Posts Thanked By User

1

Layonara Server / The NWN server is going to be moved again

« on: February 26, 2015, 09:12:38 am »

Hello all,As you know we've been running our server for the past 2 months on a new host and while for the most part it has been acceptable there have been issues with random "blue screen of deaths" killing the entire server as well as intermittent lag spikes. While trying to debug these I started considering another server where I could get an equally good deal and came across one that was Linux though. I wondered to myself how difficult and how capable our current world would be to run on Linux especially with our NWNX plugins. So I tested it locally and fixed a few bugs here and there and things seemed okay. At that point I wondered if there were any new NWNX plugins for Linux that I could tap into to help the world. This is when I really got excited and started greatly considering we'd move from Windows to Linux. There are  many plugins that are now available that can enhance our world.This is how and why I was able to introduce the Dynamic Names system.  Some of the other plugins give us functionality for many other ideas we've always been limited by the capabilities of what Bioware gave us. Not only that, there are performance improvements that these plugins provide to help the world run smoother and faster with less lag.I hope you understand that this move shouldn't be much of a blip on the radar and should hopefully lead to a smoother world with some exciting new features coming as well.Here's a taste of some of these new features:

• GMs can now create transitions wherever they want. Whether its a "hole" showing up in the middle of Center or a doorway that leads to a Quest Area, they can plop them down on the fly.
• Players can set their character's description any time they want. Title any parchment "My Description" then write on it and use =c setmydesc and your player's description will change to what's on the parchment.
• The login process is faster. Some of the checks have been moved to not even allow players in the world instead of booting them after the login. Other processes that only need to be done once a reset are now doing so.
• Dynamic never ending NPC quests.  If a pawn broker over hears you talking about something, you might want to listen to what he has to say. "Speaking of trading, Firg Knucklebar in Fort Llast was looking for some help with making a run to Dregar." (More on this to come!)
• You can now ox unidentified items.
• GMs can rename areas.
• Increasing fortune for diversifying your exploration with groups, the more the merrier.  The more unique areas you visit the higher the rewards become! (more on that soon too)
• Improved performance on NPC creature spawn/loot
• Complete restructure of a lot of the database, much cleaner and faster

I was originally planning to get this entire move and update done this weekend but it may be delayed a few days as I want to get some thorough testing in plus (!!) the missus has been extremely patient with me this past fortnight as I've coded away so I'd like to reward her tomorrow. Some of these features may not make the first update after the move but the framework is laid out and the coding is started.I'll keep you all posted as things progress.All the best,orth

2

Layonara Server / Coming Soon! Dynamic Names

« on: February 08, 2015, 05:57:10 pm »

I wanted to give the community a heads up on the new system that will hopefully be arriving in the next update. We are going to be introducing dynamic names to the world. What are dynamic names? Well now whenever you don't know a character all you will see above them or when they talk and other events is "Someone". It will be up the characters to introduce themselves to others or for your character to dub that character with a name.Associated commands will be:

• =c intro
• =c introparty
• =c introarea
• =c dub

To introduce yourself to an individual you use =c intro Plen for example. This will find the closest PC to your PC and introduce yourselves as that name to them. This will then change it so the other character sees Plen instead of Someone. =c introparty The Bird Lord for example would do the same thing but for all characters in your party. The same for =c introarea Feathers for example but it will work on any players in the immediate vicinity. If you would prefer to see someone's name as something else, you can forego their introduction and use =c dub instead. This works on the closest PC to your PC. For example, Connor could be near Plenarius and do =c dub Werechicken. If you have someone dubbed, from that point onward any time the player introduces themselves, it will ignore the introduction and use what you have dubbed them as.This will be a bit confusing at first when everyone is "Someone" but it should gradually get all worked out. You don't have to RP the introduction or dubbing of a PC who your PC knows well enough, just run the command(s). (Though feel free to RP it if you want!)Certain parts of the game world will still use your real name. For example the looter notification shows a Floating Message above the player to anyone that's nearby and can't be personalized on a per player basis. Storage logs on crates will still use the original name. There will be other cases we discover too, some will be fixed, some may not be able to be fixed.We hope this will help encourage the RP aspect of ones true name being held secret if they wish it that way. Also characters can use aliases to some if they so desire. Sometimes we're even confused/forgetful if one of our characters has met another yet, so this should help too. GMs always see your real name of course, but they too can dub you something else if they prefer.  (i.e. =c dub Victim #5) *gm grin*If you have any further ideas or just questions or comments, fire away. This isn't a set in stone update if players aren't thrilled about the idea but we think it will be a really fun addition.-orth

3

Fixed Bugs / Drops Hiatus

« on: March 04, 2015, 08:04:27 pm »

I was just wondering, did the drops get dropped? We were traveling for some time, beat down a bunch of bigger-then-us bad guys (not saying a lot since it was halflings and a dwarf), and not a single drop...for hours (gold, cure potions, and bandages excluded).  Are they going to come back, being revised, gone forever...?

4

Introduce Yourself / Hi all

« on: January 31, 2015, 09:10:56 pm »

I play Callaman a level 6 Fighter. Been playing mostly with Delia doing jobs around Layonara and exploring. I love NWN and the server (I played here years back but did'nt get far). Just saying hi and looking forward to meeting some players. (Especially low levellers for groups).

5

Leringard Arms Inn and Tavern / Dire Times at the Arms: A Battle in Two Parts

« on: January 20, 2015, 01:19:56 pm »

"C'mon, Chimes," said Toby as they walked back toward the door, leaving a very dead dark elf on the lawn. So to speak. Again. It was practically old times! "I'll buy you a drink."

Thank the gods. She'd often wondered why all the drama happened when someone had worked up a thirst. She'd even thrown a stinkbomb at him at the bar and no one. Had even. Chased her. Not even a little bit. Not even a curse. Too busy with the 'rapier' jokes. Easy mark, only five points. Low hanging fruit, as it were. HA!

"First one still free?" he asked. "Yep!" She eyed him and they spoke over the top of one another. "Is that the one you're getting me?" "That's the one you're getting."

She hopped up onto a stool, deciding her poison was whiskey. Toby said he knew there'd been a reason he liked her (as if there weren't a hundred!), so she told him about how she'd given up the will-o after the great chicken incident of '97, but she'd died since then.

He was getting the glasses when his wife walked in, saying she'd thought he'd be right back... Or something wifely. Caught at the pub! One time a flame-winged Strife-demon had stopped at the Arms for a drink, and his wife had come to bawl him out for it, too. Acacea helpfully explained that he'd been killing a dark-ear as he poured.

"Something came -" he stopped and looked at the halfling. "Not. Helpful." he said under his breath, and handed her the bottle. "Just do me a favor, and if you feel like talking... take a shot first, okay?"

"I didn't make enough whiskey for - oops." As far as drinking games went, this one could use some work.

"You... he...? Did you?" his wife was stammering.

"Did what?"

Something about she'd said she wanted him to make it stop, not what she meant, somebody's pet. This was winding up to be a long one, so she lined up another shot, only to have Zari pick it up and toss it back. Quarreling was thirsty work, apparently.

Acacea looked at the place where her drink had been, and the glass reappeared, empty.

Toby poured her another one while defending himself, something else about blah blah preferring someone else to him, but as she reached for it, his wife snatched that one, too. The thirsty halfling watched it go away, again, and then looked to Tobias with imploring eyes.

"Might be quicker if you just drank it from the bottle..." he managed with a grin, but Zarianna got his attention back with, "You believed her?"

"Truth..." Acacea muttered to herself.

"No... Yes... I don't know! This whole situation has got me so confused."

"Tell me about it," Acacea said knowingly, as if anyone was listening, and reached for the bottle to take his advice just a hair after Toby himself snagged it and drank like he needed a few, himself. She blinked at the bottle when it was passed back to her, and it was removed from her disbelieving hands by his wife, as though she were merely passing it back and forth between them. She rested her head on the bar. Need. Drink. Light. Fading. Too. Much. Brainsick.

“You did. You actually believed her.” Zari took a drink straight from the bottle and set it back down on the bar, and the halfling stood on her tiptoes to reach for it. It wobbled. She tipped it toward her and peered into the opening. Sadness awaited. Mere drops. Not even a message from the wide world awaited her; this bottle had never bobbed in the sea, had never sung in the wind. She stuck her tongue out as they argued above her, tipping the bottle in hopes of catching the last of it in her mouth, but Toby, seeing it raising into the air, took it as though it were being offered and drained it.

“Wow. Thanks a lot.” She could agree with Zari’s sentiment, here. She stood on her tiptoes once more to look at the empty bottle, then cast her gaze heavenward, wondering, “I can’t tell if Lucinda is trying to make me quit drinking, or what. It’s like a tag team between her and Ilsare…”

“Thanks? What the hells do you mean by that?”

What if she didn’t exist? There was a thought. What if she really had died, and this had all been some sort of long queue to the Soul Mother… the elves could be demons in disguise. Lightly disguised. A thin veneer of disguise. Her soul, the whiskey. She climbed onto the stool in order to get over the bar, but Zari was already getting herself another bottle and Toby pulled one out and set it in front of the halfling. Two! Two bottles of whiskey. Her odds were improving. “Just like Ilsare. Can’t make up her mind!”

Leringard’s fashionista picked up her newly acquired bottle and took a drink from it, which only aggravated Toby more. Acacea, too. “Stop your drinking!” complained her husband, and took a shot from the other bottle. “You stop yours!”

She looked between them. At both bottles. She mused aloud, “Why is this my life?”

Somebody wasn’t supposed to be drinking when they were mad, but they weren’t mad, blah blah, she nodded thoughtfully at each comment, now. “So much for your trust!” Yes, profound! She must consider this. “Tell her, Acacea!” Wait what. She tried to remember what they were arguing about as he set the bottle down in front of her so he could lean into the bar with both hands.

She eyed it. “Definitely not mad. Very happy.” Her hand creeped toward the whiskey while she spoke, and his bloody wife that never laughed at her jokes struck again to drink from it. “Varg YVV!” she swore in a common pit tongue. Cantankerous harpy! Toby took the other back as if in retaliation. “If you drink, I’ll drink!” Nancing applechaser!

Her ears were melting. She was quite sure of it. She was watching Zari wave around the bottle as she talked, but the words had gone all wah wah wah. No. This was an elusive beast. It called for stealth, and dedication. Crouching down in front of the bar, she listened for the sound of heavy glass clunking down, and when it came she made her move! Leap! Grab! Dash! Sour, burning oblivion awaited!

She hopped up into a stool far away from the bickering couple, hugging her prize to herself. Both elves looked at her quizzically for an instant before returning to their argument. And she… she needed five of these. Five of… she held it upside down over her head and squinted disappointedly up into the opening.

“She was soul-bound. Damn our luck.”

The halfling clanked the empty bottle onto the bar grimly and stood. Brushed herself off with wounded dignity. “You drink all that, that quickly?” Toby asked, as his wife looked over and added, “Ilsare’s panties, Chimes. Slow down.”

“If she opens her mouth again, it’d better not be about you or she’ll be taking another trip,” Toby was saying, and he absently slid a bottle down towards Acacea as his wife swung her legs over the bar. Trotting up gamely, she saw, before her very eyes, the bottle struck a glancing blow by elven legs, wobbling, tumbling… !

Toby was fast, but lives were at stake, and he couldn’t have expected her to dive for it with no regard for obstacles or, indeed, her safety. She snagged it from the air on her way by and barreled into a few stools, but still folded into a protective somersault and came up with bottle safely in hand, world saved once more!

“Oh… thanks,” she heard, as Zari bent down to take it from her in her moment of triumph. “Would’ve been a waste. Good catch.”

She sat. Chin in hands. Elbows on knees. This was Dead Man’s Pass, and she was the last Diamoniar. Struck down by unexpected parties from behind. She pondered the world as the bottle was set back down on the counter, and then picked herself off the floor and onto her feet. “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!”

The married couple turned in surprise at the shout. “Both brainsick. YOU!” she leveled a finger at Toby to single him out. “Are only mad ‘cause you love her! Isn’t that a ridiculous place to be in when you consider that! You!” she whirled to Zari, stabbing her finger at the air. “Likewise!” Why did tall people always make things so complicated? Not all of them, she conceded to herself. The mermaid had appreciated her playing-card analogy. She could always pull that one from her sleeve if it proved necessary. The pretty one - the woman, that is - was definitely the shiny deck, in this case.

Toby leaned slightly to one side to stage whisper, “I think she drank too much.”

“Both of you! Kiss! Immediately!” She crossed her arms demandingly, and Zarianna stage-whispered back to her husband, “I think we better do what she says…”

He nodded sagely at her wisdom, then turned to his wife to kiss her. He leaned into it as she returned it, then scooped her up into his arms. Acacea grabbed the bottle as they were occupied and made a break for it. “'KAY, YOU CAN STOP NOW!” she called behind her, fleeing down the hall. No crazy Pit critters were going to eat her soul, no sir.
 

6

Layonara Server / And the award goes to...

« on: February 26, 2013, 09:57:48 am »

Well, this has taken me longer than expected to put up the winners of the first ever GM awards due to various reasons, but here we go, in case you've forgotten.

*** The Popular One ***
Chosen by the community
Winner: Dezza
Reward: 1 level of XP

*** Sovereign of the Nerds ***
Chosen by the GM Team
Winner: miltonyorkcastle
Reward: 1 level of XP

*** Best in Quest ***
Awarded for most quests during the Bonus XP event
Winner: Dezza, 3 quests
Reward: 15 hours of XP (5h/quest)

*** Most Generous ***
Most uses of RP XP wand during Bonus XP event
Winner: Alatriel, used 14 times on 62 characters
Reward: 14 hours of XP (1h/use)

*** Lingering Rewards ***
Awarded for the most uses of AutoXP during Bonus XP event
Winner: Lance Stargazer, used 16 times
Reward: AutoXP at Level 3 for 23 days (1 RL week + 1RL day/use)And of course, one level of XP goes to all GMs on top of any rewards that may be given above...With an important exception.One of our GMs, who wishes to remain anonymous, has decided to forfeit the reward earned and instead give it back to the community.  As a result, every recently-active character will be granted AutoXP for a period of two RL weeks.  This will start soon (once I get it set up). Keep a watch!

Thanks to everyone who voted and participated.

7

Rumour Has It / Treasure to be found!

« on: January 29, 2013, 04:41:01 am »

Somewhere deep in the Swamp of Sorrows on Alindor, a small Tower is rumoured to be found. Within this tower, guarded by fiersome constructs and likely some form of addled evil wizard, is a treasure trove of some kind.

If adventurer's were able to find the tower, hidden deep in the swamps, and fight their way past its guardians... who knows what ancient relics of chests of gold they might find.


( Hidden treasure for any low level group to find )
( Please no +20 lvl chars going to solo it. Aimed at low level groups )

8

Development Journals and Discussion / Masks

« on: January 28, 2013, 09:32:29 pm »

Tobias lays in bed, eyes unfocused and distant. The elf next to him resting peacefully for now but, it wasn't one of her good days. Really there hasn't been many of the good ones in the last month. He blinks rapidly and leans over and kisses her softly on the forehead before sliding out of the bed. He combs his hair back with his hands tying up his hair back in a ponytail and quickly dresses.. Tobias glances back and looks over the sleeping elf , the words she spoke that night still haunting him.. " I don't know you.." Those simple words have brought so much fear to him as he truly doesn't know himself or what he stands for. Hells, he doesn't even know what he wants.. No. that's not true he told himself.. he wants to be with her but, what can he offer her? His love? His fears? A future? She deserves more, so much more.. He shakes his head and heads to the basin of water on the table and dips his hands in the water and splashes some on his face and looks up in the mirror.. He exhales. "Who the hells are you Toby..." He smirks at that.. even his name isn't real.. One lie on top of another.. So many lies and now he even doesn't know what to believe.
 
Doesn't she deserve to know everything? He tells her that he wants her to let him in and to share her fears and yet.. is he willing to let her in? He knows she senses that he is hiding something but, it's hard for him to say for even to this day it still brings back strong emotions that he is unsure he is ready to face..
 
It's strange concept for him to open up and become vulnerable. For so long he has worn this mask and maybe it's too late for it ever to be removed. In not telling her how he feels for her, maybe it's not only to respect her boundaries as he knows she is still struggling with so much pain and uncertainty but, it's also a way for him not to face the truth. And he doesn't know where he stands in her heart.. How can he step forward and confess everything only to be refuted. He did that once before and it left him broken and he sees it happening again with her..So he will build his wall.. and ask her to tear hers down.. His heart tells him to give love a chance but, his brain is telling him no, not yet..let her say it first, for if she doesn't then you can put on another mask and smile and tell her you will still be her friend. And slowly he can step away and let another fill the void he could not..
 
And how does she feel for Nym? There is a deep history there he knows.. The short time he spent with them he could sense that they care for each deeply but, they are from two different worlds yet they lean on each other for a chance at redemption. What right does he have to get in the way of that? Nym is his friend even if the feeling isn't mutual. He would gladly fight beside him and assist him with whatever he could..Should he stand aside and let Zarianna and Nym's story play out? Wouldn't a friend do that? Tobias shakes his head confused and unsure of what to do and his mind fills with doubt. What if she chooses Nym? Could he handle that rejection?
 
Tobias frowns slightly. Rejection... an old friend and he knows how to greet it and tuck it away behind a warm smile and a joke or two. There it will find a home and reinforce his wall. Still as he looks back over her sleeping figure finally at peace from the long day of pain and being sick, he promised and will not leave, can't break her heart..
 
Gods!.. Break his so she can love again.. He is willing to make that sacrifice. Darkness and loneliness are things he can endure and has endured for so many years.. But, to see her in that place tears at his soul. Maybe.. just maybe if he could help her out of the blackness. Perhaps there would be a way out for him as well.. He can hold out a hand and try to pull her up but, in doing so would he tumble further in to the void?
 
He lets out a sigh and rubs his fingers through his hair, searching for an answer on what to do. His hands shake steadily as he continued to search for an answer on what he should do.. He was so scared to let her in. To let her know everything and to be completely vulnerable.. He walks over to her side of the bed and strokes her hair gently. Time.. what he told himself, just more time to decide what to do.. He couldn't bear it to lose her even if he knows he has already lost her. He could at least enjoy the dream of having her, the hope of her loving him.. But, soon he knew that the dream would end and eventually he would have to open his eyes and face the truth. Love is a dangerous game and he feared the cards would always be stacked against him.
 
He adjusts his mask and wipes a single tear away from his cheek and flashes a false smile. There.. he told himself.. perfect...

9

Rumour Has It / Into the undercity

« on: January 24, 2013, 10:39:52 am »

Word is sent out to familiar names and acquaintances that the shadowy mercenary named 'Jay' is looking to organize an expedition into the foreboding depths of Leringard undercity. Promises of uncovered truths are made, but only to those deemed worthy. Those who wish to answer the call should make their way to the Leringard Arms Inn and Tavern, and await further word.


//Hey folks, hoping to organize a trip down the undercity for some bashyness and RP (more to be explained if it happens). Thinking that Sunday would be best, around 8pm GMT, though I'm happy to change it depending on interest. All are welcome though someone with thief skills is needed to get past the first door.

10

NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / WL character quests

« on: January 17, 2013, 05:31:56 pm »

In game currently there are still a few remnants of quest RP instigators from previous WL's. The first one that springs to my mind is near Vale when you are told to seek out Plenarius for the whole story.

The idea was that when you found Plenarius and asked him to tell the story he would use the WL xp wand and give that player a reward for doing so.

It never really took off but I think it is a really great way to bring attention to those characters that took the extra effort to go the extra mile to really make something of their characters in a world sense. I know people might say well my character makes an impact too and I didnt do a WL but there are only a few WL's and its a huge effort I think we can use and recognise.

I am proposing those NPC's are tweaked so that we have a starter NPC in a location that tells the player they have to seek out such and such to hear their story. Then they have to travel somewhere that is specific to the WL and find the NPC version of that WL in game that gives them a dialogue about their story and gives them a token. The PC then returns to the original NPC to present the token and earns a XP bonus.

I think it's a great way to keep some of these WL's and their stories alive in the world!

We already have their summaries in their forum we can tweak to suit.

11

Introduce Yourself / Hello Fellow RPers!

« on: January 17, 2013, 05:07:00 am »

My name is Karasu Inoue and BOY do I love RPGs.

I'll be RPing my character Velphia here mostly (if she's approved) and if I can I'll also RP Fyorin. Both are Wood Elves.

This is such a rich lore I'm honestly surprised I've never heard of this place until today! :O I can't wait to see the future of Layonara!

12

General Discussion / Happy Birthday

« on: January 04, 2013, 04:35:54 pm »

To the dark elf who flirts with a soul, Dremora

Still can't come in the Buckle though.

13

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.

14

Layonara Server / Version 3.31 is online!

« on: November 03, 2012, 10:38:22 pm »

[SIZE=24]Version 3.31 is online![/SIZE]

 I'm going to start this one out by thanking all the people who contributed first, because without them, this update would be a lot smaller...and a lot less cool.  So in no particular order, I'd like to give my personal thanks so Alatriel, Guardian 452, Script Wrecked, Honora, Xaltotun and mixafix for their specific contributions and/or initiatives. Specific contributions will be detailed below.  Similar thanks go to the members of the Project Team and GM Team who contributed to various efforts with input and perspective.  Lastly, a fair amount of this content comes from the community as a whole.  While some things may not seem like direct requests and suggestions, the original motivations for some come from the community at-large, so thanks go to you all for bringing forth your ideas, even if we've managed to twist them from their original forms.
 
As I mentioned within the last few days, there is an updated HAK and TLK file required for this update. If you haven't downloaded them yet, please do so now.

 [SIZE=16]Fixes:[/SIZE]

• Fix Find Traps skill bonus     calculation
• Fix heal kit static drop in Swamp     of Sorrows cave to be the correct version
• Fix spelling and grammar issues on     discarded papers in Tomb of the Emerald Skull

[SIZE=16]Area updates:[/SIZE]

• Updated –     Hallowlight Forest (A path! A path!) {1}
• Updated –     Fieroz City, formerly Fort of Last Hope (now matches the description     in established lore) {2}
• New – Siphe     Castle (interior) {2}
• Updated –     Partial Great Forest facelift (adjusted spawns, new layouts and a     new cave...somewhere)
• Updated –     Silkwood Spider Cave (adjusted spawns for density)
• Updated –     Leringard, main city and docks (now more closely matches approved     description) {2}
• New –     Leringard undercity (Yep! New mid-level adventuring areas with a     progressive difficulty) {2}
• Edge tile fix     in a quest area {3}
• Some extra     CNR scattered around in a few places
• Added trash     barrel to Center
• Vale and     Clover reflect recent attacks and destruction
• Magic     returned to the Great Rift following several CDQs by Storold and     crew
• Change start     point in Center to be away from the portal
• More grouped     under another heading (below)

[SIZE=16]Armor Crafting updates:[/SIZE]
 There are some pretty significant changes to Armor Crafting, specifically for the metal armors, helmets and shields. This project was spearheaded by Guardian 452 and ultimately most of the heavy lifting was done by him, but it was definitely a group effort with significant input coming from members of the Project and GM Teams. In terms of specifics...

• Metal helmets     reduced to one type per metal. Since each helmet variant differed     only in appearance, they were wasting valuable palette space.      Helmets can be customized to any of the other appearances. Recipes     are likewise reduced to one helmet type per metal.
• Metal shields     reduced to one type per metal and size factor (small, large and     tower) for the same reasons as the helmets.  Recipes are likewise     reduced as above.
• Redundant     Platinum Chain Shirt removed from palette
• Added a     craftable breastplate for each metal type as a step between     chainmail and splint mail
• Added     Platinum and Cobalt shields
• Completely     reworked the properties of all armors across all metals.  Armors,     helmets and shields are designed to complement each other and work     as a set.  There is a more consistent progression between armor     types within each metal and upward through the metal types. If     anyone wishes to take advantage of the new properties, old metal     armors can be “oxed”. Anyone wishing to keep the old properties     may do so.
• Tower shield     recipe ingot requirements reduced by 1

Specifications on the new armors, shields and helmets will be posted elsewhere.  They would make this post far too long.
 
[SIZE=16]Thrown Weapons:[/SIZE]

• Weight     and cost significantly     reduced on throwing     axes
  
• Crafting     yield increased on throwing axes
• Stack size     for throwing axes increased to 100
• Elemental     rods can now be applied to throwing axes, darts and shuriken

[SIZE=16]Loot!!![/SIZE]

• Loot drops     updated with over 100 fresh items lovingly designed and created by     the Layonara Project Team.  These items replace a similar set of     100+ unique items you've all come to know and love over the last few     years. Special thanks to Guardian 452 for taking the time to create     the final items.

[SIZE=16]Shifter PrC forms:[/SIZE]
 A while back, we disallowed two Epic Shifter feats from being used due to some serious lore violations with the forms. Particularly, these were the Construct Shape and the Undead Shape feats.  It doesn't take much imagination to understand why constructs and undead are somewhat the antithesis of Layonara's Druids as we have represented them in lore.  Anyway, at the motivation of Xaltotun and mixafix, we started an effort to replace these forms with something more compliant with lore.  While the end result differs quite a bit from their initial proposal, proper credit is due to them for getting the ball rolling.  
 
The Undead Shape feat is now Nature Entity Shape, and the Construct Shape feat is now Manifestation Shape.

• Nature Entity     Shape – The Shifter can take the form of one of three nature     entities: Nature's Warrior, Nature's Vengeance and Nature's Wrath.      These forms have new properties associated with them that are around     the same power level as the undead forms but more appropriate for     the forms that are represented.
• Manifestation     Shape – The Shifter can take the form of one of three     manifestations: Obsidian Manifestion, Hematite Manifestation and     Diamond Manifestation.  These forms are basically re-skinned and     renamed, but mechanically the same as the Construct Shape forms.

For any who are curious, a “manifestation” is a concept from our MMO work that is formed around an entity out of whatever natural materials that are available, thereby giving the formless entity a form.
 
Full details for these feats will be available on LORE shortly.
 [SIZE=16]
General Game Features:[/SIZE]  

• Ship captain     conversations updated to be a little more descriptive about their     destinations {4}
• New     customization system.  This is actually a system GMs have had for a     while but which was never adapted for player use. It's easier to     use, better organized, allows cloning of appearances (subject to     racial/gender/type limitations), has easier-to-use coloring and is     always successful. That's right, there's no more DCs for modifying     equipment and no more wasting potentially hundreds or thousands in     True for all those failed checks.  A small fee still applies, but     it's far more reasonable. Thanks to Script Wrecked for adapting the     system for player use.
• Updated math     for the Save vs. Soul Mother. *listens for the sound of jaws hitting     the floor* The new progression goes like this:
• Levels 1-3:         Automatic success – no chance of Soul Strand loss
• Levels 4-20:         DC = level / 2
• Levels 21+:         DC = 10 + ((level – 20) / 4)

[/LIST]In other words, below level 20 (and above level 3), the chance of losing a soul strand from dying increases by 1% for every two (2) levels.  Above level 20, the chance of losing a soul strand from dying increases by 1% for every four (4) levels. At level 40, that chance sits at 15%. {5}

•     New system – AutoXP.  This system allows a new mechanism for GMs     to reward good RP. Rather than a single hit with a fixed amount,     this system will grant a small amount of XP, based on the     character's level, at regular intervals over a period of time as     long as the character is logged in, not idle and not in combat. {6}

Low-level/New player experience:

•     Adjustments to Center crypts and undercity spawns to be more     friendly to a solo, low-level adventurer
•     Dirty Claw Kobold spawns tweaked
•     Adjusted combat XP curves to give a boost to characters through     level 12. Formerly, this curve flattened out at level 3.
•     Moved a Point of Interest to make it easier for the new player as an     introduction to the system
•     New characters get more True to spend
• Adjusted     combat XP calculation for parties to reduce or eliminate the XP     reduction when a character is below the average party level,     especially by larger margins. This actually affects everyone, not     just low-level characters, but the effect will be more profound for     this group.

As an important comment, any items removed from the palette have been converted to dynamic items, so if they are put onto an ox, they will not be destroyed.
 
 I'll be making a few more posts related to this update soon, but until then feel free to ask questions that come to mind.
 
 Notes:
 [SIZE=10]{1} Primary credit to Guardian 452[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=10]{2} Primary credit to Alatriel[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=10]{3} Primary credit to Script Wrecked[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=10]{4} Primary credit to Honora[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=10]{5} Please note, this reduction in the Save vs. Soul Mother DC is a purely OOC change. Please do not RP or acknowledge any sort of change in this mechanic in any in-character way. There is not IC reason for it.  There's no greater purpose or mysterious shift in the Cosmos, nor have your characters become “stronger” somehow or the Soul Mother gotten “weaker” or “less hungry”.  This is simply me adjusting the curve, as we have done in the past.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10][SIZE=10]{6} This system is completely at t[SIZE=10]he discretion of the GMs, and they may[SIZE=10] enable or disable it for any character at any time for any reason. It is not an entitlement, it is a reward. Please treat it as such[/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE].
[/SIZE]

 Enjoy!

15

Rumour Has It / As the dust settles... World update..

« on: November 02, 2012, 08:09:59 pm »

For many years now the realm of Belinara has been beset by enemies, an almost constant barrage of chaos and disharmony. But, as the dust settles from the latest engagements a relative calm appears. Perhaps it is more the case that the populations of those nations directly affected have had their full of uncertainty, of blood and of war, or perhaps its because there are few left willing to fight, or even simpler, the resources no longer remain and those nations need time to lick their wounds and recover.

Whatever the reason, once the dragon wars are declared over Hilm begins the long and arduous task of rebuilding their shattered nation. In the north the lands ruined by Molvarens vast horde from the Cult invasion are slowly but surely reclaimed and resown, vast sections of the city outside Castle Hilm are slowly rebuilt, new trade lines re-opened.

Around Briardusk Hilm establishes an active training camp, the goal to show Molvaren across the border in Kuhl that the hilmites have not forgotten their original mandate, to oust Molvaren completely and restore Queen Langovale to the throne, a goal however that seems more fleeting with each passing day as Molvaren shuts Kuhl down almost completely to any outside influences while he slowly and quietly regains his strength. So to the Raelites remain on land given to them outside Briardusk, by the Hilmite authorities for their service during the war and in protecting Briardusk from Molvaren during the Dragon War. They slowly build a settlement and keep to themselves mainly but their presence, over five thousand of them also gives cause for Hilm and Molvaren to consider them carefully.

In the south, for years to come the Hilmite forces based in Sundance will be flushing out remnants of the Orsgaunt Horde from the civilised centres of the landscape and driving them back to the mountains or hunting them down. Their predations will cause the south to rebuild slowly and often face difficuties but, pending any further incidents they will recover and begin to work towards their former levels of conditions before Molvaren tore the nation apart.

In the Siphe Principality, tensions between Lord Alexander and the fledgling nation will remain a primary source of concern that may in time be eased with the relationship that seems to have developed between the former Kuhl General and now Sovereign Lord of the Siphe Principality, Jaedon Siphe and the Commander of the Toranite armies of Belinara and Chamion of Toran's Divine Will, Daniella Stormhaven. Many hope there can be a reconciling so that all can work towards a common goal, time will tell. Certainly the actions of Sir Lance Stargazer, Commander of Hilms Armies and Second in command of Hilm behind Lord Alexander have shown that he is more moderate in his tolerance of Sovereign Lord Siphe and is trying to bring both parties to an agreement of mutual tolerance as well.

And as the dust settles over the Roughlands, all evidence of Shadrixkayl's forces fade away but there are times when travellers, adventurers or hardy merchants are crossing regions of the landscape and an odd mist will arise threateningly and forebodingly before once again dissipating as if in warning of a time to come.

Above the Orsgaunt mountains to the north east of the Principality, the lands now claimed by the Dread Red Dragon Ractrafiorez there is nothing heard of the great dragon. It was not present for the final battles against Shadrixkayl, nor seen any time thereafter. Rumours began that the dragon, severely wounded after the battle in the Cult war against the Drach Ori occupiers of Briardusk had finally succumbed to the injury and returned to his lair high and deep within the Orsgaunt mountains to rest and recuperate. Certainly any seeking the dragons treasure were met with fierce fire giants, far more powerful and deadly that any previously known to inhabit the dangerous peaks. These giants called themselves Ractrafiorens, servants of Ractrafiorez.

Slowly, surely those soldiers of other nations stationed in Hilm following the end of the war with the Cult returned to their lands around the world to welcomes of varying degrees. The famine that had hit the world following the Cult wars had faded to some degree but not entirely gone away, many did not know if it was truly gone or simply held at bay for the moment.


Many nations around the world still had their own domestic troubles to deal with;

Boyer on Dreger is struggling to recover after infiltration by Pyrtechonite cultists and a deadly plague that decimated whole villages.

Taur'en on Alindor was struggling to come to terms with its own internal upheavals.

The Golden Alliance on Dreger was suffering badly from the predations of criminal elements undermining the safety and stability of the lose alliance of cities.

Sederra on Dreger continued to struggle to rebuild their shattered nation from the debris left over from the Cult wars.

Succession on Dreger has fallen into stagnation and the nations economy barely struggles to tick over. If not for the support from Rael there are fears the nation might dissolve into civil war in the not too distant future.

Rumours from the distant Elven nation of Voltrex indicate they are struggling with a dark elven incursion in their lands and the attacks of a heretofore unknown black dragon.



But it is not all doom and gloom, some nations have rebounded strongly after the Cult wars and while Belinara was still emrboiled in dragon trouble they had managed to slowly pull themselves together.

Erilyn continued to go from strength to strength, their power growing on Alindor.

The nations within Corsain and Tilmar have built in strength and power in their region.

The nations on Mistone have recovered well since the war and each nation is stable and growing again.

Liwich on Dreger, with the greatly diminished threat of the Silver Crescent has established strong trading ties to many nations and is once again becoming a hub of sea trade for the world.

And of course Rael continues to do what Rael does and slowly but surely tendrils of influence reach out touching other nations.




/// Please note this is not by any means a full and complete list of all goings on at present. But it is meant to give players an idea where varying places in the world are at currently.

16

General Discussion / Happy halloween

« on: October 31, 2012, 09:03:59 am »

...to G452, whose birthday falls on All Hallow's Eve!

yeah, and to the rest of you too.

17

Rumour Has It / General information and rumors

« on: October 14, 2012, 01:09:57 pm »

As time has passed the lands affected by famine have fallen into a holding pattern.  All urban growth has stopped and towns and cities have begun to recede in size.  Without a  stable food supply and loss of tax base due to migration, urban and suburban centres cannot function and there has been a return to the small sustainable villages and farming establishments.

Crops and livestock on a small scale are easier to protect and do not seem to wither to the extent of larger fields.   Population numbers are falling as families are having fewer surviving children due to the effects of poor nutrition and choice as well as migration to unaffected areas.  Armies and militias are also decreasing in numbers.


Depending on the dominant social system, those with wealth and power still have no problem obtaining the products they need, it just costs them more.  Dissidence is growing in the lower classes of some social systems where wealth is not shared and the those that hold power care little for the poor and middle classes.


The opposite holds true for those areas not effected by the famine.  Urban centres are booming and their populations are growing due to migration. Agriculture is expanding to support this population and export growth.  Wealth is being accumulated at all social levels for the most part and leaders are popular.  The trade in slave labour in the realms that permit and encourage such are  booming as disaffected and indebted peoples are falling victim to human trafficking.  Indentured servitude is also on the rise as the poor trade freedom for food. This cheap and bountiful labour source is also helping the growth of the all industry in prosperous areas, especially forestry,agriculture and mining.  Land and real estate in other kingdoms is being bought up as it becomes available.


Dark elf raids continue to plague the land at a rate far higher than what used to be considered the norm. Vale lies in ruins with only a few hardy souls still calling the area home.  There has been little to be done about rebuilding. Clover is desolate except for that one house that was not effected.  It too seems to lie empty and still.  No one was left to rebuild. Goblins and bugbears have taken advantage of the situation and their numbers are on the rise.  


Peoples around the Forest of Fog did marshal together a militia and with the help of Rael the Benevolent and his army.  With the aid of a mercenary tracker they were able to discover an entrance to the deep where most of the raids had been mounted from.  A battle ensued where many lives were lost but the entrance was completely collapsed.  There are rumours that the Rael troops captured a demon horse and its rider and they were taken away.  All sources in the Rael establishment deny any such thing other than the successful battle occurred.


It is also rumoured that several ruling powers in affected areas formed a council to share information and  attempt to determine the cause and stop and hopefully reverse the effects of the famine. Authorities from several faiths and fields of study were invited to join.  Citing security reasons, little has been said about what has been discovered.  An observational telescope was erected on the slopes of Cyclops peak to watch the Red Eyes formation in the night sky.  They have gradually increased in brightness and size over time while other star formations have dimmed.  The number of stars in Lucinda's group has fallen to the lowest count in several centuries.


The peoples of Krandor are worried that civic leaders and tavern owners Connor Garvill and AnnaLee have not been seen in some time.  They were headed on a trip to Alindor and sources in Mariner's Hold confirm they arrived there but they have not been seen since entering the Wolfswood forest well over a year ago.

18

Rumour Has It / The End of the Curse

« on: October 13, 2012, 08:39:29 pm »

A huge crater now sits in the foothills to the south of Mount Norand.  Those that were still alive in the area said that the explosion rocked the ground below them sending out aftershocks for some time.  And yet, as the shocks subsided, those that had been suffering and dying from the Destroyer's Curse finally felt relief.

As weeks pass without any new incidents, Boyer's borders finally begin to reopen, at first tentatively, and then almost desperately as they try to regain trade in spite of the horrible famines still going on around the world.

As people return to their respective faiths, they are offered commendations and acknowledgments for their exceptional bravery and steadfastness in their victory over the Destroyer's Curse.

Many towns, including Stone, Bydell Castle, Spellgard, and Bloody Gate have commissioned stone plaques to be carved with the names of those who served on this quest.  And many songs are now being sung through the halls of the Breath of the Muse.

19

Layonara Server / Update coming soon -- Important Information

« on: October 06, 2012, 09:08:06 pm »

Hey all,

There's an update coming soon, and for this one you'll need two new files. You can download and extract them now so that you're prepared when the update actually hits. As usual, they are not yet linked on the Downloads page. Here are the direct links:

HAK: http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layo_ctrlv3r15.rar
TLK: http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layonara_v26.rar

The second thing I want to note is that I'm going to have to do some maintenance and additional steps at the same time, so the servers will be down for longer than usual while I take care of all of it.  I'll mention this again as the update is finalized, and I'll post a planned schedule for the update so everyone can plan accordingly.

20

NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / tavern patrons of several taverns, warbrobe blah

« on: September 29, 2012, 12:01:05 am »

This is purely a cosmetic issue but any chance we can get some of the patrons of taverns like Center, Krandor, Hlint etc. to get some clothes other than the default leather armor (or hide)?

I'd be glad to take these areas and give some of the patrons other clothing if approved.

Tyvm for considering.

G-452