* Antique ShadowFox Star joins the adventure.
>Tulsidas stands up.
>
* Natural Priestess Dayerin Maud'divv joins the adventure.
Tulsidas sits down on a soft, black leather recliner.
>Exxy says, "That would be Dayerin logging in and doing character conversion crashes. I still don't know why old characters cause that"
>
* Magical GameDirector Autumn Moonfortune joins the adventure.
Magical GameDirector Autumn just arrived.
>
* Disregardable Bolvar Fordring joins the adventure.
Disregardable Bolvar just arrived.
>
* War Lord Staran Nazka joins the adventure.
War Lord Staran just arrived.
>
* The Eternally Lost Clauddvon Maud'divv joins the adventure.
Staran asks, "wait, was that just me that dc'd?"
>Staran says, "or are you all just way faster than me"
>Exxy says, "Nope, that was a crash and we're all faster than you appraently."
>Bolvar glances at Staran and flexes.
>The air ripples with the distortion of some magic and you notice Clauddvon appears, looking dazed and confused.
>The air ripples with the distortion of some magic and you notice Dayerin appears, looking dazed and confused.
>Exxy grins.
>Exxy says, "Glad you two could make it"
>Staran asks, "is that the crash that happens, every time a new character is made?"
>Clauddvon says, "Nice to be here."
>Clauddvon smiles.
>Clauddvon snuggles up to Dayerin resting his head on her shoulder.
>Tulsidas nods.
>Tulsidas says, "indeed"
>The smell of Exxy wafts around Autumn.
>Exxy says, "I think it's an old crash that happens when older characters are converted to a newer (~2010) system"
>Tulsidas says, "with a purpose too"
>Autumn removes a silver necklace dangling an intricate filigree heart from around her neck.
>Autumn puts a silver necklace dangling an intricate filigree heart in a small cloth bag smudged with charcoal.
>Clauddvon grins at Dayerin.
>Clauddvon says, "Looks like we caused a crash."
>Exxy asks, "Making an entrance?"
>Exxy grins.
>Autumn pets Bolvar.
>Clauddvon nods.
>Tulsidas coughs.
>Staran asks, "is there any way to upgrade all old characters, behind the scenes?"
>The black diamond dragon curled around Clauddvon's leg suddenly comes to life and travels up his body until it wraps itself around his waist, poised to strike at anything that moves.
>Exxy says, "We had a few dozen people show up on Monday throughout the evening and a bit more than that on Facebook sying they'd try to make it today.. surprised to only see five players here."
>Dayerin's platinum pin glows softly for a moment.
>Tulsidas says, "yep, me to... I pledge allegiance. "
>Exxy nods at Staran.
>Exxy says, "There is, but if it's related to the new character crash, it won't matter. I added some stuff this week to try and troubleshoot it, but it's still an ongoing mystery."
>Bolvar says, "We got quality, not quantity."
>Bolvar says, "The quantity comes later."
>Tulsidas says, "I agree"
>Tulsidas leans on Bolvar.
Exxy chuckles.
>Bolvar grins.
>Clauddvon says, "Gratz to you and Autumn. Last I heard....years and years ago, you were going to be living together. 6 years married now. Gratz"
>Staran says, "hopefully you have some luck tracking down the new character crash thing"
>Autumn beams at Clauddvon.
>Bolvar says, "I'm bugging Llanos right now, at least I think it's Llanos."
>
* Canned Beef Chrysagon Delacrue joins the adventure.
Canned Beef Chrysagon just arrived.
>Autumn says, "Thanks hon."
>Exxy says, "Yeah just about.. August is our 6th"
>Exxy grins at Clauddvon.
>Staran says, "cause when the new people start showing up, doesnt keep them around long when the game dies"
>Autumn grins at Bolvar.
>Bolvar says, "Probably doesn't help when people kill em either."
>Bolvar whistles a few notes.
>Staran says, "once they're here, it's fair game"
>Tulsidas says, "again with the killing newbies"
>Exxy says, "So let's get started then and talk about what we like in Eaxia that we want to make sure doesn't change as it relates to throwing away and rebuilding how combat works. That's the first, major core item that needs to be done going forward as it stifles a lot of the enjoyment that comes from advancing your character's progress."
>Tulsidas looks at Bolvar and blinks.
>Clauddvon asks, "So, you done yet?"
>Exxy says, "Clearly we know what's broken.. ranged combat, PvP.. obvious items. But let's talk first about what we like."
>Clauddvon grins at Exxy.
>Clauddvon asks, "Overhaul done?"
>Autumn laughs at Clauddvon.
>Exxy bites Clauddvon!
>Exxy asks, "Anyone want to start?"
>Tulsidas says, "not PvP now."
>Clauddvon rubs his nose.
>Staran says, "personally, i like the huge variety of weapon choices"
>Tulsidas says, "critter hunting first"
>Bolvar says, "We like treasure, too."
>Staran says, "the downside, is that skill in them currently, doesnt really matter"
>Tulsidas says, "no"
>Tulsidas says, "we like spells"
>Bolvar says, "Incentive to hunt other than experience is good."
>Tulsidas pushes Bolvar a little.
>Bolvar scoffs at Tulsidas.
>Bolvar asks, "Who needs spells when you got guns?"
Exxy says, "Okay so there's a few topics, let's start with weapon variety and skills"
>Bolvar glances at Tulsidas and flexes.
>Autumn punches Bolvar.
>Bolvar adjusts his footing and prepares to dodge.
>Tulsidas says, "one is combat... the other is teh rewards of combat. stay focused child.. stay focused."
>Tulsidas rubs Bolvar.
>Bolvar may participate in this meeting as a ghostly spirit.
>Bolvar groans.
>Tulsidas says, "few at first"
>Tulsidas says, "dagger needs crits for theif and healer"
>Tulsidas says, "short sword crits to necro and wiz"
>Tulsidas says, "broad to paladin and barb"
>Tulsidas says, "greatsword I mean"
>Autumn asks, "Staran, can you elaborate a bit about what you meant when it came to skill not really mattering?"
>Chrysagon says, "i like broads"
>Clauddvon leans on Dayerin seeming to rest against them for a few moments.
>Bolvar snickers.
>Tulsidas says, "crossbow and bows to thief and ranger"
>Tulsidas says, "I could go on and on... please."
>Exxy asks, "So what I'm hearing is that a giant variety of weapons is nice because it gives people the opportunity to be uniquely skilled and talented in a way that's fun for them. But currently, being skilled in one weapon versus another doesn't feel very different and the skill ranking itself doesn't seem to influence combat much. That the summary there?"
>Staran says, "well, it seems that my base damage/to hit rating/etc at my level, is good enough to just pick up any weapon"
Tulsidas says, "we just gotta start"
>Tulsidas says, "by ... stopping everything we used to do and fix simple first."
>Bolvar nods at Exxy.
>Staran says, "and yes exxy, that seems a pretty fair statement"
>Clauddvon asks, "Do you have a new system of combat mechanics already in mind?"
>Exxy asks, "Anyone disagree with my summary at all or is that a pretty universal opinion?"
>Clauddvon gazes at Exxy.
>Bolvar says, "I agree."
>Exxy says, "I've had 13 years of ideas come and go"
>Exxy grins at Clauddvon.
>Tulsidas nods.
>Tulsidas says, "sure"
>Clauddvon says, "More than that. I have emails from 2001."
>Clauddvon laughs.
>Exxy says, "Yeah but the original combat rewrite was slated for 2004"
>Exxy hums to himself.
>Clauddvon nods.
>Staran says, "i'd almost like to see new skills added, for groups of similar weapons"
>Staran says, "swords, blunts, etc"
>Tulsidas asks, "they went with what implementation?"
>Clauddvon says, "I love DR honestly...the system they use, if replicable, is great."
Staran says, "the higher that skill, the better your to-hit chances are with any of them"
>Exxy says, "So same variety of weapons, but fewer skills that are specific to weapon types"
>Clauddvon says, "Doesn't have to be DR, but dr'esque."
>Staran says, "but, higher skill in the specific weapon coulld maybe influence the damage ability"
>The black diamond dragon resting on Clauddvon's shoulder suddenly comes to life and wiggles its way down his body to curl around his leg where it grows still.
>Chrysagon nods at Clauddvon.
>Exxy says, "While we're talking about weapons, one thing we absolutely have to do, one method or another, is add requirements to gear (both weapons and armor)."
>Bolvar asks, "What sort of requirements?"
>Exxy says, "The problem with our current gear system is that there's nothing preventing a level 100-appropriate weapon to wind up in a level 1 player's hands."
>Tulsidas blinks.
>Exxy says, "Which means we can't make really awesome weapons and armor that just destroy lower-level stuff"
>Tulsidas says, "far from our first problem"
>Staran says, "diablo 3 style"
>Tulsidas asks, "which is what?"
>Clauddvon gets a black bomb from inside his pack.
>Clauddvon grins at Dayerin.
>Exxy says, "Or any MMO style... there's a reason they all use a level/skill-type requirement on gear."
>Clauddvon puts a black bomb in a leather shoulder pack.
>Staran says, "better the stats, higher the level to equip it, basically"
>Exxy says, "I tried to work around it with the weapons from the fortress (like the greatthorn) by making it really hard to get in and items that bind to players as they're acquired."
>Staran says, "a level 1 can use plate armor and a greatsword.. prob just crappy ones"
>The black diamond dragon curled around Clauddvon's leg suddenly comes to life and travels up his body until it wraps itself around his waist, poised to strike at anything that moves.
>Exxy says, "But in reality, we need a system that can scale with monster difficulty"
>Tulsidas says, "sliding scale of defensive protection, from negative to positive, based upon age and trains"
>Exxy says, "And outside of PvE combat, this is also highly applicable to PvP where you could have a level 10 guy with super gear he shouldn't have yet just whoop your sorry level 100 a**."
>
* Destroyer Llanos Baloth joins the adventure.
Your mind hears Bolvar thinking, "There he is."
Bolvar seems to be focusing intently on a swirling black-and-purple ensyiatite pendant.
>Your mind hears Chrysagon thinking, "ahoy there"
Chrysagon seems to be focusing intently on some gray ensyiatite horn sleeves that encase the entire horn.
>Your mind hears Tulsidas thinking, "indeed"
Tulsidas seems to be focusing intently on an ensyiatite ring bearing the Semanri city crest.
>The black diamond dragon around Chrysagon's waist suddenly comes to life and slides up his body to curl itself loosely around his neck.
>Autumn's golden ship glows softly for a moment.
>Autumn removes a small golden ship.
>Autumn puts a small golden ship in a small cloth bag smudged with charcoal.
>Your mind hears Llanos thinking, "hey fellas"
Tulsidas says, "give him that annotated version of the meeting so far."
>Exxy says, "It's one of the reasons combat never got super exciting in Eaxia -- and it was too costly to the playerbase to throw out all the existing gear people are attached to just to fix it."
>Tulsidas chuckles at Exxy.
The air ripples with the distortion of some magic and you notice Llanos appears, looking dazed and confused.
>Tulsidas says, "yes"
>Llanos smirks.
Tulsidas says, "I agree"
>Bolvar playfully punches Llanos in the arm.
>Llanos grins at Bolvar.
>Chrysagon nods in agreement.
>Chrysagon waves to Llanos.
>Llanos turns to Chrysagon and offers a hand salute.
>Llanos says, "good to see ya buddy"
>Autumn waves to Llanos.
>Exxy says, "Will catch you up, Llanos... we're talking about gear diversity as it applies to combat and how Eaxia's current combat system is stale in the sense that most weapons feel very similar and even higher skill levels don't seem very influential."
>Chrysagon says, "likewise"
>The black diamond dragon around Dayerin's neck suddenly comes to life and slithers up and around her shoulder to rest on her upper arm.
Tulsidas says, "but gear/weapon perks should be easy to bring forwar with just us feew."
>Tulsidas says, "few"
>Llanos pokes at a spiked and blackened skullcrusher.
>Llanos says, "i agree"
>Llanos grins.
>Exxy says, "The proposed solution is to make gear follow the same model that many MMOs and other games do by having progressively better gear come with level or skill requirements to use so that they can be statted appropriately."
>Dayerin's platinum pin glows softly for a moment.
>Tulsidas says, "just start over.... this is all decoration for an age gone by."
>Tulsidas taps some solid draconian platemail scorched from intense heat.
Exxy pokes Tulsidas's belly.
>The black diamond dragon around Clauddvon's waist suddenly comes to life and slides up his body to curl itself loosely around his neck.
>Tulsidas says, "no... really..."
>Bolvar says, "I wouldn't be opposed to that, but I'm sure a lot of people would be."
>Tulsidas says, "out side the city is misty stretching in all directions.. as far as you travel."
>Llanos says, "and honestly i was just stoping in to see everyone, bit busy today. just wanted to make it known that i love the little community that we have here and will be a fan till the end."
>Exxy says, "Essentially, yes -- when we throw away the existing combat system and start over, we're also talking about changing how gear and spells work too, not just for the sake of balance, but because there's really no way to adapt it forward (one reason we never did it)."
>Tulsidas says, "things are changin"
>The black diamond dragon around Clauddvon's waist suddenly comes to life and slides up his body to curl itself loosely around his neck.
>Clauddvon says, "I wouldn't be either, but I don't think it applies to the fluff. Anything with stats, sure."
>Autumn says, "Losing gear isn't such a huge deal, it's losing the custom stuff you had made back in fundraiser days, or that you've had altered, etc. That's what people will care about, I think."
Exxy grins at Llanos.
>Chrysagon smiles at Llanos.
Exxy says, "Fine, fine, Llanos.. we'll catch you later then"
>Llanos turns to Exxy and offers a hand salute.
>Llanos says, "appreciate it"
>Llanos says, "have fun guys"
>Exxy says, "Yeah we're not talking about non-gear items. Clothing, trinkets, and what-have."
>Autumn says, "Llanos - I'm logging, so it will be posted somewhere at some point."
>Tulsidas says, "there are 8 of us here"
>Tulsidas blinks.
>Tulsidas blinks.
>Tulsidas blinks.
>The black diamond dragon around Chrysagon's neck suddenly comes to life and slithers up and around his shoulder to rest on his upper arm.
>Tulsidas says, "we work.. you customize as we go."
>Llanos performs a crisp hand salute.
>Destroyer Llanos just left.
* Destroyer Llanos Baloth returns home from a hard day of adventuring.
>Tulsidas leans on Autumn.
>Autumn says, "Seven, my player character doesn't count."
>Chrysagon says, "lets see how many of us can fit on a recliner"
>Autumn grins at Tulsidas.
>Tulsidas says, "the old is gone"
>Tulsidas says, "long live the new"
>Tulsidas laughs.
>Staran says, "i like the idea of the scaling gears, level requirements, etc"
>Tulsidas pushes Chrysagon a little.
>Exxy says, "Okay so Tulsidas has clearly gone senile over the years."
>Tulsidas nods at Staran.
>Staran says, "one game i play, it drops random gears, but it's also based on your level"
Bolvar grins.
Tulsidas says, "indeed"
>Staran says, "so, a low level wont drop a high level gear"
>Autumn nods at Staran.
>Staran says, "it's always within a certain range"
>Tulsidas says, "I can wear it.. but it penalizes me until i'm trained..."
>Exxy says, "On the one hand, you will have items you fall in love with that are awesome as you're leveling up and then are sad that you can't use them past a certain level range."
>Tulsidas says, "hang them on your wall"
>Exxy says, "On the other hand, there's little room to be bored with weapon progression and finding the next best thing as you continue to improve"
>Staran says, "that's the fun of it though, keeps things changing"
>Exxy nods at Staran.
>Staran says, "as i mentioned d3 earlier.. same thing though.. sometimes find that weapon that's got great stats, hard to part with"
>Staran says, "but you have to eventually, cause you outlevel it too much"
>Tulsidas says, "wait. please. breath....."
>Exxy says, "I'm a big Diablo III, Torchlight 2, Division, etc. fan where you have incremental loot progression at the core."
>Tulsidas says, "a working blacksmith or wizard can bring about changes to weapons."
>Clauddvon says, "Yeah, the Diablo model is great. You find what's suitable for you as you progress...and you get rid of it when you find better."
>Autumn says, "One think we may have to do if we do a system like that is make a way to copy descripts over to new weapons."
>The black diamond dragon resting on Dayerin's shoulder suddenly comes to life and wiggles its way down her body to curl around her leg where it grows still.
>Tulsidas says, "we just need those skilled enough to make those changes."
>Autumn says, "Like how Diablo has their skin thinger you can use."
>Staran says, "also on the topic of finding new gear.. i think is finding what to do with getting rid of it all"
>The black diamond dragon curled around Dayerin's leg suddenly comes to life and travels up her body until it wraps itself around her waist, poised to strike at anything that moves.
>Staran says, "cause there's no need to overstuff the box, i dont think"
>Exxy says, "Not only that, but your loot also helps define -how- you play your character with stats and unique properties (talents, spells, effects, etc.) that are better suited for one type of gameplay or another."
>Tulsidas asks, "wait... Diablo text based?"
>Exxy says, "So one set of gear may be used for one style and another set of gear may be used for another. It diversifies how people can build even with a limited number of classes and abilities."
>Exxy grins at Tulsidas.
>Exxy says, "We're talking about how gear-chasing can make the leveling and combat experience exciting (or at least rewarding)"
>Tulsidas says, "stop... we need weapons to fight rats.. in the sewers of this city... That is all."
>Tulsidas says, "we can work on everything else as we go. clean slate."
>Clauddvon says, "Set gear is also nice. "
>Exxy says, "Okay, so I'll build a subsystem for Tulsidas that only drops sticks for his rat-infested sewer."
>Clauddvon says, "Like...Diablo"
>Exxy grins.
>Clauddvon says, "Like WoW"
>Tulsidas nods.
>Autumn grins at Exxy.
>Tulsidas says, "yes"
>
* Sivitri Dantalion joins the adventure.
Autumn says, "I don't see why sets couldn't be a thing."
Tulsidas says, "and I shall master that stick.. and sharpen it."
>Tulsidas grins.
>Bolvar says, "And eventually remove it from your bum."
>Chrysagon says, "pointy stick"
Bolvar nudges Tulsidas.
Tulsidas says, "Master Rat slayer..."
>Clauddvon says, "Like in Diablo...you have to find it though."
>Clauddvon says, "Can't buy it."
>Exxy says, "Different playstyles does lead me to something else I like that I'd want to see implemented going forward"
>Staran says, "it'd be nice for sure, having an actual point to go out fighting, once you're max level,e tc"
>Exxy says, "And that is the optional group play dynamic (or sub-optional when going after elite or boss-type encounters)"
>Clauddvon says, ""Max" level shouldn't exist...at least not for a long while."
Tulsidas says, "All I am saying is stop with the elaborate. Let us just get started."
>Clauddvon says, "And if anyone's already max level, that should be re-done."
>Tulsidas says, "simply start simple."
>Clauddvon says, "imho"
>Exxy says, "I'd like to see warriors doing some tanking and interferance for your damage-dealers."
>Exxy says, "You don't really see any group play in Eaxia.. minus the occassional healer buddy in tow."
>Sivitri just arrived.
>Sivitri puts a forest green crystal fragment in some black satin robes.
>Bolvar nods.
>Autumn says, "We have to get elaborate, because things need to be programmed with some type of end goal in mind, otherwise you end up with something messy that ends up broken."
>Autumn grins at Tulsidas.
>Tulsidas says, "I have ideas to build group play."
>Staran says, "add things, like the ability to Guard a player"
>Clauddvon nods at Staran.
Tulsidas says, "require it in some areas"
>Clauddvon says, "DR'esque"
>Chrysagon says, "well the learning in group was always a problem"
>Bolvar nods in agreement.
>Exxy says, "We're not setting anything in stone here today, Tulsidas.. don't you worry. But I do want to get a strong sense of what will and won't work for us."
>Exxy says, "I'm talking about a lot of heavy development and I need to make sure time put into the game is time appreciated."
>Tulsidas says, "scalable works"
>Clauddvon says, "Tulsidas, what you sound like you want is something today...but today will be gone and if there isn't something long term...tomorrow, we're back to where we used to be."
>Clauddvon says, "Better to plan first, than jump in so we can kill shipyard rats."
>Sivitri says, "Sorry I'm late ... by seven years or so."
>Bolvar grins at Sivitri.
>Exxy grins at Sivitri.
>Tulsidas says, "enchantments, breakable, critical weighting at the blacksmith..."
>Tulsidas says, "that matters."
>Staran says, "in regards to scaling.. keep that in mind for other things, such as monsters, magic skills, etc"
>Dayerin's platinum pin glows softly for a moment.
>Tulsidas says, "if breakable.. fixable."
>Tulsidas says, "at a cost."
>Exxy says, "Indeed. Magic needs to be thrown out and rewritten, too. It needs to be modular so NPCs can use spells like player can.. that way they'll all scale correctly."
>Staran says, "if you sent scaling level invasion monsters, it'd allow most anyone to participate, instead of just high levels"
>Tulsidas says, "yesh"
>Tulsidas beams at Staran.
>Tulsidas says, "that is a lot of code"
>Staran says, "magic could have a base damage, plus a %% based on skill, or something"
>The black diamond dragon resting on Chrysagon's shoulder suddenly comes to life and wiggles its way down his body to curl around his leg where it grows still.
>Tulsidas says, "don't get me started on magic... or the lack there of"
>Tulsidas mumbles something rather rude.
>Clauddvon scratches his head with a bemused expression on his face.
>Clauddvon asks, "Am I wrong or has Eaxia not been in development for ages?"
>Clauddvon chuckles.
>Tulsidas chuckles.
>Clauddvon says, "I think the meeting for today is to get a way forward."
>Tulsidas says, "we are picking up the pace here lately"
>Clauddvon says, "Iron out what player base wants, get some direction."
>Tulsidas says, "combat"
>Autumn nods at Clauddvon.
>Chrysagon nods.
>Autumn says, "We're trying to make plans for the future, so we have some directions to go in."
>Exxy says, "It hasn't had any significant development for about 7 years. There were minor updates and minor areas between 2009-2010, and then it went 'unsupported' status in 2012."
>Tulsidas says, "put the lands in fog... rats in the sewers and sticks laying around"
>Exxy says, "The cycle was: fewer people were around to enjoy the updates, so fewer updates were published, which led to lower population, which meant fewer people etc."
>Tulsidas says, "balance sticks in the hands of apprentice tradesmen.. us, as our skills advance, weighted according to our trade craft"
>Tulsidas says, "only sticks."
>Tulsidas says, "then sharp sticks"
>Tulsidas says, "stones, slings, bows"
>The spider on Bolvar's knapsack skitters over to a tiny tear in the webbing and begins mending it.
>Exxy says, "Then nabosol greatthorns."
>Staran asks, "I do have to ask.. beyond developement, is there any thoughts on how to actually get new people to show up?"
>Exxy says, ".. of mighty cleaving."
>Tulsidas says, "we have time.. it has taken us 15 years to get here."
>Tulsidas says, "first.. Staran. Combat."
>The black diamond dragon curled around Chrysagon's leg suddenly comes to life and travels up his body until it wraps itself around his waist, poised to strike at anything that moves.
>Tulsidas says, "as promised so long ago"
>The spider atop Bolvar's knapsack shimmies down a silken string to the bottom and races to a bug caught on its sticky surface. It wraps the intruder in a cocoon of web to save it for a snack later.
>Tulsidas winks at Exxy.
>Tulsidas says, "build it, they will come"
>Tulsidas asks, "did someone else say that already?"
>Clauddvon says, "If you build it...they will come"
>Tulsidas says, "or am I drunk agin"
>Clauddvon says, "If it's worth coming"
>Exxy says, "I'll be the first to say that I'm not a marketing guy. And beyond maintaining hardware and hosting, I'm not really putting a budget up to pay for advertising and marketing. Someone else can do that if they want, when it's appropriate to do so. Right now, we have a game that's not super interesting to play because combat is awkward, dull, and unrewarding."
>Dayerin's platinum pin glows softly for a moment.
>Clauddvon says, "Not only combat...the environment."
>Tulsidas says, "but we can change That Exxy."
>Exxy says, "There's plenty of things I want to do.. old ideas, new ideas... but until that major, core system is rebuilt and settled, we don't have a great game to throw at people."
>Tulsidas says, "stop."
>Exxy says, "So that's the first step"
>Tulsidas says, "stop with ALL that is wrong."
>Tulsidas says, "first combat"
>Clauddvon laughs at Tulsidas.
Tulsidas says, "sticks"
>Tulsidas says, "we will get to spell, environment... blah, blah, blah"
>Tulsidas says, "later"
>Clauddvon pats Tulsidas on the back.
>Autumn asks, "Claud, what do you mean about the enviroment?"
>Clauddvon says, "I mean outside of combat. Things to do, interact with, etc., It's been forever since I've been here so I'm not sure what's even here anymore. But I remember when I used to play basically sitting either in our mansion or in some spot in the center of town."
>Autumn nods at Clauddvon.
>Autumn says, "Got ya. We can circle back to that in a bit."
>Staran says, "let us steal from shops, problem solved lol"
>Autumn grins at Staran.
>Staran says, "wait, we cant do that here, right? been so long"
>Exxy shakes his head at Staran.
>Exxy grins.
>Staran says, "it's all i did when i tried out the dr thing for a bit"
>Autumn grins at Staran.
>Chrysagon nods at Staran.
>Tulsidas's folds his arms across his chest.
>Staran says, "my level 10 guy with like 250 stealing"
>Exxy pats Tulsidas on the back.
>Tulsidas smiles.
>l[Out Of Character Zone, Lounge]
White marble walls line this huge room while lighting fixtures cast a pleasing illuminance from above. Soft, black leather couches and recliners are lined around the room in a stylish arrangement, each situated near a small marble corner table. A winding staircase paves a path into the darkness below, built from solid granite and serving as the only exit back to the fantasy world.
Other life here: none.
You also see: a Castles game board.
You are inside.
Also here: Sivitri, Canned Beef Chrysagon, Natural Priestess Dayerin, The Eternally Lost Clauddvon, War Lord Staran, Disregardable Bolvar, Magical GameDirector Autumn who is sitting, Living Legend Tulsidas who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner, and GameMaster Exxy who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner.
Obvious exits: down.
>Exxy says, "Okay... so.. back on target."
>Tulsidas nods.
>Autumn hums.
Exxy says, "We are going to toss out combat. Toss out weapons and armor (gear). Toss out NPCs. Toss out spells. Toss out all forms of enchantments."
>Dayerin's platinum pin glows softly for a moment.
>Bolvar grins.
>Exxy says, "Skills too (only combat skills)."
>Tulsidas says, "sounds about right"
>Exxy asks, "Does it make sense while doing this to keep everyone's level or should people start over at level 1?"
>Chrysagon says, "so i should teach some combat while i can"
>Exxy says, "I think that's going to be a touchy subject for many."
>Clauddvon says, "Restart"
>Bolvar nods.
>Tulsidas says, "well.. some recognition"
>The black diamond dragon around Clauddvon's neck suddenly comes to life and slithers up and around his shoulder to rest on his upper arm.
>Tulsidas says, "for time served"
>Clauddvon says, "Someone level 100 or whatever means nothing if the new system for getting there is totally different."
Bolvar says, "Maybe some minor perks for the higher level people, such as titles."
Tulsidas blinks.
>Bolvar says, "But I'm totally okay with a clean slate."
>Clauddvon says, "Time served is irrelivant."
>Clauddvon shrugs.
>Staran says, "i cant lie, losing my weapons i can deal with, skills will be tough.. but in the end, we do what needs to be done"
>Tulsidas says, "a badge"
Exxy says, "Something other MUDs have done for a long time is a system called 'immort' where once you reach max level, you can restart with some permanent bonuses (immortalizing yourself)."
>Clauddvon says, "We all served years"
>Tulsidas says, "yes"
>Clauddvon says, "And "paid our dues""
Tulsidas says, "we all did"
>The black diamond dragon resting on Clauddvon's shoulder suddenly comes to life and wiggles its way down his body to curl around his leg where it grows still.
>Dayerin's platinum pin glows softly for a moment.
>Clauddvon says, "Maybe give all the old players some identification that lets it be known they're from the old times...beyond that, ego doesn't need fed anymore than that."
>Clauddvon says, "Take it all, start over"
>Tulsidas leans on Clauddvon.
>Autumn nods at Clauddvon.
>Tulsidas says, "nice.. I like that"
>Exxy says, "It's a system that I'd been toying with for PlaneStrike (if that ever gets off the ground). In PlaneStrike, we were (are? hard to say) going to have a series of short games, 3-4 months or so in duration and at the end, everything was wiped to start at a fresh state. It was going to be a survival, world-building game with a lot of randomly-generated areas."
>Exxy says, "To that effect, every time a game ended, we would take scores and roll bonuses that could be used to buy permanent perks for each new game. After a year or two of games, people could be really powerful."
>Exxy says, "I'm not suggesting we take that idea here, but I do like the idea of players choosing to immort if people like it."
>Bolvar nods.
>Clauddvon nods.
>Clauddvon says, "By the way...something that I remember doing...which was silly, but it was fun (and sometimes rewarding), was that digging thing you had going on."
Staran says, "well, training different weapons was always my fun, so will be hard to see it all go away"
>Clauddvon nods.
>Clauddvon says, "Was original."
>Exxy asks, "Would an immort system be fair if it were leveraged to give players reset back to level 1 (because of a combat rewrite) a head start toward building back up?"
>Staran says, "but again, depending on what system you end up making, it might not make sense for people to start with high ranks"
>Tulsidas says, "yes sir"
>Exxy grins at Clauddvon.
>Bolvar says, "Carrots."
>Exxy says, "That digging thing. Oh man... that was alpha."
>Autumn facepalms.
>Bolvar grins at Autumn.
>Exxy says, "And all you could do was dig out pre-build rooms that I had arranged and collect the random gems that you got."
>The black diamond dragon around Dayerin's waist suddenly comes to life and slides up her body to curl itself loosely around her neck.
Exxy chuckles.
>Exxy says, "But that's how we introduced the first area, before Semanri was a thing."
>Clauddvon says, "I'm only level 68 atm, but I've not played in 10 years...I'll happily give away my 68 levels and get nothing in return to have a fully operable new system. You make things work right, people won't care to start over....getting there is 99% of the fun. Once you get there, it's pretty boring."
>Clauddvon nods at Exxy.
>Exxy says, "Well another thing we could do, which I don't want to, but I should put it on the table in case I'm the odd man out:"
>Exxy says, "We can run two copies of the game world. Eaxia and Eaxia 2. Copy the data over and anyone who was fine with things the way they were can play the old game."
>Tulsidas says, "having training points and having an idea of weighting would allow one to place those training points in a strategically advantageous place."
>Exxy says, "But fragmentation in a very small player base isn't a wise thing, I can't imagine. And those people who really love the old ways would be playing right now if they did (and nobody is)."
>Bolvar nods in agreement.
>Tulsidas says, "but we could build on it.."
>Bolvar says, "I say burn it down and rebuild cold-turkey."
>Tulsidas says, "with other changes"
>Exxy grins at Bolvar.
>Clauddvon says, "And those people who really love the old ways would probably be playing alone in Eaxia 2."
>Clauddvon grins.
>Staran says, "if resetting levels is your decision, then no sense running 2 copies of the game"
>Autumn says, "I'm with Bolvar."
>Autumn hums.
>Staran says, "just so we can log in and look at our xp"
>Clauddvon nods at Staran.
>Clauddvon says, "And pat ourselves on the back."
>Clauddvon chuckles.
Exxy says, "I didn't think so, but I wanted to put it out there since it's a cheap solution. Doesn't cost me anything to run another instance."
>Exxy says, "Fast hardware is cheap as balls these days."
>Exxy says, "As balls."
>Bolvar grins.
>Staran says, "i do like looking at my xp though, it's fun"
>Tulsidas asks, "whose balls?"
>Clauddvon chuckles at Dayerin.
Exxy says, "Give me one moment, BRB -- sorry"
>Clauddvon says, "He said balls."
>The black diamond dragon around Dayerin's neck suddenly comes to life and slithers up and around her shoulder to rest on her upper arm.
Clauddvon points at Exxy.
>Autumn says, "He did say balls."
>Bolvar says, "I'm glad someone had the balls to say it."
>Autumn says, "He's letting our contractor out, it'll be a minute or three."
>Autumn cackles at Bolvar.
>Chrysagon snickers.
>The spider atop Bolvar's knapsack shimmies down a silken string to the bottom and races to a bug caught on its sticky surface. It wraps the intruder in a cocoon of web to save it for a snack later.
>Autumn says, "I'm the type of person who absolutly hates starting all over."
>Autumn says, "But.. it's better than this broke a** combat system we have now."
>Autumn grins.
>Autumn says, "At least in my opinion..."
>Clauddvon says, "Same. But what are ya gonna do."
>Tulsidas asks, "do you combat?"
>Tulsidas asks, "do you even combat?"
>Clauddvon asks, "Who?"
>Autumn points at you.
>Autumn says, "113."
>Autumn grins.
>Tulsidas says, "ahhh"
>Bolvar says, "I could take her."
>Tulsidas asks, "where?"
>punch bolvarYou playfully punch Bolvar in the arm.
>Bolvar ducks.
>'I'll murder your face, dude.You say, "I'll murder your face, dude."
>'We've done that dance before.Bolvar scoffs.
You say, "We've done that dance before."
>grin bolvYou grin at Bolvar.
>Bolvar says, "It'd be an improvement."
>Clauddvon says, "If I still had my old weapons, most of you'd be dead here in a single wave of my weapon."
>Clauddvon snickers.
>The black diamond dragon around Chrysagon's waist suddenly comes to life and slides up his body to curl itself loosely around his neck.
>Clauddvon says, "Wouldn't even have to hit you with it."
>Staran says, "doubt it, not these days"
>Clauddvon says, "Alas, those days are gone."
>l[Out Of Character Zone, Lounge]
White marble walls line this huge room while lighting fixtures cast a pleasing illuminance from above. Soft, black leather couches and recliners are lined around the room in a stylish arrangement, each situated near a small marble corner table. A winding staircase paves a path into the darkness below, built from solid granite and serving as the only exit back to the fantasy world.
Other life here: none.
You also see: a Castles game board.
You are inside.
Also here: Sivitri, Canned Beef Chrysagon, Natural Priestess Dayerin, The Eternally Lost Clauddvon, War Lord Staran, Disregardable Bolvar, Magical GameDirector Autumn who is sitting, Living Legend Tulsidas who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner, and GameMaster Exxy who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner.
Obvious exits: down.
>l[Out Of Character Zone, Lounge]
White marble walls line this huge room while lighting fixtures cast a pleasing illuminance from above. Soft, black leather couches and recliners are lined around the room in a stylish arrangement, each situated near a small marble corner table. A winding staircase paves a path into the darkness below, built from solid granite and serving as the only exit back to the fantasy world.
Other life here: none.
You also see: a Castles game board.
You are inside.
Also here: Sivitri, Canned Beef Chrysagon, Natural Priestess Dayerin, The Eternally Lost Clauddvon, War Lord Staran, Disregardable Bolvar, Magical GameDirector Autumn who is sitting, Living Legend Tulsidas who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner, and GameMaster Exxy who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner.
Obvious exits: down.
>l[Out Of Character Zone, Lounge]
White marble walls line this huge room while lighting fixtures cast a pleasing illuminance from above. Soft, black leather couches and recliners are lined around the room in a stylish arrangement, each situated near a small marble corner table. A winding staircase paves a path into the darkness below, built from solid granite and serving as the only exit back to the fantasy world.
Other life here: none.
You also see: a Castles game board.
You are inside.
Also here: Sivitri, Canned Beef Chrysagon, Natural Priestess Dayerin, The Eternally Lost Clauddvon, War Lord Staran, Disregardable Bolvar, Magical GameDirector Autumn who is sitting, Living Legend Tulsidas who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner, and GameMaster Exxy who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner.
Obvious exits: down.
>l[Out Of Character Zone, Lounge]
White marble walls line this huge room while lighting fixtures cast a pleasing illuminance from above. Soft, black leather couches and recliners are lined around the room in a stylish arrangement, each situated near a small marble corner table. A winding staircase paves a path into the darkness below, built from solid granite and serving as the only exit back to the fantasy world.
Other life here: none.
You also see: a Castles game board.
You are inside.
Also here: Sivitri, Canned Beef Chrysagon, Natural Priestess Dayerin, The Eternally Lost Clauddvon, War Lord Staran, Disregardable Bolvar, Magical GameDirector Autumn who is sitting, Living Legend Tulsidas who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner, and GameMaster Exxy who is sitting on a soft, black leather recliner.
Obvious exits: down.
>Clauddvon says, "Yeah, all those things are long gone."
Tulsidas says, "and these are about gone"
>Autumn grins.
>Clauddvon sighs.
>Bolvar pats a nabasol greatthorn.
>Tulsidas gets a nabasol greatthorn from inside his sheath.
>Tulsidas gets a nabasol greatthorn from inside his sheath.
>Tulsidas exclaims, "hah.. I have two!"
>Bolvar says, "Not gonna lie, I'll enjoy not having to wear two visors."
>Bolvar taps a viin'tau visor.
>Autumn says, "It's hard for me to drive combat rewrite conversation because I'm not the coder."
>Autumn grins.
>Staran taps a bone-handled steel pick with a battle-worn grip.
>Tulsidas says, "or two draconiam platemail"
>Staran says, "my favorite, before the greatthron"
Tulsidas taps some solid draconian platemail scorched from intense heat.
>Bolvar grins.
>Tulsidas taps some solid draconian platemail scorched from intense heat.
>Autumn chortles quietly.
>Tulsidas says, "as you can see.. I am wearing two"
>Clauddvon says, "I don't ant anything to happen to our Mansion, though."
Tulsidas says, "and a corpse or two also"
>Clauddvon winks at Autumn.
>Tulsidas rubs the corpse of a black rat.
>Chrysagon takes a sip of his strawberry daiquiri.
Bolvar gets a rotten fish head from inside his robe.
>Bolvar sniffs a rotten fish head.
>Clauddvon says, "Surprised it's still here."
>Bolvar offers his fish head to Chrysagon.
>Sivitri asks, "Combat aside, what other ideas are being tossed about?"
>Tulsidas rubs the corpse of a Draconian warrior.
>Autumn grins at Clauddvon.
>Tulsidas says, "yeah..but I am wearing mine"
>Tulsidas leans on Bolvar.
>Autumn says, "Nothing will happen to your house."
>Chrysagon says, "oops"
>Clauddvon says, "Just have to remember all the secret passages again...it'll be fun."
>Bolvar offers his fish head to Chrysagon.
>Clauddvon chuckles.
>Chrysagon says, "i just ate"
>Bolvar scoffs.
>Bolvar says, "None sense, you're a growing minotaur."
>Chrysagon chuckles at Bolvar.
>Tulsidas says, "magics that affect the group"
>Sivitri says, "Don't have one. I have, and I'm sure other people do as well, specialty items they've had made over the years. As a perk to re-rolling into a new instance, I'd suggest creating legacy items for those special few items"
>Tulsidas says, "strong magics"
>Tulsidas says, "magical places"
>Autumn hums.
>Tulsidas says, "magical things"
>The black diamond dragon curled around Clauddvon's leg suddenly comes to life and travels up his body until it wraps itself around his waist, poised to strike at anything that moves.
>Autumn asks, "Anything else you guys want to see in terms of combat stuffs?"
>Tulsidas says, "invasions when the magics are weak"
>Bolvar ponders.
>Autumn says, "More.. core type stuffs."
>Bolvar says, "Other than a wide variety of viable weapons, I got nothing."
>Dayerin's platinum pin glows softly for a moment.
>Clauddvon says, "Lots of different hunting areas (if they don't already exist)...of varying skill ranges."
>Clauddvon says, "Enough that people aren't crowding each other."
>Bolvar rises to his full height, trying his best to manage his most intimidating appearance, posturing for his audience.
>Staran says, "yeah, i think that will solve half the problem.. wider variety of usable equipment"
>Tulsidas says, "we never crowd"
>Autumn says, "We do need to spread out some hunting areas, I think. At the higher ends, there's like.. one critter for a particular level range."
>Bolvar nods in agreement.
>Bolvar says, "Options are nice."
>Clauddvon says, "I liked, in DR, the vastness of the world."
Tulsidas says, "but if we had spells that worked the crowd that would be nice"
>Autumn nods at Clauddvon.
>Autumn says, "That's a ton of writing, though."
>A large spider gazes around intently from atop Bolvar's knapsack for a moment before crawling across it and settling down in a new location.
>Clauddvon nods.
>Clauddvon says, "Starts small, build on it. Grow little by little. It's how DR did it."
>Bolvar says, "I'm a programmer, kind of sort of."
Autumn says, "I have a very low room writing tolerance."
>Autumn grins.
>Bolvar raises his hand.
>Bolvar says, "Give me a month or two and I can volunteer for some of the grunt work."
>Staran asks, "depending on how exactly the new combat system is build, would it be so bad that some players already have more skill than others in things?"
>Autumn asks, "The area I'm working on now, I think I managed ten rooms?"
>Staran says, "as is, there's some spots that maxed out, we still cant survive in for too long "
>Autumn says, "That's an Exxy question. I have absolutely no idea what he plans to do or how it will work."
>Clauddvon says, "I don't like the idea of any character having any advantage (skill wise) over anyone else. Either a full restart, or we just keep what we have."
>Clauddvon shrugs.
>The black diamond dragon around Clauddvon's waist suddenly comes to life and slides up his body to curl itself loosely around his neck.
>Bolvar says, "I like the idea of dragging the bigger guys down to my level."
>Bolvar shakes his fist at Chrysagon!
>Chrysagon pinches Bolvar.
>Bolvar scoffs.
>Sivitri says, "I say everything start from stratch to rebuild, personally. No reason for adding new content and then having high levels who can't go through it."
>Clauddvon nods at Sivitri.
>Exxy says, "Okay, I'm back, sorry about that"
>The black diamond dragon resting on Dayerin's shoulder suddenly comes to life and wiggles its way down her body to curl around her leg where it grows still.
>Sivitri says, "I will miss my metrillium mace if we start from scratch though. Sadness."
>Exxy grins.
>Exxy says, "Existing gear won't just disappear, but it will be ornamental."
>Tulsidas says, "agreed"
>The black diamond dragon around Chrysagon's neck suddenly comes to life and slithers up and around his shoulder to rest on his upper arm.
>Clauddvon nods at Exxy.
>Tulsidas asks, "and new gear will be markedly different or just operational?"
>Staran says, "i was just asking while you were gone, exxy, on the importance of resetting skills, depending on your new combat system"
>Exxy asks, "Sure, what about it, Staran?"
>Tulsidas says, "yeah, I worked hard on my search"
>Tulsidas grins.
>Bolvar says, "I think he said he'd just reset weapon skills."
>Bolvar scratches his head with a bemused expression on his face.
>Staran says, "if it's a bad thing if some players are at different spots than new people, when the new system gets here"
Tulsidas says, "all new"
>Tulsidas says, "from scratch"
Exxy says, "Tulsidas the old gear may be converted to furniture items or something that can be put on display but not worn."
>Tulsidas blinks.
>Tulsidas narrows his eyes, shivering.
>Tulsidas says, "ok"
>Tulsidas asks, "but skills evaporate too, or no?"
>Clauddvon says, "fluff"
>Staran says, "again, if a reset is necessary, then that's whats needed.. but alot of people have spent countless hours training skills"
>Tulsidas says, "yeah that is nice fluff"
>Exxy says, "Well we're only talking about combat skills"
>Bolvar says, "I've also spent countless hours training my level."
>Bolvar says, "I'm good with a wipe."
>Exxy says, "Other skills that aren't relevant to combat will remain"
>Tulsidas says, "well we will have to"
>Tulsidas looks at Bolvar and blinks.
>Clauddvon ponders.
>Tulsidas says, "you always ruin it"
>Bolvar winks at Tulsidas.
>Exxy enjoys a good wipe, too.
>Bolvar cackles.
>Tulsidas says, "ok.. a good wipe it is"
>Tulsidas asks, "do I get to keep my house?"
>Sivitri asks, "I've already reset myself from a relatively high level, what's another one?"
>Tulsidas asks, "at least?"
>Staran says, "im totally willing to sacrifice bolvar, for the good of us all"
>The black diamond dragon curled around Dayerin's leg suddenly comes to life and travels up her body until it wraps itself around her waist, poised to strike at anything that moves.
>Bolvar snickers.
>Exxy says, "Of course"
>Exxy nods at Tulsidas.
>Staran says, "somehow, i think he'd like it"
>Tulsidas says, "the one in the mages cellar."
>Bolvar bumps his hip into Staran and winks.
>Exxy says, "We're not in the business of throwing away lore, rooms and areas, fluff items, non-combat skill development, player inventories, vaults or homes, etc. Just combat and things combat-related."
>Staran says, "well i'd be interested to hear more on your combat idea's, once you get them worked out a bit more, exxy"
>Tulsidas says, "that sounds great then"
>Staran says, "at that point, it should be clear what to do with our current level and skills"
>Tulsidas exclaims, "start with a stick, as I said!"
>Tulsidas says, "simple solution"
>Tulsidas grins.
>Tulsidas stands up.
Exxy asks, "And speaking of homes... originally, we implemented home expiration as a way to free up homes for new players for people who had long quit. But it's really done more harm than good. Maybe we should turn that system off..?"
>Tulsidas bows.
>Chrysagon's golden ship glows softly for a moment.
>Bolvar says, "I'm down with that."
>Tulsidas says, "agreed"
>Sivitri says, "I'd go ahead and let you wipe my current stuff completely, Exxy. I don't like fluff."
>Bolvar says, "You got the house hunters who are just out to steal the previous owner's items."
>Bolvar says, "Drives me nuts."
>Staran says, "yeah, turn that off.. one of my people lost their cabin "
>Exxy grins at Sivitri.
>Exxy says, "Look at this guy, all ready to beat new life into the game at ground zero"
>Clauddvon says, "I've lost 99% of my cool things already, so I'm fine with whatever."
>Clauddvon smiles.
>Tulsidas says, "I like flugg"
>Sivitri shrugs.
>Tulsidas says, "fluff"
day of adventuring.