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| 12/31/2003 | SKILL MIGRATOR UPDATE |
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As previously announced in NEWS 1 2, for thirty days following a character's conversion to GemStone IV, skill migration will be instantaneous. After that, skill migration times will be very slow. Many of you who converted in the first days of GemStone IV are running out of time, or have run out of time for instant skill migration.
Due to the upcoming holiday however, we are going to extend the rapid reallocation until Friday, January 2nd at 12PM (noon) CST. This extension applies only to those of you whose grace period has expired or will expire by that date. After your time expires normally, the skill migrator will be turned down to the values you are seeing now. We urge you to make your final choices as to how you envision your character skill sets to be as once this hard limit expires and your character has had thirty days to explore options, it will NOT be quick to make large-scale changes to your skill set. It really will take a LONG time to migrate skills, so think carefully, and enter your skill selections. You can do so by typing GOAL to launch the web-based migrator, or checking in at any local inn. We wish you the best at this festive time of year. P.S. - Did we mention it takes a REALLY LONG time? |
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| 12/30/2003 | CITIZENS REVOLT AGAINST EXCESSIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT! |
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In response to outrage from citizens in need of skilled locksmiths, law enforcement officials have loosened the requisites for banning a criminal from town. Those previously banned MAY find that their banishment has been lifted under these kinder, gentler conditions.
(To obtain information on your banishment and other justice status, a new verb, JUSTICE, has been created. Players will see what towns, if any, they are banished from, as well as any outstanding warrants against them, and they may also look at their criminal history.) |
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| 12/30/2003 | EXPERIENCE MULTIPLIER EXPIRATION |
| Correction to our previous news item on this subject: The current experience multiplier is schedule to expire at midnight (CST) January 5th in both instances. Be aware that this means it will *expire* at midnight (CST) -- meaning the multiplier will run through the entire day of the 5th and that IS IT! | |
| 12/29/2003 | CONFUSED BY READY, STORE, SHEATHE, UNSHEATHE, GIRD? |
| Be confused no longer! We have created a step by step guide to setting up all the defaults in your inventory, as well as using them. Type HELP READY for more info today! | |
| 12/29/2003 | DEVELOPER'S CORNER FORUM POLICY |
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Recently "Developer's Corner" topics have been added to many of the primary forum categories. These topics will possess their own policy insofar as acceptable subject matter and board moderating. The policy will be posted below, but if you have any questions or concerns feel free to express them in the Forums Discussion topic inside the Front Ends, Forums and Computer Help category.
Developer's Corner Policy It is the intention in the various Developer's Corner folders to have a dialogue with the developers of the areas covered. In keeping with that intention, we (the board moderators and the board manager) will be closely watching these folders. Observations and suggestions are welcome in these folders, and will be more closely monitored by the GemStone IV development team. On the other hand, flames, destructive criticism or tangents that are deemed to be off topic or unfocused will be removed quickly (hidden, pulled, etc.). Far more stringent expectations will be upheld in these topics, and we reserve the right to pull any post we deem to be inappropriate, or will even lead to inappropriate postings by others. This does not extend to all other topics and categories - they will be monitored under the normal board policies. Also, it is the intent of the Developer's Corners folders to let the development team lead the discussions in these folders. What we mean by that is that the developers will often come in and start threads by making comments or asking for input on various subjects of interest to whatever they are developing. They will, for the most part, be starting threads and following through with them. If you, as a player, start a thread in the Developer's Corner, the developers are not responsible for responding to and/or following through with your thread. Do not take this as an affront, as it is for their work that we are putting these folders into the categories. The proper place for you to make your points is within the other areas of the categories. We, the board management, feel that this is the best way to encourage the best dialogue between players and developers. This does not mean to say that developers individually will not be paying attention to other parts of the boards they are interested in. It simply means that the best place to get the attention of the developers is in this one category, where everyone will be able to freely discuss advantages and disadvantages of a variety of topics without the fear of being ridiculed or flamed. |
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| 12/28/2003 | ICEMULE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SPEAKS! |
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The Icemule government issued the following declaration late this evening: "We are perplexed by our law enforcement charging people with the crime of Demonic Summoning within our borders. When this issue arose we decided to allow sorcerers to legally bring demons into our fair town. Unfortunately, we met in secret and our herald decided to spend his eve at the Inn rather than notify the deputy.
Demonic Summoning should be legal within our walls although we acknowledge that our ancestors left their beloved home to start our fair town because they were distraught over the Faendryl summonings at Maelshyve. We also acknowledge that they wished to create a town accepting of all walks of life. Guild Master Stark has assured us that these demons pose no threat to us or our children and has given us his word that he will personally keep watch on planar studies within our city along with the normal routine monitoring that the Faendryl Basillica undertakes. We give great thanks to Queen Myasara for her warning, but we also realize that we must deal with demons in our own way. We have seen the dangers of sorceric magic run amuck, but we have also seen the merits of well-practiced sorcery -- for, without the aid of the sorcerer Pheyrmerrin Azlantor and Guild Master Stark, Icemule might readily have been destroyed this past summer by the invading v'reen morphs. While demons are certainly not welcomed, we will accept them within our snowy walls as an honor to those who have aided us in the past. Be forewarned, though, that we do not hesitate to change our mind should these beings prove troublesome. Guild Master Stark has pledged to be the first to help us rid ourselves of our demonic problem should these beings not be responsibly controlled. It is with this understanding that we hope Icemule will move into a new era of magic and arcane research with the help of our local sorcerer guild." |
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| 12/28/2003 | CONSTABLES OVERWHELMED! |
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Local law enforcement recently began charging those who bring the vile art of Demonic Summoning into their towns. They then realized just how prevalent the Art of Sorcery was within their borders, and were quickly overwhelmed by sorcerers and their demonic beings, resulting in a large loss of limbs. In response to this, local law enforcement has ceased enforcing the crime of demonic summoning for the time being, until they can train new guardsmen and deputies.
(If you were arrested or charged for Demonic Summoning please ASSIST to have your arrest record wiped clean and to have any fines levied returned to you by a GM. Icemule and Pinefar should not charge for Demonic Summoning when other towns begin to do so. Anyone with an outstanding warrant may still get arrested if they do not see a GM before the constable finds you. We apologize for the inconvenience but there is no way to turn off existing warrants. No further charges should be issued.) |
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| 12/26/2003 | TOWNS TERRORIZED BY DEMONS, LAW STRIKES BACK! |
| Several terrorizing demons have forced the justice keepers of the various townships and baronies to convene and rule that evil spirits will no longer be welcome inside town borders. Those who summon them or attempt to bring their demons within reach of the law will find themselves the subject of an arrest. There is some talk of future licensing that would allow demons to wander in town limits, but a decision has yet to be reached. | |
| 12/26/2003 | CONSTABLE SLAPS SUSPECT AND SUMMARILY CHANGES THE LAW |
| Various townsfolk have witnessed the hand of justice arrest slapping suspects silly after just one offense. When it was made clear that even the manner of arrest was in fact an assault upon said suspects, the constable quickly announced that minor forms of assault, such as SLAPPING, KICKING, and a few others, now will require multiple offenses to be worthy of judicial attention. Townspeople responded everywhere by finding their most hated neighbor and walloping them a good one. | |
| 12/23/2003 | SKILL MIGRATOR UPDATE |
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As previously announced in NEWS 1 2, for thirty days following a character's conversion to GemStone IV, skill migration will be instantaneous. After that, skill migration times will be very slow. Many of you who converted in the first days of GemStone IV are running out of time, or have run out of time for instant skill migration.
Due to the upcoming holiday however, we are going to extend the rapid reallocation until Wednesday, January 2nd at 12PM (noon) CST. This extension applies only to those of you whose grace period has expired or will expire by that date. After your time expires normally, the skill migrator will be turned down to the values you are seeing now. We urge you to make your final choices as to how you envision your character skill sets to be as once this hard limit expires and your character has had thirty days to explore options, it will NOT be quick to make large-scale changes to your skill set. It really will take a LONG time to migrate skills, so think carefully, and enter your skill selections. You can do so by typing GOAL to launch the web-based migrator, or checking in at any local inn. We wish you the best at this festive time of year. P.S. - Did we mention it takes a REALLY LONG time? |
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| 12/23/2003 | REALLOCATION PHASE POLICY |
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DEATH RECOVERY POINTS
No characters will incur death recovery points for 2 weeks after the launch day of GemStone IV. REALLOCATOR (THE OLD STYLE) The reallocator will be available for 1 month following the launch of GemStone IV. All characters will be able to use the reallocator a total of 5 times. STAT MIGRATOR The stat migrator will be available to each character for one month following the day that they CONVERTED to GemStone IV. Each character will be able to use the stat migrator a total of 5 times. SKILL MIGRATOR (TEXT AND GRAPHICAL) For three days following a character's conversion to GemStone IV, skill migration will be instantaneous. For the following 27 days, skill migration will be very rapid (30min-1hr for a full migration). After that, skill migration times will be very slow. (A character could not expect to do a major reallocation on an old character more than once, maybe twice, a year.) |
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| 12/23/2003 | ROLEPLAYING TIP: DEMONS |
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What are those strange creatures and how should I react to them?
Now that Minor Summoning has been released, demons are no longer just part of the history documents or something about which vague tales are told. Minor demons are now walking city streets and popping up everywhere sorcerers gather. To understand the place demons have in the world of Elanthia it is a good idea to do a bit of reading, especially about the Ur-Daemon wars, the era of Despana, and the Faendryl elves. How individual characters view demons should be based in part on history and culture, but should also take the individual's personal past and current attitudes into account. A Vaalor warrior will likely think demons are foul beasts that should be eradicated. A Faendryl elf, especially a sorcerer, will likely think they are an interesting area of study and tools to be used. Most Elanthians, even a hardened giantkin warrior, would experience some amount of fear when encountering demons. When dealing with something new in the game, like minor demons, it is an excellent idea to take some time and think about how your character feels about it and how they would react in a way that fits with who they are. Then you can take that information and use it to make your character more real as you interact with other characters and the world. More information can be found in these places: http://www.play.net/gs4/info/tomes/official-elanthian-history.asp http://www.play.net/gs4/info/tomes/dark_elf_history/faendryl.asp |
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| 12/20/2003 | CMGR NOT FOR PLAYERS ONLY ANYMORE! |
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All the recent upgrades to the Character Manager (hereto referred to as CMGR) has drawn the attention of many who did not get to use it previously. Upon a demand from its membership, at the recent renewal talks for the contract between Simutronics Corporation and the AFL-CIO (Animal & Fauna League - Creatures Interest Organization), an agreement was reached to open up the CMGR to allow even the lowliest of creatures an opportunity to visit their trainer.
The terms of the agreement allow that once a creature has eliminated the breathing option from a player, it will be able to train a level and gain a bit of both offensive and defensive strength. Multi-attacks that result in numerous deaths within a short span of time will only be counted as a single death for training level consideration purposes. Due to creatures that are non-BCS not being members of the AFL-CIO, they will not be privy to this enhanced ability. As with players, underhunting by creatures will not gain them any real benefit. So if you see that dark orc go into the room down the hall from you at the inn, you can know it's just going to receive its justly earned reward for a job well done. |
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| 12/19/2003 | STORMFRONT NEWS |
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There is a new beta version of StormFront available for download at: http://www.play.net/gs4/downloads Any help testing that you could provide would be appreciated.
The Windows 98 "crashing bug" caused by bad images is fixed in this version. Additionally, underlining is dimmer in this version so that it is easier to read the text. |
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| 12/19/2003 | IMPROVED READY AND STORE COMMANDS |
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READY and STORE are now available with expanded features (not just for shields any more!). For detailed information, type READY HELP or STORE HELP. Also see STORE SET HELP for detailed options there.
In addition to these updates, the SHEATHE and UNSHEATHE verbs are no longer what they once were. They are now simply shortcuts to "STORE WEAPON" and "READY WEAPON" respectively. |
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| 12/19/2003 | BETTER COMBAT WITH STORMFRONT |
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Today a new Combat Panel for StormFront was release. This combat panel includes the following features:
* Sword and shield images have functionality defined by your combat style setting (click the configure link) using information set via the updated STORE and READY verbs. In essence, you may pick between three styles of combat causing the sword and shield images to ready/store items appropriately for that style. #1. Sword and Shield - Sword images will ready or store the item you have defined as your "weapon" - Shield images will ready or store the item you have defined as your "shield" #2. Ranged - Sword images will get one arrow/bolt from the bundle defined by your "ammo" - Shield images will ready or store the item you have defined as your "ranged weapon" #3. Two Weapons - Sword images will ready or store the item you have defined as your "weapon" - Shield images will ready or store the item you have defined as your "2weapon" * Advanced configuration options allow the addition or removal of nearly all graphical elements in the combat panel to customize the elements you want to display. * A stance bar that displays an actively updated display of your stance. * The stance control group includes buttons that allow you to dance between offensive and defensive stances in a single click. A drop down box allows the selection of any of the intermediate stances. * The ambush control group includes buttons for hiding and one for ambushing the location specified in the aiming drop down box. * The ranged control group includes buttons for loading and firing a ranged weapon. The ammunition drop down allows you to specify a default bundle of ammunition to use. The load button handles all of the mechanics for loading, cocking (if necessary) and getting one arrow or bolt from the default bundle of ammunition. * The spell control group includes buttons for preparing and casting the spell specified in the spell drop down box. The cast button handles both preparing and casting at your specified target in a single click. You may add additional spell drop downs via the configure link in the combat panel. * The maneuver control group includes a button for performing the combat maneuver specified in the combat maneuver drop down box targeting your current target. You may add additional maneuver drop downs via the configure link in the combat panel. * The guild control group includes a button for performing the combat maneuver specified in the guild maneuver drop down box targeting your current target. You may add additional guild drop downs via the configure link in the combat panel. * Located at the bottom of the combat panel are links that handle functions like skinning, searching and swapping grips on a weapon that can go from one to two-handed use. Additional links may appear as are appropriate for your skills or society. |
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| 12/19/2003 | SEARCH KILLS QUICKER USING THE LOOT VERB |
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The new LOOT verb provides for quicker and easier searching of your kills. Simply type LOOT and it will attempt to search your current target if it is dead. If it isn't, it will try to search your last target. If that isn't valid, it will simply find the first dead creature in the room and try to search it. You can also use LOOT {target} (such as LOOT KOBOLD or LOOT ORC) to specify what you want to loot.
Don't forget that you can prevent those not in your group from looting your kills by using FLAGS GROUPLOOT (OFF | ON). StormFront users will find this option available in "Advanced..." under the Options button in the upper-right corner. |
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| 12/19/2003 | GOT TOO MUCH MONEY? |
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Feel like you just can't possibly spend the silvers you already have, let alone needing more? Or maybe you're a true samaritan, who does things out of the goodness of your heart, for whom material compensation holds no appeal? Whatever your reason, make your feelings known by setting the RefuseSilvers flag right now! No longer will you suffer from the oppressive generosity of others!
StormFront users will find this setting in the Advanced section of the Options menu. All others should type FLAGS RefuseSilvers ON to turn the flag on (or OFF to turn it off, of course). New and Improved! Now you can refuse silvers shared in your group as well! The RefuseSilvers flag applies only to silvers given directly to you, and the NoGroupShare flag now exists to handle silvers shared in your group! |
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| 12/19/2003 | THE 2ND ANNUAL SOLHAVEN GRAND ART EXHIBIT |
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Cairnfang Manor is proud to present the Second Annual Solhaven Grand Art Exhibit on the 24th of Lormesta at the Temple of Jastev at 7 pm Empire Standard Time. Works of art are now being sought by would-be artists to submit for this competition. The exhibit will display all works of art submitted and awards will be presented to the best of show.
All those interested in having their piece displayed in this exhibit should have it submitted no later than the 10th of Lormesta. All pieces of art should be submitted to [email protected]. For more information on how art pieces will be displayed at the exhibit, please look at the following: http://www.geocities.com/cairnfang_manor/artexhibit.html |
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| 12/19/2003 | MORE GAMBLING COMES TO ICEMULE! |
| The Halfling Dumpling Gang will be hosting lobster races on the Giantman Path by the oak tree on Tilamaires, the 30th of Eorgaen, starting around 9pm Elven. Betting will be allowed in the first race with a minimum bet of 5,000 silvers and a maximum of 25,000 silvers. Payouts will vary. The final race will have a 5,000 silver entry fee for entering your own lobster. The winner takes all! For more information, see the board outside Icemule Trace's town meeting hall. | |
| 12/18/2003 | STORMFRONT NEWS |
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There is a new beta version of StormFront available for download at: http://www.play.net/gs4/downloads Any help testing that you could provide would be appreciated.
We have tracked down a "crashing bug" with StormFront which is caused when Windows 98 users enter a room with a bad image. If you are a Windows 98 user, and you find that StormFront crashes a lot, turn off pictures for the time being. Now that we've found the bug, we will have the problem fixed as soon as possible. |
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| 12/18/2003 | THE RETURN OF THE SPITFIRE |
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On January 31st, in celebration of the opening of GemStone IV, we're pleased to announce that the Spitfire will be docking in Wehnimer's Landing, in both Prime and Platinum. No doubt, as soon as the halfling/pirate/merchants arrive, a number of other merchants through the lands will choose to set up their tents along the docks. Not all shops will arrive on the same day. They will likely slowly trickle in after the first open their doors. Shops will remain open throughout the entire month of February.
In Plat, from February 20-22, and in Prime, from February 27-29, merchants will open their doors for live services. No doubt there will be many services made available on other dates, however, we will be focusing the force of our attention on these two weekends. To be clear, the Spitfire is a free event and may be attended by any player regardless of Premium status. Bookmark http://www.play.net/gs4/news/events/spitfire.asp for more updates on the Spitfire. |
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| 12/18/2003 | EBON GATE FESTIVAL, PART 2 |
| Ebon Gate Festival, Part 2 will be run on the weekend of January 16-18. This run of Ebon Gate will include ONLY the items and attractions that we had to pull from the Ebon Gate release due to the delay of GemStone IV's launch. To be clear, this will only be a handful of shops and a couple of games, but we feel it's necessary to offer these because we consider them as a part of the cost of the ticket. Only those who previously purchased a ticket to Ebon Gate 2003 will be able to enter the grounds. | |
| 12/18/2003 | CONVENTION INFORMATION (SIMUCON AND VEGASCON) |
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SIMUCON: Please add June 3-6, 2004 to your calendars. Those will be the dates for SimuCon this year.
VEGASCON: Don't forget to signup soon! Registration ends on January 5th. And make sure to reserve your room before the room block expires to take advantage of the discount! |
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| 12/18/2003 | SKIN YOUR TARGETS WITH EASE |
| Skinning that thing you just killed is even easier than before. Just use SKIN TARGET. You can continue to specify a weapon, or LEFT | RIGHT to specify which hand you're using to skin with. Type SKIN alone for usage information. | |
| 12/17/2003 | DEATH RECOVERY POINTS - TODAY! |
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Characters over level 10 whose death results in a decay will incur 1,000 Death Recovery (DR) points, starting now. No other penalties will be applied.
Death penalties will continue in this manner until we are more comfortable with the game stability. At such time, DR points will be turned on for all deaths, as specified in the documentation. The Death Recovery documentation can be found at: http://www.play.net/gs4/info/combatguide.asp |
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| 12/16/2003 | SOMETHING CHANGED, WE THINK |
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A bewildered half-elf was recently seen emerging from the local empath, reportedly repeating, "How can this be? It never did this before! Why is it doing this now?"
A few moments later, so the story goes, a pair of black-hooded men arrived and beat the wretched half-elf unconscious. One of the men reportedly responded to a terrified onlooker with, "Go about your business. Even if something changed, which may or may not exist." Neither the half-elf nor the onlooker have been seen since. An anonymous voice from the shadows was reported to respond to the overly inquisitive. "Know that our rumoured powers are rumoured to have had a change. Should such a final power exist in the rapid descent into our fold, which I categorically deny all existence of, as there is no proof or solid fact to back such... Where was I? Oh, right. This final power, which at one time could have done this, now does that. Next person I hear talking about it, well, I have an opening for a new torture monkey." The voice has not been heard again. |
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| 12/16/2003 | DDR SCAVENGER HUNT |
| The Drunken Defenders of the Rock invite one and all to participate in a unique scavenger hunt. The hunt will include items, people, and history. The Hunt will begin on Eorgaen 21st at 7:00 pm elven and will continue for one hour. Groups are encouraged but not required. The winners of the Hunt will receive prizes of 1,000,000 silvers for first place, 500,000 silvers for second place, and 250,000 for third place. | |
| 12/16/2003 | JAKARTA SCAVENGER HUNT |
| On Sunday, December 28th, at some time in the afternoon, Jakarta will be holding a holiday scavenger hunt. Teams of 3-5 people can enter, or individuals will be placed into groups. Prizes will be offered for top finishers. We don't expect anyone to find all the items listed, as this will be a true test of item and geographic knowledge. Those wanting further information can contact Lord Ardwen, often found preventing Hearthstone Manor from falling down. | |
| 12/16/2003 | DAINGNEACH ONOIR'S NEW YEAR'S JOKE CONTEST |
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To help in celebrating the New Year, House Onoir will be hosting a joke contest on Feastday, the 3rd of Lormesta at 8:00 pm elven. Come to compete or just to have a good laugh. Prizes will be awarded to the top three, as follows:
First Place - 500,000 silvers Second Place - 200,000 silvers Third Place - 100,000 silvers Jokes can be in the form of riddles, funny stories (short ones), or anything else that is spoken. They will be judged based on humor, good taste, and audience reaction. If you'd like to participate, head over to the Wayside Inn, and look for the table where Thaleles is sitting |
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| 12/16/2003 | PROBLEMS WITH ENHANCIVE ITEMS |
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It was determined this weekend that the enhancive item system was operating in a couple ways that we had not intended. First, it was using up charges a bit faster than we expected. Second, items that ran out of charges were crumbling, and we had not intended them to crumble. Third, items were crumbling without messaging the player - so from the player's perspective, they simply vanished. To rectify this we made the following adjustments:
#1. The wearable enhancive items we gave out in giftboxes will now fix themselves when the owner next logs in. (This will only be true for the next 30 days, so please make sure to log in your character during that time.) They will no longer crumble when they wear out. (Please note, this does not apply to the potion. Additionally, a number of players have confused their drinking vessels with enhancive items ... those are not enhancive, they're just fun drinking vessels.) #2. The wearable enhancive items we gave out in giftboxes will now be granted an additional number of charges when the owner next logs in. (This will only be true for the next 30 days, so please make sure to log in your character during that time.) #3. Messaging was added so that if enhancive items DO crumble, that the user is made aware of that fact. #4. If your enhancive item disappeared, please check your locker and your inventory to make sure you don't have it. If not, please assist to request a replacement. |
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| 12/15/2003 | LAW ENFORCEMENT DISTURBED |
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In light of the recent release by the Faendryl of knowledge of Minor Summoning, the law enforcement of all towns are extremely disturbed by the foreboding sense of demons running around their towns.
Therefore, all town officials are meeting in secret to determine their towns laws and regulations in regards to Minor Summoning. Also, increased troops have been deployed by the respective governments of Ta'Vaalor, Ta'Illistim, and Solhaven to patrol their borders and to keep demons out with the resurgence of this information. In the meantime, towns will not take legal action against demons as officials deliberate the course of action. Once a decision has been made, it will be made available to the public. |
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| 12/15/2003 | DELIVERY OF THE ENCHIRIDION VALENTIA EXCERPTS |
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By the time this notice reaches your eyes, the couriers sent out from the Basilica Tower will undoubtedly have already delivered the excerpts of the Enchiridion Valentia to all recognized towns and cities. A new era, then, has been ushered into our, the people of Elanith, history.
Perhaps Rhythus Veranthe Faendryl, in the end, achieved what he sought to: a common understanding for everyone on the safety, and capability of summoning. His means, however, did not justify the effects. His sentence to death was a justified measure by the Illistim courts. I, and my people, stand behind our centuries of experience. If procedures and safety are taken into consideration first and foremost when summoning, the experience is absolutely safe. The propaganda Illistim spouts is one of fear, and misunderstanding. Let us watch, together, as this new era in magic unfolds. The potential in the excerpts of knowledge from the Enchiridion Valentia has to offer is vast. It is up to the wielder of the knowledge to understand, grasp, and fully use that potential. By my hand, Korvath Dardanus Faendryl, Patriarch XXXIX of House Faendryl |
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| 12/15/2003 | TEST BETA SOFTWARE |
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In order to ensure stability when we launch new versions of our software, we make beta software available for download and testing. We really do appreciate assistance from those who take the time to download and test beta software.
Currently there is a beta version of StormFront available for download at: http://www.play.net/gs4/downloads |
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| 12/13/2003 | CITY OFFICIALS REPRIMANDED FOR SILENCE |
| City officials that were in charge of stocks functions were reprimanded for not having the common courtesy of telling a prisoner how much time they had remaining in the stocks. Thus, they have been commanded to answer any prisoner who INQUIREs as to how much time they have remaining in the stocks. Some city officials have been rejoicing over this, however, claiming that it makes the slow time seem to go even slower! | |
| 12/12/2003 | SOLSTICE SURPRISE |
| The Loenthran Arts and Social Society (LASS) invites you to attend their first event, Solstice Surprise, in Solhaven on the 22nd of Eorgaen at 7:00 in the evening elven time. Over one hundred prizes will be given away in various trivia contests and in simple games that anyone can win. All prizes will be in unmarked closed sacks - that is where the surprise comes in! Sacks will include enchanted weapons and armors, magical items, containers, toys, and much more. Please come and enjoy a night of fun and fortune! | |
| 12/12/2003 | OVERZEALOUS CONSTABLES REINED IN! |
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After several days of discussion over the matter, law enforcers in both Icemule Trace and Wehnimer's Landing have decided that they just don't have the manpower to patrol the immediate town exteriors.
Pulling the law back inside the town walls means that citizens should be on their guard when leaving the confines of the town. |
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| 12/11/2003 | PREMIUM ALTERATION SCROLLS ON HOLD |
| The conversion to GSIV has caused a glitch in the Premium alteration scroll system. In technical terms, something has "gone wonky". Until this can be fixed, no scroll alterations are being worked on. Since this is a known issue, there is no need to BUG it or ASSIST about it. We will announce when the scrolls are working again. Thank you for your patience. | |
| 12/4/2003 | THE LAW DOES BE A CHANGING! |
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In a heretofore unheard of rash of liberalist sentimentality, the town governments have made a few changes to the justice system. Dirty, rotten criminals will now have a higher likelihood of the judge sentencing them to incarceration instead of fines, and they'll have a longer time to retrieve their confiscated items from the constable's desk. Additionally, victims of these heinous malefactors will be able to drop the charges against the fiend from anywhere, even if their body still lies cold and lifeless from a heartless murder. (Using ACCUSE [person] DISMISS.) The judge noted, however, "They better hurry if they want to show mercy on the one that wronged them. Once my gavel hits the bench, I'm not changin' my ruling!"
To balance the liberalist side, a few harsher laws were also imposed. Harmful spells that were previously acceptable to be cast in town are now not. The constable's reach has also increased, and any dangerous activity is best done far from the city gate. Local law officials can be seen wandering far and wide, from right outside the town gate to the back of the boutique! Anonymous sources state that the lawmen are fervent that this is only to ensure the law is being upheld, and not for some odd, twisted pleasure. Finally, local officials agreed that they are pondering future laws as they observe how the current laws are affecting the crime rate. They warn that future change could take place, based on their observations. |
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| 12/4/2003 | QUEEN MYASARA OF HOUSE ILLISTIM SPEAKS! |
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I address my people, the guests within our lands, and the Nations as a whole this day with a heavy heart. As most of you know, a horde of demonic creatures was unleashed upon our Shining City, Ta'Illistim. But who is to blame for these atrocities visited upon us? The answer is obvious -- the Faendryl. Long have we warned them against these heinous practices of magic, and long have we been content to let them be in their city in the Wastes, far away from our ancestral homelands. This time is no longer -- the Faendryl must answer for their crimes against House Illistim's sovereignty and the horror inflicted upon the innocents who call the Shining City their home. Their careless inquiries into the demonic valences have once again brought great tragedy unto the world.
We have in our custody he who is responsible for this -- one Rhythus Veranthe of the Faendryl. He has pleaded the innocence of his 'nation' and takes sole responsibility for what occurred -- but we are not satisfied with this. For what is one rotten pomegranate if the tree that bore it still flowers and spreads its tainted fruit amongst us? We expect the Faendryl as a whole to answer for this, for it was in their academies this boy was educated, it was their culture which formed his reckless and dangerous attitude, and it was their studies of the abominable and forbidden magic that allowed him to rip open a portal and shed the blood of our people. We of House Illistim demand reparations from the Faendryl in apology, and we insist that they detail the practices this boy went through to Illistim's royal scholars so that it might never occur within our provinces again. Know that we will not be hesitant in retaliation for these crimes against our people if they do not cooperate forthwith. Know that we will dispense justice upon this boy; a trial shall be conducted in the private courts of our fair city. I ask those who were witness to this event first-hand to aid in our quest for a just and swift trial -- inquisitors shall soon be walking the streets, looking for any information regarding what occurred. Your statements will help us bring this boy to justice cleanly and efficiently. - Queen Myasara of House Illistim. |
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| 12/4/2003 | GAINING TPS WHEN YOU GAIN A LEVEL |
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One of the more confusing aspects of the change between GS3 and GS4, it seems, are the Training Points (TPs) which players are granted when they gain a level.
Due to our new "intra-level training system" all TPs that a player earns in a level are awarded to them throughout that level (rather than in one lump sum when the next level is gained.) However, many players will notice that they will also often gain some TPs when they obtain their next level ... often these TPs will be all mental TPs or all physical TPs. These TPs are granted to each player due to a process called "skill optimization" that occurs whenever a level is gained. This process does two things: First, it determines if skills were efficiently purchased from level to level. (If you got two ranks of a skill a level 1 and, 0 ranks of that skill at level 2, that would be inefficient, as the cost would be cheaper if you purchased one rank a both level 1 and 2.) If it finds inefficiencies in training in skills such as those, it retrains your character more appropriately, and gives you back the TPs. Second, it determines if TP conversions were handled efficiently. (For example, you have a bunch of extra Mental TPs, and decide to convert them to Physical TPs, and buy a Physical skill. Then a couple days later, you realize you want a new spell, and end up converting a couple Physical TPs to get it. This is inefficient.) If the optimizer finds situations where TPs were converted (and spent) inefficiently, it untangles that mess for you and gives you back those UNCONVERTED TPs. (By the way ... this is the PRIMARY reason that people tend to get HUGE blocks of one type of TP at level over the other type of TP.) When a player gains a level, they are granted one last "pulse" of TPs due to intra-level training. Additionally, any TPs not given previously due to rounding off fractions are given at this time. In general, comparatively few TPs will be granted in this manner compared to optimization. It *IS* possible that the optimization process may run and find no more efficient ways of spending TPs. We hope this helps clarify some of the confusion. |
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| 12/3/2003 | THE SECOND MILITIA PATROLS TA'VAALOR |
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The Garrison of the Second Militia invites all citizens, guests, and visitors of the fortress of Ta'Vaalor to join us once a week on our patrols of the area.
We meet on Tilamaires at eight in the evening by the elven time at the statue of Kai in Victory Court. Come prepared. Patrols can be dangerous. If possible, we will split the patrols into groups by ability. Honor above all! |
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| 12/3/2003 | G.E.M.S. FIRST ANNUAL TRASH-TO-TREASURE AUCTION |
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One man's trash is another man's treasure! The Greater Elanthian Merchant Society is holding its First Annual Trash-to-Treasure Auction. Over 200 items will be auctioned off, including 1-4x weapons, armor, and shields, as well as scripted, altered, and unique items.
The cost to you? Not one silver, considering the currency is - you guessed it - trash! So start saving all those rusty doorknobs, chipped bricks and dented medallions! A full list of items can be found at www.weblivedesigns.com. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of fun while helping to clean up the community! The auction will be held at the Merchant's Guild on North Ring Road in Wehnimer's Landing on Restday, the 14th of Eorgaen at 9:00 pm. |
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| 12/3/2003 | ONAR, THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE |
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At 9pm on Restday, the 14th of Eorgaen, Lord Turinrond of Wyrdeep Forest will host an informative lecture on the Lesser Spirit Onar, as well as a walking tour of His area within the Temple in Icemule. The lecture begin outside the temple, and will cover His role among the Arkati, and the focus of those who would choose Him as a subject of worship and/or study. The second of two lectures on the subject, the Western lecture will focus on the Western notions of worship, as well as the fulfillment of the role of an assassin, as is commonly associated with Onar.
If you have never understood the mystery concerning the Silent Lord, or if you choose perhaps to one day follow the path, you are encouraged to attend. Be advised, however, that calling upon the Lord of Assassins is inherently risky, and no one's safety is guaranteed at this lecture. Courteous behavior and respect, however, are fully expected. There will be a question and answer session immediately afterwards, followed by a simple ritual at the altar within the Hall of the Assassin. |
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| 12/3/2003 | CAIRNFANG MANOR'S SNOW BALL |
| Come and enjoy an evening of merriment in the Free Port of Solhaven, as Cairnfang Manor hosts the Sixth Annual Snow Ball on the 20th of Eorgaen. The fun begins in the early evening at 5pm Empire Standard Time, with the "Design Your Own Formal Wear" contest, in the Seamstress shop in South Market Northeast. At 8pm the festivities continue as the Snow Ball itself kicks off with music, dancing, food and refreshments. See faces old and new as we celebrate the winter season. | |
| 12/2/2003 | EARN AN ALTERATION: OLD FRIENDS, NEW FACES! |
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In addition to the rewards you may earn via the DECEMBER BUDDY MADNESS program, by referring new customers to GemStone IV (http://www.play.net/gs4/buddy/ ), this month you can also earn rewards by bringing back old friends!
Bring back an old friend who left GemStone between February 1, 2003 and December 1, 2003, and we will give your friend a free month trial. If your friend ends up subscribing (their account remains active for more than one month) then you will earn an alteration! Simply refer your friend to the account reactivation form on http://www.play.net/gs4/account/reactivate.asp. ** MAKE SURE THEY ENTER **YOUR** ACCOUNT NAME IN THE SPECIAL OFFER CODE BOX. ** If, after their free month, your friend decides to stay in GemStone, you win an alteration! (Note: In order to qualify for prizes, your friend must reactivate an account that was closed between February 1 and December 1, 2003, as well as elect to become a GemStone IV customer once their free month is over. Your friend may not be a member of your own household.) |
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| 12/2/2003 | DEMEANOR UPDATES |
| DEMEANOR has been updated with regard to racial and professional biases. You may now use any particular demeanor towards races and professions -- "neutral" is no longer considered to mean "look at my normal demeanor". Instead, there is a sixth option for races/professions, "clear", which indicates that you want to regard that race or profession with your normal demeanor. This may sound confusing, but it will hopefully make more sense than the previous method. If you have not setup racial or professional biases, you are not affected by this change. | |
| 12/2/2003 | ERITHIAN MERCHANT TO VISIT LANDING |
| Have you ever wondered what a Bo-stick was? A Jo-stick? Is your life incomplete without a collection of Nagimakis? Do you yearn for a Yoribo? Are you keen for a Katana? Do you find Yumis to be yummy? Are you simply starved for a Stave? Come to Wehnimer's Landing this weekend and visit the Erithian Pavilion to sample these, and other items. | |
| 12/1/2003 | PRINTED GEMSTONE DOCUMENTATION POLLS |
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In the past there has been an occassional request for Simutronics to make printed copies of our documentation available. We have researched some possibilities and determined some potential price points.
In order to help us determine whether or not this is something to pursue, please fill out the documentation polls now available on http://www.play.net/gs4/poll/home.asp At the present time, we envision that the documentation available in these publications (both mechanical and historical) would all be available on our website for free. Thank you for your help. |
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| 12/1/2003 | CHANGE YOUR AGE |
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When GemStone IV went live, a change to Elven Age ranges also went into effect. As a result, we will be granting all characters an additional opportunity to change their age.
To change your age, use the AGE command. But be careful about making typos because we have only granted every character ONE additional Age Modification. |
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