Ta'Vaalor summer 2009 update (storyline)

Dateline 6/7/2009: ROADWAY FOUND LEADING FROM TA'VAALOR TO OLD TA'FAENDRYL

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 10634
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 6/7/2009 10:26:24 PM
Subject: Dateline 6/7/2009: ROADWAY FOUND LEADING FROM TA'VAALOR TO OLD TA'FAENDRYL

Sergeant Corilaera of the Vaalorian Army and a squad of citizen volunteers, on an exploratory mission investigating reports of increased creature activity north of Glaise Cnoc, have discovered the remains of an ancient elven-built road. This dangerous path stretches from the north part of the Ta'Vaalor graveyard to the Gyldemar Road, outside the approach to Old Ta'Faendryl.

Though apparently once grand and well kept, the route is now filled with dangerous obstacles that only the most well trained adventurers can traverse, as well as the occasional hostile creatures that can interrupt travel. High Lord Stewardess Tahlthi Vaalor has stated that the Vaalorian army will not tour this trail, and that anyone travelling upon it travels at their own extreme risk.

Dateline 6/11/2009: TA'VAALOR ANNOUNCES TARIFFS ON METAL IMPORTS AND MINING

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 10773
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 6/11/2009 12:19:47 PM
Subject: Dateline 6/11/2009: TA'VAALOR ANNOUNCES TARIFFS ON METAL IMPORTS AND MINING

The court of King Tyrnian Vaalor announced today that, in response to the projected city budget of 5109, additional taxes will be levied on ore produced by foreign interests. It is the stated hope of the court that these taxes will provide Ta'Vaalor's mining interests with a much-needed boost, helping the city close its budgetary gaps.

A majority of local arms and armor shops have, despite the measure, chosen to continue using ore imported from Zul Logoth and Wehnimer's Landing, citing greater quality. It is likely that the new tariffs will substantially increase the cost of weapons and armor produced by Ta'Vaalor's merchants.

Dateline 6/14/2009: HUNTING RESERVE AND MENAGERIE ESTABLISHED IN TA'VAALOR

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 10853
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 6/14/2009 1:20:20 PM
Subject: Dateline 6/14/2009: HUNTING RESERVE AND MENAGERIE ESTABLISHED IN TA'VAALOR

A member of the Royal Court of Ta'Vaalor, who insists on absolute anonymity, confirmed seeing an usual delivery of numerous species of exotic animals to Lord Chamberlain Retassal er'Anlan Vaalor at the Guardian Keep. Both wild and tame in nature, the animals were delivered to a large gated area inside the Guardian Keep grounds that is off-limits to all but the Royal family. Rumors abound as to the purpose of this delivery; most agree that a private hunting reserve and menagerie is the best guess.

Upon being asked about this delivery, Court officials deny any delivery happening, as well as the purported existence of any secret reserve.

Dateline 6/18/2009: NEW VAALOR TAXES ON LUXURY GOODS

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 10904
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 6/18/2009 11:48:24 AM
Subject: Dateline 6/18/2009: NEW VAALOR TAXES ON LUXURY GOODS

New taxes on the sale and purchase of fine jewelry and gems are the result of a late-night meeting of the King's Court in Ta'Vaalor. According to one court representative, the taxes "are a means of ensuring Ta'Vaalor's bright future by taxing luxury goods available to only a small percentage of the population." The official declined to be named.

The taxes are expected to increase the cost of jewelry and raw gems significantly, as well as slightly decrease the silver offered for raw gems. Reaction from local jewelcrafters was mixed, while the Ta'Illistim Rare Gems Exchange issued a statement in firm support of the measure.

Dateline 6/20/2009: KING TYRNIAN MAKES MAGNAMIMOUS GIFT TO CITIZENS

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 10914
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 6/20/2009 10:49:18 PM
Subject: Dateline 6/20/2009: KING TYRNIAN MAKES MAGNAMIMOUS GIFT TO CITIZENS

Commissioned by King Tyrnian, a solid gold statue of his Majesty has been erected in Amaranth Court. Previously the site of a tall carved elven obelisk, the statue depicts the monarch in a majestic pose, and has been presented as a gift to the citizens of Ta'Vaalor, "for their loyal service", according to a court representative.

One passing citizen was heard to remark, "It sure is shiny!"

Dateline 6/24/2009: TA'VAALOR CONSTABLE RESPONDS TO UNDEAD ACTIVITY

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 10940
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 6/24/2009 1:55:12 PM
Subject: Dateline 6/24/2009: TA'VAALOR CONSTABLE RESPONDS TO UNDEAD ACTIVITY

Constable Corath hel'Saeari Vaalor announced that after numerous reports, the Vaalorian Army has confirmed that undead activity has increased significantly.

The Vaalorian Army report increased activity in the cemetery, and to the south of Ta'Vaalor. Both Constable hel'Saeari and General Jaranzair urge citizens of Ta'Vaalor to remain calm and vigilant.

Dateline 6/29/2009: WORK STOPPAGES RESULT FROM TAVERNS AND PERISHABLES TAX

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 10965
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 6/29/2009 2:32:48 AM
Subject: Dateline 6/29/2009: WORK STOPPAGES RESULT FROM TAVERNS AND PERISHABLES TAX

The passage of the new Inns and Perishables Tax by the King's Court in Ta'Vaalor heralded work stoppages at two of the city's major inns. Workers at Malwith's Inn and the Legendary Rest stopped work for a brief period in the early hours of the morning when it was announced that their pay would be compromised to preserve prices in the wake of the new taxes.

City Guards were called to the premises as relations between the workers and their employers degraded. A hasty meeting with representatives from the Imperial Order of Bussers saw a resolution that preserved the workers' wages.

Prices are expected to escalate at local inns and places that sell food significantly.

Dateline 7/1/2009: FINANCE AND TRADE MINISTRIES ANNOUNCE STIMULUS PLAN

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 10976
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 7/1/2009 12:21:28 AM
Subject: Dateline 7/1/2009: FINANCE AND TRADE MINISTRIES ANNOUNCE STIMULUS PLAN

The Ministers of Finance and Trade today jointly announced a new economic stimulus plan to encourage trade between Ta'Vaalor and Kharam Dzu, the dwarven mining community located on Teras Isle. King Tyrnian has authorized a transfer of five hundred million silvers to the coffers of the Borthuum Mining Company in an attempt to encourage Kharam Dzu citizens to visit the Fortress and patronize local businesses.

When asked about the large sum, Exchequer Arnhal Kerithoth Vaalor stated, "Well, the coffers are overflowing, so His Majesty figured the larger the sum, the more the dwarves would come and spend." Commerce & Trade Minister Jatherthar Daeten Vaalor also commented, "This is just laying the foundation for a stronger future. When the citizens of Kharam Dzu show up to patronize local shops, we'll be building that habit for all future shopping purchases as well."

Local dwarven citizens were overheard debating the wisdom of such a donation, considering "the marked lack of proper ale this side of the DragonSpine."

Dateline 7/5/2009: AMID UNDEAD CONCERNS, GUARDS AROUND TA'VAALOR INCREASED

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11007
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 7/5/2009 11:29:58 PM
Subject: Dateline 7/5/2009: AMID UNDEAD CONCERNS, GUARDS AROUND TA'VAALOR INCREASED

Further to recent reports on increased undead activity around Ta'Vaalor, the Court of King Tyrnian has announced that the Vaalorian Army will increase their current level of guard duty at all town gates, and increase the numbers of soldiers patrolling Ta'Vaalor.

Constable Corath hel'Saeari remains in close contact with both King Tyrnian and General Jaranzair regarding the situation. The Court of King Tyrnian would like to urge citizens to remain calm and vigilant, and remind citizens that their safety is paramount.

Urgent talks are set to continue throughout the coming days.

Dateline 7/8/2009: TYRNIAN LEVIES TAX AGAINST PERSONAL SERVICES

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11018
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 7/8/2009 3:32:21 AM
Subject: Dateline 7/8/2009: TYRNIAN LEVIES TAX AGAINST PERSONAL SERVICES

Several small disturbances broke out on the streets of Ta'Vaalor in response to a major new tax on personal services authorized by King Tyrnian. The tax, which covers such basic services as locksmithing, portage, and merchanting within Ta'Vaalor city limits, has been called 'necessary' by the government and 'abominable' by critics.

The tax is expected to have far-reaching consequences. A number of local shop owners have voiced their disapproval of the measure, while noting that a corresponding increase in cost for their services is inevitable. Furthermore, both the furrier Ghaerdish as well as the local pawnshop owners state that the new taxes will force them to offer less silver to all items sold within their shops.

A representative of the Empath Guild was overheard as saying, "What's next, taxing us for our health?" He could not be reached for further comment and declined to be named.

Dateline 7/14/2009: HAS AID ARRIVED FOR TA'VAALOR'S UNDEAD PROBLEM?

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11061
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 7/14/2009 6:44:09 AM
Subject: Dateline 7/14/2009: HAS AID ARRIVED FOR TA'VAALOR'S UNDEAD PROBLEM?

News of the current troubles in Ta'Vaalor has crossed the Dragonspine and is reaching far and wide. Latest reports claim that an Aelotoi scholar has arrived to assist, claiming to have the knowledge and power to solve the current undead problem.

Military Liaison Corath hel'Saeari Vaalor has confirmed that the Vaalorian Army is happy to accept the offered assistance and is confident that Scholar Alvarad is dedicated to the safety of Ta'Vaalor and its citizens.

Town guards have been overheard commenting on the friendly and helpful attitude of Alvarad.

RE: Dateline 7/14/2009: HAS AID ARRIVED FOR TA'VAALOR'S UNDEAD PROBLEM?

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11069
Author: ABBOTTB
Date: 7/15/2009 6:47:25 AM
Subject: RE: Dateline 7/14/2009: HAS AID ARRIVED FOR TA'VAALOR'S UNDEAD PROBLEM?

Last night along Fearling Pass Liches, Wraiths, Shadows, Skeletal Destroyers, Beings, Dark Souls and other undead were crawling out of fissures in the ground. Strangely enough an Elf, a Faendryl and the Scholar teamed up. Working together the Elf and Faendryl held back the horde of undead, while the Scholar to studied the creatures. The Fearling Pass was cleared back to the Bog. And glasses of wine were shared when the dust had settled.

The Scholar I do believe wants to speak to the apparition, if not capture one of the creatures. Maybe someone like Tsalim, to whom the creature has spoken to, will be able to draw the entity forward.

Peace

Dateline 7/19/2009: HEALTH AND GOODWILL TAXES CAUSE HAVOC IN TA'VAALOR

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11076
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 7/19/2009 7:26:16 PM
Subject: Dateline 7/19/2009: HEALTH AND GOODWILL TAXES CAUSE HAVOC IN TA'VAALOR

Announcement of a Health and Goodwill Tax in Ta'Vaalor caused a minor riot near the Amaranth Gate in the late hours of the day. The tax measure comes in the wake of a number of other tariffs levied as part of a beautification project for the martial city. City officials led by High Constable Corath hel'Saeari Vaalor quelled the disturbance.

The Health and Goodwill Tax has been levied against the Empath Guild and its suppliers, and early projections see it raising the price of medicinal herbs in Ta'Vaalor to untenable levels by the end of the current budgetary year.

Reaction from local empaths has reached an almost treasonous note. One healer, Skydust Songfawn, had this to say: "King Tyrnian had better not get hurt any time soon."

TA'VAALORS UNDEAD PROBLEM: NO MORE!

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11086
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 7/26/2009 12:01:40 AM
Subject: TA'VAALORS UNDEAD PROBLEM: NO MORE!

The latest reports from the city of Ta'Vaalor suggest that the aelotoi scholar Alvarad has headed up a huge effort to find the solution to the frequent attacks on the city recently.

Corath hel'Saeari Vaalor has confirmed that a large hoard of undead have been slaughtered, and rather oddly, the apparition that has been plaguing the town was sucked into a gem and destroyed.

Military leaders of Ta'Vaalor are said to be heaving a sigh of relief as the city returns to its peaceful state.

Rumors persist that King Tyrnian will honor the scholar in some way for his bravery and defense of the city.

Dateline 7/29/2009: IN TA'VAALOR: SCHOLAR ACKNOWLEDGED FOR HIS HELP

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11127
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 7/29/2009 10:58:17 AM
Subject: Dateline 7/29/2009: IN TA'VAALOR: SCHOLAR ACKNOWLEDGED FOR HIS HELP

The Court of King Tyrnian has today announced that King Tyrnian himself wishes to honor the aelotoi scholar Alvarad for his valiant efforts to defend the city of Ta'Vaalor.

The Court has confirmed that they will bestow the honorary title of "Guardian of House Vaalor" upon Alvarad.

Alvarad has expressed his extreme gratitude and pledges continued dedication to the safety of Ta'Vaalor and its citizens.

Dateline 8/2/2009: RUMORS ARE RIFE IN TA'VAALOR

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11132
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 8/2/2009 2:16:49 PM
Subject: Dateline 8/2/2009: RUMORS ARE RIFE IN TA'VAALOR

Amid celebrations, rumors and suspicions are rife in the city of Ta'Vaalor. While Ta'Vaalor gives thanks to the aelotoi scholar Alvarad, several rumors have reached the gates of the city, and beyond, regarding the true integrity of Alvarad.

In particular, trusted Junior Lieutenant Ruaera has expressed her mistrust of Alvarad and claims that several others are in agreement that the scholar is not what he seems.

The senior military of Ta'Vaalor have, of course, branded the rumors and suspicions as "idle gossip" and "ludicrous claims grounded in little evidence."

Dateline 8/4/2009: SCHOLAR OFFERS GIFT TO KING TYRNIAN

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11139
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 8/4/2009 10:50:32 PM
Subject: Dateline 8/4/2009: SCHOLAR OFFERS GIFT TO KING TYRNIAN

Aelotoi scholar Alvarad, the Guardian of House Vaalor, has today presented King Tyrnian with a statue crafted in Cysaegir. The beautiful piece, now situated in Victory Court, is a giant statue of King Tyrnian himself.

Alvarad states that the statue is a thank you to the King for the bestowing of an honorary title recently.

Citizens of Ta'Vaalor have remarked that the statue is fitting, and a majestic representation of their king. Others have been overheard describing the statue as, 'gaudy' and 'unnecessary.'

Dateline 8/5/2009: VICTORY COURT TO BE RENAMED IN KING'S HONOR

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11145
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 8/5/2009 7:35:52 PM
Subject: Dateline 8/5/2009: VICTORY COURT TO BE RENAMED IN KING'S HONOR

In a surprise announcement by the King's Royal Council, Victory Court will be renamed in honor of King Tyrnian Vaalor and the newly delivered statue gifted by the scholar Alvarad. The newly named Tyrnian Court will be christened in a small ceremony at 10:00 P.M. by the elven standard on Niiman, the 6th day of Phoenatos, in the year 5109.

Several Ta'Vaalor locals have voiced moderate discontent over the change to the long-standing courtyard.

Dateline 8/8/2009: OFFICER ABANDONS POST IN TA'VAALOR

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11155
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 8/8/2009 7:17:31 PM
Subject: Dateline 8/8/2009: OFFICER ABANDONS POST IN TA'VAALOR

Word from Ta'Vaalor indicates that Junior Lieutenant Ruaera has been absent from duty for several days, and has not been seen at all during this time.

Ruaera was recently reprimanded for raising suspicions about the integrity of the honored aelotoi scholar Alvarad.

When asked to comment, military liaison Corath hel'Saeari Vaalor said, "We are unsure if Ruaera has absconded of her own accord. Citizens can be assured that the safety of Ta'Vaalor, its soldiers and citizens is paramount, and we shall conduct a thorough investigation into the recent disappearance."

The family of Ruaera insists that she would not abandon her duty to the city, regardless of circumstance.

Dateline 8/9/2009: SEARCH FOR MISSING GUARD ESCALATES

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11160
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 8/9/2009 8:44:13 PM
Subject: Dateline 8/9/2009: SEARCH FOR MISSING GUARD ESCALATES

Volunteers and family members continue to search for Junior Lieutenant Ruaera, missing now for over a week. The promised official investigation into her disappearance is under way, and a variety of rumors and theories circulate around the fortress. Chief among these is the report that court mages detected traces of magical residue in Ruaera's private residence.

Military liaison Corath hel'Saeari Vaalor has announced that an official search party will be formed this Day of the Huntress, the 14th day of Phoenatos (Friday, August 14). All interested citizens should meet in Tyrnian Court at 9:30pm where they will be divided into groups and assigned to specific sections of the city and outlying areas.

Dateline 8/17/2009: CHAOS REIGNS AS TA'VAALOR IS BREACHED!

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11210
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 8/17/2009 10:13:48 PM
Subject: Dateline 8/17/2009: CHAOS REIGNS AS TA'VAALOR IS BREACHED!

Terrible news has reached far and wide, from the fortress city of Ta'Vaalor.

Reports have confirmed that the statue of King Tyrnian, given by aelotoi scholar Alvarad was, in fact, a trap.

News suggests that the trusted scholar Alvarad used unknown magic to release hordes of undead upon the city. The damage done by the horde has been immeasurable.

The brave and valiant citizens of Ta'Vaalor have defeated the hordes, and the statue of King Tyrnian destroyed by the pride of Ta'Vaalor, martial weapons. Confirmed reports also indicate the death of the scholar, who had remained protected from attacks until the statue had been destroyed.

Despite the victory over the hordes, the destruction left in its wake has left the city almost unsalvageable. There is an eerie silence about the city, as citizens mourn their dead, and the loss of their city.

Donations have started to arrive from The Shining City, and Queen Myasara has expressed her deep sadness at the recent events. Across the Dragonspine, dignitaries from other towns and cities such as Icemule Trace have also expressed their concern and sadness, and pledged to send assistance to the fortress city, should it be required.

Dateline 8/18/2009: TA'VAALOR ON HIGH ALERT!

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11237
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 8/18/2009 7:58:36 PM
Subject: Dateline 8/18/2009: TA'VAALOR ON HIGH ALERT!

After the recent destruction of the city of Ta'Vaalor, military presence among the ruined streets of the city has increased tenfold. Paranoia is said to be rife among military and civilian citizens alike.

The Court of King Tyrnian has yet to comment on the recent disaster, and the King himself has not been seen since the recent events. It has been rumored that he may have fled the city. Constable Corath hel'Saeari Vaalor has stated, "The hordes are defeated, and we will continue to patrol the streets of the city with great vigilance while we await news from the King."

Dateline 8/26/2009: CHANGES ARE AFOOT IN TA'VAALOR

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11237
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 8/26/2009 10:20:24 PM
Subject: Dateline 8/26/2009: CHANGES ARE AFOOT IN TA'VAALOR

Following the tragic events in Ta'Vaalor, King Tyrnian has come forth to issue a proclamation to the city.

He stated that the city of Vaalor needs to shape up, and has urged loyal citizens of the city to join the Army Reserve. He stated that plans are afoot to dramatically increase the size of the Army Reserve, and that their duties will include patrolling the town, and that support structures will be built to enable them to do this.

The King has also rushed through implementation of a new permit system to keep track of citizens entering the city, in order to prevent further attacks on the city.

Finally, the King has decreed that only Vaalorian elves shall have full citizenship within Ta'Vaalor. Elves of other bloodlines, as well as sylvans, shall enjoy partial citizenship, while all others will be denied.

Changes are afoot in Ta'Vaalor, and many are wondering how far the King will go to ensure its safety.

Alyias' book

Category: Towns
Topic: Ta'Vaalor
Message #: 11427
Author: GS4-ALYIAS
Date: 8/29/2009 11:04:04 AM
Subject: Alyias' book

Ok, I'm going to try to answer as many questions here as I can, in a flurry of posts.

>>Player Shops

With the stripping of citizenship, if you owned a shop, usage is going to be slightly limited. YOU WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOSE YOUR SHOP. If someone tells you this, they are not correct and may be trying to scam your shop from you for a low, low price. The following is a list of things you will not be able to do: Claim a new shop, extend your shop size, modify partners in your shop, ban a person from your shop, or set haggling biases. You WILL be able to do everything else, including sell items.

That being said, if you fall into this category, and would like assistance moving your shop to another location, I will work with the other gurus to get that to happen. Please email me at [REDACTED], and CC [REDACTED]. Those that have already done this, please be patient. I will get to the requests as quickly as possible.

>> Gates

You do NOT have to have papers to get through the gates. The only people that will be turned away from the gates will be banished individuals. People without papers will be stopped at the gates and told to go get papers at Wyvern Keep. Then you can go through the gates. Thus, if you do own a shop, you don't need to spend papers fees to get to your shop.

>> Papers

Either papers or a worn citizenship badge is required to do any purchasing or selling at any town shops. This includes the Ravelin. That is the only mechanical reason that papers are needed. You will NOT get banished, kicked out of town, lose your gear, or any of the other wild and fantastical claims I've heard over the last few days. You just can't use services. This may expand a bit in the future, depending on how well this system works after the initial shock is over.

>> Storyline

Some have said that this was too sudden of changes and should have been rolled in slowly. This is exactly what I did not want to do. Tyrnian's response was supposed to be a SHOCKER, and his response certainly was (as some have posted), a violent swing in the other direction. Even monarchs are prone to illogical responses. That being said, this isn't over. Chapter 1 is over...Chapter 2 is in the planning process.

>> Bugs

Yes, there are a few bugs. As much as we test, QC, retest, and test some more (and I'm a big stickler on proper testing), players are always going to find one thing or another. I know of the citizenship bug (Full being set to Partial), as well as a few others like Tsalim's Terrific Timestamp (tm). I'll work to fix those up and post about them as soon as I can...likely after the weekend.

Now, on to responding specifically to player posts that haven't been answered above:

>>I used to enjoy the roleplay of the Vaalor elves even if I was on the receiving end, but now that is has become a mechanic it is not so fun.

I would respectfully disagree with you here. Vaalorian roleplay has not become a mechanic. You don't even need papers unless you want to use town shops. Will some vaalorians (as well as NPCs) come around and badger you for your papers and stuff? Sure. That's expanding the roleplaying aspects, not making them mechanical.

>>I, too, am a big fan of this move. I'm just surprised it was approved, because as far as I can tell it doesn't encourage hugs, kissies, or any care bearishness.

As Scribes said, I enjoy storylines with HARD choices for your PC. It's then when you can really dive into the meat of your character and truly learn who and what they are about. Hard choices don't involve hugs, kisses, or care bearishness.

>>So, it's not really fair of you to say "Well, the log of the meeting I had 8 months ago where 10 people attended and I explained all of these plans to them was posted in the forums, why didn't you all know about this?". In fact, you have to dig through archives to find that log. I would say that you could have probably found more creative ways to implement this change, instead of a one time blow that really and honestly shocked and angered alot of people.

As I said, the intent WAS to shock players. As far as angering them, that wasn't intended. I liken this to a book that you're deeply engrossed in, you think you know how the story is progressing, and then BAM...total change of direction. By NO MEANS was this a personal attack on anyone, meant to be an insult towards anyone, or meant to bow down to the whims of the players who play Vaalorians. I'm not trying to force the non-vaalorian races out...in fact, I'd love to keep them here as the antagonist. (Or is it Tyrnian that's the antagonist?!?) I've attempted to give out all my information in OOC town meetings, many board postings, many news announcements, and any form I possibly can. If people do not pick up on the information past that, unfortunately, I have little recourse past game-wide announcements, which wouldn't work, of course. I can only do so much.

>>I guess mostly for me I saw Vaalor as an opportunity for the races to get along, ie the King opened the gates and offered people a chance to come in. So I saw it more as a place to try and foster people getting along of different races. So to have this swing in the opposite way went against what I had been doing there.

My sincere and full apologies on that. I did know that I would no doubt disrupt someone's plans and storyline. I would hope that we might be able to work together to adapt a bit, but we shall see. I'm still a very open and transparent guru, and I plan to continue to be that way. Shoot me an email, get me involved, I'll do what I can.

>>Different note. How are measure being handled to prevent others from entering the city not via the gate.

Town mages are working on this problem as we speak...and the solution will likely be implemented early next week.

>> When is that random citizen badge hander outer going to be about again?

As soon as I get a handle on (or need a break from) getting these bugs under wraps. I'll be bringing Thaon out alot over the next few weeks.

>> PS: This was done with tongue in cheek humor and is a variation of the French Castle Scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Classic!

>> It might be noce to have a bandits lair or some other seedy provider somewhere where 'papers' could be forged (with risk of detection). That might be fun for the less honorable who still feel a need to visit Vaalor.

Excellent idea. I'll put that on my LIST.

>> I also wonder what of those coming back to Vaalor, how do they get in to get papers? Or those wishing to buy from our shops? How will they get papaers, and who wants to spend 10k to get papers to buy a sword that is 15k? I hope some system has been set up for this, or else we are going to be some poor shop keepers here.

As mentioned above, you do NOT need to get papers to go through the gates...you'll only get stopped once and reminded. Plus, papers are not required to purchase from player shops. Thus, that 15k sword will simply cost 15k.

>> Question: Can you still get into town from the catacombs and then go buy papers, thus bypassing the gate? The game's down and I can't check it right now, but that would be one way to enable people to come in and get them.

Yes. And that was by design as well.

>>But the main problem is there is no place for the non elven races who lived, died, and bled for this fortress they called home, some even helped the Fortress through all this mess, and got slapped in the face.

Again, this was nowhere close to the intention. As far as opening up Ravelin, I'm going to debate that a bit and get back to you...there's issues from a coding standpoint as well as a historical one I need to ponder.

>> Who checks to see if non Vaalorians are carrying papers?

Town shops and GM run NPCs.

>> Does that mean that strangers can enter the city and the guards/secret police don't do anything about it?

Yes, besides come around and harass you.

>>Sunfist outpost going to be pulling up stakes in response to these changes? Doesn't make much sense for it to stay in light of the change of heart by the Vaalorians against dwarves and giants.

Sunfist outpost will not be moving.

>> Once again - game mechanics have become so restrictive that the fun and joy of role-playing has utterly disappeared.

I'm confused as to what is restrictive. You simply buy the papers or you do not. You can still wander around town. If you do not buy papers, you have to either sell your junk across the ferry, or in Mist Harbor if you are a premium member. This is not restrictive at all. If you don't want to do it, you don't have to. This actually RAISES role-play opportunity, because if you choose NOT to get the papers, there will be roleplay around that. If you choose to get them, then there will be other roleplay surrounding that. I'm really very confused about this viewpoint.

>>Surely you GM's can see how this would upset players.

I can certainly see how this would shock players (intended), and I can certainly see and empathize with players who have lost Ta'Vaalor citizenship. I'll do my best to work with those people (see player shop issue above). For the rest, give the changes a chance, remember it's a game, and go along for the ride. I try to make it as fun as I can.

>> But does this mean that as long as I have my papers on my person I can use my normal travel scripts to zip back and forth between the inn & my hunting areas (past gates and guards) without any interruption?

Yes, that was my intention. If you find areas where that doesn't happen, please let me know, and I'll fix that.

>> Oh yeah and Alyias, please announce the next time badges will be passed out. Salim and I always miss out whenever he/she is around.

Good idea. I'll post calendar announcements the next few times Thaon comes out.

>>Can we get some official word on Ravelin please?

What Meg said. She pretty much got it spot on. I'd like to eventually get a full document on Ravelin, and that's in my longer-term goals.

>> It should be noted, however, that non-elven types (excluding dwarves) should probably not be able to spawn there during new character creation. I am thinking though, this may already be the case.

This is correct. Currently, only elves spawn in Ta'Vaalor for new accounts. Premium accounts can choose Ta'Vaalor as a staring point as well (as they can choose any city.) We moved Ta'Vaalor away from a newbie drop point for just this reason.

Once I get the rest of the bugs and tweaks fixed, I'll post as such. Please continue to give me your ideas and feedback in a constructive way, and as said, I'll work with you in regards to my vision as best I can.
-Alyias