Demo Video: https://vimeo.com/203513820



Description
Meshnodes is a mod that transforms ordinary minetest nodes into a connected array of replica entities to which players can attach to and manoeuvre.
To use, simply build or place a model using nodes with a supported drawtype then place a meshnode controller in an appropriate position. Now use the special 'glue' that you will find in the controller node's inventory to connect your structure. Alternatively, if you are using worldedit, you can use the position markers to define the extents of your model.
When everything is connected you should return the 'glue' to the controller to enable activation. Once activated, players can then attach themselves to the controller or restore the model back to nodes. Restored models can be easily reconnected using the 'Connect from meta positions' option.
Please note that the 'glue' bottles are unique to a controller's position and are only useable within a limited range.
Supported drawtypes
I have done my best to include support for most of the common nodes that are useful for building ships etc, like fences, xpanes and walls including support for all default stairs and slabs in full 6d rotation. It may or may not work with other decorative nodeboxes/meshnodes, the best way to find out is to simply try it.
Exceptions include flowing liquids, wallmounted nodes, rails or any node with non-generated wield or inventory images. Some drawtypes have only partial support, like 'plantlike' for example.
Construction Advice
Place the controller node in the direction you wish to face when you attach to it and always try to make your models hollow wherever possible.
Controls
[Up] - Forward
[Down] - Reverse
[Left] - Turn Left
[Right] - Turn Right
[Jump] - Up
[Sneak] - Down
[RMB] - Interact
Crafting
By default crafting is enabled in singleplayer mode only and is somewhat expensive.
[default:bronzeblock] [default:diamondblock] [default:bronzeblock]
[default:obsidian_block] [default:steelblock] [default:goldblock]
[default:bronzeblock] [default:steelblock] [default:bronzeblock]
Multiplayer
Take care if you use this mod on a public server, while I have done my best to support basic protection, I am sure this mod could still provide serious potential for grief in the hands of the wrong people.
By default the controller node will only be available via `/give[me]` and requires the 'meshnode' privilege to be effective, however, non-privileged players will still be able to attach to and operate pre-activated models.
Note that you will probably need to increase `max_objects_per_block` to something a little higher than the default 64 to avoid server warnings and broken models. You can set `meshnode_autoconf = true` to automatically increase that limit to 4096 which, in theory, equates to one solid map-block full of meshnodes, though I would not advise testing that on live server.
Know Issues
Active objects sometimes disappear following a re-start/connect. This could be for a number of reasons including /clearobjects or a minetest bug. For this reason you are advised to always 'restore' your model to 'real' nodes before logging out or moving any significant distance away from it.
The player controlling the entity may appear to be connected to the wrong part of the model when viewed by a player that was not present during the initial attachment. Currently the only solution is for the operator to detach then re-attach to the model in the presence of said player.
Minetest Version: 0.4.14 or later.
Depends: default
License Source Code: LGPL v2.1
License Media: CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0)
Download: Version 0.3.0
Browse Code: github
Please report any problems here in this topic or using the github issue tracker.