Particle strings question

[Shanbo Baddingham]

Using llParticleSystem, I want to create a string of particles that goes towards a target, but along a curved trajectory.  Anyone know how to do this?

[Rolig Loon]

In a way, it depends on what the target is doing.  If it's moving, then you should be using the PSYS_PART_TARGET_POS_MASK  to make the particles continue to follow the target instead of travelling in a straight line from the emitter to where the target used to be.  You'll also want to engage the PSYS_PART_FOLLOW_SRC_MASK .  Otherwise, if the target is not moving, you may be able to get the effects you want by using PSYS_PART_RIBBON_MASK .

When you're faced with a new particle challenge, a good first step is a trip to the Particle Laboratory in world.  Jopsy Pendragon has set up a large array of demos and test platforms to help you understand particle properties and to experiment on your own. He also has a collection of free sample routines in his sandbox area that you can use as starting points for your own scripts.

[Ohjiro Watanabe]

Another setting that you can play around with is PSYS_PART_MAX_AGE. A particle has to reach its target at its age. If you make the age longer it will take a longer route to the target i.e. a curve instead of a straight line.