Date:     9/13/98
Subject:  Staff/Player Meeting
Present:  Aine, Andromache, Arslan, Ashoka, Astraea, Bacchus,
	  BrightEyes, Cepheus, Cerridwen, Drusus, Helios, Kallia, 
	  Megeara, Morrigan, Oriane, Red-Tail, Susanoo
Topics:   1) Ways of improving race-situations, drawing in newer players, 
	     making RP more inclusive, etc. 
          2) Brainstorming for events and TP ideas. 
          3) Giving +vips/features "underlings" to operate in their 
	     absence; have them delegate duties more.

Astraea says, "Please read the 'meeting rules' if you haven't yet. I'm
going to try to have this running as smoothly as possible. Basically,
I'll start a topic, then invite comments. Raise your hand if you have
one. Also, I'll be logging this for posterity (and the web), so keep
in mind that what you say will be recorded. We're not here to slam
anyone--just offer suggestions for improving the game. :)"

Astraea says, "If there are no questions, I'll begin. Those of you who
are late, please read the meeting rules. I'll be keeping track of who
speaks when, and will say whose turn it is, periodically."

Astraea says, "Oh, one more thing... if you've raised your hand and
know your turn is coming up, try writing out your pose beforehand.
Also, attach a 'continued' or a 'done' to the end of it, so I know if
you're finished or not."

Astraea says, "Some discussion may open up after your speech. I'll try
to keep track of everything."

Astraea says, "At any rate, I'll guess I'll officially start. :) Here
goes with the first topic..."

Astraea says, "Things have picked up lately--we had a couple nights in
the past week with over 40 people on. But the beginning of school has
caused a slump, and the staff are worried that there are other factors
as well. Namely, I've heard that there's a lack of RP for new players,
and for races other than the Empyreans (who are at a 'peak' stage).
I'd like to invite y'all to come up with ways of remedying that fact.
How can we get other people involved? Would you like to see more
planned events? More inclusive TPs? More activity from features and
vips? Basically, what do *you* think will help improve the game? Feel
free to raise your hand to comment."

Arslan's hand pops in the air like a pop tart.

Cepheus unidles and sends a hand into the air....

Red-Tail raises hers a bit slower.

Astraea says, "Okay Arslan, you begin. Then Ceph, then RT."

Arslan says, "Well, I don't really expect this to happen, but I've
seen it work elsemu*s. If you closed Empyreans to new players, they
would have to choose another race, and that in itself would open more
opportunities for RP within those races. More inclusive TPs would also
help. Things that weren't racially specific, but rather had an appeal
for all cultures. Now, what that might be, I really can't say, but I'm
sure if enough people put their heads together, something would pop
out."

Astraea says, "More Arslan? Or are you done?"

Arslan says, "I don't want to take more time. If I think of something
more I'll pop up again. ;)"

Astraea says, "Okeedoke. Yeah, closing Empyreans, or making them
application-only, is certainly a possibility. We do have plenty of
active ones right now. The staff'll think on that. Good suggestion. :)
Anyway, your turn, Ceph."

Megeara sticks a hand up for the queue.

Astraea sticks Meg in after Oriane, who paged to go after Red-Tail.

Cepheus smirks, "I have been told, by folks who try to play other
races, that they have a hard time playing with most Empyreans (when
they enter a scene). Now, I fully agree with the fact that the IC
reality is important to maintain, but folks might want to keep in mind
that for the good of the MUSH, we need to RP with these other races.
Also, Empyreans playing only with empyreans (the same goes for other
races) doesn't help this problem. Seek out others, even if you are
just going to snub them. (Incidently, if they are new, let them know
OOC'ly that there is really nothing in this. Newbies don't always
understand this.) An the side of TP's, all inlusive TPs are an
EXCELLENT idea, as long as they are carried through. Enough of my
disjointed blabbing.

Astraea says, "You done then, Ceph?"

Cepheus nods. "Done."

Astraea says, "Okeedoke. Good idea. Seeking out RP with other races
would help, and we *would* like to have some all-inclusive events and
TPs for y'all to get involved in. We can discuss that more, later.
Your turn, Red."

Red-Tail says, "I was thinking about something like rival unofficial
organizations might help RP and should in no way require +vips.
Something like two group of merchants going at it or something like
that. People could guide it themselves and as long as they keep it
fairly tame shouldn't get out of hand. I know everyone is going to say
that they can already do that but there is this strange thing about
people that they won't do something unless someone says it is okay.
(more)"

Red-Tail says, "On the topic of tps I just want to say it is possible
to create a tp involving one or two races that doesn't exclude other
types of people. People involved in the tp should try to find a way to
include others. Especially we older players who know this place well
should have a better idea how to do this. Even if just staging a scene
where other people can watch, this would help them figure out their
own way in as well.

Morrigan raises her hand.

Astraea says, "Was that a comment directly related to Red-Tail's,
Morri? Or just general?"

Morrigan says, "Related to Red-Tail's."

Astraea says, "You done, Red?"

Red-Tail says, "Oh, yeah. Sorry."

Astraea says, "Go ahead, Morri."

Morrigan says, "I think Red-Tail is right, there should be more going
on in that area. The thing is, there is nothing stopping any player
from gathering up their own band of whatevers. I'd like for everyone
to feel inspired or free to RP out such things. There's no reason you
can't RP without the VIP's. I know they have important roles, but
don't let it shut you down."

Morrigan says, "Thas all I wanted to say 'bout that. :)"

Susanoo raises his hand.

Astraea nods and agrees. Right. You don't *need* a vip, or
staff-permission to start something like that (except in cases where
it would majorly affect the game). You done, Morri?

Morrigan nods. "Yep."

Astraea says, "Yours in direct relation, Sus?"

Arslan pops his hand back up.

Susanoo says, "On topic, but not a rebuttal. Put me in the queue."

Astraea says, "What about you, Arslan?"

Arslan says, "Not in relation."

Astraea sticks Susanoo, then Arslan, after Megeara.

Astraea says, "Everything said on that topic, then?"

Megeara is still wanting to talk on topic?

Morrigan says, "Sus had something on that topic."

Astraea says, "Oh, I meant directly related to Red-Tail's comment."

Astraea sorries, should have clarified.

Morrigan ooopses.

Astraea says, "If that particular part is finished, it's Oriane's
turn."

Oriane thinks that vips are very important for driving the background
events of the game, and it might help if they were given a bit of
direction... Like if plot seeds were planted with them to grow. Right
now, from my perspective, the vips seem to be more involved with vips
than with the general populace... sort of self feeding cycle or some
such. :) Also, to help that, if there were plots spurred specficially
for non-vips, that would help too. Really, it's got to be a
combination of things that draws everyone in. (more)

Arslan slips his hand up for a direct-relation comment. (When Oriane's
done)

Oriane rambles a bit. :) Personally, I like the seperation of the
different races... I think it helps emphasize the prejudice that
should exist. I've played on enough WoD's that lost that edge when
people bent rules too much to rp with anyone. (The love-in MUSH where
the Vampire marries the Fae who's best friends with the Werewolf who's
sleeping with the Mage... etc.) But I would like to see reasons for
the different races to interact - Afterall, there should be all kinds
of diplomatic issues being played out between races as well as within.
I think that's all for now. I get rambling. :}

Bacchus raises a hand, too.

Astraea says, "Good points, Oriane, and I'd like to see the game rely
less on vips, too. That is, RP shouldn't shut down when they go on
holidays or somesuch. Anyway, Arslan had a comment, then Bach."

Astraea says, "Assuming yours is directly related, Bach."

Bacchus says, "Yah, 'tis."

Arslan says, "Just want to comment that, although I'm a +vip, I don't
think I've RPed with another +vip for a month. And that's not because
I'm not RPing."

Astraea says, "More to add, Arslan?"

Oriane has seen it mostly with the Empyreans, really. Sorry to
interupt.

BrightEyes sticks her hand up. Related topic.

Cepheus raises a hand for a quick one.

Arslan says, "Nope, done."

Astraea clarifies, again, to stick a 'done' or 'more' at the end of
your pose, so I know. :) If you're done, Arslan, it's Bach's turn.
Then BE, then Ceph.

Astraea is assuming he is. Go ahead, Bach.

Bacchus says, "Oriane is right about in-race RP adding to a more
exclusive and IC-prejudice type atmosphere. The biggest problem that
I've noticed, at least in this past week where I've been paying
attention, is that most of the races don't have enough active players.
Until there are more, bending rules to include the other races is
probably a good idea. We can worry more about the exclusive stuff once
we have the player base to justify it."

Bacchus says, "Done!"

Astraea nods to Bach. Good point. Again, we can have a whole separate
topic on race-inclusive RP, etc. Anyway, BrightEyes, it's your turn.

BrightEyes says, "The interfactional RP is something integral to the
theme, but won't really happen until the rest of the 'factions' are
fleshed out. It's hard to have the Sylvans chewing at the sneering
Empy's feathers if the Sylvans aren't formed together in a group.
So... perhaps some work needs to be put into building the individual
races and ensuring the PCs have an identity as such, before being too
concerned about throwing them against one another." She grins, "I
think I've just rephrased Bacchus. :)"

Astraea grins. I think so too. Done, BE?

BrightEyes drops a "Done"

Astraea says, "Okay, Ceph, shoot."

Cepheus says, "Just a quick comment.... Just because you have thought
a TP up, it doesn't mean that everyone knows about it. I think
sometimes TP's fizzle out because folks don't even realize they are
going on. Contact people who might be interested in your TP, even if
it is just to sit and watch at the "next table over." If you wish, put
that TP on the boards, so other may participate. What you might not
think of, is that there would be other people/races who might enjoy
even a bit part. (done)"

Cepheus sneaks in, "Give a chance for OTHERS to enjoy your masterful
TP."

Astraea nods and agrees with Ceph. Right. Let folks know OOCly. Don't
just get discourage 'cause it fizzles--a TP takes work, and sometimes
that work simply involves *telling* folks what's going on (or hinting
at it). Anyway, any related comments?

Bacchus raises a hand.

Astraea says, "Shoot, Bach."

Drusus raises a hand.

Bacchus says, "Another thing about TPs: when you involve other people,
which you certainly should, your TP will often go in weird directions
which you didn't even intend. Don't throw a fit when this happens.
Railroading is for novelists, not MUSHers."

Bacchus says, "Done. :)"

Astraea grins and agrees. Your turn, Dru.

Red-Tail raises her hand for a directly related comment.

Drusus says, "I'm not sure how helpful this would be, but I think it
would help for these things to make much more use of the Rumors board.
I see people using it and it's great, and even better when folks
invite people to contact them to get involved. Has anyone done this?
Do people actually comment you? Also, how about an actual IC bulletin
board in the Rialto? That could act as another form of teaser, and
give people an IC reason to know about something going on. <done>"

Astraea nods and agrees. Anyway, folks are getting anxious, so I
should try to get us back to the original comments. If there's nothing
else, it's Megeara's turn.

Red-Tail lowers her hand anyway. What I wanted to say was said anyway.

Megeara says, "Mine is in reference to the original comment by Arslan:
I don't think that closing Empyreans really is a good idea. I think
that'd tend to lead toward some future dearth of Empys, in an
oppositional slump to our current peak. I'd prefer to see other races
simply encouraged by way of TP's and interactions. I realize it can be
disheartening for players of other races to see large groups of people
in the Palladium, but well... personally, that's what this particular
character was designed for and I'm glad there's lots of other people
there to RP with. In fact, I recruited or helped recruit quite a few
of them. :) So, while I would love to see other areas grow to make RP
fun there too, I hope that the Empyreans don't have to be impacted in
a negative way for that to happen. I know this may sound prejudicial,
but when I get round to creating a character of another race, I'll no
doubt promote it as vigorously. (done :)"

Red-Tail raises her hand about this.

Astraea says, "Shoot, RT."

Cepheus raises Red-Tail's hand higher for her.

Ashoka raises his hand after RT's

Red-Tail says, "Just a note to anyone who hasn't been here a long
time. Race's grow and shrink in cycles depending on which race's +vips
are available much. Same for factions. The Empy +vips have been on a
lot more than the others recently. No Khalid, no Varati. No Samein? No
Delphi. This is not a good thing but it is how it works so it does
need to be addressed."

Arslan raises his hand.

Astraea says, "Done, RT?"

Red-Tail says, "Done."

Astraea says, "Ashoka, then Arslan."

Cepheus raises a hand hesitantly.

Astraea says, "Then Ceph."

Ashoka says, "Just in support of Megeara's comments. Closing race
applications for one particular race because more players play them
can be discouraging to new players who often will want to play the
closed race (whether that was their first intention or not). At least
that the experience I've had on other MU*s (Done)."

Astraea would ask, folks, that you comment directly on the commenter's
comment (eesh). Let's not go too far off onto tangents, here. There's
still plenty to get through. And yeah--I don't think we'd want to
close Empys completely, though possibly make them app-only. Nothing
definite yet--the staff will have to talk about that.

Astraea says, "Arslan, your turn."

Arslan says, "Well, my points are various but all on past comments. :)
To Megeara: I think people play Empyreans not because of RP
opportunities, but because of the 'image'. Angels and whatnot are a
large draw to a large portion of the internet culture. To RT I'd like
to say that Khalid's absence isn't a reason for Varati inactivity. He
was fairly inactive when I started, but the Varati were still active.
I think Varati's fall has been because of Ishmael stepping down as
Envoy and going inactive (leaving the Varati without a real
figurehead) and Bacchus's late influx of work which has drawn him away
from us. Now that we've got him back (with chains around his legs to
make him stay) I think we'll be able to pick up again. Buut. Making
Empyrean's application only would be a /huge/ mistake. Either close
them completely or leave them open. Otherwise newbies will be
discouraged by rejected applications, and thus won't play at all. I'd
rather have 300 Empyreans than 200 newbies walk away."

Arslan says, "done."

Astraea hmms to Arslan. Good point. Ceph?

Cepheus says, "I realize that alot of folks aren't going to like a
comment like this, and that there is going to be some flame about
this; This is not SylvanMUX, VaratiMUX, AtlanteanMUX, nor EmpyMUX,
this is Aether MUX. And one of the things that makes this place so
great it the social interaction it is designed for. Therefore, if your
character is not involved in this interaction, or supporting it in
some indirect way, perhaps you are on the wrong tangent. (Before you
flame back, notice how I phrased that last sentence. Please refrain
from extending this meeting by paging me with your flame.) Yes, this
may break some IC "social rules," but seeking out other races to RP
with is good for the stability of the MUSH. -done-"

Astraea agrees. I mean, you can still 'snub' people, if that's what
your char does--but it'd be more fun to actually RP it out than just
imply it. I don't think anyone's insisting we make all the races one
big happy family. We just want to get them outside their various
embassies from time to time. ;) Anyway, Oriane? You paged me with a
comment.

Astraea says, "Er, that you had a comment, rather."

Oriane would suggest making the other races more attractive for the
moment... Rather than shutting anything down, hype the other ones up.
Let newbies know what is needed... Make it seem like a good choice. I
think alot of people choose Empy's right now because they're active
(and the angel) thing. (done)

Red-Tail raises her hand for a very small, on topic, directly related,
comment.

Susanoo sighs and raises hand.

Astraea nods and agrees. We definitely *do* plan to hype up the other
races. Oh, go ahead Sus. It was your turn anyway (getting back to
original queue).

Susanoo says, "Very brief. The Sylvans have the same thing - all the
elf wannabes. A player might make a character, but unless RP comes up
and bites them on the nose damn quick, your average newbie gets bored
and leaves. Empys have a huge player base, and that feeds things. We
are at the peak of an Empy cycle. It will change - the admins are
working our BUTTS off about it. Trust me."

Susanoo says, "Done with comment. Still have original. Will wait in
apropo queue."

Astraea says, "I think we're back to the original queue, Sus, so go
ahead."

Susanoo says, "Good points raised on all fronts, thus far. I've had a
pet theory for a while that the staff has heard from me before. I feel
that there is a dearth of places for public RP for 'general populace'.
Rialto is /too/ public for meetings, and it's not the kind of place
you hang out for a drink/dinner. Siren and the Public House are very
seedy and/or criminal-related. Pantheon is high class. (more)"

Susanoo says, "On that note, could I get a yes/no ONLY, please, on if
you think that a 'middle class' meeting place that is mostly
race-agnostic would help instigate RP? (wait for yes/no's)"

Red-Tail raises her hand.

Astraea says, "Direct comment, Red?"

Oriane says, "Yes"

Susanoo waits for yes/no. Say, please.

Andromache says, "Yes."

Megeara says, "Yes. The coliseum."

Drusus says, "Yes."

Arslan says, "Yes."

Red-Tail says, "Yeah, I just want to say that the Old Garden and City
Park are both there for RP. Neither of which is class or race
specific."

BrightEyes nods to RT, and "Yes"

Ashoka says, "Yes."

Astraea nods and agrees with RT, then tosses in a 'Yes' of her own.

Andromache says, "They're not really 'hangout' places, though. Not
like a bar or public house or whatever."

Arslan pops a hand.

Astraea would like to point out that Ishmael has apparently acquired
the Public House, so its 'seediness' may change. Not sure yet.

Astraea says, "Direct comment, Arslan?"

Morrigan raises her hand, Direct comment.

Susanoo says, "Good enough. There's only so long you can 'hang out' in
the garden. I volunteer to follow through on this, and will discuss
details with the other staff as apropo. I'm done."

Astraea says, "Go ahead, Arslan. Then Morrigan. (Arslan was next on
the original queue anyway)."

Arslan says, "Yup. :) What I think needs to be arranged is, if not a
completely racial nuetral place or two, a place outside the embassy
for each race. Maybe a place where the spill over of other races
wouldn't be taken as bad, since they are, after all, public venues
rather than private embassies. Inns, taverns, diners, what have you.
Maybe an establishment that serves cuisine and entertainments that lay
along the likes of the culture represented."

Astraea says, "While he's typing, could someone volunteer to fill in
latecomers via page? Tell 'em what the topic is? Page me if you're
interested."

Arslan says, "And you can take me out of the queue, since I evilly
slipped my desired comment in an earlier statement. Done. :)"

Astraea hmms and nods to Arslan. Good idea. Morrigan? It was your
turn.

Morrigan says, "Well, I don't want to sound like I'm going over the
same thing again. However, the description around and in the Rialto
mentions merchants. No one is prevented from asking for the quota
needed to put in a business that will generate RP and help RP. The
main thing I would caution is that we don't put up a public
building/business and then it's not used, taking up db space. But be
creative! You need or want to start a business of some sort, present
it to staff, we're usually pretty cooperative on these things. :)
Done."

Astraea nods to Morri. Heck, y'all could always create objects, like
tents or stalls, for merchant-types. Then you just pick it up when
you're not using it.

Arslan pops up a hand again.

Astraea says, "Directly related, Arslan?"

Arslan says, "Yeah. I hope you forgive my lack of typing. I'd just
like to comment that rooms aren't really needed to start that. I know
I have posed the merchants and shops off the Rialto many times, and
another Varati I also know RPs having a stall in the area. A lot of
things can be RPed without having an object or room."

Astraea nods and agrees. Definitely. Save DB space if you can, by
emitting the object or room. Anyway, Sus wanted to follow up his
original comment. Go ahead, Sus.

Morrigan nods in agreement.

Susanoo says, "To follow up on myself. Folks - get out of your
pre-existing places, the embassies and such. Noble-types, you SHOULD
be going on the grid to the Pantheon. Sneaky-types, get in the Siren
more. Yes, I'm guilty, too. But I just gat pages by people asking me
/where/ the Pantheon was. That's not good. The grid is, I must say,
woefull underused."

Susanoo is done.

Astraea agrees. Definitely.

Arslan pops a hand?

Astraea says, "Shoot, Arslan."

BrightEyes pops a hand re: grid.

Arslan says, "Um. I was always under the empression the Pantheon was
the Empyrean place. And, as far as I know, most Varati wouldn't enter
that unless they absolutely had to. Just like an Empyrean wouldn't
walk into the Atesh-Gah, or something similiar."

Astraea says, "After Arslan, BE. I plan to move to the next topic
soon, so if you have comments related to this stuff, make it known
now."

Susanoo says, "Rani, a Varati, owns it. Desc includes stuff from all
races."

Astraea says, "Well, a Varati *owns* the Pantheon. It's basically just
meant to be upper-class."

Oriane says, "Pantheon is an Empyrean sounding name, though."

Arslan shrugs. "Well, Rani's an athema among the Varati. She's almost
as bad as an Empyrean."

Arslan says, "Okay. I'm done."

Astraea says, "Pantheon means 'all the gods,' (or something like
that). It was meant to imply that it was open to all the races (the
upper class part of 'em)."

Astraea says, "You had a comment, BE?"

BrightEyes comments, "As an approximate newbie, I get lost on the grid
lots. I've put together a small command on my do-it-all object
available on the Free Code Room which lists a bunch of public rooms
and their locations on the grid."

Astraea says, "Oh, on that topic, y'all, I *do* have an updated map
sitting around on my computer, which I hope to put on the game soon.
It includes a list of where everything is. Sorry--the current '+town'
was just there for builders, and never got revised."

BrightEyes says, "Done. :)"

Astraea says, "Okay. I'd like to bring us to the next topic now, which
is *how* to get other races involved. That is, I'd like to start
scheduling events and working out TPs, and here's our chance to
brainstorm on what might be fun to do. (More)"

Bacchus raises his hand.

Red-Tail raises her hand in a vigorous manner.

Astraea says, "Okay. Michabo's the TP-wiz, and is in charge of
coordinating the major stuff. But there are plenty of one-night events
that won't necessarily need a staff-coordinator. In fact, I'd love it
if players themselves would volunteer to be 'in charge.' That'd just
entail picking a date, contacting folks who *should* be there, and
sorta 'overseeing' it. Someone recently brought up the idea of just
having one-night events planned--things like coliseum/gladiator
contests, religious festivals, Delphic 'graduations,' etc. Can y'all
think of more ideas that might be fun? Is this something you'd like us
to arrange?"

Arslan slips his hand up too.

Astraea says, "Oriane paged me, then Bach, then Red-Tail."

Oriane grins, well, part of the problem with major events is usually
the over abundance of spam. If things get too big, or too hard to
follow, I usually cut out. So while some city-wide events would be
great to offer everyone a chance, I'd like to see some smaller things
too. Not sure exactly what... But there should be all kinda of
diplomatic 'events' between various races. The only thing I've seen
like that has been the Atlantean dinner. One thought I just had would
be perhaps for some type of city wide festival. While Delphi has their
own things to concentrate on, it would be in their interest to try and
get the races to interact on a peaceful level. That could be the
impetus for some inter-race things. (done, I think)

Astraea nods and agrees. A festival's already on my list o'
possibilities. :) Bach? Your turn.

Bacchus says, "I want to see more politics. Inter-racial kind."

Oriane nodnods! Diplomacy.

Bacchus says, "I think it would be a cool idea if perhaps some of the
various VIP high-ups actually need to get other things from other
races."

Bacchus says, "Land, goods, wood, stone, etc."

Morrigan says, "Good idea!"

Bacchus says, "Weapons, metal, food, fish."

Bacchus says, "It'd give diplomats things to do, and diplomats always
have lackeys."

Bacchus says, "Done."

Cepheus claps, "Instant conflict, just add stubbornness. :)" (He shuts
up now.)

Aine raises her hand to be stuck on the end of the to-talk line.

Astraea nods. More politics would definitely help--more interaction,
basically. The races *do* have to rely on one another. And Aether does
have an economy, which would rely on lands, capital, etc (can anyone
tell I'm taking Economy this semester?) ;) Anyway, Red-Tail had a
comment?

Red-Tail says, "I have a TP that is well on it's way to getting moving
involving Varati and Sylvans mainly. It was designed to allow people
from other races in as well. We are just waiting for one specific
person to get it started. If he can't do it within about four days we
have a backup starting thing ready. It /will/ start within four days
and if it goes well will be quite visible. It's not just one big scene
but an RP fuel thing. And yep, it does involve diplomacy, on a certain
level. As for the vip higher-ups. Delegate these tasks to other people
perhaps. Oh, Bacc said that with lackeys. Anyway, that's it, watch for
the TP. Done."

Astraea says, "Danke, RT. Arslan? Your turn. Then Aine."

Arslan says, "Well, as someone said earlier, the inTRAracial things
need work, as well. If, perhaps, a few things were planned based
around the culture's specifics, more members of that race would be
around. With the Varati, for instance, formal duels are, from what I
gather through RP and the news, rather common. Yet I've never seen one
staged. Things like that could fuel RP, even if the major players (the
combantant, hosts for other races, etc) were NPCs."

Arslan says, "done."

Arslan says, "Erm, wait, one last thing."

Arslan says, "Some +vips don't have underlings. ;) Okay. Done."

Aine says, "I'd like to see some small things done. I've walked in on
story-telling that was great. I usually open up my booth first thing
every time I log in. I personally have a hard time getting on at
particular times, so recurring events would be really cool. Like..
every Wed is an 'open market' day or something? Perhaps mini-fests or
racial holidays. You could probably stir some strange things up with
having random holidays where people run around wearing some sort of
horifically annoying cultural costume (noisy bells, fish heads,
smoking braziers with strange herbs burning ;). Done."

Astraea nods. Yeah. In fact, Intraracial events could spark
interracial ones. That is, an event could center around one race, but
not be 'closed off' to others. As for the VIPS comment, I'd like to
comment on that myself, later.

Astraea nods to Aine. Right. :)

Susanoo nods agreement to the 'once a week' open event idea.

Astraea says, "Okay. What I'd like to do for a few minutes is open up
the discussion for brainstorming (and spam!). Brainstorm about ideas
for weekly events, annual events, one-night things, possible TPs, etc.
I'm logging all this, so will have it to refer to. Just say what pops
into your head (try to keep it relatively short). There are no bad
ideas right now. We're just brainstorming. Feel free to toss something
out. :)"

Megeara says, "Friday night fights!!"

Astraea wants to suggest the idea of a Sylvan Storytelling Festival.

Oriane nodnods! Gladiator stuff. Even if just one person took care of
emitting the battles and let people just socialize in the stands!

Aine nods. "Public duels (witnesses required)."

Kallia says, "A Varati capturing an Empyrean, clipping his/her wings
and making caged bird jokes."

Red-Tail says, "Public punishment of criminals. Even if they are just
@emitted perhaps?"

Arslan says, "Actually, that's a good plan. Could arrange warriors of
different races to fight to prove which fighter (and by
representation, race) is 'superior'. Could be ongoing, with challenges
made whenever people feel like it."

Astraea also wants to toss in the idea of a 'day of the dead' type
religious festival (for Halloween!) Sort of the Aether equivalent,
where folks honor the dearly departed. Each race might do it
differently.

Susanoo says, "That would incite war, Kallia. Big time."

Astraea grins and wants to toss in the idea of a war!

Oriane nodnods!

Drusus agrees 100%, Star. :)

Kallia coughs. "True. I'm sorry, I haven't posed once, and thought it
would be neat. I think, that if there is a war, captured Empy's would
be funny."

Arslan says, "Prissy Empyreans, a war would do them good. ;)"

Megeara chants, "War.. war..." Oh wait, I'm sweet and innocent...

Oriane grins. Londo and G'kar.

Drusus raises his hand.

Aine says, "Story-telling is good. Day of the Dead is way-cool. I'd
personally love to see each race come up with 3-4 holidays that can be
celebrated publicly." She rubs her hands together gloating. "Just
think of the money I'd make selling ceremonial jewelry ;)"

Susanoo agrees with Star, "Empys and Varati have been /this/ close
since Justy's death. Lucy's just too much the Nice Guy.

Oriane has a suggestion in a different vein, but sort of related to
the idea of Holidays for each race.

BrightEyes says, "Earthquake/other natural disaster. Lotsa rebuilding
to go on, races having to rely on one another for help, etc."

Arslan says, "Mehmet's talked about going on a vendetta against the
Empys, just gunning them down in the streets, so to speak. That'd get
it started."

Astraea says, "Someone mentioned public punishment of criminals. I
think a possible trial would be a lot of fun, too."

Susanoo notices a pattern, "Violence! Blood!"

BrightEyes says, "Public outcasting?"

Astraea says, "Ooh, or branding, or 'tapping.'"

Kallia says, "Burn down the Palladium. (Hey, you guys WERE saying too
much private-type RP there)"

Oriane thinks you have to be careful with disaster and plague type
tp's. They can be good, but they can also be overdone, or misdone.

Morrigan grins.

Drusus likes the disaster idea a lot. Something wide-spread would
require interracial cooperation, at least for a short time.

Red-Tail says, "So can a war ;P"

Susanoo says, "War=disaster, in m'book."

Aine says, "Disasters and wars can also be really annoying when you
miss them all the time ;)"

Arslan says, "So put someone that's handled a war TP before in charge.
;)"

Astraea says, "The burning of the docks was a good example of that
(log's on the web, for the curious)."

Megeara says, "An incident in an outlying providence that causes
increased tensions."

Cepheus says, "We had one, Varati village distruction...."

Cepheus says, "It was an excellent idea... but I am not sure it ever
really WENT anywhere...."

Astraea tosses in a TP idea for a rogue mage/feral graisha to wreak
havoc a while, then get hunted down and 'dealt with' by Delphi.

Andromache says, "We already did the rogues-getting-hunted thing."

Kallia has a sick, sick mind..Anyways. A high ranking Empyrean is
found out to really be a dark Empy who's dying their hair.

Aine rofl!

Morrigan grins.

Astraea says, "Get your comments in, folks. I'm gonna take us back to
structured discussion again, in a few."

Aine says, "Some non-violent intrigue would be good. Maybe a rash of
thefts where misleading clues are deliberately left behind to cause
friction?"

Arslan says, "Well, aaactually, the rogue mage thing may happen soon
whether or not it's planned. :)"

Astraea says, "Ooh, yeah, some stuff for Hounds and other military
groups to investigate."

Drusus, given that my character is a soldier, is all for the war
thing. Perhaps an isolated branch of the army doesn't know that
hostilities have been suspended and is still fighting.

Aine says, "thefts of things like, relgious icons and the like.
Something people can get really worked up about."

Andromache says, "The last rogue mage one didn't turn out very well,
though."

Kallia still likes the Empy-in-a-cage thing. Okay, that was my LAST
comment. Promise.

Cepheus says, "Remember, Andi, Sylvans are unique in those respects."

Oriane thinks a war would have great potential for rp... If done
right. You'd have the diplomats of the two races at war trying to
reach a compromise (maybe), and each scrambling for the support of the
other two races and Delphi.

Astraea says, "Okay, last call for comments!"

Arslan says, "Eh, if it's a weak mage, it shouldn't get too much out
of hand. ;)"

Andromache says, "And whatever happened with the investigation of
Justinius' death? Nobody seems all that interested in reviving it
besides a handful."

Morrigan says, "How about and Empy is caught by Sylvans. Every day a
demand is not met, a feather is plucked."

Megeara ouches!

Bacchus says, "Sylvan eco-terrorists!"

Red-Tail says, "Yes!"

Cepheus grins.

Morrigan grins.

BrightEyes mwahahahas. :)

Helios laughs

Drusus nods. I'd like to see the Justinius murder thingie resolved.

Aine says, "Ew. That's grim."

Bacchus says, "Tree-hugger barbarians."

Susanoo says, "Atl eco-terrorists. You realize how much crap gets
tossed in the sea?"

Astraea chuckles. Okay, okay. I'm gonna start off another topic now.
Back to the structured bit.

Red-Tail says, "Free the Gryphons!!"

Oriane heys!

Cepheus listens to Star, despite the evil grin on his face.

Astraea says, "Now, some of you commented on the inactivity of +vips.
Some of 'em are on vacation, looking for new places to live, sans
computers, etc, so there are cases where it can't be helped. Others
just need to be 'nudged,' (which they were). Still, RP *does* seem to
revolve around them quite a bit, and I'd like to find ways of working
around that. As in, giving them 'underlings' or Seconds-In-Command.
Folks to 'fill in' while they're MIA. Does anyone want to comment on
that, or have other ways of improving the situation?"

Arslan pops up a hand.

Astraea says, "Oriane has a comment. Then Arslan."

Bacchus raises a hand.

Astraea says, "Bacchus is after Arslan."

Oriane made the comment earlier, but it would help if the vips could
hand down stuff to other players. Maybe a second in command, or
underlings would help in that respect. It'd get the rp moving in other
circles and spread things out some. RL is most important, but it's a
real problem if it causes a back-up to the IC environment. Maybe it
would help to have a way to suggest plots to the vips that they could
initiate and pass on down the line. Personally, I don't think I'd take
on a vip. Too intimidating. :) (Done)

Astraea nods to Oriane. Good idea. Arslan?

Arslan says, "Well, my underlings comment was mostly in reference to
me, as I have /zero/ underlings. I suspect the Empyreans don't have
such a problem with it. As the races fill out (if they fill out), the
lack of underlings should be alleviated. But until then, to help
things along, we should probably rather agressively advertise the
openings. (done)"

Astraea nods and agrees. Hype things up. Bach?

Red-Tail raises her hand.

Astraea says, "After Bach, RT."

Bacchus says, "Ack..I was AFK. Let somebody else go."

Astraea says, "Go ahead, RT."

Cepheus smirks and raises a hand.

Astraea says, "Then Bach, then Helios (who paged), then Ceph."

Morrigan raises her hand.

Red-Tail says, "I think some +vips might be surprised at just how many
people there really do want a position like that. There are probably
quite a few right under their noses. Just need to talk to people.
<Done>"

Astraea nods to RT. Yeah, there's help to be had--you just have to
look. Okay, Bacchus.

Arslan hmms, and pops up a hand again.

Astraea says, "Direct comment, Arslan?"

Bacchus says, "I want to see each race setting up a spy network! That
would be really cool, and could definitely lead to RP. I've been
trying to do this with the Varati, and I think it would be really fun.
We could have folks turning coat on their race to make money/gain
power/get ahead."

Morrigan's is a direct comment.

Arslan says, "Um, no, not really."

Astraea says, "To whose, Morri?"

Morrigan says, "To Arslan's."

Astraea says, "All right. Go ahead, then Helios, Ceph, and Arslan
again."

Astraea asks that folks clarify if theirs is a direct comment, or
general comment, when they raise their hands.

Morrigan says, "Well, here I go. Once again. What's stopping you? :)
Go for it! Have fun! Be creative! If you need underlings for your spy
network or Varati Warlord thing, post to the OOC Board and also to the
Recruitment bboard. Done."

Astraea nods to Morri. Well-put. :) Helios?

Arslan wants his comment now, it is now direct.

Astraea says, "Eep. Helios? You mind waiting?"

Cerridwen peers at Arslan.

Helios says, "Not at all. :-)"

Cepheus removes himself from this queue, for the moment.

Astraea says, "Shoot, Arslan."

Arslan says, "Well, I, for one, want to say that until recently I had
no idea what was expected of VIPs, or, for that matter, that my
position was a VIP position. I definately didn't know what I was
getting myself in to when I applied for the warlord spot, and a few of
the other 'new' VIPs might feel the same. I mean, I had first +faction
head and then VIP dropped on me rather suddenly, and I'm only just
starting to settle into them. A lot of things take time and some of us
don't know policies and don't want to step on toes. So, really, we
can't be expecting immediate results from the VIPs. We're just human."

Arslan says, "Done."

Susanoo raises hand. Direct.

Astraea agrees. I *would* like to mention that 'vips' are *not* the
same things as 'features.' A VIP just means you're someone that most
of the races/general populace would know, and that you hold some
position of power in the 'scheme of things.' Still, power requires
responsibility, so it's a good idea to read over the 'feature' news
files, since they more or less apply to vips, too.

Astraea says, "And go ahead, Sus. Then Helios, honest."

Susanoo says, "Simple comment on running a VIP. Think of all the crud
that you need to do. Then find another PC that ranks lower than you,
and Delegate. Delegate, delegate, delegate. Make them do your IC work.
It's fun! <done>"

Astraea grins and nods vigorously to Sus. Okay, Helios, your turn.

Helios speaks on VIP/feature absenteeism and notes that he agrees that
VIPs in general have staff and underlings who can easily fill in a
temporary void during an absense for vacation and whatnot. "I would
think, however, that with the importance of those characters, if a VIP
has to suspend their RP for an indeterminate or inordinate amount of
time, they may want to consider relinquishing the character for the
good of the game." (done)

Astraea nods to Helios. That's definitely something to consider. And
it's common courtesy to make the staff aware of such a possibility.

Astraea says, "Cepheus? Did you want to put in your comment now?"

Cepheus says, "Um..... no. :)"

Astraea says, "Oh, okay. Any other comments, then? The queue's empty
(unless I overlooked anyone)."

Cepheus says, "Wait... may I?"

Ashoka raises hand in direct

Astraea says, "Shoot."

Astraea says, "Then Ash."

Cepheus says, "I just wanted to say that we need to avoid the "rats
fleeing from a sinking ship" syndrome. If you are a VIP, or a feature,
and you are going to leave for a little while, please IC'ly try to set
seomthing up that will cover your function. If I were to leave now, I
would place a non-NPC character in charge. I have underlings, I can do
that, but even if you don't, VIPs have the responcibility to see that
in their absence, the functionality of the faction continues. I would
be more then happy to site specifics where this happened, and where it
didn't, but I think you guys can guess for yourselves." (DONE)

Susanoo nods VIGOROUSLY.

Ashoka says, "Just a quick thing to tack on the end of Helios's
statement. Where possibly it may be better that if people were to
relinquish VIP characters that they relinquish the position, rather
than handing over a character they have probably put a lot of time and
effort into to another player. (Done)"

Astraea says, "Okay. Oriane has a comment that's more miscellaneous,
that she'd like to make before she leaves."

Oriane wells. :) It was a thought I had recently arising from this
character's specific situation. Basically, Oriane is a darkling Empy
still in a named House. What's not common knowledge, but should be, is
that in the relatively recent past (just a couple generations past)
there was a partially dark House Patriarch. I got talking about how it
would be great if there was someplace we could have specific faction
history... where something like that could be put up for others to
read. Since it would be known. :) Someone suggested that maybe we
could add a specific news file to each faction on the pertinent
history/facts/trivia. :)

Oriane says, "Done."

Susanoo puts a hand up. Direct.

Arslan puts a direct hand up too.

Astraea hmmms. Actually, Kalypso had talkeda bout setting up a
web-page for House Tritonis. Perhaps this could be available on the
web, instead? Anyway, go ahead, Sus. Then Arslan.

Oriane interjects... On the web would be nice for extensive stuff, but
it'd be nice to have a little more handy here on the game where it can
be called up and accessed quickly when needed.

Susanoo grins wickedly to Oriane. "Ori. DO IT! :) Write it up, ask for
help if you need help coding it into an object, and maybe place it in
the 'atrium' of the House in question. Get Andi (the scribe-type) to
help ICly. Hey, wow, look! RP!"

Susanoo is done.

Astraea says, "Or, I could talk to Seth about revising the +faction
code, to include longer backgrounds/blurbs for each."

Astraea says, "Anyway, Arslan had a comment?"

Astraea says, "Er, blurbs that you can access by typing something
special, just so you don't get spammed automatically. Sorry, shoot,
Arslan. :)"

Arslan says, "I got on Bacchus a couple month ago to get the same
thing going for Varati clans, historywise. Only recently do I find out
he wanted the Warlords to handle it, even though our position is less
than hereditary. But that sort of thing I know for a fact can lead to
RP and add to the general atmosphere of the MU*, so we should
incourage all heads to do something of that sort."

Arslan says, "Oh. Done. ;)"

Astraea nods. Sounds good t'me. :) Anyone want to comment directly?

Astraea says, "If not, I'd like to wrap this meeting up, unless there
are any last-minute things folks want to address?"

Aine says, "Will minutes be made available? :)"

Astraea says, "I'm going to edit and post the log itself, on the
web-page."

Aine says, "thanks."

Astraea says, "But I'll probably make a post, giving the highlights."

Oriane cools.

Arslan says, "Oh, I did want to comment on something else."

Astraea waits for any flurries of raised hands...

Astraea says, "Shoot, Arslan."

Arslan says, "You shouldn't depend so much on the website for
pertinent info, such as faction histories. There are people that don't
have web access, or don't like browsing."

Astraea mmms. True. I do try to use the web for 'supplementary' info,
and have all the 'necessary' news on here. *All* the news files are
both here and on the web, but there's just more 'extra' stuff on the
web.

Cepheus says, "Hence my idea of an... archive, Star. ;)"

Arslan considers factional histories 'necessary'. ;)

Astraea chuckles. Okay. I'll bug Seth then, about amending the
+faction code. Good enough?

Oriane doesn't think you'd need a great deal... Maybe just a couple
paragraphs and the addy of the more extensive information that might
exist on the web.

Cepheus nodnods, "You might think about having a +finger/history
too...."

Arslan grins. "Works for me."

Astraea says, "Okay, if there's nothing else, I'd like to officially
adjourn the meeting. Thanks for showing up, everyone!"

Arslan says, "Now I would like to apologize for talking too much."

Susanoo laughs.

Bacchus says, "Thanks folks. :)"

Astraea turns off her log. :)

FIN