Posts Thanked By User

21

Rumour Has It / Heralds Ride Out in Trelania

« on: August 01, 2009, 04:43:34 pm »

Mulnari, Jular 16, 1451 //July 6th 2009 apologies for the delay!
 

 This Crown has learned the details of our stricken fort, Hurix. It grieves Us to know so many lives were lost, so many of our brothers, husbands an sons lay beneath the soil of Our fair kingdom. We honor those lost, all names collected will be recorded in the History for all time.  
 
 We honor those, too, that stood by our innocents and devoted. Brave knights of Toran, of Rofirien and of Vorax arrived to drive off and hunt down Our attackers. For this We are ever grateful. It is, though, our highest praise that we wish to offer to the following, whom stood by the People of Hurix in their darkest hour, defending and enduring.
   
Benjamin Poetr
Tod Fellow
Amanda
Rodlin Serim
Galathea Arnaduillae
Chakar Achmed El'Mujahir
Shiff Dragonheart
Daniella Stormhaven
Aesthir Stargazer
Angela Swann
Storold Doesscha
Pallena
Maelverik Reznar

  Trelania offers a day of celebration to honor all of those who fought for Our People.
 
 *the stamp and seal of Trelania follows as well as the complex signature of Queen Mouring. The announcement is also read over the kingdom by traveling heralds under the banner of Trelania for the few months it takes to travel to all Trelania's major cities (and stopping at the small ones along the way)*

22

Rumour Has It / A red eyed ranger approaches the Minstone defense group.

« on: July 02, 2009, 02:07:42 am »

*Fehriel travels to the Minstone defense group with his ox in tow and a wheelbarrow that he pushes in front of him. When asked why he is there, he replies that he has things to donate for the defense of the continent. The wheelbarrow and ox are filled with bows, bolts and arrows. He starts to unpack them and give them to the people so they can count what the donation tallies to.

oak Longbows 9

arrows:
20 iron tipped hickory raven tail
720 iron tipped oak raven tail
3900 platinum tipped oak raven tail
5800 platinum tipped oak stirge tail
400 platinum tipped oak falcon tail
200 iron tipped mahogany raven tail
100 bronze tipped mahogany stirge tail
200 bronze tipped mahogany falcon tail
700 bronze tipped mahogany raven tail

bolts:
20 copper tipped hickory falcon tail

total of the donation = 314998

Fehriel watches them as they give him the total, surprised himself at the amount of work he had done.*

I will bring you more shortly, I had plans to also donate some gloves of fury to your troupes, but some browned nose hypocrites people don't know when to not dirty their nose in matters that don't concern them, so I'm sorry if I can't do that part of my plan. But I will keep the bows and arrows coming.

*He then leaves, his ox in tow, the wheelbarrow strapped on its back, now that the ox pack is empty*

23

General Discussion / Joining the rank and file :)

« on: June 25, 2009, 09:28:00 am »

Hi everybody!

This is the post to inform I am stepping down as GM. I'm not disappearing from Layo, in fact I hope, RL and remaining DTs permitting, to step up my involvement with Ark as an active and roleplay-enhancing World Leader.

About two years ago I applied for a GM position in order to enhance people's Layo experience, primarily in the AEST timeslot given poor old Dezza was shouldering a lot of that burden on his lonesome.

The main goal of my quests has always been to get players to really think long and hard about their characters. To put roleplay flesh on their mechanics bones. To make players really think about what their characters would do in a given situation, a given moral dilemma. To put them in a place, not always comfortable, not always where they want to be and then see what they would do and where they go. Often my quests have a simple enough premise but I tried to have them involve something that had folks exploring the depths of their character's psyche.

As I write this, I remember one of my quests, early on, that had people magicked into behaving in a manner the polar opposite to their 'normal' sex, class and alignment. This stands out in my memory as a very 'typical me' quest. Hopefully fun. A touch of madness. A strange situation. Minimal set-up A quest that (hopefully) by getting you to do something the opposite of what was normal, made you think more deeply about what was normal. By playing Lawful Evil for an evening, it made you think about what it really meant to be Chaotic Good the other 364 nights of the year.

Anyways, hopefully after two years there are some players who have a better picture of their characters as a result of my quests.

As to why I am resigning, no deep and dark discontent or disparaging remarks against any individual or the GM team as a whole to be found here! Of course there are decisions made which, as an individual, one might not 100% agree. Directions taken that might not have been the direction I would have taken were it my sandbox. Little niggles here and there etc yada yada but I can tell you there are no light decisions ever made by the GM team. No personal grudges. No favourites. No bias. Just a bunch of people that really do strive to provide the best server to be found.

Anyways, see you in game!

24

General Discussion / Hey all

« on: March 11, 2009, 12:38:28 pm »

I want to apologize to everyone for suddenly disappearing, to the players, the GM team and Harlas especially, who put more faith in me than I probably deserved.

I don't want to get into details, but I went through a rough period and I felt it would be easier to handle it without Layo, instead of feeling stretched in life by obligations, if that makes any sense. It wasn't planned, or I would have let you all know that I'd be gone for a while, it just happened.

Anyway, apart from a little recent skiing injury (last day injury of course..) I'm quite all right now. And thanks to the people who missed me, I missed you too!

I don't know if I'm still going to be very active here. Hardragh and Daeron might show their face occasionally at any rate. I do so very much miss the insane schemes of the first. So I'll see what happens.

Anyway, good to be back-ish and maybe see you all ingame at some point.

25

General Discussion / Discharged and Leaving

« on: February 27, 2009, 03:50:39 pm »

I wish to inform you that as effective right now, I'm discharged from the DM team and leaving the server, effectively being banned too.

The story goes that once upon a time, months and a year from now, I did grow tired of how the security matters of the server were being ignored. While the DM team can be trusted in the majority of the cases, it is not unknown for some to have left in "rage". Considering that there are countless ways for a DM to exploit his powers for his own gains, I thought it was not too unlikely for such a person to have cheated before leaving (or if you have a DM that is tired of the world and doesn't care anymore... or worst case, if someone actually cheats because they want to cheat).

As the proposed counter-measures to such actions, to monitor and keeping track of everything was deemed unnecessary, I made this last fatal error of actually wanting to prove those claims wrong. That's where I came up with this not-so-clever idea of triggering one of these exploits myself, in this particular case a one that involves acquiring XP. My hope was to accumulate very huge amounts of it and lay the cards on the table afterwards to present the horrors of the situation, fully realising that when doing so, I would highly likely be banned.

But then there was this WLDQ approval and I so dearly wished to have the quest run first (I realise now that it was a very selfish wish), and the WLDQ got delayed. Something that I wanted to be handled in a relatively short amount of time (a few months to prove that it could easily have been done in an undetectable fashion) got prolonged. A lot.

Over more than a year, this particular exploit managed to generate about 3,550,000 (yes, you read it right - I was very keen to keep track of all of it) XP without setting off any alarms. And this is where disaster struck. While I was fully aware of that all XP is logged in an easily scan-able manner, I didn't think anyone is nowadays actually bothering to look at those logs anymore (recall a very early case of someone doing a quest-XP exploit and getting caught?) and hence didn't realise the mess I was creating for Dezza who had so kindly accepted to finally run the WLDQ.

The attempt was "caught" and my intentions seriously backfired. It is highly unlikely anyone will believe my words now since I was literally caught with my hands in the cookie-jar and I understand you. It's unlikely I would have believed myself if the situation had been reversed. Maybe if I had "confessed" first, but not now. As pointed out, this is the same sort of arguments someone would use in order to make him or herself look innocent.

If there are any suspicions of me helping someone else using this exploit (or any other fashion helped them); put those thoughts to rest. I'm certain the team will be more than happy to confirm that I kept this localised to me, myself and I only. There are no items or gold dropped to anyone (not even myself). There are no freebie levels given to anyone (those who know me probably also knew I was one of those who were very strict in even handing out RP ones). There was no "porting others to the emeralds". It was I who did it to myself and there was no reason to involve anyone else (keeping all the fallout on myself). My wish was to prove a point, to increase awareness and actually prioritize the fixes, not to help people cheat.

In hindsight, this was rather stupid.

I deeply regret that all the efforts Dezza has put in are now getting tossed out of the window and do feel I owe him the greatest of all apologises.

I also regret to have misused the trust that the team and the community had put in me as this certainily was not handled in any manner even close to being acceptable. While I believe my original intentions were pure to the spirit, the method I choosed isn't right, and I feel guilty about creating this whole mess.

But done is done and my fate was already sealed the moment I first made my decision.

The team were very kind to open the door for something less than a permanent banning first but in the end it was agreed upon that the most proper thing to do here is nothing short of a ban, which I'm sure you all agree with too. Using an exploit of this kind, especially in a position of a DM, regardless of whether you believe my reasons or not, can really result in nothing else than a banning.

This was plain and simple a screw-up from my side. No one asked me to do this and I'm smart enough to realise this was crossing lines.

I therefore wish to make a last apologise to Dezza, the team and all of you here for the troubles I've caused.

We will walk separate paths from now on... and I do hope that you will have a continued pleasant Layo-journey.

Sincerely,
Weeblie

ps. I would kindly ask people not to quote every single line here and start a lynching process of the team or myself. This post is more or less final from my side, though I'm certain the team would like to express their official view too. I realise what I did is doubtful at best and there are thousand and one ways to question me and my motives. It is my preference to have this locked.

26

The Dragon Storm Campaign / Yog'oldrania

« on: January 09, 2009, 02:56:14 pm »

*A letter arrives to the people tainted by the shadow dragon Shardrixkayl
sealed with wax and stamped with a crest of a tiger battling its own shadow. The tiger itself is not covered in the usual kind of stripes, but with clearly visable lightning bolts.
under it is written*

read only in well light area and burn after


We have found a new source of information and possible a being able to remove the curse that plague us all.
The Golden Emerald Yog'oldrania has agreed to meet us in the Grove of Slumber on Timar, in return for the aid we will be asked to share our knowledge about the incident as well as the state of the war with the green dragon cult.
Understand that the dragon is in no way obligated to aid us, therefore it is of the utmost importance that people share their knowledge as well as behave properly.

*signed*
Angela Swann and Alantha T'sarran

//reguesting a meeting with the Golden Emerald as per pm's with Harlas and EdTheket.

//the letter will arrive to the people having a known house/room/place of living, otherwise feel free to ignore the letter

27

Rumour Has It / Fort Llast

« on: December 28, 2008, 02:48:01 am »

A old man dressed in common clothing, and a hood pulled slighty over his face, walks around the streets of this great Fort.  A beatuifull halfling women stands beside him, with a halfling child holding her hand.  He seams to be looking at the temple with a half smile.

He stand in quite using what seams to be his last bit of strength holding himself up with the help of his staff.  The staff looks to as worn as he is.  The years have not been kind to him.  

He spots a bench and they make there way to it.  He waits to be seated after the lady and the child.  He seats slowly and takes her hand in to his. He smiles to her.  

They sit there when the boy jumps down and starts to run and play.  The man and women laugh, smile, and beam with pride of the boy.  People walk past turning there heads to take a second look.  Not becouse of the boy playing.  Not becouse of the human and the halfling holding hands.  It might just because the man might look like someone that they once knew.

The man begins to speek to the women, "My dear time runs short for me, but we always knew this would happen."  She smiles up to him knowing his words were true.  "I can not live forever, or I never wished to, but I will always love you" his voice sounds tired.  He lays his head back on to the build and looks up in to the sky.

She draws close to him.  Holding him in a hug.  Tears falling on her cheeks.  "Dont cry my dear, for my love is never ending" He says softly.  "You, Bery, and Rose have everything I owen in this world.  Rose will contunie to teach you of Toran so we can be together"  He fights back his own tears.

Guards walk up from the temple of Toran, speachless as they relize who the man is.  One stops in his tracks and turn and walks straight back and in to the temple doors.  The other just watchs as the man sitting on the bench looks at him and smiles.  The man on the bench just nods to him and contuines to talk to the women.

"I am so tired, hard to keep my eyes open my love"  he says "I think I will just close them hear and rest for a bit."  "Rest my dear, rest"  She says loving "We will see each other soon."  

The women looks to the guard standing there, her eyes filled with tears.  The little boy runs to his mother and she holds him tightly as he beings to cry.  She looks to the guard still standing there just staring at them, the noice for the door of the temple as they open and the guard leading five clerics out catch her attion.

The clerics walk up.  All bowing there heads in the final respect.  The cleric in the frount says in a sadden voice "He has passed on to Torans Hand, and will be in his care."  She looks up to the cleric and nods "he came here for the end, this was always his home, were he grew up, were he learned to live and live well he did."

The cleric pick up his body and start to carry it inside the temple.  "He lived, he loved, he gave everything to Toran" she sayed softly, but raises her voice "HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE HAND!"

28

Rumour Has It / Last flash of the duellist

« on: November 16, 2008, 07:20:03 am »

Sad rumors start to spread quickly from Dalanthar to northern parts of Dregar and further, as a pitch black heared man wearing a blue fullplate enters the town carrying lifeless body on his arms. He walks with determined steps through the town as the towns folks around looking at the sad scene, whispering to each other. Strong arms carrying a lifeless body of older, silvery heared man through the city. They can been seen leaving the city, heading north, towards Willows Weep.


//Last Journey of Duellist Pyyran Rahth the Fencer//

29

Rumour Has It / War Effort Donations

« on: November 06, 2008, 11:26:31 am »

[SIZE=18]Sent to Queen Alise Langovale of Kuhl, on behalf of the Raven's Trade Guild.... to an unspecified location within the Hilm Protectorate for their continued struggle against the new Draconic oppressor's[/SIZE]

1 x lesser flight of fancy
1 x regular flight of fancy
2 x oak longbow
1 x heavy oak crossbow
3 x lion leather sling
1 x malar leater sling
1 x cloth sling
99 x iron bullets
99 x bolt of the destroyer
1 x iron banded mail
3 x iron chain mail
1 x iron scale mail
2 x iron half plate
4 x iron splint mail
5 x dragon skin buckler
1 x adamantium bascinet
1 x bronze full plate
2 x bronze half plate
1 x bronze scale mail
1 x large iron shield
2 x iron kite shield
2 x amulet of fox cunning I
4 x amulet of eagles splendor I
7 x amulet of bulls strength I
1 x amulet of owls wisdom I
3 x amulet of endurance I
11 x ring of wizardry III
10 x ring of sorcery III
7 x ring of divinity III
1 x ring of divinity II
3 x ring of divinity I
2 x ring of sorcery II
1 x ring of wizardry II
10 x ring of fox cunning I
3 x ring of endurance I
4 x ring of owls wisdom I
3 x ring of cats grace I
4 x ring of eagles splendor I
1 x sapphire set in silver amulet
7 x topaz set in silver ring
12 x fire opal set in silver ring
2 x sapphire set in silver ring
2 x alexandrite set in silver ring
2 x feldspar set in platinum ring
1 x alexandrite set in bronze ring
1 x fire opal in silver amulet
1 x feldspar in platium amulet
3 x garnet in copper amulet
1 x aventurine set in copper ring
1 x fire agate in copper ring
1 x fire opal set in bronze ring
1 x feldspar in copper ring
1 x malachite in copper ring
1 x phenalophe in copper ring
1 x sapphire in bronze ring
1 x garnet in copper ring
1 x garnet set in platinum ring
1 x amathyst set in a platium ring
2 x necklace of shield I
3 x grizzly leather armor
1 x white stag leather armor
1 x worg leather armor
1 x lion hide armor
1 x white stag hide armor
1 x leopard leather armor
1 x panter hide armor
1 x cougar hide armor
1 x lesser rogue leather armor
1 x black leather armor
1 x cougar leather armor
1 x lesser mage armor
1 x studded grizzly leather armor
3 x lesser monk's armor
1 x grizzly hide armor
1 x worg hide armor
1 x padded armor +3
1 x studded worg armor
1 x wolf leather armor
4 x last defence
2 x iron warhammer
5 x iron dwarven waraxe
2 x iron light flail
2 x bloodfall
2 x light iron hammer
4 x swashbucklers sabre
1 x hamaji's fan
1 x short sword +1
2 x cowards blade
4 x iron greataxe
2 x noise maker
3 x iron mace
2 x iron katar
1 x iron dagger
3 x iron maul
2 x orcish dwarf razor
1 x heavy iron flail
3 x oak club
1 x iron handaxe
2 x iron shortsword
1 x iron rapier
1 x iron falchion
1 x iron bastard sword
1 x cloth whip
1 x iron battleaxe
2 x fridahl's battle cleaver
1 x malar leather whip
1 x lion leather whip
1 x iron katana
1 x snake fang
3 x utility belt
2 x exceptional belt of cunning
3 x bracers of the scouts
1 x gloves of the scouts
1 x enchanted archers edge
1 x iron reinforced clothing
2 x lesser guantles of ogre power
4 x gloves of swordplay
3 x gloves of spellcraft
2 x gloves of discipline
3 x belt of aquisition
1 x dire bear gloves
1 x avarage frost trap kit
1 x minor gas trap kit
2 x robes of lightning
1 x robes of fire
1 x robes of acid
2 x lesser cloak of az'atta
5 x glorious mantle
5 x cloak of az'atta
1 x cape of the north
9 x belt of cunning
3 x crow feather necklace
1 x belt of the tiger
5 x gloves of fury
1 x gloves of the badger
1 x lion leather glove
50 x tooth of the viper
1 x bracer of many needles
1 x blue suede shoes
1 x gloves of animal handling
3 x boots of the militia
1 x ascenders march
7 x dust of appearance
2 x crafted wand of shield
4 x potion of cats grace
2 x Dorands helper
1 x skullduggery
2 x details on destruction
1 x potion of fox's cunning
1 x the sonnet of summons
1 x potion of owls wisdom
1 x fooled you
22 x crafted wand of stoneskin
1 x crafted wand of melfs acid arrow
4 x crafted wand of clarity
2 x crafted wand of find traps
1 x to become or not to become
3 x essays on enchantment
2 x permutations on protections
1 x ashes and dust
2 x crafted wand of camuflauge
22 x crafted wand of firebrand
2 x potion of speed
4 x cure light wounds
1 x crafted wand of lightning bolt
2 x paladins primer
1 x wand of fear
1 x fire enchantment II
2 x cold enchantment II
1 x electrical enchantment II
1 x fire resistance I
1 x cold resistance I
1 x silver enchantment II
3 x adamantium shortsword
1 x adamantium scimitar
2 x adamantium rapier
3 x adamantium longsword
1 x in honor of shadow
1 x healers hug
2 x stones boots of protection
2 x boots of reflexes +3
1 x Fezeeaka's slippers of alertness
1 x crocodile armor
1 x seeing the forest for the trees
1 x hangmans rope
1 x adamantium warhammer
1 x adamantium halberd
1 x adamantium heavy flail
1 x adamantium dire mace
1 x adamantium maul
2 x adamantium heavy mace
1 x adamantium goad
1 x adamantium handaxe
1 x sharkbane
4 x adamantium bastard sword
1 x adamantium mace
1 x adamantium dagger
1 x adamantium quarterstaff
1 x adamantium double axe
1 x adamantium light hammer
8 x 3 alexandrite gems set in a platium ring

30

Rumour Has It / Word out of Willows Weep

« on: October 22, 2008, 10:50:07 pm »

Throughout the chaos of the war against Sinthar Bloodstone, and beyond the end of the war and the Dark Ages that descended upon Layonara, the Tomb of Lost Heroes has remained a largely quiet and dormant place. The very place meant to ensure that the Lost are not forgotten was itself forgotten amongst the greater concerns of the age.  The news of new and foul plots in the world, the prospect of another war and further hardship for the world seem to dominate the talks where people gathered. The minds of most are on their futures, not on the fate of heroes who have passed from mortal life.

Yet in recent weeks, whispers then rumors begin to float through towns and cities, speaking of the Tomb in Willows Weep and of how it has been cleared of the neglect of decades.  Rumors speak of an anonymous benefactor who wishes the past not be forgotten. Still other rumors say it is the work of locals who felt the Tomb deserved to live up to its name.  Whatever the real story may be, one thing is consistent throughout all reports:

The Tomb of Lost Heroes is "alive" with new monuments to the fallen.

Which heroes past have been enshrined?  The tales and stories of such are as varied as those who tell them.  There's only one way to know for sure...

31

Rumour Has It / The War in Belinara comes closer!

« on: October 18, 2008, 07:07:58 pm »

As Sasha moves around she spreads the word as best she can.

I have just returned once again from Belinara and know this! You may think you are safe! You may think here that a war half a world away can never come to you...but know this.

Westgate has fallen! Kuhl is all but in the hands of the enemy. Now it appears Nesar is capitulating to the Dragon Stealers giving them control over almost the entire northern half of Belinara.

Still no interest? Well let me tell you this little fact! The Dragon Stealers have spies moving through Arnax, this is how it began in Kuhl, and even worse.....Nesar have agreed to supply the Dragon Stealers with FLEETS! Not a few ships! FLEETS! Now I see some of you understand the import of that fact! With fleets suddenly Mistone is not so safe! Belinara is just an ocean away! Soon you may have Drachs, Dragons and Dragon Stealers running around in your own front yard! Then what will you do!

Queen Alise, General Telos and Lord Alexander are gathering together supplies and equipment and soldiers in their mission to gather an army in Hilm to drive out the Dragon Stealers for good!

Others like myself seek ways to bring down the Dragon Stealers and prevent them gaining any further advantages. Fleets are a priority, if you want to help, help us devise a way to destroy the fleets of the Nesar before they fall into the hands of the Dragon Stealers!

32

Layonara Server / Donations & The Future of NWN

« on: October 01, 2008, 11:36:47 pm »

Hello again,

I've received a couple queries to the status of donations which I wanted to address with the upcoming changes to the servers.

Essentially what we've always hoped for in terms of donations was enough to offset the costs to host NWN.  That was five servers and their bandwidth.  At its peak, Leanthar was paying over $500 a month for these servers.  Over the summer it was closer to $300, but the charges were going to be over $1000 a month with the new billing structure.  An impossible price.

The donations always helped and each of us was always afraid of the potential of Leanthar just really not being able to cut it any more.  I lost sleep when he told me of the new pricing and the inevitability of the downtime.  In the end Leanthar and I both had many reasons for finding every way possible to keep NWN going.  Despite the financial weight which could be better spent, the occasional stress, the time lost better spent on future development, we really want NWN to keep serving our world.

There are a lot of people who help right now, the developers, the gamemasters, the character approvers, the lore team, the writers, the mmo team who have all helped us in the direction we seek and to continue to serve Layonara as a magnificent world realized in the form of a video game.  To not bridge the time from now until the release of the mmo with a video game entity of Layonara would in our minds have been a disservice to everyone who helps out.  Then there's the rest of the community, those who have been here for long times and those of you who have just fallen in love with Layonara.  Despite the very limited amount of rotten apples in the orchard, we really enjoy hearing about the great times you've had.  Your creative outlets both in game and in the forums.  Your community spirit and support.  

It is also no secret, we are hoping each of you will see NWN to the other side, and give us a chance in our future generation. Having even a fairly small starting community will be a boon to attracting more folks.  Especially those very well versed in roleplay and its potential for enjoyment.  And I certainly know the benefits in terms of seeking beta testers with technical aptitude.  I truly hope we can carry this weight that NWN can sometimes be across the bridge.  There are still concerns beyond the financial strain.  The most important being time dealing with the inevitable issues that serving the world brings up.

Finally on a personal note, where would I be without having some Plenarius time?  I'm not ready to just write him off in a story, I want to play it out where it all started.

So we have taken quite a downsize, we've lost 7 servers, 5 for NWN which will be combined into 2 in Montreal. 1 for DB and fileshare, and 1 to run West and Central. We'll probably have to do without a Quest server unless we can run a third module on the one server, which Dorganath and I doubt.  We also lost 2 of our development servers.   All of our hosting, 5 servers, is now in Montreal. 4 of these are paid by OneST8, one of them is piggy backed with some of our (him and I) other personal pages.  The 5th one we're getting tomorrow/Friday will be paid by me.  The tasks the 2 development servers from San Jose handled are now squeezed into the 3 remaining servers in Montreal. We have assurances from EdTheKet, Dorganath and Thak that they can help the financial strain if necessary.

So here's the deal, if you want to keep helping out to say thanks for fronting the cost of the bandwidth and server for NWN, keep donating.  With that said, the truth is that we will continue to eat the costs ourselves regardless if you donate or not as the servers will be used for our future whether they host NWN or not.  NWN Layonara is in good hands for now, but be willing to accept its inevitable departure, hopefully with fair warning.

If you want to say thanks to Leanthar for all he's paid in the past until now then donate.  (Expenses incurred are over $20,000, that is minus all past donations.)
If you want to help OneST8 and I foot the bill, hey thanks... donate. (Average monthly bill for the two NWN servers will be $200)
If you're excited about our future and wish to help us in that regard, donations are welcome.

To recap, you owe us nothing but continuing to enjoy the world, or if you have the time, continuing to volunteer as you can and hopefully you will give us a chance with the future generation of Layonara.  

If for whatever reason you just can't donate.  It's cool, don't feel bad, we'll do our best to stay alive. Alas, all good things eventually come to an end, but we're pretty confident we'll have a phoenix rising from the ashes.  Hope to see you there to witness it!

-James

33

Trade and Market Hall / I Challenge YOU!

« on: September 22, 2008, 06:50:30 am »

*A tall blonde haired woman, muscular and athletic, dressed in heavy plate and bearing a large bladed sword on her hip stands atop a stall in the Trade square crying out over the crowds around her to gather attention. Once a sizable crowd has stopped or gathered to see what it is she has to say she begins in a loud voice used to shouting at people on the battlefield.*

Some of you may know me, many others may not. I am Sasha Tomyris, formally from a village outside Fort vehl. By now I imagine that most of you, unless you have been hiding under a rock these last few days will know of the war in Kuhl in Belinara. Well, Now Westgate has fallen, the Queen has been driven from her country and people die every day as dragons fly over the land and darken the skies with the places they burn and destroy.

Some of you may think this is far from here, that it will never affect you but you only have to remember the Dragon attacks on Leringard and Mariners Hold to know it is never to far for a Dragon!

I come to you now, I call upon those of you who cannot or are unable to carry a sword into battle, who cannot stand on the front line with me, to help like people just like you did in the Bloodstone Wars. People like you stood up and were counted, you did what you could when you could.  I tell you now these people need your help. We need your help!

Kuhl needs to be saved...and in so doing we can drive these Dragon cults back to where they came from and put an end to the Dragon threats they use against us.

I personally have donated 400,000 true to this cause to start the ball rolling. Sala Stonehill pledged 50,000 true...how much will you donate? What will you donate?

I Challenge you!

// If you are willing, particularly the guilds!, please list here what you are willing or able to donate and then hand the stuff over to a GM to dispose of on behalf of Kuhl please.

34

Rumour Has It / Rumors out of the Hlim Protectorate

« on: September 22, 2008, 06:10:31 am »

*rumors starts to come out of the Hlim Protectorate... certainly out of some tavern or Inn, by some dwarf drinking to a small victory.

The city of Westgate had fell to the onslaugh of half-breed and other soldiery. It is also rumored that a dragon helped them and blasted the main gate of the city. Not one of those sick dragons.. no.. some says it was a huge red dragon... no no... not Fisterion, another.. the rumor speaks of one called Ractrafieroz or The Tarnished Death.

The rumors goes that a group of adventurers stormed Westgate in an attempt to save Queen Langovale from the besieged city, they assaulted the gate with bravery and courage... some might say foolishness. But still.. they managed to get as far as the gate.. spilling the blood of many foes.. until they retreated... in a quite orderly fashion, as if it was all planned. But still many foes were left and they set the chase... were it not for the bravery of some.. rumors speaks of a dwarven lass, facing the enemies till her last breath and of a tall, dark haired woman, fencing like no other trying to stop the advance of the foes and save who could be saved. But the adventurers escape... carrying their fallen with them... leaving none on the battlefield to be defiled by the enemy.

Finally... the rumors speaks of the appearance of Queen Langovale in the Hlim Protectorate... escorted by another group of adventurer... and that, thanks to the attack on the main gate, these were able to get the Queen out of the castle.. along with a small retinue of the most faithful knights and captains.

Kuhl might have fallen, but Kuhl still fights.*

35

Rumour Has It / You step onto a dock in Leringard...

« on: September 08, 2008, 09:11:26 pm »

[SIZE=32]...ambling past the working sailors and shiphands to find the ticket man. Your ears can't help but snatch up the conversation between a particular captain and one of the dock-hands. The captain is grizzled and grey-bearded, but might not be more than fourty years of age. The dock-hand, you can tell, has seen his fair share of sun and wind, skin leathery and hair stringy.

"Aye, sir. Finally got the new dock finished, all spick and span it is. Sanded smoother than a baby's bottom. And the first ship's due in tomorrow." The dock-hand points to the pier at the far end of the dockside with one hand and runs a greasy hand through greasier hair with the other. The sea captain squints one eye, reaches up to block the sun.

"Don't look so happy, lubber."

"And why not, salty? Afraid that dragon's coming back?"

Looking from dock to dock-hand, the old captain scowls and shivers. "By the Tempest I hope it don't, but that ain't my beef. No, I do regular trade between here and the port o' Hempstead."

"Back to business then, eh?"

"Back to something." The captain takes a tri-cornered hat from his head and wipes a bald brow. "I secretly wished that there new dock for Vehl trade ships would never be finished."

The dock-hand spits. "What? You been hitting the bottle a bit too hard, mate." He folds his arms. "Or stuck on land too long, maybe. That new trade route's bound to bring in some good money."

"For the likes of you, I can see why you consider it good, what with more to load and unload thanks to the extra ships. Aye, surely there be some new jobs for this city. But I tell you what, that there new dock represents competition, it does. And on top of that it signals the end of Brelin's need to aid Trelania's Leringard."

"You think?"

"I know. Ain't no need for that trading council in Brelin to keep the trading tariffs lowered anymore. They just did that to help Leringard get back on its feet. Them and the city on Alindor, Marinor's Hold. Got special treatment because of the calamities."

"Calamity is an understatement." The dock-hand slaps his knee and whistles. "Dragons and tidal waves. That stuff's just not supposed to be bothering the likes of us. This wouldn't have happened under Alluriel's reign. No sir." A wagging finger narrowly misses the captain's nose.

The captain shakes his head. "I tell you though, I've come to rely on them tariff breaks when I bring my goods into Hempstead. Now with the relief no longer needed, they're coming back, you can be certain. A drain on my pocket, bleeding tariffs."

"Well, what you expect, salty? Rich folk like staying rich, eh." Nodding as though he'd just said something profound, the dock-hand scratches at the yellow of his tooth.

"But them tariff's are going to be worse than before, mark my words."

"That don't make no sense. What, they going to make up for lost time?"

"No, they going to make up for that trade that used to go through Hempstead before making it to Fort Vehl now going directly there. Thanks to that bleeding new dockside. Not to mention, them Co'rysians don't much like the Brelins; the feeling's mutual for the Brelin's from what I've seen. Just ain't sure how this new route from here to Vehl's going to go over. But I know it can't be good for my business." He lets out a sigh, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeve, pulling at his captain's beard.

"You're worse than a gloom." The dock-hand snickers and shakes his head, poking the captain in the chest. "You know Vehl's sending more trade ships up to Hempstead, aye? Vehl's opened up all new trade. That's a good thing, mate. A good thing. I'm thinking them Brelin merchant trader council fellows or whatever they are got to know that they should be helping the new trade along not squashing it with tariffs."

The captain makes a face and throws up his hands. "Bah! What do you know, lubber. You don't trail these waters. Loading and unloading crates all day and you think you understand the intricacies of ocean trading and commerce."

"I know that you married my sister so you got to put up with me. Now how about a drink to ease them worries. I know just the place. And maybe the Gypsy will sing for the crowd tonight."

The two turn away, and you realize that you had paused to take in the whole event. You move on, finally, destination in sight: a fat man with tickets. The next day you board a passenger frigate with white sails. It sets sail for Fort Vehl.[/SIZE][/FONT]

36

General Discussion / Taking a Break

« on: September 08, 2008, 07:56:30 pm »

Posting here for general information
 
 I will be taking a bit of a break from Layo as both a player and a GM for the next two months.
 
 Layo has begun to take on the feel of a second job not a hobby or pass time.
 
 This combined with a not so wonderful summer at my REAL job has left me tired, cranky and stressed.  I need time to recharge.
 
 As of now, I have not decided if my GM break is temporary or permanant. I'll revisit that in November.
 
 I will still be around to finish up a few things such as breaking in the new character approvers and planning/writing/scheduling and hopefully running the WL I have signed on for.
 
 My presence in game and on the forums will likely be scarce for the first little bit.  My new computer will allow me to check out some other games and hopefully re-kindle something.
 
 I'll still be on from time to time - but as my character just like any other player - not as Nova or Minerva.
 
 Cheers
 
 Minerva.

37

Wild Surge Inn / Sad news from Kuhl

« on: August 12, 2008, 07:59:18 am »

Queen Alise Langovale is greatly saddened to announce the tragic accidental death of one of her most able administrators, Carel Torfield of Amaria. Several city guardsmen were also slain in the hunting accident that saw the life of this civil servant cut horribly short. Overcome with grief at the loss of his friend, Lord Targol Marinio has decided to retire from office and spend more time with his family at their estate in Westgate.

During this period of mourning for the Kingdom of Kuhl the Queen would like to recognise Carel's tireless service to the crown and his most admirable efforts for the continual betterment of the welfare of all Kuhl's people.

The Queen hopes the appointment of Her Majesty's own cousin, Zerrel Langovale, as Lord Regent of Amaria will, in assuredly a barely adequate manner, continue the tradition of fine and loyal service begun by this departed friend.

38

Rumour Has It / Silverguard Aid and Relief Fund

« on: July 25, 2008, 05:18:39 am »

To: City of Port Hempstead
 
 Members of Illvacla eo El'Wilmlayla Guild wish to establish a Silverguard Aid and Relief Fund in the amount of 24,000 trues.  A draft on the Hempstead bank is herein provided.
 
 In honor of the dedicated service the guards provide to the citizens of Hempstead, moneys from this fund are to be used for the support of the families of disabled and deceased Silverguards, without regard to the cause of the disability or death.
 
 Administration of the fund should done by a panel of Silverguard and overseen by the city, as they best know the needs of their own members.
 
 I hope that other citizens of Hempstead will also wish to honor the service of the Silverguard and will contribute to this fund.
 
 Sincerely,
 Ferrit Pandorn, guild member
 
 //funds should be removed from my back account

39

Rumour Has It / On your way through Blackford town.

« on: July 21, 2008, 09:59:07 am »

[SIZE=24]North of the Blackford Castle and parked along the roadside, the day's travelers noted a caravan of wagons and mules. Each wagon sported an armored escort complete with a crossbow-man and mounted militia. Two men, one on horseback, walked the length of the wagon train, from front to rear. The man on foot, a Master Bixle, carried a parchment, which he periodically studied, but only after he first studied the contents of a wagon. Lieutenant Jarro rode the horse that kept pace with Master Bixle. Finally, they reached the end of the line.

"Everything looks to be in order, Lieutenant. This is the last of it. Be sure it gets there."

"Yes, sir. After this last run to Leringard, I am due at the east coast, by order of the Queen. Since I won't be back to Blackford for some time, perhaps you could do me a favor?"

Jarro produced a rolled up letter, sealed with wax, which he held out to Bixle. The old quartermaster squinted at the object, like he was trying to peer through to its contents.

"Another note for my daughter, eh?"

"She expects no less."

"I expect a bit more."

Jarro flashed his best elite-soldier smile, the colors of Blackford showing clean on the uniform, bright on horseback. Bixle snatched the letter, shoving it in his belt.

"Get on with ye, Lieutenant. One crate from that supply train goes missing, and I'll be sure the Queen herself knows who lost it."

"I've lead all twenty-two of these supply runs to Leringard without so much as spilling a speck of sand. Should I lose the whole supply train this last trip, I'll pay for the loss out of my own pocket."

"You're bleeding right you will. Off the sweat of your back. Can't afford to lose anything these days, not with the pirate attacks, dragon attacks, and foreigners thinking they can buy into our bloody good graces by sending rotten wood every time there is even a hint of disaster."

"Thank you, Master Bixle, for reminding me of that most important understanding yet again. Now before you yell at me for starting my journey too late, I'll remind you to tell Harmony that I already miss her and that I wish her good luck in tomorrow's longsword competition."

Bixle's face steamed deep red, a snarl showing off one brown tooth.

"Tell her yourself. You already owe me for all this letter delivering, not to mention her joining the army in the first place!" Bixle spits. "I didn't name her Harmony so she would join the army."

"She's at least as ornery as you, which is why she'll do fine."

"Fine getting herself killed fighting pirates."

"She's in the Queen's army, not the Queen's navy."

"Pirates have to come ashore sometime."

"Of course they do. Farewell, Master Bixle."

Lieutenant Jarro spurred his horse to the front of the caravan, leaving the grumbling quartermaster to make his way back to the castle granaries and eventually to his daughter, still practicing her best moves for the longsword competition.[/SIZE]

40

Wild Surge Inn / Raven Trade Compagny Danger Trip #2

« on: July 11, 2008, 07:39:27 am »

* A post is tacked up on the message boards across various Inns Taverns and otherwise visited places by adventures *
 
The Raven Trade Compagny have decided to begin to host a series of gatherings, meant to illuminate and educate the infrequent adventurer in the dangers of the world. These gatherings will show and demonstrate the tenacity and sheer determination that all adventures are born with. This is the second of such gatherings.
 
 We hope that these trips will serve as a breeding ground for new friendships across the races and beliefs.
 
 A such first gathering is held here: Raven Trade Compagny Danger Trip #2
 
 Now a few small rules:
 
Because of the destinations travelled, the Ravens will hold the right to deny people if they are acting reckless or if they are otherwise known to cause danger to people.
 
We expect people to be of a mature experience, those attending can hold their own. Everyone can join in Hempstead, but due to whatever place we travel to, we may deem some inadequate to join along on the trip because of the danger involved. This is not to limit anyone to join along, but more to protect you and us.
 
Resources and items of value will be determined by need before greed. No items gained from these trips, are allowed to be sold/traded for profital use, and no resources will be given to people without a need for it.
 
 Lin'da Sul'kolindo on behalf of the Raven Trade Compagny.
 
// If RP is not initiated by the player either IG or with a letter, you will not be invited along, its as simple as that.
 
 If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, feel free to PM me.