Role Playing 101 (lessons 1-3) by Galdrag Pk's and looters by JC Steele Continuing to play the role by Elawyn of Yew Role Playing 301. Advanced class by Elawyn of Yew Death... and abundance by Rell the Ranger Thoughts on the differences (Diablo & UO) by Elawyn of Yew I believe I got out role-played last night by Elawyn of Yew

One way to boost dex and int relatively quick by Tom Bombadil And Elawyn did bring forth tears that night by Elawyn of Yew How to play with pks, a primer, part 1 by Elawyn of Yew Some answers about animals and message boards by Elawyn of Yew Alas, 'tis true (in reply to: Is this what UO has become?) by Elawyn of Yew Ruffians Rewarded by Rell the Ranger, out of Yew

Role Playing 101(lessons 1-3) - Posted by Galdrag October 11, 1997 at 11:44 AM EDT - Category: General

The first step in the wonders of Role playing is to get past Newbieness.
A) learn how to do as much as you can, so you are not always asking other players how to: questions.
B) Get the feel of the game overall, fight a few battles, die a few times. talk to some people. Play around with the macros.
c) While you are still a "newbie", try talking to people without discussing technical questions, or bugs /PKing and cheating (its hard not to, but it can be done) or even discussing skill %ages. Keep your character to yourself, don't let anyone know how good / bad you are. apart from what they can see on your paperdoll don't let anyone in. It's unroleplaying like If you've ever played D&D, you would know what I'm talking about. Only two people know the DM (dungeon master) and you. Don't let anyone know what your skill levels are. It gets annoying to see people saying in town. I HAVE 88% blacksmith!!.
d) Kill the internet lingo. eg. the smiley faces, :) :( ,etc.. LOL.. brb.
e) use emote messages instead *like this* eg *smiles*, *farts*, *runs fingers slowly down Tanya's stomach and....*
If you can do this for one hour or so, you have hereby graduated past newbie, and you are ready to go one to bigger and better Role Playing techniques.

Lesson 2 (Start talking like a true britainian)

Britain speak is sort of, kinda like an adapted middle English.
here are some basic translations and usages.
thou : you (usually used at the begginning of sentences) art : are thee : you (usually placed at the end of sentences) ye : you all (southerners y'all) "Hear ye, hear ye"
thine: your dost : do wench: a dirty or uncouth woman?? (bitch)?? mine : used instead of my. swine: hey, the guards say it all the time. : pig shalt: shall; ( thou shalt not kill. )
If you keep practicing with these simple (and very limited) variations over what you would usually type, eventually you will pick up new words and usages as you use them. Just practice! You might sound like an idiot for a few days, but I personnally am impressed by those that can carry on a full conversation without ever sounding anything other than a britainian citizen.

Lesson 3:

For the advanced Role Players. Now that you've mastered Britainian lingo and stopped real world and internet speak (see lesson one) you can start developing a real personality for your character.
Practice one day on a very simple thing like pretending your character has a minor speech impedement. These can be: 1) a lisp 2) can't say R's quite wight. :) 3) stuttering 4) Can't say H's quite right. come 'ere you!
If you like pretending to have a speech impedement then maybe role playing is for you after all.
Write down on a piece of paper some things that your character's personality might be like
1) town of birth 2) environment that your character was raised in. (farm, city, slum etc..) 3) Number of siblings and what sex they were, (possibly even names) twins might be interesting. 4)general disposition (angry, niceguy, rude, shy, dull, crazy) 5)quirks (phobia's, insanities.. etc.) 6)pet peeves 7)obsessions (good or bad) 8)view's on magic (whether character shuns magic or is wary or welcomes it) 9)hatred towards ... (pick something) maybe your character hates bards, or healers, or miners.
Just write stuff down.. develop your character, get to know how to become them. If you want to generate a list and roll dice to randomly generate a character then all the more power to you!
Good luck, and I hope this helps those you do not know much about role playing and would like to know how. -- Galdrag
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Re: Pk's and Looters - Posted by JC Steele October 12, 1997 at 1:07 AM EDT - Category: General
In Reply to: Pk's and Looters posted by Disgruntled PC on October 12, 1997 at 12:10 AM EDT:

Agreed... magic kills should count as pKilling. I was harassed by a lightning-wielding mage for nearly an hour today. He killed me thrice, and did not suffer and type of fate, good or ill. It was very annoying, and seemed very unfair when I clicked on him and he showed up "blue".
As far as looting... this issue is complex, and probably difficult to solve (at least in a computer game). However, here are a few points and suggestions to DD. (and anyone else who cares)
* We are given the choice to ghost and keep our stats, or resurrect and "keep" our items. In my experience, unless you are killed by a monster with no other (friendly) players around, don't bother spot-resurrecting. It's useless. (of course, now more monsters loot too... *sigh*) Looters Are There. Just Ghost and hit a healer and a bank. I don't agree with this at all... but how to fix it?
* Simple... well, maybe not so simple, but the hooks appear to be in the game already. Notice when you try to pick up a shopkeeper's item, you are warned that you must steal it? Well, obviously something in the game "knows" that that object is attached to a particular NPC. So why not attach a player's posessions to that player? Then the following could occur within the existing death/resurrection scheme: A) You ghost. You keep your stats. Your ties to your objects are broken, as is your tie to that body. Looters have a field day. B) You spot-resurrect. You take a stat hit. But your objects remain attached to your body, so only you can pick them up without "stealing" them. Others might still pick them up, but will suffer notoriety damage.
* I believe these difficult gameplay issues should be addressed well before we get any new chess sets and dice or really-cool-looking-weather-effects(TM). Trinkets and eye candy only keep a player's enjoyment going for so long...
Thanks. Bye. -= Wiltshire Dragon =-
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Continuing to play the role (very long txt) - Posted by Elawyn of Yew October 13, 1997 at 10:11 AM EDT - Category: Adventure Stories

Elawyn of Yew, apprentice alchemist, novice mage, novice tailor, journeyman fisherman and now expert ranger.
Finding it hard to make enough money to pursue her studies in the arts magical for now, Elawyn has been concentrating on developing her mind and her body in preparedness for some adventuring. Since there seems to be a glut of tailors, she tried her hand at fishing, which does not result in a great deal of gold, but doth reap it's own rewards in other things. However, even selling fish is sometimes difficult. (Hey, all you rich adventurers, stop by the restaurant and order fish steaks! Maybe that will increase demand)
So, Elawyn has been feeding the hungry. A sign of compassion that, too, doth reap a reward that mere gold cannot buy. Some of the good folk have been so grateful that they have told her news of many wonderful and mystical items that are carried by folks, and some are far more grateful that they do hand Elawyn a small item in exchange.
So, the days passed by, Elawyn fished, sold a few fish, walked to the training hall, trained her warrior skills, walked to the tailors shop in the hope that someone might buy something, walked to the tanner on the chance that the goodly fellow there might buy some armor she had wrought from the leather she purchased. And in those walks, she didst tarry to greet people, to express concern over their well being, and did hand them a fine fish to eat.
The good folk of Trinsic are not quick to notice the occasional good deed, but they appear to have long memories, and do talk and pass along information. Elawyn passed among them doing what little she could to help them. In gratitude, they did grace her with a minor title, and didst refer to her as "The honorable".
'betwixt her studies, Elawyn didst encounter many other good folks (and some not so good), and did'st greet them. Some of these folks are becoming friends, and will, no doubt, in days to come, help form a merry band of adventurers who can sally forth and fight evil in more direct ways. Alas, those days are still far away, tho mayhaps not as far as Elawyn doth forsee.
Elawyn is also trying to help her fellows with advice, and with small items and trinkets that might assist them to become better people. Here are some tales of enounters in the last few days...
While walking from the docks to the tailor, Elawyn didst espy an acquaintance, hight "Kevlar Angel", who did appear to be walking most slowly indeed. Approaching closer so that they might converse, Kevlar did declare that she was carrying a heavy load of ore, and it was slowing her down. At that moment, Elawyn too, was carrying a great deal, and promised to return and assist if she could manage to sell what she was carrying. So Elawyn didst run to the tailor and manage to sell a single fancy dress, but no more. She gave out 15 stone of fish to passing folks, then rummaged in her backpack (and in the backpack inside that, and in the box inside that...) and found some other things that were weighing heavily upon her shoulders. So, walking over to the corner, she didst arrange the items upon the ground, three shirts, two pairs of pants, a plain dress, and there, hiding underneath the dress, 14 finely made boards that she had picked up somewhere. A stranger approached expressing puzzlement, Elawyn exclaimed "Take what thee might need, leave aught thee cannot use for someone else", the stranger didst pick up the boards and run.
Another passing stranger took a fancy to a bright blue shirt, and yet another did need a pait of pants. Soon, all was gone, Elawyn was gladdened that in these dark times, not one stranger didst grab every item regardless of whether they had a need for it or nay.
So Elawyn did run back towards the forge, but 'twas not long before she espied her acquaintance again, for poor Kevlar had only moved a block further down the road. "I can carry some ore for thee now friend!" Elawyn did exclaim. Kevlar handed over 30 stone of ore, and together they didst walk, without pausing to catch breath, to the forge, where Elawyn did hand back the heavy load and bid good Kevlar a merry day.
Later that same day, back to fishing on the dock, during most troubled times when the world seemed to phase in and phase out with great regularity, Elawyn didst espy a young warrior on the very edge of her vision, this young warrior was approaching the dock, standing in the center of the dock was a tame gorilla, and nearby, a tame sewer rat, to her great horror, Elawyn did see the the warrior pull out her weapon and approach the rat.
"Nay! Nay, 'tis a tame pet, attack it not!" she did try to call out, but it was too late. From nearby, the good fisherwoman Winona didst call the guards and the poor warrior was struck down instantly. Elawyn ran over to the body, she could see the spirit of the warrior standing nearby, and so Elawyn did cry "ghost! Hie to the healer as fast as thee can, I will guard thy possessions!"
Elawyn looked through the poor fallen warrior's backpack, and didst grab the most obviously valued items, some 68 gold, a fishing pole, and a pouch. These she put safely into a wooden box in her backpack. Espying a grey-robed looter approaching she didst call out "Stand away looter!" and was pleasantly surprised when he did. Elawyn explained that this was an unjust killing, a simple mistake that had cost a young warrior her life. The body of the young warrior did then vanish, leaving a pile of armor and some weapons on the ground. So Elawyn did pick them up and put them in her wooden box.
The young warrior returned shortly thereafter, and Elawyn explained that she should pay very close attention before striking an animal in town. The young warrior was amazed to get back all of her belongings. As the conversation continued, another approached and told of the sad passing of Kevlar, who had been slain in the woods far from town earlier that day.
Elawyn went back to her fishing, and continued to study other arts as she did. One more walk through town, some more training, and Elawyn didst encounter a band of Paladins, clad in bright plate, standing tall and proud, Elawyn looked upon them in awe, for she had never met a Paladin before, yet here were three standing together. Even though Elawyn feared they might be scornful of a mere fisherman, she approached and dist greet them. Alas, one did respond "Be quiet, mine head hurts!". Elawyn reached into her back pack and handed him a fish, "Perhaps this might ease thy suffering good Sir Paladin, for thou dost have the look of a hungry man". The good Paladin was indeed hungry, for he proceeded to consume a goodly 20 stone of fish before he didst declare himself full. Turning to the other two Paladins, Elwyn didst feed them too, even though the second exclaimed, "Thou might want to speak to me, but I do not want to speak to you!". Elawyn didst then continue walking.
A passing storekeeper then exclaimed "Lady Elawyn!", and Elawyn did look around to see if there were someone else hight "Elawyn" nearby. "Lady? Thou cannot be referring to me good sir!". But, sure enough, "The Honorable Elawyn" had become "The Lady Elawyn". This was a far cry from the flighty young country lass who hadst arrived in the big city just a few weeks ago.
Another encounter on the docks, fishing at the very end of the docks, exchanging news and pleasantries with the noble Tully, adept fisherman, Elawyn was hailed as "My Lady!" by a stalwart adventurer standing on a nearby ship. Elawyn turned to see if it was someone she knew and was surprised to recognise a "Great Lord" of whom she had heard. Elawyn was slightly speechless for a moment, here was a "Great Lord" addressing her as an equal. "I have a need for boots" he explained, Elawyn offered to make some if he had hides, but he had no hides, Elawyn then offered to run into town and get some for him, and he said that he was waiting on ship for yet another companion. "I can run and fetch thee a pair of boots", said Elawyn, at which point one of the Great Lord's companions didst step down from the ship and offer gold to pay for the boots. "Alas, I know not how much the shopkeepr charges!" replied Elawyn, "I will fetch them, and thee can pay me then". Elawyn started to head towards the town, then remembered that she was wearing thigh boots, "Wait, I am wearing thigh boots, I can sell thee mine, that I made with mine own hands!" she exclaimed, and handed the boots to the companion of the Great Lord. Who promptly thanked her and handed her some gold. The Great Lord was most appreciative of his new boots and didst exclaim "and a mighty fine pair of boots they are too!". The missing companion didst arrive and the ship did leave.
Elawyn ran, barefoot, first to the good tanners, but alas, no leather to be found, then to the fur trader, but alas, only one hide for sale. Then Elawyn realized that she had no idea where she might buy a pair of shoes, for she had never needed to buy them before, being skilled in the arts of tailoring, she had always made her own. Ah, alas and alack.
She did encounter a good friend, Lynne Greymere, a tailor, and disdt greet her, and Lynne did exclaim "I am ready to go adventuring!" and Elawyn did reply "Alas, I have no shoes, for I gave them to someone with a greater need than mine!" and "Alas, I know not where I might buy a new pair" and the kindly Lynne did escort Elawyn and show here where to find the cobbler and Elawyn did buy a shiny new pair of thigh boots. and then did Elawyn realise that the companion of the Great Lord had paid her 83 gold for thigh boots which she had replaced for 39 gp, so Elawyn doth keep 44gp hidden for when she doth see Shadowhawk of the IK again, then did Elawyn thank Lynne for her kindness and agree to go adventuring, but explained that she must first meet her cousin by the docks, that he might be equipped to accompany us. Running to the docks she didst find her young cousin, newly arrived in the land, and did hand hime some gold, and did lead him to the armory where might purchase armor and weapons from the crowd of adventurers that gather there.
'twas there that she espied a waif, a young child, lost and frightened and crying out for help, his tongue was strange, and he was mightily confused, lost and frightened and didst cry out "WILL SOMEONE HELP ME! I"M NEW!". Elawyn didst approach and inquire if she might help and of what he needed help with, and he did declare "EVERYTHING! I"M NEW." And another stranger nearby did declare "Ware rogue behind thee!" and that foul rogue didst steal from this helpless child, and a hue and cry did ring forth, and lo, the guards did appear and slay the evil thief, and Elawyn did grab his gold. Elawyn and two others did take this waif to one side, and Elawyn did give him the gold, and the two others did hand him a few things, and we didst chide him mightily when he drew his weapon and began to runneth around in a threatening manner, and to chide him for shouting and we did explain as best we could, that there were many paths to follow, and didst suggest some and he was much happier and less frightened. We explained that he should first go practice with his weapons and where and he did take his leave. Elawyn was uncouth then, for she forgot to gracefully thank the other two kindly folks for their assistance in calming this young child.
Her cousin meanwhile, had managed to equip himself, but did declare that he was fatigued and would seek an inn for the night. There was a mob of people there, and Elawyn wasn't able to agree when and where to meet him, so she didst run to the west gate, to seek out Lynne, who would be waiting there, but, alas, Lynne was not there. Elawyn awaited her arrival, or her return, for a little while, standing close by, dressed in her armor instead of her best dress, and holding her halberd in hand. She didst espy an evil lord, and didst follow him cautiously, at a distance, and didst get right up next to him outside of town and disdt thank him for the practice in tracking, much to his befuddlement. For when he studied Elawyn, he saw not the flighty country lass, the student of the arts magical, the poor fisher and tailor, he saw "The Noble Lady Elawyn, Expert Ranger." He also saw the head to toe studded armor, and the red leather skirt, and the halberd.
Elawyn didst return to town, saddened that she had been unable to keep her promise to meet her friend there, and while strolling, didst espy another theft taking place, and didst chase the rogue, and did call for justice, and did grab the 30 gold he had stolen, and didst run back to the victim and hand back the gold, and the victim did say "Thou art giving me gold? I thank thee!"
Elawyn has good folk call out her name on the streets, and in the stores, and a guard didst exclaim "I shall my children of this day! That I might meet thee!" and the shopkeers do cry out "Noble Lady! Thou art so wonderful! Ah, that I should meet thee!"
Back on the docks, for a little more fishing before retiring, a good gentle was running around pleading that someone might sell him a fishing pole for the last 5 gold that he had, so Elawyn did ask him "I I give thee a fishing pole, wilt thou feed the hungry with some of thy fish?" and he did reply "Yes m'lady, I will!" and Elawyn didst hand him her fishing pole, and did purchase another.
and then to bed went Elawyn, the poor flighty country lass, who by her deeds, words and actions, has hopefully made this world of Brittania a brighter place this week.
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Role playing 301. Advanced class. (txt) - Posted by Elawyn of Yew October 14, 1997 at 6:19 PM EDT - Category: General

Now that we're all well on the way to understanding basic role-playing, I'd like to add a few things that can really help you to become masters at this most difficult yet rewarding pastime.
Let's start with a recap. When first you arrive in the world, you are but a child, a newbie, weak, poor, with nothing but your starting skills and a few paltry possessions, you learn how to interact with other players, you learn the game mechanics, you learn what actions get you killed, what actions get you not killed. Eventually you get to the point where you feel safe, where you understand how to play. Once you get there, it's time to really play.
As I go through this, I'm going to refer to my best character, Elawyn of Yew. (I have two others floating around, and I went through at least 20 before I understood enough of how the skills etc all fit together). Develop a background for your character within the confines and precepts of the world (Sorry, you better get a dictionary out at this point!) Be prepared to answer the questions like "Where were you born?" "How old are you?" "Where did you grow up?" and "What did you family do for a living?"
This all helps to explain why you, a teenager, are where you are. (Careful study of things medieval shows that most teenagers were ate the apprentice level back then, so, as you can start with a 50 skill level, it makes you a teenager when you start). What does your character know about? Well, whatever skills you chose to start with, plus some miscellaneous stuff. Don't try to make it too complicated, that doth make mine head hurt.
Now, PLAY that character. That character does *NOT* know how much strength is needed to wield a War Fork, that character knows only whether he/she is strong enough to wield one, and only when he or she has TRIED to wield a war fork. That character does not know that he/she has 49 points of strength and needs only one more (or whatever, same for ALL other skills, and all other stats). YOU, the player, you know this stuff. You the character do not.
So, when in conversation, and someone asks you "How much str do I need to use a war fork?", DO NOT SAY [insert number here], try answering "I myself have never wielded a war fork, and I am quite strong", or "I find it quite easy m'lord, but I fear I had to train for a while to do that!".
Or, "Hey, how do I raise my strength?", have your character explain what worked for them, and NOT "dig ore twice, chop tree twice, hit dummy twice"
IF someone goes out of character, pretend you don't know what they are talking about.
Why bother with this? It's the sheer joy of the discovery! YOU, the player, might KNOW that your strength JUST went up a point, and now you can use that kick-ass Viking Sword stashed in your backpack, but YOU, the character, won't know it until you try. Continue doing whatever you were doing, then, when your CHARACTER might feel him/herself stronger, try it. YOU the player know it's going to work, you the CHARACTER act suprised, joyful, happy, that you can wield it. Say something like "Ah, 'tis a joyous day! Look everyone, I now have my very own viking sword!"
You the player know many things that you the character may or may not know, if you are a clever player, you KNOW how many hit points that troll has, you the character only know whether it's alive, dead, or somewhere in between. Don't yell out "Hey, it's down to 3 hit points, hit it again", instead try "I feel this troll is soon destined to perish". (IN actuality, you do neither, you don't have time in battle).
If your player gets killed and you start over, please don't run up to your friends and announce "Hey, it's me, KILLDOOD, I got pk'd, hadda start over". Instead try "Hail good fellows, hast heard aught of mine cousin KILLDOOD?" and "I fear he has not been seen, hast thee seen aught of him of late?". Then, when they say "KILLDOOD got eaten by a dragon in Destard last night" you express sorrow. "Alas, my poor cousin, he was such a brave soul".
For variety, come back in as a totally different character, with a different set of prefernces, remember, cloning hasn't been invented here. Don't use the same name over and over and over. Especially if you have enemies, very especially if you have enemies, "HO! Look, there is KILLDOOD! He's back to newbie again, let's KILL KILLDOOD!" and there was much rejoicing... (woohoo, we killed KILLDOOD AGAIN, that's five times today! What a wuss!)
Of course he's a wuss, he's starting OVER.
As a new character, you might know a little of your older brother KILLDOOD, but you won't know WHO killed him. So don't go hunting him until your new character, KILLKILLDOODSKILLER, has learned, as a CHARACTER, who killed KILLDOOD.
(by the way, the name 'KILLDOOD' is copylefted...)
Where does all this take you, it allows you to be remembered as someone special, someone unique, and not just another clone.
------------------------- by mine hand writ this day, October 14th, GT 1 (Gamma test month 1), Elawyn of Yew
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Death . . . and Abundance (a long story) - Posted by Rell the Ranger October 14, 1997 at 2:17 PM EDT - Category: General

Death . . . and Abundance
I died.
‘Twas late in the twilight hours, and I betook it upon myself to enjoy a gentle stroll with dear, gentle Muag (my pet grizzly bear) in the woods twixt Britain and Cove. Though I’ve too oft seen monsters amidst the trees in this gentle forest, yet am I most often in the company of fierce and loyal animals, and I am not a little skilled with the crossbow. Though betimes I have been grievous wounded, yet can I defend myself . . .
. . or so I thought.
‘Tis not without reason that I do fear the work of wizards. Magic doth fill me with dread, for it is something which I cannot hope to understand. Stupid I am not, but skilled in witchcraft and magery will I never be.
So as I strode amidst oak and walnut, it was with great horror that I did feel my muscles freeze up, my bones grow rock hard. Yea, my very lungs did cease to obey. And what came hither? A beast the likes of which I had never seen, though I’d oft heard such as he mentioned in whispered tales. A gargoyle, enormous as an ettin but far more sleek, did stride toward me, and for all my struggling I found I could not move.
To those of you who know not what it is to be paralyzed, I recommend that thou not seek to discover it. I did try to run, but my body obeyed me not. I struggled to knock a bolt into place, but could not raise my crossbow even an inch. All I managed to do was grunt “Muag attack” through my stone-stiff lips.
Of course, Muag did assault the gargoyle, and wounded him grievously. Alas, ‘twas too little and too late. The monster called lightning down upon me--verily, it did bring fire from the sky upon my head. I shuddered, moaned, and nearly died.
‘Twas then that I spotted someone hanging back amidst the trees. “Help me,” I called unto him, “for I cannot move and shall surely die.”
The person made no move.
And then did a blast of fire--magical fire, far hotter than even the forge of a smith--did end my life.
My soul, ripped from my mortal flesh, did watch as Muag fought on, growling and grunting as the gargoyle uttered sickening obscenities with its blackened, foul tongue. But Muag could not triumph against magic, and soon expired before the monsters beclawed fists.
And then, with horror, I saw that the coward who had hidden himself behind a tree did advance and steal from my fallen corpse nigh all of my possessions. My gold, my magic crossbow, mine ax--verily, he even stole my forest-green dress, though I know not what he planned to do therewith, for he could never have filled it properly--small as he was in both stature and nobility.
And for all my haunting, I could not chase him from my corpse.
I did not despair, though, despite the tragic lost of all my worldly possessions. Yes, all, for I deal not with moneychangers and bankers. What, I wondered, could I do.
I considered briefly, as I did hasten unto Britain to find a healer. My things, alas, were stolen, but what mattered most, what could never be taken from me, was my talent. By the time I was led back to the world of the living by a kindly healer, I had a plan.
It seems there is no shortage of demand for bears and wolves and panthers. They fight well (if they are well tended) and can greatly aid the physically weak. A wise young mage will remember that a stalwart bear can save him when his reagent pouch carries nothing but dust. So, wearing nothing but my deathrobe, I ventured into the woods yet again, searching high and low for those denizens of the forest with whom I have such affinity.
‘Twas the better part of an hour, but I did soon return to Britain accompanied by no less than three grizzlies, two panthers, and a snarling gray wolf. “Exotic pets!” I cried. “For coin, they can be yours, or for goods.”
Did I say it took an hour to find these beasts? It took but five minutes to find them all homes. My purse was bulging, and I had in my hand an ax. ‘Twas all I needed.
The real ranger knows she can rely on her wits far more than on her wares. With mine ax, I did forthwith craft for myself a crossbow, and although I know little of the ways of ax-fighting, I was soon able to hunt up a few birds. With their feathers did I craft bolts for my bow.
Younger rangers, take a lesson. From the wilds are we born, and to it we owe our very livelihood. We need never beg, nor steal, for the abundance that surrounds us is all we truly need.
Yes, I am sorry to have lost my dress all forest green, and the armor, too, is sorely missed. But with a bit of practice, I’ll be able to make more of both for myself. For do not the sheep of the forest offer their wool to us? And the deer, so generously, give their very lives that we may wear their skins in the protection of their homes.
And until them, Uma and Horror have promised me they’ll keep me safe. Who are Uma and Horror? Oh, just a grizzly and, well, the biggest spider you’ve ever seen.
Just a couple of friend. (Coming soon---a draft of “How to Win Fuzzy Friends and Influence Scaly People: A Survival Guide for the Neophyte Animal Tamer”)
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thoughts on the differences(long txt) - Posted by Elawyn of Yew October 14, 1997 at 2:14 PM EDT - Category: General

In Reply to: Diablo players are people too.... posted by Zster (h-135-205-51-21.research.att.com) on October 14, 1997 at 12:18 PM EDT:
: there is this snotty attitude with UO players that i find very lamish. this act is very similar to the skying/snownboarding, in-line skating/skateboarding or mac/wintel users wars. it is the holier than thou attitudes UO people have toward diablo players. it is even more prononced with the hard core role playing community.

Wouldn't Diablo suck if:-
Every time your tried to buy mana or healing potions, they had none left?
You had to recharge your mana with six different kinds of potions, and you can't find the blue one?
Whenever you went to the smith to get your stuff repaired, you couldn't get to him because he was surrounded by children chanting "hi buy hi buy hi buy" and by the time you got there you had no gold left becuase someone stole it from you?
You run to the witch to get scrolls or spellbooks, and the same thing happened?
You go into the dungeon and everything is already dead, and you have to wait several hous before it respawns?
You go to the smith to try and buy something and he says "Thou hast twelve ears in thy backpack, I will not sell to thee!"?
You finally get all that good stuff to sell, and the witch and blacksmith have no gold left?
Every single time you play, anywhere you go, whenever you enter the dungeon, you get jumped by six other players who paralyse, fireball, elemental, and bone spirit you before you can move? Then they do it again, and again.
There was NO resurrect in town option. If you die, all your stuff gets stolen every single time, and you have to WALK back to the healer to come back with NOTHING?
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I've played Diablo, a lot. It's a 3-4 player Duke, Doom or other shoot em up. The best opponents in Duke etc are other players. ALL the players agree beforehand to go deathmatch or co-operative. If you go co-operative, can or can you not assume that they won't try to kill you deliberately? Can you or can you not turn friendly fire damage OFF, in the whole game, permanently, until you're done playing?

Here's where the differences are. UO is PERSISTENT. Diablo is not.

When I'm IN character, I'm helpful when asked. From last night's play. Bashing dummies, in walks a newbie, he strolls over stands next to some other fighter, and starts hitting away. The fighter there already tells him to fuck off and find his own fucking dummy.
I say "Good newbie [whatever his damn name was], 'tis considered impolite to stand so close, or to share yon dummy without asking first"
He backs away, and says "I'm sorry, didn't know". BAM. He apologised. He has POTENTIAL!
"Thou are welcome to share this dummy with me, if thee do not stand right next to me!" I say.
So he comes on over, and, IN CHARACTER, I teach him to train at the dummy. I explain that he should practice some other skill after hitting the dummy a couple of times, and how to take turns hitting at it.
Pretty soon, there's four or five other players standing in the room, watching, listening, and being politely quiet. When I'm done, one asks me if I'm a counselor.
I EMOTE a grin, bow, thank him gracefully for the compliment and explain that no, I'm NOT a counselor. Then someone else asks me how to bow, I say "Invoke the mantra alt-b".
So, within the space of ten minutes, AS I'M PRACTICING. I manage to help FIVE other players learn that politeness and role playing can be fun. and there are now five more people who realise that this is NOT DIABLO.

Is that a snotty attitude? I think not.
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I beleive I got out role-played last night (txt) - Posted by Elawyn of Yew October 14, 1997 at 10:01 AM EDT - Category: General

Elawyn of Yew was standing on the docks in Trinsic doing a little fishing last night when didst espy a young swordsman, hight "Robbie" who was dressed most distinctively.
He had on a red mask, a lime green jesters doublet, a red cloak, a blue kilt, brown pants and bright purple boots. This was, indeed, a most unusual costume.
Robbie walked up to a point nearby and began fishing, so Elawyn did study him a little more closely and determined that he was very strong, but dumber than a rock and very clumsy.
After a few moments, the conversation began thusly:-
"M'lord, thou has a most distinctive sense of fashion!" quoth Elawyn.
Robbie turned and said "Do you like it?"
"'tis most, erm, distinctive m'lord."
"are you Robbie's friend?"
"I am not thy enemy Robbie, and I wish thee no harm!" she replied.
"That's good" he said after a short pause.
"Why do people laugh at Robbie?" he asked.
"Methinks they are jealous of thy distinctive fashion sense m'lord" Elawyn replied.
At that moment the fish stopped biting, so Elawyn strolled over and stood directly across from Robbie.
"Why do the bad men try to steal Robbies things?" he asked.
"Mayhaps the bad men art jealous of thy most unusual costume M'lord."
"Robbie likes fishing."
"I like to fish too Robbie, 'tis good for my finesse" Elawyn replied.
"is it good for Robbie's finesse?"
"Indeed it is m'lord"
"what's 'finesse' mean?"
"tis how far and fast you can run m'lord, before growing tired" replied Elawyn.
"Robbie likes to run from the bad men"
"You are very strong m'lord" commented Elawyn.
"Robbies friends say he doesn't know his own strength"
"it's good to hear that you have friends m'lord"
"Robbie doesn't like to hurt people."
At that point an evil lord rogue did approach and pass close by, whereupon Robbie did run around yelling "Bad man! Bad man! Go away! Leave Robbies things alone!"
The rogue didst depart.
"You are very intelligent lady" said Robbie.
Elawyn didst bow graciously, "Thank you Robbie"
"Robbie has to go meet his other friends now" he said.
"bye" he added as he ran off.

------and stepping out of character-------------------------------------------

It's the little things like that that really make this fun. A distinctive character, and he played his stats. He also took the time to develop something rather unique, something memorable, and I suspect behind there was a very intelligent indivudual, with a sense of humor, and one who thoroughly enjoyed getting into a part.
I think what impressed me the most was he was smart enough to generate the inevitable 45/10/10 character, and then clever enough to play a memorable character that fit into that mould. A most refreshing change from the average fighter or rogue type. I will remember Robbie, and treat him kindly, for I too, was once very strong, but dumber than a rock and very clumsy, unfortunately, I was too dumb to really play the part. So, The Noble Lady Elawyn, adept Ranger, has passed on her role-playing crown to young Robbie, who played his part to distinction.
So if you're in Trinsic, on the Lake Superior shard, and you espy a most distinctevly dressed individual by the name of 'Robbie', don't laugh at him, for me may very well be playing this game better than most.
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One way to boost Dex and Int relatively quick - Posted by Tom Bombadil ( October 15, 1997 at 11:30 AM EDT - Category: General

Here is a quick way to boost your dexterity and intelligence:
1. Find a nice out-of-the-way spot in a town and begin fishing. 2. Make sure you are close enough to a tree to chop kindling. 3. Fish until you are at least 200+ stones overweight. 4. While you are fishing use your arms lore skill during the animation sequence.(Evaluating int or similar skills are fine) 5. Cut the fish into fish steaks (note a fish weighs 1 stone but when you cut it up it becomes a total of 4 stones minus the 1 stone the fish originally weighed). 6. Your weight should be around 600-700 stone now so: cut kindling from that tree and build a campfire. 7. Cook your fishsteaks on the campfire. This can be done as quick as you can double-click, click. 8. Watch your dex and int skyrocket(relatively speaking). 9. When done you need to lighten up (unless you ruined every steak). YOu can eat the excess until you are unencumbered and then give the rest to an NPC to boost your notoriety. You could try selling but I doubt you can find a fishmonger with gold.
Tom Bombadil...(However nothing works as quick as good 'ol monster bashing)
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and Elawyn did bring forth tears that night (story, long txt) - Posted by Elawyn of Yew October 16, 1997 at 9:54 AM EDT - Category: Adventure Stories

Elawyn of Yew, having travelled to distant Trinsic to pursue her studies, had learned a great deal these past days. As a poor, but totally honest and thrifty country lass, being alone in the big city was far far worse than spending time in the deep woods near her home. For the city was full of death, and knaves and thieves did abound. She had tried, tried so hard, to make money from honest toil, from tailoring, from fishing, and in doing these simple tasks, her skills had grown greatly. Elawyn didst feed the hungry and clothe the poor, and should anyone approach her and ask for help she would try to assist them, especially if she thought they had potential to become a great one of the land.
And in doing these things, by taking a few moments of her time to aid those in need, or to feed the hungry, or to show people that there was a way to survive without killing, she had been thanked by the good folk of the city with the title Noble Lady.
She had made a few friends, for whom she felt much emotion, for when all around are crying out in their barbarian tongue, and feeding upon each other like a pack of rabid rats, having a friend to play with, or to train with, or even just to talk to, was something wondrous indeed.
and in all this time, Elawyn remained in the city, where the guards could protect her, for this was the sagely advice her family had given her, venture not forth alone into the wilderness down there, for 'tis not safe like the deep woods of home. and Elawyn had heeded this advice, and did not venture forth.
This 'eve past, Elawyn did find her best friend, Lynne Greymere, who had been toiling as a tailor this past week, and Lynne was mounted on a fine horse, with several cats following her, and dressed in her finest costume. And they did greet each other warmly, and Lynne did ask Elawyn if she would like to visit the barrier island, and Elawyn did say "Aye, I will accompany thee, for I have not ventured outside the city since I arrived here."
And they did walk to the gate, alas, the demons were tormenting Elawyn that eve, for every footstep seemed slow, and her voice did hang in the air, like an echo in a deep cave. Still they did proceed to the edge of the city and Lynne did say "I know not if the guards will protect us out there, so do ye make ready as if for war!"
And Elawyn didst remove her best dress, made with her own hands, and carefull folding it, did put it into her backpack. She pulled out her trusty halberd, and together they did walk out onto the island.
And Elawyn didst espy trees, and didst say "Trees! 'tis like Yew!", and they did walk together, practicing their skills, and harvesting a little wood from each tree. In the distance they heard a cry of pain, and did travel towards it, and there, upon the ground, a body.
And Lynne did search around, but the signs were not clear, so they did continue, and they didst espy human tracks, and Lynne did caution Elawyn to be careful, and Elawyn did exclaim "If we are attacked, and they be getting the better of us, flee to the city on thy fine horse, and fetch help, for I will hold them here."
And so they did pass two warriors, and exchanged a brief greeting, and they continued, and they didst espy a great hart, and they did admire it, exclaiming "'tis a noble beast!", and the hart, sensing that they meant it no harm, did approach and pass close by. And Lynne did exclaim "I have never seen one come so close!"
Then did the two warriors run past, in pursuit of the noble beast, and Lynne did cry out "Touch not that hart!", and Elawyn and Lynne did pursue. Alas, the demon lag struck again, and as Elawyn ran , an arrow did pass close by, and she did cry out, "Am I under attack then?" and Lynne didst say "Nay, 'tis a stray arrow!"
The great hart lay dead at the feet of a warrior, and Elawyn, much saddened, for this was the first great hart she seen this far from the deep woods, did ask "Why? Why did thou slay yon beast? 'twas such a fine and noble creature" and the warrior did reply "I need the food m'lady", and Elawyn did say "If thou art hungry, come to the docks in the city, and I will feed thee."
and the warrior did exclaim "I knew not that such charity could be found!", and Elawyn didst say "Indeed it can, if thou dost look hard, and asketh properly", then Elawyn did lay a fishing pole on the ground and did say to the warrior, "Take this fishing pole, for with it thou wilt never go hungry again"
and the warrior was ashamed and did say "Thou givest me this for free?" and Elawyn did say "Use it to feed thyself, and when thou hast a surfeit of fish, feed the hungry, and I ask only this, that thee be aware of the need and the hunger around thee, and when thou art ready, pass on this fishing rod to another, and lay the same geas upon them"
and the warrior did agree.
Together, Lynne and Elawyn didst stroll back, and Lynne did exclaim "was that thy good deed for the day?" and Elawyn didst exclaim "'twas my third this day".
And Lynne did find a pile of night-shade growing, and did hand them to Elawyn, knowing that Elawyn was looking for reagents, and they didst espy a ship, and Lynne did exclaim "Reagents!" and Elawyn did ask "Where?" and Lynne did say "On yon ship" and Elawyn did look at the pile of reagents, and didst consider this and didst say "I shall not trespass"
And Elawyn didst explain to her friend that she felt scared, and frightened, to be outside, where there were no deep woods to hide in, and Lynne did understand and did accompany Elawyn back to the city.
And they did walk to the tavern, where Elawyn did commence to place fish upon each table, and across the floor, and Lynne seeing this did likewise, and together they did sit near the door and await a chance to play another prank.
A warrior did enter and cry out "What's with all the fish?" and Elawyn didst say "Touch not the fish!" and "'tis a new game, beneath one of the fish doth lay a magic mace, beneath all of the others a trap"
And Lynne did say "A trap that will make thy countenance like that of a dread lord in the eyes of the guards"
And Elawyn did ask "Dost thou wish to choose a fish?" and "Choose wisely and thee shall thrive, choose foolishly and thee had better not leave this tavern this night"
And the warrior did look closely at Elawyn and Lynne and did exclaim "BUt, you can't trap a fish!", and Elawyn did smile and say "Art thou so sure? Then thee can choose a fish in safety can thee not?"
and the warrior did not choose a fish, and another came in, and Elawyn and Lynne did explain the game again, and, yet another, and now there were three good folks scared to pick up the magic fish.
And Elawyn didst start to tame a fish, And Elawyn and Lynne didst make many plays upon words with fish in them, and finally, one person did pick up a fish and exclaim "See, I am not trapped!"
And Elawyn did put on her somber face, and did stand, and did say, "Then I will fetch a guard, and he shall tell thee whether thy appearance has changed" and she did walk out and hide beneath a tree, and remove her dress, and pull out her trusty halberd, and then, dressed in her studded armor, her red leather skirt, with halberd in hand, she did walk back to the door and fling it open, and in she did charge, yelling "Foul Knave! Thou shall regret thine actions!" and alas, the demon lag did strike.
and when the demon lag did release here, Elawyn did notice that the good gentle who had chosen a fish was no longer there.
The warrior did exclaim "'Tis a good jape!" and Elawyn did put her dress back on over her armor and she did ask Lynne if the fish chooser had run, but alas, the demon lag had prevented Lynne from knowing.
Elawyn didst notice that the fish were nearly gone, and there were fish steaks upon the floor, and Elawyn did run over and cry out "My pet fish! My pet fish! Oh, who hath slain thee?" and then "Alas, poor sushi, he was such a nice fish!"
and a young warrior, clad in a grey robe of mourning, did approach, and he did bow in greeting and Elawyn did bow back and he did greet her "M'lady, might I beg a boon from thee? For I have nothing and cannot fight evil" and Elawyn did ask "What is it that thee dost need?" and he did say "Anything M'lady, anything to help me get back on my feet" and Elawyn did give him a fishing pole, and didst lay the usual geas upon him, and he did ask "If thou has a pouch or a bag thee could spare, so that I might keep my things safely hidden?" and Elawyn did give him a wooden box that she had been given by a carpenter and he was most grateful. and later, they didst walk together, and Lynne did say to Elawyn "I will be leaving the city to travel to Skara Brae, to pursue my studies, wilt thou join me?" and Elawyn's heart was torn, for she knew why her good friend must travel, and didst exclaim "Aye, I would, save only that my studies lay here, but if thee are in Skara Brae, and if thee should need me, call, and I will come to thine aid!" and Lynne did promise to leave a note on the board in the Tavern, and so, they did part.
And Elawyn did wander the streets, saddened, confused, and did run back to the island, not caring whether there were bandits or thieves there, and did retrace the path that Lynne had followed, that she might remember her friend, for she knew not whether she would ever see her again, and her heart was heavy.
And Elawyn didst return to the inn, and did lay down to sleep, curled up, lost, alone, confused, and did weep softly into her pillow, and the tears did flow freely.
---------------------------------------------
and *that* is the way of role playing. For good Lynne did *know* that Elawyn was setting up for a jape with the fish, and did not need to ask, and did join in. And the warrior in the robe, did play his part well, he did *not* quoth "got any spare stuff dood". and *that* is the way of the world, for when friends do part here, it is likely that they may not meet again. And that is the medieval way, for many would fall, lost, alone, and without succor or aid, travelling far from home. and *that* is the way that friends are made, for 'tis how it was, and ever will be.
For in truly playing the character, you *do* feel their emotions.
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how to play with pks, a primer, part 1. - Posted by Elawyn of Yew October 16, 1997 at 7:03 PM EDT - Category: Those #^@%! Pkillers In Reply to: A primer for new PKs. (part 1) posted by Ed Gein on October 16, 1997 at 6:38 PM

1. Learn how to set up macros for conversation, or learn to type 120 words per minute with just your left hand.
2. Set up a "Yell guards' macro.
3. Get a bunch of powerful players together, find a good spot, have them hide. then, have a throwaway character, with a stupid name, (don't call him/her "pkbait") stand there and watch
When the pk's take you on, the hidden mage casts paralyse, then TORMENT them.
Get their NAMES. Have a Ranger hunt them. Kill them over and over and over, in the most creative ways, insult them, torment them, yell insults
If you see them in town, use a throwaway character in FOLLOW mode, trail them everywhere, chant 'KILLDOOD IS A SCUMSUCKING PLAYERKILLER!'
4. Hound them unmercifully, be creative, use kamikaze runs on them.
5. If you're an internet guru (*smile*), track them down, find out who they really are, invest 200 bucks in having your lawyer file a cease and desist on them.
6. If you get really really mad, send them 200 pizzas every hour. Get their vehicle number, get their drivers licence number, report them stolen.
7. Go to where they live, grey box their phone line. Use it to call the speaking clock in Tasmania for days at a time.
8. Be a real ranger, hunt them individually, kill them in real life.
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some answers about animals and message boards - Posted by Elawyn of Yew October 16, 1997 at 6:21 PM EDT - Category: General In Reply to: Questions about animals and message boards posted by Elisabeth (pm2-24.pclink.com) on October 16, 1997 at 6:03 PM EDT:

: Hello,
Good day to thee m'lady.
: I have just started playing UO and have a couple of questions.
: First, the online manual says that there should be a message board in each of the taverns in a town. I have thoroughly searched two taverns in Britain (the Cat's Lair and the southeast one, don't remember the name) and can't find anything remotely resembling a message board. Where might I find one?
I haven't check the taverns in Britain, but in Trinsic, it's on the wall and looks a little like and old fashioned writing desk.
: Also, I have noticed many animals roaming around town; these animals have names but the names are in grey and the owners are nowhere to be found. When I use my Animal Lore skill it gives a message that they appear to have no home of their own. Are they strays? If so, can I do anything to win their loyalty? I have tried calling them, enticing them, I even tried to feed fish steaks to a couple of cats, all to no avail. But while I was dealing with one of the cats, a mage walked by and said "Follow me" and the cat meowed and trotted after him! Then I saw the cat sometime later without the mage. Why did it work for him and not for me? (My animal skills are respectable and my reputation is neutral.)
Have you learned to use skills yet? Hit alt-k, and click on the little arrow next to the actions title. You should see 'Animal Taming', click on the little blue circle in front of it, and when you move your mouse cursor onto the main scren it will turn into a hand with a target inside. Click this on the animal in question
If the animal is tame, but belongs to someone else, it will tell you "This animal is already tamed", in which case it belongs to someone else, other wise you will start to tame it
If you succeed in taming it, give it a name by placing the mouse cursor on it, holding down the left button and pulling down a little. Then you can say things like "bob come" and so on.
DO NOT ATTACK A TAMED ANIMAL.
IF you are having trouble in the game, wander around a little, look for folks who talk in Elizebethan english, bow politely, beg their pardon, and ask if they could assist you. Most will be only too glad to help.
If you see them talking like teenagers, you can try askin for help, but don't expect much
Welcome to the game, it's very difficult, full of bugs, BUT some of us are having a really wonderful time here, happy to see a new player.
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Alas, 'tis true (txt) - Posted by Elawyn of Yew October 17, 1997 at 9:57 AM EDT - Category: Bug Report
In Reply to: Is this what UO has become? (a minor rant) posted by Calandryll (199.183.13.245) on October 17, 1997 at 9:46 AM

: I continue to try to make him see the error of his theiving ways, when a group : of three other players arrives. They then tell me to stop bothering him or they : will call a GM, CALL A GM?!? For what, roleplaying someone who upholds the law. : I did not insult this rogue, nor did I use any profanity, but these three call : me juvenille!
I had someone whine at me for speaking Britannian, and he said "This is an RPG, not a life!" (I called upon the spirit of the great Xavori at that point, we could have had some fun.)
: I then had to come out of character and explain what I was doing, they say that I : sound like an idiot and that I should concentrate on killing monsters and : raising my stats!!!
: Its people like this that are ruining the game with their inability to roleplay : and their knee-jerk reaction to call a GM.
I think of them as npc's (no personality characters).
: The above story about the rogue could have AND should have been a fun roleplaying : experience for me and the thief, but instead was a waste of time.
For something like this, you need to find another role player to help you. I've had a great time in the tavern, with Lynne Greymere, and have actually managed to get , oh, about a 20-25% hit rate on convincing folks to try a little role playing.
You have to pick and choose a little tho, if someone is obviously brand new to the game, and anyone who has been around a little can spot them, it might simply be too much for them to arrive here, not knowing what they can and can't do, having trouble with their mouse, not knowing anything of the world, and suddenly having an encounter like that.
It doesn't stop me from enjoying it, because the good times outweigh the bad, but it does get frustrating when players are rude and obnoxious for no good reason, and doubly so when their character would have no reason to behave that way.
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Ruffians Rewarded - Posted by Rell the Ranger, out of Yew October 17, 1997 at 9:17 AM EDT - Category: General

I never killed a man before, and last night I slew two. Friends comfort me, for e’en though circumstance did force my hand, yet I would gladly give all that I call mine to have found a less violent solution!
Let me tell you, friends, what did transpire in Yew, hard by the shepherd’s coral.
I wended my way through the light woods--mine eagle, Vale, perched on my shoulder--chopping a bit of wood and hunting for wild birds, when I heard the bray of a wounded deer.
Oh no! I thought.
Then I heard a desperate cry for help.
Ah hah! I thought.
I rushed to the scene and found a callow young ranger--wounded neigh to death--scrambling desperately away from a great hart to whom he had given a scratch. His companion, unwounded, did stand nearby, calling out “Run” and doing naught more.
They were a sorry pair, the two companions. Beards had scarcely started to grow in on their pallid faces, their faces were dirty, and the one held his mouth agape--whether because of astonishment or because he was simple or because his mother was not there to hold a handkerchief to his nose and tell him to blow I know not.
You know me, friends, and know that I would gladly have filled any vile monster that did so beleaguer some poor soul. Yea, even a fierce animal who did aim to make a meal of a human would be subject to the stings of by bow. But a gentle hart? Nay, I could scarcely believe that the hart did assail the poor fellow unprovoked.
“What happens here?” I asked.
“the damn deer is killing me” When he spoke, it sounded to me as though his tongue did fill his mouth.
Poor fellow, I thought when I heard him speak. He’s retarded. I’ll be nice to him.
“SAVE ME” he cried.
“I shall,” I said.
“KILL IT”
“I shall not,” I said, and forthwith began to tame the deer.
Whilst I did stroke the agitated beast, and comfort it, and soothe it with my voice, the poor simpleton stepped closer and, in that thick voice, said, “if u tame it can i have it I want to kill it i am pissed at that deer”
‘Twas mightily difficult to understand the lad. ‘Twas not the words he used, nay, for though vocabulary was exotic, ‘twas not entirely unfamiliar. ‘Twas that he spoke so monotonously, pausing not at the end of a thought, nor inflecting his questions. Truly, he was retarded.
“Nay, thou shalt not harm this noble beast,” I said. “Wherefore didst thou raise thy sword at it before?”
“are you an npc?”
“I know not what thou dost mean, but whatever an en-pee-see may be, I assure thee, I am not one.”
“why do you talk like that”
“Why dost thou talk as thou dost?”
“thou THIS. im going to kill that deer”
“Thou shalt not,” I said, “for nature doth protect herself passing well, as thou hast already learned.” Indeed, his left arm did hang limp by his side, his clothing was sore tattered, and he had to drag one foot forward and could not life it. “And when she cannot, I act as her agent. If thou dost attack my pet Galla here--” for so had I named the hart “--thou wilt surely die.”
“shut up. how does thee think it will feel if thee sticks thee dick in my mouth and i bite down”
And at this I had to laugh, for either he had mistaken me for a man--which did seem exceedingly odd--or his mother had indeed taught him little of the world.
He dropped into a fighting stance, and his friend--who up till now had made only a few remarks, and none which bear repeating--did the same. “Galla guard me,” I said to the hart, and I said the same to Vale.
“guard this galla”
“Lay down your weapons and ye shall live,” I said to the pair. "suck my dick” said mine enemy.
“I will do no such thing,” I replied. “For not only have I no desire to do so, but I imagine that thou’rt passing filthy.”
“your gonna die” grunted the clodhopper, and he and his companion did attack me.
In the city of justice, such deeds do not go unpunished. Forthwith a guard did manifest herself and slay the villain’s friend. As for myself, I let loose from my crossbow a single bolt and dropped t’other where he stood.
An once I did remove from the fallen corpses all weapons--a dagger, an ax, a sword, and a mace. We humans are resilient, and I knew these two--slow witted as they were--should not bears arms till they did learn to comport themselves.
I called to Galla and told him to go his own way. He did so gratefully.
Then did another young ranger approach. In his hand he held a bow, and in his eyes a look of chagrin.
“I am sorry I did not act sooner, milady,” he said. “I am but new to this world.”
“Fear not,” I said. “I can take care of myself. I am grateful, though, for thy gentle words.”
“Those two,” he said, “were ruffians.”
“Aye, indeed.”
“Methinks they did learn from a great, evil master. The demon Diablo.”
I laughed. “Mayhap thou’rt correct.”
The conversation which ensued was a balm to my soul. I had begun to despair that all the youth in this land were so ill mannered, and lo, here came a young man all eager to find his humble way in our great land. He did comfort me as I wept for the loss of dear Vale, for one of the ruffians had managed to destroy my long-time pet. He flattered me for my skills, and I did beg him cease, blushing fiercely. We spoke of the hunt, and of nature, and of the lessons his pa had taught him of conservation and need. He spoke so sweetly of his father that I found growing in me a longing to meet this now-aged man.
And then we did discuss how a young bowyer could find his way in such a world. I am certain that the ax which I had taken from the nearby corpse will serve this gentle ranger well. I did teach him what little I knew--especially of that strange magic we call macros--and we did part ways. He to his lumberjacking, I to my hunt . . .
. . and both of to our destinies.
-----------------------------------
Seriously, this was a lot of fun. I’ve never killed a player before, but I’ve always maintained that--when you do it in character--it’s perfectly fine. For Rell, such opportunities have never before arisen (although for another of my characters, the occasional battle with players enriches her story).
I’d also like to say that, despite the “clodhopper” and his wearying speech, he did wind up sort of getting into character. He was obviously quite new to UO--since he didn’t even know enough to call up my paper doll and see that I was no man--but he got into the conflict. He didn’t just attack, he talked and attacked. It’s much better that way. For all I know, he was just playing himself, but, if so, at least he played consistently.
And the ranger who approached later--also totally brand new to UO--will go far I think. I left his name at home and don’t remember it (here at work, where I spend way too much time reading and posting to the UO boards, and way to little being genuinely productive). But rest assured, I’ll seek him out again, when he’s gotten his UO legs and built his character up a bit.
Comments? Insults? Anyone? Anyone?
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