Post:Bard Teaching 031411 Log - 3/15/2011 - 00:43:00

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Bard Teaching 031411 Log · on 3/15/2011 12:43:00 AM 2909
Below is the Bard Teaching log. GM Raesh stopped by and had a little Q & A session--I've put in a horizontal line separating that from the rest of the night.

WARNING: LONG


You exclaim, "Alright, welcome to another night of Bard Teaching!"

You say, "Similar to last week..."

You say, "We will have no set format."

You say, "However, I do have some ideas and concepts I'd like to bounce off you guys."

Ysselt says, "Ok."

You say, "If at any point you have any questions about these, or anything else, please do speak up. Maybe we can start another topic thread of conversation."

You ask, "Now, I'm curious. Have either of you participated in the Dance of the Flame?"

Ysselt says, "I have."

You ask, "Oh wow, you're even more experienced than I had imagined Ysselt! Could you tell us a little bit about your experiences with that first hand?"

You exclaim, "Ohh!"

Ysselt asks, "Uh. It was hot?"

You ask, "Could one of you please go and grab Valkri?"

You say, "You rock Zlynn, thank you."

Valkri says, "Thank you."

You ask, "Hot, huh?"

Ysselt says, "It was ages ago, honestly. But I remember it felt powerful and important to do."

You say, "The Dance of the Flame involves Tamsine Hearth-Keeper, the goddess of homes and families, for those of you who are not aware."

You say, "It's typically used to introduce something new into the world, such as birth or marriage, or taking resident in a new home."

You ask, "Do you remember what setting that particular dance of yours was for Ysselt? And was it you doing the dancing?"

Ysselt says, "Oh I did dancing several times. But I don't really recall. I want to say it was probably fifteen years ago or more that I participated in it."

You ask, "It seems as time has gone on, since our guild was re-established by Siryn, that we as a unit have kind of drifted apart. Have you all noticed?"

Ysselt says, "Oh, I'm sure of it. Although I was not around before the split."

Ysselt says, "I am only seventy-seven."

Gridaksma says to Ysselt, "You don't look a day over fifty."

You say, "Me either Ysselt. I am one having joined after the guild was founded here, but I have noticed a trend, that our guild slowly has been drifting."

Jerodan says, "I don't know much about the split and all first hand of course, but I could see why the Bard's aren't as closely knit as some of the other guilds."

You say, "It seems we used to be more closely knit."

You say, "What are the reasons why we aren't as close knit as we once were, I wonder."

You ask, "Do you have any ideas or hypothesis?"

Valkri says, "Well..."

Jerodan says, "I believe it comes naturally because we're so diverse not only in our recruitments put before us by the guild but all the way down to why we're Bards. In the past we've had common enemies and threats and those have for the most part no longer been threats in the recent years."

You exclaim, "Please, let us know your opinions!"

Valkri says, "Maybe with a new Dragon Priest leader that will change."

You say, "Hmm, both very good points."

Ysselt says, "Even when there were things that brought the guild together, it was still divided."

You say to Jerodan, "I personally have seen the rift in personalities within our guild. That paired with the fact that Bards no longer have a common enemy to rise against, seems to have taken its tole on our common interest."

You say, "Harmony and Resonance are great enchantes to get, Zlynn."

You say, "However."

You say, "I will say, Harmony is -very- difficult to perform."

You say, "Zlynn was curious as to whether Harmony and Resonance were good enchantes to pick up."

Jerodan says, "And unlike Paladins and Clerics who have their religion to keep them together. Rangers who all have their love for nature... I could go on and on. Most Bards are usually either out explore, killing, telling tales, or gathering knowledge. We aren't exactly a guild that's focused on waving incenses together or studying stars."

Ysselt says, "They are both quite good, but somewhat difficult in my experience."

You exclaim to Jerodan, "Yesss! That's it!"

You say, "And yes to Ysselt too. Both are very taxing."

You say, "And very difficult. You will need many magic lessons to not backfire those songs."

Zlynn asks, "And resonance returns the weapon to your hand if you drop or throw it?"

Valkri asks, "Do many bards join the performing groups, like the Theatre groups?"

Ysselt says, "If you are skilled enough."

Jerodan says, "Well not a lot, but there are a few of us who do. Well, did."

You say to Valkri, "I believe that is a very niche thing. I know some Bards who are in it and I know some members of other guilds who join."

You say to Zlynn, "What Ysselt says is true. You'll need to perform Resonance at a certain mana level to unlock that aspect of the song."

Jerodan says to Valkri, "If you're came to me a few months ago I'd been trying to get you the join the Troupe with a question like that. Sadly, it's days have come to an end."

Valkri asks Jerodan, "The Tavern Troupe?"

You say, "I didn't take you for a performer Jerodan! I thought you were all about combat."

You ask Zlynn, "Are there any other enchantes you could choose, or do you have your heart set on those two?"

Jerodan says, "I try not to focus too much on any particular thing. I was in the Troupe as more of an organizer and manager."

You say to Jerodan, "Ahh, impressive."

Zlynn says, "I'm open to any enchants, latly i've been more in combat then anything."

Jerodan says, "Sadly, as the Vice Speaker I had to decide to disband it with the support of the Council due to interest just dying off. I was filling in for the Speaker at the time and, I still beat myself up over it."

You exclaim, "Oh, bummer Jerodan!"

You ask Zlynn, "Which enchantes do you have presently?"

You say, "Also, I think that outlines exactly why we are so spread thin. I do not know of any other guild that is as diverse as us."

You ask Ysselt, "What do you consider yourself, Ysselt?"

Ysselt says, "I'm not sure sure."

You ask, "Are you a Performer? Or, perhaps more into Lore? Or are you a combat afficionado?"

Zlynn exclaims to you, "Lilt, grace, balm, caress of the sun, siren, rage, Pyre and MADMAN!"

You say, "Hmm..."

You say, "I'd say you are more into the magic side of things."

Ysselt says, "Not the first one."

Ysselt says, "I don't perform."

Zlynn says, "Madman is my favorite so far."

Gridaksma says, "Trying to put a label on Ysselt."

Jerodan says to Ysselt, "Hold still."

You say, "Ohh, easy choice Zlynn."

Zlynn says, "Back in a flash."

You say, "Hmm."

You say, "Ah, he returns."

You say, "Yes then, I would suggest to you that you choose Misdirection first, and then Demrris' Resolve as soon as you can, Zlynn."

Zlynn says, "Thats better, had to change cloths and didnt want to embarass anyone."

You ask, "What do you all think?"

You ask, "What enchante should Zlynn choose next?"

Valkri asks, "Are enchants specific?"

Zlynn says to you, "I can learn six mreo enchants."

Zlynn says, "More."

Ysselt asks, "What are your options?"

Valkri asks, "Like are there hunting enchantes, mech lore enchants?"

You say, "He knows Hodierna's Lilt, Faenella's Grace, Albreda's Balm, Caress of the Sun, Siren's Call, Rage of the Clans, Phoenix's Pyre and Chorus of Madmen."

Jerodan says, "I'd say target for Desert's Maelstorm until he has the magical skills to pull off Harmony."

You say, "There are separate varieties. They all do different things."

Valkri asks you, "There's no way to group them?"

You say, "Hmm, some are more combat tailored than others, so I could probably group them yes."

Valkri asks, "Like does he need something to help with offenses, or defenses?"

You ask, "Hmm, that's a good question. What say you, Zlynn?"

Zlynn says, "Im having more troube with defenses."

Jerodan says to Valkri, "I'd beat defenses, always what I struggle with."

You say, "Also, you should ask Silvyrfrost about what options you may learn presently so we can offer you suggestions."

You say, "Hmm, if not for a defensive enchante..."

You say, "His eyes seemed to light up when he said Chorus of Madmen."

You say, "I imagine he might be into battling against other adventurers."

Jerodan says, "Dangerous hobby, always leaves me bruised and my pride crushed."

Zlynn says, "I can learn 'Tears, Lullaby, Merelew's, Nexus, Tongues, Misdirection and Eillie's."

You say, "It is dangerous, but it can also be fun if you take it with the right attitude with someone else of that same mindset."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "I've long accepted my mediocrety."

You exclaim to Valkri, "Ohh whatever, you destroy everyone at the Theren fight nights. Don't lie!"

Jerodan says to Valkri, "At least you're a grade above me if you're mediocre."

Valkri says, "Only if I cheat."

Valkri says, "And I can't do that well either."

You ask, "In what area do you feel you're lacking Zlynn? Or maybe a better question--In what areas do you wish to excel?"

You say, "I noticed your eyes seem to take on a particular fire when you mentioned Chorus of Madmen."

You say, "There is no cheating in the Theren fight nights. Those matches are anything goes."

You say to Ysselt, "Zlynn has access to learn 'Tears, Lullaby, Merelew's, Nexus, Tongues, Misdirection and Eillie's by the way."

Ysselt says, "I'm always a fan of Merelew's."

Zlynn says, "Im more focused around combat."

Zlynn asks, "Whats the next fight night??"

Zlynn says, "Or when."

You say, "OOC: Theren fight nights happen every Thursday night at 11:00pm EST."

You say, "If combat is your thing..."

You say, "I would choose Damaris' Lullaby."

You say, "Or, as mentioned earlier, pick up Misdirection and then Demrris' Resolve."

You say, "Both of those enchantes--Lullaby and Resolve, are our heavy hitters as far as fighting is concerned."

You say, "Neither will steer you wrong."

Jerodan says, "I always use Lullaby."

You say, "Lullaby is remarkable."

You say, "And extremely potent."

Jerodan says, "Even if you can't knock them out, you get them so drowsy they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a ballista."

You say, "All you really need to do is influence an enemy twice to lull them to sleep."

You say, "The only catch is, Zlynn."

You say, "You need a stringed instrument to play it."

You say, "And your other hand must be empty."

You say, "But it is well worth the cost in my opinion."

Zlynn says, "I knew i trained brawling for a reason."

Jerodan says, "Which means you wanna shape up your brawling, but you do have a little bit that the effect lasts after you put away the instrument."

You say, "Brawling, and Targeted Magic are useful while performing Lullaby."

You say, "Also..."

You say, "Quick light thrown weapons may be of use to you as well."

Jerodan says to you, "I really need to work on my targeted magic skills."

You say, "Ysselt is teaching a paramount class in Targeted Magic."

Jerodan says, "I'm gonna take hiding while I can get it, always War Mages to teach Targeted."

You ask, "Do you have trouble training it in the field, Jerodan?"

You say, "Targeted Magic, that is."

Jerodan says, "Not really, just have to swap critters to do so."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "War mages..."

You say, "I'm sure Valkri also knows a thing or two about Targeted Magic."

Zlynn asks, "What armors are ya'll using in combat?"

Jerodan says, "That's a question I still can't answer and I've recently became a Grand Master Bard supposedly."

You say, "I use Light Chain and Leather armor personally."

Valkri says, "I thought bards love their plate armor."

Gridaksma says, "I do too but I'm not a bard."

You say to Theovis, "Hey there! We're having a Bard Teaching--feel free to grab some refreshments and stick around."

Lupdels says, "Maybe once we can drum a tune on plate armor . . ."

Valkri exclaims, "Oh no!"

Valkri exclaims, "Oh no!"

Jerodan says, "I started out in plate, then went to chain, then to leather. Then back to chain, now I'm back to leather. I wish I'd stuck with plate."

Valkri exclaims, "You've got mice!"

Ysselt says, "I tried to get it to run free."

Zlynn asks, "How do you hide in plate?"

You exclaim, "Mouses won't hurt the food, they're innocent!"

Jerodan says, "You take it off."

You say, "You don't, Zlynn."

Ysselt says, "I'll set it free later."

Lupdels says, "I've been pondering switching to bone armor."

You say, "Hmm."

You say, "Bone Armor. Interesting choice."

You ask, "May I ask, why?"

Lupdels says, "I think that the carving of bones for the armor might resemble the carving for instruments and other bone goods, something I think our profession might be skilled at."

You ask, "Ahh, yes that makes sense. Is that a field you intend to be involved in? The carving of instruments and bone armor?"

Lupdels says, "It is. And I think the qualities of good protection but without the hinderence to stealth would be a boon."

Lupdels says, "And I wouldn't mind if it intimidated my foes."

You say, "I think that will work. Personally, I believe our enchantes will be more designed for battles out in the open, so things such as Plate armor or Bone armor will fit in perfectly."

You say, "It is quite difficult to mesh Stealth with our enchantes."

Jerodan asks you, "What's your plans for your professions by the way?"

You say, "However, that may be done as well and it does prove effective against other adventurers."

You say, "It would definitely have an intimidation factor."

You say, "As far as my professions..."

You say, "I have no idea. In intend on doing a lot, from pursing alchemy, to crafting the greatest light edge weapon in Elanthia and enchanting it to become a weapon of the Gods."

You say, "To creating explosive items which may be used in combat."

You say, "There are just so many options."

Lupdels asks, "Why make a weapon of the Gods? Wouldn't you want to use it?"

Jerodan says, "I think I'm going to attempt my hand at crafting runes and creating remedies and poisons."

Zlynn asks you, "Is that really part of the plan, explosives?"

You exclaim to Hennesy, "Greetings! We're in the middle of a Bard Teaching, of which you are certainly invited to!"

You say to Zlynn, "I can dream."

Hennesy says, "Good timing then."

You say to Lupdels, "I will use it! It will be a fearsome weapon, of strength and magical properties."

You say, "Ohh, by the way."

You say to Hennesy, "Please feel free to check out the food and refreshments."

You say, "We were just talking about different armor and enchantes to use in combat."

You ask, "So I have to ask--Does anyone else here besides Jerodan and myself here use stealth avidly in combat?"

Hennesy says, "I'm kinda limited, but I do like tears, right now."

Ysselt says, "Not presently."

Hennesy says, "I ambush from time to time."

Gridaksma says, "I use stealth all the time."

Jerodan says to you, "I actually use my stealth mostly for s.. yeah, I only use it in combat."

You say, "Ah."

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "You're a ranger."

You say, "Hmm."

You ask, "If you don't use stealth, is it because it doesn't appeal to you? Or do you not believe it is effective, or perhaps another reason?"

Hennesy says, "It moves slow."

Ysselt says, "It's not time to use it yet."

You say, "Not time to use it? Hmm."

Ysselt says, "Correct."

You ask, "Are you waiting for something to happen before you do?"

Ysselt says, "No."

You say, "Ah."

Ysselt says, "When it's time I'll know."

You ask, "You're... eating a mouse?"

Hennesy says, "Never say yuck till ya try it."

Valkri says, "That's just..."

Valkri exclaims, "Bard down!"

Hennesy says, "The tail is the tough part."

You say, "Alright, I wanted to gauge which ones of you here are aware that our screams will be changing."

Valkri asks, "They are becoming higher pitched?"

Hennesy asks, "Puberty?"

You exclaim, "They are moving to be based on Targeted Magic!"

Zlynn asks, "Is it possibly to be get a manly scream?"

You say, "Rather than Vocals skill."

Hennesy says, "I better get cracking on TM then."

You hear a voice say, "They LIKELY are moving to TM."

You say to Zlynn, "Screams are gender neutral last time I heard other Bards scream."

You exclaim, "Yes, likely moving to screams!"

You exclaim, "Thank you voice from the shadows!"

You say, "Er."

Ysselt says, "Ahaha."

You say, "Likely moving to Targeted Magic."

You say, "But, you all should prepare."

You say, "If that is something you use presently."

Zlynn asks, "What do screams have to do with magic?"

Hennesy says, "Aiming a scream? That's ludicrous."

Raesh says, "The current plan is that it will depend on the scream."

Raesh says, "Some may be old screams some may be new screams."

You exclaim, "Master Raesh! So good of you to come by!"

Valkri says, "I scream, you scream..."

Raesh says, "If they do damage, they will likely contest TM."

Raesh says, "If they do something like disable someone, they'll check that skill instead."

Hennesy says, "How about vocals and a little TM, that makes more sense."

You say, "Ahh, easy. That seems quite reasonable."

You say, "The Vocals skill will be no more, Hennesy."

Valkri asks, "What are screams currently contested against?"

Raesh says, "You're ruining my ninja running away."

Zlynn says, "I'm liking scream defiance, it's save me a bunch."

Ysselt says, "If Grid is any indication its worse if you wear armour."

Raesh says, "Yeah. Scream defiance would not contest TM, as an example."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "Ouch."

Ysselt says, "He made me."

You exclaim, "Ysselt! How could you!"

You say, "And to your question Valkri, presently, screams are based off of the Vocals skill."

Zlynn says, "Thats a neat trick."

Ysselt says, "So uh."

You say, "And Charisma, Discipline and Stamina I believe."

Valkri says, "So non-skill contested."

You say, "It's really the Vocals which throws the contest out of the water."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma ask, "Should I depart now?"

You say, "And that is what is being rectified."

Ysselt says, "I'm asking."

Ysselt says, "That was totally unexpected."

Valkri says, "Yeah I hope a good cleric comes."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "I'm sorry, don't let Aro kill me."

Ysselt says, "Oh."

Ysselt says, "Right."

You say, "Ohh, and Hennesy."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "I wasn't sure if you were going to raise me or not."

Hennesy asks, "Hmmm?"

You say, "The Vocals skill is going away with the skill combination."

You say, "Vocals as well as all of the instrument skills are being combined into a single skill called Performance."

Ysselt says, "Well that's embarrassing."

Hennesy asks, "Is it all going to be lumped with music theory?"

Hennesy says, "Oh ok."

Raesh says, "All of the instrument skills are turning into "Performance"."

Valkri says, "Yeah, not sure if I can get you up with your back looking like that."

Raesh says, "Musical Theory is turning into Bardic Lore."

Raesh says, "Aside from being a Bard only skill, the two share little in common."

A pair of Elven women stroll past nearby, talking amongst themselves. "I've been having some problems getting this tea I've been working on to brew right, but I think there should be someone at the Alchemy Teaching Night who can tell me what I'm doing wrong," says the first. Her friend nods, asking, "That starts soon at Jadewater Mansion's Redwood Ring, right? I want to come too and learn how to make healing potions. Let's go!" The pair continue chattering as they wander out of range.

Raesh says, "It's just the most fair way to grandfather for you guys."

Hennesy says, "Sounds oversimplified."

You say, "A lot of other skills are combining too, Hennesy."

Ysselt says, "Tragic bard accident."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "I must not have had enough to drink."

Hennesy says, "I've been reading something about it being in the works for a couple years now."

Therrilliar says, "Hello."

You say, "We are on the last leg I believe."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "No, clearly not."

You exclaim to Therrilliar, "Hey there!"

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "Odd things happen when you come to teaching nights."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "I make it interesting."

Ysselt asks Gridaksma, "Does this happen often? Are you letting other bards scream at you?"

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "No, only you."

You say to Therrilliar, "We're having a Bardic Teaching--Feel free to hang out and partake of the food and refreshments on the table there."

Therrilliar says, "Thanks...I had heard it was happening."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "Sorry."

Gridaksma says, "Thank you both."

Zlynn asks, "What about arcana and cambrith things, should I be conciring myself in those studies?"

You exclaim, "Good to have you!"

You say, "Ahh, good question Zlynn."

Zlynn says, "With all the changes comming."

Gridaksma says, "It was my fault, I didn't dodge."

You say, "I believe they will aid you well in the future, yes."

Marssi says to Ysselt, "Oh, thank you very much."

Ysselt says to Marssi, "Thank you for assisting."

Hennesy asks, "Aren't all these changes kinda oversimplifying our world?"

Ysselt says, "No."

Therrilliar says, "Thats a narsty one."

Gridaksma says, "Ugh, this one is foul."

Zlynn says, "I do like the new defense changes though."

Marssi says, "Thanks again."

You say, "Yes, new combat will fit really well for our guild. One of the main problems we have is affecting others with our enchantes because they have such large boot up times."

Hennesy says, "Get bana."

Raesh says to Gridaksma, "My screams are worse."

You say, "New combat will work at alleviating that, as combat will for one, last longer, and two it will be harder for others to simply retreat from us and leave the rom."

Ysselt says, "Do it."

You say, "Room, too."

Valkri says to Raesh, "Ribbit him to death."

You say, "I think Raesh could Area of Effect scream all of us at once."

Hennesy says, "Nice stogie."

Jerodan says to you, "He ain't man enough."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "But his is Toad enough."

You exclaim, "What are nimbuses doing here!"

Ysselt says, "Nimbusii'ing."

Jerodan says, "Pathetic attempt."

You say to Jerodan, "Don't tempt him."

Valkri asks, "Do the nimbus become nimbi when there are many?"

Valkri says, "Nimbii."

Raesh says, "Nimbuses."

Raesh says, "Not nimbii."

Therrilliar says, "I put my armour on....now its gone."

You ask, "Eh?"

Therrilliar says, "The nimbus."

Ysselt says, "It isn't a hard thing."

You ask, "The nimbus destroyed your armor?"

Gridaksma asks Raesh, "So when are bards getting a version of glythtides gift?"

Valkri says, "At least it didn't steal the rum."

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "Never."

Therrilliar says, "No I saw a nimbus and it was attacking so I left to put my armour on..."

Therrilliar asks, "Do they attack here often?"

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "I'll kill you again."

Raesh asks, "They attack often when I'm around?"

You say, "No Therrilliar."

Valkri says to Ysselt, "Do it."

Gridaksma says to Ysselt, "I didn't ask for a pole to be installed in the guild or an Inn to be attached."

Zlynn's brass tankard says, "You need a drink"

Ysselt says, "Blood for Aldauth indeed."

Therrilliar says, "I did not realize Raesh was who he is."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "You are so dead."

Therrilliar exclaims, "Lasciel!"

You say, "Yes, Raesh is a celebrity."

Valkri says, "Don't..."

Raesh says, "No, I just crashed the meeting -- I didn't mean to take it over."

Jerodan says to Raesh, "It's okay, you're a much better mentor."

Valkri says, "You like the attention. It's a bardic toad thing."

Jerodan says to Therrilliar, "That shield is amazing."

Therrilliar says, "Thank you."

You say, "Right, so be sure to be training your Targeted Magic if you plan to use damaging screams in the future."

Jerodan says, "Not to count it's a great skill to have on its on."

Valkri asks, "Vocal skill going to be grandfathered into TM skill?"

You say, "Hahahahaha."

Hennesy says, "Could at least have a candle on the table to light cigars."

Zlynn asks, "Is chanting pyre pr casting bolt better for training TM?"

Raesh says, "Vocals will not be changing your TM skill."

Therrilliar says, "Hmm I guess that was not allowed."

You say, "I would say... doing both at the same time is ideal actually, Zlynn."

Valkri says, "That's kinda harsh."

Therrilliar says, "We used to be able to refer to GMs."

Therrilliar says, "Oh well...lesson learned."

Jerodan says to Zlynn, "If you're very serious about targeted magic, then I'd suggest spending the spell slot on Strange Arrow once your Arcana can permit it."

You say, "Honestly, the fact that our screams are based off of Vocals now is a little unfair."

You say, "Although, that is my opinion, so."

You say, "I think it is more balanced for the game as a whole for damaging screams to be based off of combat skills, trained in combat."

You say, "And scaled to combat scales."

Hennesy says, "Should pulse performance some too."

Hennesy says, "Anything vocal and/or musical in nature."

You say, "I am actually not sure what will be capable with the Performance skill in the future. I would hope we can do more than just play instruments with it, however."

Valkri exclaims to you, "You vill play songs, and tell tales, and you vil like it!"

Valkri says, "Leave the fighting to the empath avengers and them there."

You say, "Did anyone have any questions on any of the changes that are happening in the future? It sounds like some of you may not be familiar with all of the skill combines and so on."

Jerodan says, "I'm sure it'll help us with playacting and bluffs as well. Maybe even with slipping if we ever developing more entertaining ones."

Hennesy asks, "Did anyone see Annael in action last night?"

You ask Hennesy, "I did not, no. What happened?"

Hennesy says, "Some necro invaded the empath guild and annael kicked butt."

Hennesy says, "Lots of bodies and other peope helping."

You say, "In what fashion? I didn't think Empaths could physically harm others without incurring shock."

Hennesy says, "Her avenger."

You say, "Ahh ha."

You say, "Nice."

Hennesy says, "She was healing and her avenger was laying waste to dinegos and such." ________________________________________


You say, "Alright, well Raesh has graciously offered to have a little Questions and Answering session with us."

Therrilliar says, "I saw her fight as well."

You say, "If you're not aware, GameMaster Raesh is the one in charge of our guild's development."

Hennesy says, "I was, of course, dead during the fighting."

You say, "At least in terms of guild systems."

Therrilliar says, "I was the first to die...lasted half a second against the ogre zombie."

Hennesy says, "I had my chest and legs blown off by a dinego."

Therrilliar exclaims, "But wow Annael was mad!"

Raesh says, "For those who haven't met me, yes, I'm GM Raesh. I'm in charge of Lore development and Kaldars."

Therrilliar says, "Her dander was up."

Valkri asks Hennesy, "And then it ate your baby, right?"

Raesh says, "Which, for the time being, means I'm the acting Bard developer."

Hennesy says, "Uh huh."

Jerodan says, "I could have handled them all while rubbing my tummy, patting my head and hopping on one foot. True story."

Zlynn asks, "In charge if Kaldars?"

Raesh says, "Vaeldriil is still your advocate, that hasn't changed."

Hennesy asks, "So that means if we don't like the changes we blame you?"

Raesh says, "I just know there's been some confusion on that in the past."

Raesh says, "If you don't like the changes, I'll be surprised."

Therrilliar says, "I just like having so many enchantes. I guess given when I was last here I will be easy to please."

You say, "Raesh can't stay for long, but he has agreed to take any of your questions."

You say, "So, I would ask, please don't bombard him all at once."

Jerodan says, "Normally I'm so full of questions I can't think straight, now that there's a spotlight for them I have stage freight and can't remember them."

Gridaksma asks Raesh, "Why a toad?"

Gridaksma asks, "Oh.. bard questions?"

Raesh says, "Plat."

Valkri says, "Toad the wet sprocket."

Valkri says, "Platinum Toads...awesome."

You say, "I know it has been mentioned that our mojo will be changing."

Jerodan asks Raesh, "Any spoilers as to anything special the Taleweavers will be getting?"

Raesh says, "Jerodan managed to form that into a question first."

Raesh says, "So I'll take that one first."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "See, I told you picturing him in his toad underwear would work."

Raesh says, "On release all of the Heritages will have roughly the same thing: A Heritage Hall, a joining quest, a small shop, about 30 levels to advance through and roughly 9 or so cosmetic perks."

Raesh says, "The Feat system, as I've discussed in the past, is the last thing that will be worked on in the current development plan."

Raesh says, "Since before that happens we need Heritages, all the major 3.0 stuff, the mojo rewrite, the rewrite of all your abilities..."

Raesh says, "So while that's a Heritage "thing" it's really not part of the Heritage release, if you follow."

Raesh asks, "Not sure if that really answers your question or not?"

Therrilliar smiles broadly, grasping the general drift of what you are saying.

Jerodan says, "Sort of. I was looking for more of a maybe a special verb they'd get or skill. But that's satisfying information."

Hennesy asks, "There's factions within the guild?"

Raesh says, "Actually..."

Ysselt says, "Lots."

Raesh says, "I have this all fully approved, so I guess I can provide a little more detail on what sort of perks you can expect."

Jerodan says, "There's factions in most of the guilds."

Raesh says, "As mentioned, they're going to be cosmetic."

Hennesy says, "I mean official factions."

You say to Hennesy, "There will be."

Hennesy says, "Like moonies have."

Raesh says, "But eventually you'll earn four titles, 3 "enchanced" fluff verbs, a weapon swap, access to a Heritage only shop."

Jerodan says, "They're in development. But there have been signs for a while of them."

Raesh says, "And a few ways to indicate your membership, like a joining gift or a tattoo."

You say, "Oh sweet."

Jerodan says, "Exactly what I wanted to know."

Hennesy says, "A tattoo would be nice."

Raesh asks, "Next question?"

You say, "Right, so you mentioned the mojo rewrite. Do you have any additional details on that? The last I recall, we were still trying to hammer out what mojo was "officially" and how we interacted with it."

You say, "How we would need to act to restore it, what depleted it, etc."

Raesh says, "Well."

Raesh says, "Mechanically I know basically how it's going to work."

Raesh says, "Thematically I have a draft of it that I like, or I wouldn't have written it, and Vaedriil is on board."

Raesh says, "But it hasn't made it through all the official channels yet."

Raesh says, "So I'm going to have to keep it a little close to the vest still on details."

Jerodan asks, "Is it going to be the way the public observe us, that's how a GM explained it to me once upon an assist?"

You ask, "Can you share how it would work, idealy in your eyes?"

Raesh says, "No."

Raesh says, "Essentially mojo as you know it is going to die however."

Raesh says, "The system is deeply flawed."

Hennesy asks, "'There will be way to check it though?"

Raesh says, "Both thematically and mechanically."

Therrilliar asks, "Maybe he could share how it would work least ideally and we could assume the opposite?"

You exclaim, "But my mojo, baby!"

Raesh says, "Yes."

Raesh says, "You will still have a "power pool" for lack of a better term I can use right now."

You say, "So not even called mojo anymore, huh."

Raesh says, "And you will still be able to measure it through PRACTICE (with a silent option, since I know you're going to read a log of this Terra stop emailing me about that!)."

Zlynn says, "Stage presence."

You ask, "Are you going with the dual "mojo" system? One pool for our social level, one pool for our abilities?"

Raesh says, "Generally speaking however."

Raesh says, "Not... quite."

Jerodan says to you, "I'm not entirely sure it was ever "officially" mojo since the only time I assited about it the GM kept calling it Bardic Polish."

Raesh says, "So scoping out a little bit, since as I said I have to play it a little close on details at the moment."

Raesh says, "Yeah."

Raesh says, "That's one of the problems iwht mojo."

Raesh says, "With."

Ysselt says, "It's been both."

Therrilliar says, "I remember polish."

Raesh says, "Basically every GM who's worked with it has called it something new, and given it their own spin."

Ysselt says, "On and off. But most recently mojo has been most popular."

You say, "Interesting, I was not familiar with the Polish term."

Raesh says, "Bardic Polish was either the first or second, but by no means the last."

Raesh says, "Anyhow."

Ysselt says, "I think someone called it Bard Juice once."

Ysselt says, "Your preference may vary."

Therrilliar says, "Probably a dragon priest."

Raesh asks, "Pulpy?"

You say, "Yes, I DO remember that."

Hennesy says, "I like mojo."

Ysselt says, "No pulp."

Raesh says, "Generally speaking though, the new concept is going to be fairly simple."

Jerodan says, "Sounds like a nice new drink combination. Shot of whiskey, drop of vodka, teaspoon of scotch, tablespoon of brandy, dash of blood grog, hint of absinthe, and the rest of the glass filled with watery ale."

Valkri says, "Simple is good."

Raesh says, "It'll be a two pool system."

Raesh says, "One of them generally reflects your standing within society."

Raesh says, "This should move fairly slowly."

Raesh says, "It's... roughly analogous to a Paladin's soul."

Raesh says, "You do good things for society, they like you more."

Raesh says, "This could involve accusing necromancers, performing, acts of charity... writing a particullarly scathing poem about Vorclaf's latest fling."

Raesh says, "It's not all goody-goody stuff."

Valkri says, "Uhm..."

Valkri says to Raesh, "Pssst, he's dead."

Raesh says, "But generally, how society sees you. If society hates you, well, that's a problem as a Bard."

Raesh asks Valkri, "Why do you think it's a scandal?"

Jerodan says, "Great, we get a critics meter."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "Pay me and I'll applaud louder."

Raesh says, "Anyhow -- that's going to be fairly slow moving, and it won't directly power your abilities."

You ask, "What will it influence, then?"

Raesh says, "It'll influence the second pool, which is your what you'll actively draw abilities from."

You say, "Ahh."

Raesh says, "It'll change how big that pool is, how fast it naturally recovers and so forth."

Raesh asks, "The idea is if you scream at someone, why does society hate you more?"

You say, "Nice co-dependant relationship."

Raesh says, "I mean, maybe if you screamed at our poor dead Vorclaf..."

Jerodan asks, "Based off the accusing necromancy thing would it assume that it would help with performing "social favors" like that?"

Raesh asks Jerodan, "Sure?"

Valkri says, "If Ysselt screams at Grid again, I'll not hate her more. I promise."

Jerodan says, "I guess a better way of asking that would be. Better the people like you, more likely they'd believe your accusation."

Ysselt says, "Wait."

Ysselt asks, "You hate me?"

Raesh says, "Possibly."

Raesh says, "Anyhow."

You say to Ysselt, "I don't hate you."

Raesh says, "The active pool is the one most people will care more about."

Jerodan says to you, "At least that's one person here."

Raesh says, "Which will be closer to what the mojo pool is now."

Raesh says, "That's the one that's going to go up and down frequently to power your abilities."

Raesh says, "And you'll be using those abilities, since that's the bulk of what Bardic Lore does."

Ysselt says, "Don't think I won't engage in bard on bard violence."

Raesh says, "So my goal is to both make the current (And new) abilities useful."

Raesh says, "So, to use the dreaded scream example."

Zlynn asks, "Is this 'critic meter' designed with the intent that we have to seek out necros and accuse them?"

Raesh says, "While, in essence, they're going to get nerfed by moving away from the vocals skill -- and I plan to fix a slew of bugs."

Raesh says, "It something you should be able to use as a regular tool."

Raesh says, "As opposed to a few shots of it and then you have to go play a song."

You ask, "Ahh, nice, so more like spells and mana?"

Raesh says, "A little, yes."

Raesh says, "Not quite that fast though."

Valkri says to you, "You're so going to hate that."

You say to Valkri, "I LOOOVE that."

Raesh says, "Currently I'm planning recovery to be largely passive, the rate depending on how much you and society are getting along."

Raesh says, "But active recovery is not out of the question."

Valkri says, "That's going to be the key part."

Raesh says, "That's something likely to show up in the Feat system."

Valkri says, "Like for us, finding "good" mana is a pain."

Jerodan asks, "I got a big question I've always wanted to happen. Would/could playact actually teach something? Maybe not like a lot of experience but a little to prod more people into shaping up and performing some?"

Gridaksma says, "Sounds almost like a ranger bonus."

Raesh says, "I won't matter where you are."

Raesh says, "If you scream in town or in the woods, it's the same."

You say to Zlynn, "I believe the Necromancer accusation thing is only one out of many options."

Raesh says, "So you won't have to find a "good mojo" room or anything like that."

Raesh asks, "Clear as mud?"

You say, "More along the lines of Inner Fire probably."

Valkri asks, "Do any screams get a bard tossed in the pokey? if in the justice areas?"

Raesh says, "Screams will be the same as any other attack."

Raesh says, "In the eyes of the law."

Raesh says, "Somewhat, yes, though Inner Fire is a weird example since I'm somewhat behind on what's going on with barbs."

Raesh says, "So I didn't want to use that as a comparison."

Raesh says, "Really it's the most like the current Paladin system."

Valkri asks, "Or the clerics devotion system?"

Therrilliar says, "So we will be pala-dins."

Therrilliar says, "Din as in noise."

Lupdels says, "Would the pool dealing with standing and how society views ups more closely align with normal concepts of good vs. evil, or just simply justice, obeying the law, etc."

Raesh says, "That's a complex question."

You say, "Less so the law, and more so celebrity fame."

You say, "I'd guess."

Raesh says, "Law is part of society."

Raesh says, "Generally speaking -- a law abiding Bard is going to be better off than a non law abiding Bard."

Raesh says, "HOWEVER."

Raesh says, "If you had a corrupt dictatorship or something..."

Raesh says, "That is recognized as such by something other than a few players."

Gridaksma says, "Yeah no public drunkeness."

Jerodan asks, "Wait, that's a crime?"

Raesh says, "I could certainly see law breaking working out quite well for your social standing."

Raesh says, "Likewise, if you are the law breaking type."

Ysselt says, "One could only hope they could crack down on the cases of public intoxication."

Raesh exclaims, "Location location location!"

You ask, "The idea is though, to appeal to all of society and not just the courts though, right?"

Raesh says, "And being found innocent would be a good thing too in general..."

Raesh exclaims, "So bat those baby blues at the judges, he knows you didn't steal that paperweight!"

Zlynn says, "T seems this pool is the opposite of necros and social outrage, i kinda liked the fact we got mojo from playing instruments."

Lupdels smiles broadly, grasping the general drift of what you are saying.

Jerodan says, "Oh, playing badly in public should reflect on our standing. I've heard the pathetic attempts of some."

Raesh exclaims, "Oh uh!"

Raesh exclaims, "The law!"

Raesh says, "Yes, in many was it's the social flipside of what a necromancer goes through."

Raesh says, "*Many ways."

Raesh says, "Mechanically I don't know how true that statement will be."

Therrilliar says, "Be nice if instead of ACCUSED we get ACCOLADED."

Gridaksma says to Ysselt, "She might give you a prize."

Raesh says, "But from a thematic PoV it's accurate."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "That would be awesome."

Lupdels smiles broadly, grasping the general drift of what you are saying.

Lupdels asks, "How's that recall scavenger hunt going?"

Zlynn says, "As long as the 'pool is not forcing us to be in town all the time to please the 'critics or whatever the consept is."

You say to Zlynn, "Good point."

Valkri says, "Hunt undead, you'll be loved by all."

Raesh says, "I'm a little behind on looking over the recall scavenger hunt submissions."

You say, "I'd hate to have to be in town all the time."

Raesh says, "There's a few I need to double check the status of."

Zlynn says, "I like sitting in the woods under a tree playing my lrye badly."

Raesh says to Zlynn, "No, not at all."

Raesh says, "Honestly, it shouldn't take too much work to make sure society likes you."

Raesh says, "There will be a little "What have you done for me lately?" going on."

Raesh says, "But as long as you aren't actively getting yourself in trouble, it shouldn't be too burdensome."

Valkri asks, "I only kinda like Leilond now. What can he do to make me like him more?"

Raesh says to Valkri, "Not answering."

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "Good thing you're not a bard."

Raesh asks, "Right. Other questions?"

You ask, "Oh, so with the rewrite of all of our abilities--Do you plan only on converting our existing abilities, or do you think you will be expanding/diminishing on some of them?"

You ask, "Or creating new ones entirely?"

Gridaksma says, "Why is it good I'm not a bard."

You say, "Looking at Bluffs and Screams in particular."

Raesh says, "All existing abilities will be converted."

Gridaksma says, "Everyone loves me."

Raesh says, "Some may not make the cut, but most will."

Raesh says, "There will also be a number of new abilities."

You exclaim, "Ohh yeah! Evokes!"

Gridaksma says to Vaeldriil, "EVERYONE."

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "You'd need to be actively not getting yourself in trouble."

You ask, "Could you elaborate on that?"

Raesh says, "The idea is to have a hoalistic set of abilities."

Raesh says, "That are useful and work together."

You say, "Evokes sounded amazing the last time you spoke of them."

Gridaksma says, "What you call trouble I call entertainment."

Raesh says, "Okay, so, Evokes are really simple."

Raesh asks, "You know Perc History?"

Raesh says, "They're turning into Evokes."

Valkri says, "I'm going to evoke my....oh wait, I'm a cleric."

Raesh says, "Really it's mostly a terminology change."

Jerodan asks, "From my experimenting the tall tale bluffs we have are pretty much always unbelievable, is there any chance that we can make them a skill/stat contest so that if we got the charisma and performing skill they will honestly believe we are a King from Albania visited to try to win the Kaldar back to their homeland?"

Raesh says, "I do plan to get a significantly larger number of them out there."

Raesh says, "But it's mostly being done for mechanical reasons, and to divorce the system from the magic system."

Raesh says, "Since it will be Bardic Lore based (Recalls will remain Scholar)."

You say, "Hmm, it sounded as though we would have combat evokes as well."

Raesh says, "Ah... no."

Raesh says, "Not sure where that came from."

Raesh says, "Evoke isn't really a new ability, it's just a new name for an old ability."

Raesh says, "That said, it should be the first part of the recall rewrite I'm working on to come out -- it's my next planned release."

Raesh says, "Though I don't have an ETA on it yet."

You say, "I thought you had mentioned us retroactively creating a pot hole that enemies would trip over or something."

Raesh says, "I'm fairly sure that was a player suggestion."

You say, "Oh, drat."

Raesh says, "Sorry to disappoint."

Valkri says to you, "Create a drink puddle that someone could slip in."

Raesh says, "Hopefully you will find some of the new abilities interesting and useful however."

You ask, "Nah it's cool, so for combat we're pretty much relying on Bluffs and Screams. Ohh, are you going to make Bluffs cool?"

Zlynn says to you, "Maybe we could summon all our used strings and entangle them."

Raesh says, "That's not what I said."

Raesh says, "I said there would be new abilities. Some (most) of those are combat abilities."

You say, "Ah."

You exclaim, "Even better!"

Raesh says, "Screams and Bluffs make up part of that ability suite, but not all of them."

Raesh says, "The existing screams will mostly be changing under the hood."

Raesh asks, "The existing bluffs will be seeing some more significant changes since right now they're... awkward?"

Raesh says, "But I can't go into details yet."

Zlynn asks, "Have anyone had bluff dead work for them?"

You say, "Jerodan asked a good question in regards to bluffs."

You say, "Bluff dead is great."

Therrilliar says, "Nice."

Raesh says, "Bluff dead is going to remain about the same, other than fixing some bugs with it and maybe making it a little more useful."

Jerodan asks, "From my experimenting the tall tale bluffs we have are pretty much always unbelievable, is there any chance that we can make them a skill/stat contest so that if we got the charisma and performing skill they will honestly believe we are a King from Albania visited to try to win the Kaldar back to their homeland?"

Jerodan says, "Incase you missed my question."

Raesh says, "Ah...."

Raesh asks, "You're talking about Bluff Amaze right?"

Jerodan says, "Yeah."

Jerodan says, "Well, no."

Jerodan says, "Not amaze."

Jerodan says, "But bluff <play/critter> <option> : emperor, sister, lanival, all those tale talls you can choose from."

Jerodan says, "To try and make someone believe that is what you are."

Raesh says, "Oh, yeah, those."

Raesh says, "As far as I know those are purely fluffy options. I may tinker with them when I'm in the code."

Jerodan says, "Awesomeness."

Raesh says, "But my focus right now is on mechanical changes, not fluff tools. Bards hae had a lot of fluff tools over the years."

Raesh says, "And it's easier to make due without sufficent RP tools than without sufficent mechanically useful abilities."

Jerodan says, "I'm sure die hard performers would highly disagree. But, I do agree."

You say, "We already have a lot of tools for performance."

You say, "A TON of tools, in fact."

Raesh says, "Let me just put this out there."

Raesh says, "Despite the fact that almost every time someone asks me about the plans for Bards it seems like I'm out to remove the music and performance from Bards."

Raesh says, "I'm really not."

Raesh says, "That's fine, it's valid, it's encouraged."

Raesh says, "But the main goal right now is to end up with a guild that is mechanically fun and functional."

Zlynn says, "And drunk."

Raesh says, "It shouldn't change how you RP."

Raesh says, "But that's part of why we're making Heritages too."

Therrilliar says, "Drunktional."

Raesh says, "It's to give us some hooks into the lore."

Raesh says, "Give people different directions to take their characters, act as a lore tie in for why certain abilities exist."

Raesh says, "Essentially -- my goal is this."

Raesh says, "A Bard can be a musician. A Bard can be a clown or a buffoon or an entertainer."

Raesh says, "A Bard can be a drunk."

Jerodan says, "I actually love that too, not to stray but possibly add to. That's why I don't really focus on any one thing because I've questioned why I'm a Bard and I'm hoping that with Heriteges I can find one that I can better connect with and drive my roleplay in that direction and help be, I guess a crutch, for my lack of creativity."

Raesh says, "All of these are viable, time honored, traditions."

Raesh says, "I got nothing against them. You want to RP that way? More power to you."

Raesh says, "However they are not the defining traits behind being a Bard."

Raesh says, "That make sense to everyone? I figure of everything I've said that's the most likely to be controversial."

You say, "That makes perfect sense to me."

Therrilliar asks, "What are the traits then?"

Lupdels asks, "So, if they are not the defining traits, what are?"

Raesh says, "Good question."

Therrilliar says, "Great minds..."

Raesh says, "The answer to that is two part."

Raesh says, "The first part is that a Bard is a protector of society. This can manifest in many ways."

Raesh says, "But without society and culture, a Bard is nothing."

Raesh says, "You can't have a hermit Bard. You could be a hermit writer or something, but not a Bard."

Raesh says, "Essentially to every Bard there is something that they feel needs to be protected, or shared, or created for the betterment of people."

Raesh says, "Who those people are depends from Bard to Bard, depending on their society."

Raesh says, "It could be art, or history, or a message."

Raesh says, "It could be more direct, protecting them from the dark forces out there wanting to squish your town like a bug."

Raesh says, "So there's that, and I don't believe I phrased that particullarly well since it was on the fly, but hopefully it made sense."

Raesh says, "As for the second part of the answer -- Keep an eye on the forums in the relatively near future."

Lupdels asks, "Soon?"

Jerodan asks, "Wait, on the hermit thing, what about the Lore Keepers. That's essentially what they did to protect history and knowledge. And what if others felt that such would be best protected by hiding it away? They'd still be Bards then right?"

Raesh says, "I'm going to be putting up some IC writings from each Heritage."

Raesh says, "To help explain what they stand for a little bit more."

Raesh says, "And by "Near future" I mean "next few weeks most likely" not "Tonight."

Raesh says, "There are some Bards who might disagree philosophically."

Raesh says, "And by "might" I mean "do."

Raesh says, "But that's not what I meant really."

Raesh says, "They were doing something for society there, they were preserving knowledge."

Raesh says, "From an outside attack."

Jerodan says, "Ah, gotcha."

Raesh says, "I'm saying if someone goes into the woods and writes the next Elanthian epic."

Raesh says, "But they never let anyone read it."

Raesh says, "And they die and a shark eats their notes (Why a shark? Why not!)."

Raesh says, "They aren't a Bard. They're just a writer."

Ysselt says, "Landsharks."

Therrilliar says, "Sounds like they are bait to me."

Raesh says, "That too."

You say, "That makes sense. So Bards are more of the ones who attempt to inspire through axioms, sayings, stories etc."

You say, "Or convey messages."

Raesh says, "Some of them, yes."

Raesh says, "My whole point though was that if you take a Bard out of their society."

Raesh says, "So they can no longer influence it."

Raesh says, "They are not longer a Bard."

You say, "Easy."

Jerodan says, "I think I got new inspiration to play and roleplay."

You say, "That is all really great information Raesh, thank you."

You say, "That has cleared up my view of what a Bard is."

You say, "I've sort of wondered for the longest time."

Raesh says, "And for those wondering."

Raesh says, "If this all seems like new information."

Raesh says, "That's because it basically is."

Raesh says, "It's not like we found some old documentation somewhere."

Raesh says, "And were like "Hey, you guys missed it."

Raesh says, "Some of this is a retcon."

Raesh says, "But it has to be done to make the guild into a cohesive thing."

You ask, "Did anyone have any additional questions for Raesh?"

You exclaim, "Well then, let's thank Raesh for coming out to speak to us tonight!"

Ysselt says, "Thanks."

Raesh says, "Thanks for having me."

Jerodan says, "Thanks a ton of letting us badger you."

Therrilliar asks, "So does one still buy gweths at the reagent shop?"

You say, "Ninja vanish."

You say, "Hmm."

You say, "Your best bet for gweths is in the Trader plaza."

You say, "Alright well we've gone wayyyy over on our time for the teaching night."

Therrilliar says, "Thanks for the lessons."

Ysselt says, "Thank you."

You say, "OOC: I'll be posting a log of this meeting in the Bard forums on the website, just so you know."

Jerodan says, "Oh please leave out my stupid comments."

You say, "Thank you all for coming--It was GREAT seeing you guys again."


You exclaim, "Alright, welcome to another night of Bard Teaching!"

You say, "Similar to last week..."

You say, "We will have no set format."

You say, "However, I do have some ideas and concepts I'd like to bounce off you guys."

Ysselt says, "Ok."

You say, "If at any point you have any questions about these, or anything else, please do speak up. Maybe we can start another topic thread of conversation."

You ask, "Now, I'm curious. Have either of you participated in the Dance of the Flame?"

Ysselt says, "I have."

You ask, "Oh wow, you're even more experienced than I had imagined Ysselt! Could you tell us a little bit about your experiences with that first hand?"

You exclaim, "Ohh!"

Ysselt asks, "Uh. It was hot?"

You ask, "Could one of you please go and grab Valkri?"

You say, "You rock Zlynn, thank you."

Valkri says, "Thank you."

You ask, "Hot, huh?"

Ysselt says, "It was ages ago, honestly. But I remember it felt powerful and important to do."

You say, "The Dance of the Flame involves Tamsine Hearth-Keeper, the goddess of homes and families, for those of you who are not aware."

You say, "It's typically used to introduce something new into the world, such as birth or marriage, or taking resident in a new home."

You ask, "Do you remember what setting that particular dance of yours was for Ysselt? And was it you doing the dancing?"

Ysselt says, "Oh I did dancing several times. But I don't really recall. I want to say it was probably fifteen years ago or more that I participated in it."

You ask, "It seems as time has gone on, since our guild was re-established by Siryn, that we as a unit have kind of drifted apart. Have you all noticed?"

Ysselt says, "Oh, I'm sure of it. Although I was not around before the split."

Ysselt says, "I am only seventy-seven."

Gridaksma says to Ysselt, "You don't look a day over fifty."

You say, "Me either Ysselt. I am one having joined after the guild was founded here, but I have noticed a trend, that our guild slowly has been drifting."

Jerodan says, "I don't know much about the split and all first hand of course, but I could see why the Bard's aren't as closely knit as some of the other guilds."

You say, "It seems we used to be more closely knit."

You say, "What are the reasons why we aren't as close knit as we once were, I wonder."

You ask, "Do you have any ideas or hypothesis?"

Valkri says, "Well..."

Jerodan says, "I believe it comes naturally because we're so diverse not only in our recruitments put before us by the guild but all the way down to why we're Bards. In the past we've had common enemies and threats and those have for the most part no longer been threats in the recent years."

You exclaim, "Please, let us know your opinions!"

Valkri says, "Maybe with a new Dragon Priest leader that will change."

You say, "Hmm, both very good points."

Ysselt says, "Even when there were things that brought the guild together, it was still divided."

You say to Jerodan, "I personally have seen the rift in personalities within our guild. That paired with the fact that Bards no longer have a common enemy to rise against, seems to have taken its tole on our common interest."

You say, "Harmony and Resonance are great enchantes to get, Zlynn."

You say, "However."

You say, "I will say, Harmony is -very- difficult to perform."

You say, "Zlynn was curious as to whether Harmony and Resonance were good enchantes to pick up."

Jerodan says, "And unlike Paladins and Clerics who have their religion to keep them together. Rangers who all have their love for nature... I could go on and on. Most Bards are usually either out explore, killing, telling tales, or gathering knowledge. We aren't exactly a guild that's focused on waving incenses together or studying stars."

Ysselt says, "They are both quite good, but somewhat difficult in my experience."

You exclaim to Jerodan, "Yesss! That's it!"

You say, "And yes to Ysselt too. Both are very taxing."

You say, "And very difficult. You will need many magic lessons to not backfire those songs."

Zlynn asks, "And resonance returns the weapon to your hand if you drop or throw it?"

Valkri asks, "Do many bards join the performing groups, like the Theatre groups?"

Ysselt says, "If you are skilled enough."

Jerodan says, "Well not a lot, but there are a few of us who do. Well, did."

You say to Valkri, "I believe that is a very niche thing. I know some Bards who are in it and I know some members of other guilds who join."

You say to Zlynn, "What Ysselt says is true. You'll need to perform Resonance at a certain mana level to unlock that aspect of the song."

Jerodan says to Valkri, "If you're came to me a few months ago I'd been trying to get you the join the Troupe with a question like that. Sadly, it's days have come to an end."

Valkri asks Jerodan, "The Tavern Troupe?"

You say, "I didn't take you for a performer Jerodan! I thought you were all about combat."

You ask Zlynn, "Are there any other enchantes you could choose, or do you have your heart set on those two?"

Jerodan says, "I try not to focus too much on any particular thing. I was in the Troupe as more of an organizer and manager."

You say to Jerodan, "Ahh, impressive."

Zlynn says, "I'm open to any enchants, latly i've been more in combat then anything."

Jerodan says, "Sadly, as the Vice Speaker I had to decide to disband it with the support of the Council due to interest just dying off. I was filling in for the Speaker at the time and, I still beat myself up over it."

You exclaim, "Oh, bummer Jerodan!"

You ask Zlynn, "Which enchantes do you have presently?"

You say, "Also, I think that outlines exactly why we are so spread thin. I do not know of any other guild that is as diverse as us."

You ask Ysselt, "What do you consider yourself, Ysselt?"

Ysselt says, "I'm not sure sure."

You ask, "Are you a Performer? Or, perhaps more into Lore? Or are you a combat afficionado?"

Zlynn exclaims to you, "Lilt, grace, balm, caress of the sun, siren, rage, Pyre and MADMAN!"

You say, "Hmm..."

You say, "I'd say you are more into the magic side of things."

Ysselt says, "Not the first one."

Ysselt says, "I don't perform."

Zlynn says, "Madman is my favorite so far."

Gridaksma says, "Trying to put a label on Ysselt."

Jerodan says to Ysselt, "Hold still."

You say, "Ohh, easy choice Zlynn."

Zlynn says, "Back in a flash."

You say, "Hmm."

You say, "Ah, he returns."

You say, "Yes then, I would suggest to you that you choose Misdirection first, and then Demrris' Resolve as soon as you can, Zlynn."

Zlynn says, "Thats better, had to change cloths and didnt want to embarass anyone."

You ask, "What do you all think?"

You ask, "What enchante should Zlynn choose next?"

Valkri asks, "Are enchants specific?"

Zlynn says to you, "I can learn six mreo enchants."

Zlynn says, "More."

Ysselt asks, "What are your options?"

Valkri asks, "Like are there hunting enchantes, mech lore enchants?"

You say, "He knows Hodierna's Lilt, Faenella's Grace, Albreda's Balm, Caress of the Sun, Siren's Call, Rage of the Clans, Phoenix's Pyre and Chorus of Madmen."

Jerodan says, "I'd say target for Desert's Maelstorm until he has the magical skills to pull off Harmony."

You say, "There are separate varieties. They all do different things."

Valkri asks you, "There's no way to group them?"

You say, "Hmm, some are more combat tailored than others, so I could probably group them yes."

Valkri asks, "Like does he need something to help with offenses, or defenses?"

You ask, "Hmm, that's a good question. What say you, Zlynn?"

Zlynn says, "Im having more troube with defenses."

Jerodan says to Valkri, "I'd beat defenses, always what I struggle with."

You say, "Also, you should ask Silvyrfrost about what options you may learn presently so we can offer you suggestions."

You say, "Hmm, if not for a defensive enchante..."

You say, "His eyes seemed to light up when he said Chorus of Madmen."

You say, "I imagine he might be into battling against other adventurers."

Jerodan says, "Dangerous hobby, always leaves me bruised and my pride crushed."

Zlynn says, "I can learn 'Tears, Lullaby, Merelew's, Nexus, Tongues, Misdirection and Eillie's."

You say, "It is dangerous, but it can also be fun if you take it with the right attitude with someone else of that same mindset."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "I've long accepted my mediocrety."

You exclaim to Valkri, "Ohh whatever, you destroy everyone at the Theren fight nights. Don't lie!"

Jerodan says to Valkri, "At least you're a grade above me if you're mediocre."

Valkri says, "Only if I cheat."

Valkri says, "And I can't do that well either."

You ask, "In what area do you feel you're lacking Zlynn? Or maybe a better question--In what areas do you wish to excel?"

You say, "I noticed your eyes seem to take on a particular fire when you mentioned Chorus of Madmen."

You say, "There is no cheating in the Theren fight nights. Those matches are anything goes."

You say to Ysselt, "Zlynn has access to learn 'Tears, Lullaby, Merelew's, Nexus, Tongues, Misdirection and Eillie's by the way."

Ysselt says, "I'm always a fan of Merelew's."

Zlynn says, "Im more focused around combat."

Zlynn asks, "Whats the next fight night??"

Zlynn says, "Or when."

You say, "OOC: Theren fight nights happen every Thursday night at 11:00pm EST."

You say, "If combat is your thing..."

You say, "I would choose Damaris' Lullaby."

You say, "Or, as mentioned earlier, pick up Misdirection and then Demrris' Resolve."

You say, "Both of those enchantes--Lullaby and Resolve, are our heavy hitters as far as fighting is concerned."

You say, "Neither will steer you wrong."

Jerodan says, "I always use Lullaby."

You say, "Lullaby is remarkable."

You say, "And extremely potent."

Jerodan says, "Even if you can't knock them out, you get them so drowsy they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a ballista."

You say, "All you really need to do is influence an enemy twice to lull them to sleep."

You say, "The only catch is, Zlynn."

You say, "You need a stringed instrument to play it."

You say, "And your other hand must be empty."

You say, "But it is well worth the cost in my opinion."

Zlynn says, "I knew i trained brawling for a reason."

Jerodan says, "Which means you wanna shape up your brawling, but you do have a little bit that the effect lasts after you put away the instrument."

You say, "Brawling, and Targeted Magic are useful while performing Lullaby."

You say, "Also..."

You say, "Quick light thrown weapons may be of use to you as well."

Jerodan says to you, "I really need to work on my targeted magic skills."

You say, "Ysselt is teaching a paramount class in Targeted Magic."

Jerodan says, "I'm gonna take hiding while I can get it, always War Mages to teach Targeted."

You ask, "Do you have trouble training it in the field, Jerodan?"

You say, "Targeted Magic, that is."

Jerodan says, "Not really, just have to swap critters to do so."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "War mages..."

You say, "I'm sure Valkri also knows a thing or two about Targeted Magic."

Zlynn asks, "What armors are ya'll using in combat?"

Jerodan says, "That's a question I still can't answer and I've recently became a Grand Master Bard supposedly."

You say, "I use Light Chain and Leather armor personally."

Valkri says, "I thought bards love their plate armor."

Gridaksma says, "I do too but I'm not a bard."

You say to Theovis, "Hey there! We're having a Bard Teaching--feel free to grab some refreshments and stick around."

Lupdels says, "Maybe once we can drum a tune on plate armor . . ."

Valkri exclaims, "Oh no!"

Valkri exclaims, "Oh no!"

Jerodan says, "I started out in plate, then went to chain, then to leather. Then back to chain, now I'm back to leather. I wish I'd stuck with plate."

Valkri exclaims, "You've got mice!"

Ysselt says, "I tried to get it to run free."

Zlynn asks, "How do you hide in plate?"

You exclaim, "Mouses won't hurt the food, they're innocent!"

Jerodan says, "You take it off."

You say, "You don't, Zlynn."

Ysselt says, "I'll set it free later."

Lupdels says, "I've been pondering switching to bone armor."

You say, "Hmm."

You say, "Bone Armor. Interesting choice."

You ask, "May I ask, why?"

Lupdels says, "I think that the carving of bones for the armor might resemble the carving for instruments and other bone goods, something I think our profession might be skilled at."

You ask, "Ahh, yes that makes sense. Is that a field you intend to be involved in? The carving of instruments and bone armor?"

Lupdels says, "It is. And I think the qualities of good protection but without the hinderence to stealth would be a boon."

Lupdels says, "And I wouldn't mind if it intimidated my foes."

You say, "I think that will work. Personally, I believe our enchantes will be more designed for battles out in the open, so things such as Plate armor or Bone armor will fit in perfectly."

You say, "It is quite difficult to mesh Stealth with our enchantes."

Jerodan asks you, "What's your plans for your professions by the way?"

You say, "However, that may be done as well and it does prove effective against other adventurers."

You say, "It would definitely have an intimidation factor."

You say, "As far as my professions..."

You say, "I have no idea. In intend on doing a lot, from pursing alchemy, to crafting the greatest light edge weapon in Elanthia and enchanting it to become a weapon of the Gods."

You say, "To creating explosive items which may be used in combat."

You say, "There are just so many options."

Lupdels asks, "Why make a weapon of the Gods? Wouldn't you want to use it?"

Jerodan says, "I think I'm going to attempt my hand at crafting runes and creating remedies and poisons."

Zlynn asks you, "Is that really part of the plan, explosives?"

You exclaim to Hennesy, "Greetings! We're in the middle of a Bard Teaching, of which you are certainly invited to!"

You say to Zlynn, "I can dream."

Hennesy says, "Good timing then."

You say to Lupdels, "I will use it! It will be a fearsome weapon, of strength and magical properties."

You say, "Ohh, by the way."

You say to Hennesy, "Please feel free to check out the food and refreshments."

You say, "We were just talking about different armor and enchantes to use in combat."

You ask, "So I have to ask--Does anyone else here besides Jerodan and myself here use stealth avidly in combat?"

Hennesy says, "I'm kinda limited, but I do like tears, right now."

Ysselt says, "Not presently."

Hennesy says, "I ambush from time to time."

Gridaksma says, "I use stealth all the time."

Jerodan says to you, "I actually use my stealth mostly for s.. yeah, I only use it in combat."

You say, "Ah."

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "You're a ranger."

You say, "Hmm."

You ask, "If you don't use stealth, is it because it doesn't appeal to you? Or do you not believe it is effective, or perhaps another reason?"

Hennesy says, "It moves slow."

Ysselt says, "It's not time to use it yet."

You say, "Not time to use it? Hmm."

Ysselt says, "Correct."

You ask, "Are you waiting for something to happen before you do?"

Ysselt says, "No."

You say, "Ah."

Ysselt says, "When it's time I'll know."

You ask, "You're... eating a mouse?"

Hennesy says, "Never say yuck till ya try it."

Valkri says, "That's just..."

Valkri exclaims, "Bard down!"

Hennesy says, "The tail is the tough part."

You say, "Alright, I wanted to gauge which ones of you here are aware that our screams will be changing."

Valkri asks, "They are becoming higher pitched?"

Hennesy asks, "Puberty?"

You exclaim, "They are moving to be based on Targeted Magic!"

Zlynn asks, "Is it possibly to be get a manly scream?"

You say, "Rather than Vocals skill."

Hennesy says, "I better get cracking on TM then."

You hear a voice say, "They LIKELY are moving to TM."

You say to Zlynn, "Screams are gender neutral last time I heard other Bards scream."

You exclaim, "Yes, likely moving to screams!"

You exclaim, "Thank you voice from the shadows!"

You say, "Er."

Ysselt says, "Ahaha."

You say, "Likely moving to Targeted Magic."

You say, "But, you all should prepare."

You say, "If that is something you use presently."

Zlynn asks, "What do screams have to do with magic?"

Hennesy says, "Aiming a scream? That's ludicrous."

Raesh says, "The current plan is that it will depend on the scream."

Raesh says, "Some may be old screams some may be new screams."

You exclaim, "Master Raesh! So good of you to come by!"

Valkri says, "I scream, you scream..."

Raesh says, "If they do damage, they will likely contest TM."

Raesh says, "If they do something like disable someone, they'll check that skill instead."

Hennesy says, "How about vocals and a little TM, that makes more sense."

You say, "Ahh, easy. That seems quite reasonable."

You say, "The Vocals skill will be no more, Hennesy."

Valkri asks, "What are screams currently contested against?"

Raesh says, "You're ruining my ninja running away."

Zlynn says, "I'm liking scream defiance, it's save me a bunch."

Ysselt says, "If Grid is any indication its worse if you wear armour."

Raesh says, "Yeah. Scream defiance would not contest TM, as an example."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "Ouch."

Ysselt says, "He made me."

You exclaim, "Ysselt! How could you!"

You say, "And to your question Valkri, presently, screams are based off of the Vocals skill."

Zlynn says, "Thats a neat trick."

Ysselt says, "So uh."

You say, "And Charisma, Discipline and Stamina I believe."

Valkri says, "So non-skill contested."

You say, "It's really the Vocals which throws the contest out of the water."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma ask, "Should I depart now?"

You say, "And that is what is being rectified."

Ysselt says, "I'm asking."

Ysselt says, "That was totally unexpected."

Valkri says, "Yeah I hope a good cleric comes."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "I'm sorry, don't let Aro kill me."

Ysselt says, "Oh."

Ysselt says, "Right."

You say, "Ohh, and Hennesy."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "I wasn't sure if you were going to raise me or not."

Hennesy asks, "Hmmm?"

You say, "The Vocals skill is going away with the skill combination."

You say, "Vocals as well as all of the instrument skills are being combined into a single skill called Performance."

Ysselt says, "Well that's embarrassing."

Hennesy asks, "Is it all going to be lumped with music theory?"

Hennesy says, "Oh ok."

Raesh says, "All of the instrument skills are turning into "Performance"."

Valkri says, "Yeah, not sure if I can get you up with your back looking like that."

Raesh says, "Musical Theory is turning into Bardic Lore."

Raesh says, "Aside from being a Bard only skill, the two share little in common."

A pair of Elven women stroll past nearby, talking amongst themselves. "I've been having some problems getting this tea I've been working on to brew right, but I think there should be someone at the Alchemy Teaching Night who can tell me what I'm doing wrong," says the first. Her friend nods, asking, "That starts soon at Jadewater Mansion's Redwood Ring, right? I want to come too and learn how to make healing potions. Let's go!" The pair continue chattering as they wander out of range.

Raesh says, "It's just the most fair way to grandfather for you guys."

Hennesy says, "Sounds oversimplified."

You say, "A lot of other skills are combining too, Hennesy."

Ysselt says, "Tragic bard accident."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "I must not have had enough to drink."

Hennesy says, "I've been reading something about it being in the works for a couple years now."

Therrilliar says, "Hello."

You say, "We are on the last leg I believe."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "No, clearly not."

You exclaim to Therrilliar, "Hey there!"

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "Odd things happen when you come to teaching nights."

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "I make it interesting."

Ysselt asks Gridaksma, "Does this happen often? Are you letting other bards scream at you?"

You hear the ghostly voice of Gridaksma say, "No, only you."

You say to Therrilliar, "We're having a Bardic Teaching--Feel free to hang out and partake of the food and refreshments on the table there."

Therrilliar says, "Thanks...I had heard it was happening."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "Sorry."

Gridaksma says, "Thank you both."

Zlynn asks, "What about arcana and cambrith things, should I be conciring myself in those studies?"

You exclaim, "Good to have you!"

You say, "Ahh, good question Zlynn."

Zlynn says, "With all the changes comming."

Gridaksma says, "It was my fault, I didn't dodge."

You say, "I believe they will aid you well in the future, yes."

Marssi says to Ysselt, "Oh, thank you very much."

Ysselt says to Marssi, "Thank you for assisting."

Hennesy asks, "Aren't all these changes kinda oversimplifying our world?"

Ysselt says, "No."

Therrilliar says, "Thats a narsty one."

Gridaksma says, "Ugh, this one is foul."

Zlynn says, "I do like the new defense changes though."

Marssi says, "Thanks again."

You say, "Yes, new combat will fit really well for our guild. One of the main problems we have is affecting others with our enchantes because they have such large boot up times."

Hennesy says, "Get bana."

Raesh says to Gridaksma, "My screams are worse."

You say, "New combat will work at alleviating that, as combat will for one, last longer, and two it will be harder for others to simply retreat from us and leave the rom."

Ysselt says, "Do it."

You say, "Room, too."

Valkri says to Raesh, "Ribbit him to death."

You say, "I think Raesh could Area of Effect scream all of us at once."

Hennesy says, "Nice stogie."

Jerodan says to you, "He ain't man enough."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "But his is Toad enough."

You exclaim, "What are nimbuses doing here!"

Ysselt says, "Nimbusii'ing."

Jerodan says, "Pathetic attempt."

You say to Jerodan, "Don't tempt him."

Valkri asks, "Do the nimbus become nimbi when there are many?"

Valkri says, "Nimbii."

Raesh says, "Nimbuses."

Raesh says, "Not nimbii."

Therrilliar says, "I put my armour on....now its gone."

You ask, "Eh?"

Therrilliar says, "The nimbus."

Ysselt says, "It isn't a hard thing."

You ask, "The nimbus destroyed your armor?"

Gridaksma asks Raesh, "So when are bards getting a version of glythtides gift?"

Valkri says, "At least it didn't steal the rum."

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "Never."

Therrilliar says, "No I saw a nimbus and it was attacking so I left to put my armour on..."

Therrilliar asks, "Do they attack here often?"

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "I'll kill you again."

Raesh asks, "They attack often when I'm around?"

You say, "No Therrilliar."

Valkri says to Ysselt, "Do it."

Gridaksma says to Ysselt, "I didn't ask for a pole to be installed in the guild or an Inn to be attached."

Zlynn's brass tankard says, "You need a drink"

Ysselt says, "Blood for Aldauth indeed."

Therrilliar says, "I did not realize Raesh was who he is."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "You are so dead."

Therrilliar exclaims, "Lasciel!"

You say, "Yes, Raesh is a celebrity."

Valkri says, "Don't..."

Raesh says, "No, I just crashed the meeting -- I didn't mean to take it over."

Jerodan says to Raesh, "It's okay, you're a much better mentor."

Valkri says, "You like the attention. It's a bardic toad thing."

Jerodan says to Therrilliar, "That shield is amazing."

Therrilliar says, "Thank you."

You say, "Right, so be sure to be training your Targeted Magic if you plan to use damaging screams in the future."

Jerodan says, "Not to count it's a great skill to have on its on."

Valkri asks, "Vocal skill going to be grandfathered into TM skill?"

You say, "Hahahahaha."

Hennesy says, "Could at least have a candle on the table to light cigars."

Zlynn asks, "Is chanting pyre pr casting bolt better for training TM?"

Raesh says, "Vocals will not be changing your TM skill."

Therrilliar says, "Hmm I guess that was not allowed."

You say, "I would say... doing both at the same time is ideal actually, Zlynn."

Valkri says, "That's kinda harsh."

Therrilliar says, "We used to be able to refer to GMs."

Therrilliar says, "Oh well...lesson learned."

Jerodan says to Zlynn, "If you're very serious about targeted magic, then I'd suggest spending the spell slot on Strange Arrow once your Arcana can permit it."

You say, "Honestly, the fact that our screams are based off of Vocals now is a little unfair."

You say, "Although, that is my opinion, so."

You say, "I think it is more balanced for the game as a whole for damaging screams to be based off of combat skills, trained in combat."

You say, "And scaled to combat scales."

Hennesy says, "Should pulse performance some too."

Hennesy says, "Anything vocal and/or musical in nature."

You say, "I am actually not sure what will be capable with the Performance skill in the future. I would hope we can do more than just play instruments with it, however."

Valkri exclaims to you, "You vill play songs, and tell tales, and you vil like it!"

Valkri says, "Leave the fighting to the empath avengers and them there."

You say, "Did anyone have any questions on any of the changes that are happening in the future? It sounds like some of you may not be familiar with all of the skill combines and so on."

Jerodan says, "I'm sure it'll help us with playacting and bluffs as well. Maybe even with slipping if we ever developing more entertaining ones."

Hennesy asks, "Did anyone see Annael in action last night?"

You ask Hennesy, "I did not, no. What happened?"

Hennesy says, "Some necro invaded the empath guild and annael kicked butt."

Hennesy says, "Lots of bodies and other peope helping."

You say, "In what fashion? I didn't think Empaths could physically harm others without incurring shock."

Hennesy says, "Her avenger."

You say, "Ahh ha."

You say, "Nice."

Hennesy says, "She was healing and her avenger was laying waste to dinegos and such." ________________________________________


You say, "Alright, well Raesh has graciously offered to have a little Questions and Answering session with us."

Therrilliar says, "I saw her fight as well."

You say, "If you're not aware, GameMaster Raesh is the one in charge of our guild's development."

Hennesy says, "I was, of course, dead during the fighting."

You say, "At least in terms of guild systems."

Therrilliar says, "I was the first to die...lasted half a second against the ogre zombie."

Hennesy says, "I had my chest and legs blown off by a dinego."

Therrilliar exclaims, "But wow Annael was mad!"

Raesh says, "For those who haven't met me, yes, I'm GM Raesh. I'm in charge of Lore development and Kaldars."

Therrilliar says, "Her dander was up."

Valkri asks Hennesy, "And then it ate your baby, right?"

Raesh says, "Which, for the time being, means I'm the acting Bard developer."

Hennesy says, "Uh huh."

Jerodan says, "I could have handled them all while rubbing my tummy, patting my head and hopping on one foot. True story."

Zlynn asks, "In charge if Kaldars?"

Raesh says, "Vaeldriil is still your advocate, that hasn't changed."

Hennesy asks, "So that means if we don't like the changes we blame you?"

Raesh says, "I just know there's been some confusion on that in the past."

Raesh says, "If you don't like the changes, I'll be surprised."

Therrilliar says, "I just like having so many enchantes. I guess given when I was last here I will be easy to please."

You say, "Raesh can't stay for long, but he has agreed to take any of your questions."

You say, "So, I would ask, please don't bombard him all at once."

Jerodan says, "Normally I'm so full of questions I can't think straight, now that there's a spotlight for them I have stage freight and can't remember them."

Gridaksma asks Raesh, "Why a toad?"

Gridaksma asks, "Oh.. bard questions?"

Raesh says, "Plat."

Valkri says, "Toad the wet sprocket."

Valkri says, "Platinum Toads...awesome."

You say, "I know it has been mentioned that our mojo will be changing."

Jerodan asks Raesh, "Any spoilers as to anything special the Taleweavers will be getting?"

Raesh says, "Jerodan managed to form that into a question first."

Raesh says, "So I'll take that one first."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "See, I told you picturing him in his toad underwear would work."

Raesh says, "On release all of the Heritages will have roughly the same thing: A Heritage Hall, a joining quest, a small shop, about 30 levels to advance through and roughly 9 or so cosmetic perks."

Raesh says, "The Feat system, as I've discussed in the past, is the last thing that will be worked on in the current development plan."

Raesh says, "Since before that happens we need Heritages, all the major 3.0 stuff, the mojo rewrite, the rewrite of all your abilities..."

Raesh says, "So while that's a Heritage "thing" it's really not part of the Heritage release, if you follow."

Raesh asks, "Not sure if that really answers your question or not?"

Therrilliar smiles broadly, grasping the general drift of what you are saying.

Jerodan says, "Sort of. I was looking for more of a maybe a special verb they'd get or skill. But that's satisfying information."

Hennesy asks, "There's factions within the guild?"

Raesh says, "Actually..."

Ysselt says, "Lots."

Raesh says, "I have this all fully approved, so I guess I can provide a little more detail on what sort of perks you can expect."

Jerodan says, "There's factions in most of the guilds."

Raesh says, "As mentioned, they're going to be cosmetic."

Hennesy says, "I mean official factions."

You say to Hennesy, "There will be."

Hennesy says, "Like moonies have."

Raesh says, "But eventually you'll earn four titles, 3 "enchanced" fluff verbs, a weapon swap, access to a Heritage only shop."

Jerodan says, "They're in development. But there have been signs for a while of them."

Raesh says, "And a few ways to indicate your membership, like a joining gift or a tattoo."

You say, "Oh sweet."

Jerodan says, "Exactly what I wanted to know."

Hennesy says, "A tattoo would be nice."

Raesh asks, "Next question?"

You say, "Right, so you mentioned the mojo rewrite. Do you have any additional details on that? The last I recall, we were still trying to hammer out what mojo was "officially" and how we interacted with it."

You say, "How we would need to act to restore it, what depleted it, etc."

Raesh says, "Well."

Raesh says, "Mechanically I know basically how it's going to work."

Raesh says, "Thematically I have a draft of it that I like, or I wouldn't have written it, and Vaedriil is on board."

Raesh says, "But it hasn't made it through all the official channels yet."

Raesh says, "So I'm going to have to keep it a little close to the vest still on details."

Jerodan asks, "Is it going to be the way the public observe us, that's how a GM explained it to me once upon an assist?"

You ask, "Can you share how it would work, idealy in your eyes?"

Raesh says, "No."

Raesh says, "Essentially mojo as you know it is going to die however."

Raesh says, "The system is deeply flawed."

Hennesy asks, "'There will be way to check it though?"

Raesh says, "Both thematically and mechanically."

Therrilliar asks, "Maybe he could share how it would work least ideally and we could assume the opposite?"

You exclaim, "But my mojo, baby!"

Raesh says, "Yes."

Raesh says, "You will still have a "power pool" for lack of a better term I can use right now."

You say, "So not even called mojo anymore, huh."

Raesh says, "And you will still be able to measure it through PRACTICE (with a silent option, since I know you're going to read a log of this Terra stop emailing me about that!)."

Zlynn says, "Stage presence."

You ask, "Are you going with the dual "mojo" system? One pool for our social level, one pool for our abilities?"

Raesh says, "Generally speaking however."

Raesh says, "Not... quite."

Jerodan says to you, "I'm not entirely sure it was ever "officially" mojo since the only time I assited about it the GM kept calling it Bardic Polish."

Raesh says, "So scoping out a little bit, since as I said I have to play it a little close on details at the moment."

Raesh says, "Yeah."

Raesh says, "That's one of the problems iwht mojo."

Raesh says, "With."

Ysselt says, "It's been both."

Therrilliar says, "I remember polish."

Raesh says, "Basically every GM who's worked with it has called it something new, and given it their own spin."

Ysselt says, "On and off. But most recently mojo has been most popular."

You say, "Interesting, I was not familiar with the Polish term."

Raesh says, "Bardic Polish was either the first or second, but by no means the last."

Raesh says, "Anyhow."

Ysselt says, "I think someone called it Bard Juice once."

Ysselt says, "Your preference may vary."

Therrilliar says, "Probably a dragon priest."

Raesh asks, "Pulpy?"

You say, "Yes, I DO remember that."

Hennesy says, "I like mojo."

Ysselt says, "No pulp."

Raesh says, "Generally speaking though, the new concept is going to be fairly simple."

Jerodan says, "Sounds like a nice new drink combination. Shot of whiskey, drop of vodka, teaspoon of scotch, tablespoon of brandy, dash of blood grog, hint of absinthe, and the rest of the glass filled with watery ale."

Valkri says, "Simple is good."

Raesh says, "It'll be a two pool system."

Raesh says, "One of them generally reflects your standing within society."

Raesh says, "This should move fairly slowly."

Raesh says, "It's... roughly analogous to a Paladin's soul."

Raesh says, "You do good things for society, they like you more."

Raesh says, "This could involve accusing necromancers, performing, acts of charity... writing a particullarly scathing poem about Vorclaf's latest fling."

Raesh says, "It's not all goody-goody stuff."

Valkri says, "Uhm..."

Valkri says to Raesh, "Pssst, he's dead."

Raesh says, "But generally, how society sees you. If society hates you, well, that's a problem as a Bard."

Raesh asks Valkri, "Why do you think it's a scandal?"

Jerodan says, "Great, we get a critics meter."

Valkri says to Jerodan, "Pay me and I'll applaud louder."

Raesh says, "Anyhow -- that's going to be fairly slow moving, and it won't directly power your abilities."

You ask, "What will it influence, then?"

Raesh says, "It'll influence the second pool, which is your what you'll actively draw abilities from."

You say, "Ahh."

Raesh says, "It'll change how big that pool is, how fast it naturally recovers and so forth."

Raesh asks, "The idea is if you scream at someone, why does society hate you more?"

You say, "Nice co-dependant relationship."

Raesh says, "I mean, maybe if you screamed at our poor dead Vorclaf..."

Jerodan asks, "Based off the accusing necromancy thing would it assume that it would help with performing "social favors" like that?"

Raesh asks Jerodan, "Sure?"

Valkri says, "If Ysselt screams at Grid again, I'll not hate her more. I promise."

Jerodan says, "I guess a better way of asking that would be. Better the people like you, more likely they'd believe your accusation."

Ysselt says, "Wait."

Ysselt asks, "You hate me?"

Raesh says, "Possibly."

Raesh says, "Anyhow."

You say to Ysselt, "I don't hate you."

Raesh says, "The active pool is the one most people will care more about."

Jerodan says to you, "At least that's one person here."

Raesh says, "Which will be closer to what the mojo pool is now."

Raesh says, "That's the one that's going to go up and down frequently to power your abilities."

Raesh says, "And you'll be using those abilities, since that's the bulk of what Bardic Lore does."

Ysselt says, "Don't think I won't engage in bard on bard violence."

Raesh says, "So my goal is to both make the current (And new) abilities useful."

Raesh says, "So, to use the dreaded scream example."

Zlynn asks, "Is this 'critic meter' designed with the intent that we have to seek out necros and accuse them?"

Raesh says, "While, in essence, they're going to get nerfed by moving away from the vocals skill -- and I plan to fix a slew of bugs."

Raesh says, "It something you should be able to use as a regular tool."

Raesh says, "As opposed to a few shots of it and then you have to go play a song."

You ask, "Ahh, nice, so more like spells and mana?"

Raesh says, "A little, yes."

Raesh says, "Not quite that fast though."

Valkri says to you, "You're so going to hate that."

You say to Valkri, "I LOOOVE that."

Raesh says, "Currently I'm planning recovery to be largely passive, the rate depending on how much you and society are getting along."

Raesh says, "But active recovery is not out of the question."

Valkri says, "That's going to be the key part."

Raesh says, "That's something likely to show up in the Feat system."

Valkri says, "Like for us, finding "good" mana is a pain."

Jerodan asks, "I got a big question I've always wanted to happen. Would/could playact actually teach something? Maybe not like a lot of experience but a little to prod more people into shaping up and performing some?"

Gridaksma says, "Sounds almost like a ranger bonus."

Raesh says, "I won't matter where you are."

Raesh says, "If you scream in town or in the woods, it's the same."

You say to Zlynn, "I believe the Necromancer accusation thing is only one out of many options."

Raesh says, "So you won't have to find a "good mojo" room or anything like that."

Raesh asks, "Clear as mud?"

You say, "More along the lines of Inner Fire probably."

Valkri asks, "Do any screams get a bard tossed in the pokey? if in the justice areas?"

Raesh says, "Screams will be the same as any other attack."

Raesh says, "In the eyes of the law."

Raesh says, "Somewhat, yes, though Inner Fire is a weird example since I'm somewhat behind on what's going on with barbs."

Raesh says, "So I didn't want to use that as a comparison."

Raesh says, "Really it's the most like the current Paladin system."

Valkri asks, "Or the clerics devotion system?"

Therrilliar says, "So we will be pala-dins."

Therrilliar says, "Din as in noise."

Lupdels says, "Would the pool dealing with standing and how society views ups more closely align with normal concepts of good vs. evil, or just simply justice, obeying the law, etc."

Raesh says, "That's a complex question."

You say, "Less so the law, and more so celebrity fame."

You say, "I'd guess."

Raesh says, "Law is part of society."

Raesh says, "Generally speaking -- a law abiding Bard is going to be better off than a non law abiding Bard."

Raesh says, "HOWEVER."

Raesh says, "If you had a corrupt dictatorship or something..."

Raesh says, "That is recognized as such by something other than a few players."

Gridaksma says, "Yeah no public drunkeness."

Jerodan asks, "Wait, that's a crime?"

Raesh says, "I could certainly see law breaking working out quite well for your social standing."

Raesh says, "Likewise, if you are the law breaking type."

Ysselt says, "One could only hope they could crack down on the cases of public intoxication."

Raesh exclaims, "Location location location!"

You ask, "The idea is though, to appeal to all of society and not just the courts though, right?"

Raesh says, "And being found innocent would be a good thing too in general..."

Raesh exclaims, "So bat those baby blues at the judges, he knows you didn't steal that paperweight!"

Zlynn says, "T seems this pool is the opposite of necros and social outrage, i kinda liked the fact we got mojo from playing instruments."

Lupdels smiles broadly, grasping the general drift of what you are saying.

Jerodan says, "Oh, playing badly in public should reflect on our standing. I've heard the pathetic attempts of some."

Raesh exclaims, "Oh uh!"

Raesh exclaims, "The law!"

Raesh says, "Yes, in many was it's the social flipside of what a necromancer goes through."

Raesh says, "*Many ways."

Raesh says, "Mechanically I don't know how true that statement will be."

Therrilliar says, "Be nice if instead of ACCUSED we get ACCOLADED."

Gridaksma says to Ysselt, "She might give you a prize."

Raesh says, "But from a thematic PoV it's accurate."

Ysselt says to Gridaksma, "That would be awesome."

Lupdels smiles broadly, grasping the general drift of what you are saying.

Lupdels asks, "How's that recall scavenger hunt going?"

Zlynn says, "As long as the 'pool is not forcing us to be in town all the time to please the 'critics or whatever the consept is."

You say to Zlynn, "Good point."

Valkri says, "Hunt undead, you'll be loved by all."

Raesh says, "I'm a little behind on looking over the recall scavenger hunt submissions."

You say, "I'd hate to have to be in town all the time."

Raesh says, "There's a few I need to double check the status of."

Zlynn says, "I like sitting in the woods under a tree playing my lrye badly."

Raesh says to Zlynn, "No, not at all."

Raesh says, "Honestly, it shouldn't take too much work to make sure society likes you."

Raesh says, "There will be a little "What have you done for me lately?" going on."

Raesh says, "But as long as you aren't actively getting yourself in trouble, it shouldn't be too burdensome."

Valkri asks, "I only kinda like Leilond now. What can he do to make me like him more?"

Raesh says to Valkri, "Not answering."

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "Good thing you're not a bard."

Raesh asks, "Right. Other questions?"

You ask, "Oh, so with the rewrite of all of our abilities--Do you plan only on converting our existing abilities, or do you think you will be expanding/diminishing on some of them?"

You ask, "Or creating new ones entirely?"

Gridaksma says, "Why is it good I'm not a bard."

You say, "Looking at Bluffs and Screams in particular."

Raesh says, "All existing abilities will be converted."

Gridaksma says, "Everyone loves me."

Raesh says, "Some may not make the cut, but most will."

Raesh says, "There will also be a number of new abilities."

You exclaim, "Ohh yeah! Evokes!"

Gridaksma says to Vaeldriil, "EVERYONE."

Valkri says to Gridaksma, "You'd need to be actively not getting yourself in trouble."

You ask, "Could you elaborate on that?"

Raesh says, "The idea is to have a hoalistic set of abilities."

Raesh says, "That are useful and work together."

You say, "Evokes sounded amazing the last time you spoke of them."

Gridaksma says, "What you call trouble I call entertainment."

Raesh says, "Okay, so, Evokes are really simple."

Raesh asks, "You know Perc History?"

Raesh says, "They're turning into Evokes."

Valkri says, "I'm going to evoke my....oh wait, I'm a cleric."

Raesh says, "Really it's mostly a terminology change."

Jerodan asks, "From my experimenting the tall tale bluffs we have are pretty much always unbelievable, is there any chance that we can make them a skill/stat contest so that if we got the charisma and performing skill they will honestly believe we are a King from Albania visited to try to win the Kaldar back to their homeland?"

Raesh says, "I do plan to get a significantly larger number of them out there."

Raesh says, "But it's mostly being done for mechanical reasons, and to divorce the system from the magic system."

Raesh says, "Since it will be Bardic Lore based (Recalls will remain Scholar)."

You say, "Hmm, it sounded as though we would have combat evokes as well."

Raesh says, "Ah... no."

Raesh says, "Not sure where that came from."

Raesh says, "Evoke isn't really a new ability, it's just a new name for an old ability."

Raesh says, "That said, it should be the first part of the recall rewrite I'm working on to come out -- it's my next planned release."

Raesh says, "Though I don't have an ETA on it yet."

You say, "I thought you had mentioned us retroactively creating a pot hole that enemies would trip over or something."

Raesh says, "I'm fairly sure that was a player suggestion."

You say, "Oh, drat."

Raesh says, "Sorry to disappoint."

Valkri says to you, "Create a drink puddle that someone could slip in."

Raesh says, "Hopefully you will find some of the new abilities interesting and useful however."

You ask, "Nah it's cool, so for combat we're pretty much relying on Bluffs and Screams. Ohh, are you going to make Bluffs cool?"

Zlynn says to you, "Maybe we could summon all our used strings and entangle them."

Raesh says, "That's not what I said."

Raesh says, "I said there would be new abilities. Some (most) of those are combat abilities."

You say, "Ah."

You exclaim, "Even better!"

Raesh says, "Screams and Bluffs make up part of that ability suite, but not all of them."

Raesh says, "The existing screams will mostly be changing under the hood."

Raesh asks, "The existing bluffs will be seeing some more significant changes since right now they're... awkward?"

Raesh says, "But I can't go into details yet."

Zlynn asks, "Have anyone had bluff dead work for them?"

You say, "Jerodan asked a good question in regards to bluffs."

You say, "Bluff dead is great."

Therrilliar says, "Nice."

Raesh says, "Bluff dead is going to remain about the same, other than fixing some bugs with it and maybe making it a little more useful."

Jerodan asks, "From my experimenting the tall tale bluffs we have are pretty much always unbelievable, is there any chance that we can make them a skill/stat contest so that if we got the charisma and performing skill they will honestly believe we are a King from Albania visited to try to win the Kaldar back to their homeland?"

Jerodan says, "Incase you missed my question."

Raesh says, "Ah...."

Raesh asks, "You're talking about Bluff Amaze right?"

Jerodan says, "Yeah."

Jerodan says, "Well, no."

Jerodan says, "Not amaze."

Jerodan says, "But bluff <play/critter> <option> : emperor, sister, lanival, all those tale talls you can choose from."

Jerodan says, "To try and make someone believe that is what you are."

Raesh says, "Oh, yeah, those."

Raesh says, "As far as I know those are purely fluffy options. I may tinker with them when I'm in the code."

Jerodan says, "Awesomeness."

Raesh says, "But my focus right now is on mechanical changes, not fluff tools. Bards hae had a lot of fluff tools over the years."

Raesh says, "And it's easier to make due without sufficent RP tools than without sufficent mechanically useful abilities."

Jerodan says, "I'm sure die hard performers would highly disagree. But, I do agree."

You say, "We already have a lot of tools for performance."

You say, "A TON of tools, in fact."

Raesh says, "Let me just put this out there."

Raesh says, "Despite the fact that almost every time someone asks me about the plans for Bards it seems like I'm out to remove the music and performance from Bards."

Raesh says, "I'm really not."

Raesh says, "That's fine, it's valid, it's encouraged."

Raesh says, "But the main goal right now is to end up with a guild that is mechanically fun and functional."

Zlynn says, "And drunk."

Raesh says, "It shouldn't change how you RP."

Raesh says, "But that's part of why we're making Heritages too."

Therrilliar says, "Drunktional."

Raesh says, "It's to give us some hooks into the lore."

Raesh says, "Give people different directions to take their characters, act as a lore tie in for why certain abilities exist."

Raesh says, "Essentially -- my goal is this."

Raesh says, "A Bard can be a musician. A Bard can be a clown or a buffoon or an entertainer."

Raesh says, "A Bard can be a drunk."

Jerodan says, "I actually love that too, not to stray but possibly add to. That's why I don't really focus on any one thing because I've questioned why I'm a Bard and I'm hoping that with Heriteges I can find one that I can better connect with and drive my roleplay in that direction and help be, I guess a crutch, for my lack of creativity."

Raesh says, "All of these are viable, time honored, traditions."

Raesh says, "I got nothing against them. You want to RP that way? More power to you."

Raesh says, "However they are not the defining traits behind being a Bard."

Raesh says, "That make sense to everyone? I figure of everything I've said that's the most likely to be controversial."

You say, "That makes perfect sense to me."

Therrilliar asks, "What are the traits then?"

Lupdels asks, "So, if they are not the defining traits, what are?"

Raesh says, "Good question."

Therrilliar says, "Great minds..."

Raesh says, "The answer to that is two part."

Raesh says, "The first part is that a Bard is a protector of society. This can manifest in many ways."

Raesh says, "But without society and culture, a Bard is nothing."

Raesh says, "You can't have a hermit Bard. You could be a hermit writer or something, but not a Bard."

Raesh says, "Essentially to every Bard there is something that they feel needs to be protected, or shared, or created for the betterment of people."

Raesh says, "Who those people are depends from Bard to Bard, depending on their society."

Raesh says, "It could be art, or history, or a message."

Raesh says, "It could be more direct, protecting them from the dark forces out there wanting to squish your town like a bug."

Raesh says, "So there's that, and I don't believe I phrased that particullarly well since it was on the fly, but hopefully it made sense."

Raesh says, "As for the second part of the answer -- Keep an eye on the forums in the relatively near future."

Lupdels asks, "Soon?"

Jerodan asks, "Wait, on the hermit thing, what about the Lore Keepers. That's essentially what they did to protect history and knowledge. And what if others felt that such would be best protected by hiding it away? They'd still be Bards then right?"

Raesh says, "I'm going to be putting up some IC writings from each Heritage."

Raesh says, "To help explain what they stand for a little bit more."

Raesh says, "And by "Near future" I mean "next few weeks most likely" not "Tonight."

Raesh says, "There are some Bards who might disagree philosophically."

Raesh says, "And by "might" I mean "do."

Raesh says, "But that's not what I meant really."

Raesh says, "They were doing something for society there, they were preserving knowledge."

Raesh says, "From an outside attack."

Jerodan says, "Ah, gotcha."

Raesh says, "I'm saying if someone goes into the woods and writes the next Elanthian epic."

Raesh says, "But they never let anyone read it."

Raesh says, "And they die and a shark eats their notes (Why a shark? Why not!)."

Raesh says, "They aren't a Bard. They're just a writer."

Ysselt says, "Landsharks."

Therrilliar says, "Sounds like they are bait to me."

Raesh says, "That too."

You say, "That makes sense. So Bards are more of the ones who attempt to inspire through axioms, sayings, stories etc."

You say, "Or convey messages."

Raesh says, "Some of them, yes."

Raesh says, "My whole point though was that if you take a Bard out of their society."

Raesh says, "So they can no longer influence it."

Raesh says, "They are not longer a Bard."

You say, "Easy."

Jerodan says, "I think I got new inspiration to play and roleplay."

You say, "That is all really great information Raesh, thank you."

You say, "That has cleared up my view of what a Bard is."

You say, "I've sort of wondered for the longest time."

Raesh says, "And for those wondering."

Raesh says, "If this all seems like new information."

Raesh says, "That's because it basically is."

Raesh says, "It's not like we found some old documentation somewhere."

Raesh says, "And were like "Hey, you guys missed it."

Raesh says, "Some of this is a retcon."

Raesh says, "But it has to be done to make the guild into a cohesive thing."

You ask, "Did anyone have any additional questions for Raesh?"

You exclaim, "Well then, let's thank Raesh for coming out to speak to us tonight!"

Ysselt says, "Thanks."

Raesh says, "Thanks for having me."

Jerodan says, "Thanks a ton of letting us badger you."

Therrilliar asks, "So does one still buy gweths at the reagent shop?"

You say, "Ninja vanish."

You say, "Hmm."

You say, "Your best bet for gweths is in the Trader plaza."

You say, "Alright well we've gone wayyyy over on our time for the teaching night."

Therrilliar says, "Thanks for the lessons."

Ysselt says, "Thank you."

You say, "OOC: I'll be posting a log of this meeting in the Bard forums on the website, just so you know."

Jerodan says, "Oh please leave out my stupid comments."

You say, "Thank you all for coming--It was GREAT seeing you guys again."


~Leilond

This message was originally posted in The Bards (21) \ Bard-Related Events (10), by BEVERAGEK on the play.net forums.
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