Tarquinus

Act II is now completed: Mya's forces prevailed, despite a number of very closely fought battles. Now we come to Act III: Resolution. There will be some small roleplaying segments to help Mya and Darigan determine the fates of Ivorak and his co-conspirators, Pamplemousse and Keith Moon. Rewards will be distributed in the next day or so. At least a few of you seem to have had fun in Act II, and I am glad. Some of you caught my attention in a very good way. Our story draws to a close, but every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

It will start at 0600 server time. I realize that's early, but I wanted to put as much of the European day in the "calendar" as possible. Note to all participants: when you lose a fight, whether on offense or defense, regardless of whether or not you were fighting someone registered in the quest, you are "knocked out" and should retire to the nearest sanctuary ASAP. This rule may change depending on how heavy the brigandage is. Note to all others: Just be yourselves and do whatever you want. I'm keen to see what will happen, regardless.

You will recall, of course, the numerous volumes written about times of peace and plenty. Nobody wants peace. Peace is dull. Does an eye for an eye make the world blind? In MagicDuel, it just changes your fight balance. No need to quote Hardy, but I will anyway: [quote]"I shot him dead because – Because he was my foe, Just so – my foe of course he was; That's clear enough; although "He thought he'd 'list perhaps, Off-hand like – just as I – Was out of work – had sold his traps – No other reason why."[/quote] It is not MagicDiplomacy, my friend, but MagicDuel. And if there be bread, why, there must be circuses, too.

[quote name='argos' date='10 June 2010 - 01:03 PM' timestamp='1276192984' post='61580'] theres a prob, with who do i fight, or do you tell me that later? [/quote] Not sure yet, but I will tell you before we begin.

[quote name='Chewett' date='10 June 2010 - 12:49 AM' timestamp='1276148973' post='61541'] Please name me 2 things every other king has done that Firsan hasnt. If you didnt realise all the kings have done prettymuch nothing (not that i blame them) [/quote] I do not post to take exception with Chewy's remark: I just want to say that the kings have done some things that people tend to overlook (for example, meeting and agreeing on how best to change the land bonuses for their respective realms). I have found Firsanthalas to be an energetic, kindly, and fair ruler. If he has a bit of a temper, then he fits right in with MD, doesn't he? At no time have I found the accusation of treason against him very credible. I am dismayed to see people I consider friends, in game and out, at each other's throats. From the standpoint of friendship, I say: please try to be respectful to each other. You will be happier in the end, guaranteed. From the standpoint of a game designer, plot writer, and game player, I urge you, Rhaegar, to take this incarceration as a marvelous opportunity to develop your character's story. A writer friend of mine says: "Nothing turns pages faster than bad things happening to good people." Make the most of this! It may not be just, it may not be fair... but it IS interesting, and it is only, like the Maltese Falcon, such stuff as dreams are made of.

[quote name='Nex' date='09 June 2010 - 05:19 PM' timestamp='1276121943' post='61513'] since you said you'd need a few mercenaries who would take directions (something akin to a LARP npc i guess), anything specific you'd want us/me do? [/quote] Time to clean out the mailbox, it seems! The only direction I want you to take is that you will fight, according to the [url="http://magicduel.invisionzone.com/topic/7184-mya-celestia-is-dead/page__view__findpost__p__61418"]quest fight rules[/url], for one side or another... you will be assigned to whichever side needs you the most (which, at the moment, appears to be Ivorak's side). That's really all the direction you need.

[quote name='Totenkopf' date='09 June 2010 - 06:12 PM' timestamp='1276125157' post='61518'] i don't get this part...how many attack/def rits are "allowed"?[/quote] In theory, only one is needed. The first defeat a character suffers should take him or her out of that particular fight. In practice, that may be too naïve. If brigandry (attacks by non-participating players) is very heavy, then I might rule that only defeats from participating characters "count" for knocking a participant out of a particular fight, or that one can take multiple defeats from brigands before being knocked out. So if a character is hit by many brigands, I might say that it takes (to use a random number) 3 defeats from brigands to put him or her "down". My only basis of comparison - the Bell's invasion of Necrovion - had only two sides, and neutral observers stayed out of the fight. These fights do not take long either way - part of the reason for the long interval between fights is that it gives us time to review the fight logs and figure out what "actually" happened. I am pretty sure the Necrovion invasion battle worked that way, with people removing themselves when defeated and the logs being scrutinized after the fact to determine who had been "killed" by whom. It is conceivable that we will just keep having fight rounds until questers withstand attacks on their own long enough to determine a marker-moving win, because the fight map "marker" can be moved regardless of outside attacks. If one side or the other had someone "left standing" after all other quest-fight participants had been knocked out, that determines which direction the marker will move even if the last quest-fighter is subsequently taken down by brigands before she or he can get to the Sanctuary. Does that make sense? [quote name="Kyphis"]I will be keeping the time stamped logs for each healing fight I do, and will be sending them to you so you can make sure only those who are already defeated for that round are healing off me (I assume your rules prevent the normal combatants from useing external healing like that, I'm not about to tell people not to heal off me or punish them for it, that's your job. If I am interpreting that incorrectly please say so).[/quote] You can really only keep logs of fights you initiate, so there's not a problem. I think it is fair to let people attack your healing ritual to heal their creatures, but you might want to stand clear of the actual fight so your ritual doesn't get abused by questers or anyone else. What I have in mind is your coming to the sanctuary between fights and offering to use the healing ritual on fighters in the interim period. I really can't stop people from taking advantage of your service - I see you as a Red Cross sort of character in this conflict, offering healing to any who ask for it (subject to your consent). You don't need to keep logs at all! If, however, someone, whether a quester or not, persistently breaks your Nutcracker ritual in an abusive way, please inform me, Mya, Pample, or Fenrir. It's bad form to attack a neutral healer, and such actions will be taken into account when quest rewards are distributed. Since I am, in theory, open to considering non-quest participants as recipients of rewards, your input may make quite a difference.

[i]To Say Nothing of the Dog[/i], Connie Willis. Her humor is understated and dry, but she is very, very funny. Fans of Douglas Adams might find a lot to like here.

[quote name='Grido' date='09 June 2010 - 09:36 AM' timestamp='1276094184' post='61467'] Can i list myself as none of the above? [/quote] Yes. Unless I misunderstand you, I presume you are simply not wanting to participate in this part of the quest according to the rules as I have defined them. The quest makes no demands on players not directly "involved", as I have told Burns and Totenkopf. Free radicals, if you will, are part of the experience of MagicDuel, and questers must be prepared to handle semi-random (or deliberate) brigandry.

Factional fighters (as distinct from mercs, but including mercs who have selected a side): Mya - his awesomeness Metal Bunny, Darigan, Amoran, Marv, phantasm, Sparrhawk, Sagewoman, Phantom Orchid, Junior, argos, and King Bull. Ivorak - Handy Pockets, Pazur, Atlas, Dmik King, Leixer, Sasha Lilias, Assira the Black, Mourn, apophys, Pipstickz, SilverBlades, nightfire, Mr Mystery, redneck, and Keith Moon. I will update this list and the free agents roster as needed.

You are very welcome to participate, 'kets.

[center][u][b]The Fight Map[/b][/u][/center] Think of it like a scale centered on the Gazebo of Equilibrium. [center]6_3x-1_1 "Mya's home base" 6_3x-3_1 6_2x-5_1 (sanc: Indexed room of memories) 3_1x0_1 Heresy Lane (sanc: Wind's Sanctuary) Angien's Ferry GoE (sanc: Berserker's Way) Plains of Deceit 7_ascent_1 7_statuehalldoor_1 Jesters streets 7_pwterrace_1 --->7_templedoor_1 "Ivorak's home base"<--- [/center] Because of the natural "terrain" of the fight "map", each side has a different tactical advantage. This is all pretty hypothetical... I am sure someone will come along with better ideas (I am open to suggestions). The idea to have a series of fights leading across the MagicDuel map. Deviation from these locations is acceptable, if parties led by Mya or Ivorak decide to fight elsewhere than these locations. Just remember that at least 1 hour server must elapse between fights, and that the fights should lead in the general direction of either the Tribunal or the labyrinth, depending on which side is winning the fights at that point. All fighters must remain in sanctuaries between fighting periods - this is to prevent the Lorerootians and other allied fighters from gaining a healing advantage over the Necrovians. Healing should come from spells or votes, not from walking on native turf. As there are no sanctuaries in the Tribunal lands, fighters will have to make their way back to Berserker's Way between fights (sorry). The climactic fight at either end of the map may involve some trickery or special tactics. I hope most of you find this part of the quest entertaining.

If you wish to be considered for a reward, obey [url="http://magicduel.invisionzone.com/topic/7184-mya-celestia-is-dead/page__view__findpost__p__61418"]the quest's fighting rules[/url] and mark yourself as a renegade. If, however, you merely wish to increase the chaos, you need do nothing at all.

[quote name='Indyra' date='09 June 2010 - 03:19 AM' timestamp='1276071591' post='61420'] *coughs* what if i don't want to be part of any...i prefer to observe things than to actually get involved in them and i consider that my investigations do not need fighting more than thinking...do i really need to make myself noticed by fighting in order to have a chance at this quest ? [/quote] No, you do not have to participate in the fighting. Mediatiors, observers, and healers are quite welcome.

[center][size="6"][b][u]Mya Celestia Is Dead! Act II: Conflict[/u][/b][/size] [/center] [u][b]Fighting Rules[/b][/u] All right, here are the fighting rules for people [i]involved in the story quest[/i]. Others can do whatever they want, but are less likely to get any reward since they're doing their own thing. [list] [*]No more than 3 drachorns in one ritual. [*]No more than 1 of any given kind of drachorn in one ritual. [*]No more than 2 of the same type of creature in one ritual (shop equivalents, such as BloodPact archers, pimped grasans, and Soulweavers, count as separate types of creature for this purpose). [*]Offensive vitality must be set to 100%. [*]All [u]attackers[/u] must send their fight logs to me, Mya Celestia, Pamplemousse, or Fenrir Greycloth so we know that rituals used in the quest are legitimate. [*]There is no restriction on the use of spells. [/list] The first round of fights will occur at GoE. Anyone can join, but those who have not been visibly part of the quest (if you have any doubts, assume you need to do this) should note in their own PLs which "side" they represent: Mya (and Darigan and friends), Ivorak (and co-conspirators), Renegade (people who want to attack everyone but still agree to abide by the rules of this phase of the contest), or Noncombatant (participating in the quest, but staying out of fights). The fights will function as follows: everyone participating in a quest-related fight will fight until their rituals are defeated. Any Sheath result from a duel is a defeat. Defeated participants should retire to the designated sanctuary as soon as they are aware they have been defeated (the honor system worked well in the invasion of Necrovion battle, and I hope it will continue to work well here). Duels will continue until the last participants are "standing". One side or the other must prevail (renegades, if they "win", don't move the fight map). After the fight, all participants will retire to a designated sanctuary area for at least one hour, server time. After the fight, the next fight location will be announced based on [url="http://magicduel.invisionzone.com/topic/7184-mya-celestia-is-dead/page__view__findpost__p__61439"]the fight map[/url]. Victories for Mya's side will move the fight map toward the Tribunal lands (substituting for Necrovion), while victories for Ivo's side will move the fight map toward the MDA (substituting for Loreroot). Quest fights will occur from 06:00 to 24:00 [u]server time[/u]. This policy may prove inconvenient for those on my side of the Atlantic (or Pacific, for that matter), but I feel it is important to give our European friends ample opportunity to join such fun as there is to be had. We must to battle lest the reasons for it be forgotten! The first fight will occur at 06:00 on one of Day 161. [b]Explanations:[/b] I want to see creative rituals and interesting fights. The 100% VE setting on offense will minimize the use of tokens. This is not so easily done on defense, but it's as fair as I can make it. I also want to keep creatureboost under control: hence the limitation on creatures of the same type. The locations of the labyrinth and Eastern Lands give the fights an area any character can reach, whereas Loreroot is closed to some and Necrovion is closed to most. [u][b]Mercenaries[/b][/u] If you have [url="http://magicduel.invisionzone.com/topic/7190-mercenaries-wanted/page__view__findpost__p__60891"]signed up to be a mercenary[/url], seek me out for your silver coin (unless you don't care, as some have said they do not). Kamisha, Dmik King, Mourn, and Mr Mystery have received the "sign-up bonus" already. Mercenaries will receive 1 silver coin for each fight they participate in, or 2 for each Sword result they get (does not have to be Sword Balance). I have a finite amount of silver, but I will find a way to pay everyone... I promise. There will also be bonuses for outstanding performance in the line of duty. Kyphis - you will be allowed to invite recuperating duelists outside the sanctuary for creature-healing purposes. [u][b]A word about rewards[/b][/u] There is a perception that this is a roleplayed quest for roleplayers only. That is not the case. It IS, however, a quest for those who want to express themselves more than solve puzzles. The only requirement for participation is involvement, with the caveat that people involved in multiple stages of the story will be given precedence over those who have not. Have you helped the "story" of this quest along? Have you made an utter wreck of things to the delight of Discordians everywhere? In either case, you will be considered for a reward. If you haven't, well, I hope you at least found something in it that was a little bit fun. And those of you who have had fun will understand that "the play's the thing." At this time, roughly half the people being considered for Wish Points are non-Lorerootians. There is still roleplaying to be done and there are still duels to fight, or failing that, chaos to be wreaked. So if you hated the first part or missed out, cheer up! You can still get in on the action. The drachorn will probably be awarded on a MVP (most valuable player) basis, which I am currently thinking of putting to a public vote.

[quote name='Totenkopf' date='08 June 2010 - 01:10 PM' timestamp='1276020628' post='61381'] On Topic: Can you be neutral or against both or something? [/quote] Yes. Burns and others have expressed a desire to interfere. That's fine with me - such is life in MagicDuel. More information on the fights will be posted soon.

Kyphis, your participation is both noted and greatly appreciated. Totenkopf and others - I hope to structure a series of fights from the MDA to the Tribunal lands. Coordinating players in different time zones is tricky, so we'll see what happens. My hope is that there will be enough fights to entertain, join, or interfere with, and that they will make some kind of narrative sense.

There is still more to come. We are now at Act II, conflict. Darigan, my good man, assemble a team of fighters. Ivorak should do the same. If the Seal of Six wants in on the action, they are welcome. I would like to meet with each group leader (eg, Darigan, Ivo, and Pip) to discuss the terms of victory and defeat. These fights will be FOR something, a good reason, not just fighting for fighting's sake (though there's nothing wrong with that). We have a good number of mercenaries lined up, so let me know if your party requires any. Strength and honour!

To reiterate, and clarify, the Eclipse is not a separate faction from the Guardians. Frictions between our members have arisen, but we work to resolve them as quickly as possible. Loreroot prides itself on diversity, but there is an important caveat: [i]personal differences will not shape Eclipse policy.[/i] We of the Eclipse support the king, period, end of story. Does the king make mistakes? He is human. We do not discuss his mortal frailty with outsiders (and I, who am not renowned for my kindness or patience, tend to quash grumbling in Eclipse ranks entirely). I grow impatient with this discussion. It makes Loreroot seem weak. I have asked you politely, Princ Rhaegar, my friend and ally, to desist. You have decided not only to disregard my advice, but to sharpen your criticism. You undermine the king's authority with this public "discussion", and I cannot abide that. I like the idea of the Rangers very much, but my duty is to Loreroot and its king first. Consider the implications of your words, and seek another avenue of approach.

I was interested in this group until the king disbanded it. The Eclipse serves the king in all secular matters. I will discourage any knight or priestess, on potential sanctions up to and including dismissal, from having any affiliation with an organisation that does not have the king's favour. Princ Rhaegar, my brother, my friend: stand down, I beg you. This is a simple matter. We serve the king, and the king's word is law. Were the king to interfere with our religious activities, we might lodge a formal complaint, but even then we, as Lorerootians, must do as our king bids us. Firsanthalas is no tyrant, and there is no reason whatever to challenge his authority on this or any other matter. [i]Edit: and let us show a unified Loreroot, for all love. Let not outsiders say of Loreroot that we are weak, decadent, or divided. It is incumbent upon us as alliance leaders to set examples for all persons under our responsibility.[/i]

Happy birthday.

Thank you, Awi. My name is Sebastian, for those who care about such things. Lucius, Keith, and Konstantin are my masks in MagicDuel, and it is probably prudent to just call me 'Tarq', as so many do. I don't understand why a thoughtful post gets neg-repped, but I consider you to have contributed more than a little to this story-quest-experiment-thing. And I hope you, as some others have, will find something in it to entertain you.

[quote name='Sasha Lilias' date='04 June 2010 - 12:59 PM' timestamp='1275674371' post='61007'] I don't think we can in any "normal" way..though:[/quote] Unless I am very much mistaken, you can speak with her as far as the system is concerned. If Mya chooses to make communication with her "ghost" more difficult and flavorful, I applaud her inventiveness. Don't rein Toten in, please. He is providing some much-needed humor in a somewhat acrimonious time.

I cannot speak for Yrthilian, but I no longer have the dream control. That's probably for the best. Can you not speak to Mya's "spirit" at the GoE, where her body lies?

Burns - Yes, you don't have to be "registered" to take part in the Conflict section of the "quest" - you can simply interfere. That's MagicDuel. I am hoping to get some mercenaries who will take direction, but we will cope with whatever happens. I'm sorry the setup was boring, even if it's not quite over, but the problem with using real events in MD is that one cannot really control them. You aren't the only person who likes to interfere, and managing multiple Player Characters even nominally working together can be difficult. Seeker - I hope it starts fairly soon. I don't see this as a one-time event, but hopefully duels that take place over time. Right now I'm simply trying to get a feel for what I have to work with. Let me know what kind of "wage" you might want, as I doubt you are in it for the silver. Marv, Mr. Mystery, apophys, Kamisha, Udgard, Nex, argos, Jtz Champion, asterdai, Mourn, tigerguardian - thanks. Consider yourselves hired. I'll be in touch. argos - you don't have to know Mya or even care what happens. You only have to want to fight, and be willing to take a small bit of instruction in exchange for silver coins. [b]I will edit this post as people respond affirmatively[/b]