While testing my latest biplanes, I've engaged in a lot of dogfights lately. My planes all use the Terra Combat System (TCS) -- a sensor-based combat system similar to laser tag. It's a lot of fun, but what I realized is that TCS really needs a scoreboard.

So yesterday I started work on a team-based scoring system. I thought it would be a quick, easy gadget to cobble together. But then of course it evolved into a horribly complex system that uses email for client-server communication. It's now day two and I've put at least twelve hours into the thing... and I'm only just getting started.

I'm absolutely serious when I say that the TCS Scoreboard could revolutionize wargames in Second Life. The scoreboard can handle several players per team ("RED" versus "BLUE"). After each player registers and the battle starts, TCS combat itself can take place absolutely anywhere on the grid and hits and kills are recorded on the scoreboard.

TCS works in both vehicles and attachments, so we can have all kinds of RED vs BLUE engagements all over the grid -- planes, tanks, artillery, infantry... ninjas even. You don't have to keep your battle be near the scoreboard.

Here are more examples of games you can play using the TCS Scoreboard:

• A lasertag arena using TCS-enabled handguns.
  
• A dozen players with TCS lasertag handguns spread out over the grid. The objective: locate and assassinate every member of the opposing team.
  
• Arial TCS dogfight pitting one squadron against another.
  
• Large-scale TCS wargames between two armies across several sims.

I already have the basic registration and scoring in place. I just need to work on the interface and do some testing, if I can dig up some volunteers. It should be done within a week or so.