Staff/Player Meeting (2-17-99)
Topics: 1. Improvements to Aether, 
        2. Future Tps/Events, 
        3. unveiling of the +oscars, 
        4. brainstorming
Present: Adham, Aeneas, Altair, Ambriel, Andromache, Anubis, 
         Aphra, Astraea, Atalanta, Bast, Calandra, Celeste, 
         Cepheus, Cerridwen, Craft, Cyrano, Danu, Diana,
         Dremmond, Drisana, Drusus, Elania, Elidi, Elyaena, 
         Halimeda, Faanshi, Harlock, Helios, Ianthe, Ilex, Jana, 
         Kovar, Kuronbo, Lailah, Leonidas, Luna, Marina, Medea, 
         Megeara, Morrigan, Oriane, Pasithas, Peitho, Selene, 
         Shahar, Silvermist, Siranae, Snowmane, StormBearer, 
         Susanoo, Tros, Urania, Vir

Astraea says, "Well, it look like we've got a pretty good
turnout, then. I don't see why we can't go ahead and start. So
please, keep extraneous comments to a minimum. The way things
will work is this: a topic will be presented, and folks can take
turns discussing it. Just raise your hand if you want to speak.
And try to get your stuff typed out beforehand. If you're going
to take up more than one pose, but a (more) on the end or
something, so we know there's more, or a (done) at the end, so we
know you're done."

Astraea says, "Sometimes the 'queue' can be confusing. There'll
be a 'main' topic, but it's easy to go off on tangents. Some
folks will want to comment directly to what someone said, while
others have general comments to make. I'll do my best to keep the
queue going in order, yet allow people to comment directly, as
well. It might be best to specify if your comment is
directly-related when you raise your hand."

Susanoo says "Please don't just jump right in, unless it's to
Save The World. :)"

Astraea says, "Are there any questions?"

Astraea waits a few seconds. I guess not. :) Okay. I s'pose I'll
start, then. Lemme type.

Astraea says, "Well, as I mentioned in the post(s), this meeting
is for constructive ways of improving the game. It is not a Bitch
Session. Certain things went wrong in the War Plot, and hopefully
we'll learn from our mistakes. The best thing we can do now is to
accept the changes and move on, and see what we can 'build from
the ashes,' so to speak. So I guess that's the main topic of this
meeting: What do we want to see in the future of Aether? It's a
fairly general topic, I know, and I doubt it's something we can
wrap up in 3 hours (that's what I'd like to keep this meeting
to). But hopefully enough ideas will be generated that we'll have
something to work with. Anyone want to start this baby off?"

Craft raises his hand.

Kuronbo raises hand

Astraea says, "You first, Craft. Then Kuronbo."

Drisana raises her hand. :)

Astraea says, "And you can go after Kuronbo, Dana."

Susanoo says "A helpful hint. When you're called, note that you
got it and you've started typing, so we know youre typing and not
idle. :)"

Craft types, oh does he. =)

Craft says "At first glance upon coming back, it seemed as if
Aether had gone from a MUX focused in on the Haven area to
something much more large-scale. As I saw the results of this, I
began to believe that this MUX had grown too big for its theme.
Armies of 20,000 warriors rumbling through cities was one of my
first impressions. Secondly, in these battles, I saw a lack of PC
versus PC interaction; while there are wonderful logs, it seems
that (for example), Elidi has been coming back from Parnassus
forever; the same with Diana at Callisar's. Suddenly the game
seemed to shift from a close-knit group of PCs RPing together to
create marvelous stories into NPC-focused large-scale tactical
combat. Sort of a D&D to Warhammer 40K shift. (more)"

Craft says "My question is this: has anyone else seen this, and
if so, am I totally out of my gototally out of my gourd in
thinking it has seemed to dillute the PC-PC RP?"

Craft says "Done. =) For now."

Astraea says, "Anyone want to respond directly to Craft?"

Susanoo raises hand.

Astraea says, "You first, Sus."

Cepheus raises a hand.

Susanoo types.

Oriane could respond too. I imagine someone else will say what I
will, but if not... :)

Astraea says, "Ceph is next. And after him, Ori."

Susanoo says "Yes, I've seen it. I believe that it was an
unavoidable fact of the War TP, and I also believe that we're
'pulling back in' now. But I see the point, and agree with the
implied suggestion that focusing more on Haven and
character-character interaction will help. <done>"

Astraea says, "Cepheus?"

Cepheus says "Just a quickie... not EVERYONE has been completely
sucked in by this large scale type conflict RP... in fact there
are quite alot who haven't been. Ori... etc... :) Yes, I have
noticed it... but I think there are currently two levels of RP
happening here: the HUGE TP model, and the small TP model.
Unfortunately, the latter tends to get crushed by the former...
which is one of my larger concerns. As Susanoo, said... this
trend is reversing... which is good. <done>"

Oriane starts typing.

Astraea lets Ori type, then. ;)

Oriane says "While I think the war could have had more PC
interaction, I think it served a very important purpose that's
missed on a good number of other games. Too often, games don't
focus on the world outside of the immediate IC grid. For the
first time in the years I've been roleplaying online, a plot took
place that truly affected the -world- rather than a handful of
players. That in and of itself can add to the RP of each player.
So, basically what I'm saying is that I can see what you're
saying, Craft, but I think there's more to it than that. :)
(done)"

Luna raises her hand.

Astraea chuckles. Nicely said, Ori. Go ahead, Luna.

Susanoo says "While Luna types, another time-saving hint. If you
know what you're gonna say, and have a buffer or other window to
type it, it's a Good Idea to pre-type and copy-paste when you're
called on. :)"

Adham raises his hand.

Astraea says, "And after Luna, Adham."

Astraea would prefer to move things back toward the main topic
after this, though.

Luna says "I would say that the amount of personal-RP you saw as
in direct relation to how close you were to the war. I know that
many of my alts saw -only- personal RP and nothing of the war
(most of them, in fact). The only thing I /did/ see were the
massive posts.... Now that we're coming back together, perhaps
this'll get better. But it seemed to me that some of the problem
came from those posts. Very little information trickled down from
the war by -interaction-. It came through posts. But that might
be a tangent-thought (done)"

Astraea says, "Your turn, Adham."

Adham says "Okay, here is my thoughts, I have been gone, for a
good couple of months, when I was last here, there was just the
inkling of war (which I helped create @wheee :) But the simple
fact is, to me, the War helped galavanize a lot of things about
this MU*. It goes something like this, the TP affected everyone,
and not just those large scale things. Nobody's lives will be the
same, cept for maybe the Outcasts. While some things went bad,
it's going to happen, I applaud everyone here. Applaud everyone's
efforts, everyone, did very well, incredibly well considering the
scale. I am just sorry I missed it. As for inter-person RP, I
don't know, that's all I've had, it gave us something else to RP
about besides who is sleeping with whom and what hat I RP'd I
bought. Well done."

Adham is done.

Kuronbo raises his hand and inquires, "My turn?"

Astraea says, "Okay. Nicely said, Adham. Now, getting back to the
main topic, yeah, it's your turn, Kuronbo. :)"

Orcinus Kuronbo stands and places a hand upon his chest in a
gesture reminiscent of his favorite president, as well as
statesman and preachers everywhere... he raises his voice and
states in a southern drawl, "Brothers and Sisters <Praise the
Lord!>...I have a vision, a vision of a far away place in which
all our troubles will vanish like so much wine from the chalice
<Amen>...a vision of a land called, Aether!!! <Sing It, Brother
Kuronbo!>

Brother Kuronbo switches modes and states, "Actually, What I want
to say is that I think that we got something great here...and
while I think the War TP was an outstanding idea and was capable
of generating much interracial RP, for whatever reason it did
not. I think that we need to bring it back to Haven for a little
bit... we can certainly establish a global element into the
story, but I think that if the next series of TPs can establish
RP and Intrigue within Haven... I think that it will pull alot
more people in." (more to follow)

"That being said, I think that the Player-Base needs to meet the
Staff half-way with these plots and run with the TPs. The
Staffers provide TP-Seeds...ideas that are meant to generate RP
and further the TPs. I think that we need to get a little more
proactive with those ideas and hints they throw our way." (More
to Follow)

Morrigan slips inside and leans against the back wall.

Brother Kuronbo then states, "And finally, I think that there is
nothing stopping players with coming up with their own TPs. It
need not be anything elaborate, but I think the Staff here would
be delighted if we took a little bit of the load and creating TPs
that revolve around your little segment of Aether. We each own a
little bit of this MUX... we should take ownership of that part"
(Done)

Astraea nods. Well said. :) Even if you gave me a coughing fit
after laughing at the first part. ;) Anyone want to respond
directly, or shall I move on to Drisana?

Astraea waits a few seconds. Hmm. I guess it's your turn, Dana.

Drisana, looking back at Ku's and Craft's poses, isn't sure what
she typed fits the subject. O.o Umm. Thus, if I misunderstood, I
apologize. Here goes my two cents. :) What Dana Wants To See.

Drisana says "I'd like to see more of the Apisachi and the
Sylvans, somehow. I mean, the Iwowhatever people, the ones who
live west of Haven, them one at least has a chance of meeting.
But them there Apisach.. O.o *shrugs* I know there are a lot of
them, but I don't really have that much of a clue about who's
who, except for Dark-Eyes. (more)"

Drisana says "Mmmm. I'd also like to see more people go into the
factions. Take for example the Varati, my favorite race to play.
:) I've seen a whole lot of new folks lately RPing belonging to
some non PC clan, something which I've also been guilty of. Thing
is, that the clans one can choose from, Messala, Khalida, Behzad,
Kedhav and that there vaisya clan, are all reaaaaaaally groovy
things to belong to? Instant Family(tm)! It's a splendid way of
getting a small idea of some of the bigger political workings of
the game, with powerstruggles, conspiracies, and so on and so on.
:) Rambling, sorry. (more)"

Drisana says "What I'd also like to see is the Delphi getting
more involved. At the moment, it just seems a little, well, dead?
Everything that's going on is between the Embassies/Heads of the
races, whilst the Delphi is in a pause. Perhaps they could
arrange a small festival or something? Get some good PR? :)
(done)"

Dremmond raises a hand...

Astraea says, "You first, Dremmond."

Celeste raises a hand, too.

Astraea says, "And after him, Celeste."

Anubis nudges. "Please remember to type 'I got it' or 'typing' or
give some small indication  you're working on your comment,
folks, just so we don't get impatient and pass ya up." ;)

Dremmond is typing

Celeste is typing. :)

Craft hugs all and must bolt...problems IRL popping up *hug*

Susanoo notes that he's tracking people along with Star, so don't
be surprised if I page you after you raise your hand.

Dremmond says "Well I haven't been playing here long... and I've
only had one other alt, but based on what I'm hearing, I have a
suggestion.... It sounds like the problem was that the war took
too much of center stage where not everyone could get directly
invovled... "In my personal opinion and having run a few epic
style TP's that effected an entire Mush before, I think it's best
to keep the 'big' conflict as the back drop and concentrate on
running the effects of it in your designated setting. For
instance, with a war a lot of RP in Haven could center around
what the war was doing to prices in market... are the Varati and
Empyreans 'impressing' able bodied people into service... Are the
towns people taking up sides and are relations getting stressed
because of it. When epic stuff happens I find it best to
concentrate on the Side Effects to generate RP. (done)"

Susanoo says "Celeste?"

Anubis raises his hand.

Astraea says, "After Celeste, Anubis."

Celeste swallows a handful of chex mix and clears her throat.
"Regarding what Drisana said about Delphi. I realize that it's
been a little quiet. The first few days after I got there, there
seemed to be barely anybody there. But I would like to say that
it seems to be picking up, and I'm very glad. We had a ceremony
recently, and some rather nice TP-ish-things coming about because
of it. Maybe we can't compete with the war, but things do seem to
happen there on a daily basis. New statuary one day... maybe just
some talking, the next. Heck, I RP with myself when there's
nobody else around. So... well, it's not dead. And it kind of
goes to show that even in the shadow of a big, epic TP, life can
continue with some normality, if you really /want/ to RP." :)

Astraea chuckles. More? Or are you finished?

Astraea has some comments she'd like to make after Anubis is
done.

Celeste is done. Sorry.

Anubis is typing.

Celeste thought she put that on there. *blush*

Anubis says "I just wanted to answer Dremmond's comment to say
that there /were/ several posts regarding the effect on the war
on the prices & availability of goods and services, and I did
observe several people RPing that out, too. I didn't see anyone
run any black market TPs or other consequences, but then again it
doesn't mean it didn't happen. It is a good point, though, and
it's something to remember: when something of this nature (a
broad TP) is going on, it's bound to have all kinds of effects.
We've always encouraged and continued to encourage people to make
use of this in their RP, whether it's to use it as an excuse to
come ot the Rialto to find some hard-to-find thing, or to just
mention it in passing. The war may be more or less over, but
there will still be long-term effects. Think about what's going
on and you might be able to come up with good flavor for your
character, your character's family, faction, or whatever. Maybe
you can make a TP out of it. <done>"

Astraea says, "Nicely put, Anu. Okay... I guess it's my turn,
now."

Kuronbo raises a webbed hand for quick commentary.

Astraea says, "Shoot, Kuronbo."

Astraea needs to type more anyway.

Kuronbo bows and raises lowers his webbed hand and states, "Quick
note...there is quite a lot of TPs in regards to the end of the
war that will spur RP. There are new alliances to be made, new
powers to rise in the place of the old, civil strife to be
fought, and internal readjustments to be made. It promises to be
an interesting 'peace.'" He nods and relinquishes the Altar,
"Sister Astraea?"

Morrigan panics. "Sister Astraea? Am I in church!!???" She turns
pale and looks around in a paranoid manner.

Astraea says, "Susanoo pointed out that some folks may be
confused as to just where things stand right now. I explained
most of that in my recent OOC posts, as well as gave some ideas
about the future. But I thought I'd re-state some of that stuff
now, to help with the meeting. (More)"

Astraea says, "As far as the War goes, it's being wrapped up. A
peace treaty was negotiated between the Varati and the Empyreans,
and all we're waiting for now is for this treaty to be "ratified"
by the Empyreal government (what's left of it). I know a lot of
folks are worried about just what was *in* that treaty. Is Khalid
suddenly going to be ruler of the Empyre, too? Are all our fine
and noble Empy citizens now Varati slaves? (More)"

Astraea says, "Well, the logs of those negotiations should be
going up onto the web-page soon, so y'all can see for yourself
what the changes will be. But I'll ruin the "surprise" enough now
to tell you that no, the Empies aren't all slaves, and no, Khalid
is not in charge of the Empyre. He'll still be too busy running
his own kingdom to worry about the Empyrean sphere as well.
(More)"

Tros raises his hand.

Astraea notes that's as far as she typed out beforehand, so gimme
a minute to get the rest down.

Astraea says, "The Empys *are* pretty disorganized, though, and
that's one thing *they'll* need to work on. They'll need to
rebuild their cities, appoint new leaders, and get their army
back on its feet. That should keep them occupied a little while.
In the meantime, I'd like to, yes, bring the focus back to Haven
a bit more. And to the other races -- the Sylvans and Atlanteans,
who've been somewhat overlooked during all of this. Delphi, too,
could use some more help/work. I think it'd be nice to 'trim
down' the focus a bit, from a grand epic to a more centralized
thing, i.e. Haven. So those are the directions I'm hoping to go
in. Now, I believe Tros was the first who wanted to comment?"

Astraea is done, btw.

Susanoo nods, "Tros."

Megeara raises a hand.

Tros says "typing.."

Astraea says, "And after Tros, Meg."

Tros says "One concern that I've noticed and felt, is the delay
with things that put roleplay for others in a lurch. Like the
Insurrection for Empyreans(Aegis being seized.) They're pretty
much at a standstill in CD, while people 'wait' for the treaty
details to be released. Last I heard it was going to be put
public on Saturday night, and now it is Weds. The individuals
involved with treaty have also been keeping it all under wrap OOC
too, which doesn't do much for communication. <done>"

Susanoo raises a hand, and places himself after Meg.

Tros says "A climax builds, then it goes stale.. cause the end
never happens, or if it does.. days or weeks later.."

Megeara says "I may be jumping ahead of things, but since Star
brought up Empyrean disorganization, I'll go ahead and ask. You'd
mentioned hiring on some more staff in bbposts. Is there a
timeframe for when we might expect those? (Done, I think)"

Megeara erks, "Sorry. I thought Tros was done."

Tros is. :)

Tros says "Was.."

Leonidas raises a hand.

Astraea says, "That's mainly due to the delay in travel-time.
That, and a difficulty in organizing times for folks to be on,
etc. Tros. (Sorry, Meg. Just responding, I'm using my Goddess
privilege to butt in). ;) Oh, and yes, there are current plans to
'hire' more staff. We'll be doing that at our next Staff
meeting."

Astraea says, "Sus, then Leonidas."

Susanoo types.

Megeara says "Quick follow up? When's the next staff meeting? :)"

Astraea says, "I haven't set a date yet. We were going to get
this done with first. Either this weekend or early next week,
most likely."

Silvermist raises a hand.

Susanoo says "It's actually an agreement to Tros. Nothing is more
frustrating, you all can agree, than having your RP put on hold
by events that you simply can't move along. It happens with
individuals, not just staff-run things. We're learning. But also
consider it yourself, folks - try not to leave others hanging if
at all possible. <done>"

Leonidas's turn?

Astraea says, "Yep. Shoot, Leo. Then Silvermist."

Leonidas says, to address Tros' point: The main reason that those
with the treaty have been keeping it under wraps OOCly is to
reduce the amount of OOC headache and accusation, etc, that they
have to deal with. We all know that there's been a lot of that
going around lately, and a lot of people are burning out on it.
It was thought best to keep the details quiet until the staff
agreed to post them, for the sake of our sanity. We appreciate
the patience that y'all have shown in waiting, and things are
coming to a close. Also, yeah, scheduling has been a problem, but
it should be better RSN. <done>

Astraea says, "Silvermist?"

Silvermist says "still typing"

Silvermist says, I would like to mention that even though the war
TP is over per se, it can still serve as a backdrop to personal
RPs. There could still be a few groups of Empyreans out of touch
doing hit-n-run marauding and more of the common folk would have
picked up weapons from battle fields. Also the tent-city could
become a more permanent expansion of Haven. <done>

Astraea nods to Silvermist. Good idea. Hrm... who was next?

Susanoo says "Nobody."

Susanoo says "Floor is open."

Astraea says, "Anyone want to make comments on anything that's
been said? Or suggest ideas?"

Elania raises her hand.

Astraea says, "You first, Elania."

Elania says "I'd like some clarification, actually, because I'm
new and there's mounds of background information I haven't a clue
about. I'm really not understanding what all the OOC flak is
about. From the OOC talking I've done with people, the war's been
handled by PC's, and was originally agreed upon by both sides to
be handled ICly (ie, PCs deciding strategy rather than 'sphere'
heads). So... if it's all been done ICly, I'm just not
understanding why people are getting up in arms about it all, or
saying there's no RP to be had. I'm just wondering if I'm missing
something that'd explain it all, because it's all just boggling
me. :)"

Pasithas raises her hand.

Drisana raises her hand.

Astraea says, "Go ahead, Pasithas."

Pasithas smiles. "Maybe you should answer Elania first, I hit
return earlier than I meant to."

Drisana is typing, someone else feel free to comment before me,
since I'm sort of slow (burned my finger).

Oriane can comment on what Elania said, sorta.

Astraea says, "Well... not *everything* was handled by PCs. It
was, as much as we could manage. But since the main area of RP is
Haven, and there's populations numbering in the millions for the
other races, naturally, not all the war-stuff *could* be done by
PCs. And on the downside, those PCs that did get involved had to
be separated from RP for long stretches of time. That's one
reason why folks were upset. Another was that, well, no one likes
losing. And chances were, one side was going to lose in this war.
It changed things, and change is difficult to deal with. That's
my answer, anwyay."

Astraea says, "Pasithas? I think you were next. Then Drisana."

Susanoo reminds again about the "I'm typing" bit. :)

Drisana has typed her post out, if Pas is idle?

Astraea says, "Hmm. Go ahead, Dana. Pas can go after you."

Drisana says "Heh, I don't understand it that much either,
Elania. But the way I've figured it, apparently some folks took
badly to the Varati winning in some cases due to a perhaps
slightly too close relation to their char (they took it
personally), along with some really weird stuff about feeling
insulted because there are more Empyrean PCs than Varati, and
thusly they felt they got beaten by NPCs? This is a bit hearsay,
plus some comments by folks, so I don't know how correct I am.
Also, I figure it in general lasted for a wee bit longer than
most people had thought it would, perhaps? On a personal note, I
think this thing's been a blast. I got to play with an axe! I
did! I did! (done)"

Altair raises his hand.

Pasithas typing

Pasithas comp's messed up, brb

Susanoo says "Pasithas, then Altair."

Susanoo corrects. "Pasi, Oriane, Altair."

Pasithas says "Sorry."

Pasithas says "First off, I apologize for any confusion in my
little statement. I agree with Tros.. I understand that sometimes
things come up, like with the treaty TP. But I've noticed other
TPs die out too. Like the Parnassus battle. Some posts seemed
very intense then it sorta got ahead of itself and then died out.
I think the war was a good idea for increasing RP(more)."

Pasithas says "As for what I see in the future, I think that
there is still good RP to be made from the war. There is still
interracial tensions. Plus now there is added intraracial
tensions, like how things were handled. Or so on. I don't see why
everyone seems to be really down on big TPs like it. It's just my
two cents. (DONE)"

Susanoo says "A point to make. Some of the major Internet
backbones had /serious/ downtime to day. The 'Net is still
recovering. This is why some folk are having lag/connect
problems. Be understanding. :)"

Elania raises her hand.

Astraea says, "Okay. Oriane's turn. Then Altair. Then Elania."

Drisana blinkblinkblinks, and waves a hand frantically, just a
small note, please?

Astraea says, "Go ahead."

Oriane lets Dris sneak in.

Drisana did _not_ mean that the way it may have come out, I'm a
lil' tired here (caffeine still not kicking in), and what with me
not being a native english speaker, I may have used the wrong
phrasing. I'm not whining or judging people, here, I just
pondered? I apologize profoundly if I accidentally insulted
anyone, very sorry, didn't mean to! @.@

Oriane says "This is in response to Elania's question, mainly.
There is a point when venting frustration reaches a level where
it becomes negative and self-destructive. I think that, in part,
is what happened with this war. Yes, people don't like to lose,
but I think that was only a fraction of the problem. What truly
got ugly was the constant dwelling on what was -wrong- rather
than working constructively to get past it. :) Frustration fed
off of frustration until it turned poisonous and started hurting
people. THAT is what we need to avoid in the future. (more)"

Oriane says "I would personally like to get away from dwelling on
what went wrong. There's only so much you can do of that to learn
from your mistakes... After that it's just picking a scab and
making it bleed again. :) (done)"

Astraea agrees. Well put. Okay, Altair?

Altair says "About being frustrated during the war, I have to
admit that I haven't been immune to it. Many times I've read IC
and OOC posts, getting pretty angry and frustrated at the way
things were turning out, the way things were changing. Though I
know it would have been harder to do from Parnassus for those
stuck there, I find the best way to deal with the frustration is
make it as IC as possible. To put your feelings into your
character can really go a long way in driving and creating RP.
Some of the best RP I've been in was when IC rumors or statements
were made, about the loss of Duropolis and such. Though, if
anyone ever gets into a Parnassus situation again, I think we
should come up with some sort of weekend-leave plan for the PCs.
Even GI's on a sedate front line get day trips to nearby towns
and such." (done)"

Altair says "My two cents. :)"

Elania just wanted to make the point that a huge TP like this has
been is bound to have its fair share of snags and bumps. Those of
you who have ST'ed before know how even a teeny-tiny TP can have
the weirdest monkey-wrenches thrown into them, simply because you
can't predict how people will act/react. But...man. ;) You can go
to half a bazillion places on the net if you want stasis and
status quo. This is the only place I've seen willing to embrace a
/real/, /noticeable/ change in the gameworld as a whole and... I
know it's going to sting for some people, but... enjoy it for
what it is. Amazing, and /rare/. *nods to Oriane's words* Yes,
I've seen that all too many times, and it's so hard to fight.
Something that /needs/ to be fought, but I think it's human
nature to grouse and gripe, unfortunately. *grin* I'm done.

Astraea says, "Good idea, Altair. More folks *should* let their
OOC frustrations become 'fuel' for  IC stuff. (Just wanted to
comment)"

Anubis raises his hand.

Susanoo grins. "Uh... please to be called before saying your
piece, folks. :)"

Astraea says, "Your turn, Anubis."

Medea nudges Susanoo, "Please *wait* to be called..."

Astraea says, "Nah, his English is just failing. ;)"

Anubis is typing

Anubis just wanted to comment that it's certainly understandable
to get OOCly upset about stuff. I mean, I /know/ it's a bear to
be working really hard on something and have it be derailed, or
to be frustrated because you're stuck in an IC limbo because
someone or something is needed before you can get going again.
We're /not/ saying "don't vent" or "don't complain" or "don't
grouse." As Elania says, it's human nature, and for a lot of
people this MUX is a form of therapy -- grousing is a part of
that. But Altair's point is excellent -- if you can redirect your
frustrations into constructive IC stuff (like writing short
stories about NPCs, writing letters, doing art, poems, expanding
your character's background, etc..etc...etc..) that's great,
especially /before/ things get to out of hand that personal
attacks are occuring. I invite anyone to @mail me if they're
stuck and would like to brainstorm with me for ideas for things
to do while they're waiting for their character's RP to 'unlock,'
and I'm sure that a great number of the other players and staff
would be more than happy to help folks come up with ideas.

Anubis is done.

Kuronbo dives for cover

Astraea says, "Wonderful points, Anubis. Same goes for me, about
being available/willing to listen to brainstorms and whatnot.
Your only catch is finding me when I'm not busy. ;) But I always
read all my @mail."

Astraea hmms. Seems the queue's empty again.

Adham raises his hand

Astraea says, "Go ahead, Adham."

Astraea would like to broach another topic after this, though.

Adham says "Okay, let me see if I can get this straight. So far,
we have people basically saying the idea was cool, but things
could have went bad, use your OOC angst about IC stuff ICly, now
there's only one problem with that, OOC angst, doesn't usually
carry over to IC good stuff (tm) it usually carries over to 'I
want you dead, so I'm going to do it. Period. IC be damned.'
because this person did this or that. Now I can understand that,
we're all human, but it is a game, one we're all trying to
create, a story, a book, living in motion, always changing. If
you really want IC things to tork you off ICly, then let it, but
stay IC about it, and let things go the way they should, ICly,
maybe your character will have a personality switch, these things
happen, heck my first character went from some major changes,
some from OOC stuff RL happenings, some from IC. The thing is,
never try to hurt the other PLAYTER, they're just as human as you
guys, not me though, I'm beneath everyone :)"

Adham is done

Susanoo raises hand to reply to Adham.

Astraea says, "Go ahead, Sus. I'll just start typing."

Susanoo types.

Susanoo says "It's a simple concept that Adham just mentioned.
Remember, alwaysalwaysalways that the other characters out there
are being run by other players - who are PEOPLE, just like you,
who connect to Aether to enjoy themselves. Sometimes IC actions
need to be mitigated a little bit, in remembrance that other
people are here to enjoy the game also. <done>"

Kuronbo raises his hand for quick quick commentary

Susanoo says "Still typing, Star?"

Astraea nods. Go ahead, Kuronbo.

Kuronbo pauses for a moment from making change from the Church
Donation Plate and says, "Yep...what Sus said...but I would also
say that his and Adham's commentary extends to Staffers as well.
Especially Staffers."

Kuronbo is done and returns to the pew.

Astraea says, "I'd like to get us back on track as far as coming
up with 'solutions' for the future. Ways to improve things.
Perhaps there are TP ideas that y'all would like to see. Some
Haven-based TP, perhaps, that will bring the focus back to the
city. Or else ways of getting the Sylvans and Atlanteans more
active. I'm not necessarily asking for specific TP ideas right
now -- that can be @mailed to us later. But what *sort* of TPs do
you want? Or Events, perhaps, like festivals, gladiator bouts,
religious holidays, etc. Or what about other things... are there
OOC areas where we're lacking? The staff works very hard, but
we've all got RL to deal with too. One good idea in response to
our limited time were the Aides -- created to help 'newbies' and
guests get acclimated to the MUSH. Are there other things, like
that, that could help us make Aether a more 'user-friendly'
place?"

Astraea grins belatedly at Kuronbo. Thanks. ;)

Adham raises his hand

Drisana raises her hand.

Astraea says, "You're up, Adham. Then Drisana."

Halimeda raises her hand for a nonspecific comment, as befits a
newbie.

Astraea says, "You're after Dana, Halimeda."

Halimeda nods.

Ianthe raises her hand.

Adham says "Okay Sylvans, easy, Where do cities get their
supplies? Trees, they cut down trees, mine rock, yadda yadda,
that could be something, perhaps something to unify the Sylvans
even more give them a focus. Atlanteans, with the war, there
would be many many many refugees, population explosion, where
does this population dispose of its waste, well, historically,
It's raining on the bottom of the sea floor."

Oriane has a general comment too, I think.

Astraea says, "You done Adham, or was there more? (Remember
folks, attach a 'more' or 'done' to your pose, so we know)."

Adham is done.

Adham doesn't type very fast sorry

Astraea says, "Your turn, Dana. Then Halimeda, Ianthe, and
Oriane."

Drisana is typing, burned finger, have pity on a wounded girl. :)

Drisana says "Oooh, boy. *L* Remind me to mail you guys ideas.
:-) But, letsee now. Sort of TP. I say we need some really really
big ol' festival right now, to ease things up. Varati spring
festival? I had something like that going a while back, but then
there was a RL mess and stuff, plus I'd need someone's help with
some neato proggies for it. Ummm, letsee. Now, the gladiator
thingie, if there is some chance of someone else taking up the
hat after Fabien, I _loved_ those? Perhaps in combo with the
festival? Just, in general, something very fun, a touch of
romance, spring time, P A R T Y! (done)"

Astraea nods. I think a party would be nice, too. :) Help get
everyone relaxed after the war. We can talk more about that
later, Dana. Halimeda? Your turn.

Halimeda says "Well, actilly, Drisana said it... :) But in my
experience elseMU*, there's nothing like a party to generate RP,
especially when there's an Event to keep things unified.
Frinstance: I was recently at a four-day Festival at which there
was a dinner theater, with places for the spectators so they
could talk quietly while watching, and that was a grand
success... Stuff like that generally goes over really well. My
two cents. Done."

Astraea ahhs and nods. A theater/play would be nice, too. :) The
one in the Palladium has never been used, to my knowledge. Okay.
Ianthe?

Ianthe grins. "Okay, this was mentioned a long long time ago at
one of the Empyrean meetings -- but what I'd like to see are TPs
that impact people personally but are sort of optional. Like the
drug idea that was passed around, the one that purportedly gives
pregnant women children with magic? I think after the war like
this, they'd be more in demand than ever. Another area which
would be fascinating to see is sort of a religious resurgence --
historically this often happens after wars, especially in the
defeated nation. These are mostly Empy ideas, but that's what I
know, so, that's what comes out. :) On a grander scale, I'd
really like to see some Haven-wide festivals. Maybe something
like Saturnalia or Mardi Gras? Maybe 'Tyche's Festival', since
she seems to be the most widely worshipped of all the deities. I
think everyone has had enough of gloom and doom for a while; a
little fun stuff would be a blast!" (done)

Oriane starts typing. :)

Drisana waves a hand.

Astraea nods to Ianthe. Good ideas. :) I like the religious
element. Oriane? Your turn.

Astraea says, "And after her, Dana again."

Oriane says "If Dris has a comment directly on Ianthe's, she can
go while I'm typing. :)"

Diana raises a hand too.

Drisana is typing too.. :) In a way, it is. Lemme type.

Astraea says, "I guess it just depends which of you is done
first, then. And Diana will go after.... whoever isn't done
first."

Drisana says "On a side note, flash idea. Some religious holiday
that is shared by either all of the races or at least two of
them? How about what's the word, that day of spring when the
night and day is exactly as long? Would be sort of fun..? (done)"

Ianthe says "Vernal Equinox."

Susanoo says "Equinox."

Drisana nodnods. :) That one. (done for real)

Astraea says, "Or perhaps a 'shared religion' festival. Someone
had suggested that a long while back  -- a festival where each
culture gets a chance to 'strut its stuff,' religion-wise."

Susanoo says "It would be in the next couple IC days, though.
It's March 19 ICly now, VE is usually around the 20-somethings."

Astraea says, "Oriane?"

Oriane says "Though I'm not directly involved in Delphi ICly, I
would like to see Delphi's relationship to the other races
fleshed out some more. We know that the Varati prefer to train
their own mages, but what about the others? :) This is something
I've mulled over before, but not really been able to see fleshed
out more (at least on the Empy end of things where I sit. :)
Delphi is essentially the ruling body of Haven, but I don't think
it quite -feels- like that. I could ramble on this topic forever,
but I'm (done) now. :)"

Ianthe wavies her hands around for a response.

Astraea says, "Diana?"

Astraea says, "You responding directly to Ori, Ianthe?"

Ianthe says "No, to Dana."

Astraea ahhs. You still typing, Diana?

Shahar waves and has a response to Oriane. :)

Astraea says, "Now's the time where things get confusing..."

Astraea says, "Ianthe, Shahar, are these quick responses?"

Shahar's is pretty quick, and she's a fast typist.

Astraea says, "Go ahead then, Shahar."

Diana is still typing , let them go :)

Shahar says "Fundamentally, wanted to say that the Varati have
started working - well, Clan Khalida, and from there other clans,
I hope - with the Delphi; I had a scene just yesterday with Maya
on engendering better relations between the Delphi and the
Varati. I also agree wholeheartedly with Ori and think that it's
time the Delphi do indeed appear to be the people who'll keep
Haven in control. <done>"

Astraea says, "Ianthe?"

Ianthe says "Just a real quick bit -- the idea of a festival
sounds great, but does anyone else like the idea of it being
perhaps a 'masked' festival? Sort of a chance to put the normal
boundaries aside for a little while. I think it'd be a lot of fun
to give it a shot, then deal with the aftermath of realizing that
attractive fellow you danced with for a night was actually a
low-class Empyrean or even a Varati."

Ianthe says "Done."

Drisana wavies! Response to that one!

Astraea chuckles. Oriane just paged me with that idea a little
bit ago, Ianthe. I think it sounds great. Go ahead, Dana, but
Diana still need to go.

Oriane giggles.

Drisana says "Sounds superb, Ianthe. =) Ummm. Only question, how
are the Empies gonna hide the wings? Other than that, yeah, let's
do that, please! =) Totally romantic. ^.^"

Diana thinks she likes the religious aspect and thinks it would
help to solidify the Empyreans more on the IC front, "We could
use the Coliseum to hold an 'Olympics' or competition among the
races. On the Sylvan front, maybe they could establish trading
posts to build up RP in the outskirts of Haven. " (done for now
and slaps her call waiting too).

Oriane ooohs. Trading posts.

Kuronbo smiles and says, "Question... whom is going to compete
against the Atlanteans in the Swimming Events?"

Drisana says "Did my message come through? O.o"

Astraea nods about using the Coliseum. 'Bout time we put it to
good use, aside from that one gladiator bout, and I like the idea
of having competitions between the races.

"Aiiiigh! Free-form discussion!" Susanoo's neat notes fall into
disarray.

Astraea nods to Drisana. I dunno how they'd hide their wings. Big
cloaks?

Oriane has a comment, I think, regarding festivals and such.

Ianthe says "Paint!"

StormBearer raises his hand in response to the olympics idea

Pasithas raises her hand with another idea.

Astraea chuckles at Sus. Sorry... okay, okay, let's try not to
let everything fall apart. Oriane? Then StormBearer, then
Pasithas.

Oriane starts typing. :)

Oriane was just thinking that a city-wide festival would be best
done if put on by Delphi... which could help make their presence
more felt in the city. Perhaps a celebration of its founding
that's taken on a broader more inclusive aspect for all the races
living in Haven? :) That way it could involve all the races
without having to bend prejudices to get them together. (done)

Astraea says, "Ooh. Excellent idea, Ori. I like that."

Susanoo nods. Good idea - a 'neutral' host.

Astraea says, "Okay, StormBearer?"

StormBearer says ""As Kuronbo so jokingly presented, /whom/ would
compete against the Atlanteans in the swimming. Or the Empyreans
in the high jump, or the Varati in weight lifting. Each race
would dominate the others in a sport, with few left that would be
even among the species.(done)"

Susanoo raises a hand to Storm.

Adham raises his hand

Drisana wavies a hand.

Astraea thinks something could be arranged to even the odds... or
else the events could be planned so they're *not* favorable to
one particular race. Uh. Oy. Okay. Sus, then Adham, then Dana,
*then* Pasithas. Try to keep 'em short.

Susanoo says "Mongrels are our 'neutral' race. How about mongrel
teams - sponsored by given races? :) That evens it up. Heh. And
promotes Mongrel RP. <done>"

Megeara says "Good idea."

Halimeda oohs.

Astraea oohs and likes that. :) Adham?

Halimeda ahems, sorry.

Medea raises her hand.

Astraea says, "You go after Pasithas, Medea."

Medea got it!

Adham says "Okay, sorry lag"

Adham is typing really quick is not a slow typer really

Adham says "About those games, all I have to say is from
experience, race doesn't mean you win. I know of a former
Empyrean who was stronger than -most- Varati, stronger than any
of them could be at start."

Adham shrugs, "PC's are different. (done)

Astraea says, "Okay. Drisana? Then Pasithas, then Medea."

Drisana says "Two words. Beauty Contest. ;) Brightly colored
Atlanteans, petite blonde Empyreans, green eyed wild Sylvans,
dark and mysterious Varati, mixed Mongrels. It's almost
completely J/K, but... Or, if that doesn't work, how about
interracial beauty competitions? The winner would get status,
money, whatever, perhaps something in the style of '<race> of the
Year'. Or it could just be for fun. An idle ponder, which is
probably not possible to do thinking closer about it, but I
thought I'd drop my two rusty cents anyways. As a side note, I
definitely like Susanoo's idea, I think that should be rather
ICly possible? :) (done)"

Susanoo mutters, "Babes..."

Astraea just has to giggle at the possible 'speeches' from these
beauty contestants: "And I want World Peace and harmony between
all the races..." ;) Okay. Pasithas? Your turn.

Pasithas says "Okay, I'm relatively new here and this might seem
stupid, but in RL different cultures celebrate the New Year at
different times. One of those many times is often spring. Often
at the beginning of April. (which is soon) It might make sense to
have one or more of the races to celebrate New Year with a big
bang. It could consist of several "Days." Like one for Tyche,
etc. On another note, I really like the masked festival idea (but
the wings do make a problem, unless some wear fake
wings....(done)"

Astraea nods to Pasithas. A New Year festival would be a nice
reason to have it. Medea?

Elidi snickers. She's a 'mask festival' all the time now.

Medea says "To sort of ping on two things at once, both Delphi
and the festival idea, a possible suggestion is that Delph puts
on the festival, for what was suggested, celebration of the
founding of the city of Haven, and Delphi itself. Making use of
the mongrels would serve multiple purposes as well, including
providing those 48 mongrels with something to hold some pride in
for once, and not get trodden on. They would get treated well for
a couple of weeks, while they train hard in whatever sport, then
the big finale. The 'Olympics' as in ancient Greece. The Rialto
could get emptied out for the events, and real estate would be at
a premium. There *could* also be a beauty contest as well, but of
the four races, even add in mongrels as well. And, following the
opening day celebrations, maybe a really big bash of a mask party
to kick it off. Gives people a chance to investigate those
men/women they saw during the party?"

Medea is done.

Astraea grins. Sounds like an excellent outline of events to me.

Elidi raises her hand.

Snowmane has a question/thought about that after Eli.

Astraea hmms. Seems the queue's empty again. Anyone want to
respond and/or suggest new ideas? Ahh, there we go. Elidi, you
first. Then Snowmane.

Elidi says "Actually, for an 'Olympics' the Coliseum might be a
better place to hold them than the Rialto."

Astraea nods. Though the Rialto could be used to trade-goods and
so on -- well, as it usually is. But it would prob'ly be more
crowded than ever, for the festival. Were you done, 'lidi?

Elidi says "Yes'm."

Astraea says, "Snowmane?"

Snowmane says "The idea of an Olympics is intriguing and quite a
valid one, though I'd have to inquire about the beauty contest.
Each race has its own views of beauty, and the notion that
another race is judged to be more beautiful could, while sparking
roleplay, could also spark some chaos as well, not to mention who
the judges would be."

Astraea hmms. Anyone want to respond?

Medea raises her hand.

Astraea says, "Go ahead, Medea."

Oriane could respond. :)

Astraea says, "Then Ori."

Medea grins, "Actually, that could be a lot of the fun. A couple
of options would be that the different races would be the judges,
just as they are now in the Olympics. It *is* possible that one
member of the race might find another intriguing enough to choose
them. Another option is to use mongrels. Let them be the judges.
Either that, or we use the Council of 12 as the judges. They are
mostly made up of the different races anyway, with some who are
sort of leaning away from their own, so they could very possibly
provide as neutral, and respectable, outlook as any?"

Medea says "Council of 12 being the Avatarati. <done>"

Snowmane concedes the point.

Oriane starts typing.

Megeara raises a hand.

Astraea says, "Okay. Ori, then Meg."

Astraea says, "And good idea, Medea."

Oriane -thinks- beauty contests are a relatively modern concept.
While there may have been forms of them in ages past, I think the
way we think of them has only been around for the last 100+ years
or so. Personally, I don't know that I'd want to see a blurring
of the lines between the races like a beauty contest would bring
about. They're usually based on the prejudices of the 'majority.'
I mean even in our own 'day and age', Vanessa Williams was the
first black to be named Ms. America and look how long that
took... Just a rambling thought. :)

Oriane is (done) on that, though I did have a thought regarding a
major festival/masquerade  ball.

Astraea says, "Actually, the Judgment of Paris is an ancient
myth, and that was a beauty contest... Paris had to choose
between Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite for the most beautiful
goddess. Just thought I'd mention that. ;) Meg?"

Megeara says "I was under the impression that Varati women were
purposely concealed by veils and whatnot? Wouldn't that sorta
inhibit a beauty contest? And... I'd have to agree with Oriane
about the general idea as well."

Oriane d'oh! I should have thought of that. :}

Drisana waves a hand.

Shahar can address that?

Astraea says, "Drisana, then Shahar."

Drisana lets Shahar go first. :) She types faster.

Shahar will see what Dana says; might render mine unneeded. :)

Elidi says "It's Chip and Dale! ;)"

Drisana giggles, and will type. ^.^

Jana lifts a hand as well. Heck, she's been quiet all night.
Gotta say something. :)

Drisana says "Well, actually, as far as I know, that varies from
clan to clan? Not all Varati women are veiled, though almost all
the PCs are. :) And, well, a veil can be different, from a nearly
completely see through white silk (perhaps even something made
out of lace?), to the really heavy, completely hiding black
ones."

Drisana says "Done."

Astraea says, "Shahar, then Jana. Then let's try to get this away
from beauty contests and back on track. That was just one
possible idea."

Shahar nods to what Dana said but adds this, and it's a general
commentary too: "One of the things that makes Aether what it is
is that the races, especially the Varati and the Empyreans,
traditionally have an aggressive amount of loathing for other
races. Most Varati would not like to admit to finding any
non-Varati attractive. Therefore, to go past the beauty contest
issue and note something in general: to get the haughtier races
(and the more stubborn ones!) to participate in anything that
transcends the races in Haven, better be cagy and
trick/shame/bribe 'em into it. :)"

Shahar is done.

Astraea says, "Jana?"

Jana begins typing real fast.

Jana says "Since people seem to keep bringing up good and valid
points against a beauty contest, I suggest another sort of
contest for those 'womanly arts.' Weaving. Maybe even singing.
I'm most inclined to food, though. Some sort of bake-off?"

Jana is done. She didn't have much to say, in all actuality. :)

Elidi lifts a hand.

Snowmane raises a hand too.

Oriane has a comment on festival/masquerade thingy.

Astraea says, "Nice alternatives, Jana. Okay, Elidi. Then I want
to go, myself, and say a few things.... er, okay. Elidi, then
Snowmane, then Oriane. *Then* me."

Elidi peers at Jana, "Womanly arts of... /baking/? I don't bake.
What about dueling with swords? That's womanly, right?" ;)

Astraea pokes Elidi. You're rare. ;) Snowmane?

Ianthe hi5's Elidi surreptitiously.

Jana giggles.

Elidi grins and hi5's Ianthe back.

Snowmane taps the hilt of her sword and grins, but seriously,
"But anyway, Shahar's point is probably best, though Jana's
alternative, particularly the singing notion is a more unbiased
contest, really. A good voice would turn someone's head, no
matter its source, where, as was said, beauty is conditional. In
olden times, a heavy set woman was considered beautiful because
she was well off. In later times, a slimmer, more trim woman was
considered beutiful. In Aetherian(?) terms, in some circles, my
char, for example could be considered beautiful, or abominable
even among the same races. But back to the point, I think a
singing or even a dance competition would be a bit more open. The
masquerade festival also has merit, though the wings would be
somewhat tricky to hide.

Astraea says, "More to add, Snowmane? Or are you finished?"

Snowmane bows, "I'm finished, sorry."

Astraea says, "Oriane? Then I'm going next."

Diana raises her hand and has an Idea.

Astraea says, "Er... you can go after Ori then, Diana. I wanted
to close off this discussion."

Oriane already spammed the folks at her table with this, but here
goes... :) Has anyone here ever read Joan DeVinge's 'The Snow
Queen'? It's a good book that I highly reccomend. The climax of
the book takes place during a Mardi-Gras type festival that
culminates in the change of the throne from the Snow Queen to the
Summer Queen. The thought I've taken from this was what if the
Masquerade part of the festival was something city wide, -but-
the 'main event' so to speak, was a formal gala affair that the
Empys throw. That way I can still have the idea of a masquerade
ball for the Empys that I ICly planted in Helena's head (which I
have reasons for wanting :), yet the rest of the city can
participate too. :)

Astraea says, "Sounds fine to me. :) I think it'd be nice if each
race brought its own 'event' to the festival. Okay, Diana, your
turn."

Oriane is done. Sorry. :)

Peitho raises her hand. It's a small comment on what Oriane said.

Diana makes it short and just thought that maybe rather than
hiding the wings, it is mandatory that every wears a pair whether
faux paux or not? "Perhaps created by the skilled Atlantean
craftsmen or some other race? Powdered wings for the dark
Empyreans and pinks, blues, yellows, greens etc?" (done)

Shahar quietly here-heres Diana; she had the same thoughts too.

Snowmane aplauds the notion.

Astraea says, "Okay... Peithos? *Then* I'm going, dammit! ;)"

Snowmane hugs Astraea.

Peitho says "Sorry, I can wait until after you go."

Cepheus cheers, "Go, Star... go! :)"

Astraea says, "Nah, go ahead, Peitho, 'cause I'll be closing that
discussion."

Cepheus meant after Peitho.... :)

Susanoo says "Star wants the last word. We're coming up on three
hours, folks."

Peitho says "Thanks, but since you're wrapping up (bad timing on
my part) I'll just @mail my question to her later."

Astraea says, "Okay, we've got a bunch of neat ideas for a
Festival. I think it'll help eliminate some of the angst/OOC bad
feelings that were generated because of the war. Also, in that
same vein, Oriane suggested 'Aetherian Oscars,' which Danu has
been good enough to code. Everyone check out '+oscars/help' and
feel free to play with it. :) If you notice problems, @mail or
page Danu. (more)"

Oriane grins.

Astraea says, "Anyway, to close off the last 10 minutes or so of
the meeting, I'd like to open up the floor and just do a 'free
for all.' Everyone, go ahead and yell out TP ideas, quick
suggestions for improving the game, new code ideas, etc.
Basically, anything and everything. This is all being logged.
Some ideas may be silly, some not. Just go ahead and suggest it.
It'll give us stuff to sift through later. I'd like to post this
log, so we'll have a record of all our ideas. So... for the next
10 minutes, everyone feel free to SPAM. ;)"

Danu notes regular +help on the oscars is coming soon. :)

Astraea yays. :)

Adham says "Approve me?"

Susanoo closes his nice neat notes right now.

Adham ducks!

Kovar slips over next to Snowmane and wraps his arms around her
waist.

Peitho likes the idea of mandatory wings, and powdered, etc....

Oriane hmmmmmmms....

Astraea would still like to see a Sylvan storytelling
contest/festival. There's my idea. ;)

Jana only meant womanly arts in the general, traditional,
limited, male-dominated sense of the phrase. ;) Sorry about that,
ladies.

Susanoo snorts. "I think the Varati would object strenuously, as
would some of the more conservative Atlanteans."

Andromache dunno if I missed this earlier, but I'd like to see
Delphi a lot more active than it's been... had a Delphi alt and
it seemed like absolutely nothing happened with them, and I got
the impression from the news files that they were supposed to be
a fairly large presence in Haven...

Astraea says, "Or in fact, it could be open to all races."

Marina says "There is such a thing coming Star. Really. It's in
the works."

Diana oohs and likes a storyteling fest and thinks that would be
neat and lots of good tales for the webpage.

Celeste says "We try! :)"

Cepheus says "And we are all trying harder these days."

Marina thinks it's being called a spring festival or something
like that.

Dremmond would like to see Mongrels start to make their own
racial idenity rather than just ride on the coat-tails of the
other races... that's stuff I'm personally RP towards, "It won't
be easy of course... but I'd like to see some Mongrels starting
to get tired of being pushed around and standing up for
themselves more."

Susanoo says "As a note, folks, a number of these suggestions are
'passive' - events with a lot of people watching one or two
people making really large poses. Those aren't really the best
thing, IMHO."

Oriane grins. Not a TP, but the Empy Mailing List has been going
on and on about fleshing out the Empyrean gods which I think is
great. One big festival for all the races in Haven is good, but
let's develop some holidays for each invidivual race. :) Like,
what if someone did a faux pax to a Varati on the Aetherian
version of Ramadan? ;)

Andromache agrees with Sus. Being involved is much more fun than
playing audience.

Peitho wants to add: perhaps each race could have a little
festival or feast before the big one

Kovar snorts and thinks Dremmond should meet Wyrdrune.

Andromache notes that she has a mongrel alt who's not in the
slightest 'pushed around' or anything.

Astraea nods to Dremmond. A mongrel uprising-type plot is sort of
in the works, and it's something I'd definitely like to see
happen.

Drisana grins. :) I liked the idea of each race having their own
main event. I say we can have one of those for each day? First
thought, let's have the Atl's go first, then Sylvans, then
Varati/Empyreans (coin toss?). Loose ponders. :)

Danu wants to see less code, dangnabbit!

Elidi grins and gives Danu chocolate.

Oriane says "But you're so good at it!"

Susanoo says "Don't go too overboard on defining everything. :)"

Susanoo wants to see more Danu-bop!

Drisana says "Four Festival days? Whatcha think? Show off those
pretty dresses? *snugglies Danu!!* Naah, Susanoo. :) Just
pondering."

Anubis grins. "SURE you want to see less code, Danu. Admit it.
You're hooked." ;)

Elidi knows a little Mongrel girl who would be glad to meet
Drisana in another Raspberry Death Match...

Marina wants to see some restrooms on the grid! Uh...nevermind.

Danu sobs, her secret shame revealed. "How about the laws
temporarily suspended, allowing graisha in animal form free reign
through the city streets?"

Kovar wants to see shops and stalls added to the PLACES in the
Rialto.

Ianthe gets visions of Jumanjii.

Astraea throws out another TP/plot idea... problems with pirates
on the high seas? Not sure how that'd affect Haven, exactly,
unless we can RP out some of the encounters, or get the
Atlanteans involved. Could affect market prices in the Rialto.

Peitho thinks it's a good idea. Esp, starting with the masq.
ball. Maybe from sundown Wednesday to Sun-up Sunday for the
days....

Adham says "It could stop shipping lines"

Ianthe wants Empy drug addicts!

Adham says "Pirates, could kidnap people"

Dremmond nods, "I know... but I'm talking maybe PC's starting to
RP towards inspiring or leading more of the NPC Mongrel
population.... give them some heroes of their own.. and a Mongrel
Uprising TP would be /great/ I think.."

Susanoo says "There's some of that in the works... Pirates, that
is."

Drisana checks out +oscars. Hmmm.

Diana wants Drug addicts too.

Cepheus says "More development of the flammable liquid plot,
perhaps...."

Drisana nodnodnodnods! Drug addicts! Definitely. :)

Diana is sure that Tibs would be the main dealer though :)

Ianthe laughs.

Jana likes the idea of a Mongrel Uprising too. Perhaps spurred on
by a couple of rogue mages? Get our Delphi people involved in
there, too. :)

Shahar thought Tiberius had that covered.

Andromache likes TPs that involve a lot of people in
Haven...stuff going on outside the city, or with just a couple
people posing while people watch, is just too remote for people
to feel involved.

Drisana ponders.

StormBearer thinks, maybe an attack on haven by pirates, even
temporary occupation

Peitho has to go. BYE!

Kovar says "An attack by mongrel pirates who band together all
the mongrels in the city and cause an uprising!"

Astraea hmms. Or maybe some 'natural disaster' type plot. Like a
hurricane that threatens Haven, or an earthquake, fire, flood...
something like that.

Halimeda says "Uprisings are cool. If they're allowed to run
their course."

Oriane isn't sure I want to see too much battle rp any time soon.
:)

Kovar says "Dogs and cats, living together - mass hysteria!"

Elidi GRARS at Oriane.

Astraea grins.

Cepheus chuckles.

Drisana mmmms. "A new religion being started, mongrels only,
perhaps voodooesque?" :-) Sacrificing pure-bloods?

Astraea laughs. I like the 'voodoo' idea.

Andromache says "A plague which only affects pure-bloods."

Shahar wonders how a good plague could be handled. Crossrace'd
confuse people, those who wanted to participate would let the TP
runner know, and they'd get some @mail unexpectedly letting them
know they Got It.

Astraea hmms at Andi. That has merit...

Marina rips Drisana's till beating heart out of her chest and...

Kovar says "OOOooo... I'll put Wyrd up for that one! He LIKES
blood and dancing while high on strange substances. :)"

Shahar peers at Andi.

Andromache peers at Shahar.

Shahar says "I was just thinking Plague."

Ianthe says "Plague's are fun!"

Cepheus says "Right historical period...."

Drisana nodnods. :) Voodoo being a mix of religions.. Diseases,
natural catastrophies, oh yaaaaah! =)

Faanshi eeks re: plague.

Elidi was just thinking 'Plaque' and remembers to go brush her
teeth for work.

Kovar remembers the 'plague' on TwoMoons and groans.

Ianthe grins. "The nice thing about plagues is that you don't
*have* to take part unless you want to."

Oriane grins. Bad Weather and Plague TP's can be good but can
also be over done. They can't go on for too long.

Cepheus says "We can learn from the mistakes of others. :)"

Susanoo says "you guys thought the war was bad? Plague would be
awful. Thing about it."

Andromache says "Why, Sus?"

Diana agrees with Ori.

Ianthe is still up for PARTY.

Faanshi says "Good point that Kovar has. The problem with plagues
is that they're no fun unless people actually want to let you
damage their characters."

Astraea says, "Maybe a 'plague' that affects magical powers?
Dampens them, or folks lose them altogether? Temporarily, of
course."

Marina says "No one will want to be the ones that succumb to the
plague."

Dremmond is thinking the Uprising could start a bit more
gradual.... "Maybe it could start with a Mongrel that finally
gets sick of the insults of a Pure blood and knocks him squarely
on his butt... slowly the dillusions (that while most of the PC's
Mongrels don't have many of the NPC prolly do) get shattered and
slowly but surely they start to feel less and less powerless.

Shahar would like to work on something like that. I think if we
did it right there'd be a good bit of suspense involved.

Faanshi eeks to Astraea. That's exactly what we tried to do on
TM. Same problem. :)

StormBearer thinks people should start using the heralds

Danu says "Stirrings in the Aether which has folks' magic go
periodically haywire."

Drisana says "Mmmm. Or how about a plague that makes the magic go
wild, if only temporarily?"

StormBearer will succumb to a plague

Kovar says "Plague... natural disasters... hmmm... good fun HAPPY
topics. Should be quite angst inspiring. :)"

Cepheus nods at Danu....

Drisana grins at Danu.

Halimeda sighs again. And wonders if her comment went through.

Jana oohs. An Aether-storm. She likes that.

Susanoo says "Think about it. I've been in plagues run in Pern
mushes. Everyone wants to be the tragic one on the edge of dying,
or the person who is immune. And then there's the people who just
ignore it completely."

Elidi says "HERE is a scary TP idea: Grouchy, Pregnant, Hormonal
Elidi."

Oriane hides.

Susanoo RUNS AWAY!

Ianthe FEARS.

Astraea eyes the time. Okay... last call for ideas. I wanted to
keep this around 3 hours.

Andromache says "True, Sus. But I wouldn't compare it to the
war."

Elidi says "WORSE than a hurricane!"

Faanshi says "The important thing is _willingness of victims_. If
you can get victims, go for it. If not... enh well. We tried to
do a plague on Two Moons that attacked magical powers; in fact,
>I< ran the plot. However, we had exactly >three< victims to
speak of, mush-wide."

Megeara has been there and done that...

Diana kills herself now!

Susanoo says "Different, but awful in its own way."

Dremmond says "giving new meaning to the phrase... I'd /kill/ for
pickle!"

Kovar says "HAPPY RP!!!"

Drisana rofl!! ^.^

Cepheus chuckles, "Last call? So I can close the log?"

Drisana says "Hmmmmmmmm. Happy. Happy. Happy Happy Joy Joy, Happy
Happy Joy..."

Kovar begins chanting, "We want happy RP, we want happy RP..."

Ianthe votes for deity sightings, ala the Shroud of Turin and
that cow with Jesus' head on the  side!

Susanoo closes his log with one last comment...

Andromache says "A giant storm that keeps people stuck inside for
hours...people getting stranded wherever they were when it hits,
with whoever was there, and have it hit without warning..."

StormBearer snuflecropfs

Drisana ooooooohs! "Yeah!"

Astraea says, "Let's do it this way... if you're done and want to
leave, then go ahead and leave the room. Logs can be closed when
the room's empty. Or else when things have just degenerated into
silliness."

Kovar says "OOoo... we could see a Lysander-shaped birthmark on
someone's butt!"

Susanoo says "Folks... prepare yourself for some Atlanteans who
are, ah, a little bit less nice. :)"

Drusus has left.

Drisana says "Faisal and Elidi, together during the storm..
Clothes torn off.."

Ianthe snorts.

Anubis /SHUDDERS/.

Andromache imagines the entire population of the Rialto stuck in
Delphi during the storm...

Oriane giggles.

Ianthe says "Blood all over the room, entrails flying..."

Elidi snickers at Drisana.

Drisana grins. 'zactly.

Anubis quotes Faisal's player: "Gaaaaaaaah!"

Drisana says "Romance to the core. ;) *howls* ^.^"

Shahar sticks in a plug: public RP at Atesh-Gah in 45 minutes,
PCs and those who wanna be NPCs all welcome. :) And thanks to all
you guys: this MUX rocks. :)

Faanshi sneaks off again, like a good little demure halfbreed
healer chica.

Ianthe puts on her We Love Aether badge!

Astraea says, "Thanks everyone, for showing up! We got some great
ideas started, here."

Halimeda shuffles off to do her chargen now.

Elidi laughs really hard.

Elidi says "Mean old Faisal. I even sent him a Valentine."

Kovar agrees with Drisana's romance idea.

Kovar says "A LOVE plague!"

Halimeda says "Or tries... er..."

StormBearer scuttles off

Astraea shuts off her log. Okay, meeting adjourned, everyone. :)

FIN