May 30th, 2002

New Area Discussion

Dae says, 'what about new areas? I think people are bored so they like to harp on pk'

Orange1Guest says, 'yeah... anything going in soon'

Orange1Guest says, 'and if not... then what the heck is up?'

LadyAce says, 'I don't think any new areas are close enough that I could say soon, no.'

Orange1Guest says, 'whats the deal?'

LadyAce says, 'areas take ages to write. They're like writing a novel.'

Kaige says, 'free time and the time it takes to put into an area in the first place?'

Orange1Guest says, 'yeah i know they take time to build... but its been over a year'

Orange1Guest says, 'you coulda immorted me and i could've written an area by now'

LadyAce says, 'we've put in a fair number of updates over the last year.'

Kaige says, 'we've got a lot more that's required or interesting to put in areas these days then we did 5 years ago. and most of us who were the fast builders before don't have the time to devote 10+ hours a day to it any more.'

LadyAce says, 'maintaining an area is some serious work'

Orange1Guest says, 'so you're saying the current immortal staff is incapable of both maintaining what we have, and expanding upon it?'

Krux nods his agreement with LadyAce.

Kaige says, 'but I'm hoping to have some stuff updated this summer, maybe an expansion (can't promise that yet)'

LadyAce says, 'nah, not saying that'

Kaige says to Orange1Guest, 'I'm saying we've got varying priorities.'

Kelli peers at Orange1Guest, looking him up and down.

Dae says to Orange1Guest, 'you remind me of someone I once knew'

Krux whaps Orange1Guest across the back of the head - your ears ring in sympathy.

LadyAce says, 'just saying we put a fair amount of energy into both.'

Orange1Guest says, 'well if the staff is inadaquate - maybe you should make it bigger'

Kelli says, 'hiding behind a guest too'

Wren bounces around.

LadyAce says, 'I think we're operating under a different definition of inadequate than you are, perhaps'

Orange1Guest says, 'i'll unarchive someone if it makes you all feel better or something - i'm still gonna say what i think'

LadyAce says, 'While we do put in new features regularly, we don't consider new areas the only test of whether we're doing our jobs.'

Krux growls at Orange1Guest. Better leave before the fighting starts!

Robar says, 'so you DO think?'

LadyAce says, 'in a lot of ways, we have enough areas as it is.'

Krux ducks to the ground.

LadyAce says, 'It's not like there aren't enough mobs out there to kill'

LadyAce says, 'new areas are cool and good and all, but we're not dying for them'

Orange1Guest says, 'yeah but the same old thing goes flat after awhile'

LadyAce says, 'making the current ones even better, more visited, with more features, is where it's at'

LadyAce says, 'and new things go in all the time.'

Wren says, 'there aren't enough mobs out there to kill if all you ever do is spam channels asking for SL, al-amut and PD runs'

Wren ducks to the ground.

Kaige says, 'I don't think that we've been extraordinarily picky about the applications we get, as we want to make sure new areas proposed fit in and will mesh and uphold the ideas in the others as well.'

Kaige says, 'but we also can't force people to apply'

Dae says, 'what about those people who've done and seen it all?'

Orange1Guest says, 'ok well... usually like 8 ppl apply and 1 gets in'

Dae says, 'it's kinda...monotonous'

Wren says, 'are there any such people?'

Dae says, 'yea'

Wren shrugs helplessly.

Robar says to Orange1Guest, 'maybe its because it takes more to become an imm?'

Wren says, 'never met them'

LadyAce says, 'I bet that very few people have done and seen it all'

Wren says, 'I just met those who _think_ they have'

Kelli nods her agreement with Wren.

Kelli giggles.

Kaige says, 'personally, I've got three new areas in the works. (beyond that expansion I mentioned). However, I also have two kids, and way too many areas to maintain as well.'

LadyAce says, 'Israfel still sends me tells about hey, he never knew (whatnot) was in the game.'

Orange1Guest says, 'so are you just immorting the wrong people? people who promise to build an area but dont actually do it?'

Kaige says, 'And it's a fact, any game like this, you all WILL chew through content faster than anyone can produce it.'

Dae says, 'I've just done almost every whois, mapped like 8 areas for fun, I dunno what to do anymore'

LadyAce says, 'No, we're pretty pleased with the staff we have. Particularly in the last few years, our new staff are staying with us and completing their projects'

Dae says, 'I'm not going to kill the same 4 mobs over and over just for fun either'

Robar says to Kaige, 'you're saying you put your kids over new areas?'

Wren shrugs helplessly.

Robar gasps in astonishment.

Dae says, 'so I can get xp whoises'

Wren says, 'there's always stuff to find out. neat stuff, cute stuff'

Wren says, 'like where to get henna branches!'

Wren giggles.

Dae says, 'I guess'

Wren says, 'and where to get pretty prezzies!'

Wren says, 'if you've done all you care to, maybe you need a break'

Orange1Guest says, 'well i think i read somewhere that a builder dept goal is to have X number of areas capable of supporting like 150 players or something?'

Dae says, 'hm'

Orange1Guest says, 'well thats obviously not happening'

Dae says, 'maybe I should just stop then'

Orange1Guest says, 'so you have to start wondering why, on a department level'

Kaige says to Robar, 'some days, yes. My daughter is diabetic, so making sure she's not passed out having seizures because she hasn't eaten is more of a priority for me than say when I was in grad school making sure I ate instead of cranking out areas'

Dae says to Wren, 'want me to just quit then?'

Wren says, 'there are also zillions of chartypes to try'

LadyAce says, 'It's a long term goal to support 150 players, and we're making good progress on that goal.'

Krux pats Kaige on the head.

Wren says, 'I just made a new one!'

Wren hangs her head.

Robar grumbles.

Wren says to Dae, 'if you think you've seen and done it all, it's your own decision. I can't make things interesting for you'

Krux says, 'calm down, Kaige'

Kaige says to Orange1Guest, 'I don't see that being a big problem when people aren't out killing everything that's available now.'

Wren says to Dae, 'just don't assume that because you THINK you've seen and done it all, you have'

Kaige says to Krux, 'I'm very calm. just stating a fact.'

LadyAce says, 'Supporting that many players is not a matter of raw room files'

Dae says, 'no, but you sure can make them hell for me'

Krux nods his agreement with Kaige.

Wren is completely boggled.

Wren says, 'No idea what you're at'

LadyAce says, 'it's more a matter of having interesting things for that many people to do at once and still maintain a cohesive place for people to spend time'

Rui says, 'how to apply for imm? what data should i write in the application?'

Krux nods his agreement with Kaige.

LadyAce says, 'we could make 50 copies of the same area file and connect it to itself in a big long line...that wouldn't be a 150-player game'

Robar says to Rui, 'your credit card number'

Rui giggles.

Wren giggles at Robar.

LadyAce says, 'there's a helpfile and web pages on that. Help immort, and 'websites' is a good place to start'

Orange1Guest says, 'yeah do that... you could have races to see who could get from one end to the other in the shortest time - would be lots funer then running PD for the gizillionith time... or killing klien'

Orange1Guest says, 'or wandering aimlessly looking for something to do'

Lilac smiles happily.

Wren says, 'I personally like to go around, buy foreign food on the mud'

Wren says, 'and read the descs'

Wren says, 'that's the first thing I do in any new area'

Wren blushes bright red.

Kaige says to Orange1Guest, 'or helping and meeting new players... yeah.. but bleah on the copying the same area over and over. why be like so many other muds out there on the net?'

Kaige smiles at Wren.

Wren says, 'the pigeons in egypt are particularly good, they have glassy eyes!'

Wren giggles.

LadyAce says, 'the real key is giving this place the depth to engage that many minds at once'

LadyAce says, 'and updates and new features do that, and deep, complex areas also do that'

Krux says, 'Well, I was away from Legend for 15 months, and I see a lot of new aspects to it that Ilike and am surprised to see'

Orange1Guest says, 'like what, krux?'

Krux says, 'new quests, new descriptions ...'

Orange1Guest says, 'you were suprised to see new quests and descriptions?'

Orange1Guest says, 'it doesn't take a whole lot... does it?'

Krux shakes his head.

Krux says, 'not what I meant'

Krux says, 'just hate hearing everyone complain'

Kaige says to Krux, 'I bet starting a newbie was a different experience, even tho the places were the same.'

Orange1Guest says, 'so really nothing you've seen suprises you?'

Orange1Guest says, 'why lie man'

LadyAce says to Orange1Guest, 'We appreciate your willingness to share your concerns, but you seem more anxious to restate them than you are to listen to our responses.'

LadyAce says to Orange1Guest, 'this is not a 1-way forum, not for you, and not for us. Please take a moment to hear what's being said.'

Orange1Guest says, 'oh i hear your responses... but that doesn't change that fact that we haven't had a new area put in in 15 months'

Robar says, 'being a newbie was fun, I wish I could come up with some memory lapse or something'

Ibrahim notes that are working on them and constantly updating old areas.

Krux rolls his eyes heavenward, and sees .... himself?

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Robar.

Ibrahim says to Robar, 'me too'

Robar says to Orange1Guest, 'ok, so its been 15 month, the imms have been busy, there.'

Orange1Guest says, 'then they should get more imms?'

Robar says to Orange1Guest, 'seems none qualify'

Orange1Guest says, 'do you guys suddenly think that all the memory bugs and updating is gonna stop?'

Orange1Guest says, 'they're gonna keep having to do all that'

Orange1Guest says, 'and add stuff'

Ibrahim says, 'i do believe not all have the imagination to become builders, like me for once, i don't think i have what it takes.'

Orange1Guest says, 'this problem will compound itself, you're all setting precident here'

Orange1Guest says, 'which is more important - updating or adding'

Mary-Therese wrinkles her nose with distaste.

Kaige says, 'You also have to remember that teaching new builders takes away from building time as well when we have to answer questions as well.'

Ibrahim says, 'both'

Kaige says, 'both.'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

Kaige says, 'and we've been working on both.'

LadyAce says, 'I think both are important, but if push comes to shove, bugfixes come first, and updates have the faster time to market.'

Orange1Guest says, 'then i suggest expanding your ability to deal with both issues at the same time'

Krux says, 'may I build ... please ????'

LadyAce says, 'We put in a number of areas all at once -- I'd say that growth comes in spurts.'

Krux snickers softly.

Kaige says, 'but the fact hat several areas went in all at once, and we've now had a while between those and the next projects is not a reason to claim the sky is falling and the well has dried up and that we're never going to see another again'

Ibrahim says, 'also remember all the new areas that went in almost at once before this 15 month break you're referring to'

Orange1Guest says, '2?'

Kaige says, 'it's frustrating yes.. I'm frustrated by the fact that I don't get very far on my in progress areas either.'

Ibrahim says, 'malta, pitts, alaska, crusades'

LadyAce says, 'I do know that Straussy is making good progress on Titanic, Cheyla is making progress on her Alaska expansion/other era version of Alaska, Kae has hell.'

Kaige nods her agreement with Ibrahim.

Kaige says, 'ancient greece and Anasazi weren't too far away from those either'

Wren says, 'updates to old areas are a bit spiffy because they make me relook at areas I thought I knew already'

Wren drools contentedly.

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Wren.

Wren says, 'though sometimes is frustrating because ther'es a post about something updated and I just can't find it =('

LadyAce says, 'Straussy benefits from not having an area to maintain like Cheyla and Kae, but he has the disadvantage to being newer'

Orange1Guest says, 'wasn't kae playtesting an area like 2 spring breaks ago?'

LadyAce says, 'So I think Alaska and hell are ahead of Titanic'

Orange1Guest says, 'what happened to that?'

Dae says, 'hades'

Ibrahim says, 'at the same time you also want special things to happen on days like valentines, as far as i know, builders make it too. Cheyla and Kae have been responsible for the elf-games, that takes time aswell'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

Kaige says, 'hades is on indefinite hold. Croaker's on indefinite inactive status.'

Ibrahim says, 'kae's area was put on hold till she's built hell'

Dae says, 'kae's area is hell'

Kaige says, 'denmark he means.'

Dae says, 'ah'

Kelli says, 'just seems to be that Mr Guest wants the imms who arent paid and do this for fun, to be his entertainment ommittee... Don't we all have to take responsibility for our own fun to a large extent?'

Ibrahim says, 'she had begun on another area when flagg left and was given the job, again, as far as i am informed'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

Wren shrugs helplessly.

Dae says, 'now your getting into quanity vs quality, would it be helpful to hire underlings to help out? or more full time builders?'

Cheyla says, 'you need to also consider the complexity of areas like the titanic and the inferno... they're both quite large and special... they're going to take longer than your typical area'

Orange1Guest says, 'i'm merely saying - that if the immortal staff can't meet the goals that they set forth for themselves... then we need new immortals or more of them'

Ibrahim is sorta happy the imms here have lives.

Cheyla says, 'and kae did put aside denmark when she took on inferno'

Robar blinks at Ibrahim.

LadyAce says, 'We're happy with our progress on our goals, really.'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Cheyla.

Krux sighs loudly.

Cheyla nods her agreement with LadyAce.

LadyAce says, 'this place is SO much more complex than when I started'

Wren says, 'I dunno. I think anyone who gets bored should go shopping, see a movie, read a book, instead of sitting around here being bored. If new areas are your thing, then come back and explore and die with everyone else when new ones go in =)'

YieXa nods his agreement with LadyAce.

Krux nods his agreement with LadyAce.

Kaige says, 'or at least spend a half hour walking around an area they haven't been to in ages and brainstorming ways to make it interesting'

Wren says, 'I know a few people who only come back for new areas'

LadyAce says, 'I mean, every where you go, there is detail, detail, detail.'

Robar says, 'as if denmark cant be considered hell'

Wren says, 'I miss them a bit, but they're happy while they're here!'

Wren says, 'so it's all drooly'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Robar.

Cheyla says, 'one year per normal 100-room area, at the least would be my guess'

Ibrahim says to Robar, 'well, we have licorish'

Ibrahim licks his lips and smiles.

Robar chuckles politely.

Kaige giggles at Wren.

LadyAce says to Cheyla, 'It's a good point about Inferno and Titanic -- it throws the average off to have such specialized areas at the top of the queue.'

Cheyla nods solemnly.

Wren says, 'er um not that I meant to imply that new area is synonymous with dying'

Wren giggles.

Ibrahim giggles at Wren.

Dae says, 'inferno is going to be a big hit'

Dae says, 'alot of people want a hell type place back'

YieXa says, 'dying only happens if you're not cautious in your exploration, and/or bad luck...'

Cheyla says, 'and new imms wouldn't fix the problem, partly due to kaige's point about newbie imms taking time away from the rest of us'

Kaige says, 'not that that's a bad thing in the long run, but if you're only concerned about the instant gratification, you'd be better served by walking around and idea'ing things and tactics for existing places'

Cheyla says, 'on top of that, a lot of people find imming wasn't quite what they thought and there's a high rate of people going inactive in the first year'

Kaige nods her agreement with Cheyla.

LadyAce says to Cheyla, 'although that rate is down lately, I think.'

Cheyla says, 'since Kae and I immed, we've immed and lost Vannessa, and Perseus and Danar are both inactive.'

Ibrahim nods solemnly.

Ruby says, 'no point in having more imms'

Ruby says, 'Need more players 1st'

Wren says, 'I know someone who collects and bugs typos for fun, he walks around and does happy dances when he finds a bug or a typo'

Wren giggles.

Kaige says, 'more fresh players and not the demanding kind would be a good thing, I think.'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

Ibrahim giggles.

Krux nods his agreement with Kaige.

Ruby says, 'yeh out with us oldbies and in with the newbies'

Kaige ruffles Wren's hair playfully.

Kaige says, 'no, no no... not out with anyone except those that don't get it and don't want to and won't follow the rules'

Kaige shrugs philosophically.

Robar says to Kaige, 'now you're being demanding! thinking players not to be demanding'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

Mobs that See Sneak but Shouldn't?

YieXa says, 'Ok, I've already talked with someone already, but I just need to get public feedback...'

YieXa says, 'I've really enjoyed playing here, and exploring, and I find that my character has a lot of advantages, but there's things that's bugging me a little'

YieXa says, 'first thing is regarding sneak, it seems like a lot of mobs still see it happening, especiall ones that you want to sneak by...'

Wren says, 'I'm just glad the bootblack doesn't any more'

LadyAce says, 'if you see places where sneak is being spotted and perhaps it shouldn't, please let us know'

YieXa nods solemnly.

Kaige says, 'bug channel'

YieXa says, 'second...'

Kaige nods her agreement with LadyAce.

YieXa nods solemnly.

Kaige says, 'same with mobs seeing you in the dark/while blind etc'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

YieXa says, 'ah, ok.'

LadyAce says, 'it used to be that we only had one way to see sneak/invis/hidden, and so the omnibus flag is lurking in places where it's not really needed'

Ibrahim had that happen once and reported it he thinks.

Ibrahim pokes himself in the ribs.

Wren says, 'how do we know if that was the builder's intention or not?'

Kaige says, 'if it feels odd, report it'

Kaige tickles Wren.

LadyAce says, 'point it out as something unexpected, and we'll evaluate it'

Wren says, 'or is it safe to assume if the mob does 3 rip to shreds attacks a round, then it should be the intention?'

YieXa says, 'ok'

Wren giggles.

YieXa snickers at Wren nastily.

Kaige says to Wren, 'unless they're < level 10'

An aura of heavenly light appears above Kaige's head.

Wren goes EEK! at Kaige in distress - isn't Kaige an awful person for teasing?

Wren runs around the room in circles, squealing.

LadyAce says, 'easy enough to drop your observation into the file for us to at least think about :)'

Ibrahim says, 'the magistrate or lawson did that to me the other day!'

Ibrahim nods to himself - he must be getting senile.

Kaige nods her agreement with LadyAce.

Wren says, 'ya, they're some of those I was sorta talking about'

Wren giggles.

Is Losing XP for Fleeing Fair?

YieXa says, 'ok, sorry, back to question. Snipers...'

YieXa says, 'after I've reached lv 50, I've noticed that unless I go after tough mobs, the guerilla tactics comes with a cost...'

Ibrahim raises an eyebrow inquiringly.

YieXa says, 'you lose prestige and xp when you flee, especially from a lower lvl mob....'

Wren says, 'oh ya. you always lose xp when you fleeflee'

Kaige nods her agreement with Wren.

YieXa says, 'I can justify the prestige, since it's a cowardly thing to do'

Ibrahim says, 'fleeing is wussy tactics'

Ibrahim snorts derisively.

LadyAce says, 'I think there's truth to the general statement that mages are hard early and more powerful late, and snipers/dexy types are more powerful early and harder late.'

Wren thumps her chest at Dae! Ooer. You feel too young to watch.

Robar nods his agreement with Ibrahim.

YieXa nods solemnly.

Kaige says, 'fleeing isn't a very ummm... learning from your mistakes kind of thing, if you keep doing it. And fleeing from something that's regarded as more of a wuss than you, well... it's another judgement on the coward thing.

Ruby laughs at LadyAce.

Wren says, 'well, I think because you take 1 round less damage at least'

Wren says, 'you should pay for it in xp, and the cost is quite negligible, less than 1k'

YieXa says, 'well, I think fleeing with timing is a learned skill...'

Ruby says to LadyAce, 'strike me down and I will become more powerfull that you can possibly imagine'

LadyAce wrinkles her nose at Ruby.

YieXa says, 'no, I've been losing more than 1k per flee'

Wren says, 'plus some mobs more than cap with their attacks, if they have multiple ook'

Dae laughs at Ruby.

Ibrahim says, 'it makes up for the missing skillag on wimpy max, perhaps:)?'

Wren peers at YieXa, looking him up and down.

Wren says, 'you have?'

Robar says to Kaige, 'maybe fleeing wasnt the mistake? so really you should loose xp by re-attacking?'

Wren says, 'hmm'

Kaige says, 'then it would be the retreat skill which hasnn't been implemented yet and not the generic flee command that everyone uses.'

Wren says to Robar, 'oo interesting'

Wren giggles.

YieXa says, 'and I'm talking about because snipers don't usually have the staying power as other characters, thereby we're forced to flee....'

Dae says, 'uh oh, retreat smells like a skilltree skill!'

Wren says, 'but I dunno, if I'm killing a 200k mob, and fleeing saves me from it's zillion other attacks, I'm kinda okay with even losing 1k per flee'

YieXa says, 'so I have to flee/fight even some lvl 40's mobs...'

Kaige says to Dae, 'actually it's older than trees'

Kaige nods her agreement with Wren.

Krux shows his approval by clapping his hands together.

YieXa says, 'I'm just saying that in the end, I can actually end up with less xp than starting with...'

Ibrahim says to YieXa, 'my experience is that you can take high level mobs at midlevels though, which most others can't'

Dae says to Kaige, 'well, I guess I don't have to look for it in the next code update then?'

Robar blinks.

Wren says, 'ooky'

Wren comforts YieXa.

YieXa says, 'is the fair?'

Wren says, 'mebbe you need hunt bigger game'

YieXa says, '*that?'

Kaige says to Wren, 'it definitely makes a difference on what mobs you SHOULD be soloing at your level.'

Wren giggles.

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

YieXa says, 'well, bigger game, it's much harder to solo...'

Wren says, 'or company!'

Ibrahim thinks it's fair _enough_.

YieXa says, 'I'd say certain ones are almost impossible..'

Wren says, 'you could make friends and group with mean gorillas'

Ruby thinks mobkill and xp isn't the problem right now.

Wren says, 'and they'll pound things into the ground with you, no more fleeflee!'

Wren beams delightedly.

YieXa says, 'I like grouping, but sometimes I'd like to be alone.'

Wren nods solemnly.

Wren comforts YieXa.

YieXa says, 'I started my levels alone, I like to fight alone at times...'

YieXa says, 'but as I've hit lv 50, my choices have been decreased...'

Robar drinks from a leather waterskin.

Wren says, 'well, I'd say try making a new character (type) with more options for playing alone'

Wren says, 'but I have mountains of alts so that's cheap talk'

Wren giggles.

Kaige says, 'nothing wrong with that as long as you realize not everything was intended to be fought that way and some will take a group to take down.'

YieXa says, 'and also, even at 100 perc before, so many mobs have snipe-resistance... I've given it up'

YieXa nods his agreement with Kaige.

Wren says, 'it's like I have pure surgeons I never play anymore because I don't like not being able to do stuff alone'

Wren says, 'so I see where you're coming from'

Wren comforts YieXa.

YieXa says, 'I know that, I don't mean taking on stuff like SL and things'

YieXa says, 'and on that level...'

Kaige says, 'SL and the other two big areas aren't the only ones intended for groups.'

Ibrahim never had a character get xp as fast as his sniper/surgeon.

Ibrahim says, 'alone'

Wren says, 'first aid is drooly if you are patient'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

Wren says, 'and horrible if you are hyper like me'

Wren giggles.

Dae grins evilly at Kelli.. wonder what he's thinking...

Wren bandages 5 times and goes nuts!

Wren hangs her head.

Ibrahim giggles at Wren.

YieXa says, 'and I really like this character, alting just to be able to play... seems...'

YieXa says, 'odd.'

Wren nods solemnly.

Wren comforts YieXa.

YieXa shrugs helplessly.

YieXa says, 'I guess I can't get my feelings out clear enough...'

LadyAce says to YieXa, 'I think our answer has been sort of scattered, have we been helpful?'

Wren comforts YieXa.

YieXa says, 'ehh, not saying it's your fault or anyone's, but I felt like I'm in a circle.'

YieXa shrugs helplessly.

Wren says, 'another thing about making new characters (ya I am trying to make everyone make new characters)'

YieXa says, 'I guess next person'

LadyAce says, 'ultimately, I think we don't have all the answers to your questions, or all the tools to address the problems you bring up.'

Wren says, 'is that you can always go back to your old alts'

Ibrahim says, 'try seeking new hunting grounds?'

YieXa nods his agreement with LadyAce.

Wren says, 'with the stuff you've learned from the newer ones'

Wren says, 'and you'd be surprised how dangerous the older ones can be'

Wren says, 'after you learn more stuff'

YieXa says, 'I'm an explorer... I ALWAYS look for new hunting grounds... ;)'

Dae says, 'I don't understand the philosophy of making more alts when your bored'

Ibrahim has a seemingly silly question about pretitles too, so he get's in line behind the charming young lass.

Wren says, 'dunno, is prolly personality type thin'

Wren says, 'I like to design stuff and see what happens to it'

Ibrahim says, 'well for me, i like to try out different character types'

LadyAce says to Wren, 'did you have a question? :)'

Wren nods her agreement with Ibrahim.

Robar says to Dae, 'the first 20 levels are so easy you feel like something is happening when you level 5 times in no time'

Wren says, 'and if I know I won't do it justice...'

Wren says, 'like I don't personally have a flair for playing deadeyes'

Wren says, 'I um instigate other people making them'

Wren blushes bright red.

Wren comforts all her victims.

Ibrahim giggles at Wren.

Buying Gear Your Alt Put in a Box?

Wren says, 'this is adminny question I think'

Wren says, 'okie me got one alt! went cycle/get catcher's mask for a friend'

Wren says, 'couldn't get the one friend wanted so put masks in the box cause lazy to sell them you know?'

Wren says, 'now later log on with nother me!'

Wren says, 'who needs catchers masks. me ask on auction for them'

Wren says, 'people try to sell me the masks I put in the boxes'

LadyAce giggles.

LadyAce comforts Wren.

Wren says, 'I know they're the ones because that mob doesn't repop that fast and those were all the ones having the stats of the ones I got'

Wren says, 'can I buy those? I was in an interesting position'

Wren says, 'I said I'd buy any catcher's mask, but er., not those!'

Wren grumbles.

Wren says, 'for no reason!'

Wren grumbles.

Wren says, 'so can I buy them or not?'

Wren giggles.

LadyAce says, 'You can't, if you have reason to think they're the ones you got before.'

Wren just needs to clear this up.

Wren says, 'ooky'

Dae says, 'plead ignorance'

Wren says, 'I'm sure they were, the mobs were down still when I rented in'

Krux pounces on Wren, bowling her over.

LadyAce says, 'woo :)!!'

Ibrahim giggles.

Wren says, 'I can't just say I din know?'

Wren giggles.

Wren says, 'I was sooooo tempted'

LadyAce shakes her head.

Bart says to Wren, 'well, the fact that you know they were from your alt kinda tells you the answer?'

Wren blushes bright red.

Wren says to Bart, 'yaaa'

Wren sniffles quietly.

Wren giggles.

Wren says, 'okie'

Ibrahim comforts Wren.

Kaige says to Wren, 'you can always RP it.. say those are old and cracked and just not good enough.'

Wren giggles.

Kaige says to Wren, 'also maybe explaining that you want the thrill of helping get one.'

Wren says to Kaige, 'oo thas a good one'

Can You Combine Pretitles?

Ibrahim says, 'well my bugger-odd question about pretitles was'

Ibrahim says to LadyAce, 'would it be possible to combine the suggestions, like, I would sorta like to be 'grumpy old ibrahim''

Ibrahim bats his eyelashes at LadyAce.

Wren giggles at Ibrahim.

Ibrahim says, 'I suppose i ask about the flexibility?'

LadyAce says, 'there's not a code-based way to combine two into one.'

Ibrahim nods solemnly.

LadyAce says, 'if there's a particular combo you want, suggest it on idea'

Ibrahim nods solemnly.

LadyAce says, 'we review ideas for pretitles at the beginning of each year'

Ibrahim will then.

Ibrahim says, 'ooh'

Robar says, 'each year?'

Ibrahim says, 'i have plenty of time to get 30 million then:)'

LadyAce says, 'yup'

Kaige nods solemnly.

Wren giggles.

Wren says, 'we need an option in redeem to remove pretitles'

Wren says, 'not to change but to remove'

Wren scuffles her feet around in the dirt.

Robar nods solemnly.

LadyAce says, 'suggest it on idea. Could probably make a null pretitle if not via code.'

Wren beams at LadyAce delightedly.

Kaige says, 'either that or you'd have to tell it to remove the one you have.'

LadyAce says to Kaige, 'well, if you used the 'change' option, but opted for one which would essentially be empty? Is what I'm thinkin. Not sure it'd work :)'

Kaige says to LadyAce, 'it'd have be the first one, and it should be pretty easy just to get the ones that are available, checked and toggled off.'

LadyAce says to Kaige, 'I thought the change code toggled off what you had.'

Kaige says, 'yes, but I'm saying that if you have one and you want to go to NONE, it should be easy enough to loop through the ones available in redeem and just make sure all those are toggled off, as opposed to setting up one that's essentially empty'

LadyAce says to Kaige, 'ah, okie. code thingy then not somethin I can do :)'

Typos -- Report Now or in Batches?

Wren says, 'if we see a typo, is it best to bug it in that room, or can we save up a bunch of twenny for typobugging all at one shot?'

LadyAce says, 'bug it in the room if you can'

Wren says, 'wookie!'

LadyAce says, 'that way we know what room you're in.'

Wren nods solemnly.

LadyAce says, 'an entry to the bug channel will record: your name, the date and time, and the index number of the room you're in'

LadyAce says, ''help bug' :)'

Wren says, 'oh so if I typobug twenny a ta shot from all over the mud is a big headac'

Wren says, '...he'

Wren scuffles her feet around in the dirt.

Wren says, 'okie!'

Bart nods his agreement with Wren.

LadyAce says, 'easier to remember 'em.'

Kaige says to Wren, 'if you typo them in the room/area you find them it's easier for me to assign them to the right builder'

Wren nods solemnly.

Wren says, 'okie!'

Kaige smiles at Wren.

Wren says, 'I better tell Faxie'

Wren giggles.

LadyAce giggles.

Kaige says, 'it's always fun when someone typos an item and trying to figure out which area it belongs to'

Ibrahim chuckles politely.

Bart comforts Kaige.

Kaige says, 'sometimes It'd be just as easy to fix it once I find where it was.'

LadyAce says, 'grep! :)'

Kaige nods her agreement with LadyAce.

Kaige says, 'yup. that's how I found where the "smail mail" one was'

Ibrahim giggles.

When is it OK to Pray?

Wren says, 'when is it okay to pray?'

Wren says, 'I mean the helpfile says emergencies'

Robar says, 'if you first offered your first born son'

Wren says, 'but what is an emergency? some people go to the ER for a nosebleed'

Wren giggles at Robar.

LadyAce says, 'if you think something bad will happen if it's not stopped'

Wren says, 'oh'

Wren says, 'so lost own corpse due to bug is not good for pray?'

Wren is checking.

Robar says, 'oh, so if you're jumped while low hp or mana?'

LadyAce says, 'it's a way to report cheating if there's no one vis'

Wren says, 'even if you very sure is a bug. well 95 percent sure'

LadyAce says, 'well, if you're stuck someplace or your items might get eaten...'

Kaige says to Wren, 'not good for pray if there's a visible admin online'

Wren nods solemnly.

YieXa waves happily.

LadyAce says, 'the main bothersome thing is praying 'hey, how's it going, can you come do me a string?' :P'

Wren says, 'So can do corpsie thing but only if corpse might be gobbled, otherwise wait?'

Wren giggles at LadyAce.

Kaige says, 'basically what we really want to discourage is using it as a "heyya guys", "plz rain cupons" "gimme strings now" type deal.'

Wren says, 'i.e. if corpsie thing is buggy but corpse not gonna be gobbled by anything then don't pray?'

LadyAce says, 'some people are set up to ONLY see prays, or for bells to go off in the case of prays.'

Wren says, 'I used pray the other day and I'm still paranoid about using that command after umm 5 years!'

Wren hangs her head.

LadyAce says, 'if you seriously can't play or do anything because of the situation, it's ok to pray.'

Kaige nods solemnly.

LadyAce says, 'if you just don't think you should've died, better off making a report of the problem in an e-mail'

Wren says, 'nah'

Wren says, 'it was the um'

Wren says, 'buggy irish joe'

Kaige says, 'with a log'

Ibrahim only used pray when he was a newbie and somebody 'wellmeaning' told him to.

Kaige says, 'still?'

Wren says, 'not tossing corpses'

Ibrahim hangs his head.

Wren giggles.

Kaige stomps around.

LadyAce says, 'pray away for stuff like Irish Joe'

Robar nods his agreement with Ibrahim.

Wren says, 'so I prayed but I wasn't toally sure it wasn't um'

Wren cowers in fear of LadyAce's wrath!

Wren says, 'perversity of builder'

Wren says, 'so I was scareded!'

Kaige has created Irish Joe!

Kaige slays Irish Joe in cold blood!

You hear Irish Joe's death cry.

Kaige stomps on the corpse of Irish Joe - it breaks into a million little pieces.

LadyAce says, 'you've been here long enough that you're not likely to pray for the wrong reasons :P'

Wren giggles at Kaige.

Kaige says, 'grrr... I thought I had that fixed.'

Wren says, 'anyway, I got my corpse back transing 4 times in a row after waiting 2 hours'

Ibrahim applauds Kaige's quick thinking and good judgment.

Wren says, 'or 2 1/2'

Wren says, 'but gosh that was yicky'

Kaige says to Wren, 'drop some notes in bug channel about what happened so I can look again'

Wren says, 'so that is prayable?'

Wren giggles.

Wren notes down.

Wren says to Kaige, 'did!'

Wren says to Kaige, 'they were a bit ranty'

Wren scuffles dirt onto Kaige's shoes.

Wren was pissed.

Wren scuffles her feet around in the dirt.

Ibrahim thinks ranty is better than too short.

Kaige nods her agreement with Wren.

Kaige says, 'okie.'

Kaige nods her agreement with Ibrahim.

Kaige says, 'as long as it's got info in it. I don't mind ranty...'

Wren nods solemnly.

Wren giggles.

Wren says, 'ookie!'

Wren gives a big hug to everyone in the room.

Wren says, 'thankees everybodery'

Wren beams delightedly.

Ibrahim smiles at Wren.

Kaige says, 'ones that are just ranty and don't SAY anything useful like "X skill is still broke why don't you fix the damn thing" don't really help much.'

Robar says, 'i think the line limit is irritating when trying to explain a bug'

Kaige says, 'I'm very good at piecing them back together.'

LadyAce says, 'builders are really not that perverse. We like our mobs to kill you sometimes, but that's it :)'

Meandering Discussion on Areas

LadyAce says, 'anyway, does anyone else have questions? Otherwise, we should all go back to being inept, having a life, doing updates, and making new areas slooowly :P'

Kaige says to LadyAce, 'and boring the players by only updating existing areas'

Ibrahim says, 'for the record, i think that guy was way off'

Kaige smiles at Ibrahim.

Krux nods solemnly.

Robar says, 'your mere presense is boring the players, you all go away!'

Robar chuckles to himself at something that strikes him funny but no one else.

Ibrahim thinks you're all doing a good job of keeping this place new and interesting.

Mary-Therese nods her agreement with Ibrahim.

Kaige says, 'I really would like to track epxlore xp on a room by room basis and would love to see how much of the mud some of these people have actually seen.'

Robar says to Ibrahim, 'you're waaay too easy to make happy!'

Krux nods his agreement with Ibrahim.

Kaige thanks Ibrahim heartily.

Ibrahim says to Robar, 'prolly why I'm not single'

Ibrahim ducks under Robar.

Kaige says, 'but I have to convince Ea! it's worth it to waste that much pfile space'

Robar pats Ibrahim on the head.

Kaige scuffles her feet around in the dirt.

LadyAce says to Kaige, 'well, I explored the other 50% of the mud with my alt. :)'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

Ibrahim explores most with his newbiew though, funny.

Ibrahim looks up into the sky and ponders.

Kaige says, 'cause right now we have 5329 rooms (not all of those player accessible) but probably close to 5k of them in the game world.'

Kaige says to Ibrahim, 'less to lose =)'

Ibrahim whistles appreciatively.

Ibrahim says to Kaige, 'prolly:)'

Robar says, 'wow you have 300 rooms for imm parties?'

Ibrahim was more impressed with the 5k rooms.

Krux rolls around on the ground with laughter.

Ibrahim says, 'a standard mud is what? 600 rooms?'

LadyAce says, 'but that's 33 rooms for each of our 150 theoretical players :)'

Ibrahim looks up into the sky and ponders.

Kaige says, 'each area has it's own "control" rooms.'

LadyAce says, 'more mob parties than imm parties.'

Ibrahim says, 'like where the evil magician in agrabah sits?:)'

Robar says, 'ah'

Kaige says, 'I wanna say on the mudconnector the next size up is 8k rooms, for a large sized mud... we're about medium still'

Ibrahim says, 'oh'

Ibrahim nods solemnly.

Kaige says to Ibrahim, 'nope, that's techincally in-game rooms'

LadyAce says, 'by putting our control rooms in our own areas rather than in general space we keep from building in extra interdependencies'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

Kaige says, 'I mean like where the camel-driver goes when he's "rented" --- the Sea Serpent's lair in medieval seas -- those aren't accessible by players'

Ibrahim could just visualise a mad magician in the control room for the inferno or some such. But don't tell Kae:)

Robar says, 'control rooms, with buttons and bliping lamps and handles you can pull to make mobs go crazy?'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

LadyAce says, 'my mobs run away to a room to get dressed'

Kaige has created an Atari 130XE!

Ibrahim goes EEK! in distress.

Kaige says, 'with crazy control daemons like those'

Kaige throws her head back and cackles with insane glee!

Kaige asks an Atari 130XE a question.

It sounded like 'mule' to you.

Ibrahim says, 'ooh that showed up in census in the old days?'

An Atari 130XE loads up M.U.L.E. One of its three players wins, but you come in 2nd.

Kaige nods her agreement with Ibrahim.

Kaige asks an Atari 130XE a question.

It sounded like 'seven cities' to you.

An Atari 130XE lets you wander around playing Columbus for a while, then it kills you.

Kaige pouts.

Kaige says, 'I hate that.'

Ibrahim giggles.

Ibrahim says, 'nice:)'

Mary-Therese blinks.

Kaige says, 'I love that game, but I suck at it.'

Kaige says, 'it's also where the mobs go to get dressed sometimes if they have special gear so that you don't see them wear it.'

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

Kaige says, 'or learn/practice skills and spells.'

Kaige says, 'all the behinds the scenes stuff'

Ibrahim says, 'and practice their diabolical laughter'

LadyAce nods her agreement with Ibrahim.

Mary-Therese says to Kaige, 'mobs need to learn skills?'

Ibrahim says, 'muwhawhawha'

Ibrahim giggles at Robar.

LadyAce says to Mary-Therese, 'some they know automatically if they qualify for them, some they have to learn'

Mary-Therese says, 'weird'

Mary-Therese smiles happily.

Kaige says to Mary-Therese, 'some of them. There's a couple that aren't automatic unless they've been invoked once... like tumble and ....'

Ibrahim likes smart mobs (TM)

Kaige says, 'shoot I can't think of the other one first.'

LadyAce says, 'juggle?'

Kaige says, 'but yeah, we have to actually set their cast levels when they're loaded too'

Kaige nods her agreement with LadyAce.

Kaige says, 'yeah, juggling'

LadyAce thinks we turned of auto-juggle cuz there were a lot of hyper-jugglers out there.

LadyAce says, 'throw became useless :P'

Kaige nods her agreement with LadyAce.

Kaige says, 'and mad-tumblers too!'

LadyAce nods solemnly.

Ibrahim nods his agreement with Kaige.

LadyAce says, 'silly mobs. Dumb as posts, every one.'

[From here the discussion rambled further off on various topics surrounding what made areas interesting and more likely for players to return to them and what make it less likely to go or return to them in the first place.]

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