The World of Layonara

The Layonara Community => Ask A Gamemaster => Topic started by: Frances on September 20, 2008, 10:45:03 AM

Title: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Frances on September 20, 2008, 10:45:03 AM
What are the chances of getting a grave marker placed for Shiff Dragonheart, on the hill above Haven where he was buried (RP-wise)?  I was thinking just a marker or a statue, with a short phrase that could be read if you examined it.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Dorganath on September 22, 2008, 07:41:58 PM
You can pay to have one put up.  How much depends on what you want.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Frances on September 22, 2008, 11:25:29 PM
I was hoping for a marker with something like this:

    In Memory of Shiff Dragonheart
    Loving Father, Faithful Husband,
    Loyal Friend, Stubborn Protector,
    Master Swordsman, Honorable Man.
    May his spirit forever watch over the people he spent so much of his life trying to protect.

    "Under the wide and starry sky,
    Dig the grave and let me lie.
    Glad did I live and gladly die,
    And I laid me down with a will!

    This be the verse you grave for me:
    Here he lies where he longed to be;
    Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
    And the hunter home from the hill.
"
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Carillon on September 23, 2008, 03:11:21 AM
Respectfully, while I have no objection to a grave marker for Shiff or even a grave marker in Haven, I do have a specific concern with the placement of a gravemarker in the pond/benches area above Haven. (Forgive me if this refers to another hill in Haven ... I found the wording somewhat ambiguous and could only assume this is the area Frances was referring to.) I hope the team will consider my alternative view while evaluating the placement of such a marker.

In the past, most tributes to the dead have been placed in areas already dedicated to this, or in private housing such as the Leringard Arms or Angels Guildhall. I've always seen this as a great way to remember characters, but by placing a grave marker in a public area used by the whole server and one of the few quiet and private "parks" type areas on West, I feel this would actually detract from the space by changing the feel of the area.

Let me explain my concern here. Shiff is buried on a hill above Haven ... fine. What more fitting place for a man who lived his life there? However, while there are many RP hills above Haven, only one such area is accessible to player characters. This means this area has to work to represent all of the hills above Haven that it's possible to sit on and talk, which is usually not a problem and just requires a little imagination. I know my characters and I suspect many others have had a lot of great RP in this beautiful space ... but I question whether many would feel the same way about it if it essentially became a graveyard. Would this be a spot used for marriage proposals, intimate conversations and so much more if a grave marker were physically placed here? I know I would feel very differently about this area, and I suspect at least a few others would share my view. For this reason, I hope such a marker would be placed on a non-walkable (but still viewable) hill nearby, or be placed a distance away from the flowers/benches/pond so this area can continue to function as a beautiful and versatile RP space, and not have its identity nailed down and confined to just Shiff's final resting place.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Marswipp on September 23, 2008, 08:32:42 AM
It doesn't need to be a gravestone. It could be a plaque.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Frances on September 23, 2008, 11:31:26 AM
Also, it doesn't need to by the pond up there... perhaps at the foot of the hill, or partway up it, just far enough that you can examine it, but not have it be in the way?
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Alatriel on September 23, 2008, 11:33:59 AM
There was only once that I saw this up there, but once there was a rock that you could climb that took you up even higher above the little pond.  having the rock there didn't detract from the place, but it did allow you to get to another location on the same existing board... just an idea.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Weeblie on September 24, 2008, 03:28:51 PM
Sedulia on Grief: Robert Louis Stevenson: "Here he lies where he longed to be" (http://www.consolatio.com/2008/04/robert-louis-st.html)

I am sorry, but we do not support the use of texts written by others.

We kindly ask you to make a text yourself.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Stephen_Zuckerman on September 24, 2008, 03:57:02 PM
You guys like this?

Here lies the Striker:
Husband, Father, Friend
Protector of his People
Master of his Blade

May he find rest in the place he defended.

In loving memory.
Shiff Dragonheart
1490 - 1435
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on September 24, 2008, 04:18:38 PM
Wow...  Shiff was -55 years old?!  , what a tough embryo...
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on September 24, 2008, 09:30:38 PM
Here lies the Striker:
Husband, Father, Friend
Protector of his People
Master of his Blade
 
May he find rest in the place he defended.
 
In loving memory.
Shiff Dragonheart
Jular 29, 1390 - Jular 22, 1435
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Dorganath on September 30, 2008, 08:40:13 AM
Just as a matter of curiosity, is there a problem with putting his marker in Willow's Weep?  That is of course the intended place for memorials for characters who have permed.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on September 30, 2008, 11:08:04 AM
No, there isn't, really, and I'd be glad to have one there, but I personally thought having something in Haven where Shiff lived and also where Shiff's life changed dramatically would be more fitting.

Also I don't have anything written that I would feel is appropriate for Willow's Weep, as far as a retelling of Shiffs story
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Frances on September 30, 2008, 11:35:15 AM
I don't have any issue with that, but...

How often does anyone get up to Willows Weep?  I thought it would be nice just to have a small marker somewhere where most characters get to early on.  That way, the new characters could say, "Who was this Shiff Dragonheart guy?"
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Blackguy on September 30, 2008, 11:47:19 AM
Quote from: Dorganath
Just as a matter of curiosity, is there a problem with putting his marker in Willow's Weep?  That is of course the intended place for memorials for characters who have permed.

*smiles* Only one person have ever been buried there, the first character that permed, and 5 years later noone have decided to be placed there, because they have ties otherwhere.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on September 30, 2008, 12:52:41 PM
The only reason I haven't asked to hve somrething placed in Willow's is I don't have anything written to chronicle Shiff's story.  And yes, also because Shiff has ties elsewhere
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Nehetsrev on September 30, 2008, 04:31:42 PM
Quote from: Blackguy
*smiles* Only one person have ever been buried there, the first character that permed, and 5 years later noone have decided to be placed there, because they have ties otherwhere.


Not quite true.  I've got a character that's been waiting to have her epitaph added to Willow's Weep since sometime during V2.  There's a spot here on the forums specificly for players to submit their character's epitaphs for inclusion in the Willow's Weep Hall of Lost Heroes even, with several submissions waiting.  However, adding such things in-game has been counted a low-priority by the dev-team because they'd prefer to add more exciting content (like new areas, critters, gear, etc.) and fix bugs with their time.  The feeling seems to be that since very few folks actually visit Willow's Weep, there's little reason to spend time/resources adding to it.  On the other hand, one wonders if there were more than just one epitaph to see there, perhaps more folks would visit it?
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Dorganath on September 30, 2008, 06:32:54 PM
Quote from: ShiffDrgnhrt
Also I don't have anything written that I would feel is appropriate for Willow's Weep, as far as a retelling of Shiffs story

It doesn't have to be his life story.  It's a stone memorial, not a book.

Quote from: Frances
I don't have any issue with that, but...

How often does anyone get up to Willows Weep?

Not often, but only because no one (except for the one guy represented there currently) has requested to be put there or has submitted something for us to put there.

There's no approval process.  There's no voting.  The only thing anyone needs to do is die.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Dorganath on September 30, 2008, 06:34:22 PM
Quote from: Nehetsrev
Not quite true.  I've got a character that's been waiting to have her epitaph added to Willow's Weep since sometime during V2.  There's a spot here on the forums specificly for players to submit their character's epitaphs for inclusion in the Willow's Weep Hall of Lost Heroes even, with several submissions waiting.  However, adding such things in-game has been counted a low-priority by the dev-team because they'd prefer to add more exciting content (like new areas, critters, gear, etc.) and fix bugs with their time.  The feeling seems to be that since very few folks actually visit Willow's Weep, there's little reason to spend time/resources adding to it.  On the other hand, one wonders if there were more than just one epitaph to see there, perhaps more folks would visit it?

Well crud. That's surely an oversight, or it wasn't recognized as a request to put something in.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on September 30, 2008, 07:12:23 PM
Well would we be able to put something in Haven, or not?  Thats really what we are asking here.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Dorganath on September 30, 2008, 08:48:22 PM
Quote from: ShiffDrgnhrt
Well would we be able to put something in Haven, or not?  Thats really what we are asking here.

Yes, Shiff. I understand what is being asked.  There's absolutely no need for attitude or hostility, as I am asking about the suitability of an alternative to the original request for two good reasons.

First, other members of the community have brought up very good points about its originally-requested placement.  Second, someone higher up the ladder than myself has stated a preference that such memorials be put into Willow's Weep.  It was not stated as a requirement, but given that said person does not normally make requests like this, I'm strongly inclined to give it some consideration.  

I fully understand your preferences here, and those too are part of the consideration.  


So I'm not saying "No" and I'm not saying "Yes" to anything in particular here. I'm trying to determine what is universally acceptable and appropriate.  So please help work this out with us. I'm sure we can come to an agreement.

One option I had thought to propose was an "official" memorial in Willows Weep, with whatever description you see fit, and then a static (i.e. no description attached) marker of some sort in Haven that would have RP value but no mechanical use.

So let us please continue a constructive discussion on what is possible, reasonable and acceptable.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on September 30, 2008, 08:50:07 PM
well if something static was placed in Haven, would it at least be label as a gravestone for Shiff?
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Dorganath on September 30, 2008, 08:59:25 PM
The term "static" means it is visually and mechanically a decoration.  It is not clickable or inspectable in any way. It's just an object.

Again, it is one of several possibilities.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: EdTheKet on October 01, 2008, 02:28:07 AM
Quote from: Dorganath
Well crud. That's surely an oversight, or it wasn't recognized as a request to put something in.


My thoughts exactly, it must have been an oversight.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Dorganath on October 08, 2008, 07:32:19 PM
Alright, I've given this some thought and discussion, and here's what was determined to be the best overall option, as well as the fairest to everyone. I've given due consideration to the desires of the player, the RP reasoning of the player, the character's survivors, the precedents set in other cases, the RP value of the intended placement and various other issues.

Shiff is entitled to a "living" monument in the Hall of Heroes without stipulation, other than the description shown when examining his monument is appropriate. There is no charge for this.

Shiff may have a statue like those in the Arms and the Angel's guild hall inside a PC-owned structure (house, guild hall, etc.) provided that the owner of of the structure agrees.  An appropriate description is permitted for this as well. There will be a charge for such a monument, assuming all other preconditions are met.

Any sort of "public" monument, meaning something out in the open or in an NPC area, will be limited to a static marker of some sort.  By "static" I mean that it will not be clickable, inspectable or active in any way.  There will be no label or description on such a monument. Those who wish it placed will know its significance, and it is up to them, should they desire, to inform others of what it is.  Its placement must be in due consideration of others who use the area, both PCs and NPCs. Specifically, it may be in Haven, but perhaps not placed in that area up on the cliff that has RP value for many. As for a charge, I'm inclined to place this in without cost, though if not, the cost will be minimal.

On this last, I'll mention that it's consistent with what has been afforded to at least two WL characters, who have markers for their deceased parents as a result of their WLDQ. These markers are "unmarked" in any mechanical sense, and their locations are not publicized nor are they in well-traveled or highly-used/visible locations. With all due deference and respect to Shiff the character, the accomplishments he's achieved and the lives he has touched, we must draw the line somewhere, and that line needs to be fair across the board.

There is an update due very soon. If you want this in soon, please work with me to get things finalized.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: osxmallard on October 08, 2008, 07:52:40 PM
If it is not labelled, remains static (non-selectable) and doesn't look like a 'gravestone' -- I see no reason why an object cannot be placed near the pool on the cliff.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Weeblie on October 09, 2008, 05:24:00 AM
Quote from: osxmallard
If it is not labelled, remains static (non-selectable) and doesn't look like a 'gravestone' -- I see no reason why an object cannot be placed near the pool on the cliff.


Because the pool is one of the rare locations that has consistently been used as a romantic setting.

It doesn't really matter that it would be static and wouldn't look like a gravestone. Once one gets to know that the momument (regardless of type) the "feel" of the location would inevitably be changed. The first thoughts one get when entering the area would instead be having memories of Shiff comming up (most likely IC-ly for those who knew him).

The counter-question to your statement would be: Why can't the object be placed away from the pool on the cliff? Doesn't have to be on the other side of the area. But merely so it wouldn't be "the" object that tries to get one's attention, when one's otherwise occupied with smelling the flower (or whatever).
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Eight-Bit on October 11, 2008, 01:02:12 AM
Quote from: Blackguy
*smiles* Only one person have ever been buried there, the first character that permed, and 5 years later noone have decided to be placed there, because they have ties otherwhere.


Deathward is fer pansies.

Sure was a lot of Death Slaadi.
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: Falonthas on October 12, 2008, 04:52:55 PM
i sure hope someone got the hin out of shiffs pack where he was sleepin before they did whatever they did with his body


maybe just a static flower like the blue rose thing instead of plaques or stones and things

then it wouldnt stand out as out of place no matter where it is placed
Title: Re: Grave marker for perm'd character
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on October 12, 2008, 05:44:53 PM
Dorg and I met IG and he showed me the options.  It's up to the Boss Men to decide what happens now.
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