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1

Development Journals and Discussion / Re: Ysheera's Campfire Tales (Dev. Journal to Arcane Archer)

« on: April 21, 2021, 12:54:13 am »

She was walking under the moonlight, practising quieting her mind. Memories rose and fell, and she would relax again back to the breath and presence of the bow in her hand, feet on the earth, eyes and ears open to the subtle voice of the night time forest.

She thought of how nervous she had been when she first met Sehky, when she realized that he was an instructor of the Tower Academy, and a Master Arcane Archer. They had talked for a long time, seeking to understand each other. Then he tested her skills on a hunt. She didn’t hold her tongue, her mischief-making tongue that danced and played, made jokes, or teased. It was important to Ysh to enjoy her training and learning. But he seemed unperturbed.

Later he gave her a tour of the grand and lofty Tower Academy. Impressive! And then they journeyed to Stormcrest Crossing and trained. Again, she did not hold her tongue. It was tempting to act nice, be the model student, steal his coaching out of the fear that he’d reject her if he knew her nature. But she needed to know if she could be free, honest, and her bold and playful self with him. That was as important as the learning. And again, he was unperturbed.

At the end of the practise session he said, “You listen good and follow guidance. It is good.”

Never had her mother praised her in their training. But then, never had Ysh truly had an easy time listening and following her mother’s Bardic and Arcane Archer guidance. So why was it so easy to follow Sehky’s guidance this night, and allow the results to unfold?

After he left she fully intended to spend her first night in the Tower Academy. Fresh pie and drinks, a hot bath, and clean sheets - it all sounded divine. But she was on fire and couldn’t stop practising, training, focusing, experimenting. Her passion to learn had been ignited.

She marveled at the difference in her attitude - comparing herself in training under her mother’s judgemental eye, and this evening, training under Sehky’s casual but precise and kind focus.

“Ah….that’s it,” she mused aloud, abandoning the mind quieting technique for a time. “He is not judging me. He appears to accept me. ‘Inclusive’, he had said. And even though he is through and through an Ilsarian, he seemed to accept me, even though I have an affinity to frolic and play with self-centered Shadonites. And in that acceptance I could relax, and follow his guidance. And my passion to learn this art grew from the hope his mentorship instilled.”

She walked on, thinking of the Heartsong, Ilsare. Ysh resonated with much of the Ilsarian ways. Ysh is a singer, a passionate, feeling-based playful singer, who delights and enjoys the vocal play and weaving of the Al’noth with the voice and song.

“Well, I can bow to Shadon, while also appreciating Ilsare’s nature,” she thought.

Her thoughts and awareness again quieted into the surrounding forest, her own breath and being, and the oak bow held lightly in her hand. Soon, unbidden, a melody began to coalesce within her, and she began to hum. Then words formed, like curls of mist rising from a still pond. A song was being born, inspired by this night’s training with Sehky, but enhanced also by the teachings of Ysh’s mother, those hard-earned tips and wise words, torn reluctantly from the bouts of learning with her sporadically over the last years. The coaching and guidance interwove with Ysh’s experience, practise, passion, play, and prayer this night. Her walking slowed, and she abandoned herself to the unfolding delight of creation:

The Bullseye and I are One
Stance, just right.
Arm firm, not tight.
Shoulders broad, and breathe,
Allow the inner might.

Resistance, ambition, and fear,
The stubborn bullheaded mind is near.
Begone! Leave behind the bullheaded rear!
So the eye and the bullseye can be one.

Quiet the mind, worries unwind.
Will and heart, gently bind.
Take away the noisy braying bull,
And the eye and the bullseye are one.

Listen, hear the Al’noth’s song.
Harmonize with the melody, and hum.
Weave the spirit with breathe and tongue.
Now - the Heartsong comes!

Standing still or on the run,
In shadow, dark night, or bright-hued sun,
Facing foe, or in play or fun,
The Bullseye and I are One.

Song awakens the inner glow!
In effortless effort, find the flow!
Now, now is the time to bend the bow!
And unleash the shining arrow!

The Bullseye and I are One.
The Bullseye and I are One.

2

Important Layonara Announcements / Layonara upgraded to NWN 8193.20

« on: December 18, 2020, 11:19:29 am »

The server has been ugpraded to 8193.20. Included with the updates are some bug fixes and features. I'll have the CHANGELOG up shortly.

Please update your NWN version to the latest stable which is 8193.20.

3

General Discussion / 32 bit vs 64 bit

« on: May 15, 2020, 09:35:11 pm »

well, folks, when the 8186 version was taken off of Steam I did update my Mac OS to Catalina, and that fixed the freezes and problems I was having on the other updated nwn server I play on. But it does not allow me to play on the 8186 32 bit server. So, unfortunately, Riven and Bron and Barley are off doing their own thing for a time. I look forward to reconnecting when Layo does end up upgrading to 64 bit. And in the meantime, I'll keep my eyes on the Saddlebag shop thread.

4

Rumour Has It / Spikes and Frost

« on: November 30, 2012, 01:55:36 pm »

*Görmungard is once again organizing a journey to honor the Battle Father and to cull down more nefarious creatures, to plunder their riches and to acclaim glory*
*This time he wishes to go to the Great Spikes region north of Krashin*

Link to Calendar

5

General Discussion / The time has come...

« on: November 11, 2012, 10:06:39 pm »

Greetings Layonara Community,
 
 It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from the develoment of NWN-based Layonara after doing this for seven years and some change.  This is a move I have planned for some time (and almost did several times), and which has been needed for some time, but I am only just now making it a reality.  My development focus is now shifting completely to the MMO effort and Layonara's long-term future.
 
To keep NWN Layonara going in a development sense, I now officially pass the torch to the capable hands of Script Wrecked, who will now be responsible for all future fixes and updates.
 
 I know you've all heard this plenty of times, but...this is not a “good-bye” letter. I am still very committed to and invested in Layonara and its long-term future. I still like to play here even (when the stars align properly), GM here and participate in this community. I do not see these things changing.  My presence will remain, but my fingerprints will no longer be on the updates.
 
 There's not a lot more to say here, so join with me in congratulating Script Wrecked on his new position.

6

General Discussion / Sorry for those on Arthenon's Curse

« on: October 10, 2011, 09:12:08 pm »

Looks like the server crashed and wiped out the entire set up I had planned.  Going to postpone the 2nd chapter of this Mummy's Tale for Monday, October 24th, per the wishes of the party at time of crash-recovery.  Hopefully I'll get quest server reserved so we wont run intot he same problem this time around, and keep my spawn a bit leaner n meaner.

7

Layonara Server / World Policy Update -- Sept. 19, 2011

« on: September 19, 2011, 10:39:48 pm »

Greetings Layonara Community,
 
As we have done now and then through the years, we are bringing some changes to Layonara.  Some of these are significant. Others are simple clarifications of what already exists.  Regardless of the case, from this point forward, a new set of policies and conventions will be in place for all, from the new player on up to the GM team.  These changes have come after a good deal of consideration, proposal, discussion and refinement over the course of several months.  They take into account those things that we, as a community, do well and those things that we, as a community, could do better.  The full details of all these things are too much to list here, but they will either be covered with some detail elsewhere or be evident in the way things are done by the GM team.  Don't worry; the changes are all aimed at a more positive experience for everyone.
 
What I will do here is summarize these changes and then offer an agreement between the community-at-large and the GM team. The latter is offered because in order for this all to work, it requires cooperation between everyone, whether one is “just a player” or our most experienced GM. Afterall, we're all working toward the same goal: a rich and enjoyable experience for everyone.  
 
[SIZE=18]Summary of Changes:[/SIZE]
 As mentioned above, the details of all the changes are too numerous to list here, and much of them get into administrative details.  To list the major changes in summary:

• We are creating a world lore     publication fork. This is different from diverging NWN lore from MMO     lore, but it will still allow for some greater freedoms for GMs and     players while protecting those players who eventually wish to     achieve World Leader status or undertake a similar effort.  There     will still be opportunities to “change the world”, leave one's     mark and the the like. World lore is still important, but there will     also be flexibility.  This fork is considered to begin with the     conclusion of the last lingering matters after the world plot finale     quests held in May, 2011.  As things stand, this will coincide with     the wrap-up of Briardusk.
• This publication fork also opens     up possibilities for GMs to run events which may not fit into world     lore.  Such events will be considered “unofficial” and     unsuitable for character development.  They are intended for player     entertainment and education...and perhaps GM entertainment as well.     GMs will clearly state when such an event occurs, so there is no     confusion on the part of players.
  
• CDQs (and     GCDQs) are getting a significant change in terms of things like     waiting periods and other policies, with individual GMs being     allowed to set their own policies for the most part. They will also     be the domain of lore-friendliness, meaning a CDQ need not directly     deal with world lore, but neither should it violate it or conflict     with it. Everyone should read the updated CDQ policy, found here.
  
• The world plot     will be handled in a different, more “organic” way. With the     wrap-up of Briardusk, we're taking a small break to get organized.     We will put out a “state of the world” description so everyone     knows the setting for moving forward. From that point forward, we     will be operating on a new methodology.  There will be opportunities     for world-level involvement on many levels, even when something     isn't marked as a “plot” event. To a large degree, what happens     moving forward will be up to the community.  More details will come     out over time.
• The Character     Approval process is undergoing a shift, and we will be clarifying     some things as well. It is important for everyone to read and     understand this new policy, as it will affect all character     submissions from this point forward. Everyone should read the     updated CA policy, found here.

[SIZE=18]Agreement Between Players and GMs:[/SIZE]
  In order for everything to work well, we all need a reminder that there is a need for cooperation between both players and GMs.  Without it, there is nothing but difficulty, and anyone who has been around here long enough has probably witnessed the occasional period of problems and tension.  We recognize these will never be truly eradicated, but we can all take steps to minimize them and work more constructively when problems do arise. In that spirit, I offer the following agreement to be held between players and GMs.
 
 Players agree to...

•     ...have fun, but never at someone else's expense.
•     ...engage in RP as much as possible. Encourage the same in those     around you.
•     ...keep in mind that GMs are your partners in RP here, not your     enemies.
•     ...not spread rumors about favoritism or unfair treatment. If     there's a concern, bring it to Leanthar, EdTheKet, Dorganath, Rowana     or a Lead GM.
•     ...try not to use words like “bother” or “inconvenience” (or     some form thereof) when approaching members of our various teams.      We choose to do this.  It's OK. It's not a bother or an     inconvenience.
•     ...never be the reason for another player leaving the world or     abandoning a character. This has happened, generally through     behavior that has made a person feel uncomfortable or threatened. We     know it has happened.  It is unacceptable.
•     ...avoid telling other players how to play their characters,     alignments, classes deity/dogma, race or some other significant     defining characteristic, which also includes concepts like the     Heartsong or the Al'Noth.  If there is a concern, bring it to a GM.     Otherwise, unless a player specifically asks for advice, let it be.
•     ...work toward a better level of communication between everyone     here, whether it is with one of our various teams or with general     members of the community.
•     ...remember that GMs and especially the lead staff have a lot     invested in Layonara.  We sometimes want to participate in     discussions. Our words, unless specifically stated, are not     generally the end of the conversation.
•     ...understand that at times, the GM team must say “no” but this     should be respected rather than gossiped about, back-talked or     flamed.  “No” is rarely given without a reason, though if it is     (such as cases where we cannot immediately give one), it is not an     arbitrary decision.
•     ...join the GM team in our respect for and observance of world lore.     As part of this, keep in mind that if we approach players with     matters or concerns about lore, we are only seeking to encourage and     maintain a consistent environment for everyone here.
•     ...remember that GMs are players too.  Sometimes we just want to     enjoy ourselves just like everyone else.
•     ...maintain respect for everyone here, from the newest player on up     to Leanthar.  This applies equally whether in-game, on IRC or on the     forums. We're all people. We're all gamers. We're here for the same     reason. Do not hide behind anonymity.

In return, the GM team will...

•     ...provide a fair, open and enjoyable experience for everyone.
•     ...provide a rich and interesting environment to support, encourage,     inspire and reward RP for everyone.
•     ...attempt to communicate clearly and accurately with the community     on various matters.
•     ...be open and available, as our time permits, for questions,     concerns and ideas. We may not be able to accommodate all requests,     but we will make reasonable efforts where it is appropriate to do     so.
•     ...be as fair as possible. We are still people. We will make     mistakes, but the goal remains.
  
•     ...try to communicate as clearly as possible at all times.
•     ...respect, support and enforce world lore as appropriate. In doing     so, we may bring forward concerns or problems to players that are     intended in the spirit of our established world lore. Please give     these due consideration and respect our comments and the reason     behind them.
•     ...provide a “clean slate” for all players moving forward from     this point (more on this below).

The above agreement is offered in the spirit that we're all here trying to play the same game.  We're all people. Many of us, whether player or GM, have a lot invested in this game world. Some arguably have much more invested than others, but for the most part we all have a significant emotional attachment to this place.  With such attachments often comes a sense of ownership, and with that sense sometimes there is a sense of entitlement or a way of doing things that is “better”.  It is usually these sorts of things that cause the most problems. We're all different.  We all have different ideas and perspectives.  These things are truly great, but we also need to remember that we're all here trying to get enjoyment from the same place, and this place has its set of rules and guidelines that everyone needs to follow. One person should not take their fun at the expense of another's.
 
  In understanding our various differences, let us also remember that each of us is only human.  The above agreement is a goal, and regardless of which side we're on, no one expects perfection. We do, however, request that everyone keeps these things in mind when playing here. Most of us here are adults. Let's remember to act like adults.  Speak to other players. Work out differences person-to-person, and ask for help if there are problems doing so.
 
 [SIZE=18]The “Clean Slate”[/SIZE]
  Under the GM section of the agreement, the concept of a “clean slate” was mentioned.  By way of explaining this, it is necessary to mention the oft-misunderstood “Player Watch List”.  Many players may not know if this list, while others may have the wrong idea of it.  
 
  The Player Watch list is simply that...a list of players to watch. A player may get onto the list in several ways, which can be summarized as bad or questionable behavior. Such behavior can take many forms, whether it is a complaint by another player, minor rule violations or any matter that seems of concern. We use this as a communication tool between the entire GM team, such that we may all know of issues that may require a closer eye on a player in order that they do not cause problems for others through such behavior as we may document. A player will remain on the watch list for a period of six (6) months, after which time, the thread will be moved to an “inactive” archive, assuming no further issues during that time. If necessary, an archived thread may be made active again if there are repeated issues for a given player. These threads help us determine when administrative action or more direct intervention may be necessary, and they serve as long term documentation.
 
 It bears stating, unequivocally, that the Player Watch List is not a list of people that the GM team “does not like.” This is actually quite far from the truth. It should also be said that just because someone is on the watch list does not mean the player is in trouble. In order to illustrate a little better what the list is and isn't, here are a few examples of why someone might appear on the list:

•     Player A is seen repeatedly luring or using terrain features to     trick creature AI or is otherwise abusing creature AI to     disproportionately lower the challenge posed by a creature or set of     creatures.
•     Player B is observed camping CNR or creatures in excess of what     rules allow.
•     Player C is reported by Player D for some inter-personal matters     that make Player D uncomfortable or which impact Player D's     enjoyment of the game.  In this case, both players might receive     posts for tracking purposes.
•     A GM comes across something that brings questions to mind about     Player E.  The player in question is not available at the time to     speak to about the find, and there are no other GMs around who might     be able to offer clarity. The GM posts a thread seeking attention     and comment from other GMs regarding the find. (Note: in such a     case, the post may be removed if it is determined that there is     ultimately nothing wrong or questionable.)

There are surely other reasons for appearing on the watch list, but these are among the most common.  In most cases, a GM should make contact with the player who is being listed to discuss the problem and request an adjustment in behavior.  However, whether due to time constraints, RL obligations or the player logging off of the server before such an opportunity arises, a GM may not be able to do so in a timely way. In such cases, the GM may still post in order to mark the incident for other eyes. A GM may also post to raise a player concern with the rest of the team in the absence of available information. Again, it should be stressed that someone being on this list is not automatically in trouble with the team.
 
  To enact the “clean slate”, from this point forward, any and all active Player Watch List threads are now archived permanently. Any past incidents or disciplinary actions, except for permanent bannings of course, are hereby forgiven and completely in the past.  If a player who has been the subject of one or more Player Watch List posts in the past has a new incident worthy of the Player Watch List, such incidents will be considered new, and past incidents will not be taken into account.  Repeated incidents after this point will, of course, be handled as we have in the past, with each thread serving as a historical record for future reference.
 
  This gives everyone who may have come in conflict with server rules in the past or who may have caused difficulties for other players to start fresh and without bias. It is our hope that in this environment, people will seize this opportunity to be better members of the community as a whole and remember that this is not just a single-player game and that our actions affect other players, either directly or indirectly.
 
 [SIZE=18]So let's get started![/SIZE]
  Without further ceremony or description, let's all start moving forward and continue making Layonara the best environment for RP and enjoyment it can be. For good or ill, we've all contributed to what Layonara is today.  As we go on, we will continue to shape it. Let's make it good!

8

Layonara Server / Version 3.30.6 is online!

« on: July 08, 2011, 10:32:46 am »

[SIZE=32]Version 3.30.6 is online![/SIZE]
 

 You will need to download and extract a new HAK file for this update.
 

 New stuff:
 

• Leisa's WLDQ reward
• Interior added to Hilm Castle
• Added visible (though    inaccessible) portals in Blackford and Hilm to reflect plot events
• Added NPCs to the Vault guild hall

 Changes/fixes:
 

• Caverns of the Menace have been    collapsed due to plot-level events
• Fix a bug in the XP adjustment    database code *
• Jukebox conversation should be    private now, appearing only to the person using the device
• Foundation guild hall door now    gives the correct guild name
• Underground/interior tagging fixed    in Misted Village caves and related underground areas
• Adjustments to the Citadel of    Toran in Huangjin
• A few updated book and armor    appearances
• Placement and facing of some of    the kitchen crafting stations in the Bull's Eye have been adjusted    to (hopefully) be easier to use

 Notes:
 

• [SIZE=10]No    need to worry. No one was shorted XP as a result of this.[/SIZE]
  

[SIZE=13]
[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=13]Thanks again go to Alatriel and Script Wrecked for their contributions to this update.[/SIZE]

9

Layonara Server / New version update coming soon...

« on: July 05, 2011, 10:51:08 pm »

Hello all,

There's an update coming soon and this one will require a HAK update.  I've posted the HAK file now so you can download it before the update and be all set to go.  Download it here:

http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layo_ctrlv3r13.rar

As usual, save and extract this file into your "hak" folder, and you'll be all set.

10

NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / Battlehelm Moors

« on: June 28, 2011, 02:02:43 am »

Every time I go to the Battlehem Moores I have to change all my video settings or crash repeatedly. Sometimes that does not even work. I crashed at least a dozen times tonight and had weird triangular images the size of half the tileset rotating around me. I've seen a plethora of other issues with other players with that tile set since it was introduced. Therefore, I'd like to request some consideration in a future update to ditch it and use the Sooth Moore tileset instead. There is a high demand for the CNR in those areas, and the risk of crashing and loosing a soul strand to a swampkin at my level is almost funny. The eye candy is not worth the headache it is causing. Anyway... just my two cents.

11

Rumour Has It / Rumors out of Vehl

« on: May 03, 2011, 01:05:25 am »

Rumors out of Vehl speak of a kidnapping of a banker's infant daughter.  

They go on to speak of how Tyra Dragonheart and an unknown woman fought over the infant on the docks, injuring the baby.  The Rofireinites recovered the baby as Tyra escaped them by diving into the harbor. The unknown woman also escaped, disappearing into the chaos of the docks.

Other rumors speak of Tyra killing a little known thug and cutting off the hand of a likewise minor enforcer of a dock side gang in Vehl.

All rumors go on to include that Tyra is wanted by the Church of Rofirein.

12

General Discussion / Alabama Distruction

« on: April 28, 2011, 02:19:24 pm »

As some may know Alabama was hit with serious storms and tornados. Our town was hit by 3 tornado's. We are without all utilities for the next 3-5 days. No power, cable , phone or cell. I had to drive over an hour into TN for gas and cell service. We have had several deaths and they are still searching. Please keep these families as well as others in your thoughts and prayers.

Mooneyes/Angela

13

General Discussion / Lfg

« on: March 11, 2011, 01:56:54 pm »

Daniel drops several picks and chisels in his pack and is seen heading for the swamps between Hempstead and Vehl, along the way, he waves to those he knows and confesses a need for phenalope.
 
 //Heading in for Platinum at the troll caves at 6 pm cst tonight. If you are interested in platinum or the poi at the bottom, meet Daniel at the crossroads. No evil characters please.

14

Rumour Has It / In the Whitehorn Forest .. // SehKy CDQ discussion thread.

« on: July 07, 2010, 08:38:48 pm »

*The memory came back fresh as the arrow was loose of the grip of the bow, it strilke true on the device made your senses go blurry, that has left a mark on your mind as you all go back toward sthe Red-Salt Ledge

The spirits are down cause somehow the victory tastes hollow, as the lodge inhabitants still plan to leave for good and the death of the sweet Ahlena weights heavy on your hearts.

SehKy and his friends starts the long way back tired and bleeding, with the scarce hopes they have crushed

// Well guys feel free to emote here of the aftermath.

15

Layonara Server / Deity Relationships and RP'ing them

« on: September 14, 2007, 09:37:27 am »

Hi folks,
 
 It has come to my attention that a particular individual or two are totally and absolutely ignoring deity relationships in RP. It has been stated "because I don't know" or "because the character does not know". When you are a follower of a deity (especially as a champion, paladin, or cleric) you do know and you know it very well. The church would ensure you know this until it was ground in to your head and that is a mere fact. To say my character does not know when you are a follower of those types is wrong and wrong in all sorts of levels, it is also not acceptable in any sort of way. Deities will strike back and they will ensure those that are close to them and that represent them do as they request and desire or they will not give them the powers that are prayed for, that is also a mere fact. When you are a close follower of a deity (of those types; champion, paladin, cleric) you can not claim you do not "know" because you do and you would via the church. It is hard to represent/show that in an online game environment and that is why we have so much on the site about this topic, but as a close follower of a diety you are to go by the relationships as they are defined and RP in that manner.
 
 Please start playing deity relationships properly folks.