Thanked Posts

101

Layonara Server / Notice of exploit -- PLEASE READ

« on: March 16, 2011, 10:11:13 pm »

It has come to my attention that there is, and has been for some time, an unintended exploit involving bows and weapon enhancements. Specifically, it has been possible to apply weapon damage enhancements to bows, which then applies an additional damage type on top of whatever the arrows may already do, which also stacks with whatever damage enhancements (i.e. elemental rods) may be present on the ammunition.

This exploit came about as a side effect of being able to cast Darkfire/Flame Weapon on bows and other ranged weapons as part of our rather sweeping improvements to ranged weapons overall. It was not our intent to have permanent enhancement for ranged weapons and it takes the general balance of them beyond our design.

As such, the 3.30.3 update closes this exploit.  Players will no longer be able to add permanent elemental, silver or titanium enhancements to ranged weapons.  Darkfire and Flame Weapon will still continue to function.  For those bows already out there with permanent enhancements applied, I'm requiring a mandatory "recall" of such enhanced weapons.  This applies to everyone. No exceptions.

In order that training, customization and other enhancements (i.e. Mighty) are not lost, I am also making a tool available to GMs which will remove damage enhancements from objects.  GMs will also compensate characters with an appropriate elemental enhancement rod, so that nothing is lost.  If you are willing or able to "ox" your ranged weapons, please do so.  Otherwise, please contact a GM to have your weapon modified.

This is mandatory. I regret that this is necessary, but it should never have been in the first place. I realize this will be disappointing for some, but again, it never should have been.

I also want to specifically state that I am not targeting anyone, nor do I "blame" anyone who may have made or received such an enhanced bow or other ranged weapon.  This is not a punitive measure but a corrective one.

Please note that if anyone is found to be using an enhanced ranged weapon after April 15, 2011, the player will receive a temporary ban for exploiting.  If use of such weapons continues, subsequent bans may be made permanent.

If anyone has any questions about this, please ask below or via PM.  I hope everyone, whether affected or not, understands the reasons behind this and cooperates in good spirits.

In closing, I want to thank the conscientious player who make me aware of this, as well as thanks to orth for assisting in jogging our collective memories and working out the reason this was even possible.

102

Layonara Server / Update coming tonight

« on: March 16, 2011, 08:47:03 am »

Hey all,

I have a small update ready to load in tonight. Unfortunately it does require a HAK update, so I thought I'd give you all the link now so you can prepare.

http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layo_ctrlv3r11.rar

As usual, this goes in your "hak" subfolder under your NWN installation. You can download and extract this at any time. It will not interfere with your ability to play before the update, and it is required for the new version.

103

Layonara Server / Version 3.30.2 is online!

« on: February 14, 2011, 12:20:35 am »

[SIZE=32]Version 3.30.2 is online![/SIZE]

This one took longer than expected for the sole reason of me not being able to get to things as quickly as I'd have liked.  My apologies to those who have been waiting on some of this.

There are no downloads required for this one.

Changes:

• Minor fix to 121 Leringard Arms
• Functional kitchen added to 137 Twin Dragons Inn
• Full remodel for 165 The Silver Buckle
• Cat added to 150 Krandor
• Kelin's Inn in Krandor now under new management
• Furniture set up in room used for the Blackford War Council, for convenience
• Rename Fort Gorge back to Fort of Last Hope.  Just pretend it was always called Fort of Last Hope.
• Changes to Fort Vehl to reflect Coalition GCDQ outcome
• GM Placeable Objects (signs, etc) will change their examined descriptions now along with their usual mode of operation.
• Fancy Fountain housing placeable will give water now like the Fresh Water Keg does
• Adjustment to a CNR area (no, I'm not telling which)
• A few area changes due to plot reasons. You'll know them when you see them.
• A couple GM-only things I'm not mentioning here

Fixes:

• East gate in Hlint now properly auto-closes
• Fixed activation of one of the powers of Alandric's WLDQ reward
• Fixed offset ground tiles in Port Hempstead, Crimson Eagles Memorial
• Adjusted PvP settings for Port Hempstead
• Pickpockets in Lor should no longer affect invisible or G. Sanc'ed PCs

That's it!  Thanks to Alatriel, RollinsCat and whomever else may have contributed to this but about whom I've forgotten.  

Enjoy!

104

Layonara Server / Dragon Storm Campaign Finale! -- EVERYONE PLEASE READ

« on: January 24, 2011, 11:05:45 am »

Dear Layonara Community,
 
As you have likely noticed, events pertaining to the Dragon Storm  Campaign plot have been picking up as late and seeming to point toward a  significant conflict at some point in the near future.  This would, in  fact, be a correct assessment. In order to help you and us prepare for  this, we'd like to advise you of the following planned timeline of  events.
 
The plot finale will occur approximately two months from today on or  around the weekend of March 19th, 2011.  This is subject to change  depending on scheduling and other considerations, but that is currently  our target.  The finale may actually be multiple events, structured to  let characters of varying level ranges and interests to have meaningful  participation. We haven't worked this out with 100% certainty yet, but  this is at least the plan. We'll try to have something firm within a  month prior to the event so you can plan accordingly as well.
 
Between now and the finale, you, the community, may use this time to  prepare and plan. If there is something you want to try to do or  investigate, let us know as soon as possible so that we can plan for  them and assist you in your efforts.  What you do now will shape the  landscape for the finale.  Whether that ends up being a good thing or a  bad thing is up to you.
 
As a word of advice, we strongly suggest you talk amongst yourselves,  hold meetings, review every bit of information about the campaign so  far, no matter how old it may be. I know that recent events have made  personal security something of a concern for PCs and their  friends/families, but if you all need a safe place to meet, there is a  room designed just for this in Bydell Castle now (added as of version  3.30). It is adjacent to, but not part of, the Aragenite library/temple  there, but it has a separate door and is not consecrated ground, so  clergy and paladins need not worry about violating their oaths. Use this  time wisely. Ask questions, send letters and make plans.
 
For disclosure and transparency, we have already determined the conditions  for success and failure to varying degrees.  There are multiple  conditions for each and a spectrum of success and failure, so there is  no "One Right Way" to pass the campaign. We are not "railroading"  anything, but rather we have come to an agreement upon what sorts of  things constitute an "ideal" success, partial success and so on. The  better prepared you are to face the challenges ahead, the better things  will hopefully go.  Also, in this case, preparedness is not just a  matter of having plenty of weapons, scrolls and potions (though they'll  surely help) but also of having some important pieces of information at  your disposal.

I would also like to give this one piece of advice:
All keys needed to unlock the best possible outcome of this Campaign are  out there. For the best possible outcome, you'll need more than muscle.  Play smart.

On that note, good luck!
 
Lastly, I know there's been rumors floating around that the end of this  campaign means the end of NWN Layo.  I want to set anyone's mind at ease  who may be thinking this and state that this is not the plan.  For the  foreseeable future, NWN Layo will continue under the same conditions it  has for the last couple of years. This of course may change as time goes  on, but it will not be due to the campaign wrapping up.
 
If there are any questions about this post, please ask below or via PM.

105

Rumour Has It / Hlint quarantined

« on: December 05, 2010, 07:26:56 pm »

(From this thread...)

Posted in all towns throughout Trelania and along the routes approaching Hlint...

[SIZE=16]By order of [SIZE=18]Queen Mourning of Trelania[/SIZE], Hlint is hereby Quarantined until further notice due to an unknown contagion or substance that has affected the populace. The Queen has granted complete authority over the quarantine to the Aeridinite Sisters of Rebirth and has tasked her own forces to enforce the Quarantine, with lethal force if necessary.

Until such time as the Quarantine has been lifted, no one shall be permitted to enter or leave the walls of Hlint without the explicit permission of the Sisters of Rebirth.[/FONT][/I][/SIZE]

(An official seal is affixed)

106

Layonara Server / Version 3.30.1 is online!

« on: November 16, 2010, 10:16:59 pm »

[SIZE=32]Version 3.30.1 is online![/SIZE]

In keeping with my recent post about updates, here's a small one.

Changes:

• Add road travel system to Lake Splendor and Windjammer's Bay
• Tweak Ilsare's summons to bear her colors in some way
• Fix Guard Ashley's description to mention the correct city name
• Fixed some broken/buggy giant spawns in the Great Forest
• Renamed the Weary Traveler to the Silver Buckle due to change in ownership
• Undead Shape and Construct Shape have been disabled due to lore conflict.  They will likely be replaced with something else down the road.
• Some adjustments of some spawns somewhere in the world

That's it!  Nothing major this time.

107

Layonara Server / A note on future updates

« on: November 06, 2010, 12:41:47 pm »

Hello Layonara Community,

I just wanted to let you all know that I'm trying something different with the way I've done updates.  To put it briefly, I'm going to try doing smaller, more frequent updates.  Some of them may also be "stealth" updates, meaning that I may not announce them at all.  Others may be quick-fix updates, such as those I have done since 3.30 has gone online.

So what does this mean?

Well, I'm not making any guarantees, but simple changes and quick fixes will hopefully find their way into play more quickly. Also, I'm hoping to keep better pace with plot-relevant changes as well as possibly add some unexpected variability into the world. Such things may not be frequent, as it is still subject to my rather full schedule. However, this is my intent, and I wanted to let you, the community, to know what is going on, so that when you go on your "usual" and find bugbears instead of ogres, for example, you will know why.

We'll see how it goes, I guess!

108

Layonara Server / Version 3.30 is online!

« on: October 27, 2010, 08:02:36 pm »

[SIZE=32]Version 3.30 is online![/SIZE]

 

 This version is a pretty significant update in some ways, and it also requires new HAK files.  Please note that I've restructured the “control” HAK file into two files: a “ctrl” HAK and a “res” HAK for size and management reasons. You will need to download both of these files as well as the latest TLK file in order to enter the game.


[SIZE=-1]http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layo_resv3r1.rar (HAK)
        http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layo_ctrlv3r10.rar (HAK)
        http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layonara_v24.rar (TLK)
[/SIZE]

(NOTE: the All-in-One HAK has not yet been updated)



 This update contains some initiatives that we've been working on in one sense or the other for several months, and in some cases nearly a year,, and in particular one far reaching initiative that we hope will improve several long-running ills. I'll mention more on this later, but this one in particular is the result of a collaboration between the GM Team as a whole based on feedback and comments from the community.
 

 For expediency, I want to quickly thank the entire GM Team, the Plot Team, the Project Team and the community for their various contributions, and specifically, I want to thank (in no particular order) Script Wrecked, Alatriel, Rowana, Eorendil, Pankoki, Carillon Guardian-452 and mixafix for their more direct contributions and for saving me a load of time.


And now, onto the meat:
 

 Announcing: Center, Brelin Kingdom, Mistone[INDENT][SIZE=16]Once a town of its own right prior to the Dark Ages, the region of land  once known as Center has seen a resurgence in recent years.  The resettling began with refugees fleeing the destruction and uncertainty brought by the tsunamis that struck the west coast of Mistone. While initially little more than a tent city, Center started to become a crossroads in its own right. Its location along the strategic road between Fort Wayfare and points south helped it to become more than just a transient safe shelter for the displaced. Enterprising merchants set up their tents and wagons, finding the trade and commerce worthwhile.  [/SIZE]
[SIZE=16]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=16]As has often been the story of other towns, an inn was built to serve not only those who ended up staying for a long term but also those traveling along the road. The merchant presence likewise became a fixture, drawing not only a banking presence but also facilities for skilled tradesmen. Merchants migrated away from Fort Wayfare, though this wasn't long lamented by residents, who on the whole felt some relief at having less traffic (and fewer “undesirables” lingering around their town. In keeping with this sentiment, Fort Wayfare petitioned Spellgard to “do something about that portal” in the middle of town.  Spellgard agreed, and a team led by Connor Garvill shifted the portal's exit to Center.  With the added traffic through every means, Center began to truly thrive and become a hub of activity of all sorts.   [/SIZE]
[SIZE=16]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=16]While still essentially a transient settlement, as it doesn't qualify as a town yet, Center has grown beyond the simpleness of its rebirth into a place worthy of note.[/SIZE]
[/INDENT] To address one of the biggest problems with v3, Layonara once more has a single starting area: Center.  Located south of Fort Wayfare and north of Port Hempstead fields, Center and its surrounding areas represent a complete low-level experience for all new characters.  Its status as an unincorporated settlement (at best) makes it open to all races, even those banned from cities and towns throughout the civilized world.  That is not to say that they're welcomed by all, but there is either tolerance or numbness in those who might be considered residents.
 

 Besides the land mass that is Center, the surrounding areas have been remapped somewhat.  Existing areas have been changed and new areas have been added.  
 

 And of course, there are benches.
 

 Along with this, there is a new entry area, which should help introduce new players to the Dragon Storm campaign.
 

 As with many things, it is better seen than described, so please, stop by and have a look.  We're eager to hear your feedback.  As well, why not submit a new character and experience it through new eyes.
 

And since it is such a big thing, it's worthy of special note that Carillon and Pankoki worked quite hard and diligently to bring the Team's vision and plans for Center to life. It is no small feat they accomplished.



 -------------------------------------------------------------------


With all that said, let's get onto the list...



 

 [SIZE=16]Center:[/SIZE]
 The Center project involves 15 new areas created in or around Center, creating a new hub for the server and completely changing the experience of a first level character entering the game world. Some examples of changes relating to the hub that will help the new character:  

• New starting     point; characters no longer appear in Port Hempstead or Fort Vehl
•     West housing portal destination changed from Fort Wayfare to Center
•     Smaller “Hlint-like” area with benches, facilitating players     meeting up
•     Safe rest campsite for hanging out
•     Temple and healer available in the area
•     New basic craft hall in the area, with merchants available
•     Conveniently located barn and ox merchant
•     Low level quests located in the city areas
•     Message board in craft hall, directing new players to other low     level quests
•     Low level CNR and spawns placed in areas around Center, allowing new     characters to adventure more easily and safely
•     Convenient and central bindstone, so older players hanging out can     keep an eye out for newer players and help them reach their graves
•     New inn with full crafting kitchen, meeting room, and large stage     for player functions and quests
•     New CNR locations, fishing spots, spawns and creatures in new areas     surrounding Center
•     10 new scripted quests added. (Most are low level and integrated     into Center, but a few are suitable for more experienced characters)
•     New Prunillan temple added to West server, in Center
•     Some merchants and quest NPCs moved from other urban areas to     Center, to facilitate player gathering and usefulness of area
•     Barn moved to Center from Port Hempstead Fields

[SIZE=16]
[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=16]Other New stuff:[/SIZE]

• New low-level     undead area tucked away south of Center (go looking for it)
• New module     entry area on West, replacing The Eye of the Storm area with     something that introduces the plot better. (Note: Characters do not     walk this path in an IC sense. It is more to introduce the player to     the plot and the world's setting.  The information is IC, but the     path is not.)
• New CNR and     adventuring areas added off of Lake Splendor (you have to look for     them though)
• Krandor     Hospital guild hall has been added to Krandor [SIZE=10](1)[/SIZE]
  
• Dwarven Army     guild has been added to Bloody Gate [SIZE=10](1)[/SIZE]
  
• The Coalition     guild hall has been added to the Dapplegreen Tower [SIZE=10](1)[/SIZE]
  
• Meeting Room     added to Bydell Castle as a place to learn about and discuss the     Dragon Storm Plot [SIZE=10](2)[/SIZE]
  
• “Magic     Mouth” system added.  There are two instances in the Bydell Castle     Meeting Room, and others elsewhere (with more planned).  You'll know     it when you see it.
• WLDQ Reward     for Daniella Stormhaven [SIZE=10](3)[/SIZE]
  
• WLDQ Reward     for Jaelle Thornwood [SIZE=10](3,4)[/SIZE]
  
• WLDQ Reward     for Lance Stargazer [SIZE=10](3,4)[/SIZE]
  
• WLDQ Reward     for Alandric Vensk [SIZE=10](3)[/SIZE]
  
• New poison     type available for crafting: Hallow Wraith Spider poison (causes     chance of spell failure) [SIZE=10](5)[/SIZE]
  
• Knight PrC     now available (formerly Purple Dragon Knight) [SIZE=10](5)[/SIZE]
  
• System to add     a subrace bias to merchants. This is an initial implementation and     may well change over time. Right now, it's only in effect in     Trelania, and if your character is one of those against whom the     merchants are biased, you'll know what I mean. (Note: This was     requested and done due to semi-recent in-game events and player     actions, so you only have yourselves to blame...and if you think I'm     talking about you, you're probably right. *winks*)
• Added area     between Lor and Castle Mask to illustrate the distance between them     and the benevolent presence of Raelian forces.

[SIZE=16]Changed stuff:[/SIZE]

• A few changes made to the Red     Light caverns due to CDQ outcome
• Rearrangement of some low-end CNR     resourced due to Center and Red Lights
• Re-tie and remodel of 250 Prantz     to Hurm
• Re-tie of 260 Prantz to Nith
• Add mastiff to 117 Fort Llast
• Remodel of Leringard Arms (121     Leringard)
• Remodel of 125 Leringard
• Adjusted/Rebalanced Ice Marches     areas, in part due to quest outcomes
• Mistone Alliance Scout PrC changed     to Agent of the Realm PrC [SIZE=10](5,6)[/SIZE]
  
• Show a few signs of life in the     Hallowlight Forest
• Add Master Weapon Crafter's Anvil     in Mariner's Hold advanced crafting hall
• Add Lesser Jewelers Benches to     Creedo and Fort Vehl craft halls
• Adjust location of trash barrel in     Port Hempstead Hall of Reconstruction
• Remove Systrian from Hlint
• Adjust Hlint to follow server PvP     settings rather than being a no-PvP area
• Add/extend some server logging
• Add reflections of scabbard/neck     armor customizing options
• Update/add areas in Kuhl kingdom     to reflect state of campaign plot [SIZE=10](7)[/SIZE]
  
• Rename Storan to Shade of Storan     to reflect WLDQ outcome
• Remove non-functional “metalic”     enchanting bowls from the Lookout Tower
• Remove (illegal!) scribing and     infusing stations from Prantz craft hall
• Rename Grannoch temple NPC for     lore reasons
• Move Temple of Shidaleria from     Lan's Port to Fort of Kings for lore reasons
• Remove/replace all non-human NPCs     from the Lan's Port Fisherman's Tankard for lore reasons
• Improve emergency portal in West     and Central entry areas
•     Merchant Interiors of Fort Vehl, Leringard and Fort Llast have been     updated and made more efficient and user-friendly
•     Inn in Fort Wayfare downsized and made cozier and more efficient
•     New roads to Dapplegreen, Port Hempstead, and surrounding areas     created, following Layonara maps more closely
•     Dark Peaks of the Watcher area outside Fort Wayfare updated and     connected to new cave system
•     GM Area NPCs set to the Neutral To All faction by default
•     Some quest areas have been updated and refreshed
•     Lengthen the amount of time that passes before a permed character is     whisked away by the cut-scene

[SIZE=16]Fixed stuff:[/SIZE]

• Fix area     tagging in Silkwood Spider Cave
• Adjust     terrain in The Grand Mountains to attempt to work around tileset     weirdness
• Adjust     terrain in the Thunder Peaks to attempt to work around tileset     weirdness
• Place correct     Mithril Golem in the Great Rift: Asunder
• Fixed     (hopefully!) furniture loading problems for a certain range of     houses on Dregar
• Fix Citadel     of Toran Enchanting Holy Pool
• Add missing     Enchanting Holy Pool to Temple of Grannoch on Mistone
• Close     potentially confusing race condition related to striking a rock of     ore right after a nugget has been broken off
• Fix Implosion
• Fix “Point     of Influence” markers related to Arkolio's WLDQ reward
• Fix     activation and other problems related to Arkolio's WLDQ reward
• Fix Stort     Pawn Shop
• Rename     Charles Dawson so that he is from the correct town name
• Remove buggy     vulnerabilities from certain Plot-specific creatures
• Remove a     status flag reporting in the combat window when casting Power Word,     Kill
• Marent's     quest now returns bandages
• Horses     recovered by the horse merchant should now have their names restored     as well
• Fix spelling     of name for Cailomel guild hall area
• Add missing     safe rest areas
• Journal     entries updated, removing any lasting V3 name change problems and     updating outdated entries (e.g. Haven Mine ogre problem)
• Fixed     descriptions on statues in Lor due to incorrect references
• Tweaked     portal code for hopefully better resilience.

[SIZE=16]Notes:[/SIZE][LIST=1]

• [SIZE=10]New     guild halls are for purchase by their respective guild leaders only.     Anyone else who purchases any of these buildings may forfeit the     purchase price of the hall[/SIZE]
  
•     [SIZE=10]The Bydell Castle Meeting Room     is deity-neutral, so paladins of certain deities need not worry     about violating their oaths[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=10]Please     work with the GM who ran your WLDQ to obtain any material/item     rewards that may accompany this reward[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=10]These     reward include a custom “skin”, which will be applied on login.      For best results, wait until     resting is possible, rest, log out and log back in the first time     you log in after the update.[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=10]Details     will be up on LORE shortly[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=10]Any     current characters with Mistone Alliance Scout levels should contact     the GM team about the options for a partial rebuild.[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=10]Representations     of the state of Kuhl Kingdom disrupt the route typically taken to     Hilm Castle and The Great Forest (and points beyond).  Taking the     “usual” route will become significantly more dangerous. As well,     there are multiple warnings to this effect in-game, both IC and OOC.      Understand that characters caught adventuring in these areas are     subject to the full consequence that the GM Team can bring to bear,     as would be fitting for the current state of the Kuhl kingdom.  In     addition, the spawns in the Kuhl areas may be overwhelming and     completely unfair.  This is by design, and no Soul Strand losses     will be reimbursed due to the “unbalanced spawn” clause for any     losses in these areas. However, since the GM Team does not wish to     hinder the fun of players by restricting travel to points that could     previously only be reached through the Kuhl kingdom (in a mechanical     sense), an alternate route has been provided.[/SIZE]

So there it is!  As I said above, we're looking forward to everyone's feedback on Center.  It represents many hours of work and collaboration, but it may not yet be as good as it can be.  Let us hear your thoughts if there is anything that you feel is needed, missing or should be changed.
 

 Go forth and enjoy!

109

Layonara Server / Significant update coming soon!

« on: October 17, 2010, 10:24:28 pm »

Hey all,

I'm sure you've seen by now at least one mention of me saying "in the next update" and "almost done" and the like.

Well...it's really almost here.  The last few details are being sorted out, and while I'm hesitant to give a specific day (yet), you can count on seeing it in the very near future.

[SIZE=-1]In preparation of this, you'll need to download some files:
        http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layo_resv3r1.rar (HAK)
        http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layo_ctrlv3r10.rar (HAK)
        http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layonara_v24.rar (TLK)

You can download these files now and place them in their appropriate locations.  They will not impact your ability to play before the update.

Regarding the HAKs, the first one listed, the "res" HAK, is new.  The old "control" HAK was getting kind of large, so I split off all the large graphical resources that had been stuck into the "control" HAK up to this point, so that future HAK updates in the "control" (now "ctrl") will be smaller and easier to manage on my end and yours.

That's it!  Happy downloading!
[/SIZE]

110

Layonara Server / Forums and IRC - September 24, 2010

« on: September 24, 2010, 09:29:26 am »

Dear Layonara Community,

We are aware that there continue to be issues with the forums, and efforts continue to bring them back to the proper level of functionality, including the visibility of posts made prior to last night (US/Canada time zones). It is pretty much a forum-wide problem that affects everyone equally, including those of us with higher-level access.

A side effect of the database problem affecting the forums is that the NickServ, ChanServ and aragen services on IRC are also down.

All I know about is that the forum database experienced a couple of crashes over the last couple of days, requiring a repair process.  Last night, orth indicated to me that the database in question was quite large and he did not know how long it would take to run the repair completely.

At this time, I can offer no information as to when these services will be back in full operation or whether any data has been lost and/or corrupted due to the crash.  I do not yet know the root cause of these problems either.

We are aware that this causes an inconvenience to people and a difficulty in conducting various RP and social functions for Layonara.  We're also aware that this has likely suspended things like Character Applications, as the CA team cannot access the threads to comment upon or approve them.

So please bear with us as we work to sort this out.  As more information becomes available, someone will update everyone.  Until that happens, please assume that things are not working properly and assume that we are working toward a fix.

111

Layonara Server / Gathering interest -- A possible quest idea

« on: June 07, 2010, 09:58:16 pm »

[SIZE=13] Hello all, most of you probably don't remember when I *gasp* actually ran quests, but I've been known to do so, and recently I've had an idea that is interesting to me, but before I spend time actually planning such a thing, I thought I'd post to see if there was any interest.  

Why?

Because this is something of a different concept for a quest. It's intended to be a one-shot, meaning unless something catastrophic happens, it begins and ends on the same day with no stretching into a mini-series or long-running plot.  However, it's intended also to have some quirks and outcomes that will quite potentially extend far beyond the quest.

What's it about?
Well, that's part of the gimmick. I'm not going to say, and you as the player will be completely in the dark as to what may happen when the quest starts.  You'll find out soon enough once it starts, but I want both player and character to react to the unknown.

OK, sounds interesting...I think...tell me more.
The quest will be open to and intended for all levels, all alignments, all faiths...everyone.  That right there should strike fear into your hearts, but if it doesn't, I'll add the chance of physical and emotional trauma (hopefully only to the character), sudden character death, lasting (possibly permanent) character-affecting changes, sore throat, runny nose, watery eyes and night sweats.  Then again, none of this may happen. It will strongly depend upon the actions you take. So yes, this means that the Calem Rule is firmly in effect. There may also be a chance of a reward of some sort. I've not yet worked that out, but as with the quest, it is likely to be somewhat the product of what occurs.  I will say with some certainty that it will not be a bash-fest.

For those who are not aware, the Calem Rule is best summarized as: [/SIZE]No level requirement. Act stupid and face the consequences.[SIZE=13]

As I said, it's intended to be a one-shot quest. As such, there will effectively be a time limit.  Standing around and discussing options and things for two hours will likely cause a fail and you probably don't want that at all.

Sounds kind of gloomy.  What's the up-side?
It probably goes without saying, but this will be an RP-heavy quest, so everyone will be on somewhat equal footing. It'll be a chance to be seen and counted, even if your character usually gets marginalized by the BEITR (Biggest Epic In The Room).  "How can this be?" you might ask? I'm not telling *GM grin*. It's part of the concept.  The whole point of this though is to be something different, hopefully interesting and definitely challenging. I understand that this is not the style of quest that everyone likes, and that's fine. It's also why I am sort of "fishing" at the moment.

OK...probably against my better judgment, but I'm interested.  What do I need to do?
For now, I'm looking for interest.  And by "interest" I mean you are looking for the experience, not just the XP.  I want to know who's seriously interested in this and who is accepting of the possible consequences. I don't want to just put up a calendar event and have people RSVP just for the chance of a quest. As players, I want you informed that things could potentially go very badly so that it is no surprise to you if it does. I want you as players to understand that there is a chance for your characters to be tormented and pushed to the edge of belief, morals and/or ability.

I'm sure the question on the minds of many is, "what if I lose a Soul Strand?"  Well, the standard statements apply there. If I screw up, you'll get it back. If you, for example, jump unprotected into a deep pit filled with hungry, angry, hasted dire tigers, you're not going to get it back. Pretty simple really.

So for now, I'm not asking for anything binding. simply a statement of interest and any questions you may have.  If you are interested, please post below.

[/SIZE][SIZE=13]My timeframe for this is likely some time in the next month or two, depending on how things work out.[/SIZE][SIZE=13]
[/SIZE] [SIZE=13]
Because I think this will be pretty involved for both player and GM alike, I will only be accepting a group of 8 characters maximum. If there are more than 8 interested, I will likely choose the "lucky" ones at random.

DISCLAIMER and notice
While it will not be my intent, a situation may arise that will bring forth a moral dilemma or some other controversial topic and/or decision that will strike a nerve with a player. The last thing I want to do is to make any player uncomfortable to the point where the enjoyment is lost. Likewise, I don't want anyone leaving this in shock or anger at something I've done.  

So if such a situation arises where you, as a player, become uncomfortable, feel threatened or develop some other strong, personal and negative emotion, just let me know right away.

Why am I saying this now? Because I don't plan on doing my usual pre-quest appearance to go over the rules and situation. I'm aiming for as complete of an immersion from beginning to end as I possibly can.

Messages to the DM channel and tells to me of course are welcomed and encouraged. Open-channel OOC chatter is strongly discouraged, but that's my norm, and nothing specific to this quest in particular.

So in summary...
[/SIZE]

• [SIZE=13]RP-heavy, nearly or completely bash-less[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=13]Possibility of strong consequences, lasting if not permanent character changes, emotional scarring (think PTSD in some shape or form), and other nastiness[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=13]Events are intended to be challenging and playing to a character's traits and abilities to a large degree[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=13]Everyone will have a chance to contribute
[/SIZE][/FONT]

• [SIZE=13]All levels[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=13]All classes[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=13]All alignments[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=13]All faiths (and the faithless too)
[/SIZE][/FONT]

• [SIZE=13]Chance of character death, dependent on player actions[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=13]Calem Rule in effect[/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=13]Strictly enforced maximum of 8 characters[/SIZE]

[SIZE=13]Sound like your sort of thing?  Let me know![/SIZE]

112

Layonara Server / Recent change to Dispute/Grievance/Request policy

« on: May 15, 2010, 08:35:03 pm »

Dear Layonara Community,

It is after lengthy thought and consideration that I am bringing an end to the clause in the Graceful Plea policy (found here) that deals with extensive character changes and/or elective rebuilds.

Since it is now removed from the policy, I am quoting the affected section here for clarity:

[SIZE=13]Players wishing to use a Graceful  Plea to affect more radical character changes, such as using a Graceful  Plea to redistribute a large number of skill points, attribute points  and feats over a number of levels, to remove a secondary class, or to  make changes to decisions that were made at more than one level up, may  submit their requests to the Character Submissions forum for  consideration. The Character Approvers will decide whether a restart or  rebuild is more appropriate and offer options. A Graceful Plea will only  be deducted if the option is deemed suitable by the player and  accepted.

[/COLOR][/SIZE]


         [SIZE=13]The reasons for removing this option are primarily matters of practicality and intent. On the latter, Graceful Pleas were never meant for a player to custom-craft their character that evolved past the choices of previous levels and original concept. Imperfect as some choices may have been, it is likely (and in most cases factual) that the character has benefited from those choices at some point, and potentially for a long period of time. It's one thing to pick a feat or a stat point and realize later that it wasn't what you thought or made less sense than it seemed at the time, and yet another to effectively rewrite one's character and erase intended choices in the past in favor of different ones in the present. I'm personally a big fan of character evolution, but there are strongly divided opinions on whether or not character mechanics need to reflect the RP due to such evolution.

On the practical side, there is a significant investment in time with such requests, and one that drains away from a lot of people. Shunting such requests through the CA team has introduced a degree of subjectivity which has created an environment where precedent was difficult and where any meaningful criteria is difficult to impossible to establish. As well, there has been significant disagreement as to what qualifies as an "RP justification" for such changes. On a recent request, it took over 2-1/2 hours (probably closer to three), to research when choices were made, edit the character appropriately and then troubleshoot it when it didn't work.

[/SIZE][SIZE=13]So effective immediately, the option to use a Graceful Plea for extensive character changes and rebuilds will no longer be available.
[/SIZE][SIZE=13]
Players wishing to make multiple changes to their characters can still do so by spending one Graceful Plea to make changes to one character level, as outlined in the policy. Similar changes can still be made, but they will cost, and there will be a limit.  For example, if a player wants to change the feats and/or stats taken at level 6 and level 15, this will require the use of two Graceful Pleas, one per level, unless the feat at level 15 has the level 6 feat as a requirement.

Note that this does not include cases where there was a fundamental change in mechanics, a significant bug or other similar factor that is squarely on the shoulders of the Layonara Teams where something was broken, changed or is not working as intended. It also doesn't affect cases when character changes come about due to quest outcomes and other, similar GM-guided (and approved) circumstances.

Also, any requests currently in-progress and unfulfilled requests in the queue will still be handled.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=13]
If there are any questions or need for clarity regarding this change, please indicate below.
[/SIZE]

113

Layonara Server / Version 3.21.7 is online

« on: April 10, 2010, 10:49:49 pm »

[SIZE=24]Version 3.21.7 is online![/SIZE]
 
This version requires the download of layo_controlv3r9.hak and layonara_v23.tlk.  If you have not downloaded and unpacked these files yet, please do so now.

"So what's in this one?" you ask?

New Content!

• Backpack robe models now display properly
• Three backpack models area now available as cloak customizations
• Knight armor options reflected to apply to both arms
• WLDQ reward for G'ork
• WLDQ reward for Arkolio

Updated Areas!

• The Leringard Arms returns!
• The card emporium is once more available
• Leringard Arms monument added to the Twin Dragons
• Angels guild hall fixes and additional statues added
• Remodeled 224 Haft Lake District
• Remodeled 147 Krandor
• Guild hall for Caliomel Goods and Wares added *
• Spawns removed from in and around the Dapplegreen Abandoned Outpost
• Fix spawn location near the Central -> West Deep crossing
• Adjust location of Hurm ship captain
• Fix door descriptions in Castle Mask outskirts to reflect correct location name
• Fix bindstone name in Temple of Prunilla in Castle Mask
• Fixed typo in Mariner's Hold monument description
• Remove map pin in Sadinia for non-existent merchant hall
• Key now dropped for door in Thunder Peaks - Frigid Ruins
• New boss creature placed in Thunder Peaks - Frigid Ruins Cavern
• Ingot recycler added to Runic Anvil Clanhome
• Dragon statue in Fort Vehl temple of Rofirein adjusted
• Add pawn shop to Stort

Other Fixes!

• Fixed damage calculation on Sunbeam
• Fixed numerous other typos
• Archery targets and combat dummies should be more durable now
• Adjusted XP messages to not display when crafting under death effects to remove any confusion about whether or not XP is gained (it's not)
• Temple store in Prantz now uses the correct merchant profile

[SIZE=10]* This guild hall is for purchase by the intended Guild leader only. Only this character should purchase the property.  Anyone else may end up forfeiting the cost.[/SIZE]

Significant thanks go to Script Wrecked for his many contributions and Alatriel for her on-going remodeling work.

Enjoy!

114

Layonara Server / Update coming soon! New files required!

« on: April 01, 2010, 11:09:40 pm »

I can't say exactly when (as it all depends on what I decide to do about a couple of things) but sometime soon, there will be an update coming which will require everyone to download updated TLK and HAK files.

I've put them up on the server for download, so everyone can get a jump on the update. These new files will not interfere with anyone playing before the update, so you are welcome to download them and expand them into the proper folders:

Updated "control" HAK:
http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layo_controlv3r9.rar

Updated TLK file:
http://nwn.layonara.com/downloads/files/layonara_v23.rar

Happy Downloading!

115

Layonara Server / Announcement: Post-Tsunami relief

« on: March 27, 2010, 03:25:33 pm »

[SIZE=18]With the ending of the years-long storm, communities on the western coast of Mistone can finally feel confident and secure enough to start rebuilding in earnest.  Temporary reinforcements and repairs that were "good enough" for the time of the storm start to be torn down, and real repairs and rebuilding commence in places all along the coast.  

Aid in the form of building supplies, from both foreign and domestic sources, largely kept in storage, are finally distributed by authorities to communities that need them, easing the financial burden of those most affected by the destruction of the waves.[/SIZE]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


[SIZE=18][SIZE=48]Announcing![/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=18][SIZE=24]Half-price remodeling sale![/SIZE][/SIZE]
[/I]

For a limited time, residents of Port Hempstead and Krandor only, you may now take advantage of a house remodel for 50% off the regular price. Please note, the following stipulations apply to this offer:

This applies to current residents within the city limits of Port Hempstead and Krandor only. Remodeling requests must be made here by Monday, April 12th, 2010 at 10pm GMT to qualify for this discount.

The 50% discount applies only to the following:  

• The base cost of the remodeling (usually 50% of original price)
• Up to twenty (20) static* placeables (usually 500 True each)
  
• Up to one (1) custom statue (usually 25,000 True each)

The 50% discount does not apply to the following, and they will be charged according to our regular pricing:

• Expansion of livable space
• Static* placeables in excess of twenty (20)
• Tileset changes
• Relocation/retying of the house's door to somewhere else
• Any exterior changes

Remember, please put in your request by Monday, April 12th, 2010 at 10pm GMT to qualify for this  discount.  Requests made after this time will not be considered for the discount. Remodeled interiors will be put in as soon as possible once they are finalized, so please communicate and cooperate closely with Alatriel to ensure a timely completion.  Players wishing to do the bulk of their own work on their homes are welcome to do so, and we will provide the area files to those interested.  The final final product must still meet the approval of Alatriel and I, but we will be happy to answer questions anyone may have.


[SIZE=10]
* For purposes of definition, a "static" placeable is one set down in the toolset that is not part of the tileset.  These are in contrast to deeded placeables, which can be set down and manipulated in-game.  Static placeables cannot be used for any persistent storage, scripted behaviors or any other mechanical purpose beyond their visual aspects.[/SIZE]

116

Layonara Server / Version 3.21.6 is online

« on: January 27, 2010, 05:52:52 pm »

[SIZE=24]Version 3.21.6 is online![/SIZE]
 
 This is another small one, consisting mostly of quick fixes.

• Tile fixes to recent remodel to 237 Haft Lake District
• Angels Guild hall remodel
• Fix facing directions on transitions into Prantz from adjacent areas
• Fix descriptions on several beverages and other items to fix typos and lore issues
• Fix typo in Marrent Aylomen's conversation
• Fix seating in the Mithril Anvil
• Horse speed selection works again
• Staff in The Jhemina Inn in Sadinia no longer say "Unicorn"
• Remove Stoneskin visual from Creekskipper's Defense
• Adjust spawn points in a few Great Forest areas
• Rename Near Fort Laer to Near Fort Rael
• Some adjustments to the loot drop tables
• Fix area tagging for 250 Prantz - Haft Lake District
• Remove some too-happy music from the Deep
• Area update for plot reasons
• Fix some missing respawn timers
• Adjustment of spawns in Sharawood
• Rename West of Corax Lake to East of Corax Lake...because it is
• Fix facing of Lor bank exit
• Added some new plot-relevant creatures

There it is!  Thanks to those who supplied input to this, and also to Minerva for her plot areas and to Alatriel for her help with remodels.

There are no downloads required for this update.
 
Enjoy!

117

Rumour Has It / Increadsed patrols out of North Fort

« on: January 23, 2010, 03:44:43 am »

Word of increased patrols heading out of North Fort has reached Audira, apparently based on rumors of Dragon Stealers stalking the Wandering Dunes for some purpose, perhaps even the dragon that inhabits those sands.

118

Layonara Server / Version 3.21.5 is online

« on: November 12, 2009, 08:54:10 pm »

Version 3.21.5 is online!

This is a small one, consisting mostly of area-related updates, but worth putting in.

• Remodel to 237 Haft Lake District
• Tweak Great Forest spawns a bit (Giants and Trollocs)
• Adjustments to Natural Cavern for balance reasons
• Temporary plot-relevant areas added to Central
• Increased mithril spawns slightly
• Fixed exploitable terrain in a high-level CNR area
• Fixed broken transition in the Broken Halls
• Fixed Temple of Vierdri'ira vendor to sell the right flag
• Renamed the Unicorn Inn to the Jhemina Inn
• Update Leringard to reflect the recent Arms fire
• added command toggle combat_xp to toggle the gaining of XP from combat *
  
• Skald Make Them Bleed ability should now properly cancel invisibility and Greater Sanctuary
• Fixed order of dialog options in ox conversation
• Added Chair - Decor deed to furniture vendor
• Fixed Kit's reference to Ogres to say Gnolls instead

* toggle combat_xp can be used by those people who are waiting for CDQs for PrCs and other reasons and wish to halt their progression without having to ask GMs for XP removal during the waiting period.  Note that there is no accounting or tracking of XP that would have been gained when this setting is "off".  Use this at your own responsibility.  The GM Team will not hand back XP for inadvertent use.

There it is!  Thanks to those who supplied input to this, and also to Minerva for her plot areas.  

Enjoy!

119

General Discussion / What do you want from Layonara?

« on: October 23, 2009, 11:28:02 pm »

Formed from discussions started in this thread (and moved here so as to not further derail the original message:

http://forums.layonara.com/nwn-ideas-suggestions-requests/249802-deities-classes-suggestion.html

What do people want from Layonara? Do you want the quests? Do you want the GM involvement? Do you want the enhancements to RP and mechanics that come from having a quirky and diverse Pantheon? Or do you just want us to let you do your thing, put whatever you want on, in and near your character without consequence or requirement and just beat things up all day long, however little sense it makes to do so? Do you want the living, breathing world or do you want a gladiatorial arena where you are the champion....Aeridin's slayer of the wicked...Az'atta's redemption by steel?
 
I am really and truly interested in your answers, and please do not insult me by just telling me what you think I want to hear.

What this is:
It is a serious inquiry and not a "loaded question" as has been suggested, and I am respectfully requesting serious answers. It's clear quite a few of you are unhappy with one thing or the other, and while I will not even come close to making assurances we'll adjust on all things listed here, there have been (and hopefully will continue to be) some worthwhile suggestions. But we will read and listen.

This is a thread for people to respectfully state what they'd like to see overall regarding the general experience of playing here.

What this is not:
First and foremost, this is not a debate thread. It s not a place to argue and disagree with the points one person or other makes. If you have an opposing viewpoint, then state it, but do so as a stand-alone thing. Any debates will invariably spiral out of control and derail a thread that derailed another. I'd rather not have that.

It is also not a thread to nit-pick or tear apart some narrowly focused issue. This has already been done to an extent in the posts I've moved here, but moving forward, I'd prefer not to see a continued analysis of why Deity X is stupid/redundant/unplayable or how Diety Y + Class Z should be allowed because of whatever reason.

What else?
I do not plan to comment on anything said in this thread until it has run its course, and then only maybe. The primary reason is time, but also to give you all a chance to speak without my influence.

All postings need to be kept respectful and "in-bounds". I think that goes without saying, but sometimes with issues that are important to us, we get a little heated. Let's keep those emotions in check throughout. The only point at which I will moderate this thread is if this line is crossed.

And while I don't expect many of you to actually go this route, the GM Team is fair to comment upon as well, provided the above is kept firmly in mind. We will not punish anyone for giving negative opinions, but again, keep them respectful.

Personal attacks on anyone, Player or GM, will simply not be tolerated.

So OK!  Please continue.

120

Layonara Server / Version 3.21.4 is online

« on: September 25, 2009, 01:37:29 pm »

It's been longer than expected, but...

Version 3.21.4 is online!

• Fixed missing scripts in bottom level of Silkwood Spider Cave
• Fixed (hopefully!) pipe smoking
• Added more crafting stations to Lookout Tower, including scribing stations (regular and advanced)
• Fleshed out Corsain - Western Gate some more, including more services and CNR cooking stations.  Removed all signs of being "under construction" since it's been a long time that Western Gate's been rebuilt.
• Flag starting area on Central properly so that bird messages will not be delivered there.
• Change a few of the hostess messages to remove Dark Ages implications
• Fixed the in-game year display
• Database djustment to storage chests and how they detect duplicate items
• Add more Dire Bears to West and Central*
• Slight tweak to Duneswept Ruins area to hopefully remove a tileset-related quirk
• Skald Broken Wail should respect Death immunity
• Fix typo on Bydell Castle bindstone
• Make ladder transition in Beneath Temple Ruins more durable for people who can't handle their fireballs
• Fixes to the Marrent Ayloment scripted quest
• Furniture deeds are now preserved when trying to place furniture and the 200-piece limit has already been reached.
• CNR respawners should no longer be destroyable by AoE spells and effects
• Adjustments to Mithril area in the Deep
• Adjustments to Titanium area in the Deep
• Housing remodel for 122 Leringard
• Housing remodel for 134 Leringard
• Deep temple personnel changes/fixes
• Fix for custom emotes/animations consuming spell components under certain situations
• Made a few minor adjustments to the drop lists
• Adjusted transition point in Shale River area
• Great Forest giant spawn and creature tweaks
• Robe model fixes, specifically those with the backpacks that had gear hanging out in weird places, floating, etc.
• Hopeful fix for furniture not populating from interaction with housing doors
• Replacement item for Cloak of the Bat.  Also replaced the Cloak of the Bat in the drops with the new item **
• Donation boxes now sold in Folian S'pae's temple in the Forest of Fog
• Fixed floating things in the Battlehelm Moors
• Attempted fix for Acrobatic Attack targeting on uneven terrain
• Acrobatic Attack feedback messages now appear as floating text
• Slight tweak to spawnpoint in Shara's Hideout
• Tileset fix for some Crypt corridors that puts the PC 30 feet in the air for a few seconds
• Added system to name oxen
• WLDQ reward for Jennara Creekskipper
• WLDQ reward for Fenrir Thornaxe

* No, I'm not saying where, so don't ask.
** Characters with the Cloak of the Bat can ask a GM directly in-game for a replacement with the Nighteyes Cloak.  Please do not clog the Grievance/Request process with these. This is an item-for-item swap.

Thanks go to orth, Script Wrecked and Acacea for their contributions, as well as Alatriel for her remodel work.

Please note that this does require an updated HAK file, which can be downloaded here.

Enjoy!