For whatever reason, every time I try to log onto Lusternia, it times out and doesn't allow me to connect. I usually use the Nexus applet, but I even tried MudMaster to get around it, updated Java, and still no connection. So, I'm inclined to think that the firewall on my college wireless network is getting in the way. They also run Websense, if that helps anyone....

Any ideas on how to get around this? I'm going to talk to my RT when I get back, see if he has any ideas. I can't test anything from here, since it always works from home, but I got on yesterday and a few people recommended I try asking here. Someone mentioned something about port 2003, but that's unverified.

Thoughts?

Your local network probably has port #23 blocked. Which is kind of unusual, because it's used for way more things than just MUD entertainment. I'd ask the admin on whether the port is blocked or not, and if it's possible to unblock it for you.

About port 2003, it isn't "unverified" - you can run Lusternia through port 2003 instead of 23. It will be blocked probably too, but you can check.

Ok, thanks for verifying that. So, I can get into MudMaster or whatever and try port 2003. And if that doesn't work, I'll try my luck with the administrator.

Out of curiosity, what else -is- port 23 used for.

Everything Telnet.

Oh.

So, nothing useful enough to help persuade a tight-fisted admin to loosen the reins?

A lot of network admins will not let you have telnet access. However, there is tunneling software out there to get around http(s) only proxies and firewalls. If you can leave your home machine on, you can set up your pc as the server side of a http tunnel, and get the telnet traffic to go through that. You might want to check your IT usage policy before you attempt this though, as you may find it is against college/uni policy! Google http tunnel and see what you get.

I just found out it was the firewall, so I put in an exemption for port #23, and lo and behold! Selverad has returned!

Now to remember all my abilities and hotkeys.... And get some food and clothing....

Poor Selverad is standing in Serenwilde, completely naked with a hammer in each hand and a pile of gold in his lap, everything else having long since rotted away. It's all uphill from here, folks, but it's good to be back.

I love that mental image.

Are they rusty hammers?

I'm having the same trouble I was earlier.... This confuses me. I made it on once, while I was fiddling with settings to get onto IRC for a roleplay my friend runs.... Now it refuses again.

Error: Connection timed out: connect

After a continual recurrence of this problem, I have now ascertained the source of my troubles....

My campus network blocks Telnet itself.

Is there any possible way to run Lusternia without Telnet, or am I effectively crippled by the IT department's paranoia?

(Yes, this thread is old. But I think this is better than starting a new one to try to figure this out.)

That's horrid.

When I started my undergrad, my university used telnet for its own mailing system. I wonder if they'd block it now. I'm sure they've moved on from it, as it was archaic even at the time.

I'm not one for technical expertise, but have you talked to the IT folks? Sometimes they can be cool about things. Sometimes.

Failing that, move off campus ASAP.

I find it completely moronic when IT departments block telnet ports. How can they not realize that people actually still use telnet for useful things?

Have you tried port 2003? It's likely that your campus is blocking that one, too, but it's worth a shot.

Tried and failed. They're remarkably persistent in their pursuit of crippling our ability to do -anything-.

As a part-time IT/security manager myself, I try to go out of my way to make life easier for the other developers. Too many IT people become instant jerks, letting the "power" go to their head and rubbing it in everyone else's faces.

Back from college, and home for the summer. No camp this summer, so I'll be home with internet far more regularly.

The question is, do I want to try to rebuild one of my two characters? Everything they owned is now dust, with the exception of a few vials and a chain. Do I want to take one of them and try a new guild? Or should I just start a new character to try a guild I've never tried before? I was thinking of trying the Nekotai, now that they're open, but I don't know if I should join them with my current Ninjakari character, or make a new one to try them out. Problem with making new characters is getting them to an interesting point in their abilities without using credits. Some people seem to have speed-leveling mastered, but I've never had much luck with it.

Also, a guild that isn't very equipment dependent for PVE would be great, since if I ever decide to pick up again where I left off, as often happens, I have no gear. Any ideas?

Well, I went and made a Harbinger, and I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Excellent guild.

But I'm also trying to rebuild Selverad. Already had a donation from a fellow guild member to help with getting armor, but for people who have taken long breaks before, what is the best way to get back on your feet without wasting gold? Some people seem to just hop right back in and get everything they need with the cast hoard they have stored up, but I've never been rich by Lusternian standards. Glomdoring has the Ooze quest for easy gold... Is there anything like that in Serenwilde? I'm probably going to try influencing in Tosha again, but I just reforged some hammers (not master weapons, so some might say they're not even worth bashing with, but I've never had the money for masters. Still saving up for plate.) and am wearing leather, so I may try some light bashing.

Any suggestions?