].getdict(
-            direction
-         )[
-            u"exit"
-         ] + u".",
-         add_prompt=False
-      )
-      self.go_to(
-         self.universe.contents[self.get(u"location")].link_neighbor(direction)
-      )
-      self.echo_to_location(
-         self.get(
-            u"name"
-         ) + u" arrives from " + self.universe.categories[
-            u"internal"
-         ][
-            u"directions"
-         ].getdict(
-            direction
-         )[
-            u"enter"
-         ] + u"."
-      )
-   def look_at(self, key):
-      u"""Show an element to another element."""
-      if self.owner:
-         element = self.universe.contents[key]
-         message = u""
-         name = element.get(u"name")
-         if name: message += u"$(cyn)" + name + u"$(nrm)$(eol)"
-         description = element.get(u"description")
-         if description: message += description + u"$(eol)"
-         portal_list = element.portals().keys()
-         if portal_list:
-            portal_list.sort()
-            message += u"$(cyn)[ Exits: " + u", ".join(
-               portal_list
-            ) + u" ]$(nrm)$(eol)"
-         for element in self.universe.contents[
-            self.get(u"location")
-         ].contents.values():
-            if element.getboolean(u"is_actor") and element is not self:
-               message += u"$(yel)" + element.get(
-                  u"name"
-               ) + u" is here.$(nrm)$(eol)"
-            elif element is not self:
-               message += u"$(grn)" + element.get(
-                  u"impression"
-               ) + u"$(nrm)$(eol)"
-         self.send(message)
-   def portals(self):
-      u"""Map the portal directions for a room to neighbors."""
-      import re
-      portals = {}
-      if re.match(u"""^location:-?\d+,-?\d+,-?\d+$""", self.key):
-         coordinates = [(int(x)) for x in self.key.split(u":")[1].split(u",")]
-         directions = self.universe.categories[u"internal"][u"directions"]
-         offsets = dict(
-            [
-               (
-                  x, directions.getdict(x)[u"vector"]
-               ) for x in directions.facets()
-            ]
-         )
-         for portal in self.getlist(u"gridlinks"):
-            adjacent = map(lambda c,o: c+o, coordinates, offsets[portal])
-            neighbor = u"location:" + u",".join(
-               [(unicode(x)) for x in adjacent]
+
+    """An element of the universe."""
+
+    def __init__(self, key, universe, filename=None):
+        """Set up a new element."""
+
+        # keep track of our key name
+        self.key = key
+
+        # keep track of what universe it's loading into
+        self.universe = universe
+
+        # clone attributes if this is replacing another element
+        if self.key in self.universe.contents:
+            old_element = self.universe.contents[self.key]
+            for attribute in vars(old_element).keys():
+                exec("self." + attribute + " = old_element." + attribute)
+            if self.owner:
+                self.owner.avatar = self
+
+        # i guess this is a new element then
+        else:
+
+            # not owned by a user by default (used for avatars)
+            self.owner = None
+
+            # no contents in here by default
+            self.contents = {}
+
+            # parse out appropriate category and subkey names, add to list
+            if self.key.find(":") > 0:
+                self.category, self.subkey = self.key.split(":", 1)
+            else:
+                self.category = "other"
+                self.subkey = self.key
+            if self.category not in self.universe.categories:
+                self.category = "other"
+                self.subkey = self.key
+
+            # get an appropriate filename for the origin
+            if not filename:
+                filename = self.universe.default_origins[self.category]
+            if not os.path.isabs(filename):
+                filename = os.path.abspath(filename)
+
+            # add the file if it doesn't exist yet
+            if filename not in self.universe.files:
+                mudpy.data.DataFile(filename, self.universe)
+
+        # record or reset a pointer to the origin file
+        self.origin = self.universe.files[filename]
+
+        # add a data section to the origin if necessary
+        # TODO(fungi): remove this indirection after the YAML transition
+        if self.origin._format == "yaml":
+            if self.key not in self.origin.data:
+                self.origin.data[self.key] = {}
+        else:
+            if not self.origin.data.has_section(self.key):
+                self.origin.data.add_section(self.key)
+
+        # add or replace this element in the universe
+        self.universe.contents[self.key] = self
+        self.universe.categories[self.category][self.subkey] = self
+
+    def reload(self):
+        """Create a new element and replace this one."""
+        Element(self.key, self.universe, self.origin.filename)
+        del(self)
+
+    def destroy(self):
+        """Remove an element from the universe and destroy it."""
+        self.origin.data.remove_section(self.key)
+        del self.universe.categories[self.category][self.subkey]
+        del self.universe.contents[self.key]
+        del self
+
+    def facets(self):
+        """Return a list of non-inherited facets for this element."""
+        # TODO(fungi): remove this indirection after the YAML transition
+        if self.origin._format == "yaml":
+            try:
+                return self.origin.data[self.key].keys()
+            except KeyError:
+                return []
+        else:
+            if self.key in self.origin.data.sections():
+                return self.origin.data.options(self.key)
+            else:
+                return []
+
+    def has_facet(self, facet):
+        """Return whether the non-inherited facet exists."""
+        return facet in self.facets()
+
+    def remove_facet(self, facet):
+        """Remove a facet from the element."""
+        if self.has_facet(facet):
+            self.origin.data.remove_option(self.key, facet)
+            self.origin.modified = True
+
+    def ancestry(self):
+        """Return a list of the element's inheritance lineage."""
+        if self.has_facet("inherit"):
+            ancestry = self.getlist("inherit")
+            for parent in ancestry[:]:
+                ancestors = self.universe.contents[parent].ancestry()
+                for ancestor in ancestors:
+                    if ancestor not in ancestry:
+                        ancestry.append(ancestor)
+            return ancestry
+        else:
+            return []
+
+    def get(self, facet, default=None):
+        """Retrieve values."""
+        if default is None:
+            default = ""
+        # TODO(fungi): remove this indirection after the YAML transition
+        if self.origin._format == "yaml":
+            try:
+                return self.origin.data[self.key][facet]
+            except KeyError:
+                pass
+            if self.has_facet("inherit"):
+                for ancestor in self.ancestry():
+                    if self.universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
+                        return self.universe.contents[ancestor].get(facet)
+            else:
+                return default
+        else:
+            if self.origin.data.has_option(self.key, facet):
+                raw_data = self.origin.data.get(self.key, facet)
+                if raw_data.startswith("u\"") or raw_data.startswith("u'"):
+                    raw_data = raw_data[1:]
+                raw_data.strip("\"'")
+                return raw_data
+            elif self.has_facet("inherit"):
+                for ancestor in self.ancestry():
+                    if self.universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
+                        return self.universe.contents[ancestor].get(facet)
+            else:
+                return default
+
+    def getboolean(self, facet, default=None):
+        """Retrieve values as boolean type."""
+        if default is None:
+            default = False
+        # TODO(fungi): remove this indirection after the YAML transition
+        if self.origin._format == "yaml":
+            try:
+                return bool(self.origin.data[self.key][facet])
+            except KeyError:
+                pass
+            for ancestor in self.ancestry():
+                try:
+                    return self.universe.contents[ancestor].getboolean(facet)
+                except KeyError:
+                    pass
+            return default
+        else:
+            if self.origin.data.has_option(self.key, facet):
+                return self.origin.data.getboolean(self.key, facet)
+            elif self.has_facet("inherit"):
+                for ancestor in self.ancestry():
+                    if self.universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
+                        return self.universe.contents[ancestor].getboolean(
+                            facet)
+            else:
+                return default
+
+    def getint(self, facet, default=None):
+        """Return values as int type."""
+        if default is None:
+            default = 0
+        if self.origin.data.has_option(self.key, facet):
+            return self.origin.data.getint(self.key, facet)
+        elif self.has_facet("inherit"):
+            for ancestor in self.ancestry():
+                if self.universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
+                    return self.universe.contents[ancestor].getint(facet)
+        else:
+            return default
+
+    def getfloat(self, facet, default=None):
+        """Return values as float type."""
+        if default is None:
+            default = 0.0
+        if self.origin.data.has_option(self.key, facet):
+            return self.origin.data.getfloat(self.key, facet)
+        elif self.has_facet("inherit"):
+            for ancestor in self.ancestry():
+                if self.universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
+                    return self.universe.contents[ancestor].getfloat(facet)
+        else:
+            return default
+
+    def getlist(self, facet, default=None):
+        """Return values as list type."""
+        if default is None:
+            default = []
+        value = self.get(facet)
+        if value:
+            return mudpy.data.makelist(value)
+        else:
+            return default
+
+    def getdict(self, facet, default=None):
+        """Return values as dict type."""
+        if default is None:
+            default = {}
+        value = self.get(facet)
+        if value:
+            return mudpy.data.makedict(value)
+        else:
+            return default
+
+    def set(self, facet, value):
+        """Set values."""
+        if not self.has_facet(facet) or not self.get(facet) == value:
+            if not type(value) is str:
+                value = repr(value)
+            self.origin.data.set(self.key, facet, value)
+            self.origin.modified = True
+
+    def append(self, facet, value):
+        """Append value to a list."""
+        if not type(value) is str:
+            value = repr(value)
+        newlist = self.getlist(facet)
+        newlist.append(value)
+        self.set(facet, newlist)
+
+    def send(
+        self,
+        message,
+        eol="$(eol)",
+        raw=False,
+        flush=False,
+        add_prompt=True,
+        just_prompt=False,
+        add_terminator=False,
+        prepend_padding=True
+    ):
+        """Convenience method to pass messages to an owner."""
+        if self.owner:
+            self.owner.send(
+                message,
+                eol,
+                raw,
+                flush,
+                add_prompt,
+                just_prompt,
+                add_terminator,
+                prepend_padding
+            )
+
+    def can_run(self, command):
+        """Check if the user can run this command object."""
+
+        # has to be in the commands category
+        if command not in self.universe.categories["command"].values():
+            result = False
+
+        # avatars of administrators can run any command
+        elif self.owner and self.owner.account.getboolean("administrator"):
+            result = True
+
+        # everyone can run non-administrative commands
+        elif not command.getboolean("administrative"):
+            result = True
+
+        # otherwise the command cannot be run by this actor
+        else:
+            result = False
+
+        # pass back the result
+        return result
+
+    def update_location(self):
+        """Make sure the location's contents contain this element."""
+        area = self.get("location")
+        if area in self.universe.contents:
+            self.universe.contents[area].contents[self.key] = self
+
+    def clean_contents(self):
+        """Make sure the element's contents aren't bogus."""
+        for element in self.contents.values():
+            if element.get("location") != self.key:
+                del self.contents[element.key]
+
+    def go_to(self, area):
+        """Relocate the element to a specific area."""
+        current = self.get("location")
+        if current and self.key in self.universe.contents[current].contents:
+            del universe.contents[current].contents[self.key]
+        if area in self.universe.contents:
+            self.set("location", area)
+        self.universe.contents[area].contents[self.key] = self
+        self.look_at(area)
+
+    def go_home(self):
+        """Relocate the element to its default location."""
+        self.go_to(self.get("default_location"))
+        self.echo_to_location(
+            "You suddenly realize that " + self.get("name") + " is here."
+        )
+
+    def move_direction(self, direction):
+        """Relocate the element in a specified direction."""
+        self.echo_to_location(
+            self.get(
+                "name"
+            ) + " exits " + self.universe.categories[
+                "internal"
+            ][
+                "directions"
+            ].getdict(
+                direction
+            )[
+                "exit"
+            ] + "."
+        )
+        self.send(
+            "You exit " + self.universe.categories[
+                "internal"
+            ][
+                "directions"
+            ].getdict(
+                direction
+            )[
+                "exit"
+            ] + ".",
+            add_prompt=False
+        )
+        self.go_to(
+            self.universe.contents[
+                self.get("location")].link_neighbor(direction)
+        )
+        self.echo_to_location(
+            self.get(
+                "name"
+            ) + " arrives from " + self.universe.categories[
+                "internal"
+            ][
+                "directions"
+            ].getdict(
+                direction
+            )[
+                "enter"
+            ] + "."
+        )
+
+    def look_at(self, key):
+        """Show an element to another element."""
+        if self.owner:
+            element = self.universe.contents[key]
+            message = ""
+            name = element.get("name")
+            if name:
+                message += "$(cyn)" + name + "$(nrm)$(eol)"
+            description = element.get("description")
+            if description:
+                message += description + "$(eol)"
+            portal_list = list(element.portals().keys())
+            if portal_list:
+                portal_list.sort()
+                message += "$(cyn)[ Exits: " + ", ".join(
+                    portal_list
+                ) + " ]$(nrm)$(eol)"
+            for element in self.universe.contents[
+                self.get("location")
+            ].contents.values():
+                if element.getboolean("is_actor") and element is not self:
+                    message += "$(yel)" + element.get(
+                        "name"
+                    ) + " is here.$(nrm)$(eol)"
+                elif element is not self:
+                    message += "$(grn)" + element.get(
+                        "impression"
+                    ) + "$(nrm)$(eol)"
+            self.send(message)
+
+    def portals(self):
+        """Map the portal directions for an area to neighbors."""
+        portals = {}
+        if re.match("""^area:-?\d+,-?\d+,-?\d+$""", self.key):
+            coordinates = [(int(x))
+                           for x in self.key.split(":")[1].split(",")]
+            directions = self.universe.categories["internal"]["directions"]
+            offsets = dict(
+                [
+                    (
+                        x, directions.getdict(x)["vector"]
+                    ) for x in directions.facets()
+                ]
             )
-            if neighbor in self.universe.contents: portals[portal] = neighbor
-      for facet in self.facets():
-         if facet.startswith(u"link_"):
-            neighbor = self.get(facet)
-            if neighbor in self.universe.contents:
-               portal = facet.split(u"_")[1]
-               portals[portal] = neighbor
-      return portals
-   def link_neighbor(self, direction):
-      u"""Return the element linked in a given direction."""
-      portals = self.portals()
-      if direction in portals: return portals[direction]
-   def echo_to_location(self, message):
-      u"""Show a message to other elements in the current location."""
-      for element in self.universe.contents[
-         self.get(u"location")
-      ].contents.values():
-         if element is not self: element.send(message)
+            for portal in self.getlist("gridlinks"):
+                adjacent = map(lambda c, o: c + o,
+                               coordinates, offsets[portal])
+                neighbor = "area:" + ",".join(
+                    [(str(x)) for x in adjacent]
+                )
+                if neighbor in self.universe.contents:
+                    portals[portal] = neighbor
+        for facet in self.facets():
+            if facet.startswith("link_"):
+                neighbor = self.get(facet)
+                if neighbor in self.universe.contents:
+                    portal = facet.split("_")[1]
+                    portals[portal] = neighbor
+        return portals
+
+    def link_neighbor(self, direction):
+        """Return the element linked in a given direction."""
+        portals = self.portals()
+        if direction in portals:
+            return portals[direction]
+
+    def echo_to_location(self, message):
+        """Show a message to other elements in the current location."""
+        for element in self.universe.contents[
+            self.get("location")
+        ].contents.values():
+            if element is not self:
+                element.send(message)
+
 
 class Universe:
-   u"""The universe."""
-
-   def __init__(self, filename=u"", load=False):
-      u"""Initialize the universe."""
-      import os, os.path
-      self.categories = {}
-      self.contents = {}
-      self.default_origins = {}
-      self.loglines = []
-      self.pending_events_long = {}
-      self.pending_events_short = {}
-      self.private_files = []
-      self.reload_flag = False
-      self.startdir = os.getcwd()
-      self.terminate_flag = False
-      self.userlist = []
-      if not filename:
-         possible_filenames = [
-            u".mudpyrc",
-            u".mudpy/mudpyrc",
-            u".mudpy/mudpy.conf",
-            u"mudpy.conf",
-            u"etc/mudpy.conf",
-            u"/usr/local/mudpy/mudpy.conf",
-            u"/usr/local/mudpy/etc/mudpy.conf",
-            u"/etc/mudpy/mudpy.conf",
-            u"/etc/mudpy.conf"
+
+    """The universe."""
+
+    def __init__(self, filename="", load=False):
+        """Initialize the universe."""
+        self.categories = {}
+        self.contents = {}
+        self.default_origins = {}
+        self.loglines = []
+        self.private_files = []
+        self.reload_flag = False
+        self.startdir = os.getcwd()
+        self.terminate_flag = False
+        self.userlist = []
+        if not filename:
+            possible_filenames = [
+                ".mudpyrc",
+                ".mudpy/mudpyrc",
+                ".mudpy/mudpy.conf",
+                "mudpy.conf",
+                "etc/mudpy.conf",
+                "/usr/local/mudpy/mudpy.conf",
+                "/usr/local/mudpy/etc/mudpy.conf",
+                "/etc/mudpy/mudpy.conf",
+                "/etc/mudpy.conf"
+            ]
+            for filename in possible_filenames:
+                if os.access(filename, os.R_OK):
+                    break
+        if not os.path.isabs(filename):
+            filename = os.path.join(self.startdir, filename)
+        self.filename = filename
+        if load:
+            self.load()
+
+    def load(self):
+        """Load universe data from persistent storage."""
+
+        # the files dict must exist and filename needs to be read-only
+        if not hasattr(
+           self, "files"
+           ) or not (
+            self.filename in self.files and self.files[
+                self.filename
+            ].is_writeable()
+        ):
+
+            # clear out all read-only files
+            if hasattr(self, "files"):
+                for data_filename in list(self.files.keys()):
+                    if not self.files[data_filename].is_writeable():
+                        del self.files[data_filename]
+
+            # start loading from the initial file
+            mudpy.data.DataFile(self.filename, self)
+
+        # make a list of inactive avatars
+        inactive_avatars = []
+        for account in self.categories["account"].values():
+            inactive_avatars += [
+                (self.contents[x]) for x in account.getlist("avatars")
             ]
-         for filename in possible_filenames:
-            if os.access(filename, os.R_OK): break
-      if not os.path.isabs(filename):
-         filename = os.path.join(self.startdir, filename)
-      self.filename = filename
-      if load: self.load()
-
-   def load(self):
-      u"""Load universe data from persistent storage."""
-      import data
-
-      # the files dict must exist and filename needs to be read-only
-      if not hasattr(
-         self, u"files"
-      ) or not (
-         self.filename in self.files and self.files[
-            self.filename
-         ].is_writeable()
-      ):
-
-         # clear out all read-only files
-         if hasattr(self, u"files"):
-            for data_filename in self.files.keys():
-               if not self.files[data_filename].is_writeable():
-                  del self.files[data_filename]
-
-         # start loading from the initial file
-         data.DataFile(self.filename, self)
-
-      # make a list of inactive avatars
-      inactive_avatars = []
-      for account in self.categories[u"account"].values():
-         inactive_avatars += [
-            (self.contents[x]) for x in account.getlist(u"avatars")
-         ]
-      for user in self.userlist:
-         if user.avatar in inactive_avatars:
-            inactive_avatars.remove(user.avatar)
-
-      # go through all elements to clear out inactive avatar locations
-      for element in self.contents.values():
-         location = element.get(u"location")
-         if element in inactive_avatars and location:
-            if location in self.contents and element.key in self.contents[
-               location
-            ].contents:
-               del self.contents[location].contents[element.key]
-            element.set(u"default_location", location)
-            element.remove_facet(u"location")
-
-      # another pass to straighten out all the element contents
-      for element in self.contents.values():
-         element.update_location()
-         element.clean_contents()
-
-   def new(self):
-      u"""Create a new, empty Universe (the Big Bang)."""
-      new_universe = Universe()
-      for attribute in vars(self).keys():
-         exec(u"new_universe." + attribute + u" = self." + attribute)
-      new_universe.reload_flag = False
-      del self
-      return new_universe
-
-   def save(self):
-      u"""Save the universe to persistent storage."""
-      for key in self.files: self.files[key].save()
-
-   def initialize_server_socket(self):
-      u"""Create and open the listening socket."""
-      import socket
-
-      # need to know the local address and port number for the listener
-      host = self.categories[u"internal"][u"network"].get(u"host")
-      port = self.categories[u"internal"][u"network"].getint(u"port")
-
-      # if no host was specified, bind to all local addresses (preferring ipv6)
-      if not host:
-         if socket.has_ipv6: host = u"::"
-         else: host = u"0.0.0.0"
-
-      # figure out if this is ipv4 or v6
-      family = socket.getaddrinfo(host, port)[0][0]
-      if family is socket.AF_INET6 and not socket.has_ipv6:
-         log(u"No support for IPv6 address %s (use IPv4 instead)." % host)
-
-      # create a new stream-type socket object
-      self.listening_socket = socket.socket(family, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
-
-      # set the socket options to allow existing open ones to be
-      # reused (fixes a bug where the server can't bind for a minute
-      # when restarting on linux systems)
-      self.listening_socket.setsockopt(
-         socket.SOL_SOCKET, socket.SO_REUSEADDR, 1
-      )
-
-      # bind the socket to to our desired server ipa and port
-      self.listening_socket.bind((host, port))
-
-      # disable blocking so we can proceed whether or not we can
-      # send/receive
-      self.listening_socket.setblocking(0)
-
-      # start listening on the socket
-      self.listening_socket.listen(1)
-
-      # note that we're now ready for user connections
-      log(
-         u"Listening for Telnet connections on: " + host + u":" + unicode(port)
-      )
-
-   def get_time(self):
-      u"""Convenience method to get the elapsed time counter."""
-      return self.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].getint(u"elapsed")
+        for user in self.userlist:
+            if user.avatar in inactive_avatars:
+                inactive_avatars.remove(user.avatar)
+
+        # go through all elements to clear out inactive avatar locations
+        for element in self.contents.values():
+            area = element.get("location")
+            if element in inactive_avatars and area:
+                if area in self.contents and element.key in self.contents[
+                   area
+                   ].contents:
+                    del self.contents[area].contents[element.key]
+                element.set("default_location", area)
+                element.remove_facet("location")
+
+        # another pass to straighten out all the element contents
+        for element in self.contents.values():
+            element.update_location()
+            element.clean_contents()
+
+    def new(self):
+        """Create a new, empty Universe (the Big Bang)."""
+        new_universe = Universe()
+        for attribute in vars(self).keys():
+            exec("new_universe." + attribute + " = self." + attribute)
+        new_universe.reload_flag = False
+        del self
+        return new_universe
+
+    def save(self):
+        """Save the universe to persistent storage."""
+        for key in self.files:
+            self.files[key].save()
+
+    def initialize_server_socket(self):
+        """Create and open the listening socket."""
+
+        # need to know the local address and port number for the listener
+        host = self.categories["internal"]["network"].get("host")
+        port = self.categories["internal"]["network"].getint("port")
+
+        # if no host was specified, bind to all local addresses (preferring
+        # ipv6)
+        if not host:
+            if socket.has_ipv6:
+                host = "::"
+            else:
+                host = "0.0.0.0"
+
+        # figure out if this is ipv4 or v6
+        family = socket.getaddrinfo(host, port)[0][0]
+        if family is socket.AF_INET6 and not socket.has_ipv6:
+            log("No support for IPv6 address %s (use IPv4 instead)." % host)
+
+        # create a new stream-type socket object
+        self.listening_socket = socket.socket(family, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
+
+        # set the socket options to allow existing open ones to be
+        # reused (fixes a bug where the server can't bind for a minute
+        # when restarting on linux systems)
+        self.listening_socket.setsockopt(
+            socket.SOL_SOCKET, socket.SO_REUSEADDR, 1
+        )
+
+        # bind the socket to to our desired server ipa and port
+        self.listening_socket.bind((host, port))
+
+        # disable blocking so we can proceed whether or not we can
+        # send/receive
+        self.listening_socket.setblocking(0)
+
+        # start listening on the socket
+        self.listening_socket.listen(1)
+
+        # note that we're now ready for user connections
+        log(
+            "Listening for Telnet connections on: " +
+            host + ":" + str(port)
+        )
+
+    def get_time(self):
+        """Convenience method to get the elapsed time counter."""
+        return self.categories["internal"]["counters"].getint("elapsed")
 
-class User:
-   u"""This is a connected user."""
-
-   def __init__(self):
-      u"""Default values for the in-memory user variables."""
-      import telnet
-      self.account = None
-      self.address = u""
-      self.authenticated = False
-      self.avatar = None
-      self.columns = 79
-      self.connection = None
-      self.error = u""
-      self.input_queue = []
-      self.last_address = u""
-      self.last_input = universe.get_time()
-      self.menu_choices = {}
-      self.menu_seen = False
-      self.negotiation_pause = 0
-      self.output_queue = []
-      self.partial_input = ""
-      self.password_tries = 0
-      self.state = u"initial"
-      self.telopts = {}
-
-   def quit(self):
-      u"""Log, close the connection and remove."""
-      if self.account: name = self.account.get(u"name")
-      else: name = u""
-      if name: message = u"User " + name
-      else: message = u"An unnamed user"
-      message += u" logged out."
-      log(message, 2)
-      self.deactivate_avatar()
-      self.connection.close()
-      self.remove()
-
-   def check_idle(self):
-      u"""Warn or disconnect idle users as appropriate."""
-      idletime = universe.get_time() - self.last_input
-      linkdead_dict = universe.categories[u"internal"][u"time"].getdict(
-         u"linkdead"
-      )
-      if self.state in linkdead_dict: linkdead_state = self.state
-      else: linkdead_state = u"default"
-      if idletime > linkdead_dict[linkdead_state]:
-         self.send(
-            u"$(eol)$(red)You've done nothing for far too long... goodbye!" \
-               + u"$(nrm)$(eol)",
-            flush=True,
-            add_prompt=False
-         )
-         logline = u"Disconnecting "
-         if self.account and self.account.get(u"name"):
-            logline += self.account.get(u"name")
-         else:
-            logline += u"an unknown user"
-         logline += u" after idling too long in the " + self.state + u" state."
-         log(logline, 2)
-         self.state = u"disconnecting"
-         self.menu_seen = False
-      idle_dict = universe.categories[u"internal"][u"time"].getdict(u"idle")
-      if self.state in idle_dict: idle_state = self.state
-      else: idle_state = u"default"
-      if idletime == idle_dict[idle_state]:
-         self.send(
-            u"$(eol)$(red)If you continue to be unproductive, " \
-               + u"you'll be shown the door...$(nrm)$(eol)"
-         )
-
-   def reload(self):
-      u"""Save, load a new user and relocate the connection."""
-
-      # get out of the list
-      self.remove()
-
-      # create a new user object
-      new_user = User()
-
-      # set everything equivalent
-      for attribute in vars(self).keys():
-         exec(u"new_user." + attribute + u" = self." + attribute)
-
-      # the avatar needs a new owner
-      if new_user.avatar: new_user.avatar.owner = new_user
-
-      # add it to the list
-      universe.userlist.append(new_user)
-
-      # get rid of the old user object
-      del(self)
-
-   def replace_old_connections(self):
-      u"""Disconnect active users with the same name."""
-
-      # the default return value
-      return_value = False
-
-      # iterate over each user in the list
-      for old_user in universe.userlist:
-
-         # the name is the same but it's not us
-         if hasattr(
-            old_user, u"account"
-         ) and old_user.account and old_user.account.get(
-            u"name"
-         ) == self.account.get(
-            u"name"
-         ) and old_user is not self:
-
-            # make a note of it
-            log(
-               u"User " + self.account.get(
-                  u"name"
-               ) + u" reconnected--closing old connection to " \
-                  + old_user.address + u".",
-               2
-            )
-            old_user.send(
-               u"$(eol)$(red)New connection from " + self.address \
-                  + u". Terminating old connection...$(nrm)$(eol)", \
-               flush=True,
-               add_prompt=False
-            )
 
-            # close the old connection
-            old_user.connection.close()
+class User:
 
-            # replace the old connection with this one
-            old_user.send(
-               u"$(eol)$(red)Taking over old connection from " \
-                  + old_user.address + u".$(nrm)"
+    """This is a connected user."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        """Default values for the in-memory user variables."""
+        self.account = None
+        self.address = ""
+        self.authenticated = False
+        self.avatar = None
+        self.columns = 79
+        self.connection = None
+        self.error = ""
+        self.input_queue = []
+        self.last_address = ""
+        self.last_input = universe.get_time()
+        self.menu_choices = {}
+        self.menu_seen = False
+        self.negotiation_pause = 0
+        self.output_queue = []
+        self.partial_input = b""
+        self.password_tries = 0
+        self.state = "initial"
+        self.telopts = {}
+
+    def quit(self):
+        """Log, close the connection and remove."""
+        if self.account:
+            name = self.account.get("name")
+        else:
+            name = ""
+        if name:
+            message = "User " + name
+        else:
+            message = "An unnamed user"
+        message += " logged out."
+        log(message, 2)
+        self.deactivate_avatar()
+        self.connection.close()
+        self.remove()
+
+    def check_idle(self):
+        """Warn or disconnect idle users as appropriate."""
+        idletime = universe.get_time() - self.last_input
+        linkdead_dict = universe.categories["internal"]["time"].getdict(
+            "linkdead"
+        )
+        if self.state in linkdead_dict:
+            linkdead_state = self.state
+        else:
+            linkdead_state = "default"
+        if idletime > linkdead_dict[linkdead_state]:
+            self.send(
+                "$(eol)$(red)You've done nothing for far too long... goodbye!"
+                + "$(nrm)$(eol)",
+                flush=True,
+                add_prompt=False
+            )
+            logline = "Disconnecting "
+            if self.account and self.account.get("name"):
+                logline += self.account.get("name")
+            else:
+                logline += "an unknown user"
+            logline += (" after idling too long in the " + self.state
+                        + " state.")
+            log(logline, 2)
+            self.state = "disconnecting"
+            self.menu_seen = False
+        idle_dict = universe.categories["internal"]["time"].getdict("idle")
+        if self.state in idle_dict:
+            idle_state = self.state
+        else:
+            idle_state = "default"
+        if idletime == idle_dict[idle_state]:
+            self.send(
+                "$(eol)$(red)If you continue to be unproductive, "
+                + "you'll be shown the door...$(nrm)$(eol)"
             )
-            old_user.connection = self.connection
-            old_user.last_address = old_user.address
-            old_user.address = self.address
-
-            # take this one out of the list and delete
-            self.remove()
-            del(self)
-            return_value = True
-            break
 
-      # true if an old connection was replaced, false if not
-      return return_value
-
-   def authenticate(self):
-      u"""Flag the user as authenticated and disconnect duplicates."""
-      if not self.state is u"authenticated":
-         log(u"User " + self.account.get(u"name") + u" logged in.", 2)
-         self.authenticated = True
-         if self.account.subkey in universe.categories[
-            u"internal"
-         ][
-            u"limits"
-         ].getlist(
-            u"default_admins"
-         ):
-            self.account.set(u"administrator", u"True")
-
-   def show_menu(self):
-      u"""Send the user their current menu."""
-      if not self.menu_seen:
-         self.menu_choices = get_menu_choices(self)
-         self.send(
-            get_menu(self.state, self.error, self.menu_choices),
-            u"",
-            add_terminator=True
-         )
-         self.menu_seen = True
-         self.error = False
-         self.adjust_echoing()
-
-   def adjust_echoing(self):
-      u"""Adjust echoing to match state menu requirements."""
-      import telnet
-      if telnet.is_enabled(self, telnet.TELOPT_ECHO, telnet.US):
-         if menu_echo_on(self.state):
-            telnet.disable(self, telnet.TELOPT_ECHO, telnet.US)
-      elif not menu_echo_on(self.state):
-         telnet.enable(self, telnet.TELOPT_ECHO, telnet.US)
-
-   def remove(self):
-      u"""Remove a user from the list of connected users."""
-      universe.userlist.remove(self)
-
-   def send(
-      self,
-      output,
-      eol=u"$(eol)",
-      raw=False,
-      flush=False,
-      add_prompt=True,
-      just_prompt=False,
-      add_terminator=False,
-      prepend_padding=True
-   ):
-      u"""Send arbitrary text to a connected user."""
-      import telnet
-
-      # unless raw mode is on, clean it up all nice and pretty
-      if not raw:
-
-         # strip extra $(eol) off if present
-         while output.startswith(u"$(eol)"): output = output[6:]
-         while output.endswith(u"$(eol)"): output = output[:-6]
-         extra_lines = output.find(u"$(eol)$(eol)$(eol)")
-         while extra_lines > -1:
-            output = output[:extra_lines] + output[extra_lines+6:]
-            extra_lines = output.find(u"$(eol)$(eol)$(eol)")
-
-         # start with a newline, append the message, then end
-         # with the optional eol string passed to this function
-         # and the ansi escape to return to normal text
-         if not just_prompt and prepend_padding:
-            if not self.output_queue \
-               or not self.output_queue[-1].endswith("\r\n"):
-               output = u"$(eol)" + output
-            elif not self.output_queue[-1].endswith(
-               "\r\n\x1b[0m\r\n"
-            ) and not self.output_queue[-1].endswith(
-               "\r\n\r\n"
+    def reload(self):
+        """Save, load a new user and relocate the connection."""
+
+        # get out of the list
+        self.remove()
+
+        # create a new user object
+        new_user = User()
+
+        # set everything equivalent
+        for attribute in vars(self).keys():
+            exec("new_user." + attribute + " = self." + attribute)
+
+        # the avatar needs a new owner
+        if new_user.avatar:
+            new_user.avatar.owner = new_user
+
+        # add it to the list
+        universe.userlist.append(new_user)
+
+        # get rid of the old user object
+        del(self)
+
+    def replace_old_connections(self):
+        """Disconnect active users with the same name."""
+
+        # the default return value
+        return_value = False
+
+        # iterate over each user in the list
+        for old_user in universe.userlist:
+
+            # the name is the same but it's not us
+            if hasattr(
+               old_user, "account"
+               ) and old_user.account and old_user.account.get(
+                "name"
+            ) == self.account.get(
+                "name"
+            ) and old_user is not self:
+
+                # make a note of it
+                log(
+                    "User " + self.account.get(
+                        "name"
+                    ) + " reconnected--closing old connection to "
+                    + old_user.address + ".",
+                    2
+                )
+                old_user.send(
+                    "$(eol)$(red)New connection from " + self.address
+                    + ". Terminating old connection...$(nrm)$(eol)",
+                    flush=True,
+                    add_prompt=False
+                )
+
+                # close the old connection
+                old_user.connection.close()
+
+                # replace the old connection with this one
+                old_user.send(
+                    "$(eol)$(red)Taking over old connection from "
+                    + old_user.address + ".$(nrm)"
+                )
+                old_user.connection = self.connection
+                old_user.last_address = old_user.address
+                old_user.address = self.address
+
+                # take this one out of the list and delete
+                self.remove()
+                del(self)
+                return_value = True
+                break
+
+        # true if an old connection was replaced, false if not
+        return return_value
+
+    def authenticate(self):
+        """Flag the user as authenticated and disconnect duplicates."""
+        if self.state is not "authenticated":
+            log("User " + self.account.get("name") + " logged in.", 2)
+            self.authenticated = True
+            if self.account.subkey in universe.categories[
+               "internal"
+               ][
+                "limits"
+            ].getlist(
+                "default_admins"
             ):
-               output = u"$(eol)" + output
-         output += eol + unichr(27) + u"[0m"
-
-         # tack on a prompt if active
-         if self.state == u"active":
-            if not just_prompt: output += u"$(eol)"
-            if add_prompt:
-               output += u"> "
-               mode = self.avatar.get(u"mode")
-               if mode: output += u"(" + mode + u") "
-
-         # find and replace macros in the output
-         output = replace_macros(self, output)
-
-         # wrap the text at the client's width (min 40, 0 disables)
-         if self.columns:
-            if self.columns < 40: wrap = 40
-            else: wrap = self.columns
-            output = wrap_ansi_text(output, wrap)
-
-         # if supported by the client, encode it utf-8
-         if telnet.is_enabled(self, telnet.TELOPT_BINARY, telnet.US):
-            encoded_output = output.encode(u"utf-8")
-
-         # otherwise just send ascii
-         else: encoded_output = output.encode(u"ascii", u"replace")
-
-         # end with a terminator if requested
-         if add_prompt or add_terminator:
-            if telnet.is_enabled(self, telnet.TELOPT_EOR, telnet.US):
-               encoded_output += telnet.telnet_proto(telnet.IAC, telnet.EOR)
-            elif not telnet.is_enabled(self, telnet.TELOPT_SGA, telnet.US):
-               encoded_output += telnet.telnet_proto(telnet.IAC, telnet.GA)
-
-         # and tack it onto the queue
-         self.output_queue.append(encoded_output)
-
-         # if this is urgent, flush all pending output
-         if flush: self.flush()
-
-      # just dump raw bytes as requested
-      else:
-         self.output_queue.append(output)
-         self.flush()
-
-   def pulse(self):
-      u"""All the things to do to the user per increment."""
-
-      # if the world is terminating, disconnect
-      if universe.terminate_flag:
-         self.state = u"disconnecting"
-         self.menu_seen = False
-
-      # check for an idle connection and act appropriately
-      else: self.check_idle()
-
-      # if output is paused, decrement the counter
-      if self.state == u"initial":
-         if self.negotiation_pause: self.negotiation_pause -= 1
-         else: self.state = u"entering_account_name"
-
-      # show the user a menu as needed
-      elif not self.state == u"active": self.show_menu()
-
-      # flush any pending output in the queue
-      self.flush()
-
-      # disconnect users with the appropriate state
-      if self.state == u"disconnecting": self.quit()
-
-      # check for input and add it to the queue
-      self.enqueue_input()
-
-      # there is input waiting in the queue
-      if self.input_queue:
-         handle_user_input(self)
-
-   def flush(self):
-      u"""Try to send the last item in the queue and remove it."""
-      if self.output_queue:
-         try:
-            self.connection.send(self.output_queue[0])
-            del self.output_queue[0]
-         except:
-            if self.account and self.account.get(u"name"):
-               account = self.account.get(u"name")
-            else: account = u"an unknown user"
-            log(
-               u"Sending to %s raised an exception (broken pipe?)." % account,
-               7
+                self.account.set("administrator", "True")
+
+    def show_menu(self):
+        """Send the user their current menu."""
+        if not self.menu_seen:
+            self.menu_choices = get_menu_choices(self)
+            self.send(
+                get_menu(self.state, self.error, self.menu_choices),
+                "",
+                add_terminator=True
             )
-            pass
-
-
-   def enqueue_input(self):
-      u"""Process and enqueue any new input."""
-      import telnet, unicodedata
-
-      # check for some input
-      try:
-         raw_input = self.connection.recv(1024)
-      except:
-         raw_input = ""
-
-      # we got something
-      if raw_input:
-
-         # tack this on to any previous partial
-         self.partial_input += raw_input
-
-         # reply to and remove any IAC negotiation codes
-         telnet.negotiate_telnet_options(self)
-
-         # separate multiple input lines
-         new_input_lines = self.partial_input.split("\n")
-
-         # if input doesn't end in a newline, replace the
-         # held partial input with the last line of it
-         if not self.partial_input.endswith("\n"):
-            self.partial_input = new_input_lines.pop()
-
-         # otherwise, chop off the extra null input and reset
-         # the held partial input
-         else:
-            new_input_lines.pop()
-            self.partial_input = ""
-
-         # iterate over the remaining lines
-         for line in new_input_lines:
-
-            # strip off extra whitespace
-            line = line.strip()
-
-            # make sure it's valid unicode (probably no longer needed)
-            try: unicode(line, u"utf-8")
-            except UnicodeDecodeError:
-               logline = u"Non-unicode data from "
-               if self.account and self.account.get(u"name"):
-                  logline += self.account.get(u"name") + u": "
-               else: logline += u"unknown user: "
-               logline += repr(line)
-               log(logline, 4)
-               line = ""
-
-            # log non-printable characters remaining
-            if telnet.is_enabled(self, telnet.TELOPT_BINARY, telnet.HIM):
-               asciiline = filter(lambda x: " " <= x <= "~", line)
-               if line != asciiline:
-                  logline = u"Non-ASCII characters from "
-                  if self.account and self.account.get(u"name"):
-                     logline += self.account.get(u"name") + u": "
-                  else: logline += u"unknown user: "
-                  logline += repr(line)
-                  log(logline, 4)
-                  line = asciiline
-
-            # put on the end of the queue
-            self.input_queue.append(
-               unicodedata.normalize( u"NFKC", unicode(line, u"utf-8") )
-            )
-
-   def new_avatar(self):
-      u"""Instantiate a new, unconfigured avatar for this user."""
-      counter = 0
-      while u"avatar:" + self.account.get(u"name") + u":" + unicode(
-         counter
-      ) in universe.categories[u"actor"].keys():
-         counter += 1
-      self.avatar = Element(
-         u"actor:avatar:" + self.account.get(u"name") + u":" + unicode(
+            self.menu_seen = True
+            self.error = False
+            self.adjust_echoing()
+
+    def adjust_echoing(self):
+        """Adjust echoing to match state menu requirements."""
+        if mudpy.telnet.is_enabled(self, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_ECHO,
+                                   mudpy.telnet.US):
+            if menu_echo_on(self.state):
+                mudpy.telnet.disable(self, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_ECHO,
+                                     mudpy.telnet.US)
+        elif not menu_echo_on(self.state):
+            mudpy.telnet.enable(self, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_ECHO,
+                                mudpy.telnet.US)
+
+    def remove(self):
+        """Remove a user from the list of connected users."""
+        universe.userlist.remove(self)
+
+    def send(
+        self,
+        output,
+        eol="$(eol)",
+        raw=False,
+        flush=False,
+        add_prompt=True,
+        just_prompt=False,
+        add_terminator=False,
+        prepend_padding=True
+    ):
+        """Send arbitrary text to a connected user."""
+
+        # unless raw mode is on, clean it up all nice and pretty
+        if not raw:
+
+            # strip extra $(eol) off if present
+            while output.startswith("$(eol)"):
+                output = output[6:]
+            while output.endswith("$(eol)"):
+                output = output[:-6]
+            extra_lines = output.find("$(eol)$(eol)$(eol)")
+            while extra_lines > -1:
+                output = output[:extra_lines] + output[extra_lines + 6:]
+                extra_lines = output.find("$(eol)$(eol)$(eol)")
+
+            # start with a newline, append the message, then end
+            # with the optional eol string passed to this function
+            # and the ansi escape to return to normal text
+            if not just_prompt and prepend_padding:
+                if (not self.output_queue or not
+                        self.output_queue[-1].endswith(b"\r\n")):
+                    output = "$(eol)" + output
+                elif not self.output_queue[-1].endswith(
+                    b"\r\n\x1b[0m\r\n"
+                ) and not self.output_queue[-1].endswith(
+                    b"\r\n\r\n"
+                ):
+                    output = "$(eol)" + output
+            output += eol + chr(27) + "[0m"
+
+            # tack on a prompt if active
+            if self.state == "active":
+                if not just_prompt:
+                    output += "$(eol)"
+                if add_prompt:
+                    output += "> "
+                    mode = self.avatar.get("mode")
+                    if mode:
+                        output += "(" + mode + ") "
+
+            # find and replace macros in the output
+            output = replace_macros(self, output)
+
+            # wrap the text at the client's width (min 40, 0 disables)
+            if self.columns:
+                if self.columns < 40:
+                    wrap = 40
+                else:
+                    wrap = self.columns
+                output = wrap_ansi_text(output, wrap)
+
+            # if supported by the client, encode it utf-8
+            if mudpy.telnet.is_enabled(self, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_BINARY,
+                                       mudpy.telnet.US):
+                encoded_output = output.encode("utf-8")
+
+            # otherwise just send ascii
+            else:
+                encoded_output = output.encode("ascii", "replace")
+
+            # end with a terminator if requested
+            if add_prompt or add_terminator:
+                if mudpy.telnet.is_enabled(
+                        self, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_EOR, mudpy.telnet.US):
+                    encoded_output += mudpy.telnet.telnet_proto(
+                        mudpy.telnet.IAC, mudpy.telnet.EOR)
+                elif not mudpy.telnet.is_enabled(
+                        self, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_SGA, mudpy.telnet.US):
+                    encoded_output += mudpy.telnet.telnet_proto(
+                        mudpy.telnet.IAC, mudpy.telnet.GA)
+
+            # and tack it onto the queue
+            self.output_queue.append(encoded_output)
+
+            # if this is urgent, flush all pending output
+            if flush:
+                self.flush()
+
+        # just dump raw bytes as requested
+        else:
+            self.output_queue.append(output)
+            self.flush()
+
+    def pulse(self):
+        """All the things to do to the user per increment."""
+
+        # if the world is terminating, disconnect
+        if universe.terminate_flag:
+            self.state = "disconnecting"
+            self.menu_seen = False
+
+        # check for an idle connection and act appropriately
+        else:
+            self.check_idle()
+
+        # if output is paused, decrement the counter
+        if self.state == "initial":
+            if self.negotiation_pause:
+                self.negotiation_pause -= 1
+            else:
+                self.state = "entering_account_name"
+
+        # show the user a menu as needed
+        elif not self.state == "active":
+            self.show_menu()
+
+        # flush any pending output in the queue
+        self.flush()
+
+        # disconnect users with the appropriate state
+        if self.state == "disconnecting":
+            self.quit()
+
+        # check for input and add it to the queue
+        self.enqueue_input()
+
+        # there is input waiting in the queue
+        if self.input_queue:
+            handle_user_input(self)
+
+    def flush(self):
+        """Try to send the last item in the queue and remove it."""
+        if self.output_queue:
+            try:
+                self.connection.send(self.output_queue[0])
+                del self.output_queue[0]
+            except BrokenPipeError:
+                if self.account and self.account.get("name"):
+                    account = self.account.get("name")
+                else:
+                    account = "an unknown user"
+                log("Broken pipe sending to %s." % account, 7)
+                self.state = "disconnecting"
+
+    def enqueue_input(self):
+        """Process and enqueue any new input."""
+
+        # check for some input
+        try:
+            raw_input = self.connection.recv(1024)
+        except (BlockingIOError, OSError):
+            raw_input = b""
+
+        # we got something
+        if raw_input:
+
+            # tack this on to any previous partial
+            self.partial_input += raw_input
+
+            # reply to and remove any IAC negotiation codes
+            mudpy.telnet.negotiate_telnet_options(self)
+
+            # separate multiple input lines
+            new_input_lines = self.partial_input.split(b"\n")
+
+            # if input doesn't end in a newline, replace the
+            # held partial input with the last line of it
+            if not self.partial_input.endswith(b"\n"):
+                self.partial_input = new_input_lines.pop()
+
+            # otherwise, chop off the extra null input and reset
+            # the held partial input
+            else:
+                new_input_lines.pop()
+                self.partial_input = b""
+
+            # iterate over the remaining lines
+            for line in new_input_lines:
+
+                # strip off extra whitespace
+                line = line.strip()
+
+                # log non-printable characters remaining
+                if mudpy.telnet.is_enabled(self, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_BINARY,
+                                           mudpy.telnet.HIM):
+                    asciiline = b"".join(
+                        filter(lambda x: b" " <= x <= b"~", line))
+                    if line != asciiline:
+                        logline = "Non-ASCII characters from "
+                        if self.account and self.account.get("name"):
+                            logline += self.account.get("name") + ": "
+                        else:
+                            logline += "unknown user: "
+                        logline += repr(line)
+                        log(logline, 4)
+                        line = asciiline
+
+                try:
+                    line = line.decode("utf-8")
+                except UnicodeDecodeError:
+                    logline = "Non-UTF-8 characters from "
+                    if self.account and self.account.get("name"):
+                        logline += self.account.get("name") + ": "
+                    else:
+                        logline += "unknown user: "
+                    logline += repr(line)
+                    log(logline, 4)
+                    return
+
+                line = unicodedata.normalize("NFKC", line)
+
+                # put on the end of the queue
+                self.input_queue.append(line)
+
+    def new_avatar(self):
+        """Instantiate a new, unconfigured avatar for this user."""
+        counter = 0
+        while "avatar:" + self.account.get("name") + ":" + str(
             counter
-         ),
-         universe
-      )
-      self.avatar.append(u"inherit", u"archetype:avatar")
-      self.account.append(u"avatars", self.avatar.key)
-
-   def delete_avatar(self, avatar):
-      u"""Remove an avatar from the world and from the user's list."""
-      if self.avatar is universe.contents[avatar]: self.avatar = None
-      universe.contents[avatar].destroy()
-      avatars = self.account.getlist(u"avatars")
-      avatars.remove(avatar)
-      self.account.set(u"avatars", avatars)
-
-   def activate_avatar_by_index(self, index):
-      u"""Enter the world with a particular indexed avatar."""
-      self.avatar = universe.contents[self.account.getlist(u"avatars")[index]]
-      self.avatar.owner = self
-      self.state = u"active"
-      self.avatar.go_home()
-
-   def deactivate_avatar(self):
-      u"""Have the active avatar leave the world."""
-      if self.avatar:
-         current = self.avatar.get(u"location")
-         if current:
-            self.avatar.set(u"default_location", current)
-            self.avatar.echo_to_location(
-               u"You suddenly wonder where " + self.avatar.get(
-                  u"name"
-               ) + u" went."
-            )
-            del universe.contents[current].contents[self.avatar.key]
-            self.avatar.remove_facet(u"location")
-         self.avatar.owner = None
-         self.avatar = None
-
-   def destroy(self):
-      u"""Destroy the user and associated avatars."""
-      for avatar in self.account.getlist(u"avatars"):
-         self.delete_avatar(avatar)
-      self.account.destroy()
-
-   def list_avatar_names(self):
-      u"""List names of assigned avatars."""
-      return [
-         universe.contents[avatar].get(
-            u"name"
-         ) for avatar in self.account.getlist(u"avatars")
-      ]
+        ) in universe.categories["actor"].keys():
+            counter += 1
+        self.avatar = Element(
+            "actor:avatar:" + self.account.get("name") + ":" + str(
+                counter
+            ),
+            universe
+        )
+        self.avatar.append("inherit", "archetype:avatar")
+        self.account.append("avatars", self.avatar.key)
+
+    def delete_avatar(self, avatar):
+        """Remove an avatar from the world and from the user's list."""
+        if self.avatar is universe.contents[avatar]:
+            self.avatar = None
+        universe.contents[avatar].destroy()
+        avatars = self.account.getlist("avatars")
+        avatars.remove(avatar)
+        self.account.set("avatars", avatars)
+
+    def activate_avatar_by_index(self, index):
+        """Enter the world with a particular indexed avatar."""
+        self.avatar = universe.contents[
+            self.account.getlist("avatars")[index]]
+        self.avatar.owner = self
+        self.state = "active"
+        self.avatar.go_home()
+
+    def deactivate_avatar(self):
+        """Have the active avatar leave the world."""
+        if self.avatar:
+            current = self.avatar.get("location")
+            if current:
+                self.avatar.set("default_location", current)
+                self.avatar.echo_to_location(
+                    "You suddenly wonder where " + self.avatar.get(
+                        "name"
+                    ) + " went."
+                )
+                del universe.contents[current].contents[self.avatar.key]
+                self.avatar.remove_facet("location")
+            self.avatar.owner = None
+            self.avatar = None
+
+    def destroy(self):
+        """Destroy the user and associated avatars."""
+        for avatar in self.account.getlist("avatars"):
+            self.delete_avatar(avatar)
+        self.account.destroy()
+
+    def list_avatar_names(self):
+        """List names of assigned avatars."""
+        return [
+            universe.contents[avatar].get(
+                "name"
+            ) for avatar in self.account.getlist("avatars")
+        ]
+
 
 def broadcast(message, add_prompt=True):
-   u"""Send a message to all connected users."""
-   for each_user in universe.userlist:
-      each_user.send(u"$(eol)" + message, add_prompt=add_prompt)
+    """Send a message to all connected users."""
+    for each_user in universe.userlist:
+        each_user.send("$(eol)" + message, add_prompt=add_prompt)
+
 
 def log(message, level=0):
-   u"""Log a message."""
-   import codecs, os.path, syslog, time
-
-   # a couple references we need
-   file_name = universe.categories[u"internal"][u"logging"].get(u"file")
-   max_log_lines = universe.categories[u"internal"][u"logging"].getint(
-      u"max_log_lines"
-   )
-   syslog_name = universe.categories[u"internal"][u"logging"].get(u"syslog")
-   timestamp = time.asctime()[4:19]
-
-   # turn the message into a list of lines
-   lines = filter(
-      lambda x: x!=u"", [ (x.rstrip()) for x in message.split(u"\n") ]
-   )
-
-   # send the timestamp and line to a file
-   if file_name:
-      if not os.path.isabs(file_name):
-         file_name = os.path.join(universe.startdir, file_name)
-      file_descriptor = codecs.open(file_name, u"a", u"utf-8")
-      for line in lines: file_descriptor.write(timestamp + u" " + line + u"\n")
-      file_descriptor.flush()
-      file_descriptor.close()
-
-   # send the timestamp and line to standard output
-   if universe.categories[u"internal"][u"logging"].getboolean(u"stdout"):
-      for line in lines: print(timestamp + u" " + line)
-
-   # send the line to the system log
-   if syslog_name:
-      syslog.openlog(
-         syslog_name.encode("utf-8"),
-         syslog.LOG_PID,
-         syslog.LOG_INFO | syslog.LOG_DAEMON
-      )
-      for line in lines: syslog.syslog(line)
-      syslog.closelog()
-
-   # display to connected administrators
-   for user in universe.userlist:
-      if user.state == u"active" and user.account.getboolean(
-         u"administrator"
-      ) and user.account.getint(u"loglevel") <= level:
-         # iterate over every line in the message
-         full_message = u""
-         for line in lines:
-            full_message += u"$(bld)$(red)" + timestamp + u" " + line.replace(
-               u"$(", u"$_("
-            ) + u"$(nrm)$(eol)"
-         user.send(full_message, flush=True)
-
-   # add to the recent log list
-   for line in lines:
-      while 0 < len(universe.loglines) >= max_log_lines:
-         del universe.loglines[0]
-      universe.loglines.append((level, timestamp + u" " + line))
+    """Log a message."""
+
+    # a couple references we need
+    file_name = universe.categories["internal"]["logging"].get("file")
+    max_log_lines = universe.categories["internal"]["logging"].getint(
+        "max_log_lines"
+    )
+    syslog_name = universe.categories["internal"]["logging"].get("syslog")
+    timestamp = time.asctime()[4:19]
+
+    # turn the message into a list of lines
+    lines = filter(
+        lambda x: x != "", [(x.rstrip()) for x in message.split("\n")]
+    )
+
+    # send the timestamp and line to a file
+    if file_name:
+        if not os.path.isabs(file_name):
+            file_name = os.path.join(universe.startdir, file_name)
+        file_descriptor = codecs.open(file_name, "a", "utf-8")
+        for line in lines:
+            file_descriptor.write(timestamp + " " + line + "\n")
+        file_descriptor.flush()
+        file_descriptor.close()
+
+    # send the timestamp and line to standard output
+    if universe.categories["internal"]["logging"].getboolean("stdout"):
+        for line in lines:
+            print(timestamp + " " + line)
+
+    # send the line to the system log
+    if syslog_name:
+        syslog.openlog(
+            syslog_name.encode("utf-8"),
+            syslog.LOG_PID,
+            syslog.LOG_INFO | syslog.LOG_DAEMON
+        )
+        for line in lines:
+            syslog.syslog(line)
+        syslog.closelog()
+
+    # display to connected administrators
+    for user in universe.userlist:
+        if user.state == "active" and user.account.getboolean(
+           "administrator"
+           ) and user.account.getint("loglevel") <= level:
+            # iterate over every line in the message
+            full_message = ""
+            for line in lines:
+                full_message += (
+                    "$(bld)$(red)" + timestamp + " "
+                    + line.replace("$(", "$_(") + "$(nrm)$(eol)")
+            user.send(full_message, flush=True)
+
+    # add to the recent log list
+    for line in lines:
+        while 0 < len(universe.loglines) >= max_log_lines:
+            del universe.loglines[0]
+        universe.loglines.append((level, timestamp + " " + line))
+
 
 def get_loglines(level, start, stop):
-   u"""Return a specific range of loglines filtered by level."""
+    """Return a specific range of loglines filtered by level."""
+
+    # filter the log lines
+    loglines = filter(lambda x: x[0] >= level, universe.loglines)
+
+    # we need these in several places
+    total_count = str(len(universe.loglines))
+    filtered_count = len(loglines)
+
+    # don't proceed if there are no lines
+    if filtered_count:
+
+        # can't start before the begining or at the end
+        if start > filtered_count:
+            start = filtered_count
+        if start < 1:
+            start = 1
+
+        # can't stop before we start
+        if stop > start:
+            stop = start
+        elif stop < 1:
+            stop = 1
+
+        # some preamble
+        message = "There are " + str(total_count)
+        message += " log lines in memory and " + str(filtered_count)
+        message += " at or above level " + str(level) + "."
+        message += " The matching lines from " + str(stop) + " to "
+        message += str(start) + " are:$(eol)$(eol)"
+
+        # add the text from the selected lines
+        if stop > 1:
+            range_lines = loglines[-start:-(stop - 1)]
+        else:
+            range_lines = loglines[-start:]
+        for line in range_lines:
+            message += "   (" + str(line[0]) + ") " + line[1].replace(
+                "$(", "$_("
+            ) + "$(eol)"
+
+    # there were no lines
+    else:
+        message = "None of the " + str(total_count)
+        message += " lines in memory matches your request."
+
+    # pass it back
+    return message
 
-   # filter the log lines
-   loglines = filter(lambda x: x[0]>=level, universe.loglines)
 
-   # we need these in several places
-   total_count = unicode(len(universe.loglines))
-   filtered_count = len(loglines)
+def glyph_columns(character):
+    """Convenience function to return the column width of a glyph."""
+    if unicodedata.east_asian_width(character) in "FW":
+        return 2
+    else:
+        return 1
 
-   # don't proceed if there are no lines
-   if filtered_count:
 
-      # can't start before the begining or at the end
-      if start > filtered_count: start = filtered_count
-      if start < 1: start = 1
+def wrap_ansi_text(text, width):
+    """Wrap text with arbitrary width while ignoring ANSI colors."""
+
+    # the current position in the entire text string, including all
+    # characters, printable or otherwise
+    abs_pos = 0
+
+    # the current text position relative to the begining of the line,
+    # ignoring color escape sequences
+    rel_pos = 0
+
+    # the absolute position of the most recent whitespace character
+    last_whitespace = 0
+
+    # whether the current character is part of a color escape sequence
+    escape = False
+
+    # normalize any potentially composited unicode before we count it
+    text = unicodedata.normalize("NFKC", text)
+
+    # iterate over each character from the begining of the text
+    for each_character in text:
+
+        # the current character is the escape character
+        if each_character == "\x1b" and not escape:
+            escape = True
+
+        # the current character is within an escape sequence
+        elif escape:
+
+            # the current character is m, which terminates the
+            # escape sequence
+            if each_character == "m":
+                escape = False
+
+        # the current character is a newline, so reset the relative
+        # position (start a new line)
+        elif each_character == "\n":
+            rel_pos = 0
+            last_whitespace = abs_pos
+
+        # the current character meets the requested maximum line width,
+        # so we need to backtrack and find a space at which to wrap;
+        # special care is taken to avoid an off-by-one in case the
+        # current character is a double-width glyph
+        elif each_character != "\r" and (
+            rel_pos >= width or (
+                rel_pos >= width - 1 and glyph_columns(
+                    each_character
+                ) == 2
+            )
+        ):
 
-      # can't stop before we start
-      if stop > start: stop = start
-      elif stop < 1: stop = 1
+            # it's always possible we landed on whitespace
+            if unicodedata.category(each_character) in ("Cc", "Zs"):
+                last_whitespace = abs_pos
 
-      # some preamble
-      message = u"There are " + unicode(total_count)
-      message += u" log lines in memory and " + unicode(filtered_count)
-      message += u" at or above level " + unicode(level) + u"."
-      message += u" The matching lines from " + unicode(stop) + u" to "
-      message += unicode(start) + u" are:$(eol)$(eol)"
+            # insert an eol in place of the space
+            text = text[:last_whitespace] + "\r\n" + text[last_whitespace + 1:]
 
-      # add the text from the selected lines
-      if stop > 1: range_lines = loglines[-start:-(stop-1)]
-      else: range_lines = loglines[-start:]
-      for line in range_lines:
-         message += u"   (" + unicode(line[0]) + u") " + line[1].replace(
-            u"$(", u"$_("
-         ) + u"$(eol)"
+            # increase the absolute position because an eol is two
+            # characters but the space it replaced was only one
+            abs_pos += 1
 
-   # there were no lines
-   else:
-      message = u"None of the " + unicode(total_count)
-      message += u" lines in memory matches your request."
+            # now we're at the begining of a new line, plus the
+            # number of characters wrapped from the previous line
+            rel_pos = 0
+            for remaining_characters in text[last_whitespace:abs_pos]:
+                rel_pos += glyph_columns(remaining_characters)
 
-   # pass it back
-   return message
+        # as long as the character is not a carriage return and the
+        # other above conditions haven't been met, count it as a
+        # printable character
+        elif each_character != "\r":
+            rel_pos += glyph_columns(each_character)
+            if unicodedata.category(each_character) in ("Cc", "Zs"):
+                last_whitespace = abs_pos
 
-def glyph_columns(character):
-   u"""Convenience function to return the column width of a glyph."""
-   import unicodedata
-   if unicodedata.east_asian_width(character) in u"FW": return 2
-   else: return 1
+        # increase the absolute position for every character
+        abs_pos += 1
+
+    # return the newly-wrapped text
+    return text
 
-def wrap_ansi_text(text, width):
-   u"""Wrap text with arbitrary width while ignoring ANSI colors."""
-   import unicodedata
-
-   # the current position in the entire text string, including all
-   # characters, printable or otherwise
-   absolute_position = 0
-
-   # the current text position relative to the begining of the line,
-   # ignoring color escape sequences
-   relative_position = 0
-
-   # the absolute position of the most recent whitespace character
-   last_whitespace = 0
-
-   # whether the current character is part of a color escape sequence
-   escape = False
-
-   # normalize any potentially composited unicode before we count it
-   text = unicodedata.normalize(u"NFKC", text)
-
-   # iterate over each character from the begining of the text
-   for each_character in text:
-
-      # the current character is the escape character
-      if each_character == u"\x1b" and not escape:
-         escape = True
-
-      # the current character is within an escape sequence
-      elif escape:
-
-         # the current character is m, which terminates the
-         # escape sequence
-         if each_character == u"m":
-            escape = False
-
-      # the current character is a newline, so reset the relative
-      # position (start a new line)
-      elif each_character == u"\n":
-         relative_position = 0
-         last_whitespace = absolute_position
-
-      # the current character meets the requested maximum line width,
-      # so we need to backtrack and find a space at which to wrap;
-      # special care is taken to avoid an off-by-one in case the
-      # current character is a double-width glyph
-      elif each_character != u"\r" and (
-         relative_position >= width or (
-            relative_position >= width -1 and glyph_columns(
-               each_character
-            ) == 2
-         )
-      ):
-
-         # it's always possible we landed on whitespace
-         if unicodedata.category(each_character) in (u"Cc",u"Zs"):
-            last_whitespace = absolute_position
-
-         # insert an eol in place of the space
-         text = text[:last_whitespace] + u"\r\n" + text[last_whitespace + 1:]
-
-         # increase the absolute position because an eol is two
-         # characters but the space it replaced was only one
-         absolute_position += 1
-
-         # now we're at the begining of a new line, plus the
-         # number of characters wrapped from the previous line
-         relative_position = 0
-         for remaining_characters in text[last_whitespace:absolute_position]:
-            relative_position += glyph_columns(remaining_characters)
-
-      # as long as the character is not a carriage return and the
-      # other above conditions haven't been met, count it as a
-      # printable character
-      elif each_character != u"\r":
-         relative_position += glyph_columns(each_character)
-         if unicodedata.category(each_character) in (u"Cc",u"Zs"):
-            last_whitespace = absolute_position
-
-      # increase the absolute position for every character
-      absolute_position += 1
-
-   # return the newly-wrapped text
-   return text
 
 def weighted_choice(data):
-   u"""Takes a dict weighted by value and returns a random key."""
-   import random
+    """Takes a dict weighted by value and returns a random key."""
+
+    # this will hold our expanded list of keys from the data
+    expanded = []
 
-   # this will hold our expanded list of keys from the data
-   expanded = []
+    # create the expanded list of keys
+    for key in data.keys():
+        for count in range(data[key]):
+            expanded.append(key)
 
-   # create the expanded list of keys
-   for key in data.keys():
-      for count in range(data[key]):
-         expanded.append(key)
+    # return one at random
+    return random.choice(expanded)
 
-   # return one at random
-   return random.choice(expanded)
 
 def random_name():
-   u"""Returns a random character name."""
-   import random
-
-   # the vowels and consonants needed to create romaji syllables
-   vowels = [
-      u"a",
-      u"i",
-      u"u",
-      u"e",
-      u"o"
-   ]
-   consonants = [
-      u"'",
-      u"k",
-      u"z",
-      u"s",
-      u"sh",
-      u"z",
-      u"j",
-      u"t",
-      u"ch",
-      u"ts",
-      u"d",
-      u"n",
-      u"h",
-      u"f",
-      u"m",
-      u"y",
-      u"r",
-      u"w"
-   ]
-
-   # this dict will hold our weighted list of syllables
-   syllables = {}
-
-   # generate the list with an even weighting
-   for consonant in consonants:
-      for vowel in vowels:
-         syllables[consonant + vowel] = 1
-
-   # we'll build the name into this string
-   name = u""
-
-   # create a name of random length from the syllables
-   for syllable in range(random.randrange(2, 6)):
-      name += weighted_choice(syllables)
-
-   # strip any leading quotemark, capitalize and return the name
-   return name.strip(u"'").capitalize()
+    """Returns a random character name."""
+
+    # the vowels and consonants needed to create romaji syllables
+    vowels = [
+        "a",
+        "i",
+        "u",
+        "e",
+        "o"
+    ]
+    consonants = [
+        "'",
+        "k",
+        "z",
+        "s",
+        "sh",
+        "z",
+        "j",
+        "t",
+        "ch",
+        "ts",
+        "d",
+        "n",
+        "h",
+        "f",
+        "m",
+        "y",
+        "r",
+        "w"
+    ]
+
+    # this dict will hold our weighted list of syllables
+    syllables = {}
+
+    # generate the list with an even weighting
+    for consonant in consonants:
+        for vowel in vowels:
+            syllables[consonant + vowel] = 1
+
+    # we'll build the name into this string
+    name = ""
+
+    # create a name of random length from the syllables
+    for syllable in range(random.randrange(2, 6)):
+        name += weighted_choice(syllables)
+
+    # strip any leading quotemark, capitalize and return the name
+    return name.strip("'").capitalize()
+
 
 def replace_macros(user, text, is_input=False):
-   u"""Replaces macros in text output."""
-   import codecs, data, os.path
-
-   # third person pronouns
-   pronouns = {
-      u"female": { u"obj": u"her", u"pos": u"hers", u"sub": u"she" },
-      u"male": { u"obj": u"him", u"pos": u"his", u"sub": u"he" },
-      u"neuter": { u"obj": u"it", u"pos": u"its", u"sub": u"it" }
-      }
-
-   # a dict of replacement macros
-   macros = {
-      u"eol": u"\r\n",
-      u"bld": unichr(27) + u"[1m",
-      u"nrm": unichr(27) + u"[0m",
-      u"blk": unichr(27) + u"[30m",
-      u"blu": unichr(27) + u"[34m",
-      u"cyn": unichr(27) + u"[36m",
-      u"grn": unichr(27) + u"[32m",
-      u"mgt": unichr(27) + u"[35m",
-      u"red": unichr(27) + u"[31m",
-      u"yel": unichr(27) + u"[33m",
-      }
-
-   # add dynamic macros where possible
-   if user.account:
-      account_name = user.account.get(u"name")
-      if account_name:
-         macros[u"account"] = account_name
-   if user.avatar:
-      avatar_gender = user.avatar.get(u"gender")
-      if avatar_gender:
-         macros[u"tpop"] = pronouns[avatar_gender][u"obj"]
-         macros[u"tppp"] = pronouns[avatar_gender][u"pos"]
-         macros[u"tpsp"] = pronouns[avatar_gender][u"sub"]
-
-   # loop until broken
-   while True:
-
-      # find and replace per the macros dict
-      macro_start = text.find(u"$(")
-      if macro_start == -1: break
-      macro_end = text.find(u")", macro_start) + 1
-      macro = text[macro_start+2:macro_end-1]
-      if macro in macros.keys():
-         replacement = macros[macro]
-
-      # this is how we handle local file inclusion (dangerous!)
-      elif macro.startswith(u"inc:"):
-         incfile = data.find_file(macro[4:], universe=universe)
-         if os.path.exists(incfile):
-            incfd = codecs.open(incfile, u"r", u"utf-8")
-            replacement = u""
-            for line in incfd:
-               if line.endswith(u"\n") and not line.endswith(u"\r\n"):
-                  line = line.replace(u"\n", u"\r\n")
-               replacement += line
-            # lose the trailing eol
-            replacement = replacement[:-2]
-         else:
-            replacement = u""
-            log(u"Couldn't read included " + incfile + u" file.", 6)
-
-      # if we get here, log and replace it with null
-      else:
-         replacement = u""
-         if not is_input:
-            log(u"Unexpected replacement macro " + macro + u" encountered.", 6)
-
-      # and now we act on the replacement
-      text = text.replace(u"$(" + macro + u")", replacement)
-
-   # replace the look-like-a-macro sequence
-   text = text.replace(u"$_(", u"$(")
-
-   return text
+    """Replaces macros in text output."""
+
+    # third person pronouns
+    pronouns = {
+        "female": {"obj": "her", "pos": "hers", "sub": "she"},
+        "male": {"obj": "him", "pos": "his", "sub": "he"},
+        "neuter": {"obj": "it", "pos": "its", "sub": "it"}
+    }
+
+    # a dict of replacement macros
+    macros = {
+        "eol": "\r\n",
+        "bld": chr(27) + "[1m",
+        "nrm": chr(27) + "[0m",
+        "blk": chr(27) + "[30m",
+        "blu": chr(27) + "[34m",
+        "cyn": chr(27) + "[36m",
+        "grn": chr(27) + "[32m",
+        "mgt": chr(27) + "[35m",
+        "red": chr(27) + "[31m",
+        "yel": chr(27) + "[33m",
+    }
+
+    # add dynamic macros where possible
+    if user.account:
+        account_name = user.account.get("name")
+        if account_name:
+            macros["account"] = account_name
+    if user.avatar:
+        avatar_gender = user.avatar.get("gender")
+        if avatar_gender:
+            macros["tpop"] = pronouns[avatar_gender]["obj"]
+            macros["tppp"] = pronouns[avatar_gender]["pos"]
+            macros["tpsp"] = pronouns[avatar_gender]["sub"]
+
+    # loop until broken
+    while True:
+
+        # find and replace per the macros dict
+        macro_start = text.find("$(")
+        if macro_start == -1:
+            break
+        macro_end = text.find(")", macro_start) + 1
+        macro = text[macro_start + 2:macro_end - 1]
+        if macro in macros.keys():
+            replacement = macros[macro]
+
+        # this is how we handle local file inclusion (dangerous!)
+        elif macro.startswith("inc:"):
+            incfile = mudpy.data.find_file(macro[4:], universe=universe)
+            if os.path.exists(incfile):
+                incfd = codecs.open(incfile, "r", "utf-8")
+                replacement = ""
+                for line in incfd:
+                    if line.endswith("\n") and not line.endswith("\r\n"):
+                        line = line.replace("\n", "\r\n")
+                    replacement += line
+                # lose the trailing eol
+                replacement = replacement[:-2]
+            else:
+                replacement = ""
+                log("Couldn't read included " + incfile + " file.", 6)
+
+        # if we get here, log and replace it with null
+        else:
+            replacement = ""
+            if not is_input:
+                log("Unexpected replacement macro " +
+                    macro + " encountered.", 6)
+
+        # and now we act on the replacement
+        text = text.replace("$(" + macro + ")", replacement)
+
+    # replace the look-like-a-macro sequence
+    text = text.replace("$_(", "$(")
+
+    return text
+
 
 def escape_macros(text):
-   u"""Escapes replacement macros in text."""
-   return text.replace(u"$(", u"$_(")
+    """Escapes replacement macros in text."""
+    return text.replace("$(", "$_(")
+
+
+def first_word(text, separator=" "):
+    """Returns a tuple of the first word and the rest."""
+    if text:
+        if text.find(separator) > 0:
+            return text.split(separator, 1)
+        else:
+            return text, ""
+    else:
+        return "", ""
 
-def first_word(text, separator=u" "):
-   u"""Returns a tuple of the first word and the rest."""
-   if text:
-      if text.find(separator) > 0: return text.split(separator, 1)
-      else: return text, u""
-   else: return u"", u""
 
 def on_pulse():
-   u"""The things which should happen on each pulse, aside from reloads."""
-   import time
-
-   # open the listening socket if it hasn't been already
-   if not hasattr(universe, u"listening_socket"):
-      universe.initialize_server_socket()
-
-   # assign a user if a new connection is waiting
-   user = check_for_connection(universe.listening_socket)
-   if user: universe.userlist.append(user)
-
-   # iterate over the connected users
-   for user in universe.userlist: user.pulse()
-
-   # add an element for counters if it doesn't exist
-   if not u"counters" in universe.categories[u"internal"]:
-      universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"] = Element(
-         u"internal:counters", universe
-      )
-
-   # update the log every now and then
-   if not universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].getint(u"mark"):
-      log(unicode(len(universe.userlist)) + u" connection(s)")
-      universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].set(
-         u"mark", universe.categories[u"internal"][u"time"].getint(
-            u"frequency_log"
-         )
-      )
-   else:
-      universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].set(
-         u"mark", universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].getint(
-            u"mark"
-         ) - 1
-      )
-
-   # periodically save everything
-   if not universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].getint(u"save"):
-      universe.save()
-      universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].set(
-         u"save", universe.categories[u"internal"][u"time"].getint(
-            u"frequency_save"
-         )
-      )
-   else:
-      universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].set(
-         u"save", universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].getint(
-            u"save"
-         ) - 1
-      )
-
-   # pause for a configurable amount of time (decimal seconds)
-   time.sleep(universe.categories[u"internal"][u"time"].getfloat(u"increment"))
-
-   # increase the elapsed increment counter
-   universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].set(
-      u"elapsed", universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].getint(
-         u"elapsed"
-      ) + 1
-   )
+    """The things which should happen on each pulse, aside from reloads."""
+
+    # open the listening socket if it hasn't been already
+    if not hasattr(universe, "listening_socket"):
+        universe.initialize_server_socket()
+
+    # assign a user if a new connection is waiting
+    user = check_for_connection(universe.listening_socket)
+    if user:
+        universe.userlist.append(user)
+
+    # iterate over the connected users
+    for user in universe.userlist:
+        user.pulse()
+
+    # add an element for counters if it doesn't exist
+    if "counters" not in universe.categories["internal"]:
+        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"] = Element(
+            "internal:counters", universe
+        )
+
+    # update the log every now and then
+    if not universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].getint("mark"):
+        log(str(len(universe.userlist)) + " connection(s)")
+        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
+            "mark", universe.categories["internal"]["time"].getint(
+                "frequency_log"
+            )
+        )
+    else:
+        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
+            "mark", universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].getint(
+                "mark"
+            ) - 1
+        )
+
+    # periodically save everything
+    if not universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].getint("save"):
+        universe.save()
+        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
+            "save", universe.categories["internal"]["time"].getint(
+                "frequency_save"
+            )
+        )
+    else:
+        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
+            "save", universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].getint(
+                "save"
+            ) - 1
+        )
+
+    # pause for a configurable amount of time (decimal seconds)
+    time.sleep(universe.categories["internal"]
+               ["time"].getfloat("increment"))
+
+    # increase the elapsed increment counter
+    universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
+        "elapsed", universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].getint(
+            "elapsed"
+        ) + 1
+    )
+
 
 def reload_data():
-   u"""Reload all relevant objects."""
-   for user in universe.userlist[:]: user.reload()
-   for element in universe.contents.values():
-      if element.origin.is_writeable(): element.reload()
-   universe.load()
+    """Reload all relevant objects."""
+    for user in universe.userlist[:]:
+        user.reload()
+    for element in universe.contents.values():
+        if element.origin.is_writeable():
+            element.reload()
+    universe.load()
+
 
 def check_for_connection(listening_socket):
-   u"""Check for a waiting connection and return a new user object."""
-   import telnet
+    """Check for a waiting connection and return a new user object."""
 
-   # try to accept a new connection
-   try:
-      connection, address = listening_socket.accept()
-   except:
-      return None
+    # try to accept a new connection
+    try:
+        connection, address = listening_socket.accept()
+    except BlockingIOError:
+        return None
 
-   # note that we got one
-   log(u"Connection from " + address[0], 2)
+    # note that we got one
+    log("Connection from " + address[0], 2)
 
-   # disable blocking so we can proceed whether or not we can send/receive
-   connection.setblocking(0)
+    # disable blocking so we can proceed whether or not we can send/receive
+    connection.setblocking(0)
 
-   # create a new user object
-   user = User()
+    # create a new user object
+    user = User()
 
-   # associate this connection with it
-   user.connection = connection
+    # associate this connection with it
+    user.connection = connection
 
-   # set the user's ipa from the connection's ipa
-   user.address = address[0]
+    # set the user's ipa from the connection's ipa
+    user.address = address[0]
 
-   # let the client know we WILL EOR (RFC 885)
-   telnet.enable(user, telnet.TELOPT_EOR, telnet.US)
-   user.negotiation_pause = 2
+    # let the client know we WILL EOR (RFC 885)
+    mudpy.telnet.enable(user, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_EOR, mudpy.telnet.US)
+    user.negotiation_pause = 2
+
+    # return the new user object
+    return user
 
-   # return the new user object
-   return user
 
 def get_menu(state, error=None, choices=None):
-   u"""Show the correct menu text to a user."""
+    """Show the correct menu text to a user."""
+
+    # make sure we don't reuse a mutable sequence by default
+    if choices is None:
+        choices = {}
 
-   # make sure we don't reuse a mutable sequence by default
-   if choices is None: choices = {}
+    # get the description or error text
+    message = get_menu_description(state, error)
 
-   # get the description or error text
-   message = get_menu_description(state, error)
+    # get menu choices for the current state
+    message += get_formatted_menu_choices(state, choices)
 
-   # get menu choices for the current state
-   message += get_formatted_menu_choices(state, choices)
+    # try to get a prompt, if it was defined
+    message += get_menu_prompt(state)
 
-   # try to get a prompt, if it was defined
-   message += get_menu_prompt(state)
+    # throw in the default choice, if it exists
+    message += get_formatted_default_menu_choice(state)
 
-   # throw in the default choice, if it exists
-   message += get_formatted_default_menu_choice(state)
+    # display a message indicating if echo is off
+    message += get_echo_message(state)
 
-   # display a message indicating if echo is off
-   message += get_echo_message(state)
+    # return the assembly of various strings defined above
+    return message
 
-   # return the assembly of various strings defined above
-   return message
 
 def menu_echo_on(state):
-   u"""True if echo is on, false if it is off."""
-   return universe.categories[u"menu"][state].getboolean(u"echo", True)
+    """True if echo is on, false if it is off."""
+    return universe.categories["menu"][state].getboolean("echo", True)
+
 
 def get_echo_message(state):
-   u"""Return a message indicating that echo is off."""
-   if menu_echo_on(state): return u""
-   else: return u"(won't echo) "
+    """Return a message indicating that echo is off."""
+    if menu_echo_on(state):
+        return ""
+    else:
+        return "(won't echo) "
+
 
 def get_default_menu_choice(state):
-   u"""Return the default choice for a menu."""
-   return universe.categories[u"menu"][state].get(u"default")
+    """Return the default choice for a menu."""
+    return universe.categories["menu"][state].get("default")
+
 
 def get_formatted_default_menu_choice(state):
-   u"""Default menu choice foratted for inclusion in a prompt string."""
-   default_choice = get_default_menu_choice(state)
-   if default_choice: return u"[$(red)" + default_choice + u"$(nrm)] "
-   else: return u""
+    """Default menu choice foratted for inclusion in a prompt string."""
+    default_choice = get_default_menu_choice(state)
+    if default_choice:
+        return "[$(red)" + default_choice + "$(nrm)] "
+    else:
+        return ""
+
 
 def get_menu_description(state, error):
-   u"""Get the description or error text."""
+    """Get the description or error text."""
+
+    # an error condition was raised by the handler
+    if error:
 
-   # an error condition was raised by the handler
-   if error:
+        # try to get an error message matching the condition
+        # and current state
+        description = universe.categories[
+            "menu"][state].get("error_" + error)
+        if not description:
+            description = "That is not a valid choice..."
+        description = "$(red)" + description + "$(nrm)"
 
-      # try to get an error message matching the condition
-      # and current state
-      description = universe.categories[u"menu"][state].get(u"error_" + error)
-      if not description: description = u"That is not a valid choice..."
-      description = u"$(red)" + description + u"$(nrm)"
+    # there was no error condition
+    else:
 
-   # there was no error condition
-   else:
+        # try to get a menu description for the current state
+        description = universe.categories["menu"][state].get("description")
 
-      # try to get a menu description for the current state
-      description = universe.categories[u"menu"][state].get(u"description")
+    # return the description or error message
+    if description:
+        description += "$(eol)$(eol)"
+    return description
 
-   # return the description or error message
-   if description: description += u"$(eol)$(eol)"
-   return description
 
 def get_menu_prompt(state):
-   u"""Try to get a prompt, if it was defined."""
-   prompt = universe.categories[u"menu"][state].get(u"prompt")
-   if prompt: prompt += u" "
-   return prompt
+    """Try to get a prompt, if it was defined."""
+    prompt = universe.categories["menu"][state].get("prompt")
+    if prompt:
+        prompt += " "
+    return prompt
+
 
 def get_menu_choices(user):
-   u"""Return a dict of choice:meaning."""
-   menu = universe.categories[u"menu"][user.state]
-   create_choices = menu.get(u"create")
-   if create_choices: choices = eval(create_choices)
-   else: choices = {}
-   ignores = []
-   options = {}
-   creates = {}
-   for facet in menu.facets():
-      if facet.startswith(u"demand_") and not eval(
-         universe.categories[u"menu"][user.state].get(facet)
-      ):
-         ignores.append(facet.split(u"_", 2)[1])
-      elif facet.startswith(u"create_"):
-         creates[facet] = facet.split(u"_", 2)[1]
-      elif facet.startswith(u"choice_"):
-         options[facet] = facet.split(u"_", 2)[1]
-   for facet in creates.keys():
-      if not creates[facet] in ignores:
-         choices[creates[facet]] = eval(menu.get(facet))
-   for facet in options.keys():
-      if not options[facet] in ignores:
-         choices[options[facet]] = menu.get(facet)
-   return choices
+    """Return a dict of choice:meaning."""
+    menu = universe.categories["menu"][user.state]
+    create_choices = menu.get("create")
+    if create_choices:
+        choices = eval(create_choices)
+    else:
+        choices = {}
+    ignores = []
+    options = {}
+    creates = {}
+    for facet in menu.facets():
+        if facet.startswith("demand_") and not eval(
+           universe.categories["menu"][user.state].get(facet)
+           ):
+            ignores.append(facet.split("_", 2)[1])
+        elif facet.startswith("create_"):
+            creates[facet] = facet.split("_", 2)[1]
+        elif facet.startswith("choice_"):
+            options[facet] = facet.split("_", 2)[1]
+    for facet in creates.keys():
+        if not creates[facet] in ignores:
+            choices[creates[facet]] = eval(menu.get(facet))
+    for facet in options.keys():
+        if not options[facet] in ignores:
+            choices[options[facet]] = menu.get(facet)
+    return choices
+
 
 def get_formatted_menu_choices(state, choices):
-   u"""Returns a formatted string of menu choices."""
-   choice_output = u""
-   choice_keys = choices.keys()
-   choice_keys.sort()
-   for choice in choice_keys:
-      choice_output += u"   [$(red)" + choice + u"$(nrm)]  " + choices[
-         choice
-      ] + u"$(eol)"
-   if choice_output: choice_output += u"$(eol)"
-   return choice_output
+    """Returns a formatted string of menu choices."""
+    choice_output = ""
+    choice_keys = list(choices.keys())
+    choice_keys.sort()
+    for choice in choice_keys:
+        choice_output += "   [$(red)" + choice + "$(nrm)]  " + choices[
+            choice
+        ] + "$(eol)"
+    if choice_output:
+        choice_output += "$(eol)"
+    return choice_output
+
 
 def get_menu_branches(state):
-   u"""Return a dict of choice:branch."""
-   branches = {}
-   for facet in universe.categories[u"menu"][state].facets():
-      if facet.startswith(u"branch_"):
-         branches[
-            facet.split(u"_", 2)[1]
-         ] = universe.categories[u"menu"][state].get(facet)
-   return branches
+    """Return a dict of choice:branch."""
+    branches = {}
+    for facet in universe.categories["menu"][state].facets():
+        if facet.startswith("branch_"):
+            branches[
+                facet.split("_", 2)[1]
+            ] = universe.categories["menu"][state].get(facet)
+    return branches
+
 
 def get_default_branch(state):
-   u"""Return the default branch."""
-   return universe.categories[u"menu"][state].get(u"branch")
+    """Return the default branch."""
+    return universe.categories["menu"][state].get("branch")
+
 
 def get_choice_branch(user, choice):
-   u"""Returns the new state matching the given choice."""
-   branches = get_menu_branches(user.state)
-   if choice in branches.keys(): return branches[choice]
-   elif choice in user.menu_choices.keys():
-      return get_default_branch(user.state)
-   else: return u""
+    """Returns the new state matching the given choice."""
+    branches = get_menu_branches(user.state)
+    if choice in branches.keys():
+        return branches[choice]
+    elif choice in user.menu_choices.keys():
+        return get_default_branch(user.state)
+    else:
+        return ""
+
 
 def get_menu_actions(state):
-   u"""Return a dict of choice:branch."""
-   actions = {}
-   for facet in universe.categories[u"menu"][state].facets():
-      if facet.startswith(u"action_"):
-         actions[
-            facet.split(u"_", 2)[1]
-         ] = universe.categories[u"menu"][state].get(facet)
-   return actions
+    """Return a dict of choice:branch."""
+    actions = {}
+    for facet in universe.categories["menu"][state].facets():
+        if facet.startswith("action_"):
+            actions[
+                facet.split("_", 2)[1]
+            ] = universe.categories["menu"][state].get(facet)
+    return actions
+
 
 def get_default_action(state):
-   u"""Return the default action."""
-   return universe.categories[u"menu"][state].get(u"action")
+    """Return the default action."""
+    return universe.categories["menu"][state].get("action")
+
 
 def get_choice_action(user, choice):
-   u"""Run any indicated script for the given choice."""
-   actions = get_menu_actions(user.state)
-   if choice in actions.keys(): return actions[choice]
-   elif choice in user.menu_choices.keys():
-      return get_default_action(user.state)
-   else: return u""
+    """Run any indicated script for the given choice."""
+    actions = get_menu_actions(user.state)
+    if choice in actions.keys():
+        return actions[choice]
+    elif choice in user.menu_choices.keys():
+        return get_default_action(user.state)
+    else:
+        return ""
+
 
 def handle_user_input(user):
-   u"""The main handler, branches to a state-specific handler."""
-   import telnet
+    """The main handler, branches to a state-specific handler."""
+
+    # if the user's client echo is off, send a blank line for aesthetics
+    if mudpy.telnet.is_enabled(user, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_ECHO,
+                               mudpy.telnet.US):
+        user.send("", add_prompt=False, prepend_padding=False)
 
-   # if the user's client echo is off, send a blank line for aesthetics
-   if telnet.is_enabled(user, telnet.TELOPT_ECHO, telnet.US):
-      user.send(u"", add_prompt=False, prepend_padding=False)
+    # check to make sure the state is expected, then call that handler
+    if "handler_" + user.state in globals():
+        exec("handler_" + user.state + "(user)")
+    else:
+        generic_menu_handler(user)
 
-   # check to make sure the state is expected, then call that handler
-   if u"handler_" + user.state in globals():
-      exec(u"handler_" + user.state + u"(user)")
-   else:
-      generic_menu_handler(user)
+    # since we got input, flag that the menu/prompt needs to be redisplayed
+    user.menu_seen = False
 
-   # since we got input, flag that the menu/prompt needs to be redisplayed
-   user.menu_seen = False
+    # update the last_input timestamp while we're at it
+    user.last_input = universe.get_time()
 
-   # update the last_input timestamp while we're at it
-   user.last_input = universe.get_time()
 
 def generic_menu_handler(user):
-   u"""A generic menu choice handler."""
-
-   # get a lower-case representation of the next line of input
-   if user.input_queue:
-      choice = user.input_queue.pop(0)
-      if choice: choice = choice.lower()
-   else: choice = u""
-   if not choice: choice = get_default_menu_choice(user.state)
-   if choice in user.menu_choices:
-      exec(get_choice_action(user, choice))
-      new_state = get_choice_branch(user, choice)
-      if new_state: user.state = new_state
-   else: user.error = u"default"
+    """A generic menu choice handler."""
+
+    # get a lower-case representation of the next line of input
+    if user.input_queue:
+        choice = user.input_queue.pop(0)
+        if choice:
+            choice = choice.lower()
+    else:
+        choice = ""
+    if not choice:
+        choice = get_default_menu_choice(user.state)
+    if choice in user.menu_choices:
+        exec(get_choice_action(user, choice))
+        new_state = get_choice_branch(user, choice)
+        if new_state:
+            user.state = new_state
+    else:
+        user.error = "default"
+
 
 def handler_entering_account_name(user):
-   u"""Handle the login account name."""
-
-   # get the next waiting line of input
-   input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
-
-   # did the user enter anything?
-   if input_data:
-      
-      # keep only the first word and convert to lower-case
-      name = input_data.lower()
-
-      # fail if there are non-alphanumeric characters
-      if name != filter(
-         lambda x: x>=u"0" and x<=u"9" or x>=u"a" and x<=u"z", name
-      ):
-         user.error = u"bad_name"
-
-      # if that account exists, time to request a password
-      elif name in universe.categories[u"account"]:
-         user.account = universe.categories[u"account"][name]
-         user.state = u"checking_password"
-
-      # otherwise, this could be a brand new user
-      else:
-         user.account = Element(u"account:" + name, universe)
-         user.account.set(u"name", name)
-         log(u"New user: " + name, 2)
-         user.state = u"checking_new_account_name"
-
-   # if the user entered nothing for a name, then buhbye
-   else:
-      user.state = u"disconnecting"
+    """Handle the login account name."""
+
+    # get the next waiting line of input
+    input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
+
+    # did the user enter anything?
+    if input_data:
+
+        # keep only the first word and convert to lower-case
+        name = input_data.lower()
+
+        # fail if there are non-alphanumeric characters
+        if name != "".join(filter(
+                lambda x: x >= "0" and x <= "9" or x >= "a" and x <= "z",
+                name)):
+            user.error = "bad_name"
+
+        # if that account exists, time to request a password
+        elif name in universe.categories["account"]:
+            user.account = universe.categories["account"][name]
+            user.state = "checking_password"
+
+        # otherwise, this could be a brand new user
+        else:
+            user.account = Element("account:" + name, universe)
+            user.account.set("name", name)
+            log("New user: " + name, 2)
+            user.state = "checking_new_account_name"
+
+    # if the user entered nothing for a name, then buhbye
+    else:
+        user.state = "disconnecting"
+
 
 def handler_checking_password(user):
-   u"""Handle the login account password."""
-   import password
-
-   # get the next waiting line of input
-   input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
-
-   # does the hashed input equal the stored hash?
-   if password.verify( input_data, user.account.get(u"passhash") ):
-
-      # if so, set the username and load from cold storage
-      if not user.replace_old_connections():
-         user.authenticate()
-         user.state = u"main_utility"
-
-   # if at first your hashes don't match, try, try again
-   elif user.password_tries < universe.categories[
-      u"internal"
-   ][
-      u"limits"
-   ].getint(
-      u"password_tries"
-   ) - 1:
-      user.password_tries += 1
-      user.error = u"incorrect"
-
-   # we've exceeded the maximum number of password failures, so disconnect
-   else:
-      user.send(
-         u"$(eol)$(red)Too many failed password attempts...$(nrm)$(eol)"
-      )
-      user.state = u"disconnecting"
+    """Handle the login account password."""
+
+    # get the next waiting line of input
+    input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
+
+    # does the hashed input equal the stored hash?
+    if mudpy.password.verify(input_data, user.account.get("passhash")):
+
+        # if so, set the username and load from cold storage
+        if not user.replace_old_connections():
+            user.authenticate()
+            user.state = "main_utility"
+
+    # if at first your hashes don't match, try, try again
+    elif user.password_tries < universe.categories[
+        "internal"
+    ][
+        "limits"
+    ].getint(
+        "password_tries"
+    ) - 1:
+        user.password_tries += 1
+        user.error = "incorrect"
+
+    # we've exceeded the maximum number of password failures, so disconnect
+    else:
+        user.send(
+            "$(eol)$(red)Too many failed password attempts...$(nrm)$(eol)"
+        )
+        user.state = "disconnecting"
+
 
 def handler_entering_new_password(user):
-   u"""Handle a new password entry."""
-   import password
-
-   # get the next waiting line of input
-   input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
-
-   # make sure the password is strong--at least one upper, one lower and
-   # one digit, seven or more characters in length
-   if len(input_data) > 6 and len(
-      filter( lambda x: x>=u"0" and x<=u"9", input_data )
-   ) and len(
-      filter( lambda x: x>=u"A" and x<=u"Z", input_data )
-   ) and len(
-      filter( lambda x: x>=u"a" and x<=u"z", input_data )
-   ):
-
-      # hash and store it, then move on to verification
-      user.account.set( u"passhash", password.create(input_data) )
-      user.state = u"verifying_new_password"
-
-   # the password was weak, try again if you haven't tried too many times
-   elif user.password_tries < universe.categories[
-      u"internal"
-   ][
-      u"limits"
-   ].getint(
-      u"password_tries"
-   ) - 1:
-      user.password_tries += 1
-      user.error = u"weak"
-
-   # too many tries, so adios
-   else:
-      user.send(
-         u"$(eol)$(red)Too many failed password attempts...$(nrm)$(eol)"
-      )
-      user.account.destroy()
-      user.state = u"disconnecting"
+    """Handle a new password entry."""
+
+    # get the next waiting line of input
+    input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
+
+    # make sure the password is strong--at least one upper, one lower and
+    # one digit, seven or more characters in length
+    if len(input_data) > 6 and len(
+       list(filter(lambda x: x >= "0" and x <= "9", input_data))
+       ) and len(
+        list(filter(lambda x: x >= "A" and x <= "Z", input_data))
+    ) and len(
+        list(filter(lambda x: x >= "a" and x <= "z", input_data))
+    ):
+
+        # hash and store it, then move on to verification
+        user.account.set("passhash", mudpy.password.create(input_data))
+        user.state = "verifying_new_password"
+
+    # the password was weak, try again if you haven't tried too many times
+    elif user.password_tries < universe.categories[
+        "internal"
+    ][
+        "limits"
+    ].getint(
+        "password_tries"
+    ) - 1:
+        user.password_tries += 1
+        user.error = "weak"
+
+    # too many tries, so adios
+    else:
+        user.send(
+            "$(eol)$(red)Too many failed password attempts...$(nrm)$(eol)"
+        )
+        user.account.destroy()
+        user.state = "disconnecting"
+
 
 def handler_verifying_new_password(user):
-   u"""Handle the re-entered new password for verification."""
-   import password
-
-   # get the next waiting line of input
-   input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
-
-   # hash the input and match it to storage
-   if password.verify( input_data, user.account.get(u"passhash") ):
-      user.authenticate()
-
-      # the hashes matched, so go active
-      if not user.replace_old_connections(): user.state = u"main_utility"
-
-   # go back to entering the new password as long as you haven't tried
-   # too many times
-   elif user.password_tries < universe.categories[
-      u"internal"
-   ][
-      u"limits"
-   ].getint(
-      u"password_tries"
-   ) - 1:
-      user.password_tries += 1
-      user.error = u"differs"
-      user.state = u"entering_new_password"
-
-   # otherwise, sayonara
-   else:
-      user.send(
-         u"$(eol)$(red)Too many failed password attempts...$(nrm)$(eol)"
-      )
-      user.account.destroy()
-      user.state = u"disconnecting"
+    """Handle the re-entered new password for verification."""
+
+    # get the next waiting line of input
+    input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
+
+    # hash the input and match it to storage
+    if mudpy.password.verify(input_data, user.account.get("passhash")):
+        user.authenticate()
+
+        # the hashes matched, so go active
+        if not user.replace_old_connections():
+            user.state = "main_utility"
+
+    # go back to entering the new password as long as you haven't tried
+    # too many times
+    elif user.password_tries < universe.categories[
+        "internal"
+    ][
+        "limits"
+    ].getint(
+        "password_tries"
+    ) - 1:
+        user.password_tries += 1
+        user.error = "differs"
+        user.state = "entering_new_password"
+
+    # otherwise, sayonara
+    else:
+        user.send(
+            "$(eol)$(red)Too many failed password attempts...$(nrm)$(eol)"
+        )
+        user.account.destroy()
+        user.state = "disconnecting"
+
 
 def handler_active(user):
-   u"""Handle input for active users."""
-
-   # get the next waiting line of input
-   input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
-
-   # is there input?
-   if input_data:
-
-      # split out the command and parameters
-      actor = user.avatar
-      mode = actor.get(u"mode")
-      if mode and input_data.startswith(u"!"):
-         command_name, parameters = first_word(input_data[1:])
-      elif mode == u"chat":
-         command_name = u"say"
-         parameters = input_data
-      else:
-         command_name, parameters = first_word(input_data)
-
-      # lowercase the command
-      command_name = command_name.lower()
-
-      # the command matches a command word for which we have data
-      if command_name in universe.categories[u"command"]:
-         command = universe.categories[u"command"][command_name]
-      else: command = None
-
-      # if it's allowed, do it
-      if actor.can_run(command): exec(command.get(u"action"))
-
-      # otherwise, give an error
-      elif command_name: command_error(actor, input_data)
-
-   # if no input, just idle back with a prompt
-   else: user.send(u"", just_prompt=True)
-   
+    """Handle input for active users."""
+
+    # get the next waiting line of input
+    input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
+
+    # is there input?
+    if input_data:
+
+        # split out the command and parameters
+        actor = user.avatar
+        mode = actor.get("mode")
+        if mode and input_data.startswith("!"):
+            command_name, parameters = first_word(input_data[1:])
+        elif mode == "chat":
+            command_name = "say"
+            parameters = input_data
+        else:
+            command_name, parameters = first_word(input_data)
+
+        # lowercase the command
+        command_name = command_name.lower()
+
+        # the command matches a command word for which we have data
+        if command_name in universe.categories["command"]:
+            command = universe.categories["command"][command_name]
+        else:
+            command = None
+
+        # if it's allowed, do it
+        if actor.can_run(command):
+            exec(command.get("action"))
+
+        # otherwise, give an error
+        elif command_name:
+            command_error(actor, input_data)
+
+    # if no input, just idle back with a prompt
+    else:
+        user.send("", just_prompt=True)
+
+
 def command_halt(actor, parameters):
-   u"""Halt the world."""
-   if actor.owner:
+    """Halt the world."""
+    if actor.owner:
+
+        # see if there's a message or use a generic one
+        if parameters:
+            message = "Halting: " + parameters
+        else:
+            message = "User " + actor.owner.account.get(
+                "name"
+            ) + " halted the world."
 
-      # see if there's a message or use a generic one
-      if parameters: message = u"Halting: " + parameters
-      else:
-         message = u"User " + actor.owner.account.get(
-            u"name"
-         ) + u" halted the world."
+        # let everyone know
+        broadcast(message, add_prompt=False)
+        log(message, 8)
 
-      # let everyone know
-      broadcast(message, add_prompt=False)
-      log(message, 8)
+        # set a flag to terminate the world
+        universe.terminate_flag = True
 
-      # set a flag to terminate the world
-      universe.terminate_flag = True
 
 def command_reload(actor):
-   u"""Reload all code modules, configs and data."""
-   if actor.owner:
+    """Reload all code modules, configs and data."""
+    if actor.owner:
 
-      # let the user know and log
-      actor.send(u"Reloading all code modules, configs and data.")
-      log(
-         u"User " + actor.owner.account.get(u"name") + u" reloaded the world.",
-         8
-      )
+        # let the user know and log
+        actor.send("Reloading all code modules, configs and data.")
+        log(
+            "User " +
+            actor.owner.account.get("name") + " reloaded the world.",
+            8
+        )
+
+        # set a flag to reload
+        universe.reload_flag = True
 
-      # set a flag to reload
-      universe.reload_flag = True
 
 def command_quit(actor):
-   u"""Leave the world and go back to the main menu."""
-   if actor.owner:
-      actor.owner.state = u"main_utility"
-      actor.owner.deactivate_avatar()
+    """Leave the world and go back to the main menu."""
+    if actor.owner:
+        actor.owner.state = "main_utility"
+        actor.owner.deactivate_avatar()
+
 
 def command_help(actor, parameters):
-   u"""List available commands and provide help for commands."""
-
-   # did the user ask for help on a specific command word?
-   if parameters and actor.owner:
-
-      # is the command word one for which we have data?
-      if parameters in universe.categories[u"command"]:
-         command = universe.categories[u"command"][parameters]
-      else: command = None
-
-      # only for allowed commands
-      if actor.can_run(command):
-
-         # add a description if provided
-         description = command.get(u"description")
-         if not description:
-            description = u"(no short description provided)"
-         if command.getboolean(u"administrative"): output = u"$(red)"
-         else: output = u"$(grn)"
-         output += parameters + u"$(nrm) - " + description + u"$(eol)$(eol)"
-
-         # add the help text if provided
-         help_text = command.get(u"help")
-         if not help_text:
-            help_text = u"No help is provided for this command."
-         output += help_text
-
-         # list related commands
-         see_also = command.getlist(u"see_also")
-         if see_also:
-            really_see_also = u""
-            for item in see_also:
-               if item in universe.categories[u"command"]:
-                  command = universe.categories[u"command"][item]
-                  if actor.can_run(command):
-                     if really_see_also:
-                        really_see_also += u", "
-                     if command.getboolean(u"administrative"):
-                        really_see_also += u"$(red)"
-                     else:
-                        really_see_also += u"$(grn)"
-                     really_see_also += item + u"$(nrm)"
-            if really_see_also:
-               output += u"$(eol)$(eol)See also: " + really_see_also
-
-      # no data for the requested command word
-      else:
-         output = u"That is not an available command."
-
-   # no specific command word was indicated
-   else:
-
-      # give a sorted list of commands with descriptions if provided
-      output = u"These are the commands available to you:$(eol)$(eol)"
-      sorted_commands = universe.categories[u"command"].keys()
-      sorted_commands.sort()
-      for item in sorted_commands:
-         command = universe.categories[u"command"][item]
-         if actor.can_run(command):
-            description = command.get(u"description")
+    """List available commands and provide help for commands."""
+
+    # did the user ask for help on a specific command word?
+    if parameters and actor.owner:
+
+        # is the command word one for which we have data?
+        if parameters in universe.categories["command"]:
+            command = universe.categories["command"][parameters]
+        else:
+            command = None
+
+        # only for allowed commands
+        if actor.can_run(command):
+
+            # add a description if provided
+            description = command.get("description")
             if not description:
-               description = u"(no short description provided)"
-            if command.getboolean(u"administrative"): output += u"   $(red)"
-            else: output += u"   $(grn)"
-            output += item + u"$(nrm) - " + description + u"$(eol)"
-      output += u"$(eol)Enter \"help COMMAND\" for help on a command " \
-         + u"named \"COMMAND\"."
+                description = "(no short description provided)"
+            if command.getboolean("administrative"):
+                output = "$(red)"
+            else:
+                output = "$(grn)"
+            output += parameters + "$(nrm) - " + description + "$(eol)$(eol)"
+
+            # add the help text if provided
+            help_text = command.get("help")
+            if not help_text:
+                help_text = "No help is provided for this command."
+            output += help_text
+
+            # list related commands
+            see_also = command.getlist("see_also")
+            if see_also:
+                really_see_also = ""
+                for item in see_also:
+                    if item in universe.categories["command"]:
+                        command = universe.categories["command"][item]
+                        if actor.can_run(command):
+                            if really_see_also:
+                                really_see_also += ", "
+                            if command.getboolean("administrative"):
+                                really_see_also += "$(red)"
+                            else:
+                                really_see_also += "$(grn)"
+                            really_see_also += item + "$(nrm)"
+                if really_see_also:
+                    output += "$(eol)$(eol)See also: " + really_see_also
+
+        # no data for the requested command word
+        else:
+            output = "That is not an available command."
+
+    # no specific command word was indicated
+    else:
+
+        # give a sorted list of commands with descriptions if provided
+        output = "These are the commands available to you:$(eol)$(eol)"
+        sorted_commands = list(universe.categories["command"].keys())
+        sorted_commands.sort()
+        for item in sorted_commands:
+            command = universe.categories["command"][item]
+            if actor.can_run(command):
+                description = command.get("description")
+                if not description:
+                    description = "(no short description provided)"
+                if command.getboolean("administrative"):
+                    output += "   $(red)"
+                else:
+                    output += "   $(grn)"
+                output += item + "$(nrm) - " + description + "$(eol)"
+        output += ("$(eol)Enter \"help COMMAND\" for help on a command "
+                   "named \"COMMAND\".")
+
+    # send the accumulated output to the user
+    actor.send(output)
 
-   # send the accumulated output to the user
-   actor.send(output)
 
 def command_move(actor, parameters):
-   u"""Move the avatar in a given direction."""
-   if parameters in universe.contents[actor.get(u"location")].portals():
-      actor.move_direction(parameters)
-   else: actor.send(u"You cannot go that way.")
+    """Move the avatar in a given direction."""
+    if parameters in universe.contents[actor.get("location")].portals():
+        actor.move_direction(parameters)
+    else:
+        actor.send("You cannot go that way.")
+
 
 def command_look(actor, parameters):
-   u"""Look around."""
-   if parameters: actor.send(u"You can't look at or in anything yet.")
-   else: actor.look_at(actor.get(u"location"))
+    """Look around."""
+    if parameters:
+        actor.send("You can't look at or in anything yet.")
+    else:
+        actor.look_at(actor.get("location"))
+
 
 def command_say(actor, parameters):
-   u"""Speak to others in the same room."""
-   import unicodedata
-
-   # check for replacement macros and escape them
-   parameters = escape_macros(parameters)
-
-   # if the message is wrapped in quotes, remove them and leave contents intact
-   if parameters.startswith(u"\"") and parameters.endswith(u"\""):
-      message = parameters[1:-1]
-      literal = True
-
-   # otherwise, get rid of stray quote marks on the ends of the message
-   else:
-      message = parameters.strip(u"\"'`")
-      literal = False
-
-   # the user entered a message
-   if message:
-
-      # match the punctuation used, if any, to an action
-      actions = universe.categories[u"internal"][u"language"].getdict(
-         u"actions"
-      )
-      default_punctuation = universe.categories[u"internal"][u"language"].get(
-         u"default_punctuation"
-      )
-      action = u""
-      for mark in actions.keys():
-         if not literal and message.endswith(mark):
-            action = actions[mark]
-            break
+    """Speak to others in the same area."""
+
+    # check for replacement macros and escape them
+    parameters = escape_macros(parameters)
+
+    # if the message is wrapped in quotes, remove them and leave contents
+    # intact
+    if parameters.startswith("\"") and parameters.endswith("\""):
+        message = parameters[1:-1]
+        literal = True
+
+    # otherwise, get rid of stray quote marks on the ends of the message
+    else:
+        message = parameters.strip("\"'`")
+        literal = False
+
+    # the user entered a message
+    if message:
+
+        # match the punctuation used, if any, to an action
+        actions = universe.categories["internal"]["language"].getdict(
+            "actions"
+        )
+        default_punctuation = (
+            universe.categories["internal"]["language"].get(
+                "default_punctuation"))
+        action = ""
+        for mark in actions.keys():
+            if not literal and message.endswith(mark):
+                action = actions[mark]
+                break
+
+        # add punctuation if needed
+        if not action:
+            action = actions[default_punctuation]
+            if message and not (
+               literal or unicodedata.category(message[-1]) == "Po"
+               ):
+                message += default_punctuation
+
+        # failsafe checks to avoid unwanted reformatting and null strings
+        if message and not literal:
+
+            # decapitalize the first letter to improve matching
+            message = message[0].lower() + message[1:]
+
+            # iterate over all words in message, replacing typos
+            typos = universe.categories["internal"]["language"].getdict(
+                "typos"
+            )
+            words = message.split()
+            for index in range(len(words)):
+                word = words[index]
+                while unicodedata.category(word[0]) == "Po":
+                    word = word[1:]
+                while unicodedata.category(word[-1]) == "Po":
+                    word = word[:-1]
+                if word in typos.keys():
+                    words[index] = words[index].replace(word, typos[word])
+            message = " ".join(words)
+
+            # capitalize the first letter
+            message = message[0].upper() + message[1:]
+
+    # tell the area
+    if message:
+        actor.echo_to_location(
+            actor.get("name") + " " + action + "s, \"" + message + "\""
+        )
+        actor.send("You " + action + ", \"" + message + "\"")
+
+    # there was no message
+    else:
+        actor.send("What do you want to say?")
 
-      # add punctuation if needed
-      if not action:
-         action = actions[default_punctuation]
-         if message and not (
-            literal or unicodedata.category(message[-1]) == u"Po"
-         ):
-            message += default_punctuation
-
-      # failsafe checks to avoid unwanted reformatting and null strings
-      if message and not literal:
-
-         # decapitalize the first letter to improve matching
-         message = message[0].lower() + message[1:]
-
-         # iterate over all words in message, replacing typos
-         typos = universe.categories[u"internal"][u"language"].getdict(
-            u"typos"
-         )
-         words = message.split()
-         for index in range(len(words)):
-            word = words[index]
-            while unicodedata.category(word[0]) == u"Po":
-               word = word[1:]
-            while unicodedata.category(word[-1]) == u"Po":
-               word = word[:-1]
-            if word in typos.keys():
-               words[index] = words[index].replace(word, typos[word])
-         message = u" ".join(words)
-
-         # capitalize the first letter
-         message = message[0].upper() + message[1:]
-
-   # tell the room
-   if message:
-      actor.echo_to_location(
-         actor.get(u"name") + u" " + action + u"s, \"" + message + u"\""
-      )
-      actor.send(u"You " + action + u", \"" + message + u"\"")
-
-   # there was no message
-   else:
-      actor.send(u"What do you want to say?")
 
 def command_chat(actor):
-   u"""Toggle chat mode."""
-   mode = actor.get(u"mode")
-   if not mode:
-      actor.set(u"mode", u"chat")
-      actor.send(u"Entering chat mode (use $(grn)!chat$(nrm) to exit).")
-   elif mode == u"chat":
-      actor.remove_facet(u"mode")
-      actor.send(u"Exiting chat mode.")
-   else: actor.send(u"Sorry, but you're already busy with something else!")
+    """Toggle chat mode."""
+    mode = actor.get("mode")
+    if not mode:
+        actor.set("mode", "chat")
+        actor.send("Entering chat mode (use $(grn)!chat$(nrm) to exit).")
+    elif mode == "chat":
+        actor.remove_facet("mode")
+        actor.send("Exiting chat mode.")
+    else:
+        actor.send("Sorry, but you're already busy with something else!")
+
 
 def command_show(actor, parameters):
-   u"""Show program data."""
-   import re
-   message = u""
-   arguments = parameters.split()
-   if not parameters: message = u"What do you want to show?"
-   elif arguments[0] == u"time":
-      message = universe.categories[u"internal"][u"counters"].get(
-         u"elapsed"
-      ) + u" increments elapsed since the world was created."
-   elif arguments[0] == u"categories":
-      message = u"These are the element categories:$(eol)"
-      categories = universe.categories.keys()
-      categories.sort()
-      for category in categories:
-         message += u"$(eol)   $(grn)" + category + u"$(nrm)"
-   elif arguments[0] == u"files":
-      message = u"These are the current files containing the universe:$(eol)"
-      filenames = universe.files.keys()
-      filenames.sort()
-      for filename in filenames:
-         if universe.files[filename].is_writeable(): status = u"rw"
-         else: status = u"ro"
-         message += u"$(eol)   $(red)(" + status + u") $(grn)" + filename \
-            + u"$(nrm)"
-   elif arguments[0] == u"category":
-      if len(arguments) != 2: message = u"You must specify one category."
-      elif arguments[1] in universe.categories:
-         message = u"These are the elements in the \"" + arguments[1] \
-            + u"\" category:$(eol)"
-         elements = [
-            (
-               universe.categories[arguments[1]][x].key
-            ) for x in universe.categories[arguments[1]].keys()
-         ]
-         elements.sort()
-         for element in elements:
-            message += u"$(eol)   $(grn)" + element + u"$(nrm)"
-      else: message = u"Category \"" + arguments[1] + u"\" does not exist."
-   elif arguments[0] == u"file":
-      if len(arguments) != 2: message = u"You must specify one file."
-      elif arguments[1] in universe.files:
-         message = u"These are the elements in the \"" + arguments[1] \
-            + u"\" file:$(eol)"
-         elements = universe.files[arguments[1]].data.sections()
-         elements.sort()
-         for element in elements:
-            message += u"$(eol)   $(grn)" + element + u"$(nrm)"
-      else: message = u"Category \"" + arguments[1] + u"\" does not exist."
-   elif arguments[0] == u"element":
-      if len(arguments) != 2: message = u"You must specify one element."
-      elif arguments[1] in universe.contents:
-         element = universe.contents[arguments[1]]
-         message = u"These are the properties of the \"" + arguments[1] \
-            + u"\" element (in \"" + element.origin.filename + u"\"):$(eol)"
-         facets = element.facets()
-         facets.sort()
-         for facet in facets:
-            message += u"$(eol)   $(grn)" + facet + u": $(red)" \
-               + escape_macros(element.get(facet)) + u"$(nrm)"
-      else: message = u"Element \"" + arguments[1] + u"\" does not exist."
-   elif arguments[0] == u"result":
-      if len(arguments) < 2: message = u"You need to specify an expression."
-      else:
-         try:
-            message = repr(eval(u" ".join(arguments[1:])))
-         except:
-            message = u"Your expression raised an exception!"
-   elif arguments[0] == u"log":
-      if len(arguments) == 4:
-         if re.match(u"^\d+$", arguments[3]) and int(arguments[3]) >= 0:
-            stop = int(arguments[3])
-         else: stop = -1
-      else: stop = 0
-      if len(arguments) >= 3:
-         if re.match(u"^\d+$", arguments[2]) and int(arguments[2]) > 0:
-            start = int(arguments[2])
-         else: start = -1
-      else: start = 10
-      if len(arguments) >= 2:
-         if re.match(u"^\d+$", arguments[1]) and 0 <= int(arguments[1]) <= 9:
-            level = int(arguments[1])
-         else: level = -1
-      elif 0 <= actor.owner.account.getint(u"loglevel") <= 9:
-         level = actor.owner.account.getint(u"loglevel")
-      else: level = 1
-      if level > -1 and start > -1 and stop > -1:
-         message = get_loglines(level, start, stop)
-      else:
-         message = u"When specified, level must be 0-9 (default 1), " \
-            + u"start and stop must be >=1 (default 10 and 1)."
-   else: message = u"I don't know what \"" + parameters + u"\" is."
-   actor.send(message)
+    """Show program data."""
+    message = ""
+    arguments = parameters.split()
+    if not parameters:
+        message = "What do you want to show?"
+    elif arguments[0] == "time":
+        message = universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].get(
+            "elapsed"
+        ) + " increments elapsed since the world was created."
+    elif arguments[0] == "categories":
+        message = "These are the element categories:$(eol)"
+        categories = list(universe.categories.keys())
+        categories.sort()
+        for category in categories:
+            message += "$(eol)   $(grn)" + category + "$(nrm)"
+    elif arguments[0] == "files":
+        message = "These are the current files containing the universe:$(eol)"
+        filenames = list(universe.files.keys())
+        filenames.sort()
+        for filename in filenames:
+            if universe.files[filename].is_writeable():
+                status = "rw"
+            else:
+                status = "ro"
+            message += ("$(eol)   $(red)(" + status + ") $(grn)" + filename
+                        + "$(nrm)")
+    elif arguments[0] == "category":
+        if len(arguments) != 2:
+            message = "You must specify one category."
+        elif arguments[1] in universe.categories:
+            message = ("These are the elements in the \"" + arguments[1]
+                       + "\" category:$(eol)")
+            elements = [
+                (
+                    universe.categories[arguments[1]][x].key
+                ) for x in universe.categories[arguments[1]].keys()
+            ]
+            elements.sort()
+            for element in elements:
+                message += "$(eol)   $(grn)" + element + "$(nrm)"
+        else:
+            message = "Category \"" + arguments[1] + "\" does not exist."
+    elif arguments[0] == "file":
+        if len(arguments) != 2:
+            message = "You must specify one file."
+        elif arguments[1] in universe.files:
+            message = ("These are the elements in the \"" + arguments[1]
+                       + "\" file:$(eol)")
+            elements = universe.files[arguments[1]].data.sections()
+            elements.sort()
+            for element in elements:
+                message += "$(eol)   $(grn)" + element + "$(nrm)"
+        else:
+            message = "Category \"" + arguments[1] + "\" does not exist."
+    elif arguments[0] == "element":
+        if len(arguments) != 2:
+            message = "You must specify one element."
+        elif arguments[1] in universe.contents:
+            element = universe.contents[arguments[1]]
+            message = ("These are the properties of the \"" + arguments[1]
+                       + "\" element (in \"" + element.origin.filename
+                       + "\"):$(eol)")
+            facets = element.facets()
+            facets.sort()
+            for facet in facets:
+                message += ("$(eol)   $(grn)" + facet + ": $(red)"
+                            + escape_macros(element.get(facet)) + "$(nrm)")
+        else:
+            message = "Element \"" + arguments[1] + "\" does not exist."
+    elif arguments[0] == "result":
+        if len(arguments) < 2:
+            message = "You need to specify an expression."
+        else:
+            try:
+                message = repr(eval(" ".join(arguments[1:])))
+            except Exception as e:
+                message = ("$(red)Your expression raised an exception...$(eol)"
+                           "$(eol)$(bld)%s$(nrm)" % e)
+    elif arguments[0] == "log":
+        if len(arguments) == 4:
+            if re.match("^\d+$", arguments[3]) and int(arguments[3]) >= 0:
+                stop = int(arguments[3])
+            else:
+                stop = -1
+        else:
+            stop = 0
+        if len(arguments) >= 3:
+            if re.match("^\d+$", arguments[2]) and int(arguments[2]) > 0:
+                start = int(arguments[2])
+            else:
+                start = -1
+        else:
+            start = 10
+        if len(arguments) >= 2:
+            if (re.match("^\d+$", arguments[1])
+                    and 0 <= int(arguments[1]) <= 9):
+                level = int(arguments[1])
+            else:
+                level = -1
+        elif 0 <= actor.owner.account.getint("loglevel") <= 9:
+            level = actor.owner.account.getint("loglevel")
+        else:
+            level = 1
+        if level > -1 and start > -1 and stop > -1:
+            message = get_loglines(level, start, stop)
+        else:
+            message = ("When specified, level must be 0-9 (default 1), "
+                       "start and stop must be >=1 (default 10 and 1).")
+    else:
+        message = "I don't know what \"" + parameters + "\" is."
+    actor.send(message)
+
 
 def command_create(actor, parameters):
-   u"""Create an element if it does not exist."""
-   if not parameters:
-      message = u"You must at least specify an element to create."
-   elif not actor.owner: message = u""
-   else:
-      arguments = parameters.split()
-      if len(arguments) == 1: arguments.append(u"")
-      if len(arguments) == 2:
-         element, filename = arguments
-         if element in universe.contents:
-            message = u"The \"" + element + u"\" element already exists."
-         else:
-            message = u"You create \"" + element + u"\" within the universe."
-            logline = actor.owner.account.get(
-               u"name"
-            ) + u" created an element: " + element
-            if filename:
-               logline += u" in file " + filename
-               if filename not in universe.files:
-                  message += u" Warning: \"" + filename \
-                     + u"\" is not yet included in any other file and will " \
-                     + u"not be read on startup unless this is remedied."
-            Element(element, universe, filename)
-            log(logline, 6)
-      elif len(arguments) > 2:
-         message = u"You can only specify an element and a filename."
-   actor.send(message)
+    """Create an element if it does not exist."""
+    if not parameters:
+        message = "You must at least specify an element to create."
+    elif not actor.owner:
+        message = ""
+    else:
+        arguments = parameters.split()
+        if len(arguments) == 1:
+            arguments.append("")
+        if len(arguments) == 2:
+            element, filename = arguments
+            if element in universe.contents:
+                message = "The \"" + element + "\" element already exists."
+            else:
+                message = ("You create \"" +
+                           element + "\" within the universe.")
+                logline = actor.owner.account.get(
+                    "name"
+                ) + " created an element: " + element
+                if filename:
+                    logline += " in file " + filename
+                    if filename not in universe.files:
+                        message += (
+                            " Warning: \"" + filename + "\" is not yet "
+                            "included in any other file and will not be read "
+                            "on startup unless this is remedied.")
+                Element(element, universe, filename)
+                log(logline, 6)
+        elif len(arguments) > 2:
+            message = "You can only specify an element and a filename."
+    actor.send(message)
+
 
 def command_destroy(actor, parameters):
-   u"""Destroy an element if it exists."""
-   if actor.owner:
-      if not parameters: message = u"You must specify an element to destroy."
-      else:
-         if parameters not in universe.contents:
-            message = u"The \"" + parameters + u"\" element does not exist."
-         else:
-            universe.contents[parameters].destroy()
-            message = u"You destroy \"" + parameters \
-               + u"\" within the universe."
-            log(
-               actor.owner.account.get(
-                  u"name"
-               ) + u" destroyed an element: " + parameters,
-               6
-            )
-      actor.send(message)
+    """Destroy an element if it exists."""
+    if actor.owner:
+        if not parameters:
+            message = "You must specify an element to destroy."
+        else:
+            if parameters not in universe.contents:
+                message = "The \"" + parameters + "\" element does not exist."
+            else:
+                universe.contents[parameters].destroy()
+                message = ("You destroy \"" + parameters
+                           + "\" within the universe.")
+                log(
+                    actor.owner.account.get(
+                        "name"
+                    ) + " destroyed an element: " + parameters,
+                    6
+                )
+        actor.send(message)
+
 
 def command_set(actor, parameters):
-   u"""Set a facet of an element."""
-   if not parameters:
-      message = u"You must specify an element, a facet and a value."
-   else:
-      arguments = parameters.split(u" ", 2)
-      if len(arguments) == 1:
-         message = u"What facet of element \"" + arguments[0] \
-            + u"\" would you like to set?"
-      elif len(arguments) == 2:
-         message = u"What value would you like to set for the \"" \
-            + arguments[1] + u"\" facet of the \"" + arguments[0] \
-            + u"\" element?"
-      else:
-         element, facet, value = arguments
-         if element not in universe.contents:
-            message = u"The \"" + element + u"\" element does not exist."
-         else:
-            universe.contents[element].set(facet, value)
-            message = u"You have successfully (re)set the \"" + facet \
-               + u"\" facet of element \"" + element \
-               + u"\". Try \"show element " + element + u"\" for verification."
-   actor.send(message)
+    """Set a facet of an element."""
+    if not parameters:
+        message = "You must specify an element, a facet and a value."
+    else:
+        arguments = parameters.split(" ", 2)
+        if len(arguments) == 1:
+            message = ("What facet of element \"" + arguments[0]
+                       + "\" would you like to set?")
+        elif len(arguments) == 2:
+            message = ("What value would you like to set for the \"" +
+                       arguments[1] + "\" facet of the \"" + arguments[0]
+                       + "\" element?")
+        else:
+            element, facet, value = arguments
+            if element not in universe.contents:
+                message = "The \"" + element + "\" element does not exist."
+            else:
+                universe.contents[element].set(facet, value)
+                message = ("You have successfully (re)set the \"" + facet
+                           + "\" facet of element \"" + element
+                           + "\". Try \"show element " +
+                           element + "\" for verification.")
+    actor.send(message)
+
 
 def command_delete(actor, parameters):
-   u"""Delete a facet from an element."""
-   if not parameters: message = u"You must specify an element and a facet."
-   else:
-      arguments = parameters.split(u" ")
-      if len(arguments) == 1:
-         message = u"What facet of element \"" + arguments[0] \
-         + u"\" would you like to delete?"
-      elif len(arguments) != 2:
-         message = u"You may only specify an element and a facet."
-      else:
-         element, facet = arguments
-         if element not in universe.contents:
-            message = u"The \"" + element + u"\" element does not exist."
-         elif facet not in universe.contents[element].facets():
-            message = u"The \"" + element + u"\" element has no \"" + facet \
-               + u"\" facet."
-         else:
-            universe.contents[element].remove_facet(facet)
-            message = u"You have successfully deleted the \"" + facet \
-               + u"\" facet of element \"" + element \
-               + u"\". Try \"show element " + element + u"\" for verification."
-   actor.send(message)
+    """Delete a facet from an element."""
+    if not parameters:
+        message = "You must specify an element and a facet."
+    else:
+        arguments = parameters.split(" ")
+        if len(arguments) == 1:
+            message = ("What facet of element \"" + arguments[0]
+                       + "\" would you like to delete?")
+        elif len(arguments) != 2:
+            message = "You may only specify an element and a facet."
+        else:
+            element, facet = arguments
+            if element not in universe.contents:
+                message = "The \"" + element + "\" element does not exist."
+            elif facet not in universe.contents[element].facets():
+                message = ("The \"" + element + "\" element has no \"" + facet
+                           + "\" facet.")
+            else:
+                universe.contents[element].remove_facet(facet)
+                message = ("You have successfully deleted the \"" + facet
+                           + "\" facet of element \"" + element
+                           + "\". Try \"show element " +
+                           element + "\" for verification.")
+    actor.send(message)
+
 
 def command_error(actor, input_data):
-   u"""Generic error for an unrecognized command word."""
-   import random
+    """Generic error for an unrecognized command word."""
+
+    # 90% of the time use a generic error
+    if random.randrange(10):
+        message = "I'm not sure what \"" + input_data + "\" means..."
 
-   # 90% of the time use a generic error
-   if random.randrange(10):
-      message = u"I'm not sure what \"" + input_data + u"\" means..."
+    # 10% of the time use the classic diku error
+    else:
+        message = "Arglebargle, glop-glyf!?!"
 
-   # 10% of the time use the classic diku error
-   else:
-      message = u"Arglebargle, glop-glyf!?!"
+    # send the error message
+    actor.send(message)
 
-   # send the error message
-   actor.send(message)
 
 def daemonize(universe):
-   u"""Fork and disassociate from everything."""
-   import codecs, ctypes, ctypes.util, os, os.path, sys
-
-   # only if this is what we're configured to do
-   if universe.contents[u"internal:process"].getboolean(u"daemon"):
-
-      # if possible, we want to rename the process to the same as the script
-      # (these will need to be byte type during 2to3 migration)
-      new_argv = "\0".join(sys.argv) + "\0"
-      new_short_argv0 = os.path.basename(sys.argv[0]) + "\0"
-
-      # attempt the linux way first
-      try:
-         argv_array = ctypes.POINTER(ctypes.c_char_p)
-         ctypes.pythonapi.Py_GetArgcArgv.argtypes = (
-            ctypes.POINTER(ctypes.c_int),
-            ctypes.POINTER(argv_array)
-         )
-         argc = argv_array()
-         ctypes.pythonapi.Py_GetArgcArgv(
-            ctypes.c_int(0),
-            ctypes.pointer(argc)
-         )
-         old_argv0_size = len(argc.contents.value)
-         ctypes.memset( argc.contents, 0, len(new_argv)+old_argv0_size )
-         ctypes.memmove( argc.contents, new_argv, len(new_argv) )
-         ctypes.CDLL( ctypes.util.find_library(u"c") ).prctl(
-            15,
-            new_short_argv0,
-            0,
-            0,
-            0
-         )
-
-      except:
-
-         # since that failed, maybe it's bsd?
-         try:
-
-            # much simpler, since bsd has a libc function call for this
-            ctypes.CDLL( ctypes.util.find_library(u"c") ).setproctitle(
-               new_argv
-            )
+    """Fork and disassociate from everything."""
 
-         except:
+    # only if this is what we're configured to do
+    if universe.contents["internal:process"].getboolean("daemon"):
 
-            # that didn't work either, so just log that we couldn't
-            log(u"Failed to rename the interpreter process (cosmetic).")
+        # log before we start forking around, so the terminal gets the message
+        log("Disassociating from the controlling terminal.")
 
-      # log before we start forking around, so the terminal gets the message
-      log(u"Disassociating from the controlling terminal.")
+        # fork off and die, so we free up the controlling terminal
+        if os.fork():
+            os._exit(0)
 
-      # fork off and die, so we free up the controlling terminal
-      if os.fork(): os._exit(0)
+        # switch to a new process group
+        os.setsid()
 
-      # switch to a new process group
-      os.setsid()
+        # fork some more, this time to free us from the old process group
+        if os.fork():
+            os._exit(0)
 
-      # fork some more, this time to free us from the old process group
-      if os.fork(): os._exit(0)
+        # reset the working directory so we don't needlessly tie up mounts
+        os.chdir("/")
 
-      # reset the working directory so we don't needlessly tie up mounts
-      os.chdir(u"/")
+        # clear the file creation mask so we can bend it to our will later
+        os.umask(0)
 
-      # clear the file creation mask so we can bend it to our will later
-      os.umask(0)
+        # redirect stdin/stdout/stderr and close off their former descriptors
+        for stdpipe in range(3):
+            os.close(stdpipe)
+        sys.stdin = codecs.open("/dev/null", "r", "utf-8")
+        sys.__stdin__ = codecs.open("/dev/null", "r", "utf-8")
+        sys.stdout = codecs.open("/dev/null", "w", "utf-8")
+        sys.stderr = codecs.open("/dev/null", "w", "utf-8")
+        sys.__stdout__ = codecs.open("/dev/null", "w", "utf-8")
+        sys.__stderr__ = codecs.open("/dev/null", "w", "utf-8")
 
-      # redirect stdin/stdout/stderr and close off their former descriptors
-      for stdpipe in range(3): os.close(stdpipe)
-      sys.stdin = codecs.open(u"/dev/null", u"r", u"utf-8")
-      sys.__stdin__ = codecs.open(u"/dev/null", u"r", u"utf-8")
-      sys.stdout = codecs.open(u"/dev/null", u"w", u"utf-8")
-      sys.stderr = codecs.open(u"/dev/null", u"w", u"utf-8")
-      sys.__stdout__ = codecs.open(u"/dev/null", u"w", u"utf-8")
-      sys.__stderr__ = codecs.open(u"/dev/null", u"w", u"utf-8")
 
 def create_pidfile(universe):
-   u"""Write a file containing the current process ID."""
-   import codecs, os, os.path
-   pid = unicode(os.getpid())
-   log(u"Process ID: " + pid)
-   file_name = universe.contents[u"internal:process"].get(u"pidfile")
-   if file_name:
-      if not os.path.isabs(file_name):
-         file_name = os.path.join(universe.startdir, file_name)
-      file_descriptor = codecs.open(file_name, u"w", u"utf-8")
-      file_descriptor.write(pid + u"\n")
-      file_descriptor.flush()
-      file_descriptor.close()
+    """Write a file containing the current process ID."""
+    pid = str(os.getpid())
+    log("Process ID: " + pid)
+    file_name = universe.contents["internal:process"].get("pidfile")
+    if file_name:
+        if not os.path.isabs(file_name):
+            file_name = os.path.join(universe.startdir, file_name)
+        file_descriptor = codecs.open(file_name, "w", "utf-8")
+        file_descriptor.write(pid + "\n")
+        file_descriptor.flush()
+        file_descriptor.close()
+
 
 def remove_pidfile(universe):
-   u"""Remove the file containing the current process ID."""
-   import os, os.path
-   file_name = universe.contents[u"internal:process"].get(u"pidfile")
-   if file_name:
-      if not os.path.isabs(file_name):
-         file_name = os.path.join(universe.startdir, file_name)
-      if os.access(file_name, os.W_OK): os.remove(file_name)
+    """Remove the file containing the current process ID."""
+    file_name = universe.contents["internal:process"].get("pidfile")
+    if file_name:
+        if not os.path.isabs(file_name):
+            file_name = os.path.join(universe.startdir, file_name)
+        if os.access(file_name, os.W_OK):
+            os.remove(file_name)
+
 
 def excepthook(excepttype, value, tracebackdata):
-   u"""Handle uncaught exceptions."""
-   import traceback
+    """Handle uncaught exceptions."""
 
-   # assemble the list of errors into a single string
-   message = u"".join(
-      traceback.format_exception(excepttype, value, tracebackdata)
-   )
+    # assemble the list of errors into a single string
+    message = "".join(
+        traceback.format_exception(excepttype, value, tracebackdata)
+    )
 
-   # try to log it, if possible
-   try: log(message, 9)
-   except: pass
+    # try to log it, if possible
+    try:
+        log(message, 9)
+    except Exception as e:
+        # try to write it to stderr, if possible
+        sys.stderr.write(message + "\nException while logging...\n%s" % e)
 
-   # try to write it to stderr, if possible
-   try: sys.stderr.write(message)
-   except: pass
 
 def sighook(what, where):
-   u"""Handle external signals."""
-   import signal
+    """Handle external signals."""
+
+    # a generic message
+    message = "Caught signal: "
 
-   # a generic message
-   message = u"Caught signal: "
+    # for a hangup signal
+    if what == signal.SIGHUP:
+        message += "hangup (reloading)"
+        universe.reload_flag = True
 
-   # for a hangup signal
-   if what == signal.SIGHUP:
-      message += u"hangup (reloading)"
-      universe.reload_flag = True
+    # for a terminate signal
+    elif what == signal.SIGTERM:
+        message += "terminate (halting)"
+        universe.terminate_flag = True
 
-   # for a terminate signal
-   elif what == signal.SIGTERM:
-      message += u"terminate (halting)"
-      universe.terminate_flag = True
+    # catchall for unexpected signals
+    else:
+        message += str(what) + " (unhandled)"
 
-   # catchall for unexpected signals
-   else: message += unicode(what) + u" (unhandled)"
+    # log what happened
+    log(message, 8)
 
-   # log what happened
-   log(message, 8)
 
 def override_excepthook():
-   u"""Redefine sys.excepthook with our own."""
-   import sys
-   sys.excepthook = excepthook
+    """Redefine sys.excepthook with our own."""
+    sys.excepthook = excepthook
+
 
 def assign_sighook():
-   u"""Assign a customized handler for some signals."""
-   import signal
-   signal.signal(signal.SIGHUP, sighook)
-   signal.signal(signal.SIGTERM, sighook)
+    """Assign a customized handler for some signals."""
+    signal.signal(signal.SIGHUP, sighook)
+    signal.signal(signal.SIGTERM, sighook)
+
 
 def setup():
-   """This contains functions to be performed when starting the engine."""
-   import sys
+    """This contains functions to be performed when starting the engine."""
+
+    # see if a configuration file was specified
+    if len(sys.argv) > 1:
+        conffile = sys.argv[1]
+    else:
+        conffile = ""
 
-   # see if a configuration file was specified
-   if len(sys.argv) > 1: conffile = sys.argv[1]
-   else: conffile = u""
+    # the big bang
+    global universe
+    universe = Universe(conffile, True)
 
-   # the big bang
-   global universe
-   universe = Universe(conffile, True)
+    # log an initial message
+    log("Started mudpy with command line: " + " ".join(sys.argv))
 
-   # log an initial message
-   log(u"Started mudpy with command line: " + u" ".join(sys.argv))
+    # fork and disassociate
+    daemonize(universe)
 
-   # fork and disassociate
-   daemonize(universe)
+    # override the default exception handler so we get logging first thing
+    override_excepthook()
 
-   # override the default exception handler so we get logging first thing
-   override_excepthook()
+    # set up custom signal handlers
+    assign_sighook()
 
-   # set up custom signal handlers
-   assign_sighook()
+    # make the pidfile
+    create_pidfile(universe)
 
-   # make the pidfile
-   create_pidfile(universe)
+    # pass the initialized universe back
+    return universe
 
-   # pass the initialized universe back
-   return universe
 
 def finish():
-   """This contains functions to be performed when shutting down the engine."""
+    """These are functions performed when shutting down the engine."""
 
-   # the loop has terminated, so save persistent data
-   universe.save()
+    # the loop has terminated, so save persistent data
+    universe.save()
 
-   # log a final message
-   log(u"Shutting down now.")
+    # log a final message
+    log("Shutting down now.")
 
-   # get rid of the pidfile
-   remove_pidfile(universe)
+    # get rid of the pidfile
+    remove_pidfile(universe)