Bvie

The story must be submitted to this forum thread as a reply by 2/24 Midnight EST.

The story must be an original work.

The story must focus on an scenario involving your character and a friend.

The story must be factual and have occurred upon Atlas.

The story has no limit on pages. However, quality over quantity.

The story must be written in standard English.

The story must be appropriate and follow all conventional rules of Lord of the Craft.

One entry per player.

Upon closing hour, all works will be reviewed to ensure they followed the above rules and are valid entries.

The Cloud Temple Monks will then take, roughly, a week to review all entries and select their top three favorite pieces.

The works will then be awarded the appropriate prizes below.

First Place

1500 Minas + Parrot Egg + Artwork of the Story’s Pair by Numyria

Example:

Second Place

1000 Minas + Parrot Egg

Third Place

500 Minas

All Entries

A unique participation item that will leave your mark on Atlas forever!

Make a reply to this post with your story inside a spoiler that follows the above rules by Midnight EST on February 26th.

Remember, one entry per player, so make it count!

The Festival of Friendship has been brought to Atlas in an effort to bring thanks and fun to those we consider close to us. Whether it be comrades that fight with one another at their backs or a pair that could not go a day without the other in their life, all ties and bonds are to be celebrated during this week!

Throughout the week (2/16 - 2/24), the Cloud Temple Monks will be hosting numerous games and contests for the people of Atlas to partake in.

Our first event, the Hedge Maze, is already live and located just south of Cloud Temple. Traverse the maze and you may find various knick knacks for sale within! Feel free to take a rest throughout the maze at one of the numerous rest stops, such as the tree swing or the picnic grounds!

As stated, events and contests will be held throughout the week for both in-game and out of game prizes. Keep your eyes posted on the forums and in-game for more information! Today is only the beginning!

Unlike previous iterations of the Event Team where the Director makes the decision of who is chosen with input from management, Managers recruit members to their team directly.

The process we use when selecting recruits follows:

-As we approach the end of the month (Our recruitment window) we ask the ET Actors and builders to send feedback of applicants they support

-Director communicates with Managers about applicants that are blacklisted, removing them from the application process

-Managers gather information from the logs of the previous month and look for applicants that would fill voids in our current coverage before looking to ‘double-up’ in areas

-All applicants that fill the criteria Managers are looking for are given an interview over discord and asked the same questions

-Managers look between interview questions, team feedback, and the application to decide who they wish to recruit

-Managers inform the director who they’ve chosen and their reasoning for each

-Recruits are selected

Yes and No. We don’t look to have a set number of events as creativity waxes and wanes. Also, some events are simply longer or more involved than others. However, we do look to ensure our members are actively working. We look towards a reasonable average from the entire team, understanding that there are some over achievers, and expect everyone to be around the average.

Before my tenure, activity was checked at the end of the month. Had you failed the activity check, you were given a warning to improve, and a second month to show improvement before removal. This led to a potential period of 60 days where an individual could take up a slot on the Event Team and do nothing.

The current system runs on bi-weekly (twice a month) checks.On the 15th of the month, Managers check in with their team members and touch base on their activity. Members that are struggling are given their warning. At the end of the month, a second check-in is held by Managers. Members that are struggling are warned, while members that were previously warned and did not improve are ultimately removed. Lowering the amount of time that individuals can “sit” on the team by half.

As stated, we’re attempting to ensure that every player base has an ET Actor that is connected to them. While actors are able and encouraged to do events for any and all, we understand that people wish to do events for their own groups and friends (It’s often the reason why people apply to be on the team in the first place.) In theory, if every player group has active representation on the team, it would not matter how many events are being done for any group, as everyone has the potential for similar numbers.

This isn’t always easy due to not every player group offering a candidate that fits our criteria and expectations, players/actors shifting between groups they participate in, and actors activity waxing and waning. But it’s a goal we look towards. While we may not be able to make it happen one month, we use that data towards recruiting for the next month and pointing actors towards areas that need love.

Expecting the ET to give you ‘what you want’ is a fool’s folly. Think of the ET as a genie, and I’m not talking about Disney’s Aladdin. Where a wish for a million bucks would have you stampeded by a million male deer, a request for a boar hunt now has you fighting a godly figure that was simply shape shifted in the form of a boar and by angering it, you have now invoked its wrath and it plans on destroying your town.

Essentially, if you wish for an event, speak to an Actor and let them know what you’re looking for. But, understand no Actor is forced to do an event for you. If you have a group you’d like to get some love or you have a potential group for your story line you’d like the ET to explore, write up your idea and send it to an Actor. If they’re interested, they can check with a Manager and see about following through.

Aesopian

Papa_Liam

Swgrclan

Xarkly

Joltastik

AwakenMyLove

Publius
Quvs/Wolfdwg

MrBamPow

Shady_Tales
Cave_Creature

This guy, the new ET pocket GM!

I kid,

This is Xarkly’s second tenure on the ET, and even in his first month he has performed and logged more events than any other actor. He has logged a total of 21 events in January, which is roughly 26% of the total events logged, give this guy some praise!

Atles

Cpt_Noobman

Drunken Mutt

Elrith/Mordu

ImCookie

HortonHeardAWho

“His Mission and ours is one and the same:

- bring purity to this realm

- save those that are lost from the clutches of death and corruption

Each step along this path to purity, is one closer to be at His side.”

Tasked by the Patron of Purity, Tahariae, the Paragons seek to bring purity to the descendents and the realm.

To accomplish such, the Paragons utilize the Light, a powerful deific magic, to mend the wounds of many. From cuts in flesh to reattaching limbs, the Light enables the Paragons to truly make miracles a reality.

However, their power does not rest there. Utilizing the Light, the Paragon’s are able to combat the forces of darkness and death that attempt to bring ruin to this world. Through holy enchantments and the ability to manifest holy fires, these individuals act as guardians to those that cannot protect themselves.

And that is what the Paradon’s mission is: to be a beacon of hope in a world of darkness. To protect those that are unable to protect themselves. To heal those that are victimized and suffering. And to show those that have been blinded by darkness a new path, one illuminated by the Light.

Vailor

Following the events of the Dark Congress on Vailor, a schism within the Clerics took place. Those that thought differently from their brethren sought refuge within the city-state of Sutica and established clinics and temples within, founding the Paragons.

From this schism, numerous students were acquired as teachers went their separate ways, bolstering the numbers of clerics. This wave of recruitment could not come at a better time as dark forces began to gain ground over Vailor. Shades and Frost Witches poured forth out of the High Elven capital of Haeulun’or, Orcish shamans began to hear whispers of dark spirits that wished to infest the land, and Necromancers around the realm began to create stronger and stronger dark creations.

Yet the Light of the Paragons within the city-state remained strong as it was secluded on various islands in the ocean. Shining bright like a lighthouse in the darkest of nights, people flocked to the islands to seek refuge from the infested land of disease and corruption. And they were met with open arms.

Soon, the students had become strong enough to mount a counter-attack to the darkness that had began to swallow Vailor. With combined effort of the Paragons, the Brotherhood of the Golden Lion, and brave civilians, they fought against Orgon, Spirit of Disease, that had betrayed the Orcish shamans that once worshipped him. The land itself turned vile and toxic due to his influence, and those weak-willed became slaves to his power, yet the Light shined brighter than his Darkness that day. Orgon’s Avatar was defeated in the physical world and his influence over those that were corrupted were freed. But the infestation was too deep for the Light to cure, forcing the denizens of Vailor to flee to new lands, the Isles of Axios.

Axios

Upon reaching new lands, the city-state of Sutica quickly adopted the ideals and beliefs of Tahariae. Determined to never fail the people of this world like their predecessors had, the Paragons utilized the city’s resources and geographical position to secure a hold fast on the Isle of Ceru, creating a sanctuary of purity that many flocked to for protection and to join the cause.

While the rest of the world fought amongst themselves over politics and crowns, the Paragons continued building their numbers and connection to their Lord. This did not go unnoticed as numerous dark beings attempted to dismantle the sanctuary. However, their attempts were in vain, as the attention they brought the city and clerics only brought more to rally against them in the fight. With their added numbers, their strength increased dramatically, allowing the Paragons to develop powerful artifacts and uncover magical relics, giving them an advantage in the never ending battle against evil.

As the world began to delve into chaos, the Isle of Ceru was threatened with corruption. Seemingly history attempted to repeat itself; dark casters attempted to infect and taint the land to turn it against the people. Yet, with determination to change fate, many joined the fight alongside the Paragons, forcing the darkness from Ceru and allowing it to heal. Ultimately, due to the heroic actions of all that day, Ceru was the only isle of Axios to not be corrupted and destroyed.

Atlas

The Paragons spent little time lamenting over their situation as they joined victims of a giant storm that shipwrecked them upon Atlas. Instead, they rallied and constructed a large guarded city, one to protect the innocents from darkness and to spread their beliefs and ideals to all that sought the Light.

Currently, the Paragons are continuing their growth, inside and outside the city. While many have joined, several nations have called upon them for assistance in creating protective barriers and ordering blessed weapons to battle their own demons. They have begun establishing a grand library to catalogue the forces of darkness, empowering everyone with information and strategy on how to defeat such creatures. Along with founding numerous classes that teach mundane healing methods and graduating medics that walk the roads, treating injury and disease where they can.

Paragon Paramount

“The burden of responsibility, a noble sacrifice.”

While the Paragons act as a council to the Order, the Order is led by a single individual. The Paragon Paramount is seen as the voice of reason and fountain of information, having been with the Light for countless years and experienced much within their service. Should the voice of the Paragon Paramount ever be silenced, the council of Paragons will convene and select one among themselves to lead the Order toward the Light.  

Paragon

“Duty calls, now and forever. Rise to the challenge and embody what you stand for.”

Purity. Peace. Perfection. The Paragon’s emulate these goals of Tahariae, showing their loyalty to the Light and His mission throughout countless years. The Paragon’s act as the watchful council over the Order, ensuring the members adhere to the decisions and rulings of it and those of the Lord. These individuals are considered the strongest and wisest of the Order, thus shown great respect and looked to for answers to the many challenges and questions that befall those following the Light in a dangerous realm.

Elder Cleric

“The torch must be passed, the Light allowed to spread towards the horizon.”

As a cleric expands their knowledge and skill with the Light, they will mature and become closer to Tahariae. When a Clerics has learned all they are capable of and have proven their loyalty to Tahariae, they will receive the title of Elder Cleric. With this title, an individual is allowed to teach other Clerics how to train their skill with the Light and welcome Acolytes into the Light. This is the final stage that most will ever reach within the order, unless they are chosen to become true leaders of the Light.

Cleric

“The Light has chosen you, but now you must learn how to wield it.”

Those chosen by the Light and gifted with its radiance, clerics are individuals that have been granted the Light’s power to mend the wounds of the world and purge the darkness that threatens its purity. Acolytes chosen for connection have proven themselves to be worthy of the Light, loyal to their brethren, and dedicated to Tahariae’s mission. This rank is where clerics will spend most of their time, if not all, as they train to utilize the Light in Tahariae’s name.

Acolyte of the Light

“The Path of Purity is long, yet your first steps are the most important.

Leave your shadows behind and find redemption within the Light.”

Clericalism is more than simply a magic, but a way of life and understanding. As a Seeker, you will learn these lessons and experience life within the Light’s radiance. However, once you have finished your studies, you must continue to prove yourself worthy of the Light. Educated individuals that are living within the Light and train regularly to dispatch those that give themselves to impurity are titled Acolytes of the Light. These individuals are assistants of the Clerics and guides to the Seekers, working within the temple to further the Light’s mission. Should their efforts be seen as worthy, they will be approached by an Elder Cleric.

Seeker of the Light

“The Light welcomes all to bask in its radiance.”

Seekers of the Light are what the name implies: those that seek to find guidance, solace, and protection within the Light of Tahariae. Once you have begun your trials and you take upon the teachings of Tahariae, you will receive such a title. To become a Seeker of the Light speak to a cleric or higher within the Temple of Lights.

Those interested in discovering the Light and serving Lord Tahariae, Patron of Purity, in His mission can find information and guidance from the Paragons within the walls of the Temple of Lights within Sutica.

Map transitions are always a fickle thing. Your goal, when you first set out, is to bring entertainment and intrigue to as many people as possible. But then you quickly realize, no matter how much you do or don't do, you'll never appease everyone. 

Polls before my tenure began showed that the public wished for natural events to force us off of Axios. While players also wanted to avoid Aengudaemonic forces from being involved. We took this into consideration, along with Admins desire to make it a peaceful transition, one without some evil force pushing us off of the land and opting for something to allure us to new lands.

With less than two weeks at our disposal, the Event Team turned to ongoing events as avenues to end the map. We felt that by having each isle face an antagonist that the players have been dealing with for some length of time would lead to an enjoyable experience, rather than a sudden and random encounter.

We brought in the map pieces to allow for a peaceful transition, a chance to explore Axios one final time, and for players to make their mark upon Atlas. (You can see a monument dedicated to these players at Cloud Temple!)

The days leading up to a new map are often quiet, so we allowed players to use some of their Minas to freebuild some boats, showing off their amazing nautical skills. It got a bit hectic with how many of ya'll wanted to build, but we made it work and were able to get every boat over to transition isle.

Finally, on transition day we intended for a peaceful transition. However many people requested some PvE while Devs asked for some time to be bought as it took nearly four hours of moving boats and last minute issues popped up.

However, we made it to transition isle and hopefully everyone was able to experience an aspect of the transition they enjoyed.

Originally Transition Isle wasn't planned.

However, we took it upon ourselves to give you guys some land to walk on so you weren't forced on boats for the duration of the transition. This little isle also gave the Event Team some space to provide different events, from sea monsters, sirens, pygmy tribes, and sunken treasure.

We also knew that going into Atlas, we'd have no warclaims or raiding for an extended period of time, meaning those that enjoy PvP would be at a low time. So, with the help of Teegah, we put together a PvP warzone for those that wanted to get their click on. We tried to enable groups to bring their items, but with the swapping of worlds the locks were removed. Not everything works out, but we were able to make a gear spawn, allowing everyone to have some violent fun.

Krugsmas was an experience, one of both highs and lows. Unlike past maps, where land, rules, pex, and permissions have been stable for an extended period of time and you can plan in advance, we had none of that this time. Atlas was still being worked on during Transition Isle, and it's still being worked on in some capacity as it's a living world. This made planning extremely difficult.

Not to mention the time frame we were all dealing with. Many of the ET Builders are also nation builders who were working on their own cities and preparing them for Atlas, many of us are in school and dealing with Midterms/Finals, and obligations in reality called to us during the holiday season. Overall, the team was spread thin and burnt out, which is why we were lucky to have the Media Team to step in and help with Krugsmas.

They did most of the building, most of the planning, and most of the events, where the Event Team simply assisted with their schedule when possible. Without them, there wouldn't have been a Krugsmas as our own plans weren't able to happen as builders were simply too busy with the holiday season. (And this is after we took on extra hands for the holiday season!)

Hopefully we can make a Krugsmas in July event to make up for it, but we'll have to wait and see. Which leads us to our next topic...

We've got a new year, a new world, and a new team. 

This is our first chance to really sculpt an immersive world for the players, one that we're looking to feel like a living world.

In the next few weeks, we'll be contacting some of the cultures on LotC in hopes of creating RP Holidays based off in-game culture rather than IRL counterparts.

Such ideas could be:

- Utilizing the Warhawkes intrigue about the night sky that we've seen with some of the events they've been doing and having a celebration in their lands for a meteor shower.

- Working with the Druids to host a day where they praise the Green Mother and honor her with a festival around expanding nature and enjoying its fruits.

- Capitalizing on the flame aspect of Norland and the All-Father religion and having a tournament to show whose 'inner spark' burns brightest within the realm.

If you're interested in your culture being showcased in this fashion, or something similar, send us a message and we'll start planning.

We'll also be working alongside the Lore Team and their region/biome specific lore pieces to bring events to players. This means certain creatures and rewards will be limited to certain areas of the map, and each area holds its own story to be discovered. Exploring the world is now more important than ever to truly experience the full effect.

THE ICE WALL IS NOT AN EVENT! WE CANNOT HELP YOU!

Oncenoeda

Torkoal_Tom
White_Wolf

CharonGoosey

Aesopian

Papa_Liam

Swgrclan

Ebonsquire

Conspirator_

Hot_Dip
Purple_Cola

SpiffyTaylor

Calabreeni

MickMeist

Joltastik

AwakenMyLove

Xarkly

The Actors have genuinely surprised me in December, I would believe that the number of performed events would be lower than last as we dealt with the hiccup of moving between maps as well the holidays.

In total there has been 70 logged events, greater than the previous seen last month, being 60.

(Keep in mind there is a few duplicate logs in this number, as for instance two Actors may have logged the same event that they both equally worked on.)

The most productive Actor for December was....

This guy,

o7

Ford has been upon the team for quite some time, and this is not his first tenure.

He has logged a total of 14 events in December, which is roughly 24% of the total amount of events logged, well done!

TheAlogda

Deluxe

SoberMutt

Atles

BathRugMan

Ang

GhostRoast

Drfate786(Hiatus)

As well as shout out TheAlgoda for performing the best this month!

If you built a boat that is now at CT, you have the option of marking your boat for battle.

(Do this by placing Red Wool above your ship.)

-This means your boat will be placed in the War Zone, making your boat a constant battle ground.

- Any gear/food you place in a chest on the boat before the 14th will transition over, allowing you to gear out your crew.

- Fight to maintain control of your boat, while fighting for control of other ships to expand your armada!

(This will utilize Teegah's King of the Hill plugin that has been used before to capture points.)

-If you do not mark your boat for battle, it will be moved into the Peace Zone and unable to participate in the warzone.

(If two or more sides all agree on having a full out naval battle at some point during the transition and GM's are available, it may be a possibility. However, we will not know how many GM's are available until transition. Plan for it, build siege weaponry on ships if you have groups interested, but understand that it may not happen.)

If you built a boat that is now at CT, you have the option of marking your boat for peace.

(Do this by placing Blue Wool above your ship.)

-This means your boat will be placed in the Peace Zone, making your boat a safe zone.

-Any gear/food you place in a chest on the boat before the 14th will transition over, allowing you to gear out your crew.

-Enjoy the luxury of traveling in peace, while the CT monks work to ensure your experience goes undisturbed by conflict of any sort.

Along our journey, an island will be discovered that becomes our spawn during our transition. This island will become a hot spot for events from the ET and allow players to explore this uncharted land, possibly discovering friend, foe, and/or treasure along the way.

-This Island will have CT protection, preventing Player/Player conflict. However, players are not protected to event conflicts, such as a monster attacking.

-There is no fighting allowed between players on the island, neither RP or PvP.

-Players may uncover secrets about this island, as well as 6.0, by exploring and partaking in events.

-Players may discover hidden treasures that will be returned to them upon the shores of 6.0