Policy Forum 7/22/98

Mhorigan stalls folks while Sayzor gets set up to run the mechanics.
Mhorigan says, "So, a cleric, a dwarf and a mule walk into a bar..."
Mhorigan coughs.
Mhorigan says, "BTW, folks, for those who went to Simucon, it was great meeting you. If I did. If I didn't, next year :)"
Mhorigan says, "We got some great ideas out of it. One of the things that came through most strongly was the need to control ESP."
Sayzor slips out of the shadows with a snicker.
Mhorigan says, "Basically, we got a directive and an idea from On High (our own bosses) to do so..."
Mhorigan says, "So, we're gonna be making some real progress on it."
Mhorigan says, "Sayzor, go ahead and open the list when you're ready :)"
Sayzor takes the lid off the question box. Use ASK to submit a question.

Sayzor says, "Geistig says, 'If somebody gets possession of your password illegally, and destroys your character, will it be restored.'"
Mhorigan says, "Always nice to start off with one I'd have to refer to the office folks.. Sayz? :)"
Sayzor grins.
Sayzor says, "That's not an easy question to answer..."
Sayzor says, "In general, your account security is your own responsibility. However, under certain circumstances we may be able to recover your character for you."
Sayzor says, "For example, if an item was stolen...and we catch the person and recove the item...we will return it."
Sayzor says, "If they just delete your character from the web site, we can put it back."
Sayzor says, "If they completely destroy your character, we may or may not be able to get it back for you."
Sayzor says, "Almost all passwords that are "hacked" are either guessed by the hacker, or give out by the player."
Sayzor says, "The best bet is to use an alpha-numeric password, or one that has nothing at all to do with you."
Mhorigan says, "Trust nobody ;)"
Sayzor says, "Also, never give your password to anyone....no matter how much you trust them."
Sayzor says, "We make decisions on that on a case-by-case basis...and I usually do the majority of the investigations on them. So if you have that kind of problem, you are usually dealing with me."
Sayzor nods to Geistig, who stands up to address the assembly.
Sayzor asks, "Did that answer your question?"
Geistig says, "That is essentially what I wanted to know"
Sayzor nods to Geistig.
Having finished addressing the assembly Geistig sits back down.

Sayzor says, "Ymrek says, ''I have noticed a distinct laxity in prosecuting use of truly foul language in the last month or so. Almost as if the 'watchdog' swear trapping function isn't working..What, if anything, is planned to alleviate this problem in light of the burgeoning population? Thank you. :D'"
Mhorigan grins.
Mhorigan says, "It works. Believe me, it works.."
Mhorigan says, "I spend a lot of time looking at lockout requests for everything, vulgarity included.."
Mhorigan says, "Sayzor spends even more."
Mhorigan says, "The problem is that *you* don't see the back-end of what we do."
Mhorigan says, "If we warn a player, or pull him aside and yell at him, the odds are miniscule that you'll see that."
Mhorigan says, "Lockouts for vulgarity alone are rare. That's true."
Mhorigan says, "I'm not gonna approve a lockout just because someone says **** when they die a few times..."
Mhorigan says, "Now, if they're screaming obscenities in TSC or over amunet, they go right to "Find another hobby""
Mhorigan says, "There are a lot of players who try to circumvent our policies here with tricks like.."
Mhorigan says, "You're a shiithead!!!""
Mhorigan says, "Or similar strategems."
Mhorigan says, "We adjust our software as we see this stuff."
Mhorigan says, "Sooner or later, they get nailed."
Sayzor says, "Anyone who met me at SimuCon can tell you that I don't have anything at all against freedom of speech, vulgarity included. Some things just dont have a place here."
Mhorigan says, "If only because they start up with a Host or GM in their player clothes nearby ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Next."

Sayzor says, "Enrengist says, 'Define PvP fro Gemstone point of view'"
Sayzor chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Consensual PvP is fine. Nonconsensual isn't. The trick is what to identify as consent..."
Mhorigan says, "Best case scenario, you've whispered to each other OOC and agreed to roleplay a fight"
Mhorigan says, "But, consent here need not be explicit."
Mhorigan says, "If somebody decides to harass someone to see if they can get the target mad enough to kill them, we're usually quite happy to see the moron get his."
Mhorigan says, "Now, keep in mind, our ability to determine what happened isn't perfectly accurate."
Mhorigan says, "We often walk into a situation where everyone says "HE STARTED IT!!!!""
Mhorigan says, "Sometimes, we're reduced to making notes..."
Mhorigan says, "In the end, stupidity will out."
Mhorigan says, "Morons will keep being morons.."
Mhorigan says, "And some GM will come across the same guy, telling us yet again that the other guy started it, and we'll pretty much tell him, in much nicer terms..."
Mhorigan says, "If everybody on Teras thinks you're a jerk, perhaps you're a jerk."
Mhorigan says, "Again, in nicer terms ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Over time, we learn who's who and what's what."
Mhorigan says, "We'll never get that aspect perfect -- we can't watch everything at once -- but we sure do try."
Mhorigan says, "Next, unless you want to add something, Sayz"
Sayzor says, "Nope, you hit the nail on the head."

Sayzor says, "Rhaindrop says, 'Do you consider the happy face ":)" OOC and disturbing rping in public?'"
Mhorigan says, "Actually, that's an excellent question. I don't know :)"
Mhorigan says, "I sure use emoticons plenty.. Tho not when I'm RPing."
Mhorigan says, "They don't bother me, tho."
Mhorigan shrugs.
Sayzor says, "It's all a matter of opinion, I believe. Simutronics hasn't taken a standpoint on it, but some of us <like me> do not like them...others don't mind...others think they are perfectly fine."
Mhorigan says, "I know they bother some folks, especially the real hardcore RPers..."
Sayzor says, "None of the GM's would hold it against you, though."
Mhorigan says, "But, as much as we love those folks (and most of the staff was one of them), there are a lot of things which bother them, and we can't fix them all short of locking out 80% of our customers ;)"
Sayzor snaps his fingers.
Mhorigan says, "Again, what we try to do is keep different groups from interefering with each other as much as possible."
Mhorigan says, "In the end, tho, everybody has to be realistic."
Mhorigan says, "Heh.. If you ever want to see a place with NO roleplay, I invite you to step into Ultima Online or some other graphical game for a minute. Our demographics differ ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Next."

Sayzor says, "Housepath says, 'Are there any plans to attempt more consistent enforcement of the present laws of the land, and to implement harsher and in-game punishments? Or to try to solidify the laws in a detailed, written code defining what and what not is allowable; a constitution, as it were? I believe all this is desirable. Oh, and a thank you on policing the amunet.'"
Mhorigan nods to Sayzor.
Sayzor nods to Housepath, who stands up to address the assembly.
Mhorigan asks, "Housepath, an example of what you mean?"
Housepath says, "Okay... it seems to me right now that there are two real levels of punishment"
Housepath says, "Yelling at someone and banning them"
Sayzor says, "Killing, too."
Sayzor nods to Housepath.
Housepath says, "It seems that theres space in there for something more... in game"
Mhorigan says, "There are some intermediates. We can fine them, remove their ability to use ESP, etc."
Housepath says, "Maybe the opposite of a roleplaying bonus... something to teach people a lesson without getting rid of them"
Housepath says, "Oh, okay, was not too aware of that."
Mhorigan asks, "A negative RP bonus?"
Housepath says, "Just in style of punishment... decrease in experience earned"
Mhorigan says, "Worth considering."
Mhorigan nods to Housepath.
Mhorigan says, "Note, a lot of time, when we come upon a murder in the field.."
Mhorigan says, "And it's not clear that the victim was totally innocent, we'll sometimes use the constable instead of an official warning"
Mhorigan furrows his brow.
Mhorigan says, "Bottom line -- a lot of it becomes "equitable justice," meaning the staffer who handles it tries to be fair, and, sometimes, creative"
Mhorigan asks, "Sayzor, how are those super-cursed "I'm A Snert" tattoos coming?"
Sayzor coughs.
Sayzor asks, "The Anti-Deputy badge?"
Sayzor smirks.
Mhorigan says, "Hope that answered your question, Housepath."
Mhorigan smiles.
Mhorigan exclaims, "Next!"
Having finished addressing the assembly Housepath sits back down.

Sayzor says, "Krogh says, 'question What do you have for a policy on people that repeatedly log off while stunned? Is there anything other than a 'Stop, or I'll say stop again"? I see it happening quite a lot.'"
Mhorigan says, "If they log while stunned, we can certainly see that fact.."
Mhorigan says, "If they were hunting, frankly, I don't care."
Mhorigan says, "If it's in a PvP which *they* started, that we need to look at..."
Mhorigan says, "As that's way not kosher."
Mhorigan winks.
Sayzor says, "Creatures have been known to wait for people that do it alot, too."
Mhorigan says, "But, frankly, the tradition of logging while stunned in combat, while technically cheating, has been happening since, sheesh... 1989."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Lyredaen just arrived.
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor asks, "Amery: "In regards to Simu's Policy regarding the release of game improvements, I have a question. There has been much talk about a 'Moratorium'; a halting of new releases such as spells, towns, and houses. Is there a moratorium in place, and are you allowed to tell us more about it?"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Last night/ this morning, we released Fire Mages. The holdup there was, well, Metaephor and I argue about whose fault it was.."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "I hadn't finished approving the area and he hadn't finished the scripts. We were both waiting for the other to finish."
Mhorigan rolls his eyes.
Sayzor says, "Greater Vruul have been seen in more places, as well."
Mhorigan says, "We also put in a new area in RR last night (tables), and we should have a new hunting area going in tonight."
Mhorigan says, "Spells.. Nothing new is ready."
Mhorigan says, "Lots of things are close.."
Mhorigan says, "They'll be released when ready."
Mhorigan says, "Towns.."
Mhorigan says, "Well, towns are big. If you came to Simucon, you prolly heard me or Mikos remark that Solhaven is huge. Really huge. The Landing is a backwater..."
Mhorigan says, "The reason it has been so delayed is because that team keeps making it bigger. Frankly, we've been pressing them to just finish, call it a wrap and let it open."
Mhorigan says, "But, there's a lot of polish to be finished. Other towns.. Well, Yuriqen and Ta'Niira, the other two closest, aren't ready. They'll be a while yet."
Mhorigan says, "Frankly, once we kick Solhaven open, and once Metaephor finishes another huge hunting area he's working on, we should have more city and hunting space than we need, at least in the near term."
Mhorigan smiles.
Mhorigan says, "Next."

Sayzor says, "Thomerillin says, 'well...why did I get locked out!! Just kiddin...was wonderin...I know you have an automatic warning system for foul language...but does that system take into account wether or not anyone is in tha room with ye?'"
Mhorigan says, "The automatic system doesn't care if you're alone. However, we *sometimes* do..."
Mhorigan says, "Frankly, the base policy is that there is noplace in the game where vulgarity is permitted."
Mhorigan says, "WE have to listen to that stuff, too ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Now, as a practical matter, we don't listen to the latchable rooms, so those are safe. But outside those..."
Mhorigan says, "If you're cursing, it's up to the GM to decide whether to warn you, based on 1) whether someone complains, 2) whether someone is present, 3) how many warnings you've had, 4) how bad the language is and 5) his or her mood."
Mhorigan says, "Yep 5) counts. We're human."
Mhorigan says, "Except for Varevice. She's kinda scary"
Mhorigan squints.
Lyredaen grins.
Mhorigan says, "Bottom line: There is zero reason to curse here. Learn to curse in-character. "Eonak's eyebrows!" or even "Charl's scaly arse!""
Mhorigan says, "Those might net you an RP."
Mhorigan shrugs.
Mhorigan says, "Next."
Lyredaen asks, "It's scaly?"
Lyredaen glances at Mhorigan.
Mhorigan begins chuckling at Lyredaen.
Sayzor smirks.
Lyredaen coughs.

Sayzor says, "Sinthai says, 'What, if anything, is on the agenda to deal with public, non-ESP, rampant OOC talk? The constant "DS check?", AS, TD, etc, etc? And on the off chance a GM noticed you speaking out of character with friends in private, say a table, would that generally be a black mark against you in that GMs eyes do you think? Or is that just going to vary from GM to GM?'"
Mhorigan says, "We can't decide among staff whether it's OOC to say "What's your AS," etc..."
Mhorigan says, "It's certainly not good roleplay. That's not debateable."
Mhorigan says, "But, it's not in the same class as "caroline in the city sux u suk2""
Mhorigan says, "We're not going to be warning folks for game mechanics discussions like that..."
Mhorigan says, "However, if a GM is watching the incident, there's no way they get an RP out of it."
Mhorigan says, "This is another one of those instances where we understand what the hardcore roleplayers want.."
Mhorigan says, "Most of us were such (well, not me. I was a powergamer..)"
Mhorigan ducks his head.
Mhorigan says, "But you're gonna have to live with it."
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Easywind says, 'Can we maybe see less GM interference between *roleplayed* conflicts that do not bother anyone else? And also maybe less grey areas in the policies? I see some folks being given harsh treatment for the very same activities other folks got off with a warning or scot-free for? I realize that people's past records play an important part in sentencing, but to me it just seems to be which particular GM you end up with determines whats going to happen with you.'"
Mhorigan says, "I won't deny that the GM who takes up the issue does matter."
Mhorigan says, "We're not clones."
Mhorigan says, "However, when it gets to the stage of lockouts, there is a lot more standardization. Lockouts have to be approved by a SGM or above, usually by at least two people in that category."
Mhorigan says, "And we really do sit back, take a deep breath and go overboard to be fair."
Mhorigan says, "Now.. as to any GM stepping in where the conflict is roleplayed..."
Mhorigan says, "We stick our noses in if one of two things happens. 1) Someone complains or 2) The fight is spreading."
Mhorigan says, "So, you may think you're roleplaying, but the other guy may decide that he wants out and REPORT 'Help!!""
Mhorigan says, "Also, if you're dueling outside the north gates, we want you to move."
Mhorigan says, "For some reason, PvP *really* disturbs a lot of players. They don't want to see it."
Mhorigan says, "Other players can't resist joining in. It's like watching kids walk out of a Bruce Lee movie. For the next half hour, they beat each other senseless."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Beyond that, your questions sounds a lot like it's related to a specific instance, with which I can't help you here :)"
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Gemdiver says, 'Could you explain the terms you mentioned before that were adament and set in stone with no chance of changing?'"
Mhorigan says, "Sorry for the lack of follow-ups on most of these folks. I'm old, and I tire easily. We wouldn't have time ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Good point, Gemdiver."
Mhorigan says, "One question we always get in these forums is, "Why can't we just allow PvP?""
Mhorigan says, "The answer is, "It doesn't work for our customers, at least not the kind we want to attract""
Mhorigan says, "Also, I'm not interested in debating premium accounts tonight :)"
Mhorigan says, "Next."
Mhorigan really has to learn how to type someday. Both his typing fingers are sore!
Mhorigan mutters under his breath.
Sayzor chuckles.

Sayzor says, "Sakket says, 'my question is about stealing in general, a few older clerics that i have had to confront were gonna let certain people decay after they killed them. on one occassion i had back up from Kenneshaw if i said that right to try and help, well my name got splattered all over the ESP NET, that i was in cohorts with this person, well i took on much hurt feelings over it even though kenneshaw was helping (god, hope i didnt say his name wrong) what about this, if ya can help me?'"
Sayzor asks, "Players can steal things?"
Mhorigan says, "That's a little too specific for a general forum. Again, I'm not here to let 7849430 folks watch you take a referral ;) However..."
Mhorigan says, "On departing."
Mhorigan says, "A cleric never has an obligation to rezz anyone, and nobody is required to seek help for a deader."
Mhorigan says, "BUT..."
Mhorigan says, "If you kill someone, and then drag them to a place where they'll rot, or cast sanctuary to let them rot inside..."
Mhorigan says, "Or prevent people from rezzing the deader.."
Mhorigan says, "Well, we're gonna take a really hard look at that."
Mhorigan says, "Odds are very, very strong you're gonna get nailed for that."
Lyredaen says, "Even if you didn't do the actual killing."
Mhorigan says, "The only exception would be if the deader was someone who really was an unbelievable jerk AND we were watching, so we're not just taking your word for it"
Mhorigan says, "In which case, we've probably already pulled him aside to a small, dark, windowless sort of room"
Mhorigan nods to Lyredaen.
Mhorigan says, "What she said applies."
Mhorigan squints.
Mhorigan says, "GemStone was my first online game, back in 1990. Within, oh, 20 seconds of walking out of the North Gate, I attacked some guy named Lord Sindar."
Mhorigan says, "I thought that's how the game worked"
Mhorigan shrugs.
Sayzor chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "It didn't work out exactly as I planned it"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Sayzor looks over at Mhorigan and shakes his head.
Mhorigan says, "But, some other players took me aside and taught me this game. Snerts can turn into good players."
Mhorigan says, "Heck, even into SGM's ;)"
Sayzor says, "I still remember laying dead in the streets of the landing...screaming "HELP!!!! SOMEONE HELP ME!!! I"M DEAD!!!!"..."
Sayzor snickers.
Mhorigan says, "So we don't like seeing our new players whacked, even when they seem to deserve it."
Mhorigan says, "Shaddup, you."
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Dimaire says, 'what do you do about the person who is egging someone on then reports ya if ya respond?'"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "When a GM talks to a player from afar, those SEND things..."
Mhorigan says, "The GM usually echoes it to all other staffers. One of the most common SENDS I see is something like..."
Mhorigan says, "You started the fight. YOU finish it. Mommy and daddy are busy."
Sayzor says, "Er...I never said that. You can"
Sayzor says, "Er...I never said that. You can't prove it"
Lyredaen begins chuckling at Mhorigan.
Sayzor smirks.
Mhorigan says, "IOW, if someone is egging you on, get out attention. We'll try to watch. Also, keep a capture file :)"
Mhorigan says, "Keep in mind we'll also be looking at everyone's records to help sort it out.."
Mhorigan says, "If you're one of those people who somehow gets "egged on" into whacking somebody every other day, we're gonna have a really hard time believing that every jerk in the world just targets you ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Reddack says, 'My friends and I have seen a recent increase in the number of PKers. I realize that PKing is strongly discouraged (and, I understand, even punished) by simutronics, I was wondering, what exactly is done to a PKer, how do you go about reporting one, and how can one best defend oneself against a PKer?'"
Mhorigan says, "If they refuse to change their ways, they'll eventually get to an all-products permanent lockout."
Mhorigan says, "Now, how do we get to that point."
Mhorigan says, "It's not pretty sometimes. Keep in mind as I run through this, we're not omnisicient."
Mhorigan says, "Sometimes, we have to make judgment calls. We do our best."
Mhorigan says, "Ber complains that Ernie attacked him for no reason. We pop in, Ernie says Bert started it."
Mhorigan says, "Neither of them has a record."
Mhorigan says, "We yammer at them for a while, make them shake hands, make log notes and move on."
Mhorigan says, "A week later, Oscar kills Ernie, complaining that Ernie wouldn't leave his trash can and called him a grouch."
Sayzor says, "During that time...usually, 15 to 30 minutes...we could have been working on a project to release."
Mhorigan says, "Neither has a serious record."
Mhorigan says, "Oscar probably gets a lecture, perhaps a warning or a fine"
Mhorigan says, "Next week, Big Bird complains that Ernie used WG disarm to steal his sword, then killed the poor fowl when he complained."
Mhorigan says, "Hmmm."
Mhorigan says, "Odds are we now pull Ernie, lecture him about PvP, give him an official warning and boot him from the WG."
Mhorigan says, "Two weeks later Ernie and Beaker (who is well known to us as a long-term jerkyboy) get into it."
Mhorigan says, "Again, everybody complains that everyone else started it. No warnings, more notes."
Mhorigan says, "You guys can see where this is heading by now, folks.."
Sayzor says, "WG is Warrior's Guild"
Mhorigan says, "Over time, we gather information, and, as a staff, we learn who is who."
Mhorigan says, "Eventually, a player has collected enough complaints that we no longer care if their 17th killing was really self defense."
Sayzor says, "Usually, when a person gets into serious trouble with us...it's not that one GM that is initiating it. It's a series of GM's over time that have made notes about the behavior."
Mhorigan says, "Keep in mindm, also, that it's not always this slow ;)"
Sayzor says, "Also, at the specific time of the incident, there is usually two or three GM's watching in addition to the GM you are talking to."
Lyredaen says, "At least two or three."
Sayzor nods to Lyredaen.
Sayzor says, "Things are never usually the decision of one GM, who is acting alone."
Mhorigan says, "Sometimes, we'll hear a REPORT about Ernie early on, and, happily, when we start watching, he hasn't been Silened, Slept, Mind Jolted, Bound and Webbed ye. In other words -- he's still being a butthead, and we get to see him in action."
Mhorigan says, "In that case, things move along much more rapidly."
Mhorigan says, "There are times when I've approved lockouts after one or even zero warnings, if it's bad enough and we see it"
Mhorigan says, "Sorry for rambling there. I love Sesame Street :)"
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Sayzor grins.

Sayzor says, "Deranda says, 'well it's good to see you're back at the keyboard, <G>....but what can be done about the OOC names? such as fizzlespit; and who's the highest ranking GM?'"
Sayzor chuckles.
Mhorigan snoozes soundly with an AFK badge on his chest...you see an annoying player sneaking up on him, about to wake him up.
Mhorigan says, "Fawn is the product manager, Jaxxon is the assistant PM, the Senior GM's are Banthis, Issigri and myself..."
Mhorigan says, "And he's the baddest dude."
Mhorigan points at Sayzor.
Sayzor chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Names."
Lyredaen grins.
Mhorigan says, "We get a LOT of reports about OOG names."
Mhorigan says, "Frankly, 90% of those are incorrect."
Mhorigan says, "For example, I'd approve "Fizzlespit""
Mhorigan says, "It's not a name I'd pick for my character."
Aelsidhe winks at Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "But, for a name to be rejected, it's got to be so bad that, when this clown walks into the room, RP stops."
Mhorigan says, "Someone named "Bill Day" wouldn't qualify for that. Dumb name, but dumb is permitted."
Mhorigan says, "CaptainKirk Yousuck qualifies"
Sayzor grins.
Mhorigan says, "Basically, we're more liberal about names than some players would like."
Sayzor says, "In general, I think we have a very high quality of names as it is. Most of you have been to other online games, and seen where there are truly disruptive names."
Mhorigan says, "But, considering how traumatic it is to be booted because of your name, we're not gonna do so unless it's really bad."
Sayzor says, "We have a few I'd rather see with different ones, but they are borderline...and we dont want to be so strict it takes an hour to find a name."
Mhorigan says, "Keep in mind that, during the "Golden Age Of RP, Before AOL Invaded" that the oldtime Genie Codgers like to talk about, we somehow survived with Fxg, Ncc1701, Sean2, Silicon and such names"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Sayzor says, "Atari"
Aelsidhe chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "One funny story."
Sayzor says, "Xwing Fighter"
Mhorigan says, "I was online at the north gates, the day we opened on AOL."
Sayzor says, "Those were real names, I just mentioned."
Sayzor grins.
Mhorigan says, "One of the very first names through the gate was..."
Mhorigan says, "Stevecasecan Suckmycock."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Sayzor chuckles.
Aelsidhe blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
Sayzor nods to Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "That's when we knew we'd bitten off more than we could handle"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Aelsidhe says, "Dont forget Gemonthewebsucks Flailflailflail"
Sayzor remembers sitting in a room, chained to a console 24 hours a day finding all the bad names.
Sayzor shudders.
Mhorigan nods to Aelsidhe.
Mhorigan chuckles.

Sayzor says, "Kabucki says, 'if someone has an idea for a new: verb, skill modification, policy, etc. where would be the best place to go in hopes to have thiese ideas heard?'"
Mhorigan says, "The boards are the best place for that."
Mhorigan peers quizzically at Sayzor.
Sayzor says, "You can also write to Feedback with the idea, and they will forward the message to the appropriate person. Alot of times, that person may not respond to the idea. That doesnt mean they dont like it."
Mhorigan nods.
Sayzor says, "I know that I personally have a bunch of ideas that players have sent me..."
Sayzor says, "I plan on getting to them, because I like them...but I dont have time right now"
Aelsidhe says, "Many of us read the merchant and verb suggestion topics."
Sayzor says, "When I do, I usually go back to the player who wrote in to talk to them about it."
Lyredaen says, "That, and it's just impossible to respond to every email we get."
Sayzor nods to Lyredaen.
Sayzor nods to Lyredaen.
Lyredaen flails her arms about.
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Bestatte says, 'I'd like to see a roleplaying and policy test required every 15 trainings or so; if you fail the test, you go to the consultation lounge til feedback is satisfied that you've read the policies and understand them.'"
Sayzor chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Nice idea. Won't work."
Sayzor says, "We do not require RolePlaying. We can't do that. What one person considered RPing, another doesn't."
Mhorigan says, "Bestatte, much as we'd like to, we can't require RP"
Sayzor says, "Mhorigan and I have very different view in some cases...in others, we agree completely."
Mhorigan says, "We require only that people not be OOG in a public manner that inhibits other people roleplaying."
Aelsidhe says, "Roleplaying and not being disruptively OOC are not the same thing. :)"
Mhorigan furrows his brow.
Mhorigan says, "At Simucon, I talked to one fellow who is a very long-term player, and an excellent roleplayer in general.."
Mhorigan says, "Who plans to roll up a new character, playing him as a bard, a rockstar who fell through a dimensional rift."
Mhorigan says, "Is he roleplaying? Well, yeah. Would I rather he didn't play that particular role? Probably."
Mhorigan says, "As I told him, I don't care if you roleplay Colonel Sanders on crack. Don't do it in such a manner so as to bother the folks who are here for straight-up high fantasy roleplay"
Aelsidhe snickers.
Lyredaen whispers to Sayzor, "Where does he come up with these examples?"
Mhorigan says, "With any stuff that doesn't fit in, whether it's odd roleplay, OOG chat about Michael Jordan, or cybernookie..."
Mhorigan says, "People wanna do that, fine. Keep it private, so people here to be elf rangers or dwarf warriors don't have their sensibilities overly shocked"
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Lyredaen says, "Private is defined as a room with a latching door, by the way. Not a table."

Sayzor says, "Thomerillin says, 'how often do common folks get watched by tha gods fer things like RP awards?'"
Mhorigan says, "Bluntly, not often enough. But let me address the way you loaded that question..."
Sayzor says, "I don't necessarily watch specific people. I watch areas of people...and see who is roleplaying, or who reacts to situations."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Aelsidhe nods to Sayzor.
Lyredaen nods to Sayzor.
Sayzor says, "Mhorigan has a great story from the first Jugg."
Sayzor grins.
Aelsidhe says, "I look around randomly sometimes."
Mhorigan says, "I spend prolly 2 - 3 hours/ week looking for RP. I don't look at people."
Mhorigan says, "Yeah, I know if I look in on Snuffy, he'll be roleplaying. I'm not interested in pumping up one particular player, tho..."
Mhorigan says, "Rather, I look at places"
Mhorigan says, "I have a regular round of a dozen or so spots I check."
Aelsidhe says, "Tho hanging around people known to roleplay and following their example is not a bad idea either."
Mhorigan says, "None of them are in hunting areas -- they're the sorts of spots people gather to roleplay"
Mhorigan says, "And no, I won't list them"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "I also tend to list all the players in an area, and see if I can find a group someplace that isn't scroll hell (the gates) or a hunting area.."
Mhorigan says, "So, yeah, here's a concrete hint. If you're in a town and roleplaying, be joined to each other ;)"
Aelsidhe says, "Well known RP'ers do get watched, cause RP tends to gather around them and we find many new good RP'ers that way"
Aelsidhe smiles.
Mhorigan says, "If I see 4 people in a group sitting in an Inn or such, I'm a heck of a lot more likely to check them than one guy in wind wraiths"
Sayzor says, "I can bring a critter into the game for a little roleplaying, and stand in a room and talk to a player...and someone just walks in, yells "Chase" and kills the critter before walking off. It's hard to really get some people to notice."
Mhorigan says, "Note, other GM's have other systems. Some folks just pick 10 random names off a list and check them."
Mhorigan says, "We don't want to standardize that."
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Aelsidhe says, "The final answer is you never know :)"

Sayzor says, "Boneshed says, 'I want to know the Policy of which a GM is allowed to take an Item which you Aquired In Lands, After it is in your Possesion and you Recieved the Item Because you found it, Bought it or Was Given it etc.'"
Mhorigan says, "Yep, that's definitely not a hypothetical."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Sayzor grins.
Aelsidhe chuckles.
Sayzor says, "In general, any item that needs to be modified by us will be modified."
Sayzor says, "We have very specific guidelines on how that sort of thing works."
Mhorigan says, "Boneshed, if a GM confiscated an item from you, you're gonna need to use ASSIST or FEEDBACK to talk about it."
Aelsidhe says, "Policy 14."
Mhorigan says, "I'm not going to list all the reasons we may have to pull an item :)"
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Writhe says, 'The amulet used to be widely known as a resource to help others in need, not to help ones bank account. Is there anything being done to eliminate merchanting on the net? And, what specifically is being done to prevent OOC on the amulet and in public? Negative RP penalties for those who wish not to remain in character not only seems appropriate, but necessary with this many people in order for it to remain what it should be, a roleplaying game. Leave the chatrooms where they were, outside'"
Mhorigan says, "Two issues there."
Mhorigan says, "OOC first."
Mhorigan says, "We can remove a player's ability to use ESP (via any means) for a time period from 1 second to, er, 999 years. Real time."
Mhorigan says, "We actually use this a lot. Many times, when some ESP foulmouth shuts up, it's our doing."
Mhorigan says, "Then they assist about their head being broken"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "The problem has been that it takes some SERIOUS resources to moniter the net"
Mhorigan says, "It's scroll hell. If I'm doing that, I'm doing nothing else."
Mhorigan says, "Now, as I said earlier, we're going to be throwing mor resources at this problem..."
Mhorigan says, "OOG stuff on the net is particularly bad, as it 'teaches' new players that OOG is acceptable."
Mhorigan says, "We've got a tiny bit of coding to do here, but it shouldn't take too long..."
Mhorigan says, "After that, we'll have a lot more ears listening to the net, and bumping the morons off it."
Mhorigan says, "Second issue was merchanting."
Lyredaen smiles.
Mhorigan says, "This is much, much tougher."
Mhorigan says, "NOBODY wants to hear "gemstone suz u losers i rule u hahahahah" over the net..."
Mhorigan says, "But some folks are certainly interested in items for sale."
Mhorigan says, "Note, we already have many channels of ESP which players can use. We'd hoped that one of them would develop into a sort of Elanthian Shopping Network."
Mhorigan says, "That didn't happen, and I, personally, can't believe I was dumb enough to think it would.."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Aelsidhe begins chuckling at Mhorigan.
Mhorigan asks, "If AOL let you set up one SN specifically for junk mail and get rich quick spam, do you think they spammers would honor that?"
Sayzor chuckles.
Aelsidhe says, "As one person said when asked why dont you take it to the black net.. Nobody's there. :)"
Mhorigan says, "Sellers go where the most people are, period."
Mhorigan says, "Now, we do have the ability, at least in theory, to simply prohibit selling on the main channel. Frankly, that's going to be an interesting debate..."
Mhorigan says, "I don't know how I vote yet :)"
Sayzor looks for the option that involvs discipline.
Aelsidhe says, "I'm all for it."
Aelsidhe grins.
Aelsidhe taps a scorched black button that reads "I am *NOT* nice!".
Lyredaen nods.
Mhorigan says, "After a few weeks or so of our new monitering, if we've been successful in cutting the OOG, scrolling and vulgarity to a minimum on the net, we'll take up selling."
Lyredaen says, "I already harangued him with my opinion on the matter."
Lyredaen grins.
Mhorigan says, "Note: I'll tell you right now, 98% of the GM's would want to see selling move off the main channel. The question is, tho, do the paying customers all want that ;)"
Mhorigan says, "next"

Sayzor says, "Rutguere says, 'Is being caught stealing a consent to PvP. If not what can we do to protect ourselve from thieves If we see them do it or they brag on you about it after its done,you know like they rub it in that they took your stuff?'"
Sayzor says, "Whenever I stole, I always accepted the fact that I was starting a confrontation..."
Mhorigan says, "Yes, it's consent. But within limits."
Mhorigan says, "You kill the guy once, fine."
Sayzor says, "Not all players think like that. The ones that abuse the "I was just roleplaying" or "That's not against Policy"...will find out that we aren't sympathetic."
Sayzor says, "If you try and deed someone for stealing 10 silvers...that's different."
Mhorigan says, "Multiple killings, not fine. Hiring/ recruiting another player to kill, not fine. Bringing in your level 40 sorc to do the killing -- not only not fine, but welcome to lockout ;)"
Aelsidhe gestures and a shaft of scintillating light from somewhere above pierces the ceiling and engulfs her. When the light recedes Aelsidhe is no longer there.
Mhorigan says, "Note: Killing anybody in town will still get you arrested. The constable has his own agenda, and we rarely interfere with it ;)"
Sayzor nods to Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Sayzor grumbles.

Sayzor says, "Joseffy says, 'What about OOC in whispers? Is that unacceptable also?'"
Mhorigan says, "BTW, folks.. when this ends, I'll stick around to listen to suggestions/ comments about ESP from any and all :)"
Mhorigan says, "OOC in whispers is usually fine. If someone won't shut the heck up after you ask them a few times, let us know."
Mhorigan says, "At some point, I guess it could become harassment."
Mhorigan says, "Depends on the whispers ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Next."

Sayzor says, "Amery says, 'I really hate'ta bring it up, but I'm curious about how Simu views multiple account usage.'"
Mhorigan says, "Sayz, that's all yours :)"
Sayzor says, "Actually, all the GM's are one person with multiple accounts."
Sayzor asks, "That answer it?"
Sayzor peers quizzically at Amery.
Sayzor smirks.
Lyredaen giggles.
Sayzor says, "That's a really tough situation..."
Sayzor says, "It's not against Policy for someone to have two accounts logged on at the same time."
Sayzor says, "It is against Policy to use either of those accounts in a situation that is borderline policy abuse...such as having one take up the fight the other starts.."
Sayzor says, "Having one sit in one specific area to prevent others from having access to it."
Sayzor says, "Have one scripting while you play the other one...even if you "Check back sometimes"."
Sayzor says, "Having one character spell the other up, or do rescues....there is nothing wrong with that."
Sayzor says, "However, if you bring in your empath and take her hunting with your warrior...and let him get hit alot so she can heal him, we have problems."
Sayzor nods to Amery, who stands up to address the assembly.
Sayzor asks, "Does that about answer your question?"
Mhorigan says, "The only things that bother me with multiple characters/ same user are 1) Using them to cooperate in a scam or 2) Using one to fight the other's PvP battles."
Amery says, "Aye, Very much so...Thank you, Sayzor"
Sayzor nods to Amery.
Having finished addressing the assembly Amery sits back down.
Sayzor says, "As I said, that is a very difficult subject..."
Sayzor says, "We look at it on a case-by-case basis."

Sayzor says, "Kiera says, 'is any action planned to stop elder hunters from swarming areas beneath them...such as money hunters? It seems often that the people of age to hunt the critters are punished..by them being made harder..or by them becoming poorer.. Do the gods see as I do that something such as what Housepath was saying.. a negative experinece count perhaps may be overdue?'"
Mhorigan says, "Next when you're done with that one, Sayzor :)"
Sayzor grins.
Mhorigan says, "Short answer: Nope."
Mhorigan says, "People can hunt where they want to. There are often legitimate reasons for doing so.."
Sayzor says, "Cash hunting has always happened."
Mhorigan says, "Cash hunting, grabbing certain pelts, wanting to help newcomers, even showing off."
Sayzor says, "If someone is dominating a hunting area, and causing a major disturbance...we may say something to them. If they are just hunting, even though they are slaughtering things...then there isn't anything wrong with that."
Mhorigan says, "No way we're gonna decide if that level 40 ranger is hunting hill trolls because he's roleplaying someone who hates trolls or because he's beiing a snert."
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Babete says, '`Will there be help files provided by Simcon in the future, that are up-to-date for new citizens in the Lands. The convention was fantastic! Thank you.'"
Mhorigan says, "I need clarification on the question"
Sayzor nods to Babete, who stands up to address the assembly.
Babete says, "I find that many of the files are old and out-of-date, confusing"
Babete says, "So many changes these days"
Mhorigan nods.
Mhorigan says, "Ok.."
Mhorigan says, "Two issues here. First, the docs are prolly out of date"
Babete says, "Still is fun <grin> just a challenge"
Mhorigan says, "I haven't even looked at them in 2 years"
Mhorigan furrows his brow.
Mhorigan says, "Which isn't good"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Most of the best help files, tho, are player-written."
Lyredaen just left.
Mhorigan says, "Babete, if there are particular files you have found which are *our* files, not player-written, and which are obsolete, please write to Feedback, so we can update them :)"
Babete says, "Yes, Sir, I will"
Mhorigan says, "And, yeah, Simucon was great. If I can only teach my body that bedtime is 11pm, not 5am, I'll be fine."
Mhorigan coughs.
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Sayzor peers quizzically at Mhorigan.
Sayzor asks, "It is?"
Having finished addressing the assembly Babete sits back down.

Sayzor says, "Kyalia says, 'Senseless murders and bullying seems to be uprise. Is simu looking at anything to punish or slow down those who think non consentual PVP is the solution to all disagreements... We see this problem growing rapidly. And there needs to be a more uniform type of across the board punishment for those that kill.'"
Mhorigan asks, "Kyalia, I've covered our PvP stuff already.. I suspect you already had the question in. Do you have something more specific?"
Mhorigan says, "Note, no speeches, please :)"
Sayzor nods to Kyalia, who stands up to address the assembly.
Kyalia says, "Many of us dont kill because .. we have been ingrained since day one with the No PVP ..policy, so we allow jerks to slaughter us .. thinking it is best if we let a GM handle it. But we are seeing more and more folks that just seem to kill over and over. And there saying so what .. We're outside of town."
Mhorigan asks, "Are you assisting when that happens?"
Sayzor says, "The constable has been known to go very far away from town."
Kyalia says, "Yes the folks are assisting"
Mhorigan nods to Kyalia.
Kyalia says, "and we are hearing the same names over and over"
Sayzor says, "Believe me, if you are hearing those names...I garuntee you that we are as well."
Sayzor says, "We pay attention to that."
Mhorigan says, "Kyalia, I described earlier how the process usually works. Frankly, it's slow. But it's also pretty sure. If some snert kills you for no reason, even if he doesn't get thumped for that, he will eventually. It's certain."
Mhorigan says, "Unlike real life, what goes around really does come around here. Because we're taking notes ;)"
Kyalia says, "I did hear your other answer.. but I think it has gotten way out of hand"
Sayzor says, "Understand that some people, even after repeated warnings, talks and even lockouts...continue to be disruptive."
Sayzor says, "Eventually, they will be asked to not return if they are that bad."
Mhorigan says, "PvP is way, way WAY down from where it was pre-web."
Mhorigan says, "And I mean way down."
Sayzor nods to Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "I'd guess we have 10% of the complaints we had then..."
Mhorigan says, "We still get the morons on murder sprees."
Mhorigan says, "Either a fake CC, a drunken binge or someone who has decided to go out in a blaze of glory, but not very often."
Mhorigan says, "Heck, my shifts used to be pretty much one PvP issue after another. Now, I get mebbe one referral every other shift about that"
Mhorigan says, "If it happens, let us know :)"
Mhorigan says, "Don't be discouraged if you see that same snert in the lands the next day."
Kyalia says, "Thanks"
Having finished addressing the assembly Kyalia sits back down.
Mhorigan says, "Remember, unless we were actually watching, we need to gather information over time."
Mhorigan squints.
Mhorigan says, "If you think you want those morons out of our game, you have no idea how badly we want them gone too.."
Mhorigan says, "They can ruin your night, true. But, over time, they cause people to quit our game. They cost us money."
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Garibaldi says, 'Gemstone is a game that people pay to play yet we are told to discuss any problems we have thru feedback and not to someone over the phone where more quetions to the answer recieved can be asked it makes Simu look somewhat cold and impersonal. Is anything ever going to be done to change this? Also if I may any chance on a set limit someone can interact with a Alterer?'"
Sayzor says, "I would love to have people sitting on a hotline for you to call with your problems."
Sayzor says, "The fact of the matter is, we can't afford that."
Sayzor says, "When we first went to the web, we had an 800 number."
Sayzor says, "That phone line rang 24 hours a day, 7 days a week...nonstop."
Mhorigan says, "No problem. A basic account will now be $89.99 a month, tho ;)"
Sayzor says, "At one point...we had 12 people working 24 hours shifts answering it."
Sayzor says, "We have nowhere near the customer base to handle that kind of load."
Mhorigan says, "For premium accounts, we'll have to run a credit report ;)"
Mhorigan coughs.
Sayzor says, "Feedback is the best message for the majority of the problems to be handled..."
Mhorigan shuts up and listens to Sayzor.
Sayzor says, "We have people that answer the mail as quickly as they can, and get answers back to you. Some take longer than others...depends on how many people have to make a decision on the issue."
Sayzor says, "As it is right now, we have a Billing number that is for billing issues only."
Sayzor says, "Strictly the billing calls that come into that number, each rep takes about 100-150 a day."
Sayzor says, "That is alot of phone calls. To us, keeping your account active and keeping your software running is alot more important than having everyone call up when there is a little bit of lag."
Sayzor nods to Garibaldi, who stands up to address the assembly.
Sayzor asks, "Does that about answer your question?"
Garibaldi asks, "Very much so :) Now any chance on getting a nswer about the Alterers?"
Sayzor says, "Ah."
Sayzor points at Mhorigan.
Sayzor grins.

Sayzor says, "Garibaldi says, 'Gemstone is a game that people pay to play yet we are told to discuss any problems we have thru feedback and not to someone over the phone where more quetions to the answer recieved can be asked it makes Simu look somewhat cold and impersonal. Is anything ever going to be done to change this? Also if I may any chance on a set limit someone can interact with a Alterer?'"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Probably not."
Mhorigan says, "If someone makes a merchant list, they made it."
Mhorigan says, "Just like anything else, some people work really hard at it, and they're good at it."
Mhorigan says, "Now, if you've been to a merchant lately, you'll notice there are some new tools that make running "join list" scripts useless."
Garibaldi asks, "what about scripters who make lists?"
Mhorigan says, "But, we're not gonna set a limit saying, "You made an alterer last week, so no dice today""
Mhorigan says, "We hear a lot of rumours about players 'cheating' to get on lists.."
Mhorigan says, "IE, "The GM's must tell her when the merchants are!!""
Garibaldi says, "I have seen one person boast about making 15 in a year"
Mhorigan says, "There's no truth to those. Really."
Mhorigan says, "Well, Garibaldi, people boast a lot."
Garibaldi asks, "That is a tad much isnt it?"
Mhorigan shrugs.
Mhorigan says, "I have no idea."
Sayzor says, "I've seen players brag about how they knew my merchant was going to be in a certain place at a certain time for two weeks prior to the visit."
Mhorigan says, "I've listened to players tell other players all sorts of lies."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Sayzor says, "Funny thing was, I didnt know I was going to do that merchant when I did until 10 minutes before hand."
Mhorigan says, "I had a player tell me at Simucon that she KNEW the Jugg was scheduled for next weekend."
Garibaldi says, "True "
Mhorigan says, "She'd been told by someone who knows."
Mhorigan says, "Well, the Jugg is mine. And I already have plans for next weekend"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Garibaldi says, "I guess my question comes more from wanting to get on a list :)"
Mhorigan says, "So, don't believe everything you hear."
Mhorigan nods to Garibaldi.
Sayzor nods to Garibaldi.
Mhorigan says, "Thanks.."
Having finished addressing the assembly Garibaldi sits back down.
Mhorigan says, "Alterers are tough."
Mhorigan says, "There is no merchant more time-consuming."
Mhorigan says, "If I bring in one of my alterers, I can usually get through 6 customers/ hour. And I'm fast ;)"
Mhorigan says, "My guys are gruff, and won't sit and debate with you for 20 minutes about why you can't have a pulsating riftblade with an elfskin hilt ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Alterers will always be kinda rare, I'm afraid"
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Dimaire says, 'any chance you know when the ranger guild will open? '"
Mhorigan says, "I don't know. Rogues are next, as you know. I believe Empaths are after that."
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Lovedone says, 'question I have a question or comment about thinking from tables...I don't see the big deal in being able to publically think from tables will this be changed soon? About critters...personally I hate undead crap...why do we have so much undead...and why can't we keep undead from certain areas...Like Sheru.. and why did someone allow figs in there? They do not match the age limit of people hunting sheru they are annoying'"
Mhorigan says, "Thinking from tables will not change back, unless the whole ESP situation changes. We thought that one out long and hard.."
Mhorigan says, "Frankly, we had more complaints about that than all other ESP issues combined. The idiots who scroll the same FOR SALE message from the safety of a table every 30 seconds for 12 hours straight. Thanks, no."
Mhorigan says, "Undead are necessary because a big chunk of players like to RP fighting them, some classes are especially designed for it (preechers) and Voln'ers need them for fuel ;)"
Mhorigan asks, "Anything to add, Sayz?"
Sayzor nods.
Sayzor says, "Hunting areas are supposed to be difficult. The combination of creatures in areas is one way that we maintain that balance."
Sayzor says, "Harbingers and Steeds, for example."
Sayzor says, "Many areas are designed with having that lineup of creatures from the start of the area."
Sayzor says, "I created the Sheruvian monastary, and the creatures that are there now were intended from the beginning, in varying degrees. You'll see alot more changes out there. That area is meant to be extremely difficult."
Sayzor grins.

Sayzor says, "Azaer says, 'Sayzor What is the current policy regarding ICE age metals such as Shaalk and other items relating to that age. Some people seem to have had GM's intervene and change thier items on the spot while others can keep them and never seem to have a problem. Is there a policy reguarding this besides the obvious "If we get ahold of it for a reason, its changed"'"
Mhorigan grins.
Mhorigan says, "That's a good statement of the practical implementation."
Sayzor says, "Mhorigan may be better suited to answer this one. In general, we cannot have Ice Age metals in the game. It is against the law for us to do so."
Mhorigan says, "We're not going out of our way to run those items down."
Sayzor says, "If we see it, chances are we are going to change it."
Mhorigan says, "But, we can't let them pass through our hands and back into yours."
Mhorigan says, "If I see you out hunting with a shaalk falchion, I'm not gonna yank you."
Sayzor says, "If in some cases those items are being sold for insane amounts strictly because of the name...that is a legal issue for us as well."
Sayzor glances at Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "But don't hand it to a merchant. And if it's ever replaced, it'll be vultite. This is not someplace where we can make judgment calls. It's one of those contractual requirement, intellectual property issue things ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Done"
Sayzor grins.

Sayzor says, "Reddack says, 'I realize that I've already ask a question about PKing, but here's another. You say that if a player is making a nucance of him/herself in such a way as to make it nessecary to kill him/her, then that's not too strongly frowned upon. What is the official standpoint though, on revenge? For instance, if a lower level character I own gets whacked by a PKer, and I go and get, say, a much higher level character of mine, and maybe some friends and go whack the pker.'"
Mhorigan says, "You and your friends will be locked out."
Sayzor says, "Then you will likely be warned and possibly locked out."
Mhorigan says, "I love short answers :)"
Mhorigan asks, "Anybody watch hockey?"
Mhorigan says, "Fights are common. If anything, they result in minor penalties."
Mhorigan says, "However, if you crawl over the boards from the bench to join in, the league suspends you."
Mhorigan says, "Hire a pal to go after the goon in the parking lot after the game, you and your pal go to jail."
Mhorigan says, "Same thing here: We don't like fights spreading."
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Mhairi says, 'I would like to see more strict guidlines about people bringing in other characters to kill somebody that their younger got into a conflict with. It happens way too much.'"
Sayzor chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Report it..."
Mhorigan says, "When I get those, I usually have to get someone at the office to check the billing database, to see if they're the same person (unless it's the same account)..."
Mhorigan says, "When we learn that, we tear their ears off and stuff them down their throat."
Mhorigan nods.
Mhorigan says, "Seriously.. we *hate* that."
Mhorigan says, "Let us know, we'll deal with it."
Mhorigan says, "Next, unless you have more, Sayz"
Sayzor says, "Nope."

Sayzor says, "Madainn says, '"I've several friends who enjoy a good duel....is there any way to perhaps install some sytem of acknowloging that a duel has been accepted, other than the Gladiator Games? This may be a topic for Feedback'"
Mhorigan says, "There is."
Mhorigan grins.
Mhorigan nods.
Mhorigan says, "But, we're not done coding it yet."
Sayzor grins.
Mhorigan says, "Soon as we get one other big project finished (which will be in about 6 weeks)..."
Mhorigan says, "That issue goes to the top of the list of one of our better coders, to finish it."
Mhorigan says, "You will be able to participate in an arena-type combat without GM help."
Mhorigan nods.
Mhorigan says, "Next."

Sayzor says, "Warmcuddle says, 'Is there a way for premium accounts to be informed of when and where merchants and alterers will apear. It is frustrating to miss a merchant. It would be very easy to do a mass emailing informing us of what is going on.'"
Mhorigan says, "Warmcuddle, we do premium messaging about them now, in-game..."
Sayzor says, "Such as the announcement for this forum."
Mhorigan says, "Before I run, say, the Jugg, I pop in several times a day for several days beforehand and do some messaging..."
Mhorigan says, "I won't say *what* is happening, but I will let people know they want to be around on a certian day"
Mhorigan says, "Now, email..."
Mhorigan asks, "Warmcuddle, if I email many thousands of premium customers today that an alterer, or the Spitfire, will be here Monday at 9pm.. what do you think will happen?"
Mhorigan nods to Warmcuddle, who stands up to address the assembly.
Sayzor says, "Mass E-Mails are not something that we want to have a habit of doing."
Warmcuddle says, "sigh, its frustrating not living online and missing a merchant."
Mhorigan nods to Warmcuddle.
Mhorigan says, "I agree.."
Mhorigan asks, "The issue is, what can we do about it?"
Warmcuddle says, "not the big event merchants... but the lil tent ones... And I do understand how the lists work."
Mhorigan says, "If we email you, I guarantee that someone will post it on the message boards."
Warmcuddle asks, "at sign on.... a message of where a merchant is?"
Mhorigan says, "The last time I did specific premium messaging about an alterer, I counted -- it took 8 seconds before my announcement was quoted on the amunet."
Warmcuddle says, "ok, so make the lists exempt from the message but include the merchants."
Mhorigan says, "What we're trying to do now is make sure that, at least for the big events, you at least know that something big is going on"
Mhorigan nods to Warmcuddle.
Warmcuddle says, "thanks"
Mhorigan says, "Warmcuddle, this would be a good thing to take to the boards, or to Feedback. Modrian is now the premium guru, and he's actively looking for ways to make the price worth it. If you have good ideas, he needs to hear them :)"
Having finished addressing the assembly Warmcuddle sits back down.

Sayzor says, "Geistig says, 'I am a bit upset about what I have heard regarding the dupablility of the constable: if a character with high fame makes a false accusation, it is accepted by the constable as proof. I think this needs to be fixed.'"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Sayzor says, "I know of one person..."
Mhorigan says, "There is a chance that the constable will believe a false accusation."
Mhorigan says, "There's also a chance that I will tell you the exact date Solhaven will open."
Sayzor says, "With a very high fame, who if they saw someone red handed with their hand in the silver pouch....and went to the constable.."
Sayzor says, "Would be locked up for lying about it."
Mhorigan says, "The odds are about the same in both cases."
Sayzor grins.
Mhorigan says, "Seriously, false accusations are a seriously long long shot."
Sayzor says, "Fame is just part of what the constable uses to believe you."
Mhorigan says, "If you're seeing them work right and left, it may be something to BUG. They're not supposed to be commonplace."
Sayzor says, "Also, we know when someone lies successfully to the constable."
Sayzor grins.
Mhorigan says, "I don't know that system intimately -- I'm just going from the design notes."
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Astrither says, 'Speaking of suicides... they are incredibly disruptive. Can't they be stopped?'"
Mhorigan mutters under his breath.
Mhorigan says, "They've been happening since, well, forever."
Mhorigan says, "Unfortunately, people good and bad lose their marbles sometimes."
Mhorigan says, "Some folks almost seem determined to do so on some kind of schedule."
Mhorigan says, "As a practical matter, if someone wants to.."
Mhorigan asks, "You know what?"
Mhorigan says, "Dang, Aelsidhe left."
Mhorigan says, "She babysits a lot of those"
Mhorigan says, "Was gonna let her handle it"
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 Aelsidhe is standing in its place.
Mhorigan drops a hint.
Aelsidhe glances at Mhorigan.
Sayzor chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Well, speak of the elf."
Aelsidhe says, "Suicides...."
Aelsidhe rolls her eyes.
Aelsidhe says, "If they're making a disruptive scene of it, we do our best to stop the disruptiveness of the scene."
Aelsidhe smiles.
Aelsidhe says, "I strongly suggest to them that the Inns over Kevorkian style quiet suicide services."
Aelsidhe nods.
Aelsidhe says, "We dont stop people from dying unless we suspect it's someone else trying to destropy the character or so mething."
Aelsidhe says, "But we will try to stop the disruption."
Mhorigan says, "My own instinct with the particularly sturm-und-drang filled suicides is to help them by secretly reducing their deeds to zero..."
Aelsidhe says, "Making a public scene of dark powers is a good way to get em cut off... it's the disruptiveness that matters really."
Mhorigan says, "But, happily, I don't listen to that particular voice in my head ;)"
Aelsidhe says, "If you want to go lay down in the valley and be eaten by manticores fine but do it quietly."
Aelsidhe smiles.
Mhorigan asks, "Ok?"
Aelsidhe says, "If it's disruptive, expect us to step in. Or if we don't think it's "you"."
Mhorigan nods to Aelsidhe.
Aelsidhe asks, "That answer that?"
Mhorigan says, "Yeah, good point."
Sayzor whispers to Mhorigan, "If we dont stop her, she will talk all night"
Mhorigan says, "If we think it's a stolen password, we'll try to lock the guy up."
Mhorigan says, "Next."
Aelsidhe glances at Sayzor.
Aelsidhe mutters under her breath.
Mhorigan begins chuckling at Sayzor.
Aelsidhe shows Sayzor her bamboo-handled twitswatter.
Sayzor snickers.

Sayzor says, "Dragnought says, 'Uh, I was just wondering if there is going be horses anytime soon, or EVER? That mount verb has been there a while.'"
Aelsidhe chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Maybe."
Sayzor says, "The MOUNT verb has been here as far back as I can remember..."
Aelsidhe says, "It doesnt work on players either."
Sayzor says, "There is also a Jousting Arena, and has even been a joust or two"
Mhorigan says, "We have one really capable scripter who told me he plans to do horses. Mounted combat, travel, the whole ball of wax, er, Murphy's Oil Soap."
Mhorigan says, "Heck, I grew up raising and training horses. So I want 'em ;)"
Mhorigan says, "But..."
Aelsidhe put a bamboo-handled twitswatter inside her spidersilk shroud.
Aelsidhe whistles tunelessly to herself.
Mhorigan says, "The degree of difficutly on that is really, really high."
Mhorigan says, "Think for a few minutes of what mounted combat would entail, and it'll make your withers tremble ;)"
Mhorigan says, "So, mebbe. But don't hold your breath on it. I hope so :)"
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Aelsidhe says, "Dead horses for one thing."
Aelsidhe nods to Mhorigan.

Sayzor says, "Melindeth says, 'how do you handle sexual harrasment? i've never seen anything done about it'"
Mhorigan laughs!
Aelsidhe groans.
Mhorigan asks, "Sayz, Aels? Is there anything we try harder to stomp on?"
Aelsidhe says, "You dont see it cause you dont see it. We string em up."
Sayzor grins.
Aelsidhe shakes her head.
Sayzor says, "I have found the solution to sexual harrassment."
Aelsidhe says, "IN private."
Sayzor says, "I give you..."
EXIT
Aelsidhe asks, "What are we gonna do, announce to the game what they said to you?"
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Aelsidhe says, "There are few worse offenses... IF it's real sexual harrassment. Now many people think using the kiss command is, thats another story."
Mhorigan says, "Speaking for myself, players do a lot of stupid stuff. We deal with many flavors of snert, from scammers to berserkers to "cry-wolf" whiners. The *only* thing that actually gets me pissed off is the cyber-rapist morons."
Aelsidhe says, "Explicta harrassment, not much that will get someone stomped faster."
Sayzor says, "If someone is being overly vulgar to you, you better bet we are going to step in"
Mhorigan says, "If we catch one of those guys, it's a first-warning lockout, every time."
Mhorigan shrugs.
Aelsidhe says, "If someone kissed you without permission, that aint sexual harrassment."
Mhorigan says, "It's that simple."
Aelsidhe nods to Mhorigan.
Aelsidhe says, "Explicit stuff, bye bye."
Sayzor nods to Aelsidhe.
Mhorigan says, "I don't know of any other multiplayer online game with as high a percentage of female customers as ours has..."
Sayzor says, "I don't tolerate much along the lines of that kind of harrassment, no matter who the person is."
Aelsidhe says, "We're logical, not politically correct."
Aelsidhe nods to Sayzor.
Mhorigan says, "And I think it's been a real part of our success. For the same reason that bars have ladies' nights. Every woman who walks in brings in 2.5 males ;)"
Mhorigan says, "We're gonna keep it that way."
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Aelsidhe just gave Wyce a smooch.
Aelsidhe whistles tunelessly to herself.

Sayzor says, "Nusakan says, 'Why not run the Gladiator Games? The people who look to challange themselves in a duel might look there, and the people who are offended by PvP would see less of it where they do their stuff. Might reduce some of the unwanted PvP incidents..'"
Mhorigan says, "Yeah, well..."
Mhorigan says, "I can't answer that."
Mhorigan grins.
Mhorigan says, "Which is 1) a hint and 2) good news."
Sayzor says, "The last Glad Games I went to as a player..."
Sayzor says, "There were nearly 200 people there."
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "See my previous response to dueling, supra"
Mhorigan winks.
Sayzor says, "The Character Database only had 500 total in it."
Aelsidhe says, "Patience."
Sayzor says, "The Database has over 1 million in it now."
Sayzor says, "Imagine what could happen if we did that."
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Sayzor says, "For those of you here for the first forum..."
Mhorigan asks, "How many more questions in the box, Sayz?"
Sayzor says, "You remember we had alot of trouble keeping this many people in one room at a time..."
Sayzor says, "There would be 10x the amount of people in one room for the Games."
Sayzor grins.
Sayzor says, "10, unless I close it."
Sayzor grins.
Mhorigan says, "Close it."
Sayzor nods.
Mhorigan says, "I'll stick around after to talk ESP."
Sayzor closes the question box.
Sayzor nods.
Sayzor says, "I'll try and hang out for a bit too."

Sayzor says, "Verneda: "About the multiple account thing. What about NINE accounts signed on at once. Eight of which are helping the one learn and make money by enchanting. I also have a suggestion for the amunet. Most people dont even realize that there are several channels. If some sort of news item went out telling how to access them, maybe more of them would be used.""
Mhorigan says, "Enchanting..."
Aelsidhe chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Enchant itself will be changing."
Mhorigan says, "Don't know exactly when. It's Issigri's call."
Mhorigan says, "But, the infusing situation will be changed."
Aelsidhe says, "And yes we know all about that group."
Aelsidhe nods.
Mhorigan says, "That's all we're going to say about that."
Sayzor says, "Pools are going away entirely."
Mhorigan says, "ESP..."
Mhorigan asks, "Yep. That would be a good change. Mebbe an ESP verb, too, that explains things for players. ESP HELP?"
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Wallan says, 'This is in referrance to the Message Boards, and related to the first question. Is it possible to have us set up a different name instead of our account name when leaving messages on the board? That kinda defeats 50% of the security of having both an account name and password. Or perhaps give us the option to change our account name every so often?'"
Mhorigan points at Sayzor.
Sayzor says, "That is something we talked about yesterday, in fact."
Aelsidhe says, "Thats a good idea"
Aelsidhe nods.
Mhorigan says, "I like that idea, too/"
Sayzor says, "We are looking at various ways to set it up so that we can have you all post on the boards without giving away your account names."
Mhorigan nods.
Sayzor says, "The first problem here..."
Sayzor says, "Is that you can change your nickname. So, you can change it to "Sayzor" and post whatever you wanted..."
Sayzor asks, "Sure, we would know who you were....but how many players would believe it?"
Sayzor says, "or even read it before we took it down."
Aelsidhe says, "Scuse me."
Sayzor says, "We are, however, looking at ways of doing it."
Aelsidhe gestures and a shaft of scintillating light from somewhere above pierces the ceiling and engulfs her. When the light recedes Aelsidhe is no longer there.
Sayzor says, "Also..."
Sayzor says, "We are looking at ways to open the boards up to everyone."
Mhorigan says, "Well, we'd restrict staff names."
Sayzor says, "There are alot of people who cant use them, and we want to change that."
Mhorigan says, "But, you could post as, say, "Blades""
Mhorigan says, "Which'd be bad"
Sayzor says, "Even so...impersonation would happen."
Sayzor nods to Mhorigan.
Mhorigan nods to Sayzor.
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Sayzor says, "OKay..."

Sayzor says, "Azshaych says, '"Is anything being done about all the raffling that has being taking place lately? Or is it going to be allowed to raffle off a million coins every 3 minutes?'"
Mhorigan says, "As I said earlier.."
Mhorigan says, "First priority is to get the OOG and vulgarity banished from the net"
Mhorigan says, "After that, we'll look at selling. Note, if they spam their sales pitch often enough, mebbe we just need a liberal definition of scrolling."
Aelsidhe glances at Morphion.
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Kilan says, 'about PVP again...so if someone walks up to you and states he is gonna kill you or if he starts swinging at you is it construed that he gave his consent? oh and thanks for havin Keith get rid of that snoring quietly stuff.And on a side note do ya know if they are ever gonna get the boards set up so Mac users arent left out in the cold?'"
Mhorigan says, "Mac -- dunno."
Mhorigan says, "PvP."
Sayzor says, "We are working at ways for everyone to get on the boards."
Sayzor says, "No matter what system you are using."
Mhorigan says, "If he swings at you, dang straight, it's a fight."
Mhorigan says, "Now, if he's level 4, and you have a 285 DS..."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "Mebbe killing would be excessive :)"
Aelsidhe says, "Common sense goes a long way."
Mhorigan says, "If it's just words, depends on the words."
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Mhorigan nods to Aelsidhe.
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Chaens says, 'Not sure if this is strictly policy related - but what are Simu's plans, if any, for future Auctions like the one last summer? Unfortunately I was out of town that week and missed it with my old account/characters. Does Simu have anything against the large numbers of unique items? I heard there'd be more and I realize it must take a hella lot work to do those, but I'd just like to know if anything is planned to happen like that again...'"
Mhorigan says, "There will be more such major (huge) auctions. They're extremely likely to always be premium-only."
Aelsidhe nods.
Sayzor says, "We will never stop having auctions or unique items. That's one of the things that makes the game as much fun as it is."
Mhorigan says, "We are now talking about the next major one."
Aelsidhe says, "That doesnt mean non premies never get items. Just not at that major fancy event."
Mhorigan says, "I don't recall what month we're projecting it in, and I wouldn't say yet if I did :)"
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Crennen says, 'I just wondered about the policy of GM character logs. Like do i have something bad on my log? If i do can it be told to me so i can try to improve. etc. Or do have small descrepancies like doesnt RP well. Or something because i like to think i have improved my RP and such and will continue to the longer i am in game. I can recall doing some stupid things before. just want to know if those things stick on you.. and if you dont know about them how can you improve? Oh an Ernie a warrior? hehe'"
Aelsidhe says, "And there is of course no restriction on a non premium buying stuff from a premium later in game."
Aelsidhe nods.
Mhorigan says, "We don't read players their own logs. They're private -- for us ;)"
Mhorigan says, "And, no, you won't find things like "What a moron, I bet his Mom dropped him on the head""
Aelsidhe stares off into space.
Mhorigan says, "We record a ton of stuff automatically..."
Mhorigan says, "And we note by hand records of assists, referrals and complaints :)"
Sayzor says, "If you had "Strikes against you", such as warnings, we would tell you about them if you wanted to know. Even warnings will not be counted as harshly against you, depending on the warning, as time goes on."
Mhorigan says, "Yep. Any serious problems in your log would have been made after a discussion of that behavior with you."
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Mysche says, 'It has been my experience that when a game malfuction benefits a character, the malfunction is quickly fixed (and failure to report such can get you locked out), however when a game malfuction hurts a character the problem is generally ignored. Would you care to comment on if this is a policy, and why these situations appear to often be handled as such?'"
Mhorigan furrows his brow.
Sayzor says, "Yesterday, I fixed all reported bugs in all of my systems. We do fix all the bugs, however some players consider things "bugs" that aren't actually bugs."
Mhorigan says, "The bug list is the bug list."
Mhorigan shrugs.
Sayzor says, "Now..."
Mhorigan says, "Stuff gets handled in order of 1) How nasty a bug it is and 2) How easy it is to fix."
Sayzor says, "If there is a bug that lets a player open any locked chest...I will fix that as soon as I hear about it."
Mhorigan says, "Nasty can be nasty helpful or nasty harmful."
Aelsidhe says, "Stuff that seriously hurts people gets to get fixed pretty fast. )"
Aelsidhe says, "Occasionally people have a mistaken idea of something being a 'bug' tho. Some things are intended to hurt people."
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "There's no policy that GM's are supposed to fix "helpful" bugs before "harmful" ones."
Aelsidhe says, "A common example. Dying cause you dont have climbing skill isnt a bug, and dont expect it to be quickly 'fixed'. :)"
Mhorigan says, "We do have some GM's who are probably more enthusiastic about fixing bugs which they see players as abusing, rather than those which abuse players"
Mhorigan chuckles.
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "Which is a common personality disorder among those who build orcs for a living"
Mhorigan flails his arms about.
Mhorigan says, "Next"
Sayzor grins.

Sayzor says, "Fyreblayde says, 'what about roleplaying religious differences? Some has taken thier zeal too far and try to ruin the reps of people who oppse them'"
Mhorigan says, "If you want out of a RP conflict, tell the person."
Mhorigan says, "If they're pressing it too far, and you want to tone it down, whisper to them about it as a player."
Mhorigan says, "Don't worry if that seems like OOC to you -- it is. All our conflicts have OOC boundries. Otherwise, the Voln folks and the COL'ers would prolly be kiling each other right and left, which we can't have ;)"
Sayzor glances at Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "Remember, this is a multiplayer game, not as simulation of some fantasy world."
Sayzor scratches something off of his to-do list.
Mhorigan says, "If someone won't back off... Let us know. We'll help. Well, unless you started it ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Garibaldi says, 'Mhorigan I've seen where a GM has come in as a NPC and was harrassed to the point to where he just left. Any thoughts on how this can be stopped so the RPing can move more smoothly?'"
Sayzor says, "Every time I come in as an NPC, someone always says "That's just a GM in costume"."
Mhorigan says, "I wish we had a good answer to that."
Sayzor says, "If you are OOC about it, and disrupting the event, you may find yourself quite a long way away from the event."
Mhorigan says, "Usually, we get killed quickly."
Mhorigan says, "Very quickly."
Aelsidhe says, "Killing the ones who say anthing like that is always fun."
Mhorigan says, "If we play someone too tough to be killed, people complain they can't kill you ;)"
Aelsidhe ducks her head.
Mhorigan says, "There are a lot of ways to help with that. None of them are foolproof solutions."
Mhorigan says, "It's an old problem, and we'll continue to deal with it as best we can."
Mhorigan says, "Next"

Sayzor says, "Niilo says, 'Anyone as annoyed with raffles as I am? You know half of 'em are crooked, and worse than merchanting. They run rampant now.'"
Mhorigan says, "When we hear about the crooked ones, we step in."
Mhorigan nods.
Mhorigan says, "Aelsidhe or Sayz? I know you've both dealt with some of our more persistant rafflegeeks."
Mhorigan chuckles.
Sayzor chuckles.
Aelsidhe groans.
Aelsidhe says, "Actually"
Aelsidhe says, "The answer is the same as suicides."
Aelsidhe smiles.
Sayzor says, "We're talking about the situation right now. It concerns us...and it is Scamming, in many cases."
Aelsidhe says, "If it's to the point it's disruptive, it's out of line."
Sayzor says, "If you are caught scamming, it is a minnimum lockout of 60 days."
Aelsidhe says, "Or scamming"
Aelsidhe nods to Sayzor.
Aelsidhe says, "But non-scamming still cant be disruptive."
Sayzor says, "The problem is, that some people dont care about it at all...and make throwaway accounts. If we catch that level of abuse, we will act accordingly."
Aelsidhe says, "If someones doing it politely and not causing complaints and not scamming, its no worse than selling anything else."
Aelsidhe says, "If they are being disruptive with it, it's not OK."
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Sayzor says, "In general, if you are willing to give someone silver for no reason...then dont get upset if you lose it."
Aelsidhe nods to Sayzor.
Mhorigan nods.
Mhorigan says, "Next."
Aelsidhe says, "I cant imagine what posesses people to give silver to someone they dont know."
Aelsidhe chuckles.

Sayzor says, "Sayzor says, 'Can any one GM lock you out for no reason. Or can they just warn you for no reason at all. How does that process work?'"
Sayzor ducks his head.
Sayzor snickers.
Sayzor says, "That was the last question."
Mhorigan laughs!
Aelsidhe chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Can one GM lock you out."
Mhorigan says, "Hmm."
Aelsidhe says, "One can lock you out at most temporarily till it's approved by others."
Sayzor says, "If that GM's name is Bardon, yes."
Aelsidhe nods to Sayzor.
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "Well, not normally. 99.99% of lockout requests are handled by 3+ people. The GM makes the request, the SGM who approves it (we don't approve our own) and Sayzor here."
Mhorigan says, "Yeah, I can think of one or two instances in the time I've been here that I instantly gave someone a permanent lockout."
Sayzor says, "No GM can handle an appeal for a lockout they requested. Nor even approved one they requested"
Mhorigan says, "Believe me, there was no room for debate, none at all."
Aelsidhe says, "Even thats not instantly, they had a long record before."
Aelsidhe nods to Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "Well, actually.."
Aelsidhe says, "Heh OK people who just come in to see how long they can scroll cusswords before they get pulled. Sure."
Mhorigan says, "In those cases it was characters with vulgar names, coming in killing right and left, who turned out to have fraudelent billing info. IE, the address is the white house"
Mhorigan shrugs.
Aelsidhe nods.
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "We don't need a whole lot of approval for those"
Sayzor nods to Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "Heck, mebbe it was Chelsea."
Mhorigan shrugs.
Sayzor says, "Hmmm..."
Mhorigan says, "For no reason at all? Nope.."
Sayzor says, "That'd be an interesting phone call to a parent."
Sayzor says, "Hi, Bill? Sayzor here..."
Aelsidhe says, "Once in a while people drop in whose mission in life is only to see how much they can get away with in the 10 minutes till they are locked out forever."
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "I turn down more lockout requests than I approve. That's almost always because 1) It's not clear anybody ever sat the player down and talked with him at length or 2) The GM made insufficient notes about what the misdeeds were."
Aelsidhe says, "Tell him and Monica to get a LATCHABLE room."
Aelsidhe rolls her eyes.
Mhorigan says, "We're pretty careful about lockouts."
Mhorigan says, "We're not generally in the business of telling paying customers to shop elsewhere -- not until they get to the point where they tick off other paying customers ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Hokay."
Aelsidhe says, "send bill The Oval Office is NOT a latching room."
Mhorigan says, "That's gonna be it for the formal Q & A. Thanks for coming, and thanks to Sayzor and Aelsidhe for their help..."
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "If you want to stay and chat, it is a ONE SUBJECT discussion: ESP."
Mhorigan says, "Soon as Sayz drops the forum mechanics, this will be scroll hell..."
Sayzor chuckles.
Aelsidhe chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "And we'll barely be able to keep up with that one topic. However, frankly, I want to hear your opinoions of what needs to leave ESP, and how to prioritize them."
Mhorigan says, "I may not answer everyone -- I'm a lousy typist. But the capture is running :)"
Mhorigan says, "Ok, Sayz."
Mhorigan ducks his head.
Sayzor opens the floor back up for general discussion.

Aelsidhe says, "Dozing a sec"
Aelsidhe holds up a sign saying AFK TTM!!!!!!!!!!!!!****
Amery says, "I'm for the idea if selling things on the 'net, Mhorigan. The reason? Because there's no real way to sell things any other way. Not everyone can or will read the boards, and not everyone wants to listen to people hollering their goods across TSC."
Mhorigan says, "Amery, I agree. There does need to be an ESP way to sell stuff."
Sordlock says, "We need to get rid of the three letter abbreviations and such. i.e. TTM, WTM...Stuff like that."
Mhorigan says, "Sordlock, hmm. Are those OOG, or just moronic? :)"
Ashren asks, "i think .. misuse of the amulet esp channels, should make the amulet blow up on erm..your neck..now wouldn't that hurt?"
Mhorigan begins chuckling at Ashren.
Lorennion asks, "Mhorigan...any thoughts on sitting some of these people with "odd" names down and giving them a new one once the purge is done?"
Mhorigan asks, "Hmm, Lorennion. Hmm. That'd be a lot of work. I assume you mean the odd spellings?"
Wyce says, "Keep the crystal amulet for traditional uses. Create a new amulet (silver amulet) net for player selling. Sell the silver amulets and distribute them in treasure as well."
Aelsidhe says, "Wyce that was my idea. )"
Writhe says, "How bout the mere mentioning words of selling or buying stun you for awhile"
Mhorigan says, "Writhe, they'd invent synonyms"
Titaniia says, "How about allowing people to capatalize their last names? Pet peeve of mine."
Mhorigan says, "Titaniia, that's a possibility"
Ravenspiritt says, "Mhorigan, why not have ot sp all three channels are able to be on at the same time, that way people can turn off or turn on the channels they want to listen too, but I think we cshould only have three channels (general, sell, rescue)."
Mhorigan nods to Ravenspiritt.
Mhorigan says, "That might be smart."
Aelsidhe says, "I suggested two amulets would be better than two channels on one, people want to be on both."
Ohr says, "make rentable booth for players who wanna sell stuff can rent"
Ohr says, "the player can lock the item they wanna sell in a case "
Mhorigan says, "Ohr, wouldn't they still want to use the net? All those customers, such easy advertising."
Writhe says, "Problem with the net is, everyone listens to the same channel, which means more potential buyers...thas why its so hard for them to switch amulets."
Mhorigan says, "Exactly, Writhe"
Aelsidhe says, "i also think we should make any thinking of TTM come out ..."
Aelsidhe grins.
Lorennion says, "You guys have been slipping on the names....I see people in pooks with names that make you want to slap their parents"
Mhorigan says, "Lorennion, dumb names are permitted.. It's just blatantly OOG stuff that isn't"
Lovedone says, "Just my thoughts..but I don't see the big deal about allowing whatever people want to say on the amulet. if people want a different channel just to monitor for clerics and empaths we have that available. As you mentioned people are going to try to sell to the masses"
Mhorigan says, "Lovedone, all the OOG on the amulet teaches young folks that OOG is ok. And we're better off in the long run encouraging more RP and less OOG :)"
Reveko asks, "Mhorigan, you have answered two or three questions about names when this was sposse to be ESP only. so why not answer my question please?"
Mhorigan says, "Reveko, because I didn't know the answer, and I don't have time to look it up."
Titaniia says, "Let deputies arrest for disruption on the amunet..even outside of town..it crosses town lines...after all.."
Mhorigan says, "Titaniia, we may look to the deputies for that eventually."
Mhorigan says, "If we need 'em"
Aelsidhe says, "Deputies can already arrest for disruptive if the thinking is in fact disruptive"
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Lorennion asks, "What is OOG?"
Mhorigan says, "Lorennion, I dunno when OOC switched to OOG, but that's what most folks understand now ;)"
Amoret asks, "Is are repeated vulgarity or incitments to violence on the public amunet an arrestable offence?"
Aelsidhe nods to Amoret.
Aelsidhe says, "Sure if you catch em and they did it."
Aelsidhe says, "Disruptive is diseuptive. IF they disturbed the peace go for it."
Mhorigan says, "Amoret, that's an interesting idea."
Mhorigan says, "Hmmm."
Mhorigan asks, "Aelsidhe, yer still deputy guru?"
Aelsidhe says, "No, I MAKE double entendres on the net."
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "Scroll up to Amoret's suggestion about deputies, Aelsidhe"
Aelsidhe says, "Now if it gets too vulgar for double entendre"
Aelsidhe says, "Then its a problem."
Amoret exclaims, "Well, I say this because I have already made it clear that I will arrest for mindless duel solicitation on the amunet... like "Does anyone want to duel to the death!?! TTM!"
Aelsidhe says, "That doesnt sound arrestable."
Mhorigan nods to Aelsidhe.
Aelsidhe says, "I was talking about scrolling the net and stuff."
Aelsidhe says, "Duelling is NOT prohibited."
Mhorigan says, "Mebbe deputies could handle net vulgarity, at least"
Aelsidhe says, "If it's voluntary on all parties involved its allowed, tho we discourage making a public scene of it, it is not in itself arrestable."
Blades says, "I tried to sometimes, Mhorigan"
Blades says, "makes em do it more"
Mhorigan begins chuckling at Blades.
Ashren says, "it may not be prohibited by the gms, but it is by the residents, or at least a majority of them."
Aelsidhe says, "Then the residents can yell at them but they dont make the law"
Aelsidhe grins.
Astrither says, "Aelsidhe, on either the unofficial Gem message boards or the anti-gem letters or some other area, there is a supposed cut and paste about a deputy abusing his authority"
Aelsidhe says, "I dont go to those 'unofficial gem boards'. I have better things to do than trace other peoples websites out of the game."
Aelsidhe says, "And YOU try to prove a capture on someone's website isnt altered."
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Aelsidhe says, "Im concerned only with what goes on in here."
Aelsidhe smiles.
Jeckliwinn asks, "In PvP, to lower dueling, Sazor said he couldn't open the gladiator games because there would be to many people...Why not lower the population the by selling tickets?"
Mhorigan says, "Jeckliwinn, we have a dueling/ glad games solution. It'll be a few months before you see it :)"
Astrither says, "Aye, I know... but I still would like ye to see it just for your own knowledge, in case it is a problem deputy"
Aelsidhe says, "If theyre not being reported in here but only there, I would doubt they are a problem"
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Vadrec says, "Most GMs absolutely REFUSE to read a log."
Mhorigan says, "Vadred, we won't read it in-game. It's for feedback, when requested."
Aelsidhe says, "Sounds more like a bit of slander"
Aelsidhe chuckles.
Vadrec asks, "Can you explain the reasoning behind that, Mhorigan?"
Mhorigan says, "The logs are for when we ask to see them :)"
Blades says, "I enjoy some of those duels they have at the dinghy or whevever, They're easy to keep in check if you wanted too"
Blades shrugs.
Blades leans on his staff.
Mhorigan nods to Blades.
Mhorigan says, "Blades, we're gonna have dueling."
Aelsidhe says, "For situations where we have to see logs, we usually have em from more than one person and can tell if they are faked."
Lorennion says, "I hope you are confining it to designated areas Mhorigan"
Mhorigan nods to Lorennion.
Mhorigan says, "Exactly, Lore"
Aryleya says, "I have an idea, this is a bit ooc -- have Keith make it so THINK doesn't stay in the buffer... that would prevent repeating the last thought to an extent."
Aelsidhe says, "Thats not a bad idea."
Aelsidhe chuckles.
Vadrec says, "I had a log of Grommph, Thabetha, Necodemis, and Zanila forcing my brother's decay by abusing game mechanics in Magru.. the GM wouldnt even look at it."
Mhorigan says, "Vadrec, if the GM can't sort out the situation, he will sometimes ask you to send it to feedback, and then warn Aeryk it's coming."
Aelsidhe says, "If its simple to do"
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Aryleya says, "it should be... another verb doesn't stay stored."
Aryleya winks at Aelsidhe.
Mhorigan says, "Aryleya.."
Mhorigan blinks at Aryleya.
Aelsidhe says, "But for anyone who cares, saving it outside the buffer and repeating it wouldnt be hard."
Mhorigan exclaims, "Dang, that's a great idea!"
Aelsidhe says, "Not like that'd stop it."
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Mhorigan just hugged Aryleya.
Aelsidhe grins.
Aelsidhe says, "But might help"
Titaniia says, "easy enough to type "control v". People are amazingly creative when it comes to making money."
Aelsidhe nods.
Mhorigan says, "I'll request that."
Mhorigan nods.
Aelsidhe says, "yeah make em have to go to the effort of cut paste may cut it down"
Aelsidhe nods to Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "Yeah, but every little bit helps."
Mhorigan says, "And, it shows them what we, er, think."
Aelsidhe nods to Mhorigan.
Zorkell says, "Amazing what I saw the other day, someone asked could someone send me an e-scroll of a script from Icemule to wehnimers? Someone replied for 100k I will"
Aelsidhe says, "Anyone who'd pay 100k for a map route deserves the value for their money"
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Lorennion asks, "Aelsidhe....You going to have time to go over my deputy list anything in this millenia?"
Aelsidhe says, "not immediately tho. I'm kinda working on one of the biggest things ever"
Aelsidhe grins.
Aelsidhe says, "And it has my attention"
Aelsidhe pokes Lorennion in the ribs.
Lovedone asks, "but whats the big deal about people selling on the net? i really don't mind it and go there to look for it. Maybe if its someone who is repeating the same thing over and over you can cut them off like you do when a thought is too long? Too many thoughts that are the same in a row with no change you cannot think for a while?"
Mhorigan says, "Lovedone, we'll have selling on the net. It's just a matter of whether everything should be on the same channel."
Mhorigan nods to Lovedone.
Aelsidhe says, "Then Lovedone, the idea is you can choose to be on the selling net or not, if you like and want it."
Vadrec says, "What exactly would qualify as the "biggest thing ever"? Hmm"
Aelsidhe begins chuckling at Vadrec.
Aelsidhe says, "Player housing, silly."
Aelsidhe grins.
Vadrec says, "Aelsidhe, about player housing, though.."
Vadrec asks, "Will we be able to alter the interior of our house?"
Vadrec asks, "Without having to spend 3 hours waiting for a GM?"
Aelsidhe says, "I have no idea and dont ask. were talking about ESP here. I am just biulding areas and do not know house mechanics :)"
Aelsidhe smiles at Vadrec.
Kyts asks, "Hrm, will houses be open to public thinking too or restricted like tables?"
Mhorigan says, "Kyts, I dunno yet."
Aelsidhe says, "I really dont."
Aelsidhe grins.
Aelsidhe says, "Im geography only ;)"
Zalonon says, "How about make a seperate verb on the amunet for selling and also give the ability to filter it out like you can arrivals or deaths."
Mhorigan says, "That's a good idea, Zalonon"
Mhorigan says, "thinkmerch, or something"
Mhorigan furrows his brow.
Aelsidhe says, "Mhorigan I suggested that the other day and Varevice and them talked me out of it."
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "Yeah, well, I'm bigger than she is"
Mhorigan grins.
Aelsidhe says, "I rather like the 'selling net flag' idea."
Aelsidhe grins.
Aelsidhe asks, "The constant TTM IS raather OOC. Why not just have a 'sell channel'?"
Aelsidhe says, "Sort of a back channel for all selling. Many MUDs use similar, not that we are one."
Aelsidhe grins.
Mhorigan says, "Well, mebbe we need to make it easier. Instead of requiring that sellers and buyers have another ESP item, for that second channel, make it any channel -- but a slightly different verb (thinksell?), one which players can toggle off."
Aelsidhe nods to Mhorigan.
Aelsidhe says, "That was what I proposed."
Aelsidhe says, "Keep all the selling kinda between players on a back channel."
Aelsidhe shrugs.
Jerephaim says, "Many MUDs use an Auction channel"
Aelsidhe nods to Jerephaim.
Lorennion says, "I never even use amulets anymore Mhorigan"
Mhorigan nods to Lorennion.
Aelsidhe says, "Since even if it is in character to sell stuff... the form it takes is not conducive to RP"
Mhorigan says, "Well, Aelsidhe.. Now all we have to do is get one of the coding ninjas to volunteer to put it in ;) I'm sure I can get it approved."
Mhorigan grins.
Aelsidhe says, "OK. I have to go do something."
Aelsidhe grins.
Aelsidhe says, "Might be back :)"
Aelsidhe exclaims, "Metaephor is yelling at me!"
Aelsidhe's face turns slightly pale.
Zorkell says, "If these changes do work for the ESP it will definetly have a big impact across elanthia"
Mhorigan nods to Zorkell.
Titaniia gibbers incoherently.
Titaniia exclaims, "leave..before we get tormented souls in here!"
Aelsidhe says, "Good idea"
Aelsidhe nods to Titaniia.
Aelsidhe giggles.
Aelsidhe gestures and a shaft of scintillating light from somewhere above pierces the ceiling and engulfs her. When the light recedes Aelsidhe is no longer there.
Mhorigan says, "OK, folks.. I have to scoot, too. We wanna open something tonight :)"
Ravenspiritt says, "Mhorigan if you are gonna do multiple nets, be sure and remind the coder to look at the society thought thing so it works for us too."
Mhorigan nods to Ravenspiritt.
Mhorigan says, "That wouldn't matter, actually."
Lorennion asks, "Guild?"
Mhorigan says, "Not that big, Lore."
Mhorigan says, "But, yeah.. Time to go :)"
Mhorigan exclaims, "Thanks for coming!"
Mhorigan bows.
Mhorigan grins.
Boneshed says, " Mhorigan Thank you for your time this eve, I loved your Forum, It really Gives us a lil Pick me up, least it does to me"
Mhorigan smiles at Boneshed.
Mhorigan says, "Thanks.. These get me all charged up, too."
Lorennion says, "You know me Mhorigan...I always hope for the big things"
Lorennion winks at Mhorigan.
Mhorigan says, "Lorennion..."
Mhorigan says, "Rogue's Guild:"
Mhorigan says, "The major bottleneck right now is Sayzor's rework of locks..."
Mhorigan says, "Once he has that done, we should be able to kick it open soon after."
Kyts asks, "Okies I think I missed this part. How do ya become a deputy?"
Mhorigan says, "Kyts, talk to Lorennion, here ;)"
Amoret says, "Oh, by the way.. I have a whole new respect for you Mhorigan, now that I know you are a hockey fan."
Mhorigan nods to Amoret.
Mhorigan says, "Big time"
Mhorigan grins.
Amoret asks, "whos your team, just for kicks...?"
Mhorigan says, "The Blues ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Also, the Caps."
Amoret says, "Ohh... I approve of the caps, I am a huge Tikkanen fan."
Amoret winks at Mhorigan.
Blades says, "Bah! Devils"
Mhorigan exclaims, "Neutral Zone Bores!"
Mhorigan pokes Blades in the ribs.
Mhorigan nods to Amoret.
Mhorigan says, "Yep, I'm gonna pop in one night and secretly add a new language.."
Mhorigan says, "Tikkanese."
Mhorigan nods.
Mhorigan babbles something unintelligible.
Mhorigan gibbers incoherently.
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "You'd have to hear him interviewed ;)"
Titaniia asks, "I suppose if I called hockey a horribly violent sport right now...I might be in trouble?"
Mhorigan says, "Well take you into the boards hard"
Mhorigan nods to Titaniia.
Zalonon says, "I thought football was the only sport"
Mhorigan says, "No, Zal.. It's just the King of sports ;)"
Blades says, "its more entertaining when they pull their jersey over their head and beat on em"
Mhorigan begins chuckling at Blades.
Mhorigan nods.
Blades says, "I still wanna see someone take off der skate and try to stab someone"
Blades nods.
Blades says, "just call me homicidal"
Mhorigan says, "Blades, you see Happy Gilmore? The scene where he does that to another golfer.. I nearly busted a rib ;)"
Blades nods to Mhorigan.
Blades says, "Love that Movie"
Mhorigan grins.
Mhorigan nods to Blades.
Mhorigan says, "Ok, folks.. I gotta close it down."
Mhorigan says, "And you have to leave first ;)"
Mhorigan says, "Or you'll be trapped in here"
Mhorigan says, "There's no beer, either."
Amoret says, "Thank you Mhorigan..."
Mhorigan says, "Welcome :)"
Zorkell says, "thanks for the information"
Zorkell says, "and letting me know that there is still hope in the ESP"
Zorkell exclaims, "har har!"
Mhorigan says, "Zorkell, yep. In some form"
Mhorigan says, "Oh, I thought you said "ES""
Mhorigan chuckles.
Mhorigan says, "Oh, folks.. Everybody out :)"
Mhorigan grins.
Mhorigan exclaims, "Leave!"
Mhorigan nods.
Mhorigan flails his arms about.
Mhorigan chuckles.



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