Move commands into a separate command module
[mudpy.git] / mudpy / misc.py
index 6c720d5..930d4d7 100644 (file)
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 """Miscellaneous functions for the mudpy engine."""
 
-# Copyright (c) 2004-2016 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.
+# Copyright (c) 2004-2018 mudpy authors. 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
@@ -23,91 +23,62 @@ class Element:
 
     """An element of the universe."""
 
-    def __init__(self, key, universe, filename=None, old_style=False):
+    def __init__(self, key, universe, origin=None):
         """Set up a new element."""
 
-        # TODO(fungi): This can be removed after the transition is complete
-        self.old_style = old_style
-
         # 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.old_style and 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:
+        # set of facet keys from the universe
+        self.facethash = dict()
 
-            # set of facet keys from the universe
-            self.facethash = dict()
+        # not owned by a user by default (used for avatars)
+        self.owner = None
 
-            # not owned by a user by default (used for avatars)
-            self.owner = None
+        # no contents in here by default
+        self.contents = {}
 
-            # no contents in here by default
-            self.contents = {}
+        if self.key.find(".") > 0:
+            self.group, self.subkey = self.key.split(".")[-2:]
+        else:
+            self.group = "other"
+            self.subkey = self.key
+        if self.group not in self.universe.groups:
+            self.universe.groups[self.group] = {}
 
-            # 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)
+        # get an appropriate origin
+        if not origin:
+            self.universe.add_group(self.group)
+            origin = self.universe.files[
+                    self.universe.origins[self.group]["fallback"]]
 
         # 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 self.key not in self.origin.data:
-            self.origin.data[self.key] = {}
+        self.origin = self.universe.files[origin.source]
 
         # add or replace this element in the universe
         self.universe.contents[self.key] = self
-        self.universe.categories[self.category][self.subkey] = self
+        self.universe.groups[self.group][self.subkey] = self
 
     def reload(self):
         """Create a new element and replace this one."""
-        Element(self.key, self.universe, self.origin.filename,
-                old_style=self.old_style)
-        del(self)
+        args = (self.key, self.universe, self.origin)
+        self.destroy()
+        Element(*args)
 
     def destroy(self):
         """Remove an element from the universe and destroy it."""
-        del(self.origin.data[self.key])
-        del self.universe.categories[self.category][self.subkey]
+        for facet in dict(self.facethash):
+            self.remove_facet(facet)
+        del self.universe.groups[self.group][self.subkey]
         del self.universe.contents[self.key]
         del self
 
     def facets(self):
         """Return a list of non-inherited facets for this element."""
-        if self.old_style:
-            try:
-                return self.origin.data[self.key].keys()
-            except (AttributeError, KeyError):
-                return []
-        else:
-            return self.facethash
+        return self.facethash
 
     def has_facet(self, facet):
         """Return whether the non-inherited facet exists."""
@@ -115,9 +86,11 @@ class Element:
 
     def remove_facet(self, facet):
         """Remove a facet from the element."""
-        if self.has_facet(facet):
-            del(self.origin.data[self.key][facet])
-            self.origin.modified = True
+        if ".".join((self.key, facet)) in self.origin.data:
+            del self.origin.data[".".join((self.key, facet))]
+        if facet in self.facethash:
+            del self.facethash[facet]
+        self.origin.modified = True
 
     def ancestry(self):
         """Return a list of the element's inheritance lineage."""
@@ -139,10 +112,7 @@ class Element:
         if default is None:
             default = ""
         try:
-            if self.old_style:
-                return self.origin.data[self.key][facet]
-            else:
-                return self.origin.data[".".join((self.key, facet))]
+            return self.origin.data[".".join((self.key, facet))]
         except (KeyError, TypeError):
             pass
         if self.has_facet("inherit"):
@@ -154,17 +124,31 @@ class Element:
 
     def set(self, facet, value):
         """Set values."""
-        if not self.has_facet(facet) or not self.get(facet) == value:
-            if self.old_style:
-                if self.key not in self.origin.data:
-                    self.origin.data[self.key] = {}
-                self.origin.data[self.key][facet] = value
-            else:
-                node = ".".join((self.key, facet))
-                self.origin.data[node] = value
-                self.facethash[node] = self.origin.data[node]
+        if not self.origin.is_writeable() and not self.universe.loading:
+            # break if there is an attempt to update an element from a
+            # read-only file, unless the universe is in the midst of loading
+            # updated data from files
+            raise PermissionError("Altering elements in read-only files is "
+                                  "disallowed")
+        # Coerce some values to appropriate data types
+        # TODO(fungi) Move these to a separate validation mechanism
+        if facet in ["loglevel"]:
+            value = int(value)
+        elif facet in ["administrator"]:
+            value = bool(value)
+
+        # The canonical node for this facet within its origin
+        node = ".".join((self.key, facet))
+
+        if node not in self.origin.data or self.origin.data[node] != value:
+            # Be careful to only update the origin's contents when required,
+            # since that affects whether the backing file gets written
+            self.origin.data[node] = value
             self.origin.modified = True
 
+        # Make sure this facet is included in the element's facets
+        self.facethash[facet] = self.origin.data[node]
+
     def append(self, facet, value):
         """Append value to a list."""
         newlist = self.get(facet)
@@ -202,8 +186,8 @@ class Element:
     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():
+        # has to be in the commands group
+        if command not in self.universe.groups["command"].values():
             result = False
 
         # avatars of administrators can run any command
@@ -297,16 +281,17 @@ class Element:
     def portals(self):
         """Map the portal directions for an area to neighbors."""
         portals = {}
-        if re.match("""^area:-?\d+,-?\d+,-?\d+$""", self.key):
+        if re.match(r"""^area\.-?\d+,-?\d+,-?\d+$""", self.key):
             coordinates = [(int(x))
-                           for x in self.key.split(":")[1].split(",")]
-            offsets = dict((x,
-                self.universe.contents["mudpy.movement.%s" % x].get("vector")
-                ) for x in self.universe.directions)
+                           for x in self.key.split(".")[-1].split(",")]
+            offsets = dict(
+                (x,
+                 self.universe.contents["mudpy.movement.%s" % x].get("vector")
+                 ) for x in self.universe.directions)
             for portal in self.get("gridlinks"):
                 adjacent = map(lambda c, o: c + o,
                                coordinates, offsets[portal])
-                neighbor = "area:" + ",".join(
+                neighbor = "area." + ",".join(
                     [(str(x)) for x in adjacent]
                 )
                 if neighbor in self.universe.contents:
@@ -340,17 +325,18 @@ class Universe:
 
     def __init__(self, filename="", load=False):
         """Initialize the universe."""
-        self.categories = {}
+        self.groups = {}
         self.contents = {}
-        self.default_origins = {}
         self.directions = set()
+        self.loading = False
         self.loglines = []
-        self.private_files = []
+        self.origins = {}
         self.reload_flag = False
         self.setup_loglines = []
         self.startdir = os.getcwd()
         self.terminate_flag = False
         self.userlist = []
+        self.versions = None
         if not filename:
             possible_filenames = [
                 "etc/mudpy.yaml",
@@ -372,56 +358,47 @@ class Universe:
     def load(self):
         """Load universe data from persistent storage."""
 
+        # while loading, it's safe to update elements from read-only files
+        self.loading = True
+
         # it's possible for this to enter before logging configuration is read
         pending_loglines = []
 
-        # 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()
-        ):
+        # start populating the (re)files dict from the base config
+        self.files = {}
+        mudpy.data.Data(self.filename, self)
 
-            # 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]
+        # load default storage locations for groups
+        if hasattr(self, "contents") and "mudpy.filing" in self.contents:
+            self.origins.update(self.contents["mudpy.filing"].get(
+                "groups", {}))
 
-            # start loading from the initial file
-            mudpy.data.DataFile(self.filename, self)
+        # add some builtin groups we know we'll need
+        for group in ("account", "actor", "internal"):
+            self.add_group(group)
 
         # make a list of inactive avatars
         inactive_avatars = []
-        for account in self.categories["account"].values():
+        for account in self.groups.get("account", {}).values():
             for avatar in account.get("avatars"):
                 try:
                     inactive_avatars.append(self.contents[avatar])
                 except KeyError:
                     pending_loglines.append((
-                        "Missing avatar \"%s\", possible data corruption" %
+                        'Missing avatar "%s", possible data corruption' %
                         avatar, 6))
         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()
+
+        # done loading, so disallow updating elements from read-only files
+        self.loading = False
+
         return pending_loglines
 
     def new(self):
@@ -486,7 +463,20 @@ class Universe:
 
     def get_time(self):
         """Convenience method to get the elapsed time counter."""
-        return self.categories["internal"]["counters"].get("elapsed")
+        return self.groups["internal"]["counters"].get("elapsed")
+
+    def add_group(self, group, fallback=None):
+        """Set up group tracking/metadata."""
+        if group not in self.origins:
+            self.origins[group] = {}
+        if not fallback:
+            fallback = mudpy.data.find_file(
+                    ".".join((group, "yaml")), universe=self)
+        if "fallback" not in self.origins[group]:
+            self.origins[group]["fallback"] = fallback
+        flags = self.origins[group].get("flags", None)
+        if fallback not in self.files:
+            mudpy.data.Data(fallback, self, flags=flags)
 
 
 class User:
@@ -511,21 +501,17 @@ class User:
         self.output_queue = []
         self.partial_input = b""
         self.password_tries = 0
-        self.state = "initial"
+        self.state = "telopt_negotiation"
         self.telopts = {}
+        self.universe = universe
 
     def quit(self):
         """Log, close the connection and remove."""
         if self.account:
-            name = self.account.get("name")
-        else:
-            name = ""
-        if name:
-            message = "User " + name
+            name = self.account.get("name", self)
         else:
-            message = "An unnamed user"
-        message += " logged out."
-        log(message, 2)
+            name = self
+        log("Logging out %s" % name, 2)
         self.deactivate_avatar()
         self.connection.close()
         self.remove()
@@ -533,9 +519,8 @@ class User:
     def check_idle(self):
         """Warn or disconnect idle users as appropriate."""
         idletime = universe.get_time() - self.last_input
-        linkdead_dict = universe.categories["internal"]["time"].get(
-            "linkdead"
-        )
+        linkdead_dict = universe.contents[
+            "mudpy.timing.idle.disconnect"].facets()
         if self.state in linkdead_dict:
             linkdead_state = self.state
         else:
@@ -557,7 +542,7 @@ class User:
             log(logline, 2)
             self.state = "disconnecting"
             self.menu_seen = False
-        idle_dict = universe.categories["internal"]["time"].get("idle")
+        idle_dict = universe.contents["mudpy.timing.idle.warn"].facets()
         if self.state in idle_dict:
             idle_state = self.state
         else:
@@ -571,26 +556,30 @@ class User:
     def reload(self):
         """Save, load a new user and relocate the connection."""
 
+        # copy old attributes
+        attributes = self.__dict__
+
         # get out of the list
         self.remove()
 
+        # get rid of the old user object
+        del(self)
+
         # create a new user object
         new_user = User()
 
         # set everything equivalent
-        for attribute in vars(self).keys():
-            exec("new_user." + attribute + " = self." + attribute)
+        new_user.__dict__ = attributes
 
         # the avatar needs a new owner
         if new_user.avatar:
+            new_user.account = universe.contents[new_user.account.key]
+            new_user.avatar = universe.contents[new_user.avatar.key]
             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."""
 
@@ -648,11 +637,15 @@ class User:
     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.contents["mudpy.limit"].get(
-                    "admins"):
-                self.account.set("administrator", "True")
+            if ("mudpy.limit" in universe.contents and self.account.subkey in
+                    universe.contents["mudpy.limit"].get("admins")):
+                self.account.set("administrator", True)
+                log("Administrator %s authenticated." %
+                    self.account.get("name"), 2)
+            else:
+                log("User %s authenticated for account %s." % (
+                        self, self.account.subkey), 2)
 
     def show_menu(self):
         """Send the user their current menu."""
@@ -680,6 +673,7 @@ class User:
 
     def remove(self):
         """Remove a user from the list of connected users."""
+        log("Disconnecting account %s." % self, 0)
         universe.userlist.remove(self)
 
     def send(
@@ -789,7 +783,7 @@ class User:
             self.check_idle()
 
         # if output is paused, decrement the counter
-        if self.state == "initial":
+        if self.state == "telopt_negotiation":
             if self.negotiation_pause:
                 self.negotiation_pause -= 1
             else:
@@ -818,13 +812,13 @@ class User:
         if self.output_queue:
             try:
                 self.connection.send(self.output_queue[0])
-            except BrokenPipeError:
+            except (BrokenPipeError, ConnectionResetError):
                 if self.account and self.account.get("name"):
                     account = self.account.get("name")
                 else:
                     account = "an unknown user"
                 self.state = "disconnecting"
-                log("Broken pipe sending to %s." % account, 7)
+                log("Disconnected while sending to %s." % account, 7)
             del self.output_queue[0]
 
     def enqueue_input(self):
@@ -846,11 +840,15 @@ class User:
             mudpy.telnet.negotiate_telnet_options(self)
 
             # separate multiple input lines
-            new_input_lines = self.partial_input.split(b"\n")
+            new_input_lines = self.partial_input.split(b"\r\0")
+            if len(new_input_lines) == 1:
+                new_input_lines = new_input_lines[0].split(b"\r\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"):
+            if not (
+                    self.partial_input.endswith(b"\r\0") or
+                    self.partial_input.endswith(b"\r\n")):
                 self.partial_input = new_input_lines.pop()
 
             # otherwise, chop off the extra null input and reset
@@ -866,8 +864,8 @@ class User:
                 line = line.strip()
 
                 # log non-printable characters remaining
-                if mudpy.telnet.is_enabled(self, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_BINARY,
-                                           mudpy.telnet.HIM):
+                if not mudpy.telnet.is_enabled(
+                        self, mudpy.telnet.TELOPT_BINARY, mudpy.telnet.HIM):
                     asciiline = bytes([x for x in line if 32 <= x <= 126])
                     if line != asciiline:
                         logline = "Non-ASCII characters from "
@@ -882,7 +880,7 @@ class User:
                 try:
                     line = line.decode("utf-8")
                 except UnicodeDecodeError:
-                    logline = "Non-UTF-8 characters from "
+                    logline = "Non-UTF-8 sequence from "
                     if self.account and self.account.get("name"):
                         logline += self.account.get("name") + ": "
                     else:
@@ -899,23 +897,23 @@ class User:
     def new_avatar(self):
         """Instantiate a new, unconfigured avatar for this user."""
         counter = 0
-        while "avatar:" + self.account.get("name") + ":" + str(
-            counter
-        ) in universe.categories["actor"].keys():
+        while ("avatar_%s_%s" % (self.account.get("name"), counter)
+                in universe.groups.get("actor", {}).keys()):
             counter += 1
         self.avatar = Element(
-            "actor:avatar:" + self.account.get("name") + ":" + str(
-                counter
-            ),
-            universe, old_style=True
-        )
-        self.avatar.append("inherit", "archetype:avatar")
+            "actor.avatar_%s_%s" % (self.account.get("name"), counter),
+            universe)
+        self.avatar.append("inherit", "archetype.avatar")
         self.account.append("avatars", self.avatar.key)
+        log("Created new avatar %s for user %s." % (
+                self.avatar.key, self.account.get("name")), 0)
 
     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
+        log("Deleting avatar %s for user %s." % (
+                avatar, self.account.get("name")), 0)
         universe.contents[avatar].destroy()
         avatars = self.account.get("avatars")
         avatars.remove(avatar)
@@ -927,11 +925,16 @@ class User:
             self.account.get("avatars")[index]]
         self.avatar.owner = self
         self.state = "active"
+        log("Activated avatar %s (%s)." % (
+                self.avatar.get("name"), self.avatar.key), 0)
         self.avatar.go_home()
 
     def deactivate_avatar(self):
         """Have the active avatar leave the world."""
         if self.avatar:
+            log("Deactivating avatar %s (%s) for user %s." % (
+                    self.avatar.get("name"), self.avatar.key,
+                    self.account.get("name")), 0)
             current = self.avatar.get("location")
             if current:
                 self.avatar.set("default_location", current)
@@ -949,6 +952,8 @@ class User:
         """Destroy the user and associated avatars."""
         for avatar in self.account.get("avatars"):
             self.delete_avatar(avatar)
+        log("Destroying account %s for user %s." % (
+                self.account.get("name"), self), 0)
         self.account.destroy()
 
     def list_avatar_names(self):
@@ -958,7 +963,7 @@ class User:
             try:
                 avatars.append(universe.contents[avatar].get("name"))
             except KeyError:
-                log("Missing avatar \"%s\", possible data corruption." %
+                log('Missing avatar "%s", possible data corruption.' %
                     avatar, 6)
         return avatars
 
@@ -973,9 +978,14 @@ def log(message, level=0):
     """Log a message."""
 
     # a couple references we need
-    file_name = universe.contents["mudpy.log"].get("file")
-    max_log_lines = universe.contents["mudpy.log"].get("lines")
-    syslog_name = universe.contents["mudpy.log"].get("syslog")
+    if "mudpy.log" in universe.contents:
+        file_name = universe.contents["mudpy.log"].get("file", "")
+        max_log_lines = universe.contents["mudpy.log"].get("lines", 0)
+        syslog_name = universe.contents["mudpy.log"].get("syslog", "")
+    else:
+        file_name = ""
+        max_log_lines = 0
+        syslog_name = ""
     timestamp = time.asctime()[4:19]
 
     # turn the message into a list of nonempty lines
@@ -985,6 +995,7 @@ def log(message, level=0):
     if file_name:
         if not os.path.isabs(file_name):
             file_name = os.path.join(universe.startdir, file_name)
+        os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(file_name), exist_ok=True)
         file_descriptor = codecs.open(file_name, "a", "utf-8")
         for line in lines:
             file_descriptor.write(timestamp + " " + line + "\n")
@@ -992,7 +1003,8 @@ def log(message, level=0):
         file_descriptor.close()
 
     # send the timestamp and line to standard output
-    if universe.contents["mudpy.log"].get("stdout"):
+    if ("mudpy.log" in universe.contents and
+            universe.contents["mudpy.log"].get("stdout")):
         for line in lines:
             print(timestamp + " " + line)
 
@@ -1097,8 +1109,10 @@ def wrap_ansi_text(text, width):
     # ignoring color escape sequences
     rel_pos = 0
 
-    # the absolute position of the most recent whitespace character
-    last_whitespace = 0
+    # the absolute and relative positions of the most recent whitespace
+    # character
+    last_abs_whitespace = 0
+    last_rel_whitespace = 0
 
     # whether the current character is part of a color escape sequence
     escape = False
@@ -1112,39 +1126,37 @@ def wrap_ansi_text(text, width):
         # the current character is the escape character
         if each_character == "\x1b" and not escape:
             escape = True
+            rel_pos -= 1
 
         # the current character is within an escape sequence
         elif escape:
-
-            # the current character is m, which terminates the
-            # escape sequence
+            rel_pos -= 1
             if each_character == "m":
+                # the current character is m, which terminates the
+                # escape sequence
                 escape = False
 
+        # the current character is a space
+        elif each_character == " ":
+            last_abs_whitespace = abs_pos
+            last_rel_whitespace = rel_pos
+
         # the current character is a newline, so reset the relative
-        # position (start a new line)
+        # position too (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
-            )
-        ):
+            last_abs_whitespace = abs_pos
+            last_rel_whitespace = rel_pos
 
-            # it's always possible we landed on whitespace
-            if unicodedata.category(each_character) in ("Cc", "Zs"):
-                last_whitespace = abs_pos
+        # the current character meets the requested maximum line width, so we
+        # need to wrap unless the current word is wider than the terminal (in
+        # which case we let it do the wrapping instead)
+        if last_rel_whitespace != 0 and (rel_pos > width or (
+                rel_pos > width - 1 and glyph_columns(each_character) == 2)):
 
-            # insert an eol in place of the space
-            text = text[:last_whitespace] + "\r\n" + text[last_whitespace + 1:]
+            # insert an eol in place of the last space
+            text = (text[:last_abs_whitespace] + "\r\n" +
+                    text[last_abs_whitespace + 1:])
 
             # increase the absolute position because an eol is two
             # characters but the space it replaced was only one
@@ -1152,17 +1164,17 @@ def wrap_ansi_text(text, width):
 
             # 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)
+            rel_pos -= last_rel_whitespace
+            last_rel_whitespace = 0
 
         # 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
+            if each_character in (" ", "\n"):
+                last_abs_whitespace = abs_pos
+                last_rel_whitespace = rel_pos
 
         # increase the absolute position for every character
         abs_pos += 1
@@ -1299,7 +1311,7 @@ def replace_macros(user, text, is_input=False):
                 replacement = replacement[:-2]
             else:
                 replacement = ""
-                log("Couldn't read included " + incfile + " file.", 6)
+                log("Couldn't read included " + incfile + " file.", 7)
 
         # if we get here, log and replace it with null
         else:
@@ -1353,48 +1365,41 @@ def on_pulse():
         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, old_style=True
-        )
+    if "counters" not in universe.groups.get("internal", {}):
+        Element("internal.counters", universe)
 
     # update the log every now and then
-    if not universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].get("mark"):
+    if not universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].get("mark"):
         log(str(len(universe.userlist)) + " connection(s)")
-        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
-            "mark", universe.categories["internal"]["time"].get(
-                "frequency_log"
-            )
+        universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].set(
+            "mark", universe.contents["mudpy.timing"].get("status")
         )
     else:
-        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
-            "mark", universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].get(
+        universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].set(
+            "mark", universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].get(
                 "mark"
             ) - 1
         )
 
     # periodically save everything
-    if not universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].get("save"):
+    if not universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].get("save"):
         universe.save()
-        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
-            "save", universe.categories["internal"]["time"].get(
-                "frequency_save"
-            )
+        universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].set(
+            "save", universe.contents["mudpy.timing"].get("save")
         )
     else:
-        universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
-            "save", universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].get(
+        universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].set(
+            "save", universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].get(
                 "save"
             ) - 1
         )
 
     # pause for a configurable amount of time (decimal seconds)
-    time.sleep(universe.categories["internal"]
-               ["time"].get("increment"))
+    time.sleep(universe.contents["mudpy.timing"].get("increment"))
 
     # increase the elapsed increment counter
-    universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].set(
-        "elapsed", universe.categories["internal"]["counters"].get(
+    universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].set(
+        "elapsed", universe.groups["internal"]["counters"].get(
             "elapsed", 0
         ) + 1
     )
@@ -1402,12 +1407,13 @@ def on_pulse():
 
 def reload_data():
     """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.save()
+    old_userlist = universe.userlist[:]
+    for element in list(universe.contents.values()):
+        element.destroy()
     universe.load()
+    for user in old_userlist:
+        user.reload()
 
 
 def check_for_connection(listening_socket):
@@ -1420,13 +1426,14 @@ def check_for_connection(listening_socket):
         return None
 
     # note that we got one
-    log("Connection from " + address[0], 2)
+    log("New connection from %s." % address[0], 2)
 
     # disable blocking so we can proceed whether or not we can send/receive
     connection.setblocking(0)
 
     # create a new user object
     user = User()
+    log("Instantiated %s for %s." % (user, address[0]), 0)
 
     # associate this connection with it
     user.connection = connection
@@ -1470,7 +1477,7 @@ def get_menu(state, error=None, choices=None):
 
 def menu_echo_on(state):
     """True if echo is on, false if it is off."""
-    return universe.categories["menu"][state].get("echo", True)
+    return universe.groups["menu"][state].get("echo", True)
 
 
 def get_echo_message(state):
@@ -1483,7 +1490,7 @@ def get_echo_message(state):
 
 def get_default_menu_choice(state):
     """Return the default choice for a menu."""
-    return universe.categories["menu"][state].get("default")
+    return universe.groups["menu"][state].get("default")
 
 
 def get_formatted_default_menu_choice(state):
@@ -1503,7 +1510,7 @@ def get_menu_description(state, error):
 
         # try to get an error message matching the condition
         # and current state
-        description = universe.categories[
+        description = universe.groups[
             "menu"][state].get("error_" + error)
         if not description:
             description = "That is not a valid choice..."
@@ -1513,7 +1520,7 @@ def get_menu_description(state, error):
     else:
 
         # try to get a menu description for the current state
-        description = universe.categories["menu"][state].get("description")
+        description = universe.groups["menu"][state].get("description")
 
     # return the description or error message
     if description:
@@ -1523,7 +1530,7 @@ def get_menu_description(state, error):
 
 def get_menu_prompt(state):
     """Try to get a prompt, if it was defined."""
-    prompt = universe.categories["menu"][state].get("prompt")
+    prompt = universe.groups["menu"][state].get("prompt")
     if prompt:
         prompt += " "
     return prompt
@@ -1531,7 +1538,7 @@ def get_menu_prompt(state):
 
 def get_menu_choices(user):
     """Return a dict of choice:meaning."""
-    menu = universe.categories["menu"][user.state]
+    menu = universe.groups["menu"][user.state]
     create_choices = menu.get("create")
     if create_choices:
         choices = eval(create_choices)
@@ -1542,7 +1549,7 @@ def get_menu_choices(user):
     creates = {}
     for facet in menu.facets():
         if facet.startswith("demand_") and not eval(
-           universe.categories["menu"][user.state].get(facet)
+           universe.groups["menu"][user.state].get(facet)
            ):
             ignores.append(facet.split("_", 2)[1])
         elif facet.startswith("create_"):
@@ -1575,17 +1582,17 @@ def get_formatted_menu_choices(state, choices):
 def get_menu_branches(state):
     """Return a dict of choice:branch."""
     branches = {}
-    for facet in universe.categories["menu"][state].facets():
+    for facet in universe.groups["menu"][state].facets():
         if facet.startswith("branch_"):
             branches[
                 facet.split("_", 2)[1]
-            ] = universe.categories["menu"][state].get(facet)
+            ] = universe.groups["menu"][state].get(facet)
     return branches
 
 
 def get_default_branch(state):
     """Return the default branch."""
-    return universe.categories["menu"][state].get("branch")
+    return universe.groups["menu"][state].get("branch")
 
 
 def get_choice_branch(user, choice):
@@ -1602,17 +1609,17 @@ def get_choice_branch(user, choice):
 def get_menu_actions(state):
     """Return a dict of choice:branch."""
     actions = {}
-    for facet in universe.categories["menu"][state].facets():
+    for facet in universe.groups["menu"][state].facets():
         if facet.startswith("action_"):
             actions[
                 facet.split("_", 2)[1]
-            ] = universe.categories["menu"][state].get(facet)
+            ] = universe.groups["menu"][state].get(facet)
     return actions
 
 
 def get_default_action(state):
     """Return the default action."""
-    return universe.categories["menu"][state].get("action")
+    return universe.groups["menu"][state].get("action")
 
 
 def get_choice_action(user, choice):
@@ -1687,13 +1694,13 @@ def handler_entering_account_name(user):
             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]
+        elif name in universe.groups.get("account", {}):
+            user.account = universe.groups["account"][name]
             user.state = "checking_password"
 
         # otherwise, this could be a brand new user
         else:
-            user.account = Element("account:" + name, universe, old_style=True)
+            user.account = Element("account.%s" % name, universe)
             user.account.set("name", name)
             log("New user: " + name, 2)
             user.state = "checking_new_account_name"
@@ -1709,6 +1716,12 @@ def handler_checking_password(user):
     # get the next waiting line of input
     input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
 
+    if "mudpy.limit" in universe.contents:
+        max_password_tries = universe.contents["mudpy.limit"].get(
+            "password_tries", 3)
+    else:
+        max_password_tries = 3
+
     # does the hashed input equal the stored hash?
     if mudpy.password.verify(input_data, user.account.get("passhash")):
 
@@ -1718,8 +1731,7 @@ def handler_checking_password(user):
             user.state = "main_utility"
 
     # if at first your hashes don't match, try, try again
-    elif user.password_tries < universe.contents["mudpy.limit"].get(
-            "password_tries") - 1:
+    elif user.password_tries < max_password_tries - 1:
         user.password_tries += 1
         user.error = "incorrect"
 
@@ -1737,6 +1749,12 @@ def handler_entering_new_password(user):
     # get the next waiting line of input
     input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
 
+    if "mudpy.limit" in universe.contents:
+        max_password_tries = universe.contents["mudpy.limit"].get(
+            "password_tries", 3)
+    else:
+        max_password_tries = 3
+
     # 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(
@@ -1752,8 +1770,7 @@ def handler_entering_new_password(user):
         user.state = "verifying_new_password"
 
     # the password was weak, try again if you haven't tried too many times
-    elif user.password_tries < universe.contents["mudpy.limit"].get(
-            "password_tries") - 1:
+    elif user.password_tries < max_password_tries - 1:
         user.password_tries += 1
         user.error = "weak"
 
@@ -1772,6 +1789,12 @@ def handler_verifying_new_password(user):
     # get the next waiting line of input
     input_data = user.input_queue.pop(0)
 
+    if "mudpy.limit" in universe.contents:
+        max_password_tries = universe.contents["mudpy.limit"].get(
+            "password_tries", 3)
+    else:
+        max_password_tries = 3
+
     # hash the input and match it to storage
     if mudpy.password.verify(input_data, user.account.get("passhash")):
         user.authenticate()
@@ -1782,8 +1805,7 @@ def handler_verifying_new_password(user):
 
     # go back to entering the new password as long as you haven't tried
     # too many times
-    elif user.password_tries < universe.contents["mudpy.limit"].get(
-            "password_tries") - 1:
+    elif user.password_tries < max_password_tries - 1:
         user.password_tries += 1
         user.error = "differs"
         user.state = "entering_new_password"
@@ -1821,8 +1843,8 @@ def handler_active(user):
         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]
+        if command_name in universe.groups["command"]:
+            command = universe.groups["command"][command_name]
         else:
             command = None
 
@@ -1832,487 +1854,19 @@ def handler_active(user):
 
         # otherwise, give an error
         elif command_name:
-            command_error(actor, input_data)
+            mudpy.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):
-    """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."
-
-        # let everyone know
-        broadcast(message, add_prompt=False)
-        log(message, 8)
-
-        # set a flag to terminate the world
-        universe.terminate_flag = True
-
-
-def command_reload(actor):
-    """Reload all code modules, configs and data."""
-    if actor.owner:
-
-        # 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
-
-
-def command_quit(actor):
-    """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):
-    """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 = "(no short description provided)"
-            if command.get("administrative"):
-                output = "$(red)"
-            else:
-                output = "$(grn)"
-            output += parameters + "$(nrm) - " + description + "$(eol)$(eol)"
-
-            # add the help text if provided
-            help_text = command.get("help")
-            if not help_text:
-                help_text = "No help is provided for this command."
-            output += help_text
-
-            # list related commands
-            see_also = command.get("see_also")
-            if see_also:
-                really_see_also = ""
-                for item in see_also:
-                    if item in universe.categories["command"]:
-                        command = universe.categories["command"][item]
-                        if actor.can_run(command):
-                            if really_see_also:
-                                really_see_also += ", "
-                            if command.get("administrative"):
-                                really_see_also += "$(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.get("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)
-
-
-def command_move(actor, parameters):
-    """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):
-    """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):
-    """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.contents["mudpy.linguistic"].get(
-            "actions"
-        )
-        default_punctuation = (
-            universe.contents["mudpy.linguistic"].get(
-                "default_punctuation"))
-        action = ""
-
-        # reverse sort punctuation options so the longest match wins
-        for mark in sorted(actions.keys(), reverse=True):
-            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.contents["mudpy.linguistic"].get(
-                "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?")
-
-
-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 = ""
-    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:$(eol)")
-            elements = universe.files[arguments[1]].data.keys()
-            elements.sort()
-            for element in elements:
-                message += "$(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].strip(".") in universe.contents:
-            element = universe.contents[arguments[1].strip(".")]
-            message = ("These are the properties of the \"" + arguments[1]
-                       + "\" element (in \"" + element.origin.filename
-                       + "\"):$(eol)")
-            facets = element.facets()
-            for facet in sorted(facets):
-                if element.old_style:
-                    message += ("$(eol)   $(grn)%s: $(red)%s$(nrm)" %
-                                (facet, escape_macros(element.get(facet))))
-                else:
-                    message += ("$(eol)   $(grn)%s: $(red)%s$(nrm)" %
-                                (facet, str(facets[facet])))
-        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.get("loglevel", 0) <= 9:
-            level = actor.owner.account.get("loglevel", 0)
-        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("")
-        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, old_style=True)
-                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):
-    """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):
-    """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):
-    """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):
-    """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..."
-
-    # 10% of the time use the classic diku error
-    else:
-        message = "Arglebargle, glop-glyf!?!"
-
-    # send the error message
-    actor.send(message)
-
-
 def daemonize(universe):
     """Fork and disassociate from everything."""
 
     # only if this is what we're configured to do
-    if universe.contents["mudpy.process"].get("daemon"):
+    if "mudpy.process" in universe.contents and universe.contents[
+            "mudpy.process"].get("daemon"):
 
         # log before we start forking around, so the terminal gets the message
         log("Disassociating from the controlling terminal.")
@@ -2349,10 +1903,14 @@ def create_pidfile(universe):
     """Write a file containing the current process ID."""
     pid = str(os.getpid())
     log("Process ID: " + pid)
-    file_name = universe.contents["mudpy.process"].get("pidfile")
+    if "mudpy.process" in universe.contents:
+        file_name = universe.contents["mudpy.process"].get("pidfile", "")
+    else:
+        file_name = ""
     if file_name:
         if not os.path.isabs(file_name):
             file_name = os.path.join(universe.startdir, file_name)
+        os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(file_name), exist_ok=True)
         file_descriptor = codecs.open(file_name, "w", "utf-8")
         file_descriptor.write(pid + "\n")
         file_descriptor.flush()
@@ -2361,7 +1919,10 @@ def create_pidfile(universe):
 
 def remove_pidfile(universe):
     """Remove the file containing the current process ID."""
-    file_name = universe.contents["mudpy.process"].get("pidfile")
+    if "mudpy.process" in universe.contents:
+        file_name = universe.contents["mudpy.process"].get("pidfile", "")
+    else:
+        file_name = ""
     if file_name:
         if not os.path.isabs(file_name):
             file_name = os.path.join(universe.startdir, file_name)
@@ -2438,9 +1999,6 @@ def setup():
         log(*logline)
     universe.setup_loglines = []
 
-    # log an initial message
-    log("Started mudpy with command line: " + " ".join(sys.argv))
-
     # fork and disassociate
     daemonize(universe)
 
@@ -2453,6 +2011,17 @@ def setup():
     # make the pidfile
     create_pidfile(universe)
 
+    # load and store diagnostic info
+    universe.versions = mudpy.version.Versions("mudpy")
+
+    # log startup diagnostic messages
+    log("On %s at %s" % (universe.versions.python_version, sys.executable), 1)
+    log("Import path: %s" % ", ".join(sys.path), 1)
+    log("Installed dependencies: %s" % universe.versions.dependencies_text, 1)
+    log("Other python packages: %s" % universe.versions.environment_text, 1)
+    log("Started %s with command line: %s" % (
+        universe.versions.version, " ".join(sys.argv)), 1)
+
     # pass the initialized universe back
     return universe