Messages

106

BM General Discussion / Re: Looking for a Map Editor

« on: June 26, 2011, 06:29:29 PM »

Civ5 maps do look really impressive.

Perhaps it'd be best to have independent art on BMs maps, though? Like what Corwin said: art made by users to apply on the civ maps, and still use the foundation of the map generator for that?

107

Other Games / Re: Die2Nite

« on: June 26, 2011, 06:07:50 PM »

Oh, right. You meant in this forum.

108

Other Games / Re: Die2Nite

« on: June 26, 2011, 06:01:01 PM »

Where is that?

When I go to Soul > Settings I can't find any link that leads to another page, and none of the fields that show up here allow me to change my username. I never found a link to Profile, or anything. Is it hidden somewhere or you meant it as the soul?

109

Atamara / Re: The Current War

« on: June 26, 2011, 06:58:31 AM »

This is indeed what makes you different from Falasan in fact as i stated in my previous message.This game mechanic did change everything.That counts for many realms at this point i bet.

Indeed. TMP entered the game when Falasan was already without Barad Falas and, gosh, did that hit us hard. Each time CE and Tara withdrew to refit (and it happened far away), Falasan was without battles for over a week, and the TMP started to kick in (also, I think it still had some tweaking to do at the time, since it sometimes returned a couple of days after a minor battle). Unnerving.

But I also know this wasn't what doomed us: it was practically impossible for Falasan to be a neutral realm in that location, specially after the Ash Sea Islands were gone. And it was due mostly to the realm's long history and the fact that it was ripe for the taking, after losing Tucha and Barad Falas. The realm would have to live hanging on a whim of her enemies, and that was no good. The enemies were also whimsical and decided to end things once and for all.

I must say it was fun while it lasted (in a sort of desperate way). And, oh, the battles. Too bad so many of those good players left the game.

Nonetheless, holding position in between the lake and the mountains is pretty hard if you don't have an ally that will help you hold your frontlines and protect your back. Also, I don't think I ever saw true neutrality in BM. Anyone?

110

Other Games / Re: Die2Nite

« on: June 25, 2011, 11:59:23 PM »

I'm sure there's still room in one of the coalitions. And Tom can make you an avatar, if you wish

Oh, that'd be great, if it isn't too much trouble. It's also great to advertise for BM. But please make it capitalized (I wrote my name as a username, now I'm stuck with it).

111

Other Games / Re: Die2Nite

« on: June 25, 2011, 10:58:05 PM »

Oi, guys... I'm playing this too. Just about a week through, but I thought I had to be sure I liked the game before coming here and saying it.

I'd love to play with you guys after this town is over (we're on day 2-3 right now), if there's room somewhere.

112

Other Games / Re: Lords of Creation OOC Thread

« on: June 25, 2011, 08:30:30 PM »

Wolves

Wolves are the first children of Sophia, the Pale. They can come in all colors and shades of black, white, brown, gray, ranging to golden and red, but there usually few colors within the same region. Their animal nature makes them see the world in simple colors, and they are often surprised about the difficulty that other sentient life forms feel to know right from wrong. They live in hierarchical packs, hunting in groups and worshiping the goddess who made them. They are mostly nightly creatures, but function under daylight just as well, when necessary. They form lifelong couples, and their friendships see no boundaries. To be accepted as a couple, they must prove their bond before the pack, with a test made by the eldest wolf. This is one of the few rites the packs have.

They are sentient creatures, but they don't have the inherent ability to actually talk or write. Their language is extensive and complex, based on groans, gestures and a primitive ability to connect their minds (only used for really complicated interactions). Usually, such ability is stronger in pups, and start to fade as they start to use the external language for most conversations. A wolf must always practice, or he can lose it completely. The ability to connect their minds is also a sign that distinguish the two types of wolves: the Wolves from the Mythic Wolves. The stronger the ability, more likely it is for the wolf to develop as a Mythic Wolf, though other signs might also show at a young age. The Mythic Wolves are stronger, more agile, and are able to communicate freely with each other through their minds. They are able to use limited magic, related to the power of their Goddess, and it is believed they can hear her voice in their minds. Among the wolves, they are the most free from their instincts, and often travel to meet a companion of another race that hears the call of Sophia. Mythic Wolves most basic magic is the ability to voice out his thoughts in languages he understands (not through their mouths, note it, and they have to know the language to be able to voice it out). The Mythic Wolves powers are much more effective in night time, so they tend to avoid daylight whenever possible.

They are organized in packs with strict hierarchy, based on strength, intelligence and wisdom. The Mythic Wolves are always at the top, so it is not unusual that common wolves try to kill them while they're still pups. It is also a sign of strength for a pack to have many Mythic Wolves, and attests for the quality of their gene pool. It is transmitted genetically, but not with a large amount of certainty. Some of the greatest Mythic Wolves were born from both common parents and had brothers and sisters at the lowest rank in the pack. However, out in the world are many packs of wolves who slowly degraded into wildness, killing their Mythic pups and ignoring whatever trace of culture they might have had. Their intelligence is the same, but the wisdom is greatly diminished, and it might be dangerous to cross their paths.

113

Other Games / Re: Lords of Creation: Redux - IC

« on: June 25, 2011, 06:10:25 PM »

Sophia, the Void

Sophia watched Arkh while he talked. The humanoid cloud talked inflexibly, as if it had no attachments, perhaps in what could be considered truly godlike. She smiled, expecting nothing less from the god who had created the White Curse. He was powerful, and his creation was what had given means to her existence, and Nicolai's.

"The White Curse... I like the stillness of it, her contemplating iceness, and the way she rolls around inexorably. I like the way she ended the dark, ending the insanity that crept among some of the creatures in the world. I like how she curses, because she gives meaning to some of the people's lives. We gods don't have the sparkle of life, ourselves, we're made of something else, and I think that's what makes our creatures so interesting. As much as we have something they'll never have, they have something we'll never taste, something we gave them. Which could bring suffering, but also happiness. And if they do it over and over again, isn't there method and constancy to the chaos?"

Sophia made a pause. She wasn't trying to convince him to like life, but to give it the benefit of doubt. Yet, she had to watch more for herself, the work of the other gods, before continuing to argue. She decided to end it there, if possible.

"Great Arkh, you talk ill of desires and ambitions and the fact that they never end, and I'm glad to see you yourself has things you like and dislike. It is almost safe to say you'll have things you love and hate, though us gods can't love or hate as intensely as our creatures, because our powers would bring catastrophic consequences in the name of our feelings. And, who knows? I might just find a living mortal with a view of things that is keen to your own. They tend to settle down when they get older..."

With that, Sophia left to observe the world. She, too, wanted to play. Instantly attracted to the huge mass that was Atlantis, she approached to see the endless forest and the large spine of mountains. It lacked variety, though. With some effort, Sophia started creating meadows and hills on the northern side of the continent, gently pushing the Ka'Alfar and Sa'Alfar to the sides. Sometimes, she would stop and create rivers and lakes, born in the forests and crossing the lowlands. The final piece of work was to make a large river born in the mountains, going north, crossing the meadows, going through a large plain of grassland and ending in the sea. Sophia named it the Ganos River. (Alter Terrain: the Lands of Ganos) It was then populated with all sorts of small life, from cattle to mice to fish. It looked very peaceful, so she hid some dangers, like river canyons, caves, and predators. Most of all, she dedicated to making a creature of the dark: the wolf. They would thrive in the night with her, survive the cold winters, and some of them would help her chosen ones in their tasks, being able to do limited kinds of magic. (Create life: Wolves)

Then, she went to find an Urdimkal. His name was Chtal, and he had a vivid spirit, being the last son of a noble family. (Raise Hero: Chtal) Her voice reached him in the night, and he felt the urge to start searching... he didn't know what, yet. Sophia imbued him with the love for adventure and the unknown, the eagerness to know more and find more, and sent a female wolf to guide him. He gathered others and looked for a way out of his mountain, finding the river. They became the first Urdimkal Explorers, the first of many to return with all kinds of new materials and techniques. But that was not everything Sophia had in store for him. (Create Class: Explorer)

---
Rollover AP 9 (5+4)
AP 6: 5 - 3 Alter Terrain: ~250,000 sq mi. -> the Lands of Ganos
AP 5: 2 - 1 Create life: Wolves
Raise Hero (bonus from Mythic)
AP 4: 1 - 1 Create Class: Explorer

GP 7 + 5 = 12

DR = 2

114

Other Games / Re: Lords of Creation: Redux - IC

« on: June 25, 2011, 07:24:27 AM »

Sophia, the Void

The young goddess shivered as the older god approached, his coldness preceding him. When he stared at her and started changing, she could see how great his power was, but instead of fear, she felt awe. He took her own form, and she could see herself old and devoid of life and meaning.

Upon getting near her, he coldly stated:

"So you dare interfere with my creations? What is it that you seek, young one? Is it chaos and pain?"

Sophia looked into the eyes that stared blankly at her. He had done a good job, but the old woman's lack of expression bothered her much more because it was his. How could he be so emotionless? And yet, he seemed quite willing to give her some pain due to her actions, which made him somewhat frightening: an unrealized anger?

"Great Arkh" she said, "Creator of the White Curse. You built a thing of beauty to go around this planet." She took a breath, hoping she wouldn't be out of line. He could probably crush her, and the goddess wasn't all that sure she was eternal. "This image of mine you are wearing... would be very truthful if I were to ever age and decay. But it would also look different..." with this, Sophia gently took his old woman's hand. The goddess skin was fresh, but his was cold as ice. She compared them both. "It really is the same as mine... but so... withdrawn." She let it go. "I don't seek pain, Great Arkh, but your creatures were built on endless pain. Not because they lacked the spark, but because they were controlled, and by others with the spark. I made them stronger, in a way. When opposites are together, great things can happen."

115

Other Games / Re: Lords of Creation: Redux - IC

« on: June 25, 2011, 12:56:06 AM »

Sophia, the Void

She woke up in the dark. She knew three things at first: she was a she, encompassing many things she couldn't yet define, the thing around her was the dark, because she knew there was something like light, and she woke up, because she knew she had been dreaming. She had been dreaming of a seed and her father, because there was love there, and she had been dreaming of light, both hot and cold, and of the one who would tame that light.

She stretched. She stretched herself to feel what else was in the dark with her, but nothing reached her. In her extreme loneliness, she stretched again, striving for the light of her dream, and suddenly she could see. There were others like her, but much older and more powerful. She could feel the existence of their houses in planes invisible to sight, and she could see that most of their interest was turned to a small and bright spot in the Void. The lights were there. She ran, and stopped by one of the older gods who was working on it. He felt cold, but also familiar. Instinctively, she knew he had made the cold light, and his name was Arkh. She watched for a while as he created his creatures, and suddenly she realized he was creating them from lifeforms that were once dead. In an instant she was able to grasp the entirety of that small world, and the grandness that it was for some of those creatures to be able to control death. At the same time, she understood the terror it spread on most of the living. She looked at the the cloud form he had taken, as he worked, and felt he wasn't necessarily enjoying the suffering of life, but rather rejecting with all his might that sparkle that made things live.

"But who am I to understand the motivations of the greater gods?" - she whispered, realizing she could talk.

Yet, she felt sorry for those creatures he was making. They were to be controlled, hated and feared for all of their existence, even though they were never given a choice. She took the form of a young woman when she started to cry, wrapped in white fabric, and her power started to gather and expand, until she realized what she was going to do. She inspired deeply and blew, her breath filled with power to search each and every one of those creatures, changing their making forever. (Bless MR5 - All Undead) In each of them, a small seed was planted, a trap for their best feelings from life, their love for life and others, and compassion. A trap which would keep the tiniest part of their previous memories alive, and which most of them would never feel. But for those who, by magic, fate (as in a god's bidding), or happenstance, found their way to this piece of themselves, there was the hope of freewill, self-control, or freedom. For Ghosts, this would mean a chance at definite death. For Walkers, this would mean a chance at choosing their own path. For Lichs, this would mean a chance at redemption.

For every conscious living thing in the world, this would mean a small piece of their soul remains trapped in the material world until their body is completely decomposed or their souls purified (not that they all know how). When she noticed the last part of her blessing, the goddess was terrified. She suddenly realized she had been too young and careless, but she wasn't powerful enough to bless them again. Now it was in their hands. She saw that those who freed themselves would be enough at least to create legends, and make them a little less feared and hated by the living.

Oblivious to any reaction from Arkh, her eyes then turned to the light sources. The White Curse and the Sphere of Flame, they were called. Chasing each other in random orbit around the planet, causing the climate to be cold or hot as they passed, causing some chaos and death, but also life, much better than when it was only darkness. She knew it wasn't in her power to organize them, yet she hoped the young god in her dream would do it soon. "Nicolai" she said "and Sophia."

Now she had a name.

---

AP 5 (12-7) - Bless MR5 (1 MR free from Lifegiver) - All Undead

GP 7

116

Other Games / Re: Lords of Creation OOC Thread

« on: June 21, 2011, 03:40:31 PM »

I was taking a bit of time to post this since I got a bit mixed about what's Sun and what's Moon in this world, but I'm posting anyway. I suppose if something changes I can ask the mods for permission to change here?

Name:  Sophia, the Pale (will probably change as she develops a bit?)
Played By: Bluelake (Tali)
Symbol: A full moon crossed by a sword, must be tied to a chain.
Home: The Void
Domains: Moon, Love
Favored Weapon: Sword
Divine Powers: Mythic, Lifegiver
Extra artifact: Utility

Sophia, as opposed to Nicolai, is mischievous, but not in a bad way. She is curious towards everything, especially towards what the other gods are creating around the material world. She won't often appear as an avatar in front of the earthly creatures, but will always try to meddle in their lives. She promotes the feeling of love, love for another creature, love for knowledge, love for battle, love for whatever she thinks can make the world more interesting.

She usually approaches the earth at night, when the darkness covers forbidden yearnings and plans, and the moon is a token of hope for her followers. She carries a sword to symbolize a close battle for something you love.

117

Feature Requests / Re: Just a little screenshot of a feature in development...

« on: March 05, 2011, 03:45:29 AM »

if you don't want to do any of these things, just don't join an army.

Yes, I agree. But it isn't really you who chooses which army you're in (unless you're a region lord). And nowadays, you still see knights who don't use the informal army banner, and I'm not sure they do it just because it looks ugly on the unit name. Though I have to say it's rare to see conflict between knights and armies in this level.

Maybe you're right, and everyone should be identified whether they want it or not. It just seemed so logical to me, an opportunity to tie two "loose ends" together, to tie one of the imaginary tools of game mechanics with a graphical resource that would solve an identification problem... I was just surprised to see it wasn't what you had in mind.

118

Feature Requests / Re: Just a little screenshot of a feature in development...

« on: March 04, 2011, 05:42:56 PM »

I'm not sure what you mean by this. The banners are shown on scout reports. If you mean something else, can you maybe explain a little more about what you mean?

Oops.

Since I didn't see this on the screenshot Timothy posted, I didn't suppose they did show. Ok, then.

[...] I think that the important thing here is not anything related to the paraphernalia item, but the indication that I believe all units in such a milieu would have of what army they belong to.  It's meant to aid in promoting the camaraderie that goes along with being part of a particular army [...]

I get what you're saying, but maybe this comraderie should be optional? What if I don't want to be identified with my army, what if the army wants to be anonymous? (at the cost of the benefits the paraphernalia brings, of course)

Surely the matter of identification of sides is easily solved if all units (or at least bannerless units or untis from bannerless armies) would have the banner of their realm by them (which was already mentioned before?). I suppose you could hide which army you're from, but not which realm? Game mechanics already say that, at least.

119

Feature Requests / Re: Just a little screenshot of a feature in development...

« on: March 04, 2011, 04:03:45 PM »

Just a minute...

If the banner paraphernalia isn't meant to be the actual banner flying over the unit, as a gathering point and improving the unit's morale, etc etc etc, why do we still call it "banner" in general?

I don't see why units without banners should have banners (or perhaps they should have the realm's standard banner instead? which doesn't add to morale since all units have the same banner? ah...). Unless it's specified that the paraphernalia banner is actually a banner of the noble leading the unit, and not a realm or army banner. Then maybe that should be said on the paraphernalia banner description somewhere?

Well, I was thinking we'd see banners being purchased because of pride and aestethics (as a good nobleman would). Making people give it some thought instead of having it automatically added to you. Making poor troopleaders unable to identify with the army, or those who want to protest against it too. Something like that.

-----------

On another note, nowadays the banner hidden on the unit name enables people to see the armies on scout reports and region listing (like: fear us, the XYZ Army is all camped here to defend this region). This could be considered for implementation at some point?

Despite my "complaints", I really love this feature. Thanks.