The Soulforge Lives!

by Unknown

Back to Common Grounds.

Eldanien2008-01-07 23:44:44
In point of fact, no power stolen so far. But if it drains as much as it did before, the amount of effort versus effect makes this quest more impressive a hostile act than several cosmic plane raids together, barring the loss of a supernal/demon lord.

Perhaps even if one supernal/demon lord were killed.

Then there's the question of whether the power stolen repeats itself until the counterquest is run, dealing with any attempts to disrupt that process.
Myndaen2008-01-07 23:47:24
Edited my above post.

QUOTE(daganev @ Jan 7 2008, 06:29 PM) 474296
Because the soulless is deadish now?


Has any soulless ever been deadish before? ICly, would you be willing to risk releasing a Soulless god that you think is dead-ISH? tongue.gif Please note, I did see your original post that said flat dead. tongue.gif

QUOTE(Shamarah @ Jan 7 2008, 06:34 PM) 474299
A one-time loss of 500 power from a long and difficult quest doesn't really matter at all in the scheme of things.



QUOTE(Noola @ Jan 7 2008, 06:36 PM) 474302
How much power does it steal?


I think these are the key points. I've heard that during the event it took more, and there's no way to tell that after a "long and difficult" quest it only has a one-time loss. If, however, it is a one-time loss of 500 power, then I will withdraw my points and say that yes, I'm absolutely sure this quest will fall to UV level of inactivity and even further believe DMP and Nov. envoy report should have taken precedence. If, however, it's more of a loss, then yes, I think it can be considered a conflict quest. cool.gif
Unknown2008-01-07 23:48:53
QUOTE(Noola @ Jan 7 2008, 03:36 PM) 474302
How much power does it steal?


Still working on figuring out how to make it steal power if indeed that is what it does. Come on little aura. Grow baby grow!
Eldanien2008-01-07 23:50:36
Heh, for all we know this is a drains-both-cities thing.

edit: Or plops plague slime back on the highways, complete with parasites. That would be interesting, if also annoying.
Daganev2008-01-07 23:59:22
QUOTE(Myndaen @ Jan 7 2008, 03:47 PM) 474304
Edited my above post.
Has any soulless ever been deadish before? ICly, would you be willing to risk releasing a Soulless god that you think is dead-ISH? tongue.gif Please note, I did see your original post that said flat dead. tongue.gif


I'm still not aware exactly of how the whole event ended, but with Illith we have seen soulless become deadish.

Its not like people say don't drain astral nodes because you might release Kethuru again.
Myndaen2008-01-08 00:03:43
QUOTE(daganev @ Jan 7 2008, 06:59 PM) 474311
1I'm still not aware exactly of how the whole event ended, but with Illith we have seen soulless become deadish.

2Its not like people say don't drain astral nodes because you might release Kethuru again.


1) HALF of Illith is "dead ish", and you should know, firsthand, how many organizations outright banned Illithoids without SERIOUS prodding. Furthermore, Muud didn't splinter like HALF of Illith did. It's still Muud in his incarnate, and if Illith's power has been (at least) halved, that certainly bumps him up in the rankings.

2) No one actually recognizes that draining astral nodes might release Kethuru. I didn't even know that was a possibility, as I'm not very familiar with what the astral nodes do. Are you sure you've got your facts straight on this?
Estarra2008-01-08 00:05:49
QUOTE(Myndaen @ Jan 7 2008, 03:33 PM) 474298
Something that steals power isn't a big conflict quest? wtf.gif
I don't think you're reading me correctly. Sorry if you don't agree!

Edit: Upon thinking that I don't want to dismiss you the way you dismissed me... I quite agree that focusing on roleplay events enriches Lusternia, and I encourage you to do it, but not when there are other things that should take precedence. Are you punishing the players for the fact that the envoy took so long to submit the DMP report? What about the enrichment caused by balanced combat and addressing the issues that we put forth to you? I wholly encourage you to do this during the lulls like the period of, what, Hifarae to the Reserve? (I believe that was a period of five or six months when nothing occurred, correct me if I'm wrong.) Why not plan some things in advance? I don't know about anyone else, but this area, event, and quest felt a little thrown together. It just seems to me like you have these sudden urges to do massive events and put everything else off for results that somewhat fizzle.


I'm not sure how I am dismissing you. If you think I am, I apologize. You think something should take precedence and I don't. I am truly sorry that we disagree! As for the dmp report specifically, the report has a lot of issues (namely the vagueness) but I promise it will be looked at this week. The envoys did take months to submit it, so I'm not sure why another few weeks mattered!

I'm sad if the event and results fizzled for you.
losewings.gif
Daganev2008-01-08 00:09:30
QUOTE(Myndaen @ Jan 7 2008, 04:03 PM) 474314
1) HALF of Illith is "dead ish", and you should know, firsthand, how many organizations outright banned Illithoids without SERIOUS prodding. Furthermore, Muud didn't splinter like HALF of Illith did. It's still Muud in his incarnate, and if Illith's power has been (at least) halved, that certainly bumps him up in the rankings.

2) No one actually recognizes that draining astral nodes might release Kethuru. I didn't even know that was a possibility, as I'm not very familiar with what the astral nodes do. Are you sure you've got your facts straight on this?



Can you explain quickly how Muud was "taken care of"?

In the histories, the way that Kethuru takes over the basin is from Landantine linking with the node on Capricorn, and then having that link down through the Stone of Truth.
Unknown2008-01-08 00:16:47
Psst.. Esty.. Can you confirm el forgey is working as intended? I've tried doing Owen's job, waiting, and we even just had a weave. Am I just being obtuse? sad.gif
Morgfyre2008-01-08 03:23:04
QUOTE(Visaeris Maeloch @ Jan 7 2008, 06:16 PM) 474319
Psst.. Esty.. Can you confirm el forgey is working as intended? I've tried doing Owen's job, waiting, and we even just had a weave. Am I just being obtuse? sad.gif


Yeah, it's working as intended.
Unknown2008-01-08 04:06:25
QUOTE(Morgfyre @ Jan 7 2008, 07:23 PM) 474403
Yeah, it's working as intended.


Woop. I actually figured out what's happening and what causes the motes, I think. At least i have a lot of conjecture.

Thanks again for the neat quest!

Now just to figure out that damned cylinder...
Unknown2008-01-08 04:48:26
I think the best part is that Morgfyre actually said he will kick your ass.
Unknown2008-01-08 06:06:56
@Esterra/Myndaen

What? What do you think this is? Sesame Street? This is the Forum...there is no friendly disagreement and understanding. No political correctness. Around here, when you disagree with someone you drag their name through the mud and insinuate their mother beds with farm animals.

Apologizing for disagreeing. PFFFT. Way to turn Forums into Oprah.

Visaeris...awesome quest. I wish I was as patient and dedicated as you.

I'm entirely too bored.
Unknown2008-01-08 08:50:06
Eh honestly this quest just required some dedication, not really patience. It's not hard, just complicated. And requiring lots of teamwork and bodies and high levels.

If you want a dedicated, patient question, look at undervault. Screw that sad.gif
Ilyarin2008-01-08 15:32:13
And now it's dead. I really quite enjoyed this quest, and the dreams of the child are fantastic. smile.gif

QUOTE

You teleport along the aether strands to Erialle.
Zia follows you ether.
Flying above a crumbling dome.
The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. The Soulforge floats here as a massive round construct of skin and bones, streams of gas escaping from its glowing and bloated body that crackles with unnerving energy. Aesthete Erialle is here. She wields a wooden lute in her left hand.
You see exits leading north (open door), west (open door), and down.
9286h, 4643m, 7314e, 8p, 26660en, 24865w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:43.321// Passive //put teardrop in soulforge

Lacking any way to fly and any support, you plummet to the earth below you!
Zia plummets to the earth below!
9286h, 4643m, 7314e, 8p, 26660en, 24865w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:43.778// Passive //
You put a diamond in the shape of a teardrop into the Soulforge.
Your karma rises in response to your deeds.
You gain a new honour!
9286h, 4643m, 7314e, 8p, 26660en, 24865w elrxkb<>-
The Soulforge rumbles with crackling energy as the teardrop falls into its churn gaseous depths.
9286h, 4643m, 7314e, 8p, 26660en, 24865w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:44.177// Passive //
You gently float to the ground, protected from a nasty fall by your levitation.
9286h, 4621m, 7314e, 8p, 26660en, 24875w elrxkb<>-
Zia falls theatrically to the ground, breaking the impact of her fall.
9286h, 4621m, 7314e, 8p, 26660en, 24875w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:45.808// Passive //: Becoming active.
ql

A crumbling dome.
Superimposed over this location, an ethereal forest reaches up to the sky. The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. A very small milestone lies here, bearing the name 'Xiel'. A red fox stands here, cautiously listening to the surroundings. A transparent glass cylinder stands here, connected to the wall through a series of polished bone pipes. A gelatinous eyeball rolls about on the ground here. Zia Talnara towers here. She wields a vibrant moonhart viola in her left hand and a magic tome in her right.
You see exits leading north (open door), west (open door), and down.
9286h, 4621m, 7314e, 8p, 26660en, 24875w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:48.986//
Erialle has been suffocated by the Soulforge.
You see the death occur at a crumbling dome.
9286h, 4643m, 7314e, 9p, 26660en, 24886w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:51.522//
The corpse of Erialle comes falling down from above to land with a 'THUMP.'
9286h, 4643m, 7314e, 9p, 26660en, 24886w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:51.893//shout The Soulforge dies!

You shout, "The Soulforge dies!"
9286h, 4643m, 7314e, 9p, 20610en, 24897w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:55.454//
Hyrtakos, Lendren, Adreana, Airell, Alianna, Azmath, Bhairan, Donlinde, Fionn, Ixchilgal, Jael, Kaelthar, Kaete, Kailanna, Livictus, Lucero, Lukretia, Methagor, Miischra, Morvior, Noctu, Reginaldus, Serah, Seraphia, Ssaliss, Sthai, Taldelus, Turnus, Tzekari, Xedrik.
(*) Currently, there are 30 Lusternians on this Plane and 24 on other Planes.
9286h, 4643m, 7314e, 9p, 20610en, 24897w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:55.837//
Zia gives a horrified gasp.
9286h, 4643m, 7314e, 9p, 20610en, 24897w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:57.235//
You find that you are not yet ready to perform that feat.
9286h, 4623m, 7314e, 9p, 20630en, 24907w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:58.066//
A bright flash sweeps across the area as a loud explosion resounds in the open air.
A glass cylinder suddenly drains the pool of essence within it with a gurgle, emptying itself of its contents.
9286h, 4623m, 7314e, 9p, 20630en, 24907w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:58.449//ql

A crumbling dome.
Superimposed over this location, an ethereal forest reaches up to the sky. The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. A very small milestone lies here, bearing the name 'Xiel'. A red fox stands here, cautiously listening to the surroundings. A transparent glass cylinder stands here, connected to the wall through a series of polished bone pipes. A gelatinous eyeball rolls about on the ground here. The twisted remains of Erialle lie here. Zia Talnara towers here. She wields a vibrant moonhart viola in her left hand and a magic tome in her right.
You see exits leading north (open door), west (open door), and down.
9286h, 4623m, 7314e, 10p, 20630en, 24907w elrxkb<>--\\\\15:27:58.952//
You kneel over a corpse, praying fervently and passionately. A white light bathes the body which lifts up off the ground. May the Light show mercy to Erialle for this death before her time! Praise be the Light!
Unknown2008-01-08 18:33:43
Ilyarin, did the quest for destroying it change any, or was it still just "get bell, ring bell, kill soulforge"? Also, how many people do you need? Honestly, for the amount of time it takes to build this thing there should be more to the quest. Add in a moon phase, a supermob, etc. (Dreadlord doesn't count, he's post-kill)

Before the Gods or anyone else dismisses this as "oh look Vis is whining again", here's why I feel there's a problem. The teardrop takes a 3-4 people to gain, if they're decently levelled. A pair of demis could pull it off no problem. To build it it takes a moon cycle, 4+ hours of work, a supergroup to take out the cloier, and more. All in all about 10 Magnagorans, maybe 15, contributed a minimum of an hour apiece to build the thing. Some of them put in 3-4. I put in a lot more than that, including just trying to get together forces to build it..

Alternatively, it should be easier to build. I've heard rumours that it would be unfair to everyone if it was hard to take out because it has such a massive impact on their power or something. I understand this, and in that vein I propose the following changes to the quest:

1) Get rid of the moon cycle requirement on the Nagabali
2) Reduce the cloier strength to a high-end mob that's killable by a small group (couple of people)

These changes will keep it at a good 4-ish hours minimum(ultimate group able to handle globules and super-maximised to plow through the quest) to build the thing, including all necessary respawns and such, without turning it into the marathon of pain that it currently is. No longer would we have to gather together a supergroup just to build it, when it's destroyable by 3-4 people in the wee small hours

I'm ok with the super-short destroy quest, but the construction should be far far less painful. This way it can be a simple back and forth if people are really determined.

If the time is too short for the impact it has on the game, an impact we have yet to see, then perhaps we can mitigate the impact, but as it stands there's just far too much of a difference between the construction and destruction stages to really make it worthwhile.
Myndaen2008-01-08 18:38:47
QUOTE(Visaeris Maeloch @ Jan 8 2008, 01:33 PM) 474530
I'm ok with the super-short destroy quest, but the construction should be far far less painful. This way it can be a simple back and forth if people are really determined.


Haven't you noticed a pattern? Look at the kephera raising the queen quest. I suppose it was just Magnagora's time to have an absurdly tedious quest. tongue.gif

tongue.gif
Xenthos2008-01-08 18:40:26
QUOTE(Myndaen @ Jan 8 2008, 01:38 PM) 474531
Haven't you noticed a pattern? Look at the kephera raising the queen quest. I suppose it was just Magnagora's time to have an absurdly tedious quest. tongue.gif

tongue.gif

Look at "raising Cthoglogg." It's not like it's significantly better.
Ilyarin2008-01-08 18:46:10
IMHO it should be harder to raise than to destroy, though perhaps not by as significant an amount as it is now, if only because it's apparently very devastating . Personally I see it as a quest that really shouldn't be done by anyone, so I feel that the fact it's hard is a deterrant but won't actually put off those people that are intent. I'm curious as to what what needs to be done to raise it, but I would think that reducing the strength of the cloier slightly should be fine. A group of, say, 6-8, rather than 10-15, perhaps. I think the moon cycle requirement is fine; if you just plan around it then it doesn't add anything to the amount of time it takes to raise the Soulforge.

As a note, it probably took the best part of 2 odd hours to destroy it completely, and I was not alone.

Strangely, I did notice that it seemed to imply the Dread Lord would appear after destroying the Soulforge, but I saw no real sign of him. I remember seeing black lightning over Balach a little later, but I'm not sure if that was the Dread Lord or something else.
Noola2008-01-08 18:55:02
Hey, when I was on last night, I saw a funny message about black crystals searing across the sky or something like that. I'd never seen it before and neither had Gabrath, who I was with at the moment. Just out of curiosity, was that something to do with the Soulforge thingie? Or no?