Contests:
We ran a couple of contests recently on the MUD. For those of you who missed it, they can be viewed on the Forum. One was a 'Who-design' contest, to come up with some new ideas for your own or the MUD's 'who list'. See help whodesign to have a go yourself.
The other was for a new write up on our MUDConnect page, the first thing people see who browse that site for a new MUD to try. It was very well supported despite a slow start. The aim was to look for something different to represent us, since we have had that particular write up for about 6 years. Entries are posted here.
It will be a combination of entries that will finally represent us, and Asher will advise us when it is completed. The other entries will be used on the Fate of the Republic website on a testimonial page. If you want to add your testimonial to these, please do so under the 'Testimonial' thread on the Forum.
I know it was a difficult thing to decide, as I personally liked all the entries. Each one touched on an aspect of our MUD that I wanted everyone to know about. Casting my one vote was so very hard. >>
For new players and old:
I wanted to touch on something people have asked about recently.
"Why do we have to spend time here to Profession, and why can't I do all I want, right now!!?"
I would like to counter with, "Why does anyone play a game? And why in particular a role play game, if you just want to log in for a few minutes and then go again?"
It seems ridiculous, but honestly, when did any game give instant gratification? They all use hooks of varying kinds to keep people playing.
In a role play environment it is vital to have players on the game to actually rp. It doesn't work without them. Mechanics are nice to play for a while, but rp as I've said in a previous blog, is what brings people here. Time and again we are asked 'are you an rp enforced MUD' and when we say yes, they say 'Good!'.
About AP:
The other big discussion it seems, these past few weeks has been about AP and the use and viability of it as an automatic in-game reward system.
AP is a new system that is still being implemented. The quest point system was NOT an automatic reward, and relied heavily on participating Quest Masters who were at times being treated like vending machines.
AP is exchangeable for many items. See 'exchange rate' for some options. It is also available for use in ship upgrades, and for that you need to contact an Immortal.
As I said it is still being implemented and code changes are being looked into for the future levels of AP rewards that will be available to players.
Pirate Hunting is one of the main ones at the moment (see help phunting) and it has been said it only benefits pilots. This is not the case, we have players who are not pilots, using the system, and several starfighters with cargo space. Again this can be upgraded with AP for those serious about asteroid mining. I should also point out not all systems have pirates. :)
The bright side:
It is worth noting that AP has allowed a few other things to emerge in FotR. The restring command has meant a lot of players can diversify not only their looks but their role play props as well. With many people using it to make items to assist their rp which previously they couldn't have managed without an Immortal's help.
Shipbuilders are also using AP to sell pre-modified ships, an attractive option to a lot of players.
If anyone has anymore ideas they have used AP for, please share them in the comments section on the bottom of the blog, so other players may benefit. :)
Christmas:
Finally, Christmas. We had a rather active Christmas here on the MUD and it was so good to see the Christmas Tree on Hapes, laden with presents that were donated by players. Anyone can donate and anyone can take from the Tree at this time of year. What many didn't know, I suspect, is a lot of players used their own Quest Points and AP to put high level items under the Tree.
Thank you to all those players on behalf of the staff of FotR and those players who benefited from your generosity, for the selflessness and Christmas spirit you showed.
PS
Lastly, and by no means the least of how we feel. :P
Asher and I would like to thank all of you who have sent us your best wishes. Our family on FotR is very important to us and we are overwhelmed by your support. For those of you still asking about a Wedding date, I'm afraid it will depend on when we can get a Marriage Visa approved. God Bless America. :P (I've been watching far too much West Wing…) Anyway, we'll keep you posted as to a date and style of wedding. Thank you for all the suggestions…. a Star Wars theme being the most common. Who knew you were all such fans. :)
PPS
Don't forget to look at the FAQ page and Newbie page on the website for information for new players. And ask lots of questions, and remember Have Fun!!!
Sound Pack
Click here for the link to the sound pack on our Forum.
