[Arkryal]

ok, fork is the wrong word. They are emphasizing the 3D view, which is a complete departure from the official client. Yes, they have a 2D option, but that is not what the bulk of their resources are going into. I also understand why many here would have nothing to do with such a project, due to the legal liabilities you mention. RunUO is more a facsimile of the UO server function than a true emulation of it, which I'm sure is why it hasn't been shut down by EA's legal teams. The methods it implements take a different approach to similar or identical effect. Legally, software patents are dodged easily by this approach. With a client on the other hand, it's not an issue of software patents (which should be expiring in mass this year). It's a problem with trademarks which have no expiration as long as their owner shows a revenue stream from them at any point in the last 50 years. That means renaming everything, removing logos etc. Then the issue of copyright that may exist on the art, music, sounds (most of which were licensed for the game but owned by another company) etc...

So it's understandable why such a project isn't being taken up. Iris is a great alternative (though is still lacking in support at the moment).

What I would propose is basically eliminating mul files as art and sound libraries, instead placing the associated content in a directory structure that can be easily accessed and changed. A simple client could then be written to draw the screen by pulling the needed files from said directories and handling them based on modifiable scripts which could allow for lighting effects, advanced animation etc. However I absolutely lack the ability in C# which is of course preferred here by the majority. C++ is more viable for such a project, but the handful of people here with the required proficiency in it probably have better things to do with their time and would not assume the associated liability. VB.net is another option that's easily accessible to most people, I find C# has more in common with VB than C++ from an implementation standpoint, just differing syntax. That would also allow ports through MS silverlight for web based game play as long as graphics and sounds were downloaded first. Think iPod, xBox and wii(GCHB). Possible with c# too, or any .net implemented language, but beyond my abilities. There is much to be said for reverse engineering the client, and I maintain it is the next logical step in the progression of UO emulation, but as you point out, this community is not prepared or intended for that, I know that so I'll drop the topic.