Difference between InMyArea() and Exists()?

chimeric

Is there?

jastey

Both give true if the creature exists in the same/current area.
But: You can't use "InMyArea()" in an area script.

chimeric

That makes sense. Thanks, jastey.

jastey

I just learned that InMyArea() works in area scripts, too (have a look at AR0700.bcs), so I don't know what the difference is.

Balquo

Be careful when using Exists() with PCs. They exist whether or not they are in the same area.

jastey

Are you sure? In IESDP, it says for Exists():

Returns true only if the specified object exists in the current area (note that dead creatures can still be counted as existing).

Balquo

For any regular NPC yes. But for the PC ones such as Minsc, Imoen, etc

jastey

You mean non-joinable (non-global) characters will only be counted in the current area, but for global NPCs Exists() gives true if the NPC exists in another area?

Balquo

Yes

jastey

That's very interesting, thank you!

Balquo

Throw this into the bottom of ar2600.bcs (candlekeep) and you'll see.

IF
	Exists("minsc")
THEN
	RESPONSE #100
		DisplayStringHead(Player1,100)
END

chimeric

Yes, he's right. I just checked it. It's also potentially a problem, because that creature is going to show up as existing even if you kill it. And it's not necessarily one of the joinable NPC that are easy to keep track of. If you just want to teleport a basic NPC to another area, you have to make him global, and then if he dies in the plot, well...