Admin: Add chat window screenshot

2026-10-26T21:43:35Z

Add chat window screenshot

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:43, 26 October 2026
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	== The chat window ==		== The chat window ==
			[[File:Global_Chat_Window.png\|thumb\|right\|400px\|The Global Chat window, with the chat log on top and the message box below.]]
	Global Chat opens as two windows, one on top of the other:		Global Chat opens as two windows, one on top of the other:
	* The '''chat log''' (top), which shows messages and the chat buttons.		* The '''chat log''' (top), which shows messages and the chat buttons.

Admin: Create player guide for Global Chat

2026-10-26T21:27:49Z

Create player guide for Global Chat

New page

'''Global Chat''' is New Bradford's shard-wide chat. Anything you post can be read by every player who has the chat window open, wherever they are in the world. It replaces the standard Ultima Online chat, so the '''Chat''' button on your menu bar opens Global Chat.

This page explains how to open the chat, send messages, mute players you don't want to hear from, and change your notification settings.

== Before you start ==
You need a '''unique character name''' to use Global Chat. If your character still needs a name, or has to be renamed, the chat won't open and you'll see:

: ''You must choose a unique character name before using global chat.''

You'll then be asked to pick a name. Once that's done, the chat works normally.

== Opening and closing the chat ==
The chat opens '''automatically''' shortly after you log in. You can also open it yourself:

{| class="wikitable"
! Method !! What it does
|-
| '''Chat''' button on the menu bar || Opens Global Chat. Click it again to close it.
|-
| <code>[GlobalChat</code> command || Opens (or reopens) Global Chat. Type it in your normal speech line. Capital letters don't matter, so <code>[globalchat</code> works too.
|}

The command takes no extra options.

To '''close''' the chat, '''right-click''' either chat window. The two chat windows open and close together, so closing one closes both. A reminder at the top of the chat window says: ''Right-click to close. Type [globalchat to re-open''.

== The chat window ==
Global Chat opens as two windows, one on top of the other:
* The '''chat log''' (top), which shows messages and the chat buttons.
* The '''message box''' (bottom), where you type.

=== Header and buttons ===
The top of the chat log shows the title '''Global Chat''' and these buttons:

{| class="wikitable"
! Button !! What it does
|-
| '''Notifications''' || Opens your notification settings (see [[#Notification settings|Notification settings]]).
|-
| '''Mute''' || Choose an online player to mute (see [[#Muting players|Muting players]]).
|-
| '''Un-Mute''' || See everyone you've muted and unmute them (see [[#Unmuting players|Unmuting players]]).
|}

Staff also see an '''Admin''' button. Regular players don't.

=== Reading messages ===
* The '''newest messages are at the top'''. Scroll down for older ones (the mouse wheel works).
* Each line shows the '''time''' (24-hour, server time), the '''speaker's name''', and the message, like this: <code>14:05 Aldric: Anyone heading to the mines?</code>
* The log scrolls back through about the '''last 40 messages''' you're able to see.
* If nobody has said anything yet, you'll see ''(no messages yet)''.
* The log updates '''live''' as people post. Anything you're typing in the message box is kept while it updates.

=== Mentions ===
If someone types '''your character's name''' in a message:
* Your name is '''highlighted in orange''' in that message.
* You hear a '''whistle''' that only you can hear, so you know someone is talking to you.

It has to be your whole name as a separate word. For example, if your name is "Ann", the word "Annie" won't count. Capital letters don't matter.

=== Links ===
Web addresses in messages appear as a bright green '''[LINK]''' tag. The address itself is hidden. Click '''[LINK]''' to open the page in your web browser.

Global Chat recognizes things like <code>https://…</code>, <code>www.…</code>, and plain addresses such as <code>example.com</code>. Only ordinary web links (http/https) become clickable.

'''Tip:''' You can't see where a [LINK] goes before you click it. Only click links from players you trust.

== Sending messages ==
# Click in the message box at the bottom.
# Type your message.
# Click the '''send''' button to the right of the box. Its tooltip says ''Send message''.

After you send, the message box clears and is ready for your next message.

=== Message rules and limits ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Rule !! Details
|-
| '''Maximum length''' || 147 characters. The box stops accepting text at the limit.
|-
| '''Cooldown''' || About 2 seconds between messages. If you send too quickly, you'll see ''Please wait a moment before sending another message.''
|-
| '''Empty messages''' || Not allowed. You'll see ''Enter a message before sending.''
|-
| '''Special characters''' || The angle brackets <code><</code> and <code>></code> are replaced with spaces. Extra spaces at the start and end are removed.
|-
| '''Single line''' || Line breaks become spaces, so each message is one line.
|}

'''Note:''' If a message is rejected (for example, because you sent too quickly), the message box resets and your text isn't kept. Wait a moment and type it again.

There's '''one channel''' only. Every message goes to everyone using Global Chat. There are no private channels or whispers in this system.

=== Chat history ===
The server keeps a short shared history of recent messages, so the chat isn't empty when you log in. It isn't a permanent log. Older messages roll off as new ones arrive, and the history is cleared whenever the server restarts or staff clear the chat.

== Muting players ==
Muting is '''personal'''. When you mute someone, '''only you''' stop seeing their messages. They can still chat, and everyone else still sees what they post.

To mute someone:
# Click '''Mute''' in the chat window.
# A list of '''online players''' appears, sorted by name, 10 per page. Use '''Prev''' / '''Next''' to page through it. If no one else is online, you'll see ''No other players are online.''
# Click the button next to the player's name.
# In '''Mute Options''', choose:
#* '''Mute 24 hours''': the mute ends automatically after 24 hours.
#* '''Mute permanently''': the mute stays until you remove it.
# Click '''Back''' if you change your mind.

When you mute someone:
* Their messages, '''including ones already in the log''', disappear from your view right away.
* You also stop seeing their "has come online" notices.
* They disappear from your Mute list and show up on your Un-Mute list instead.

Things to know:
* You can only mute players who are '''online right now'''.
* Mutes apply to a '''single character''', not to every character on that player's account.
* Your mutes are saved, so they're still there after you log out or the server restarts.
* The muted player isn't told that you muted them.

== Unmuting players ==
# Click '''Un-Mute''' in the chat window.
# You'll see everyone you've muted, with a count at the top, for example ''Select a player to unmute (3 mutes)''.
# Next to each name you'll see how long the mute has left, for example '''24h (17h left)''' or '''Permanent'''.
# Click the button next to a name to unmute them. You'll see ''You un-muted'' (name) ''in global chat.''

Their messages show up in your chat log again right away, including recent ones that were hidden. If you haven't muted anyone, the list says ''You have not muted anyone.'' 24-hour mutes also drop off this list on their own when they run out.

== Notification settings ==
Click '''Notifications''' to open '''System Notifications'''. Right now there's one option:

{| class="wikitable"
! Option !! Default !! What it does
|-
| '''When Player Joins''' || On || Shows a line such as <code>NB: Aldric has come online</code> whenever a player logs in.
|}

Click the toggle to turn it on or off. The change takes effect in your chat log right away, and your choice is saved. Click the button in the bottom-right corner to close the window.

System messages always appear with '''NB''' as the speaker.

== Staff moderation ==
Staff can moderate Global Chat. Here's what you might see as a player:

* '''Chat cleared.''' Staff can wipe the chat history. Everyone then sees one orange line: '''NB: Staff has cleared the chat'''. Muting can't hide this notice.
* '''Removed messages.''' If staff take action against an account, that player's earlier messages may be removed from the chat log.
* '''Being muted by staff.''' A staff mute stops you from '''sending''' messages to Global Chat. You can still read the chat. Staff mutes last 24, 48, or 96 hours, or are permanent. If you're muted:
** You'll get a message such as ''You are muted from global chat (23h remaining).'' or ''You are permanently muted from global chat.''
** The send button changes to a different icon, and its tooltip says ''Muted from global chat''.
** If you try to send anyway, the same mute message appears, with the time left.
** If staff lift the mute, you'll see ''You are no longer muted from global chat.'' A timed mute ends on its own when the time is up, without a message.
* Staff mutes are added to your account's records.

If you think a staff mute was a mistake, please contact a staff member.

== Quick reference ==
* '''Open:''' menu bar '''Chat''' button, or type <code>[GlobalChat</code>
* '''Close:''' right-click the chat window, or click '''Chat''' again
* '''Message length:''' 147 characters
* '''Cooldown:''' about 2 seconds between messages
* '''Personal mute:''' 24 hours or permanent, online players only, only affects what you see
* '''Notifications:''' "When Player Joins" on/off

[[Category:Player Guides]]
[[Category:Custom Systems]]

Global Chat - Revision history

Admin: Add chat window screenshot

Admin: Create player guide for Global Chat