Posts Thanked By User

21

Trade and Market Hall / Wanted - 4 Mithril rapiers

« on: February 08, 2012, 08:40:02 am »

Wanted - 4 Mithril rapiers
 
 looking for a price in trues
 
 or a price in trues and services
 
 (that four  heroic rapier wielding gentlemen of integrity and distinction might provide)
 
 Inspiring and artistic offers likely to draw attention.
 
 Arfur, youngest, best looking, and some say smartest Dumas on behalf of the Dumas brothers

22

Just for Fun / Happy Australia Day!!!

« on: January 26, 2012, 12:00:03 am »

YOU KNOW YOU'RE AUSTRALIAN IF:
 * You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.
 * You're liable to burst out laughing whenever you hear of Americans "rooting" for something.
 * You pronounce Melbourne as 'Mel-bin'.
 * You believe the 'L' in the word 'Australia' is optional.
 * You can translate: 'Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas.'
 * You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep.
 * You think 'Woolloomooloo' is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.
 * You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife.
 * You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin.
 * You understand that 'Wagga Wagga' can be abbreviated to 'Wagga' but 'Woy Woy' can't be called 'Woy'.
 * You believe that cooked-down axle grease makes a good breakfast spread. You've also squeezed it through Vita Wheats to make little Vegemite worms.
 * You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis.
 * Beetroot with your Hamburger... Of course.
 * You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again' And "Living next door to Alice".
 * You believe that the confectionery known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year.
 * You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them.
 * Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order takeaway fluently in every Asian language.
 * You understand that 'excuse me' can sound rude, While 'scuse me' is always polite.
 * You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose.
 * You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle and a seat belt buckle becomes a pretty good branding iron.
 * Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket.
 * You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call 'Anzac cookies'.
 * You still think of Kylie as 'that girl off Neighbours'.
 * When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer.
 * You know how to abbreviate every word, all of which usually end in -o: arvo, combo, garbo, kero, metho, milko, muso, rego, servo, smoko, speedo, righto, goodo etc.
 * You know that there is a universal place called "woop woop" located in the middle of nowhere...no matter where you actually are.
 * You know that none of us actually drink Fosters beer, because it tastes like . But we let the world think we do. Because we can.
 * You have, at some time in your life, slept with Aeroguard on in the summer. Maybe even as perfume.
 * You've only ever used the words - tops, ripper, sick, mad, rad, sweet - to mean good. And then you place 'bloody' in front of it when you REALLY mean it.
 * You know that the barbecue is a political arena; the person holding the tongs is always the boss and usually a man. And the women make the Salad.
 * You say 'no worries' quite often, whether you realise it or not.
 * You understand what no wucking furries means.
 * You've drank your tea/coffee/milo through a Tim Tam.
 * You own a Bond's chesty. In several different colours.
 * You know that roo meat tastes pretty good, But not as good as barra. Or a meat pie.
 * You know that some people pronounce Australia like "Straya" and that's ok.
 * And you will forward this list to other Australians, here and overseas, realising that only they will understand!!!
 Have a ripper Australia Day everyone

23

Layonara Server / Bonus XP and GP Week

« on: December 22, 2011, 10:56:24 am »

Hello Layonara Community!

Between now and some time on January 2nd, 2012, everyone will receive bonus adventuring, quest and RP XP as well as bonus GP drops.  XP will be awarded at twice (2x) the normal rate and GP will drop in 50% larger quantities (1.5x) than usual.

This is our "gift" to you for the holidays (whichever you may or may not observe) as a thanks for helping make Layonara what it is and what it will continue to be.  Please enjoy the bonus, but also remember the value of RP here.

24

Rumour Has It / The Velvet Cloak

« on: November 20, 2011, 03:00:03 am »

[SIZE=13]In the derelict alleys and taverns across Mistone, posters are placed all around disseminating a simple message:

We're offering work.
May be very dangerous. May be mundane.
Very good compensation.
Choose your poison:

Gloomwoods Castle, Co'rys - Look for Alistair
Broken Halls, Trelania - Look for Bram
Dragon Isles, Caesin Docks - Look for Velen

Bring the flyer with you when you approach our agents.
No flyer, no accommodation.

The best of luck to you all!

The Velvet Cloak
Mercantile Company
[/SIZE]

//This is an RP series aimed for low-level shady character types but I encourage everyone to join the fun. Feel free to RP in-game, investigate, and brainstorm but much of the series will occur on the forums. There will be no quest times, if there is a need to go in-game, whatever it is that's needed will remain in-game for as long as the server is online.

The goal here is to provide interesting development and interaction between characters that would not normally go together. I implore you to not automatically look at this as another one of Ni'haer's shady schemes (actually it is), but rather as an opportunity for your characters to grow. Imagine the fun that can be had with this experiment. Good luck to you all!

25

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!

26

Rumour Has It / Knights Of The Wyrm Fall To Dark Elf In Silkwood Caves

« on: August 19, 2011, 09:11:49 am »

Rumor has it, two of Rofirein's finest, Sir Justice and Sir Naldin, fell at the hands of a dastardly dark elf in the depths of the caves of the Silkwood. Fortunately, their druid companion was able to make it to the surface again.



// Thanks to Nym'roos Claddana (Dremora/Semper-Fi_Hoo-ah) for playing the villain. Shouldn't there be an arrest [THREAD=283619]warrant[/THREAD] out for him, or something? //

27

Just for Fun / Grendola's bad day

« on: May 09, 2011, 02:03:16 pm »

Grendola was out shroom hunting in the spooky Krandor crypt and ventured a little further than usual. Some nasty undead attacked and she chopped off their  fixed grins with a shiny greataxe.

Feeling an urge she checked their pockets and found at least five trues and an old dusty book ful of scribbles  (  occ  no reading ability Im afraid)
she popped into the bank to take out her saving as she was off to buy an nice  lttle enhancement for that new addy greataxe.

Thinking about the book she excitedly she ran to Centre to ask Storold what he thought and with some advice from Duchess the three of them set off to the dunes past the halfling camp.

battling snakes and undead the made their way to the ruins but on the edge they were ambushed and eventually she fell to multiple attacks.

The soul mother , evil grin on her pockmarked face, rose out of the ground and snatched another starnd from the terrified butcher who fell lifeless to the ground.

Her purse fell open and 4k of trues rolled away into the sand dunes and she awoke in Centre.  She sat sipping water until the headache passed and then went back to knitting a pair of purple bloomers for an odd order from an elderly dwarf.

/occ  xp gain for loads of massive kills about 25xp total with Storold  ( i killed em all meself honest!!) , lost strand  ( 6 down), lost trues and nowt but a bronze sword ter show fer it lovvies........bad bad day.didnt even get ter wash me hair so i cant blame that.
Duchess, Storold, hope yer found the treasure otherwise depression could easily set in. Anyone finds any bacon butties in the sand they belong ter me right!!!

28

Just for Fun / What does it realy mean?

« on: December 29, 2010, 04:49:48 am »

I am sure all of you know the bears of the layo world,
and all those who can change into a bear form.
But....
...did you know what "Bear" Really means?



Made possible by:
The Monster Name Decoder --- Name Generator and Avatar Creator

29

Trade and Market Hall / Boxes of Goods For Sale

« on: October 08, 2010, 06:47:37 am »

* Written in a large lettered, graceful hand is the following, as dictated *

[SIZE=16]I have the following full boxes of items to sell:

[INDENT]1 Pecans 1500 coins
1 Blueberries 1500 coins
1 Honey 250 coins
1 Spotted Mushrooms 3000 coins
1 Chicken Eggs 3000 coins
1 Skeleton Knuckles 750 coins
1 White Mushrooms 750 coins
3 Corn Oil 2250 coins each, or 6000 coins for all[/INDENT]

~ Ygraine, of the Ursus Clan[/SIZE]

* Beneath this, in black ink and a different hand, is a simple pictograph of a bear, in what would be the heradlic attitude of passant guardant *

* Sometime later, all the items are marked off as sold, and the note is taken down *

30

Rumour Has It / War comes to Rael

« on: September 28, 2010, 02:48:26 am »

With mornings light Rael is in uproar.

Overnight hordes of Dark Elves that also included some mercenaries from surface lands have struck numerous regions inside Rael itself.

So far the following is an accounting of the attacks that are emerging from Rael as information filters down the chain of command and to the surrounding lands.

Fort Hold:
Attacked just after midnight with a force of approximately 500 Dark Elves. it seems their target was the Rofireinite encampment just outside Fort Hold. The Knights of the Wyrm suffered heavy casualties in trying to defend the Principium Wardens and the other priests in the camp. One brave newly appointed Knight Captain, Benjamin Poetr rallied the Knights to hold off the Dark Elf attack until Rael reinforcements could arrive from Fort Hold and help rout the attackers. The Rofireinites claim the Dark Elves seemed to be searching for the records of the proceedings against the other Dark Elves tried at Fort Hold since their main target was the records tent.  Initial estimates indicate almost half of the Dark Elves were killed and a score captured before the rest fled into the night. Rael forces lost 47 another similar number wounded, the Knights lost seventeen with another five injured.

Oakhurst:
A major Raelian supply camp just outside Oakhurst was attacked just before midnight with a large force of Dark Elves. Early estimates indicate over two thousand Dark Elves participated in a three pronged attack on the supply post. A large portion of the Raelian Eastern Army was in camp picking up supplies otherwise the enemy may have severely crippled the Northern and eastern armies ability to operate in the field for some time.
In a hard fought battle the main dark elf force of a thousand struck the Raelian front lines and rapidly overcame them. At this point a coordinated attack hit from the south and from the north. Raelian spotters recognised the famous Dark Elven mercanery Lirtrisk Noz'Kelizan leading the northern attack while an unfamiliar but powerful dark elf sorcerer led the southern attack.
The main force lost over half its number as the Raelian troops rallied and crashed into them.
Perhaps recognising a far larger force against them than initially planned for Lirtrisk tried to retreat but was quickly surrounded and her force almost decimated. Raelian troops indicate that at least thirty men were lost to both Lirtrisk and her body guard known to be an esteemed arcane archer before they were brought down.
The Rael forces would have killed or captured more of the enemy if it werent for the Dark Elf Sorcerer who used powerful magics to cover their retreat and hold back the Rael forces, as well as igniting part of the supply compound in the process forcing Rael soldiers to try and save the supply depot.
Initial reports claim at least a thousand Dark Elves lost their lives while the Raelians suffered heavily due to Lirtrisks people and the Dark Elf Sorcerer. Its estimated over 400 Raelians were killed and another 200 injured. There were no captives.

Vale:
A small but efficient force of 100 Dark Elves overcame and killed the guards into the Vale and proceeded to the Katian temple where they came to grips with the people there. Priests and Druids held the Temple long enough for guards, inhabitants and rangers and animals called to defend the temple could arrive and help drive back the Dark Elves.  The Temple was breached but those Dark Elves that made it inside were killed by those who waited within. The remaining host fled back from where they came leaving the people of Vale and the Katians themselves in a state of shock.

Prantz:
Murder by night.
Dark Elf Assasins have risen onto the cities streets well after midnight and targeted certain individuals in their homes in the city. In the Upper Class Quarter at least a dozen nobles and their families have been found murdered in their homes. Guards have overcome and faced a number of the dark elf assassins as they tried to enter different homes. Several fires now burn in large estates in the city believed to have been deliberately lit by the dark elves to cover their escape. Martial Law in Prantz has been declared while Rael troops search house to house the entire city to seek out how the Dark Elves entered the city undetected.

Castle Mask:
Murder Most Foul.
Dark Elf assassins have struck the camp of the Raelian troops. In an apparent suicidal attempt to carry out their mission thirty assassins have managed to kill the entire negotiation party sent to Castle Mask to meet with the Lorites. The Human nobles from Prantz fell victim to the assasins blades as well as the Raelite General in charge of the force residing there before being cut down by soldiers.

Haft Lake:
A large group of over 200 Dark Elves attacked Haft Lake, raiding and burning several houses before adventurers and local Guard units mobilised and either killed or drove off the host.


As a result of this, as the dust settles over Rael in the next few days Lord Rael has declared Martial Law until order is restored, the borders are closed until further notice and his entire current standing army in the fields south of Pranzt have been ordered into the field. Every road, every village, every farmstead and every field in his nation is to be patrolled until further notice.
Current estimates indicate this means that just under 40,000 soldiers, human and demi humans are now helping to restore order in Rael.

The forces currently residing north of Castle Mask will remain in place to patrol the souther border with Lor until the new General arrives to take charge.

31

Rumour Has It / Minotaur Attack

« on: September 03, 2010, 05:29:54 pm »

*As told by Sharyn Valhaikor to the Guards outside Hempstead ...*



We had just come out of the swamps and stood within the Dapplegreen, sorting coin and ore, Ygraine had wandered to water the plants leaving Annywl and I to to defend ourselves from a group of Minotaurs.  There were about 4 and a leader.  A patrol?  Who knows, but anyone wandering through the Dapplegreen should keep their eyes open.  Never heard of those creatures wandering this far south ...

32

General Discussion / Ideas

« on: September 01, 2010, 09:14:42 am »

Was just reading akata's post and Dorg's responses ... to be truthful, got me a little disheartened. One of Layo's longest serving players (and world leaders) obviously not happy about some things ... anyways, you can read that thread.



I really want to write a long, well-written post with lots of good ideas and an accurate, sensible summary of some of the thoughts that are in my head ... that said, I don't know where you guys get the time!



I was going to jump on tonight and had a peek at the server status .. again, only 2-3 characters on across both servers. I ended up watching TV and playing Bejewelled on Facebook. Unfortunately, that is becoming the preferred option more and more often - and it seems like not only for me?



Why?



I have my thoughts on the matter ... forgive me they aren't couched in loquacious (*nods to darkstorme*) paragraphs. Hopefully the gist is clear.



1. More scheduled quests please! I know GMs are doing it on a volunteer basis, I get it, I do. I did it for a couple of years and know sometimes you really can't be bothered or RL is busy or you'd rather jump on as a player ... but 2-3 a month is achievable, no? How can you incentivize the running of more quests for GMs? Give them XP for their chosen character for their time spent running quests? I certainly wouldn't begrudge a GM earning the same XP for one of their characters at the same rate my character does attending the quest they spend their time running. I don't know ... maybe others have got some ideas to encourage GMs to run quests?



2. Please change existing areas every now and again. Just a tweak, that's all I need. Does it take that long to shift a spawn two inches over? Add another goblin archer around the corner there, some warhounds with the hobgoblins there, a trap in the minotaur caves, a vampire in with the mummies, a treasure chest here, a carrion crawler there, whatever ... I contemplated making (another) new character the other day and had the thought if I have to run them through the same 100 areas that I have done literally hundreds of times previously with other characters I will seriously do myself in. I'd do it myself, honestly I would but ... *hugs his Mac*



3. Less rules, more fun! I have played here for over 4 years and I don't know the rules anymore. If people wanna make a goblin to join in on Lonn's gobbie night, go ahead! The will system and inter-character transfer of assets and house remodels and restricted classes and 4 CDQs to move from A to B and 2 CDQs to change from Y to Z ... I dunno, maybe it's just me but i'd rather play with 20 people, half of whom play as NG when their approved alignment is LG than play with one person who plays their alignment by the letter of the law. If someone is ridiculous with relaxed rules, kick em out ... but do the excesses and abuses of the past have to erect these impossible barriers for entry for new players?



4. More positions for characters! Ongoing responsibilities! Ability to change the world! I know this has been gone over numerous times elsewhere ... don't think there is an easy answer and I understand the lore books are to be released at some point and lore needed to be crystallized at some point and for various dramas lore has had to be re-written but it is a little demoralizing. I think Acacea has written about it elsewhere, all the challenges of the world are these new things that for whatever reason weren't a danger to everyone last week? WLDQs especially. I don't want to go into the ins and outs of all the WLDQs of the last few years but prior to Blood's fall the WLDQs run seemed to affect existing plots and people ... now it seems as if each WLDQ tackles a newly introduced foe so as to not affect existing lore? Fenrir's mithril-eating Balamti? Never heard of them prior to his WL. Daniella's unhappy God. Was it a concept that was created for her WLDQ? Alandric's child of chaos? Never read about him in lore. If other WLs agree, maybe this topic is better taken into the WL forum for dissection?



5. Re-attachment of DTs. Again, it's been spoken about to death elsewhere ... but again I keep coming back to how many of those players/characters now gone due to their character perming would have remained versus those people who remained because of the existing DT system? I'd put money down that the former is more numerous than the latter. Ark is on 9 tokens, if/when he loses No 10, there (most probably) goes yet another player.



Please read this as written from the perspective of a player who wants to get excited about Layo again. Do they read as criticisms? I don't mean them to be. Read them as from a player who wants to look at the server status of a night and jump on and go for a run with a dozen others on west or a different dozen on central.



Dorg, I don't need a response from you individually addressing these points, it's cool.

33

Rumour Has It / Strangeness in Vehl's Crypt

« on: August 26, 2010, 01:59:30 pm »

*a note is slipped under the door of the Dragon's temple in Vehl*



There's been something strange going on in the crypt next door.  The skeletons are using tactics they shouldn't have.  I've seen traps and caltrops and other signs of intelligence or control.  I couldn't find a necromancer, but that doesn't mean there isn't one.  We didn't find any signs of strange magic, either, but that doesn't mean they're not there.



Will keep you informed if I learn more.



Corrinne Smithsdotter

34

General Discussion / Answering the Questions

« on: July 15, 2010, 05:04:17 am »

I have been asked by a lot of people to please come back over the last year. I am considering it. Recently I even received a txt and call. Thank you for the conversation and kind words. I have been asked to air a few things and this post finally made me do it...
 

http://forums.layonara.com/roleplaying/278422-wl-frustrated-options-offered.html

I know exactly what pimbmendan means. I miss this server and the friends I made here deeply. I miss the effects and consequences someone's actions had, both positive and negative. The ever evolving world of Layonara has always been amazing and kept so many playing coming back throughout the years.

I played from 2003 to 2010. For 7 years I enjoyed Layonara and cherished all the time I put in. Even more importantly I cherish the time others put in to make the world so special. I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the staff and the players. I have always tried to show that respect and appreciation to everyone here through both my in game and out of game actions.

However, it feels like my efforts meant absolutely nothing when it came time for my WL attempt. My WL quest is one of the single most botched things I have ever seen happen by the Staff in 7 years.  

I was failed before ever being given a chance. My WL quest was shelved for almost 2 years and once it eventually started, it then took almost a year to run the quest. It took so long to get the WL quest running, that the people who would have played in it a year prior, were simply no longer active. I couldn't find evil PCs out there anymore, ESPECIALLY dark elves. I had to relay on PCs ranging from levels 7-15 for a WL quest, because that is all we had to work with. Now this is not the staffs fault, nor is it anyone's fault. However this should have been taken into consideration when running a Dark Elf WL quest. Rather than throwing insane amounts of purple instant kills at the low level party. I was told that the level of the party would be taken into consideration.

Few know that I was actually failed at the start of the quest, due to a misunderstanding. I thought we were in a time bubble and not supposed to be active in game. Thank you Dorg for helping handle that situation as a mediator of sorts and making it possible to continue from that point. I however feel I was failed from there. Perception.

Layo staff, you got that one wrong and nothing was ever done to even come close to trying to resolve it. I know it may sound like I'm faulting the failure of the WL, but I am not trying to. I fault the failed attempt to fix the botch.
I also feel the staff has done so many things right, i guess they deserve a free pass on my WL =)

This has torn at me in many ways and I have simply avoided talking about it or coming here to explain. I didn't want to seem ungrateful for the approval and time put into my WL. I knew failure could be an option and I would have loved another shot at the WL quest knowing I could fail. I was just honored to be considered and accepted for the WL. As a player, it meant everything. It represented the 7 years I put into Layonara. Seven years is a long time to put into something.

However, as Pibmanden said, where are the consequences? I fully expect big results from the success of a WL...but absolutely nothing for the failed attempt? The only consequences for my PC's actions during the WL quest are the ooc administrative failed results.

I should have listened to everyone who warned me. So many told me that I would fail my quest because I would run out of time. Even DMs warned me from the start. I should have stayed with the first DM who took my WL and waited my turn behind Jenara. After all I waited almost a year behind Jenara before I found another DM. I knew how Rowana ran her quests and what to expect from them. I had never been on a quest ran by Minerva where I was an actually part of the quest.

Minerva, despite the way this quest was handled and the way I was treated in the end, or should I say not treated...={ I still appreciate all the time and effort you put in. You stepped up to the plate when no one else had time. You tried the best you could and I saw that and appreciated it. I take full responsibility for not having gone on any of your regular quests prior to selecting you to run my WL quest. I learned a lot from that quest, both good and bad. For your time and hard work, thank you.

I never wanted any kind of hand out. I also do not feel entitled at all. I have always felt that my entitlements (if you want to call them that) came in the form of the enjoyment of playing the game with great friends and seeing the results of those actions throughout the world of Layonara. I miss you guys and I am sorry if this offends anyone in anyway. It is how I saw the events unfold.

I miss Layonara, I miss you, and I hope I have not been forgotten.

Thank you,
Geo

a.k.a.
Magus Del'Mar

35

Roleplaying / WL frustrated with options offered

« on: June 28, 2010, 10:11:21 am »

So now that I have played for quite a few years I have seen a rather strange tendency over the years. Seemingly the player get less and less influence on the world, the WLs(/epics) in particular.

Back in the day epics were really really epic, I mean they were the leaders of their churchs, almost avatars of their gods, dragons, you name it...

Now it is all about handing XP out to people who are doing a great job in the gameworld... Not that this is bad for anyone, however the change is...

I agree that there was some point in Layonara history where there were too huge a gap between what "normal players" and WL's could do. But right now no one can do anything which seems even more silly than someone can do something.

Maybe it is just me, but besides one event that took place a couple of years ago I have been unable to do -anything- what so ever to affect the gameworld. I mean really, it has even gone to the point where even if I don't do something things will happen anyway. So now playing is more like getting told, oh you know this thing will happen in the future, you don't have to do anything it will happen no matter what.

((What I have tried so far:

Contacting GMs
Involving other players
RPing IG
Answering IC forum posts))

Well alright, if that is the case why even play, because one of the reasons I really liked playing here was that every action has consequences.. Well that is cool, as long as you can actually do something that matters in the first place.

Instead I feel stuck in a place where GM's can make a character ten times stronger than mine and with a hundred times the options while having their morning coffee(At least it feels that way to me, I have no idea how NPCs are approved, but just the fact that Storold doesn't actually have a rank as such makes it very easy to make something better.). So all you are left with is following the arrows on the floor and kill the occasional monster in your way, or of course join the eternal grind towards having all upgrades on all your gear and watch your XP counter tick up towards infinity.

36

General Discussion / Dear NWN

« on: June 20, 2010, 11:19:09 am »

Dear Neverwinter Nights,

I never actually finished your official campaign (any of them), and most of even my favorite modules were left off around 95% completion. No more than a handful of areas from the module project I started were ever done, even though building was the only reason I went PW surfing to begin with. I am a poor modeler and have not given you any shiny new toys like other people have over the years, as with my most valiant efforts I am generally just translating the work of others to work for us. I rarely finish stories, and my scripting in any language is akin to the tourist that greets natives with "the cat is black" and says his farewells as "the cheese is stinky".

I only dabbled with your sequel, and even when I poked my head into another PW I didn't speak with another soul. I bought that nice premium module that I heard was very good, but like other very good modules I only got halfway through it, along with that expansion. Expansions. I've found that the things I love most about your sequel are the models that got ripped from it and given to you. Enjoy!

I did not get you a card, because I hate cards, and also I don't care for wrapping paper, bows, and in general anyone bothering me, and also I am officially 2 days late. But I thought I would say it anyway.

Happy 8th Birthday, NWN!

Eight years later you are getting some of the best content since your release. Here are just a few examples of the continued labors of love on your behalf, to cheer you and make up for my own lack of contribution. I did not even count the last patch they labored on for you, and the premium modules that were cancelled but given to the community, or any of the older content that is still in the top ranks!

NWShader (Ignore them when they say adding bloom to NWN is like putting lipstick on a pig - they should have said gilding a lily. The possibilities cannot be measured!)
NWNCQ
NWN Enhanced
sixesthrice's pretty tilesets
CTP Babylon
CEP 2.3 (the new DM tools are crazy!)
Senemenelas' Underdark Tileset
KotoR Heads
SciFi Placeables
Worms Fantasy Interiors
Sen's Seasonal Workshop (remember when we were trying to make the seasons change dynamically with worms, NWN? That was silly. This is easy.)
Community Music Pack

Lastly, while I do not have anything of my own that is anything of note, and have not in general added to your lifespan with so much as a font, you must understand that with your kind I am a fickle creature. Drawn to shiny and ever dissatisfied with its empty reflection, I move on and on and on from "games," leaving a trail of open manuals and dusty boxes behind me, bouncing from latest and greatest back to Betrayal at Krondor, Mario, and King's Quest, and, more recently, Lemmings. Forget all the others. You are the only one I have been (semi-)faithful to, and with you are the only characters (singular) I've made that have lasted any significant length of time, even when we are called silly for still caring about a game nearing a decade-old and wanting to do good things for it. Did I say a decade? No, no, you are closer to 5 than 10. Forget all that.

So thank you for the toolset, and thank you for Acacea, and happy birthday!

37

Rumour Has It / In Memorandum: Hedessa Tanario and Benjamin Poetr

« on: June 07, 2010, 01:56:27 pm »

For the Angel's Guild.  Made public at the suggestions of Daniel Benjamin Poetr.

Written by Andrew Reid for and with consultation from Hedessa Tanario.  This was to have been produced at the Angel's celebration.  With Hedessa's passing, it is dedicated to her, and Ben, and the rest of the Angels.


Angel's Guild Members (in order of appearance):

Andrew - Narrator
Alazira -- Self
Layl -- Self
Alatriel -- Self
Kyle -- Self
Ferrit -- Self
Kyle -- Playing Ben
Ben -- Playing Hedessa
Alatriel -- Playing Ferrit
Amgine -- Playing Layl
Layl -- Playing Elohanna
Ferrit -- Playing Jako

Customers (in order of appearance):

Hedessa -- Tailoring Customer
Daniel -- Instrument Customer
Alazira -- Infusing Customer
Elohanna -- Scribing Customer
Tod -- Metals Customer


Narrator: Behind the scenes at the Angel Guild Play...

Alazira: So now what do we do.

Layl: I don't know. He's always late. ALWAYS.

Alatriel: We could dress Kyle up. You humans all look alike anyway.

Alazira: I like it. *looks at Kyle*

Layl: Fine, dress Kyle up. *looks at Kyle*

Alatriel: *looks at Kyle*

Kyle: No. No way. Not going to happen...

Alatriel: Why the hells not?

Kyle: His pants always chafe!

Alatrial: *looks at Kyle, blinking*

Alzira: *looks at Kyle, blinking*

Layl: *looks at Kyle, blinking*

Kyle: *blushes*

Ferrit: Shh! Just put on the clothes or I'll make you play Essa.

Kyle: Yes dear.


Narrator: The scene opens in the new shop. Ben is tidying the counter top.

Kyle: *in Ben's too-tight pants and shirt* Well, here we are, in the new shop, ready for business. *polishes the counter with a crooked grin, glancing at the front door from time to time*

Kyle: Yup. The place looks great. Anytime now. *continues to polish*

Narrator: Time passes...

Kyle: Blast. We need a hook. HEDESSA!

Ben: *sashays out, swaying his hips* Yes, Benji? *twirls a lock of his hair*

Kyle: Can you go out and drum up someone business? You know, use your *finger quotes* people skills? *goes back to polishing the countertop and fussing with the inventory chests*

Ben: *bats his eyes and in a husky voice* Of course, handsome. *sashays outside the shop, then swiftly tacks up a sign that says "FREE BEER INSIDE".* All done!

Kyle: Um...*watches "Essa" sway past with some concern*

Hedessa: *takes a look at the sign* Oh, free beer! *walks inside*

Kyle: *gruffly* Hey, lady. Welcome to the Angels Guild Adventurer Outfitters, how can I help you?

Hedessa: Dwarven Stout, please. In a frosted glass. A BIG frosted glass!

Kyle: This is the Angels Guild, not a bar.

Hedessa: But the sign said --

Kyle: What sign? This isn't a bar!

Hedessa: *patiently* The one outside, with FREE BEER in big block letters?

Kyle: ESSA!

Ben: *high pitched giggle from the back room*

Hedessa: So, no beer?

Kyle: *sighs* No ma'am.

Hedessa: And you do what, here, again?

Kyle: We are the Angels Guild Adventurer Outfitters -- we outfit all your advent...

Hedessa: *waves an impatient hand* Yes, Yes. I could use a new dress then.

Kyle: That we can help you with. FERRIT!

Alatrial: *sneaks up behind Ben, appearing suddenly* Yes?

Kyle: AGH! Don't DO that!

Alatrial: *smiles*

Kyle: The lady wants a new dress.

Alatrial: Of course. This way. *they exit to back room*

Kyle: *moves to take down the beer sign*

Daniel: *walks in* Ah, my good man! A mug of beer and quickly, I'm parched!

Kyle: We're not a bar. This is the Adventure Outfitters --

Daniel: But the sign --

Kyle: *grits his teeth through his crooked grin* We are a crafting guild. Ignore the sign. Please.

Daniel: Ah. Pity.

Kyle: Is there something else I can help you with?

Daniel: A glass of Black Hills Chablis, perhaps?

Kyle: *forces his crooked grin* We're not a bar...

Daniel: Well...do you make guitars?

Kyle: *turns abruptly and bellows* LAYL!

Amgine: *bounces out with a wink* Yes, Ben?

Kyle: The man wants an instrument.

Amgine: Oh, fun! Come on sugar, let's get you strung up...

Daniel: I like the sound of that! *winks at the audience and goes into the back room with Amgine*

Kyle: *moves to take down the sign again*

Alazira: *strides in* A dwarven stout, and make it snappy!

Kyle: *smacks his forehead* We are not a bar. This is the Angels Guild, Adventure -

Alazira: Tower Malt?

Kyle: Not. A. Bar.

Alazira: Silver Buckle Gin, then! *bright smile*

Kyle: We are NOT A BAR. I don't serve alcohol here! No beer! *getting upset*

Alazira: No beer?

Kyle: No beer.

Alazira: I'll just have some Xeenite wine then.

Kyle: BLAST IT! *begins to babble to himself*

Alazira: And a raise dead scroll.

Kyle: *pivots and bellows* ELLY!

Layl: *moves out with gentle grace* Yes, Ben?

Kyle: The lady wants a raise dead scroll.

Layl: *a sunny smile* That will take a little while...would you care for a glass of wine while you wait?

Alazira: *shoots a smug look at "Ben"* Don't mind if I do! *follows "Elly" into the back room*

Kyle: *moves to take down the sign yet again*

Elohanna: *barges in, all hustle* Hey, hello, wow, it's hot out there.

Kyle: Yes it is. *moves toward door*

Elohanna: Hey, hey, my beer?

Kyle: No beer. Adventuring gear. We outfit Adventurers. WE. DO. NOT. SERVE. BEER.

Elohanna: Ohh. How about a wand then? I can stir my beer with it!

Kyle: *bellows* ESSA!

Ben: *sways out* Yes, Benji?

Kyle: *glares at her* A rod for the lady.

Ben: Isn't that your job, sugar? *giggles and takes Elly into the back room*

Kyle: *dives for the door, and trips over Tod*

Tod: Ah, excuse me, I'd like a --

Kyle: WE HAVE NO FREE BEER! NO STOUT, NO ALE, NO BEER! Nothing but adventuring gear! No liquor! No wine! No booze of any kind! WE'RE THE ANGELS GUILD! NOT A BAR! *panting, face red*

Tod: Um. I wanted some armor?

Kyle: *standing, embarassed* Oh, well, then. JAKO!

Ferrit: *comes out silent, and waits*

Tod: Here, it's all on this order. *hands over a piece of paper*

Ferrit: *takes the paper and starts to leave*

Tod: Oh, and a short sword! *hands over a piece of paper*

Kyle: JAKO!

Ferrit: *returns and takes the paper, then turns to leave*

Tod: Oh, oh! And I have some platinum that needs smelting to ingots! *hands over a clearly heavy box*

Kyle: JAKO!

Ferrit: *returns and takes the box, turns, then hesitates*

Tod: Let's see...*pats his vest, then shakes his head*

Ferrit: *hesitates one moment more, then starts to leave*

Tod: Oh! *snaps his fingers and pulls another scrap from a vest pocket* And some good healing potions --

Kyle: JAKO!

Ferrit: *turns around again, fists full of paper and box under his arm, and walks, very slowly and deliberately back to Kyle. Reaches out slowly, takes the paper from his hand in a quick snapping motion, returns his hand slowly, tucks the paper with the others, then waits, drumming his fingers*

Tod: That's all! *bright smile*

Ferrit: *waits, fingers drumming*

Tod: Really. That's all.

Ferrit: *eyes him suspiciously for a moment*

Tod: *another bright smile*

Ferrit: *turns to leave*

Tod: Oh, wait -- what's this? *takes out a piece of paper*

Ferrit: *turns ever so slowly*

Tod: Ah, just an old grocery list. Don't suppose you can help a fellow with apples and cheese, can you? *smiles*

Ferrit: *rolls his eyes, turns on one heel and marches out*

Kyle: We'll get it done. Oh -- would you take down that sign by the door on your way out?

Tod: Be happy to! *leaves, grabbing the sign as he goes, then walks back in* Hey -- says here free beer? *takes out a mug and slaps it on the counter*

Kyle: *begins to weep*

*curtain close*

Narrator: Just another day of business at the Angels Guild, Adventure Outfitters...

38

The Silver Buckle / Mythical Spiders returned?

« on: May 22, 2010, 06:38:06 pm »

*A note is tagged on the wall. It is writen in commen but with the beauty of an elven script. It can be read by all who can read common*
[SIZE=18]
[SIZE=24]This is a Warning to all those who venture in the silkwoods. Expecialy those who enter the spider caves.[/SIZE]

I have been to the spider caves twice within about two weeks time and I have encountered a spider species tougher then the ones who can normally be found there.
These new spiders are almost white in colour, look a lot like there dark cousins but are much tougher and some of them can even shoot some kind of arrow like things at you.
I remember hearing stories about these spiders from centuries ago. But they where thought to be extinct or myth. But now they seem to be back again.

It started about a week or so ago, when I and my friends Annwyl and Ygraine where in those caves to gather some dark silk and put the spider population down a bit.
We got close to the deepest parts of those caves we encountered these mythical spiders. We where able to defeat them but we did not want to risk going any further. So we went out and where not followed.

Some days later I went there again with a new group. One of the people of the group was named Daniel, I'm afraid I forgot the names of the others. But there was an other elf there and a friend of Daniel. We encountered  those spiders when we where close to leaving the caves.

I'm not sure if they are still there but I do not want to risk it. So there for this warning. These spiders are dangerous so please be careful when you enter those cave. DO not underestimate them.

Signed
Xanya Enyafailm.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

39

Layonara Server / New Project Writer member / welcome Xaltotun

« on: May 09, 2010, 03:12:45 am »

As mentioned in another  thread, people who want to join us as  Project Writer can contact me  directly.

If I think I can work with you (based on my perception of you on   forums/in game as well as after talking to you) I'll give you an   assignment to evaluate your creativity and writing skills.

If that assignment is successfully completed and we like what we read,   and you are willing to sign an Author-Publisher Agreement with us then  we'll bring you in.

Xaltotun successfully applied, wrote a very nice myth and I'm happy to  welcome him to  the Writing Team.

40

Ask A Gamemaster / Dark Elves and the Law

« on: April 22, 2010, 10:39:32 am »

I have a question regarding Dark Elves and Divine Law.  Last night a pc dark elf openly acknowledged his race and even agreed to travel with another party member to Vehl to be registered as a dark elf at the Temple.  It was presented to me that by because of the history of dark elves, the simple open presence of one on Mistone is a violation of the law.  I'm aware that some cities like Hempstead ban Dark Elves openly, but what of the surrounding countryside?  Is it legal to arrest and incarcerate a dark elf that is following the law simply because he or she is a dark elf?   I spent some time in Lore and haven't found a single thing to back this statement up.  Quite the contrary in fact.  As stated in the Law of Layonara -
Principles of the Divine  Court

• Justice will be done in line with the dogma of Rofirein
• Each individual has a right to a fair trial
• Each individual is innocent until proven guilty
  
• Each individual has the right to appoint a representative to speak  for him on his behalf

For my primary character, Daniel, only actions and clear plausible statements of ill intent can be judged.  To him, if another character regardless of race is being truthful and following the law to the best of their ability, there is no just cause for an arrest.  Links and thoughts that would give this matter some clarity?