Client-side settings are now available from settings.xml

27 files changed, 913 insertions, 550 deletions

diff --git a/AUTHORS b/AUTHORS
index 031495a5..83a31805 100644
--- a/AUTHORS
+++ b/AUTHORS
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ Marcel W. Wysocki  <maci satgnu.org>
 Mateusz Kaduk (Usiu)  <mateusz.kaduk gmail.com>
 Matthias Hartmann  <hartmann.matthias gmail.com>
 Philipp Sehmisch (Crush)  <tmw crushnet.org>
+Przemysław Grzywacz <nexather gmail.com>
 Roderic Morris (rodge)  <roderic ccs.neu.edu>
 Rogier Polak  <rogier.l.a.polak gmail.com>
 Scott Ellis  <quiche_on_a_leash hotmail.co.uk>
diff --git a/mana.cbp b/mana.cbp
index f25a33c4..3d5345d7 100644
--- a/mana.cbp
+++ b/mana.cbp
@@ -552,6 +552,8 @@
 		<Unit filename="src\resources\resource.h" />
 		<Unit filename="src\resources\resourcemanager.cpp" />
 		<Unit filename="src\resources\resourcemanager.h" />
+		<Unit filename="src\resources\settingsmanager.cpp" />
+		<Unit filename="src\resources\settingsmanager.h" />
 		<Unit filename="src\resources\soundeffect.cpp" />
 		<Unit filename="src\resources\soundeffect.h" />
 		<Unit filename="src\resources\specialdb.cpp" />
@@ -598,6 +600,8 @@
 		<Unit filename="src\utils\physfsrwops.c">
 			<Option compilerVar="CC" />
 		</Unit>
+		<Unit filename="src\utils\path.cpp" />
+		<Unit filename="src\utils\path.h" />
 		<Unit filename="src\utils\physfsrwops.h" />
 		<Unit filename="src\utils\sha256.cpp" />
 		<Unit filename="src\utils\sha256.h" />
diff --git a/mana.files b/mana.files
index dbfddc00..16a0a9a6 100644
--- a/mana.files
+++ b/mana.files
@@ -499,6 +499,8 @@ src/resources/resource.cpp
 src/resources/resource.h
 src/resources/resourcemanager.cpp
 src/resources/resourcemanager.h
+src/resources/settingsmanager.cpp
+src/resources/settingsmanager.h
 src/resources/soundeffect.cpp
 src/resources/soundeffect.h
 src/resources/specialdb.cpp
@@ -542,6 +544,8 @@ src/utils/mathutils.h
 src/utils/mkdir.cpp
 src/utils/mkdir.h
 src/utils/mutex.h
+src/utils/path.cpp
+src/utils/path.h
 src/utils/physfsrwops.c
 src/utils/physfsrwops.h
 src/utils/sha256.cpp
diff --git a/src/CMakeLists.txt b/src/CMakeLists.txt
index 946f4ba6..6c0b3081 100644
--- a/src/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -399,6 +399,8 @@ SET(SRCS
     resources/resource.h
     resources/resourcemanager.cpp
     resources/resourcemanager.h
+    resources/settingsmanager.cpp
+    resources/settingsmanager.h
     resources/soundeffect.h
     resources/soundeffect.cpp
     resources/specialdb.cpp
@@ -418,6 +420,8 @@ SET(SRCS
     utils/dtor.h
     utils/gettext.h
     utils/mathutils.h
+    utils/path.cpp
+    utils/path.h
     utils/physfsrwops.c
     utils/physfsrwops.h
     utils/sha256.cpp
diff --git a/src/client.cpp b/src/client.cpp
index e6ab9191..0d2c4bca 100644
--- a/src/client.cpp
+++ b/src/client.cpp
@@ -75,6 +75,7 @@
 #include "resources/resourcemanager.h"
 #include "resources/theme.h"
 #include "resources/userpalette.h"
+#include "resources/settingsmanager.h"
 
 #include "utils/gettext.h"
 #include "utils/mkdir.h"
@@ -452,13 +453,9 @@ Client::~Client()
     SDL_RemoveTimer(mSecondsCounterId);
 
     // Unload XML databases
+    SettingsManager::unload();
     CharDB::unload();
-    hairDB.unload();
-    EmoteDB::unload();
     delete itemDb;
-    MonsterDB::unload();
-    NPCDB::unload();
-    StatusEffect::unload();
 
     // Before config.write() since it writes the shortcuts to the config
     delete itemShortcut;
@@ -761,11 +758,16 @@ int Client::exec()
                     // Read default paths file 'data/paths.xml'
                     paths.init("paths.xml", true);
 
+                    // TODO remove this as soon as inventoryhandler stops using this event
                     Event::trigger(Event::ClientChannel, Event::LoadingDatabases);
 
+                    // load game settings
+
+
                     // Load XML databases
+                    SettingsManager::load();
+
                     CharDB::load();
-                    hairDB.load();
                     switch (Net::getNetworkType())
                     {
                       case ServerInfo::TMWATHENA:
@@ -790,12 +792,6 @@ int Client::exec()
                                      STATE_CHOOSE_SERVER);
                         break;
                     }
-                    MonsterDB::load();
-                    SpecialDB::load();
-                    NPCDB::load();
-                    EmoteDB::load();
-                    StatusEffect::load();
-                    Units::loadUnits();
 
                     ActorSprite::load();
 
diff --git a/src/net/manaserv/generalhandler.cpp b/src/net/manaserv/generalhandler.cpp
index c6b2af18..1e39410c 100644
--- a/src/net/manaserv/generalhandler.cpp
+++ b/src/net/manaserv/generalhandler.cpp
@@ -133,10 +133,6 @@ void GeneralHandler::reload()
     netToken.clear();
     gameServer.clear();
     chatServer.clear();
-
-    Attributes::unload();
-    Attributes::load();
-    Attributes::informItemDB();
 }
 
 void GeneralHandler::unload()
@@ -154,7 +150,6 @@ void GeneralHandler::unload()
     delete gameServerConnection;
     delete chatServerConnection;
 
-    Attributes::unload();
     finalize();
 }
 
@@ -190,11 +185,6 @@ void GeneralHandler::event(Event::Channel channel,
                 game->gameLoading();
             }
         }
-        else if (event.getType() == Event::LoadingDatabases)
-        {
-            Attributes::load();
-            Attributes::informItemDB();
-        }
     }
     else if (channel == Event::GameChannel)
     {
diff --git a/src/net/tmwa/generalhandler.cpp b/src/net/tmwa/generalhandler.cpp
index 0ce16691..5e445eaf 100644
--- a/src/net/tmwa/generalhandler.cpp
+++ b/src/net/tmwa/generalhandler.cpp
@@ -186,17 +186,12 @@ void GeneralHandler::reload()
     static_cast<LoginHandler*>(mLoginHandler.get())->clearWorlds();
     static_cast<CharServerHandler*>(mCharHandler.get())->setCharCreateDialog(0);
     static_cast<CharServerHandler*>(mCharHandler.get())->setCharSelectDialog(0);
-
-    Attributes::unload();
-    Attributes::load();
 }
 
 void GeneralHandler::unload()
 {
     if (mNetwork)
         mNetwork->clearHandlers();
-
-    Attributes::unload();
 }
 
 void GeneralHandler::flushNetwork()
@@ -226,14 +221,7 @@ void GeneralHandler::clearHandlers()
 void GeneralHandler::event(Event::Channel channel,
                            const Event &event)
 {
-    if (channel == Event::ClientChannel)
-    {
-        if (event.getType() == Event::LoadingDatabases)
-        {
-            Attributes::load();
-        }
-    }
-    else if (channel == Event::GameChannel)
+    if (channel == Event::GameChannel)
     {
         if (event.getType() == Event::GuiWindowsLoaded)
         {
diff --git a/src/resources/attributes.cpp b/src/resources/attributes.cpp
index c4c67fba..58bff6f1 100644
--- a/src/resources/attributes.cpp
+++ b/src/resources/attributes.cpp
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@
 
 #include "utils/gettext.h"
 #include "utils/stringutils.h"
-#include "utils/xml.h"
 
 #include <list>
 #include <map>
@@ -238,120 +237,121 @@ namespace Attributes {
         }
     }
 
-    void load()
+    void init()
     {
-        logger->log("Initializing attributes database...");
+        if (attributes.size())
+            unload();
+    }
 
-        XML::Document doc(DEFAULT_ATTRIBUTESDB_FILE);
-        xmlNodePtr rootNode = doc.rootNode();
+    /**
+     * Read attribute node
+     */
+    void readAttributeNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename)
+    {
+        int id = XML::getProperty(node, "id", 0);
 
-        if (!rootNode || !xmlStrEqual(rootNode->name, BAD_CAST "attributes"))
+        if (!id)
         {
-            logger->log("Attributes: Error while loading "
-                        DEFAULT_ATTRIBUTESDB_FILE ". Using Built-ins.");
-            loadBuiltins();
-            fillLabels();
+            logger->log("Attributes: Invalid or missing stat ID in "
+                        DEFAULT_ATTRIBUTESDB_FILE "!");
             return;
         }
+        else if (attributes.find(id) != attributes.end())
+        {
+            logger->log("Attributes: Redefinition of stat ID %d", id);
+        }
+
+        std::string name = XML::getProperty(node, "name", "");
 
-        for_each_xml_child_node(node, rootNode)
+        if (name.empty())
         {
-            if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "attribute"))
-            {
-                int id = XML::getProperty(node, "id", 0);
+            logger->log("Attributes: Invalid or missing stat name in "
+                        DEFAULT_ATTRIBUTESDB_FILE "!");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // Create the attribute.
+        Attribute a;
+        a.id = id;
+        a.name = name;
+        a.description = XML::getProperty(node, "desc", "");
+        a.modifiable = XML::getBoolProperty(node, "modifiable", false);
+        a.scope = XML::getProperty(node, "scope", "none");
+        a.playerInfoId = getPlayerInfoIdFromAttrType(
+                         XML::getProperty(node, "player-info", ""));
+
+        attributes[id] = a;
 
-                if (!id)
+        unsigned int count = 0;
+        for_each_xml_child_node(effectNode, node)
+        {
+            if (!xmlStrEqual(effectNode->name, BAD_CAST "modifier"))
+                 continue;
+            ++count;
+            std::string tag = XML::getProperty(effectNode, "tag", "");
+            if (tag.empty())
+            {
+                if (name.empty())
                 {
-                    logger->log("Attributes: Invalid or missing stat ID in "
-                                DEFAULT_ATTRIBUTESDB_FILE "!");
+                    logger->log("Attribute modifier in attribute %u:%s: "
+                                "Empty name definition "
+                                "on empty tag definition, skipping.",
+                                a.id, a.name.c_str());
+                    --count;
                     continue;
                 }
-                else if (attributes.find(id) != attributes.end())
-                {
-                    logger->log("Attributes: Redefinition of stat ID %d", id);
-                }
-
-                std::string name = XML::getProperty(node, "name", "");
+                tag = name.substr(0, name.size() > 3 ? 3 : name.size());
+                tag = toLower(tag) + toString(count);
+             }
 
+            std::string effect = XML::getProperty(effectNode, "effect", "");
+            if (effect.empty())
+             {
                 if (name.empty())
                 {
-                    logger->log("Attributes: Invalid or missing stat name in "
-                                DEFAULT_ATTRIBUTESDB_FILE "!");
+                    logger->log("Attribute modifier in attribute %u:%s: "
+                                "Empty name definition "
+                                "on empty effect definition, skipping.",
+                                a.id, a.name.c_str());
+                    --count;
                     continue;
                 }
+                else
+                    effect = name + " %+f";
+             }
+            tags.insert(std::make_pair(tag, effect));
+         }
+        logger->log("Found %d tags for attribute %d.", count, id);
 
-                // Create the attribute.
-                Attribute a;
-                a.id = id;
-                a.name = name;
-                a.description = XML::getProperty(node, "desc", "");
-                a.modifiable = XML::getBoolProperty(node, "modifiable", false);
-                a.scope = XML::getProperty(node, "scope", "none");
-                a.playerInfoId = getPlayerInfoIdFromAttrType(
-                                 XML::getProperty(node, "player-info", ""));
-
-                attributes[id] = a;
-
-                unsigned int count = 0;
-                for_each_xml_child_node(effectNode, node)
-                 {
-                    if (!xmlStrEqual(effectNode->name, BAD_CAST "modifier"))
-                         continue;
-                    ++count;
-                    std::string tag = XML::getProperty(effectNode, "tag", "");
-                    if (tag.empty())
-                    {
-                        if (name.empty())
-                        {
-                            logger->log("Attribute modifier in attribute %u:%s: "
-                                        "Empty name definition "
-                                        "on empty tag definition, skipping.",
-                                        a.id, a.name.c_str());
-                            --count;
-                            continue;
-                        }
-                        tag = name.substr(0, name.size() > 3 ? 3 : name.size());
-                        tag = toLower(tag) + toString(count);
-                     }
-
-                    std::string effect = XML::getProperty(effectNode, "effect", "");
-                    if (effect.empty())
-                     {
-                        if (name.empty())
-                        {
-                            logger->log("Attribute modifier in attribute %u:%s: "
-                                        "Empty name definition "
-                                        "on empty effect definition, skipping.",
-                                        a.id, a.name.c_str());
-                            --count;
-                            continue;
-                        }
-                        else
-                            effect = name + " %+f";
-                     }
-                    tags.insert(std::make_pair(tag, effect));
-                 }
-                logger->log("Found %d tags for attribute %d.", count, id);
-
-            }// End attribute
-            else if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "points"))
-            {
-                creationPoints = XML::getProperty(node, "start",DEFAULT_POINTS);
-                attributeMinimum = XML::getProperty(node, "minimum",
-                                                               DEFAULT_MIN_PTS);
-                attributeMaximum = XML::getProperty(node, "maximum",
-                                                               DEFAULT_MAX_PTS);
-                logger->log("Loaded points: start: %i, min: %i, max: %i.",
-                            creationPoints, attributeMinimum, attributeMaximum);
-            }
-            else
-            {
-                continue;
-            }
-        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Read points node
+     */
+    void readPointsNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename)
+    {
+        creationPoints = XML::getProperty(node, "start",DEFAULT_POINTS);
+        attributeMinimum = XML::getProperty(node, "minimum",
+                                                       DEFAULT_MIN_PTS);
+        attributeMaximum = XML::getProperty(node, "maximum",
+                                                       DEFAULT_MAX_PTS);
+        logger->log("Loaded points: start: %i, min: %i, max: %i.",
+                    creationPoints, attributeMinimum, attributeMaximum);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Check if all the data loaded by readPointsNode and readAttributeNode is ok
+     */
+    void checkStatus()
+    {
         logger->log("Found %d tags for %d attributes.", int(tags.size()),
                                                         int(attributes.size()));
 
+        if (attributes.size() == 0)
+        {
+            loadBuiltins();
+        }
+
         fillLabels();
 
         // Sanity checks on starting points
diff --git a/src/resources/attributes.h b/src/resources/attributes.h
index 7124ba94..41093af2 100644
--- a/src/resources/attributes.h
+++ b/src/resources/attributes.h
@@ -24,9 +24,18 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <vector>
 
-namespace Attributes {
+#include "utils/xml.h"
 
-    void load();
+namespace Attributes
+{
+
+    void init();
+
+    void readAttributeNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename);
+
+    void readPointsNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename);
+
+    void checkStatus();
 
     void unload();
 
diff --git a/src/resources/emotedb.cpp b/src/resources/emotedb.cpp
index 00721ac4..04dd4bbb 100644
--- a/src/resources/emotedb.cpp
+++ b/src/resources/emotedb.cpp
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  Emote database
  *  Copyright (C) 2009  Aethyra Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -29,8 +29,6 @@
 #include "resources/image.h"
 #include "resources/imageset.h"
 
-#include "utils/xml.h"
-
 namespace
 {
     Emotes mEmotes;
@@ -39,7 +37,7 @@ namespace
     int mLastEmote = 0;
 }
 
-void EmoteDB::load()
+void EmoteDB::init()
 {
     if (mLoaded)
         unload();
@@ -51,74 +49,66 @@ void EmoteDB::load()
 
     mLastEmote = 0;
 
-    logger->log("Initializing emote database...");
+}
+
+void EmoteDB::readEmoteNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename)
+{
+    int id = XML::getProperty(node, "id", -1);
+    if (id == -1)
+    {
+        logger->log("Emote Database: Emote with missing ID in %s!", filename.c_str());
+        return;
+    }
+
+    Emote *currentEmote = new Emote;
+
+    currentEmote->name = XML::getProperty(node, "name", "unknown");
+    currentEmote->effect = XML::getProperty(node, "effectid", -1);
+
+    if (currentEmote->effect == -1)
+    {
+        logger->log("Emote Database: Warning: Emote %s has no attached effect in %s!",
+                    currentEmote->name.c_str(), filename.c_str());
+        delete currentEmote;
+        return;
+    }
 
-    XML::Document doc("emotes.xml");
-    xmlNodePtr rootNode = doc.rootNode();
+    const std::string imageName = XML::getProperty(node, "image", "");
+    const int width = XML::getProperty(node, "width", 0);
+    const int height = XML::getProperty(node, "height", 0);
 
-    if (!rootNode || !xmlStrEqual(rootNode->name, BAD_CAST "emotes"))
+    if (imageName.empty() || width <= 0 || height <= 0)
     {
-        logger->log("Emote Database: Error while loading emotes.xml!");
+        logger->log("Emote Database: Warning: Emote %s has bad imageset values in %s",
+                    currentEmote->name.c_str(), filename.c_str());
+        delete currentEmote;
         return;
     }
 
-    //iterate <emote>s
-    for_each_xml_child_node(emoteNode, rootNode)
+    ImageSet *is = ResourceManager::getInstance()->getImageSet(imageName,
+                                                               width,
+                                                               height);
+    if (!is || !(is->size() > 0))
+    {
+        logger->log("Emote Database: Error loading imageset for emote %s in %s",
+                    currentEmote->name.c_str(), filename.c_str());
+        delete is;
+        delete currentEmote;
+        return;
+    }
+    else
     {
-        if (!xmlStrEqual(emoteNode->name, BAD_CAST "emote"))
-            continue;
-
-        int id = XML::getProperty(emoteNode, "id", -1);
-        if (id == -1)
-        {
-            logger->log("Emote Database: Emote with missing ID in emotes.xml!");
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        Emote *currentEmote = new Emote;
-
-        currentEmote->name = XML::getProperty(emoteNode, "name", "unknown");
-        currentEmote->effect = XML::getProperty(emoteNode, "effectid", -1);
-
-        if (currentEmote->effect == -1)
-        {
-            logger->log("Emote Database: Warning: Emote with no attached effect!");
-            delete currentEmote;
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        const std::string imageName = XML::getProperty(emoteNode, "image", "");
-        const int width = XML::getProperty(emoteNode, "width", 0);
-        const int height = XML::getProperty(emoteNode, "height", 0);
-
-        if (imageName.empty() || width <= 0 || height <= 0)
-        {
-            logger->log("Emote Database: Warning: Emote with bad imageset values");
-            delete currentEmote;
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        ImageSet *is = ResourceManager::getInstance()->getImageSet(imageName,
-                                                                   width,
-                                                                   height);
-        if (!is || !(is->size() > 0))
-        {
-            logger->log("Emote Database: Error loading imageset");
-            delete is;
-            delete currentEmote;
-            continue;
-        }
-        else
-        {
-            // For now we just use the first image in the animation
-            currentEmote->sprite = new ImageSprite(is->get(0));
-        }
-
-        mEmotes[id] = currentEmote;
-        if (id > mLastEmote)
-            mLastEmote = id;
+        // For now we just use the first image in the animation
+        currentEmote->sprite = new ImageSprite(is->get(0));
     }
 
+    mEmotes[id] = currentEmote;
+    if (id > mLastEmote)
+        mLastEmote = id;
+}
+
+void EmoteDB::checkStatus()
+{
     mLoaded = true;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/resources/emotedb.h b/src/resources/emotedb.h
index a1e991ec..33195d82 100644
--- a/src/resources/emotedb.h
+++ b/src/resources/emotedb.h
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  Emote database
  *  Copyright (C) 2009  Aethyra Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 #include <list>
 #include <map>
 #include <string>
+#include "utils/xml.h"
 
 class ImageSprite;
 
@@ -42,7 +43,11 @@ typedef std::map<int, Emote*> Emotes;
  */
 namespace EmoteDB
 {
-    void load();
+    void init();
+
+    void readEmoteNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename);
+
+    void checkStatus();
 
     void unload();
 
diff --git a/src/resources/hairdb.cpp b/src/resources/hairdb.cpp
index 26ad966e..2e9747a2 100644
--- a/src/resources/hairdb.cpp
+++ b/src/resources/hairdb.cpp
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  Hair database
  *  Copyright (C) 2008  Aethyra Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -23,58 +23,32 @@
 
 #include "log.h"
 
-#include "utils/xml.h"
-
 #include <assert.h>
 
 #define COLOR_WHITE "#ffffff"
-#define HAIR_XML_FILE "hair.xml"
 
-void HairDB::load()
+
+void HairDB::init()
 {
     if (mLoaded)
         unload();
 
     // Default entry
     mHairColors[0] = COLOR_WHITE;
+}
 
-    XML::Document *doc = new XML::Document(HAIR_XML_FILE);
-    xmlNodePtr root = doc->rootNode();
-
-    if (!root || (!xmlStrEqual(root->name, BAD_CAST "colors")
-        && !xmlStrEqual(root->name, BAD_CAST "hair")))
-    {
-        logger->log("HairDb: Failed to find any old <colors> or new "
-                    "<hair> nodes.");
-        delete doc;
-        mLoaded = true;
-        return;
-    }
+void HairDB::readHairColorNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename)
+{
+    int id = XML::getProperty(node, "id", 0);
 
-    // Old colors.xml file style. The hair style will be declared
-    // in the items.xml file.
-    if (xmlStrEqual(root->name, BAD_CAST "colors"))
-    {
-        loadHairColorsNode(root);
-    }
-    else if (xmlStrEqual(root->name, BAD_CAST "hair"))
-    {
-        // Loading new format: hair styles + colors.
-        for_each_xml_child_node(node, root)
-        {
-            if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "styles"))
-            {
-                loadHairStylesNode(root);
-            }
-            else if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "colors"))
-            {
-                loadHairColorsNode(node);
-            }
-        }
-    }
+    if (mHairColors.find(id) != mHairColors.end())
+        logger->log("HairDb: Redefinition of color Id %d in %s", id, filename.c_str());
 
-    delete doc;
+    mHairColors[id] = XML::getProperty(node, "value", COLOR_WHITE);
+}
 
+void HairDB::checkStatus()
+{
     mLoaded = true;
 }
 
@@ -91,27 +65,6 @@ void HairDB::unload()
     mLoaded = false;
 }
 
-void HairDB::loadHairColorsNode(xmlNodePtr colorsNode)
-{
-    for_each_xml_child_node(node, colorsNode)
-    {
-        if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "color"))
-        {
-            int id = XML::getProperty(node, "id", 0);
-
-            if (mHairColors.find(id) != mHairColors.end())
-                logger->log("HairDb: Redefinition of color Id %d", id);
-
-            mHairColors[id] = XML::getProperty(node, "value", COLOR_WHITE);
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-void HairDB::loadHairStylesNode(xmlNodePtr stylesNode)
-{
-    // TODO: Add support of the races.xml file.
-}
-
 void HairDB::addHairStyle(int id)
 {
     // TODO: Adapt the sprite handling with hair styles separated from items.
@@ -128,8 +81,10 @@ void HairDB::addHairStyle(int id)
 const std::string &HairDB::getHairColor(int id)
 {
     if (!mLoaded)
-        load();
-
+    {
+        // no idea if this can happen, but that check existed before
+        logger->log("WARNING: HairDB::getHairColor() called before settings were loaded!");
+    }
     ColorConstIterator it = mHairColors.find(id);
     if (it != mHairColors.end())
         return it->second;
diff --git a/src/resources/hairdb.h b/src/resources/hairdb.h
index 700bd8b7..502d7c21 100644
--- a/src/resources/hairdb.h
+++ b/src/resources/hairdb.h
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  Hair database
  *  Copyright (C) 2008  Aethyra Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
 
 #include <map>
 #include <string>
+#include "utils/xml.h"
 
 /**
  * Hair information database.
@@ -40,10 +41,11 @@ class HairDB
     ~HairDB()
     { unload(); }
 
-    /**
-     * Loads the color data from <code>hair.xml</code>.
-     */
-    void load();
+    void init();
+
+    void readHairColorNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename);
+
+    void checkStatus();
 
     /**
      * Clear the color data
diff --git a/src/resources/monsterdb.cpp b/src/resources/monsterdb.cpp
index 241cc053..8415b6ae 100644
--- a/src/resources/monsterdb.cpp
+++ b/src/resources/monsterdb.cpp
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  The Mana Client
  *  Copyright (C) 2004-2009  The Mana World Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -29,131 +29,135 @@
 
 #include "utils/dtor.h"
 #include "utils/gettext.h"
-#include "utils/xml.h"
 
 #include "configuration.h"
 
 #define OLD_TMWATHENA_OFFSET 1002
 
+
 namespace
 {
     BeingInfos mMonsterInfos;
     bool mLoaded = false;
+    int mMonsterIdOffset;
 }
 
-void MonsterDB::load()
+
+/**
+ * Initialize MonsterDB
+ *
+ * If it was initialized before, unload() will be called first.
+ */
+void MonsterDB::init()
 {
     if (mLoaded)
         unload();
 
-    logger->log("Initializing monster database...");
+    // This used to be read from offset attribute of monsters root tag, however
+    // I couldn't find any place it was used, so for now the default values are set
+    mMonsterIdOffset = Net::getNetworkType() == ServerInfo::TMWATHENA ? OLD_TMWATHENA_OFFSET : 0;
+}
 
-    XML::Document doc("monsters.xml");
-    xmlNodePtr rootNode = doc.rootNode();
+/**
+ * Read <monster> node from settings.
+ */
+void MonsterDB::readMonsterNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename)
+{
+    BeingInfo *currentInfo = new BeingInfo;
 
-    if (!rootNode || !xmlStrEqual(rootNode->name, BAD_CAST "monsters"))
-    {
-        logger->error("Monster Database: Error while loading monster.xml!");
-    }
+    currentInfo->setWalkMask(Map::BLOCKMASK_WALL
+                             | Map::BLOCKMASK_CHARACTER
+                             | Map::BLOCKMASK_MONSTER);
+    currentInfo->setBlockType(Map::BLOCKTYPE_MONSTER);
+
+    currentInfo->setName(XML::getProperty(node, "name", _("unnamed")));
 
-    int offset = XML::getProperty(rootNode, "offset", Net::getNetworkType() ==
-                                 ServerInfo::TMWATHENA ? OLD_TMWATHENA_OFFSET : 0);
+    currentInfo->setTargetCursorSize(XML::getProperty(node,
+                                     "targetCursor", "medium"));
 
-    //iterate <monster>s
-    for_each_xml_child_node(monsterNode, rootNode)
+    SpriteDisplay display;
+
+    //iterate <sprite>s and <sound>s
+    for_each_xml_child_node(spriteNode, node)
     {
-        if (!xmlStrEqual(monsterNode->name, BAD_CAST "monster"))
+        if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "sprite"))
         {
-            continue;
+            SpriteReference currentSprite;
+            currentSprite.sprite = (const char*)spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content;
+            currentSprite.variant = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "variant", 0);
+            display.sprites.push_back(currentSprite);
         }
-
-        BeingInfo *currentInfo = new BeingInfo;
-
-        currentInfo->setWalkMask(Map::BLOCKMASK_WALL
-                                 | Map::BLOCKMASK_CHARACTER
-                                 | Map::BLOCKMASK_MONSTER);
-        currentInfo->setBlockType(Map::BLOCKTYPE_MONSTER);
-
-        currentInfo->setName(XML::getProperty(monsterNode, "name", _("unnamed")));
-
-        currentInfo->setTargetCursorSize(XML::getProperty(monsterNode,
-                                         "targetCursor", "medium"));
-
-        SpriteDisplay display;
-
-        //iterate <sprite>s and <sound>s
-        for_each_xml_child_node(spriteNode, monsterNode)
+        else if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "sound"))
         {
-            if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "sprite"))
+            std::string event = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "event", "");
+            const char *soundFile;
+            soundFile = (const char*) spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content;
+
+            if (event == "hit")
+            {
+                currentInfo->addSound(SOUND_EVENT_HIT, soundFile);
+            }
+            else if (event == "miss")
             {
-                SpriteReference currentSprite;
-                currentSprite.sprite = (const char*)spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content;
-                currentSprite.variant = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "variant", 0);
-                display.sprites.push_back(currentSprite);
+                currentInfo->addSound(SOUND_EVENT_MISS, soundFile);
             }
-            else if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "sound"))
+            else if (event == "hurt")
             {
-                std::string event = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "event", "");
-                const char *filename;
-                filename = (const char*) spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content;
-
-                if (event == "hit")
-                {
-                    currentInfo->addSound(SOUND_EVENT_HIT, filename);
-                }
-                else if (event == "miss")
-                {
-                    currentInfo->addSound(SOUND_EVENT_MISS, filename);
-                }
-                else if (event == "hurt")
-                {
-                    currentInfo->addSound(SOUND_EVENT_HURT, filename);
-                }
-                else if (event == "die")
-                {
-                    currentInfo->addSound(SOUND_EVENT_DIE, filename);
-                }
-                else
-                {
-                    logger->log("MonsterDB: Warning, sound effect %s for "
-                                "unknown event %s of monster %s",
-                                filename, event.c_str(),
-                                currentInfo->getName().c_str());
-                }
+                currentInfo->addSound(SOUND_EVENT_HURT, soundFile);
             }
-            else if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "attack"))
+            else if (event == "die")
             {
-                const int id = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "id", 0);
-                int effectId = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "effect-id", -1);
-                int hitEffectId =
-                    XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "hit-effect-id",
-                                     paths.getIntValue("hitEffectId"));
-                int criticalHitEffectId =
-                    XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "critical-hit-effect-id",
-                                     paths.getIntValue("criticalHitEffectId"));
-                const std::string missileParticleFilename =
-                    XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "missile-particle", "");
-
-                const std::string spriteAction = XML::getProperty(spriteNode,
-                                                                  "action",
-                                                                  "attack");
-
-                currentInfo->addAttack(id, spriteAction, effectId,
-                                       hitEffectId, criticalHitEffectId,
-                                       missileParticleFilename);
+                currentInfo->addSound(SOUND_EVENT_DIE, soundFile);
             }
-            else if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "particlefx"))
+            else
             {
-                display.particles.push_back(
-                    (const char*) spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content);
+                logger->log("MonsterDB: Warning, sound effect %s for "
+                            "unknown event %s of monster %s in %s",
+                            soundFile, event.c_str(),
+                            currentInfo->getName().c_str(),
+                            filename.c_str());
             }
         }
-        currentInfo->setDisplay(display);
-
-        mMonsterInfos[XML::getProperty(monsterNode, "id", 0) + offset] = currentInfo;
+        else if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "attack"))
+        {
+            const int id = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "id", 0);
+            int effectId = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "effect-id", -1);
+            int hitEffectId =
+                XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "hit-effect-id",
+                                 paths.getIntValue("hitEffectId"));
+            int criticalHitEffectId =
+                XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "critical-hit-effect-id",
+                                 paths.getIntValue("criticalHitEffectId"));
+            const std::string missileParticleFilename =
+                XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "missile-particle", "");
+
+            const std::string spriteAction = XML::getProperty(spriteNode,
+                                                              "action",
+                                                              "attack");
+
+            currentInfo->addAttack(id, spriteAction, effectId,
+                                   hitEffectId, criticalHitEffectId,
+                                   missileParticleFilename);
+        }
+        else if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "particlefx"))
+        {
+            display.particles.push_back(
+                (const char*) spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content);
+        }
     }
+    currentInfo->setDisplay(display);
+
+    mMonsterInfos[XML::getProperty(node, "id", 0) + mMonsterIdOffset] = currentInfo;
 
-    mLoaded = true;
+
+}
+
+/**
+ * Check if everything was loaded correctly
+ */
+void MonsterDB::checkStatus()
+{
+    // there is nothing to check for now
 }
 
 void MonsterDB::unload()
diff --git a/src/resources/monsterdb.h b/src/resources/monsterdb.h
index 8ea3afdf..5b2f3c2d 100644
--- a/src/resources/monsterdb.h
+++ b/src/resources/monsterdb.h
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  The Mana Client
  *  Copyright (C) 2004-2009  The Mana World Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@
 #ifndef MONSTER_DB_H
 #define MONSTER_DB_H
 
+#include "utils/xml.h"
+
 class BeingInfo;
 
 /**
@@ -29,7 +31,11 @@ class BeingInfo;
  */
 namespace MonsterDB
 {
-    void load();
+    void init();
+
+    void readMonsterNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename);
+
+    void checkStatus();
 
     void unload();
 
diff --git a/src/resources/npcdb.cpp b/src/resources/npcdb.cpp
index 45b36dfe..7d0f72b0 100644
--- a/src/resources/npcdb.cpp
+++ b/src/resources/npcdb.cpp
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  The Mana Client
  *  Copyright (C) 2008-2009  The Mana World Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -35,61 +35,52 @@ namespace
     bool mLoaded = false;
 }
 
-void NPCDB::load()
+
+void NPCDB::init()
 {
     if (mLoaded)
         unload();
 
-    logger->log("Initializing NPC database...");
-
-    XML::Document doc("npcs.xml");
-    xmlNodePtr rootNode = doc.rootNode();
+}
 
-    if (!rootNode || !xmlStrEqual(rootNode->name, BAD_CAST "npcs"))
+void NPCDB::readNPCNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename)
+{
+    int id = XML::getProperty(node, "id", 0);
+    if (id == 0)
     {
-        logger->error("NPC Database: Error while loading npcs.xml!");
+        logger->log("NPC Database: NPC with missing ID in %s", filename.c_str());
+        return;
     }
 
-    //iterate <npc>s
-    for_each_xml_child_node(npcNode, rootNode)
-    {
-        if (!xmlStrEqual(npcNode->name, BAD_CAST "npc"))
-            continue;
+    BeingInfo *currentInfo = new BeingInfo;
+
+    currentInfo->setTargetCursorSize(XML::getProperty(node,
+                                     "targetCursor", "medium"));
 
-        int id = XML::getProperty(npcNode, "id", 0);
-        if (id == 0)
+    SpriteDisplay display;
+    for_each_xml_child_node(spriteNode, node)
+    {
+        if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "sprite"))
         {
-            logger->log("NPC Database: NPC with missing ID in npcs.xml!");
-            continue;
+            SpriteReference currentSprite;
+            currentSprite.sprite = (const char*)spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content;
+            currentSprite.variant = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "variant", 0);
+            display.sprites.push_back(currentSprite);
         }
-
-        BeingInfo *currentInfo = new BeingInfo;
-
-        currentInfo->setTargetCursorSize(XML::getProperty(npcNode,
-                                         "targetCursor", "medium"));
-
-        SpriteDisplay display;
-        for_each_xml_child_node(spriteNode, npcNode)
+        else if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "particlefx"))
         {
-            if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "sprite"))
-            {
-                SpriteReference currentSprite;
-                currentSprite.sprite = (const char*)spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content;
-                currentSprite.variant = XML::getProperty(spriteNode, "variant", 0);
-                display.sprites.push_back(currentSprite);
-            }
-            else if (xmlStrEqual(spriteNode->name, BAD_CAST "particlefx"))
-            {
-                std::string particlefx = (const char*)spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content;
-                display.particles.push_back(particlefx);
-            }
+            std::string particlefx = (const char*)spriteNode->xmlChildrenNode->content;
+            display.particles.push_back(particlefx);
         }
+    }
 
-        currentInfo->setDisplay(display);
+    currentInfo->setDisplay(display);
 
-        mNPCInfos[id] = currentInfo;
-    }
+    mNPCInfos[id] = currentInfo;
+}
 
+void NPCDB::checkStatus()
+{
     mLoaded = true;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/resources/npcdb.h b/src/resources/npcdb.h
index 16af7a5f..a3718a7b 100644
--- a/src/resources/npcdb.h
+++ b/src/resources/npcdb.h
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  The Mana Client
  *  Copyright (C) 2008-2009  The Mana World Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -22,6 +22,9 @@
 #ifndef NPC_DB_H
 #define NPC_DB_H
 
+#include <string>
+#include "utils/xml.h"
+
 class BeingInfo;
 
 /**
@@ -29,7 +32,11 @@ class BeingInfo;
  */
 namespace NPCDB
 {
-    void load();
+    void init();
+
+    void readNPCNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename);
+
+    void checkStatus();
 
     void unload();
 
diff --git a/src/resources/settingsmanager.cpp b/src/resources/settingsmanager.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3cbb115c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/resources/settingsmanager.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,191 @@
+/*
+ *  The Mana Server
+ *  Copyright (C) 2013  The Mana World Development Team
+ *
+ *  This file is part of The Mana Server.
+ *
+ *  The Mana Server is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ *  the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
+ *  any later version.
+ *
+ *  The Mana Server is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *  GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ *  along with The Mana Server.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#include "resources/settingsmanager.h"
+
+#include "resources/attributes.h"
+#include "resources/monsterdb.h"
+#include "resources/hairdb.h"
+#include "resources/specialdb.h"
+#include "resources/npcdb.h"
+#include "resources/emotedb.h"
+#include "statuseffect.h"
+#include "units.h"
+
+#include "net/manaserv/itemhandler.h"
+#include "net/net.h"
+
+#include "utils/xml.h"
+#include "utils/path.h"
+#include "log.h"
+
+namespace SettingsManager
+{
+    std::string mSettingsFile;
+    std::set<std::string> mIncludedFiles;
+
+    static void loadFile(const std::string &filename);
+
+    void load()
+    {
+        // initialize managers
+        Attributes::init();
+        hairDB.init();
+        MonsterDB::init();
+        SpecialDB::init();
+        NPCDB::init();
+        EmoteDB::init();
+        StatusEffect::init();
+        Units::init();
+
+        // load stuff from settings
+        loadFile("settings.xml");
+
+        Attributes::checkStatus();
+        hairDB.checkStatus();
+        MonsterDB::checkStatus();
+        SpecialDB::checkStatus();
+        NPCDB::checkStatus();
+        EmoteDB::checkStatus();
+        StatusEffect::checkStatus();
+        Units::checkStatus();
+
+        if (Net::getNetworkType() == ServerInfo::MANASERV)
+        {
+            Attributes::informItemDB();
+        }
+    }
+
+    void unload()
+    {
+        StatusEffect::unload();
+        EmoteDB::unload();
+        NPCDB::unload();
+        SpecialDB::unload();
+        MonsterDB::unload();
+        hairDB.unload();
+        Attributes::unload();
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Loads a settings file.
+     */
+    static void loadFile(const std::string &filename)
+    {
+        logger->log("Loading game settings from %s", filename.c_str());
+
+        XML::Document doc(filename);
+        xmlNodePtr node = doc.rootNode();
+
+        // add file to include set
+        mIncludedFiles.insert(filename);
+
+        // FIXME: check root node's name when bjorn decides it's time
+        if (!node /*|| !xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "settings") */)
+        {
+            logger->log("Settings Manager: %s is not a valid settings file!", filename.c_str());
+            return;
+        }
+
+
+        // go through every node
+        for_each_xml_child_node(childNode, node)
+        {
+            if (childNode->type != XML_ELEMENT_NODE)
+                continue;
+
+            if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "include"))
+            {
+                // include an other file
+                const std::string includeFile = XML::getProperty(childNode, "file", std::string());
+
+                // check if file property was given
+                if (!includeFile.empty())
+                {
+                    // build absolute path path
+                    const utils::splittedPath splittedPath = utils::splitFileNameAndPath(filename);
+                    const std::string realIncludeFile = utils::cleanPath(
+                            utils::joinPaths(splittedPath.path, includeFile));
+
+                    // check if we're not entering a loop
+                    if (mIncludedFiles.find(realIncludeFile) != mIncludedFiles.end())
+                    {
+                        logger->log("Circular include loop detecting while including %s from %s", includeFile.c_str(), filename.c_str());
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        // include that file
+                        loadFile(realIncludeFile);
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            else if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "attribute"))
+            {
+                // map config
+                Attributes::readAttributeNode(childNode, filename);
+            }
+            else if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "points"))
+            {
+                Attributes::readPointsNode(childNode, filename);
+            }
+            else if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "color"))
+            {
+                hairDB.readHairColorNode(childNode, filename);
+            }
+            else if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "monster"))
+            {
+                MonsterDB::readMonsterNode(childNode, filename);
+            }
+            else if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "special-set"))
+            {
+                SpecialDB::readSpecialSetNode(childNode, filename);
+            }
+            else if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "npc"))
+            {
+                NPCDB::readNPCNode(childNode, filename);
+            }
+            else if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "emote"))
+            {
+                EmoteDB::readEmoteNode(childNode, filename);
+            }
+            else if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "status-effect") || xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "stun-effect"))
+            {
+                StatusEffect::readStatusEffectNode(childNode, filename);
+            }
+            else if (xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "unit"))
+            {
+                Units::readUnitNode(childNode, filename);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                // compatibility stuff with older configs/games
+                if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "specials") && xmlStrEqual(childNode->name, BAD_CAST "set"))
+                {
+                    // specials.xml:/specials/set
+                    SpecialDB::readSpecialSetNode(childNode, filename);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        mIncludedFiles.erase(filename);
+    }
+
+}
+
diff --git a/src/resources/settingsmanager.h b/src/resources/settingsmanager.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..25feb86b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/resources/settingsmanager.h
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+/*
+ *  The Mana Client
+ *  Copyright (C) 2013  The Mana Developers
+ *
+ *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
+ *
+ *  This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ *  the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
+ *  any later version.
+ *
+ *  This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *  GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ *  along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#ifndef SETTINGSMANAGER_HPP
+#define SETTINGSMANAGER_HPP
+
+#include <string>
+#include <list>
+#include <set>
+
+namespace SettingsManager
+{
+    void load();
+    void unload();
+}
+
+
+#endif // SETTINGSMANAGER_HPP
diff --git a/src/resources/specialdb.cpp b/src/resources/specialdb.cpp
index c75f4b1b..6601b586 100644
--- a/src/resources/specialdb.cpp
+++ b/src/resources/specialdb.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /*
  *  The Mana Client
- *  Copyright (C) 2010-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2010-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -23,7 +23,6 @@
 #include "log.h"
 
 #include "utils/dtor.h"
-#include "utils/xml.h"
 
 
 namespace
@@ -41,63 +40,51 @@ SpecialInfo::TargetMode SpecialDB::targetModeFromString(const std::string& str)
     return SpecialInfo::TARGET_BEING;
 }
 
-void SpecialDB::load()
+
+void SpecialDB::init()
 {
     if (mLoaded)
         unload();
+}
 
-    logger->log("Initializing special database...");
-
-    XML::Document doc("specials.xml");
-    xmlNodePtr root = doc.rootNode();
-
-    if (!root || !xmlStrEqual(root->name, BAD_CAST "specials"))
-    {
-        logger->log("Error loading specials file specials.xml");
-        return;
-    }
-
-    std::string setName;
+void SpecialDB::readSpecialSetNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename)
+{
+    std::string setName = XML::getProperty(node, "name", "Actions");
 
-    for_each_xml_child_node(set, root)
+    for_each_xml_child_node(special, node)
     {
-        if (xmlStrEqual(set->name, BAD_CAST "set") ||
-            xmlStrEqual(set->name, BAD_CAST "special-set"))
+        if (xmlStrEqual(special->name, BAD_CAST "special"))
         {
-            setName = XML::getProperty(set, "name", "Actions");
+            SpecialInfo *info = new SpecialInfo();
+            int id = XML::getProperty(special, "id", 0);
+            info->id = id;
+            info->set = setName;
+            info->name = XML::getProperty(special, "name", "");
+            info->icon = XML::getProperty(special, "icon", "");
+
+            info->targetMode = targetModeFromString(XML::getProperty(special, "target", "being"));
 
+            info->rechargeable = XML::getBoolProperty(special, "rechargeable", true);
+            info->rechargeNeeded = 0;
+            info->rechargeCurrent = 0;
 
-            for_each_xml_child_node(special, set)
+            if (mSpecialInfos.find(id) != mSpecialInfos.end())
             {
-                if (xmlStrEqual(special->name, BAD_CAST "special"))
-                {
-                    SpecialInfo *info = new SpecialInfo();
-                    int id = XML::getProperty(special, "id", 0);
-                    info->id = id;
-                    info->set = setName;
-                    info->name = XML::getProperty(special, "name", "");
-                    info->icon = XML::getProperty(special, "icon", "");
-
-                    info->targetMode = targetModeFromString(XML::getProperty(special, "target", "being"));
-
-                    info->rechargeable = XML::getBoolProperty(special, "rechargeable", true);
-                    info->rechargeNeeded = 0;
-                    info->rechargeCurrent = 0;
-
-                    if (mSpecialInfos.find(id) != mSpecialInfos.end())
-                    {
-                        logger->log("SpecialDB: Duplicate special ID %d (ignoring)", id);
-                    } else {
-                        mSpecialInfos[id] = info;
-                    }
-                }
+                logger->log("SpecialDB: Duplicate special ID %d in %s, ignoring", id, filename.c_str());
+            } else {
+                mSpecialInfos[id] = info;
             }
         }
     }
 
+}
+
+void SpecialDB::checkStatus()
+{
     mLoaded = true;
 }
 
+
 void SpecialDB::unload()
 {
 
diff --git a/src/resources/specialdb.h b/src/resources/specialdb.h
index dc1c26b6..f6987b71 100644
--- a/src/resources/specialdb.h
+++ b/src/resources/specialdb.h
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /*
  *  The Mana Client
- *  Copyright (C) 2010-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2010-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 
 #include <string>
 #include <map>
+#include "utils/xml.h"
 
 struct SpecialInfo
 {
@@ -48,7 +49,11 @@ struct SpecialInfo
  */
 namespace SpecialDB
 {
-    void load();
+    void init();
+
+    void readSpecialSetNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename);
+
+    void checkStatus();
 
     void unload();
 
diff --git a/src/statuseffect.cpp b/src/statuseffect.cpp
index 659aeaf3..bdaaf566 100644
--- a/src/statuseffect.cpp
+++ b/src/statuseffect.cpp
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  The Mana Client
  *  Copyright (C) 2008-2009  The Mana World Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -25,8 +25,6 @@
 #include "log.h"
 #include "sound.h"
 
-#include "utils/xml.h"
-
 #include "configuration.h"
 
 #include <map>
@@ -114,58 +112,52 @@ StatusEffect *StatusEffect::getStunEffect(int index, bool enabling)
     return stunEffects[enabling][index];
 }
 
-void StatusEffect::load()
+void StatusEffect::init()
 {
     if (mLoaded)
         unload();
+}
 
-    XML::Document doc(STATUS_EFFECTS_FILE);
-    xmlNodePtr rootNode = doc.rootNode();
-
-    if (!rootNode || !xmlStrEqual(rootNode->name, BAD_CAST "status-effects"))
+void StatusEffect::readStatusEffectNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename)
+{
+    status_effect_map *the_map = NULL;
+    int index = atoi(XML::getProperty(node, "id", "-1").c_str());
+    if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "status-effect"))
     {
-        logger->log("Error loading status effects file: " STATUS_EFFECTS_FILE);
-        return;
+        the_map = &statusEffects;
+        int block_index = atoi(XML::getProperty(node, "block-id", "-1").c_str());
+
+        if (index >= 0 && block_index >= 0)
+            blockEffectIndexMap[block_index] = index;
     }
+    else if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "stun-effect"))
+        the_map = &stunEffects;
 
-    for_each_xml_child_node(node, rootNode)
+    if (the_map)
     {
-        status_effect_map *the_map = NULL;
-
-        int index = atoi(XML::getProperty(node, "id", "-1").c_str());
-
-        if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "status-effect"))
-        {
-            the_map = &statusEffects;
-            int block_index = atoi(XML::getProperty(node, "block-id", "-1").c_str());
-
-            if (index >= 0 && block_index >= 0)
-                blockEffectIndexMap[block_index] = index;
+        StatusEffect *startEffect = new StatusEffect;
+        StatusEffect *endEffect = new StatusEffect;
+
+        startEffect->mMessage = XML::getProperty(node, "start-message", "");
+        startEffect->mSFXEffect = XML::getProperty(node, "start-audio", "");
+        startEffect->mParticleEffect = XML::getProperty(node, "start-particle", "");
+        startEffect->mIcon = XML::getProperty(node, "icon", "");
+        startEffect->mAction = XML::getProperty(node, "action", "");
+        startEffect->mPersistentParticleEffect = (XML::getProperty(node, "persistent-particle-effect", "no")) != "no";
+
+        endEffect->mMessage = XML::getProperty(node, "end-message", "");
+        endEffect->mSFXEffect = XML::getProperty(node, "end-audio", "");
+        endEffect->mParticleEffect = XML::getProperty(node, "end-particle", "");
+
+        (*the_map)[1][index] = startEffect;
+        (*the_map)[0][index] = endEffect;
+    }
 
-        }
-        else if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "stun-effect"))
-            the_map = &stunEffects;
+}
 
-        if (the_map)
-        {
-            StatusEffect *startEffect = new StatusEffect;
-            StatusEffect *endEffect = new StatusEffect;
-
-            startEffect->mMessage = XML::getProperty(node, "start-message", "");
-            startEffect->mSFXEffect = XML::getProperty(node, "start-audio", "");
-            startEffect->mParticleEffect = XML::getProperty(node, "start-particle", "");
-            startEffect->mIcon = XML::getProperty(node, "icon", "");
-            startEffect->mAction = XML::getProperty(node, "action", "");
-            startEffect->mPersistentParticleEffect = (XML::getProperty(node, "persistent-particle-effect", "no")) != "no";
-
-            endEffect->mMessage = XML::getProperty(node, "end-message", "");
-            endEffect->mSFXEffect = XML::getProperty(node, "end-audio", "");
-            endEffect->mParticleEffect = XML::getProperty(node, "end-particle", "");
-
-            (*the_map)[1][index] = startEffect;
-            (*the_map)[0][index] = endEffect;
-        }
-    }
+void StatusEffect::checkStatus()
+{
+    mLoaded = true;
 }
 
 void unloadMap(std::map<int, StatusEffect *> map)
diff --git a/src/statuseffect.h b/src/statuseffect.h
index 432f1c0e..5b1a7e23 100644
--- a/src/statuseffect.h
+++ b/src/statuseffect.h
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /*
  *  The Mana Client
  *  Copyright (C) 2008-2009  The Mana World Development Team
- *  Copyright (C) 2009-2012  The Mana Developers
+ *  Copyright (C) 2009-2013  The Mana Developers
  *
  *  This file is part of The Mana Client.
  *
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
 #include "animatedsprite.h"
 
 #include "resources/animation.h"
+#include "utils/xml.h"
 
 class StatusEffect
 {
@@ -94,7 +95,11 @@ public:
      */
     static int blockEffectIndexToEffectIndex(int blocKIndex);
 
-    static void load();
+    static void init();
+
+    static void readStatusEffectNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename);
+
+    static void checkStatus();
 
     static void unload();
 private:
diff --git a/src/units.cpp b/src/units.cpp
index 59181bde..1487eb21 100644
--- a/src/units.cpp
+++ b/src/units.cpp
@@ -50,7 +50,8 @@ enum UnitType {
 
 struct UnitDescription units[UNIT_END];
 
-void Units::loadUnits()
+
+void Units::init()
 {
     { // Setup default weight
         struct UnitDescription ud;
@@ -90,72 +91,66 @@ void Units::loadUnits()
 
         units[UNIT_CURRENCY] = ud;
     }
+}
 
-    XML::Document doc("units.xml");
-    xmlNodePtr root = doc.rootNode();
+void Units::readUnitNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename)
+{
+    struct UnitDescription ud;
+    int level = 1;
+    const std::string type = XML::getProperty(node, "type", "");
+    ud.conversion = XML::getProperty(node, "conversion", 1);
+    ud.mix = XML::getProperty(node, "mix", "no") == "yes";
 
-    if (!root || !xmlStrEqual(root->name, BAD_CAST "units"))
-    {
-        logger->log("Error loading unit definition file: units.xml");
-        return;
-    }
+    struct UnitLevel bu;
+    bu.symbol = XML::getProperty(node, "base", "¤");
+    bu.count = 1;
+    bu.round = XML::getProperty(node, "round", 2);
+
+    ud.levels.push_back(bu);
 
-    for_each_xml_child_node(node, root)
+    for_each_xml_child_node(uLevel, node)
     {
-        if (xmlStrEqual(node->name, BAD_CAST "unit"))
+        if (xmlStrEqual(uLevel->name, BAD_CAST "level"))
         {
-            struct UnitDescription ud;
-            int level = 1;
-            const std::string type = XML::getProperty(node, "type", "");
-            ud.conversion = XML::getProperty(node, "conversion", 1);
-            ud.mix = XML::getProperty(node, "mix", "no") == "yes";
-
-            struct UnitLevel bu;
-            bu.symbol = XML::getProperty(node, "base", "¤");
-            bu.count = 1;
-            bu.round = XML::getProperty(node, "round", 2);
+            struct UnitLevel ul;
+            ul.symbol = XML::getProperty(uLevel, "symbol",
+                                            strprintf("¤%d",level));
+            ul.count = XML::getProperty(uLevel, "count", -1);
+            ul.round = XML::getProperty(uLevel, "round", bu.round);
 
-            ud.levels.push_back(bu);
-
-            for_each_xml_child_node(uLevel, node)
+            if (ul.count > 0)
             {
-                if (xmlStrEqual(uLevel->name, BAD_CAST "level"))
-                {
-                    struct UnitLevel ul;
-                    ul.symbol = XML::getProperty(uLevel, "symbol",
-                                                    strprintf("¤%d",level));
-                    ul.count = XML::getProperty(uLevel, "count", -1);
-                    ul.round = XML::getProperty(uLevel, "round", bu.round);
-
-                    if (ul.count > 0)
-                    {
-                        ud.levels.push_back(ul);
-                        level++;
-                    }
-                    else
-                    {
-                        logger->log("Error bad unit count: %d for %s in %s",
-                                        ul.count, ul.symbol.c_str(), bu.symbol.c_str());
-                    }
-                }
+                ud.levels.push_back(ul);
+                level++;
             }
-
-            // Add one more level for saftey
-            struct UnitLevel ll;
-            ll.symbol = "";
-            ll.count = INT_MAX;
-            ll.round = 0;
-
-            ud.levels.push_back(ll);
-
-            if (type == "weight")
-                units[UNIT_WEIGHT] = ud;
-            else if (type == "currency")
-                units[UNIT_CURRENCY] = ud;
             else
-                logger->log("Error unknown unit type: %s", type.c_str());
+            {
+                logger->log("Error bad unit count: %d for %s in %s",
+                                ul.count, ul.symbol.c_str(), bu.symbol.c_str());
+            }
         }
     }
+
+    // Add one more level for saftey
+    struct UnitLevel ll;
+    ll.symbol = "";
+    ll.count = INT_MAX;
+    ll.round = 0;
+
+    ud.levels.push_back(ll);
+
+    if (type == "weight")
+        units[UNIT_WEIGHT] = ud;
+    else if (type == "currency")
+        units[UNIT_CURRENCY] = ud;
+    else
+        logger->log("Error unknown unit type: %s in %s", type.c_str(), filename.c_str());
+
+}
+
+void Units::checkStatus()
+{
+
 }
 
 std::string formatUnit(int value, int type)
diff --git a/src/units.h b/src/units.h
index 1e923f33..96953b30 100644
--- a/src/units.h
+++ b/src/units.h
@@ -23,14 +23,16 @@
 #define UNITS_H
 
 #include <string>
+#include "utils/xml.h"
 
 class Units
 {
     public:
-        /**
-        * Loads and parses the units.xml file (if found).
-        */
-        static void loadUnits();
+        static void init();
+
+        static void readUnitNode(xmlNodePtr node, const std::string &filename);
+
+        static void checkStatus();
 
         /**
         * Formats the given number in the correct currency format.
diff --git a/src/utils/path.cpp b/src/utils/path.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..95db40d3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/utils/path.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+/*
+ *  The Mana Server
+ *  Copyright (C) 2013  The Mana World Development Team
+ *
+ *  This file is part of The Mana Server.
+ *
+ *  The Mana Server is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ *  the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
+ *  any later version.
+ *
+ *  The Mana Server is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *  GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ *  along with The Mana Server.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#include "utils/path.h"
+#include <vector>
+
+namespace utils
+{
+
+    /**
+     * Returns the filePath sub-part corresponding to the filename only.
+     * @return splittedPath: the file path ending with '/' or '\'
+     *                       and the file name alone.
+     */
+    splittedPath splitFileNameAndPath(const std::string &fullFilePath)
+    {
+        // We'll reversed-search for '/' or'\' and extract the substrings
+        // corresponding to the filename and the path separately.
+        size_t slashPos = fullFilePath.find_last_of("/\\");
+
+        splittedPath splittedFilePath;
+        // Note the last slash is kept in the path name.
+        splittedFilePath.path = fullFilePath.substr(0, slashPos + 1);
+        splittedFilePath.file = fullFilePath.substr(slashPos + 1);
+
+        return splittedFilePath;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Join two path elements into one.
+     *
+     * This function helps build relative paths.
+     *
+     * Examples:
+     *
+     *     /foo + bar = /foo/bar
+     *     /foo/ + bar = /foo/bar
+     *     /foo + /bar = /bar
+     *
+     * This will work for PhysFS paths. Windows style paths (prefixed with drive letters) won't work.
+     *
+     * @return Joined paths or path2 if path2 was an absolute path.
+     */
+    std::string joinPaths(const std::string &path1, const std::string &path2)
+    {
+        if (path2.empty())
+            return path1;
+
+        if (path1.empty())
+            return path2;
+
+        // check if path2 is an absolute path that cannot be joined
+        if (path2[0] == '/' || path2[0] == '\\')
+            return path2;
+
+        char p1end = path1[path1.size()-1];
+        if (p1end == '/' || p1end == '\\')
+        {
+            return path1 + path2;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            return path1 + "/" + path2;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Removes relative elements from the path.
+     */
+    std::string cleanPath(const std::string &path)
+    {
+        size_t prev, cur;
+        std::string part, result;
+        std::vector<std::string> pathStack;
+
+        prev = 0;
+        while (true)
+        {
+            cur = path.find_first_of("/\\", prev);
+            if (cur == std::string::npos)
+            {
+                // FIXME add everything from prev to the end
+                pathStack.push_back(path.substr(prev));
+                break;
+            }
+
+            part = path.substr(prev, cur - prev);
+            if (part == "..")
+            {
+                // go back one level
+                if (!pathStack.empty())
+                {
+                    pathStack.pop_back();
+                }
+            }
+            else if (part == ".")
+            {
+                // do nothing
+            }
+            else if (part == "")
+            {
+                if (pathStack.empty() && cur == 0)
+                {
+                    // handle first empty match before the root slash
+                    pathStack.push_back(std::string());
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    // empty match in the middle of the path should be ignored
+                }
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                // normal path element
+                pathStack.push_back(part);
+            }
+
+            cur++;
+            prev = cur;
+        }
+
+        // join the pathStack into a normal path
+        unsigned int i = 0;
+        for (i = 0; i < pathStack.size(); i++)
+        {
+            result += pathStack[i];
+            if (i < pathStack.size() - 1) {
+                result += "/";
+            }
+        }
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+
+}
diff --git a/src/utils/path.h b/src/utils/path.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..2ad9e987
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/utils/path.h
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+/*
+ *  The Mana Server
+ *  Copyright (C) 2013  The Mana World Development Team
+ *
+ *  This file is part of The Mana Server.
+ *
+ *  The Mana Server is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ *  the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
+ *  any later version.
+ *
+ *  The Mana Server is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *  GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ *  along with The Mana Server.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#ifndef UTILS_PATH_H
+#define UTILS_PATH_H
+
+#include <string>
+
+namespace utils
+{
+
+    struct splittedPath
+    {
+        std::string path;
+        std::string file;
+    };
+
+    splittedPath splitFileNameAndPath(const std::string &fullFilePath);
+
+    std::string joinPaths(const std::string &path1, const std::string &path2);
+
+    std::string cleanPath(const std::string &path);
+
+}
+#endif // UTILS_PATH_H