Invisible Overlays

ID:2306888
 
Oct 19 2017, 4:39 pm
(See the best response by Ter13.)
Code:
obj
    energy_coat
        layer=EFFECTS_LAYER + MOB_LAYER
        alpha=150
        density=0

        New(mob/o)
            if(!o)
                return
            appearance=o.appearance
            icon_state=""
            pixel_x=0
            pixel_y=0
            pixel_z=0
            invisibility=2
            icon-=rgb(255,255,255)
            icon+=SKY_BLUE
            alpha=150
            Owner=o
            o.overlays+=src


Problem description:
Wanted to create an effect where an overlay is invisible at most times during gameplay, however, under special conditions it can be seen by a player. The invisibility var seems to be reset or rendered ineffective when the overlay is added, resulting in the overlay being visible.
Oct 19 2017, 5:05 pm
You should only be adding the overlay when it is needed. Invisibility doesn't work on overlays.
Oct 19 2017, 7:46 pm
Not sure if its worth mentioning too, since you're using a mob as an overlay.

But, it seems if you make any changes to the mob before removing the overlay the same way it was added, it won't work.

I could be wrong though, its been a long time since I tried experimenting with that kind of situation.
Oct 19 2017, 8:45 pm
In response to Ginseng
He's using the mob as a reference for what the overlay should look like.

But, it seems if you make any changes to the mob before removing the overlay the same way it was added, it won't work.

I could be wrong though, its been a long time since I tried experimenting with that kind of situation.

This is true when a reference to a modified overlay/underlay is not kept. A fine point made the OP may want to consider.
Oct 19 2017, 9:14 pm
Ah, so i guess probably images would be my next best shot? @Ter13

I'm not using a mob as an overlay, and I know that overlays are appearances rather than the added datum, so any alteration will cause you to lose the reference to the previous appearance. But thanks for answering :D
@Ginseng
Oct 20 2017, 5:58 am
Best response
@DimensionalRift

512 features a new kind of overlay called vis_contents. It's like an /image that's visible to everyone.

Give it a shot. But again, you should only be adding the overlay when you need it, so given your use-case, you don't need the added overhead of vis_contents.
Oct 21 2017, 10:11 am
I'll look into it regardless, for possible future needs