First YOM

Administrative module. Automatically sends welcome YOM (You've Got Mail / in-game mail) to all newly created accounts. Customizable subject line and message body. Default: "Thanks for signing up!" with FAQ/petition reminder. Sent from system (sender ID 0) or configured admin account. Hooks into account creation process. Simple one-time welcome message system.

What Players See

When you create a new account on HogwartsLive, you immediately receive a YOM (in-game mail message) welcoming you to the game.

Default Welcome Message:

  • Subject: "Thanks for signing up!"
  • Body: "Thanks for signing up! If you have any questions, feel free to use the \"petition for help\" link. Also be sure to read and understand the FAQ section."
  • From: System Message (sender ID 0) or configured admin

This message appears in your mailbox immediately after account creation, before you've even logged in for the first time.

Purpose

  • Welcome new players to the game
  • Point them toward help resources (petitions, FAQ)
  • Provide initial guidance on game rules/policies
  • Establish communication channel (YOM system)
  • Can include server-specific welcome info

How It Works (Technical)

Hook: process-create (triggers when new account is created)

Function: Sends systemmail() to new account ID

Timing: Immediate upon account creation

Frequency: Once per account (only on creation)

Settings (Admin Configurable)

  • subject: YOM subject line (default: "Thanks for signing up!")
  • from: Sender account ID (0 = system message, or specific admin ID)
  • msg: Message body text (textarea, can be long)

Admins can customize all three settings via module configuration in The Grotto.

Common Customizations

Servers often customize the welcome message to include:

  • Server name and theme (if Harry Potter variant)
  • Link to custom new player guide
  • Discord/forum links for community
  • Important server rules (no multi-accounting, be nice, etc.)
  • Special events or ongoing promotions
  • Admin contact info for questions

Why This Exists

In the early days of online games, new players would create accounts and immediately feel lost. They'd quit before figuring out how to play.

First YOM solves this by:

  • Confirming their account was created successfully
  • Demonstrating the mail system works
  • Pointing them to help resources immediately
  • Making them feel welcomed (human touch via message)

It's a simple retention tool - new players who see a welcome message are more likely to stick around.

Player Perspective

You don't need to do anything. This happens automatically when you create your account.

The welcome YOM is already in your mailbox when you first log in. Read it, follow the advice (check FAQ, use petitions for help), and start playing.

You can delete the message after reading it - it's just a one-time welcome, not critical to keep.

First YOM: where the game sends you a robot letter pretending to be excited you exist, then immediately tells you to read the FAQ instead of bothering actual humans. Efficient hospitality.