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  1. What is the end-goal of moderation by making these universally detested forms of banditry and raiding more common? Server had three or four man raids every three days as the standard for almost a decade and even with those stringent regulations, banditry was still a complicated issue. Liberalizing those policies and giving people all these tools to harass others has made the server actively less fun to play and encourages everyone to look inward and only roleplay with their own. It doesn't feel like we have proper nation wars anymore because fighters effectively don't need a national allegiance either, so the argument that there wouldn't be conflict without this raiding free-for-all feels moot to me. Conflict is an essential part of the server's storyline, but both sides of a conflict need to have an active interest in building on the roleplay and storyline for it to work. This is not something we reward at all, and instead it seems we just reward people for treating LotC like a medieval GTA lobby. Roleplaying games are all about cooperation, improvisation, and storytelling. The way these policies are in-place seem to empower everything but that. I've been telling @itdontmattafor months now but there doesn't seem to be an active mission statement on what the moderation team's goals are anymore, or what they want conflict or, more importantly, player conduct to look like on the server. Giving people more tools to harass and manipulate the communities that actually generate the activity on the server is extremely counter-intuitive to server health and growth. What's the logic here?
  2. "Godspeed, Balian," hums a dark elf in his travels, proud of Private Silver's work.
  3. It's been cool to have gotten to know you over the past months. I've a lot of respect for your perspective and viewpoints, and am glad we have gotten to work together and RP together. What are some areas of RP on the server that you haven't explored yet that you'd like to? What are some things you'd consider future milestones on your roleplay journey? What do you feel like you've learned about LotC, or even just life in general through your time on LotC, in the past two years? Are there any fantasy or historical tropes that you wish were explored more on LotC? Cheers!
  4. First of all, nice graphic! Can appreciate the time and work that went into this, and it's cool to see the various language families color-coded and clustered together based on influence. I do want to raise a point in that I think that having every language descend from Flexio is probably not the right way to go about connecting all the languages on LotC. I understand this chart might be meant to be viewed RPly, but even on those grounds, its pretty easily disputable in lieu of alternate theories, and I'd take this opportunity to give my OOC two cents if the goal is to craft even a Canonist RP language theory document that would still be more accurate to both the played game and Canonist histories. While Flexio is the language that the original Aengudaemons (Aeriel + Iblees) spoke, and a holy language for humans, it wouldn't explain why Common is something that all the four races speak, even amongst themselves, and not just Flexio or even a Flexio-based language (Romance languages). From what I have understood and roleplayed, 'the first couple' and the progenitors of the Descendants all spoken Common, or an ancient variant of it, and through the various religious/magical influences that each Descendant race took, they then deviated from Common i.e during or after the battle with Iblees, Krug began to commune with the spirits, who taught him Old Blah, which lead to Blah as a hybrid Common-Old Blah dialect. Languages beyond Common among the descendants of the Four Brothers thus emerge from mystical sources (Old Blah, Flexio, Ancient Elven, Dwed, Ancient Jorenic), while their respective in-game dialects are the consequences of trying to impose a mystical language unto Common and ending up with a pidgin language (blah, modern elven, dwarven accent, various highlander and heartlander pidgins and accents). The same for Elves or Dwarves, as Malin and Urguan might've spoken Common with his brothers first, but after they fell apart, Malin cultivated the elven language of power and you have Urguan cultivating runes of power, and that began to forge new languages that later made distinct dialects of Common (Elven dialect, Dwarven accent). Even Flexio among the humans is something that emerged because of Horen interacting with Aenguls as per his blessing of the Seven Skies, and getting the language from them, which was largely kept among a priestly class and never really the language of the people (barring I suppose the Auvergnat language tree, which does have some RP history in that regard.) The current model has it so that the proto-language is Romance based when everyone functionally speaks a Germanic language on LotC with their various pidgins and dialects, and that leads to a big plothole as those languages are not related at all. Even insinuating that Ancient Elven and Auvergnat are just lingual cousins is pretty obtuse given an insurmountable gap in vocabulary and grammar. There isn't really a meaningful history as to why or how such a radical shift happened, and in the grand scheme of things, it is pretty human-centric, even past the point of simple Canonist perspective, to push 'our' language as the originator, when Common was plenty good enough for Availer/early Aegis RP.
  5. +1, as someone who has always been curious and interested about dark magic RP since the Aegis Undead, I think what you guys have built out here is something that can be just as special, if not more. I think what I like the most is the idea of cursed idols and boons / banes, and seeing Naz subvert communities and cause demonic complications in a way that isn't just simple murder / blood sacrifice can go a long way in adding player driven dark elements to the server. The path to ascending 'beyond' T5 and becoming a Zar’akal is a fantastic end-game for a dark magic practitioner as well, and something that I think other magics, both dark or otherwise, are missing. I'd even personally like to see a boon / bane last something like three or four weeks, with purging only effective after one week, so that players afflicted by them have a much longer window to interact with the mechanics of the boon/bane and can't have them simply scrubbed away after a day or two of finding a Paladin. Most of them do not seem so dangerous or crippling toward RP that they can't become part of someone's character journey over a month. The only banes I'd be concerned about with such a change would be blindness/deafness and Stolen Mind, which I don't fully understand - does that inhibit the ability to recall? From how it reads, a block on imagination seems like something out of the movie Memento, which is like an inability to remember faces, places, things, etc if they aren't right in front of you. That seems really strong and I think should be clarified a bit so it is clear exactly what imagination means in this context. What I imagine is that one is just driven to survival instincts unless they see things right in front of them that they can recall. I'd also consider some sort of memory wipe mechanic (a la not remembering the past 30 minutes after a conflict) after a bane is placed, if the Naztherak so wishes to impose. Otherwise curing a bane feels as simple as waking up the next day and emailing some Paladins to purge this affliction that you know you got from a Naz from you, and the gravity of the bane isn't significant. One thing I'm unclear on is how is maleus generated? Does it slowly regenerate over time, or is it exclusively gathered through blood sacrifice/harvesting from mortals? If so, I also think a similar memory wipe mechanic should apply to collecting maleus. You shouldn't need to kill people as much as consume their essence and make them forget their memory, as to spare people from obtuse Cloud Temple mechanics if they don't want to PK. This lets you still spread dread and horror without the awkwardness of killing them over and over again and having them respawn. Naz stalking and milking people for maleus and harvesting them over and over again, without them understanding why they feel so drained and weak the next day is a lot terrifying and interesting roleplay then just murder hoboing for soul juice a bunch. I also think the quality of the harvest should be considered - slurping up a Templar or Paladin's soul to make maleus from should be worth a lot more than a random traveler. Maybe that can be left to RP over OOC mechanics, though. If need be, both harvesting and killing could be mechanics too, where harvesting someone nets a sizable amount of maleus, while killing someone gets a bit more. This encourages players roleplaying Naz to only feel obliged to kill when they feel it is appropriate or when the narrative is good enough that the victim is comfortable with PKing. Not sure if any of this is part of the lore though, and it'd be cool to get clarity. There's a lot of room for story and player engagement as well with the Princes, and I'm excited to see the types of storylines that emerge from Naztherak roleplay if this moves forward. Great job to all involved!
  6. What sort of fixes, features, or easter eggs are you most excited for when it comes to LotC: Remastered Edition? As I understand, @ScreamingDingois set to release a pretty cool developer diary next week.
  7. The Novellen Collection is a compendium of literary and academic works that dates back to the early eighteenth century, and is considered an essential directory of the standing imperial archives of that era. Encompassing a wide range of subjects, from children's literature and national song to biological reference books and treatises of war, this archive provides valuable insights into the intellectual influences that shaped early Petrine thought. Despite the significant contribution of the archive's creator, Jasper Cardinal Renzfeld, his remarkable talent in documentation was often overlooked and regarded as frivolous by some of his contemporaries. Critics labeled him a pedant and recluse during a time of great war and crisis, which has, in this author's eyes, resulted in the minister being denied the same level of recognition as some of the fellow titans of state he served alongside in the first imperial cabinet. However, the Royal Balianese Academy is seeking to reassess his legacy and shed light on the value of his cataloguing efforts, particularly in context of the global decline in literacy and academia over the past century. The venerable Sarkozy priest and statesman functioned as one of the longest, if not the longest serving minister of the Basrid Ministry, and his efforts have only grown more commendable with time. The Academy has now published to the public the Novellen Collection in full, with the aim of preserving historical integrity and inspiring a new generation of academics and writers to examine works from before the contemporary period and consider the value of an effective catalogue. By doing so, the Academy hopes that the Novellen Collection can be expanded upon in the future to include the works from beyond Cardinal Renzfeld's time, thus contributing to the preservation and sharing of knowledge for future generations. Rupert T. Napier Scholar-in-Residence and Ordinary Member of the Royal Balianese Academy _____ OOC: All credits to @xboxerszfor this great catalogue THE NOVELLEN COLLECTION Administrated by the Imperial Office of Civil Affairs Compiled by Jasper Cardinal Renzfeld, Ph.D., M.Div. DIRECTORY I. Natural and Applied Philosophy I. Physical II. Medical and Biological III. Engineering IV. Arcana II. Social Theory I. History II. Biography III. Political Theory and Ethics IV. Law V. Linguistics VI. Culture VII. News III. The Arts I. Literature II. Canonist Theology III. Mythology IV. Music and Poetry V. Theatre IV. Miscellaneous I. Trade and Craft I. Natural and Applied Philosophy I. Physical Ambros: The Nature of Philosophy Ambros, et al.: The Skeptical Alchymist Anonymous: Theory of the Elements Barrow, Otto: Elemental Existence, Principle of Extremes, and the Dimensions of Reality Barrow, Otto: On God and Creation: Principles of Causation and Singularity Barrow, Otto: The Knowledge of Knowledge Marr, Aislin: Comprehensive Alchemy Prohan: The Theory of Natural Alchemy Rawsz, Jan: The Dulo-Rudran Numerals and the Duodecimal System Vivyaen, Gilneas: A Brief Dissertation on Metaphysical Knowledge II. Medical and Biological Ambros: A Treatise on Cures to Mental Malignations Ambros: On the Nature of Masculinity and Femininity Boyle, Edward: On the Undocumented Fauna of Axios Carrion, Roy, et al.: Doctrine on Plague Cibran, Alban: Basic Methods of Field Wound Care Fisher, Liriel: The Art of Gathering Herbs Herrick, Kristoff: Anatomicorum Legis, Volumes I-II Napier, Charles: Feral Mali’Ker Study Notes Napier, Charles: Mammalia Napier, Charles: On the Subject of Variola or Smallpox Napier, Charles: The Charts of Creation Napier, Charles: The Emperor Penguin Napier, Charles: The Green Sea Turtle and Its Living and Breeding Habits Napier, Charles: The Mysterie of the Stone Teeth Supposing a Lost Animal Napier, Charles: The Turovian Elk Napier Charles: The Polar Bear Napier, Charles: The Sea Otter and Its Living Habits Remneal, Ptah: On the Insect Fauna of Anthos, Part I Spivey, Edward: The Coming of the Third Breed Windraker, Blundermore: Wings of Fire III. Engineering de Denesle, Adalwulf: Model L Unknown: Van Mordskov Project IV. Arcana Ambros: A History of Arcane Magic Ambros: A Survey of the Philosophy of Magic Ambros: A Treatise on Magical Gestures and Words of Power Ambros: The Wizard Way Ambros: Treatise on the Affairs of Magical Thought Anonymous: On ‘Blood Magic’: Occultist Sorcery or Ancient Alchemy? Synalli, Avenel: A Discovery: Liquid Mana, Part I Synalli, Avenel: A Discovery: Liquid Mana, Part II II. Social Theory I. History Aydalyn, et al.: Histories of the Druidic Order Alexander: On the Ancient History of the Highlander People Ambros: A Suggestion on the Ages of Mortals Anonymous: A History of the Mali’Fenn Anonymous: A Soldier’s Account of the Battle of Milvian Bridge Anonymous: Chronicle of the Seven Skies, Volumes I-III Anonymous: Chronicles of the Vaerhaven Rebellion Anonymous: Selected Moments From the History of the Dwarven People Anonymous: The Iron Age: A Tale of Three Rhinos Anonymous: The Lords Vandalore Anonymous: The Marian Retinue Anonymous: The Red Book Anonymous: The Tale of Burri the Chain-Breaker and the Fifteen Bindings of Urdûshinbâr, Volume I Anonymous: The Tale of Burri the Chain-Breaker and the Fifteen Bindings of Urdûshinbâr, Volume II Anonymous: The Crimes of the Pertinaxi Armas, Darren: The History of the Adunians Barbanov, Marius I: A Proclamation of the Resolute Realm Basrid, Simon: The Tapestry of Man Brandybuck, Petyr: A History of Halflings, Volume I Cassius, Ryan, et al.: The Crow Chronicles, Volumes I-VI Costa, Pietro: History of the Steppe Tribes of the Konchaks Culnamo, Daeron: The Siege of Dunamis Dakr: The History of War, From Aegis to Anthos St. Daniel I: History of the Burgundian Host Drakaene, Odoaker: The Sarvn Roll Featherfoot, Faldo: A History of Halflings, Volume II Grandaxe, Valen: History of the Dwarves (Aegis-Anthos) Hanethor, Joren: The Chronicles of the Almannir Hevron, David: Drakaene of Seventis Ithri: Journey of the Elder Seed: Normandor Lothiriel: War Against the Undead von Manstein, Erwin: Chronici Sapaudia Marius, Gaius: Rise of True Rectitude May, Terrence: Decennial of the Imperial Diet: Celebrating Deliberative Discourse Nivndil: The War of September Otis: The Ugly Truth on Toby Junior (Tobias Staunton, 1668) Barrow, Otto: The Lords Palatine of Haense, Chancellors of the Crown Procopius: The Procopian Chronicle Rax, Zogrocka: A History of the Orcish Clans Bl. Sixtus III: Theodosius’ Pocket Guide to the Monarchs of Oren Suleyman: The Chronicles of Orhan Sullas, Lucion: The Haelun’or Schism, Volume I Sullas, Lucion: The Haelun’or Schism, Volume II Sullas, Lucion: The Haelun’or Schism, Volume III Varodyr, Maric II: The Book of the Dragon Willowbottom, Friedrich: Monofarthingism Windraker, Blundermore: The Ancient History Winter, Martin: An Equitable Retrospection on Contemporary Monarchial Deficiencies (1490) Winterleaf, Kyral: A History of Aeroch Nor II. Biography Anonymous: Life and Tale of Paragon Grand King Thorin Grandaxe Anonymous: Saga of Rosencrantz Revandir, Volumes II-IV Anonymous: The First Generalissimo (St. Thomas Chivay) Anonymous: The Hedge Knight, Parts I-III (Dederick Varodyr) Anonymous: The Second Generalissimo (Henry Rothesay) Anonymous: The Story of Saint Amyas Blackmont, Lorin: The Tale of Augustus Blackmont, Volumes I-IV Blackmont, Lorin: The Tale of Lorin Blackmont, Volume I Blaxton, Aylwin: The Memoirs of Aylwin Blaxton Boyle, Edward: Memoirs of Dr. Edward Boyle, Volume I Carrion, Heinrik: The Chronicles of Heinrik van Roy, Parts I-IV Carrion, Lorina: The Diary of Lorina Carrion, Parts I-II Chivay, St. Thomas: The Memoirs of St. Thomas of Gaekrin Darius: The Last of the Greatest Heroes (Maur’Azog) Frostbeard, Ermageon: The Story of the Burnt Bear (Baldin Frostbeard-Grandaxe) Hanethor, Berendon: On the Life and Death of the Dancing Falcon (Farley Stafyr) Hanethor, Berendon: On the Life and Death of the Margrave of Schattenburg (Edmund Stafyr) Hanethor, Berendon: On the Life and Death of the Saint of Huntshill (St. Godwein Stafyr) Oscar: The Crusader’s Legacy (St. Lucien I) Bl. Pius II: Devout Life (Bl. Pius II) III. Political Theory and Ethics Aeyn: The Worm and the Wyrm Ambros: Meditation on the Turnip Ambros: The Republic Anonymous: A Methodology on the Security of the Homeland Halcourt, Sylvestre II: The Prince Horen-Marna, Joseph I: The Creed of the Josephites d’Ibelin, Francois: The Flaws of the Absolute von Jungingen, Dietrich: On Curonia, Suffonia, and the Empire Naromis, Elvira: Naromism Pontian III: On the Print-Press St. Robert: A Holy Man’s Perspective on the War and a Prayer to Resolve Haense’s Sin Sano, Bell: The Sanoist Manifesto Sarkozic, August: On the Nature of Nobility and the Success of Nations, Volumes I-IV Sforza, Tiberius: A Treatise on the Affairs of Humanity Tiber, Cicero: A Thesis on the Empire Thomas: A Treatise on the Democratic State Ugluk, Drokon: Leviathan Vanir, Eric: The Selected Works of Arik Vanir Vul’athri, Vellulaei’thill: Perfection and Purity IV. Law Adrian I, et al.: The Accords of Johannesburg, (1593) von Aesterwald, Arminius: Lex Piscatoris (1593) Alexandros, et al.: Bill of Rights of the Kingdom of Courland (1604) Anonymous: A Treatise on Imperial Authority: Discerning the Questions of Jurisprudence and the Legitimacy of the Marnantine Revolution Anonymous: Compendium of Ashen Law (1630) Anonymous: Imperial Reserve Act (1571) Anonymous: The Establishment of Law (1503) Anonymous: The Ten Tables (1560) Anonymous: Laws of the Imperium Tertius, Books I-III (1457) Barbanov, Marius I: The Defense Act (1604) Blackwell, Nicholas: The Social Preservation Acts (1475) de Capua, Philip: The Laws of Monsters and Unnatural Anomalies (1585) Carrion, Ex. Siegmund I: First Edict of Ruska (1440) Carrion, Tobias I: Royal Edicts of the Horen-Goldman Doctrine (1440-1441) Crast, Godwyn: The Municipal One Drop Act (1649) Horen, Aurelius I: Imperial Calendar Reform Act (1679) Horen, Aurelius I: Imperial Colonization Act (1679) Horen, Ex. Godfrey I: Book I, Concerning Legal Agencies (1412) Horen, Ex. Godfrey I: Book II, Concerning the Conduct of Causes (1412) Horen, Ex. Godfrey I: Book III, Concerning Marriage (1412) Horen, Ex. Godfrey I: Book IV, Concerning Natural Lineage (1414) Horen, Ex. Godfrey I: Book V, Concerning Business Transactions (1417) Horen, Ex. Godfrey I: Book VI, Concerning Theft and Fraud (1421) Horen, Ex. Godfrey I: Book VII, Concerning Acts of Violence and Injuries (1421) Horen, Godwine: Imperial Mandate of Naval Licensing (1528) Horen, Philip: Act of Disfranchisement (1592) Horen, William: Edict of the City-State of Gallmore (1450) de Montfort, Jacques: Codex Lacobianus (1501) de Savin, Abdessamad: The Floral of Privileges and Liberties (1627) de Savin, Leoiarizaltzu: Arcane Act (1635) de Savoie, Jan: Lexicon of Ashford (1500) de Sola, Declan: The Justice Reform Act (1630) Roswell-Rubens, Caius, et al.: Constitution of Holm (1673) Tunnelsmasher, Bael: The Edginess Restriction Act (1440) Oren v. Winter (1441) Oren v. de Stolistes (1444) Oren v. Silverblade (1452) Oren v. Colin (1454) Oren v. Winter (1455) Oren v. Horen (1494) Beelzebub v. Laureh’lin (1542) Ruric v. Lorraine (1550) Citizens v. Citizen Safety Act (1572) V. Linguistics Costa, Pietro: Manual of Konchakian Linguistics Kautsky, Karl: A Dictionary and Etymology of the New Marian Language Krawfyod, Sinan: A Compilation of Raevir Speech Lissar, Aerin, et al.: On the Elven Language Sylric, Airebys: Airebys’ Blah Dictionary for Snow Elves VI. Culture Anonymous: On the Topic of Hanseti Anonymous: The Tome of Thanes Barbanov, Richard I: The Game of Haeseni Chess Infante: On Meridian Ceremonies Jrent, Anna: Welcome to Johannesburg! Laraethryn, Leandra: The Moon Myrrdin, Sylas: Welcome to Felsen! av Ruriksgrad, Einarr: Encyclopedia Norlandica Sefwick: A Scholar’s Guide to the Vaeyl Order Spitzer, Sulayik: The Hulphonites, Volume I Spitzer, Sulayik: The Hulphonites, Volume II Spitzer, Sulayik: The Hulphonites, Volume III Vladovic, Alaric: A Primer on the Ancient and Noble Ruskan Culture Walker, John: Haense: The Frontier State VII. News III. The Arts I. Fiction Anonymous: Stories, Poems, and Hymns of the Dwedmar Anonymous: The Book of Tales, Chapters I-V Anonymous: The Grim and Jolly Tales of Old Man Time Anonymous: The Little Olog That Could Arminius, Amadeus: Tales for Children: Volume I Barrow, Otto: The Princess of the Seals Beelzebub: Adam: A Canonist Boy’s Tale Beelzebub: Hugh and Humbert: A Canonist Boy’s Tale Beelzebub: Thomas Temper Tantrum: A Canonist Boy’s Tale II. Canonist Studies Adrian I: Clerical Disciplines von Aesterwald, Baudric: The Essential Handbook for the Followers of Saint Lucien de Savoie X Allaesandro: On Crusade Allaesandro: On the Primacy of Humanity Allaesandro: On the Relationship Between the Faithful and the Structures Within Which They Practice Anonymous: Historem Pontificum Anonymous: Legenda Sanctorum Anonymous: Piety Versus Heresy: The Distinctions of the Church of GOD X Anonymous: The Lotharic Church X Anonymous: The Lotharic Constitution X Basil, et al.: Destructo Ecclesiae Darfesium Buron, St. Wilfriche: On Ruskan Orthodoxy, Volume I X Buron, St. Wilfriche: On Ruskan Orthodoxy, Volume II X Coppinger, Philip: First Epistle to the Qalasheen, Concerning the Authority of the Church Coppinger, Philip: Second Epistle to the Qalasheen, Concerning the Scrolls Bl. Daniel II: Cordal’s Paradise Dionysus: The Sermones of Dionysus of Metz, Book I Bl. Everard IV: The Selected Works of Josef Baldemar Gradic, Gianfranco: On the Investiture Controversy Graiswald, Vzeslaw: On the Lendian Rite (Lendianism), or Sigmundic Canonism Humbert: A Guide to Confession for Laymen, Religious, and Priests Humbert: An Introduction to Saint Jude Humbert: Book of Prayers Humbert: The Pontifical Office: Complete Lothar: The Crosses of the Faith Oliver: On the Dark Arts Pontian III: Codex Iuris Canonici Danielus Pontifex Philip: History of the Contemporary Pontificates (Owyn I-Regulus I) Sabia: A Thesis on Morality and Piety Bl. Siegmund I: Book I Bl. Siegmund I: Book II Bl. Siegmund I: Book III Bl. Siegmund I: Book IV Bl. Siegmund I: Book V Bl. Siegmund I: Book VI Bl. Siegmund I: Book VII Bl. Siegmund I: On Imperial Godhood, Part I Bl. Siegmund I: On Imperial Godhood, Part II St. Theodosius: The Bogdanistani Scrolls Virosi, Fabian: The Catechism of the Church III. Mythology Anonymous: Chronicle of the Seven Skies, Volumes I-III Anonymous: Da Ord Nar Kadrin Anonymous: Kitab Alsalam Anonymous: Sigmundic Calendar and Haensani Zodiac Anonymous: The Ancient History Anonymous: The Book of Xion Anonymous: The Covenant of Ardor Anonymous: The Epistles of Eraon Ur Elorus Anonymous: The Imperial Creeds, Volume I Anonymous: The Imperial Creeds, Volume II Anonymous: The Seventis Religion Manuscripts Hiebe: Xacris Galamenes: The Sacred Word Jae: On Monasticism Kharadeen, Faiz: The Scroll of the Fifth Prophet Windraker, Blundermore: The Writings of Blundermore P. Windraker Yar, Thurak: On Shamanism, Volumes I-II IV. Music and Poetry Aegnor: The Fate of Aegis Alstion, William: The Dragon’s Throne Anonymous: An Imperial Fighting Song Anonymous: Drodov the Slayer Anonymous: Into the Harian Land the Akangi Army Marched Anonymous: Norlandic Drinking Song Anonymous: Orenian Soldiers’ Tunes Anonymous: Sailing Over the Dogger Bay Anonymous: The Ballad of Redpeak Anonymous: The Ballad of Sif the Terrible Anonymous: The Death of the Golden Republic of Ves Anonymous: The Madman Atop the Peak Anonymous: The Siege of Luminaire Anonymous: The Song of the Dwedmar Anonymous: To Adrian Anonymous: Welcome, My Caravan of Kadarsi de las Baltas, Timeo: Carolustadt Carol de las Baltas, Timeo: Crowsmoot of 1701 and Robert’s Destination de las Baltas, Timeo: Duma of 1695 de las Baltas, Timeo: Easterners and Barbanov Banners de las Baltas, Timeo: Silver Into the 1700s de las Baltas, Timeo: Sutica Brae, Hanny | Adunian Ballads Clement I, et al.: Hymn of Owyn and the Pearl Forrester, George: A Knight of Lorraine Frostbeard, Hellio: The New Peace Frostbeard, Hollis: Kavir, Kavir Eron Drakna Grandaxe, Brynaelda: Brynaelda Grandaxe’s Songs on the Brathmordakin d’Ibelin, Christopher: Ballads of Soldiery Kristoff, Frederick: Marian Hymn Horen-Marna, Joseph: Poem Bl. Jude I: Collection of Homilies McWest, William: Like a Westland Volunteer Prauta: Anthology of Poems St. Robert: The Hymn of Ex. Godfrey St. Robert: Hymn of the Fat Monk Bl. Siegmund I: The Ballad of Ex. Siegmund Verde, Aemyn: The Emerald Collection of Story and Song Vyronov, Stanimir: Petreyzbailden Vyronov, Stanimir: Ser Tiberan and the Woman Dun Wagner, St. Rudolph: Wagner’s Hymnal, Parables, and Prayers Wailer, Alister: The Selected Works of Alister Wailer Winter, Edward II, et al.: Ballads of a New Empire Wyne, Garsen: Porcupine’s Tail V. Theatre Manston, Edward: The Ballad of Adeodatus Manston, Edward: The Quadroon IV. Miscellaneous I. Trade and Craft von Aesterwald, Arminius, et al.: Manuel du Batard Anonymous: Cooking with Cannibalism Anonymous: Kharajyr Cookbook Bucketfoot, Rollo: On Entertaining Guests DeNurem, Mirtok: Sariant Fieldguide Eria, Ayla: Ayla’s Cooking Book Freidousein, Andrik: The Northern Kitchen: A Study on the Cuisine of Haense Fud, Wud: Wud’s Good Recipe Book von Manstein, Adolf, et al.: Strategy, Volumes I-VII Myre, Albert: Albert E. Myre’s Practical Rules for the Sport of Fencing Petyr: On Building and Burrowing Richard: A Guide to Hobbit’s Cooking and the Like
  8. I think one difference (ignoring the overt one that Gusano didn't actually threaten to rape anyone) is that if Joel made this thread about one of the enablers in those screenshots like Gusano, there wouldn't be a dozen hidden / warned replies of people Gusano currently leads in his roleplay community shouting down Joel and effectively telling him that he's wrong for sharing his story. The reason why I wouldn't agree with conflating punishment here is because Gusano's not only apologized multiple times to Joel, but also made it pretty clear that he's never going to put himself in an environment where he would be compelled to say or even enable that sort of rhetoric again. I can't imagine the people that Gusano associates with now acting in the same fashion as what we saw earlier in this thread, even if the victim was accusing their friend. I think that's the only person featured in the screenshots that you can say is a currently active player, let alone a major figure, and the instance there is a lot different with that context in mind. I don't think the point of this thread is exclusively a conversation about 'Let's reban Trol." To me, I look at this all and I see it as a reminder that Trol could very well just end up being rebanned again anyway if what Joel's saying isn't being taken seriously. If you surround yourself with people that don't hold you accountable, and would rather attack people you've hurt than even just let them say their piece, you're putting yourself in the same environment that normalized abuse. If you're genuinely sorry - why in the world would you do that? I am someone who does not want to see Trol be defined by the worst things he's done. He's someone that despite whatever differences we have, I do not dismiss. I wish him peace in life, and want him to succeed in being a better person. That said, I also believe in accountability. Is LotC going to be the place where that happens? Is playing LotC with the same community of people that led him to act so absurdly violent going to lead to anything different this time around? Is doing all that, knowing that the people you fundamentally violated, feel pushed away from a hobby that they love, something you can reconcile peacefully? Or are all those conditions just going to open old scars? Each of those questions could have a different answer. The staff need to weigh those questions out in and give a serious answer, and honestly, even more than them, Trol should too. There are those here that I feel suggest that Joel or Toni simply block Trol, or let Trol do his thing and mind their business. I cannot sympathize with that, as not only is it putting the onus on a victim, but it's not something Joel or Toni could really do as the roleplay that Trol drives grows to a larger and larger scale. End of the day, It doesn't matter whether if he wins or loses a military conflict ( and even on that level, imo, he's already won, so those worried that this thread exists because of wartime targeting really shouldn't have much to fear ) It's about the fact that he has built such a reputation of infamy that even if he doesn't want it, by leading these campaigns, taking up more space of the server narrative, and organizing these efforts in roleplay - all these escalations of conflict alongside people who seem to disregard his victims' pain can validate a long culture of abuse. That makes it hard for players like Joel and Toni, and some that share their concerns, to really feel comfortable on the server, and all that is a tough pill to swallow.
  9. I find that when I'm out of it creatively, the best way to address that empty feeling is to fill it with new influences. That means reading a book, watching a show, or even playing another video game, and allowing myself to absorb the tropes found in that medium. Then, when I come into a creative endeavor, I have these tropes and concepts in my head that I want to play with and adjust to make something original and fun, and all that comes together to spark creativity. When you're younger, not only do you have a lot more time to take in new influences, but each new influence is much more exciting as it is more likely to be something you've never seen before, and thus an item that you are more eager to play and experiment with. When you add to the fact that you feel far less self conscious to express yourself at a younger age due to the lack of expectations, it can feel as though that these sort of creative efforts can only come from a certain point in life. However, I disagree - even though I do think younger people can offer an invaluable perspective creatively, as you age you should never lose that sense of play. Education and creative expression is a lifelong journey. There are an innumerable amount of influences to embrace and concepts to examine in the world, and we can always make space to understand them and try to apply them in creative exercise. We often come into a space like LotC beginning with a flat concept like a knight, mage, politician, rogue, witch, farmer, samurai, etc. By themselves, these ideas are not that inspiring or engaging. Even when we flex a little more creative muscle and come up with a character whose background is more unique, the character may still fall flat or not resonate with yourself or others. What ends up making these concepts stick is when we give ourselves the time and space to bounce this idea off of other people until it begins to take a three dimensional form. Perhaps this knight has a fateful encounter with elves, and picks up some tricks from them that leads to him practicing a new code of chivalry, or is cursed by some dark magic and has to find the cure to it. A barkeep begins to expand their collection of vintage by traveling across the world to collect rare and unique brews and builds a reputation as a friend to all. These notes in a story begin to shape an otherwise dull and flat character into something that is original, and more importantly, personal. From there, you can find yourself beginning to build strong relationships with other characters on other interesting journeys, and you start to look forward to logging in and growing your character with them. That is when it becomes exciting to express yourself creatively, and in this context, immerse yourself in the roleplay. I think LotC can be a challenging medium in that regard though, since the time investment can be quite high to find the meaningful roleplay that will shape a character into something personal and engaging. If you don't have an active, engaging, and stable community around you that will help you find that, you may find yourself stuck with a flat concept of a character unless you delve into forum roleplay and develop it by yourself - but at that point, you could do that on so many other mediums, and whatever strengths of LotC's persistent world fall flat. As we age, the time investment that our creative practices demand can grow less and less attractive as we realize that we have so many other things to do with our lives that we didn't have the opportunity to as a child or young adult. That said, there are ways we can support others that are willing to make the time investment and find small but notable ways to add to an ever-evolving world. My advice is to treat the game like a sandbox to test concepts that intrigue you, whether that be historical cultures, art, business practices, agricultural practice, fantasy myths, martial arts, and so on, find the right people to support you in that endeavor and acknowledge your time commitments, and you might be able to find that spark again.
  10. I think it is strange to see so many people with a hall of shame signature. Even if someone said something mean about you, shouldn't you just move on? Feels like you are celebrating animosity my @argonianthought of the day
  11. "Fact is Barbov the Black couldn't have done it without me. I was indispensable."
  12. I haven't been the official NL or SL of a community since 2016, but I do think that building nations and settlements is some of the most fun you can have in the game if you have the patience and team to get it done. 1. What's your favorite part about being an NL/SL? Watching a community grow and become a mainstay in the LotC canon can bring you a strong sense of achievement. To me, what settlement building is about is doing your best to build a creative and organized space where people can log in to find and create narratives easily. When it's successful, you leave behind an ethos, culture, and community that will long outlast you, and make people feel like the stories they invest on the server will live on through an active, player-made community that continues it. You also have a unique opportunity to delve into building a creative canvas. As a NL/SL, you are responsible for setting the tone and culture of a community on LotC. When you're successful, you've effectively sold a world and vision that you designed to a group of online strangers - there's something extremely rewarding in that. 2. What's your least favorite part about being an NL/SL? Dealing with raids that aren't narrative driven, as well as dealing with people who feel entitled to your work. Sometimes it feels like LotC is just an on-going improv class where you can elect to pelt dodgeballs at the actors whenever you like. As a NL, the rules are often set up in such a way that while you try to organize a movie scene between all the builds and actors you're trying to work with, you're being raided with impunity from people that are not even putting 1% of the same effort in designing their narratives or growing their communities. Some people treat the game like it's a single-player GTA campaign, and that totally undermines the cohesion you might be trying to accomplish as a NL. The standard for good faith in conflict can be quite low, in that regard. I also find it frustrating in how being a NL can limit your scope on LotC - you may want to be involved in other projects on the server, but you end up largely confined to the community you are cultivating. There aren't a lot of tools to meet other groups or organizations in the middle. Nations interact sparingly through events, but there aren't many narrative bridges that really help tie the world together, and the world can feel very zero-sum, especially in human RP. Finally, there are always tough decisions to be made, especially when you are involved with nations at scale, that you often lead to people feeling excluded, or you having to decide between the lesser of the two evils. Whenever you entertain the latter, it tends not to be worth it anyway. At this point, I've learned it is always better to fight for the good option, or just walk away if you can't find it. 3. What's your most prominent memory as an NL/SL? In general, seeing the cool flavor that emerges in a successful settlement. Orcish caravans, strelt culture in Kralta, anarchy of an Adrian Duma, assembling the Nauzica, sushi shops and chicken parm in Helena, etc - whenever I really sit down with my thoughts about what gave me joy in running a settlement, it's seeing some novel idea of that settlement become a cultural mainstay of the community, and knowing that you worked on building a creative space for a group's ideas to flourish. I think when I look at my early runs at being a NL like being Rex of the Orcs in 2012 or Holy Orenian Emperor in 2013, I think the prominent memory is really the moment where I actually earned that title. Everything after felt clumsy and difficult, even if they worked out in the end, largely because so much of my time was spent trying to prove to others that I deserved those positions. Later, when I learned to enjoy the process for what it is and pay less mind to the actual title, I think the prominent memories come instead from serendipitous moments with your peers, or seeing an institution you've built during your tenure as an NL/SL ripen. 4. If you led your Nation/Settlement into a war, do you regret it and did it turn out to be fun? If yes/no, why? The only war that I could say I truly enjoyed all aspects of leading was an old Orc-Dwarf war in 2012, and that was because the scope of the war was decided early on to not involve annexation or political takeover. Everything else was usually predicated on the goal of annihilation, and even if the outcomes were favorable, it still was a process that was intensive and often unnecessarily stressful. 5. Did you inherit your Nation/Settlements most of the time or build them from scratch? Or was it different each time? I've only 'inherited' one settlement in 2015. The rest were all effectively built from scratch, or redesigned in such a way that they may as well have been from scratch. It's a fun and creative process, though I will say working within the constraints of an existing settlement and community has its own rewards and challenge as well.
  13. Peasant.

    1. VonAulus

      VonAulus

      lol when i saw ctap ur darkelf skin came into my mind

  14. You have to follow your intuitive nature.
  15. I've been seeing the server hit new peaks lately and this video really helps sell why. Well done.
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