Best method for slowing an avatars movement speed

[ItHadToComeToThis]

So, I know that to slow an avatars speed I could use llApplyImpulse or llSetForce but I was wondering if there were any more effective methods I could use to apply friction to the avatar so the walking/running speed is halved?

[Wulfie Reanimator]

It really depends on what your intention is. If you want to absolutely prevent an avatar from moving faster than X meters per Y time, create a "cage" that is slightly bigger than the avatar's hitbox and make it snap to the avatar's position every time the avatar touches the cage. This way, the avatar can kind of "push" the cage in the direction they want to go, but cannot go past it even if they have some kind of movement enhancers. I've only seen this approach in combat sims though, where oppressive tactics are kind of the norm.

Another alternative for complete movement control is llMoveToTarget, where the time to reach some nearby position is long enough to be slow and smooth. This only really works on flat ground or for flying (and if the script is attached to the avatar), though. Detection of upward/downward slopes gets too fiddly with raycasting.

Edited December 15, 2019 by Wulfie Reanimator

[Mollymews]

the smoothest way I know is to use llApplyImpulse in an attachment.  Something like:
 

float IMPULSE = 1.6;

... get perms ... take controls ...

    control(key id, integer level, integer edge)
    {
        vector v;
        if (level & CONTROL_FWD)
            v.x = -IMPULSE;
        else if (level & CONTROL_BACK)
            v.x = IMPULSE;
        else if (level & CONTROL_LEFT)
            v.y = -IMPULSE;
        else if (level & CONTROL_RIGHT)
            v.y = IMPULSE;
        llApplyImpulse(v, TRUE);
    }  

 

[Kyrah Abattoir]

In addition, i recommend to push slightly "up" with your impulse (z axis), it helps to break the static friction.