This is a questions for those on high:

How much of the past updates and new skills are part of the original design concept, and how much is player-spawned? Also, how much is left on the design concept, and once Lusternia is brought up to the level of the design concept, can we still expect new things and update?


I would also like to mention my awe in the administration. You guys and gals have done a superb job in keeping us as happy as possible and constantly changing Lusternia so that it remains interesting. Thank you!

Yes! Yes yes yes! Thank you, all of the Lusternia staff. I you all. lots. Mhmm. More than Harry Potter.

Thank you.

New stuff will still come out after the whole document is complete, and there have been discussions on how to expand once it is met (though that will be a long way off). Stuff does change from that document. For example, artisan was a new thing Estarra just did this week somewhat out of the blue. Some stuff is in the design document but left blank. For example, weapon specializations designs were spelled out, but the specific skills in the skillset were never defined. And some stuff that we've done is player-driven. For example, debating was Rhysus' idea, if I recall correctly. Though probably the majority of things comes from the original design either directly or indirectly. Probably everything in the past four weeks except artisan was planned to some degree a couple years ago.

And there's still more to come... *gets more coffee*

P.S. Estarra, I want a coffee drinking smiley.

I'd say that while we still are aiming to complete the design concept we often take detours based on player feedback. For instance, Glomdoring's early release (at least I think it was early) was in response to our perception of player demand for it.

Astrology wasn't part of the design but was inspired by a comment by Lisaera about having planetary movements in Lusternia. I commented that could be the base of a skill and we did some design concepts. Before anyone knew it, I railroaded the project to completion. (That's just how I am, if I like an idea, I'll rush it forward at full speed--much to the surprise of even some of the admin!) Dreamweaving, Pureblade, Axelord and Psionics were all part of the original design (some more developed than others). Artisan was another skill that I railroaded to completion (based on our perception of player need and demand).

One project from our original design (that shall remain nameless) was derailed--though we were prepared to start it--because upon further review it was determined to be insufficient and thus sent back to the proverbial drawing board. I'd rather wait until we have a solid design than push something forward that I think is weak--even though it may address some player demand.

So that's how we've been working. Hope most of you are pleased with our development. For those who feel we've overlooked something, chances are that it really isn't overlooked but is just down the pipeline.

I'd also like to mention that the speed with which we've been recently developing and coding skills does take a toll. While coding an entire skillset in a week is pretty darn amazing (if I do say so myself), we are also flesh and blood and not machines--we can only maintain this type of pace for so long. While we'll always strive to keep development ongoing, please don't be too disappointed if at times the pace of development slows down.

Thank you all for your answers. Just what I, am I'm sure others, wanted to here. You are all doing a fantastic job.

I agree. And I think you guys are amazing for all these new toys you've given us so far!

*cough* I did Telepathy in three days, heh.

*cough*showoff*cough*

Telepathy is also pretty much recycled afflictions, isn't it?

Well, it's got various new afflictions: throatlock, leglock, deadening, omniphobia and bursted vessels, that's pretty much for 3 days.

You go code a skillset in three days and then not jump at the chance to tell people about it .

Only deadening and omniphobia.

...and deadening's recycled from Achaea, isn't it? I KNOW I've seen it on Monk AB TELEPATHY files.

Uhh, all the afflictions I listed are completely unique, especially deadening, even though some serve similar purposes than existing afflictions. Deadening is in no way similar than achaea's deadening, except the name.

Mindlink: New, but simular to Covens
Phobia: New
MindBlast: New
Deadening: New
Hivemind: New
AmplifyPhobia: New
PsychicVampirism: New
MassDominate: New
MindBurst: New

Plus each "recycled" one requires special coding to fit with Psionics.

They're ALSO not part of telepathy.

And oh, okay. Misinformed by Ru about the deadening then. *peer Ru*

My bad, I thought we were talking about psionics in general.

Deadening made you more susceptible to hypnosis elsewhere.

it also made you more suceptibale to mindlock