Posts Thanked By User

41

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!

42

General Discussion / Becoming well seasoned

« on: February 05, 2011, 02:44:31 am »

Oy! 's ol' Görmungard birthday! 'Ere's a point ta ye, mate. Ma'e sure ye get inta a li'l bitta tha gud killin' an' debauch'ry!

//Happy Birthday, Chazzler!

43

General Discussion / Oleoresin Capsicum

« on: February 01, 2011, 06:35:42 pm »

Just wanted to share this thought with you:

Oleoresin Capsicum Spray (OC Spray) or pepper spray is no fun.

Thank you, continue with scheduled program.

44

Trade and Market Hall / Wanted For The War Effort: Stone And Lumber

« on: January 28, 2011, 01:24:56 am »

[INDENT]For the war effort against the Green Dragon Cult, wanted the stone[SIZE=10](1)[/SIZE] and the lumber[SIZE=10](2)[/SIZE]. Please be donating to your local agent[SIZE=10](3)[/SIZE].

Please be mindful from where you are collecting, and not to be ravaging the environment.

~Argali Trueaxe
Blackford War Council[/INDENT]



[SIZE=10](1) powdered limestone as the collectible
(2) planks, any type
(3) I am hoping donation to the "Mistone Defence Fund" will be sufficient, unless "Hilm Defense" or "War Against The Green Dragon Cult" gets set up[/SIZE]

45

Ask A Gamemaster / Ask the Loremaster: Liches

« on: January 25, 2011, 02:31:24 pm »

On Liches
  Over the last couple of months, we’ve had some inquiries on what it would take for somebody to become a lich.
  Other than the fact that we want to have the lich creature in the  world (and already have, see NPCs such as Drezneb), we never defined how  it would actually work and if it would be player attainable.

 Liches, Death, Soul Strands and Soul Vessels.
  In Layonara, and the way death works with soul strands, an aspiring  lich would have to successfully be able to attach his soul strands to  something other than his body. This “something other” is what is usually  called a phylactery, but which we will call a Soul Vessel.
  Before being able to do so, the aspiring lich would have to undertake  certain rituals. The final ritual would mean the death of the body of  the aspiring lich, re-attachment of any remaining soul strands to the  Soul Vessel and the soul of the aspiring lich then possessing the  now-dead body.
  This way, the soul would possess and control the body, but not be  attached to it through soul strands. It’d be attached to the phylactery  object (which can be any object).
 
  Because of the way the bindstones work (see LORE: Bindstones  ), the link to the bindstones will be severed at the time of successful  completion of the attachment of the Soul Strands to the Soul Vessel.
  This way, when the lich’s body  is destroyed, the soul would then  return to the Soul Vessel  and not the bindstone. It would then take  7-14 days for the lich’s corporeal form to manifest again.
 ·         If  the Soul Vessel is destroyed while soul is in the Soul Vessel, the lich  dies for real and the soul makes its way towards the Thread as normal  (see LORE: Death )
 ·         If  the Soul Vessel is destroyed while the soul is controlling the body,  the lich will continue to “survive” until the body is destroyed. At that  point, the soul makes its way towards the Thread as normal.

 Why would you want to be a lich?
 ·         [FONT="]if  you're bound to the bindstone, you will eventually die of old age. If  you're a lich, your body is already dead so you won't die of old age[/FONT]
 ·         you will not die of old age, so you have more time to practice your craft/research/magic/etc
  Anyone pursuing lichdom would have a loose grip on his sanity though.

 Lichdom for PCs?
  Player characters are able to attempt lichdom however, when successful  after several CDQs and a WLDQ, the consequence would be that the  character would become an NPC.
  This is for the following reasons:
  1)      We are not keen on making a new death system that would deal with the Soul Vessel, respawning and the like.
  2)      We don’t want to make a new class as that is too much work. We  could make a subrace skin for a lich, but that’d mean it’d make the  character classified as “undead” which could have all kinds of  consequences with spells.
  3)      We don’t want something like a "kind, misunderstood lich" RP.  To pursue lichdom, you aren’t an entirely sane person, and very likely  have Chaotic Evil tendencies. CE has always been grounds for  NPCification. Of course, there may be plausible stories to get around  the CE tendency, but that won’t overcome the other reasons.
  4)      The character would be undead. From a practical point of view,  the character would not be allowed to enter cities, craft halls, other  public spaces with a good chance of looking under the hood (literally),  which is not practical to check without permanent GM presence.
  5)      The character would also be almost impossible to play on  quests, bar potential Corath ones. We as GMs would most certainly NOT  allow the lich in a party when other party members would know IC it's a  lich, but would tolerate him because the players don't want to be mean  to the player that plays the lich.
  6)      The Soul Vessel would have to be in game. Many undead  abhorring players could/would/should go look for it and destroy it as  that would be something their character would do. This would then mean  players would actively seek the perma-death of another. You can then say  “Well, let’s not take it that far then” but that would not be realistic.


Questions? Ask!

46

General Discussion / Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make Me a Map...

« on: January 25, 2011, 11:08:51 am »

...Happy Birthday Rasterick.

47

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.

48

Ask A Gamemaster / Wemic Questions

« on: January 24, 2011, 08:22:53 am »

Hi,

I've been working on my wemic character and stumbled upon a lore issue. If my wemic wanted to travel to Mistone, how would he be able to go about doing this? I'm assuming that he doesn't know how to navigate a ship, and he probably wouldn't be able to go peacefully with the humans. I'm not sure about him hijacking it, and additionally, not sure about how protective the centaurs are and whether they'd try to stop him.

Thanks! Looking forward to playing soon.

49

Poetic License / Gnome poetry, oh noetry!

« on: January 23, 2011, 03:18:33 pm »

Dreaming

When I rode the wing'd contraption, I flew
with the big wind like birds, and each feather'd breast
I gazed on gave way to my engine lest
it get caught in the gears and ground for stew.
The exhaust from my mighty pipe did spew
a cloud of blue and black which I assess'd
was burnt oil, some gasket had failed and messed
up the whole works. Falling down the ground grew
detail. There a flock of floundering geese
turned up their beaks at my steam-dream-filled flight,
a fog of clouds cleared, and I cursed the grease
that fail'd once more before eternal night.
Nay mourn my sleep, nor call my fall a waste,
For one sweet instant, Goran I embraced.

~ Ignatius J.H. Wordsmith

50

Ask A Gamemaster / theft

« on: January 09, 2011, 07:13:06 pm »

Hi,

Puck has taken some scrolls from the Tower Academy. I burned some before being told that these were not there just for the taking. On IC advice I have PMed Elohanna's player IC and let her know what's happened offering to make amends and added an OOC apology to same effect.

I have returned everything taken (although possibly to wrong shelves.....) other than what I used

Sorry- didn't know that this was theft etc as open containers that didn't say don't take.... I've never played on a server where so much of the world is player owned etc and hadn't realised the established norms. Won't happen again.

I'll not be such an idiot in future.

Amadan

51

Ask A Gamemaster / Puck needs to get religion

« on: January 08, 2011, 03:29:13 pm »

Forgot to set deity to anything when I created Puck.

Could someone now set it to Shadon?

thx.

52

General Discussion / A Fond Farewell

« on: January 08, 2011, 11:39:05 am »

Hi everyone,

I have to say ... it's been a great run! That said, this post is to let the community know that I have just stepped down as a GM. The decision to retire was actually some months in the making, but I stayed on a little longer to make sure my work with Center rolled out smoothly, and to finish off my last commitments to CDQ requests.

Time. If only we all could have enough! But with my university days over and my full time job becoming more full time by the day, I know in my heart that I don't have the time for the responsibilities of GMing anymore, and it is time to step aside.

My deepest thanks to the community. You are what makes GMing here worth the time we give up. So thanks, for your commitment and passion to the world, for your creativity on quests and during every day roleplay, and for all the support you give the GMs as we try our best to weave stories for you, puppeteer a dozen NPCs at once, and keep the monsters on a short enough leash that you can at least try to solve the world's problems in a non-combative fashion. Mine were always a little unruly, and apologies to whoever they took a swipe at accidentally during a quest. I do seem to recall a few strand refunds during my tenure ... ;-)

I can say with honesty, it has been my sincerest pleasure to eavesdrop on all your RP conversations, snoop through your character's backpacks and leave the occasional surprise, bash you on the head with the XP wand from time to time, and torture your characters through development quests!

Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

~Carillon

53

General Discussion / Happy New Year!

« on: December 31, 2010, 05:09:54 pm »

To All who celebrate ... may the following year be more joyous and prosperous!!

54

Rumour Has It / A Quiet word passes by...

« on: December 21, 2010, 10:39:06 am »

[SIZE=18]An old DragonCalled, by name of Sallaron Tempest, who seemed to hold some reknown as a carpenter, has died of old age in his house in Haft Lake.
He left behind his wife, two sons and a small fortune in his will was given to various charities.

During the funeral, friends and neighbours were astounded to see a mass of people attend, many seeming to be Ex-slaves rescued from a terrible life, whilst others appeared to be those of great rank and standing from various organisations.

Neighbours were noted to have been amazed by the massive attendance to the funeral, stating " He seemed like such an ordinary man. "[/SIZE]

55

General Discussion / And thats it....

« on: December 21, 2010, 10:15:37 am »

Well, this might have been seen coming, but its time I hung up the GM gloves.

RealLife has took a wonderful turn in the form of two crazy, mad-cap spawns of Mini-Me's, whom continue to suck and drain every ounce of will to live that I have ( kidding of course!  )

Add to that various other things, and sadly I just don't have time for GMing anymore, so I'll put the GM Wand back on the self, and hope someone else will pick it up and have a wave.

But I do thank you for the opportunity I had to bring about some chaos, fun and laughs to this wonderful little world you've all created. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the MMO when it's released, and likely bring about some great ancestor of the Tempest's to see it.

I wish you all well, and of course a Happy Christmas!

56

Introduce Yourself / Hullo

« on: December 20, 2010, 11:00:42 am »

Hi,

Just registered.

Looking forward to making a character and starting to play in the next few weeks- have been lurking about and reading the lore etc for the last few days. Looks like an amazingly detailed world with loads of history etc- think I'd have to say well done to the creators and community before even starting playing.

Anyway, I guess I will have a load of questions before I start playing- think I am going to try and start with a fairly straightforward character who is quite lacking in knowledge about the world as a way of learning ingame.

However, one thing wanted to know- an easy character for me to play of a sort I have RP'ed before would be a peasant type who hates the lords etc. However, looking at the various lore pages although I can see quite a lot about conflict between races etc there doesn't seem to be too much about relations between lords/peasants etc. Any pointers to where to look would be quite helpful.

Sorry if it is isn't helpful to post a question in the "hello I'm new" thread.

Hope to see you ingame soon.

Martin

57

General Discussion / The Situation In Hlint

« on: December 16, 2010, 02:13:38 pm »

Ladies and Gentlemen of the server,

There are a few posts running of the current situation in Hlint as well as GM signs in front of all gated entrances of Hlint, so I won't belabor the details.

I just wanted to make clear that NO ONE is supposed to be going into or out of Hlint without the express permission of the Aeridites or the Queens Guard of Trelania. If folks continue and/to abuse the lack of presence of GMs to police behavior we will be forced to start altering the presence of the house portals and quest NPCs and we'd really rather not. The closure of the event is slated for today, though that does not necessarily guarantee the reopening of the town. Hopefully it will but that lays in the hands of the server populace. The event has been left largely open to all by the player and those who have chosen to participate will have an effect on the overall situation.

It can't be said enough, this is an RP server with effects that are supposed to be respected by the server populace. If you wish your changes, advances and effects to be respected by other people, please do the same when it is asked of you.

Thank you,

~row

58

Rumour Has It / Tavern Talk and Bench-warming Conversations in Trelania

« on: December 15, 2010, 10:03:55 am »

[SIZE=18]Buntue, Frillon, and Jeebuz relax at their favorite watering hole, doing what people do when there is ale and time to kill.


"But I just don't get it, Frillon. Aren't those dragon-men-things from Kuhl?"

"That's what they say."

"I hear they got real forked tongues and wings and everything! What do they call 'em again? Dragos?"

"Drachs. They call 'em drachs."

"Yeeeah.... wooowee! Would I like to see one up close, by Allurial."

"Who cares what they're called! They attacked Hlint! I have a cousin lives there, and I don't even know if he's dead or alive."

"The Queen's army fought off the invaders, and are making sure Hlint has enough food and shelter and protection. Your cousin's fine. He wasn't in the militia anyway."

"Hee hee! That's for sure. Your cousin couldn't fight his way out of a haystack. He can sure put down the pie, though, har!"

"Shut up, Jeebuz. Look, I just don't get it. Aren't we supposed to, you know, declare war on things that attack us? This is the second time we've been attacked by the drag... er, the drach-things. The second time!

"Declare war? Think about what you're saying, Buntue. Do you want to go fight those things?"

"Well, no. But that's what we have an army for, right? You'd think after two times of being attacked the Queen would have something to say about it. It's like we're just sitting ducks waiting to be attacked again."

"And what happens if the army isn't big enough? They're going to draft, Buntue. Make regular folk like us become fodder to protect the real soldiers."

"At least we'd have a better chance to live with some training and real weapons. If the Kuhlites attacked us right now, we wouldn't stand a chance. Shouldn't the Queen at least declare them as enemies or something? I just don't see how she's doing a blooming thing to stop these drach-things from coming back and killing Trelanians. This is worse than the Blood War!"

"Are you nuts? This is not worse than the Blood War. Lost half my family in the Blood War. Eaten by demons, I tell you."

"Hehehehehe.... he said worse than the Blood War.... hehehehe....."

"Shut up, Jeebuz. Look, I'm sorry about your family, Frillon, but that means you should know how I feel. We have to do something. And if our own Queen won't declare war on the... the... things... killing her people, killing us, then who will?"[/SIZE]

59

Rumour Has It / Envoys from Nesar, Hilm and Horn travel to Kuhl with all haste

« on: December 14, 2010, 11:27:25 pm »

It is rumoured that envoys from the Kingdoms of Nesar, Hilm and Horn have travelled to Kuhl following the border scirmishes that claimed the lives of many of Kuhl's soldiers along the border between Hilm and Kuhl.

These three kingdoms strongly denounce said attacks and have made it very clear to the leaders of Kuhl that they had nothing to do with said attacks. Even offers of compensation have arrived through the same channels.

Also, all three kingdoms have made promises of a stronger presence along their borders, ensuring that such attacks from a foreign party will not ever occur again.

60

Rumour Has It / Kuhl in mourning

« on: December 14, 2010, 11:22:34 pm »

Kuhl is mourning the loss of 186 soldiers, who fell to unprovoked attacks along the border between the Kingdoms of Hilm and Kuhl.

Lister Tremaine, Lord of Ash, made a public speach condemning the attacks and promising retaliation to the families and friends of the fallen soldiers. A quote of his speach:


"Many good and honourable men and women have fallen at the hands of vicious foreign attackers. These deaths may seem needless and in vain - but remember, good people of Kuhl, that these valiant soldiers died in defence of their home, their families and friends... their kingdom!

They died a heroe's death and rest assured that we will honour their sacrifice. Fear not - not only have our Drach Garra hunted and slain the attackers themselves, we will deliver to them the same suffering that they delivered to us."


Immediately following the speach, Lister Tremaine declared that all families touched by the recent attacks will be cared for by the Kingdom of Kuhl.


"They paid the ultimate price and so the Kingdom will repay them in kind. All their debts will be cleared and they will no longer pay taxes to the Kingdom."