Latest posts for the topic "04/23/2006 Unreal server outage"

04/23/2006 Unreal server outage

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

Before I begin, sorry kids, this is not an April fools joke Sometime during the night, our co-lo (again) lost a ups battery. This happened just at the wrong moment and smoked the current RPG data on the server. Unfortunately, those changes were also replicated to the backup server. As the Hitchhikers Guide to the galaxy has taught us, DON'T PANIC! We have a full backup of the RPG data from 2/22/06. This will be the base set that we make any changes against. I've been debating how to recover more data all day; however Llachior came up with the best idea. **Updated For the next 15 days (starting tomorrow), we'll multiply the exp gained in a game by 2x, (including medic). Also, I'll guarantee the Flak +5 and RL +5 wont disappear during the next month. (Thanks for the idea Llach) **New Also, for the next 40 days, I've reduced the requirements to attain level 36 by more than half. This means that a lower level character can effectively level up in 4x the time for the next 11 days, and then 2x the time for the followin 29 days. We have a backup of all players level data who were level 36 or higher as of 3/25/06. We will modify the players RPG data to reflect that updated base level. The unreal server will likely be down throughout the end of the day. Shantara and I will be working furiously to integrate the level information we have from the 25th there's some 200+ players to work through, and we do both have day jobs, therefore, we believe it's going to take the remainder of the day integrate that data. Active reserved slot players will have their slots bumped up by one week to compensate for this, as best as we can. If you feel that you are in any way being cheated by this strategy, you are welcome to email administrators@disastrousconsequences.com with what you feel would be honest and fair for your case, and we will do our best to accommodate you. To prevent this in the future, we're going to strengthen the backup strategy to create a copy of the RPG data to an additional backup on a week by week basis, so if the core file gets corrupted we'll still have a more recent backup than a month prior. I suppose the silver lining on all this is that the we're fortunate that no hardware was damaged, and that the backup from the end of Feb was intact. Once again, I'd like to express my sincerest apologies on this, TheDruidXpawX

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

macadamia — GMT

It may have had something to do with the April RPG thing, though I am just guessing since that was the newest thing prior to the corruption. Its gonna take me forever to get from lvl 32 to lvl 34 again. :D Yes, I suck at the moment. haha

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

320 — GMT

Sounds like a suckbag situation, hope you two aren't up all night. :-(

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

macadamia wrote:

It may have had something to do with the April RPG thing, though I am just guessing since that was the newest thing prior to the corruption.

Nope. It's directly related to a UPS battery in the co-location facility going bad at the wrong time and the power to the server going off.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

cplmac — GMT

Thats the 2nd time in a year CSol has fragged a UPS isn't it? Bummer Dru, hope you guys can swing it, sounds like a real fair solution.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

dip42 — GMT

Thats a real bummerr..... O well just gotta spend more time with you guys :-) I geuss we game too hard for it :-P

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

BotFodder — GMT

I can tell you from personal experience that UPS death is mostly unpredictable - except that if you buy all the batteries/UPS at the same time, you'll find that they go in waves. It used to be (like, say, 10 years ago) that, at least with Unix boxen, you didn't want to reboot or shut them down if you didn't have to ... that's when you found out that something was really broken. Particularly with the drives and file systems, a power interruption could mean the death of the box. It's not so much the case now with hardware in general, and it's more rare now to have a file system loss ... things are pretty much more stable through unexpected outages ... except for UPS. I'd say roughly 70% of mine, if they fail a self test, fail very abruptly - the self test causes the attached machine to suffer a power interruption. And even the self tests don't always warn you ... you have a power outage and your UPS (which tested okay a week ago) ends up with a bad battery. So, in short, don't anyone go blaming Dru or Shan for this - they're doing more than we do on the Mud I host. And really, you can't blame the hoster either - UPS are just one of those things that if you're going to have bad luck, that's where you're going to have it. Besides ... my tendonitis was acting up anyway. ;)

Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Silver — GMT

Ah, bummer. Just came back from vacation and tried to go on, but the server was down.. got all worried. Thanks Shan and Dru for your work on this, really appreciated. And the 2x solution - great ;)

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Mach10 — GMT

I like the solution. Appreciate all the hard work you two put in to maintain the server and the hard work you will be putting in to bring it back up. But, I do have an essay I have to finish up, so I won't be dissapointed if the server is down till tommorow. :D

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Spike — GMT

I knew it! The nalimers (nalis with deemers) did it!!! :wink: I'm sorry this happened Dru and Shan, and I truly feel your pain (I deal with this type of issue at work as well).

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

skullcrusher — GMT

Crap happens. You give us this great server to play on. We can hardly complain if something fails. How big is the database? Perhaps we can arrange some offsite Internet backups for you.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

dirty_deeds — GMT

that b cool by me love u 2 kids :D :D :D

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

[KitFox] — GMT

ARG! The X2 idea is good, but Druid, February 22 Through April 3. This is 40 days (and probably gonna be more). Do you think you could give us 40+ days of X2? Not counting that its gonna be impossible for some of us to play as much as in winter. Especially when the project im on ask me to do overtime on weekends :(

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

emetakleze — GMT

No sweat Dru and Shan! It happens, we'll all live, don't go spaztic trying to fix it in a hurry and get yourselves all nerved up and prob sick again.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

[KitFox] — GMT

By the way can we help on something? Parsing data or text files etc? Ill be glad to give it some hours.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

320 wrote:

Sounds like a suckbag situation, hope you two aren't up all night. :-(

I hope so too. Last night was a long night tracking down the idiot who decided to sign up for the forums with some nasty names. If we hadn't been doing that I was literally planning to make an emergency recovery backup last night, but after we were done finding the people responsible for the fun, it was too late to do anything else with the server.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

skullcrusher wrote:

Perhaps we can arrange some offsite Internet backups for you.

There's actually already an offsite backup at our house with the unreal files, the forum database, the web server, all on a secondary server there ready to light up there (with reduced player capacity) if the server in the co-lo ever goes away for any length of time. It just happes that the offsite backup got bad data for that file during it's previous run. This was just an unfortunate series of events... I guess we are called DisastrousConsequences for a reason ;)

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

[KitFox wrote:

]By the way can we help on something? Parsing data or text files etc? Ill be glad to give it some hours.

Thanks for the offer. Due to the somewhat confidential nature of what's contained in the RPG data, I'd like to avoid handing it out freely. If there is any way we can use help though, I'll put out the word here. Thanks for all the support. Dru

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Therp — GMT

Little question, but if I'm getting this correctly... anyone below level 36 that started past that date is going to have to start over again?

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

[KitFox] — GMT

Ok then. Thanks for your work Druid and Shan! You are very good people! And im not gonna ask you anything, you have enough already.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

Therp wrote:

Little question, but if I'm getting this correctly... anyone below level 36 that started past that date is going to have to start over again?

Therp, anyone that was less than level 36 on Mar 25 will have no stats. That is why we are doing the double xp. It should get you back to level 36 in no time; however if you feel like you have been short changed by this deal in some way, you may send an email to unreal@disastrousconsequences.com and we will do our best to accommodate you individual concerns.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

[KitFox wrote:

]Ok then. Thanks for your work Druid and Shan! You are very good people! And im not gonna ask you anything, you have enough already.

Thanks again for the support. Dru

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Fro13 — GMT

Dru and shan, your're the best. Have some ~o) and relax. Hopefully it doesn't take too much of your guy's time, good luck. All hail dru and shanty ......:twisted:..>:) ..... ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^

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(DC)DEMONSLAYER — GMT

Dru and Shan, no problem :D :D :D :D I just got up to level 39 last nite and don't even remember where I was when you made your backup. Keep up the good work and if I can help in any way with my limited skills, let me know. At least, it's software and not hardware...............Take your time cause everyone will survive without their nightly fix of invasion on DC.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

deidog — GMT

Sorry to hear about the trouble. I must say I feel somewhat guilty. You see I have a couple days off work an dhad planned to get in some extra play time and levels during that time. As Murphies Law would have it sure enough this all happened. A small part of my soul tells me if I was at work the server would be fine! But all aside, that sounds like a very fair solution to me and I just wanted to pop in and say thankyou for all the hard work you do on this server.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Therp — GMT

Yeah, without you two, we wouldn't even have this server, or this community..

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Bald_Yew — GMT

Thanks for the time admins!! I have been having tons-o- fun on your server!! I don't know if the restored backup will save me or not, but if not...meh...no biggie. I had so much fun getting where I am I will rellish working my way back up!

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

solver7 — GMT

:shock: Dru & Shan, Hope you don't lose sleep over this! There are so many people in most of the world that don't even have internet, let alone a cool rpg server to play on! I'm just grateful you good folks do what you do and allow us to take part. It is funny that the DC name turned out to be prophetic! But, alas, it is a game and using my criteria for disaster assessment: (no one dead, non one bleeding), it's all good. I trust you'll do your best just as all the players will to pick up the pieces... Peace solver

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

zendar — GMT

Drat lol i just hit lvl 49 and i will probly half to start over from scrach LOL oh well stuff happens :)

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

320 — GMT

zendar wrote:

Drat lol i just hit lvl 49 and i will probly half to start over from scrach LOL oh well stuff happens :)

Have no fear! Druid wrote:

We have a backup of all players level data who were level 36 or higher as of 3/25/06. We will modify the players RPG data to reflect that updated base level.

Everybody be cool. Be cool like Fonzie. With the double exp, even if you have to start from scratch it takes about 5 - 10 hours to level to 20 (even for newbies), so with this double exp thing, we are all gonna get some sweet cheddar out of this. Mmm... cheddar... Also, I want to help out so to make it easier, my LA char was at uh... level 187 and my LW char was two levels below Diry_Deeds. I think like 584. No, probably 752. Yeah, that's it. I'm sure of it. :wink:

Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

FRAGaLOT — GMT

TheDruidXpawX wrote:

Before I begin, sorry kids, this is not an April fools joke We have a backup of all players level data who were level 36 or higher as of 3/25/06. We will modify the players RPG data to reflect that updated base level.

Level 36? Oh no.. I don't even know what level I'm currently at right now, but I think I'm at least 35. Did I get lost in the shuffle? I've been working on that character for a year now. :/

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TheElectrician — GMT

I'd just like to echo some of the previous comments and say that it's no biggie. A big thanks to Dru and Shan for providing a fun and friendly server for us Unreal junkies to game on. :) Keep up the good work and don't stress yourselves out over this.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

FRAGaLOT — GMT

Since the servers are dead I can't even see what my level is right now. But 2x XP is going to be fun... just hope we stay off the onsalut maps.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Cazius — GMT

The weekly backup thing is a good idea. Automated daily backups might be even better, although file size or constant data updates might restrict that idea. If its a text file, compression can take it to a very small fraction of its original size. I've seen Winzip work miracles on text files and I'm sure bzip2 can do the same. I think I might look into if a good copy of the database can be made while the rpg is running. I've made good read-only copies of an open file in Windows but I'm not sure how Linux handles file locking. I recommend that every individual backup be named after the date of the backup. That way none of them can be automatically overwritten with a bad file. Although I wouldn't be suprised if you guys are already doing this. Keep up the good work.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

Cazius wrote:

Automated daily backups might be even better

The server actually backed up daily to an offsite location (namely our house) This was an unfortunate incident where the backup also got munged, hence, we'll be adding a weekly copy of RPG data to the daily backups, and we'll keep each week by week backup around until it makes sense to delete it.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

FRAGaLOT wrote:

Level 36? Oh no.. I don't even know what level I'm currently at right now, but I think I'm at least 35. Did I get lost in the shuffle? I've been working on that character for a year now.

You're covered. I just edited your character.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

I've updated the top post for this thread, but I thought I'd post it again here for those of you whom may not see it otherwise:

Me wrote:

**Updated For the next 15 days (Starting tomorrow), we'll multiply the exp gained in a game by 2x, (including medic). Also, I'll guarantee the Flak +5 and RL +5 wont disappear during the next month. (Thanks for the idea Llach) **New Also, for the next 40 days (and 40 nights, har har. That one never gets old), I've reduced the requirements to attain level 36 by more than half.

The reason for this is that all the high level players have lost exactly 11 days worth of xp, while the lower levels have potentially lost more. Because a new character will now gain xp at essentially 4 times the normal rate for the next 15 days, it's an ideal time to start up that character you've been wanting to build ;) ;) Oh, PS: This 15 day double xp thing is not going to take place for vehicle invasion maps... I'm afraid of what some might do with that power... :P

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

zendar — GMT

actly 320 i gained about 20 lvl's in the last two to 3 weeks LOL if not more then 20. i don't even think for sure that i had the medic back in march LOL. i might of not sure though but like i said oh well stuff happens so if he isn't made i will remake him lol but i did lose my adrin char no big deal becase i didn't play him much LOL :)

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Grizzled_Imposter — GMT

Im in the same boat Zender, but honestly, It will be fun to do again. It has been so great to find such a good place to play with cool people and Admins and all that I am more than happy with the consequencee.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

zendar wrote:

actly 320 i gained about 20 lvl's in the last two to 3 weeks LOL if not more then 20. i don't even think for sure that i had the medic back in march LOL. i might of not sure though but like i said oh well stuff happens so if he isn't made i will remake him lol but i did lose my adrin char no big deal becase i didn't play him much LOL :)

I checked the file just now and all 3 of your characters exist.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

Grizzled_Imposter wrote:

Im in the same boat Zender, but honestly, It will be fun to do again. It has been so great to find such a good place to play with cool people and Admins and all that I am more than happy with the consequencee.

Your characters are safe ;)

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Shadow-X — GMT

Dru, You say that the exp will not double on onslaught maps.Here is a Idea how about we turn them maps off for 15 or 40 days what ever it is so we can get are level players back up and running and we don't have someone come in there and vote for onslaught and have a big fight.B/c we don't get double exp if you know what i mean.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

Good news, we've got one part of 3 down. The UT2004RPG data is now, to the best of our ability, restored. I'm now working on on the reserved slots updated since Feb Shan is adjusting the banned players list. Please stay tuned. Dru

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SubieDude — GMT

I was just wondering, I leveled up last night to 45 and I am going to have to start back at 36. I know this is out of your guys hands, but It took me over a yr to get to 45 so I could get the loaded weapons. This is because of the old way you had to get it. I understand if there is no other way except to just build it back up. You guys do a lot for the game and all, and I just want to say thankx.

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ck — GMT

SubieDude wrote:

I was just wondering, I leveled up last night to 45 and I am going to have to start back at 36. I know this is out of your guys hands, but It took me over a yr to get to 45 so I could get the loaded weapons. This is because of the old way you had to get it. I understand if there is no other way except to just build it back up. You guys do a lot for the game and all, and I just want to say thankx.

from what i understand, the data for ppl over lvl 36 is recorded, meaning if you had a lvl 44 character 10 days ago you will get a lvl 44 char tomorrow. and if you had a lvl 36 10 days ago, well you should be back to 45 in a few days. wouldn't be nice if level 300 players were reset to 36 right? : ) good luck to the admins btw, thanks for the time/effort

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

SubieDude wrote:

I was just wondering, I leveled up last night to 45 and I am going to have to

Your character is just fine. I just checked ;) I also checked on RockGoddess and she's fine too. Dru

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

We're back.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

Medic's aren't getting double xp yet. I'll look at fixing it in the morning.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Shadow-X — GMT

Dru, can you please fix my char Shadow-X he was a level 43 LW and now he is a level 38 -=*( thanks

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deaths_lil_hlpr — GMT

First thanks for all your work and I feel for you one computer person to another. Next, when I log on, I log on as a imposter, so I'm not really sure why that's happening. Sorry to bother you while your busy but just hoping it's an easy fix. Thanks Dru!

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Pyramidion — GMT

Well this stuff happens, I'm just sorry you both had to fix this on your own... We all appreciate the hard work you two put into this server and its community! From playing two waves this morning I can say that the double XP will bring levels back to the way they were pretty quickly. Thanks again for all the time and effort you both put in, especially in the past week through the april fools mod and this problem, you guys are great!

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Spike — GMT

Dru and Shan: thanks a ton for being such caring people and building this community (not just an awesome server). You guys have gone well above and beyond most everyone's expectations. ^:)^ >:D< 8) (*) (well, the "hugs" smiley doesn't seem to work - but *hugs* anyways)

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deaths_lil_hlpr — GMT

Well Bottfodder no to all the above I did send an e-mail but then I read the forums and realized that maybe it had been because of this that I had the problem. So, I posted it here as well. Last month I did have this problem because I got a new CD Druid worked it out for me (thank you) and all was good, I figured it just needed to be worked out again. :) Anyway it's great getting xp four times as fast!

Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Silver — GMT

Did I understand this right? All lvl 36- won't exist anymore?

Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

crispycritters — GMT

Silver wrote:

Did I understand this right? All lvl 36- won't exist anymore?

I think if you had level 36 on 3/25 you go back to what you were on that date; if you were less than that, you get sent back to your 2/22 level. thus the only people who are going to come out "less than even" in the long run are those who gained tens of levels between 2/22 and 3/25, those people who don't plan to play for the next month or so (and will miss on the xp) and could imagine non-english speakers being a bit confused...

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BotFodder — GMT

deaths_lil_hlpr wrote:

Last month I did have this problem because I got a new CD Druid worked it out for me (thank you) and all was good, I figured it just needed to be worked out again. :)

Ah then it's likely the same thing ... they have your old CD key in place and just need to update it ... Working in Tech Support the way I do I understand that, when you need assistance that only a particular entity (read: Dru or Shan) can provide, then the best way to request that assistance is through a single, consistent avenue ... and even within this thread, to a large extent, Dru has indicated that it needs to be at the server email address. Sorry if I come off a bit strong on this issue - but it drives me nuts at work when people contact me in the less than ideal way for support, as they attempt to "avoid the queue". Asking your question to the Forums and not emailing, if your fairly certain that only Dru and Shan can fix it, makes it harder for them to track what needs to be done (and they're less likely to get the request in a timely manner). But you said you emailed, so you should be good to go when they get a chance to rectify the problem.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Shadow-X — GMT

I want to Apoligize for the forum post up top.It was about 4 in the morning where i was and i was dead beat tired.I have read what bot put too and its no big deal.once again sorry.An once again great job putting the server back up.

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Grizzled_Imposter — GMT

DRUID & SHANTARA: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! P.S. if you see this, yes I have an account, forgot to say so in my e-mail, My memory is the worst.....

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FRAGaLOT — GMT

phew! I didn't reaize I was well past lvl 50.. teehee.. I've been out of it for a while.. some new wepon types I've not heard of before. Yay!!! thanks drew for editing my char.. though I dunno what you did. /shrug BTW the join dates I'm seeing in these forums for users on here seem WAY off. Like im sure I joined this forum back when I started about a year ago, not seven months from now.... LOL! Anything to do with the server crash this past week?

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Boingo_Babe — GMT

FRAGaLOT wrote:

BTW the join dates I'm seeing in these forums for users on here seem WAY off. Like im sure I joined this forum back when I started about a year ago, not seven months from now.... LOL! Anything to do with the server crash this past week?

They've always been messed up. B_B

Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

macadamia — GMT

Silver wrote:

Did I understand this right? All lvl 36- won't exist anymore?

Not entirely true, as is evident with the fact that my character is still around. I was like lvl 34 when everything got lost, and right now my character is just at lvl 30. So basically, mine wasn't completely lost so I think that if you were below lvl 36 that there is a good chance that your character is still around.

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Shantara — GMT

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and support. Y'all are great! I feel like I have an extended cyber-family. :-D Thanks for being so understanding and sweet.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Shadow-X — GMT

With out yall 2 we wouldn't have this great server to play on where just thanking you for the great work yall have put into it -=]

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[GO]staticx — GMT

Shadow-X wrote:

With out yall 2 we wouldn't have this great server to play on where just thanking you for the great work yall have put into it -=]

Yes, all is appreciated!!

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Chyster — GMT

Man, as usual, I go out of town for two days and all heck breaks loose. Sorry for the trouble, haven't been in game to look at my characters and don't care to bother you if they aren't right. It wouldn't hurt my feelings one bit if I had to start all over again. I am not here for my character or braggin rights. Besides, the time would be better spent hooking up the others. If I could help, give a shout. Chys

Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Silver — GMT

I had lvl 32 medic, now im back to lvl 5 :cry: but i guess with the new 2x for medics, ill gain a lil faster.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Shadow-Yoda — GMT

I had a 22-23 medic, I got bumped back and had to restart, after 2 maps I had lvl 20, 2 maps after that I had 23. It is rather easy to level up to 36 right now.

Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Silver — GMT

Wow the solution is great! Up to like lvl 20 you only need 100 xp to lvl, then gains by 100 each, not bad! Thanks admins! :) If I get lvl 36, I will be safe from any other hardware failures?

Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

Silver wrote:

Wow the solution is great! Up to like lvl 20 you only need 100 xp to lvl, then gains by 100 each, not bad! Thanks admins! :) If I get lvl 36, I will be safe from any other hardware failures?

I've done my reasonable best to protect it in the future. The server has 2 drives running in mirrored raid. Either drive can fail without the server going down. Every night at 4am the entire server is backed up to the secondary server at another physical location. This isn't a new process, but unfortunately didn't protect us this time. On the backup server at 7am every morning the UT2004RPG and UT2004 ini's are copied to a compressed backup that we will keep for a reasonable period. This should both keep us covered from a file corruption perspective, and also from the possibility of the entire original server's filesystem becoming damaged and replicating to the backup.

Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

Silver wrote:

If I get lvl 36, I will be safe from any other hardware failures?

So I guess what I'm saying is that you're probably more safe than you are with data on your own computer. There's all sorts of things I could do. I could every morning wake up and burn a new cd ofthe RPG data, and then ship it to an offsite backup center. I could have multiple offsite backups. Just so you know, the currect server is using 39GB of storage on the primary server. The backup server does have a single full copy of this that's stored every night. I dont keep multiple backups of that, and due to the bulk, I dont really want to either. I could buy a 40gb drive every week and keep a new backup of the server week by week. Then I could fedex that drive to an offsite backup center. There's all manner of things that can be done to protect data. I believe based on time and expense that this is the best option, and fairly risk free.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

BotFodder — GMT

Yeah Dru - get on that! Seriously, I think all I expect is that you have multiple copies per week of the RPG data - you don't need more copies of the file system than that which makes *you* comfortable. I don't know how many files the RPG data is (I thought it was only one) or how big the file itself is (but it should compress nicely if it is the one I think it is). So the situation you originally described (everything being replicated to a second box, and then the RPG data being copied and compressed elsewhere for archival purposes) is good enough. Worst case you have to rebuild the box - the important thing to us is our character stats! You got a good copy of that that's a couple of days old (pref. no more than a week) and I'm good to go.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

skullcrusher — GMT

It was not my intention to question your backup procedures when I mentioned online backups. I wanted to offer extra storage for some automated backups if needed. The offer still stands.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

l0neSalior — GMT

thanks to both Dru and Shan for all of the hard work, we all appreciate it.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

I would like to thank numerous people both in this post, in emails, and on IM's for offering to backup the data to multiple offsite locations. Due to the somewhat sensitive nature of having the CD key hash of every player who has ever played here, I'm sure you'll understand my reluctance to hand this information out. We are now in a situation where a full scale crash and deletion of data from no fewer than 4 physical devices would be required to instigate a full loss of data. Once again, the only substantial difference between now and before was that a bad file was replicated from the primary server to the secondary. Now we're keeping daily backups until we feel the need to cut some down to conserve space. They occupy about 150k compressed, so I don't think that'll be anytime soon.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

skullcrusher — GMT

TheDruidXpawX wrote:

Due to the somewhat sensitive nature of having the CD key hash of every player who has ever played here, I'm sure you'll understand my reluctance to hand this information out.

Encrypted backups are your answer: Code:

gpg -r "user" -o - -e mybackup.tar.bz | \
    ssh user[at]example.com "dd of=mybackup.tar.bz.en"

The result is a file, on the remote host, called mybackup.tar.bz.en that has been encrypted using your public key. Only your private key can reveal its secrets. See my blog entry on encryption.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

skullcrusher wrote:

gpg -r "user" -o - -e mybackup.tar.bz

It's a good option all in all. I'll think some more on it.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

BotFodder — GMT

As this is always asked about in game, unless Dru indicates otherwise, my calculations show: Tues, Apr 18, will be the last full day of Double XP. Sat, May 13, will be the last full day of the reduced leveling requirements. These are calculations based on the date of the first post. Some of them may be grossly off, depending on what dates Dru was referencing when he put everything together. Dru: a lot of folk are wondering when this gift you've given us will cease. If my estimates are off, please do not hesitate to {toast the post|respond with corrections}. Thanks to both you and Shan for working hard and donating your time to keep us playing. :)

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

FodderFigure — GMT

BotFodder wrote:

Sat, May 13, will be the last full day of the reduced leveling requirements.

You might mean Sat, May 15

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

BotFodder — GMT

I thought you might be right, but I'm looking at my "May 2006" calendar in Outlook right now, and Saturday is the 13th. I don't know what year you're looking at. And no, I don't mean April 15th. Dru said "40 days" for the reduced leveling requirements.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

FodderFigure — GMT

BotFodder wrote:

I thought you might be right, but I'm looking at my "May 2006" calendar in Outlook right now, and Saturday is the 13th. I don't know what year you're looking at. And no, I don't mean April 15th. Dru said "40 days" for the reduced leveling requirements.

I was looking at April. :oops:

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

The Fodders go head to head. Film at 11.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Shadow-Yoda — GMT

TheDruidXpawX wrote:

The Fodders go head to head. Film at 11.

This is even better that Tyson vs Holyfield

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

FodderFigure — GMT

Shadow-Yoda wrote:

This is even better that Tyson vs Holyfield

TheDruidXpawX wrote:

The Fodders go head to head. Film at 11.

No ear biting OR hair pulling.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

BotFodder — GMT

FodderFigure wrote:

No ear biting OR hair pulling.

It's funny you should say that ... I have an indentation on the edge of one of my ears that I'm not sure what it's from ... could be a bite! And as far hair pulling ... you're welcome to try. ;)

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Milk_Kartn_Celeb — GMT

Dang, I come back after another break and I thought that I was actually doing good :[ Oh well, I guess I'll just have to take advantage of the double xp while it lasts :]

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Mach10 — GMT

TheDruidXpawX wrote:

Double xp ends tonight when I head to sleep. Frag em while you got em.

Wasn't it for 15 days starting April 4th? Regardless, I've enjoyed the Double XP quite a bit.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

BotFodder — GMT

I think he's been more than generous. Let's review my situation as a case study: Code:

Before Crash     Just after crash     As of tonight
BotFodder:  92        ~86               99
BotDoctor:  25        0(5)              33
BotBooster: 0!        0!                28

The differences in BotFodder and BotDoctor, had there not been a crash? BF might actually be up a level. BD would be down a level or two at least - I wasn't playing him near as much as I played BF. And BB probably still wouldn't exist ... It will be interesting to see how the "level"/"total XP"/"Stat Points" all work out. I've heard theories that those of us benefitting from lowered XP requirements will loose levels and/or stat points. But as far as I can tell from Dru's message, only the Double XP is going away ... he's apparently keeping the relaxed requirements for lower level leveling for the time being.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

[KitFox] — GMT

Its all good. And those days have been very cool. Thanks a lot Druid. Altough, its gonna be hand now to adjust to the old XP system hehe.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

TheDruidXpawX — GMT

I had 10 days in my head for some reason. I'll continue it for 15 days from the 4th just like the post said. It's not going away tonight. Dru

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

BotFodder — GMT

TheDruidXpawX wrote:

I had 10 days in my head for some reason. I'll continue it for 15 days from the 4th just like the post said. It's not going away tonight.

Aw man, my poor hand:!: I swear along with the tendonitis sneaking about I'm going to give myself carpal tunnel. :P (I was planning on taking a break for a day or two when the double XP ended)

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

FodderFigure — GMT

BotFodder wrote:

I swear along with the tendonitis sneaking about I'm going to give myself carpal tunnel.

Same here, my poor fingers.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Spike — GMT

That means I'll be able to maybe jump one more level (I can only play very few days a month) I did catch up to my pre-crash level (only went down one level to 65) and even managed to gain one (or two at the most - don't recall). It was enjoyable - thanks Dru!

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

(DC)DEMONSLAYER — GMT

BotFodder wrote:

TheDruidXpawX wrote:

I had 10 days in my head for some reason. I'll continue it for 15 days from the 4th just like the post said. It's not going away tonight.
Aw man, my poor hand:!: I swear along with the tendonitis sneaking about I'm going to give myself carpal tunnel. :P (I was planning on taking a break for a day or two when the double XP ended)

such a challenge to overcome adversity--both medical and mental (hehe)

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

BotFodder — GMT

TheDruidXpawX wrote:

I had 10 days in my head for some reason. I'll continue it for 15 days from the 4th just like the post said. It's not going away tonight.

At the risk of being ostracized by my fellow players, or maybe even hunted down and killed ... Depending on how you calculate it, that should have been either the 18th or the 19th. It is now the 23rd. Um, Dru ... how much longer are the Double XP and the reduced leveling requirements going to last now? I know you've probably been busy ... but I think a lot of people are getting used to the current situation. Speaking for myself, it's going to be really hard to go cold turkey. And on the off chance it's all slipped your mind, some sacrificial lamb must step up and remind you ... so ... "Ba-a-a-a ... "

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Spacey — GMT

BotFodder wrote:

TheDruidXpawX wrote:

I had 10 days in my head for some reason. I'll continue it for 15 days from the 4th just like the post said. It's not going away tonight.
At the risk of being ostracized by my fellow players, or maybe even hunted down and killed ... Depending on how you calculate it, that should have been either the 18th or the 19th. It is now the 23rd. Um, Dru ... how much longer are the Double XP and the reduced leveling requirements going to last now? I know you've probably been busy ... but I think a lot of people are getting used to the current situation. Speaking for myself, it's going to be really hard to go cold turkey. And on the off chance it's all slipped your mind, some sacrificial lamb must step up and remind you ... so ... "Ba-a-a-a ... "

No definitive proof (no kill a nali and see what my XP increase was, etc.), but my scores (both F1 and XP) are down, so he may have already have un-doubled them. I did, however, PM him asking that he post a followup message to this thread, so I could be wrong.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

BotFodder — GMT

Spacey wrote:

No definitive proof (no kill a nali and see what my XP increase was, etc.), but my scores (both F1 and XP) are down, so he may have already have un-doubled them. I did, however, PM him asking that he post a followup message to this thread, so I could be wrong.

I think the first great sign would be: Are you still getting "Double Kill!" when you kill a single Titan?

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

Spacey — GMT

BotFodder wrote:

Spacey wrote:

No definitive proof (no kill a nali and see what my XP increase was, etc.), but my scores (both F1 and XP) are down, so he may have already have un-doubled them. I did, however, PM him asking that he post a followup message to this thread, so I could be wrong.
I think the first great sign would be: Are you still getting "Double Kill!" when you kill a single Titan?

Nowhere near as frequently. The few times I have, I have killed another titan or group of bugs just recently enough that I could have attributed it to the traditional multiple-kill chaining. And this is even when I am starting on a titan which has just appeared and killing it in just a few seconds with some major damage all by myself. Of course, it could be that the titans are teleporting and could be partially damaged already...no clue as to that as I do not have awareness.

Re:Unreal server outage throughout April 3 -- RPG Data corrupted. PLEASE READ!

kyraeu — GMT

I think he's turned off the double XP, but not un-halved the requirements for invasionspree. Feel free to disagree.