VNUM

A VNUM is a "virtual number" or something like that. Basically a unique identifier for an item, room, race, area, and so on. Each content type has its own namespace for VNUMs. Additionally, each area has its own set of VNUMs. VNUMs are positive numbers from 0 to 2^31-1. The VNUM for anything contained within an area needs two numbers to access it. The Area VNUM and the VNUM for whatever is contained within that area.

[edit] VNUM-accessing funtions

function room(Area : VNUM, Room : VNUM) returns Room_Access; 
function item(Area : VNUM, Item : VNUM) returns Item_Access;
function npc(Area : VNUM, NPC : VNUM) returns NPC_Access;