Jecquelynn says, "well..gods have died before.."
* Metaephor drops dead at your feet!
Metaephor suddenly fades into sight beside you.
Metaephor throws his head back and howls!
Metaephor calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down.
Metaephor takes the lid off the question box. Use ASK to submit a question.
Metaephor says, "I'm gonna open up by telling you a bit about what I've done over the past six months with critters here in GemStone III"
Metaephor smiles at Ashemu.
Metaephor says, "Last fall I accepted a position with the Hercules and Xena design team"
Tsalin rubs Metaephor gently.
Gespry rubs Metaephor gently.
Metaephor says, "When gave me the reigns there, and as I started to work on the critters there, I realized I could build a common code base that would work for the critters there...and the critters here."
Metaephor says, "So...last fall I designed from the ground up a new base critter system for GemStone III"
Metaephor says, "What you have now started to see in some of the areas, are the fruits of my labors"
Metaephor says, "The new base control script, gives us a lot more flexibility, and as folks learn the new system...we will be able to produce new complex critters at a faster pace than ever before"
Metaephor says, "right now, I'm in the process of converting the old critters to the new system as well as pumping out some new critters"
Metaephor says, "That's basically the long and short of it"
Metaephor says, "I'm gonna work through some questions and work off the questions "
Metaephor says, "Tavarion says, 'There are no creatures over 30 that give treasure only to repel, and as far as I know, the only such creature created in the last two years were the dark apparitions, level 5. Do you have plans to introduce such creatures any more?'"
Metaephor says, "Yes"
Metaephor grins.
Metaephor whistles tunelessly to himself.
Metaephor says, "Actually, I've implemented with the new code a few new ways for critters to depart this earth"
Metaephor says, "You'll be seeing them. But one of the things I did, was add an easy way for critters that give treasure only to Repel to be added"
Metaephor says, "Tavarion says, 'And on a larger note, are we going to see more creatures with their TD balanced to be repelled by a like-age cleric, particularly older than soul golems?'"
Metaephor closes the question box.
Metaephor says, "Yes. You should get to see a wider variety of critters with TDs that range from easy to hard for the older folks over the coming months."
Metaephor says, "Tavarion says, 'And on a larger note, are we going to see more creatures with their TD balanced to be repelled by a like-age cleric, particularly older than soul golems?'"
Metaephor blinks.
Metaephor coughs.
Metaephor says, "Ramze says, 'Will we ever see critters shooting bows an arrows at our arse? and maybe some archers kin get some free arrows from dem?'"
Metaephor says, "Yes, critters will gain the ability to use the bow and arrow. The mechanics are in the combat system, but not yet in the critter base script. I wouldn't expect before the end of summertime though."
Metaephor says, "Aschren says, 'I've seen the greater and lesser vruul about; any chance thier middlin kin the plain ole vruul will show themselves? And, will greater vruul ever get a regular home of thier own?'"
Metaephor says, "GM Sayzor was the one working on Greater Vruul. I expect to see them sometime in the future gain a home of their own, however, I don't know of any current plans to do so."
Metaephor says, "Astrella says, 'What is your view or Simu's view on empaths hunting? And will the older critters coming out soon be huntable by empaths, ie, bindable?'"
Metaephor says, "Personally, I don't mind empaths hunting, however, I would never expect, as an empath, to be a great hunter...prolly a decent one. Some of the elder critters will be bindable, however, they will be in the minority."
Metaephor says, "Veilgart says, 'what are the upper age ranges of the critters gonna be?'"
The very powerful look leaves Razcor.
Metaephor says, "Right now the eldest critter in the critter queue is 150th level"
Metaephor says, "I expect that we will continue to create critters to try and keep up with demand and the age of players."
Metaephor says, "Ezair says, 'My great kousin, Pipershadow, was wondering if we kould see a taste of satyr!'"
Metaephor says, "the satyr are coming, but I can't show a preview yet...other than that they are not very old, but will provide a stiff challenge to their age range."
Metaephor says, "Tsalin says, 'What new critters can we expedct'"
Metaephor says, "that's a loaded question"
Metaephor grins.
Metaephor says, "Right now in my queue are about 70 critters in all age ranges"
Metaephor says, "However, I'll be focusing on the upper level ranges"
Metaephor says, "75+"
Metaephor says, "names and whatnot I won't go into tonight ;)"
Metaephor says, "Shaiyaa says, 'meta will critters ever get ranged weapons? and what is the incentive for us to use ranged weapons after years of using OHE'"
Metaephor says, "I answered the first part earlier and..."
Metaephor says, "I can't honestly say what the particular incentives would be for folks to use ranged. It's a personal choice, I always liked maces and morning stars myself."
Metaephor winks.
Metaephor says, "Briars says, 'Is there any expected time that older creatures will arrive?'"
Metaephor says, "Good question"
Metaephor says, "The answer is..."
Metaephor says, "Yes"
Metaephor says, "But I'm not to announce the planned dates for the new (especially the older critters) because I don't want to disappoint you folks again. But it is all I'm working on, I can tell you that."
Metaephor says, "Perigee says, 'are we getting any older critters soon?'"
Metaephor says, "See above."
Metaephor says, "Duelstar says, 'Why are the generation of greater Vruul and Ice elementals so limited? Greater Vruul show up 1 an hour seems like and Ice elementals are hardly ever seen. In other words why aren't they as prevalent as other critters such as stone giants, sand devils, or the like?'"
Metaephor says, "I can't answer the Greater Vruul question because I don't control that particular area"
Metaephor says, "I can tell you that the ice elementals have a home all their own...about...50 rooms worth if I remember correctly...it'll be released when Aenatumgana is released"
Metaephor says, "Vaeyre says, 'How're the Ilvari doing? What area'll they be in?'"
Metaephor says, "The Ilvari have recently been dusted off and should be making their debut in the not so distant future."
Metaephor says, "Graing says, 'when will 100+ critters be released and what can ye tell us about em?'"
Metaephor says, "I won't give a date, but I can tell you that they are dangerous and, I think, fun. :)"
Metaephor says, "there is a wide variety of new critters, including undead and living, as well as a few new critter types that I designed when I revamped the system."
Metaephor says, "Therrek says, 'Will we be seeing older creatures so people like Blades and Simmer don't have to pick boxes? Specifically Undead, cause I find it strange that Volnites outlive our duty to Voln and Lorminstra.'"
Metaephor says, "See above."
Metaephor says, "Ghedrix says, 'Are there gonna be more varieties of skeletons, would like to see more undead as well, those bein' created?'"
Metaephor says, "More skeletons...I know that there is both a skeletal warrior and a skeletal soldier in development as well as a few lich type critters."
Metaephor says, "Loklor says, 'why do you guys focus more on the age range of critters that already exist rather than the age range that dont exist yet? ie level 30 vs 100'"
Metaephor says, "Well this has been answered many times in different ways, but the main thrust is, we allocate resources where our population exists. However, in the past, the population has outstripped development by a long shot. Now, with the new critter system, I'm hoping we can at least keep up somewhat with growth. :)"
Metaephor says, "Silkie says, 'will there be old creatures on the isle'"
Metaephor says, "Yes"
Metaephor says, "I've been tapped to design a few new critters for the Isle and already have some "sketches" done."
Metaephor says, "They are in the 65-100 lvl range"
Metaephor says, "Arcainis says, 'can we have some lesser dragons to hunt?>'"
Metaephor says, "No."
Metaephor says, "Ithross says, ''What is the Strongest oldest monster comin up? '"
Metaephor cackles!
Metaephor says, "Prolly the Vvrael"
Metaephor says, "Frorin says, 'where will the new creaturs be found? any in the old areas?'"
Metaephor says, "New areas, old areas...both really :)"
Metaephor says, "Jecquelynn says, 'Metaephor, how old are critters gonna be in Solhaven?'"
Metaephor says, "I think there is going to be a nice range of levels there. "
Metaephor says, "Anenduin says, 'Are the new critters gonna more resistant to Wizard bolt spells? How about all majick over all?'"
Lyredaen just arrived.
Banthis leans on Lyredaen.
Metaephor says, "Some will, some will not. We're trying to add greater variety and depth to our critter lineup"
Metaephor just hugged Lyredaen.
Metaephor just hugged Banthis.
Banthis just tickled Metaephor.
Metaephor says, "Solhaven will open with the 1-30 lvl range covered, beyond that is unclear at this time :)"
Metaephor says, "Dizman says, 'what kind of creature are in store for the future? how old and what will they be like?'"
Metaephor says, "See all of the above..."
Metaephor says, "We have 3 new critter types beyond your normal and your undead critters...no one has seen them yet, but you will..."
Banthis says, "Solhaven is a launching-off point to a much bigger section of the map."
Banthis stares off into space.
Lyredaen leans on Banthis.
Metaephor says, "When I say new critter types I mean that much like there are certain rules in how you have to handle the undead, you will have certain rules in dealing with the new critter types."
Metaephor says, "Raistlann says, 'why dont us sorcerer's feel like were getting the good end of the stick?'"
Metaephor asks, "Cause your not?"
Metaephor whistles tunelessly to himself.
Metaephor says, "Well, actually, I play a sorcerer and I don't have a hard time hunting, and I am neither old nor optimized"
Metaephor says, "There will be something for everyone as we continue to create critters with a greater variety of abilities and...<cough> weaknesses"
Metaephor says, "I'm gonna take a short 5 minute break and then re-open the floor for follow up questions :)"
Metaephor opens the floor back up for general discussion.
Metaephor suddenly fades out of sight.
Banthis blinks.
Banthis exclaims, "gawd he left me with this crowd!"
Gaale exclaims, "Banthis Put some clothes on!"
Ashren exclaims, "Banthis.. ye need more than a sack!"
Banthis says, "but I have a sack"
Silkie says, "He has his sack on"
Banthis leans on Silkie.
Welan says, "he's not naked....tis a very stylish sack he'swearing"
Banthis chuckles.
Amadeus waves to Lyredaen.
Amadeus ducks his head.
Lyredaen waves to Amadeus.
Silkie says, "Very.....perhaps Lyredaen will dress him in the future...."
Banthis says, "yah well I can't answer you all at once."
Lyredaen says, "Evening :)"
Lyredaen says, "But it's such a cute sack, really"
Ohr asks, "any update on greymist Banthis?"
Banthis says, "Nothing on Greymist actually.. my attentions have turned elsewhere for the moment."
Ezair asks, "Hey Banthis... know how the Rogue's Guild is komig?"
Banthis says, "Rogues? Not my area."
Taz asks, "Archery is tho right Banthis?"
Banthis says, "sort of as a side thing :)"
Welan asks, "Banthis....do you guys get combat pay for these Forums?"
Banthis asks, "pay? what's that?"
Dryxler asks, "Banthis, has Ophion submitted the revised cleric spell list to you yet?"
Banthis nods to Dryxler.
Banthis says, "It's in discussion now.. looks real good."
Amadeus says, "It's okay though.. We've got Lyredaen and Banthis in our hands... I feel safe being a bard..."
Amadeus is admiring himself again.
Lyredaen pokes Amadeus in the ribs.
Silkie asks, "How are the ranger pets going Banthis?"
Banthis says, "Pentar and I are discussing that, Silkie."
Banthis says, "not much else."
Lyredaen chuckles.
Banthis says, "the system I designed is quite advanced."
Banthis says, "we're determining how to make it work."
Lyredaen says, "There's a forum next month for bards."
Arwen says, "You weren't expecting him to say yes."
Dryxler says, "ooh, wonderful"
Dryxler says, "I was expecting him to say yes, it will be done in about 4 years, Arwen"
Arwen says, "He just left off the 4 years part."
Banthis leans on Arwen.
Pherlytt asks, "is there a foreseeable release on them though, Banthis?"
Banthis says, "For Animal Companions? Surely."
Banthis says, "just don't know when."
Ghakin asks, "Hey Banthis, about the Vvreal, we gonna be able to travel through the veil and hunt there or something?"
Banthis says, "That's a Metaphor question [Vvrael]"
Banthis says, "heh.. I'm getting about one question in ten.. that's not bad."
Jecquelynn asks, "want us to ask faster?"
Banthis says, "My big project right now is to spearhead the development of Demons in GemStone III. My role there is design lead and I've got quite a few good people working on it."
Banthis says, "Apart from that I'm the guy people come to for game proposals before they're sent up to the product managers"
Ghakin asks, "Banthis, for younger sorcerers, are there going to be imps summoned before demons?"
Banthis looks over at Ghakin and shakes his head.
Banthis chuckles.
Tavarion asks, "So, Banthis, want to give us any hints on what Ophion's proposal covered?"
Banthis says, "Spells spells and more spells..."
Lyredaen babbles something unintelligible.
Banthis grins.
Anenduin asks, "Banthis, Is there gonna be more forums on professions say a nice long forum about wizards and their spells?"
Banthis says, "Possibly when we find a suitable replacement for Panashe."
(Arwen wonders if Banthis' head is spinning yet.)
Lyredaen nods to Arwen.
Banthis says, "Actually Arwen, I'm getting my second wind."
Banthis grins.
Banthis grins.
Metaephor suddenly fades into sight beside you.
Aerrik asks, "Banthis, ya ready for Metaephor to come back yet?"
Metaephor calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down.
Banthis just tried to pull Metaephor towards him!
Banthis exclaims, "You left me here!"
Banthis says, "yes"
Banthis grins.
Metaephor cackles!
Lyredaen pokes Metaephor in the ribs.
Metaephor takes the lid off the question box. Use ASK to submit a question.
Metaephor says, "The box is now open for follow up questions"
Metaephor closes the question box.
Metaephor says, "Xathar says, 'Any possibility of seeing any return of dragons or signs of dragons in the near future? Also, what killed ya b'fore the meeting tonight? ;)'"
Metaephor says, "heh"
Metaephor says, "I could answer the second part, but then I'd have to unleash them here..."
Metaephor whistles tunelessly to himself.
Metaephor says, "and I'm afraid I'm in no position to begin to comment on dragons."
Metaephor says, "Dramada says, 'host Is an engagement system coming or can we get a limited one so that hunting can be more realistic? I find a large group engaging and attacking a critter as it stands very unrealistic. I wonder how those people in such confusion and tight fighting melee don't hit each other. I think that would eleviate people complaining about poaching and such.'"
Metaephor says, "that's a good question"
Metaephor says, "but its really not my area to comment on. :) <dodges under the question> although...I'd be willing to write a new engagement system not unlike the one operating in Xena because it flows very nicely in my humble opinion. You'd really have to take that question up with...oh...hmmm...Banthis..."
Metaephor stares at Banthis.
Metaephor says, "But since this is a critter forum, we'll move on..."
Banthis glances at Metaephor.
Metaephor winks at Banthis.
Banthis nods.
Banthis says, "one reason why we've not seen one yet is because I wouldn't want the game to turn into a difficult mess. :)"
Banthis says, "Our combat is simple yet has quite a bit of strategy to it on some levels."
Banthis says, "that's all I have to say about that. :)"
Metaephor says, "Matubaa says, 'Metaephor, will the older critters be AS, DS, TD, CS critters, or will they be manuver attack based, or both? Towards those higher levels the balance may become more pronounced between profetion, but on the other hand they are gettin +1-+2 a skill per training, so it's not a huge difference. Also when ya say 70 critters, that's from 150 to 0? Is it about 35 over 75, or more younger then older? And I guess one of the new types of critters are the ones Banthis been makein <wink>'"
Metaephor says, "More older then younger"
Metaephor grins.
Metaephor says, "They will be AS/DS/TD/CS critters and critters with new special attacks...including straight spirit attacks and possibly sometime in the future a different set of "warding" Additionally, I started sketching out a psion table for mental type attacks/critters...and <cough> a new societal concept"
Metaephor stares off into space.
Metaephor says, "Zhap says, 'It seems to be a gap in the critters between age 30 to 40...any plans to increase these numbers?'"
Metaephor says, "Absolutely"
Metaephor says, "Malatos says, 'Ok my question is regarding Sorcs, being im a Sorc...when will we be able to hit stuff? Nothing uses the 3x age formula anymore...look at the pinefar stuff, its all invincible to a Sorcs main form of attack...will any new critters be sorc huntable as easy as some spelled up rogues can? I dont think a 25 year old rogue should be able to do with ease what me as a 35 year old sorc have troubles with'"
Metaephor says, "This goes back to the question of balance and variety. We are striving for both and will continue to do so, both in the conversion of older critters to the new base script system as well as the newer critters coming out."
Metaephor says, "Ithross says, ''So ya mean that finally some things weak gainst bards? And is a bard guild bein looked into?'"
Metaephor says, "I can't answer any bard guild questions"
Metaephor glances at Lyredaen.
Metaephor exclaims, "But I can tell you I've been lobbied to make things easy on bards...although I've steadfastly refused!"
Metaephor cackles!
Lyredaen gives Metaephor a good pinch!
Lyredaen begins pouting.
Metaephor says, "Actually, yes bards ARE people too...and they will have the same opportunities as empaths..."
Metaephor says, "I mean as everyone else..."
Metaephor stares off into space.
Metaephor just tickled Lyredaen.
Lyredaen gazes heavenward.
Lyredaen says, "Don't pay him any mind, he's just teasing. :)"
Metaephor says, "But to answer your question, some of the new critters and the revamped older ones will be taking a look at the new bard songs/and guild skills when they come out and making sure that the bards are not at a loss for abilities."
Metaephor says, "That will include TD tweaks if necessary ;)"
Metaephor says, "Sorry, my ISP is hitching..."
Metaephor says, "Stonenkin says, 'what are your 5 favorite new critters, and yes i mean the ones any sane person would stay away from?'"
Metaephor says, "Well...my favorites..."
Metaephor says, "Let's see...there is the "seeker""
Banthis grins.
Banthis says, "My faves are creatures I haven't finished yet :)"
Metaephor says, "The seekers are undead, fairly high in level, and quite liberal in their use of magic"
Metaephor says, "there are the caedera...you've heard of Rift sharks..."
Metaephor says, "well..."
Metaephor snickers.
Banthis says, "The Kiramon Hive Queen, her Hive Guardians, the various Demons, etc.."
Metaephor says, "the Vvrael tendril are extremely, um, hungry"
Metaephor says, "hmmm"
Metaephor nods to Banthis.
Metaephor says, "Demons are one of the new "classes" of critters"
Metaephor says, "they are *not* undead"
Metaephor says, "Quantaron says, 'Will demons become critters? As in escaped ones that sorcies tried to control. I.e. give us demonic summoning ::flail::! Or a tart monster that seduces wizards... and... forget it.'"
Metaephor says, "Demons will be critters. Both as a possible escapee...and as a possible huntee...(I hope I just didn't reveal too much)"
Metaephor glances at Banthis.
Metaephor ducks his head.
Banthis looks over at Metaephor and shakes his head.
Banthis says, "I'm reserving most of the Demon information for Simucon :)"
Metaephor says, "Frescalus says, 'Will the new wave of critters, as well as some old, be able to persuade people into spreading out and not be crowded to one general area?'"
Metaephor says, "Well...I hope so. I'm also hoping that some of the new abilities and types of critters will encourage folks to spread out."
Banthis says, "I think Metaephor's ISP is about to cave."
Metaephor says, "my apologies, I'm hiccuping again..."
Metaephor says, "wheee"
Metaephor says, "Gaale says, 'Dizman wants to get eaten up by one of your new critters right now. Can you give us a sample. Pwease?'"
Metaephor snickers.
Metaephor says, "Well, I could send Dizman to a place far far away...but then I'm afraid he'd have to reroll and assume a new identity."
Metaephor gestures and a shaft of scintillating light from somewhere above pierces the ceiling and engulfs him. When the light recedes Metaephor is no longer there.
A shaft of scintillating light suddenly pierces the ceiling and strikes the ground next to you. The beam of light then explodes in a shower of sparks and Metaephor is standing in its place.
Metaephor whistles tunelessly to himself.
Metaephor takes the lid off the question box. Use ASK to submit a question.
Metaephor closes the question box.
Metaephor says, "Last round of Q & A, then I'll open up the floor"
Metaephor says, "and Banthis can answer all your other questions"
Metaephor whistles tunelessly to himself.
Banthis glances at Metaephor.
Lyredaen stares off into space.
Metaephor winks at Banthis.
Banthis points at Metaephor.
Plasma blasts a gaping hole in Metaephor's abdomen.
Internal organs broil and explode in a bloody spray.
Skeletal structure and muscle are melted instantly.
All that remains is a pile of smoking ashes.
* Metaephor has been incinerated!
* Metaephor drops dead at your feet!
Lyredaen stifles a giggle.
Lyredaen rolls Metaephor over.
Banthis whistles tunelessly to himself.
Metaephor says, "Janco says, 'Will it be possible to Voln Fu the new undead affectively? Such that, will Voln Fu be an affective primary form of attack at higher levels?'"
Metaephor says, "Against some undead, yes."
Metaephor says, "Randiin says, 'I don't know if this is a mute point.. But with all the discussion about OHC, how is this going to effect the new critters.. or is it going even to exist? And how about critters which have the hit and run style of attack? Will anything like that exist. I mean.. they show up.. strike and run to another room.. repeat, repeat...'"
Banthis says, "One handed casting requirements are still in the "gee, should we even bother?" stage."
Metaephor nods to Banthis.
Banthis says, "It's not something that is even on the plate at this time."
Metaephor says, "And right now, it hasn't even gotten near the stage of how it would affect critters."
Banthis says, "The creatures who "hit and run" are a drawback of the old philosophy of "if I can't hit the person, he's probably annoyed that I'm even there and much older than me" so they run automatically to be less of a nuisance."
Metaephor says, "Scorpioun says, 'Any chance of you telling what the other two types of critters will be? Also..you mentioned new society concepts?'"
Metaephor grins.
Metaephor says, "Society stuff I won't comment other that I'm involved but haven't done more than sketch ideas for multiple new societies"
Metaephor says, "The other two new types of critters"
Banthis says, "neat ideas tho :)"
Metaephor glances at Banthis.
Metaephor asks, "Think I should tell?"
Banthis asks, "the society ideas or the new critter types?"
Metaephor says, "new critter types"
Banthis says, "oh sure"
Metaephor says, "Well we're going from two critter types to five"
Metaephor says, "the two original were: undead and your basic living critter"
Metaephor says, "the three new are demonic and I won't comment on that beyond the name so don't bother asking"
Banthis chuckles.
Metaephor says, "the other two I guess you could call magical and anti-magical"
Metaephor says, "the magical critters are infused with magic/mana in such a way as to actually require magic or a magic weapon to hit them"
Metaephor says, "much in the same way you are required to swing a blessed blade at an undead critter"
Metaephor says, "you must swing a blade infused with magic at a magical critter"
Metaephor says, "the anti-magical critters, well...the name should be obvious, but they are nigh impervious to magic...basically you can throw stones and swing sticks at em ;)"
Metaephor says, "some absorb magic, some repel it, some just shrug it off"
Metaephor says, "just as there are many different "kinds" of undead... but they all share some commonalities, so indeed, are the magical and the anti-magical critters"
Metaephor says, "Songowl says, 'Minotaurs. Extremely dangerous with an instantly fatal charge attack in a very remote and difficult to reach region. Thus, many instances of decay occur there, and as such barely anyone dares to set foot in the place for such a young creature. Do you feel this is a mistake, and are changes planned?'"
Lyredaen suddenly fades out of sight.
Metaephor says, "I feel that the minotaur is a very nicely done area and that the critters may need to be watch carefully and the usage of the area monitored to ensure that the area provides what the creator intended it to."
Metaephor says, "Ultrinnan says, 'I've heard rumors of a type of creature that only empaths can affect, via healin magic some how. Is this really in development?'"
Metaephor says, "There is a GM that was working on such a type of critter, but I honestly don't know anything about the development other than that it was a concept that they wanted to implement."
Metaephor says, "Truekillr says, 'Will the elder critters at least be crittable? I recall someone saying that Unless you are very highly trained in ambush it wont be feasible. does this ambushing cleric have a prayer?!'"
Metaephor says, "Some will, some won't. A 100th lvl spirit will be a 100th lvl spirit...but a 100th lvl shambling corpse will be crittable ;)"
Metaephor says, "Ghakin says, 'Are there any plans for more sentient creatures, or revamping existing ones? Such as, to make them talk to you, hollar warcries, or do anything that makes them seem to have a personality? And are there plans for more creatures with widespread attacks? Such as implosion, and maybe meteor swarm?'"
Metaephor says, "Yes to all of your questions."
Metaephor nods.
Metaephor says, "Dryxler says, 'As to balance: Will the older critters be balanced to different professions? (i.e. a critters warding against an empaths' spells is much less then its' warding against sorceror spells), or will revised spell circles attempt to balance the professions out more (or both or neither)? As of now, the imbalance is huge, and I can't comprehend empaths and clerics competing with everyone else. '"
Banthis says, "I like those types of creatures myself as well. Some that are on my plate will be quite cunning."
Metaephor says, "Yes, balance is something that we'll be looking at very closely when the elder critters are released"
Metaephor says, "There really is meant to be "something for everyone" It may not be perfect, but there should be that opportunity at the higher levels."
Metaephor says, "Wavr says, 'Will There Be New Associations For Hunting The News Creatures Such As Voln '"
Metaephor grins.
Banthis grins.
Metaephor says, "See my earlier comment on possible societal implications"
Metaephor whistles tunelessly to himself.
Metaephor takes the lid off the question box. Use ASK to submit a question.
Metaephor closes the question box.
Metaephor says, "oops"
Metaephor says, "heh"
Banthis chuckles.
Metaephor says, "Veilgart says, 'an older (form) of mine was once killed by a spirit hunter summoned by a critter *ahem*...any of the new creatures going to have that ability?'"
Metaephor says, "Yes, one of the new critters will actually pull you away from this "plane" and fight you to the death in their own small corner of existence"
Banthis says, "that's something I always liked about liches, and probably would consider that on another creauture: the ability to gate or summon other of its kind."
Metaephor says, "there will be some pretty snifty special attacks coming down the pike"
Metaephor nods to Banthis.
Metaephor says, "or something scarier ;)"
Metaephor says, "Debia says, 'are there going to be any types of monsters that shapeshift into different monsters? or any kind of monster that turns into an exact replica of the person attacking it?'"
Metaephor says, "a doppleganger is on someone's plate, but not mine "
Metaephor opens the floor back up for general discussion.
Metaephor smiles.
Metaephor says, "I wanted thank you all for coming tonight"
Banthis says, "Creating the doppleganger would be pretty easy.. teaching it how to fight like the different professions it would change to would be harder. :)"
Metaephor says, "and for being so well behaved, I hope I've provided the answers to some of your questions"
Metaephor says, "I know questions about deadlines can be frustrating, but be patient and you will be rewarded"
Metaephor bows.
Gespry offers Banthis a mug of frothy dark ale.
Banthis chuckles.
Banthis declines Gespry's offer.
Banthis says, "no thanks. :)"
Wakkez asks, "what type of new attacks might we see, are minotaurs just the beginning of something to come?"
Metaephor says, "Minotaurs are the beginning, but I wouldn't assume that all special attacks will be "physical" in nature...my psion attacks are just the tip of the iceberg"
Silkie asks, "Will there be no creatures older than 100 levels on the isle, Metaephor?"
Metaephor says, "thats not up to me Silkie"
Metaephor smiles.
Metaephor says, "I would guess that the person who owns the Isle would know"
Truekillr says, "ES's are awful. Stick with this combat method and increase social activity is what I say"
Banthis says, "Like I said, that's one reason why we have no ES at this time. To implement one would just shove us over toward the style of our
sister products, and that's not necessarily what i'd want."
Banthis says, "I like the simpler system we have now. We just have to try to work it out in such a way that it doesn't break apart at higher leverls."
Banthis says, "ok with that I gotta run :)"
Aschren asks, "Will the any of the existing older critters be re-released in populous areas?"
Metaephor says, "Aschren, I doubt we'd crowd some of the current populous areas with new critters, but that will depend on the critter, the area, the fit the designer etc etc"
Shaiyaa says, "The last thing i<and others> want is this place to turn into DR with an engage system. what will prevent this from happening? if it does happen we have no reason to stay here...why not go over to Dragon Realms since their combat system is already ahead? you will lose some people if that happens, we play GS because it is NOT Dragon Realms and is different with combat system. also, would there be any roguish critters such as dark assassins, that wouldnt attack other assassins mainly rogues...such as spell casters n stuff...perhaps the rogue guild could be surrounded by dark assassins as our guards...:Cackle: and fight for terittorial reasons"
Banthis says, "Roguish critters? I've been thinking of a critter that likes to take all the chests and boxes that people leave lieing on the ground :)"
Banthis waves.
Banthis gestures and a shaft of scintillating light from somewhere above pierces the ceiling and engulfs him. When the light recedes Banthis is no longer there.
Ghakin asks, "Metaephor, answered, but not specifically... any creatures gonna be summoning meteors?"
Metaephor says, "Ghakin, Yes, meteor storm will be known by some of the critters I'm working on"
Ithross asks, "Will there be a tougher place den da isle openin up soon?"
Metaephor says, "Ithross, as soon as The Vvrael quest is over and the rest of Thanatoph opens I'll be working on Yuriqen and the Isle simultaneously"
Ezair asks, "Heyo Metaephor, the satyr? How young?"
Metaephor says, "Ezair, I think the planned level of the satyr is somehwere between 10-20"
Dizman asks, "I had heard 100+ by the end of january...I assume that was a rumour?"
Sassee says, "they were talking elanthian time Dizman, like the updates"
Dizman exclaims, "well lets go fer by the end of april!"
Metaephor says, "Dizman, actually it was my projection..."
Sassee whistles tunelessly to herself.
Metaephor coughs.
Metaephor says, "but...they are there..."
Metaephor says, "actually..."
Metaephor points at a caedera.
Metaephor says, "they actually exist"
Metaephor says, "and work"
Metaephor says, "it's just that they aren't quite ready for prime time"
Metaephor says, "A caedera is a very ancient, ethereal Rift worm"
Metaephor says, "you think a roater is bad..."
Metaephor snickers.
Melaneus asks, "What is THE oldest undead on the drawing board?"
Metaephor asks, "the oldest undeaD?"
Metaephor says, "hmmm"
Metaephor says, "one sec"
Metaephor says, "that caedera was 113th lvl BTW ;)"
Metaephor says, "there is a 121st lvl undead, the n'ecare, 125th lvl undead a lost soul, the vaespilon (128th)"
Tavarion asks, "Metaephor, any chance that new creatures will have built-in anti-camping mechanisms, like hiding behind trash and such?"
Metaephor nods to Tavarion.
Metaephor says, "Tavarion, I'm working on building that into the base script"
Metaephor says, "so that...<g> those folks that let trash build will be at a disadvantage"
Welan asks, "Metaphor.....any chance that other less stressed skills like Shield/Multi-Opps will be considered when designing the new critters Metaephor nods to Welan.
Metaephor says, "Actually Welan, the formula for my base manuever attack is four pages long"
Metaephor says, "4 10 pt courier typed pages"
Metaephor says, "of which"
Metaephor says, "CM is 3 lines"
Tavarion asks, "As long as we have you captive, Metaephor, is tweaking symbol of mana still on your to-do list, or did that get pushed back?"
Metaephor says, "its on my to-do list Tavarion, however, I haven't settled on an alternative cost yet"
Ghakin asks, "Metaephor, someone asked this, any plans for Illokes fortress? Those impenetrable doors?"
Metaephor nods to Ghakin.
Metaephor says, "As soon as the Vvrael quest ends, I'm opening up Thanatoph (or working to open it ;)"
Ithross asks, "Can ya start an invasion now Metaephor? With some REALLY strong stuff?"
(I suppose the 500+ people who lost their lives in the massive Vvrael invasion that immediately followed this forum can thank Ithross. Or it coulda been a coincidence that Aephir just happened to want to test his new critters tonight. <snicker>)
Truekillr asks, "Any news on the vvrael Aephir?"
Metaephor says, "Well I can say that I promised MY bosses that I would have some of the elder critters out before the end of April"
Tavarion asks, "I've heard rumors about a creature that could hitch a ride on a fogger, to make rescues more dangerous. Ever going to happen?"
Metaephor says, "Tavarion, possibly"
Shaiyaa asks, "will people be able to hunt thieving and ambushing critters? and the critters wont attack rogues since we are of their nature...?"
Shaiyaa whines.
Metaephor says, "Shaiyaa, yes some of the profession personalities will be built into new critters. Especially that "rogue-killer" I'm working on..."
Metaephor whistles tunelessly to himself.
Matubaa asks, "Any chance of more specific societies, so that only a small group of players would have use. As is the current guilds seem to be for everyone?"
Metaephor says, "I imagine that societies could sprout up to combat the "new" monster types...one never does know...."
Metaephor whistles tunelessly to himself.
Metaephor says, "alright I'm working on a $100,000,000 dollar acquisition at work and have to be up at 5amelven, so I need to hit it"
Morgaine just hugged Metaephor.
Metaephor just hugged Morgaine.
Metaephor just hugged Arwen.
Silkie just gave Metaephor a smooch.
Metaephor just tickled Silkie.
Metaephor hugs you. Even you too.
Metaephor suddenly fades out of sight.