marimbamonk

Here are my two cents on this and other slurs in-game: In my opinion, we should stay away from racial slurs like "darkie" that are based on in-game skin color, especially if the slur could also apply to a real life skin color. Saying "I've seen it used a lot" is just an observation, not something that justifies its use. Although "spook" has a history as a racial slur, that's basically where its similarity to "darkie" ends. "Spook" itself doesn't have an obvious racial connotation. It has a more popular contemporary definition ("spooky, scary!"), and use of it in-game is to refer to something ghostly/creepy/undead, not something based on its skin color. You won't hear either word being commonly used as a racial slur nowadays IRL, but with "darkie", its racial connotation is immediately obvious, so its prevalence really has no bearing on whether or not it should be used. In my opinion, it shouldn't be used. "Coal people" is also a bad idea for all the same reasons. And for "spook" – would it be a good idea for us to find a different word to use? Sure, it wouldn't hurt; but I'm not that pressed about it, as long as it's only used to refer to ghostly/creepy/undead things. I wasn't even aware of its racist history until I read that ban report a couple days ago. "Greenskins" for orcs or "greyskins" for dark elves are certainly not as bad, as they have no IRL history or obvious IRL racial connotation. Personally, I usually don't have a problem with those unless it becomes obvious that the player behind the character is just using it as a way to mask being racist IRL, and determining that can be difficult. But ultimately, as I said before, my preference would be for us to just stay away from skin color -based slurs in general, given the extensive history of the concept IRL. "Midget" shouldn't be used either, in my opinion. Whenever the term is used nowadays, it's almost always in offense. There are many little people who are fine with or even prefer being called "dwarf", but I've never heard of a little person who preferred to be called "midget." It's an offensive real-life word for a real-life group of people, so in my opinion, their comfortability trumps anyone's need to use that word in-game. Lastly, the word "coon" might appear to have some of the same word qualities as "spook", but it was (and is) used as a racist term far more widely, including a well-known history of racist caricature artwork with the same name. Its only use referring to people has been incredibly racist. I bring this up because not too long ago there was a player on this server for several months who had named their orc character "Kuun'killah." Correct me if I'm wrong, but the orcs have never had to deal with a rampant infestation of raccoons, so one can draw a pretty obvious conclusion as to what that player was really referencing. We don't have these conversations as often as we should, so I thought I'd cover as much ground as possible given recent happenings. If all these words magically "poofed" from the vernacular of characters in-game, would I miss these words? Not in the slightest. There are more nuanced ways to express your character's prejudice that aren't as triggering for real-life groups of people. -- I'm uncomfortable with the fact that a single Administrator made a decision for the entire server on what racial slurs should and shouldn't be said in our community. This should be a community decision, just like nearly every other decision on LotC that has the unfortunate habit of getting relegated to a select group of officious volunteers.

Wanted this for a long time, thanks

(( Video of this event, I recorded: ))

Yes, sounds fun. Way to spice up RP

I'm not a fan of portals/warps at the Cloud Temple in any way. I prefer a Cloud Temple that is physically stationed in the world with roads leading out from it, like our earliest maps. This new warp / SS system is confusing

A-vos, followed by B-vos, then C-vos, D-vos, and E-vos hype

i'm STILL waiting for a map where we actually get a Cloud Temple IN THE CLOUDS ... YOU COWARDS, GIVE US A LITERAL CLOUD TEMPLE, COME ON

I feel like we should restrict building on roads to start and then revisit this discussion once we're actually ON the map and seeing how it feels. Hard to conjecture about it now. We should start conservative rather than letting people build chaotically all over the roads on Day 1. The map size, road length, nation positioning, etc. is really going to factor into whether or not the community feels like they want an extra settlement or RP hub between two places. If previous maps are anything to go on, old, abandoned settlements and plots are rarely ever revisited, cleaned up, or repopulated. So I think we should be mindful of what we build before we have a bunch of ghost structures on the map. Save the road space for the event team to run cool stuff, or have them build cool ambient locations or points of interest. A strange tree, a cave, a shrine, a park, etc. Spots where people can stop to RP, but not build a whole settlement. Just my thoughts

Making progress on my LotC rap, let me know what ya'll think. It's not done yet and not mixed properly It's a joke/satire so don't take it too seriously If you don't get what I'm referencing, look up the named figures / history of the maps Link to the Rap on Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Mpq7J Lyrics: Yo, I’m hoppin’ on the Lord of the Craft Tellin’ some stories and lore that will last. It’s All there, placed down block by block, written Post by post, hidden note for note, in this ( ) Mineman server I adore ( ) Sylvaeri? that’s a Feanor ( ) the Basketweaver, hey Anore, ( ) I got a bird from Haelun’or ( ) makin’ it, breakin’ it, craft Roleplay post, gonna call it “first draft” Ah, raid cooldown don’t last; they Never get banned call the “pocket staff” While these other rappers spit bars, I melt them ( ) Put ‘em in the furnace and smelt them ( ) Make armor with it, yeah, I felt them ( ) Win a warclaim, damage I dealt them ( ) but I’d be remiss if I did not say ( ) go around killin’ without role play ( ) remember the first one, back in the day ( ) that gets you banned; that’s Pugsy Aegis Aegis Aegis Aegis Yo, I’m on that old map affection I’m talking Holmes Detection, like Eating Dawns confection, slaying like a Per Fection-ist. You know, some say that mime never missed with a blade, that Boy made Kharajyr suede, you could trade in the Menorcress glade, (that’s down where the Mori stayed) I’m hoppin’ on the Lord of the Craft Tellin’ some stories and lore that will last. It’s All there, placed down block by block, written Post by post, hidden note for note, in this ( ) Mineman server I adore ( ) resource island get some ore ( ) make some gear then make some war ( ) countin’ maps, yeah, there’s some more Anthos. : More than just a CT to AFK in; OGs would say We were there when Xan gave his lance and then ( ) and then we skewered Setherien Athera. like Aegis 2 ( ) Undead comeback crew ( some wars, it’s nothin’ new ( ) then a worm came through? Vailor (if something interesting happened on this map pls comment, i don't remember much)

can confirm

I believe it's possible for someone like Charlemagne to change, while also suffering the consequences of their past actions. We should prioritize the safety and comfortability of our members and anyone who has been victimized in the past, over allowing someone back on the server after such behavior because "they've changed." Great, you've changed. Move on with your life. Take your changed self and help people elsewhere; in another online community. You lost the privilege to be a member in this community the moment you took those actions. A Minecraft server isn't real life; the language used, threats made, and their effects are real life. So what exactly are we prioritizing here by allowing him to come back? Those of you who still want to hang out with him can do so on your own time, in your own space. Not here, where the shadow of what was done will always linger. For God's sake, this internet Minecraft server is a privilege, not a right. Keep him banned, and let's all move on as best we can. Just my two cents, given what I was able to understand about this situation

[!] Notices have been posted in the major settlements of Almaris. Here's what they say: [!] "Denizens of Almaris, I seem to have misplaced some of my most prized possessions. They are cherished relics of ages past, and I wish to see them returned so that their memories can be kept. There are nine of these relics, from what I can remember. Please, once you find them, send me a bird and I will see that you are rewarded suitably." [!] Posted with the notices are descriptions of the items and hints as to their locations... The Nine Relics of Brunhyldir [1] Brunhyldir's Quarterstaff (Wooden Hoe) Location Hint: "Deep below the ice." // This gnarled quarterstaff was carved from an ancient birch wood and carries a slight magical vibration when held. Wielding it, one could almost feel the conflicted, storied history bound within its knots, grooves, and edges. Now, as the myriad powers it once called upon slumber, it serves as little more than a reliable walking stick. [2] Beardscalibur, Blade of the Accord Location Hint: "Plucked above their domain." // (The description of this item is also a hint to its location.) This hulking greatsword was chiseled from ancient dwarven stone and measures just over seven feet long from pommel to tip. The name “Beardscalibur” is carved in dwarven runes on the blade, though surely it would have taken no less than two or three dwarves together to wield it... Or one orc. [3] Brunhyldir's Ascended Robes Location Hint: "Please don't use this as a jersey." // This pristine set of white robes was sewn from an enchanted cloth and lined with a blue trim. Though they bear resemblance to the garb of a mage, they still seem to allow a generous amount of mobility when worn. It seems these particular robes are marked by a darker story, however – splattered across the front of them are several stains of long-dried blood. No matter how vigorously the robes are washed, it seems the spots of blood can never be cleaned off. [4] Brunhyldir's Undead Robes Location Hint: “In the Veridian, in a forest without light.” // This tattered set of black robes was sewn from an enchanted cloth and lined with purple trim. They smell faintly of smoke and charred flesh, and the residue of blood, bile, and ash is deeply set in the cloth. Though the power of their enchantment has long faded, the robes still seem to exist in antithesis to the light. A creature of Good alignment would get a profoundly unsettling feeling while holding or wearing these robes. [5] Brunhyldir's Cactus Green Location Hint: "A remote bayou camp." // Most could identify this wad of dried cactus flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds by the pungent smell alone: cactus green. Upon close inspection, however, it seems this particular clump of the psychedelic has layers – like an ogre or an onion. The deeper layers are very old, perhaps hundreds of years old. The clump’s maintenance seems to have been attained by the constant addition of new herb materials on the outside and a delicate degree of watering. By that measure, it seems this fist-sized bundle of the substance is the “Theseus’ Ship” of cactus green, aside from the ancient, living root clump buried deep inside. [6] Banner of the Bloodsworn Location Hint: "Ask and you shall receive." // This tattered cloth banner must have originally been some sort of white tarp used to provide shade from the desert sun, but it was crudely dyed red with the juices from crushed beetles, scorpions, and scarabs. In the center of the banner is a cluster of handprints of all different sizes and heritages. They appear to have been stained into the cloth with blood. Judging by the deep, ruddy color and spottiness of the blood and the condition of the banner itself, it must be hundreds of years old. [7] Totem of Gul'Thak Location Hint: "Near the giant's fall." // (The description of this item is also a hint to its location.) This sandstone statuette is small enough to fit in the palm of an orc’s hand. It roughly matches the shape of a tortoise, with fine grooves and detail around the head and shell of the creature. Carved into the spiked hexagonal plates of the shell are various runes in Old Blah. They all seem to be bound to a common root word in that ancient, spiritual language – “the earth.” The totem is mundane, cracked, and damaged in a few small spots; it has not called upon the power of the elements in many, many years. [8] Totem of Takacha Location Hint: "At the ends of the world." // (The description of this item is also a hint to its location.) This simple totem was carved from a desert willow wood, small enough to fit in the palm of an orc’s hand. It roughly matches the shape of a serpent, with fine carving to represent its scales and two long, blunt fangs. Dry, blue patches flake away from the wood when touched, indicating that this totem may have been painted long ago to match the waters of a desert oasis. An Old Blah rune is carved into the forehead of the serpent; one who understands that ancient tongue would recognize the rune as the elemental symbol for “water.” The totem is mundane, cracked, and damaged in a few small spots; it has not called upon the power of the elements in many, many years. [9] Totem of Draumolac Location Hint: "Atop the peak of highest flame." // (The description of this item is also a hint to its location.) This slender statuette is warm to the touch, and seems to have been carved from ancient magma stone. Small enough to fit in the palm of an orc’s hand, it roughly matches the shape of a great lion, with an impressive mane of fiery fur and delicately carved teeth. One of the lion’s arms is raised, as if ready to strike, and an Old Blah rune is carved into its paw there. Those who understand that ancient language would recognize the rune as the elemental symbol for “fire.” The totem is mundane, cracked, and damaged in a few small spots; it has not called upon the power of the elements in many, many years. --- Rules: There are 9 relics to be found. The first person to show me or give me a particular relic is noted as the Finder of that particular relic. Alternatively, you may send me a screenshot of the relic in your inventory in place of showing it to me in person. This makes it so that if you die while carrying a relic or someone steals it from you, you still have proof you were the one to find it. A Finder will only be rewarded for ONE relic; once you've found one, you're good! Ideally, I want 9 different people to find a relic, one each. Admins, Game Moderators, Community Team, and Story Team members may not participate in this treasure hunt. Sorry! Rewards: Each Finder will receive the following: 1100 Crowns An in-RP meeting with Brunhyldir, an orc who has been around since Aegis, LotC's first map. Ask or request anything of him! [!] Remember: you will only be awarded for finding one relic. Once you find one, encourage your friends to search for the others!