Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 18:55:02 -0500 (EST) Thorkill: Make customized body parts for different mobs: a limb rather than arm for a maple tree, or a wing for a bee Thorkill: An option in the configs that when turned on allows others to see when you were last on when they profile you. (initialy set to off). Jigoku: i think avions should have some form of hit point regen plus or something because we are the only class without a cure spell and it took me about 5 minutes to regen 175 hp, i can't emagine what it must be like for higher levels. (one without a heale Ford: how about if autosplit didn't distribute when getting money from one of your own containers? Aros: suggestion we need a YOU ARE HERE thing on the map Wasabe: what if we could throw weapons? A one shot deal...where thereafter it crumbles, but at the same time casuing huge amounts of damage... Sereneth: I think a social like "type" would be useful for grammar mistakes. Some days i'm just not thinking ******* ************** *** *** ************** **** ***Barren Realms*** **** *** *** *** *** *** ******* *** *********** ** ** *********** Article by Rogosh: Mean Lag, a killer or just misunderstood Well we all know that Mean Lag is the most hated mob in the Realms. I am sure you have been or will be killed by him at least once in your adventuring. But have you ever stopped and thought about what he does from his point of view. He is simply trying to stop the invaders who come in and kill every living thing in sight. Wouldn=92t you defend your home from invaders such as this. So the next time you are killed by him remember, it=92s nothing personal. He is just defending his home. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >--------------Response---------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Responses by Firewalker: > Sabin: after you eat a Pie make a timer who can eat a Pie in under 5 > seconds? I must be dumb or else I don't understand. > Sabin: a Area with lemmings that always changes from them building This sounds like a lot of coding. Could be interesting, but the maintenanc= eon something like this could make it illogical to have it coded in, as well as system resources going down the drain. > WAsaBe: I think that if we don't use a skill for a certain amount of > time, we should forget it in other words our %'s will go down in the > skills we don't use. This actually makes sense to me :) > Sabin: show in group if someone is Linkdead Just type LOOK > Tom: to be able to change race/sex/Name when your level 1 without loging = out This truly makes sense to me. Seems I've wished to have something like thisfunction a few times. > Sabin: Dirty Britches should make you smell :) Would that make mobs run away from you or the Guardian push you out the roo= mand place a SMELLER flag next to your name? > Akron: make regen faster when there are to many people in a area to make > it fare for everyone. Do you mean mob repops or healing? In any case whichever you mean thissoun= ds like people getting stuck in one area and level a few times quickly. > Akron: why does one beer get your drunk? in Rl it takes many more than > that:) You must be gulping the barrels, deary ;) I drink beer and it takes twobo= ttles to get me drunk. I walk straight (almost) with one bottle. Remember BR doesn't have little bottles, these a 2liter bottles. And those barrels = have fermented very nice. > DarkElf: how about a 'sip' command so you drink a fraction of ale so you > arent too drunk, makes finding less affective alchohol easier... and who > drinks the whole beer in one gulp anyways? Certainly not elves. When I played my Illithids, I used to get to an area, eat myself full, drin= klots of water and then gulp down some Firebreather. I was as drunk as a skunk, but I never had a mana problem. As to the sip, would it only last 1= tick? > Sabin: depending on how much you eat deterimine your body weight in terms > of fighting ability and have weight room Like trying to exercise with a full stomach? > Sabin: Make Heads of certain Mobs posion Would that make the whole mob poisonous, because you don't always lop offth= e head. > Forent: how about you have a total heal when you level Hehe. Level incentives :) > Baltar: SOCIAL could show you what the social does (messages to > you, target, others in room) Sounds like a good idea. Could keep you out of trouble, like those languag= es socials.When I first got here, I was playing with those and actually used F= RENCH on a female hero. I still feel embarrassed everytime I think of it. > Scratch: you could give heros rewards for doing quests, not just the > people who win the quests... for putting in all that hard work Most times the imms does just as hard work. Remember it's the work you do = as a herothat could earn you immdom. > Scratch: you could let mortals do quests > Kiri - Um, we don't have any rules against mortals running quests. Tell him Kiri :) > Amystery: recall should occassionally fail and take you someplace random. > like teleport But recall isn't a skill like teleport. It could mean a level 2 newbie end= ing up at Xor > (From Akron) tents need some sort of locking system to prevent people > from entering your tent. Just stuff yourself full of stuff, so no-one else can fit in there with you= =2E No space :) > WAsaBe: make leveling harder...:) Make all skills out of guild :) > Mercury: when the weather says "the blazing sun makes you tired" you go > to sleep > And when it rains you get soaking wet, your equipment rusts and you have = to take > it to Beich for repairs. > WAsaBe: Kenders have circle...2 kenders are great with circle, but what > do elves, druids, avians, humans, and dwarves, have? We should all have a > skill to use with another of the same race. Two rescueing dwarfs? > Quiver: Brain fry for illithids...makes the mob go crazy, although > doesn't really cause damage. Makes the mob act like it's extremely > drunk. (Names for spell are welcome :)) Good for catching up to those > fleeing mobs. Psionic blast fries brains and there is some sort of web type spell for illithidscalled Vertigo :) > WAsaBe: How is it that someone drunk can get the eq in his inventory, I > wouldn't think he could get what he wanted would you? It just seems that people have been at drunk spellcasters for so long as I'= vebeen here. Isn't not being able to walk and funny drunk talk bad enough? Well, I suppose it's better since CHATH. I still think CHATH shouldn't fix drunktalk. > WAsaBe: What if THROW, could be used with pies...? Chuckle > Tom: Have armor that uses more then 1 spot..... Well, that is already in use, but sometimes could get the server confused.I= t's up to the area builder to write his items like this. FireWalker /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >----------------Story----------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Wow. . . I can hardly believe Sylvid actually told you about the snake= thing. The little guy was just a baby, although a member of the most venomous family to be found = in the Desert . To continue the epic, however. . . After a good, refreshing, night's sleep, Raze woke before dawn and pre= pared breakfast and packed up her tent. So when Sylvid emerged, bleary-eyed from his tent a= little after dawn, he was greeted by that most frightening of creatures, a cheerful kender at 5 a= m. After they finished the meal and Sylvid finished waking up, the pair started off across the des= ert again. "We should reach an oasis by tonight," Raze commented. "There may be s= ome caravans there and we'll be able to restock our food supplies, which are getting a t= ad bit low. After that, we have one more day before we reach the edge of the desert and enter the p= lains that surround the Tower. It shouldn't be too much longer before we get there." "An oasis? Civilization again for a short period of time. How wonderfu= l. Maybe this time we won't get chased out be assassins," replied Sylvid with a snort before h= e returned to his watch for sandworms. The desert around them was pretty enough, after you got used= to the absence of vegetation. Reds and yellows and oranges in varying shades surrounded them = on all sides, and the bright blue sky was a beautiful contrast. If only it weren't so hot, it mig= ht be a nice place to live.=20 The sun was dipping towards the horizon by the time Raze and Sylvid re= ached the oasis. They could see covered wagons around the edges, and numerous fires twinkled= from the shelter of the date palms. The wild skirling of some sort of pipe could be heard ag= ainst a sonorous drumbeat, and voices and laughter filtered through the music. Entering the = oasis itself, the kender and elf found that it was quite crowded. Talking to one of the guardians wh= o kept the oasis clean and robber-free, Raze learned that a large caravan from Malathar had arrive= d that afternoon and the elven traders were heading to one of the large cities on the other side= of the Desert. Most of the space in the oasis was occupied, but the man directed them to a quiet, = out of the way corner of the emerald island where they could sleep without being disturbed by the= traders' revels. It was there the Raze and Sylvid were headed when a voice suddenly called Sylvid's= name and a sprightly young elfess came bounding from one of the gaudy tents. "Hey big brother! I haven't seen you in decades! What are you doing al= l the way out here in these wastelands? Did the Circle finally get sick of your seriousness?" = the young woman exclaimed, hugging Sylvid happily. Returning the hug and then disengaging himself, Sylvid turned to Raze = and explained. "This is my younger sister, Jasserande. We really haven't seen each other s= ince I was accepted to the circle about 50 years ago. So, Jass, how are things going at home?" "The usual. Mother and Father were a bit aghast when I didn't want to = be a mage, but they didn't stop me from apprenticing myself in the Merchant's Guild. That = was about twenty years now, and I'm almost a master now. Have you two got anywhere to stay? = You can share my tents if you'd like. We even have mattresses and pillows. You look like you= 've been on the road for a while. Hey! You never did tell me what you're doing. Come sit by the = fire and tell the tale!" Slightly breathless, she stopped, grabbed their horses and began to lead th= em towards the largest tent and a big fire. Bemused, Sylvid and Raze both followed. As soon as they'd arrived at the tent and been introduced, servants be= gan to unload their horses and people pressed dishes of hot food into their hands. Sitting back= in a corner and watching Jasserande interrogate her big brother,( who, in turn, skillfully = sidestepped all questions concerning their presence in the Desert) Raze curbed her urge to slip finge= rs into every pocket in sight. They were, after all the kinfolk of her employer, and it might be a = bit crass to steal from them when he was already paying her. Squashing her kender instincts, she de= cided to go to sleep before she got into trouble. Tomorrow was the end of the ride through the D= esert and the beginning of the hardest part: actually locating the Tower somewhere in the= middle of the eastern plains. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >---------------Bios------------------------ > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) =09Hi there... my name is Jacques (as in Cousteau) and most people know me = as my character SimJay. Don't ask me how I came up with that name... I guess I was mad at jaywalkers that day. I am 28, born in the Philippines and grew up here most of my life. My father is a Belgian priest and my mother a Filipina teacher. I have been using computers most of my life, though my first love is still sports. I don't like to watch, but enjoy playing them. My number one hobby is Scuba Diving, and do it whenever I have the time. I studied computers at DeVRY for about two years, then moved onto and graduated from MIT when I got a scholarship. I now own and run an Internet Service Provider here in the Philippines. So if you wonder why I am always online... yes I have a life... it just happens that the net and BR is my life. =09I first started playing Barren Realms back in 1996 when I tried it for about one week. I had to stop due to time constraints. I resumed November of 1997, when I was trying other types of muds, and was not satisfied. I remembered this mud, came back and fell in love with it again. I love the atmosphere and the friendliness of the mud. What do I plan for my stay in BR? Well the only thing that would make SimJay the Hero disappear is the number of mistakes that I make. =3D) But that would never make SimJay t= he character disappear. It is rare to find such a fun place where everything and everyone is great. =09People ask me what I want to do when I make my fortune... well that is rather easy. I want to go diving whenever I want, and work with a local instituion that help physically challenged people. I like watching movies as well.... but usually I wait for the video to come out. I have my own home entertainment system... so I really don't miss any effects. And I must admit... being able to rewind a part that I didn't quite understand really helps. =3D) Not to mention, I can always pause it when I need to go to the rest room, or if things get too scary! =3D) =09That's mostly it for now... the rest, you can always learn by talking wi= th me on the mud. I am always willing and ready to chat and get to know each and everyone of you better. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >----------------Spotlight------------------ > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Greetings Realmers, and welcome back to a continental serving of=20 Spotlight tidbits, fresh from the gossip market! Today, I wish to relate the adventures of my travels during the week=20 as I present a news report touching base with all the Realms,=20 especially a noteable few people :) First in the news, let us all congratulate Kiri in being accepted as=20 a Distinguished Member of the Grasshopper Card-Players Association.=20 Rumors have it that she played some strange card game the other week=20 in a covert shelter of brimstone and smoke with Draconians. The=20 reports are a bit vague, and inverstigations are still underway, but=20 so far, that is the only reason we have for the honorable achievement=20 by our Empress. On a sadder note, Jett Eboneye was banned from the Malacandran=20 Bowling League for "not having the proper skills of the game,"=20 reported one spokesman from the Candlelight Bowling Alley.=20 Apparently, Jett challenged the master bowler to a duel in the=20 notorious game--and lost. Unfortunately, such losses result in bans=20 from the league and now Jett is looking for another sport--some say=20 knitting, but that is of yet unknown. In Perelandra today, Tom was voted to be "Most Likely to be Shipped=20 Away to Pluto." Tom reportedly took the news matter-of-factly, but=20 only until he heard Slart was voted, "Most Likely to Build a Fjord."=20 Reports say Tom stormed from the palace at Perelandra, demanding he=20 be given the proper commencement for his janitorial service to the=20 Realms. In other news, Cherye the Druid lost twenty years in a freak accident=20 by gnome scientists trying to control the natural aging process. At=20 the cute age of 3, lawyers are trying to determine if the toddler=20 wishes to press charges. Success has eluded the lawyers as of yet,=20 given the sole words from the young one have been "Gu" and "Ga." Today has been pronounced the official first day of Spring as the=20 Solace Nature Committee reported witnessing a "celestial act of=20 rejuvenation." Yes, Soleil peered through the sun and hurled some=20 solar rocks to the eager Realms below. Apparently, a few villages=20 were scorched to ashes, but the inhabitants had been safely=20 evacuated. Further, the polar caps melted, flooding portions of=20 Calathar, also under control, however. In sports today, the Aura Hourglasses mauled the Rabies Underdogs in=20 a clinching victory for the Eastern league:152-115. And the news, ladies and gentlemen, presented by yours truly,=20 sponsored by Spotlight Inc. COMING UP NEXT:=09The Execution returns! Who shall be the next victim?=20 Tune in next time for a full report and the plans for Execution: The=20 Sequel! /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >--------------Exploration Corner------------ > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Exploration Corner Your Host: Tom Edited by the one and Only : Aura Part I It's 6 a.m., you wake up and prepare for another day of battle. Looking out your window in disgrace, you see a thick rain pummeling the world. Feeling a sense of emptiness, you make yourself a cup of coffee and sit down to read the BR Newsletter. Moments after you are comfortable you hear a knock at the door. Being sure to look out the crudely made hole first, you peek out. You open the door for Pepsir, and Shanater. After greeting them you invite them to a cup of coffee, they both accept your offer and you gladly oblige them. After handing them their coffee, you begin talk on possible activities for the day--productive activities, of course. You all pause for a moment, thinking, then Shanater speaks first speak says, "There has to be something we can do, I don't want to just sit here drinking coffee all day. Lets go fight. I don't care if I get wet." Still thinking, Pepsir takes the BR Newsletter from your counter, and reading a section of it, he says, "Grand Opening of the Barren Realms Museum." He pauses and chuckles a bit and says, " How old is this Newsletter?" You laugh and say, "I was just trying to catch up, haven't read them all, figured I'd read this one while waiting for the rain to drop off." Pepsir laughs a little more and then says, "Hey!, why don't we all visit the Museum on this rainy day. It would be fun. We could find out some cool things, what do you two say?" Thinking for a little, you all agree that it would be fun, but how would you get there? Suddenly, there's a loud knock at the door. Peeking out, you see Orionstram soaking wet. You quickly open the door and let him in. He asks a question while shivering. "So you guys going to do anything today?" You brief him in on what you talked about, and he agrees that the Museum sounds like a good idea. You prepare your gear, and you all head out towards the Museum. After about a half-hour you finally arrive at the main Gate. You open the gate and enter. After everyone is rested up from the trip, you being to explore. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >----------------Silly---------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Top Ten Drug Using Cartoon Suspects: =20 10. Gargamel (From the Smurfs) Most likely LSD. Spends his life in pursuit of little blue guys in sissy white outfits and mentally abusing his cat. What does he plan to do with the blue dwarfs when he catches them anyway? 9. Olive Oyl Probably Dexatrim abuse, maybe some amphetamines. Who is that skinny?! She might even be anorexic, she is always giving her burger to her friend. One side question, what the hell are Popeye and Brutus thinking? What is it her personality? NOT! 8. Snagglepuss Can't explain it. Maybe it's the name, or the look, but he is suspicious. 7. He-Man This is an easy one. I mean c'mon. Roid monkey #1. "BY THE POWER OF ANABOL!!!!!!" Makes me want to root for Skeletor. Alone in his castle, hitting the weights. And on top of that he even injects the shit in his pet tiger. Can we say "Animal Abuse". 6.& 5. Yogi and Boo Boo We all know what is really in those picnic baskets. They go back to the cave and trip. Another side ? - Are they gay? I mean, take a look at BooBoo. Not that there's anything wrong with that..... 4. Droopy The number one downer abuser in toon land. Can't someone slip him an upper every year or two. The only time I ever saw him happy is when he sees the picture of the babe. Sort of makes you wonder. 3. Dopey Dwarf He openly admits it. The other dwarfs deny involvement but they are under investigation. Allegations are that Doc is writing some extra scripts for Sneezy and all the guys partaking are afloat. 2. Daffy Duck If he isn't using crack, Marion Barry is clean. He is so wired he bounces around on his head without pain. Blows his beak off all the time. Some symptoms might be from "daffiness" but Haldol wouldn't work for him. 1. Shaggy By far the #1 suspect. His clothes, his hair, his bad goatee, the boy converses with dogs. But all of this is nothing until you go to the Munchie Factor. Anybody who averages 9.3 dog treats consumed per episode does pot no if, ands, or, buts about it. And Look at the way him and his friends painted that van! Pretty rad design dude. _____________________________________________________________________ | _____ __ ___ ___ ____ ___ ___ ____ __ _ _ _ _____ | | | | |__| |__/ |__/ |_ | | |__/ |_ |__| | | | | | | | |_____\ | | | \ | \ |___ | | | \ |___ | | |___ | | | \_____ | | | | ___ ____ ____ _ ____ _____ _____ ____ ___ | | | ______/ | | |_ | | | \__ | |_ | | |_ |__/ _____/ | | ________| | |___ \_|_/ ___/ |___ |___ | | |___ | \________ | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | No such thing as a failure who keeps trying...coasting to the bottom| | Is the only disgrace...-Blues Traveller | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | Be sure to check out the Official Barren Realms Homepage | | http://nightfall.simplenet.com/Kiri | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | -> Barren Realms: barren.coredcs.com:8000 <- | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | You can contact me at Kiri@li.net for any of the following: | | | | Ideas for Barren Realms | | | | Questions/Complaints | | | | Your scrapbook memories of BR | | | | Your poetry, stories, questions, comments, and bios for the | | mort/hero/imm bio section of the newsletter and BR Magazine. | | | | Getting on the mail list for: | | | | Players file: How to play the game, helps, and the BR story. | | Great information for ALL players, no matter what | | level. | | | | Builders guide: An all new guide on how to build areas for BR. | | Full of new information on bits, liquids, and a | | step by step instruction on building areas. | | | | Builders forum: A place to ask email questions about the area you | | are building | | | | Area list: A list of areas and descriptions of each, in depth | | and helpful | | | \_____________________________________________________________________/ Ascii by Cutlass-Mark Sherlock-msherlo@ibm.net Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 22:10:31 -0500 (EST) ******* ************** *** *** ************** **** ***Barren Realms*** **** *** *** *** *** *** ******* *** *********** ** ** *********** ***************** Tom: a way to dispel 1 spell not all of them Rimfiztrick: make it so you MUST sleep occasionly or else you lose mv for no apperent reason, like your so tired just standing takes away mv Java: i really think the who list should be sorted by level Litl: The tan skill should make eq that avians can wear over their feet, waist etc. Nothing of better quality than tan creates now, but keeps you from feeling naked :) Litl: Alter the worth command to include ammount of coins in bank Aura: How about a bit of code that will make mobs of a particular align become aggressive to players of a particular align. Hence, evil mobs attack good players on sight Nova: everyone should be able to rescue Forrent: how about an edit command for notes so you can edit a line in the middle of a note without messing uo the rest of it Lyndon: i think (to help magic users get exp) you should get exp for every hit that you do, so that if the poor elves or druids can get exp just as fast as dwarves/kinders Thorkill: a command called 'arenawho' or something, that shows who is currently in the arena, not nescearrily there position, just who's there. That way you know whether that person who just went to the arena is staying or it was just an accident. Crimson: Make a text only version of the BR homepage for us internet-speed impaired :) Questyn: when one types affect the spells should be listed in order of time remaining for each spell, not in the order they were cast. Tom: A way to retrieve a Password by having a Backup one Example Having it ask a question that you specified when you made char. to authorize it was you and give ya the password to the Char. you asked for, /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >---------------Article--------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) The City Guard Commande (By Baal) As everyone knows, Barren realms isn't very safe for any mortal. The main City in barren realms known as Calathar is very protected against intruders. There are the Gate Guards, regular Guards who roam around the streets of calathar, and the mighty, powerful Elite City Guards. All of these people guard the city of Calathar very good and sufficiant, and there is the Guardian at the temple, who is the most powerful of them all. As known, there are little towns and areas directly connected to the city with some pretty powerful monsters and stuff. So to keep an eye on all of these places, there is the City Guard Commander. The City Guard Commander never sleeps and roams around the places and dwellings around Calathar. The City Guard commander also followes other characters to make sure no mischif is going on so he will follow you around for a bit and admit that he is a mud addict. He is a ery happy person and smiles a whole lot, so dont make him mad or he'll kill you and will not be smiling around you much more. As he keeps an eye on everyone androams around being the addict that he is, be sure to take the time to show gratitude by smiling and showing him that everything is ok. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >--------------Response--------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Responses by Pagan: >Sabin: after you eat a Pie make a timer who can eat a Pie in under 5 >seconds? Do you really want to be hanging around waiting for yourself to finish eating a pie? I would much rather get out there and brutalize something. >WAsaBe: I think that if we don't use a skill for a certain amount of >time, we should forget it in other words our %'s will go down in the >skills we don't use. Interesting idea! However, I imagine the code on that one would be a nightmare. >Sabin: show in group if someone is Linkdead Just look at 'em! If they got a linkdead flag...well, y'know. :) >Sabin: Dirty Britches should make you smell :> Yeah?!? And then what? Mobs hunt your stinking arse down? heheehee >Akron: make regen faster when there are to many people in a area to make >it fare for everyone. Do you mean re-pop? I dont think that's a good idea, and I dont think it makes it anymore fair. It's one of the things that makes it a challenge, and encourages grouping. If there were an unlimited supply of molasses pools or something, you'd see 20 people camping there all the time. The Realms are huge!! If there are people around you that are spoiling your hunting...go find elsewhere to hunt! (You might even find cooler stuff that what they're killing ) >Akron: why does one beer get your drunk? in Rl it takes many more than >that:) (BR encourages responsible drinking) :) Same as the Pie timer.. Do you really want to be spending your time downing beer after beer, so that you can get drunk enough to recharge your mana, or would you rather drink a beer, then go kill kill kill?! :-) >DarkElf: how about a 'sip' command so you drink a fraction of ale so you >arent too drunk, makes finding less affective alchohol easier... and who >drinks the whole beer in one gulp anyways? Certainly not elves. I think that's what make the Jello Shots cool...they only contain a *sip* of ale. And what do you mean "certainly not elves" ?!? Them lil' elves are the only ones that can give druids a run for their money in the drinking department! (Maybe Illithids too) If anyone gulps their liquor..it's the elves *grin* >Sabin: depending on how much you eat deterimine your body weight in terms >of fighting ability and have weight room Neat, but way too complicated :) >Forent: how about you have a total heal when you level I've thought about that idea a lot before..and I flip back and forth on it.. but overall I'd say that it just takes away a little too much of the chalenge. Sure, it'd be great to level on Ciquala's dragon, therefore having all your resources back just in time to fight Ciquala herself.. but half the fun is recovering from battles .... and getting ready for the next one :-) >Scratch: you could give heros rewards for doing quests, not just the >people who win the quests... for putting in all that hard work Why thank-ya Scratch!!! But I think seeing the questors have fun, and really getting into it is a good reward. *big brown-nosed grin* >Scratch: you could let mortals do quests >Kiri - Um, we don't have any rules against mortals running quests. (Coming up next week....*Scratch's Quest!* hehe) >(From Akron) tents need some sort of locking system to prevent people >from entering your tent. But then how can we put shaving cream in your hand and then tickle your nose with a feather while you sleep?!?!?! >WAsaBe: make leveling harder...:) (ummmm..debating whether I should touch this one or not *grin*) 1) It can be dificult for *some* people to level, escpecially to make it to hero :) 2)Certain changes have been made that *do* make it more of a challenge..the scalpels were weakened (they were WAY too powerful)..the Poision Clan Insignias were weakened.. and there are other things too, keep your eyes open and you'll see 'em (one very popular healing item)..overall, I think more of a challenge is good. Especially for levels over 35 or so. >Mercury: when the weather says "the blazing sun makes you tired" you go >to sleep How often have you been walking on a sunny afternoon, and droped to the ground sleeping because the sun was hot? Besides, it would be a major pain! >WAsaBe: Kenders have circle...2 kenders are great with circle, but what >do elves, druids, avians, humans, and dwarves, have? We should all have a >skill to use with another of the same race. Dwarves and Avains have rescue, and I've grouped with two dwarves who rescued eachother constantly! And as far as the other races go.. you cant add anything to a Human or they'd be too powerful .. and druids and elves really aren't combat races...more of a support race. When a Kender circles...he becomes the Mob's target..what elf in his right mind wants to become the taget of the Mob?? Elves are much better in the back of the group throwing Fireballs over the head of the tanker. Each race in BR has a very defined role to play...and circle is one of the things that makes a Kender so cool to have in your party! (And a Kender can circle with any race, not just another Kender, although you're right, two circling Kenders are amazing) >Quiver: Brain fry for illithids...makes the mob go crazy, although >doesn't really cause damage. Makes the mob act like it's extremely >drunk. (Names for spell are welcome :)) Good for catching up to those >fleeing mobs. Just thinking here...would it be like Berzerk or Frenzy?? IE.. the mob goes crazy...does a little more damage to you, but has it's armor class lowerd a bunch because it's in a crazed state? (Might be cool...might be dangerous :) >WAsaBe: How is it that someone drunk can get the eq in his inventory, I >wouldn't think he could get what he wanted would you? (BR encourages responsible drinking) :) Ever see a drunk moron at a bar get his keys out of his pocket? Too bad they dont have a harder time at it..too bad we can't institute your idea in RL :) >WAsaBe: If only we could line up our spells...or have a way to sort them >out...bye amt of mana needed, and bye %'s (for pra and spell) heeheehee BellaLuna (my better half) has yellow sticky notes all over her monitor for just that purpose! >WAsaBe: What if THROW, could be used with pies...? Then the Realms we certainly be a messy place :) >Tom: Have armor that uses more then 1 spot..... I think that's a cool idea...having a chance to figure where you want to wear something...but I think it causes problems.. we used to have rings that you could hold too, and I believe there was a problem with that. -pagan /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >------------Story-------------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Well, back yet again for another adventure. . .hehe. . . Having spent the night enjoying the hospitality of my sister Jasse, Raze and I awoke to another day of sunshine. "Well," I said stretching, "we really should be getting on, now. Any news from ahead, Jasse?" "Well, big brother, information isn't free, you know. . ." "What??" I exclaimed. "I'm your big brother, Jasse!" She snickered. "Just kidding Syl, calm down. Though the Merchant's Guild did teach me a thing or two about bargaining," she grinned very evilly. "And I seem to remember a few times when big brother took liberties to make life very uncomfortable," she said with a smile. "In any case, do watch out. I don't know what you're up to, but the plains after this desert seem to have become a bit darker and nastier than they have in years. It could have something to do with the old stories about the Dark Tower," she said sarcastically, "but of course, they are just stories." "Of course," I quickly agreed, "but thanks all the same. We'll watch out, I promise." We said our good byes, and then Raze and I took to the road again. The sands of the desert gradually faded out into a more mild and much more inviting plain. Tall grass stretched for as far as the eye could see. We found a slightly worn path and began following it. "It's rumored to be somewhere in these plains, so we should be able to see it very soon," Raze commented, trying to get her bearings. "It is," I stated with surety. "In fact, it's straight ahead this way." "How do you know? I thought I was the guide." "You are, but you won't see the tower until you run into it. You haven't the right eyes so to speak. I need you to keep us on the path. Even though you'd think you could see anything coming for miles, you can't. These plains are almost glowing with magic, and the path is the only part that is relatively safe. And be ready to fight. I think Jasse was correct when she mentioned the old stories, and that means there are some nasty things out here." Raze nodded. "What were in those stories anyway?" she asked suddenly. "As you know, few really believe in the Dark Tower at all. It was built before even the elves can remember, before Calathar even existed. It was believed to be the centre of a great evil, that would let no one in by any magical means, and unless you knew exactly where how and when to find it, you couldn't. Since few knew really what to look for, it became only a myth." "Where, how and when?" "It actually exists in several places at once, which is why there are many roads that can take you to the Tower, and that also added to the disbelief." "But you believe it exists, for some reason. And you actually want to go there?" "Of course. The Silver Circle needs to know a few things, let's call them the Tower's little secrets. Of course no one knows what's really inside, but I'd imagine it's pretty nasty. And since evil begets evil, these plains are enchanted with the same energy." "Well if it's so dangerous, why did the Circle send a whole platoon of you guys? I mean, an army of ticked off elves would be pretty unstoppable, you know." "The two of us should attract less attention than one hundred elves throwing fireballs all over the place, and in any case, the Tower has a. . . reflective property. The more you throw at it, the worse it throws back. But those are just stories," I added ironically. As we rode on, the sun seemed more and more distant. I led the way, following a magical scent that only I could smell. Eventually I realized that we were being followed, and reined in. "What's wrong?" Raze asked, puzzled. Turning my horse off the path, I turned back to Raze. "Run," I yelled, "We're being followed. I need to conserve my energy for the tower, and we can't waste time fighting!" With a start of surprise, Raze began to turn her pony. "But I thought you said to stay on the path." "I did. But it's this way and we need to reach the Tower before those whatevers reach us. Now move!" We kicked our horsed into a gallop, the grass of the suddenly dark plains flying past us. I could feel the minds of our pursuers getting closer and closer, and urged my horse on. Then both our horses shrieked, and the Tower appeared looming in front of us, not more than twenty paces away. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >----------------Corner--------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Exploration Corner Your Host: Tom Edited by the one and Only : Aura Part II Upon reaching the bottom of the stairwell, you see a beautiful brass plaque. Climbing up the stairs, you enter a very elegant, Italian, marble hallway. You all gaze wonderfully at the craftsmanship of this place, thinking how much arduous work this place must have demanded. You all buy your tickets and enter into the main room. You see a wonderful stainless skylight that just makes your mind wander into peaceful thoughts, along with awesome marble columns bearing a Greek look. Directly in the middle of the main room is a luxurious fountain bubbling forth sparking clear water. Hanging from the high ceiling are flags of many of Barren Realms cultures'. Going farther into the museum, you go south into the planetarium. The ceiling changes from it's marble look into a midnight blue, there are pictures of wonderous planets along the wall. As you all gaze at the pictures, Shanater speaks up. "When are we going to kill something? This is getting dull." You all quicken your pace and walk through the many exhibits in the planetarium looking for something you can kill. Then Pepsir says "Why don't we just take out a guard? There's plenty of them here. Surely killing one wouldn't get them mad." You all agree and kill a guard. No alarms go off, so, still deathly quiet, you kill a few more. Continuing into the Museum, you see the museum changing again up ahead. A sign is posted that reads: "The museum proudly presents a restoration of dinosaur remains to their former glory! In prehistoric times, the dinosaurs were the predators who ruled earth. Keep in mind that these exhibits are like the originals -- they are predatory." Shanater smiles and says, "Woo-hoo! Finally something that we can actually have fun killing." Orionstram looks up and says, "You know, coming here is the best thing I've done in awhile." You all continue into the Dinosaur Exhibit, gazing at wonderful jaw displays of various dinosaurs. Getting deeper and deeper into this exhibit, the scene changes, the air becomes moist, your path which was marble becomes a dirt pathway, and a forest of trees begins. Pepsir smiles and yells, "Here we come you fossilized bones!" You all spend the rest of the day Killing dinosaurs and having fun, gaining experience and learning about the ancient times of Barren Realms. Returning home late from your trip, you all sit at the table once again to rest up a little. You say, "Well we sure made this rainy day productive." Everyone agrees and smiles as Pepsir adds with a chuckle, "Maybe we can hookup with some others and show them around. Of course you know if we tell others we will have to kill them." Everyone relaxes, you play a few games, then Shanater says, "Well it's time for me to go, I'm going to kill some things on the way home, it was an OK day I guess." Shanater smiles as he leaves for home. Orionstram thinks for awhile then speaks up. "You know I think it's time for me to go home and meditate on the Elven rules for awhile." He stands from the table, stretches, and leaves with a smile on his face. Pepsir looks around noticing it's just you and him left, and he decides he should be on his way, since it's late. As Pepsir opens the door, he turns around, bonks you on the head, and runs out. You smile realizing that you had a great time exploring the Realms. You meditate for awhile, then turn the light off and rest up, for tomorrow is another day for battling. The END *The Names, and Characters in this Story were randomly picked* Thanks to Orionstram, Pepsir, and Shanater for allowing me to use them in my story! Thanks to Aura, for without the ideas he portrayed to me, this wouldn't have ever been. And Thanks to Kiri, for giving me a chance at this :) Barren Realms Museum Made for Levels 10-30 /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >--------------Spotlight-------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Greetings fellow Realmers, and welcome to the one and only Spotlight, where words flow together from around Calather to form every gossip lover's delight! Today, Spotlight opens up with the beginning of a series of editions focusing on the past as we remember the memorable scene of the Execution of the Mean Lag! As those of you who watched the spectacle that day, our champion Clericus delievered a sound and lethal bonking to that horror of all mobs, the Mean Lag. The battle lasted roughly a minute or so and though spam was a bit unexpected, the execution was completed and the justice of the Realms was fulfilled as the serial killer of all was finally put to rest. Now, we have had another vote, and another victim has been chosen! Amazingly enough, and with heavy heart, I must announce the conviction of the Guardian of Calathar himself. Yes, yes, a tragedy indeed, but the populace of the Realms have deemed him worthy of death on the charge of killing innocent killers. Justice must be served. But because this is the Guardian, I, the Guardian of Time, wish to allow my colleague the chance of a trial. Hence, during the course of this week, I wish to select a prosecution for the state of the Realms, and a lawyer for the defendent, as well as a jury to rule the sentence. Guilty, and the Guardian will die. Innocent, and we shall set him free. So prepare yourselves, my readers, for Barren Realms is about to have its first trial ever! COMING UP NEXT: Want to know how the trial will be run? Who is in it? What the stakes are? Tune in next time as the fate of the Guardian lies in the hands of Realmers--for the first time. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >---------------Silly----------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) *I love cats ... they taste just like chicken. *Out of my mind. Back in five minutes. *Cover me. I'm changing lanes. *As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in public schools. *Happiness is a belt-fed weapon. *Laugh alone and the world thinks you're an idiot. *Sometimes I wake up grumpy; Other times I let her sleep. *I want to die in my sleep like my grandfather...Not screaming in terror *like the passengers in his car. *Montana -- At least our cows are sane! *The gene pool could use a little chlorine. *I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian. *Your kid may be an honor student but you're still an IDIOT! *When you do a good deed, get a receipt, in case heaven is like the IRS. *I took an IQ test and the results were negative. *Where there's a will, I want to be in it! *Okay, who stopped payment on my reality check? *If we aren't supposed to eat animals, why are they made of meat? *Time is the best teacher; Unfortunately it kills all its students! *Forget about World Peace...Visualize Using Your Turn Signal ! *Warning: Dates in Calendar are closer than they appear. *Give me ambiguity or give me something else. *We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse. *Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot. *He/She who laughs last thinks slowest *Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else. *Lottery: A tax on people who are bad at math. *Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies. *Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes. *Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere may be *happy. *Consciousness: that annoying time between naps. *i souport publik edekasion *Ever stop to think, and forget to start again? *Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie!'...till you can find a rock. *2 + 2 = 5 for extremely large values of 2. *I like you, but I wouldn't want to see you working with subatomic particles. *3 kinds of people: those who can count & those who can't. *We are Microsoft. Resistance Is Futile. You Will Be Assimilated. *Back Up My Hard Drive? How do I Put it in Reverse? *I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory. *Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film. *Seen it all, done it all, can't remember most of it. *Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't *He's not dead, He's electroencephalographically challenged. *She's always late. Her ancestors arrived on the June flower. *You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be *misquoted, then used against you. *I wonder how much deeper would the ocean be without sponges. *Honk if you love peace and quiet. *Pardon my driving, I am reloading. *Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how it remains so popular? *Nothing is fool-proof to a sufficiently talented fool. *A day without sun shine is like, you know, night. *Atheism is a non-prophet organization. *On the other hand, you have different fingers. _____________________________________________________________________ | _____ __ ___ ___ ____ ___ ___ ____ __ _ _ _ _____ | | | | |__| |__/ |__/ |_ | | |__/ |_ |__| | | | | | | | |_____\ | | | \ | \ |___ | | | \ |___ | | |___ | | | \_____ | | | | ___ ____ ____ _ ____ _____ _____ ____ ___ | | | ______/ | | |_ | | | \__ | |_ | | |_ |__/ _____/ | | ________| | |___ \_|_/ ___/ |___ |___ | | |___ | \________ | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | No such thing as a failure who keeps trying...coasting to the bottom| | Is the only disgrace...-Blues Traveller | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | Be sure to check out the Official Barren Realms Homepage | | http://nightfall.simplenet.com/Kiri | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | -> Barren Realms: barren.coredcs.com:8000 <- | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | You can contact me at Kiri@li.net for any of the following: | | | | Ideas for Barren Realms | | | | Questions/Complaints | | | | Your scrapbook memories of BR | | | | Your poetry, stories, questions, comments, and bios for the | | mort/hero/imm bio section of the newsletter and BR Magazine. | | | | Getting on the mail list for: | | | | Players file: How to play the game, helps, and the BR story. | | Great information for ALL players, no matter what | | level. | | | | Builders guide: An all new guide on how to build areas for BR. | | Full of new information on bits, liquids, and a | | step by step instruction on building areas. | | | | Builders forum: A place to ask email questions about the area you | | are building | | | | Area list: A list of areas and descriptions of each, in depth | | and helpful | | | \_____________________________________________________________________/ Ascii by Cutlass-Mark Sherlock-msherlo@ibm.net Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 13:27:41 -0500 (EST) If you get this mail and you're a hero, please respond and let me know who your hero character is. Also, spotlight will be taking some time off.. If you want to submit anything (bios, articles, etc.) please feel free. | | _______ (===|====================- -====================|===) \ __ \ | | | |__| | __ _ _ __ _ __ ___ _ ___ | ___ \ / __ \| | | |/ ___\ | |/ ___\ / ___ \ | |/ __ \ | | | | | | \ | | / | / | _____| | / | | | |___| | | |__ / | | | | | | |_____ | | | | /________/ \____/|_| |_| |_| \_____/ |_| |_| _______ _ \ __ \ | | | |__| | ___ __ _ | | _ __________ ____ | ___ \ / ___ \ / __ \| | | | | |/ __ ____ \ / ____\ | | | | | _____| | | \ | | | | / | | | | | |__ | | | | | |_____ | |__ / | | | | | | | | | \___ \ /__| |__| \_____/ \____/|_| |_| |_| |_| |_| \ \ ___________________________________________________________ / / <____________________________________________________________/ -Govinda Tyme: Since you see a trail of glowing footprints when you track, You should see them even without a light! Tom: Make fake report, Random instead of a stable set...makes it more fun Tom: Each race should speak there own language, and to communicate correctly you should have to go enhancer and learn the other languages Logo: A modification to the frenzy and/or berserk spell, You can go below -10 HP in battle when your affected, but... when the fight ends you either die, or fall unconscious depending on your negative HP. (unconsious as in when you get hit by lightning or Sverfolw: You imms should run another one of thoes assults on calather with the constant waves of orc's coming on to the city, having all players,guards,and shop keepers helping in the battle. Nekocat: how about a new skill "meditate" for the humans and the avians??? Omnipotus: a 'Raise Dead' spell that animates a corpse and makes it a charmie. not sure who it'd be for and what disadvantages the charmie'd have but it should get some. Everyone knows charmies are really worthless now but it'd be neato :) Logo: Add to the Berserk spell, the berserker player has a chance to attack his own group members in battle. >:-) /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >----------------Article-------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) From Pagan: *(*(*(*(*(*(*( Barren Realms Herald )*)*)*)*)*)*)* _________Cataclysm Rocks Our World!__________ Dateline: Calathar. Word spread like wildfire throughout the Realms last week that a supernatural force had shaken our fair city to it's very roots. What were all these people talking about? An earthquake? Rumor has it, that this earthquake was VERY different, and the origins of this event far surpass the power of Mother Nature. As many of you know, one of our neighbors to the west, Camalot, is home to one of the most powerful Wizards in the Realms.the wise one known as Merlin. As many foolhardy adventurers have discovered, above Merlin's room, he has imprisoned the fiercest Demon in all of the Seven Planes of Hell. For eons, this towering, black scaled demon has lived out his miserable life locked within Merlin's magical pentagram, devouring souls that wander in. Until last week. During the depths of the night, some time last week, a group of undisclosed heroes, angry with the Immortals, conspired to set loose the feared beast to wreak havoc on the Realms. Sources close to this renegade band report that the heroes were upset with mortals growing too strong, and hoped that the demon running free would knock the morts down a peg or two. Alas, they were mistaken. Upon being set loose, the Demon, it seems, was more concerned with finding a cool beverage, and taking in some adult entertainment, rather than devouring roaming mortals. Reports place the demonic beast at the popular nightclub called The Zoo, sometime around Midnight. It was seen downing an obscene number of cockails, and trying some tired old lines on the Whip Girl, to no avail, sources reveal. At around one o'clock in the morning, it is reported that when Merlin awoke from his slumber, and discovered his prisoner missing, he went into a furious rage, setting forth on a quest to recapture the lost demon. Knowing the beast's reputation for drink and women, Merlin scoured the seedier bars through the realms, until he came to The Zoo. What happened next is a matter of speculation and details are sketchy. It appears, however, that the drunken demon was not very willing to head back to the pentagram prison, feeling that he might be making progress with the girl with the whip, and when Merlin attempted to force the issue, a battle of universal proportion broke out. One observer noted that "it was a bar brawl to end all bar brawls!" Merlin reportedly called upon all his power to beat back the beast, calling lightning to cleave the ceiling, and hell's own fire to erupt through the floor of The Zoo, enveloping the Demon. When the dust settled, the two combatants were nowhere to be found, and the club was reduced to a few smoldering toothpicks. Follow up reports place Merlin back in his tower where he always is, and when asked for a comment, Merlin muttered something into his sleeve and nodded off. The Demon, who knows?!? This reporter has no plans to enter the pentagram to investigate. And as for the popular nightclub, The Zoo, the scene of the fierce battle, management could not be reached for comment. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >----------------Response--------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) from Baltar: > several scrolls of summon out there. > > Kiri - it does, as long as what you are trying to summon is in the same > room as you ;P > You know, a whole lot of scrolls, and even potions, do not work as identified. And "You can't do that" isn't particularly informative. Maybe we could use a committee to go through magic item effects and tweak 'em where necessary. > Waz: not losing xp for fleeing in arena Or, maybe just NOT FLEE in the Arena? What are you worried about, getting killed? :-) Turn off wimpy temporarily, that should solve the problem. (Of course, you *don't* want to forget to turn it back on when you leave...) > Whystler: make different races loose different kinds of body parts. > avians could for example loose drumsticks and wings rather than arms and > legs ;) An interesting idea, but what about mobs? I'm always amused when a snake turns out to have legs, or I chop the head off a floating head... > Aleksei: how about clericus casting giant strength? Thought he already did? > Thorkill: Give a slight interest rate to money placed in the bank. But > you dont recieve the interest based on MUD years, you recieve it each time > you level. Oh, no. Not this debate again. As soon as someone suggests interest, someone else will counter with bank robberies and S&L failures and other creative ways to lose all your hard-won cash. (I think they already have code for embezzlement...) My understanding is the Imms have made a policy decision here, and it's best not to mess with it. Like clans, interest is a mud feature that will never be on Barren Realms. > Rimfiztrick: have day time and night time last longer shuch as it's day > for an hour and night for an hour Well, if you really *want* to have your ticks last for five minutes each, so that it takes a week and a half to heal up from a big fight, suit yourself...Unless you mean that BR should switch from 24-hour days to a system of 180-hour days? > Tom: something to make Fighting more fun, and Interactive...I know you > can Kick/do spells and all > the skills but...why not something for controling the sword...not quite > sure how to play with it You mean, make PARRY and the like not automatic, but actually have to type them in? Ick. :-) > Sabin: commands like save should not have to wait, for spell lag or from > fallin on your face doing roundhouse It would be great if this could be coded, but I have a feeling it would mean a heck of a lot of work. Maybe we could have this apply to commands that work while you're asleep... Baltar /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >------------------Story-------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) When the fleeing pair got about 15 feet from the tower, the pressure of the pursuers' minds abruptly quit, and Sylvid reeled in his saddle from the shock of the sudden release. The horses slid to a stop and stood, blowing hard, but no longer panicked. Raze looked around confused and wondered just what had happened that her mundane eyes had missed. Shaking his head, Sylvid looked around, finally noticing a shimmer encompassing the Tower. "No wonder!" he exclaimed. "It's shielded from its own protectors, and they couldn't follow us in." Craning her neck and peering about, Raze queried "Shield? I don't see anything." "It's a magical shield and is invisible to normal sight. I can see it, but with your unagumented visual capabilities, you won't see anything. I think it also keeps out creatures of a purely magical or spiritual origin, which is why we could get in and the things following us couldn't. Now how to get in." Sylvid walked up to the door and tried the knob. It would not turn. Rocking back on his heels, he frowned, puzzled, as he looked the tower up and down. What was keeping the door from opening? All the magic he could sense seemed to be concentrated inside the tower, and he couldn't find a trace on the door. He could use a translucency spell, but that wouldn't get Raze in, and he might need her help once inside. With a weary sigh, he said, "Well, I guess I'll just have to blast the door down." and stepped back. "Why trumpet our entrance any more than is needful?" asked Raze, puzzled. "Just let me do it." Before Sylvid could stop her, she trotted up to the door, inserted a pick, and deftly clicked the lock open with a soft 'snick!'. "There we go. You want to enter first?" Surprised and slightly abashed, Sylvid muttered something about needing to be able to see the auras without Raze in the way and slipped in the yawning open doorway of the Tower. The kender slipped in after him, going into hide mode and making as little noise as possible. For a moment upon entering, the darkness blinded her, but Raze followed the sound of Sylvid's footsteps and soon recovered her sight. They had entered a short hallway leading to a large circular room. It appeared to be built of normal gray stone with slate flagstones paving the floor. Nothing looked evil or twisted or even dangerous to Raze, and she had to catch herself as she automatically began looking for small, pocket size objects to 'borrow'. Then they entered the circular room and Raze gasped in surprise. The room, like the hallway, was perfectly normal looking, gray stone walls and gray flagstone floors. In the middle of the room, however, was what looked like a frame hanging in midair. Instead of showing the wall behind it, the frame showed a picture of a deserted town. Or was it a picture? It actually seemed to be moving; dead leaves cartwheeling down the street and dust devils eddying about. "So this is the portal to Midgaard," remarked Sylvid. "I'm going to have to study this once we figure out what the other thing in the Tower is. The Circle has always wanted to know the art of creating portals." Confusion wrinkling her little face, Raze looked around the room, and seeing no doorways, asked Sylvid "Other thing? How can there be anything else in here? This seems to be the only room in the Tower." "There's more to this place than meets the eye. I can still feel more magic further in. There's something evil there as well, but I don't know what it is. Give me a few minutes." As Sylvid strode around the room, looking for the hidden exit, Raze watched the portal. The picture changed from time to time. A few times she saw scenes she recognized, including the Thieves' Forest, where looking back at her in surprise was another kender, rather young looking and very frightened by the Portal's sudden appearance. Raze flashed him a quick grin and waved before the portal flipped to the next area. "I think I found it!" said Sylvid breathlessly. Murmuring a few words, he pressed his hand to a stone in the wall and stood back. For a few seconds, nothing happened, but just as Sylvid was about to try a different stone, a discordant shimmer of bells was heard and a doorway appeared (just appeared!) in that section of wall. Taking a deep breath and saying a prayer to the Gods under his breath, Sylvid opened the doorway. Beyond it was a room, and in the centre hung a globe, just suspended in midair. It was large and seemed to be a rather putrid colour; or rather colours, as it kept shifting back and forth from sickly green to a washed out brown to a bloody red and to all shades in between. From it emanated waves of pure evil so palpable that even Raze blanched. As the adventurers took a tentative step into the room, a hideous cackle shrieked across their minds and they nearly ran in terror. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >-------------Corner------------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) '-Exploration Corner-' Welcome to this weeks episode, in which we venture on a trip to the Dark-Sea , for levels 40-50--don't forget your wetsuit and some oxygen! Our target is east of Calathar but before we head there, we are going to head to Lexie, in Solace.There, we can acquire the equipment we will need while goin over their uses as well as general safety tips. I would like to mention diving solo is not recommended and is dangerous. Remember to bring yourself a waterproof light source. Ok we are here at Lexie's store, and I'm sure you're thinking, "What should and shouldn't we buy?" Your average snorkel would be the pick if you don't mind going to the surface every now and again, of course for our trip since we don't have enough time to return to the surface we choose the air-tank. Of course, it weighs a little more but holds enough oxygen for you to stay down longer. The flippers and the belt aren't really necessary for this trip, and with that all said and done let us head to the site! To reach the Dark-Sea we go east through the Dwarven forest, at this point take careful heed to the sign, and make sure you put your scuba gear on! Entering the sea, the contours of your surroundings change. Grass and sky are replaced by the wonderful growing coral, blue water, and lively fish. Going deeper you come in contact with some of the sea-life used in horror movies--sharks, octopi, and crabs to name just a few. Take your time, explore the wonderful fish along with some wonderful gifts for you! The lower you go, the more exotic the fish life becomes and the ever so much more deadly. As we approach the bed of this sea, bones of many travelers become visible, a few skulls are hammered into the sea bed and foretell some ancient stories of this place. Why at the very bottom of the sea you can even see the remains of a few heroes! Rumor has it even Aura himself has died a few times in this vast sea, though that has yet to be determined! Well that's all I have time for this week! Stay tune for next week's episode! /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >----------------Silly--------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) NEVERMORE: Poe meets DOS Once upon a midnight dreary, fingers cramped and vision bleary, System manuals piled high and wasted paper on the floor, Longing for the warmth of bedsheets, Still I sat there, doing spreadsheets: Having reached the bottom line, I took a floppy from the drawer. Typing with a steady hand, I then invoked the SAVE command But got instead a reprimand: it read "Abort, Retry, Ignore." Was this some occult illusion? Some maniacal intrusion? These were choices Solomon himself had never faced before. Carefully, I weighed my options. These three seemed to be the top ones. Clearly, I must now adopt one: Choose Abort, Retry, Ignore. With my fingers pale and trembling, Slowly toward the keyboard bending, Longing for a happy ending, hoping all would be restored, Praying for some guarantee Finally I pressed a key -- But on the screen what did I see? Again: "Abort, Retry, Ignore." I tried to catch the chips off-guard -- I pressed again, but twice as hard. Luck was just not in the cards. I saw what I had seen before. Now I typed in desperation Trying random combinations Still there came the incantation: Choose: Abort, Retry, Ignore. There I sat, distraught, exhausted, by my own machine accosted Getting up I turned away and paced across the office floor. And then I saw an awful sight: A bold and blinding flash of light -- A lightning bolt had cut the night and shook me to my very core. I saw the screen collapse and die "Oh no -- my database", I cried I thought I heard a voice reply, "You'll see your data Nevermore." To this day I do not know The place to which lost data goes I bet it goes to heaven where the angels have it stored. But as for productivity, well I fear that it goes straight to hell And that's the tale I have to tell Your choice: Abort, Retry, Ignore. _____________________________________________________________________ | _____ __ ___ ___ ____ ___ ___ ____ __ _ _ _ _____ | | | | |__| |__/ |__/ |_ | | |__/ |_ |__| | | | | | | | |_____\ | | | \ | \ |___ | | | \ |___ | | |___ | | | \_____ | | | | ___ ____ ____ _ ____ _____ _____ ____ ___ | | | ______/ | | |_ | | | \__ | |_ | | |_ |__/ _____/ | | ________| | |___ \_|_/ ___/ |___ |___ | | |___ | \________ | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | No such thing as a failure who keeps trying...coasting to the bottom| | Is the only disgrace...-Blues Traveller | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | Be sure to check out the Official Barren Realms Homepage | | http://nightfall.simplenet.com/Kiri | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | -> Barren Realms: barren.coredcs.com:8000 <- | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | You can contact me at Kiri@li.net for any of the following: | | | | Ideas for Barren Realms | | | | Questions/Complaints | | | | Your scrapbook memories of BR | | | | Your poetry, stories, questions, comments, and bios for the | | mort/hero/imm bio section of the newsletter and BR Magazine. | | | | Getting on the mail list for: | | | | Players file: How to play the game, helps, and the BR story. | | Great information for ALL players, no matter what | | level. | | | | Builders guide: An all new guide on how to build areas for BR. | | Full of new information on bits, liquids, and a | | step by step instruction on building areas. | | | | Builders forum: A place to ask email questions about the area you | | are building | | | | Area list: A list of areas and descriptions of each, in depth | | and helpful | | | \_____________________________________________________________________/ Ascii by Cutlass-Mark Sherlock-msherlo@ibm.net Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 21:11:09 -0500 (EST) Elric: could score be modified to mention solid align in evil, neutral or godo terms, not things like angelic Tom: code a game you can play to get restored WAsaBe: A spell...dream...cost some mana...but would give a message to someone sleeping...no changes...no drunken slurr... Forrent: i believe that there should be a maximum heal time when you are sleeping. this time should be the same for whatever level you are. your mana and hp should regenerate at a speed equal to your level and amount of points Tyme: monitor command, you monitor someone in your group, and their hitpionts show up on your prompt Avon: be able to rescue incapacitated people Bluewing: perhaps at -450 ac you could be indestructable, because a lot of illithids don't need all their spells to reach a -300 ac class Unclearthur: a butcher command for Avians, Birds eat corpses, so an Avian could cut up a corpse into meat Login: a bad mood flag....for those bad days we all have :-) BowStone: How about code it so that lvl 5 and below recall back to the newbie wing? Lot's die and find themselves in the city where they die over and over and also get confused. Once at lvl 5 they should at least know something. BowStone: Can you code it so that the prac list comes up alphabetized? Also a neat idea would be that spells for your current level have a diff color than the rest. BowStone: Automate the auction. I've seen this on other muds.. make life easier when the shelves are full. Or when you want to auction something. BowStone: Have the store keepers give you a bag with a purchase of 2 or more items. Then add the command Empty. Like 'EMPTY' bag holding. Give the bag a short time limit so that it breaks after a little while... spilling the contents on the ground. Mordlock: skunk essence to use as a cover scent(block your scent from others) gotta kill a skunk first to get skunk essence.Best use by races that have woodcraft/hunting skills Sorsa: top expmakers of day/week/month/etc.. :) Bluewing: There could be one of those post board things at a recall to inform folks about upcoming things and classifieds=20 /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >------------Article------------------------ > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) My article The Art of Heroing by Sun-Tzu-Vercertorix :) (If you didn't get that, ask your parents or me) Sooner or later, it is going to happen to you. Play your character long enough (two years for me) and you are going to hero. This can be a long, drawn out affair, or it could be quite quick and painless. It all depends on your method. Here are my tips (although considering how long it took me to hero, you may NOT want to follow these if I am any example). First, you don't necessarily have to advance quickly through the levels to hero. Sometimes, the experiences you will have make the little extra time you spend goofing off and chatting worth the extra time. Plus, you may never know what you find while off exploring some new area you have never been in before. Second, it doesn't matter how bad your gear is. Your gear can be the same stuff you have been using since level 30 and it won't make a lick of difference if you are using the group approach to heroing (the far easiest, in my opinion). Now, this does matter if you are trying to go it alone. For you loners out there, you may wanna have state of the art gear before you tackle anything. And besides, getting the good gear will net you good xp in the process as well, so it can be nice to have. Third, a well balanced group is helpful but not vital. While you may think a group will slow down your progress, it is actually the opposite. The time you save in retrieving your corpse from impossible situations makes the loss of xp to the group seem minor in comparison. And besides, MUDing is about meeting people, role playing, killing stuff, and having fun while doing so. What is a well balanced group? Someone to heal (or a smack of potions and staves that accomplish the same thing), someone to tank (a dwarf usually), someone you know (yourself), and anything above that is your choice. Also, spells can make up for some inadequacies of your group, but don't expect miracles. And last but not least: Fourth, ya gotta have some FUN. Without fun, the whole point of heroing is removed. It is a reward of sorts, for a job well done and should be treated as such. Take pride in your accomplishment and hard work. Its all finally paid off. But don't forget those who helped you get there, and those who were there when it happened. And remember, as a player, you ultimate goal should be to make the Barren Realms experience as fun and memorable as possible for everyone. Hope this helps you down the road some point. Vercertorix ____________________________________________________________ /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >--------------responses-------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Responses by Daehder: > WAsaBe: what if enchant gave you exptnl...it would be worth more, and > used less...:) And you won't get any elf willing to enchant anything for anyone > Quiver: Fix for dwarves...requires they have a hammer of some sort, fixes > armor, but might destroy based on practice percentage, requires 18+ int. Armor repair skill. Sounds nice :) > Forrent: have a separate list for skills so you wont see them on the > spells list and you wont think they cost mana to cast And what would you put on that list? > Whystler: how about making an area list sorted on level range? > Kiri - try typing areas 10 20 or whatever level range sometime. It gives > you all the areas in that range. It's also a bit difficult, since all the areas aren't really nicely spaced.= You knowthose ones which are 1 50 or 10 30. > Quiver: Mobs that will say stuff to you after you flee...like next time! Maybe more like yelling. :) COuld be interesting to all the other players= in the same area. > Omnipotus: a silence spell preventing the victim (player/mob) from being > able to cast spells or talk over any channel, probably having to include > emote because of abuse I don't understand the purpose of this > Blackwulf: Cause I'm a elf I think that it would be veery helpful when > your enchanting things for people and you are doing it for more the 1 > charector you should be able to type Isen't that nice? Too much coding involved, because now the server would have to keep track o= f owner's of items > WAsaBe: A channel to let all our anger out...a COMPLAINING channel...:) The normal answer is we don't need more channels and for this one I agree t= otally > Lyndon: i think the affects of drunkenness should depreciate with time It does > WAsaBe: HOw about a new spell for Elves, to keep their Weapons > sharp...There fore hitting harder, and more efficiently...like c > 'SHARPEN' hammer Like weapons get damaged!!! Come on. Why not have damage to weapons and a= fter a while not repairing them they just disintegrate. > ThePower: we should be able to pick up our group members corpse I would like to see you pick up an extra 1000 pounds > Okay here's just a suggetion for a new spell... > Illithids should get a spell called clear mind or something like > that that acts the same way that dispel magic works for elves. It would > be useful when trying to get rid of your spells that are cast by an > illithid (duh). As of now, the only way to get rid of an illithid spell > is to get killed(or just let it wear off of course); rather messy and > unpleasant, and it would be nice to > able to get rid of them as one wanted to without dying or waiting 26 > hours or so. Which spells are those ? :p Afraid of walking around after getting caught= by an Illithid in the arena ? hehe FireWalker /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >--------------Story------------------------ > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Well, the story is almost at its conclusion. . . Last week, Raze and = I made it into the Dark Tower. This week, I'll tell you what we found inside. Totally unprepared for this pulsating globe, Raze and I stood in shock= ed silence, staring as the space around the sphere undulated much like heat coming off of a grill.= The only light was that of the sickly greenish yellow of the globe, and we could see the conto= ur of the room, as well as a doorway to another room. I could feel sphere's magic reaching for me,= cajoling me to come closer, and it was with great effort that I resisted that temptation. Keep= ing a firm eye on Raze, I carefully stepped around the sphere into that other room. By the light of the sphere, I managed to find a table, with several sc= raps of parchment scattered upon it. "It looks as though someone left in a hurry," I commen= ted to Raze, who was innocently letting some of the quills lying on the table "fall" into here p= ouch. "I wouldn't touch those if I were you. I have no idea what's in here, and we most surely don= 't want give it the opportunity to hitch a ride out." Sighing, Raze put the things back on the table. "I guess you're right= ," she said. "It's just habit, that's all. Oh, here's your ink pot. You dropped it the other nigh= t." After a brief thought of turning her into a toad, I simply rolled my e= yes, and took back my ink. That was when I noticed the ghost in the corner watching us. Having = dealt with spirits before, I began to draw in the force of my will so that I could dispel it. = Before I could do anything though, it simply raised its hand and said "Do not. I am bound he= re." "Who were you then?" I asked. "And how did you become bound to this p= lace?" "I bound myself, young ones. I don't really remember my name, it was = so long ago," he mused. "But I come from Midgaard. How did you get in, by the way? I thoug= ht I had sealed that door eons ago." Raze grinned at the apparition. "Oh, that was easy," she exclaimed, "= I just picked the lock, that's all." The spirit seemed to consider that. "I guess I never thought of that.= " "You say you are from Midgaard," I interrupted. "How can that be? It= was destroyed before anyone can even remember." "You are correct, mage, Midgaard was destroyed. But the place still e= xists, though no one may now live there, nor ever will again. This Tower and that sphere in= the next room are both results of the destruction of Midgaard. And I am keeper of this Tower= =2E" It seemed to consider a moment. "You must leave here, or you will be destroyed." "There is information that I seek, old one. Please tell me how this c= ame to be, and how you ended the keeper." "Very well, but know that every second you spend here, you risk your s= ouls, not just your life. Midgaard was indeed destroyed, by a single man, if a man he really i= s. But this tower was his creation, and into my charge its keeping was put. I had no choice but = to obey. He wanted no one to be able to enter by any magical means, and wanted the Tower to exist= in several places at once, while remaining in none. =20 "To do this, I created that," he said pointing towards the room with t= he sphere. "It does all of the above mentioned things, but what I hadn't counted on was the evi= l of my master seeping into my creation. It became an entity of pure evil, drawing on the force o= f my life and magic, and taking control of the Tower. The more magic I used to try and stop it, the= more powerful it became. It would let no one near it, and would reach out and soak the life= from everything around it, growing all the time. This sphere from this Tower, my master us= ed to destroy Midgaard, but inevitably, the sphere turned on him, and one day, my master = disappeared. I have no idea what became of him. I realized what danger I was in, and began to = search for ways to destroy that which I had created. But it knew what I was doing, and attack= ed me before I could finish. Instead of destroying it completely, I bound it to the Tower. It,= in return, bound my soul here forever to draw upon." In the next room, a vibration could be felt, a= nd a low hum heard.=20 The putrid glow turned crimson, and began to flicker. "Quickly!" the ghost= almost shouted, "leave at once, there is a portal in the hallway. Use and and be sure that= none find this place again. You have what you came for, now go!" he commanded. Raze and I bolt= ed for the door in horror. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >-----------------Corner-------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) * Exploration Corner * Host: Tom Welcome to this week's edition of exploration corner, this week is dedicated to our friend Aura without him I would have never been inspired to do exploration corner. So I've decided to dedicate this week's exploration corner to Aura. This week I've decided to check out the clock tower, so follow along and join me for this special edition of exploration corner. Its right in town, and it's so illustrious it vividly recalls to your mind the work and death of many others. Two Gargoyle statues stand at the entrance, guarding the tower from any intruders, walking further in you are astounded in awe by the huge stone columns that fill the basement floor structure. The basement holds a lot of moisture and there for has many beads of water and puddles forming all the time, directly to the center of the basement you can see a spiral staircase leading to a second floor of wonders and amazement many scratched messages etch the wooden railing leading up, upon reaching the second level, the damp cold air seems to have left and you're filled with a warm sensation of knowledge as you peer around the library. Many books fill this floor, yet there are hardly any people . . . searching around in vain to find another traveler all you see are books, and suddenly, without hesitation you open a book to only find a battle field of dead soldiers, and travelers closing the book you quickly slice the book into fragments with your sword, peering around more there's yet another spiral staircase heading to another level of past memories and adventure. Climbing the stairs in amazement you're suddenly transported into a realm of adventure, this wonderfully designed courtyard fills your heart with millions of emotions, traveling thru this wonderful beauty you are posed with the maze of the ancients, getting thru will mean you are persistent and never give up. Upon fulfilling the maze and reaching the next level you are filled with an over all Cold evil, this level is filled with many different forms of Gods, and many halls and chambers. After successfully achieving your goal on the fourth level it is time to find and head up into a fifth level of madness and glee. Time no longer matters as you reach the top of the stairs, looking north all you see is guards and dragons of time protecting the stairwell going up. Battling thru these guys could get you face to face with time itself, or face to face with death! Whatever you choose is fully up to you. For yes there's more up in the tower, but. To see the rest, you must battle time itself, for what's on the sixth level is different no words can portray it, only seeing it and believing in it, and Making hard strives to achieve your goal, will you be able to say! "I've stood before Time, and defeated Time!" Thanks for Joining us. /(*) | / | |\--------------------------------------------\ (@)(((((((( | >-----------------Silly--------------------- > | |/--------------------------------------------/ | \ \(*) Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road? =20 Gene Roddenberry: To boldly go where no chicken has gone before. =20 Hippocrates: Because of an excess of light pink, gooey stuff in its pancreas. =20 Jacques Derrida: Any number of contending discourses may be discovered within the act of the chicken crossing the road, and each interpretation is equally valid, as the authorial intent can never be discerned because structuralism is DEAD, DAMMIT, DEAD. =20 Thomas de Torquemada: Give me ten minutes with the chicken and I=92ll find out. =20 Timothy Leary: Because that=92s the only kind of trip the Establishment would let it take= =2E =20 Douglas Adams: Forty-two. =20 Nietzsche: Because if you gaze too long across the Road, the Road gazes also across you. =20 Oliver North: National security was at stake. =20 B.F. Skinner: Because the external influences which had pervaded its sensorium from birth had caused it to develop in such a fashion that it would tend to cross roads, even while believing these actions to be of its own free will. =20 Carl Jung: The confluence of events in the cultural gestalt necessitated that individual chickens cross roads at this historical juncture, and therefore synchronicitously brought such occurrences into being. =20 Albert Einstein: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road crossed the chicken depends upon your frame of reference. =20 Aristotle: To actualize its potential. =20 Darwin: It was the logical next step after coming down from the trees. =20 Emily Dickenson: Because it could not stop for death. =20 Ernest Hemingway: To die. In the rain. =20 Saddam Hussein: This was an unprovoked act of rebellion and we were quite justified in dropping 50 tons of nerve gas on it. =20 John Sununu: The Air Force was only too happy to provide the transportation, so quite understandably the chicken availed himself of the opportunity. =20 Mr. T.: If you saw me coming you=92d cross the road too. =20 Mark Twain: The news of its crossing has been greatly exaggerated. =20 Molly Yard: It was a hen! =20 Zeno of Elea: To prove it could never reach the other side. _____________________________________________________________________ | _____ __ ___ ___ ____ ___ ___ ____ __ _ _ _ _____ | | | | |__| |__/ |__/ |_ | | |__/ |_ |__| | | | | | | | |_____\ | | | \ | \ |___ | | | \ |___ | | |___ | | | \_____ | | | | ___ ____ ____ _ ____ _____ _____ ____ ___ | | | ______/ | | |_ | | | \__ | |_ | | |_ |__/ _____/ | | ________| | |___ \_|_/ ___/ |___ |___ | | |___ | \________ | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | No such thing as a failure who keeps trying...coasting to the bottom| | Is the only disgrace...-Blues Traveller | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | Be sure to check out the Official Barren Realms Homepage | | http://nightfall.simplenet.com/Kiri | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | -> Barren Realms: barren.coredcs.com:8000 <- | |_____________________________________________________________________| | | | You can contact me at Kiri@li.net for any of the following: | | | | Ideas for Barren Realms | | | | Questions/Complaints | | | | Your scrapbook memories of BR | | | | Your poetry, stories, questions, comments, and bios for the | | mort/hero/imm bio section of the newsletter and BR Magazine. | | | | Getting on the mail list for: | | | | Players file: How to play the game, helps, and the BR story. | | Great information for ALL players, no matter what | | level. | | | | Builders guide: An all new guide on how to build areas for BR. | | Full of new information on bits, liquids, and a | | step by step instruction on building areas. | | | | Builders forum: A place to ask email questions about the area you | | are building | | | | Area list: A list of areas and descriptions of each, in depth | | and helpful | | | \_____________________________________________________________________/ Ascii by Cutlass-Mark Sherlock-msherlo@ibm.net =20