the lite_c manual states only that c_trace returns a positive value when a polygon is struck normally, and a negative value if it is struck from behind. when i USE_BOX, tho, and trace down past the ground, and my entity's hull penetrates the ground, the returned value bcomes negative good and well, but also around 100 times what is expected. why is this, and if i might resolve it, how? like, are negative c_trace returns multiplied by some mysterious internal variable, in the same way shift_sense works, or something?

When you use c_trace to determine how far your entity is from the ground, if you then use the value to move your entity, move your entity 3-5 quants above the ground, to keep it floating to avoid the hull colliding with the ground.

Alternativly before the c_trace
my.z += 10;

then after the c_trace
my.z -= 10;