Volume Nine Issue Twenty-Three
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= .............._______ ............./ / THE LEGENDARY TIMES ............/ / .........../ /.....______.._____.....______.._____.......____ ........../ /...../ /./ \.../ /./ \...../ \ ........./ /...../ ___/./ ____/../ ___/./ __ \.../ /\ \ ......../ /...../ /_.../ /....../ /_.../ /..\ >./ /./ / ......./ /...../ __/../ /____../ __/../ /.../ /./ /./ / ....../ /_____/__/__../ \_\ /./ /__../ /.../ /./ /_/ / ...../ / /./ /./ /./ /.../ /./ / ..../ /_/..\______/./_____/./__/.../__/./_______/ MUD .../________________/ running on mud.legendmud.org 9999 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= http://www.legendmud.org/ ftp://ftp.legendmud.org/pub =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= VOLUME NINE, NUMBER TWENTY-THREE June 16, 2002 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TABLE OF CONTENTS The Editor's Note NEWS, REPORTS, UPDATES Calendar of Events Recent Updates Ancient Era Spotlight: Aztecs Recent Q&A Topics DID YOU KNOW: EXPEL command LEGENDITES Announcements Clan News And with that, he was gone... ___ ___ \ |-----------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| The Editor's Note |__\ '-----------------------------------------------------------------' Sorry for the delay in getting this issue out, but things have been crazy around here lately. Summer and disrupted schedules just seem together. I've noticed a little confusion over the "In-Progress Areas" section of the RECENT UPDATES section here and I'd like to clarify just what that section shows. It is not a particularly accurate indicator of progress on an area. Some weeks a builder might make a couple little additions/changes and do what is called a "commit" of the file (that's techincal speak for saved a copy on the mud machine so they wouldn't lose it). Other weeks, they might be busy making lots of changes and additions to their file but might not commit it because they've run into a problem and it won't load yet. Or they may have forgotten to do it. So, just because you don't see a given area listed every week, it doesn't mean that it isn't being worked on, it just means I didn't get a little email from the mud machine saying a commit had been made. If you're curious about the building projects that are out there, you can visit http://www.legendmud.org/kaige/deptgoals.shtml#BUILDING and scroll down to the "Projects to Support Goals" section and see who's doing what. Again, the in progress areas are at various stages and their listing does not guarantee completion. That page also lists coding and pr projects as well, so if you're curious about any of them, bring your questions to the next Q&A on Thursday at 6pm system time. -Kaige ___ ___ \ |-----------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| LegendMUD Calendar of Events |__\ '-----------------------------------------------------------------' [All times are system time unless otherwise specified] June kicks off our 2002 Summer Odyssey in the Ancient Era. Join us on a journey through time to explore our world! JUNE Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Wednesday, June 19th 9:00 pm Ancient Level to 5 Contest Thursday, June 20th 6:00 pm Q & A in the OOC Auditorium Wednesday, June 26th 9:00 pm Randomized Limericks, Ancient Style Thursday, June 27th 6:00 pm Q & A in the OOC Auditorium ___ ___ \ |-----------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| Recent Updates |__\ '-----------------------------------------------------------------' /\ CODE UPDATES / \ / \ BALANCE CHANGES /_ _\ o Lesser Elementals can no longer be taken out of their | | element (see the help their files for details). Greater | | Elementals are hurt while they spend time out of their | | element. |__| o Weather now affects elementals. /\ o Create Mages can now control fewer charmies at a time. The / \ more charmies they have, the less chance they have to be / \ able to control another /_ _\ o Animate dead hp formula modified | | | | MISC CHANGES | | o Items in housing now save differently. Both you and the |__| house should now save every time you drop or take items /\ from a house. / \ o Grumpy mood added / \ o "it's dead" part of the poke social is no longer there. /_ _\ | | BUG FIXES | | o Healing rate while kneeling fixed. | | o The inventory order reversal is fixed |__| o Some charmies never intended as combatants no longer fight /\ o You no longer save whenever you take something out of a bag / \ / \ /_ _\ HELP FILE UPDATES | | | | The following helpfile was recently updated: | | |__| QandA /\ / \ / \ SUMMER ODYSSEY /_ _\ ANCIENT ERA UPDATES | | | | If you want to suggest specific improvements or new additions | | to existing areas please don't hesitate to submit them with |__| the idea/bug/typo commands or drop mudmail to the builder /\ currently responsible for the area (check AREAINFO to find / \ out!) And don't limit ideas to just these three months! / \ /_ _\ AZTECS | | A couple of new mobs, a few new items. Shuffles the | | levels of some mobs around. So be careful and consider | | everything. Two new quests, one of which is a separate |__| quest for male characters to balance the female only one. /\ Adds in random names for most of the general mobs and / \ dresses them appropriately. Various bug & typo fixes. / \ /_ _\ ANCIENT INDIA | | Karna and regal ksatriyas and dhurtahs altered. | | Shopkeepers sell necessities. Sanjaya hopefully won't | | repeat story, priests return to ring eventually, some |__| cleanup of the friendship quest (will stop attacking and /\ actually leave when supposed to), No more dhaksha leaf / \ buildup. Arjuna now slays those that pick up Godiva when / \ they shouldn't (as intended). Forage items added with /_ _\ custom items on battlefield. Various bugs & typos fixed. | | | | ANCIENT NAZCA, ARABIAN NIGHTS, BEOWULF, CELTIC IRELAND, ROMAN | | BRITAIN and PICTISH COUNTRY |__| Various bugs and typos fixed. /\ / \ / \ Other Area Updates /_ _\ | | FRENCH & INDIAN WAR | | Hopefully, fixes the beluga overpopulation problem once | | and for all. Various bugs and typos fixed. |__| /\ HOSPITALLER MALTA / \ If you can leave customs, you can go ooc. / \ /_ _\ SHERWOOD | | Double checks that you can't rent if you're fighting at | | the Stag or Salutation & are allowed to rent there. | | Black Knight returns to his spot. Various bugs & typos |__| fixed. /\ / \ 1802 ALASKA, THE ALHAMBRA, MEDIEVAL SEAS, PARIS OPERA HOUSE, / \ and TORTUGA /_ _\ Various bugs and typos fixed. | | | | In Progress Area Updates | | |__| This section is intended to let everyone know what builders /\ are working on behind the scenes. It is not a perfect record / \ of progress as all builders will not make updates every week. / \ Players badgering builders about progress or a perceived lack /_ _\ thereof will be flogged. Remember, the longer spent answering | | questions, the longer the project takes to complete. | | | | Bart Paris Expansion |__| Cheyla 1802 Alaska Expansion ___ ___ \ |----------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| Ancient Era Spotlight: Aztecs |__\ '----------------------------------------------------------------' Friday, June 14, of the Mexica year Thirteen Rabbit. As I traveled north from the Nazcan Plain, I eventually found myself in the Quautemalan highlands. The difference from the dry, arid desert to this lush tropical land was amazing. I narrowly avoided a mudslide one rainy night, but was otherwise untroubled on my journey. That is until I reached the Tzempuula Mountains. A pair of wild boars were not so happy that I chose their favorite wallowing hole as a place to stop and make a meal. However, I like to think that brains won out over brawn and I am happy to report that I have plenty of roast pork in my sack now. Soon, the land turned dry again. But instead of lacking any and all vegetation, this time there were succulents everywhere. There were giant ones that loomed over me that reminded me of immense candelabras. And big, round, prickly ones. The best part, was if you were careful, you could gently pluck the fruit and tender new leaves from between the spines for a refreshing meal. I kept venturing north until I reached a large lake with an island in the center of it and outlying villages nestled along the shore. For no reason, I first wandered along the west side of the lake. I came across a quarry where men were removing limestone from the earth and fashioning it into crude tools and weapons. A few men sat by with rough hammers and chisels turning the smaller, useless bits of rock into small statues. I tried to get one's attention, but he was too focused on his work. I continued north along the western shore of the lake. I passed several fields of maize, beans and melons. I soon came across a group of peasants who were carrying in loads of fresh, rich soil and dumping them on a raft of woven tree limbs and branches hey had moored at the very edge of the lake. When I greeted them and told them my name, they responded most strangely. I will try to spell what they said, 'Mixpantzinco Finlaytzin.' Now do not laugh, it was said with respect. They called their language 'Nahuatl.' I asked them about their work and they explained that in the years to come, the roots of maize, beans and chilis and anything else growing there will reach down through the shallow water and grab hold of older roots and the lake bottom and eventually hold the chinamitl in place. It seemed that there was not enough arable land otherwise to feed all the people who had settled here in the valley around the lake. I continued following the curve of the lake past several villages and came across a causeway that led out to the island in the middle of the lake. A pair of brawny Mexica warriors stood there ready to do battle. But after explaining that I was not looking for trouble, only adventure and to see the glory of their city, they let me pass. As I entered the city of Tenochtitlan proper, cockatoos, parrots, and parakeets flitted about and small hairless dogs wandered about looking nervous. Later, I met a young boy with something slung over his shoulder and he explained how those dogs were eaten. Certainly explained why they looked so nervous. What ever happened to 'man's best friend'? Everywhere I turned in the city, it bustled with life. Men in long dirty robes wandered about praying to their gods. Fierce warriors patrolled the streets and men and women went about their business, stopping frequently to offer a small prayer or offering to their gods at one of the numerous temples. The most spectacular of these temples was an enormous stone pyramid rising out of the center of the city. As I approached the foot of the pyramid, ready to climb the steps, I came across a rack of human skulls on display. Confused by the indifferent but often respectful welcome I had gotten from the people here, I continued to make my way to the summit of the pyramid. The view of the city was complete from there. The gentle waters of Lake Texcoco could be seen lapping at the edges of the city. Two temples were situated on opposite sides of the summit. The priests milled about trying to please their gods. Flies swarmed around dark ominous stains and a raven flew around cawing ominously. About that time, what appeared to be one of the head priests came out of the temple for his god and yelled, 'We have need of a sacrifice to please the god, Huitzilopochtli!' I gulped nervously as he pointed directly at me. I startled as a savage warrior brushed past me and made his way to a darkened stone and knelt down beside it. When the high priest pulled out a knife made of brittle obsidian and I had to turn my head. I just couldn't watch. Finlay, the wanderer. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= While this area tries to offer something for all levels, characters under level 20 are best suited for this area. If you are interested in learning more about the Aztecs culture before experiencing it 'firsthand', here are a few web sites that can get you started: Aztecs Culture in Ancient Mexico: http://www.indians.org/welker/aztec.htm http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CIVAMRCA/AZTECS.HTM http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/wickham/topics/aztecs/aztecs.html http://www.beautyworlds.com/aztecs.htm =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _______ ____ _______ / ___ \ / __ \ / ___ \ Logs of Q&A sessions are available on the | / \ | \ \/ / | / \ | web pages for those who are unable to attend | | | | \ / | \___/ | or had to leave early. The most recent ones | | | | / \/\ | ___ | are listed on the sitemap page or you can | | /\| | / /\ / | / \ | get a complete list on the Q&A index page | \_\ \ | \ \/ \ | \ / | at the url below. \___\/_/ \__/\/ \_/ \_| http://www.legendmud.org/Community/lectures/QandA/QA_index.html RECENT TOPICS o Housing Limits? o Upcoming Odyssey Events? o Detect Illusion Item? o Games & Timing? o Upcoming Balance Changes? o Areas: Building vs Coding o Tag Team PK Tourney? o More Recent Time Periods? o Ideas for Events o Seeing Floorplans before Buying? o Mob Quotes Trivia Idea =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _____ / _ \ DID YOU KNOW: Tips and tricks and little-used features /__/ \ \ / / Ever logged out in a friend's house or clan hall only to come / / back and find the door to the rest of the world locked? Ever /__/ gotten sick of that ugly piece of furniture that the immorts __ just had to include with the room in your house? Ever had / \ someone come pester you in your house and overstayed their \__/ welcome? _____ / _ \ The EXPEL command may be very useful to you in these or other /__/ \ \ situations. / / / / EXPEL SELF will get you out of someone else's house. Very /__/ handy if you log in and the door's locked and you want __ to play. No immortal help is needed in this situation. / \ \__/ EXPEL <item> pushes the item out the door and unowns it. You _____ can also use EXPEL ALL Y to move out all of the objects / _ \ in your house (this is similar to what happens when a /__/ \ \ house is repossessed -- it's all dumped to the street -- / / so you want to use that command with caution. / / /__/ EXPEL <persongt; allows the owner or clan member to be rid of __ unwelcome guests (mobs included). This command does / \ adhere to the pkill restrictive timer. If the person is \__/ being troublesome, you may want to lock the door first. ___ ___ \ |----------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| LEGENDITES: Information Regarding the People of Our World |__\ '----------------------------------------------------------------' Nietzsche has reached 500 million experience! ___ ___ \ |----------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| Clan News |__\ '----------------------------------------------------------------' The Amazons clan was disbanded for low membership. The Dark Lord's Elite clan ws disbanded. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Freedom Fighters Recruiting We are a clan who are dedicated to making the world easier to live in for everybody who deserves it... and sometimes for those who can afford it :P We strive for a greater freedom, freedom from the capitalistic scum who assume everything should be payed for. So, if you think you can be helpful in any way... The Freedom Fighters want YOU! For more information or interviews contact Wyth. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= As if Omni's scrawled writing on the wall warning Marcel that a movement is growing against him wasn't enough proof, the following scrap of paper was found slipped under our door: Lord Marcel - You prolly already know this...but Omni is trying to grab pledges and take over the clan as Czar. Just thought you would wanna know if you didn't already. - Celes ------------------- Ooh, the sweet competition that lets the strong prosper and the weak perish. I applaud her effort -- and I will enjoy watching her pride's downfall all the more! Marcel Alexander, Esquire Just how much trouble is brewing within the Seven Circles? We'll just have to wait and see. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Grendels had the most members active this week. They were closely followed by the IRA, the Knights of Legend and the Mercenaries. The Grand Coven's and the Hermetic Order's members also saw some action this week. The Syndicate recruited a new member in the nick of time and managed to see some action as well. The Dark Enforcers were laying low and not heard from this week. One wonders if the Dark Lord's power and charisma fades. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= There were 48 pkill deaths in the last week, so come on, let's get YOUR name up in lights! Have you witnessed/commited any glorious or nefarious deeds? Send a short report to us at the LT. If you are looking for a fight, recruiting, or anything else related to the pk world, advertise here with us! It's free AND you'll get a token! Be a celebrity, the envy of all your friends! Tick off your enemies or just tell your side of the story! The possibilities are endless -- act today!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= There are currently 15 RP clans and 8 PK clans. This leaves open slots for nine (9) more clans to form. For more information, read HELP CLAN and see the clan information list via the CLANS command while logged into the game. For a basic handbook and reference for players interested in founding and running a clan, visit . _______________________ / \ o O | Wonder what folks are | `\|||/ | doing over at LegendMUD?| (o o) \_______________________/ ooO_(_)_Ooo________________________________________________________________ _____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|___ __|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____| And with that, he was gone... MoiraGwyn turned a cold shoulder, 'Don't you even look at me after all that drama. Shame on you!' Sparky turned away, resting across the room, on the floor. He moaned quietly. King Rowane watched the scene quietly, from the doorway. He was grateful to be home and this was the last thing he expected to find. What was going on? 'Love?' Queen MoiraGwyn turned at the sound of Rowane's voice. She turned, rushing into his awaiting arms. 'Rowane, I am so glad you are home,' She buried her face to his neck, her arms wrapped tightly about him. 'I missed you so very much.' The King rocked his wife in his arms, nuzzling her cheek gently. 'I missed you too. More than you could imagine.' His gaze fell upon the face of his wife, her brow still a bit furrowed. She seemed upset. 'What is that I saw, between you and Sparky? Is something wrong? He didn't misbehave again did he?' He prepared to scold their potentially misbehaving salamander. MoiraGwyn frowned in the direction of their pet. She turned away from her husband, unable to face him. 'He doesn't like me,' She said quietly. Rowane raised an eyebrow at his wifes words, 'What? Of course he does. Why do you think otherwise?' 'He would rather be off with that.. that DRUNKARD! He has not been the same with me since the incident... I do not think he wants to be with us anymore,' Her face fell, tears welling in her eyes. 'He does not bound over when he sees me. He does not scamper about when he knows we are to go for a walk. He... he does not even come to cuddle or be petted.' She hang her head. Unable to control them, tears came forth to streak her cheeks. 'My fragile flower... Did he do something to hurt your feelings?' He cradled his wife to him, kissing the top of her head. King Rowane looked at Sparky. His gaze turned thoughtful. 'Come here, boy.' Sparky turned his head in the direction of his masters voice but seemed reluctant to move towards it. Rowane stared quietly at his pet. 'Darling, I think there is something more to Sparky's problems than alcohol.' He wrapped an arm around his wife, bringing her with him to walk towards Sparky. Rowane knelt besides the salamander, reaching out to pet him. Sparky's eyes moved to meet the Kings gaze. It seemed to MoiraGwyn as if the two were having some sort of conversation that she could somehow not hear. Feeling even more left out, she went to turn away. 'Love, don't be like that,' Rowane reached a hand out to his lifemate. Fingers stroking along her arm, he beckoned her to rest beside him. She did. Rowane's voice dropped to a quiet whisper. 'After the run in with McDougan, has a closer eye been kept on Sparky and what he eats and drinks?' MoiraGwyn nodded quietly. 'His listlessness has remained and he has not improved?' 'He has been like this... I dont know why, just that he doesnt seem to like us...' Rowane picked up Sparky. With a soft hand, he examined the belly and throat of Sparky, then looked inide his mouth. He seems to ponder. He pressed with the softest pressure along what he felt might be a swollen tummy. Sparky emitted a small moan. The King mouthed soft words to the family pet, arcane words that MoiraGwyn could not understand. Sparky raised his head to stare steadily into Rowane's eyes. Rowane gently rested Sparky in the lap of his rather reluctant Queen. Continuing to whisper softly, Rowane spoke to his wife. 'MoiraGwyn, do you remember when we got Sparky?' 'You gave him to me as a gift for our wedding.' Rowane smiled at her. 'Yes, he was a gift to you,' He encircled an arm about her, his free hand petting the creature who was now nuzzling to his mistresses lap. 'But do you remember where he came from?' MoiraGwyn thought for a moment. The first time she met Sparky... How had that come about? Ahh, now she remembers! 'You summoned him accidentally.' She smiled at Rowane. 'When you went to fill your chalice from your gap in the etheral plane, he came forth at the same time.' MoiraGwyn giggled at the memory, leaning forward to kiss the cheek of her absentminded husband. 'He had far more personality than a standard summoned creature. Completely different from the kind that Emry's husband Robar has brought forth!' She smiled. 'He was so sweet, almost like... a puppy or such!' Realizing her own exuberance, she quieted, her gaze on the creature now staring up at her from her lap. Rowane leaned in to kiss his wife's cheek. 'That was many months ago. Sparky is a magical creature from a plane that differs greatly from ours.' He seemed to be choosing his words carefully. 'I think... well, actually Sparky confirmed for me such- He needs to return to his home sometimes, to recharge himself or else he will get sick and die. It does not seem to be very often,' He rushed his words, worried his wife would react badly. 'But he does need to make trips back to his original home, to be able to stay here.' Rowane watched Sparky stare quietly at MoiraGwyn. 'It is not that he does not love us and love being here with us... He waited as long as he could and became sick for it. He did not wish to leave your side. The Queen's teardrops splashed down upon Sparky's nose, causing him to blink. Rowane kissed his wife tenderly. 'It is not that he no longer loved us,' He whispered softly to her ear. 'He loves us so much he didn't want to leave... Even at the risk of his health.' Sparky raise his head enough to rest it to his Mistresses stomache. He stared quietly up at her. 'He really is sick? Not just drunk?' 'He just needs to return home to regenerate. Sort of the same way we need to after we spellcast,' He explained gently. She stared at her husband, a nervous hand quietly petting Sparky. She nodded in understanding. 'How long will it be? Do we even know?' Rowane could not hear her. Rowane was already muttering spellcasting words under his breath, words Moiragwyn was used to hearing but that were too complex for her to really understand. As the air about them seemed to thicken and form waves, a crease in the waves seemed to become more prominent. As Rowane's chanting seemed to become a bit louder, more methodical.. like a chant... the crease seemed to yawn and stretch itself wider. A gap was opening before them, what layed inside so difficult to tell through mists that seemed to be pushing towards them. King Rowane glanced towards his wife, his chanting never faltering. She understood. MoiraGwyn lifted Sparky, staring down at his face. He did not seem himself, not at all. She glanced fearfully towards the gap as she lifted Sparky towards it. Sparky moved to lick at Rowane's face before turning to stare back at MoiraGwyn. Every movement seemed to be an effort for him. He extended his neck as much as he could, the tip of his nose tapped his mistress gently on her own. He seemed far more confident that things would be ok than his owners did. He turned from the Queen's arms towards the gap in the ethereal plane. One paw raised to rest on the opening, he was sucked into it before either of them knew what happened. In Rowane's surprise he stopped casting for a moment. The gap closing with a soft pop. And with that, Sparky was gone. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Legendary Times is published by the immortals of LegendMUD. Please send replies, additions, or corrections to our address at [email protected] for inclusion in the next edition. All subscription options are now handled at this url: http://www.legendmud.org/lists/listinfo/legendarytimes For RP submissions, copyright ownership remains with the author. We do reserve the right to moderate the forum and edit or reject any submission. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=