Volume Ten Issue Nine
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= .............._______ ............./ / THE LEGENDARY TIMES ............/ / http://www.legendmud.org/ .........../ /.....______.._____.....______.._____.......____ ........../ /...../ /./ \.../ /./ \...../ \ ........./ /...../ ___/./ ____/../ ___/./ __ \.../ /\ \ ......../ /...../ /_.../ /....../ /_.../ /..\ >./ /./ / ......./ /...../ __/../ /____../ __/../ /.../ /./ /./ / ....../ /_____/__/__../ \_\ /./ /__../ /.../ /./ /_/ / ...../ / /./ /./ /./ /.../ /./ / ..../ /_/..\______/./_____/./__/.../__/./_______/ MUD .../________________/ running on mud.legendmud.org 9999 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= VOLUME TEN, NUMBER NINE March 15, 2003 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TABLE OF CONTENTS The Editor's Note NEWS, REPORTS, UPDATES Calendar of Events Recent Updates Recent Q&A Topics LEGENDITES A Hot Line From Hell Clan News Fields of Albion Celebrates 2nd Anniversary The Dark Necromancers Society Recruiting The Council of the Nine Winds Recruiting The PK Front The Crimson Journal, Part 1 Ransom's Return You Can Never Go Home Again ___ ___ \ |-----------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| The Editor's Note |__\ '-----------------------------------------------------------------' Thanks to those who responded with enthusiasm to my pleas for more content. There's a couple people I still need to get back to, I haven't forgotten you! It's just been a crazy week. It seems to have gotten crazier with yesterday's update which put in a change that we'd talked about on the discussion board again in January. While the discussion started with one character suggesting that flee have a lag associated after it, this is NOT what was implemented. Other people also latched on to a couple of immorts' comments when they mentioned that the change would help bring some of the big mobs that were intended to be taken by groups. This is NOT the reason the change was implemented nor was it expected to be a cure-all for certain mobs that are taken by solo characters. What WAS implemented was a simple one line check: If the character being hit (regardless of PC or NPC) just reached a point where their wimpy would kick in AND they're standing and can move to another room AND they're not raging ** AND they're not affected by any skill delays ** then they will attempt to auto-flee. The check marked by **s was the line added. Previously only NPCs were held to this. As one person at a Q&A discussion about this put it people who used this tactic were able to get around the skill delay built into all skills and effectively "get one special per round instead of two while tanking." Holding everyone accountable to that same rule is the main reason behind the change and affects both mobkill and pkilll. Thanks to those of you who understand the change and have voiced your support and to those who haven't merely voiced knee-jerk reactions to the change, but have offered thought-out responses after playing since the change. It is ALWAYS a bad idea to rely on a single skill or tactic to define your character or playing style. The best characters (and players) are always going to be multi-talented and flexible. If you're interested, there's also more discussion and insight into the reasoning behind this topic at: http://www.legendmud.org/Community/ lectures/QandA/2003/QA_01_23_03.html#FLEE Have a great week! -Kaige ___ ___ \ |-----------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| LegendMUD Calendar of Events |__\ '-----------------------------------------------------------------' [All times are system time unless otherwise specified] MARCH 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 31 Monday, March 17th Happy St. Patrick's Day all day Find & kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck all year! 10:00 pm Irish Casino Thursday, March 20th 7:00 pm Q & A in the OOC Auditorium Saturday, March 22nd March Madness Tinyplot Thursday, March 27th 7:00 pm Q & A in the OOC Auditorium NOTE: Sandra's PK Tourney has been postponed until she has time to run one. Coming in April.... - Easter! ___ ___ \ |-----------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| Recent Updates |__\ '-----------------------------------------------------------------' /\ CODE UPDATES / \ / \ MISC CHANGES: /_ _\ o OOC command only interprets the stand command IF you're | | not already standing. | | o When you come out of a trance you get the message "Your | | steps slow and you stop dancing as you come out of the |__| trance." /\ / \ BUG FIXES: / \ o Players who wimpy out of a fight, must obey skill delays /_ _\ first, just like mobs. | | o You can't portion flaming food any more. | | o Calm spell shouldn't be giving two messages to the caster. | | o True form now charges 35 mana as per helpfile and doesn't |__| let you go negative. /\ o You no longer destroy non-herbs when trying to brew them. / \ o You can no longer steal owner-only items (e.g. flaming / \ swords, makestaffs) /_ _\ | | TYPO FIXES: | | o Fixes for action tags for the following moods: abashed, | | angstful, approving, ashamed, bewildered, bored, scared, |__| and tired /\ / \ UPCOMING (not in yet, but tentatively planned for next week): / \ o More fixes for vehicles like the cart in Tara. /_ _\ o Fountains that cannot be moved won't count against your | | housing costs. | | o Furniture type items that cannot be moved cannot be used | | as containers in inventory. (Tannenbaums are a good |__| example of this) Once you drop them they can be used /\ normally, so find a good home for them now. / \ / \ /_ _\ HELP FILE UPDATES | | | | General Topics: | | HARNESS |__| /\ / \ AREA 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 (use AREAINFO to find out!) |__| /\ Flavor/foul/purify/poisoning teachers check align to qualify. / \ / \ 1802 ALASKA /_ _\ Some typo fixes, Napachee and other Inuit should respond | | better about the ten-legged bear, and the fight act on | | the ten-legged bear was upped so it should actually go | | off now. |__| /\ AFRICAN SAVANNA and ZANZIBAR / \ Trader no longer sells dhows - so he won't be littering / \ town with them anymore as he moves. Adds a bit of color /_ _\ to the menu. Various bugs fixed. | | | | FRENCH INDIAN WAR | | Be careful with Duvier, he may surprise you. Belugas |__| cannot be hunted. The woodworker and his journeymen have /\ some new goods. Various minor bugs and typos fixed. / \ / \ PORT OF LONDON /_ _\ More chances for the dockers to clean up the lumber on | | the docks. | | | | ANCIENT GREECE; ANCIENT NAZCA; AZTECS; BEOWULF; CELTIC |__| IRELAND; MEDSEAS; SAN FRANCISCO; SEONI JUNGLE; SOMME, FRANCE; /\ TORTUGA / \ Various minor bugs and typos fixed. / \ /_ _\ | | In Progress Area Updates | | | | This section is intended to share what builders are working |__| on behind the scenes. It is not a perfect record of progress /\ as all builders do not commit updates every week. Badgering / \ builders about their progress will get you flogged. / \ /_ _\ Cheyla Zanzibar Expansion | | Kae Larderello (Dante's Hell) | | Leila London Expansion | | Piccolo Ming Dynasty China |__| =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _______ ____ _______ / ___ \ / __ \ / ___ \ 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 Negative Mana on Trueform? o Is Ac Off on These Items? o Purify/Sterilize Skill? o What is the wimpy change? o Vehicles & Wagon Quest o Changes for Limans and Kleiners? o Craven & Wimpy Change o Craven's Rant on Roots, Again o General Suggestions/Questions o Trueform and Negative Mana? o Slow Q&As and What's Logged? o Bug with Brew? Why Herblore Req? o Vehicles: Carts & Wagons o Talking to Objects? o How Long are Archives Kept? o Seeing Illusion Descs For Expies? o Fixes for Moods/Socials? o Pillars of Darkness? o Not Enough Controversial Changes? o Possible New Spellbooks? o Money Running with Pack Animals? o Post Title Discussion o Old Equipment Discussion o Compact Damage Message Scale? o Damaged Eq Losing Stats? o Photos Count as Mail? o Bug With XP to Level? o Hell Progress? ___ ___ \ |------------------------------------------------------------------| / /__| LEGENDITES: Information Regarding the People of Our World |__\ '------------------------------------------------------------------' Vanion has reached 200 million experience! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Sprite, self-proclaimed proprietor of Knight of L|J(_) Legend Sir Lawrence Windstrom, was recently seen ) | (") ( running around in Australia on her lonesome, ,(. |`/ \- y (,`) wearing a shredded handkerchief with the monogram )' (' | \ /\/ ) (. of Lady Emrysia Royce, staggering and droning, (' ),) | _W_ (,)' ). 'Im... Ho... Tep...'. Perhaps some of the assorted mage societies around should look into A Hot Line From Hell the questionable legality of letting elementals watch the late night horror shows on TV? Sir Percy Blakeney appears to have regained his freedom thanks to the merciful hands of his wife Aemilia Blakeney who appears to have decided to purchase him off Riley at the first chance she gets. Riley, in turn, seems to have purchased the English fop off Raphadhu Spotted Horse for the staggering price of -- two pelts. No doubt, this is the most striking blow to Sir Percy's pride we have yet witnessed. Another contestant for the fop appears to be Briarwen, although this does not seem to meet the approval of Jakov Alekseyevich who has accompanied the lady a fair bit of late. On the smaller news side, Lady Dechtire of Ulster appears to be still searching for the ultimate cure against vampire hickies, and surprisingly, Briarwen still appears to be keeping her part of the work arrangement she agreed to with Sister Trinity d'Arpajon; the wench -- this being the euphemism of her choice for her profession -- appears to be only fertilizing the soil for future encounters, so to speak, but not actually harvesting at the moment. The on-going saga of Alyxia and the concept of bathing remains unsolved; the hoyden remains surrounded by a certain distinctive smell which certainly is not that of soap. ___ ___ \ |--------------------------------------------------------| / /__| Clan News |__\ '--------------------------------------------------------' Fields of Albion Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Congratulations to The Fields of Albion as they are celebrating the 2nd year of their founding on March 19th under the free-forming clans system. When asked for some information or history about the clan, the GM Pflanzen Botanique had the following to say: In many ways, we're a quiet clan that enjoys hanging out together when we manage to be around at the same times. We may not move fast nor far, but we have a good time doing it. We're a fairly loose organization with several members who come and go as they have time, but the main group of regulars are all awesome people. Thanks so much to Ibrahim and Mabel for embracing our causes so completely and bringing such awareness of such vital issues as recycling and wildlife preservation. It's great to see people having such fun with the roleplay theme of the clan and especially one where it's so difficult to take yourself too seriously. A few of us had been tossing around some ideas for celebrating the start of Spring, but haven't settled on anything yet, so it won't likely be big, but perhaps we'll be more organized for summer. If you're interested in joining a clan that's got a sense of humor and is themed around nature visit our web page at: http://prodigalstranger.nee.dk/albion.php to see if it looks like something you'd enjoy too! Pflanzen Botanique @-->--->--- GM Fields of Albion For more information about this clan of Legend, contact their GM Pflanzen Botanique or any other members, check out the CLANS command, or try a search for ALBION on the web pages: (http://www.legendmud.org/sitemap.html and enter keywords in the SEEK box). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Dark Necromancers Society has been formed to create a healthy environment for fellow raisers of the dead, and conjurers, and those showing promise in the field of magic. Whether your truly evil, misunderstood, or just looking to band with those of similar magical abilities, the Necromancers could be the place for you. Any questions on joining, or other information on the clan can be obtained by contacting the current GM, Sarevok via tells or mudmail. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Prophecies of the Nine Winds Fire, to light their way. Water, to wash away their sins. Wind, to speed their way. Earth, to protect them from enemies. Spirit, to help guide them on their quest. Ice, for the tears that will fall from their glorious eyes. Courage, to overcome fear. Holy, to heal their gaping wounds. Darkness, to bind them. Kelandor Faelanea, Prophet of Raedlellan, The early ages. The Nine Winds, a power to be reckoned with. There had been only 40 people who could wield the great power of the Winds. Even they were spead across the vast world, destined to meet and bring forth the leader that would lead the Council to everlasting glory. They said the leader would be a peasant who would become a king. Others had said the leader would not be human, but a creation of a god, some said the god was Thrail, Priestess of Life. Others said it was the god of Chaos and Destruction, Borimaer. But in fact, he was a creation of both. The Nine Winds were powers of the life and death of natures beings, the Winds used the souls of the deceased and the life force of those few great living creatures. In a side affect it created a power, a force of utter invincibility. Some used it in physical ways, such as fighting skill and things of that sort. Others used its great powers for magic, those few who did became great Wizards and or Priestesses. Good or evil, both sides had but 20 of these great people. 20 people on either side to be able to wield these great winds. Only one side had the Council formed, and for the Wind Walkers of good that was bad. Those few Wind Walkers that were good stirred and the sense of the winds took over. The men and woman of the wind began to come forth, seeking their leader. The first to follow the sense of the winds would be the leader, the Council GM, Alganai, Prince of Raedlellan, City of Gold. Then he bagan to call for his brothers and his sisters, and The Council of the Nine Winds was formed. They started with 8 and are bound to 20. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= There are currently 16 RP clans and 9 PK clans. This leaves open slots for seven (7) 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 guide for players interested in starting and running a clan, we recommend that before you even type FORM, you visit: http://www.legendmud.org/Reference/gm.html. ___ ___ \ |--------------------------------------------------------| / /__| The PK Front |__\ '--------------------------------------------------------' Numbers overall were down, but with Spring Break for many people, it's not a complete suprise. The Grendels maintained their spot as the PK clan with the most active members last week. The Infernals also maintained their presence and a trio of Coven members did their work for the Goddess. The IRA and the Knights of Legend also had a pair of members each out on the pk front. Panucci's Pizza seems to have been closed for the week and the School of Hard Knocks remained dark and empty. The members of the Syndicate and Hermetic Order were also noted as missing from the field this week. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In the past week there were 54 pkill-related deaths involving 24 different characters. Of those 24 characters, 19 of them were accept all at the time. So come on, let's get YOUR name up in lights! We can't report on it if you don't tell us about it! If you have you witnessed or committed 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 PK (not necessarily PK Clan related), send it in! It's free AND you'll get a prize 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!! _______________________ / \ o O | Wonder what folks are | `\|||/ | doing over at LegendMUD?| (o o) \_______________________/ ooO_(_)_Ooo________________________________________________________________ _____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|___ __|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____|_____| The Crimson Journal, Part 1 Greshym reached for the dagger in his pocket and dragged it across his palm, until the familiar crimson came to the surface. He controlled the power with years of experience, careful not to let it take control of him as it had so many others. He pushed a minute amount out and struck the nearest Skalt'um. 'They just keep coming,' Er'ril noted as he drenched his sword in the blood of the fallen evil pawn. 'I know, brother, but we must hold our own, we are of the few left with the power to fight the darkness. Mages from all over are losing their powers daily and we are running out of options,' said Shorkan with a sigh. 'We must pull back,' Greshym whined, 'Here I'll cause a distraction.' With that Greshym struck down a Skal'tum surrounded by five others, and they immediately turned to feed on their former ally. That was all the trio needed to run, and run they did until they came to a small inn, in a town called Winterfell. An Ancient man in a pale robe greeted them as they entered with a smile, a smile that was almost a little too nice, and not enough sincere. Er'ril thought he saw a crimson smudge on the man's robe, but thought nothing of it as they went upstairs. After the innkeeper left and they thought it was safe to talk, Greshym brought up what was on all their minds, 'What about the book? Should we forge it and take the risk of the witch coming upon it and destroying the world, or shall we sit here with our tails between our legs and do nothing?' 'Until now I did not think the risk was worth it, but after the incident before, I think it is our only choice,' said Shorkan with a sigh. 'What of you brother give us your council.' 'I think it is not my choice, I am merely your liegeman, my only power is that of the sword, magic is still a mystery to me and it probably always will be,' replied Er'ril with humility in his voice. 'Brother you are more important than you say, and I believe you agree with us when we say that we must take the risk, if I am to die today to save the future, so be it,' commented Shorkan with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Greshym pulled out the blank book from his pocket and nodded his agreement with Shorkan. The two blood mages uttered unintelligible chants as they circled the empty book, then in unison they took out their daggers and brought them across their palms, so their blood and the magic within it touched the page, and with it all the goodness in their hearts, and almost as soon as it started it was over, leaving Er'ril alone in the room. The next morning Er'ril woke up alone, he stored the book safely away, knowing that he would have to guard the book, until the one who would save the world arrived. No matter how long that would be, the book granted him temporary immortality. With a sigh and a heavy burden he walked downstairs. He expected to meet the overly nice innkeeper from the night before, but as far as he could see no one was there. He went to the counter to pay and a horrific stench filled his nose, there where the innkeeper should be was a corpse, bloodied and beaten. Skull was gone, and something told him that soon the dark lord would know of the book he held. He sighed, and realized he should have listened to his instincts. He would not make that mistake again. He would have plenty of time for it though; he had a long journey ahead of him. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ransom's Return He looked around the Inn and wondered where time had gone. He had left with Sir Vhache what seemed like just yesterday, but too many things had changed for it to have been just a day. The faces he saw were not ones that he knew, nor, it appeared did they know him. 'What has happened to me?' he mumbled. 'Ransom? Ransom Kirvel?' He looked to the voice and smiled, finally recognizing someone. 'Richard. It is good to see a face that I recognize,' the young man said. 'You have not changed at all, Ransom.' 'Nor have you, but it seems everything else has.' 'Yes, it has been quite some time since you and that knight have been around. Speaking of which, where is he?' 'He went into a cave...but never came out...' Ransom sighed and looked at his feet. 'I am sorry to hear that, Ransom. Will you still become a knight?' 'No.. I don't think so. I recently met one... but I am not one that favors a knight fighting with a woman, let alone his wife.' Richard nodded and chuckled. 'Still the idealist, I see' Ransom chuckled. 'That is thrice, in as many days that I have been called that. To answer your question, yes, I am still the idealist, but have come to know a bit of reality as well, and sometimes wish I could go back to not knowing it. They say that ignorance in bliss... that could have more than just a speck of truth in it... but then again, I cannot be naive forever.' 'Why not? I have seen many come through those doors that know not the evil that is around them, and seem happy in that.' 'Yes, I am sure that is so, but we are told, "We henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." I must know some of the world and its evils to see it for what it truly is.' 'And what is that, young squire?' 'I am not sure yet... but I shall spend time finding out, so that i might better serve the one who created me.' 'Ever the idealist, even when trying to be a realist.' Richard laughed, poured the young man a tankard of fresh water, and chuckled to himself as he set about his chores again, wondering what the young man would find in his search, and what it would do to him when he found it. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= You Can Never Go Home Again Well, ok, so that's not technically true, but it's just never gonna be the same as you remember it either. Somethings are better than you remember: the taste of the food, the smell of the flowers, the glint of sun off the stained glass in the cathedral... Other things are worse than ever... the corruption in government, the undesirable advances of sailors and soldiers, the lack of sentiment and love on the part of you family. Take my sister for instance... she couldn't care less that my travelling companion, a busty barmaid named Briarwen, and I had found him murdered in their house -- the house I had left years ago, swearing never to return. After hearing who my family was, Briarwen was curious and was trying to bring about some sort of reconcilliation or something equally well-meaning but misguided like that. So, when all my sister could do was whine about how Father was everything in her life and all she wanted was to be with him, we sent her on her way to be reuinted with the great, boring lout, Dr. Ruiz and his wife, dear, departed Mama, who abandoned us at such tender, impressionable ages. Whatever. It's not like she even recognized me. A few people around town did, or maybe I only imagined a twinkle of recognition in their eyes as the light faded from them. As we waded our way through the city, for that's probably the best way to describe walking through the piles of corpses we left lying in the streets, I wondered at my companion's motives for such senseless violence, but for me it felt good to flex muscles long unused while lying on that cold, stone altar all that time. Perhaps my new boss, who'd taken me in as I wandered still confused and sluggish-brained after I'd awoken from that imbecile mage's "helpful" spell, would be pleased with the demonstrations of the sins we'd commited. Others were likely to be shocked when they heard the news, especially the ones that take me at face value -- a pretty young thing who plays at being a thief, but not a serious threat. No, not someone as smooth as Silk. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=