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[strike]146[/strike]|157|159|172|176
179|183|186|188|
[/table]On Central:
259|261|262|264|
[/table]Check these lists carefully. If you still maintain access to one of these houses, you will need to either make arrangements to buy the house, present a solid reason for a transfer or vacate any possessions you wish to keep that may reside within. Otherwise, the homes will be released back to the market starting in about a week.
For any homes that should not be released, post below with the following:
Address:
Character Name:
Proposed action:
Justification:
For clarity, this is not for people to start bidding or making a case for houses. This is an avenue for people with an existing legitimate claim to a particular house to assert that for consideration. For example, if the house was owned by your character's spouse but the player has left or the spouse has permed, this would constitute a legitimate claim. There are other possibilities, of course, and they will be evaluated on a case-by-case.
If you are just trying to get in line to buy a house, I will not entertain any such requests here. Anyone without some reasonable claim can attempt to purchase a house through the in-game process.
When these houses do go back on the market, please have some consideration for other players before snatching up houses simply for more guild/personal storage, and please observe the "one house per character" request, in letter and spirit (i.e. a pair of spouses don't need a pair of houses). Give everyone a shot at the beneficial opportunities that player housing offers.
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24
NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / Under-used Areas
« on: June 07, 2012, 11:47:07 am »
I have found through discussions that some areas appear to be quite under-used. Or mainly only used as a place to quickly pass through to get elsewhere. One example: Hurm. The port city has no crafthall. The surrounding areas have so little in the way of cnr, yet the area is populated with such nice scenery. There are forts and small populated areas (Towns if you can call them that) Orc's Watch, Bloody Gate, Lans Port, Stone, Wolfwood is huge, High Pass Fort, Xora's Tower, Thorns Keep, Audria, , the place outside Audria only reachable by ship and I'm sure there are a great many others. So much beauty and work that the Creators and the player base have made that are seen so little of.
Would it be alot of work to put at least maybe one Static Quest person in these places? And maybe someone like a town cryer (That doesn't shout all the time) but someone in charge that could tell a story or brief history of the place?
Something like this would promote more wandering, share a bit more history with the populace on whats been done by the player base. It would also get groups out to other places instead of the regular grind of the cnr. With these places spread all over the map, more folk would be spending more time doing that and less grinding the deep or the Forest of Fog.
Sure, the low levels see alot of Center and the surrounding countryside, but when you get up in your teens, it becomes "Old Hat" and you fall into the CNR grind run. Maybe make them level specific to prevent lower levels from wiping them out early.
Say for instance .... My char Melody ... when she reaches lvl 15, it would be something like ...
"Well Miss, you sure have made a name for yourself around Center and Port Hempstead, your skills have greatly improved over the years, maybe you should get out and see more of the world, as there are so many other places to see and many more folk that may need a person with skills such as yours ..."
You folk have put alot of work in into creating this wonderful place, and the player base has made alot of history there, I can understand the Great Library not annotating these things, but if there was an NPC at each place that told a brief story about thier location (What town wouldn't be proud of their accomplishments?) It would encourage others to have their characters to do the same and/or appreciate what players have done to make the world such as it is.
Just a thought, a possibility, that came to me after the server crashed
Would it be alot of work to put at least maybe one Static Quest person in these places? And maybe someone like a town cryer (That doesn't shout all the time) but someone in charge that could tell a story or brief history of the place?
Something like this would promote more wandering, share a bit more history with the populace on whats been done by the player base. It would also get groups out to other places instead of the regular grind of the cnr. With these places spread all over the map, more folk would be spending more time doing that and less grinding the deep or the Forest of Fog.
Sure, the low levels see alot of Center and the surrounding countryside, but when you get up in your teens, it becomes "Old Hat" and you fall into the CNR grind run. Maybe make them level specific to prevent lower levels from wiping them out early.
Say for instance .... My char Melody ... when she reaches lvl 15, it would be something like ...
"Well Miss, you sure have made a name for yourself around Center and Port Hempstead, your skills have greatly improved over the years, maybe you should get out and see more of the world, as there are so many other places to see and many more folk that may need a person with skills such as yours ..."
You folk have put alot of work in into creating this wonderful place, and the player base has made alot of history there, I can understand the Great Library not annotating these things, but if there was an NPC at each place that told a brief story about thier location (What town wouldn't be proud of their accomplishments?) It would encourage others to have their characters to do the same and/or appreciate what players have done to make the world such as it is.
Just a thought, a possibility, that came to me after the server crashed
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25
Rumour Has It / Egging...
« on: June 02, 2012, 09:38:48 pm »
*Daniella Stormhaven's home's door is found to be covered with chicken eggs thrown from across the road, with some suspicious halfling-sized footprints in the location they would have come from*
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26
Trade and Market Hall / 215 Rondora Lake
« on: May 31, 2012, 11:16:13 pm »
It is time for Jade to return to the woods where she was made. As a result, she no longer needs her cabin on Rondora Lake. Putting the house up for auction. All proceeds will go to the temples of Folian S'pae.
// no starting bid, but would like to get what she paid for it at least (175k or there abouts), no specific end time either. Complete furnishing can be negotiated in.
// no starting bid, but would like to get what she paid for it at least (175k or there abouts), no specific end time either. Complete furnishing can be negotiated in.
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27
Development Journals and Discussion / Sterling Truesilver - Quiet Moments
« on: May 16, 2012, 01:18:20 pm »
Sterling Truesilver sits alone in a rented apartment in a foreign land, perched upon the edge of his bed staring listlessly at a blank sheet of parchment spread out on the table across the room. His eyes wander down the table from the empty page towards his new copper pot-helm, already showing signs of wear and bearing several nasty looking dents. The dwarf puts his chin into his hands and sighs.
"I was just positive that writin' home would be easier 'an all this," he grumbles to himself, "but 'ere I am, just stewin' in my own discontent. I don't have anything to tell them 'cept that I ain't yet dead." Glumly he stares at his dented helmet. "....yet...." he repeats, closing his eyes.
"Oi! What am I doin'? This is foolish" he exclaims a moment later, hopping off of the bed and slipping his room key into his pocket as he exits the room and locks the door behind himself. "I need a good ol' nighttime stroll."
After slipping out of the cramped inn, the world seems much brighter to Sterling as he makes his way down the alien streets of the town of Hlint. Walking here without his armor, as a simple dwarven man rather than a dwarven warrior, has a somewhat therapeutic effect on the pudgy little fellow. Soon, he finds himself smiling and whistling as he walks, hands in his pockets and eyes in the sky. His gaze follows the secret paths between the stars, the little roads that connect them into the constellations familiar to all, and his thoughts turn towards his old god, Deliar, the Merchant of Fate.
"Why, of course I got somethin' to write home about! I'm finally on the road again! An' I'm havin' a much more eventful journey than I e'er did as a peddler. I'm walkin' this new path o' mine with the Wind of Destiny blowin' at my back, and so far 'e seems to 'ave forgiven my past transgressions and blessed me with no small measure of success. Why, I've got a purse full o' coin that I most certainly didn't 'ave before comin' here and a new suit o' armor and set of fresh experiences to boot!"
Hurrying back to his room at the Wild Surge, Sterling hastily puts his quill to paper.
Dearest Friends,
Greetings to all from across the sea! I arrived here upon the continent of Mistone but a week or so ago and at first I took it to be a queer place indeed. After meeting several rather bizarre travelers, sinister masked folk and a kindly but terrifyingly sized blue man, I chanced upon another dwarf going by the name of Chunks. The name suits him well, for he is even fatter than I, believe it or not!
This fellow helped to get me on my feet and I shall always be grateful to him for this kind service. He helped show me the ropes and polish my rusty fighting skills a bit. Alongside him I managed to gather quite a few coins and a greater degree of comfort with my axe! We also went drinking together, not in the way that I drank alone and bitter in the past, but as cheerful and spirited comrades.
The Merchant of Fate certainly has dealt with me generously as of late, and I find myself not entirely unhappy with the path of a warrior that I once feared for it puts my boots on the road once again and allows me to taste once more the riches that an adventurous life has to offer. I pray that you are all doing well back in good old Mariner's Hold and my heart shall always be with you.
Yours truly,
Sterling Truesilver
His letter finished, the dwarf folds the parchment and takes off his boots, slipping into bed. Tossing and turning this way and that for several minutes, Sterling eventually slips out of bed and trundles outside barefoot.
He stares for a good quarter hour into the stars once more, muttering his first truly heartfelt prayer to Deliar in years, "Thank ya' o' kind little god for settin' me out on this path once more. Perhaps someday I shall be able to do away wit' the sour grapes o' my past an' allow the best o' my memories to ferment into the sweet wine of your favor once more." With that, the dwarf returns indoors and promptly falls asleep.
"I was just positive that writin' home would be easier 'an all this," he grumbles to himself, "but 'ere I am, just stewin' in my own discontent. I don't have anything to tell them 'cept that I ain't yet dead." Glumly he stares at his dented helmet. "....yet...." he repeats, closing his eyes.
"Oi! What am I doin'? This is foolish" he exclaims a moment later, hopping off of the bed and slipping his room key into his pocket as he exits the room and locks the door behind himself. "I need a good ol' nighttime stroll."
After slipping out of the cramped inn, the world seems much brighter to Sterling as he makes his way down the alien streets of the town of Hlint. Walking here without his armor, as a simple dwarven man rather than a dwarven warrior, has a somewhat therapeutic effect on the pudgy little fellow. Soon, he finds himself smiling and whistling as he walks, hands in his pockets and eyes in the sky. His gaze follows the secret paths between the stars, the little roads that connect them into the constellations familiar to all, and his thoughts turn towards his old god, Deliar, the Merchant of Fate.
"Why, of course I got somethin' to write home about! I'm finally on the road again! An' I'm havin' a much more eventful journey than I e'er did as a peddler. I'm walkin' this new path o' mine with the Wind of Destiny blowin' at my back, and so far 'e seems to 'ave forgiven my past transgressions and blessed me with no small measure of success. Why, I've got a purse full o' coin that I most certainly didn't 'ave before comin' here and a new suit o' armor and set of fresh experiences to boot!"
Hurrying back to his room at the Wild Surge, Sterling hastily puts his quill to paper.
Dearest Friends,
Greetings to all from across the sea! I arrived here upon the continent of Mistone but a week or so ago and at first I took it to be a queer place indeed. After meeting several rather bizarre travelers, sinister masked folk and a kindly but terrifyingly sized blue man, I chanced upon another dwarf going by the name of Chunks. The name suits him well, for he is even fatter than I, believe it or not!
This fellow helped to get me on my feet and I shall always be grateful to him for this kind service. He helped show me the ropes and polish my rusty fighting skills a bit. Alongside him I managed to gather quite a few coins and a greater degree of comfort with my axe! We also went drinking together, not in the way that I drank alone and bitter in the past, but as cheerful and spirited comrades.
The Merchant of Fate certainly has dealt with me generously as of late, and I find myself not entirely unhappy with the path of a warrior that I once feared for it puts my boots on the road once again and allows me to taste once more the riches that an adventurous life has to offer. I pray that you are all doing well back in good old Mariner's Hold and my heart shall always be with you.
Yours truly,
Sterling Truesilver
His letter finished, the dwarf folds the parchment and takes off his boots, slipping into bed. Tossing and turning this way and that for several minutes, Sterling eventually slips out of bed and trundles outside barefoot.
He stares for a good quarter hour into the stars once more, muttering his first truly heartfelt prayer to Deliar in years, "Thank ya' o' kind little god for settin' me out on this path once more. Perhaps someday I shall be able to do away wit' the sour grapes o' my past an' allow the best o' my memories to ferment into the sweet wine of your favor once more." With that, the dwarf returns indoors and promptly falls asleep.
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28
Trade and Market Hall / House Auction
« on: March 13, 2012, 11:43:35 pm »[SIZE=24]House For Sale!
[/SIZE]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=24][SIZE=16]173 Blackford Castle is to be put up for auction!
[SIZE=18]The Auction[/SIZE][/B]
The starting bid is 100,000 trues.
If in the first 3 days a bid of 150,000 the house will be sold immediately to the person with the 150,000 bid. If a bid of 150,000 is not reached in 3 days the biding will continue for 11 more days. At the end of these 11 days the bidding will be stopped and the home will go to the highest bidder.
[SIZE=18]The House
[/SIZE][/U][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
[SIZE=18]The Auction[/SIZE][/B]
The starting bid is 100,000 trues.
If in the first 3 days a bid of 150,000 the house will be sold immediately to the person with the 150,000 bid. If a bid of 150,000 is not reached in 3 days the biding will continue for 11 more days. At the end of these 11 days the bidding will be stopped and the home will go to the highest bidder.
[SIZE=18]The House
[/SIZE][/U][/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
[SIZE=16]The house consists of 2 main parts. The main main part can be entered through the front door, which is always open so you can look inside. It has a overlook of the ocean as well. The main main area has a lower and upper floor. The secondary part is accessible through the side door on ether side of the house. It consists of a small storage unit and a stable. Feel free to explore the house at any time.
//I'll add pictures soon! [/SIZE]
//I'll add pictures soon! [/SIZE]
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29
NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / Shrine to Prunilla in Center
« on: December 29, 2011, 11:05:35 am »
Could the shrine in Center get a list of allies and so forth added. Since this is a central hub in the world it would be nice to showcase the complex diety relations.
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30
Layonara Server / Bonus XP and GP Week
« on: December 22, 2011, 10:56:24 am »
Hello Layonara Community!
Between now and some time on January 2nd, 2012, everyone will receive bonus adventuring, quest and RP XP as well as bonus GP drops. XP will be awarded at twice (2x) the normal rate and GP will drop in 50% larger quantities (1.5x) than usual.
This is our "gift" to you for the holidays (whichever you may or may not observe) as a thanks for helping make Layonara what it is and what it will continue to be. Please enjoy the bonus, but also remember the value of RP here.
Between now and some time on January 2nd, 2012, everyone will receive bonus adventuring, quest and RP XP as well as bonus GP drops. XP will be awarded at twice (2x) the normal rate and GP will drop in 50% larger quantities (1.5x) than usual.
This is our "gift" to you for the holidays (whichever you may or may not observe) as a thanks for helping make Layonara what it is and what it will continue to be. Please enjoy the bonus, but also remember the value of RP here.
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31
General Discussion / Solo Player Cheat Codes
« on: December 17, 2011, 11:31:03 pm »
I was poking around the solo player module, and I found these cheats codes, thought some of them were kind of funny.
Neverwinter Nights Cheats, Codes, Cheat Codes, Walkthrough, Guide, FAQ, Unlockables for PC
Go down to the codes, and check them out in the solo player games.
My fave was making a cow (set apperaince 34) that had 100 in all its stats.
Neverwinter Nights Cheats, Codes, Cheat Codes, Walkthrough, Guide, FAQ, Unlockables for PC
Go down to the codes, and check them out in the solo player games.
My fave was making a cow (set apperaince 34) that had 100 in all its stats.
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32
Introduce Yourself / Hello!
« on: November 26, 2011, 01:00:10 pm »
Hi I am mady.I know merlin34 and teo.I relly look forward to playing.I hope i make some friends.
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33
NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / Add nests for feathers like there is for bee hives and arabic trees.
« on: November 25, 2011, 05:10:29 pm »
For the more natury rangers/druids and pcs out there, (although non rangers/druids would have a bit more trouble), would it be possible to add physical nests in the areas where ravens, stirge, howls, and falcons lives to harvest? It would make more sense. This way a ranger or druid would not have to kill the birds to get the feathers.
They could range for about the same as the bee nest/hive and gum arabic trees gets for the harvest.
They could range for about the same as the bee nest/hive and gum arabic trees gets for the harvest.
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34
Rumour Has It / The Velvet Cloak
« on: November 20, 2011, 03:00:03 am »[SIZE=13]In the derelict alleys and taverns across Mistone, posters are placed all around disseminating a simple message:
We're offering work.
May be very dangerous. May be mundane.
Very good compensation.
Choose your poison:
Gloomwoods Castle, Co'rys - Look for Alistair
Broken Halls, Trelania - Look for Bram
Dragon Isles, Caesin Docks - Look for Velen
Bring the flyer with you when you approach our agents.
No flyer, no accommodation.
The best of luck to you all!
The Velvet Cloak
Mercantile Company
[/SIZE]
We're offering work.
May be very dangerous. May be mundane.
Very good compensation.
Choose your poison:
Gloomwoods Castle, Co'rys - Look for Alistair
Broken Halls, Trelania - Look for Bram
Dragon Isles, Caesin Docks - Look for Velen
Bring the flyer with you when you approach our agents.
No flyer, no accommodation.
The best of luck to you all!
The Velvet Cloak
Mercantile Company
[/SIZE]
//This is an RP series aimed for low-level shady character types but I encourage everyone to join the fun. Feel free to RP in-game, investigate, and brainstorm but much of the series will occur on the forums. There will be no quest times, if there is a need to go in-game, whatever it is that's needed will remain in-game for as long as the server is online.
The goal here is to provide interesting development and interaction between characters that would not normally go together. I implore you to not automatically look at this as another one of Ni'haer's shady schemes (actually it is), but rather as an opportunity for your characters to grow. Imagine the fun that can be had with this experiment. Good luck to you all!
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35
Quests Ideas and Discussion / Dragon Isles Quest??
« on: November 14, 2011, 07:36:02 pm »
The Minotaur chieftain on Dragon Isles has been leading raids on the surrounding forest, killing the trees and animals. A Druid on the docks wishes the Minotaur's engraved horn returned to him.
//got this idea after i saw Dragon isles kind of empty these days. Not a whole lot of parties go there, and with all that space, a quest would make sense. It could even be put farther in, say, in the werebeasts.//
//got this idea after i saw Dragon isles kind of empty these days. Not a whole lot of parties go there, and with all that space, a quest would make sense. It could even be put farther in, say, in the werebeasts.//
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36
Rumour Has It / From the Taur'en Hills...
« on: November 03, 2011, 12:48:43 pm »
... news of the latest and boldest move by the kingdom of Sagewald to force Taur'en to relinquish its hold on parts of the mineral-rich Hills circulates among the port cities and the royal courts of other Alindoran Kingdoms. A large Sagewald army set up camp half a day's ride north of Fort Angle, well inside Taur'en territory, as if daring the Taur'en military and the commanders of Fort Angle to attack.
Messenger birds went tearing off toward Castle Bydell, and within a day troops were marching from Bydell toward Fort Angle and a small cabal of Taur'en wizards teleported directly to the Fort. The Fort commanders prepared for an attack, but none came. After a few days, the Taur'en commanders sent a messenger to the Sagewald camp carrying a letter explaining that the army was on Taur'en soil and must return to Sagewald immediately. The messenger returned to Fort Angle, strapped to his horse and missing his head, the letter stuffed where his head should have been. Angered, the Fort commanders decided to wait until the reinforcements from Bydell to arrive, then to attack the sitting Sagewald army from two sides and send it packing back across the border. In the meantime, the Sagewald troops remained camped at the position to the north, harassing anyone that moved too close to their camp. This all occurred over the course of several weeks, from the time the Sagewald army was discovered to the time the Bydell reinforcement troops arrived and the Taur'en army was assembled outside the Fort.
The day before Taur'en planned to attack the Sagewald intruders, a scout arrived from the southeast of the Fort. The scout was injured and visibly exhausted, a mercenary unknown to those parts. The scout warned of a Sagewald force on horseback that had hidden itself in the hills and forests to the southeast. Realizing that was Sagewald's plan all along, to lure the bulk of the Taur'en forces out of the Fort into an engagement with the northern camp while the cavalry to the southeast swooped in to either flank the Taur'en forces or assault the thinly-manned fort, the Fort Angle commanders ordered half the assembled troops to turn and engage the smaller cavalry force to the southeast, while moving the rest of the troops and supplies back inside the Fort.
The larger Taur'en force easily routed the hidden cavalry unit without much of a fight. The Sagewald cavalry had apparently begun cutting down trees, leaving the early makings of siege weaponry and hook-ladders strewn about the forest floor when they scattered in retreat.
A few days later, the Sagewald camp north of the Fort packed up and made its way back toward the Sagewald-Taur'en border. The precarious stalemate between the two kingdoms continues.
Messenger birds went tearing off toward Castle Bydell, and within a day troops were marching from Bydell toward Fort Angle and a small cabal of Taur'en wizards teleported directly to the Fort. The Fort commanders prepared for an attack, but none came. After a few days, the Taur'en commanders sent a messenger to the Sagewald camp carrying a letter explaining that the army was on Taur'en soil and must return to Sagewald immediately. The messenger returned to Fort Angle, strapped to his horse and missing his head, the letter stuffed where his head should have been. Angered, the Fort commanders decided to wait until the reinforcements from Bydell to arrive, then to attack the sitting Sagewald army from two sides and send it packing back across the border. In the meantime, the Sagewald troops remained camped at the position to the north, harassing anyone that moved too close to their camp. This all occurred over the course of several weeks, from the time the Sagewald army was discovered to the time the Bydell reinforcement troops arrived and the Taur'en army was assembled outside the Fort.
The day before Taur'en planned to attack the Sagewald intruders, a scout arrived from the southeast of the Fort. The scout was injured and visibly exhausted, a mercenary unknown to those parts. The scout warned of a Sagewald force on horseback that had hidden itself in the hills and forests to the southeast. Realizing that was Sagewald's plan all along, to lure the bulk of the Taur'en forces out of the Fort into an engagement with the northern camp while the cavalry to the southeast swooped in to either flank the Taur'en forces or assault the thinly-manned fort, the Fort Angle commanders ordered half the assembled troops to turn and engage the smaller cavalry force to the southeast, while moving the rest of the troops and supplies back inside the Fort.
The larger Taur'en force easily routed the hidden cavalry unit without much of a fight. The Sagewald cavalry had apparently begun cutting down trees, leaving the early makings of siege weaponry and hook-ladders strewn about the forest floor when they scattered in retreat.
A few days later, the Sagewald camp north of the Fort packed up and made its way back toward the Sagewald-Taur'en border. The precarious stalemate between the two kingdoms continues.
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37
General Discussion / Riven's Vanishing Act
« on: November 02, 2011, 11:21:52 pm »
Hey all,
please forgive my vanishing act! And right in the middle of working to uberfy the saddlebag pawn. RL hit me a right hook that dropped me on the ground. I'm beginning to stand now. Hopefully I'll be back in force soon enough, and we'll do the move and uberfying of the saddlebag in good time.
Enjoy,
~Mark
please forgive my vanishing act! And right in the middle of working to uberfy the saddlebag pawn. RL hit me a right hook that dropped me on the ground. I'm beginning to stand now. Hopefully I'll be back in force soon enough, and we'll do the move and uberfying of the saddlebag in good time.
Enjoy,
~Mark
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38
General Discussion / Looking for something to do?
« on: October 23, 2011, 11:46:08 am »
There will be "something" going on on West this evening starting around 7pm EDT. Don't know what it will be yet... but it will be "something."
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39
Character Submissions / Character Submission Questionnaire -- New Character Start -- Short Version!
« on: March 18, 2016, 02:19:47 pm »
See https://wiki.layonara.com/wiki/NWN_Character_Submission_Questionnaire
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40
Layonara Server / World Policy Update -- Sept. 19, 2011
« on: September 19, 2011, 10:39:48 pm »
Greetings Layonara Community,
As we have done now and then through the years, we are bringing some changes to Layonara. Some of these are significant. Others are simple clarifications of what already exists. Regardless of the case, from this point forward, a new set of policies and conventions will be in place for all, from the new player on up to the GM team. These changes have come after a good deal of consideration, proposal, discussion and refinement over the course of several months. They take into account those things that we, as a community, do well and those things that we, as a community, could do better. The full details of all these things are too much to list here, but they will either be covered with some detail elsewhere or be evident in the way things are done by the GM team. Don't worry; the changes are all aimed at a more positive experience for everyone.
What I will do here is summarize these changes and then offer an agreement between the community-at-large and the GM team. The latter is offered because in order for this all to work, it requires cooperation between everyone, whether one is “just a player” or our most experienced GM. Afterall, we're all working toward the same goal: a rich and enjoyable experience for everyone.
[SIZE=18]Summary of Changes:[/SIZE]
As mentioned above, the details of all the changes are too numerous to list here, and much of them get into administrative details. To list the major changes in summary:
In order for everything to work well, we all need a reminder that there is a need for cooperation between both players and GMs. Without it, there is nothing but difficulty, and anyone who has been around here long enough has probably witnessed the occasional period of problems and tension. We recognize these will never be truly eradicated, but we can all take steps to minimize them and work more constructively when problems do arise. In that spirit, I offer the following agreement to be held between players and GMs.
Players agree to...
In understanding our various differences, let us also remember that each of us is only human. The above agreement is a goal, and regardless of which side we're on, no one expects perfection. We do, however, request that everyone keeps these things in mind when playing here. Most of us here are adults. Let's remember to act like adults. Speak to other players. Work out differences person-to-person, and ask for help if there are problems doing so.
[SIZE=18]The “Clean Slate”[/SIZE]
Under the GM section of the agreement, the concept of a “clean slate” was mentioned. By way of explaining this, it is necessary to mention the oft-misunderstood “Player Watch List”. Many players may not know if this list, while others may have the wrong idea of it.
The Player Watch list is simply that...a list of players to watch. A player may get onto the list in several ways, which can be summarized as bad or questionable behavior. Such behavior can take many forms, whether it is a complaint by another player, minor rule violations or any matter that seems of concern. We use this as a communication tool between the entire GM team, such that we may all know of issues that may require a closer eye on a player in order that they do not cause problems for others through such behavior as we may document. A player will remain on the watch list for a period of six (6) months, after which time, the thread will be moved to an “inactive” archive, assuming no further issues during that time. If necessary, an archived thread may be made active again if there are repeated issues for a given player. These threads help us determine when administrative action or more direct intervention may be necessary, and they serve as long term documentation.
It bears stating, unequivocally, that the Player Watch List is not a list of people that the GM team “does not like.” This is actually quite far from the truth. It should also be said that just because someone is on the watch list does not mean the player is in trouble. In order to illustrate a little better what the list is and isn't, here are a few examples of why someone might appear on the list:
To enact the “clean slate”, from this point forward, any and all active Player Watch List threads are now archived permanently. Any past incidents or disciplinary actions, except for permanent bannings of course, are hereby forgiven and completely in the past. If a player who has been the subject of one or more Player Watch List posts in the past has a new incident worthy of the Player Watch List, such incidents will be considered new, and past incidents will not be taken into account. Repeated incidents after this point will, of course, be handled as we have in the past, with each thread serving as a historical record for future reference.
This gives everyone who may have come in conflict with server rules in the past or who may have caused difficulties for other players to start fresh and without bias. It is our hope that in this environment, people will seize this opportunity to be better members of the community as a whole and remember that this is not just a single-player game and that our actions affect other players, either directly or indirectly.
[SIZE=18]So let's get started![/SIZE]
Without further ceremony or description, let's all start moving forward and continue making Layonara the best environment for RP and enjoyment it can be. For good or ill, we've all contributed to what Layonara is today. As we go on, we will continue to shape it. Let's make it good!
As we have done now and then through the years, we are bringing some changes to Layonara. Some of these are significant. Others are simple clarifications of what already exists. Regardless of the case, from this point forward, a new set of policies and conventions will be in place for all, from the new player on up to the GM team. These changes have come after a good deal of consideration, proposal, discussion and refinement over the course of several months. They take into account those things that we, as a community, do well and those things that we, as a community, could do better. The full details of all these things are too much to list here, but they will either be covered with some detail elsewhere or be evident in the way things are done by the GM team. Don't worry; the changes are all aimed at a more positive experience for everyone.
What I will do here is summarize these changes and then offer an agreement between the community-at-large and the GM team. The latter is offered because in order for this all to work, it requires cooperation between everyone, whether one is “just a player” or our most experienced GM. Afterall, we're all working toward the same goal: a rich and enjoyable experience for everyone.
[SIZE=18]Summary of Changes:[/SIZE]
As mentioned above, the details of all the changes are too numerous to list here, and much of them get into administrative details. To list the major changes in summary:
- We are creating a world lore publication fork. This is different from diverging NWN lore from MMO lore, but it will still allow for some greater freedoms for GMs and players while protecting those players who eventually wish to achieve World Leader status or undertake a similar effort. There will still be opportunities to “change the world”, leave one's mark and the the like. World lore is still important, but there will also be flexibility. This fork is considered to begin with the conclusion of the last lingering matters after the world plot finale quests held in May, 2011. As things stand, this will coincide with the wrap-up of Briardusk.
- This publication fork also opens up possibilities for GMs to run events which may not fit into world lore. Such events will be considered “unofficial” and unsuitable for character development. They are intended for player entertainment and education...and perhaps GM entertainment as well. GMs will clearly state when such an event occurs, so there is no confusion on the part of players.
- CDQs (and GCDQs) are getting a significant change in terms of things like waiting periods and other policies, with individual GMs being allowed to set their own policies for the most part. They will also be the domain of lore-friendliness, meaning a CDQ need not directly deal with world lore, but neither should it violate it or conflict with it. Everyone should read the updated CDQ policy, found here.
- The world plot will be handled in a different, more “organic” way. With the wrap-up of Briardusk, we're taking a small break to get organized. We will put out a “state of the world” description so everyone knows the setting for moving forward. From that point forward, we will be operating on a new methodology. There will be opportunities for world-level involvement on many levels, even when something isn't marked as a “plot” event. To a large degree, what happens moving forward will be up to the community. More details will come out over time.
- The Character Approval process is undergoing a shift, and we will be clarifying some things as well. It is important for everyone to read and understand this new policy, as it will affect all character submissions from this point forward. Everyone should read the updated CA policy, found here.
In order for everything to work well, we all need a reminder that there is a need for cooperation between both players and GMs. Without it, there is nothing but difficulty, and anyone who has been around here long enough has probably witnessed the occasional period of problems and tension. We recognize these will never be truly eradicated, but we can all take steps to minimize them and work more constructively when problems do arise. In that spirit, I offer the following agreement to be held between players and GMs.
Players agree to...
- ...have fun, but never at someone else's expense.
- ...engage in RP as much as possible. Encourage the same in those around you.
- ...keep in mind that GMs are your partners in RP here, not your enemies.
- ...not spread rumors about favoritism or unfair treatment. If there's a concern, bring it to Leanthar, EdTheKet, Dorganath, Rowana or a Lead GM.
- ...try not to use words like “bother” or “inconvenience” (or some form thereof) when approaching members of our various teams. We choose to do this. It's OK. It's not a bother or an inconvenience.
- ...never be the reason for another player leaving the world or abandoning a character. This has happened, generally through behavior that has made a person feel uncomfortable or threatened. We know it has happened. It is unacceptable.
- ...avoid telling other players how to play their characters, alignments, classes deity/dogma, race or some other significant defining characteristic, which also includes concepts like the Heartsong or the Al'Noth. If there is a concern, bring it to a GM. Otherwise, unless a player specifically asks for advice, let it be.
- ...work toward a better level of communication between everyone here, whether it is with one of our various teams or with general members of the community.
- ...remember that GMs and especially the lead staff have a lot invested in Layonara. We sometimes want to participate in discussions. Our words, unless specifically stated, are not generally the end of the conversation.
- ...understand that at times, the GM team must say “no” but this should be respected rather than gossiped about, back-talked or flamed. “No” is rarely given without a reason, though if it is (such as cases where we cannot immediately give one), it is not an arbitrary decision.
- ...join the GM team in our respect for and observance of world lore. As part of this, keep in mind that if we approach players with matters or concerns about lore, we are only seeking to encourage and maintain a consistent environment for everyone here.
- ...remember that GMs are players too. Sometimes we just want to enjoy ourselves just like everyone else.
- ...maintain respect for everyone here, from the newest player on up to Leanthar. This applies equally whether in-game, on IRC or on the forums. We're all people. We're all gamers. We're here for the same reason. Do not hide behind anonymity.
- ...provide a fair, open and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- ...provide a rich and interesting environment to support, encourage, inspire and reward RP for everyone.
- ...attempt to communicate clearly and accurately with the community on various matters.
- ...be open and available, as our time permits, for questions, concerns and ideas. We may not be able to accommodate all requests, but we will make reasonable efforts where it is appropriate to do so.
- ...be as fair as possible. We are still people. We will make mistakes, but the goal remains.
- ...try to communicate as clearly as possible at all times.
- ...respect, support and enforce world lore as appropriate. In doing so, we may bring forward concerns or problems to players that are intended in the spirit of our established world lore. Please give these due consideration and respect our comments and the reason behind them.
- ...provide a “clean slate” for all players moving forward from this point (more on this below).
In understanding our various differences, let us also remember that each of us is only human. The above agreement is a goal, and regardless of which side we're on, no one expects perfection. We do, however, request that everyone keeps these things in mind when playing here. Most of us here are adults. Let's remember to act like adults. Speak to other players. Work out differences person-to-person, and ask for help if there are problems doing so.
[SIZE=18]The “Clean Slate”[/SIZE]
Under the GM section of the agreement, the concept of a “clean slate” was mentioned. By way of explaining this, it is necessary to mention the oft-misunderstood “Player Watch List”. Many players may not know if this list, while others may have the wrong idea of it.
The Player Watch list is simply that...a list of players to watch. A player may get onto the list in several ways, which can be summarized as bad or questionable behavior. Such behavior can take many forms, whether it is a complaint by another player, minor rule violations or any matter that seems of concern. We use this as a communication tool between the entire GM team, such that we may all know of issues that may require a closer eye on a player in order that they do not cause problems for others through such behavior as we may document. A player will remain on the watch list for a period of six (6) months, after which time, the thread will be moved to an “inactive” archive, assuming no further issues during that time. If necessary, an archived thread may be made active again if there are repeated issues for a given player. These threads help us determine when administrative action or more direct intervention may be necessary, and they serve as long term documentation.
It bears stating, unequivocally, that the Player Watch List is not a list of people that the GM team “does not like.” This is actually quite far from the truth. It should also be said that just because someone is on the watch list does not mean the player is in trouble. In order to illustrate a little better what the list is and isn't, here are a few examples of why someone might appear on the list:
- Player A is seen repeatedly luring or using terrain features to trick creature AI or is otherwise abusing creature AI to disproportionately lower the challenge posed by a creature or set of creatures.
- Player B is observed camping CNR or creatures in excess of what rules allow.
- Player C is reported by Player D for some inter-personal matters that make Player D uncomfortable or which impact Player D's enjoyment of the game. In this case, both players might receive posts for tracking purposes.
- A GM comes across something that brings questions to mind about Player E. The player in question is not available at the time to speak to about the find, and there are no other GMs around who might be able to offer clarity. The GM posts a thread seeking attention and comment from other GMs regarding the find. (Note: in such a case, the post may be removed if it is determined that there is ultimately nothing wrong or questionable.)
To enact the “clean slate”, from this point forward, any and all active Player Watch List threads are now archived permanently. Any past incidents or disciplinary actions, except for permanent bannings of course, are hereby forgiven and completely in the past. If a player who has been the subject of one or more Player Watch List posts in the past has a new incident worthy of the Player Watch List, such incidents will be considered new, and past incidents will not be taken into account. Repeated incidents after this point will, of course, be handled as we have in the past, with each thread serving as a historical record for future reference.
This gives everyone who may have come in conflict with server rules in the past or who may have caused difficulties for other players to start fresh and without bias. It is our hope that in this environment, people will seize this opportunity to be better members of the community as a whole and remember that this is not just a single-player game and that our actions affect other players, either directly or indirectly.
[SIZE=18]So let's get started![/SIZE]
Without further ceremony or description, let's all start moving forward and continue making Layonara the best environment for RP and enjoyment it can be. For good or ill, we've all contributed to what Layonara is today. As we go on, we will continue to shape it. Let's make it good!
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