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Thank you Raesh for answering, but were we lied to when GM Edhala and Sithix both said there were documentation completed (it's what Sithix supposed to have to done as his "graduation" exercise)? We were told it was submitted to Solomon and nearly approved. Edhala (I never could spell her name right) also said she was leaving behind all her notes and ideas we gave for the companions.
If there is no such documentation then, while I am sad they lied to us, I quite understand no one wants to code it.
However, my original question was for the existing companions we have now. Did the growth mechanics for existing companions get turned off? My raccoon has been full-grown a long time.
As for new companions...I am finally resigned I won't see it in my lifetime. Sad though, it would have been such a cool thing we rangers could have had--probably the only cool thing.
Zinaca and her full-grown raccoon, Shadow
DUNEPLAY
DR-RAESH
Re: any update
03/14/2014 09:03 PM CDT
>>Thank you Raesh for answering, but were we lied to when GM Edhala and Sithix both said there were documentation completed (it's what Sithix supposed to have to done as his "graduation" exercise)?
Not necessarily, no. I can't speak for Edhala (Predates me) but I can find some of Sithix's notes on our internal wiki from 2010 which outline the system and his plans for the new one - but that's more of a quick start guide than a manual.
But there's always loss when someone leaves staff, despite the best intentions, as things are written in ways that make sense to them or were stored locally and not on the staff wiki or they didn't realize something they had would be useful to others or they leave suddenly etc.
The other problem is there are totally different types of documentation. What I'm speaking to above are wiki articles outlining the system, and we have those for quite a few systems (... And don't have them for even more) but there's no assurances they're up to date or accurate the older the system is. The bigger problem is that much of the old code was never commented and we can't declare our own variables under GSL so it can be extremely hard to track exactly what a system is doing even if you know in a general sense.
>>Did the growth mechanics for existing companions get turned off?
I have no idea.
>>As for new companions...I am finally resigned I won't see it in my lifetime.
Once again, Ricinus is working on a common pet core. I won't commit him to more than that and when he's in a place he can speak about it I'm sure he will, but it's not something that's been forgotten.
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
Not necessarily, no. I can't speak for Edhala (Predates me) but I can find some of Sithix's notes on our internal wiki from 2010 which outline the system and his plans for the new one - but that's more of a quick start guide than a manual.
But there's always loss when someone leaves staff, despite the best intentions, as things are written in ways that make sense to them or were stored locally and not on the staff wiki or they didn't realize something they had would be useful to others or they leave suddenly etc.
The other problem is there are totally different types of documentation. What I'm speaking to above are wiki articles outlining the system, and we have those for quite a few systems (... And don't have them for even more) but there's no assurances they're up to date or accurate the older the system is. The bigger problem is that much of the old code was never commented and we can't declare our own variables under GSL so it can be extremely hard to track exactly what a system is doing even if you know in a general sense.
>>Did the growth mechanics for existing companions get turned off?
I have no idea.
>>As for new companions...I am finally resigned I won't see it in my lifetime.
Once again, Ricinus is working on a common pet core. I won't commit him to more than that and when he's in a place he can speak about it I'm sure he will, but it's not something that's been forgotten.
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
BENNERR
Re: any update
03/14/2014 11:04 PM CDT
So basically what you are saying is think maybe along the lines of another 10 years that we have to wait for anything major Ranger only improvement, while the world keeps passing us by.
Arct
Arct
CARDINALE01
DR-RAESH
Re: any update
03/15/2014 12:31 AM CDT
>>So basically what you are saying is think maybe along the lines of another 10 years that we have to wait for anything major Ranger only improvement, while the world keeps passing us by.
This here?
This is why many staff members stop posting (And in many cases reading). And that's not a scenario in which anyone wins.
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
This here?
This is why many staff members stop posting (And in many cases reading). And that's not a scenario in which anyone wins.
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
VAGELO
Re: any update
03/15/2014 01:39 AM CDT
>This is why many staff members stop posting (And in many cases reading). And that's not a scenario in which anyone wins.
Is this where we try to promote the ignore button, rather than an avoidance of the forums?
I have noticed that some GM's do post less frequently lately due to too many of those type of comments being made, and usually right after making a comment similar to yours. If too many GM's start avoiding the forums, we'll be back in the PAFO days, and those weren't as great as some people recall them to be.
There are many of us that do appreciate the work you guys give, and the time and dedication spent on the forums and in test, ensuring that our voices are heard with little to no compensation of any form, even beyond monetary. Don't give up on all of us just because of a few squeeky wheels that want mud instead of grease.
-Master Ndin
DR-RAESH
Re: any update
03/15/2014 01:47 AM CDT
I wasn't speaking for myself. While I don't read every post and folder anymore (Technically. I do still browse by "show all new" for all folders, but I much more aggresively skim a lot of threads) I think it's important and a valuable tool. I also refuse to ignore posters since I feel as a member of staff I need to both be aware of what's being said, even if I don't like it, and do forum moderation when I feel it's inappropriate to let it wait for a moderator to catch it, particularly since I tend to read during off hours for most people.
My point was simply that we have a thread here where a staff member (in this case, me) went out of their way to address concerns and the response was, essentially, "Why did you even respond? You're a liar and kiss off." The only thing posts like that accomplish is to increase hostility and decrease communication.
I can’t force people to be civil, but I can try and encourage it.
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
My point was simply that we have a thread here where a staff member (in this case, me) went out of their way to address concerns and the response was, essentially, "Why did you even respond? You're a liar and kiss off." The only thing posts like that accomplish is to increase hostility and decrease communication.
I can’t force people to be civil, but I can try and encourage it.
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
SCHULTZS3
Re: any update
03/15/2014 02:54 AM CDT
>Imagine trying to understand how every component in your car works without internet access, a manual, or anyone who's ever worked on it available to answer your questions. Can it be done? Yes.
You also forgot to mention that you have to do with without irreparably breaking the car.
Much like those cartoons where a complicated thing is disassembled, reassembled, a few pieces are left off to the side, and the character picks them up and scratches their head as the complicated_thing blows up.
Kaeta Airtag
"I have faith in the current crop of GMs to not screw people over"
>>Actually an opinion cannot be changed or corrected. Nice try back of line.-VERATHOR
>>But it can be wrong.-Starlear
You also forgot to mention that you have to do with without irreparably breaking the car.
Much like those cartoons where a complicated thing is disassembled, reassembled, a few pieces are left off to the side, and the character picks them up and scratches their head as the complicated_thing blows up.
Kaeta Airtag
"I have faith in the current crop of GMs to not screw people over"
>>Actually an opinion cannot be changed or corrected. Nice try back of line.-VERATHOR
>>But it can be wrong.-Starlear
SHADOW7988
Re: any update
03/15/2014 08:50 AM CDT
>So basically what you are saying is think maybe along the lines of another 10 years that we have to wait for anything major Ranger only improvement, while the world keeps passing us by.
In general Guild-only things are going to remain a fairly rarity. The big things that are getting released are things that all guilds can use, and some tweaks can be made to make cool 'specialty' things for certain guilds.
For instance a bit ago Kodius came by and wanted some ideas for the maneuvers system he has or had in test (sadly I've really not been staying as uptodate in test as I should). I didn't see many offers for ideas here, nor did I really have any concepts to give. Sadly I'm a bit burned out.
Having a common core (not to be confused with the NY State Common Core education push), is something that will allow more things to be rolled out, into more guilds, any issue to be worked on faster and sooner because it is affecting more guilds, and more GMs will generally have a feel for the system and each can go in and fix it.
These are all to me a GOOD thing.
---
"I think anything that forces you to do something no sane adventurer would do just in order to train is ridiculous."
DR-SOCHARIS
---
Victory Over Lyras, on the 397th year and 156 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
In general Guild-only things are going to remain a fairly rarity. The big things that are getting released are things that all guilds can use, and some tweaks can be made to make cool 'specialty' things for certain guilds.
For instance a bit ago Kodius came by and wanted some ideas for the maneuvers system he has or had in test (sadly I've really not been staying as uptodate in test as I should). I didn't see many offers for ideas here, nor did I really have any concepts to give. Sadly I'm a bit burned out.
Having a common core (not to be confused with the NY State Common Core education push), is something that will allow more things to be rolled out, into more guilds, any issue to be worked on faster and sooner because it is affecting more guilds, and more GMs will generally have a feel for the system and each can go in and fix it.
These are all to me a GOOD thing.
---
"I think anything that forces you to do something no sane adventurer would do just in order to train is ridiculous."
DR-SOCHARIS
---
Victory Over Lyras, on the 397th year and 156 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
DR-RAESH
Re: any update
03/15/2014 09:16 AM CDT
That's generally true, but there's also been a lot of discussion around once we get the 3.0 framework stable (which will largely be done with 3.1, 3.2 is much more projects we didn't get to and smoothing out rough edges) doing sort of strike teams on a specific guild or two at a time rather then having one person responsible for the bulk of development for a guild which can easily be overwhelming with some of the larger projects.
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
MIRAGE2
Re: any update
03/15/2014 02:37 PM CDT
Raesh:
Just wanted to make sure that you know I really do appreciate the TIME and the HONESTY of your answer. It doesn't matter whether I like your answer or not. The fact is, you answered. That alone tells me that the staff does care about what we want. Doesn't mean we will get it, but the staff is listening. That alone makes me keep paying for two accounts. Again, thank you.
Player Behind Lorwryn
DR-RAESH
Re: any update
03/15/2014 02:53 PM CDT
It's appreciated. I think the current dev team has, as a rule, made a significant effort to be open about where things are at for good or for ill.
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
-Raesh
"Ever notice that B.A.'s flavor text swells in direct proportion to how much one of our characters is getting screwed?" - Brian Van Hoose
LESLIEC
Re: any update
03/15/2014 02:57 PM CDT
Raesh,
I also want to chime in and thank you for being upfront and honest with us. It's much appreciated.
I personally don't bring my wolf out much as it's such a pain in the rear to keep track of. There's rooms they won't go into, the commands to have them find someone and deliver a message are to me not easy to remember, they die with bad meat, which I feel is so wrong, if a RL wolf can scavenge a kill that's several days old ours in the game shouldn't have that delicate of a stomach. Plus in combat, it's easy to miss the message that tells you they need to be feed, not to mention if you're running a trail there's not a message at all that indicates that they need to be fed.
Maybe could have a message when we get off the trail or finish killing something that that the wolf needs to be fed? Don't know if it's possible to do this, just an idea.
But again I want to thank you for being upfront with us.
Bluefalcon
I also want to chime in and thank you for being upfront and honest with us. It's much appreciated.
I personally don't bring my wolf out much as it's such a pain in the rear to keep track of. There's rooms they won't go into, the commands to have them find someone and deliver a message are to me not easy to remember, they die with bad meat, which I feel is so wrong, if a RL wolf can scavenge a kill that's several days old ours in the game shouldn't have that delicate of a stomach. Plus in combat, it's easy to miss the message that tells you they need to be feed, not to mention if you're running a trail there's not a message at all that indicates that they need to be fed.
Maybe could have a message when we get off the trail or finish killing something that that the wolf needs to be fed? Don't know if it's possible to do this, just an idea.
But again I want to thank you for being upfront with us.
Bluefalcon
SCHULTZS3
Re: any update
03/15/2014 03:56 PM CDT
>doing sort of strike teams on a specific guild or two at a time rather then having one person responsible for the bulk of development for a guild
I like the sound of this, regardless of guild.
Kaeta Airtag
"I have faith in the current crop of GMs to not screw people over"
>>Actually an opinion cannot be changed or corrected. Nice try back of line.-VERATHOR
>>But it can be wrong.-Starlear
I like the sound of this, regardless of guild.
Kaeta Airtag
"I have faith in the current crop of GMs to not screw people over"
>>Actually an opinion cannot be changed or corrected. Nice try back of line.-VERATHOR
>>But it can be wrong.-Starlear
DUNEPLAY
Re: any update
03/15/2014 08:37 PM CDT
I like the strike team idea too. Thank you for further answering my post. So new companions are not dead dead, just kinda dead. : P
Thank you again for your posts, and reading them and responding to those you wish to. Please don't stop, no matter how negative we get. But to my mind, I would rather had negative feedback but prefer positive feedback, than no feedback. And whether it was constructive or not, I would prefer to read it unvarnished. But I can understand that reading folder after folder of negative feedback could get a person down.
I appreciate what you and Kodius are doing. I was sorry he didn't get much feedback from us...I tried to think of something say and figured better minds than mine could provide the info he wanted. I'm just not a numbers kind of person. I only tend to go for overviews and general ideas. Where is Hanryu when you need him!
Anyway, carry on carrying on please and always keep reading our posts please.
Now Blue, if I had a wolf, which I would love to get as soon as my raccoon dies (which is why asked about the growth mechanics in the first place...I want a Lucky the 13th!) I would go almost everywhere with it. I never had a problem of wolves getting lost by not going into certain rooms...if I didn't see it, I moved until I did. As for losing when it needs to be petted or feed during combat, simply hightlight the entire in a bright color. Then anytime you see that color on screen you can check to pet or feed while in combat. I love the versatility of wolves that they don't scare off during combat like raccoons, do. Hopefully some day Shadow will die and I'll miss her but...I will gladly go get another wolf now that the wolf packs are talking to me again.
Zinaca and her full-grown raccoon, Shadow
Thank you again for your posts, and reading them and responding to those you wish to. Please don't stop, no matter how negative we get. But to my mind, I would rather had negative feedback but prefer positive feedback, than no feedback. And whether it was constructive or not, I would prefer to read it unvarnished. But I can understand that reading folder after folder of negative feedback could get a person down.
I appreciate what you and Kodius are doing. I was sorry he didn't get much feedback from us...I tried to think of something say and figured better minds than mine could provide the info he wanted. I'm just not a numbers kind of person. I only tend to go for overviews and general ideas. Where is Hanryu when you need him!
Anyway, carry on carrying on please and always keep reading our posts please.
Now Blue, if I had a wolf, which I would love to get as soon as my raccoon dies (which is why asked about the growth mechanics in the first place...I want a Lucky the 13th!) I would go almost everywhere with it. I never had a problem of wolves getting lost by not going into certain rooms...if I didn't see it, I moved until I did. As for losing when it needs to be petted or feed during combat, simply hightlight the entire in a bright color. Then anytime you see that color on screen you can check to pet or feed while in combat. I love the versatility of wolves that they don't scare off during combat like raccoons, do. Hopefully some day Shadow will die and I'll miss her but...I will gladly go get another wolf now that the wolf packs are talking to me again.
Zinaca and her full-grown raccoon, Shadow
SHADOW7988
Re: any update
03/15/2014 10:34 PM CDT
All I know is when I see strike teams, I'm picturing GMs in SWAT tactical suits, SMGs at the ready, rappeling ropes worn, and night vision goggles.
---
"I think anything that forces you to do something no sane adventurer would do just in order to train is ridiculous."
DR-SOCHARIS
---
Victory Over Lyras, on the 397th year and 156 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
---
"I think anything that forces you to do something no sane adventurer would do just in order to train is ridiculous."
DR-SOCHARIS
---
Victory Over Lyras, on the 397th year and 156 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
DR-MELETE
Re: any update
03/15/2014 10:44 PM CDT
... who told you about our night vision goggles?
Melete
Events Lead
Advocates Lead
Empath Advocate
S'Kra Mur Race Co-Champion
Lore Developer
Melete
Events Lead
Advocates Lead
Empath Advocate
S'Kra Mur Race Co-Champion
Lore Developer
LIURIDR
SAPPHIRE8
Re: any update
03/19/2014 08:14 AM CDT
>Zinaca
I don't know about the aging until dying part but I do know that the aging system is working. I recently got a new raccoon and it did grow. It took a longer time than I thought it would so maybe that's happening with your raccoon too.
DUNEPLAY
Re: any update
03/19/2014 05:52 PM CDT
Thanks for posting! How I can have hope again! I remembered once that the "rule" was that raccoons took 80 in game hours to grow. I think it is longer than that and I'm so glad to hear your coon grew! Perhaps I should feed Shadow more...
Zinaca and her full-grown raccoon, Shadow
Zinaca and her full-grown raccoon, Shadow
BENNERR
Re: any update
03/21/2014 08:46 PM CDT
Then don't post or read. Truth hurts we all know it. Get over it buck up, and get stuff done.
Arctuniol
Arctuniol
GRIM45
Re: any update
03/21/2014 09:05 PM CDT
>>Then don't post or read. Truth hurts we all know it. Get over it buck up, and get stuff done.
I would like to thank you on behalf of the thief guild for encouraging the GMs to work more for our guild.
TG, TG, GL, et al.
"Disagreement with the fundamental plan at this point is akin to supporting Richard III vs the Tudors."
-Raesh
I would like to thank you on behalf of the thief guild for encouraging the GMs to work more for our guild.
TG, TG, GL, et al.
"Disagreement with the fundamental plan at this point is akin to supporting Richard III vs the Tudors."
-Raesh
BENNERR
Re: any update
03/21/2014 09:15 PM CDT
Yur welcome. I really hope they do. It would be something that both guilds could use but we all know never happens.
Arct
Arct
DR-ANNWYL
Re: any update ::NUDGE::
03/21/2014 09:32 PM CDT
Companions is the topic here.
Annwyl
Message Board Supervisor
If you've questions or comments, take it to e-mail by writing me at DR-Annwyl@play.net.
BENNERR
Re: any update ::NUDGE::
03/21/2014 09:54 PM CDT
Yes it is, and anything related to the creation, lack of creation, build, construction, of or around or related to not wanting to do so is part of the discussion. Including but not limited to the creation of companion systems for other guilds...blah blah blah...get a job
Arct
Arct
DR-ANNWYL
Re: any update ::NUDGE::
03/21/2014 09:59 PM CDT
Nothing good on TV tonight, Arct?
Annwyl
Message Board Supervisor
If you've questions or comments, take it to e-mail by writing me at DR-Annwyl@play.net.
BENNERR
Re: any update ::NUDGE::
03/21/2014 10:07 PM CDT
Big Trouble in Little China. Of course there is good stuff on TV.
Arct
Arct
TJBER21
Re: any update ::NUDGE::
03/22/2014 07:50 PM CDT
shameless is on tomorrow night... always a good show
~Purnay
"The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his."
~Purnay
"The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his."
KOKIE420
Re: any update
04/19/2014 08:03 AM CDT
It should take roughly 170 hours, or a RL week to grow a companion. So that's 170 hours per "growth cycle", I'm pretty sure I've posted that exact number like 5 times.
A GM can feel free to correct me, but it's pretty accurate.
~Nefidyne
>
Kssarh gestures at you.
Two Ranger journeymen materialize out of the surrounding trees and begin to whisper to Kssarh as they escort him out of the area.
A GM can feel free to correct me, but it's pretty accurate.
~Nefidyne
>
Kssarh gestures at you.
Two Ranger journeymen materialize out of the surrounding trees and begin to whisper to Kssarh as they escort him out of the area.
DUNEPLAY
Re: any update
04/21/2014 05:53 PM CDT
I keep forgetting the number you posted! But that's moot, my raccoon finally turned senile and I released her into Kalika's hands. But I still got the increased knowledge of animal lore Kalika gave me. I guess that went into outdoorsmanship?
Now I have a cute baby wolf---Lucky the 13th! And I'm having so much fun taking her with me to hunt (except not now since I'm in dancers trying to make money before the guild fest).
Zinaca and her baby wolf, Lucky
Now I have a cute baby wolf---Lucky the 13th! And I'm having so much fun taking her with me to hunt (except not now since I'm in dancers trying to make money before the guild fest).
Zinaca and her baby wolf, Lucky
LOSTALASKN
Re: any update
04/21/2014 06:57 PM CDT
Kalika is such a dear to care for our senile companions.. I always cry but it is so worth it..
Congrats on your baby wolf, Lucky!
Warm fuzzies
Azurinna
Congrats on your baby wolf, Lucky!
Warm fuzzies
Azurinna
KROONERMANREVENGE
Re: any update
04/21/2014 08:52 PM CDT
>Kalika is such a dear to care for our senile companions
Chili. It's the Amerindian way.
I'm a badger, I be badgerin'
Chili. It's the Amerindian way.
I'm a badger, I be badgerin'
