Posts Thanked By User

21

NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / Donation NPCs

« on: August 06, 2011, 09:18:08 pm »

Can we have a donation NPC added to Fort of Kings and Mariner's Hold to reflect the current game situation please.  If there is not one in Dalanthar or North Point can we have one added to one of those cities please as well.

22

General Discussion / It's That Time of Year Again...

« on: July 01, 2011, 05:22:09 am »

Happy Canada Day!

I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.
     -- John Diefenbaker, from the Canadian Bill of Rights

23

General Discussion / Hi bye from an old player

« on: June 18, 2011, 06:19:25 am »

Hello everyone.

Here is just a small hi bye from one of the old dwarven players. Some might remember me as the dwarf Varka Cleaveson.

I thought I might drop a few lines to Layo as I did to Harlas.

Naaaayy. Since I stopped I always kept around though. Reading about what is going on in general but also keeping an eye on layos dwarven players. It has been and it is still fun seeing how Layo develops. I guess some of the other old players do the same thing. (If so just give a thumps up guys).

So, how is everyone doing in there? I can see that there is a few new WL around and that the Torans are starting a new group (every good initiative). Are there other new initiative like that? Did some make a nice exotic group like mix of orcs, deep dwarves and dark elves? And where are the treehuggers?  

What about the dwarves! How does it look there? I follow roughly the submissions and character developments.

That is all for now. Take care in there and have fun!

24

General Discussion / Toran Leadership Program Series Rules and Regs

« on: May 30, 2011, 08:43:38 pm »

[SIZE=18]Toran Leadership Program Rules and Regulations and Submission Guidelines[/SIZE]

Tentative starting date for this series is July 1st, 2011. This may change, but we'll keep you posted.  In the meantime.. those that are interested, hopefully you'll have plenty of time to get your characters in the works!


Submission Restrictions:

Human characters only (other races would not work for the 5 year program because of changes in aging, so we're keeping it simple)

14-15 years old starting age

One class of either Paladin, Cleric, or Fighter- If a secondary class is chosen due to the course of rp, players can resubmit using the rp through the program to support the secondary class submission.

Acceptable Deity field designations: Toran, or none. If you choose "None" as your Deity Field, you will need to include an ooc statement as to why you feel your character is not devout, and why he/she would choose to enter into a program like this. Please remember that this would be something that would probably only be known about by people that had connections or ties to the Toran church in some way. Deity field can be resubmitted to be filled in later on if you choose this route.

OOC Rules and Regulations:

Even if a character is approved as a playable character, they are not to be played until the first event of the series with the exception of logging in the first time to simply create your character.

No adventuring, combat, or gathering without express permission, request, or assignment by an instructor, unless accompanied by an instructor. Other adventuring PCs that are not involved in the Toran Leadership Program do not count as acceptable chaperons.  Instructor time will either be scheduled in groups on the calendar, or can be scheduled between the student and the instructor based on their availability.

Characters can be roleplayed in designated areas with other characters within the program between lessons, but are not to travel without an instructor. (It is not acceptable to do some of the "easy" non-combat stationary quests in game, or see Points of Interest as some of these things may or may not be part of lessons within the program.)

Players accept and agree that playing a character under the age of 18 is a sensitive and special circumstance, and given that will refrain from personal intimate relationships at least until their training is completed and their character is of age. (This is a rule both in and ooc, so characters would be aware that they are expected to focus on their studies, and not the boy/girl next to them.)

Players understand that the intent behind this series is that they will be starting their characters off as if they are lvl 0 instead of lvl 1 and will be learning the training that would normally be covered in their character submission background in an in-game rp-intensive manner, and will try to only rp to the point that their character has learned in character, regardless of what they may mechanically have yet.  (In theory, the training will be better, so when your character is "of age" like any normal starting character you would be a higher "starting" level than other starting characters due to the extra intensive training.)

These rules are mandatory due to the nature of this series and are expected to be followed for the 5 months of the program.

In addition to the normal submission ooc statements regarding wealth or nobility and dogmatic statements please also include the following:

OOC Statements: I the player understand the restrictions regarding being allowed to create a younger character for this series. I will abide by the rules of the Toran Leadership Program both in and ooc until the completion of the series.


Application for the Toran Leadership Program

These questions should be addressed in some manner in your character submission and answered in character as your character will need to answer them as part of his or her application. You can fill out the entire submission as the application (see example below) or you can find another way to explain how your character applied for the program, but each question needs to be addressed somehow as they may be used in the program at some point. (Please include normal required information such as class, alignment, deity field, and domains as well)

• Name:
• Age:
• Race:
• Hometown:
• Father's name:
• Father's occupation:
• Mother's name:
• Mother's occupation
• Do you have any siblings?
• Why do you want to be a part of this program?
• How do you feel Toran has influenced your life thus far?
• What training have you received up to this point?
• In what ways do you feel you are being called to serve Toran and the world?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
• What do you consider to be your greatest weaknesses, or something that you think you need to improve on?

[/B]

Sample Submission Example:

Name: Jane "Janie" Simpson
Age: 14
Race: Human
[Class: Cleric ]
[Alignment: LG]
[Deity: Toran]
[Domain if applicable: Protection, Good]
Hometown: Outskirts of Fort Llast
Father's name: Ronan Simpson
Father's occupation: Farmer
Mother's name: Marla Simpson
Mother's occupation: deceased

Do you have any siblings?
Yes. I have 4 older brothers and 2 younger sisters.



Why do you want to be a part of this program?
My father has always worked hard on our farm as long as I can remember. My older brothers have gone off for training with the temple, and when the call went out to able-bodied followers of Toran to go and fight in the war against the Cult, my brothers all left, even my brother Jesse, who was only 15 when he left. James came back last year. He got hurt when fighting. He lost an eye. He says he's lucky that's all he lost, and he says he doesn't want to talk about what he saw out there. We're still waiting to hear about my other brothers. I don't know if they're okay. My father says we should always have faith that Toran will take care of them, though. I guess why I want to be part of the program is because I want to be able to help people like my brothers, and I know there are people in the church that can do that sort of thing. I know that when they left for the war, it was because there was something that needed to be fought for, and I want to be able to help and do my part too. Right now I take care of my little sisters, but they're getting old enough that they can take care of themselves. James said he can help take care of the farm with my father, and they've given me permission to get training to do something else.


How do you feel Toran has influenced your life thus far?
I remember when I was little, before my mother died, she used to teach me prayers that she learned growing up. She said that Toran was a great leader, and that we should try to be like him. We should always try to help people around us that need it. She said that Toran teaches us to be respectful of others and of our elders, and that sometimes He calls us to make hard decisions. I admit I don't know exactly what those hard decisions are yet, but maybe sort of like when my brothers decided to go to war. They could have stayed home where they were safe, but they didn't because they said it was something that was worth fighting for. My mother told me to always be a good example for other people and that would take me far in life. I don't know if I always do, but I try. I know it's important to tell the truth, even though sometimes we might not want to hear it. My father says that's "tough love" when he tells me something I don't want to hear, but it's how I can learn a good lesson.


What training have you received up to this point?
I know how to read and write. My brothers and I used to play when we were little with wooden swords my father made us. Jesse used to say that I was a girl, so I shouldn't be allowed to fight, but my father told him it's better for a woman to be able to defend herself in time of need than to have to hope that there might be someone around to protect her, and that they should be nice and teach me, so we used to practice like that when our chores were done. I think I'm pretty decent with a wooden sword, and I know how to hold a wooden shield, but I've never fought with a real sword or shield yet.

Also, when you live on a farm people get hurt sometimes, so I know how to set a broken bone and how to wrap a cut so it won't turn bad. Before my mother died she taught me a prayer to say that would help cure little injuries like cuts and bruises. She said if I have enough faith, Toran will help the cuts heal faster when I say them. I know it used to work for her, when she would pray, I could almost feel things just getting better. I keep praying, so maybe someday I'll be able to do that, too.

In what ways do you feel you are being called to serve Toran and the world?
I know that with the war and everything there are a lot of people that are going to need help. From the little bit I've been able to get James to tell me about what he saw, it sounds like a lot of people died, and a lot of people are without food, or homes, or have lost people that they care about. I want to be able to go out and help people get back some of what they lost. I don't know if I'm strong enough to be a soldier, but I think I'd like to be someone that they can talk to about some of what they've seen. I hear James screaming or crying in his sleep sometimes. I don't think he wants anyone to know, but he's different since he came back from fighting, even beyond him losing an eye. Sometimes I wonder if maybe he felt like he could talk to me or anyone about it he might feel better. I don't like seeing my brother hurting. He's always been so strong, but sometimes maybe strong people need help too.

What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
I think I'm pretty good at talking to people and listening, and I try hard to understand other peoples' points of view.

What do you consider to be your greatest weaknesses, or something that you think you need to improve on?
I probably have a lot of things I need to improve on really. I'd like to figure out ways I can fight a bit better than I do now, and I know I'd like to find out more about the prayers like my mother used to say that you could see when Toran answered them. I've been told that through prayer some really incredible things can happen if you have enough faith. I'd love to be able to see that or even do that if Toran lets me.

Oh, and sometimes I tend to ramble a bit.

//OOC Statements:
*   My character has no claims or ties to wealth or nobility.
*   I have read and understand the requirements and expectations of the Toran Leadership Program and I promise to abide by those rules both in and out of character for the five (5) months of the series.
*   I understand that this series is a rp-intensive opportunity, and my character will be undergoing the training in game that is normally covered in submission backgrounds to support the class that I have chosen, and that I will role play my character skills and abilities only so much as has been covered in the training as I go
.
Dogmatic statements for Cleric, Paladin, and Champion submissions:
1. I have read and understand the dogma and expectations of a Cleric of Toran and I intend to follow them to the best of my ability.
2. Janie is still learning the true dogma of Toran, but as she sees it now, she believes that Toran teaches His followers to be leaders and to care for others, and that some things are worth fighting for, and that people are worth protecting. She also has a desire to help those who have been traumatized by the ugly nature of fighting so that they can be more at peace.
3. Janie will continue training with the longsword and shield. She is of humble origins and will wear clothing that reflect her service to Toran and to the world, or full plate armor if necessary. She will wear the blue, gold, and silver that will mark her as a follower/priestess of Toran and she wears an Ankh pendant that was once her mother's before she died.

Any questions, please feel free to ask Lance or me, and if you need any help with the submissions we should be able to help you with that too if needed.  I'm hoping this should be a lot of fun, and rewarding for those who choose to participate.  Thanks!
~Alatriel

25

Trade and Market Hall / Slain a bear?

« on: May 27, 2011, 07:39:01 pm »

*The following is apparently written by some paid scholar of sorts, judging by the quality of the print*

Have you killed a dire bear as of late due to self defense or that the beast just wouldn't let you through or similar?
If so, and you skinned the poor beast (and took the meat for food, preferably), I am glad to announce we can take the pelt off of your hands
and give an ample compensation in coin.

We do, however, impose a limit on the amount of pelts we take at a time, so don't go out hunting the beasts into extinction...

The maximum we take from one person at one time is 3 pelts, no more.

We offer 300T per pelt.

Sincerely,
    X

26

World Leader Development Quests (WLDQ's) / WL Request, Andrew Reid - Level Twenty-Three

« on: May 27, 2011, 04:28:02 pm »

After a life as a musician, lothario, drunk, and adventurer, it seems Andrew Reid has finally thrown out an anchor.  To kick off our series Bards of Layonara we talked to the man in his inn, the aptly named Silver Buckle, about his life, his deeds, and what led him to own a bar.

This is a very nice inn.  Does this mean you’ve settled down?

I’m not sure I’d say that!  I’ve created a home base.

Fair enough.  Tell us a little of your biographical details?

Oh, um...I’m too tall, too skinny, and getting too old.  I have black hair and dark brown eyes and I like to sing, dance and wander the dunes of the cape at midnight...that last one was a lie, I hate getting sand in my knickers.  I have two sons and a woman who puts up with me and this big old liquor barn here.  And a wonderful family.  Hi, Mom!  You’ll print that, right?

Sure, why not.  So you’ve built your home base and now you’ve built your own stage...

I should call it All the Worlds, yes!  (laughs).

Prior to this you’ve traveled extensively.  What is your favorite place to visit?

You know, it’s like children – you can’t pick a favorite.  I love them all, they all have different flavor and personality.

Come on now.  You’re hedging.

Okay, fine.  I am partial to Leringard and Center is beginning to hold some memories for me; Lor, the Sederan desert...let’s see...I’m not as fond of mountain ranges I’m afraid, it’s hard to smoke at high altitudes.  Oh – Port Hempstead, and Mariner’s Hold of course.  I have a few quieter places I like to go and hide but I’m not telling where.

Hard to imagine you wanting to hide!

Sometimes you do.  Adventurers...it’s funny, I never started out to become one.  I still don’t think of myself as one – it’s convenient to say but really I’m a guy who looks for inspiration and finds it in strange and sometimes dangerous places.  So I’m not an adventurer, not really.  I’m just a singer with a danger fetish.  What was the question again?

Right -  you get yourself in trouble sometimes, willingly or not, and then hiding...yes.  Sometimes.

What have you hidden from that you’re ashamed of?

Oh, Muse (laughs).  I’d like to be honest but really there’s only one person who knows all the possible answers to that question and neither She nor I are giving details.  Let’s say that I’ve learned a lesson about running and hiding.  I do less of it now and I’m more careful of whom I irritate, or I try to be.  I try.

I’ve run from marriage though, once.  From women and fathers and once and a while from the law, although we got that worked out.  For now.

I think.

How about regrets, then?

Regrets, yes.  I know people say it’s a waste of time but you can’t deny the emotion.  I regret when I was trying to find an Ilsarian woman who’d gone missing and we did not find her in time, although we were able to recover her body and return it to the parents.  We never did find the murderer.  That one I don’t forget.

I regret a lot of the pain I’ve caused, mostly women, mostly because I was and I guess can still be an insufferable pri...jerk.  My woman keeps me honest there now, mostly.  I regret that my voice, a song of stunning and damage, has killed.  That one is still fresh...an accident, but it really drives home that sorry isn’t everything.  What if it had been my child?  Could I forgive someone else for that?  I guess I regret that I’m not a wiser man.

That sounds like a lot of your past.  Tell us a little more about it?

It is, it is.  I wasn’t – then, I was more likely to run into a bottle than deal with problems.  I lost most of my teens and twenties that way.  I started actually growing up at nearly thirty.  I had to take a crash course in emotional stability, I had to learn how to live with myself.  To accept my limitations and what I could and could not do.  That’s a work in progress - Gods, I sound like a Toranite – one moment. (lights a cigar)

There.  Had to rebalance things, you know?  Where was I.

Growing up, learning limitations.

Right.  I’d have to say the first time I was motivated to reach beyond myself was the tsunami in Port Hempstead.  That was overwhelming – before then I’d just written some music, flirted like mad, played my little songs wherever I could.  But that tsunami...I was there.  For the first one.  I ran from the waves with a lady friend in tow and I could not believe the destruction.  I went back and saw misery like I’ve never seen, suffering that I’d never known in my rather easy life.  It hit me hard and I ended up doing whatever I could, I helped clean up, I did corpse patrol for a while – that was extremely hard.  I guess that was the first baby steps in really seeing the world around me.

Then we knew the second one was coming and I got actively involved.  I suggested a way to link the magical energies that we all used to deflect the wave and it was quite a rush to have it turn out to be a good idea.  I was just blown away that I’d come up with something useful.  I stood with others there either protecting the magic-users or singing or casting our ever-loving hearts out and I felt part of something bigger, and that veered my path, nudged me in this direction.

The tsunami was devastating.  Was that the main catalyst for your current success?

It was the start.  It got me started helping...meddling, to some.  Like I said, I didn’t start out wanting to be an “adventurer” (makes finger quotes).  But when you travel you find that for every five people who shun you for meddling, there is someone who can’t get help from anyone else.

An example?

An example...ah.  I went to play in Fort Miratrix, this was quite a long time ago and I’d never been there so I wanted to see it.  When I arrived I played and things seemed normal, but the next day there was a murder discovered.  We traced that one for a long time, several of us ended up staying it through and we discovered a pit creature that was meddling with an undertaker and who – it chokes me to even say this – considered itself an artist of Ilsare, but the art was posing murdered individuals.  (pauses)

I’m sure there are others who could have taken on that task, but by the time you get word to this church or that group, and they have time to send someone to investigate, things have gone completely south and more people have died.  So that’s something I was glad to be a part of.  

There was an incident in the Sun Kingdom I recall where a community of elves had some nice land and the Sun Kingdom wanted it.  They hired us to kill the elves, essentially.  I’ll probably get in trouble for saying that.  We – there were a few of us – were able to negotiate to move the elves to a better location inside Erilyn, so with our meddling, no one died.   I check up on them a few years later, they were doing alright.

As a meddler, what are you most proud of?

For meddling?  Or just in general?

Let’s tackle meddling first – we’ll need another stack of paper for “in general” I think.

And that’s not counting music yet either.

I didn’t bring that much ink.

(laughs)  Meddling, adventuring, right.  I’m proud of a lot of things.  Maybe I should say I take joy in a lot of things.  Aside from what I already mentioned I’ve been a proud thorn in Rael’s side, trying to raise awareness of the wrongs of his governance, and that of the Blackguard in Leringard.  Someone has to watch the watchmen, to make sure that people – that they know it’s not all roses and champagne, power corrupts and it’s not enough to close your eyes.  I’ve done some teaching bardic tours to spread those songs as well.

And there’s Lor - I’m very proud of what we all accomplished in Lor.  I was there as an instructor...then as a motivator for their fighting forces, and I was there through Rael’s attempt to take the city and all the battles forward.  Tough as nails those people, if I take a second home, it will be there.  I’d like to someday.

I’ve taught, that is some meddling that turned out well – some special students and also a young lady who I helped to overcome a serious mental block.  Joining the Krandor Hospital, there’s a group of gold-hearted meddlers...we’re just getting started but it is something in which I see a lot of potential.

What else...I remember standing with a bunch of dwarves, defending Lan’s Port from attacking troll hordes.  Another time when the town guard needs our help – they didn’t have the numbers to mount a defense.  I was proud of that even if I couldn’t sing magic on a single dwarf.  What else...oh – Jed!  There’s another bit of meddling that still brings me joy.

Jed?

Jed’s a child I took care of.  We found him and a handful of other survivors in a cave, larder to some horrific creatures, after we got involved in a town of halflings who had unwittingly been providing girls to the slavers who were doing the feeding.  He was the only child who survived.  He could not talk when we found him, he was so traumatized.  We found out later he’d watched his mother be eaten.  

Dear Gods!

I know...it took myself and a few friends quite a while to ease him from his shell and help him find his voice again.  And to finally return him to his father.  He’s alive, he’s married, has children of his own now.  That, to me, is a perfect example of why I meddle.  To...not to fix, some things can never be fixed, but to aid...to give of yourself and discover so much about both of you in the process, that’s joy.  That is sharing Ilsare’s love.

All leading up to the war I did things here and there, I got heavily involved in the fight to keep Sedera from Cult hands and then I traveled to Fort Hope...meddling on a global scale, all of us doing whatever it took to put a halt to Molvaren’s expansion.

I’ve reported on a few conflicts, kingdom clashes and such.  What was your take on this struggle that brought so much of Layonara together?

Just that.  There were so many different kingdoms and rulers and temples and individuals involved it really drove home what we were facing – might still be facing, if they try to keep the Cult alive.  We can’t know if we got everyone.  (pauses)

I spent a lot of time in Fort Hope and Hilm talking to the soldiers.  Not the officers and the ones giving the orders but the ones who had to go out and charge the enemy.  We entertainers write a lot of songs and tell a lot of stories about, say, the heroic general and how difficult and lonely it is to lead.  But to me, the interesting ones, are the men and women who packed up and volunteered even though they only have one life to give.  The hero is the guy from Erilyn who left his family and came to Belinara because of them, because he understood what was at stake.  And I’m glad he did because I don’t read gnomish...long story.  Or the lady from Spellgard who walked away from her teaching position to lend her spells to the war, even knowing she’d be taking orders from Toranites.  And you had better believe that the scale of those battles left an impression, and fostered the kind of experience you only get with a common enemy.  I hope we all remember this and maybe we keep the knowledge that different isn’t bad close at hand.  At least for a few generations.

I would have to agree.  With all that you’ve experienced, is there one pinnacle experience?  I have a feeling you’ll hedge again...

No, I have an answer to that question.  My son.  I have a boy who I have a long road ahead to get to know again, he’s been safely away during the war.  I guess that’s my pinnacle, being a father and not being half bad at it, and also my most consistent pain that we had to send him away and it went on far too long.  But yeah – I can point to the inn or my music or my faith or my looks but in the end my legacy will be measured in part by the foundation I give him and how he carries that out and his children.  So my pinnacle is my boy.

You said you had two sons?

I...one child is with his mother and I am not allowed to see him.  I don’t -

Sorry to break in but I have to ask.  It’s well-known you are a fan of kids.  Why would you let a child go if you could take him?  You have land and money to help with his care, justices like that.

It’s not that simple.  The mother – he’s all she has.  I follow Ilsare, more than that, I believe in love.  Whose love should I put first, mother to child, or my own?  Should I hurt the mother so I can love the child?  Can I even make that determination?  I know what I felt Ilsare telling me.  I hate it and yes, there has been a crisis of faith if you will, but I know what She wants from me.  So now is not the time.  Maybe in the future.  Definitely when he’s grown, if nothing else.  But if I know what my Goddess feels, I can’t go against that.  I can’t.

You’ll pardon me for saying that you sound more like a cleric than a bard.  How did you come to be Ilsarian?

My family is Ilsarian, almost all of them.  They run a pottery shop in Huangjin.  I grew up knowing Ilsare.  I think I was eight...yes, eight, when I first really felt...heard...Her.  For hours, what I know now as the Heartsong I heard outside my bedroom window.  I could not stop listening, and that was that – I was Hers, not because my parents were but because it was part of my heart after that experience.  I spent a long time trying to hear that again.  Almost thirty years!

It’s not easy.  I struggle sometimes...I’ve followed Ilsare almost all my life but there  have been times I’ve been tempted nearly away, by Xeen, and other times that I have asked, why?  Why did this happen?  How could She let this happen?  I was very sick for a while and thought myself contagious and felt cut off and – well, it was bad.  I questioned.  And giving up my son, no matter how much I knew it was the right thing to do for Ilsare, that is a wound that festers.  I suppose my faith would never grow if I didn’t challenge it though.

Moving on, you’ve spent part of your life playing in bars and festivals.  Is there a memory that stands out from all the times you’ve played?

A memory...ahh, a few.  I’ve sometimes played incognito, due to the aforementioned law problems, and had some very memorable events.  Not all of them good, I’m afraid.  

I think the nights that really stand out for me are those when myself and other musicians get together.  That’s a big part of owning this place, the collaboration, the wanting to share.  I was recently in Center and was able to share a crowd with Karn, he’s played here before, and an elf acrobat and singer named Vell’dryn, and we had an archer friend named SehKy provide some fireworks with his arrows as well as music and later Gel’larian, another musician friend whom I collaborate with, came by – those are the best nights.  I’ve played with most of the bards that travel and a good number of the musicians out there and those always stand out.  It’s the way two people are never the same after interacting, the way each person contributes to the Heartsong in an ever-shifting song.  I’ve played with Flynn de Ballard, I’ve sung with Commander Lance Stargazer –

You did not.

I did, cross my heart.  He can sing pretty well, he’s got a good voice.  So yes, I’d say that the memories that really stay with me are the times we sing together and we gather to entertain each other.  

Do you prefer Ilsarian bards?  You’re a member of the Resonance of Being, correct?

I am, but that doesn’t mark a preference for me.  I learn more from entertainers of all faiths.  Let me qualify.  Faiths that Ilsare isn’t an enemy of.  That has to be said.

And the Resonance is there to teach you...what?

It’s not teaching so much as mentoring, I think of them as different.  No one can really show you how to hear the Heartsong; when I heard it as a child, no one could have prepared me for that.  No one can give you directions on ways to calm yourself, or excite others – it’s very personal and always different, just like the song of life is.  The Resonance of Being, as I experience it, is a group devoted to learning and sharing that learning and also to keep some controls on how people manipulate emotions with it.  I’m not usually a big fan of lots of rules but there is potential for severe harm, this hits you right in the heart.  

An example?

Let’s see – the first time I felt the effects of this sort of manipulation sticks in my mind.  This was from a lady in Port Hempstead who has a gift with music, and she was able to sing me from a pleasant, moderate state of mind to fury in a matter of a minute.  Boom!  Just like that.  Of course it was a demonstration and she warned me, but still, that was eye-opening.  I tend to focus on either whipping up a crowd with good feelings or trying to soothe, but any emotion can be amplified in another.  Anger, depression, joy, even heartbreak.  It’s powerful.

Sounds like it.  Is this a path for you, something you intend to focus on.

The Conductor told me long ago when I first applied to join that it was really truly the first day of the rest of my life and it is.  Like anything music, you learn, you play, you fiddle and adjust, but as the Heartsong is ever-changing so is the learning of it.  I have a pretty good knowledge of Self now, the sphere of Self, and I’m working on Other.  Beyond that there’s Many, and then Divine.  (long pause)

I’d like to know the Divine sphere.  There are arguments that it doesn’t exist or that it should never be attempted, that it should be left to Ilsare and the purity of the Heartsong, but I want to know.  That sounds arrogant doesn’t it?  But from the first time I heard the Heartsong as a child, I’ve been drawn to it.  I’m not the only one.  I’m not anyone special to Ilsare, just another bard.  But I would really, really like to have even a second’s understanding of Her, to hear the song of the entire world...Muse, that would be something.  And I believe it’s there.

Something like that might make you a powerful man, at least inside the Ilsarian church.  Is that something you want?

Power?  No. If I were to be given the opportunity to know Ilsare’s Divinity through the Heartsong, I think most people would not believe me anyway, and I’m not a power guy.  And I can’t imagine trying to extend myself into that sphere, or being able to teach it.  I really believe Ilsare will choose if She wishes someone to experience that, I wouldn’t want it to be a bardic tourist destination or anything.  

What do you want, then?  What does Andrew Reid want?

I have to think on that...

To find a love who will bear me children that can share my love with my lady Minu.  To teach – I have some students under Sedera I have to get back to someday, when things settle down.  To watch my sons grow into good men.  To prevent the world from being taken over by another Molvaren or Rael.  Maybe to someday earn a Band of the Heart, that would be nice.

Most of all, to continue promoting Ilsare by inspiring others.  Songs, writing, art, love, expression in all its forms.  If I am part of that, I know my Goddess is smiling somewhere, and there isn’t much more a man like myself can ask for.

Mr. Reid, thank you for your time.

It’s been an honor.  I have a list of names if you want to chase down some more of us to interview!



Quests List

29-Oct-2009 - Spooky Stories at the Crossroads (as self, first place, Hi No Tama)
28-Oct-2009 - Ring of Endless Light part one (Alzira/Zarianna chardev quest, pt. one only, as self and uninspired knave)
29-Oct-2009 - Just Desserts (as self and bemused bystander)
27-Nov-2009 - Tsunami Waves (Tempest in a Teacup - as self, moderately drunk want-to-be engineer and relentlessly helpful musician/spellcaster)
01-Dec-2009 - Tall Tales Night at the Wild Surge (as self, first participant, story of Liang and Rose Reid)
02-Dec-2009 - Loss of a Friend (as self and investigator, death of Ilsarian orphanage head in Hlint, sent letters in char thread)
05-Dec-2009 - Alazira's Cake Baking Charity Event (as self, ran Pie Song contest to add to charity proceeds)
15-Dec-2009 - Ride the Lightning (Jaelle's world leader quest, as self and bemused potion thrower)
20-Dec-2010 - Leringard Arms Open-Air Celebration (as self and drunken idiot, singing to entertain the participants)
26-Dec-2009 - The Artist (as self and investigator; a woman killed, and posed as...art?)
27-Dec-2009 - The Mercenary (as self, sucked into plot; love conquers all and dwarves don't fight fair when they're influenced by magic bugs)
31-Dec-2010 - Story Time in Hlint (as self, listened to Plenarius stories, sang some songs, and encouraged others to sing)
06-Jan-2010 - The Road Under Huangjin (as self and very short-lived adventurer)
13-Jan-2010 - Cleaning House (as self and tactician; elves in Sun Kingdom relocated to a much nicer plot of land in Erilyn)
14-Jan-2010 - Joining of Two Hearts - Fehriel and Talia's wedding (as self, was asked to be musician and write/perform a song)
20-Jan-2010 - Ben and Sonya's Funeral (as self, wrote and sang a song for Lana on the spot to honor Ben)
23-Jan-2010 - The Artist (as self and investigator; a whole family?  Something must be done!  To the coroners!)
27-Jan-2010 - Andrew's dev quest part one (as self; joining the Resonance of Being part one: listen to the dwarves)
03-Feb-2010 - Andrew's dev quest part two (as self; it's all about the Heartsong, dummy - accepted!)
06-Feb-2010 - The Artist (as self and Devil's Advocate and sneaky knot-tier; Crazy Lady Who Gave Away Her Kid and the Idiot Who Loved Her)
13-Mar-2010 - The Artist (as self and investigator; knock knock)
27-Feb-2010 - The Artist (as self and investigator; who's there? Pit Creatures!)
06-Mar-2010 - For Love of Canines (Tyra's dev quest part two only, as self and Useful Pain in the Arse who discovers the secret of the tower)
13-Mar-2010 - The Artist (as self and triumphant demon slayer and the only one who didn't slap down Ellis) (not that I didn't want to)
27-Mar-2010 - Love of Law and Law of Love (Daniel and Bella's wedding - as self and snarky observer - OBEY)
28-Mar-2010 - First Mate Harris Ja'ron interview for the Jakzonvilet (as Jimmy Fishhawk, shy kid from Creedo)
28-Mar-2010 - One Night Only - Willie the Bard! (as Willie, star of the show!)
03-Apr-2010 - Come Sail Away, Come Sail Away, Come Sail Away With Me (as Jimmy Fishhawk, neophyte sailor and soulless violin hunter)
10-Apr-2010 - Come Sail Away part two (as Jimmy Fishhawk, Protector of Cross-Dressing Women and desperate diplomat)
17-Apr-2010 - Quantum Trip (as self and vampire chow, to investigate whether a lich is taking up residence in the Ice Marshes)
23-Apr-2010 - From One (as self and irrepressible matchmaker of halflings)
24-Apr-2010 - Wake the Dead (as self and bald-face liar to Rofies, also starring Sonata the Wonder Horse)
29-Apr-2010 - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (as self with Sonata the Wonder Horse - accidentally ported into quest by MJ and made the best of it)
02-May-2010 - RP Event for Charity (as self, art afficianado, and Barbarian Calmer)
07-May-2010 - Lor, Border Campaign (as Singer, following trail of dark elves into a trap and refusing to believe that Gladyus is really one of us)
16-May-2010 - Sea Stories at the One-Eyed Harpy (as Singer, teller of tales heard from sailor Jimmy and witness to the destruction of an orc)
18-May-2010 - Measures and Rulers (as self and unwitting participant in the evil schemes of Stygian; also earned a spot on the assassination list)
23-May-2010 - From One: Double Take (as self and investigator of a town being withered by...what?)
30-May-2010 - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The Dawning of a New Day (as self and part of aiding a town to find a traitor)
12-May-2010 - First Meeting, Krandor Hospital (as self, full member, and co-suggester of KART with Shadowleaf)
13-Jun-2010 - Defense of Lan's Port (as self and frantic bolsterer of spirits) (also potion flinger) (and stoneskin gem applicator)
19-Jun-2010 - To Die As You Lived, An Enchanting Tale (as self and flirtatious distraction)
25-May-2010 - StoryTeller's Night in Krandor (as self and budding illusionist)
26-Jun-2010 - To Die As You Lived, Green With Envy (as self and undead hunter)
05-Jul-2010 - The Culling of the Trolls (as self and frantic bard)
10-Jul-2010 - From One: Third Time is a Charm (as self and loudmouth and failed bluffer - do not bluff next to a Rofie...)
11-Jul-2010 - Annwyl and Ysgraine's Wedding (as self and musician and friend of the brides, wrote and sang song for wedding)
11-Jul-2010 - Storytelling Night: Dragons (as self telling story of the Kushiri and the Redlands)
??-Jul-2010 - Elohanna's Character Dev Quest (as self and supporter)
02-Aug-2010 - Trip to Blackford Temple (self and worried father of sick child) - retconned
03-Aug-2010 - Coalition Romp (as self and tamer of the shrew)
07-Aug-2010 - Shadowleaf and Feawen's Wedding (as self and entertainer)
07-Aug-2010 - From One: Who Hired Who (as self and soul-strand-losing standard Bard™)
19-Aug-2010 - Omnia Pro Aegroto (as self and catcher of the world's worst STD) - retconned
20-Aug-2010 - To Die As You Lived, A Hunting We Will Go (as self and intrepid mushroom hunter)
28-Aug-2010 - Molten Isle Beckons Yet Again (as self and goggle-eyed dragon viewer)
06-Sep-2010 - From One: Jed (as self and self-appointed therapist of child)
12-Sep-2010 - Meeting in Castle Mask (as Singer and Angela-appointed watchdog of Argali)
13-Sep-2010 - To Die As You Lived, Half Is Sometimes Twice As Much (as self and Caerwyn-appointed leader of the chaos)
17-Sep-2010 - Running Free (as self and flower chaser/returner)
19-Sep-2010 - Knight of the Wyrm Initiations (as self and cheerer for Daniel Poetr) (and mumbled heckler)
22-Sep-2010 - Trial, Dark Elf Archer (as self and guy who just happened to wake up in Hlint to a trial)
23-Sep-2010 - Spotlight on Lor (as self and interviewer of Investigator Smith and clue-hunter)
10-Oct-2010 - From One - Coming Home (as self and reuniter of families)
13-Oct-2010 - Zigruum's Fireside Chat (as self and idea-thrower)
13-Oct-2010 - Triple S (as self and not very intimidating GDC hunter)
16-Oct-2010 - Council Meeting in the Great Forest (as self and Reporter On the Scene and so what if she's a dragon?  She's HOT!)
23-Oct-2010 - Military Training Exercise (as James Standish, scout and team leader)
24-Oct-2010 - The Mist (as self, mist monster food and protector of children)
25-Oct-2010 - Company of the Muse trip (as author of the ancient elven poems found)
30-Oct-2010 - Leringard Arms Reopening (as Lana Poetr, one half of the singing duo LANDREW; and as self after the strappy sandals started to hurt)
31-Oct-2010 - Spheres and Dreams, Reid's Discovery of Self, part one (as self and learning member of the Resonance of Being)
01-Nov-2010 - How to Win Friends and Influence Giants (as self and bardic teacher - resulting in five months under Sedera, see private thread)
18-Nov-2010 - Darts Night at the Silver Buckle (as proprietor, along with Elly - hosted first darts night)
22-Nov-2010 - Giant Plans VI (as self and refuser to kill giants - left quest early on rp grounds)
25-Nov-2010 - Silver Hand (as self and supporter of a dwarven fibber; also arranged meeting at the Buckle with Connor and Anna to further information distribution)
27-Nov-2010 - The Hunter Becomes the Hunted (as self and failed negotiator - quest ended early because of goblin in party)
28-Nov-2010 - Understanding the Heartsong Can Be Torture (as self and tortured soul)
05-Dec-2010 - Cult Strike - Moraken's Tower (as self and attempted defender of Ilsare's Shrine in Hlint, and dirt napper, and eulogist, and singing healer)
07-Dec-2010 - Company of the Muse (as self and co-discoverer of Ilsarian artworks with Gel'arian, Zari, and Raz)
12-Dec-2010 - Stalking the Borders of Kuhl (as suicide squader and drach killer)
14-Dec-2010 - Tales of Adventure! (as self and proprietor of the Silver Buckle running a storytelling night)
16-Dec-2010 - The Trouble With Hlintites (as self and scrying helper and supporter of Elohanna)
20-Dec-2010 - Moves Within Moves (as self, and not-self with Darthy while trying to find a Cultist, and bardic cleric once again)
20-Dec-2010 - BOOM!!! - Explosive Dwarven Lass (as self and idea tosser regarding ballistae)
21-Dec-2010 - Letters of Love (as self and intrepid story hunter, and defender of wronged fisherfolk)
24-Dec-2010 - Moves Within Moves Part Two (as self, bard for the Lor Army, healer of giants, and writer of songs)
28-Dec-2010 - First Annual Demon Card Contest (as self, spectator, runner of bets and winner of money)
29-Dec-2010 - Mess With the Bull, You Get the Horns (as self and just plain adventurous person in the underground minotaur city)
06-Jan-2011 - The Trouble With Hlintites (as self and panicked lover of a dying woman and Blackford Flagbearer)
08-Jan-2011 - It's Got 8 Legs, I Just Need Two (as self and skeptic of the spider hunter and "Let's try and talk to it!" guy and stupid, dead optimist)
19-Jan-2011 - Willie's Concert (as Willie the Bard and insufficiently prepared would-be ambusher)
22-Jan-2011 - Callahan's Breweries Presents - Storytelling Night at the Bull's-Eye (as self and teller of a real downer tale of sacrifice)
23-Jan-2011 - Meeting with Ragrian (as self and procurer of twenty Halberdiers and a handful of bards for the war effort)
24-Jan-2011- Coalition GCDQ - Orphanage (as self and snarky latecomer and manners police)
24-Jan-2011 - An Obvious Trap (as self and back-upper of Lance and caster of useful vocal illusions)
25-Jan-2011 - War Council Meeting in Blackford Castle (as self, suggestion offerer, and Wolfswood liaison - premeeting only)
26-Jan-2011 - Wolfswood Rangers (as self and co-procurer of twenty ranger scouts for the war; with Vrebel and Shadowleaf)
01-Feb-2011 - Gel's CDQ (as self and auditory illusionist and distractor of crazy blonde elves)
07-Feb-2011 - A Big Hand - Help For Our Cause (as self trying to convince a tribe of giants to act as spies for the allied forces; with Gurnorhn and Tyra)
09-Feb-2011 - Ad Lib Madness by the Gates (as self and leader of the least sensical storytelling ever; for Elohanna and Nokka)
13-Feb-2011 - Attack on Northpoint (as self and combat bard)
19-Feb-2011 - Disease (as self and singer of the remove disease song)
02-Mar-2011 - Haven Castle Needs Your Help (as self and battle bard and Shiff antagonizer)
06-Mar-2011 - Sederan Defense (as self and dragon and vial carrier and chaotic SOB)
13-Mar-2011 - Sederan Defense, Ongoing Actions (as battle bard and dragon admirer)
17-Mar-2011 - Arrows and Blades, SehKy and Keela's chardev (as self and musician and learner of the Resonance)
20-Mar-2011 - Sederan Defense, the Final Push (as battle bard, helping to destroy Ori portals)
24-Mar-2011 - Healers of the World, Rejoice! (as self and reactive idiot and woman-and-child-murderer, Krandor Hospital chardev)
26-Mar-2011 - Exploration to the Peaks (as battle bard)
28-Mar-2011 - It May Be the Demise of Us All (as member of Gel's Company of the Muse and battle bard and body dragger)
31-Mar-2011 - Feeling Lucky, Punk? (as proprietor of the Silver Buckle gambling establishment and guy who hasn't figured out rigging the house yet)
07-Apr-2011 - Thunder Peaks Expedition (as battle bard and mithril miner who actually hammered off one chunk. One.)
11-Apr-2011 - A Kettle of Strange Brew (as self and brewer and assassin vine seed hunter)
18-Apr-2011 - Fort of Last Hope - The Siege Begins (as battle bard and unnecessary giant interpreter)
18-Apr-2011 - A Kettle of Strange Brew (as wagon chaser and advocate for a poor sap used as a decoy)
21-Apr-2011 - The "Self" Proclaimed Bard (as self and helper to a blocked woman via Resonance and sudden, desperate father of unknown son)
25-Apr-2011 - A Kettle of Strange Brew (as self and ROCKER OF THE WAYFARE INN while others did the hard work)
05-May-2011 - Amaria (on IRC, as self and singer to dreams and soother of fears)
11-May-2011 - Fort of Last Hope (as self and opener of dwarven doors and scout of weed-choked passageways - oh yeah, and singer)
15-May-2011 – Fort of Last Hope (as self and Ori slayer – okay, potion flinger – and master singer)
20-May-2011 – Stormcry Hollows (as self, helping to destroy Broken dragons)
24-May-2011 - The "Self" Proclaimed Bard part II (as self and miserable wretch, deciding to let go of a lifelong dream for a biological child in favor of Ilsare)

Impromptus that come to mind (I made up the titles):

Mixafix, Numerous Attempts to Kill Andrew (and the Birth of Willie the Bard); OsX, To Sell a Dark Elf; Redeemer, Love Will Keep Them Together (on the Dragon Isles); Redeemer, the Lady Ivanova Smithson mystery (done mostly on forums through pm plus Wake the Dead and To Catch a Killer); The Master, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star prelude, The Mystery Box (help Twinkle and Darla get back a Very Important Package); The Master, I Ate What? (returning home a lone survior of a goblin attack); OsX, Welcome Home (prelude to Aya's character submission); OsX, Can't Trust 'Em (where Andrew is killed for being Dutchess's slave); OsX, Drums of War (prelude to Defense of Lan's Port and Culling of the Trolls); Redeemer, Here Kitty Kitty (obtaining cat pelt for Vladimir Marksman); OsX, "Self" (where he discovers not all spiders are stupid; see follow-up, "It's Got 8 Legs"); Nimrod, Spider Spider on the Wall (where a dark and evil man taunts adventurers through the spider caves); thedagda, Misted Village Golem (where a golem is discovered, coveted, whined over, and finally destroyed amid heavy sighs); OsX, Gambling Night at the Silver Buckle (where Osx shakes down a new inn owner).

Background work:

Pankoki, Xeenite Infiltration for Jaelle's WLDQ; Miltonyorkcastle, "training tour" to spread anti-Rael and anti-Blackwatch songs throughout Mistone and follow-up with Selma the Bard; Bardic Tour (ongoing, A Bardic Tour thread, Rumor Has It); Pankoki, investigations into an orphanage raid; OsX, investigations into Saida and subseqent discouragment (information passed to Emwonk); Argali Trueaxe, to become boat instructor for Lor Dwarven contingent and a brief stint as swimming instructor (and the birth of James Standish, in Lor thread, Rumor Has It); Mixafix, obtained a herd of horses for Lor's cavalry; OsX, letter sent requesting audience with King Briant of Erilyn (for Elohanna); thedagda, From One, the healing of Jed (solo, then with Emwonk, Daniel, Feawen, Caerwyn and Lana) and dagger follow-up and destruction (with Lana, Emwonk and Caerwyn); Mixafix, Follow-Up, Spotlight on Lor and other Lor activities (static quests with Argali, Angela, Alantha); Redeemer, Cruelty-Free Silver (where Andrew and Gurnorhn try to obtain silver without slaughter, and Andrew teaches some giants to sing); Rowana/Dorganath, the acquiring of backers for, and purchase of, the former Weary Traveler and transformation into the Silver Buckle Entertainment Establishment and Fine Lodging (with Damon Silverdawn, Chakar, Buddy Tenker, Caerwyn, and Arkolio); Rowana/Dorganath, Hlint is Poisoned (where Elohanna aids the town after the attack on Moraken's Tower and becomes ill; Andrew conducted many visits in-game to keep her spirits up and that of the Aeridinite Sisters and entire town on a few occasions and participated in forum rp regarding her move to Xora's Tower and subsequent cure, see Innocent Investigations forum); The Master, Willie's Last Show (where Willie does not properly prepare and a number of winged gatecrashers bring the house down); Redeemer, A Big Hand (where Andrew, Gurn, and Tyra head to the desert to bring some giants into the war as spotters for the Audiran refugees); Miltonyorkcastle, The Hit (where Andrew as Willie engages in a teaching tour as he travels, to get anti-Cult songs on people's lips and in their minds); Dezza, Stormy Weather (where Andrew gambles to get Mist's Riptide to aid the cause, with Hardragh and Pallena in crucial roles and Angela/Alantha and Raz as backers); Welcome Home (where Elohanna comes home for a visit to the Buckle, in game and forum rp with Gulnyr, Anamnesis, and special guest star Dorganath); Masterjack and Dezza, Coaliton Net-throwers (using his MJ quest reward to try and speed up getting plans for a net-thrower to use against the myrdrachs and dragons).

Relevant threads:

Character:  

http://forums.layonara.com/development-journals-discussion/250492-andrew-reid-letters-home.html

Private:  

http://forums.layonara.com/private-development-journals/251522-andrews-songbook.html

Bardic Tour:

http://forums.layonara.com/rumour-has/255592-bardic-tour.html

Lor:

http://forums.layonara.com/rumour-has/253892-lor.html

Plot Quest:  

http://forums.layonara.com/dragon-storm-campaign/282836-sederra-defense-rp-thread.html

http://forums.layonara.com/dragon-storm-campaign/283080-fort-last-hope.html

Please see also Silver Buckle forum.


How do you see your character being or becoming a World Leader?

Something to do with the Heartsong, specifically the Divine Sphere.  This is the dominating character development quest arc for my character and will be pursued whether I am approved to try for WL or not.  In conjunction, something that leads him to earn Band(s) of the Heart.

What sort of position and/or title do you envision for your character?

Nothing specific, although earning some Bands of the Heart might equate to title in Ilsare’s Church.  He’s not title-oriented.  Not being tied to positions leaves the character more flexible to me and therefore with a greater chance he’ll see the same amount of play and not succumb to World Leader Disease.

Thank you for your consideration,


RC

27

General Discussion / Alabama Distruction

« on: April 28, 2011, 02:19:24 pm »

As some may know Alabama was hit with serious storms and tornados. Our town was hit by 3 tornado's. We are without all utilities for the next 3-5 days. No power, cable , phone or cell. I had to drive over an hour into TN for gas and cell service. We have had several deaths and they are still searching. Please keep these families as well as others in your thoughts and prayers.

Mooneyes/Angela

28

General Discussion / Big thanks to Dezza

« on: April 26, 2011, 02:47:31 pm »

I know when the plot quest concludes that we will all stand up a applaud Dezza for his works. I want to stand up in the middle of the chaos and say that the job he is currently doing is nothing short of amazing. He seems tireless in this effort. Dezza not only creates engaging write ups but he incorporates the endless stream of PC actions into every write up, which tells me he is also reading and replying to what must be a mountain of PMs. One of the great things that Dezza is doing with these write up is in how he portrays each PC so true to how they are played.

My deepest thanks go out to you Dezza for your work, creativity, and the energy you are putting into this effort.

29

The Silver Buckle / Kin Singin' Night

« on: April 22, 2011, 08:55:45 pm »

[SIZE=24]The Silver Buckle would like to present:[/SIZE][/I]

Kin Night, in honor of those who so diligently renovated the Silver Buckle and those who have been among its loyal patrons.

Dwarven songs are encouraged!  Anyone wishing to perform will be given the opportunity!  

Set aside the stress of war and loss for one night, and remember why it is we do this.

.......................................................

Stacked below the flyer is a selection of lyrics, some by Andrew Reid and some well-known popular songs for the dwarf who does not write his or her own, to try their hand at performing.


"Onward" (in dwarven, translated to common)

Urrzhazht, urrzhazht, urrzhazht rurzh / Lazhzi' waurhk' kur ponururto kazkath! / Urrzhazht, urrzhazht, ur'h ponaztath az rhnurzh / Kur 'azhgathk k'al k'aah waazkath!

Urrzhazht, pohurk'ahth, urrzhazht kur / Urrzia lurha arkur k'a pohaazzi'! / Urrzhazht pohurk'ahth, ponururt zhann wanurzh / Kann hat zha thkazar k'a poaazzi'!

Urrzhazht zh'ana k'a pourtaath thkazzig / Ziazhgark rhazolark wahurl k'aah pourra! / Urrzhazht rhhaththark k'a azkkazzig / 'rkan zha haazzi' k'aah k'hurra!

Urrzhazht, pohurk'ahth, zi'aawa az'aazt / K'a poazkkna tharkth ur'h ponururt! / Urrzhazht, pohurk'ahth, zinaazga 'ath 'aazt / Azrt naazga ak ar k'a l't!


Onward, onward, onward now / March forth to bloody gates! / Onward, onward, our blades a plow / To harvest them their fates!

Onward, brothers, onward go / Once more into the breach! / Onward brothers, blood will flow / Till red we stain the beach!

Onward while the bodies stack / Carving payment from their bone! / Onward pressing the attack / Until we reach their throne!

Onward, brothers, chief ahead / The battle sings our blood! / Onward, brothers, cleave his head / And leave it in the mud!


"Dwarven Army Marching Song"

Drink drink drink drink

Drank drank drank drank

Drunk drunk drunk drunk....

I was drunk last night
I was drunk the night before,
And I'm gonna get drunk tonight
Like I never been drunk before

For when I'm drunk
I'm as happy as can be
For I am a member
Of the Dwarven Army

And the Dwarven Army
Is the best family
The best of family
That ever you did see

With the highland dwarves
And the lowland dwarves
And the underground dwarves
And those other  dwarves!

Sing Glorious!
Victorious!
One keg of beer for the all of us!
Sing glory be that there are no more of us
For one of us can drink it all alone!

Pass the beer, pass the beer, to the rear of the line!


"Bring on the Beer"

Some of us come here to make with the merry / And some of us laugh with fermented glee; / Some of us flirt with the maids quite contrary / And some of us come here to drink ourselves free

So bring
On
The beer
The ale, the wine and good cheer
Bring out the sloe gin and let's get to dancin' for the sauce can be takin' the blame

Some of us sit here to drown out a sorrow  / And some of us sit here with no place to sleep;  / Some of us sit here till dawn brings the morrow / And some of us salt our drinks while we weep

But bring
On
The beer
The ale, the wine and good cheer
Bring out the whiskey and let's get to frisky cause we'll be hanged for a fool all the same

Whether here for our woes.....
Or to sip in repose.....
We'll get drunk from our head to our toes...soooo....

Bring
On
The beer!


"Me Beer and Tobacco"

Well it's all for me grog, me jolly jolly grog / It's all for me beer and tobacco / For I spent all me tin with the lassies drinking gin / Far across the western ocean I must wander

Where are me boots, me noggin', noggin' boots? / They're all gone for beer and tobacco / The heels are worn out and the toes are kicked about / And the soles are looking out for better weather

I'm sick in the head and I haven't been to bed / Since first I came ashore with me plunder / For I spent all me dough on the lassies movin' slow / Far across the Western Ocean I must wander

Where is me shirt, my noggin', noggin' shirt? / It's all gone for beer and tobacco / The collar is all worn, and the sleeves they are all torn / And the tail is looking out for better weather

Where is me bed, me noggin' noggin bed / It's all gone for beer and tobacco / Well I lent it my wench, and now the sheets are drenched / And the springs are looking out for better weather

Where is me wench, me noggin' noggin' wench / She's all gone for beer and tobacco / Her (clap) is all worn out and her (clap) is knocked about / And her (clap) is looking out for better weather

Well it's all for me grog, me jolly jolly grog / It's all for me beer and tobacco / I spent all me loot in a house of ill repute / And I think I'll have to go back there tomorrow!

"The Pig"

One evening last October, when I was far from sober / And dragging home a load with manly pride / My feet began to stutter and I fell down in the gutter / And a pig came up and parked right by my side

Then I mumbled, "It's fair weather when good comrades get together" / Till a lady passing by was heard to say, / "You can tell a man that boozes by the playmates that he chooses" / Then the pig got up and slowly walked away

I began to scratch the gravel, on my all fours I did travel / I rambled down the road the best I could / When I awoke next morning, just as the day was dawning / I was in a hog pen away out in the woods

Then the hogs began to grumble, I started and I stumbled / I fell right in their midst and there I lay / Then one by one they started, till all the herd departed / Yes, every hog got up and walked away

Now lately I've been thinking that I will quit my drinking / I'm going to leave off whiskey, beer and grog / For there's no consolation, but only aggravation / When you can't even find friends with a hog

30

Layonara Server / Update coming tonight

« on: March 16, 2011, 08:47:03 am »

Hey all,

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

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

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

31

The Dragon Storm Campaign / Rise of the Long Storm

« on: March 03, 2011, 02:00:16 am »

Above the skies of Audiria, not even a day after the Cult dragons attacked the walls and main gates of the beleagured city the alarm bells ring yet again. Black smoke drifts above the desert sands creating long thin trails into the upper atmosphere in the clear bright morning sun from buildings still burning from the attacks the day before.

The bells ring loud and clear, those brave enough to venture out on the streets that morning run quickly for underground shelters in various buildings around the city that still stand. Once again pikemen, nervous and sweating already from worry and stress move to positions designated around the city to mount what minimal resistance they can offer against the sheer power and brute force of the Cult dragons that have brought their nation to a standstill and killed or made refugees of thousands of their countrymen.

A Synod Cabalist, one considered to be amongst an esteemed order of the elite of the Sand Sea Synods forces waits beneath the overhang of a building with thirty pikemen at his back. He waits with his hand shadowing his dark eyes against the already burning morning sun as he seeks the tell tale specks in the sky that will signal the position of the attacking dragons.

Soon he has them, coming from the west. He watches as they descend from up high a number of miles out from the city over the desert itself. He watches as they gather momentum tucking their wings into their bodies for greater speed generation. In that moment he cannot help but admire the sheer natural power and grace of the beasts but nor can he ignore their potential for destruction. Glancing back at the men behind him he can smell the fear in them. Many had not eaten properly for days, some had lost family and friends already and most were simply not trained for war such as this. Motioning for them to wait and stay hidden he continued to watch the west soon losing sight of the Dragons behind the city walls. At the speed they were coming he estimated it would only be minutes before they would reach the city walls and the attacks would resume.

Closing his eyes the Cabalist called on his ancestors to be with him and prayed as he had done so every day for the last few weeks as if it would be his last day on this world. Touching a sacred relic of his family to his forehead and his lips he walked from the place in which he had hidden and stood to the middle of the dusty street. He signalled his men to stay hidden. There, alone in the middle of the street he called on the Al'noth, words of power that wrapped and twisted around him in currents of energy and the flow of magic that he believed came from his ancestors.

Deep into his castings he heard the first roar and glimpsed the flash of a dark shape as one dragon hit the western wall and rock and debris, men and dust exploded into the air. Fire filled the air in the street ahead and more buildings burst into flame. Then there was a second flash as the other dragon landed on top of the temple to Azatta and breathed fire into the streets around it setting more buildings alight.

Within moments the morning had been shattered in a cacophany of bells, dragon roars, flying debris, fire and the sounds of the wounded or dying.

The Cabalist spoke words of power and ice fell from the skies striking the dragon breaking through the cities western wall. That wall held the gate to the desert road that led to North Fort. Then, more words and harsh crackling lightning arced out in raging blue tendrils to wrap around the creatures neck and wing.

The dragon roared its fury and launched heavy boulders torn from the walls itself at its attacker. The rocks thundered into buildings around the Cabalist and he glimpsed quickly that one struck the place where his men were waiting. He could hear their screams in the dust that now filled the street but forcing his mind to the task at hand their cries become just part of the background noise as he released himself to the magic and cast everything he could summon at the dragon.

Some attacks fizzled and brushed off the dragon, others ran like rain down its skin while others seemed to cause the creature harm. Enraged it advanced on the Cabalist down the street taking time to tear down and destroy everything around it, buildings were smashed into pieces, people who ran into its path were torn apart, the road was clawed into jagged chunks, and clouds of dust and sand were raised by the massive wings as the creature slowly advanced.

At the same time in another part of the city the other dragon that had caused destruction from atop the temple had moved into the streets and was systematically hunting for any people it could find, buildings were either torn down or turned into raging torrents of fire in its rampage.


All the while far into the desert to the west a storm was rising. Winds picked up across the desert and slowly formed a maestrom that rose slowly and gradually until far in the west the sky was filled with a tall whirling tornado of sand particles. All around it hot winds sucked cold air from far above, drawing it down into the spinning vortex at its centre. The sudden condensation causing an intense build up of electrical energy within its core that was realised by sharp and jagged flashes of lighting and deep peals of thunder. The storm gathered strength building higher and higher, wider and wider and then it began to move eastwards.

Oblivious to the rising storm the Cabalist watched his death advancing on him. The massive enraged Cult dragon had allmost reached him and been able to shrug off most of the energy he had thrown at it leaving him nothing in reserve. Waiting for the inevitable he closed his eyes as the dragons claw moved towards him and its violent roars filled his years.

Then...far above the storm from the desert broke over the city, the sky darkened all at once and the spinning vortex of sand enveloped the city. The violent wind blown sand cut vision to no more than a few feet, and the winds howled through the streets, lighting lashed out and struck at any object that rose above the main level of the city and thunder roared within its depths.

Blown off his feet the Cabalist was flung against a building by the force of the sudden wind, sand lashed at his exposed skin and forced its way into his eyes and mouth. The Dragon that had been about to strike him tried to leap into the whirling maelstrom to escape and was all at once smashed into the ground as two smaller forms tore into it. The Cabalist fought to blink away sand and fix his gaze on the confused images, his mind barely able to adapt to the sudden change in the air around him and the battle before him. Awe and shock filled him, disbelief rose in his heart and then the thought that his prayers to his ancestors had saved his life filled his mind.

Struggling to see or even move in the vicious sand storm he could barely make out the shapes tearing and ripping into the larger dragon, blood splattered on the ground as the larger dragon tried desperately to escape its attackers and gain some height. The combat was ferocious between the three combatants but it was clear the two smaller foes had gained the element of suprise over the larger. The Cabalist fought to regain his feet fighting against the fierce winds as the larger dragon managed to break away from its attackers and leap into the air. There, a massive discharge of lightning thundered into the creature and with a stench of burning flesh and a loud thump its lifeless form hit the ground. The shockwave from the blast sent the Cabalist back against the wall again where he collapsed unconscious.

Meanwhile the other dragon had noticed the approaching storm and leapt into the air to evade it. The storm seemed to surge towards the fleeing creature and just as it reached it a huge blue skinned shape emerged from the storm. Lightning issued forth from its open maw along with hundreds of tendrils of electrical energy from the storm it had created. The massive discharge enveloped the fleeing Cult dragon and when the flash dissipated dust and ash, all that remained of the dragon drifted slowly towards the desert floor.

With a deep throated roar the Long Storm circled the city, the storm he and his kin had created starting to dimish, leaving a thick layer of sand over the entire city.

With another deep roar, answered in kind by two smaller dragons, a gold and a slate coloured one that rose from the city to join him. The three dragons headed west once again.

And as the dust settled, the people emerged to behold the wonder of their salvation from the Cult dragons.

32

General Discussion / Gnome quest a bit later

« on: January 17, 2011, 04:15:00 pm »

// For some technical dificulties Our gnome game will start 30-40 mins after the original planning time There are no updates on the quest on calendar tough.

So it will start at  10 pm GMT more or less.

Your understanding is appreciated

33

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

34

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]

35

Hall of Heroes and Heroines / Sallaron Tempest

« on: December 21, 2010, 10:33:15 am »

Sallaron Tempest.

For many, the name may have little to no meaning. Just an ordinary name for what was supposed to be an ordinary man. So ordinary, that the only thing this man ever wanted ... was to be ordinary. Live out an ordinary, simple life.
And he tried so very hard to have the ordinary life, fought so hard to have it, and fought even harder to keep it, that in the end... it became so very far removed from an ordinary life that he himself would find himself a hero.

Some may perhaps come across his journal. Some may consider it a mish-mash of unexplainable jargon. Others may find it worth the read, with pearls of wisdom hidden within its lines.

Others, perhaps of a certain character, might perhaps recognise his other name, Lord Reaver.
A name chosen for him by another, and given to Sallaron to protect his family from the things he was forced to do, and had to do, to keep them safe.
Step into Hurm and ask of the name, and hear what tales they tell of this ordinary man. I guarantee you will be surprised.

And if you should know the secret of Folian's Wood, pass through there, in the depths of the Forest of Mists. Pass through Folian's pass, and find the stream by the cliffs, and the old bench that sits there.
Take a moment to sit and rest, and read the moss covered plaque.
And remember, that there is no such thing, as an ordinary life....

36

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

37

Layonara Server / Version 3.30 is online!

« on: October 27, 2010, 08:02:36 pm »

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

 

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


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

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



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

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


And now, onto the meat:
 

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

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

 And of course, there are benches.
 

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

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

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



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


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



 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Go forth and enjoy!

38

The Silver Buckle / Inn For Sale

« on: October 20, 2010, 08:41:33 pm »

**a sign is tacked up prominently for all to see by a couple of rather young kids under the oversight of their grandmother, a blond-going-grey woman who is well known after her years of work at the inn/tavern.**


Tavern and Inn for sale

For all interested parties, the Weary Traveler is up for sale.

• Spacious bar and seating areas
  
• Convenient location
  
• Ample stage for performances
  
• Publicly-available kitchen facilities
  
• Private office
  
• Rent-able rooms
  
• Lower-level boarding area for long-term lodging
  
• Potential (limited) free remodel (included with purchase price)
  
• Sold as is, along with all furnishings

Interested parties should contact the Weary Traveler in person or by mail.  Serious inquiries only.

Asking price: 800,000 True*

This is a limited-time offer. If an acceptable buyer is not found within  a year's time, the property will be purchased by the municipality for  resale to a merchant or other individual.

 [SIZE=10]* Sale price and terms are negotiable.[/SIZE]

(( OOC:  This property is being sold by the current PC owner. It is  currently a dual-purpose property, with player housing as well as plenty  of event space, both of which are currently going unused. If someone is  interested in operating the inn and potentially renting out the housing  space, then great. Listed sale price is based on actual value in  database but as noted is  negotiable. The desire is for this to stay  within the community and to  be RP'd out as much as possible but if  there is no interest the property  will become 'just a tavern' and the  used housing space will be removed  from the module. The owner will take  a loss in its sale to the state/NPCs. All proceeds, regardless of sale  price, will be used to start a new business venture, leaving the net  profit at zero or more likely a loss.))

39

Layonara Server / Significant update coming soon!

« on: October 17, 2010, 10:24:28 pm »

Hey all,

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

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

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

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

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

That's it!  Happy downloading!
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40

Roleplaying / Impromptu Quests

« on: September 25, 2010, 01:29:03 pm »

I have spoken to a couple of people that are really not into being involved in impromptu quests for various reasons. I thought it would be cool if some of us who would VERY MUCH like one occasionally could post character names so bored GM's looking for something to do could pop in and drop something in our laps without fear of a negative reaction from a player... Anyway:

Stygian Achnuman.