An Old Salt

OOC: I can't commit to a Friday or Saturday events. On weekends, I'm either not home often or home at random hours. Don't make your decision based on my time lines, I just can't in good faith tell you that I will always be available at any particular time.

LWC should be working for all VIPs iron and above. If they're having trouble, they should submit a modreq, as it's probably something specific to them.

In response to the OP, modreqs do persist after you log out, but GMs often just close them since most modreqs need the player online. What's your MC name?

Heya Cap! My MC name is Misterwhobrew. Thanks for looking into this my friend.

Hello my friends! I've been a member for awhile now, having made several donations. I notice that I do not have access to my LWC nor do I have a in-game tag (which is not a big deal, but I would like to be able to use LWC).

I think I was at the $50 level. I also made an in-game modreq inquiring about it, but I wasn't sure if they persisted after logging out. I'm sure I can dig up the confirmation emails from the donations if need be.

Any help is appreciated my friends!

The storm had been one of the worst he had ever seen in all of his years on the open sea. His small ship leapt across the white-capped sea, groaning and creaking with the strain. As wave after wave crashed atop the deck, the old sailor held tight to the wheel house, struggling to keep the vessel topside. All of his effort would be for naught, as the wind and waves increased. Finally the rigging snapped loose from the deck ties and cast the sails into the gray beyond. The the ship was now fully at the mercy of storm. As his curses were drowned out by the din, he thought surely that this would be the end.

Caddis didn't know how long he had huddled below deck in the tiny cabin when the ship gave way. A force so sudden and violent rent the timbers asunder that he found himself sinking below the murky waves along with the debris. He struggled for breath and forced himself to the surface, the storm still howling around him. A nearby piece of flotsam served as his make-shift raft, clinging to it helplessly.

He awoke face down in the sands of some unknown place, the waves lapping gently against his back. As he struggled to push himself upright, he caught his first glance of his surroundings. Surely he had died and ended up in some great paradise. The sun, which he was certain had not shone in days, glittered brightly across the landscape. Songbirds whistled their pleasant tunes as if nothing had ever been amiss. The only thing left that could even prove he had not dreamed of the massive storm was the remnants of his boat cast along the shore beside him.

What place was this? He knew others had fled Asulon... but where were they?

(( Hello all! Now that things are stable and everything is in working order, I hope to get back into roleplaying with you fine folks. Caddis is currently in the wilds, where he was cast ashore by a terrible storm. Hope to see some of you soon.))

I'm confused. We did a fund raiser to get anti-DDoS hardware, but we spent it to move hosts? Then why are we now talking about moving hosts?

Is that to say we are moving again or did we never move in the first place?

If we never moved in the first place.. how have we avoided a DDoS attack until now? Did they simply stop? If they stopped periodically, what were we doing to prevent it from occurring again?

Lastly, are we going to have to move hosts every time we experience an attack?

These are the questions that my inquiring mind (and hopefully others) wants to know.

I understand some people are a bit out of wits with the sudden change, but I think it's a good time to shake things up! You can still use axes.. and if I recall correctly, I believe they only do a half heart less damage than swords anyway? Sure, it puts you at a slight disadvantage PVP wise, but I think the sacrifice will have been worth it in the end.

Edit: Assuming the removal of the plug-in means that we are just using the base MC system? I.E Anything except hoes and fists do additional damage when wielded as a weapon.

The waves lapped softly against the tiny rowboat as Caddis made his way out to his small fishing ship. Only a few trips were required to pack away the pittance that were his belongings. He had always been a man of simple tastes and the bulk of his possessions were fishing related: baits, poles, netting, harpoons, and various tackle. It was a longer journey to Ildon by sea than by land, but a captain doesn't leave his ship behind. It was the one piece of the town which he could take with him. He would have to sail out around several larger islands and then through narrow shallows to get back in toward the city's dock.

As he hoisted the dingy to the deck and began to unload, he turned an eye out to sea and surveyed the weather. The wind swirled and shifted amongst a darkening horizon. The old salt exhaled a puff of smoke from the pipe and watched it be carried to the east. He grunted and continued strapping down the necessities in his tiny cabin. Prudence would dictate that he delay his trip until tomorrow, but he had already made his peace with departing the village he had called home. Many times in his life had the sea tried to bring him to the cold, dark depths and each time he had returned. No self respecting sailor feared harsh wind or high seas.

The chain rattled against the windlass as the anchor clattered into place and the wind billowed the open sails seaward. He felt at ease behind the helm, spinning the wheel into the brewing storm. The trip was much shorter than his typical fishing venture, so there was little need for concern over the weather. He would be back inland before nightfall and then the coves would offer ample protection from the wind and waves. He expected to dock in Ildon tomorrow by mid-day.

The White Spray II was the resurrection of his previously lost ship. She had been built to almost the same specifications as the original, except with a wider and shallower hull to make navigating inland seas easier. The ship lept from the water with each frothy wave like a fish being chased by a predator. In the distance, Caddis could see rain bands spreading in sheets across the open sea. It was going to be an ugly outing; he would need to pick up speed if he was to make it around the islands before the main storm hit. The sea whipped and roiled with the surge, sending the namesake foam splashing onto the deck. A smirk spread across the old man's face as he steered onward. Maybe it was the thrill of sailing into a terrible storm or maybe it was the relief of having his mind on other things than the thought of leaving the place he had grown to love, but something filled him with a sense of adventure and youthfulness. It was remeniscent of his days as a young deckhand on the large merchant ships. A splash of cold sea brought him out of the flooding memories.

The wind shifted and forced his sails deeper into the open sea, astray from his intended route. It stirred up mighty waves which crashed against the hull, causing the timbers to creak and groan with the strain. The old man held tight to the wheel and laughed as the sheets of rained reached him, soaking his clothing and beard. Still he spun the wheel and continued onward with the wind wherever it might take him. Lightening and thunder crackled and boomed all around. He turned to look aft as the landmass faded from sight, leaving him engulfed amidst the heart of the storm. Even if he had wanted to return to due course, there was no option now. All he could do was hold fast to the line and let the sea decide his path.

Server funds are something to consider here,

We still have nearly 20 days with limestone networks (We pay in monthly installments), last I spoke with vaq he was not dis-interested by any means but I do agree with the fact that the server should be brought up - and soon.

You are a good man Shift.. by the way, I shot you a message or two. If/when you get a minute, take a look and hit me back? Have a good one.

Hmm, I figured it wouldn't that easy. I keep asking anyone about the device we purchased and the supposed changing of servers.. but it's been a bit tight lipped. Surely getting either or both of those things done wouldn't take more than a day or two? This is going on day.. 3? of a complete shut down.

The important question I think that's being overlooked is WHY? Why is LOTC being Ddosed so hard? What makes us stand out any from other severs?

There's two choices to the answer:

1. Someone that LOTC has ticked off in the past is doing it for revenge.

2. A random group has targeted us for no reason other then being evil.

I lean more towards option one, but don't know who would be this ticked off.

I'm by no means an expert on DDoS.. but you have got to have a serious botnet to inflict this type of constant downtime. We aren't talking about one angry guy in his parents basement.

Also.. I know they filter traffic to try and overcome some of the packets.. what I'm wondering, is what if we banned all traffic except whitelisted users? I guess primarily wandering souls.. but would that prevent the server from being overwhelmed if it only had to deal accept our IP's? Someone more knowledgable weigh in?

The old fisherman awoke with the dawn and slid on the old, blue wool coat. He fastened the tarnished brass buttons, stained from salt air and dirty hands. A folded bit of parchment jutted out from the front pocket. The final touch was the crumpled hat to cover his thinning, gray hair. He lit his corncob pipe and clenched it in his jaw as he headed out of his house.

The morning was cool with the scent of salt blowing in on the crisp, sea wind. It caused his hair to tangle about in wisps, mimicking the trail of pipe smoke drifting back toward the village. The Count had constructed this house specifically for him; a rustic cabin jutting out over the sea, where the waves crashed against the rocks far below. It was one of the first of few buildings back then,along with little more than two keeps and an old smithy shop. Now there was a winery, vast farmlands, multiple estates, a tavern, and a church. He had seen Westfall grow leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, the Count and the other citizens had departed for lands unknown.

Even in their absence, the old man continued his fishing and watched over the town as if it were left in his care. He fixed broken shutters and doors, replaced glass, fed the stable horses, and saw to the proper storage of the Count's wares. A few times visitors would pass through and ask why did he live in an abandoned place. He often answered with a grunt and a puff of his pipe before showing them back to the stables. They wouldn't understand. The Count had given him work and a place to stay, a chance to ply his trade, and supplies to build his own fishing ship. Many nights they had sat in the keep and shared tales over fine wines and liquors which were normally reserved only for noblemen. The Count enjoyed the old man's bounty from the sea, present at nearly every meal, at which he was invited to sit at the main table. On occasion, his lord would even visit the old man at home. They wouldn't understand.

His ship, the White Spray II, bobbed in the tide where it was anchored offshore. The memories had lasted long enough that the pipe was now cold. He tapped out the charred remnants and watched as they drifted away with the breeze. Sticking it in his pocket, he turned and headed up the path into the village. The keep seemed to tower over him, silent and ominous as it watched him climb the stone steps. His footsteps echoed through the gateway on his way to the main door. He pulled out the parchment from his pocket and tacked it to the frame with a flat, iron nail. Pulling the secret lever on his way out, the gate creaked shut behind him.

The old fisherman stood at the top of the steps for a few more moments and peered across the village before departing.

My Lord,

I have continued in my service even in your absence. The village is still standing, though the others have long departed. While my labors were not always fruitful, I did the best an old salt could do. Long I have awaited your return and longer I would wait still, but in my age I fear I cannot continue in this endeavor. In our conversations, you always spoke highly of Lord Artorus Elendil. He has been gracious enough to answer my correspondence and I depart for Ildon at his command. Should you return to find this missive, as long as I live, I will return to Alandros and make good my service. Wherever you may be, my Lord, I hope the wind is fair and the sea is calm.

Your friend and loyal servant,

Caddis Blayne

This might be kinda rude, but is Vaq getting paid for doing the server work? (I.E. fixing the ddos issue, maintenance, programing, ect)

If so, maybe he shouldn't be paid when the server isn't online like this? Kind of getting the vibe from the staff posts that he's not around... If you don't show up for work, or you do but don't do what your assigned, you don't get paid in the real world...

Just my 2 cents...

I was under the assumption that no one got paid for their work. I greatly appreciate Shift keeping us in the loop, but I'm wondering about more explicit details as well. When are we expecting to change servers or install this new hardware device? I also made an additional donation.. is that still valid for this server? Do we need more funds to make a faster change over? Is the hold up that certain things are in certain people's names that aren't around any more? Have we paid up the current server in advance which is why we can't switch over? Thus my curious mind.

Ager, hmm? I may seek this place out... what is the best way to get there? Caddis never wears cloaks or helmets (except on occasion when travel by foot.. then will put on armor just because of the darn mobs).

Also.. when is 3.0 coming out and what does this entail? Can someone link me post?

1 - If you wish to RP with another character on the same account that your old character was on you just need to whip on a new skin and change your name, however if you wish to rp on a new account you must make an alternate account application. Don't just make characters willy nilly however and just leave them dormant when you get bored.

2 - At the moment RP is a bit separated and the majority of my RP usually takes place in the vicinity of the Cloud Temple. However I am currently RPing a Kharajyr so I have no reason to go into usually crowded places like Arethor.

Ah, well that is easier than I suspected it would be. I would certainly not make characters 'willy nilly' - I would like to keep this one, but I need to find somewhere else to be it appears. However, it is good to know the process, as Caddis is into his 60's now and will not live forever.

Good morning LOTC! I have three questions that I am hoping someone can answer for me.

1. I feel as though I have hit a plateau with my current character. He's just not engaging enough to play; it could be related to the fact that the people I always roleplayed with have vanished. Anyhow, what is the procedure for getting rid of one character and beginning with another one?

2. Related to the first question. Where, oh where, does everyone roleplay at? Yesterday, I could finally log on and I see 200+ people on! Great! However, I managed to run into only one or two.. and this was in Arethor. My home village has become a ghost town and there is only so much an old fisherman can do to keep it up in everyone's absence.

3. Lastly, if I decide to keep Caddis, I would likely need to move him to somewhere more active. I've been checking the trade and roleplay forums for active villages looking for people. If anyone can suggest a place, that would be great. He is a legendary fisherman by trade.. and if anyone needs an old man to follow them about and offer witticisms or look after things in their absence - I can do that also.

TL;DR - Help me find in-game roleplay?

Thomas hears the blacksmith as he drinks some ale in the Python inn. After the blacksmith finishes, Thomas says to the innkeeper, "I give him a day before he's hanged."

Caddis bites down on the old wooden pipe as he peers out at the crowd. He speaks to his fellow tavern patron from the side of his mouth. "No good will come o' this to be sure.. and nothing 'tween men e'er got settled with words."

The old fisherman blows a bit of smoke before taking a drink of his ale. "If he makes it through the day, I'll be surprised."

Caddis notices the official posting on his way out from the docks. The old fisherman takes the pipe out of his mouth and blows a billow of smoke as he looks it over. Just as he finishes, a crowd begins to press in behind, all clamoring on about the reward and the Queen.

Returning the pipe to his mouth, the old man mutters, "No good will come o' this.." He presses his way past the crowd.

You are most welcome. Also, please don't get me wrong, from a purely fun and roleplay aspect - I love it. When I first looked into joining this server a month or so ago, I wanted to involve my character in magic. Then I saw the magic requirements and process and decided against it.

Just to say, if the idea was implemented, I wouldn't be disappointed. :grin:

Excellent story my friend.

Well, my opposition to this is twofold. Primarily that it is another attempt to circumvent the magic application; which I will admit is daunting, but necessary. Yes, you are asking for a sort of "mini-magic", but there is no way to moderate people who could take that same magic and use it to attack or "power game" others. This is why the magic team and the application format were put into place. I guess you could call it the slippery slope argument.

Secondly, is that it sort of downgrades what magic is in the world of Asulon (or this server - however you prefer to look at it). Yes in some fantasy settings, magic is fun, entertaining and somewhat prevalent. However in this world, from all accounts of lore that I have read, magic is a very big deal. Even the most basic use of it requires practice and training at substantial cost to the caster. While you are portraying it in the amusing light of igniting cooking fires and sweeping floors, that is still arcane magic and the animation of objects - both of which are fields of the art which require study and sacrifice on behalf of the user.

(( Just a touch of advice. You will likely get more responses if you post your trades in a roleplay manner. Take a look at some of the other postings here. ))

Well, I don't see a problem with someone choosing not to be afraid. I think telling someone that they should be afraid is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Now, I will say there is a difference in not being afraid and not being afraid because you think you're more "bad arse" than everyone else.

For instance, my character is not a nervous sort. If you jumped out from a bush and shouted "boo! Look how evil and scary I am!", he would probably just stare at you and go the other way. However, he would never provoke a Knight or a villain, because certainly he doesn't want to be injured or killed. Yes, people should respect Knights and Kings because that is our roleplay setting.. but we all know too well; this is the internet and people don't always play by the rules.

People who play these imposing characters do so because they want others to shake and cower before them, but just like in real life.. you have brave people, stupid people, and as your mother no doubt told you - people who are always bigger and meaner than you are.

In an RPG setting, if you want fear, it has to be done through a game mechanic (due to the wide variances in people/personalities). Such as.. some type of plague which is spread person to person. Or pick an excellent roleplayer and make that person immune to pvp/death.

*removes his hat to scratch at the old gray hair beneath it as he peers at the last notice.

"A hundred fresh fish! Well blow me down..." He takes out the piece of charcoal and scratches a response.

That order will take time to fill.

A reply is pinned to the board.

Mister Grandaxe. Your boats be ready. Each of them tested and sea worthy. How would ye like to receive them?

A notice is pinned around Arethor and Cloud Temple.

Master Fisherman Caddis Blayne be offering the following goods for sale or trade!

Fish - fresh or smoked and salted (3 minas each for fresh, 5 minas per salted)

Boats (25 minas)

Finely Crafted Fishing Tackle

Also accepting equal trades.

Orders can be taken here or by bird. My hut be located in the fine village of Alandros.

-C.B.