Imported from archive.
[mudpy.git] / mudpy.py
index 4155214..06563f7 100644 (file)
--- a/mudpy.py
+++ b/mudpy.py
@@ -1,87 +1,90 @@
 """Core objects for the mudpy engine."""
 
-# Copyright (c) 2005 mudpy, Jeremy Stanley <fungi@yuggoth.org>, all rights reserved.
-# Licensed per terms in the LICENSE file distributed with this software.
+# Copyright (c) 2005, 2006 Jeremy Stanley <fungi@yuggoth.org>. All rights
+# reserved. Licensed per terms in the LICENSE file distributed with this
+# software.
 
 # import some things we need
 from ConfigParser import RawConfigParser
 from md5 import new as new_md5
-from os import R_OK, access, chmod, makedirs, stat
-from os.path import abspath, dirname, exists, isabs, join as path_join
+from os import _exit, R_OK, W_OK, access, chdir, chmod, close, fork, getcwd, getpid, listdir, makedirs, remove, rename, setsid, stat, umask
+from os.path import abspath, basename, dirname, exists, isabs, join as path_join
 from random import choice, randrange
 from re import match
+from signal import SIGHUP, SIGTERM, signal
 from socket import AF_INET, SO_REUSEADDR, SOCK_STREAM, SOL_SOCKET, socket
 from stat import S_IMODE, ST_MODE
-from sys import stderr
+from string import digits, letters, punctuation, uppercase
+from sys import argv, stderr
 from syslog import LOG_PID, LOG_INFO, LOG_DAEMON, closelog, openlog, syslog
 from telnetlib import DO, DONT, ECHO, EOR, GA, IAC, LINEMODE, SB, SE, SGA, WILL, WONT
 from time import asctime, sleep
 from traceback import format_exception
 
-def excepthook(excepttype, value, traceback):
-       """Handle uncaught exceptions."""
-
-       # assemble the list of errors into a single string
-       message = "".join(format_exception(excepttype, value, traceback))
-
-       # try to log it, if possible
-       try: log(message, 9)
-       except: pass
-
-       # try to write it to stderr, if possible
-       try: stderr.write(message)
-       except: pass
-
-# redefine sys.excepthook with ours
-import sys
-sys.excepthook = excepthook
-
 class Element:
        """An element of the universe."""
-       def __init__(self, key, universe, filename=""):
+       def __init__(self, key, universe, filename=None):
                """Set up a new element."""
 
-               # not owned by a user by default (used for avatars)
-               self.owner = None
-
-               # no contents in here by default
-               self.contents = {}
-
                # keep track of our key name
                self.key = key
 
-               # parse out appropriate category and subkey names, add to list
-               if self.key.find(":") > 0:
-                       self.category, self.subkey = self.key.split(":", 1)
+               # 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:
-                       self.category = "other"
-                       self.subkey = self.key
-               if not self.category in universe.categories: self.category = "other"
-               universe.categories[self.category][self.subkey] = self
 
-               # get an appropriate filename for the origin
-               if not filename: filename = universe.default_origins[self.category]
-               if not isabs(filename): filename = abspath(filename)
+                       # 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 not self.category 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 isabs(filename): filename = abspath(filename)
 
-               # add the file if it doesn't exist yet
-               if not filename in universe.files: DataFile(filename, universe)
+                       # add the file if it doesn't exist yet
+                       if not filename in self.universe.files: DataFile(filename, self.universe)
 
-               # record a pointer to the origin file
-               self.origin = universe.files[filename]
+               # 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 this element to the universe contents
-               universe.contents[self.key] = self
+               # 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."""
+               new_element = Element(self.key, self.universe, self.origin.filename)
+               del(self)
        def destroy(self):
                """Remove an element from the universe and destroy it."""
-               log("Destroying: " + self.key + ".", 2)
                self.origin.data.remove_section(self.key)
-               del universe.categories[self.category][self.subkey]
-               del universe.contents[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."""
@@ -101,7 +104,7 @@ class Element:
                if self.has_facet("inherit"):
                        ancestry = self.getlist("inherit")
                        for parent in ancestry[:]:
-                               ancestors = universe.contents[parent].ancestry()
+                               ancestors = self.universe.contents[parent].ancestry()
                                for ancestor in ancestors:
                                        if ancestor not in ancestry: ancestry.append(ancestor)
                        return ancestry
@@ -113,8 +116,8 @@ class Element:
                        return self.origin.data.get(self.key, facet)
                elif self.has_facet("inherit"):
                        for ancestor in self.ancestry():
-                               if universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
-                                       return universe.contents[ancestor].get(facet)
+                               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."""
@@ -123,8 +126,8 @@ class Element:
                        return self.origin.data.getboolean(self.key, facet)
                elif self.has_facet("inherit"):
                        for ancestor in self.ancestry():
-                               if universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
-                                       return universe.contents[ancestor].getboolean(facet)
+                               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/long type."""
@@ -133,8 +136,8 @@ class Element:
                        return self.origin.data.getint(self.key, facet)
                elif self.has_facet("inherit"):
                        for ancestor in self.ancestry():
-                               if universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
-                                       return universe.contents[ancestor].getint(facet)
+                               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."""
@@ -143,8 +146,8 @@ class Element:
                        return self.origin.data.getfloat(self.key, facet)
                elif self.has_facet("inherit"):
                        for ancestor in self.ancestry():
-                               if universe.contents[ancestor].has_facet(facet):
-                                       return universe.contents[ancestor].getfloat(facet)
+                               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."""
@@ -172,16 +175,55 @@ class Element:
                newlist = self.getlist(facet)
                newlist.append(value)
                self.set(facet, newlist)
-       def send(self, message, eol="$(eol)"):
+
+       def new_event(self, action, when=None):
+               """Create, attach and enqueue an event element."""
+
+               # if when isn't specified, that means now
+               if not when: when = self.universe.get_time()
+
+               # events are elements themselves
+               event = Element("event:" + self.key + ":" + counter)
+
+       def send(self, message, eol="$(eol)", raw=False, flush=False, add_prompt=True, just_prompt=False):
                """Convenience method to pass messages to an owner."""
-               if self.owner: self.owner.send(message, eol)
+               if self.owner: self.owner.send(message, eol, raw, flush, add_prompt, just_prompt)
+
+       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."""
+               location = self.get("location")
+               if location in self.universe.contents:
+                       self.universe.contents[location].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, location):
                """Relocate the element to a specific location."""
                current = self.get("location")
-               if current and self.key in universe.contents[current].contents:
+               if current and self.key in self.universe.contents[current].contents:
                        del universe.contents[current].contents[self.key]
-               if location in universe.contents: self.set("location", location)
-               universe.contents[location].contents[self.key] = self
+               if location in self.universe.contents: self.set("location", location)
+               self.universe.contents[location].contents[self.key] = self
                self.look_at(location)
        def go_home(self):
                """Relocate the element to its default location."""
@@ -189,14 +231,14 @@ class Element:
                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 " + universe.categories["internal"]["directions"].getdict(direction)["exit"] + ".")
-               self.send("You exit " + universe.categories["internal"]["directions"].getdict(direction)["exit"] + ".")
-               self.go_to(universe.contents[self.get("location")].link_neighbor(direction))
-               self.echo_to_location(self.get("name") + " arrives from " + universe.categories["internal"]["directions"].getdict(direction)["enter"] + ".")
+               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 = universe.contents[key]
+                       element = self.universe.contents[key]
                        message = ""
                        name = element.get("name")
                        if name: message += "$(cyn)" + name + "$(nrm)$(eol)"
@@ -206,25 +248,27 @@ class Element:
                        if portal_list:
                                portal_list.sort()
                                message += "$(cyn)[ Exits: " + ", ".join(portal_list) + " ]$(nrm)$(eol)"
-                       for element in universe.contents[self.get("location")].contents.values():
+                       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 a room to neighbors."""
                portals = {}
                if match("""^location:-?\d+,-?\d+,-?\d+$""", self.key):
                        coordinates = [(int(x)) for x in self.key.split(":")[1].split(",")]
-                       directions = universe.categories["internal"]["directions"]
+                       directions = self.universe.categories["internal"]["directions"]
                        offsets = dict([(x, directions.getdict(x)["vector"]) for x in directions.facets()])
                        for portal in self.getlist("gridlinks"):
                                adjacent = map(lambda c,o: c+o, coordinates, offsets[portal])
                                neighbor = "location:" + ",".join([(str(x)) for x in adjacent])
-                               if neighbor in universe.contents: portals[portal] = neighbor
+                               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 universe.contents:
+                               if neighbor in self.universe.contents:
                                        portal = facet.split("_")[1]
                                        portals[portal] = neighbor
                return portals
@@ -234,44 +278,49 @@ class Element:
                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 universe.contents[self.get("location")].contents.values():
+               for element in self.universe.contents[self.get("location")].contents.values():
                        if element is not self: element.send(message)
 
 class DataFile:
        """A file containing universe elements."""
        def __init__(self, filename, universe):
+               self.filename = filename
+               self.universe = universe
+               self.load()
+       def load(self):
+               """Read a file and create elements accordingly."""
                self.modified = False
                self.data = RawConfigParser()
-               if access(filename, R_OK): self.data.read(filename)
-               self.filename = filename
-               universe.files[filename] = self
+               if access(self.filename, R_OK): self.data.read(self.filename)
+               if not hasattr(self.universe, "files"): self.universe.files = {}
+               self.universe.files[self.filename] = self
                if self.data.has_option("__control__", "include_files"):
                        includes = makelist(self.data.get("__control__", "include_files"))
                else: includes = []
                if self.data.has_option("__control__", "default_files"):
                        origins = makedict(self.data.get("__control__", "default_files"))
                        for key in origins.keys():
-                               if not key in includes: includes.append(key)
-                               universe.default_origins[key] = origins[key]
-                               if not key in universe.categories:
-                                       universe.categories[key] = {}
+                               if not isabs(origins[key]):
+                                       origins[key] = path_join(dirname(self.filename), origins[key])
+                               if not origins[key] in includes: includes.append(origins[key])
+                               self.universe.default_origins[key] = origins[key]
+                               if not key in self.universe.categories:
+                                       self.universe.categories[key] = {}
                if self.data.has_option("__control__", "private_files"):
                        for item in makelist(self.data.get("__control__", "private_files")):
                                if not item in includes: includes.append(item)
-                               if not item in universe.private_files:
+                               if not item in self.universe.private_files:
                                        if not isabs(item):
-                                               item = path_join(dirname(filename), item)
-                                       universe.private_files.append(item)
+                                               item = path_join(dirname(self.filename), item)
+                                       self.universe.private_files.append(item)
                for section in self.data.sections():
                        if section != "__control__":
-                               Element(section, universe, filename)
+                               Element(section, self.universe, self.filename)
                for include_file in includes:
                        if not isabs(include_file):
-                               include_file = path_join(dirname(filename), include_file)
-                       DataFile(include_file, universe)
-       def is_writeable(self):
-               """Returns True if the __control__ read_only is False."""
-               return not self.data.has_option("__control__", "read_only") or not self.data.getboolean("__control__", "read_only")
+                               include_file = path_join(dirname(self.filename), include_file)
+                       if include_file not in self.universe.files or not self.universe.files[include_file].is_writeable():
+                               DataFile(include_file, self.universe)
        def save(self):
                """Write the data, if necessary."""
 
@@ -282,11 +331,30 @@ class DataFile:
                        if not exists(dirname(self.filename)):
                                makedirs(dirname(self.filename))
 
+                       # backup the file
+                       if self.data.has_option("__control__", "backup_count"):
+                               max_count = self.data.has_option("__control__", "backup_count")
+                       else: max_count = universe.categories["internal"]["limits"].getint("default_backup_count")
+                       if exists(self.filename) and max_count:
+                               backups = []
+                               for candidate in listdir(dirname(self.filename)):
+                                       if match(basename(self.filename) + """\.\d+$""", candidate):
+                                               backups.append(int(candidate.split(".")[-1]))
+                               backups.sort()
+                               backups.reverse()
+                               for old_backup in backups:
+                                       if old_backup >= max_count-1:
+                                               remove(self.filename+"."+str(old_backup))
+                                       elif not exists(self.filename+"."+str(old_backup+1)):
+                                               rename(self.filename+"."+str(old_backup), self.filename+"."+str(old_backup+1))
+                               if not exists(self.filename+".0"):
+                                       rename(self.filename, self.filename+".0")
+
                        # our data file
                        file_descriptor = file(self.filename, "w")
 
                        # if it's marked private, chmod it appropriately
-                       if self.filename in universe.private_files and oct(S_IMODE(stat(self.filename)[ST_MODE])) != 0600:
+                       if self.filename in self.universe.private_files and oct(S_IMODE(stat(self.filename)[ST_MODE])) != 0600:
                                chmod(self.filename, 0600)
 
                        # write it back sorted, instead of using ConfigParser
@@ -304,19 +372,28 @@ class DataFile:
                        file_descriptor.flush()
                        file_descriptor.close()
 
+                       # unset the modified flag
+                       self.modified = False
+       def is_writeable(self):
+               """Returns True if the __control__ read_only is False."""
+               return not self.data.has_option("__control__", "read_only") or not self.data.getboolean("__control__", "read_only")
+
 class Universe:
        """The universe."""
-       def __init__(self, filename=""):
+
+       def __init__(self, filename="", load=False):
                """Initialize the universe."""
                self.categories = {}
                self.contents = {}
                self.default_origins = {}
-               self.files = {}
+               self.loglines = []
+               self.pending_events_long = {}
+               self.pending_events_short = {}
                self.private_files = []
-               self.loglist = []
+               self.reload_flag = False
+               self.startdir = getcwd()
+               self.terminate_flag = False
                self.userlist = []
-               self.terminate_world = False
-               self.reload_modules = False
                if not filename:
                        possible_filenames = [
                                ".mudpyrc",
@@ -332,8 +409,56 @@ class Universe:
                        for filename in possible_filenames:
                                if access(filename, R_OK): break
                if not isabs(filename):
-                       filename = abspath(filename)
-               DataFile(filename, self)
+                       filename = 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 self.files.keys():
+                                       if not self.files[data_filename].is_writeable():
+                                               del self.files[data_filename]
+
+                       # start loading from the initial file
+                       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 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("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("default_location", location)
+                               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()
@@ -350,7 +475,9 @@ class Universe:
                self.listening_socket.setsockopt(SOL_SOCKET, SO_REUSEADDR, 1)
 
                # bind the socket to to our desired server ipa and port
-               self.listening_socket.bind((self.categories["internal"]["network"].get("host"), self.categories["internal"]["network"].getint("port")))
+               host = self.categories["internal"]["network"].get("host")
+               port = self.categories["internal"]["network"].getint("port")
+               self.listening_socket.bind((host, port))
 
                # disable blocking so we can proceed whether or not we can
                # send/receive
@@ -360,30 +487,36 @@ class Universe:
                self.listening_socket.listen(1)
 
                # note that we're now ready for user connections
-               log("Waiting for connection(s)...")
+               if not host: host = "0.0.0.0"
+               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:
        """This is a connected user."""
 
        def __init__(self):
                """Default values for the in-memory user variables."""
+               self.account = None
                self.address = ""
-               self.last_address = ""
-               self.connection = None
                self.authenticated = False
-               self.password_tries = 0
-               self.state = "initial"
-               self.menu_seen = False
+               self.avatar = None
+               self.connection = None
+               self.echoing = True
                self.error = ""
                self.input_queue = []
+               self.last_address = ""
+               self.menu_choices = {}
+               self.menu_seen = False
+               self.negotiation_pause = 0
                self.output_queue = []
                self.partial_input = ""
-               self.echoing = True
+               self.password_tries = 0
                self.received_newline = True
+               self.state = "initial"
                self.terminator = IAC+GA
-               self.negotiation_pause = 0
-               self.avatar = None
-               self.account = None
 
        def quit(self):
                """Log, close the connection and remove."""
@@ -406,28 +539,13 @@ class User:
                # create a new user object
                new_user = User()
 
-               # set everything else equivalent
-               for attribute in [
-                       "address",
-                       "last_address",
-                       "connection",
-                       "authenticated",
-                       "password_tries",
-                       "state",
-                       "menu_seen",
-                       "error",
-                       "input_queue",
-                       "output_queue",
-                       "partial_input",
-                       "echoing",
-                       "received_newline",
-                       "terminator",
-                       "negotiation_pause",
-                       "avatar",
-                       "account"
-                       ]:
+               # 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)
 
@@ -444,7 +562,7 @@ class User:
                for old_user in universe.userlist:
 
                        # the name is the same but it's not us
-                       if old_user.account.get("name") == self.account.get("name") and old_user is not self:
+                       if hasattr(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)
@@ -458,7 +576,10 @@ class User:
                                old_user.connection = self.connection
                                old_user.last_address = old_user.address
                                old_user.address = self.address
-                               old_user.echoing = self.echoing
+
+                               # may need to tell the new connection to echo
+                               if old_user.echoing:
+                                       old_user.send(get_echo_sequence(old_user.state, self.echoing), raw=True)
 
                                # take this one out of the list and delete
                                self.remove()
@@ -504,6 +625,10 @@ class User:
                        # 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)")
 
                        # we'll take out GA or EOR and add them back on the end
                        if output.endswith(IAC+GA) or output.endswith(IAC+EOR):
@@ -514,19 +639,26 @@ class User:
                        # 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: output = "$(eol)$(eol)" + output
+                       if not just_prompt:
+                               if not self.output_queue or not self.output_queue[-1].endswith("\r\n"):
+                                       output = "$(eol)$(eol)" + output
+                               elif not self.output_queue[-1].endswith("\r\n"+chr(27)+"[0m"+"\r\n") and not self.output_queue[-1].endswith("\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 += "> "
+                               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 80 characters
-                       output = wrap_ansi_text(output, 80)
+                       # wrap the text at 79 characters
+                       output = wrap_ansi_text(output, 79)
 
                        # tack the terminator back on
                        if terminate: output += self.terminator
@@ -541,7 +673,7 @@ class User:
                """All the things to do to the user per increment."""
 
                # if the world is terminating, disconnect
-               if universe.terminate_world:
+               if universe.terminate_flag:
                        self.state = "disconnecting"
                        self.menu_seen = False
 
@@ -563,7 +695,8 @@ class User:
                self.enqueue_input()
 
                # there is input waiting in the queue
-               if self.input_queue: handle_user_input(self)
+               if self.input_queue:
+                       handle_user_input(self)
 
        def flush(self):
                """Try to send the last item in the queue and remove it."""
@@ -702,24 +835,6 @@ class User:
                # replace the input with our cleaned-up text
                self.partial_input = text
 
-       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 universe.categories["command"].values(): result = False
-
-               # administrators can run any command
-               elif self.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 user
-               else: result = False
-
-               # pass back the result
-               return result
-
        def new_avatar(self):
                """Instantiate a new, unconfigured avatar for this user."""
                counter = 0
@@ -747,10 +862,11 @@ class User:
                """Have the active avatar leave the world."""
                if self.avatar:
                        current = self.avatar.get("location")
-                       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")
+                       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
 
@@ -792,6 +908,8 @@ def log(message, level=0):
 
        # send the timestamp and line to a file
        if file_name:
+               if not isabs(file_name):
+                       file_name = path_join(universe.startdir, file_name)
                file_descriptor = file(file_name, "a")
                for line in lines: file_descriptor.write(timestamp + " " + line + "\n")
                file_descriptor.flush()
@@ -818,8 +936,50 @@ def log(message, level=0):
 
        # add to the recent log list
        for line in lines:
-               while 0 < len(universe.loglist) >= max_log_lines: del universe.loglist[0]
-               universe.loglist.append(timestamp + " " + line)
+               while 0 < len(universe.loglines) >= max_log_lines: del universe.loglines[0]
+               universe.loglines.append((level, timestamp + " " + line))
+
+def get_loglines(level, start, stop):
+       """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] + "$(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
 
 def wrap_ansi_text(text, width):
        """Wrap text with arbitrary width while ignoring ANSI colors."""
@@ -991,13 +1151,12 @@ def escape_macros(text):
        """Escapes replacement macros in text."""
        return text.replace("$(", "$_(")
 
-def check_time(frequency):
-       """Check for a factor of the current increment count."""
-       if type(frequency) is str:
-               frequency = universe.categories["internal"]["time"].getint(frequency)
-       if not "counters" in universe.categories["internal"]:
-               Element("internal:counters", universe)
-       return not universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].getint("elapsed") % frequency
+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 on_pulse():
        """The things which should happen on each pulse, aside from reloads."""
@@ -1013,23 +1172,34 @@ def on_pulse():
        # iterate over the connected users
        for user in universe.userlist: user.pulse()
 
+       # add an element for counters if it doesn't exist
+       if not "counters" in universe.categories["internal"]:
+               universe.categories["internal"]["counters"] = Element("internal:counters", universe)
+
        # update the log every now and then
-       if check_time("frequency_log"):
+       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 check_time("frequency_save"):
+       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)
        sleep(universe.categories["internal"]["time"].getfloat("increment"))
 
-       # increment the elapsed increment counter
+       # increase the elapsed increment counter
        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set("elapsed", universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].getint("elapsed") + 1)
 
 def reload_data():
-       """Reload data into new persistent objects."""
+       """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):
        """Check for a waiting connection and return a new user object."""
@@ -1228,6 +1398,9 @@ def get_choice_action(user, choice):
 def handle_user_input(user):
        """The main handler, branches to a state-specific handler."""
 
+       # if the user's client echo is off, send a blank line for aesthetics
+       if user.echoing: user.received_newline = True
+
        # check to make sure the state is expected, then call that handler
        if "handler_" + user.state in globals():
                exec("handler_" + user.state + "(user)")
@@ -1237,9 +1410,6 @@ def handle_user_input(user):
        # since we got input, flag that the menu/prompt needs to be redisplayed
        user.menu_seen = False
 
-       # if the user's client echo is off, send a blank line for aesthetics
-       if user.echoing: user.received_newline = True
-
 def generic_menu_handler(user):
        """A generic menu choice handler."""
 
@@ -1371,12 +1541,16 @@ def handler_active(user):
        # is there input?
        if input_data:
 
-               # split out the command (first word) and parameters (everything else)
-               if input_data.find(" ") > 0:
-                       command_name, parameters = input_data.split(" ", 1)
+               # 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 = input_data
-                       parameters = ""
+                       command_name, parameters = first_word(input_data)
 
                # lowercase the command
                command_name = command_name.lower()
@@ -1387,48 +1561,51 @@ def handler_active(user):
                else: command = None
 
                # if it's allowed, do it
-               if user.can_run(command): exec(command.get("action"))
+               if actor.can_run(command): exec(command.get("action"))
 
                # otherwise, give an error
-               elif command_name: command_error(user, input_data)
+               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(user, parameters):
+def command_halt(actor, parameters):
        """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 " + user.account.get("name") + " halted the world."
+               # 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."
 
-       # 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_world = True
+               # set a flag to terminate the world
+               universe.terminate_flag = True
 
-def command_reload(user):
+def command_reload(actor):
        """Reload all code modules, configs and data."""
+       if actor.owner:
 
-       # let the user know and log
-       user.send("Reloading all code modules, configs and data.")
-       log("User " + user.account.get("name") + " 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_modules = True
+               # set a flag to reload
+               universe.reload_flag = True
 
-def command_quit(user):
+def command_quit(actor):
        """Leave the world and go back to the main menu."""
-       user.deactivate_avatar()
-       user.state = "main_utility"
+       if actor.owner:
+               actor.owner.state = "main_utility"
+               actor.owner.deactivate_avatar()
 
-def command_help(user, parameters):
+def command_help(actor, parameters):
        """List available commands and provide help for commands."""
 
        # did the user ask for help on a specific command word?
-       if parameters:
+       if parameters and actor.owner:
 
                # is the command word one for which we have data?
                if parameters in universe.categories["command"]:
@@ -1436,7 +1613,7 @@ def command_help(user, parameters):
                else: command = None
 
                # only for allowed commands
-               if user.can_run(command):
+               if actor.can_run(command):
 
                        # add a description if provided
                        description = command.get("description")
@@ -1452,6 +1629,24 @@ def command_help(user, parameters):
                                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)$(eol)See also: " + really_see_also
+
                # no data for the requested command word
                else:
                        output = "That is not an available command."
@@ -1465,7 +1660,7 @@ def command_help(user, parameters):
                sorted_commands.sort()
                for item in sorted_commands:
                        command = universe.categories["command"][item]
-                       if user.can_run(command):
+                       if actor.can_run(command):
                                description = command.get("description")
                                if not description:
                                        description = "(no short description provided)"
@@ -1475,123 +1670,166 @@ def command_help(user, parameters):
                output += "$(eol)Enter \"help COMMAND\" for help on a command named \"COMMAND\"."
 
        # send the accumulated output to the user
-       user.send(output)
+       actor.send(output)
 
-def command_move(user, parameters):
+def command_move(actor, parameters):
        """Move the avatar in a given direction."""
-       if parameters in universe.contents[user.avatar.get("location")].portals():
-               user.avatar.move_direction(parameters)
-       else: user.send("You cannot go that way.")
+       if parameters in universe.contents[actor.get("location")].portals():
+               actor.move_direction(parameters)
+       else: actor.send("You cannot go that way.")
 
-def command_look(user, parameters):
+def command_look(actor, parameters):
        """Look around."""
-       if parameters: user.send("You can't look at or in anything yet.")
-       else: user.avatar.look_at(user.avatar.get("location"))
+       if parameters: actor.send("You can't look at or in anything yet.")
+       else: actor.look_at(actor.get("location"))
 
-def command_say(user, parameters):
+def command_say(actor, parameters):
        """Speak to others in the same room."""
 
        # check for replacement macros
-       if replace_macros(user, parameters, True) != parameters:
-               user.send("You cannot speak $_(replacement macros).")
+       if replace_macros(actor.owner, parameters, True) != parameters:
+               actor.send("You cannot speak $_(replacement macros).")
 
        # the user entered a message
        elif parameters:
 
-               # get rid of quote marks on the ends of the message and
-               # capitalize the first letter
-               message = parameters.strip("\"'`").capitalize()
-
-               # a dictionary of punctuation:action pairs
-               actions = {}
-               for facet in universe.categories["internal"]["language"].facets():
-                       if facet.startswith("punctuation_"):
-                               action = facet.split("_")[1]
-                               for mark in universe.categories["internal"]["language"].getlist(facet):
-                                               actions[mark] = action
+               # get rid of quote marks on the ends of the message
+               message = parameters.strip("\"'`")
 
                # 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 = actions[default_punctuation]
+               action = ""
                for mark in actions.keys():
-                       if message.endswith(mark) and mark != default_punctuation:
+                       if message.endswith(mark):
                                action = actions[mark]
                                break
 
-               # if the action is default and there is no mark, add one
-               if action == actions[default_punctuation] and not message.endswith(default_punctuation):
-                       message += default_punctuation
+               # add punctuation if needed
+               if not action:
+                       action = actions[default_punctuation]
+                       if message and not message[-1] in punctuation:
+                               message += default_punctuation
+
+               # decapitalize the first letter to improve matching
+               if message and message[0] in uppercase:
+                       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]
+                       bare_word = word.strip(punctuation)
+                       if bare_word in typos.keys():
+                               words[index] = word.replace(bare_word, typos[bare_word])
+               message = " ".join(words)
 
-               # capitalize a list of words within the message
-               capitalize_words = universe.categories["internal"]["language"].getlist("capitalize_words")
-               for word in capitalize_words:
-                       message = message.replace(" " + word + " ", " " + word.capitalize() + " ")
+               # capitalize the first letter
+               message = message[0].upper() + message[1:]
 
                # tell the room
-               user.avatar.echo_to_location(user.avatar.get("name") + " " + action + "s, \"" + message + "\"")
-               user.send("You " + action + ", \"" + message + "\"")
+               actor.echo_to_location(actor.get("name") + " " + action + "s, \"" + message + "\"")
+               actor.send("You " + action + ", \"" + message + "\"")
 
        # there was no message
        else:
-               user.send("What do you want to say?")
-
-def command_show(user, parameters):
+               actor.send("What do you want to say?")
+
+def command_chat(actor):
+       """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):
        """Show program data."""
        message = ""
-       if parameters.find(" ") < 1:
-               if parameters == "time":
-                       message = universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].get("elapsed") + " increments elapsed since the world was created."
-               elif parameters == "categories":
-                       message = "These are the element categories:$(eol)"
-                       categories = universe.categories.keys()
-                       categories.sort()
-                       for category in categories: message += "$(eol)   $(grn)" + category + "$(nrm)"
-               elif parameters == "files":
-                       message = "These are the current files containing the universe:$(eol)"
-                       filenames = universe.files.keys()
-                       filenames.sort()
-                       for filename in filenames: message += "$(eol)   $(grn)" + filename + "$(nrm)"
-               else: message = ""
-       else:
-               arguments = parameters.split()
-               if arguments[0] == "category":
-                       if arguments[1] in universe.categories:
-                               message = "These are the elements in the \"" + arguments[1] + "\" category:$(eol)"
-                               elements = universe.categories[arguments[1]].keys()
-                               elements.sort()
-                               for element in elements:
-                                       message += "$(eol)   $(grn)" + universe.categories[arguments[1]][element].key + "$(nrm)"
-               elif arguments[0] == "element":
-                       if arguments[1] in universe.contents:
-                               message = "These are the properties of the \"" + arguments[1] + "\" element:$(eol)"
-                               element = universe.contents[arguments[1]]
-                               facets = element.facets()
-                               facets.sort()
-                               for facet in facets:
-                                       message += "$(eol)   $(grn)" + facet + ": $(red)" + escape_macros(element.get(facet)) + "$(nrm)"
-               elif arguments[0] == "result":
-                       if len(arguments) > 1:
-                               try:
-                                       message = repr(eval(" ".join(arguments[1:])))
-                               except:
-                                       message = "Your expression raised an exception!"
-               elif arguments[0] == "log":
-                       if match("^\d+$", arguments[1]) and int(arguments[1]) > 0:
-                               linecount = int(arguments[1])
-                               if linecount > len(universe.loglist): linecount = len(universe.loglist)
-                               message = "There are " + str(len(universe.loglist)) + " log lines in memory."
-                               message += " The most recent " + str(linecount) + " lines are:$(eol)$(eol)"
-                               for line in universe.loglist[-linecount:]:
-                                       message += "   " + line + "$(eol)"
-                       else: message = "\"" + arguments[1] + "\" is not a positive integer greater than 0."
-       if not message:
-               if parameters: message = "I don't know what \"" + parameters + "\" is."
-               else: message = "What do you want to show?"
-       user.send(message)
-
-def command_create(user, parameters):
+       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:$(eol)"
+               categories = universe.categories.keys()
+               categories.sort()
+               for category in categories: message += "$(eol)   $(grn)" + category + "$(nrm)"
+       elif arguments[0] == "files":
+               message = "These are the current files containing the universe:$(eol)"
+               filenames = universe.files.keys()
+               filenames.sort()
+               for filename in filenames:
+                       if universe.files[filename].is_writeable(): status = "rw"
+                       else: status = "ro"
+                       message += "$(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:
+                               message = "Your expression raised an exception!"
+       elif arguments[0] == "log":
+               if len(arguments) == 4:
+                       if match("^\d+$", arguments[3]) and int(arguments[3]) >= 0:
+                               stop = int(arguments[3])
+                       else: stop = -1
+               else: stop = 0
+               if len(arguments) >= 3:
+                       if match("^\d+$", arguments[2]) and int(arguments[2]) > 0:
+                               start = int(arguments[2])
+                       else: start = -1
+               else: start = 10
+               if len(arguments) >= 2:
+                       if 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):
        """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("")
@@ -1600,7 +1838,7 @@ def command_create(user, parameters):
                        if element in universe.contents: message = "The \"" + element + "\" element already exists."
                        else:
                                message = "You create \"" + element + "\" within the universe."
-                               logline = user.account.get("name") + " created an element: " + element
+                               logline = actor.owner.account.get("name") + " created an element: " + element
                                if filename:
                                        logline += " in file " + filename
                                        if filename not in universe.files:
@@ -1608,20 +1846,21 @@ def command_create(user, parameters):
                                Element(element, universe, filename)
                                log(logline, 6)
                elif len(arguments) > 2: message = "You can only specify an element and a filename."
-       user.send(message)
+       actor.send(message)
 
-def command_destroy(user, parameters):
+def command_destroy(actor, parameters):
        """Destroy an element if it exists."""
-       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."
+       if actor.owner:
+               if not parameters: message = "You must specify an element to destroy."
                else:
-                       universe.contents[parameters].destroy()
-                       message = "You destroy \"" + parameters + "\" within the universe."
-                       log(user.account.get("name") + " destroyed an element: " + parameters, 6)
-       user.send(message)
+                       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(user, parameters):
+def command_set(actor, parameters):
        """Set a facet of an element."""
        if not parameters: message = "You must specify an element, a facet and a value."
        else:
@@ -1634,9 +1873,9 @@ def command_set(user, parameters):
                        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."
-       user.send(message)
+       actor.send(message)
 
-def command_delete(user, parameters):
+def command_delete(actor, parameters):
        """Delete a facet from an element."""
        if not parameters: message = "You must specify an element and a facet."
        else:
@@ -1650,9 +1889,9 @@ def command_delete(user, parameters):
                        else:
                                universe.contents[element].remove_facet(facet)
                                message = "You have successfully deleted the \"" + facet + "\" facet of element \"" + element + "\". Try \"show element " + element + "\" for verification."
-       user.send(message)
+       actor.send(message)
 
-def command_error(user, input_data):
+def command_error(actor, input_data):
        """Generic error for an unrecognized command word."""
 
        # 90% of the time use a generic error
@@ -1664,8 +1903,94 @@ def command_error(user, input_data):
                message = "Arglebargle, glop-glyf!?!"
 
        # send the error message
-       user.send(message)
+       actor.send(message)
+
+def daemonize():
+       """Fork and disassociate from everything."""
+       if universe.contents["internal:process"].getboolean("daemon"):
+               import sys
+               from resource import getrlimit, RLIMIT_NOFILE
+               log("Disassociating from the controlling terminal.")
+               if fork(): _exit(0)
+               setsid()
+               if fork(): _exit(0)
+               chdir("/")
+               umask(0)
+               for stdpipe in range(3): close(stdpipe)
+               sys.stdin = sys.__stdin__ = file("/dev/null", "r")
+               sys.stdout = sys.stderr = sys.__stdout__ = sys.__stderr__ = file("/dev/null", "w")
+
+def create_pidfile(universe):
+       """Write a file containing the current process ID."""
+       pid = str(getpid())
+       log("Process ID: " + pid)
+       file_name = universe.contents["internal:process"].get("pidfile")
+       if file_name:
+               if not isabs(file_name):
+                       file_name = path_join(universe.startdir, file_name)
+               file_descriptor = file(file_name, 'w')
+               file_descriptor.write(pid + "\n")
+               file_descriptor.flush()
+               file_descriptor.close()
+
+def remove_pidfile(universe):
+       """Remove the file containing the current process ID."""
+       file_name = universe.contents["internal:process"].get("pidfile")
+       if file_name:
+               if not isabs(file_name):
+                       file_name = path_join(universe.startdir, file_name)
+               if access(file_name, W_OK): remove(file_name)
+
+def excepthook(excepttype, value, traceback):
+       """Handle uncaught exceptions."""
+
+       # assemble the list of errors into a single string
+       message = "".join(format_exception(excepttype, value, traceback))
+
+       # try to log it, if possible
+       try: log(message, 9)
+       except: pass
+
+       # try to write it to stderr, if possible
+       try: stderr.write(message)
+       except: pass
+
+def sighook(what, where):
+       """Handle external signals."""
+
+       # a generic message
+       message = "Caught signal: "
+
+       # for a hangup signal
+       if what == SIGHUP:
+               message += "hangup (reloading)"
+               universe.reload_flag = True
+
+       # for a terminate signal
+       elif what == SIGTERM:
+               message += "terminate (halting)"
+               universe.terminate_flag = True
+
+       # catchall for unexpected signals
+       else: message += str(what) + " (unhandled)"
+
+       # log what happened
+       log(message, 8)
+
+# redefine sys.excepthook with ours
+import sys
+sys.excepthook = excepthook
+
+# assign the sgnal handlers
+signal(SIGHUP, sighook)
+signal(SIGTERM, sighook)
 
 # if there is no universe, create an empty one
-if not "universe" in locals(): universe = Universe()
+if not "universe" in locals():
+       if len(argv) > 1: conffile = argv[1]
+       else: conffile = ""
+       universe = Universe(conffile, True)
+elif universe.reload_flag:
+       universe = universe.new()
+       reload_data()