PM - Boar'd and Bored.

Zelrius

First, I'd like to start off by saying, Hiya Miss Reed! It has been quite a while since we've talked, and I figured I'd come say Hi and see what you were up to.

I haven't heard anything about the boars you and I helped raise and bring up, maybe I should find my way back down to Brisshal one day to check up on them. I hope that with the increasing Goblin raids, that they've been safe, or maybe even help those farmers that we helped? God knows they need it; I doubt the Nobility or Royalty even care about that place, given the war and their own goals in mind. Some of the Farmers on the Astorean border probably could use some help like that too...

That being said, please hit me back, I'd enjoy a brief conversation if you have the time or energy! Later.

 

savannah

Hey Zelrius!

I hope you had a good holiday…if you celebrate, of course. And yes, we haven’t kept in contact. Bad us! I kept meaning to reach out and see how you were, but I kept getting busy. No real excuse, I know, but I’m giving you one anyway. :winking-face:

It’s funny you mention those farmers. I recently completed one of those world quests that popped up after the war and…well…the Felderen army weren’t kind to Astoreans. There was one NPC…they burned his farm to the ground, torched his house, wife and kid inside. He was, ah, … well, we found him torturing some soldiers in what was left of his barn. Completely…crazy. Not like himself at all.

So yeah, I hope that farmer family we helped is okay. But who knows. I think the devs are probably playing up this “after the war” crisis stuff a bit much, but, you know. Everyone wants to make a statement somehow.

But yeah, lets head out there one day. Just to check on things. How have you been since all the chaos. I heard you got the killing blow on the Eastwatch boss! Congrats! Anything cool come from that?

 

Zelrius

It was a terrible excuse, but one I will take anyway. I am glad to hear from you again. I do celebrate, atleast, like, uh. How do I put this? We'll just leave it at the short answer is yes, Happy Holidays to you as well.

Yea, I don't know how I feel about those world Quests. I thought about participating, but to be honest, following this war, my whole perspective is different. I didn't want any of the Reputation or payment, especially not for doing something we should have been doing otherwise. Stack that on top of the fact that I want nothing to do with D'Vangelline or Astor knowing who I am, and you get a 'Staying the fuck out of it' sandwich.

Torture... He was understandably angry. Lost everything he knew and loved, because these soldiers followed orders that they knew were wrong. Yet, I can't help but think Theodore was the one in the right.

Aye, they should be fine. They were on the Falderen side of the border, for starters, and for two, it was some random farmhouse way out in the middle of Brisshal. The war didn't even touch that area.

I'd love to, perhaps when you're free sometime next week. I will be in Brisshal tomorrow, but I've got other plans, and then after that I am headed to the Mountains, so it will be sometime before I get back. By all means, just tell me when you're free and online, and we can head there together.

It wasn't as glorious as some of the stories I've heard about it. Especially since I did minimal work at best. I was just some loser who happened to attack at the right moment. And the game thinks so too, because no, I got nothing cool from it.

 

savannah

Why wouldn’t you want them knowing you are? I think they’d be pretty stoked giving that you landed the killing blow and all. And yeah, I completely agree with you. People should help out their countrymen in times like this. But, some people need more incentive to do the right thing. Sad, right? Ah well, people play for their own reasons I guess…

Oh? You think Theodore was right in wanting to take over both lands? This isn’t sarcasm, btw. I’m genuinely curious your train of thought. Honestly, I don’t know much behind the logistics of it all. I was there when D’Vangelline came in talking about her dad being crazy and everything, but I never understood why he wanted to attack. Heh, I guess I very much am/was playing the role of a soldier: sent to the front lines to possibly die and not know what the hell I’m dying for.

I hope you’re right, about the farmers and all. I mean, people need less than the reason of war to wanna kill each other or ransack someone’s house or steal their livelihood. So who knows what crazy nutjob is using the war as a reason to attack innocent people. Idk, after that quest I’m just kinda…raw with it all. We play this game to get away from the shit of regular life, but then you log in and oops, here’s more shit to deal with. It’s a little draining.

Or maybe I’m just waaay too invested in all this, lol. Damn devs doing an amazing job!

Ah, I’ll be around next week in the evening. I took off new years eve and day in case you wanna do something then! And because I have no life, I’ll be here, on TS instead of out getting schwasted and partying.

Aw man, that blows. Too bad you didn’t get anything cool. I guess it’s to stop people from highjacking the kill or fame or whatever. Well, most of the players know you did it so there’s that, right? :thumbs-ups:

 

Zelrius

I have my own reasons for remaining unseen and under the radar. The main being a point that Mizuki made when we talked extensively on this topic. In the interest of my privacy and hers I will eave at one single point to keep the conversation on that topic short; I don't trust either of them. Especially not Astor.

Well, I phrased that wrong. I don't think his actions were right; The people of both countries paid heavily for this bold and brash attack, but I definitely think that his head was in the right place. Imagine your life is going well, you're a fairly just and benevolent ruler, and things are pretty okay for your Kingdom. Then suddenly, a bunch of Super-people pop into Brisshal, and one by one, start having powers and strengths that only show up in Children's stories. Immortality, extreme and easy to grasp adeptness in various skills and ideas, and an understanding of sciences that are centuries ahead of even your best Researchers. I think Theodore was scared, both for himself and his people, of these Immortal 'Adventurers' and did what he could to rid the world of them before the became a problem. Doesn't that sound plausible?

I imagine there were a few bad soldiers, but also know that many of those who lost their livelihoods and lives weren't specific targets of anyone, or even just bad soldiers abusing their position. You win a siege by removing Supplies, and one of the main supplies of any army is Food. Farmers grow food, wipe out the farmers. Simple as that.

Sometimes I think I take this game too seriously. Often times I feel like a lifeless loser who spends way too time in a game too realistic to not be super invested in. Better than just sitting in my room alone not doing anything, I guess.

Sounds good, I will let you know when i get back from the mountains, we can take a relaxing stroll through Brisshal to check on the piglets.

Yea, I suppose thats right. The game is stupid well thought out, I still wonder to this day who made it and all its systems...

 

savannah

Oh. Well, that’s no good considering he’s the king and all. Ah, you’ve got me a little worried now, lol. I’ve never met him face to face and I’ve only seen D’Vangelline the one time that she came into the castle and briefed anyone, so I don’t think I could make any sound judgement on either of them. But, now that I think about it, you don’t hear people talk about either of them either…

When you explain it like that, yes, it makes sense. People do make snap judgements and decisions when they’re afraid. And he could have thought that one of us would come for his head because we had the power to do it…

And that’s basically what we did…and now he’s headless, his daughter is fatherless, and who knows what the actual state of the kingdom is in. Arg, I really thought we were the good guys in that the whole thing. But that’s what you get going in with blind eyes, you know?

Ugh.

Can I ask what you’re going to the mountains for? Sounds fun…even though I’ve never been mountain climbing before lol. I think that’s what I love s much about this game; I’m pretty landlocked in terms of funds for travel and experience but TS doesn’t care about that. I can take a carriage or a horse to any part of the map, try different and exotic food, scale mountains, go fishing, chill in a hot tub, and fight off a goblin army all in one day without leaving my room or spending a dime.

Whoever made this game, they’re amazing – probably a bit fucked in the head, but amazing nonetheless. Do you think anyone will ever come out of hiding and take credit for it?

 

Zelrius

Don't be worried, Dear Vannah. Just cautious. And also don't let my single opinion and idea influence you so much. After all, I was the retard who thought that god might let me be happy for my life. I was wrong about that too, as I am about a lot of things in life. I have only seen Astor in person once, and he seems like a nice enough guy, atleast, as just a person. But as a King? I am going to come out and say, I don't think he's the right person for such a position. Too much to want, a ton of envy, that much is clear from his actions. Yea, you'd think the common folk would maybe talk about their Monarchs more. Guess not. Most of them have their own shit going on, and the Aristocracy rarely has any direct involvement. That's pretty inefficient if you ask me.

Yea, and I honestly think thats what it was. Theodore was an old man put into a situation he had no understanding of or control over, and was threatened by the Adventurers. And why not? How easy would it have been for one of the stronger people to march right through the guards and into the throne room, stabbed and thrown him off and then declared themselves Monarch. After all, it's pretty much exactly what happened, just with the Princess instead.

Yea, not only is she fatherless and unphased by it, she also doesn't seem to care that she just left many of her other sisters Fatherless as well, I believe one or two of them still being Children. I hope a sort of family resentment between them doesn't start to brew. Those things are bad for stability, as are switching Monarchs and having another Kingdom ruled by Immortals pop up to the North.

We're going to investigate the Caenis and their Tribes, study them in their socieites, and hopefully give a good impression. Or atleast, that's what I've told the others who are going with me. I am personally going to make peace with those who served and respected Snefrid, and hopefully apologize and make it right for them in some way...

Yea, twisted for sure. A God Complex maybe forming. But that doesn't put down their talent, this is an insanely incredible game.

 

savannah

Oh. Bleh, cautiousness. I am cautious, all the time. I look before I leap, think before I speak, make detailed spread-sheets of every bill and every paycheck so that I never find myself in over my head. I like not being cautious here…granted, that’s what killed me the first time so you have a point. I will endeavor to be a little more cautious with my actions and allegiances.

I think you have a point with the crown being his though. Idk, maybe it’d be better if there was an NPC actually ruling instead of a player? We’re only human, you know. We’re flawed to hell and back. And with that much power, he could, literally, do anything under the sun because the game recognizes him as King. But, then again, code isn’t super infallible either. There are glitches all the time. So, maybe I’m wrong, but I see your point. Too much power for one person, even if it is only in a videogame.

I didn’t even know she had sisters. I haven’t heard much about her since the whole war thing. I was guessing that she went back to her kingdom to rule it…or is she supposed to be marrying Astor now or something? That’s usually what happens in the movies and the books. They end up married and cheating on each other and then you have Game of Thrones.

Ah, that sounds pretty cool! I’ve seen a few of them running around questing, so I assume they’re PCs. But if you learn anything interesting, let me know! I’ve never been a huge fan of beast races, tbh, and from what people say, the chick you killed was pretty crazy so it doesn’t give me a lot of hope for the rest of them lol. I’m being racist, I totally know that.

Hey, maybe they’ll take you as their king or something! Since you slew their leader. That’d be pretty cool, right?

 

Zelrius

Then do that. Forget the politics and all the complex and complicated stuff. Some of us find that fun, some of us find it challenging to think and engage in. But I get what you're saying, we come here to get rid of all that shit on a daily basis, atleast, some of us anyway. And if you're not interested, than do what you want. It is just a video game, you should spend most of your time doing what you enjoy. Don't let people like me, or Astor, or anyone for that matter, drag you into shit you want nothing to do with. Just be wary of Astor is all I am getting at.

I don't think he should be King. Forgive me for humanizing the NPCs here, but I find it unethical for players to be getting involved with politics and the balance of power in their world. However, at the same time, i could argue that it is a Fantasy game, with the very core idea of that genre being; Do things you could never do otherwise. One such thing would be King of a rather large Kingdom. So I am on Astor's side on that, I just think his path to it was wrong, and I disagree with a lot of his actions.

Yea, I only know that from having talked to countless NPCs. An endeavor I recommend to everyone, it's actually quite amazing to watch a few lines of codes pretend and think that they've existed for the years of their age and speak as though there's an actual history, yet you know deep down that they, and everything else, popped into existence not a few months ago. It's quite astonishing really; they all have their own personalities and histories, forged by experiences that never really took place. It's a strange concept indeed.

I don't know? I had thought Astor had a player girl that he was interested in, but I expect the same as a Political movement. Strengthen bonds in the Kingdoms or even unite them, bringing the land back together. But as you said, they probably won't become bed buddies in any other instance then to occasionally produce an Heir apparent, and then some other noble children. Not going to lie though, its not like Astor would be losing out on that deal at all, not that I envy him.

Yea it should be fun, and I'd be happy to take you there one day, if you'd like to hang out and climb a mountain or two. We're probably going to stay mostly in the Valleys and lands inbetween the peeks, as that is where Tribal societies tend to stay, but perhaps you and I could actually scale a peak one day. How's that sound?

I hope not. That is an offer, unfortunately, that I would have to respectfully decline.

 

savannah

Yeah, I’m not one for political intrigue and navigating “the game.” It always seems interesting, especially in a game like this which has the whole sandbox element, but I don’t have any fun with it. Still, I sometimes feel like I’m missing out on some aspect of the game by not doing the whole political nonsense. IDK, lol. I’m probably not making any kind of sense. But, as far as Astor goes, I will be sure to not trip over myself trying to impress him just because he’s King. I’ll be careful, pinky promise. :winking-face:

It’s interesting you mention that about the NPCs. There’s a guy I was playing with, a Felis, named Scon. He kinda has the same mentality as you…though, with all the biting sarcasm from him, it’s honestly hard to tell. But he mentioned something along the lines of its worst to kill an NPC since they fully believe that this is their only life and they don’t respawn like we do. I dunno, he was saying a lot of shit, and I only could decipher half of it. I didn’t listen to the other half.

I…think I understand what he was saying more due to what happened on that quest. You and I know that whoever the creators of this game are could easily just erase Henry’s memory or give him a new family and he’d be none the wiser. His pain, his agony over losing everything would be gone in point five seconds. But he doesn’t know that and treats it…well, the way he treated it. So, yeah, I agree; talking to them sheds light on the world and really immerses you in everything.

Lol, I completely forgot pregnancy and childbirth were a thing in this game. Granted, yeah, that’s the path it should take, but, also, yeah, doubtful it’d go that way. We probably won’t hear anything else from her or her kingdom from a while. Then again, there has to eventually be an expansion, right? Maybe we’ll get to go there one day or something.

I’ve never been rock – er, mountain climbing before! I would love to go…one day. Just, make sure I don’t fall off anything yeah? One death is already one death too many. I don’t want to keep dying to random shit. I’ll get a horrible reputation!

Hey, I think you’d look good with wolf ears and a tail! It’s all the rage, ya know. And they’ll like cover you in their scent…or whatever it is that wolves do to recognize their leaders. Talk about an experience! You could write a book. /s

=D

 

Zelrius

Yea, sometimes it can be more work than it's worth. Of course, for the NPCs who play that game, its less about the fun, probably more about personal interests. Things like money so their families can live happy and healthy lives, or power, so they can implement and take actions in the ways that they honestly believe would benefit the world. But for us players, there's none of that risk or even stakes, really. As you said, whether you meant to or not, the politics and Intrigue are a game mechanic to us, just like Masteries and Health bars. Which is what makes the players especially dangerous, even more so when the competition believes their lives are on the line, but you'll just respawn.

Yea, you're right. The creators could bring his family back and pretend that it never happened, or just erase him or his memory entirely, and poof, problem solved. Except, that man wouldn't be the only one that'd happen to, and if they did that to all the people effected, it would be like the entire war had no consequences. That it was just a bunch of teenagers and adults swinging swords in a field for some minor entertainment one evening, and then poof no worries. While that sounds better for the NPCs, I think that also subtracts from the appeal this game has for so many. Like you said, its a sandbox, but one that is realistic enough that people feel like they can have an impact. To erase the impact of actions, even minor ones, I think would take a lot of the fun out of the game of Terrasphere specifically. It'd be better to play the ol Fashioned Computer MMOs at that point.

Yea, it's weird. What's even weirder, I've found, is players can experience the whole pregnancy thing too. Basically, we're like the NPCs of this world in every way, except that the hidden stats they don't know exist, we see in a menu, and we respawn. Isn't that weird to think about? That to a Local, we are just some Immortal mirror Image who has a bit more knowledge than them? Imagine how terrifying that must be, and is probably why most won't talk to or pay attention to someone who even comes off as an Adventurer.

One day we'll go. And have no fear Vannah, I will find harnesses or something to tie us so that we don't have to really worry about falling to an untimely death. I am with you there, I died to a one hundred sided dice, and then a week later, caught an arrow to the neck shot by a frog. I am over this whole death thing as well.

Well, I only know one Caenis, and while she is certainly bangab- uhm, attractive - I think that she is a rare case. Don't know how appealing being a sweaty, scruffy furred, dog-person would be, especially as a guy. As a general rule, girls tend to look better with the Animal features, especially to people who might be into that sort of thing. As for covering me in their scent, given I don't want to even know how they'd do that, I will hard pass. Though books are fun...

The answer is still no. I won't shit talk Astor for playing God on one hand, and then turn around become Wolf King on the other.

 

savannah

Oh yeah, no, I’m not saying they should. I’m merely mentioning the fact that it would be easy for them to help him. But you are right, because of this type of game, all our actions should have consequences and the suffering of the npcs is part of that. Again, I think I’m just looking into this too much. I’ve had friends overseas who were in areas of conflict, so maybe this is just hitting a little too close to home for me. I mean, this – though simulated – might’ve been what they were/are going through and that just hurts my heart.

Anyhow. Yeah, if I was an NPC, I would stay as far away from adventurers as possible. I mean, just think about it; everything was fine and then one day, all the shit hits the fan. There’s a new kingdom, a new king, there are suddenly elves and dog-people running around and now there’s a war and if you’re lucky, you still have your family and your house and your farm and if you weren’t, then you’re SOL since we haven’t set up any type of triage or help for those people effected. I’d be pissed to high hell and back again. But, I guess these NPCs don’t have code within them to revolt or anything so they’ll just be meek and sad and wait for us to hopefully save them.

Smh.

LOL, she’s bangable, eh? But, doesn’t she have like six tits or something? Well, probably not I guess. That wouldn’t be smart for marketing, making them more wolf-like in terms of anatomy. I mean, if that’s your thing Zel, go forth and prosper! I wonder if she’d have a litter of puppies…well, I guess they’d be a littler of Caenis, but they’ll be blond. Awww, that actually looks cute in my head. Let me know when you’ll be having the baby shower and I’ll bring some Alpo for the little tykes! :winking-face:

Yeah, if they try to scent smother you, just politely decline and slowly back away. That’s how you deal with wild animals that are in heat, right? Isn’t it their mating season right about now? Be careful Zel! rofl

 

Zelrius

I like the impact actions can have, its why I play afterall. and I am sure many feel the same; so helpless and small in the real world, and while you're technically just as small here, you're also an immortal with limitless potential at your fingertips. For instance, I killed Snefrid, and while plenty of other people contributed wayy more than I did, I'd be lying if I said I didn't like the attention it got me.

That's unfortunate, best of luck to your friends and I hope they're doing okay now, though it seems that area of the world always has something going on, which probably means they're embroiled in it whether they want to be or not. You're an awfully compassionate person.

Yea, I completely agree there. They almost seem to be more distrustful of people they can identify as Adventurers than they are of the Elves. Atleast they can keep the elves under control and hold them as Slaves. An Adventurer? You can't even imprison them, they'll just suicide only to respawn in Brisshal, probably with a gleam of vengeance in their eye. Thats a whole new scary context to view us players; Not only are we nearly all powerful Immortals, we also can't be adequately punished or detained for anything we do. I'd be terrified if such beings existed openly on Earth.

Don't get the wrong idea, my ex-wife would spin in her grave if I was out chasing around women, especially wolf women. Not that I am particularly into that thing, but a cute girl is a cute girl in my book, and a tail and some ears don't deter that. Only when it starts becoming more Animal than human do I start to get uncomfortable. As for the anamoty and all that, again, for my own reasons, I wouldn't expect to see blue eyed, Blonde wolf pups running around anytime soon, or at all for that matter. Drop the subject.

Yea, count me out. I think I am going to just go hide in Brisshal now where I can't be metaphorically, or even literally, smothered by swathes of Wolf people trying to drown me in their praise and affections. No thank you, I have a hard time talking to someone who sees me as an equal, I think I'd have a nervous breakdown if I was elevated like that. Especially since I don't deserve it, at all.

 

savannah

Okay, okay. Sorry. I shouldn’t keep poking fun. Promise I didn’t mean anything by it.

If you find out anything interesting, let me know? Like, any cool culture thing or god/goddesses and the like. I’m always interested in the background of characters instead of what’s at the forefront. That’s probably why I like hanging out with NPCs so much. They all have such interesting made up lives and no two are the same. I can’t imagine how many people were on the development team for NPC backstories alone. No way was this game a one-person thing.

And I lost contact with the friend. I hope they’re alright too, but who knows. I can only stay positive and hope they email or IM me one day.

 

Zelrius

Yea. I should probably stop here, I've got a few more hours of Terra before I have to go to work, and I need to get my masteries up.

It was great catching up with you Savannah! We'll have to meet up sometime soon to head down to Brisshal and visit the little piglets that we captured from the Boars. Stay safe, and get stronger. Hope that friend that you mentioned comes back around one day, its sad to see people disappear like that.

Have a nice day.