QUOTE (Estarra @ Jan 6 2011, 12:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There were quite a few new releases this year, most notably four new guilds: Illuminati, Institute, Templars and Sentinels. I love the themes that run through these guilds, from Paradigmatics which is based on chaos magic to Aeonics which revolves around the manipulation of time itself. I think the guilds are solid in terms of combat and also rich with roleplaying potential. As you may recall, the guilds were slowly released throughout the year (as we planned). I know some people wanted them released faster than they were but in the end, I think we did the right thing. My biggest concern was that we didn’t have the playerbase to support all the new additions; however, with some exceptions, I think we absorbed the guilds nicely.
I have to say I'm really impressed from what I've seen so far, both in game and the skill descriptions on the Wiki. It's really great to see such new communities, and it looks like both have been growing. Too many people were cynical and thought the cities should never be released, etc., but it looks like the Basin of Life absorbed them.
QUOTE (Estarra @ Jan 6 2011, 12:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A passionate push was made by players to overhaul demigods, ascendants and avatars. The new system has more powers and many customizable options. We relied on input from the players for most of the updates here, and we think the system of demipowers is a pretty unique offering. The trick, of course, was not to make it overpowered and yet have enough roleplaying enhancements as to make reaching the elusive level 100 still desirable.
You may want to take a close look at Xenthos' thread regarding that.
QUOTE (Estarra @ Jan 6 2011, 12:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Probably the most legitimate complaint was that many of our events were overly whimsical. We try to balance whimsy by setting it in with some kind of background or that lends itself to roleplaying gravitas. But, even so, I understand that some players find it questionable or difficult to suspend one’s disbelief. However, once the Gnafia was introduced during the invasion of slivven and the dumping of waste in the oceans, our imagination was captured. You’ll note the Gnafia kept reappearing throughout the year, stealing a piece of the Spiritsinger’s sundial and staging an elaborate kidnapping ruse, setting up a racketeering scheme in Talthos, and trying to steal the treasures of the Meliashmora of Imperial Secrets.
I know there were mixed feelings to the Gnafia, but I agree with the whole whimsy thing. I think Lusternia has the right balance of this and I think at times you have to accept the light with the dark. Anybody who even reads the histories knows this is true.
The overall arc is a good idea and you should think about doing it again--kind of like a season for a TV show. Although I would not recommend the Gnafia this year. It might be nice if it all comes together in a big plot.
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This is a great crew of volunteers and I enjoyed working with them immensely. I’d like to give a special shout out to Eventru who not only now codes but remains a true adept at building and running events, and I’d also like to recognize Lyreth who has been doing a lot of building and work behind the scenes. Everyone helps and I do think of this as part of my extended family. It cannot be said enough that the volunteers are our unsung heroes. Volunteers work hard and get very little in return, except for the satisfaction of knowing their creative endeavors are enjoyed by others. I cannot understate how much they are truly appreciated. Finally, I’d like to thank our coders, Roark and Sior, for their continued work. I know I’ve pushed Sior into the role of being in charge of the Envoys, which is no easy task! But he’s certainly risen to the occasion. I’d like to again thank Eventru and also our hidden mortal coders (you know who you are) whose work has not only helped us keep on top of bugs but also to release many of our special projects.
One thing I would like to especially thank is that I see you all seem to care about the littlest details. In the time I've been back, I've noticed that all the volunteers seem to do a good job of adding little elements to the RP. I loved the reaction to some of my little newsposts, such as being killed by a gnafia hitman, my mini-investigation leading to a threat and then a kidnapping (and all I thought I'd do that day was get some people together for turkey and watch a few plays), and things like my invite actually being accepted by two drunk dwarves, investigating the existence of a figurine named after me, etc. From what I saw there was even some foreshadowing. I enjoyed being part of this last event. I see you do this with others, such as making the La'Saet's part of Lusternian history, etc.
It's hard work and I appreciate all you do. (I wish I knew more gods in-game, the only one I ever got close to was Isune and Lacostian, and on an IC level it's depressing when you can't say goodbye, but hopefully that will change and I'll talk with one of the new guys. Eventru was interesting with his little disease lesson)
The only thing I felt bad enough about was not knowing enough about Gnomish lore (because I said I took a long trip with them, and I didn't know all the Gnome details), and I felt guilty, because I didn't want to let people down with bad RP.
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P.S. If there are questions about the past year that I haven't answered, I'm still open to doing more 'Ask Estarra!' videos on Youtube Channel! Just submit your video questions!
Wow, another surprise, I didn't know you guys were doing Video logs.
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Yes! Estarra expressed some concern at how hard they were to kill (nearly a thousand hits each machine!) but you guys killed them pretty quickly (about 15 or so minutes I suppose to finish them all).
There were 138 people on at the time, and nearly 115 people were on aetherbubbles fighting. Was pretty impressive!
There were 138 people on at the time, and nearly 115 people were on aetherbubbles fighting. Was pretty impressive!
Even from my perspective on the sidelines, it was. Just about everybody came together, which is unusual for this game! (Kinda disappointed now that the gnomes are separated into Gnood Gnomes and Gnasty Gnomes, I was kind of hoping the Gnodfather would be reviled by all, but oh well!)
