Malinor And Its Future

[Aerinyes 402]

====OOC====

I figured I'd disclose all of the future plans that we currently have for the Princedom. There's much the council has discussed, but doesn't aways get to the ears of the masses. While getting a pleasant surprise is great and all, it does no good if players don't stick around long enough to see them, or miss them for that matter.

Therefore here is a list of things we have in store.

1. Renovations

Right now we're in the process of renovating homes. As some of you know some of the homes in the Elder Tree are just horrible. Believe me we know this :P. We're working diligently at making these homes more appealing and more spacious. In fact many of them near the top have already have seen changes.

Larger homes. Oh boy this is a tough one. While some of the homes aren't bad. I know some people have come to me with 10k+ minas to spend and I have nothing big to offer them. I'm trying to figure a way to fix this, but unfortunately getting bigger homes out to people on such a small isle is tough.

Let me ask the general populace (including outsiders), would you be willing to purchase bigger homes off the isle itself? I am considering developing some of the areas outside Normandor. But before I begin any projects, I'd like to hear if anyone is even interested. Also what style would you like to see?

Also I am looking at giving Normandor a more elven look. This means eventually the stone will be replaced with wood (the spiral stairs in the middle of the tree for example). The Sandstone is probably going to stay to give the city a 'golden' look. Though I may consider changing that as well, that we haven't really decided on due to the effort it will take. Though it could be done if the benefits are worth it.

A long term goal of mine personally, is to reshape the isle itself to get rid of the square shape. Unfortunately the amount of materials needed for that is astronomical. To do it properly requires 500-1000 stacks of dirt and stone. That is not easy to collect without causing massive landscarring, so what I will probably do is setup a warehouse to be used to slowly overtime collect dirt. Thats about 16 double chests full of materials, shouldn't be terribly bad to do.

How can you all help? Design ideas are always welcome. I would love to have distinct designs based on subraces. Wood Elves, Dark Elves, and High Elves would have slightly different styles. We could use builders as well for both Normandor and 'New Laurelin'.

2. Lore

Unfortunately this is where we are sort of lacking. Not by choice, but by circumstance. I'll be doing a writeup on Malinor lore soon. This won't be a history since I don't have control over that minus the history I was apart of. Besides, Native has covered most of that already with the founding of Laurelin and such.

The lore I do have control over is how the nation more or less operates. For example laws and punishments is something we have a write up on and will be posting soon. Noble titles, family lines, and that sort of thing is also being worked on.

To give a little tidbit on what we have so far... we have a sort of Rite of Passage idea for youngling elves. Basically it works like this:

Once an elf reaches the age of 125 they may being their Rite of Passage. This involves them going into a state of meditation, the location depends on a few factors such as subrace, social class, and other things. This meditation lasts for a few days. During this time the elf contemplates what sort of adult elf they wish to be. They will craft a totem of sorts to symbolize this decision.

For example, a wood elf who wishes to be a hunter or archer might go into the woods and craft a bow of superior and exquisite design. A dark elf who wishes to be a smith might craft a sword or the like. The totem might be a bow, sword, painting, sculpture, ect. Really just depends on the individual elf.

Once that is completed, the elf returns as a normal adult member of Malinor society. Also since elves live for so long the process may be repeated later in life if the elf decides to change who they are (for better or for worse).

This is something Lafthi came up with so all credit goes to him for this wonderful idea.

Another idea that Lafthi had came up with was a group of noble houses. Elven families that are noteworthy for a trade, craft, or function. We haven't gotten this past the concept phase yet. But having elven families is a good start. I know Dante has his Flormai clan going there (7+).

3. Events

We're looking at having events in the future. Two ideas that we're going to be implementing is a tavern and a weekly party thing. The Root Beer will be opening to the public and manned on a daily basis. Right now this is on the NA peak time, but we may consider doing this for the EU or even AU folks if there is enough interest. Tavern RP is fun for many if all they wish to do is converse with others. Its a great way to meet other RPers in a centralized location in a calm atmosphere.

The party idea is well.. we're elves and we like to do merrymaking. This idea isn't something I've entirely figured out yet, but the jist is every Saturday we just host an event where there's music, food, drink, and just random In-Character silliness and fun. It will be a bit before this is started as I need to get a location setup for it. But I think its a great way to get a bunch of people together from different timezones all at once. In addition it gives people a reason to get online, to Malinor, and pay their taxes :P

4. Shops

We've sold some shops already, but I haven't gotten a chance to put a post on it yet. I'm looking at selling stalls in Normandor Heights (the large building before you enter Normandor). It just needs to be finished with renovations which should be done before this weekend.

As it stands now, you can purchase a shop in Normandor heights, the rent is paid on a monthly basis instead of weekly. If you rent a shop in Normandor itself, there is no cost to buy, but the rent is double and is paid weekly. The idea is I want people to man the shops in the Elder Tree itself, not merely rely on the shop plugin.

5. What we need

Builders. This is a big one. We are building everything by hand (no creative mode GM assistance). I believe this helps bolster the ingame economy and gives a better sense of accomplishment. People like to live in a nation they helped build. ArmaLuna is a good example of that. Now we just need builders that are just as talented. I'll be the first to say I'm not the greatest builder. I can make some neat things. But ultimately I'm not as talented as some when it comes to aesthetics.

Princes and Princesses. I've had the thread unpinned and locked concerning how to become a Prince or Princess of Malinor. This doesn't mean that we aren't in need. There is a seat open so we are looking over possible candidates. Our selection process has changed however. One cannot simply apply to be a prince, you must be recognized and invited.

Here is a list of Qualifications:

1. Full Blooded Elf - Even though we have had half elves on the council in the past, ICly the council has decided to avoid conflicting loyalties and to make sure princes can serve for a longer term (half elves get old quickly compared to elves). In addition any combination of Wood Elf, High Elf, or Dark Elf is eligible (subracial pureness isn't a concern).

2. Citizen - Must live in Malinor. Doesn't make sense to have an outsider, even if an elf to be on a council of a nation they don't know anything about.

3. Active - We only one those that are active in Malinor. Not simply own a home they occasionally visit to pay taxes on. Also we are looking for those that are available to play online for more then just a few hours a week. The position takes a lot of commitment.

4. Competence - The best way to be a prince is to act as one. Take charge and help out in the princedom and you'll be recognized fast. Moving up the ranks in the militaries or civilian positions is a great way to get started as well. Also any prince should be ready to be the High Prince at any time. RL stuff happens and even I'm not immune to emergencies. This shouldn't grind to a halt incase I get into an accident or have an issue to take care of.

5. Communication - Be ready to communicate in a professional manner both ICly and OOCly. We hold discussions almost on a daily basis. Need for you to be a team player and having Teamspeak is a good plus. We do alot of brainstorming on there as well as a forum PM Conversation.

Role-players. This goes without saying really, but we need players to come by and role-play with us and each other. I am looking at providing a better environment and need your help with suggestions and the like to facilitate that.

On the note of suggestions, we're open to them, I'd like to see what people will like. I will say this however though. OOC suggestions such as building this or that building, changing a certain design, or an idea for enhancing the lore.

Things like "opening an Alliance with so and so" or other IC issues need to be handled on a IC level. And while I'll listen to ideas that could be used ICly, I cannot make guarantees that they will happen. Things like trade agreements, alliances, pacts, and the like totally depend on the social-econo-political situation at the time as well as character opinions, views, and outlooks.

City Workers and Officials. We always need those willing to provide materials. We also are looking for people to serve in city functions. Selling homes, collecting taxes, and handling distribution. We have an efficient system for managing jobs and homes, but need people to actually do it. These are critical positions and need those that are extremely active to fill them. If you're looking to be a prince, this is a great way to prove you've got what it takes. Our last 3 princes elected to the council did this.

Wood Elves! Seriously... we're full of Dark Elves and High Elves. Where did all the wood elves go? Its hard to get wood elven architecture when there isn't any wood elves around.

Overall Purpose and Goal. I thought about bringing this up with the other princes, but I'd figure I'd see what the general community thinks. What would you all like to see Malinor in general be striving for? Bringing peace to Asulon (by example? by force?)? Ensuring Elven superiority? Remaining detached from the younger races? Staying chill, friendly but accepting of everyone else? I'd like to hear some suggestions. I just ask that any made should keep in mind that we are an elven nation. And Ideally I'd like to put elves (and their way of life) first in anything that we decide to do.

Hope to hear some comments soon. I do apologize to many of you all out there if I've been slow to respond or non-responsive entirely. That's not intentional and I'm not ignoring you. Even if I or some of us don't agree with a suggestion or idea, we're still taking it into consideration. The idea is to provide a unique and fun Role-playing experience for anyone that comes to Malinor.

[firespirit44 1323]

Hmm. Aerinyes, do you wish for this topic to be pinned? This topic contains alot of information regarding all elves, so abit of lines and different title sizes would help.

[emberhard 82]

I can try and help out a bit, but I am already pretty well pledged to Holm, but I desperately want to see Malinor prosper, brakes my heart when I walk through the grand tree island and I don't see a single soul.

[Aerinyes 402]

Hmm. Aerinyes, do you wish for this topic to be pinned? This topic contains alot of information regarding all elves, so abit of lines and different title sizes would help.

That would be cool. Yes I can add in the stylization in a bit, wrote this at a pretty late hour, but had to get all my thoughts down in one place before sleeping :)

[Sagwort 833]

Sythra, as Grand Master of the Mages Order I would like to ask your permission to construct…or more so for Malinor to construct a magnificent library for the Mages Order. It would become known as the great Archive of Magus. Within it would be documents pertaining to science, literature and knowledge of all kinds. It would become the main base for the Department of Research and Technology. One of the three major sects within the new guild. It would consist of three floors, each of them pertaining to the three pillars of the Mages Codex, Knowledge (Science), Control (Philosophy), and at last Magic being the top floor and not open to the common pubic. Perhaps a subterranean floor for experiments and such.

[Stag 3230]

===OOC===

I have a few ideas.

First one that I have had for quite a while now is the construction of two sister islands to the farming island. The two islands would be like the farming island where they are accessed through Normandor. As an example: We could move the the gaurds, army, and jail to one of the islands, and make the other island the Mage's college ((I like the one we have now it's just in an awkward spot in my opinion.)) There can even be more housing on these islands with distinctly different housing styles on them. ((One could be High Elven style or something of the sort.))

I was reading the post about the Mage library and thought that the Forest of Malinor would be a great place for such a thing. The forest feels like an empty pit and it would be nice if something was in it.

[ek_knight 21]

Edit: Oops saw that this issue was already addressed. Sorry. In addition, how would one go about getting a job collecting taxes etc. It is something my character would be interested in.

[Aerinyes 402]

Sythra, as Grand Master of the Mages Order I would like to ask your permission to construct…or more so for Malinor to construct a magnificent library for the Mages Order. It would become known as the great Archive of Magus. Within it would be documents pertaining to science, literature and knowledge of all kinds. It would become the main base for the Department of Research and Technology. One of the three major sects within the new guild. It would consist of three floors, each of them pertaining to the three pillars of the Mages Codex, Knowledge (Science), Control (Philosophy), and at last Magic being the top floor and not open to the common pubic. Perhaps a subterranean floor for experiments and such.

Sounds like a good idea, just need for you to speak with me ICly about it and we can work something out. Ambros is due for a visit anyway :)

===OOC===

I have a few ideas.

First one that I have had for quite a while now is the construction of two sister islands to the farming island. The two islands would be like the farming island where they are accessed through Normandor. As an example: We could move the the gaurds, army, and jail to one of the islands, and make the other island the Mage's college ((I like the one we have now it's just in an awkward spot in my opinion.)) There can even be more housing on these islands with distinctly different housing styles on them. ((One could be High Elven style or something of the sort.))

The issue with making islands is they take alot of materials. For example, the water is 20 blocks deep, so a 10x10 island would take 2000 blocks. In addition they have to look good and be shaped properly. Right now Normandor is getting a pass on its shape just because of the heartache it would cause just to get rid of it. And it is one of my plans to reshape it. But thats going to be a long way off.

I was reading the post about the Mage library and thought that the Forest of Malinor would be a great place for such a thing. The forest feels like an empty pit and it would be nice if something was in it.

I'm going to be going over possible areas with the mage's guild for construction of a tower. Our college is not a mage college. It could be used by the guild, but thats something I'll have to go over with them. We'll see what we can do.

Also which forest are you speaking of? If you can get me coords I can get a better idea.

Edit: Oops saw that this issue was already addressed. Sorry. In addition, how would one go about getting a job collecting taxes etc. It is something my character would be interested in.

Getting the job is as easy as speaking to me ICly about it. Actually doing it requires a bit of ooc work. I'm usually on the server's teamspeak in the High Council subsection of Malinor. Shoot me a PM on there and we'll chat about it. Are you proficient with using spreadsheets such as MS Excel or Google Doc?

[Josh △ 87]

Great thread! I really liked it, well put, etc. I will do my best to be recognized to become accepted into the princedom! :D

[ek_knight 21]

Sure thing. Might be a week or two though due to finals. (talking to Aerinyes)

[The Best Basileus 97]

I actually love the direction our military is going recently, in becoming more professional, developing a navy, etc. I personally prefer (Ic'ly and ooc'ly lol) a more "we're ready and willing to bring our entire military to bear on you if you cross us" stance, it would generally make things more peaceful (might seem contradictory at first, but the stronger a military is the less likely it will be crossed, and if it must be used then victory is swift and relatively costless. It also is good leverage in diplomacy :). ).

Also, I was wondering what the colony of New Laurelin is, and haven't gotten around to asking IC'ly yet. I kind of snooped around near there... but I couldn't find anybody. I also like the way that Normandor Heights is getting more populated with merchants lately. I have personally bought much from there.

Btw this: "but unfortunately getting bigger homes out to people on such a small isle is tough."

My response: "Let's lay smackdown on the mori." XD We need to utilise Elandriel again, it would be a good wood elf rp center.

[Igneberr 46]

New Laurelin construction is cancled to my knowledge, and if i heard right will be wiped off the face of the eat.

[Aerinyes 402]

Sorry for the late response. New Laurelin was well... to be quite honest I don't know what is going to happen with that area to the far far north east. That was a project started by Oceas and he was solely in charge of it. With him having left the server or rather going into an extreme inactive stance (not sure which), the project was more or less canceled.

I might consider sending some teams up there to clean it up and bring the materials back. That is if I still have perms up there. Not sure at the moment if I do. Its admittedly low on the list of priorities.

[Rusty7x 114]

How does one purchase a shop in this wonderful city?

[Frigated 66]

Okay on a first note, I love the thread.

Secondly I would definitely purchase a larger house outside of Normandor itself.

Also, I am a pretty good builder and terrain former, I will be willing to help Normandor. I will come up with a few larger houses designs for you. I'll post the screen shots on this thread just keep checking back.