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Okay. So, I did some digging. Last names were pulled almost 2 years ago. Here's Solomon's post:
http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=20&category=1&topic=25&message=550
And I'll quote it (07/31/2003):
OK...major news. READ THIS CAREFULLY!
First, read this entire post before asking a question.
Second, please keep all questions and comments in the proper category (in other words, to discuss this, click the link at the bottom of the page to be taken to the right place).
Third, read this entire post before asking a question.
Fourth, go back and re-read this entire post again before asking a question! :)
When we first discussed the possibility of "sharing" last names, removing last names, changing last names, etc., you all had several issues and concerns. Luckily, I think we've hit on a plan that will cover all the bases in terms of the major issues that were brought up (those of "impersonating a family member" and any other "stealing my last name" scenarios).
Beginning next Thursday (after we take the games down and load the new core mechanics in), all NEW characters that are created in DR will have NO last name. When a new character is created, they'll only be asked for a first name and will then proceed into the Character Manager as usual.
Any existing LAST NAME will be able to be chosen as a new character's FIRST NAME. This will free up HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of names that have been unavailable and make life a lot easier for new folks coming into the game.
FAQ SECTION
Q: What if I already have a last name? What happens to me?
A: NOTHING. Your last name will still be your last name and no one will be able to take it (yet...KEEP READING).
.
.
Q. What if I want to get rid of my existing last name? Will that be an option?
A. Yes, sort of. Keep reading.
.
.
Q: What if someone takes my last name as their first name?
A: Nothing. This is not really a big deal. Just because your last name is Bob doesn't mean someone else can't have Bob as a first name. We will not be addressing any complaints about anyone being upset that someone is using their last name as a first name. This is a non-issue.
.
.
Q: What about last names, then? Are they just going to go away?
A: No. Now that this major change is happening, we can do ALL KINDS of things that we've always wanted to do and ALL KINDS of things that you all want us to do with last names.
.
.
Q: Like what? What are you going to do with last names now?
A: Well, now that last names don't have to be unique and we have all this flexibility, we can:
Allow all characters on your account to have the same last name
Allow you to actually "adopt" your in-game families so you all share a common last name
Allow you to free up your last name so that anyone can use it if they want (and no one else will be able to later lock it in)
Allow you to marry someone and have them actually take your last name, instead of our having to "cheat" and tie the name mechanics into the wedding rings
Allow you to completely lock your last name so that no one else can use it
Allow you to hide your current last name if you hate it and never want to see it again
Allow you to change your last name, provided someone marries, adopts, or otherwise allows you to use their last name (ie you choose a name that someone's made "open")
Q: Cool! When will all these changes happen?
A: Soon! Sort of. The thing is, until this was coded (and it was just finished today by the on-site tech folks since it required changes to the core game engine), we had the same concerns you had, but had no way to address them. Now that we have the problem resolved, we can finally do all this. It's just a matter of coding it. Some of the basic stuff MAY come out during HSN (depending on how fast we can get them done), some might come out between HSN and HWN, some might come out during HWN, and some might be reserved for DR II.
.
.
Q: Ok, will anyone be able to do all the things you mentioned with the names?
A: Some of the options will be available to everyone, some MIGHT be limited to Premium Subscribers. We will deal with that as we develop the systems to alter existing last names.
.
.
Q: I'm not Premium, though. Does that mean (insert concern here)?
A: We don't know yet. As we said, we'll deal with that as we write the systems and go from there.
.
.
Q: Ok...so basically, if I have a last name, for now, nothing will happen to it except someone will be able to use it as their first name?
A: Correct. Don't worry. Your last name is yours and no one else will be able to use it as their last name yet. We'll talk about how that will work later.
.
.
Q: What about my FIRST name? I hate it! When can I change it?
A: That's got nothing to do with this and there are still no plans (at this time) to allow anyone to change their first name. Please don't ask about this right now.
.
.
One more thing...
Don't plan on rolling up names and then turning around and deleting the character, just to prevent someone else from getting the name. The next project we're working on are ongoing purges and those will likely be the first ones to go (not to mention that it would just generally a pretty cruddy thing to do). This is being done to HELP people (both new players and existing players) make a character they are going to PLAY with a name they want. If you're not going to PLAY the character you roll up with this new name that's been freed up, just be a good person and don't roll it up in the first place.
I hope you all are as excited about this as I am. It took 5 SGMs and an On-Site GM to keep me from shutting the game down tonight to make it happen. ;)
Solomon
I understand that things come up. I understand that staff members leave, priorities get shifted, etc., etc. HOWEVER, the post says things are happening SOON. I know the dreaded S word has no merit anymore, and things like this just re-iterate why, IMO.
http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=20&category=1&topic=25&message=550
And I'll quote it (07/31/2003):
OK...major news. READ THIS CAREFULLY!
First, read this entire post before asking a question.
Second, please keep all questions and comments in the proper category (in other words, to discuss this, click the link at the bottom of the page to be taken to the right place).
Third, read this entire post before asking a question.
Fourth, go back and re-read this entire post again before asking a question! :)
When we first discussed the possibility of "sharing" last names, removing last names, changing last names, etc., you all had several issues and concerns. Luckily, I think we've hit on a plan that will cover all the bases in terms of the major issues that were brought up (those of "impersonating a family member" and any other "stealing my last name" scenarios).
Beginning next Thursday (after we take the games down and load the new core mechanics in), all NEW characters that are created in DR will have NO last name. When a new character is created, they'll only be asked for a first name and will then proceed into the Character Manager as usual.
Any existing LAST NAME will be able to be chosen as a new character's FIRST NAME. This will free up HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of names that have been unavailable and make life a lot easier for new folks coming into the game.
FAQ SECTION
Q: What if I already have a last name? What happens to me?
A: NOTHING. Your last name will still be your last name and no one will be able to take it (yet...KEEP READING).
.
.
Q. What if I want to get rid of my existing last name? Will that be an option?
A. Yes, sort of. Keep reading.
.
.
Q: What if someone takes my last name as their first name?
A: Nothing. This is not really a big deal. Just because your last name is Bob doesn't mean someone else can't have Bob as a first name. We will not be addressing any complaints about anyone being upset that someone is using their last name as a first name. This is a non-issue.
.
.
Q: What about last names, then? Are they just going to go away?
A: No. Now that this major change is happening, we can do ALL KINDS of things that we've always wanted to do and ALL KINDS of things that you all want us to do with last names.
.
.
Q: Like what? What are you going to do with last names now?
A: Well, now that last names don't have to be unique and we have all this flexibility, we can:
Allow all characters on your account to have the same last name
Allow you to actually "adopt" your in-game families so you all share a common last name
Allow you to free up your last name so that anyone can use it if they want (and no one else will be able to later lock it in)
Allow you to marry someone and have them actually take your last name, instead of our having to "cheat" and tie the name mechanics into the wedding rings
Allow you to completely lock your last name so that no one else can use it
Allow you to hide your current last name if you hate it and never want to see it again
Allow you to change your last name, provided someone marries, adopts, or otherwise allows you to use their last name (ie you choose a name that someone's made "open")
Q: Cool! When will all these changes happen?
A: Soon! Sort of. The thing is, until this was coded (and it was just finished today by the on-site tech folks since it required changes to the core game engine), we had the same concerns you had, but had no way to address them. Now that we have the problem resolved, we can finally do all this. It's just a matter of coding it. Some of the basic stuff MAY come out during HSN (depending on how fast we can get them done), some might come out between HSN and HWN, some might come out during HWN, and some might be reserved for DR II.
.
.
Q: Ok, will anyone be able to do all the things you mentioned with the names?
A: Some of the options will be available to everyone, some MIGHT be limited to Premium Subscribers. We will deal with that as we develop the systems to alter existing last names.
.
.
Q: I'm not Premium, though. Does that mean (insert concern here)?
A: We don't know yet. As we said, we'll deal with that as we write the systems and go from there.
.
.
Q: Ok...so basically, if I have a last name, for now, nothing will happen to it except someone will be able to use it as their first name?
A: Correct. Don't worry. Your last name is yours and no one else will be able to use it as their last name yet. We'll talk about how that will work later.
.
.
Q: What about my FIRST name? I hate it! When can I change it?
A: That's got nothing to do with this and there are still no plans (at this time) to allow anyone to change their first name. Please don't ask about this right now.
.
.
One more thing...
Don't plan on rolling up names and then turning around and deleting the character, just to prevent someone else from getting the name. The next project we're working on are ongoing purges and those will likely be the first ones to go (not to mention that it would just generally a pretty cruddy thing to do). This is being done to HELP people (both new players and existing players) make a character they are going to PLAY with a name they want. If you're not going to PLAY the character you roll up with this new name that's been freed up, just be a good person and don't roll it up in the first place.
I hope you all are as excited about this as I am. It took 5 SGMs and an On-Site GM to keep me from shutting the game down tonight to make it happen. ;)
Solomon
I understand that things come up. I understand that staff members leave, priorities get shifted, etc., etc. HOWEVER, the post says things are happening SOON. I know the dreaded S word has no merit anymore, and things like this just re-iterate why, IMO.
>>If/when the ability to bestow last names is granted, I'll extend you an place among the Axebiters.
Heh, not that I don't love you dwarves but you guys have to work on that housing problem.
mutters something about Kaldar not belonging in Dwarven mines while rubbing his head
--
Ranger Hanryu _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, Sword of House Calibanor
>It's not just a simple matter of "Oh wheeee, let's add a last name ~ Solomon
Heh, not that I don't love you dwarves but you guys have to work on that housing problem.
mutters something about Kaldar not belonging in Dwarven mines while rubbing his head
--
Ranger Hanryu _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, Sword of House Calibanor
>It's not just a simple matter of "Oh wheeee, let's add a last name ~ Solomon
>>(07/31/2003):
*Q: Cool! When will all these changes happen?
A: Soon! Sort of. The thing is, until this was coded (and it was just finished today by the on-site tech folks since it required changes to the core game engine), we had the same concerns you had, but had no way to address them. Now that we have the problem resolved, we can finally do all this. It's just a matter of coding it. Some of the basic stuff MAY come out during HSN (depending on how fast we can get them done), some might come out between HSN and HWN, some might come out during HWN, and some might be reserved for DR II.<<
From now on, I think all uses of the word "soon" by simutronics staff should be banned, and replaced with "in a few years, or whenever we really want to... maybe... possible.... if we feel like it..... maybe."
*Q: Cool! When will all these changes happen?
A: Soon! Sort of. The thing is, until this was coded (and it was just finished today by the on-site tech folks since it required changes to the core game engine), we had the same concerns you had, but had no way to address them. Now that we have the problem resolved, we can finally do all this. It's just a matter of coding it. Some of the basic stuff MAY come out during HSN (depending on how fast we can get them done), some might come out between HSN and HWN, some might come out during HWN, and some might be reserved for DR II.<<
From now on, I think all uses of the word "soon" by simutronics staff should be banned, and replaced with "in a few years, or whenever we really want to... maybe... possible.... if we feel like it..... maybe."
>SOON: Sometime, Or Otherwise, Never
*chuckles softly* I'm gonna start using it.
Seriously, though... I think this delay on last names is crazy. From that previous quote, they made it sound like the gaming engine was all fixed and ready for this change. What happened? It's a pretty basic and important step when creating a well-rounded character.
Mmmk.. that was my 2 cents to keep this thread alive. I really do want last names to happen sooner than SOON.
"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children." -- Kahlil Gibran
*chuckles softly* I'm gonna start using it.
Seriously, though... I think this delay on last names is crazy. From that previous quote, they made it sound like the gaming engine was all fixed and ready for this change. What happened? It's a pretty basic and important step when creating a well-rounded character.
Mmmk.. that was my 2 cents to keep this thread alive. I really do want last names to happen sooner than SOON.
"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children." -- Kahlil Gibran
>Mmmk.. that was my 2 cents to keep this thread alive. I really do want last names to happen sooner than SOON.
You just beat me to it, its Friday and 2 weeks since the last release (that I remember at least). So . . .
Gimme gimme :-)
And in the intererest of time and sanity. . .
<insert rampant speculation about "QC">
<insert begs for status update>
<inset GM response of "It'll come out when it comes out.">
<end thread>
Did I miss something ?;-p
--
Ranger Hanryu _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, Sword of House Calibanor
You thumb a platinum coin stamped with large letters that read "IN SSRA WE TRUST"
You just beat me to it, its Friday and 2 weeks since the last release (that I remember at least). So . . .
Gimme gimme :-)
And in the intererest of time and sanity. . .
<insert rampant speculation about "QC">
<insert begs for status update>
<inset GM response of "It'll come out when it comes out.">
<end thread>
Did I miss something ?;-p
--
Ranger Hanryu _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, Sword of House Calibanor
You thumb a platinum coin stamped with large letters that read "IN SSRA WE TRUST"
>Did I miss something ?;-p
Ya.
<end thread>
<new thread>
<players are venomous and vitrolic>
<gm's still ignore them>
<players get more angry>
<still ignored>
<players tire themselves out, settle down for nice nappy>
<gm reads thread, realizes players hate him, quits>
<second thread ends>
Fine. I'm wrong.
Ya.
<end thread>
<new thread>
<players are venomous and vitrolic>
<gm's still ignore them>
<players get more angry>
<still ignored>
<players tire themselves out, settle down for nice nappy>
<gm reads thread, realizes players hate him, quits>
<second thread ends>
Fine. I'm wrong.
I got all excited when last names left the character manager, thinking that maybe they were finally being worked on. But, no word since then. The only word I remember hearing is, "it'll be out when its out so stop asking." Didn't like that response much.
Sure wish we could hear something more definite, without the S-word.
Isaura
"I am the dark, I am the light, I am surcease from pain and strife
Within my arms you'll come to rest, by the Wheel of Life possessed."
Sure wish we could hear something more definite, without the S-word.
Isaura
"I am the dark, I am the light, I am surcease from pain and strife
Within my arms you'll come to rest, by the Wheel of Life possessed."
About once every six months, so it seems, Solomon has popped in here with a dribble of information. My understanding is that last names are being held back until completion of the larger game system which will allow you to share family names with other players. And Hodierna only knows how long that's going to take.
I would also imagine that since naming characters is an integral part of character creation... they are also waiting for the feature and character generator rewrite.
.
Player of a few too many
______________________
Pol-i-tics (pol-i-tiks) n. 1. "Poli" meaning many. 2. "Tics" meaning blood-sucking insects.
.
Player of a few too many
______________________
Pol-i-tics (pol-i-tiks) n. 1. "Poli" meaning many. 2. "Tics" meaning blood-sucking insects.
>>they are also waiting for the feature and character generator rewrite.
That makes me cry a little, but it also makes a lot of sense. I wonder if Solomon (or whoever really, but he's the only GM that seems to post about Last Names) to confirm or deny if Last Names are waiting on something else. It seem nearly every project not being coded by Ssra is waiting on either P5, bit based experience, or both, but I've never heard of Last Names having to wait for something else.
--
Ranger Hanryu _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, Sword of House Calibanor
You thumb a platinum coin stamped with large letters that read "IN SSRA WE TRUST"
That makes me cry a little, but it also makes a lot of sense. I wonder if Solomon (or whoever really, but he's the only GM that seems to post about Last Names) to confirm or deny if Last Names are waiting on something else. It seem nearly every project not being coded by Ssra is waiting on either P5, bit based experience, or both, but I've never heard of Last Names having to wait for something else.
--
Ranger Hanryu _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, Sword of House Calibanor
You thumb a platinum coin stamped with large letters that read "IN SSRA WE TRUST"
The short of it.
It's Bit based reward system, really.
At the moment, exp is bit based. Every action you do results in a 'bit' of experience. At the moment, you're rewarded based on ranks.
Higher ranks take more bits to complete (For example, 300 hiding versus 1 rank of hiding). As it stands, having 1 rank and ganing a rank in a skill versus having 300 ranks in a skill and gaining a rank is rewarded equally in terms of "Overall survival" and so forth.
When the switch happens, the proportion of value each rank has will be based on its bits taken to roll over.
(This Is Not) Mrrar
Out of Context Theatre
"Shaved head, but in a good way."--Ragran
It's Bit based reward system, really.
At the moment, exp is bit based. Every action you do results in a 'bit' of experience. At the moment, you're rewarded based on ranks.
Higher ranks take more bits to complete (For example, 300 hiding versus 1 rank of hiding). As it stands, having 1 rank and ganing a rank in a skill versus having 300 ranks in a skill and gaining a rank is rewarded equally in terms of "Overall survival" and so forth.
When the switch happens, the proportion of value each rank has will be based on its bits taken to roll over.
(This Is Not) Mrrar
Out of Context Theatre
"Shaved head, but in a good way."--Ragran
>>Bit based experience
There was just a thread about this somewhere (yay for no search function). Long story short Currently each rank is made up of 'bits' but for cricling purposes 1 rank of a skill is the same as any other. The problem arises in that ranking a skill from 0 to 1 is indescribably easier than ranking a skill from 100 to 101, there's lots more bits involved there. The new system is supposed to look at the bits not the ranks. It will only take effect for 30+. For more info I'd check the folder under skills and abilities, way more info there, and less likely to anger the BM's for being off topic :)
--
Ranger Hanryu _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, Sword of House Calibanor
You thumb a platinum coin stamped with large letters that read "IN SSRA WE TRUST"
There was just a thread about this somewhere (yay for no search function). Long story short Currently each rank is made up of 'bits' but for cricling purposes 1 rank of a skill is the same as any other. The problem arises in that ranking a skill from 0 to 1 is indescribably easier than ranking a skill from 100 to 101, there's lots more bits involved there. The new system is supposed to look at the bits not the ranks. It will only take effect for 30+. For more info I'd check the folder under skills and abilities, way more info there, and less likely to anger the BM's for being off topic :)
--
Ranger Hanryu _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, Sword of House Calibanor
You thumb a platinum coin stamped with large letters that read "IN SSRA WE TRUST"
>>There was just a thread about this somewhere (yay for no search function).
Two things, One, I believe it was in the moon mage guild folders somewhere we were talking about this. And two... Google, DragonRealms Bit Based System (or anything else you feel like looking for) and you'll have your search function, not DR based, but it works for when I want information I'm looking for. :)
~~
A tongue of purely black flame erupts from the rogue gate, lashing out at you! Your body is consumed in an eyeblink, leaving only a thin Elf-shaped shell of ash which quickly dissipates in the breeze.
Two things, One, I believe it was in the moon mage guild folders somewhere we were talking about this. And two... Google, DragonRealms Bit Based System (or anything else you feel like looking for) and you'll have your search function, not DR based, but it works for when I want information I'm looking for. :)
~~
A tongue of purely black flame erupts from the rogue gate, lashing out at you! Your body is consumed in an eyeblink, leaving only a thin Elf-shaped shell of ash which quickly dissipates in the breeze.
The best way to search the forums via Google is:
<search terms> site:www.play.net/forums
However, that only searches pages that Google has cached, and google DOESN'T have every post cached. :( It's a minorly helpful tool if helpful at all.
Marksman Ahmir Nam'al
"Is glas iad na cnoic i bhfad uainn."
-Distant hills look green.
<search terms> site:www.play.net/forums
However, that only searches pages that Google has cached, and google DOESN'T have every post cached. :( It's a minorly helpful tool if helpful at all.
Marksman Ahmir Nam'al
"Is glas iad na cnoic i bhfad uainn."
-Distant hills look green.
Google amuses me. Go to the google page and in the search area type in Failure then hit the "I feel lucky" button instead of doing the normal search. The result of that is quite amusing.
Jim
"Arrogance:
The best leaders inspire by example. When that's not an option, brute intimidation works pretty well, too."
Jim
"Arrogance:
The best leaders inspire by example. When that's not an option, brute intimidation works pretty well, too."
Heh, didn't know about the "miserable failure", someone told me the other day to just type failure in. Either way both get the same result I see. Yeah politics are amusing in sad sort of way.
Jim
"Arrogance:
The best leaders inspire by example. When that's not an option, brute intimidation works pretty well, too."
Jim
"Arrogance:
The best leaders inspire by example. When that's not an option, brute intimidation works pretty well, too."
