_________________________________________
     /            -Impromptu Forum-            \
     |              -May 12, 2001-             |
     |  Recorded & Edited by Aubrey McMichaels |
     \___http://pages.prodigy.net/aubreymcm/___/


Trevor Rage calls for silence and the room settles down.
Trevor Rage says, "Okay... so it sounds like we have a lot of questions and comments
 to get out."
Trevor Rage says, "I'll leave this open for generally any topic, but at a certain
 point we'll have to wrap up so we can't go all night."
Trevor Rage grins.
Trevor Rage says, "As you think of questions, just ASK <question>"
Trevor Rage says, "Type HELP for more info."
Trevor Rage says, "You can use ASK to make comments also, to which I will reply."
Magdelena DeJesus raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Caleb Johnson raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Caleb raise again."
Caleb Johnson raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "I just cleared out the old list."
Trevor Rage babbles incoherently.
Trevor Rage says, "Ok, before we begin I'll make some comments on Fitness and Stancing."
Bryan Hit raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Danny Samsonite raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Jon Garfield raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Nora Blue raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Fitness began as yours truly trying to think of a way to alleviate
 encumbrance, but making you guys earn it.  I hashed out details with some staff
 members and got some plans together and splashed up what you saw in NEWS and added the
 skill."
Trevor Rage says, "Fitness is being worked on and should be available soon.  I won't
 wager a time frame, but GM Reese is working on it and I have offered my help in any
 way needed with its interaction with the skill system and so on."
Trevor Rage says, "Fitness, will reduce the affects of encumbrance, allow you to
 regain lost health faster and reduce damage and such.  I'm sure other benefits will
 come to light in time."
Trevor Rage says, "Stancing is simply a combat idea I had, and new I could implement
 rather quickly.  Not everything can be done so quickly, but Stancing was and so we
 have it."
Trevor Rage says, "I've heard people comment on pilfering, explosives, etc.  Well,
 the truth is a) they are not as easy to build and b) I'm not the one building them."
Trevor Rage says, "The GM's who ARE building them are making progress at various rates
 on their completion."
Trevor Rage says, "Stancing allows you a few things.  First of all, it allows you a way
 to raise combat skills outside of actual combat."
Trevor Rage says, "I assume this will be very popular."
Trevor Rage says, "It works with every weapon, including paired and two-handed, and
 also raises evasion."
Mariko Shinobu raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Secondly, stances are normally in the -30 (retreating) to +30
 (berserk) range.  Now, with enough stancing, you can do -50 to +50."
Trevor Rage says, "So, if you need extra defense or offense power, you can summon it
 this way."
Trevor Rage says, "Third, you can now set your defense and offense rates more finely. 
 If you find you die on stance berserk (+30) but can manage on stance aggressive (+20),
 maybe you'll choose +25, in the middle, and try it."
Trevor Rage says, "Fourth, the "penalty" for stancing up/down is reduced with skill. 
 As an example, at 500 skill you could have +50 attack mod and -25 defense mod, instead
 of +50 attack and -50 defense."
Trevor Rage says, "And for reference, current perps for the most part do not get the
 benefits of stancing."
Trevor Rage says, "Not saying they never will, some may, but I don't plan on letting
 all of them get it.  So, this is a skill that is a bonus.  Having 0 stancing will not
 hurt you, it will only mean you don't get the bonus."
Trevor Rage says, "That's stancing.  Now, if you have questions of your own, on these
 two topics or really MO in general, I will attempt to answer them.  Again, use ASK
 <question>"
Caleb Johnson now has the floor.

Caleb Johnson asks, "Has the lifetime skill cap been raised to accomodate this latest
 skill?"
Trevor Rage says, "Yes, it has.  It is now 17,250."
Caleb Johnson says, "Alright, thanks."
Caleb Johnson sits down.
Trevor Rage says, "You're welcome."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Caleb Johnson takes a seat nearby.

Bryan Hit now has the floor.

Bryan Hit asks, "will the stancing skill make it harder to raise the combat skills, or
 easier? also, how does it aid in combat?"
Trevor Rage says, "Stancing doesn't make it easier to raise combat skills other than
 the fact that you can STANCE PRACTICE to raise combat skills outside of combat.  Note
 that it is not as effective in raising skills as perping, but it definitely works to
 raise those skills (AND STATS!)"
Luca Santiago raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage asks, "Do you still have questions on how it aids combat, Bryan?"
Bryan Hit says, "nope"
Bryan Hit grins.
Trevor Rage nods.
Trevor Rage says, "Okay, thanks."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Bryan Hit grins.
Having finished, Bryan Hit takes a seat nearby.

Danny Samsonite now has the floor.

Danny Samsonite asks, "when i use the stance skill i use +10 -10 but i dont always get
 the +10 is this because I dont have any skills in stancing?"
Jess Whiterose raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Use 10, instead of +10."
Danny Samsonite says, "Alright"
Danny Samsonite says, "Thanks"
Trevor Rage says, "Silly, picky thing I know.  But it works."
Trevor Rage grins.
Trevor Rage nods.
Having finished, Danny Samsonite takes a seat nearby.

Nora Blue now has the floor.

Nora Blue asks, "can you explain the voucher-merchant thing please?"
Trevor Rage says, "Yes.  Vouchers will be available by various means.  To join many
 merchant list, you will need a voucher."
Jon Garfield raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Not ALL merchants will need one though."
Trevor Rage says, "Vouchers will be findable all across the game by just looking
 around soon, and other means may arise."
Trevor Rage asks, "Does that answer your question?"
Trevor Rage smiles at Nora Blue.
Nora Blue says, "Yes"
Nora Blue grins.
Trevor Rage says, "Good deal, thanks."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Nora Blue takes a seat nearby.

Jewel Michaels now has the floor.

Jewel Michaels asks, "I am concerned about how quickly stats fall unless you are
 hunting.  It seems there is now a penalty for doing non combat roleplaying"
Trevor Rage says, "Well, yes and no.  If your role-playing includes raising other
 skills or otherwise keeping your notoriety pool full, yes.  The rate of atrophy is
 constantly being fine-tuned to try to reach a level that fits.  Frankly though, until
 I made an update last week, 99% of you had stats in the 98-100 range in all physical
 stats."
Magdelena DeJesus raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Having almost every player except the real new guys in the 95+ range
 just doesn't work.  It kills the point of having stats at all."
Trevor Rage says, "As in real life, strength and so one needs maintennce."
Jewel Michaels says, "I am afraid I don't understand how they work then"
Eve Roquelaure says, "You can raise your stats in non-combative activites."
Trevor Rage nods to Eve Roquelaure.
Jewel Michaels says, "how is that"
Jewel Michaels says, "forgive me I am condfused"
Trevor Rage says, "If you do a cartwheel, you can get agility.  If you climb, you can
 get dexterity, and so on."
Jewel Michaels asks, "so from now on our stats are going to fall very quickly?"
Trevor Rage says, "The current rates are set up so that you gain quicker than you lose,
 but if you spend little time gaining and more slacking off, they'll drop and drop and
 drop."
Trevor Rage says, "Depends on how high the stat is.  If it's really high?  Yes."
Jewel Michaels asks, "and we have to keep hunting / cartwheeling etc to keep them
 up?"
Trevor Rage says, "If it's mid-level, it's much slower."
Morgan LeFox raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "You have to do -something- yes.  They won't just stay there,
 unless you never gain noto."
Jewel Michaels says, "what are the benifits of the stats"
Jewel Michaels says, "oh so if we are roleplaying and not gaining noto"
Jewel Michaels asks, "they won't drop?"
Trevor Rage says, "They vary. Strength helps encumbrance and combat damage, Agility
 helps defense, Dexterity helps defense and carving things, using tools, etc."
Jewel Michaels asks, "for example say watching chains of love?"
Trevor Rage says, "If your noto pool is not empty, you may lose stats, even if you're
 at chains of love."
Trevor Rage nods.
Trevor Rage says, "unless you are in afk mode"
Trevor Rage says, "Then it is also switched off."
Jewel Michaels says, "thank you"
Trevor Rage says, "You're welcome."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Jewel Michaels smiles at Trevor Rage.
Having finished, Jewel Michaels takes a seat nearby.

Mariko Shinobu now has the floor.

Mariko Shinobu asks, "Will stancing practice raise two-handed and paired skill?"
Sarah Ninesling raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Yes, if you have a 2-hander in hand it will.  You must have the
 other hand empty."
Danny Samsonite raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "For paired, if the weapons are pairable and their types match (two
 daggers, two swords, two guns...) then yes."
Mariko Shinobu nods.
Mariko Shinobu exclaims, "Thank you!"
Mariko Shinobu sits down.
Trevor Rage says, "You're welcome."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Mariko Shinobu takes a seat nearby.

Luca Santiago now has the floor.

Luca Santiago asks, "I am confused as to how the stance option will affect our current
 stance system. If I choose stance 30 but then stance retreating.. what will my
 attack/defense be?"
Trevor Rage says, "When you choose stance 30 you will be +30% to attack and -30% to
 defense.  This is the same as stance berserk."
Trevor Rage says, "When you then type stance retreat, you will be -30% to attack and 
+30% to defense."
Luca Santiago asks, "so if i am being wounded by a perp, instead of just stancing
 retreating, i have to actually change my stance to some other number?"
Trevor Rage says, "Note you don't -have- to train stancing, or use this new stuff,
 it's an option."
Trevor Rage says, "No, you can either do stance -30, or stance retreating. Both are
 the same thing."
Luca Santiago says, "oh ok. I think.."
Luca Santiago smiles.
Luca Santiago asks, "can I ask a question about stats?"
Trevor Rage recites:

    "Berserk = 30
     Aggressive = 20
     Belligerent = 10
     Relaxed = 0
     Wary = 10
     Defensive = -20
     Retreating = -30"

Trevor Rage says, "oop"
Trevor Rage recites:

    "Berserk = 30
     Aggressive = 20
     Belligerent = 10
     Relaxed = 0
     Wary = -10
     Defensive = -20
     Retreating = -30"

Trevor Rage asks, "Does that help?"
Luca Santiago says, "yes, I think so"
Trevor Rage nods.
Trevor Rage says, "I'm going to be putting something on my web page that may help
 also, if it's still cloudy."
Jewel Michaels raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Luca Santiago says, "ok"
Trevor Rage says, "But the main point here is, you can ignore the numbers and use the
 good ol' stance berserk, stance retreat, etc if you want."
Trevor Rage says, "The numbers are completely optional."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Trevor Rage asks, "Anything else, Luca?"
Luca Santiago nods.
Trevor Rage nods.
Luca Santiago asks, "Can i ask a question about stats?"
Trevor Rage says, "Sure."
Trevor Rage nods.
Luca Santiago says, "OK you say they are raising a lot quicker than falling. Well
 that doesnt seem to be the case for me"
Luca Santiago says, "I have been working on getting my stregth up for at least 12 hours
 of hunting now, and it has increased by 1"
Luca Santiago says, "I dont understand how I can maintain my stats without being in afk
 mode all the time and hunting like crazy"
Luca Santiago asks, "I just feel like afk mode shouldnt have to be used unless you
 are afk. Is this going to be an island of absent minded people?"
Trevor Rage says, "Well no, they raise quicker, not a LOT quicker.  It's definitely a
 challenge to keep them up.  I will be looking at the numbers though.  I've said this
 to others, let may it again.. You have to remember that say, 90 strength, is 90% of
 the maximum strength the human body is capable of."
Trevor Rage asks, "So when you think of it that way, it's -really- hard to get your RL
 body to 90% of its potential strength, isn't it?"
Trevor Rage says, "And the AFK thing is in there simply a gameplay mechanic.  We know
 you're not gaining skills while AFK, so we cut slack on losing stats."
Luca Santiago says, "So to maintain something i earned i have to be afk all the time"
Luca Santiago says, "because the effort I put in, sure doesnt feel rewarded"
Trevor Rage says, "No, you just need to build an exercise regime.  Let me say though,
 all of this is really a bit beside the point.  We're working steadfastly on the gym,
 which is specifically geared toward stat building."
Luca Santiago says, "ahh ok. I hope it works better than hunting does."
Trevor Rage says, "And believe me, I'm not saying the atrophy/gains rates are
 perfect, I know they aren't... maybe never will be."
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Luca Santiago smiles.
Trevor Rage says, "Yes, working out in the gym is specifically for building up your
 body."
Trevor Rage nods.
Luca Santiago says, "Ok. Thanks Trevor"
Trevor Rage nods.
Having finished, Luca Santiago takes a seat nearby.

Jess Whiterose now has the floor.

Jess Whiterose asks, "How come there is not a stance Enraged?  I take it we learn from
 stancing now."
Trevor Rage begins chuckling at Jess Whiterose.
Jess Whiterose says, "Sorry I came late but still"
Julie McCoy stands back up.
Jess Whiterose says, "I take it I will have to gym now to be fit"
Trevor Rage says, "You know, I considered putting in some more 'words' like berserk and
 retreating, but I figured I'd just confuse us all even more."
Trevor Rage grins.
Trevor Rage says, "Yes, you learn by using STANCE PRACTICE>"
Jess Whiterose says, "You women better wear nice gym clothes"
Trevor Rage says, "You'll gain stancing skill, stats, and sometimes combat skills."
Jess Whiterose says, "Kidding"
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Trevor Rage asks, "Anything else, Jess?"
Jess Whiterose says, "Nope I think I picked it up in the time I came, thanks"
Trevor Rage nods.
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Jess Whiterose takes a seat nearby.

Jon Garfield now has the floor.

Jon Garfield asks, "Does "stance practice" randomly pick one of the stance-related
 skills to raise, based on the message it uses, or does it raise all that are
 applicable? Will it raise acro instead of evasion if you're stanced to roll, or is it
 always evasion since there are plenty of other ways to raise acro? And is paired what
 was supposed to be in place of one of the evasions on the list in the article, since
 you mentioned it earlier?"
Trevor Rage says, "No, it is based on your weapon if you have one in hand.  If you
 have no weapon in hand, it is based on your unarmed defense preference set with STANCE
 UNARMED."
Trevor Rage says, "You will get different random messages for each skill, but you can
 select the skill to raise by using a weapon, or setting STANCE UNARMED to whatever
 unarmed skill you want."
Trevor Rage says, "It will only raise evasion however, I figure we have enough places
 to raise acro."
Jon Garfield nods.
Jon Garfield asks, "Does it always raise evasion in addition to the weapon or
 unarmed?"
Jon Garfield says, "I guess that was the point of the question"
Jon Garfield babbles incoherently.
Caleb Johnson raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Basically, when you use STANCE PRACTICE you will raise Stancing
 and you -may- raise a combat skill and/or evasion and/or 2handed/paired."
Jon Garfield says, "ah, ok"
Trevor Rage says, "So sometimes when you do it you will raise only stancing skill. 
 Sometimes you might raise stancing, evasion and your weapon skill all at once."
Jon Garfield asks, "Does it raise the weapon's primary skill, like my chakram would
 raise thrown, so I'd need a knife to raise knife?"
Trevor Rage says, "And it will raise these skills to 500."
Trevor Rage says, "Your chakram would raise thrown, yes."
Trevor Rage nods.
Trevor Rage says, "Firearms raise firearms, etc."
Jon Garfield says, "I understand the bit about the +30/-15 benefit with 500 in
 stancing"
Trevor Rage nods.
Jon Garfield asks, "But if you set a negative number, does it add 50% to the other
 end?"
Jon Garfield asks, "like stancing -30 would give you +45 defense?"
Trevor Rage says, "If it was +30/-30 it becomes +30/-15.  If it was -30/+30 it
 becomes -15/30."
Jon Garfield says, "Oh, I see"
Trevor Rage says, "It will not raise anything that is not a neg. modifier."
Jon Garfield says, "so if you have 500 and want to stance -25, you'd really have to
 stance -50"
Trevor Rage nods to Jon Garfield.
Trevor Rage says, "And you'd have -25/+50"
Jon Garfield nods.
Jon Garfield says, "Hmm"
Jon Garfield says, "that could be a pain if you're trying to stance lower so you
 don't kill the perps so fast"
Trevor Rage says, "Lie down."
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Jon Garfield chuckles.
Jon Garfield says, "that'll work"
Eve Roquelaure says, "Let your stats waste away."
Eve Roquelaure coughs.
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Jon Garfield says, "One last thing"
Eve Roquelaure winks.
Trevor Rage nods.
Jon Garfield says, "As for new stance names, I nominate "stance flail-and-harumph
-wildly" for -50, in honor of Ed"
Jon Garfield whistles innocently to himself.
Trevor Rage laughs!
Jon Garfield sits down.
Having finished, Jon Garfield takes a seat nearby.

Magdelena DeJesus now has the floor.

Magdelena DeJesus asks, "question I have to agree with Jewel. It is also much harder to
 get them back up once you have been idle for awhile."
Trevor Rage asks, "Kinda like RL, right?"
Apollo ThunderBolt raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Again, note the numbers will be watched and the gym will help
 tremendously.  But this does pattern the real world to an extent."
Trevor Rage says, "If it was a perfect translation it would be MUCH harder to reach
 90, much less 100."
Nora Blue raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Magdelena DeJesus nods.
Magdelena DeJesus says, "Thanks"
Trevor Rage nods.
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Magdelena DeJesus takes a seat nearby.

Morgan LeFox now has the floor.

Morgan LeFox asks, "I think I understand what Jewel means. it's not that they decrease
 but how fast they do. If I've have dinner with firends, I lose three points. In real
 life you don't get weak if you go to a movie"
Morgan LeFox says, "Ack"
Morgan LeFox says, "You answered most of that"
Trevor Rage grins.
Morgan LeFox says, "But it's true--I have Luca's situaition"
Morgan LeFox says, "I lose three to five points just having dinner"
Morgan LeFox says, "Then i fight for almost three days to raise them"
Trevor Rage says, "I think the key here is to have patience and to make sure you
 understand how unbelievably hard it should be to maintain 90s and 100s.  Right now
 your stats are all 97 except 1 96, so it must not be totally killing ya."
Trevor Rage just tickled Morgan LeFox.
Morgan LeFox giggles.
Morgan LeFox says, "No it's not---but the quick loss semms extreme"
Trevor Rage says, "On high stats that will happen sometimes.  It's a little random
 too.  But you have the comfort that if your stats were lower, they wouldn't drop quite
 as fast."
Morgan LeFox exclaims, "Oh gosh, Trev! Thanks!!"
Morgan LeFox giggles.
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Morgan LeFox says, "I'll sit now."
Morgan LeFox sits down.
Trevor Rage grins.
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks."
Having finished, Morgan LeFox takes a seat nearby.

Sarah Ninesling now has the floor.

Sarah Ninesling asks, "I just feel like to be competitive now we have to practice
 practice practice. Its hard to role play when all of us are in lessons looping skills
 over and over. This has become a game of who writes the best scripts."
Sarah Ninesling says, "Everyone sits in front of the pub, most in afk to make the best
 of the rpa awards they dont want to lose. They focus, to raise a skill whatever then
 immediately go back into afk."
Sarah Ninesling says, "Its just... I feel like something is misisng now."
Trevor Rage says, "Hmm.  Allow me to be blunt.  Power players will always exist. 
 Either we have what we have now, which is time consuming challenge... or, we have
 skills and stats raising so easy that everyone seems to be Hercules."
Sarah Ninesling says, "Also..."
Trevor Rage asks, "What's your suggestion to fix that?"
Vinny Devenetto raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Sarah Ninesling says, "Well I have a million suggestions, I can post on the board so
 as not to take up everyones time if you like."
Trevor Rage nods.
Trevor Rage says, "Please do."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Sarah Ninesling says, "Also you keep on mentioning real life. I think the point most
 of us are saying is that. This isn't real life. We come here to go above and beyond
 what we can accomplish in real life."
Sarah Ninesling says, "I am not against the changes totally. I just wanted to make
 those comments."
Sarah Ninesling says, "Thank you"
Sarah Ninesling nods.
Sarah Ninesling sits down.
Trevor Rage asks, "So, why do you play MO instead of GS or DR?"
Trevor Rage says, "Just wondering."
Trevor Rage says, "Something brought you here."
Sarah Ninesling says, "Because I like the size and the element of mysteries"
Trevor Rage says, "Well that's a good point, but time after time I hear people say "I
 like it because it's closer to real life"."
Trevor Rage says, "But, we can all see that realism has taken a walk more and more
 lately.  Ghosts, para stuff, april fool's perps? "
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Trevor Rage asks, "I don't love realism.  Sometimes I -hate- it. But from a gameplay
 viewpoint, if stats are easier to obtain, we all would have 100 non stop.  So why have
 them at all?  Why not just cut them out?"
Sarah Ninesling says, "Exactly"
Sarah Ninesling says, "Why have them at all."
Trevor Rage asks, "Why have skills? Why not pretend?"
Tyler Morrison raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Trevor Rage asks, "Why have money?"
Trevor Rage says, "Why not just log in and chat?  Well some people like that idea,
 but MO has never been just a chat room.  It's a game too."
Trevor Rage says, "MO presents challenges, or so we attempt to do so.  This is the
 premise of a game."
Sarah Ninesling says, "I don't mind the challenge. What I was trying to say is that I
 dont like having to script to be able to competitive"
Sarah Ninesling says, "That was my point"
Sarah Ninesling nods.
Trevor Rage says, "Alright, well I look forward to your suggestions. "
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Sarah Ninesling says, "Thanks"
Trevor Rage nods.
Having finished, Sarah Ninesling takes a seat nearby.

Jewel Michaels now has the floor.

Jewel Michaels asks, "I understand now how to stace up 25 but if you can't use the +
 sign to stace up how do you tell it to put you in a -25 attack mod"
Trevor Rage says, "25 is +25, -25 is -25"
Trevor Rage says, "You can use -, just not +"
Jewel Michaels says, "ok got it"
Jewel Michaels smiles at Trevor Rage.
Morgan LeFox raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "I can probably add the ability to use +, it's just not in there
 right now."
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks, Jewel."
Jewel Michaels says, "might make more sence"
Trevor Rage smiles.
Jewel Michaels smiles, showing her dimple.
Trevor Rage grins.
Having finished, Jewel Michaels takes a seat nearby.

Caleb Johnson now has the floor.

Caleb Johnson asks, "If I have my usual two weapons: a katana, and a shuriken, will I
 raise all the applicable skills?  Paired weapons, fencing, thrown, and knife?"
Trevor Rage asks, "While using stance practice?"
Caleb Johnson says, "Yes."
Caleb Johnson asks, "I suppose it randomly ups weapons stats, too?"
Trevor Rage says, "If you have two weapons in hand, their types have to match.  In
 this case you're talking about a fencing and a thrown weapon.  So no.  You could do
 two swords or two shuriken though, and it would raise that skill and paired."
Trevor Rage says, "It randomly ups weapon skills."
Trevor Rage says, "And stats like strength etc."
Caleb Johnson asks, "So no paired even with two weapons of differing types?"
Luca Santiago raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Nope, if the types differ you won't be able to practice at all."
Caleb Johnson says, "Okay."
Caleb Johnson says, "Thanks, I'm done."
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Caleb Johnson takes a seat nearby.

Apollo ThunderBolt now has the floor.

Apollo ThunderBolt asks, "As concerning the bonus associated with Stancing, is this
 gradual through the learning of the skill?  Or do you only get it once you reach 500?"
Trevor Rage says, "It is gradual, as a matter of fact, you probably have a very tiny
 bonus with your starter 35 points."
Apollo ThunderBolt nods to Trevor Rage.
Trevor Rage asks, "Anything else, Apollo?"
Trevor Rage smiles.
Apollo ThunderBolt asks, "Also, upon reaching 500, should you continue to use Stancing
 Practice, would your other skills continue to go up?"
Trevor Rage says, "Your other skills will, yes."
Trevor Rage nods.
Apollo ThunderBolt nods to Trevor Rage.
Apollo ThunderBolt says, "Just a couple more questions."
Trevor Rage nods.
Jess Whiterose raises his hand, noting he has a question.
Apollo ThunderBolt asks, "Before, there was mention of stats going up with the use of
 some non-combat actions.  Is the stat-raise based on the success of the action?"
Apollo ThunderBolt asks, "Mainly, if you did something, but didn't learn from it,
 could your stat still go up because of the action?"
Trevor Rage says, "No, you can raise a stat and skills on failures, in most cases. 
 In the case of skills, you learn slower that way though."
Apollo ThunderBolt nods to Trevor Rage.
Trevor Rage says, "Picking a box and failing raises security and dexterity on fails,
 for example."
Apollo ThunderBolt asks, "With the Stancing, if someone were to use two Knife-type
 weapons, they would have the chance of raising Paired, correct?"
Apollo ThunderBolt nods to Trevor Rage.
Trevor Rage says, "Yes, they would."
Trevor Rage nods.
Apollo ThunderBolt asks, "Would they still apply for the Paired increase if the
 knives didn't match?"
Trevor Rage says, "The paired increase in combat applies to any pairable duo of
 items, except like a knife and a gun.  A knife and a hammer, a t-bar and a stiletto,
 whatever, all give the bonus to paired."
Apollo ThunderBolt bows to Trevor Rage.
Trevor Rage bows to Apollo ThunderBolt.
Apollo ThunderBolt says, "Thank you."
Apollo ThunderBolt sits down.
Trevor Rage says, "You're welcome. "
Having finished, Apollo ThunderBolt takes a seat nearby.

Nora Blue now has the floor.

Nora Blue asks, "This isn't terribly important, but what kinda workout stuff is there
 going to be at the gym?"
Trevor Rage says, "I can't comment on that yet, sorry."
Trevor Rage grins.
Nora Blue smiles.
Nora Blue says, "Gotcha"
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks."
Having finished, Nora Blue takes a seat nearby.

Tyler Morrison now has the floor.

Tyler Morrison asks, "question Are you taking that out of context?  It seems to me like
 an element of the game that people *enjoy* could be that it's modern times, thereby
 being 'closer to real life.'  But we aren't all masochists here, not everyone wants a
 painful attempt at realistic skills and attributes."
Tyler Morrison says, "Simply put, my point is that there are two sides to realism in
 gaming, and you seem to be ignoring that fact.  Realism becomes the buzzword of choice
 to justify these painful systems, at the expense of the age old concept of fun."
Trevor Rage asks, "What's the side I'm ignoring here?"
Tyler Morrison says, "First, I don't believe the current system of atrophy is very
 realistic, but either way it sure isn't enjoyable"
Tyler Morrison says, "I hunt alot anyway, and I still feel that I'm forced to hunt
 too much now"
Trevor Rage says, "Well let's break this down a bit."
Trevor Rage asks, "Do you think stats should raise?"
Tyler Morrison says, "Sure, why not"
Trevor Rage asks, "Do you think they should lower?"
Tyler Morrison says, "Yes, at a reasonable rate"
Trevor Rage asks, "What's reasonable?"
Tyler Morrison says, "Something that doesn't require me to hunt literally 24/7, at
 the expense of skill practice and time for socializing."
Trevor Rage asks, "Ok, so in, say, 24 hours of a Moradian day, how often do you think
 you should need to hunt or otherwise participate in stat building activities?"
Tyler Morrison asks, "Forget about roleplaying, it's already impossible to RP the
 massive repetition in order to raise skills, and now we all have to RP that we have a
 huge grudge against miners or bandits, just to keep from quickly becoming frail?"
Tyler Morrison says, "In real life, since realism is key, a person can work out a few
 hours a day and be more than reasonably fit."
Trevor Rage asks, "Okay, I'd say a stat around 60-70 would be reasonably fit.  Sound
 close to you?"
Tyler Morrison says, "I suppose it's reasonable, but with that amount of hunting I
 have dropped by 13 points in two days"
Trevor Rage asks, "So, 2 hours a day should maintain, say, a 70.  When's the last time
 you hit 70, by the way?"
Tyler Morrison says, "In the real world, you could actually work out once every 3 days,
 for a period of a few hours, and be around a "70" in terms of fitness"
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Trevor Rage says, "Well, I'll say this Tyler.. the only real argument I think you have
 here is that you have to hunt raise stats and -maybe- stats drop to fast, which I am
 still examining."
Tyler Morrison says, "The fact is that no one is just going to happily let themself
 become a 70, when they know the benefits of strength, and they know that they're
 losing out for being social and, god forbid, rping a little"
Trevor Rage says, "So, in response: We are working on more and more non-combat methods
 of raising stats and I will look and continue to look at atrophy and possibly adjust."
Tyler Morrison says, "My entire point here is that it's not fun.  Forget about how much
 a person realistically works out to maintain an average level of fitness"
Trevor Rage says, "Once the gym is open, I'll bet you $20 you can easily go visit the
 gym once in a while and do some exercise and pump some iron or whatever, and maintain
 70."
Trevor Rage asks, "So, it wouldn't be fun if you had to work out once a week for an
 hour, even?"
Tyler Morrison says, "I guess we'll wait to see if it's enjoyable or tedious, I have
 a strong feeling it will be the latter"
Trevor Rage says, "I'm just trying to establish at what point MO becomes easy enough
 that it's fun for you."
Tyler Morrison says, "It's not about making it easier"
Tyler Morrison says, "Challenge is fun, but there is a point when challenge gives way
 to tedious repetition"
Trevor Rage nods.
Trevor Rage asks, "What's your suggestion to fix the tedium?"
Trevor Rage asks, "I can agree that it can get tedious, I've put in hours picking boxes
 and stuff to get a few points of security, but we have to maintain balance.  What's
 the solution?"
Tyler Morrison says, "A fair balance of atrophy and gain would make a good start"
Tyler Morrison says, "factoring in the need for practicing other skills that won't
 increase our attributes"
Trevor Rage says, "We're working on a fair balance Tyler."
Trevor Rage asks, "But fair balance is not something you can just dream up and throw in
 overnight.  So say stats are balanced.  Then what?"
Tyler Morrison says, "So don't justify the current system, when you admit that right
 now it's incomplete"
Trevor Rage asks, "What else is needed to make things less tedious?"
Trevor Rage says, "I justify it as improvement, but not as perfect."
Tyler Morrison says, "I'm taking up too much time, I just want to ask one last question
 and then I'll return to my silence"
Trevor Rage nods.
Tyler Morrison asks, "Why introduce a fitness skill that mirrors the concept of our
 attributes?"
Trevor Rage says, "For a few reasons.  It takes into account things that the
 attributes do not cover like knowledge of nutrition, yada yada... but additionally, it
 is a firm, easily quantifyable amount of work we know you will be required to put in."
Trevor Rage says, "And I expect the benefits of fitness will interact with your stats
 in a big way."
Tyler Morrison says, "But a strength of 95 requires a firm, easily quantifyable amount
 of work, if it's to be called realistic"
Trevor Rage says, "Skills are easier to quantify. "
Trevor Rage smiles.
Tyler Morrison asks, "So, I'm assuming that fitness skill will tie into activities that
 raise our attributes?"
Trevor Rage says, "Yes it will."
Trevor Rage nods.
Tyler Morrison says, "Ok, I'm done."
Tyler Morrison smiles.
Trevor Rage nods.
Having finished, Tyler Morrison takes a seat nearby.

Morgan LeFox now has the floor.

Morgan LeFox asks, "I was introduced to Simu by firends who wanted me to play DR--it
 was way toobig, and, quite frankly, MUCH to rude.  I love the island. It's smaller,
 cozier, and most people are a lot nicer. Those are my reasons for living here."
Morgan LeFox says, "I really do have fun here, so this is not BS, and if it sounds
 sappy, TDB, and I think somebody needs to say that right about now"
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Morgan LeFox says, "Thank you"
Morgan LeFox sits down.
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks, Morgan."
Having finished, Morgan LeFox takes a seat nearby.

Luca Santiago now has the floor.

Luca Santiago asks, "OK i just hit a milestone for myself level-wise. I had a goal and
 I made it. And instead of being rewarded, I suddenly found that I cannot hunt like I
 used to. Why does it take my 15 hits to kill a miner, when the hit difference is 600??
 Why am I suddenly becoming a worse hunter? My stats haven't dropped that much to make
 the difference. I thought with each level and skills I gain, I would actually become
 beter not worse. Am I going to be level 100, and in the name of *balance* still no
 good at hunting miners due to tweaking? Also, I cant hunt things lesser than miners or
 bandits or I get no skill gain. Something seems out of whack here, and there is little
 motivation to hunt when I get such little reward."
Luca Santiago winces expressively.
Luca Santiago says, "I didnt expect for it to be that big"
Trevor Rage says, "Well, let me tell you why I adjusted things.  Simply because I can't
 stand seing moderate hits on a difference of 5 points. "
Trevor Rage says, "It doesn't make sense to me.  I don't know if you agree or not, but
 that was my issue."
Trevor Rage says, "By contrast, you won't have perps killing you in a couple shots as
 much either."
Luca Santiago says, "Ok but, how does 15 hits to kill a miner make sense? I have
 advanced combat skills"
Luca Santiago says, "I feel like i am being punished. I could seriously hunt better
 when I was level 20"
Luca Santiago asks, "and its not like i can hunt lesser perps?"
Trevor Rage says, "How can you compare that?  20 then or 20 now?  20 now, definitely
 not."
Luca Santiago asks, "I have played this game for 16 months? Shouldn't I be getting
 better not worse?"
Mariko Shinobu raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "You are getting better.  Combat was changed for you and all the rest
 of us, Luca."
Trevor Rage says, "This isn't a pick on Luca move."
Luca Santiago says, "I put in serious time hunting too. I am at a loss of what to
 hunt now. I get zero skill gain from anything less than bandits or miners"
Trevor Rage says, "So, you hunt bandits or miners."
Trevor Rage says, "Or the new NC jungle stuff."
Luca Santiago says, "Ok so, I fill my pool with two miners, three max. My staff
 acquires so much damage. Its almost impossible to make a profit."
Trevor Rage asks, "So money is the issue?"
Luca Santiago says, "No. I earned being a good hunter, and you took it away"
Luca Santiago says, "I put in my time, and now i am suddenly weak. It makes no sense. I
 thought the point of gaining noto and skills was to get better not worse"
Trevor Rage says, "Let me say this.  I don't consider 15 hits to kill a miner
 reasonable.  I do consider 4-7 hits reasonable.  If you disagree I am sorry.  If we
 are averaging 15 hits a miner though, I need to make adjustments."
Luca Santiago says, "thats what is certainly feels like"
Luca Santiago says, "ti"
Luca Santiago says, "ack"
Luca Santiago coughs.
Luca Santiago mumbles something unprintable.
Trevor Rage says, "When I tested the changes, I killed perps my level in 4, 5, 6 hits. 
 But perhaps it was a fluke and I need to test."
Luca Santiago asks, "Also about my weapon damage... why the sudden increase?"
Luca Santiago says, "I know people that pay 10% of what I have to pay for repair, even
 with merchant made weapons"
Trevor Rage says, "Folks, I am open to opinions.  If there is any doubt in my mind, I
 will look again.  And again, and again, if I need to.  There's no reason to assume all
 changes are in stone.  Some are, some aren't."
Trevor Rage says, "The cost has not increased, it's wild imagination."
Luca Santiago says, "Ok. I am sorry. I have pent up frustration"
Trevor Rage says, "I've not touched the weapon repair NPC scripts since december."
Luca Santiago asks, "I know the cost hasnt increased. Weapon damage has though?"
Trevor Rage says, "Shouldn't have.  Should have decreased if anything.  But, you are
 taking more swings now."
Luca Santiago asks, "does damage increase if you stance parry?"
Trevor Rage says, "But honestly, if I find hunting is unreasonably poor in terms of
 money, I will adjust the payouts, too.  Keep this in mind."
Trevor Rage says, "Yes it does."
Trevor Rage nods to Luca Santiago.
Luca Santiago says, "ahh ok"
Luca Santiago says, "One last thing"
Trevor Rage nods.
Luca Santiago asks, "How come the cost of repair is so disproportinate?"
Luca Santiago asks, "I know people that pay way less than what I do even with their
 merchant weapons?"
Trevor Rage says, "It's based on weapon type, weapon bonuses and how damaged the item
 is."
Luca Santiago asks, "so blunt pays more than knife?"
Trevor Rage says, "No not like that... like, a t-bar is more expensive to fix than a
 basic club."
Morgan LeFox raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "A fencing foil is dirt cheap because it hits so low and so on.  A
 battle axe is much more costly.  The battle axe also gets damaged less often too,
 though."
Luca Santiago asks, "ahh so if i pay 1300 dollars for 10% damage on a staff, shouldnt a
 merchant made knife be about the same?"
Trevor Rage says, "Hmm, could be.  Some knives are pretty cheap."
Luca Santiago says, "that seems to be the case."
Trevor Rage says, "It depends on the type of knife and the bonuses on the knife."
Luca Santiago says, "Alright"
Luca Santiago says, "Thats all. Thank you"
Luca Santiago smiles.
Trevor Rage says, "I have attempted to make more powerful weapons more costly, so
 keep this in mind."
Trevor Rage says, "Perhaps your weapon is more powerful, all said."
Trevor Rage says, "You're welcome."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Luca Santiago takes a seat nearby.

Jess Whiterose now has the floor.

Jess Whiterose asks, "I notice a real rough thing between thugs henchmen and stalkers
 for a young reallocator or a person that is not para focused with the skill caps. Any
 hope of a henchman equivalent that is not prone to always sleeper a 60 skill in all
 defenses on the horizon?"
Jess Whiterose smiles.
Jess Whiterose says, "Sorry but I had to comment on that"
Jess Whiterose says, "Henchmen sleepers are pretty hard for a guy that had to
 reallocate at 60s across the board"
Jess Whiterose says, "when a stalker nails em in one shot"
Trevor Rage says, "Yes, I'd like to get some low skill perps out there, and some
 alternatives at every level for that matter, but it will take time.  In the meantime,
 they can also use the new stance practice to help learn too."
Jess Whiterose says, "seems there should be a henchman equiv that doesn't have that
 attack"
Trevor Rage says, "And, I am considering making -all- perps teach to at least 100
 skill."
Jess Whiterose grins at Trevor Rage.
Trevor Rage says, "The sleeper is brutal, though I did tweak down the sleeper length
 some the other day. "
Jess Whiterose says, "okay there just seems to be a rough gap there, wanted to yell
 about it"
Trevor Rage nods.
Jess Whiterose says, "for the new folks"
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks, Jess."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Jess Whiterose takes a seat nearby.

Mariko Shinobu now has the floor.

Mariko Shinobu asks, "I'm not going to complain about combat too much, but I agree with
 Luca to some extent. I'm getting insignificant and slight hits with a difference of
 300+ and occasionally a moderate hit. It seems a little imbalanced to me."
Mariko Shinobu says, "See, the issue for me is.."
Mariko Shinobu says, "I'm nowhere near bandit level."
Mariko Shinobu says, "But with my skill for evasion and my blunt, I don't gain off of
 stalkers."
Mariko Shinobu says, "I think I gain paired off of stalkers, because it's low but.."
Mariko Shinobu says, "There's no other noto gain regarding my main skills for attack
 and defense."
Trevor Rage says, "Honestly?  If you're getting insig. hits on a 300+ other than rare
 chance, that is a bug."
Mariko Shinobu says, "I guess I could understand that I'd suck at hurting bandits
 because of the big gap."
Jewel Michaels raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Mariko Shinobu says, "But it's really my only option if I want to get more than money
 off of hunting."
Mariko Shinobu says, "And I'm horrible at killing bandits because of the difference
 between my level and theirs."
Trevor Rage asks, "They kill you often?"
Mariko Shinobu says, "Actually, if I'm not wary or lower.."
Mariko Shinobu says, "What they'll do is hit me slightly and cause bleeding, and then
 when the next hit comes, it'll make it bleed more, etc.."
Trevor Rage asks, "You're at 62% encumbrance.  Is this common?"
Trevor Rage nods.
Mariko Shinobu says, "Nope."
Mariko Shinobu hums a tune softly.
Trevor Rage says, "I'll look into it."
Trevor Rage has a nice stack of notes.
Mariko Shinobu says, "I do carry a lot of stuff but.."
Mariko Shinobu says, "I guess it's just kind of frustrating to not be able to kill the
 lowest perp I can get noto off of."
Mariko Shinobu says, "In a short time, that is."
Trevor Rage says, "At 'somewhat' the penalties in combat start coming in.  At 'fairly'
 you're in real trouble. At 'strongly' you're probably very dead."
Trevor Rage says, "Well, I think we've found that there is a bug."
Mariko Shinobu says, "I've tried to reduce. I don't have the locker space though."
Mariko Shinobu frowns.
Trevor Rage says, "With 300 difference, you should score a lot of hard hits."
Mariko Shinobu says, "So it's either sell my stuff, or die."
Mariko Shinobu chuckles.
Mariko Shinobu says, "It's just a little irritating for me to hit them with 2-300
 difference and get a slight hit.."
Trevor Rage says, "I'll look into the hits on reaasonably high differences, let's see
 what happens from there."
Mariko Shinobu says, "And for them to hit me with a difference of 1 and make me
 bleed"
Trevor Rage says, "2 I want to be slight or insig.  300 should be serious to
 critical."
Magdelena DeJesus raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks, Mariko, I will look into it."
Mariko Shinobu nods.
Mariko Shinobu sits down.
Trevor Rage says, "After the forum here, matter of fact."
Having finished, Mariko Shinobu takes a seat nearby.

Morgan LeFox now has the floor.

Morgan LeFox asks, "Could we have a "hardening service" for our weapons. My poor little
 butter consistency mace would love it! I've already put John's seven kids through
 Harvard? (And a taco stand in the new jungle?)"
Trevor Rage says, "As of the current, I'd have to say no, simply for technical reasons. 
 If I could easily accomplish it with what tools I have at my disposal, I'd make it an
 option quickly."
Trevor Rage chuckles.
Morgan LeFox says, "And some of the stuff we carry that encumbers us is RP
 stuff--combs, instruments, etc--if we strip down we lose a lot"
Morgan LeFox says, "I need a lot of hits to kill anything too, and Jess would like a
 bar by the taco stand---thank you for your support"
Morgan LeFox smiles at Trevor Rage.
Morgan LeFox sits down.
Trevor Rage says, "Yeah, I know.  I have a weak spot in my heart over the encumbrance
 issue, I really do.  I shaved 30% off of your encumbrance in the combat, etc. calcs."
Trevor Rage says, "But when you're packed to the gills like you're on vacation, well,
 the soft spot isn't so soft."
Trevor Rage snickers.
Morgan LeFox giggles.
Trevor Rage says, "However, the new fitness skill will be a great help to you."
Morgan LeFox says, "I'm MUCH sleeker"
Morgan LeFox says, "Than I was"
Morgan LeFox blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
Trevor Rage grins.
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Morgan LeFox takes a seat nearby.

Jewel Michaels now has the floor.

Jewel Michaels asks, "I have recently lost money hunting.  The new jungle hospital is
 very continent and I agree should cost more but I think its too much.  Also perps
 don't pay out well and the cost of repair is much too high, as with the number of
 times the weapon is damaged.  Would you please look into making hunting more
 profitable again. As it used to be.  The idea that I would loose money hunting
 is......well shocking.  "
Jewel Michaels says, "Also I can't seem to get my encumbrance down below somewhat
 hindered any more.  once fitness was put in I am suddenly hindered and my stats are
 still high, falling fast but high.  "
Jewel Michaels says, "er convienant"
Trevor Rage says, "I plan to re-write the whole treasure system (again!) in the
 future, but I've not decided when yet.  At that point I will look at payouts again,
 particularly vs. hunting-related costs."
Jewel Michaels says, "thank you"
Trevor Rage says, "Fitness is a bonus only.  It deducts some from your level of
 encumbrance, based on skill."
Trevor Rage says, "Having 0 fitness will not make you more encumbered."
Jewel Michaels says, "it seemed that over night my encumbrance went up"
Jewel Michaels asks, "is that not from fitness?"
Trevor Rage says, "That would be either new items on you, or your strength falling."
Jewel Michaels says, "did something else happen"
Jewel Michaels says, "humm must be stats falling"
Trevor Rage says, "Not from fitness, no.  Fitness will never make you more
 encumbered."
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Having finished, Jewel Michaels takes a seat nearby.

Magdelena DeJesus now has the floor.

Magdelena DeJesus asks, "Increased locker space or day rental lockers could be really
 helpful especially in terms of encumbrance"
Mariko Shinobu raises her hand, noting she has a question.
Magdelena DeJesus says, "Thats all.  Just a comment"
Magdelena DeJesus smiles.
Trevor Rage says, "I agree.  Thanks, Magdelena."
Trevor Rage smiles.
Magdelena DeJesus sits down.
Having finished, Magdelena DeJesus takes a seat nearby.

Mariko Shinobu now has the floor.

Mariko Shinobu asks, "I just wanted to briefly say that despite my complaints, I am
 really appreciative of you have a forum, your entire work on the combat system and
 everything you're in charge of, and your listening to what we have to say. I know I
 couldn't put work into it so even though I have my complaints, I'm really thankful
 that you put so much time and effort into it. I'm done!"
Mariko Shinobu sits down.
Mariko Shinobu hums a tune softly.
Trevor Rage says, "Yeah, yeah, I'm already accused of thinking I'm God. "
Trevor Rage pokes Mariko Shinobu in the ribs.
Trevor Rage says, "Thanks tho."
Trevor Rage grins.
Mariko Shinobu smiles.
Having finished, Mariko Shinobu takes a seat nearby.

 * Mark Grant joins the investigation.
Trevor Rage says, "We're out of questions, so I'm declaring this done so I can spend a
 few cozy hours looking in the combat system and at stat atrophy."
Trevor Rage opens the floor for discussion.