My fail fated project

[psyny]

Hello!

I've played UltimaOnline for some time until 2009.
Started a customized shard in POL back days... But a nolstagia is hitting me for the last weeks. And like many says: No one ever leave UO.

I've working out a idea to start a heavily customized Ultima Online server...
And i've decided to start looking for some information.

The idea is to create a server based on survival.
I know the idea is overused lately. But mostly by action games... I want something slower and more tactical. So why not UO?

I'm in doubt ( for lack of information ) about the server i should use. Sphere, POL or UOX.
My heart is open here. I dont know wich one is better, and not interested in that, i just want to know who will be better for the project.

Can someone help me out? My considerations are:

1) World Building:
Back in 2003 there was a good world forge tool. This will be essencial now...
Theres still a good tool around? Is it possible to create a world from scratch?
The world will not be large as original Brit, it will more of a small island, more fitted for the possible low population ( if any ).

2) UO Client and server:
What can i do nowdays with POL?
2.1) 2D or 3D?
2.2) Enhanced Client?
2.3) Weather ( simple rain or snow )?
2.4) Considering the use of IRIS, is it possible?

3) Graphics customization:
Besides HUE, is it possible to add new graphics for houses, items, menus?

4) The skill system:
I will probably change it... a lot. Since the server will be based in resource deprivation i cannot use the classic "craft x things" system.
Will POL allow me to change that?

5) Housing system:
Will be something based on "land claiming".
With POL i will be able to let the player "own" a portion of land without the need of placing a house?

6) Any tips or opinions?
Common, shot.

Thanks very much for reading!

[Tomi]

1: There are alot world building tools
For the map itself check here http://www.ryandor.com/forum/
For statics and stuff like that look here http://redmine.aksdb.de/projects/centred
For all other clientside editing look at Fiddler you can find it here on polserver.com forums and this answers your question 3

2: 3D clients dont exist anymore, the support for them was discontinued when EA launched the KR client
2D client is the client all emulators are building their support on
Enchanced client would need ALOT of tweaks and other stuff aswell to have it completely playable
As well as I know Iris is finished somehow but still far from completely playable client

4: All this depends on your scripts, take a look at different scriptsets here as a reference

5: Take a look at UO custom housing ( having a Foundation and allowing players to build their own houses )

[psyny]

Thanks very much!