Spawn Lasers Nearby

ID:1737910
 
Dec 12 2014, 7:33 pm
(See the best response by Nadrew.)
Code:
obj/props/laserbutton
    icon='props.dmi'
    icon_state="laserbutton"
    density=1
    name= "Laser Control Panel"
    verb/Use()
        set src in oview(1)
        set hidden = 1
        view(6)<<"<font color=purple><b><small>[usr] has activated the laser system."
        LaserSpawn()


Problem description: Basically, I'm trying to make it so when players activate a switch, lasers will spawn in the nearby area, so when a hostile player crosses it they're vaporized instantly.

obj/proc/LaserSpawn()
    switch(type)
        if(/area/laser)
            spawn(5) new/obj/props/lasers


I just can't figure out how to get the lasers to spawn in the areas within view in front the lazer button. The area has been placed infront of said switch.

Dec 13 2014, 3:48 am
You can check the area that a turf is in by getting its loc.
Dec 13 2014, 9:12 am
in laserspawn() you need to use get_step() or view()/oview()(or range()/orange()) to check for the /area/laser/ type and spawn the obj at that location.

Dec 13 2014, 10:33 am
Best response
You can use locate().

obj/proc/LaserSpawn()
   var/area/laser/found_area = locate() in view(src)
   if(found_area)
       for(var/turf/T in found_area)
           if(prob(50)) new/obj/props/lasers(T)


That will randomly place lasers within the area, you'd probably be using an area bigger than one tile so I added a little 50% chance of the laser spawn, you can of course change this to do it how you want it done.
Dec 13 2014, 12:58 pm
In response to Nadrew
I had assumed that he was trying to essentially have the laser spawn inside a set area in a line infront of a switch/button obj.

You did just give me an interesting idea for a 'laser show' obj, lol.
Dec 13 2014, 2:35 pm (Edited on Dec 13 2014, 3:55 pm)
In response to NNAAAAHH
Yes, this is what I'm trying to do.

Edit: Either way, the laser stuff works now. Thanks Nadrew!