Posts Thanked By User

21

Rumour Has It / General information and rumors

« on: October 14, 2012, 01:09:57 pm »

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

22

Rumour Has It / The End of the Curse

« on: October 13, 2012, 08:39:29 pm »

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

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

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

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

23

Layonara Server / Update coming soon -- Important Information

« on: October 06, 2012, 09:08:06 pm »

Hey all,

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

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

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

24

General Discussion / The Destroyer's Curse- Out of the Pan

« on: September 15, 2012, 11:08:13 am »

Quest is on for today.  I know it's been a while since the last one, so hopefully people haven't forgotten.  

5pm EDT, hope to see you all there

25

Rumour Has It / *Towards the Breath of the Muse * ... Post Tyiilaan CDQ thread

« on: August 20, 2012, 03:58:13 pm »

// Discussion thread for Tyilaan, Andrew, Jilsephonie, SehKy and Cord. After the events of the village of Lilac and had moved further into the river of reflections heading over the Breath of the muse, Being escorted by a small group of Heartsong archers there, they seem a bit hessitannt and not that open as in previous times  ( to those who had traveled here before ). but they aren't openly hostile nor threatening.

*The group keeps moving beside the river for the next day, the Breath of the muse being still some days of trip, you eventually pass thru the place where the cotage was supposed to be, only the remanents of the old building are seen ( just the shape on the ground , no actual build ) and the base of what once seems to be the chimney, the cotage is just under the shadow of a small hill. about 500 meters away of where the river is ( and where the party is ), the sun is finally setting down and you find a good place to camp near the area, food won't be problem with the last stop at Lilac, and you have the water of the river as well. The heartsong archers don't travel with you, but a bit afar of your group, and you have the idea that they are changing patrols as you advance further into the river*

// Go on people. .

26

NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / Time for a change suggestion

« on: August 11, 2012, 10:33:06 pm »

I know this comes around every now and then, but I was talking to another player online not long ago about this and clarifying some ideas and came away thinking strongly enough about it to post for it.


Now I am not sure if the xp limiting factors are set in bioware code or can be altered by us so all this might be a moot point but I think the time has come for us to seriously consider changing the xp system for parties of multiple levels. I know there are issues with spawns as well and maybe we just have to wear that for the time being until we see that people arent going to abuse it.


I think we are limiting and reducing the enjoyment of Layo for our existing players by having the fact that if a level 20 char travels with a group of level 5's the level 5 chars are penalised in terms of the xp gained.


Before I go any further let me preface this by saying I KNOW! people might abuse it and powerlevel the low characters...but...we penalise those people doing that rather than penalise EVERYONE.


Here are several reasons why I would like to see this restriction removed if it is at all physically possible to do so:

Firstly; A lot of the WL's or players with high level chars I have spoken to that have gradually dwindled often complained they couldnt find anyone their level to play with to go to places they could get xp and they felt bad travelling with lower levels because it spoils their FUN and chances to earn some xp. We all know how hard it is on layo to get xp at times so any chance you get is welcomed.

Secondly; High level chars have a lot to offer low level chars, think about the rich RP situations these times stimulate. But! the low level players need to be willing to forgo any xp earning situation and focus solely on the RP which is fine sometimes and at times when you might rp for an hour and then leave and find another group heading off to do something...but now you are lucky to log in and find one other person around.

Thirdly; Our server is becoming full of individuals who never interact. if I log in on west and there is one other player on who is level 5 and I am level 27 there is no real incentive whatsoever for me to try and find that person and interract with them unless I know them well. if I join them I ruin their chance to make some xp, if they join me it would only be for the chance of RP which might be fine every now and then but sometimes you just want to do something! This situation can never support that. So what happens, both players go their own ways and do their own thing and gradually come on less and less because there is noone their level to help each other out and eventually they disappear.

Fourthly; What do PC's at the top of their game do? what incentive is there for a level 40 player to join a group of level 10's? They might enjoy some Rp but both parties know the situation is untenable if they want to get some xp or do something so invariably the level 40 leaves as they dont want to spoil the L10's fun.

Fifthly; The server community and indeed the world has changed in the last 7 years, people dont have a lot of time anymore to sit in a clearing outside Hlint and RP for 5 hours, nor really are there enough people to sustain such a RP event. These are the realities of the time.

Sixthly; I firmly believe if we remove this restriction we will see Higher level PC's interacting more with lower levels, bringing more information, more RP into the game. Imagine Vrebel with a few young low level fighters relating his experience in battles across layonara. it would be much the same as Lances and Daniella's Toranite recruits program and its success. But even now Daniella and lance can take out their recruits to RP with them and teach them in the field but the reality is they get nothing out of it beyond an RP experience because they dont earn any xp. Which is not essential! But is nice from time to time!

Seventh; I know this is an RP world, I get that, but we need to realise that people like to make some XP at times too and with a community a fraction of what it once was and the loss of many high level chars who just cant face ruining other peoples fun this may be a good bandaid solution to bring back more interaction and more RP.

27

General Discussion / Apologies to Jilsephonie

« on: August 05, 2012, 05:30:07 pm »

I am sorry for you Jill ,

My modem died yesterday during the quest, And i would not be able to be in game till i get a new modem.

I am sorry again for not being able to run the events.

I'll be in contact with you soon to reschedule .

28

General Discussion / Storold CDQ- POSTPONED

« on: July 28, 2012, 02:22:36 pm »

My apologies for the late notice but I've got food poisoning and can hardly sit upright at the moment. Hopefully everyone can reconvene same time next week.

29

Layonara Server / Version 3.30.9 is online!

« on: June 12, 2012, 09:43:03 pm »

[SIZE=24]Version 3.30.9 is online![/SIZE]

 Hello all, this one has been a little long in coming, but better late than never.
 
As mentioned a few weeks ago, there are updated HAK and TLK file required for this update.
 
 Fixes:

• Fixed damage calculation for     Darkfire/Flame Weapon where arcane PrCs come into play.
• Fixed the drop for the Lord of     Le'tennodin to be more in line with server balance.
• Tileset fix to battlements on     Bydell Castle and other locations that use that same tileset.
• Fixed Alexei Petrovickiy's deity     and subrace
• Tileset edge fix in “+City/Rural     Builder Base” tileset, specifically for Windjammer Bay
• Tileset edge fix in “Rural”     tileset, specifically for Hlint Outskirts East
• Tileset edge fix in “Mirkwood     Swamps” tileset, specifically for Battlehelm Moors
• Fixed missing PrC constant

New stuff:

• Ni'Haer's     WLDQ reward (!)

Not much new this time that most people will notice, but stay tuned.  There's likely to be some new in the next one.
 
 Thanks this time to Script Wrecked (who did most of it) as well as everyone who made suggestions or bug reports.
 
 Enjoy!

30

The Dragon Storm Campaign / Hilm's response on the Principality

« on: June 08, 2012, 05:51:00 am »

In Hilm Castle life goes on for all those in the sprawing urban city that surrounds the mighty battlements of the Castle. Once a bastion of good against demon forces in a land beset by demons, now a political stone around which much of Belinara is chained to,

At the centre of that political hub Lord Alexander, and his right hand man Sir Lance Stargazer struggle on a daily basis to provide stability to the oft troubled region.

Even now almost a year after the fall of Brairdust and the defeat of Molvaren outside of Castle Hilm large half empty camps set up for the war to house allied forces still remain on the chance that the war might continue. Nations that havent gotten around to withdrawing their forces or simply havent enough money to withdraw them and instead have left them to feed off the supplies of Hilm.

For the people, apart from the building campaigns around the city to restore damaged sections of the castle and city beyond life has almost returned to a sense of normality. The belief that Hilm still has a war to fight against Kuhl almost a forgotten thing.

Changes in the political landscape forced on Hilm by the obtaining of a section of Hilm by Lord Jaedon Siphe have taken priority with Lord Alexander and Sir Lance eager to shore up Siphes loyalties to them.

As such, even as a fully equipped horde of Fire Giants move through Siphe Castle carrying mysterious glowing blocks of stone Hilm's next move is underway.

Through a side gate in the southern wall of the Castle proper, which bypasses the city streets, a column of Hilm cavalry dotted with Toranites and Rofireinites thunders towards the southern road. The heavy escort being for several dignatories on route to the Siphe principality. The primary banners at the front of the column of two score cavalry are those of Hilm, Toran, Rofirein and the House of Kalgarl. A prominant house in Hilm with close ties to the leadership. At the front of the column one of the dignatories is recognised as Lord Hrathan Kalgarl himself. He is accompanied by his daughter, who, in her late 20's, has served loyally in the Hilm military for the last six years and even participated in the defence of Hilm Castle fighting in the Fifth Northside regulars.

Locals pause in their daily routines to give the column mild interest as he quickly leaves the surrounds of Castle Hilm and begins to make its way south.

Atop the battlement itself Lord Alexander and Sir Lance stand watching the column head south.

31

Rumour Has It / Heart of Dregar withers

« on: April 21, 2012, 10:35:02 pm »

Word on the docks is that the winter wheat crop in the belly of Rael's kingdom is blighting as it comes from the ground.  

Poor harvests in Mask and Golden are leaving multitudes hungry and even the master of propaganda, Lord Rael, can't keep the rumors at bay.  

There are fears that the blight may spread into the Forest of Fog.

32

The Dragon Storm Campaign / A situation arises...

« on: April 17, 2012, 08:30:09 am »

Alarm bells were sounded in Fiorez City and Siphe Castle prompting the formation of two battle groups within an hour that set off for the north western frontier of the fledgling nation when it was reported a column of soldiers was approaching from that direction.

Leading the battle groups were the Sovereign Lord Jaedon Siphe himself accompanied by a now familiar figure in the region, Commander Daniella Stormhaven.

It is reported that by the time they reached the border the column of soldiers had halted outside the territory and set up a white flag of truce.

It seems that Sir Lance Stargazer had been ordered to lead a deputation to the Principality to speak personally with Lord Siphe on matters most urgent.

Sir Lance's four score strong escort was made up of elite Hilmite Cavalry and a score of Toranite Cavalry still serving in Hilm.

The situation was described as tense as Sir lance met Commander Daniella cordially and asked to speak with Jaedon Siphe alone, a request which was granted.

A large pavilion was then set up into which the two well known figures entered. it is believed discussions on various matters are now taking place within, their content as yet unkown to those beyond the pavilions walls.

Mind you this has done nothing to stop the speculations and suggestions that the Queen of Nesar has appointed a bride to be for the former Kuhl General in order to secure his position and that of his nation with Nesars support. Others wonder if a leading Toranite figure such as Sir Lance would be the bearer of tidings from s nation such as Nesar with their particular background.

33

Rumour Has It / Mariner's Hold Breathes a little easier!

« on: April 05, 2012, 01:00:21 am »

Thanks to the efforts of some new temporary recruits to the town guard, the streets are a little bit safer.  Produce Hawkers, Fishmongers and Potato Specialists sigh in relief as they are no longer being extorted by the violent corrupt guardsmen apprehended in their region. The brutish thug Hector and his lackeys Cara and Barnes have been immediately suspended from their posts and are pending interrogation in the city dungeons for extortion, assault, tax fraud, theft and attemepted murder.  The strongest of charges have been levied against Hector himself, and to the other two, conspiracy to commit similar charges, resisting arrest and purgery.  Citizen Greg is charged with assaulting an officer, though leniency is expected as the officer in question was openly harassing him over a pitchfork which he had a farmer's license to carry, and was already being assaulted by said guard, Hector.  Hector further faces charges in the attempted murder of said Gregory, and is suspected to have murdered numerous other witnesses against him and obstructing justice in interfering with the testimony of others.  Such capital crimes will no doubt carry the death penalty or at the most lenient, surgical pacification.

In the docks area, a smuggling ring of child slavery was thwarted and arrests made of the accomplices First Mate Kirk and Sailor Buster of the slave ship Chum Runner.  Although slavery of some persons is legal in Mariner's Hold, these villains were found to be taking children and free citizens who were kidnapped from the streets, a clear violation of the concords governing this trade.  Already they are being held for questioning, and leads are being followed in the suspects Omar the enchanter and Captain Duncan Blackwater both of whom have unfortunately evaded arrest.  

The Enchanter Mage, "Omar" is witnessed to have obstructed justice in using magic to enchant a customs official, teleporting away to locations unknown before facing justice.  He is also implicated in the kidnapping of free citizens to be sold as slaves, and using his talents to evade the inspection of his ill-gotten goods, as well as proper duties to be paid.

Duncan Blackwater is said to be the captain of the slave ship Chum Runner, and gathering military forces for a home base near the coast of Hurm.  He is known as the son of former Councilwoman Edna Blackheart, having fled Mariner's Hold since her incarceration. His striking likeness to former Councilman Arelius Witherspoon is noted as being possibly more than a passing coincidence, though he has made public threats to end the old man's life despite their possible relation.  He is said to be a master swordsman with many men under his command, armed and incredibly dangerous, mentally unstable and cruel to a point.  

Execute extreme caution if pursuing either of these suspects!

This also brings us to a warning to all citizens of the civilized world of a new menace to our safety, a criminal organization known as the "Razorback Syndicate".  Reports indicate that this group operates in the shadows of many cities and is responsible for the coercion of many noble houses to engage in unlawful acts anywhere from the illicit to the outright violent.  They operate in a "Divide and Conquer" manner, pitting powers against one another in order to decimate the other and then preying upon the victor in their weakened state.  Their top agents can be identified by the boar's head signet rings that they hold on their persons for identification, though countless other agents no doubt use more insidious means to indentify themselves to others.

None can determine their true goals, whether it be for power and wealth or the mere Corath-like propagation of chaos, madness and political instability.  They have been at large in Mariner's Hold, using former house Blackheart and its commercial interests to both mask and bankroll their operations.  Edna is an admitted member of this group and is currently being interrogated with utmost severity within the dungeons of Mariner's Hold.  Agents of the Razorback Syndicate have also been found to be involved in political instability in Leringard, pitting houses Grainger and Vaeelenara into a feud with one another, as well as in the brothels of Kartharian where they were found to be using vampires and alchemy to propagate illicit vice and necromancy upon the unsuspecting public.  In both instances, the gnomish mastermind Lucien Krale was found to be involved, alongside his orc-blooded enforcer, Bork.

It has been a long time coming since the evidence of these events has been linked and made public knowledge, but I feel that it is high time that the secrecy behind this organization ends and that they be exposed to the world at large.  Noble families, be warned against working with their ilk.  Whatever short-sighted gains you with to attain will be inevitably betrayed by their inherent lust for power.  And to all members of the Razorback Syndicate, whether it be lurking within Mariner's Hold, Hurm, Leringard, Kartharian or Beyond... Know this.  We will not rest until we, the free and civilized peoples of the world see your foul mechanations ended, until every last scheme and member of your number is exposed and purged from the face of the world.  You cannot hide from us, you cannot run and you cannot win.  Know that you days are numbered and that we will not rest until you lay low, writhing in the deepest dungeons until the inevitable extinction of your ilk.  Surrender now or be eradicated.

-Head Councilman Grue of Mariner's Hold

*included are composite sketches of the criminals at large, courtesy of Phinneas Mulrooney*

34

Rumour Has It / Hempstead crops

« on: April 04, 2012, 03:40:35 pm »

Hempstead crops, like many places are suddenly wilting in the field.

Not all fields are affected, but enough to cause some shortages and great concerns.  

Authorities are looking into causes and affected areas.  The only immediate effects are a slight spike in some food prices as various parties start stockpiling grains in case of continued shortages.

35

General Discussion / Big thanks Chazzler!

« on: March 28, 2012, 07:09:34 pm »

Wanted to give some thanks to Chazzler. All of his PCs, no matter their level, are always consistently willing to help out the lonely solo wanderers of the world. Whether it's offering guidance on free portals, switching PCs to make a needed gear sale, or just lobbing a potion into the battle, you can't go wrong with "partying" with Chazzler.

36

Rumour Has It / Rael movements

« on: March 23, 2012, 05:05:42 pm »

The Rael Kingdom, affected by the recent crop failures, has made some logistical changes.

It seems Rael has reassigned numerous wagons and convoys to to haul fish and seafood goods from its coastal cities to those cities starting to suffer shortages, such as Prantz.

Wagons can be seen traveling from Raylyn, Seawatch Fort, and even Lor to Rael's non-coastal forts and cities.

Also loads of odd mushrooms and fungi begin to make an appearance in the Prantz markets.

While food prices rise and people are worried over certain shortages, many can be heard praising Lord Rael for his leadership, actions and compassion for the common citizen.

37

Layonara Server / Power And Prestige: Cancellation Notice

« on: March 20, 2012, 03:45:33 pm »

The session scheduled for Tuesday, March 20th, is officially cancelled. We'll pick back up next week.

Our sincerest apologies. Master is buried in RL work, and I'm buried in a move to a new house (I'm still trying to get internet working at the new place, even).

38

Rumour Has It / Grief of Love

« on: March 18, 2012, 09:27:58 am »

After hearing news of the death of her partner, Zarianna travels to the Breath of the Muse.  When she sees SehKy, she punches him square in the face.  Hard.  She then goes to see Gel'larian's body, sending all others away, sequestering herself with him for days until one of the Priestesses of Ilsare finally convince her to let them send him to his final rest.





//RIP Gel'larian Windsbreath.

39

The Silver Buckle / Changes at the Silver Buckle

« on: March 08, 2012, 11:25:44 am »

Upon Elly's quiet return to the Silver Buckle from her latest venture to Mistone, all the keys and locks in the tavern and Resident's Hall - as well as all the chests and bookshelves, dressers and other lockable items - are changed.  Once again dwarves are seen bringing in and taking out furniture and trusted contractors are changing locks and adding new ones, with separate keys.  Andrew and Paddy spend nearly a day in the basement with the door locked and only Jetta and Elly allowed down.

The owner appears deeply upset and has been speaking to all his residents, guests and employees about keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.  Dark elves are expressly forbidden to set foot on the property let alone the Inn under pain of immediate death, Az'attan or not.  There are two, and only two, exceptions to this rule: Alantha and Ty'llian.

Additional security is being hired.

40

General Discussion / Dragon Art Lovers

« on: February 24, 2012, 10:03:10 pm »

Check this out  

The red one reminds me of Fisty