I started with ANH well over a year ago (Aug 2008 I think). I originally came on board to work on tools as my C++ skills were a little rusty having not used them for 3 years. Mugly quickly put me to work on the core regardless of any protest. Some of the first stuff I touched was bug fixes, and improvements to help the testers out (for example the profession mastery tool on the frog - before that, testers had to train each skill manually).
After getting to grips with the layout of the core I started doing some new systems like the Buff system (to help finish entertainer and start chef foods) and initial implementation of some Medic stuff (which is now being handled by Valkyra).
Throughout this period I was working full time and undertaking a part time Masters. Things were getting so hectic with my course and job that I couldn't continue with ANH so I took a leave of absence.
I am glad to say that my Dissertation was handed in just over a week ago, and assuming I pass, I am all done. Je fin. This gives me more free time, and although I need to catch up with 2 years of DIY, and plenty of 360 games to complete, I now have enough free time to start contributing again.
Now that I am back again, I need to get to grips with the core. As before, I have found the best way to do this is to go fix some bugs. This lets me wander through many different parts of the core as well as highlighting some of the deficiencies we have. It also helps keep the testers happy!
Once I am done reacquainting myself with the core I will be taking a look at CH and Pets. I was always a Bio Engineer at heart Pre-CU and loved concocting awesome critter recipes like a mad scientist. But BE (pets/DNA Sampling) can't be implemented until we have CH in there to use the pets and a suitable spawning system (which Schmunzel promises me she will take care of next).
We already have speeders in game now, but for me, it won't be Star Wars Galaxies until I have a bantha mount.


