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Re: The Gray Accords
As an update - Illikaal will likely be taking things up and has taken over the Discord. The channel, in case you get a notification, has been turned back into my own normal stream. So, if you don't want notifications of when I stream normally, this is the head's up to go ahead and unfollow.
Thanks again to everyone and I hope to see what comes for those that head this up from here on.
Thanks again to everyone and I hope to see what comes for those that head this up from here on.
Rihrin
1
Announce post #3448: Cyber Monday Sale!
11/28/2022 at 0:00
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Cyber Monday Sale!
Hi folks!
For the next 24 hours we are offering a special, one-off package of 100 bound credits for $14.99!
This is an even better deal than standard no-brainer credits and is a one day offer only!
These can only be purchased once per character and due to its special status, it will not stack with the giftbag promotion.
To take advantage, visit www.aetolia.com/credits!
On top of that, I've turned on double milestones for Monday - happy keystone hunting!
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 10th of Midsummer, in the year 506 MA.
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Cyber Monday Sale!
Hi folks!
For the next 24 hours we are offering a special, one-off package of 100 bound credits for $14.99!
This is an even better deal than standard no-brainer credits and is a one day offer only!
These can only be purchased once per character and due to its special status, it will not stack with the giftbag promotion.
To take advantage, visit www.aetolia.com/credits!
On top of that, I've turned on double milestones for Monday - happy keystone hunting!
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 10th of Midsummer, in the year 506 MA.
Events post #350: The Fall of the Temple of Ati
11/28/2022 at 4:53
Anonymous
Everyone
The Fall of the Temple of Ati
While the Third Son of Ohlsana stood in chains beneath Bloodloch's banners, Runecarver Rhydderch of Duiran turned his attention to the Temple of Ati, long a plague staining the Western Itzatl. From the midst of so much horror, reasoned the Runecarver, had come an opportunity: to bring the foul temple, a blight upon the landscape, back into the embrace of nature.
Over the weeks that followed, the Runecarver instructed the Council to gather immense amounts of kai energy in order to empower the Sentaari. Utilising witching rods obtained from Srahda, the Seer, Duiran came together in force for this endeavour, with Illikaal, Ixmi, and Ase acquiring the most. As the air in the Temple fizzed and hummed with so much of the energy infusing it, Visage Aisling set to work, wielding the Sentaari's signature might to enact a grand banishment. The result was soon evident: much of the excess shadow was driven into the void, excised from both the Temple and the Prime.
Restless ancestral memories were the next problem to solve, arising in great numbers. Invariably Rajamalan in origin, most bore painful memories of Ati and the horrors plaguing nearby Saluria from the distant past. So it was that the Sentinels - well trained experts in working with ancestral spirits - sought to calm these restless vestiges and grant them a peace they had been denied for so long. Ulo and Sekeres worked with determined resolve, and the state of calm was achieved.
The Priest of Ati, enraged by the work being done by Duiran, attempted to mount a resistance, but Death stood in its way. Executioner Ulo, wielding the Underking's greatsword known as Terminus and supported by members of the Council, wrenched free the profane acolyte's soul, setting free the remaining denizens of the Temple. In Dachvrel's wake, the Shamans were able to begin work of their own.
From the compost heap of Brother Belmund, Rhydderch drew forth a prickly spore of reclamation and planted it deep within the Temple grounds. The Runecarver instructed the Praadi to sing to the spores and to water it in copious volumes of blood. Some months passed with Valorie and Sibatti among others dutifully tending to the spores which had begun spreading throughout the area and sprouting strong vines.
At last, when every corner of the temple was overrun with the sprawling mass of tangled vines and budding spores, its foundations began to falter. A deep rustling arose from the heart of the Western Itzatl and the foliage pressed on, determine and resolute to bring ruin to that which had brought so much ruin of its own. Rock and stone crumbled beneath the floral embrace and finally reached a critical mass, the entire temple collapsing in on itself, reclaimed for nature.
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 11th of Midsummer, in the year 506 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Fall of the Temple of Ati
While the Third Son of Ohlsana stood in chains beneath Bloodloch's banners, Runecarver Rhydderch of Duiran turned his attention to the Temple of Ati, long a plague staining the Western Itzatl. From the midst of so much horror, reasoned the Runecarver, had come an opportunity: to bring the foul temple, a blight upon the landscape, back into the embrace of nature.
Over the weeks that followed, the Runecarver instructed the Council to gather immense amounts of kai energy in order to empower the Sentaari. Utilising witching rods obtained from Srahda, the Seer, Duiran came together in force for this endeavour, with Illikaal, Ixmi, and Ase acquiring the most. As the air in the Temple fizzed and hummed with so much of the energy infusing it, Visage Aisling set to work, wielding the Sentaari's signature might to enact a grand banishment. The result was soon evident: much of the excess shadow was driven into the void, excised from both the Temple and the Prime.
Restless ancestral memories were the next problem to solve, arising in great numbers. Invariably Rajamalan in origin, most bore painful memories of Ati and the horrors plaguing nearby Saluria from the distant past. So it was that the Sentinels - well trained experts in working with ancestral spirits - sought to calm these restless vestiges and grant them a peace they had been denied for so long. Ulo and Sekeres worked with determined resolve, and the state of calm was achieved.
The Priest of Ati, enraged by the work being done by Duiran, attempted to mount a resistance, but Death stood in its way. Executioner Ulo, wielding the Underking's greatsword known as Terminus and supported by members of the Council, wrenched free the profane acolyte's soul, setting free the remaining denizens of the Temple. In Dachvrel's wake, the Shamans were able to begin work of their own.
From the compost heap of Brother Belmund, Rhydderch drew forth a prickly spore of reclamation and planted it deep within the Temple grounds. The Runecarver instructed the Praadi to sing to the spores and to water it in copious volumes of blood. Some months passed with Valorie and Sibatti among others dutifully tending to the spores which had begun spreading throughout the area and sprouting strong vines.
At last, when every corner of the temple was overrun with the sprawling mass of tangled vines and budding spores, its foundations began to falter. A deep rustling arose from the heart of the Western Itzatl and the foliage pressed on, determine and resolute to bring ruin to that which had brought so much ruin of its own. Rock and stone crumbled beneath the floral embrace and finally reached a critical mass, the entire temple collapsing in on itself, reclaimed for nature.
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 11th of Midsummer, in the year 506 MA.
Re: LOVE
On September 1st of this year, due to many compounded things in Aetolia, I decided to take a break for awhile. For my own mental health. I had been progressively feeling more miserable in game from March until September. Many reasons, and I'm not in the Love thread to be a downer or call anyone out.
I decided when I came back near the end of October to make the switch to Spinesreach. I was feeling all kinds of different about the prospect of doing it. Would it make sense? Would it go poorly? What would I lose? What would I gain? About a month later, here, I am, feeling absolutely rejuvenated inside of Aetolia, and am glad I did it. Every day I login is fun and interesting, and getting to know all sorts of new and different players and characters has been a blast. I love all of them, and all of it so far. But I would like to specifically thank @Legyn @Reave @Kanivara @Nebula @Aros @Kamui @Haleth @Lenoriel @Feirenz @Nepthys @Catalina @Rhyot @Wjoltyr @Pietre @Kagura and many more.
These folks are absolute gems to play this game with and interact with so far. I look forward to going into the new year feeling motivated to play Aetolia regularly again, and furthermore, I look forward to seeing how Aeryx changes moving forward.
I decided when I came back near the end of October to make the switch to Spinesreach. I was feeling all kinds of different about the prospect of doing it. Would it make sense? Would it go poorly? What would I lose? What would I gain? About a month later, here, I am, feeling absolutely rejuvenated inside of Aetolia, and am glad I did it. Every day I login is fun and interesting, and getting to know all sorts of new and different players and characters has been a blast. I love all of them, and all of it so far. But I would like to specifically thank @Legyn @Reave @Kanivara @Nebula @Aros @Kamui @Haleth @Lenoriel @Feirenz @Nepthys @Catalina @Rhyot @Wjoltyr @Pietre @Kagura and many more.
These folks are absolute gems to play this game with and interact with so far. I look forward to going into the new year feeling motivated to play Aetolia regularly again, and furthermore, I look forward to seeing how Aeryx changes moving forward.
Aeryx
4
Announce post #3445: Aetolia Secret Santa Courtesy of Brax
11/22/2022 at 19:16
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Aetolia Secret Santa Courtesy of Brax
Hi folks!
Brax is arranging an Aetolian Secret Santa! This is totally voluntary with no pressure at all to participate unless you want to. Participation is open to anyone who plays Aetolia, volunteers and staff included!
For those unaware of how these work, every participant will be matched anonymously with somebody else that has opted in to participate. From there, you purchase and/or create a gift for the recipient you've been assigned!
To take part, please fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/ayvSyjfGdKDvuQYG7
Responses will be accepted until December 9th with assignments to follow that weekend!
Feel free to message Brax on Discord (Brax#2723) if you have any questions.
Penned by my hand on Falsday, the 4th of Khepary, in the year 506 MA.
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
Aetolia Secret Santa Courtesy of Brax
Hi folks!
Brax is arranging an Aetolian Secret Santa! This is totally voluntary with no pressure at all to participate unless you want to. Participation is open to anyone who plays Aetolia, volunteers and staff included!
For those unaware of how these work, every participant will be matched anonymously with somebody else that has opted in to participate. From there, you purchase and/or create a gift for the recipient you've been assigned!
To take part, please fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/ayvSyjfGdKDvuQYG7
Responses will be accepted until December 9th with assignments to follow that weekend!
Feel free to message Brax on Discord (Brax#2723) if you have any questions.
Penned by my hand on Falsday, the 4th of Khepary, in the year 506 MA.
Re: RL Struggles, Strife, and Sadnesses
I work with Deutsch Drahtaars. Had them in my family for years, I just got the 4th of its kind in my family. This boy's 2.5 years old, great guy. But we got him because his previous owners couldn't handle a working dog with dad out of the house.
It's been a real blessing, since my father took his dog (who I've been handler for and my girlfriend and I have bonded/raised on his behalf), to go on a hunting trip.
He went out with my uncle today, and my uncle wanted to take his truck. The dog has to stay in the box of the truck on account of the cats on the property. It was below freezing when they left and the dog was shivering even with blankets over his crate, so my father put a heater in the box after feeding, watering and letting him run and pee.
My aunty went to check on him mid-morning, and it looks like he succumbed to heat stroke within minutes of her being there.
This was the first dog since I was a child that I saw through from puppy, that I bonded with. Every other dog I've worked (and there's been lots) I've been able to put a barrier up with, let it go without too much qualm. It's not my dog, right?
But this boy was MY dog. I picked his name. I took him on his first hunts. I was there when he learned to swim, when he learned to track. I worked him through retrieving, and he was truly a regal champion amongst dogs. He still had the puppy smell on his ears. He never even got to show the world how amazing he was.
Due to Covid I couldn't test him to make him breedable, and now his genes and everything that was amazing about him is just... gone. I'm wrecked.
edit:
I know it's not the same as a family member, being a dog, but this boy got me through some real tough times. Real tough. He snuck into my heart, I fully bonded with him like I haven't in a long time. I'd have put my life on the line with him. At one point my body -was- a shield to protect him and he was my security as well.
Just gutted.
Aros
8
Re: Rogues: Seeking Feedback/Suggestions
The loss of ylem abilities, research, and all that is a major hinderance to playing rogue. The mechanical benefits you gain from that just joining a city, even now in the revamp when it has been somewhat reduced, is still staggering. Some kind of ylem system for them would be needed.
More on the RP than the mechanics side there is a stigma about rogue players. No city really wants to support and employ rogues for anything substantial. Generally looked down on and viewed as untrustworthy and trouble makers. There was a while that admin were actively enforcing cities to not support rogues or mercenary like orgs cause they would be too complicated to properly police and regulate. So from an RP perspective, cities need a reason to work with and encourage some kinda relations with rogues. A way mercenaries can benefit the cities, and rogues can profit off good city relations. Not sure how that works really.
Perhaps a system where a certain number of rogues can form a mercenary group, and each season or year cities can bid to employ the mercenary groups. For the term of the contract, the mercenary band will be employed for the city that won the bid and do services for them, and in return they'll get the ylem/mechanical benefits that the city's citizens normally get? Take care of both issues with one system. Maybe to give the rogues some more power instead of the normal highest bid wins, let them see all the bids their group got, and they get to pick which bid they accept, who they want to work for under what terms.
More on the RP than the mechanics side there is a stigma about rogue players. No city really wants to support and employ rogues for anything substantial. Generally looked down on and viewed as untrustworthy and trouble makers. There was a while that admin were actively enforcing cities to not support rogues or mercenary like orgs cause they would be too complicated to properly police and regulate. So from an RP perspective, cities need a reason to work with and encourage some kinda relations with rogues. A way mercenaries can benefit the cities, and rogues can profit off good city relations. Not sure how that works really.
Perhaps a system where a certain number of rogues can form a mercenary group, and each season or year cities can bid to employ the mercenary groups. For the term of the contract, the mercenary band will be employed for the city that won the bid and do services for them, and in return they'll get the ylem/mechanical benefits that the city's citizens normally get? Take care of both issues with one system. Maybe to give the rogues some more power instead of the normal highest bid wins, let them see all the bids their group got, and they get to pick which bid they accept, who they want to work for under what terms.
Tina
2
Rogues: Seeking Feedback/Suggestions
Hi folks,
As we continue to push forward in our project to bolster org identity and themes, we're discussing possibilities for increasing support for rogues (read: cityless players) given the relative stark lines being drawn when it comes to city identity in recent months.
I've read over the thread on this: https://forums.aetolia.com/discussion/4363/lets-talk-about-rogue-support-or-if-you-prefer-cities-have-too-much-mechanical-power-over-players , and we are tentatively willing to explore some options and updates here to make this less of a pain point for those who want to play without a city.
To that end I've made this thread to gather feedback and suggestions so that we can make a more informed decision on how to proceed. Feel free to throw your ideas or comments in.
Thanks in advance!
As we continue to push forward in our project to bolster org identity and themes, we're discussing possibilities for increasing support for rogues (read: cityless players) given the relative stark lines being drawn when it comes to city identity in recent months.
I've read over the thread on this: https://forums.aetolia.com/discussion/4363/lets-talk-about-rogue-support-or-if-you-prefer-cities-have-too-much-mechanical-power-over-players , and we are tentatively willing to explore some options and updates here to make this less of a pain point for those who want to play without a city.
To that end I've made this thread to gather feedback and suggestions so that we can make a more informed decision on how to proceed. Feel free to throw your ideas or comments in.
Thanks in advance!
Ictinus
6
Events post #348: The Fall of the Republic
11/17/2022 at 0:25
Anonymous
Everyone
The Fall of the Republic
Founded in the early days of the Second Immortal Epoch, the citadel of Spinesreach commands a provenance unmatched by any city on Sapience still standing today. This storied history, while tumultuous and turbulent over the years, has always retained a singular constant: Artifice reigns eternal, and the will of Severn is absolute.
In the modern era, Spinesreach cast aside their affiliation with the Ankyrean legacy in favour of an experiment in democracy, forming a Republic founded on classical ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. While the Republic prospered, Severn remained content to allow this dalliance - a fancy, derived from the free will He Himself opposed in the ancient past - to continue.
Following the Second War of Night and the grand ylem larceny orchestrated by the Spireans, war and infighting cast Spinesreach into turmoil. Promises to the Sun Drinker, Whose assent had so recently been acquired to rechristen the Lion as the Dragon of the North, were broken. The ignoble seizure, torture, and ultimate death visited upon Holbrook Hought by Duiran went unavenged. Heads were buried in the sand, extracting themselves only to plead aid from Severn and Tanixalthas.
In Arios of the Year 506, after a lengthy sojourn in Her Plane of Kal Keleru, the skies split asunder with the return of Sky Dreaming, exploding back into the Prime Material amidst an incandescent storm of anger. As the First Dragon bellowed Her outrage at broken promises, the squalling tempest parted and the silhouette of Severn was thrown into sharp relief as He stood atop the tallest of the renowned Spires.
Silver then veiled the firmament with the wakening of Bamathis. The Warlord patrolled the ramparts of His fortress near the Yggdrasil as He lavished praise on the Minotaur God for His efforts as Spymaster. Following this proclamation, Strife released Severn from His oaths, setting Him free to, in the Warlord's words, "work as You will." Vanishing back into His keep, Bamathis watched on as Severn made His first move.
"Democracy has failed, as I have long known it would." His voice came with its typically subtle susurrations. And in that moment, Spinesreach was transformed.
The roar of the First Dragon echoed soon after, booming across Creation with Her accession to the position of Spirean Patron. Losing no time, Severn worked as He is wont to do, seizing for Himself the position of Ard-Dhasani and dissolving the Republic in one fell swoop. The Chair and Senate and Secretariat are no more; in their place the Regent and Viceroys rule on behalf of Spinesreach's twin Gods as representatives of the theocracy that was established in all but name so long before living memory.
Instructing His city on the new order, Severn's command was and is simple: if you do not like it, rise up and overthrow Me.
And thus begins a new age for the Dragon of the North, the citadel blessed by Pride and guided by Artifice. Tasked to rediscover their Ankyrean legacy as paradigms of science, art, culture, devotion, magic, and guile, soon, the Conclaves will be born again.
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 19th of Arios, in the year 506 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Fall of the Republic
Founded in the early days of the Second Immortal Epoch, the citadel of Spinesreach commands a provenance unmatched by any city on Sapience still standing today. This storied history, while tumultuous and turbulent over the years, has always retained a singular constant: Artifice reigns eternal, and the will of Severn is absolute.
In the modern era, Spinesreach cast aside their affiliation with the Ankyrean legacy in favour of an experiment in democracy, forming a Republic founded on classical ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. While the Republic prospered, Severn remained content to allow this dalliance - a fancy, derived from the free will He Himself opposed in the ancient past - to continue.
Following the Second War of Night and the grand ylem larceny orchestrated by the Spireans, war and infighting cast Spinesreach into turmoil. Promises to the Sun Drinker, Whose assent had so recently been acquired to rechristen the Lion as the Dragon of the North, were broken. The ignoble seizure, torture, and ultimate death visited upon Holbrook Hought by Duiran went unavenged. Heads were buried in the sand, extracting themselves only to plead aid from Severn and Tanixalthas.
In Arios of the Year 506, after a lengthy sojourn in Her Plane of Kal Keleru, the skies split asunder with the return of Sky Dreaming, exploding back into the Prime Material amidst an incandescent storm of anger. As the First Dragon bellowed Her outrage at broken promises, the squalling tempest parted and the silhouette of Severn was thrown into sharp relief as He stood atop the tallest of the renowned Spires.
Silver then veiled the firmament with the wakening of Bamathis. The Warlord patrolled the ramparts of His fortress near the Yggdrasil as He lavished praise on the Minotaur God for His efforts as Spymaster. Following this proclamation, Strife released Severn from His oaths, setting Him free to, in the Warlord's words, "work as You will." Vanishing back into His keep, Bamathis watched on as Severn made His first move.
"Democracy has failed, as I have long known it would." His voice came with its typically subtle susurrations. And in that moment, Spinesreach was transformed.
The roar of the First Dragon echoed soon after, booming across Creation with Her accession to the position of Spirean Patron. Losing no time, Severn worked as He is wont to do, seizing for Himself the position of Ard-Dhasani and dissolving the Republic in one fell swoop. The Chair and Senate and Secretariat are no more; in their place the Regent and Viceroys rule on behalf of Spinesreach's twin Gods as representatives of the theocracy that was established in all but name so long before living memory.
Instructing His city on the new order, Severn's command was and is simple: if you do not like it, rise up and overthrow Me.
And thus begins a new age for the Dragon of the North, the citadel blessed by Pride and guided by Artifice. Tasked to rediscover their Ankyrean legacy as paradigms of science, art, culture, devotion, magic, and guile, soon, the Conclaves will be born again.
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 19th of Arios, in the year 506 MA.
Announce post #3440: Foci Fluxes
11/14/2022 at 3:34
Keroc, the Starborn
Everyone
Foci Fluxes
Hi folks,
The newest part of foci is here, fluxes! This system will alter how much ylem you might receive in one season, and allows you plan accordingly around it. Hopefully this will introduce a bit of scarcity into the system without feeling too much like a slog.
Fluxes work like so. Every season, the leylines will fluctuate in the amount of energy they output in that season. Using the command REFINING FLUXATIONS (through new skill in Refining) you can see the flux state for the current season, and in the following season, with it basically translating into a percent gain or loss in ylem gains.
Here are the chances of each flux state:
EACH SEASON
1% chance of stable
4% chance of limited
20% chance of low
50% chance of medium
20% chance of high
5% chance of severe
And here is the amount of ylem you would obtain modified from all sources:
Stable: 0% ylem
Limited: 25% ylem
Low: 70% ylem
Medium: 100% ylem
High: 130% ylem
Severe: 175% ylem
Later on, I may introduce specific things that can only happen during a certain flux states, but this is how it'll work to begin with.
Enjoy!
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 2nd of Arios, in the year 506 MA.
Keroc, the Starborn
Everyone
Foci Fluxes
Hi folks,
The newest part of foci is here, fluxes! This system will alter how much ylem you might receive in one season, and allows you plan accordingly around it. Hopefully this will introduce a bit of scarcity into the system without feeling too much like a slog.
Fluxes work like so. Every season, the leylines will fluctuate in the amount of energy they output in that season. Using the command REFINING FLUXATIONS (through new skill in Refining) you can see the flux state for the current season, and in the following season, with it basically translating into a percent gain or loss in ylem gains.
Here are the chances of each flux state:
EACH SEASON
1% chance of stable
4% chance of limited
20% chance of low
50% chance of medium
20% chance of high
5% chance of severe
And here is the amount of ylem you would obtain modified from all sources:
Stable: 0% ylem
Limited: 25% ylem
Low: 70% ylem
Medium: 100% ylem
High: 130% ylem
Severe: 175% ylem
Later on, I may introduce specific things that can only happen during a certain flux states, but this is how it'll work to begin with.
Enjoy!
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 2nd of Arios, in the year 506 MA.