------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .. .. .||. ||.. ... || || || ||.|| `|.. || || `|.. ..|'''.| '|| || '|| '|' ' .... . .... ..||.. ... ..., || .... || '' .|| || || || || .| ' || .|...|| '|. | .|' || || || || || || || || ''|...'| '|..'|' ||. ||. '|..' .||. '|..| ||. '|...' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 1 Coin --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greetings, our faithful readers, and welcome to an interview edition of The Canticle. As some of you may know, Meg, our star reporter doing all the interviews, has left our midst. Hence I felt it appropriate to use this issue to present the last interviews we have by her. During her productive career as a Canticle interviewer, Meg interviewed nearly thirty people, from arch and senator to the young newbie. Before that, she made quite a career as an active member of the Mortal Council. The way the world works, there are always people coming and going, touching our lives as they pass by. Meg will be missed at the offices. Thanks to Meg, Moriyokiri, Pris, Shy and Dracul for their help with getting material for this issue. We'll get back to more news and suchlike in the next issue. Until then, have a good time and tell your friends what they mean to you while you still can! Stay good, for those applicable, Fir Acting Editor The Canticle --------------------------------------------------------------------------- <*> CANTICLE INDEX <*> -------------------------------------+------------------------------------- Interview with Moriyokiri..........2 Mages Meeting....................12 Wolves Attack Masters..............6 Interview with Shy...............13 Interview with Pris................7 Interview with Fir...............19 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 2 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following interview is one that I had with Moriyokiri several months ago and then somehow misplaced. However, I just found it and want to share it with you, Dear Reader, since it is from the perspective of a fairly well-known law breaker, Moriyokiri. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- MeG: Hi, Moriyokiri. Let me ask how long you've played AA. Moriyokiri: Hrmm. I'm not totally sure, but I think around 6 years or more. MeG: How did you first hear of it? Moriyokiri: From two of my really good friends in high school, Dan and Glen. They were Smp/Kao and Urlithani/Glen on here. MeG: It's true, isn't it, that you've had your share of law problems here? Moriyokiri stifles a cackle. Moriyokiri: You could say that. MeG: What was your first problem with law, do you remember? Moriyokiri ponders the situation. Moriyokiri: As in, my first encounter with Law, or first screwing by Law? MeG: Your first encounter. Moriyokiri: Ahhhh... I was a mid-level elf rogue, in Ravens. I had just realized what dispossession was. I was mesmerized at the concept of theft. So, I went a little crazy. MeG grins. MeG: So, you were bountied for stealing? Moriyokiri: Yup. Bountied by Obiwan I think. MeG: Then speaking as someone who's had his fair share of encounters with stealing as well as encounters with law, do you have any insights that might help newer players? Moriyokiri: #1, don't let it consume your life, like it did mine for a couple years. :P #2, for the love of Jeebus, max your dispossession, stealth, and seclusion first. MeG: You stole without having dispossession maxxed? Moriyokiri: Well, the first time, yes. Every reincarnation after that, no. But I see alot of newbie bounties that are from stealing without maxxed abilities. MeG nods. Interview with Moriyokiri continued on page 3 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Moriyokiri, continued from page 2 ... MeG: What about running a bounty? Do you have tips for doing that? Moriyokiri grins evilly. Moriyokiri: Be prepared for everything. If you're semi-unknown, prepare for a fight, or to quit really quickly. If people know you, expect a 50/50 chance of a fight or quiet. If people know you can kill, only keep an eye out for the real bounty hunters (ie: Tard, Karlott, Drynwyn) or possibly entire killing parties. MeG: What about bribing? Was that hard to do when you were new to the class? Moriyokiri: Bribing Brog isn't difficult. Walk up, drop your coins, type "bribe brog", and whatever he asks for as a bribe, is your approximate run time. For example... Brog tells you: You bring me 5600 coins! Then you've got to run 5.6 hours. MeG: And that has to be out of town, right? Moriyokiri: Out of Tantallon, out of Scythe rooms, and pretty much any other safe room there is. MeG nods. Moriyokiri: Find a dark spot. MeG: Do you find that people are using more anti-theft measures these days? Moriyokiri: Nah. I still think people are oblivious to theft. They'd rather be targeted a few dozen times, then cry to Law and Balance, and have another nerf be put on rogues. It's easier than putting your valuables in a pack/sack I guess. MeG: So those changes haven't really affected you? Moriyokiri: Well, I'm normally always moving around too quickly to be targeted. Also, 99% of the time I have a Raven's theft protection contract on me, so I'm almost exempt from theft. MeG: You don't play a rogue anymore? Moriyokiri: I -just- rejoined the rogue class. I've been class and guild hopping from time to time whenever I get bored. MeG: What about your dealings with law? Haven't you been known to pk every now and then or am I misinformed? Moriyokiri: How can I put this... Moriyokiri ponders the situation. Interview with Moriyokiri continued on page 4 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Moriyokiri, continued from page 3 ... Moriyokiri: I've been on a couple illegal player-killing sprees. The first time I was demoted and placed in SK. The second time I was site-banned. Since then, I've not done anything like that, though, so I guess I've learned my lessons. Now, if someone pisses me off, I give 'em a normal cussing, then squelch 'em every way possible. MeG: That brings me to your shouts... You shout fairly often. And sometimes your shouts are telling other people to shut up, etc., right? Moriyokiri: Yeah. MeG: So we can let people know right here and right now, you aren't really an unpleasant guy. You just have a low tolerance for what you think are dumb shouts? Moriyokiri: I don't think I'm unpleasant. I'm just short-tempered and don't have time to listen to ignorance or idiocy. MeG: Well, I was thinking what someone brand new to the game might think based only on your shouts. Moriyokiri: Some people think what I say is stupid, or whatever, but then they can do the same thing I do. Tell me to shut up, then squelch me. Moriyokiri shrugs helplessly. Moriyokiri: Very rarely, you'll find me in a good mood - a good enough mood to help newbies, or whatever. Normally, I'm just on talking with my friends and probably playing a little. So I don't feel like helping someone I don't know. But, sometimes I do. People will say "well, you were a newbie once, too!", but guess what. I learned almost all by myself, not that it's an accomplishment, but I didn't beg for help. Read the files, try stuff out, move on. Moriyokiri: Aram/Simple taught me pk, not because I asked, but because he offered while I was being hunted during my second bounty. MeG: Because of the punishments you have received in the past, are you less willing to do things now that are illegal? Moriyokiri: Of course. I'd love to be able to lay waste to a few certain people, but I can't. One more strike, and I'm gone. MeG: Is that what you've been told? Moriyokiri: Yup. Interview with Moriyokiri continued on page 5 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Moriyokiri, continued from page 4 ... MeG: I thought site banishment was considered as being gone. Didn't that happen to you once? Moriyokiri: I was site-banned. When you're site-banned and you try to log in, you get the "register your character to blah and Law will get back to you", so I mailed Malire, and after a 3 weeks of not being able to play he finally talked to me. We sorted some things out and I was allowed back with the understanding that if I mess up once more, I get no more chances. MeG nods. MeG: How long ago was that? Moriyokiri: Almost 2 years. MeG: Do you find that to be consistent or inconsistent with how other site bans are handled? Moriyokiri: Nope. I know of a few old friends who've illegally pk'd more than me, but only get demotions and c***. I won't name names, tho. Don't want Law picking off old buds. MeG: In your dealings with law would you say you've been dealt with consistently or not? Moriyokiri: Hell no. When Malire deals with me, it's about as consistent as it goes. Adinos has helped me out a bit. Edog is just there. Scarecrazy has helped me out, too. But, Idul... Moriyokiri snarls angrily. Moriyokiri: Without cussing too much, he doesn't belong on Law. MeG: What keeps you coming back to this mud time after time? Moriyokiri: Friends. MeG nods. MeG: So the game play is secondary? Moriyokiri: Yeah, definitely. The game play is more of an addictive feature. MeG: Do you explore the new areas when they come out? Moriyokiri: Nope. I'm too lazy. Someone else is always gonna race out to explore it so they can brag to everyone how they were the first to find out about whatever. So I just wait for people to blab about it. Moriyokiri snickers. Interview with Moriyokiri continued on page 6 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Moriyokiri, continued from page 5 ... MeG: What one thing do you think needs to be changed? Moriyokiri: Suprising to most, I won't say Law. I think it'd hafta be Balance. I think Balance is ruining the game. It's definitely not as fun as it used to be, before Balance "balanced" everything. MeG: Do you have any examples? Moriyokiri: Combat. Tree trunks. Necromancers. Rogues. MeG: Okay. Do you have any wisdom that you'd like to impart to new players before this interview ends? Moriyokiri: Don't let the game become your life. When you're on, enjoy the game and don't stress yourself because of idiots... that's what squelch was coded for. MeG: Well, thanks a lot, Moriyokiri. It's been an interesting perspective you've shared! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolves Attack Masters After Multiple Mishaps by Dracul The wolves have been attacking, and for once it seems to be their masters are getting bitten. Noted one wolf, "Grrrrrrrr." Which, for you non- woodsmen out there, can be said to mean something like the following, "We are sick and tired of getting shot in the flank by those losers. Could they not just practice a bit more? Maybe they would like to be up front next time and fight the dragon while we use the bow." Orcish woodsman should be careful not to mistake this for an attempt at speaking Orcish. Many sages have theorized that the animal language is actually much more complex. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ()()()()()() The Monks of Antana ()()()()()() Are you human with a yen to adventure and help people? If so you may be just the type to become a Monk of Antana. Our order is dedicated to helping out our fellow adventurers, and stamping out evil where ever it may be. To aid us in this endeavour Antana has bestowed upon us some powers. Just look for the nearest monk, or contact one of the GMs ('help gm'), to find out more about this guild. ()()()()() The Monks of Antana --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 7 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This interview is with Pris, a senior creator and one of the quieter wizzes. I interview her to find out where her ideas come from and what being a senior creator really means: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- MeG: Hi, Pris. You're a senior creator, can you tell us what that means, exactly? Pris: Well, Senior Creator is a bit of a confusing term. Mostly because the idea of it has changed over recent years without anyone ever actually realising it. Mostly it just means that I've been fairly active and I have a certain numbers of areas/objects completed and in the game. I also got mine for work I did on World a few years ago with Sully. MeG: Do you have extra responsibilities? Pris: Nope, that's the great thing about Senior Creator. All the perks, none of the responsibilities. I do have an extra +50 level though since I'm on Education, so I have responsibilities through that. MeG: What kind of work did you do with Sully, or is that wiz info? Pris: I was Sully's World assistant. MeG: So then you can tell us what it's like to be on World and Education both. :) Can you just briefly outline the types of duties with each? Pris: Well, my time in World was several years ago now and the present team is a great deal more organised and coherent than we ever were so I can tell you what it used to be like. Education I only recently joined and am still sort of learning the ropes. MeG nods. Pris: With World it was very much trying to herd ducks at the time. Very few of the active coders at the time had any dealings with the organised history that Sully created. With Education it's lovely. I just get to help people when they need it. It's simply being able to pay back all the people who helped me when I first wizzed. Mostly I think it's just making sure that new wizards don't get overwhelmed. Pris grins mischievously. MeG: Ahhh. that might be quite the chore. Pris: It can be, but I tend to think that if I can do it then anyone can. I wizzed with literally little more experience with a computer than turning one on. MeG laughs. MeG: I find that hard to believe :) Interview With Pris continued on page 8 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 8 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Pris, continued from page 7 ... Pris: It's true. Very, very true. I think it's very important to bring it to people's attention as much as possible, to be honest. It's a bit of a joke really but I'm also now studying programming as a direct result of the enjoyment I've had as a wizard here so it's amazing what can happen. MeG: How long did you play as a mortal before you wizzed? Pris: I started Pris in March of 94. I had several characters before that but then the name 'Pris' grabbed me. It's the name of Darryl Hannah's pleasure/combat replicant from Bladerunner and I liked the symmetry of using a name like that for an identity I used to have fun and kill stuff. MeG: Funny, cuz the name Pris reminds me of Prissy and that usually means the opposite of killing, etc. Pris: Yes, Malire did ask my permission before creating that character. If I had known how popular she was going to be.... MeG giggles. Pris twiddles her thumbs. MeG: So how long did it take for you to wiz Pris? Pris: Umm, I think about the end of 95 or beginning of 96. Most of the end time of my mortal life was spent sending complaining mails to Bytre about how stupid quests were. Some things never change I guess. MeG laughs. MeG: One thing I've always wanted to ask you - I think maybe the ideas for some of the areas that people code might be likened to artists composing songs... where do you come up with your ideas, Pris? Pris: Lots of different sources actually. I read the AA history a lot. There's a lot of open space in there to stick your imagination. I'm a big fan of Dawg's stuff too (even back when I was a mortal) so I find a lot of inspiration in the things he did. MeG: Do you think of things to code when you're starting to go to sleep, when you're driving, when you're at work, etc? Pris grins mischievously. MeG: It's such a creative process and I'm in awe of some of the things you've come up with. Pris: Yes, I'm afraid I do. especially when I'm starting or near the beginning of a new area. Trying to come up with something new and original (especially with objects) isn't so easy anymore. MeG nods. Interview With Pris continued on page 9 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Pris, continued from page 8 ... MeG: But you still have managed to do it, and I speak from experience testing them. :) Pris thanks MeG. MeG: How much does the initial idea change from the beginning until you're finally finished? Pris: From the initial concept to end result there is a total change. I tend to start with a character nowadays and get one character firmly set in my mind and then work from there. Once you've got a character you can change location, objects, everything around them and you'll still have a good core story. MeG: Do you find that the approval process hinders your creativity? Pris: No, I don't think the approval process hinders creativity. Mostly because I think of it as having a good editor. I've developed a story but I need someone else to help me fit it into the grand scheme. And that's in terms of all the process teams. Although I won't say it's not draining. MeG nods. MeG: What sorts of advice, if any, would you give to someone thinking of wizzing today? Pris: Revel in your ignorance. You don't have to wiz knowing everything there is to know about code. It's ok to ask questions and not know what you're doing. MeG: Would having an idea in mind for what you want to code help or does that not matter? Pris: I'm sort of in two minds about that. I think it's good to look around and see what you like but I think wizzing with an open mind is pretty important, too. It changes your perspectives a great deal. MeG: If you didn't code, Pris, would you still come to AA? Pris: I'm not sure, to be honest. The coding is the drawcard for me. I work in hospitality so I'm very "people, people, people" all day and I really like to just come home and write code for a few hours. Pathetic, I know, but I like the headspace. It's like rockclimbing. I'm not as sociable as a lot of people here so I really don't know. I think I'd still log on. I quite like playing my mortals still. MeG: So coding is what keeps bringing you back, mostly? Pris nods solemnly. Pris: Yes, I like seeing my projects get into the game. Interview With Pris continued on page 10 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Pris, continued from page 9 ... MeG: How has the player base changed during your time here? Or has it? Pris: Hmmm, I tend to deal with a very select group of people. I don't generally interact with a lot of people so in terms of the wider playerbase I can't really say. The only people I tend to deal with are the ones who "get" my areas and the things I try and put into the game. The number of tells from people though that I've received recently telling me they like little things in my ares that I didn't think anyone would find is pretty high so I view that as a great sign. MeG nods. MeG: If there was one thing, and only one thing, that you could change about this mud, what do you think it would be? Pris ponders the situation. Pris: Wow, big question. Pris grins mischievously. MeG grins. Pris: I should probably say I'd like the approval process to be faster but it's not like we haven't heard that before is it? If I could change one thing then I'd probably go for something that I think I could actually change - objects in the game that players can't figure out the purpose of/abilities of, without reading the code. That, and wizards who code things that look all magical and aren't and there's no way for mortals to figure that out. It's an okish idea, but there should always be a way for players to figure everything out. Thanks. MeG: Can you give an example of what you mean? Pris: Well, I like to code for the people I think of as the Harbingers. They're the ones who find all the little secrets and squirreled away bits and pieces first and then bring them back for everyone's approval. I like that. I respect that. I have a lot of time for people who play like that. The problem is is that let's say they find a necklace and it has writing on it. They try and read the necklace and find that they can't. So they take it to all the different races to try the different languages. No luck. They give it to various npcs, they id it, they do all the things they can to try and figure out what it does but there's nothing to figure out. There's no message. The coder never tried to give them anything. Interview With Pris continued on page 11 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 11 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Pris, continued from page 10 ... MeG: That happens with a lot of things I've found, mostly older things. Pris: Yeah, I really, really hate it. MeG: What do you think about the Mortal Council, then, as long as we're talking about this? Has it helped your areas? Pris: I came back from a hiatus to discover the Mortal Council had been convened and my first thoughts were: "But they're going to find out everything about my areas and have an advantage over everyone else." and I was pretty against it. That changed quickly. MeG: Really? Why is that? Pris: The first area they dealt with was Rune (the frost giant Silver Circle) that went in relatively recently. I was feeling pretty smug with it. It was almost through process by the time I stuck it on the test mud and I didn't think anyone would find many problems. Pris grins mischievously. MeG giggles. Pris: I think we all know where this story is going. Pris: The first thing that nailed me to the wall was Druenarrii figuring out the ENTIRE area in approximately 30 seconds. Then the typos started coming in, and the bugs. Just the sheer cunning everyone had at figuring it all out stunned me. I love coding for imaginative players and it was like having an entire pack of them permanently attached to my area. It was great. MeG: Overall, Pris, do you think you have any wise words for someone who is just starting out on AA today? Pris: Same as wizzing, really. Enjoy your ignorance. I loved the sense of wonder that came with first logging into this game. It changes over time, you still enjoy it, but that first grab at you is worth remembering. MeG agrees. MeG: What do you like the most about AA and what do you like the least? Pris: The thing I like most is probably that we have a professional level game here and a dedicated staff to keep it up. Also we have a player base, some of whom have been playing since its inception. I'm not sure if people truly understand how astounding that is - that this game can be worth enjoying for that amount of time. The player base has actively picked AA up out of the gutter a number of times over the years and we've ended up with a stable, enjoyable, fantastic environment run at a professional standard. Everyone should give themselves one big pat on the back. Interview With Pris continued on page 12 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 12 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Pris, continued from page 11 ... MeG agrees. Pris: The thing I like least is possibly the us vs. them camps that tend to arise sometimes. AA used to be like a frontier town. It's a bigger city now but we do need to remember that it started as a frontier town. Personally I think it's a question of respecting what we had in the past but realising that we're building a better game now. I think in terms of coding. As coders we need to retain the same sense of fun people get from the old areas while adding the incredible layer of interactivity that we try and provide now. MeG agrees. MeG: Anything else you'd like to add? Pris: Well, I'd like to thank you for interviewing me. I feel very honoured that you asked. Pris smiles happily. MeG: Thanks for letting me do it! :) Pris: My pleasure. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mages Meeting Mages have been holding idea meetings, led by their Mortal Council representative Tiyowan. Among the things discussed have been mage gardens for growing spell components, the looks of the spellbooks and more spells. A sum-up of the things discussed can be found on the Mage class board, written "21.11.2003" by Tiyowan. ----------------------------------------------------------- | __,,--``\\ Maigyn's Magic Shop | | _,,-''`` \\ , | | '----------_.------'-.___|\__ Your source for that little | | _.--''`` `)__ )__ @\__ touch of magic. | | ( .. ''---/___,,E/__,E'------` | | `-''`'' | ----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 13 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you've been around AA for any length of time, chances are that you have seen a few shouts by Shy. I decided to find out just who the person behind those shouts really is.... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- MeG: Hi, Shy! I want to ask you first of all... are you a he or a she? Shy: Errr, character-wise or person-wise? MeG: Character-wise. Here's why I ask... you are Sister Shy, but you are a "hir." Shy checks quietly to be certain. Shy: Yes... well... Shy: Both? MeG: I'm sure the readers would like to know about the mystery! Shy: It's something of a bug... which has either been politely overlooked for my amusement, or not looked into. MeG: How long have you been on AA, Shy? Shy: 10 years or so... little over? MeG: From the beginning almost? Shy: Late '93, early '94. Meg nods solemnly. MeG: Have you always had this alt? Shy: On and off. I suicided and remade Shy a number of times. MeG nods. MeG: What's your favorite class to play? Shy: Mages are easy for me to play so I lean towards them, but fighters are more fun I think. MeG: What about the monks, have you always liked that guild? Shy nods solemnly. MeG: You never wizzed? Shy: Heh, no... MeG grins. MeG: Do you still play a lot or do you just like to shout and idle? :) Shy: I play once in a while, when I have the time. I tend to lose interest when I'm being overwhelmed with real life things. I also don't have a job where I can use a computer so I'm mostly on during my personal time. MeG: About those shouts of yours: Where do they come from, are they spontaneous, do you take time to think them up, are they inspired by other things that you've heard/seen, etc? Interview with Shy continued on page 14 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 14 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Shy, continued from page 13 ... Shy: They're mostly spontaneous and are influenced by things that I experience usually irl just prior to shouting them. Some of the auction ones are shots from the hip, completely spontaneous and random. Some others are influenced by other shouts, a tell, something said on a line, something I misheard, lyrics, anything that makes me giggle to myself. MeG nods. MeG: Your name is misleading, isn't it? :) I remember when I first saw "Shy shouts: blah blah" I thought "wow, that's not a very accurate name". :) Shy: Heh. It's actually very accurate, but on here it's easy to be more open. MeG: Do you think that's a good thing in the long run to be more open in a text game than in real life? Shy: In reality I'm nervous around people I don't know and can't really let my mind flow like I can on here. For the most part people are more accepting and sometimes interested in unique things. I wouldn't go around shouting the things I do in reality... except around people I know who appreciate that kind of thing. MeG nods. MeG: So in a way, it lets the creative Shy out. Shy: Somewhat. It doesn't take long for me to feel comfortable enough to be more open around people in real life... and sometimes I can just ignore my shyness completely... It takes effort though. MeG nods. MeG: If you could only pick one thing, Shy, what would you say your favorite thing about AA is? Shy: Favorite thing? MeG nods. Shy ponders the situation. MeG: What keeps you coming back... Shy chuckles merrily. Shy: The people I know and have made friends with, both on here and using this as a convenient communication medium. The quality of the MUD itself. MeG nods. Shy: I appreciate the work that's gone into it... and how strict some things are, it keeps... well, the riff-raff out. Interview with Shy continued on page 15 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 15 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Shy, continued from page 14 ... MeG: Have you met anyone irl from the mud? Shy chuckles merrily. Shy: Met? I almost married one. MeG looks blank and says, 'Oh.' Shy looks very innocent. MeG falls down laughing. Shy: I've met many people. We used to have AA get-togethers. MeG: Do you still have them? Shy: Not really. Informal ones where some oldbies get together since we're all around the same location but nothing on the scale of SyrAAcuse or anything. MeG laughs. MeG: SyrAAcuse. Cute :) Shy smiles warmly. MeG: Now for the SERIOUS questions! Meg turns on the spotlight. Shy gulps? Shy looks very innocent. MeG: What is your absolute best advice for anyone playing AA for the first time? Shy: Short answer: Have fun. Shy: I suppose you want the longer one too, though huh? MeG: How about a slightly expanded answer... :) Shy nods understandingly. Shy: Read the help files, be polite when asking for help... and remember it's just a game. MeG nods. Shy: I've seen many newbies ask for everything to be handed to them and it makes me wonder what part of all that is actually playing the game. MeG: If you could change one thing about AA, what would it be? Shy ponders the situation. Shy: You know, I really don't know... MeG: So nothing is so bad that you can even think of changing it right off the bat? Shy: I haven't come across anything that's made me wish for it to be different and all the things that come to mind are trivial things. MeG nods. Shy: I'm easily placated. Shy looks very innocent. Interview with Shy continued on page 16 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 16 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Shy, continued from page 15 ... MeG: What about the playerbase? Has it changed since you started playing? Shy: Do you mean the numbers of people, or the types? MeG: However you'd like to answer. Shy chuckles merrily. MeG grins. Shy: Ok, well... I'll hit on both I guess. Shy: The number of people is down, as I think we've all seen... somewhat. Maybe it was that I was playing at different times but I haven't seen a huge drop in the number of players playing. I _have_ seen a number of players leave though, for various reasons. MeG: Have they been replaced by other players though? Shy nods solemnly. Shy: The quality of the players has remained constant. For every loudmouth, obnoxious, "gimme gimme gimme" newbie we get we also get a quality helper and/or fun individual. MeG: What about the older players? Do you think their attitudes are consistently the same? Shy ponders the situation. Shy: For the most part. I haven't been witness to many oldbies going postal or anything. MeG giggles. Shy: I've seen them change up their style or try new things. Guild hopping being quite popular, too. MeG: What about the quality of the areas? Have you seen a change in that? Shy: Yeah, and it's always the little things. Smell this, taste that, touch this... as the MUD grew there were more fun things to do and explore. It keeps it fresh and new. I'm sure many people who play don't know about many of the things out there. Shy: (Like I'm one to talk, never leaving my green booth.) Shy looks very innocent. MeG grins. MeG: Have you looked at many of the newly implemented areas? Shy suddenly finds the wall very interesting. MeG laughs. Shy: Uhh... Shy: Yeah... I think Constantine whisked me through a couple when I was bashing as Shye... MeG nods. Shy looks very innocent. Interview with Shy continued on page 17 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 17 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Shy, continued from page 16 ... MeG: But on your own, you don't normally do that? Shy: I don't go out exploring too much, no. I'm more of a social person really, as evident by being in monks. :P MeG: And as evidenced by your shouts, I might add. :) Which is why I wanted to interview you in the first place! Shy: I don't even remember half the things I shout. ...usually right after I shout them. MeG: I figure lots of people have seen your name a lot, but what do people really know about the person behind the shouts! MeG: Do you have any favorite areas when you do play the mud? Shy: Asyvan's (sp?) Bonebreaker is my XP friend. MeG: Any others? Shy ponders the situation. Shy: Low levels, the ghost ship. That healing room gives me the warm fuzzies. Mid-levels I hunt whatever is out and about really, orcs mainly. Then at higher levels I like Asyvan, Burnham, and the Virgision place down on SE Isle. Shy coughs quietly. Shy looks very innocent. Shy: I like the idea of a mage using a longsword. Many of my characters are created because of silly ideas like that. Shy: Shye is a tiny female elf who uses huge two-handed battleaxes. MeG: Pretty challenging, I bet. Shy: I'm more of a visual player, I don't really play for the xp or the kills. MeG nods. Shy: I emote while I fight... MeG laughs. Shy mutters, "even when I'm alone..." MeG: Ok Shy.. Shy hmmms? MeG: If a brand new player asked you for advice today, what would you tell that person - as far as game play is concerned, that is. Shy ponders the situation. Shy: If I don't say this Elowyne will kill me: Hey look, you can alias commands! Interview with Shy continued on page 18 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 18 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Shy, continued from page 17 ... Shy: When she started I was helping her and failed to mention that fact. Sometimes us old folx take things for granted and forget- Shy: Uh... what was I saying? MeG laughs. MeG: It's true, there are so MANY things to learn it's hard to pick each one out and focus on it. Shy nods solemnly. Shy: It's an "explain it as it comes up" thing mostly. MeG: How did you first find out about the mud anyway? Shy: One of my friends from college had been sucked into it and they felt the need to share the misery. MeG grins. MeG: Ok, so is there anything else you'd like to add before the end of the interview, Shy? Shy ponders the situation. Shy shrugs helplessly. Shy: Just "remember... it's just a game." MeG nods. Shy: We make some serious connections here, and those we can take seriously. MeG agrees. MeG: Thanks for the interview, Shy. It's been fun! _____________________________________________________________ / \ \ Salty John's Bait and Tackle / / \ \ Going fishing, mate? Get your gear from a professional, / / I've been fishin' since 'fore you were born! I sell \ \ poles and the finest bait, or seines if you prefer / / net-fishing, and do not forget grandpa's lucky fishing \ \ hat... / / \ \ / / My shop is just north of the Tantallon harbour. \ \_____________________________________________________________/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 19 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Fir MeG: Hi, Fir... since you're the editor of the Canticle I thought it would be fun to find out a little more about you. So, let's start with how long you've been playing AA... Fir: I suppose I should have prepared for that one. Hm, since early 1998, I'd say. Fir is a bit younger than that, I had a character to make all the mistakes with first. ;) MeG: How did you first hear of this place? Fir: A good friend of mine introduced me to the game. She played characters like Alessa, Gambler and Chislev, all gone now. MeG nods. MeG: What was your impression when you first logged on? Fir: I logged on as Guest from the web interface. It was mighty confusing. I boggled for a while, then just sat down to read help files and the website. MeG: What class did you finally settle on playing and why? Fir: My first character ended up being a Bear ranger. I chose Bear because the first player to help me out, Iorek, was a Bear. I can't quite remember where the ranger came from, but it sounded like a fun class. MeG: Did you find it to be as fun as it sounded? Fir: Sure, although getting to the camp was a pain. After a while, I figured out that the character I really want is an Eldar half-elf cleric. MeG: Why Eldar? Fir: I was under the impression they were nice tree-hugging hippies, is why. :) MeG: Were they? Fir: Yeah, I remember them being so nice that I never really found myself other guilds I wanted to join with my other hand-picked alts. They didn't either fit their character or, like Bears, were a bit spooky. Now that I'm getting older and grumpier, the Eldar has its days of not being so nice, but it's still home and family. MeG: Older and grumpier! MeG laughs. Fir: I'm very grumpy! Honest! MeG giggles. Fir: I'm a wizard! Where would my authority be if I wasn't? MeG agrees. Interview with Fir continued on page 20 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 20 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Fir, continued from page 19 ... MeG: When DID you decide to wiz? Fir thinks carefully. Fir: Hmm. I was convinced I'd never wiz, naturally. I was happy with writing up articles for the Canticle and coming up with megalomaniac ideas for Oakram and other innocent victims to code. Once I decided I'd wiz, I also decided I'd wait a month before actually doing it and try to convince myself against it. I didn't find anything bad enough, so I went ahead. I think it was summer of 2001, maybe. MeG: As I seem to recall, you were also a player who was heavily into roleplaying, right? Fir: Aye. After my first character, I never made an alt who didn't have a story behind her. It just so happened that once I wizzed, I also felt that I wanted a goody-good-do-gooder alt, and the first personality in the line was a confused little pacifist paladin Monk. I'm daydreaming about having more alts so I could actually FIGHT again. The other two, a rogue and a ranger, slept away during their freeze. MeG: I remember you in the chaos temple once as an Eldar. I think you were researching evil or something like that. Fir: Fir has always had issues with Chaos. I'm suspecting one of those drew her there, either to talk with Maleficio or to listen to the mass one single time just so she could be really disgusted and run away. Once I sat next to ole Mal for ages, chatting away, and all of a sudden I triggered some greeting in him and jumped half a meter up when he suddenly went something like "Hello, Fir." MeG laughs. MeG: When you decided to wiz was there something in particular you had in mind to code? Fir: Yeah, I had a plan pretty much up before I wizzed, so I'd have to spend the minimum amount of time as an apprentice. MeG: Has everything worked out according to plan? Fir: I chose my area project pretty much according to what would be easy to get through World and suchlike, and hoped that it could be made into something at least remotely useful. It's been relatively simple to get approved, in Final QC and Balance now. I had a long period when I was doing strictly "useful" things and avoiding the project. Got tired of all the describing. Suddenly I found the motivation again, perhaps when I started to miss alts or something, and got it up and submitted. MeG nods. Interview with Fir continued on page 21 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 21 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Fir, continued from page 20 ... MeG: When did you take over the Canticle? Fir: Once I got 500 and could have access to the files. It was among the main reasons for me to wiz, and has been the main reason why I haven't been even close to demoting even though the wizardly rules and such have sometimes confused me to no end. I hate not being able to follow rules, and the first time Malire had a chat with me I was just about horrified. ;) MeG: So you really wanted to revamp the paper, is that what you're saying? Fir: No, no, I just wanted to take over the everyday running of it from Scarecrazy, who was getting increasingly busy with other things. The code additions I've done since have mostly been tiny adjustments here and there. :) MeG: Has running it turned out to be more of a job than you imagined? Fir: Not really. There have been times when I've been logging on just to read the boards and find out what to put in the next paper. Keeps me from fading away totally. The biggest job has probably been writing the MC wrapups from the logs. MeG: You do a really good job with those. Fir purrs contentedly. Fir: It sometimes delayed the paper that I didn't find the energy to just sit down and write the stuff while being convinced that it must go in this and that paper. MeG: You know, I'd rather just read the wrapup than go to the meeting. :) Fir grins mischievously. Fir: I love the meetings. I got myself a pile of things to do from this one too. MeG nods. MeG: What keeps you coming back to AA each time? Fir: Hmm. My main reason for always coming back is the paper, and the fact that there's always something interesting to dig up for use as material in it. In playing sense, I'm most drawn to a) the continuous change, as in there's always some new area or even a new class to play with, b) the fact that I can do so many other things than just fight too, and c) the big connections, like the world map, exploration points and Gaius, the Geographic society - things which Bind The Universe Together. :) MeG nods. Interview with Fir continued on page 22 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 22 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Fir, continued from page 21 ... MeG: If you had to choose one thing, what would you choose as your favorite thing about AA? Fir thinks carefully. Fir: I think the word's versatility. I like it that I can do a heap of rather different things here. If the chatroom aspect's not my thing today, I'll go fight, try to gain obscure abilities, try to solve some quest or exploration hint from my list or just go do utterly weird stuff and try to write an article about it. MeG agrees. Fir: Plus, I *love* the map. MeG: Why's that? Fir: I've tried Discworld, which is more like a chain of connected areas. I'm a paper-with-squares-on-it person, I want to draw maps all the time. At some point I found the web-map, and copied it on paper by hand. Then I started to explore properly. (This was after I had given up on my ranger alt.) Ages later, I found out Hanza sells hand maps, which made exploring another thousand times easier. I used the rivers for bearings [before that]. MeG: What's your least favorite thing about AA? Fir: Well, it's not strictly specific to AA, but I hate that some few things are just about impossible to keep up to date because of some kind of structural problems. My longest peeve has been trying to get the website help newbie2 and help rules updated. It requires special access, therefore it's hard to get it kept up-to-date; all the people who can be trusted with it are busy with other things. MeG: Do you agree with the topic that's been going around about the mud "dying"? Fir: I have to be an optimist. I had my period of minor fade-away a while ago, and I'm back again, and now it doesn't look dying at all. (Well, I can't remember how many people we *should* have online at time x.) When I was in fade-away mode, only keeping up with the paper, it looked like the mud was like that too. Your own mood has quite an effect on how you see things. *g* MeG: What's your best advice for new players? Fir: Make sure you join a newbie-friendly guild with your first character! I hear the Knights are nice that way. Get the newbie line, wade through the most important help files (newbie and newbie2)... Interview with Fir continued on page 23 ... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume 17.0 29 Virrsmonth, 571 Page 23 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Fir, continued from page 22 ... Fir: If you have luck and social skills, use it on getting someone to answer your questions at least semi-personally. It may be difficult to get answers from lines if you ask generally because the mass just assumes someone else'll answer. MeG nods. Fir: And keep in mind that there's rude people here too. It doesn't mean you're giving them proper reason to be, necessarily. MeG agrees. MeG: Anything else? Fir nods solemnly. Fir: Communicating via a machine like this causes people to react to each other differently than if they were talking face-to-face. Everyone should keep in mind that there's real people on the other side, and that misunderstandings and misinterpretation probably cause the most stretching of nerves around here. Keep it civil, or if you're role-playing or doing a social experiment, make it clear and don't do it to newbies. If they don't play along, they're probably either a newbie, young or foreigner enough that they don't understand it. MeG: I don't think enough attention is paid to the fact that not everyone here is a native English speaker, and if that was kept in the back of people's minds more care might be taken in the ways things are said so there would be less misinterpretation. Fir: Yeah. Also, I think young people tend to misinterpret just as easily. Very young, that is. MeG agrees. MeG: Thanks for the opportunity to find out more about the Editor, Fir. It's been cool. :) Fir: My pleasure. :) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gold Cat - finest dining north of the Natirar! We specialize in goat stew and caribou steak. Come visit us in Norton, we are practically in the centre of this fine, bustling town. And after you have had enough of our splendid ale, you can rent a cosy room to sleep off the aftereffects!