{"id":1997,"date":"2024-03-21T17:20:48","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T17:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=1997"},"modified":"2024-03-21T17:20:48","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T17:20:48","slug":"cry-of-despair-154","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/cry-of-despair-154\/","title":{"rendered":"Cry of Despair #154"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color\">Khazad and Urukhai: more news from the Keep; Vortok: fixing PK and the WORLD!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"cryofdespair\">\n               _____\n   *          ( ____)           .    +          .\n        +     ( ____)\n   .          ( ____)                               *\n              ( ____)      +\n              ( ____)                      \n          .   ( ____)    +            .\n  +           ( ____)             ______ ______ ______   ______ ______\n    \/\\______\/|:_____:|\\______\/\\  |   (__   () |    | | |    ) |    __|\n   (( ======= ------- ======= )) |______)___|\\_\\___   | |______;___|\n    \\_________________________\/                |______|\n              |::|  |  ______ ______ _______ ______ ______ ___ ______\n Number 154   |::|  | |   _) \\  \\___|(_   (_   () |    . |   |   () |\n              |::|  | |______\/______|__)____)    __|____|_;___;___|\\_\\\n ------------ |::|  | --------------------- |___| --------------------\n ------------ |::|  | --------------------- |___| --------------------\n [Editor]     |::|  | [Staff]\n Kadgeon      |::|  |  Kadgeon Vortok\n              |::|  | \n [Printer]    |::|  | [Contributors]\n Falennt      |::|  |  Romani, Obsidianna, Stoneheft, Stela, Klaatu \n              |::|  | \n              |::|  |  For the month of April and May\n ------------ |::|  | ------------------------------------------------\n\n See HELP CRY2 for the table of contents.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 2    \\\/    Table of Contents\n\n This Month's Special:\n   Guild Spotlight: Hubris GoW     - Romani          CRY3-5\n   Guild Spotlight: Sven GoF       - Romani          CRY6-8\n   Check Back Next Month           - Kadgeon         CRY9\n\n Guild News     \n   GoV                             - Obsidianna      CRY10\n\n Order News\n   Order of Sanctus Irae            - Kadgeon         CRY11-12\n\n Nation News\n   Khazad (Dwarf)                   - Stoneheft       CRY13\n   Hobbit (Halfling)                - Kadgeon         CRY14\n   Uruk'hai (Half-Ogre)             - Klaatu          CRY15-16\n   Elohai (Half-Elf)                - Stela           CRY17\n\n TS News                            \n   TS Passes                        - Romani          CRY18\n\n Announcements and Advertisements\n   Weddings                         - Romani          CRY19\n   Nation Olympics                  - Romani          CRY20\n   Advertise With the Cry           - Romani          CRY21\n   Roleplay Wiki:http:\/\/realmsroleplay.wikidot.com\/   CRY22\n\n Realms Living\n   Funny Titles                                       CRY23-24\n\n  Cry of Despair Staff\n  Ask COE                                             CRY25\n  Wanted - DEAD!                                      CRY26\n  Institutional Plan to Save PK        - Vortok       CRY27-41\n  Research Project                     - Vortok       CRY42-45\n  Letter from the Editor                              CRY46\n  Write for the Cry                                   CRY47\n  From Falennt's Inkwell                              CRY48\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 3    \\\/    Guild Spotlight: Hubris- Romani\n\nLong ago, a band of brothers, whose fame in battle far surpassed the\n other occupants of the realms, came together to form the Guild of Warriors.\n They put forward the proposition to Duke Luther, in which they would train\n all those who followed the path of the warrior in the art of warfare.\n\n Today, this guild still thrives, bringing forth the most skilled \n and artistic elements of combat to those who wish to enlist themselves\n in the ardious journey to train as a warrior.\n\nJoin us and learn a little about the Guildmaster of GoW!\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 4    \\\/    Guild Spotlight: Hubris contd -Romani\n\nHubris  10 Questions+1!\n\n1) How long have you been on RoD?\n Since 1995, not sure at what part of the year it was I joined.\n\n2) How long ago did you join your organization?\n The same year, 1995.  Once I reached L25\n\n3) How long ago did you become the leader in your org?\n The first time I believe it was early 1997.  This time October, 2009.\n\n4) How did you become the leader of your org?\n I was asked to become leader by the outgoing GM, Ryals.  I was elected\nthe first time though.\n\n5) How have you changed your org? Or helped keep it from changing?\n Honestly, all I've done is try to keep things stable and running.  I would\nlike more activity and am still working on that.  For myself as well.\n\n6) How have you seen your org change over time?\n GoW has distilled down to a cadre of 'leet fighters who mentor the sporadic\nraw recruits.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 5    \\\/    Guild Spotlight: Hubris (contd) -Romani\n\n7) What would you say is the most fun about being in your org?\n Other than running together, just hanging out and chatting with fellow\nwarriors at recall or in the Krigare Lounge.\n\n8) What is the funniest thing that has happened in your org?\n There are so many funny moments.  Alas, they are all NSFW.  Sorry.\n\n9) Is there anything you miss about not being a leader?\n I'd miss outcasting those who disagree with me.  J\/k, when I step down I'll\nmiss all the time I managed to spend in productive activities like typing\nnotes when I could've been wasting my time killing things.\n\n10) Where do you see your org going\/doing in the future?\n GoW will grow in membership, become better organized and more dynamic.\nWe'll do this with Magic.  Oh, we don't use Magic, it'll have to be hard work.\n\n11) Is your org currently accepting applications?\n Of course we are.  Come see us when you reach level 15 and we'll welcome\nyou.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 6    \\\/    Guild Spotlight: Sven -Romani\n\nAdept at both physical combat and the magicks of the sea,\nmembers of the Guild of Fathomers  strive to become masters of the\nseafaring arts, while helping new recruits learn and explore\ntheir environment.\n\nThe Shattering, as it has come to be known, had divided all the\nlands and people. Those who had  known the seas for much of their\nlife found either a restless sleep in the locker of the deep,\nor found themselves washed up upon shores both unknown and familiar.\nScattered, bruised, and few in numbers the Fathomers began\nlooking for a new home.\n\n                  Continue on to CRY7 to learn more about the GoF Guildmater\nSven!\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 7    \\\/    Guild Spotlight: Sven -Romani\n\nSven  10 Questions + 1\n\n1) How long have you been on RoD?\n Since 1996, or 15-16 years.\n\n2) How long ago did you join your organization?\n I have been with GoF in some incarnation since its founding.\n\n3) How long ago did you become the leader in your org?\n I do not recall precisely. A couple of years ago.\n\n4) How did you become the leader of your org?\n I was promoted from first on the old leaders retirement. I was elected into\nleadership (2nd) initially.\n\n5) How have you changed your org? Or helped keep it from changing?\n The mobility of the GuildShip came to pass under my leadership. Anchors\naway!\n\n6) How have you seen your org change over time?\n GoF has changed little. It remains a guild of alts, and suffers that burden\nunder a depleted pbase.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 8    \\\/    Guild Spotlight: Sven (contd)- Romani\n\n7)  What would you say is the most fun about being in your org?\nSailing the open seas, of course.\n\n8) What is the funniest thing that has happened in your org?\n Mainwarric used to say some pretty outrageous things...\n\n9)  Is there anything you miss about not being a leader?\nMy duties as leader here do not impair my play in any capacity.\n\n10) Where do you see your org going\/doing in the future?\n I'd like to attract new players to the guild, though fathomer seems to be\nan uncommon choice for the novice. Couple that with a reasonably low number of\nnew players, and it is hard conceptualize the \"future\".\n\n+1) Is your org currently accepting applications?\n Of course. In fact, GoF currently has an open-induction policy.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 9    \\\/    Guild Spotlight: May - \n\n       Alright folks check back with us next month to read about\nMelindora from GoN and Drulialirica from GoT!\n\n  Keep reading for more on the leaders of the different organizations\n  of RoD!\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 10    \\\/    Guild of Vampire News - Obsidianna\n The Guild of Vampires would like to welcome and congratulate \n\nVladivostok and Dimitra to the leadership of GoV! \n\nWe would also like to welcome Dandash and Mithelios to GoV!\n\nNext month we will post the results of our quarterly guild quest and \nhope to see everyone at IGQC!\n\n'May the shadows of the night protect us and give us strength'\nVisit us at 4s, 3w, 3n of the [] and at vampires.silverwolf-den.com\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 11    \\\/    Order of Sanctus Irae - Kadgeon\n\nNews from the City of Lions\nThe W\/te\/rs Are M\/n\\e\n*The writing in the letter seems to be written very fast, as much of the\n letter isn't legible.*\n \nIt has been \/\/\\\\\/ since my \/\/\\\\\\\/ was removed from the \/\/\\\\\\.\n Let it be \/\/\/\\\\\\\\ that it is still \/\/ne. Due to our history I \n\\\\\/\/\/ to give you this war\/\/\\g. Keep out of the wa\/\\\\s, \nas they are my home.\n \n                           *Signed with a word*\n                                   Roo\n\nThe seasons are ever changing in The City of Lions, and the people who live \nthere are as changing as the weather. They come and they go, and sometimes \nthey come back or they disappear never to be seen or heard from again. \nHowever, recently several... \n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 12    \\\/    Order of Sanctus Irae (Contd) -Kadgeon\n\ncitizens have decided to return to Irae, and they bring with them \nexciting adventures and new faces. Rumors of a new Queen of Thieves \nhave emerged and the guards of Irae are already trying to catch her \nbefore she can become too much of a problem for them. \n\nA new student of the Conservatory has arrived and  everyone waits to \nsee what talents awaken in him. \n\nOOC:  We would like to thank Baldric for all of his hard work as \nour Leader for many years now, and wish him all the luck in the world as he \ngoes on to follow  his dreams IRL!\n\nIn stepping down Talisha has been asked to be our Leader and \nwe look forward to her long, and successful reign! A welcome back for \nAlaunshar and Kadgeon! May RP be plentiful and exciting!\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 13    \\\/    Khazad News - Stoneheft\n\nThe Petersen boy is still not talking about the incident at the keep, \nbut his family reports that he is healthy able has returned to working \nat the quarry. I tried further afield, with magic users of the human race, \nto see what I might learn about the minotaur race and the potential of \nan imbued afterlife.  Many of the magi agree that it is quite possible, they \ntried to explain it using their dweomercraft terms which I don't fully \nunderstand...\n\nbut I could get the idea that the mixture of magicks that both created and \nmaintain their truly evil race can create something similar to the unholy \nmagic of necromancers at their more elaborate funerals. That said, I looked \ninto it and discovered that there had been a death in the Mahn-Tor \nfamily the week before Hammerarc's trade party had sheltered \nat the keep. The seer of Darkhaven confirmed that the old spirits \nwill be in high spirits when another of their royals come through to \nthe next plane.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 14    \\\/    Hobbit News - Kadgeon\n\n                     **From the desk of the Thain**\n\nHello my loyal Hobbits! Let us start out on a somber note and give our \ndeepest sympathies to the Elohai  for the loss of Jana de Lioncourt. \nTo lose someone and know their fate is hard, but to lose someone and  \nnot know for sure what happened is far worse. Let it be known that we as \na Nation will do anything we can to help the Elohai in their time of mourning. \n\nOn a lighter note everyone begin preparing for the Olympics!! \nTheyll be here before you know it! \n\n                             Forever In the Service Of Her People,\n                                             Thain Kadgeon Silverblood\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 15    \\\/    Urukhai News - Klaatu\n\nFrom the Opallinoc News Bureau for April 2012\n\nDateline the Keep of Mahn-Tor - Catacombs discovered\n\nZontar, leader of the Uruk'hai Expeditionary Force, has \"purchased\" information\nfrom various innkeepers in Edel, Mahn-tor and other exotic locales. Piecing\ntogether the story of a Hammerarc caravan and tidbits gleaned from the ears of\nthe innkeepers, the entrance to the Catacombs of Mahn-tor has been discovered.\nVolstagg the catacomb deweller, a reknown expert of those places has been given\nfunding to explore the place further. Great rumors of the fabled lost Minotaur\ntreasures being hidden in the catacombs are electrifying the ears of many.\n\nDateline Solace -Dragon Threats\n\nRumors have been heard from the patrons of the Inn of the Last Home, in Solace,\nthat the great dragon Tuzzirath has returned. More information on this story is\nbeing sought from Captain Mandor and Lieutenant Nelson.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 16    \\\/    Urukhai - Klaatu\n\nDateline Von Deusen's Mausoleum\n\nVolstagg the Catacomb Dweller, during his patronage of taverns, inns and other\ndens of iniquities throughout the Realms, has tuned in on a rumor of Lady Von\nDeusen being resurrected. The means of this MIRACULOUS event occurring is held\nin the utmost secrecy by a very select few.\n\n\n\nThe baker checks the temperature of the oven, holding a hand near.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 17    \\\/    Elohai News - Stela\n\nAnd she was gone.\n \nA dark tide washes over, and the Shining City's Bright light appears to dim.\n \nMemorial services for Jana de Lioncourt, Nefari Dinen and Keeper of the Second\nSeat upon Elohai Arnen, will be held upon the next Day of Syriac, this upcoming\nmonth.\n \nSix long months have passed since her sudden disappearance, and it is with\ngreat reluctance that the Elohai Arnen must admit her inevitable demise.  It\nis unknown upon which mission she may have been when tragedy befell her, but\nthrough all means mystical, practical, and possible it has been determined\nthat her life no longer exists upon these Realms.\n \nHer seat shall remain shrouded in black, vacant and unoccupied, for the next\nmonth.  At wihch point, with the direction and assistance of the Elohai Arnen,\nanother shall be appointed\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 18    \\\/    TS Passes - Romani\n\n1 AC to cost 25 glory down from 100\n\n-1 save to cost 40 glory down from 100\n\n-5 AC to cost 25 glory down from 50\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 19    \\\/    Wedding - Romani\n\nWedding Announcement \nC._.\"._.\"._.\"._.\"._.\"._._.\"._.\"._.\"._.\"\n\n\n                Congratulations to the Happy Couple: \n\n                         Kisuke and Satine\n\n                       Married March 7, 2012\n\n\nC._.\"._.\"._.\"._.\"._.\"._._.\"._.\"._.\"._.\"\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 20    \\\/    Nation Olympics - Romani\n \n\n           \/|\n        \/\\\/ |\/\\\n        \\  \/\\  | \/\\  \/\\\n  (\\\/\\  \/ '   \/\\\/  )\/' )\n   \\  \\\/' \/\\       '  \/   The 2012 Nation Olympics\n    )'       ' \\     (\n   (   '   '      '\\  )\n    \\___\\\/____\/______\/     Is coming this summer  \n    [________________]\n     |     \/\/\\\\     |\n     |    ((()))    |\n     |     \\\\\/\/     | The Nation Olympics consists of\n      \\____________\/  quests lasting one week and will\n          |    |      begin mid\/late summer. \n          |    |\n          |    |      Check your Nation board for more\n          |    |      information as it becomes available.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 21    \\\/    Advertise With the Cry \n\nAdvertise with the Cry of Despair!\n\nDo you own a bot?  \nAre you looking to sell a few things and make a little gold?\nThe Cry of Despair is a great place to advertise your wares!  \nLet people know where you park your sellbots, afterall, people need to \nknow where you are in order for you to get their gold!\n\nAre you looking to buy something? Place an advertisement in the Cry! \nWho knows, maybe someone is looking to sell what you are looking to buy\n\nJust write up a little advertisement and mudmail it to Kadgeon, or post \nit on the CoD Public board located e,s,3u,w from Darkhaven Square \nand your advertisement will be published in the next issue!\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 22    \\\/    Roleplay Wiki - http:\/\/realmsroleplay.wikidot.com\n \nFor those seeking to feed their Inner RP Demons there is a wiki \nsite available with many sections including (but not limited to) \nNations, Roleplay culture, literature, arena, RP archives, order RP, \nPlaces to RP, player organized groups, diaries etc.\n \nWe encourage contributions to this mud-wide RP archive and history. If \nyou require assistance in helping to set up a section in the wiki \nplease contact Falennt or Romani for information or follow the handy \nguide in the right hand side of the wiki.\n \nTake the time to become part of this RP rich world which lurks in \nvirtually every part of RoD. Visit http:\/\/realmsroleplay.wikidot.com!\n\nFalennt and Romani\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 23    \\\/    Funny Titles \n\nDesperada. Theres never time to do all the nothing you want\n\nAbelard steals Romani's chocolate and hides it in the safe.\n\nFlorence remembers her saying, \"I'm already dead.\"\n\nMelindora, the Wicked Witch of the Wyrm [Gilledian]\n\nMinda is susceptible to blunts [CoL]\n\nKraveyn is Dying, Five for Fighting style.\n\nAulerot knows what happens in the square! \n\nRaveyn:Daydream believer and former homecoming queen.\n\nCellador drugs are bad mkay.\n\nLady Chyrse has a heart of gold but murders for thrills...\n\nNittan is a figment of your imagination.\n\nJoe is following you, but not on twitter....\n\nHammerheim the slayer of immortals and lover of kitties.\n\nFiorentina  blankety blank blank blank.\n\nNaomi chokes all of her problems.\n\nSakura's silverware is made of GOLD\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 24    \\\/    Funny Titles \n\nLola la la la la loooolaaaaa.\n\nRomani: We are so excited about spring we wet our plants.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 25    \\\/    Ask CoE\n\nQuestions for the Council of Elders? Wanting to ask about their vision of the\nfuture? Interested in knowing what's Kali's favorite spaghetti sauce, or which\nmight most likely to be the next overhaul of races and classes?\n\nMudmail Editor Kadgeon with your queries or post them on the CoD board e,s,\n3u, and east from the []! \n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 26    \\\/    WANTED! \n\nAlright you PKers! You want the skin of So and SO?! Not on when they\n\nare? Thats ok put a bounty on their head! Mudmail Kadgeon!\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 27    \\\/   Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n                TABLE OF CONTENTS\n                                                     Vol\n                                   \n- Introduction........................02\n \n- Background of the Problem...........03\n  -- Problem Statement................03\n  -- Purpose Statement................03\n  -- Impact on PKill..................03\n- General List of Problems\/Solutions..04\n  -- Attitude.........................04\n  -- PKill Conclave...................05\n  -- Leadership Philosophy............06\n  -- Player Base......................07\n  -- Code Alterations.................08\n -- \"Balance\"........................09\n\n(Continued CRY28)\n\n\nhelp cry28\nCRY28\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 28    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\n  -- Dynamic Environment..............10\n- Closing Comments....................11\n -- Reality Check....................11\n\n(Continued CRY29)\n\nhelp cry29\nCRY29\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 29    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nDear PKC (though there is really no such thing),\n  \nINTRODUCTION:\nIn the volumes to follow, you will find my suggestions\nto \"save\" pkill. For many years, the terms \"save\" and\n\"killed\" pkill have been tossed around in jest in\nreference to a number of individual people, actions,\nand ideas that may or may not have been one of many\nthings that actually led to the current player base,\nmorale within, and interest in the pkill community.\n \nFor an instant, I would encourage the pkill community\nto take a step back, and consider the impact of these\nsuggestions from an unbias standpoint. Respectively,\nI challenge the administrative (immortal) community to\nconsider these recommendations with an open mind, void\n(Continued CRY30)\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 30    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nof all past experience, and see this from a logical\nperspective.\n\nPROBLEM STATEMENT:\nDynamic and complex MUDs maintain the interest of both\nthe players, and as a result the administrators, forming\na self-fueling cycle for success (Towell Towell, 1997).\nWith regards to PK, RoD no longer maintains a dynamic\nor complex PK environment, thus both players and immortal\nadministrations have largely lost interest in the system.\n \nPURPOSE STATEMENT:\nThe purpose of this plan is to re-energize the player and\nimmortal staff in an effort to, over time, revive PK.\n(Continued CRY31)\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 31    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nIMPACT ON PKILL:\nIncreased player and admin investment will engage current\nplayers\/admins and attract new people.\n\nReferences:\nTowell, J. Towell, E. (1997). \"Presence in Text-Based\n   Networked Virtual Environments or \"MUDS\"\". Presence 6\n  (5): 590-595.\n\nProblem #1:  Attitude\nAttitudes are infectious, this fact is proven by scolars\nand practitioners worldwide. Within the PK community,\na history of aggressive, negative, and selfish attitudes\nhave plagued the community. Given the nature of PK, this\nis not much of a surprise. Players kill for \"loot\" which\ngenerates greed; players compete for status, which can\naffect teamwork and esprit de corps; and players warrior\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 32    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nnature, much like Klingons in Star Trek, leave them w\/\nlittle concern about larger, more social requirements\nneeded for a community to thrive.\n \nPK players need to think big. Unlike the peaceful world,\nPKers have rarely contributed to social, infrastructure,\nand esprit de corps growth within the community. PKers\nneed to develop areas, constructively (and respectfully)\nconvey ideas to the administrative staff, and make an\neffort to become part of the solution, rather than idle\nor complain about insignificant issues. That energy\ncould be better served if directed at the foregoing.\nProblem #2:  PKill Conclave\n \nIt is a fact, that when given responsibilty and a sense\nof ownership over a person(s), program, or process,\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 33    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\npeople will generally work harder to see those things\nsucceed. While not always appropriately staffed, the PK\nConclave gave players a sense of belonging, a voice,\nand a symbolic organization to serve on their behalf.\n \nI have witness the success and failure of this council,\nand it was not the \"council\" or concept of it that\nfailed, it was the leadership\/membership. A properly\nled and staffed PK, rewarded for engagement, and\nappropriately empowered to make change will be more\nbeneficial (as proven by history) than no PKC or the\ncurrent \"You are all special, so really no one is\nspecial\" PKC model.  \n \nThe key here is PROPERLY LED; otherwise, this idea is\nas much of a failure as the current process.\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 34    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nProblem #3:  Leadership\n \nAlong the lines of attitude, and the PKC, comes the\nlack of \"leadership\" within the PK community.\n \nLike it or not, this MuD is an organization with a\ncommunity of people who possess free will, feelings,\nand require structure, challenges, and entertainment.\nWith the except of a select few in the history of PK,\nmany clan leaders (unlike a much larger percentage of\norder and guild leaders) demonstrate leadership\nbeyond that demonstrated in combat. Unfortunately,\nthe concept of leadership involves a lot more than\nbeing the best pkiller, being active, having gear,\nor being popular.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 35    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nLeaders in PK need to LEAD their orgs, not just in PK,\nbut through training, conduct, and development as a\ndeadly. Leaders should be, on a monthly basis, posting\nin the Cry of Despair, host activities for followers\nto engage in, ensuring their followers ideas are\nrepresented, and building an environment that is\nattractive to peaceful players who largely view PK\nas a negative, black-sheep community.\n\nProblem  #4:  Player Base\n \nPlayer base is an issue that is, largely, our of the\nhands of most individual players. MUDs in general\nare diminishing, and thus the PK base as a percentage\nof the total player base will diminishing at a more\nalarming rate.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 36    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nWhile I believe targeting the larger player base\nproblem is the responsibility of the immortal staff,\nthe PK player base can, as stated in the leader note,\ncreate an environment that attracts more players to\nPKill. This should be a shared effort between both \nmortal and immortal players if it is to be successful.\n \nThis is probably the most difficult of all problems\nto tackle, and will be the slowest to resolve. It is\nalso too large to address appropriately within this\ntext.\n\nProblem #5:  Code Alterations\n \nCode alterations, like area development, generate\n(when properly implemented) enthusiasm and a better\nsense of gameplay within PK. This same catalyst for\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 37    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nsuccess, has also been a recipe for failure in many\ncases. Examples of poorly thought through code\nchanges that should be reversed, are LD trancing\n(since deadlies can't multiplay), mine gold changes,\nmultiplay hard-coded restrictions, and scrapping of\nPK equipment in deadly areas.\n \nAdditionally, adding a leaderset command to empower\na leader to set his\/her own staff would be more\nappropriate than the current methods.\n\nProblem #6:  \"Balance\"\nI think we all know the official definition, but\nhas the immortal staff truly considered the intent\nof \"balance\" within the realm? I would argue, that\nthe answer is \"no\" based on observation. \n\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 38    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nIf the intent is to make PK attractive, than there\nshould be an inherent benefit to deadly characters\nthat makes them more attractive than peaceful play.\nThis is a two-fold problem, since the primary mort\nand immortal base is \"really\" peaceful (Romani, I\nlove you, but you're not a deadly). RoD, for at\nleast the last 14 yrs I have been playing, is\ntailored to peaceful players, and every minor hint\nof advantage given to deadlies is neutralized or\nremoved. Even quaffing was nerfed for non-pk use.\n  \nIf the immortal staff wants PK to succeed, then\nthe archaic mindset needs to shift to a more\nliberal one. Adjusting the character sharing rule\nis a good example of what we need more of.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 39    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nProblem #7:  Dynamic Environment\n \nPK is always better when it changes. Deadly\ncharacters like change, new clans, new equipment,\nnew areas, new people to kill, and unique items\nthat they can brag about and fight to protect\nor acquire. Not to any fault of the current\nimmortal staff that have put a lot of work into\nPK, but a PK MUD, and keeping people engaged is\na difficult and admin-heavy task. I do not feel\nthe appropriate amount of resources are currently\ndedicated to the success of PK.\n\nI also understand the PK player base is only a\nfraction of the PF base, so the reality of PK\nexpecting to receive the level of dedication\nrequired for success is unrealistic on this MUD.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 40    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nIn fact, the effort\/playerbase ratio for PK\nsupport is probably higher than that of the PF\ncommunity when it comes to code implementation.\nThe sad truth is, this mud may never be a great\nPK MUD due to the primary focus\n\nCLOSING COMMENTS:\nThis article is not meant to point fingers or\ndetract from the work of the current administration,\neffort of the few current and past \"good\" leaders,\nnor is it directly referring to any one individual.\n \nThe odds of PK energizing are low, but it is in the\nrealm of the possible. For it to happen, players\nneed to step up and become more proactive in the\ncommunities development.  Additionally, a less\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 41    \\\/    Institutional Plan to Save PK - Vortok\n\nrestrictive, more involved administrative mind-\nset is needed, as PK and PF are not the same.\nUltimately, the fall of PK is largely due to mortal\nplayer attitudes, laziness, and greed. Attitude and\naction is the #1 obstacle to conquer if PK is to\nsurvive. This goes for mortals and immortals alike.\nWhat is presently in place is clearly not working,\nand it is clearly worse than what was done before,\nso perhaps we should go \"back to the start\" and\nundue some of the damage to give PK a chance.\n\nJason\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 42    \\\/    Research Project - Vortok\n\nA Research Project to Repopulate RoD\nProblem Statement:\nMembers are leaving the MUD, but very few are joining.\n \nPurpose Statement:\nTo analyze the cause of departure, and recommend ways to \nmaintain the current population, while recruitng new players.\n \nResearch Question:\nThis study attempts to answer, \"Why are players leaving, and how\ndo we effectively repopulate the MUD?\"\n \nMethodology:\nThis will be a mixed-methods study, incorporating both\nqualitative and quantitative procedures.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 43    \\\/    Research Project - Vortok\n\nHypothesis:\nH0a: Members are not leaving because of technology advances.\nH1a: Members are leaving because of technology advances.\n \nH0b: Members are not leaving because of game administration.\nH1b: Members are leaving because of game administration.\n \nH0c: Players are unlikely to join RoD, despite our efforts.\nH1c: Players are likely to join RoD w\/ the right efforts taken.\n\nSURVEY INSTRUCTIONS\n\nPlease mudmail your answers to the survey below to Vortok. The\nresults will be kept annonymous and the responses will only\nbe used to compile data, then they will be destroyed. Please\ndo not send more than one survey per real-world person playing.\nPlease answer honestly. Results will be published next month.\n (Continued CRY44)\nYentle the dwarf leaves north.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 44    \\\/    Research Project - Vortok\n\nSURVEY\nPlease answer the following questions using the scale below:\n1-Strong Disagree 2-Disagree 3-Nuetral 4-Agree 5-Strong Agree\n  \n1. I considered leaving due to the archaic gameplay of RoD\n\n2. I prefer games with a graphical interface over text-based\n\n3. I spend more time on FF Online, WoW, or similar MMO\n\n4. The administration properly runs the MUD\n\n5. The administration takes great efforts to retain players\n\n6. I feel all of the administrators are useful to the MUD\n\n7. I actively recruit new players to the MUD\n\n8. New players are likely to stay if they try the game once\n\n9. Kali makes me feel like I am important\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 45    \\\/    Research Project - Vortok\n\nThe following are optional discussion questions (sentences):\n\n10. Describe what would keep you on the MUD\n\n11. Describe what would be best to attract\/keep new players\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 46    \\\/    Letter From the Editor - Kadgeon\n\n    Dear Readers,\n                  I hope that all of you have enjoyed reading\nthis issue as much as I have enjoyed editing it! I also hope \nthat everyone will read the next one as it is to contain lots\nmore articles and tidbits!\n\n                     Sincerely,\n                             Kadgeon\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 47    \\\/    Write For The CRY\n\nWrite for the Cry!\n\nIf you are interested then please write a short note saying why you   \nwould like the position.  Please include your normal online times so \nthat the immortals can interview you. \n\nWe also welcome freelance editors. Do contact Falennt for more \ninformation.\n\nWe are also looking for more staff writers and freelancers. If you \nwould like to earn some income through writing just about anything, \nfeel free to speak with Falennt regarding your interest.\n\nOur Current Payment Rates\n\nEditor-in-Chief : 60 million gold per issue edited\nStaff Writers   : 4 million gold per page submitted.\n\nRegular freelancers  : 3 million gold per page submitted.\nOrganization Writers : 2 million gold per page submitted.\n\nThe Cry of Despair welcome all newbie and avatar writers alike. If \nyour passion is writing, do contact Falennt through mudmail or a tell.\n\nThank you in advance for your interest. \n\nN.B.: Staff Writer : Cry of Despair Staff, Regular Submissions required.\n  Freelancer   : Article submission not on regular basis, not required  \n                     to be on the Cry of Despair staff list.\n\n           \/\\                           \n _         )( _________________________________________________________  \n(_)\/\/\/\/\/\/\/(**)_________________________________________________________>  \n           )(                          \n Page 48    \\\/    Falennt's Inkwell - Falennt\n\nAnd we have a new Editor! She is not all unfamiliar to the citizens\nof the Realms, I believe. Kadgeon is our new Editor and I'm pleased to publish\nher very first copy of the Cry of Despair. We also welcome back Vortok as\npart of our staff and I hope that you would find his article on PK an \ninteresting and thoughtful read. \n\nWe are always looking for submissions, so do mudmail or send a tell to\nour new Editor, or myself. You can also email me directly at \n\nfalennt_sarien@hotmail.com\n\nshould you require any clarification or assistance with regards to the Cry.\n\nAccess to our old copies of Cry of Despair can be found currently at\n\nhttp:\/\/www.realmsofdespair.com\/cod\/index.phtml for Issues 01 to 102 \n\nhttp:\/\/thecryofdespair.wordpress.com\/ for Issues 103 to 150\n\nWe do apologize for any missing issues as some of these were not archived.\n\nAnd as always, have a great read!\n\nRegards\nFalennt\n\n<\/pre>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Khazad and Urukhai: more news from the Keep; Vortok: fixing PK and the WORLD! _____ * ( ____) . + . + ( ____) . ( ____) * ( ____) + ( ____) . ( ____) + . + ( ____) ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ \/\\______\/|:_____:|\\______\/\\ | (__ () | | | | )&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"class_list":["post-1997","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1997","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1997"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1997\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2022,"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1997\/revisions\/2022"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/realmsofdespair.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1997"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}