A little praise

[spicemustflow]

I'm pretty new to this mud compared to some of the veteran players, but I want to say that it proved to be the ultimate gaming experience I had recently. The unbelievable attention to detail, both code wise and from the design point of view, the atmosphere, harshness of both the world and the players, the constant danger of (perma)death make me want to play this thing to the exclusion of sleep, food, school, friends and relatives... Not really, but you get the point.

So Kudos to all of you who had a part in making and maintaining this mud (and making it free for all!!), and to all of you that just play in it. Keep up the good work!!!

[JustAnotherGuy]

Glad to hear you are enjoying things.  Keep it up and you will continue to be amazed by some of the things that you find.  I myself have been here for a few months now and I can't get enough sometimes..  just finding out a few small details that I couldn't believe then running into it later..  yeah.  Good stuff.

[Akaramu]

 

[a strange shadow]

Thanks, dude. Things like this are always nice to hear.

[Gimfalisette]

...make me want to play this thing to the exclusion of sleep, food, school, friends and relatives... Not really, but you get the point.

Why not? The REST of us do it.

Welcome to CRACKAGEDDON

[Raesanos]

Glad to hear you're enjoying it so much!

[Ghost]

Your GDB handle sounds like you are a veteran player and just messing with us because it makes you happy in a weird way

If that is so, well done

If not, hi there bro.

[spicemustflow]

Not really, I've been playing for less than a year with big breaks thrown in, and when I read that bragging post about the crazy things people have done like 8 years ago I feel I didn't really scratch a surface of the game. Anyway, I wanted to say this for some time now, but somehow couldn't register in the forums.

[spicemustflow]

Why not? The REST of us do it.

Welcome to CRACKAGEDDON Smiley

I failed at least one exam because of arm, have to control myself before my teeth start to fall off and all that...

[Folker]

Your GDB handle sounds like you are a veteran player and just messing with us because it makes you happy in a weird way

If that is so, well done

If not, hi there bro.

I think spice must flow is more from Dune then Arm.

[rishenko]

We're glad to have you and are quite content to add another sheep to the slaugh-.. *cough* Our fold.  Feel free to find a Helper or two if you come across any issues or have questions about how things work.

Kick some ass man.

[a strange shadow]

I'd like to steal this space to say I ran into an awesome newbie the other day.

Whoever you are, awesome newbie, stick around. You'll get the hang of things.

[spicemustflow]

While we're on the subject of newbies. I see a lot of people who seem scared to approach other PCs, like this guy entered Gaj and saw a bunch of us sitting at the bar talking about whatever. He just stood there for a bit, then entered the dorm and sat there for a while, presumably waiting for the place to clear up a bit so somebody would pay attention to him. Nobody did and he departed the land of Z. I had the same problem in the beginning, being not confident in my emoting skills I felt pretty daunted to enter some interaction with better players. It's getting much better on my part, but still I find myself sometimes avoiding the tavern if the place is crowded. Just like a little kid standing aside while other kids are playing in the sandbox .

edit: thanks for the welcome folks, btw.

[Shiroi Tsuki]

I had the same problem in the beginning, being not confident in my emoting skills I felt pretty daunted to enter some interaction with better players. It's getting much better on my part, but still I find myself sometimes avoiding the tavern if the place is crowded. Just like a little kid standing aside while other kids are playing in the sandbox .

Been there, done that... the thing is, the only way to get better is practice.  And there are going to be far more people that are going to think 'A noob!  Let's hook them into this game!' than there are people that are going to think 'Oh man, that guy can't emote for crap.'  It's embarrassing to not be good at it, but.. everyone who plays here has been there, even if it was back in the Mists of Time, and most people view new players fondly.

[Mood]

I had the same problem in the beginning, being not confident in my emoting skills I felt pretty daunted to enter some interaction with better players. It's getting much better on my part, but still I find myself sometimes avoiding the tavern if the place is crowded. Just like a little kid standing aside while other kids are playing in the sandbox .

Been there, done that... the thing is, the only way to get better is practice.  And there are going to be far more people that are going to think 'A noob!  Let's hook them into this game!' than there are people that are going to think 'Oh man, that guy can't emote for crap.'  It's embarrassing to not be good at it, but.. everyone who plays here has been there, even if it was back in the Mists of Time, and most people view new players fondly.

So long as they spell and punctuate correctly.

[Akaramu]

While we're on the subject of newbies. I see a lot of people who seem scared to approach other PCs, like this guy entered Gaj and saw a bunch of us sitting at the bar talking about whatever.

Well, depending on the personality of their PC, the best way to handle this would just be for someone to go Y HELO THAR and drag them into interaction. After some time they will realize interaction is not so scary after all, and that people don't seem to mind their nubbishness.

[Gimfalisette]

People who know me will find it amusing that I, once upon a time, was ALSO scared to interact with anyone at the bar, and pretty much didn't. My first character in ARM was in Allanak--a mousy tailor girl who, because of my own hesitance, wouldn't even -sit- at the bar in the Gaj. (Sat at the ledge instead.)

P.S. If you met a newbie who's trying really hard recently, send kudos. They love that, and the encouragement may be enough to keep them trying to learn ARM.

[Mood]

I remember sitting in the Gaj, trying to chat up the NPCs.

They never responded.

[Seeker]

I mostly hid in the crafting halls of my clan for the first three months. 

I was -very- lucky to have an IMM who went out of her way from time to time to ease me towards interaction and slip in the odd environmental or NPC emotes when I was solo'ing.  It took excellent players (who knew a shy newbie's situation) to open up the world for me from there.  And they did.

I bloody well intend to return the favor every chance I get.


Seeker

[brytta.leofa]

> tell barkeep Hi.
> tell barkeep Um.  Do you know where I might find a job?

Well, the GDB said to ask around in taverns!

[staggerlee]

Actually I had a similar experience, where I was doing a lot of solo rp and staff animated vnpcs or npcs when I was starting out. It was absolutely the most encouraging thing imaginable to know that even as I avoided the entire player base I was still being watched and encouraged, by a busy staff member no less.

And I think most people here are more than willing to rp with new players so asking the barkeep if he knows about work might not be a bad move at all, who knows who might overhear it?  Hell, some experienced players should chat with npcs more.  Of course if I'm playing an asshole the rp I give new players might not be sweet and full of rainbows and puppies, but to some extent any attention is good attention.

[Bogre]

I thought a pc with the sdesc the short, dark-haired imp was actually an imp, in the Barrel, when I first started out. Like demon of fire. I was like omg. And I thought that the two wyverns I heard about were actual wyverns, which were like some kind of humanoid dragon race....

Welcome to Armageddon.

[The7DeadlyVenomz]

It is good to hear that you are enjoying yourself, Spice. Keep it up and you will find yourself drawn into some of the best stories ever written, and what is more, you have a part in co-authoring them.

[spicemustflow]

I really look forward to that. So far none of my chars lived long enough to get drawn in anything, usually due to my stupidity. I get overconfident and get slaughtered by a scruffy, toothless man with no arms.

edit: And nice to see that you guys had the same problem with interaction, it's gonna make it easier to crack the crowds knowing that.

[jstorrie]

If you're still having fun you obviously haven't encountered any of my characters yet.

JUST YOU WAAAAAIT

[Gimfalisette]

I really look forward to that. So far none of my chars lived long enough to get drawn in anything, usually due to my stupidity. I get overconfident and get slaughtered by a scruffy, toothless man with no arms.

edit: And nice to see that you guys had the same problem with interaction, it's gonna make it easier to crack the crowds knowing that.

Join a good, active clan that will help you stay alive due to the rules they impose and the fact that you'll have PC clannies to dissuade you from your stupidity and/or save you from it.

[spicemustflow]

I will do that, probably, though I enjoyed the idea of discovering things myself. One thing I learned so far is that when the char guild says assassin it really means "a wimp that has the potential to become an assassin after many months of hard training".

If you're still having fun you obviously haven't encountered any of my characters yet.

JUST YOU WAAAAAIT

What, is she gonna bore me to death ? Or are you a black robe or something?

[Gimfalisette]

I will do that, probably, though I enjoyed the idea of discovering things myself. One thing I learned so far is that when the char guild says assassin it really means "a wimp that has the potential to become an assassin after many months of hard training".

Well...there are -some- things you can discover in game by yourself: Some locations, some nuances of code, some cool items, etc...

But IMO, all the REALLY TOTALLY AWESOME COOL STUFF you will discover in game will come through your interaction with other PCs.

And the best way to get solid, consistent, character-developing, plot-involving interaction with other PCs is to join a clan.

[rishenko]

I will do that, probably, though I enjoyed the idea of discovering things myself. One thing I learned so far is that when the char guild says assassin it really means "a wimp that has the potential to become an assassin after many months of hard training".

One great way to avoid dying a pointless death is to ask yourself if you plan on having this character for awhile.  If you answer "Yes", then, as with learning things in real life, you will have to assume a measure of patience.  Having said patience will keep you from going out into the wild to take on shit you have no business taking on, or doing stupid things inside the city that will end in crim code bending you over a table and having its way with you. 

If, as others have pointed out, your guy joins a clan that fits his mentality, attitude, personality, goals, desires, so on and so forth, then in time he might ask leaders of his clan about how he might train in the arts of death dealing.  Considering the harsh tone of Zalanthas, and the low value placed on life, most places will be overjoyed at having an assassin at their disposal.  Therefore, they will most likely try and train you in this work and provide you the means of becoming a badass.

However, if you don't have any patience (which I've been at fault for a great many times), expect to die - die quickly, die stupidly, and sit there staring at your screen, completely pissed at yourself for a great opportunity wasted.

[spicemustflow]

However, if you don't have any patience (which I've been at fault for a great many times), expect to die - die quickly, die stupidly, and sit there staring at your screen, completely pissed at yourself for a great opportunity wasted.

Hehe, ten of my thirteen characters ended in a most unepic way imaginable. So, I know I can get into Bynn ICly, about other clans, do I need to contact a clan imm before submitting a character? I don't mean the templars or such, rather something of a lower profile.

edit: A subquestion: So far I played only in Allanak and the Rinth, I'd like to try Tuluk or maybe Luirs, but I'm afraid they're ghost towns at the moment. True?

[Gimfalisette]

Hehe, ten of my thirteen characters ended in a most unepic way imaginable. So, I know I can get into Bynn ICly, about other clans, do I need to contact a clan imm before submitting a character? I don't mean the templars or such, rather something of a lower profile.

edit: A subquestion: So far I played only in Allanak and the Rinth, I'd like to try Tuluk or maybe Luirs, but I'm afraid they're ghost towns at the moment. True?

The Byn, AoD, Sun Legions, Allanaki noble clans, Tuluki noble clans, Salarr, Kadius, Kurac are all clans that you would join ICly by seeking out a hiring representative in game. In all of these, you will probably start as some level of "recruit"...which generally means you get food and water and training and involvement, but no pay for a while, and you're not a full member of the clan yet.

There are many opportunities for playing in Tuluk if you are so inclined. To maximize your opportunities there, I'd highly recommend playing a -human- (not an elf, not a half-elf) so that you don't have any issues with race while getting hired. Also you'll want to make sure you're a Tuluki citizen. Any mundane guild will work fine, though as always the most generally employable are warriors and rangers.

[rishenko]

However, if you don't have any patience (which I've been at fault for a great many times), expect to die - die quickly, die stupidly, and sit there staring at your screen, completely pissed at yourself for a great opportunity wasted.

Hehe, ten of my thirteen characters ended in a most unepic way imaginable. So, I know I can get into Bynn ICly, about other clans, do I need to contact a clan imm before submitting a character? I don't mean the templars or such, rather something of a lower profile.

edit: A subquestion: So far I played only in Allanak and the Rinth, I'd like to try Tuluk or maybe Luirs, but I'm afraid they're ghost towns at the moment. True?

It all depends on the clan.  I suggest visiting the Armageddon Clan Information page for details on how to get into a clan.

Historically, Allanak consistently has the most players.  However, Tuluk sometimes usurps that position but is a ghost town at others.  Luir's is very sporadic, though the ruling party there, House Kurac, usually has regular players.  It's all about the flavor you wish to enjoy (information about which can be found in the online docs) and where your character would be housed.

[spicemustflow]

OK, I made a human and this time will consider being a part of the team. Didn't contact any clan imm, so I'll try to hire myself up IC. I'll try to play thic character as realisticaky as possible, so no more hmm, let's see if I can kill this silt horror (later I'll check in the docs what a silt horror is). Thank you all for your advice!

[Krath]

I'm pretty new to this mud compared to some of the veteran players, but I want to say that it proved to be the ultimate gaming experience I had recently. The unbelievable attention to detail, both code wise and from the design point of view, the atmosphere, harshness of both the world and the players, the constant danger of (perma)death make me want to play this thing to the exclusion of sleep, food, school, friends and relatives... Not really, but you get the point.

So Kudos to all of you who had a part in making and maintaining this mud (and making it free for all!!), and to all of you that just play in it. Keep up the good work!!!

First off, Im going to take all credit for this Second, Welcome to the addiction of a lifetime. Third, Being a newbie is the best time ever. Just get familiar with the game world and talk to everyone. And of course, Join the Byn.

[Seeker]

I really wish that I had joined the Byn with one of my very first PCs.  Seeing all that stuff for the first time as wet-behind-the-ears mercenary in a company of hard-case ass-kickers would have been a treat.


Seeker

[Gimfalisette]

Everyone should join the Byn at -least- once. Mmm Byn stew, and Nekrete afternoons... *fond memories*

[Bebop]

I remember sitting in the Gaj, trying to chat up the NPCs.

They never responded.

It would have been hilarious if an imm popped into one and forever confused you by responding.

[Rhyden]

Everyone should join the Byn at -least- once.

Definitely agree. The Byn is a great clan to experience the gritty and harsh side of Armageddon, especially for the first time.

[Zoltan]

I really wish that I had joined the Byn with one of my very first PCs.  Seeing all that stuff for the first time as wet-behind-the-ears mercenary in a company of hard-case ass-kickers would have been a treat.

Oh, it was. Byn's a great way to get into the game.

[a strange shadow]

Unless you don't like rigid clan schedules and being stuck solo-emoting when no one's around.

Just saying. The Byn's like that girl with the curl. Great when she's good, but when she's bad, she's REALLY BAD.

[Gimfalisette]

Unless you don't like rigid clan schedules and being stuck solo-emoting when no one's around.

Just saying. The Byn's like that girl with the curl. Great when she's good, but when she's bad, she's REALLY BAD.

But that's another thing about the Byn...leaving's as easy as telling your Sergeant you're outta there. And/or when no one's around, that's when it's time for fun mischief

[brytta.leofa]

But that's another thing about the Byn...leaving's as easy as telling your Sergeant you're outta there.

But I've always wondered just far that goes.

The grim, muscular man gets a barbed whip from his filthy hide bag.
> say (squirming in %giant grip) Uh, sarge, I wanna leave the Byn, okay?

[Simple]

Just because you're told to follow orders doesn't mean you have to. Ever wondered why the Byn have great barrier?

[LauraMars]

I wish I was a newbie again.  I played a merchant with a name that Seeker (rightly) makes fun of me for.  However, since playing that merchant, I've come to realize that I hate merchants, and so I kind of wish I had played in the Byn to start out, with a RANGER.  Rangers are my favorite.  Still, those golden newbie days.  Nothing can replace them, except logging into Arm 2 for the first time.

[Yam]

And playing while inebriated.

[spicemustflow]

Just because you're told to follow orders doesn't mean you have to. Ever wondered why the Byn have great barrier?

What do you mean by this? I played in the Byn once, with a pitifully short lived PC, but don't get it.

[Seeker]

I think, generally, it means that many clans have lots of rules.  Rules set up by the organization to protect their investments... like the food, water and shelter they provide to recruits.  Many times these rules are set up primarily to forbid recruits from doing suicidal things, like running off solo into the deadly wastes of Zalanthas.

Even though your character will (often) face consequences (if caught) breaking these rules, it is important to remember that the rules are IC restrictions only.  If your character is a slacker and frequently sneaks out of chore duties, your -character- might face the consequences.  You, the player, will not be considered a "bad rper" for not having your PC follow all the rules if it is true to his nature to break them.

As for the rest of the statement, use of the Way is one of the major means of communication and keeping tabs on clan members.  See "help barrier", and "help contact", and it might become more clear why having a highly developed barrier might be a good thing for a troublemaker.


Seeker

[Akaramu]

Hehe, ten of my thirteen characters ended in a most unepic way imaginable. So, I know I can get into Bynn ICly, about other clans, do I need to contact a clan imm before submitting a character? I don't mean the templars or such, rather something of a lower profile.

If you are who I suspect you are, you need to stop dying / going poofie before clans can hire you properly 

That would be the most important first step.

[Simple]

Just because you're told to follow orders doesn't mean you have to. Ever wondered why the Byn have great barrier?

What do you mean by this? I played in the Byn once, with a pitifully short lived PC, but don't get it.

As Seeker said really. If your sarge sees there's no-one doing their chores, and finds your mind with the Way, he'll know you're slacking.

Help barrier, I suppose.

[spicemustflow]

If you are who I suspect you are, you need to stop dying / going poofie before clans can hire you properly  Wink

I don't think I'm your suspect, since most of my chars don't even get the chance to nod at ~someone before they die, and only clan I was in is the Bynn. I'm playing it safe this tine .

[BlackMagic0]

I really look forward to that. So far none of my chars lived long enough to get drawn in anything, usually due to my stupidity. I get overconfident and get slaughtered by a scruffy, toothless man with no arms.

edit: And nice to see that you guys had the same problem with interaction, it's gonna make it easier to crack the crowds knowing that.

My first ever character only ever interacted with two people...
1) A girl came up to him at a table, and talked with him...
2) The guy that killed him.. Ranted on about how his life is shit, before killing him.

So.. Don't worry.. I was shy too, But if you've ever met any my newer PCs.... It goes away quickly. ^^

[spicemustflow]

That's the goal. I submitted a character who's entirely social, without any combat skills whatsoever in order to improve my roleplaying. And, no, it's not a whore . We'll see how it goes. I'm a bit nervous, since the concept involves lot of subtlety, understanding of the social structure and charm.

[Gimfalisette]

And, no, it's not a whore .

What's wrong with whores! The game can always use more -good- whores

I first really got into ARM by playing a totally social, non-combat role (Circle bard in Tuluk). After that, I was completely hooked.

You might find, playing a social-political role, that you need help with a whole new side of the game. So I would recommend hitting up some helpers knowledgeable in politics for that.

Edited to fix formatting because I haven't had enough coffee yet.

[spicemustflow]

Nothing wrong with whores, I played one, enjoyed her thoroughly, she had a very fitting end for a whore. But this one is in Tuluk, so the social aspect might be more complicated than I'm used to. Oh, Hope this isn't too IC, if it is, I'll edit the post with some spam pictures instead.

On a completely unrelated note: For some reason, I found that I enjoy the game more with a character that isn't Conan like, it's almost like a survival horror genre, being afraid of the desert, of what lurks in the 'rinth alleys and so on.

[Seeker]

I found that I enjoy the game more with a character that isn't Conan like, it's almost like a survival horror genre, being afraid of the desert, of what lurks in the 'rinth alleys and so on.

This.  Now you are ready for fun.

Welcome to Armageddon.


Seeker

[a strange shadow]

That is the most awesome way I've heard Armageddon described in a long time.

[Morrolan]

I really wish that I had joined the Byn with one of my very first PCs.  Seeing all that stuff for the first time as wet-behind-the-ears mercenary in a company of hard-case ass-kickers would have been a treat.


Seeker

[paraphrased conversation]
Lieutenant Akasha to assembled Byn: "We're going to Luir's on Contract."
Me: "Where's that?"
Sarge Marook: "North."
Me: "Why?"
Sarge Marook: "The Mantis are invading."

(A few hours later, the others holding my area are warspiced to the gills, the mantis are pouring over the walls, we're making an orderly retreat.)

Ah, those were the days...and those will be the names I remember forever.

Morrolan

[JustAnotherGuy]

While everyone states that a Clan is where it's at...  I would also like to mention that there are some groups out there that aren't coded clans and they really work well together.  These are the small groups that have a set of players that really have a good time.  You can easily find them sometimes by asking around the taverns and such...  but just know there is more than just clans out there in Arm.

[Akaramu]

Ah, those were the days...and those will be the names I remember forever.

Morrolan

Byn for the win. While I don't remember the name, your halfbreed Byn sergeant really got me hooked to Arm. He was always up and around, doing stuff to kick us into action. That was before my newbie self realized that halfbreeds are icky, detestable abominations. 

I really hope to play another Bynner before the world ends. But HEY... DON'T KILL MY HG TO 'HELP' ME, YOU BASTARDS! 

[hyzhenhok]

I'm a newbie that just wants to reiterate the OP. This game is amazing, and half of that is because of the other players who play it.

My first three characters died pretty quickly, but now that I've gotten past that and figured out how to get involved with player groups, things look to be picking up really nicely.

[Gimfalisette]

Welcome to Crackageddon, hyzhenhok Don't forget to check out player helpers if you continue to have questions about OOC stuff like code syntax, emoting, and so on.

[Rarsh]

My two sids:

I hate half of everything in this game. Half the policies, half the staff, half the players, half the directions (damn both 'north' and 'west') and am not sure I'll actually app another character if my current PC dies (which I think is unlikely, because he's entirely composed of an advanced tektanium alloy).

But holy halfgiants, this game is good.

[Maybe42or54]

Rarsh.. You make me.

<---- Smile

[Southie]

My two sids:

I hate half of everything in this game. Half the policies, half the staff, half the players, half the directions (damn both 'north' and 'west') and am not sure I'll actually app another character if my current PC dies (which I think is unlikely, because he's entirely composed of an advanced tektanium alloy).

But holy halfgiants, this game is good.

Trust me, with one character, you only get to see a fraction of the awesomeness.

lol tektanium

[AmandaGreathouse]

want to play this thing to the exclusion of sleep, food, school, friends and relatives... Not really, but you get the point.

So Kudos to all of you who had a part in making and maintaining this mud (and making it free for all!!), and to all of you that just play in it. Keep up the good work!!!

No....really. No school, no friends, no job, little sleep.  These are not issues for my playing. And thank you guys soooo much.

Welcome to Crackageddon.   -Gimfalisette
Too true.

[jstorrie]

[paraphrased conversation]

These WERE the days. And man, we pwned those bugs.