Removing "Placeatme Objects"

REMOVABLE PlaceAtMe OBJECTS by Guidobot

This is to overcome the issues removing items placed in the game in 3D. The Disable method removes these objects while the player is not in the same Cell but they are saved (and reloaded) when the player moves back, even though you wouldn't know.

In the first example it is assumed that your placer item is just that, i.e. just there to be used as a marker for targetting or such.

Example #1: effect in external script (not on PlaceAtMe object)

; creation
set placerRef to player.PlaceAtMe MyPlacer 1 50 0
; ...
; destruction
placerRef.Activate player
placerRef.RemoveMe         ; safe only for un-scripted items

If you do Activate followed directly by RemoveMe it will work but any attached script will not be transferred. As stated on the CS Wiki you should ensure a frame click happens. In fact this is not appear to be actually necessary - you can achieve the same effect by having another script do the RemoveMe for you - it's just that the current script has to return.

In the following examples the same effect will work for scripted objects.

Example #2: effect split between the creator and target object.

scn MyPlacerScript

Begin GameMode

if GetContainer
  RemoveMe
endif

End

To use/destroy the object:

; creation
set placerRef to player.PlaceAtMe MyPlacer 1 50 0
; ...
; destruction
placerRef.Activate player

You can also get more imaginative but you may have some extra timing issues.

Example #3: effect on a scripted item (triggered by Disable)

short stage

Begin GameMode

if GetDisabled
  if stage == 0
    Activate player
    set stage to 1
  else
    RemoveMe
  endif
endif

End

Something like this may be useful for those that already have lots of PlaceAtMe objects. Since to use/destroy these objects:

; creation
set placerRef to player.PlaceAtMe 1 50 0
; ...
; destruction
placerRef.Disable

With all these examples you are well advised to experiment to see what works for you. It's possible that longer scripts may need some extra work, especially if you are using stackable items.

Destroying Summoned Creatures

If you employ PlaceAtMe to create a 'summoned' creature (object) then you'll have to accept that this object cannot be destroyed. If you want it to vanish (on death or after a time-out) you can only use Disable (and Kill) to make it disappear. The dead critter object will eventually be deleted like normal dead actors after ~3 game days.

Normally this isn't a problem. However, if you need to totally destroy the critters (e.g. because you use a pack of them) then the correct way to do this is not use the PlaceAtMe method at all. Instead you have two options:

1) For a single creature (or small number of creatures) use a hidden location and teleport them to the player and back again as needed. (You may also have to manage their health, etc., if they end up in combat.)

2) Otherwise:

a) copy/create the base actor model that you wish to employ and/or a persistant reference copy in a hidden room.

b) set critterRef to MyCritter.CreateFullActorCopy

c) critterRef.MoveTo player 50 50 0 (if necessary - may require next frame)

d) critterRef.DeleteFullActorCopy (when done)