Posts Thanked By User

21

Guilds and Councils / Attention: Guilds and Organizations

« on: January 28, 2013, 04:17:25 pm »

Want to create an icon for your organization to be displayed as a badge for members under their profile?

The icon must be 32x32px and preferably having a black background unless the entire image takes up the 32x32 in which case the background is irrelevant. Please reply and attach the image in this thread.

Here's an example shot of some of my "badges" on the new system.




Also please note you no longer need to apply for membership to specific deity based forums or the druid one. The system will automatically know you have a character who follows that deity (provided your deity is correctly entered upon creation or a GM has set your deity).

22

Important Layonara Announcements / A new year, a new site and NWN server renewal.

« on: January 21, 2013, 02:40:01 pm »

Hello!

Firstly, Layonara's servers will be renewed again for a year. Yay! So you can rest easy that as long as there are volunteers to keep the cogs greased the world will continue to run.

Secondly, there are about to be some significant changes to the sites. Every Layonara site and feature has been rolled into one all new site. That includes LORE, the forums, the gallery, the calendar, the character pages, the personal messages, the downloads, the devlog etc.

Let me say the new site is awesome. I can't begin to describe how many features exist. I think players will love the ability to tag anything with your character and then your character's page aggregates all this information. Whether it's a forum topic, a gallery image, maybe quest participation each "node" can be associated with as many characters as you wish.

Here's a current screenshot of the front page to give you an idea of the look and feel of the site.



Anyway, it's getting pretty darn close to being ready so I hope you share in my excitement for its new launch. I'm sure some of you will be a bit concerned with transitioning to a new system but we've tried to keep every single feature that exists already into the new site.

I'll be happy to answer any questions about the new site and we'll go through a period of adjustment I'm sure but moving forward to have the entire codebase in one place is a real benefit to everyone's end.

Also as you may already know, the servers are being paid for their annual renewal again and every dollar you can help to donate will ease my expenses. I've included the links to donate once again for your convenience.

Donate to Layonara in AUD

Donate to Layonara in CAD

Donate to Layonara in EUR

Donate to Layonara in USD

Thank you,
James

23

Introduce Yourself / Hello Fellow RPers!

« on: January 17, 2013, 05:07:00 am »

My name is Karasu Inoue and BOY do I love RPGs.

I'll be RPing my character Velphia here mostly (if she's approved) and if I can I'll also RP Fyorin. Both are Wood Elves.

This is such a rich lore I'm honestly surprised I've never heard of this place until today! :O I can't wait to see the future of Layonara!

24

General Discussion / End of an Era

« on: January 02, 2013, 12:57:42 pm »

For many of you this will come as no surprise, my absences of late  saying far more than words.  I wanted though to remove doubts and make  it official.
 
When I joined way back, Layonara was a different place with a different  vibe but like all things it has evolved over the years. People and  places change and sometimes relationships grow apart.  Its hard to admit  when something no longer works and that apart is far better than  together.
Layonara was a salvation in my life in a time when I needed an escape  from my reality.  Now Layonara only serves mostly as a catalyst of angst  and that's not the way it is supposed to be.
 
So from here forward I am stepping down as an active game master and  administrator.  I will still be around in the background as part of the  team for Lore consultations and I still have some quest loose ends to  tie up or move to other game masters.  I am not leaving all together as I  will be turning my concentration to the art of the MMO and writing.
 
Sincerely
  Minerva

25

Layonara Server / Bonus XP Week....ish

« on: December 17, 2012, 11:34:38 pm »

Do I have your attention?  *grins*

It's time again for one of our famous bonus XP events.  Here's the details:

• Begins on Saturday, December 22, 2012 *
• 50% more XP from combat
• 100% more XP from GM-led quests/events, RP rewards and Auto XP
• Ends on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 *

[SIZE=10]* Start and end times will depend on when I get to it[/SIZE]


Bear in mind it is the holidays, and GM availability will be subject to other obligations first, but I've gotten assurances from at least some of our GMs for scheduled and impromptu events and the like.  



Rewards for RP are rated higher than combat, so remember to make time for it.  There have been several new characters lately from new and old players alike, so hopefully there will be some good opportunities for all.  Old faces are always good as well, of course. Make something happen!

26

NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / Improving Layonara Experience.

« on: December 09, 2012, 09:36:06 am »

Im opening up this thread to bring together people who may have some unorthodox, under-used and/or other-server-inspired ideas for improving the Layonara experience that does not necessarily require other people playing.

Presently, solo-able activities are CNR gathering, grinding, playing cards. Unfortunately, Layonara experiences a decent number of players most frequently whenever a quest is on and this to me may be because there is nothing else to do but grind a very very long, ardous and unenjoyable ladder to the next level on your way to 40, or up the CNR levelling ladder (grinding as well).

So.. has anyone got some thoughts about scripted/automated systems that could be designed and put into Layonara that allows for people to do things when others arent online and keep them entertained. Thus keeping a higher population presence on average and hopefully.. bringing in more people so that they can then group together and do stuff?

Repeatable quests (darkstorme was running a bounty hunting deal once)? Randomized spawns (yes, dangerous and perhaps not suitable since people have to put arguably too much effort into characters to get them to high levels that may then be torn away by a cruel spawn)? A different type of minigame other than basically NWN pokemon ? Perhaps randomized events where a GM can come on, activiate a code and something bad happens to a village or something else and with a message on the forums, people can come investigate and solve the area (this would require work in advance and isnt friendly on people lacking time). Just throw your idas in and lets see if we don't come across something workable that the dev time is willing to invest time in that may improve the playing experience on a server before it goes stagnant at all times except for quest days.

27

General Discussion / Arena Tournament?

« on: December 01, 2012, 07:15:33 pm »

Hey all,

I was just thinking about putting on a little quests in the Vehl Arena. A fighting tournament, with level brackets. Those would be New Adventurer (1-15), Veteran (15-20), and if more show up, perhaps another category, (21 and up). There would be one on one duels for each bracket, as well as a battle royal for each bracket. At the end the New Adventurer champion would try to take on the Veteran champion, but the Veteran champion would have limitations to the equipment, weapons, and armor he or she could use, for both the top three of each battle royal champions, and the winner of each one on one duel would also fight, with the Veteran having the same limitations as those in the battle royal. Perhaps with some food vendors and weapon venders, and with special weapons as rewards for victory? I would be willing to run it, but perhaps with some GM assistance. Just throwing this idea out there to see how many would turn up, and if it would be a good quest or a flop.

Just a though
Teo

28

Rumour Has It / Spikes and Frost

« on: November 30, 2012, 01:55:36 pm »

*Görmungard is once again organizing a journey to honor the Battle Father and to cull down more nefarious creatures, to plunder their riches and to acclaim glory*
*This time he wishes to go to the Great Spikes region north of Krashin*

Link to Calendar

29

The Silver Buckle / Hungry

« on: November 29, 2012, 11:27:44 pm »

Daylight seeps under his door and he's not slept at all.  A night of writing letters to any food vendor he knows, to Denock Wisefoot of Wisefoot Trading, to White Mouth Harbor, to Bydell...anywhere he might find a source of sustenance.  The fishermen he'll deal with in the...oh, yes.  Well.  In a half an hour, probably.

Despite his depression, despite the music that he feels unable to make, he is hopeful.  They've come, his Bucklers; Charlie and Kat, Rook and Melody, the Captain, Vell, even Keela and SehKy have thrown their hands into the effort.  And his wife, trying so very hard to help him, and this once completely unable.  He aches for her.  A healer who cannot heal, even as he is the cause of her pain.

It doesn't change anything to know that.  No music he makes will ever come close.  He is a fraud, and he's passed up perfection in favor of his moral compass.  He can look at himself in the mirror.  He just doesn't want to.

Enough.  There is too much to be done to indulge in another round of pity-me.  That hundred thousand dollars he didn't spend is about to be put to use, for he's certain the fishermen will not part with their catch cheaply these days.  He and Minu are handling that as they are well-known on the docks.  Melody and Kat have agreed to go to the merchant's quarter and take note of the vendors, what they're selling, and to ask about what farms are still farming and what farms are failing and who's already left.  Keela and SehKy are going to spend some time in the poorest parts of town learning what the people really need, what they really want, so the soup kitchen does what it needs to do and not what he thinks it needs to do.  Vell has agreed...well, that's not quite right, he's been voluntold to figure out how to mushroom farm.  They grow fairly quickly, after all, and he can cook the pits out of a mushroom.  Good protein, excellent flavor...Melody's idea to rent the warehouse and use it to grow the mushrooms until they have a food supply is brilliant as well.  Another ripple of hope, not a wave but he feels it.  He has good friends.  It is a blessing.

Argali has proposed some locations to put farms that are not targets for the dark elves or the pit moths, one of which she's visiting - Bear Island.  If farms there can be protected from bugbears, they're certainly out of the way enough to not attract attention.

One last letter to write and it isn't long.  He seals it with a read wax clef.  Instead of her name, he sketches her on the envelope - the curved ears, the flowing hair, the luscious figure draped strategically in green...alright, perhaps it's a bit much detail, and perhaps he's spending too long getting those details just right.  He's tired and making mistakes that have to be re-drawn.  That's his story and he's sticking to it.

And...there.  A black bear by her side, and it's done.  He prays a moment that she'll answer, and she'll know.  He's prepared to bankroll a lot of testing to bring those farms back.  It all depends on knowing how.

For the hundredth time he picks up a cigar, then puts it down. Lola is in here, curled in his red chair and fast asleep.  Minu does not like him smoking around the child; she begs for a puff too often.  So long as she's in here he cannot indulge and his teeth are starting to itch from want.  Which means time for Miss Lola the night owl to be taken to bed and for him to get started on his day.

Night owl.  That's a good name for her.  His little night owl...

30

General Discussion / Happy Thanksgiving

« on: November 22, 2012, 07:25:01 pm »

...now that we're all post stuffing and wondering if we can fit in another slice of pie (no, but give me a few minutes), Happy Thanksgiving to all the Yanks out there.  

btw, deep fried turkey...rocks.  And I didn't burn the neighborhood down.

31

General Discussion / The time has come...

« on: November 11, 2012, 10:06:39 pm »

Greetings Layonara Community,
 
 It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from the develoment of NWN-based Layonara after doing this for seven years and some change.  This is a move I have planned for some time (and almost did several times), and which has been needed for some time, but I am only just now making it a reality.  My development focus is now shifting completely to the MMO effort and Layonara's long-term future.
 
To keep NWN Layonara going in a development sense, I now officially pass the torch to the capable hands of Script Wrecked, who will now be responsible for all future fixes and updates.
 
 I know you've all heard this plenty of times, but...this is not a “good-bye” letter. I am still very committed to and invested in Layonara and its long-term future. I still like to play here even (when the stars align properly), GM here and participate in this community. I do not see these things changing.  My presence will remain, but my fingerprints will no longer be on the updates.
 
 There's not a lot more to say here, so join with me in congratulating Script Wrecked on his new position.

32

Layonara Server / Version 3.31 is online!

« on: November 03, 2012, 10:38:22 pm »

[SIZE=24]Version 3.31 is online![/SIZE]

 I'm going to start this one out by thanking all the people who contributed first, because without them, this update would be a lot smaller...and a lot less cool.  So in no particular order, I'd like to give my personal thanks so Alatriel, Guardian 452, Script Wrecked, Honora, Xaltotun and mixafix for their specific contributions and/or initiatives. Specific contributions will be detailed below.  Similar thanks go to the members of the Project Team and GM Team who contributed to various efforts with input and perspective.  Lastly, a fair amount of this content comes from the community as a whole.  While some things may not seem like direct requests and suggestions, the original motivations for some come from the community at-large, so thanks go to you all for bringing forth your ideas, even if we've managed to twist them from their original forms.
 
As I mentioned within the last few days, there is an updated HAK and TLK file required for this update. If you haven't downloaded them yet, please do so now.

 [SIZE=16]Fixes:[/SIZE]

• Fix Find Traps skill bonus     calculation
• Fix heal kit static drop in Swamp     of Sorrows cave to be the correct version
• Fix spelling and grammar issues on     discarded papers in Tomb of the Emerald Skull

[SIZE=16]Area updates:[/SIZE]

• Updated –     Hallowlight Forest (A path! A path!) {1}
• Updated –     Fieroz City, formerly Fort of Last Hope (now matches the description     in established lore) {2}
• New – Siphe     Castle (interior) {2}
• Updated –     Partial Great Forest facelift (adjusted spawns, new layouts and a     new cave...somewhere)
• Updated –     Silkwood Spider Cave (adjusted spawns for density)
• Updated –     Leringard, main city and docks (now more closely matches approved     description) {2}
• New –     Leringard undercity (Yep! New mid-level adventuring areas with a     progressive difficulty) {2}
• Edge tile fix     in a quest area {3}
• Some extra     CNR scattered around in a few places
• Added trash     barrel to Center
• Vale and     Clover reflect recent attacks and destruction
• Magic     returned to the Great Rift following several CDQs by Storold and     crew
• Change start     point in Center to be away from the portal
• More grouped     under another heading (below)

[SIZE=16]Armor Crafting updates:[/SIZE]
 There are some pretty significant changes to Armor Crafting, specifically for the metal armors, helmets and shields. This project was spearheaded by Guardian 452 and ultimately most of the heavy lifting was done by him, but it was definitely a group effort with significant input coming from members of the Project and GM Teams. In terms of specifics...

• Metal helmets     reduced to one type per metal. Since each helmet variant differed     only in appearance, they were wasting valuable palette space.      Helmets can be customized to any of the other appearances. Recipes     are likewise reduced to one helmet type per metal.
• Metal shields     reduced to one type per metal and size factor (small, large and     tower) for the same reasons as the helmets.  Recipes are likewise     reduced as above.
• Redundant     Platinum Chain Shirt removed from palette
• Added a     craftable breastplate for each metal type as a step between     chainmail and splint mail
• Added     Platinum and Cobalt shields
• Completely     reworked the properties of all armors across all metals.  Armors,     helmets and shields are designed to complement each other and work     as a set.  There is a more consistent progression between armor     types within each metal and upward through the metal types. If     anyone wishes to take advantage of the new properties, old metal     armors can be “oxed”. Anyone wishing to keep the old properties     may do so.
• Tower shield     recipe ingot requirements reduced by 1

Specifications on the new armors, shields and helmets will be posted elsewhere.  They would make this post far too long.
 
[SIZE=16]Thrown Weapons:[/SIZE]

• Weight     and cost significantly     reduced on throwing     axes
  
• Crafting     yield increased on throwing axes
• Stack size     for throwing axes increased to 100
• Elemental     rods can now be applied to throwing axes, darts and shuriken

[SIZE=16]Loot!!![/SIZE]

• Loot drops     updated with over 100 fresh items lovingly designed and created by     the Layonara Project Team.  These items replace a similar set of     100+ unique items you've all come to know and love over the last few     years. Special thanks to Guardian 452 for taking the time to create     the final items.

[SIZE=16]Shifter PrC forms:[/SIZE]
 A while back, we disallowed two Epic Shifter feats from being used due to some serious lore violations with the forms. Particularly, these were the Construct Shape and the Undead Shape feats.  It doesn't take much imagination to understand why constructs and undead are somewhat the antithesis of Layonara's Druids as we have represented them in lore.  Anyway, at the motivation of Xaltotun and mixafix, we started an effort to replace these forms with something more compliant with lore.  While the end result differs quite a bit from their initial proposal, proper credit is due to them for getting the ball rolling.  
 
The Undead Shape feat is now Nature Entity Shape, and the Construct Shape feat is now Manifestation Shape.

• Nature Entity     Shape – The Shifter can take the form of one of three nature     entities: Nature's Warrior, Nature's Vengeance and Nature's Wrath.      These forms have new properties associated with them that are around     the same power level as the undead forms but more appropriate for     the forms that are represented.
• Manifestation     Shape – The Shifter can take the form of one of three     manifestations: Obsidian Manifestion, Hematite Manifestation and     Diamond Manifestation.  These forms are basically re-skinned and     renamed, but mechanically the same as the Construct Shape forms.

For any who are curious, a “manifestation” is a concept from our MMO work that is formed around an entity out of whatever natural materials that are available, thereby giving the formless entity a form.
 
Full details for these feats will be available on LORE shortly.
 [SIZE=16]
General Game Features:[/SIZE]  

• Ship captain     conversations updated to be a little more descriptive about their     destinations {4}
• New     customization system.  This is actually a system GMs have had for a     while but which was never adapted for player use. It's easier to     use, better organized, allows cloning of appearances (subject to     racial/gender/type limitations), has easier-to-use coloring and is     always successful. That's right, there's no more DCs for modifying     equipment and no more wasting potentially hundreds or thousands in     True for all those failed checks.  A small fee still applies, but     it's far more reasonable. Thanks to Script Wrecked for adapting the     system for player use.
• Updated math     for the Save vs. Soul Mother. *listens for the sound of jaws hitting     the floor* The new progression goes like this:
• Levels 1-3:         Automatic success – no chance of Soul Strand loss
• Levels 4-20:         DC = level / 2
• Levels 21+:         DC = 10 + ((level – 20) / 4)

[/LIST]In other words, below level 20 (and above level 3), the chance of losing a soul strand from dying increases by 1% for every two (2) levels.  Above level 20, the chance of losing a soul strand from dying increases by 1% for every four (4) levels. At level 40, that chance sits at 15%. {5}

•     New system – AutoXP.  This system allows a new mechanism for GMs     to reward good RP. Rather than a single hit with a fixed amount,     this system will grant a small amount of XP, based on the     character's level, at regular intervals over a period of time as     long as the character is logged in, not idle and not in combat. {6}

Low-level/New player experience:

•     Adjustments to Center crypts and undercity spawns to be more     friendly to a solo, low-level adventurer
•     Dirty Claw Kobold spawns tweaked
•     Adjusted combat XP curves to give a boost to characters through     level 12. Formerly, this curve flattened out at level 3.
•     Moved a Point of Interest to make it easier for the new player as an     introduction to the system
•     New characters get more True to spend
• Adjusted     combat XP calculation for parties to reduce or eliminate the XP     reduction when a character is below the average party level,     especially by larger margins. This actually affects everyone, not     just low-level characters, but the effect will be more profound for     this group.

As an important comment, any items removed from the palette have been converted to dynamic items, so if they are put onto an ox, they will not be destroyed.
 
 I'll be making a few more posts related to this update soon, but until then feel free to ask questions that come to mind.
 
 Notes:
 [SIZE=10]{1} Primary credit to Guardian 452[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=10]{2} Primary credit to Alatriel[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=10]{3} Primary credit to Script Wrecked[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=10]{4} Primary credit to Honora[/SIZE]
 [SIZE=10]{5} Please note, this reduction in the Save vs. Soul Mother DC is a purely OOC change. Please do not RP or acknowledge any sort of change in this mechanic in any in-character way. There is not IC reason for it.  There's no greater purpose or mysterious shift in the Cosmos, nor have your characters become “stronger” somehow or the Soul Mother gotten “weaker” or “less hungry”.  This is simply me adjusting the curve, as we have done in the past.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10][SIZE=10]{6} This system is completely at t[SIZE=10]he discretion of the GMs, and they may[SIZE=10] enable or disable it for any character at any time for any reason. It is not an entitlement, it is a reward. Please treat it as such[/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE].
[/SIZE]

 Enjoy!

33

Just for Fun / 12 creative ideas that will change your lives!

« on: March 13, 2012, 11:58:42 am »

Here you go

34

General Discussion / Merry Christmas to all...

« on: December 25, 2011, 01:57:11 am »

... and to all, a good night!  *falls asleep*

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

-- Clement Clarke Moore

35

Layonara Server / Bonus XP and GP Week

« on: December 22, 2011, 10:56:24 am »

Hello Layonara Community!

Between now and some time on January 2nd, 2012, everyone will receive bonus adventuring, quest and RP XP as well as bonus GP drops.  XP will be awarded at twice (2x) the normal rate and GP will drop in 50% larger quantities (1.5x) than usual.

This is our "gift" to you for the holidays (whichever you may or may not observe) as a thanks for helping make Layonara what it is and what it will continue to be.  Please enjoy the bonus, but also remember the value of RP here.

36

Just for Fun / Before the world ends *cough*... a must see movie!

« on: December 21, 2011, 06:19:22 pm »

Behold! 'The Hobbit’ Trailer Is Here | Movie Talk - Yahoo! Movies

37

General Discussion / Early Merry Christmas

« on: December 21, 2011, 02:46:01 pm »

Traveling out of town this year, will be back next Monday; to all who I will miss in game and out, Merry Christmas and may your holidays be full of friends, family, laughter, fruitcake, and rum-besotted eggnog.

Happy holidays all!

38

General Discussion / It's a boy!

« on: December 15, 2011, 03:21:32 pm »

At 3:05am, EST on December 13th, 2011, my wife gave birth to a beautiful 7lbs 5oz (3314g) baby boy. We are over the moon, healthy and tired. I hope to see you all soon.

Gilshem

39

Wild Surge Inn / Mistone Explorers

« on: December 11, 2011, 02:41:29 pm »

A nicely-written note posted:

Tired of the crafthouse grind? Looking for fresh air and adventure? Put down those tools!

Seeking: adventurers who enjoy long walks in dangerous places, sipping healing potions by a campfire and whispering tales of treasure while scouting ahead. Join me for a journey across the wild, wonderful continent of Mistone. Observations of local fauna before they try to kill us. Let's find some Places of interest for a Mistone Explorer's Badge!
Write your name below for a return to adventure.

Love,
Drawna Eldreal

(Warning: risk of injury, dismemberment, death, fear and loss of many healing items. Faint-hearted need not apply)


// I am looking for a fun trek across many areas of Mistone with a group of low to mid-levels (7-15). Lots of places to see for people who have trouble soloing. Added perk is finding those points of interest markers for satisfaction and xp :-) I am thinking Sunday Eve Dec 18 7ish pm EST until Whenever. Meet at Center. Lurking DMs welcome too of course!

40

NWN Ideas, Suggestions, Requests / Add Drop Items

« on: November 30, 2011, 09:34:20 pm »

I think I have seen mention of discussions on this topic somewhere before, but it would certainly be nice to get some new items added to the drop list. Not necessarily more powerful, but different. Seems we have had pretty much the same drop list for over 5 years.