The World of Layonara
The Layonara Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: Chongo on June 05, 2007, 12:00:53 AM
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[SIZE=16]I've always found pictures to be a good snare for you unfortunate readers.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]I've been on three servers where they announced plans to at some point end their module progress. What I've found is a typical response from the playerbase, including myself. Interest in progression of your own character lessens, and the sudden reminder of the server mortality usually hits me for about a two week depression.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]There's a lot of major differences here however. First, the timeline put on NWN is of our own making. The new medium for Layonara is a massive effort very good people are working on. But it is going to take time since it is such a massive effort. And it's not two months, or six months... it's a long time. I hope the team working on it doesn't mind me saying that. NWN truly is in the hands of the players here. And this brings me to the second major difference. Layonara is continuing. The campaign and histories are continuing. The histories your characters are creating and helping to build are continuing. Characters of your own making are going into the very written history of Layonara. Look around. We *are* Layonara. This is not a plug pulled.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]What is going to keep us going is simply the continuation of motivation. Any way you slice it you're playing Layonara, be it this generation or the next. Had you found out that v3 would've been a character wipe, would you have fled? How many of us have started new characters since that discussion and found them in late stages of their life, engrained in the server, fulfilled. A lot of us I'd say. This is absolutely the same thing. I mean, Ketil is barely over a year old. I think of the time I've had playing him, and sure I want more, but that was a really really good year I've had with him. The same opportunity is in front of each of your characters right now. People just tend to get down when they see some finality to a character, it's something we don't like to admit as being possible. But we're talking about a *long* time here. Get over that sense of impending closure and realize it's not changing the game for you whatsoever.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]We play here for the community and that is what we must retain. Levels, progression, everything tangible to a single character ends up falling back on your interest in the community when it's said and done. When you've seen it all, when you have no more surprises around the corner, it is the surprise from a trusted and dynamic community that you will find your interest has been in this whole time.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=16]I know what the pessimists will pick out of the big announcement post, as they like whispering it in my ear now and then. Timelines, character closure, last update... things of that nature. [/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]So let me shed some light on some realities on the update side of it that you haven't been able to see yet. For you players playing here in the years of 2004-2006, think of the updates you witnessed. The new scenery, it wasn't all that major. Mind you, a lot was going on, the game was being refined, scripting was allowing greater diversity and variation of gameplay, on the whole the NWN engine was being perfected for Layonara. Then came the V3 announcement. The initial update for V3 is what you have seen so far. It seemed like a significant change for some, the pessimists did their pessimism thing and probably complained about rangers or barbarians or bards *winks*. Some were blown away by the change in appearance. Most were merely excited about the newfound source of motivation.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]I usually stick to that middle crowd, complaining. That said, this "final" update, this conclusion to the major push for V3 of NWN, it's been worked on for several months. Several months where wives, husbands, coworkers or bosses of those working on it narrowed their eyes at the bags under eyes or the far away looks. I know for a fact that my wife is plotting a detailed sabotage of the server machines, bioware, Leanthar's house, and the developer of our computer to top it off. It's a big update that took a lot of work.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]This update is more substantial then what you're used to. It's quite likely the most substantial percentage change of material in NWN Layo to this point. And that's what I'm mostly going to be talking about here.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=16]Updates come and go, and with version changes they hit surges. We didn't hit all the changes proposed for the V3 vision. That's clear to everyone. Kingdoms, farming, etc.... they never hit home. But updates also hit lulls. Lulls where there's not a ton to do. I can say with confidence that in the grand scheme of what V3 was realized as, this is the typical final stroke before the standard lull. We've made the important stuff hit home, we've made the core of V3 hit home. So to hit the stuff we should be concentrating on...[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=18]The Scope of the Final V3 Update[/SIZE][/U][/B]
[SIZE=16]What's new, what's different, and why should I be excited? Well Leanthar detailed the percentage changes on the servers. Bear in mind that this is a massive amount when compared to other updates you've seen. I don't want to go into the unknowns and mysteries that are in there waiting, it ruins most of the fun, but I can detail what they mean for you as players.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]Belinara and Dregar[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]These have been merged. I actually view this as a plus because communication and grouping will be on the rise. Green tells or not, being a server apart limits grouping, and I'm glad to see the merge. More importantly, you are looking at huge rebuilds and added material. The first time you travel to Arnax you are going to immediately be hit with the changes with some impressiveness. Travelling north, you will be lost. It's a good thing. Dregar has likewise seen some major changes, I'm not going to tell you much about them. I can just say that the adventure is going to be new, exciting, and if you thought the new Firesteep was something... you ain' seen anything yet.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]Obviously new material is great, but a lot more has been done. Traffic has been funneled in ways that will pool people for roleplay and roleplay adventure. Thematic environments have been added, those places that naturally attract people for myriad reasons, and promote that magnet for roleplay.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]A few ambassadors for lore that we have all grown accustomed to listening to over the years have been made aware of the specific histories and themes of some of these grand new schemes on Dregar and Belinara. Look to them, you know who they are. Follow them to the new focal points for roleplay and adventure, prepare for the new adventures, and better yet the new campfires and places we'll come to know and love and gather at.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]The New Balance[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]The balance of the world has not shifted in any wild manner. What has been done is the empowering of particular classes that until now have been left wondering why they are so unable to deal with the world around them. It's not a matter of changing a class, or limiting another. It's a matter of creating environments that foster certain character types that may have been limited before. Where and how? You'll figure that out quite fast I'm guessing. To what scale are we talking here? A massive scale. I'm fully aware of the woes of melees, the fact that a party of one class can do all while the party of all another class can do naught. You'll see role reversals in this regard, without taking anything away from a certain class. But it will be a new and dynamic set of environments that will let all characters have their shining moments instead of being left in the dark on all occasions. Additionally, a slight shift in magic level will be realized. It's not profound, since anything profound would be a true mistake. But some class characteristics have met with limitations given magic levels, and the bar has been slightly raised. Be patient, meet the adventure head on, and look forward to a big smile here and there. Even you rangers. I am very proud of what people have come together to achieve on this front, and all I can say is that I'll see you all at the crossroads.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]Epic Themes and Adventures[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]Creating themes for epic characters has always been a problem, everywhere in NWN, whatever roleplay-based server you might be on. There seem to be only two speeds in epic adventure and challenge: 1) Everyone in your group dies ultra fast, or 2) Everything you're fighting dies ultra fast. NWN is what it is and it's hard to combat the tempo of adventure in epic levels. Roleplay is limited due to the tempo of epic grouping. [/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]But there are themes, hidden themes here and there, that will bring new dynamic to epic adventure. Thought process, lore, decision making, the demands of what roleplay servers should be. It's the best possible that people can do with NWN and I'll say that in full confidence. Look forward to those massively epic adventures, and enjoy the new style of play. That said, good luck finding them.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]Oh, and additionally, the bar has been raised all you epics. Every CR abounds, finally. Have fun, and don't be hasty or the soul mother will steal your company from the rest of us.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]Leanthar's courtesy in informing the community of plans in motion that will not be seen by us for a long time I deem a gesture of faith in the playerbase here. Our server here is made by the motivation of the playerbase and the higher standard of gameplay that continues to grow. Realize that Layonara is here to continue, in two ways. In one, NWN will keep going for some time to come, Leanthar was just gracious enough to share the full picture of things. A long time! Don't get down because the doc just told you that people typically don't live past 100. Appreciate your time and the people you're sharing it with. And in the other way, Layonara persists. It has blown through the roof of being held by a single game engine, and the histories we have all come to be a part of look as though they will continue far beyond the lifespan of a single engine. And this is something we should all be grateful for.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=16]I'll see you at the crossroads soon. There's a lot of new adventure for us to enjoy. Oh, that's right, and it's coming in the next few days.[/SIZE]
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;)
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Wow Chongo nice preview! Thank you, way to tantalize us....*drools at the thought of new and exciting opportunities for fun*
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Very well written!
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anxiously waits....
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There's no patience here! BRING IT OUT NOW!
:D Haha, kidding.
Take your time!
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*smiles relieved*
I feel so much better now
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Brilliantly said, man.
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Be patient, meet the adventure head on, and look forward to a big smile here and there. Even you rangers. I am very proud of what people have come together to achieve on this front, and all I can say is that I'll see you all at the crossroads.
Yay for that! *winks*
No really Chongo, great announcement at all.
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WOW!!
Cant wait, this looks awesome and epic challenges, bring it on!! :D
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Great stuff Chongo. Way to say a lot and not say anything at all :D
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Greatly said. Kudos.
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*crosses fingers* When?
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Still wondering... One week, two?
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Still wondering... One week, two?
Yea I think we all are :).. I think this would get a lot of people playing again or at least I hope so. ;)
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I can barely contain my excitement! :) Wahoo, can't wait! (Especially since I play a ranger. ;) )
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If those gaints are supposed to be frost gaints, their weapons are far from frosty. :p
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Dunno.. they all look to be quite lightning based weapons to me.
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Chongo! When do we get to see those lightning weapons up close and personal ingame? Hopeful minds want to know.
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So no hints to when this will be happening?
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So no hints to when this will be happening?
Soon!
;)
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nice morale boost Chongo...cant wait!!!
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Soon!
;)
Not soon enough! :p
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Still coming...
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Dangerous explorations....
Once the update is released, I'll be announcing a series of calender dates directed towards exploration of a few particular regions of Dregar and Belinara. These calender events will be run through some of the Stormcrest guides and/or other PC's motivated enough to participate. The events will begin at the Shack and first head towards Dalanthar, where numerous events have taken place. The level ranges will be widely open to all, though the most appealing level range will be 15-20... that said, some of the new dynamics may very well yield an environment where a level 11 bard may shine brighter then a level 30 sorceror or mage.
With the delays circling around this update, and the subsequent lack of excitement, I've decided to let folks in on a little bit more of the subject material we're talking about.
First, the instability of the Great Rift over generations of epic errors and/or battles has torn the earth asunder. No doubt, the exploration into this region will be both exciting and dangerous given the wildly unstable terrain we are now dealing with. These exploratory events will mostly appeal to levels 15-40.
Next, with Arnax rebuilt, and the roads in southern Belinara more established through Fort Thunder, Nightfall Woods, and outward towards Wyrms Bay, exploration through these southern lands will most likely deal with the increased banditry that we've seen through the dark ages. These events will mostly appeal to levels 17-30.
Most importantly, the exploration northeast of Dalanthar will no doubt become paramount to the adventurer. The passage through to the western flanks of the Thunder Peaks, descending Warrior Falls into the mists of Thunder Valley beckons. This passage has found increased traffic as the local officials have pinpointed the disruptive banditry in the region to some semblance of an organized village residing in the valley. Beyond the two towers, into the strange and heavy mists of the falls, adventurers will look forth upon the massive and misted valley below, while their rising gaze will meet the endless ridgeline of the western flanks rising into a perpetual cloud as mysterious as the two towers marking the portal into this massive realm, where it is said... the weave rings hollow and empty.
The crossroads of Thunder Valley will no doubt mark the beginning point of these exploratory events. Suitable for all levels and harnessing a roleplay environment, adventures into the region spanning out in all directions will be open to all as the misty crossroads and the mysteries to all sides yield an environment that should be enticing for everyone, levels aside.
The rest of it I'm not going to open my mouth about. And yes, this is just the start of it all. ;)
I keep getting asked about the release date for this update. The only thing I can say is that you should keep your eyes open for Nibor posting a 'everyone get off of east by xxxx date', probably on the Layonara Server forum. That will be your date right there. The calender event scheduling will go up immediately thereafter on the player-run events side.
So let's keep our eyes on the fun ahead, but keep your heads in game... because it's our playerbase that's ultimately making this all as fun as it is.
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Thanks Chongo and Nibor for working on the release. I know I have been a bother pestering you about the time frame. Know that it is only because I have seen the outstanding area designs in the current V3 by you, Chongo, and because I have seen peeks at some of the scripting changes by you, Nibor. Many thanks!
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I feel all Giddy...
Yes Giddy...
Like a little schoolgirl....
Chongo you have an amazing way of making things that extra bit more exciting, both in youre area creation, and in the adventuring ive had the pleasure of being a part of, and for that I have to salute you.
Always a unique experience, and never a dull moment, no matter what were doing or what the outcome...
Let the good times roll man, let em roll.
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I'm so excited I think I went pee-pee a little....
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This release is going to be delayed. For how long I have no idea. Nibor has disappeared. I don't know why and I don't know where to. I am assuming RL has thrown him a real loop and he is taking care of things, I only hope he and his family are doing okay.
At this time that is all I can say about this update.
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Nibor I hope you are well and not ill again.
If you are, get well soon!
We are all praying/cheering for you.
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My prayers are with him :( Truly hope everything is okay and it's nothing serious.
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Nibor my prayers and best wishes to you and your family.
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100%.
If we, your Layo friends, are able to help in any way, if it be help of any nature that is needed, let us know.
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The update on the update. As most of you became aware of a few weeks ago, Nibor is missing. Leanthar and myself have used every contact we have at our disposal, I've gone as far as to search the newspapers online where Nibor is from with keywords on his real name.
So it's an unfortunate circumstance as nobody knows his whereabouts or well-being. There's not much anyone can do about it, and whatever the case may be, we're pushing forward without him, and I do an internet search every couple weeks to see if I can find anything. It may be that something terrible happened, it may be that he hung up his hat without a word. Right now I am thinking we will never know. What I do know is that Robin is a good guy, everyone liked working with him, but communication had become increasingly spread out over the past few months, and that I can't find anything in searches with his name and where he lives. Whatever the case, it's time that we turn our eyes forward as it is an unknown, and there is very little else to be done.
Efforts have gone forth with other staff members, specifically those who had Nibor's job before he took their position. I'll let them speak up on it when they're ready to. Suffice it to say that the modules are well taken care of, and that things are underway.
The obvious complication in all of this is that Leanthar has had to redistribute labor towards the NWN modules. This is unfortunate in that this time and labor could be used on the new game. That said, it's also seems to me a testament to Layonara's dedication to the community, even if sights are set towards the future form it will take.
The good news in all of this is that I've had my hands in the modules again this entire time. More housecleaning, more reworks of east (+ central) and west, more new stuff. So, in the spirit of keeping our eyes forward, everyone should be excited, there is a massive change to the game on the near horizon.
People are working hard, things are getting done at a good pace. I don't foresee any further immense delays on this, and I should hope that sometime next week I, or one of the head honchos, will be able to shed a bit more light on the release date.
Anyhow, keep your heads up. Every once in a while something bad will inevitably happen. A peice of the production line will go missing, and everything falls off the tracks. Keep your heads up, play your characters, start new characters, realize that we have a long time with NWN, longer then most of us have had to date with our main characters.
There are a lot of good times ahead for NWN Layonara.
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Keep rockin'. The show must go on.
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Thanks for the update. I had wondered what happened with Nibor.
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Thanks for the update Chongo. I hope that nibor is ok, if you hear anything please let us know.
Cheers
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Maybe he vanished into Reality...
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Well, the only thing I can really say at this point, is that things are moving fast, things are looking great, and that I'm the most excited I've been in 3 months.
Find your best pair of adventuring boots and keep those character's wits sharp.
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A little bit of Tobias's efforts in and out of the module coming to fruition.
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The very scary new concepts of old realities...
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Very nice! :)
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It looks awesome. Hurry up :)
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Wow, it is for certain that layonara has the most talent Module creation team, these efforts are just wow... Keep up the good work!
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(http://forums.layonara.com/photopost/data/100650/medium/DalantharEvening.jpg)
Told myself "no more screenshots", but it's futile. Dalanthar by night.
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Awesome. :)
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much better without the clouds!!
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They will be reinserted *winks*.
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Looks great! Any hint to when this will happen?
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Well, the currrent status is that the modules are being actively tested (began Saturday night with final testing), and testing tentatively finishes Tuesday. This does not mean that on Wednesday it will go live. It means that the fixes will start getting put in following that, while the rather overworked Dorg will continue working script issues. So at this time there is no firm date.
If you look in the gallery you'll see screenshots popping up most likely over the next few days. The test group (chosen based on test group balance and matching timezone availability) seems to be fairly excited about things despite bugs here and there, and while they're not allowed to comment on things, they are allowed to post any screenshots not associated with items... so I guess the gallery is a fine place to see what's going on.
A lot of hard work from experienced people is going into this and it's going to show. Patience is always difficult, but it's months and months of work that we're trying to get release-ready, and large doses like that are always hard to get down right.
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To add to what Chongo said, this update is going to coincide with a plot-level event. The particulars are being worked out on this, but keep an eye open for more info.
*fades to a Cheshire Cat grin*
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Rock on. 8-)
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Thanks to Chongo and Dorganath for keeping us updated.
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very cool!