4 days? on 02/06/2017 09:02 PM CST
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Come on guys, seriously. We are less than FOUR DAYS from the release of a new pay event with absolutely no information whatsoever?
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Re: 4 days? on 02/06/2017 11:45 PM CST
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I hope the timing and info is posted soon. I am very interested in going but have plans to navigate this weekend
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 03:34 AM CST
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I hear you there. Wasn't this planned to be now some time ago? What happened to building some hype? Lots of people don't read the forums, and so far there's nothing to mention to them along with nothing even on the calendar.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 08:26 AM CST
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Seems like this has been sop for the last couple of years or so. Everything is so last minute.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 10:10 AM CST
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I'll mention what myself and a few others were discussing the other day. I think this exact thing might be the reason BMC didn't do well financially. It was a very last minute thing, in terms of what was going to be available at the festival. It seems to be the new common thing to wait until the last minute to give details. I'm sure there is a reason, that appears to be logical to someone in the decision making process, however, I'll state my line of thinking that opposes it.

There are a lot of people who do not work the standard 8-5, Monday - Friday schedule. (I only recently joined the ranks of having said schedule, so this doesn't apply to me personally any longer.) There are even more people who have situations that involve their RL time. Children, Ailing or Elderly parents they care for, social or financial obligations, sporting events, girl scout cookie drives (THIN MINTS! Wipe the drool away,) or any other limitless number of obligations. Now, if people don't know what is coming their way, it makes it far less tempting to reschedule or plan said events around an unknown even that may or may not be worth it.

Advanced notice might give some people more time to complain or demand changes, however, you're probably not going to please them either way you go, so why not cater to folks who need to arrange schedules or take time off work or tell their little girl they don't have to go on the cookie drive sale because they're going to buy 45 boxes of thin mints AND go to the Summit Academy this weekend.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 12:48 PM CST
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Are Thin Mints going to be available at this event?
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 12:55 PM CST
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>Are Thin Mints going to be available at this event?

Don't forget the Thanks-a-Lots and Smores
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 01:06 PM CST
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>It seems to be the new common thing to wait until the last minute to give details. -COLEMANJ

^^^ All of this. The apparent trend of short notice and/or details-withheld events, intended or otherwise, gives the appearance of cutting corners, rushing things out the door (perhaps because of a business mandate), and suggests a lack of consideration for our scheduling and financial decision making. I'm certain this isn't the intent of GS staff, I know how much work and love you guys pour into these things. I can't stress that enough; your efforts are a labor of love, pride, and care for our game and our community, and they are very much appreciated. But this sort of handling is frustrating and increasingly affecting morale.

Particularly disappointing is the growing feeling that I don't want to support this trend with my financial approval... but I've been dying for a Summit event since I resumed playing, having missed the prior ones. :/

Relying purely on the reputation of previous events, when it's been intimated that this one is not exactly the same/involves new offerings/etc, may be setting yourself up for failure.


---
Cendadric says, "Hmm, a most impressive weapon of note. I'll give you 110 silver coins for it."
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 01:20 PM CST
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Hey everyone, there will be an email going out later this afternoon/evening. But I'd like to explain what's happening. For years and years, GS has been going about advertising events in the same fashion. In 2015, we started marketing these events to a broader number of players. I was involved in how to go about marketing and branding GS events, and while I didn't agree with everything, the numbers showed otherwise. So we continue to push along into this new territory of advertising events because it's working with a growth rate like we've never seen in GS's history. Could we do some things better? Definitely, but we're working with the same resources we always had. But it's pretty much been proven that announcing with more time from when the event runs equals less participation, almost always.

>>I think this exact thing might be the reason BMC didn't do well financially.

It has nothing to do with it. BMC had just about max reach in terms of ticketed events. The notion that BMC had poor attendance is a false one. It took too long to plan, it took too many resources, and failed to bring in 1/3rd of our lowest goal. As stated (repeatedly at this point), we'd have to solve a lot to rerun Briarmoon Cove as a pay event or we'd simple run it as part of a world event, which is free.

>>Relying purely on the reputation of previous events, when it's been intimated that this one is not exactly the same/involves new offerings/etc, may be setting yourself up for failure.

While it may seem we're relying on reputation of this event, this event has an all new approach. So it's not just the same old thing.

That all said, SEF and Sylinar's Spire are being combined and run in a way that we can do a lot more than 25 people at a time. This is not a limited ticket event, but it's SEF and Sylinar's Spire (most of the spire, some things will not be there). Prior to this, we could usually only do 50 to 100 tickets for the entire month. Now, we'll allow everyone who wants to go into the grounds and it will be open for an entire weekend. We're doing this for 2 weekends, so you can consider this weekend as more of a "preview" weekend. That is why it was done in this fashion. The event will speak for itself, better than any announcement.



Wyrom, PM
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 01:29 PM CST
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I appreciate the response, in regards to BMC, though I guess I'm still a little confused.

>BMC had just about max reach in terms of ticketed events. The notion that BMC had poor attendance is a false one.

vs

>... and failed to bring in 1/3rd of our lowest goal.

I know there is a lot you can't explain about business models and such, but I don't quite get that. If attendance and ticket sales were optimal and near max purchases, how can it be 1/3rd of your lowest goal, if there were no additional buy-in options (not that I hope we get events like that.) I guess I'm confused that if sales were satisfactory on a set-in-stone pirce, how can the result be so far below the goal? I'll admit, there is a strong possibility of there being something I'm ignorant about and not understanding.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 02:39 PM CST
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"If attendance and ticket sales were optimal and near max purchases"...


I read his statement that REVENUE was on target, profit was not. He reinforced that by saying too many resources were spent preparing, in other words cost was too high. Cost is the reason why profits can miss targets even when revenue meets or exceeds targets.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 02:48 PM CST
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It's a few things, none of which I should go into directly on the forums. Either way, we (still) recognize it's a desired event.



Wyrom, PM
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 02:48 PM CST
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Phrased another way, there was a great deal of "cash flow", and not nearly enough of "cash STOP [in our hands]."

:)
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 03:56 PM CST
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>So we continue to push along into this new territory of advertising events because it's working with a growth rate like we've never seen in GS's history. Could we do some things better? Definitely, but we're working with the same resources we always had. But it's pretty much been proven that announcing with more time from when the event runs equals less participation, almost always.

Huh. That seems so counter-intuitive, but the data doesn't lie (I assume).
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 03:59 PM CST
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This must work like the Young Pope wishes.

People chase the mystery!
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 04:49 PM CST
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No, it makes sense.

People love pop-up sales, and flock to them in hordes. "Limited time only!" brings people in.

Announce something now. For four months out.
- If you continually flack it, over and over again, during the intervening period, people get fed up with the same old crap cluttering their attention.
- If you do NOT continually flack it during the intervening period... people forget about it. "But that was four months ago."

.

People have a short attention sp-- HEY, where are you guys going?!?!
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 05:36 PM CST
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I'd be somewhat less concerned about "Hey, we're doing a thing real soon!" if we had any idea about Cost of Thing, Distribution Method of Thing, Limitations of Thing.

As it is, it sounds like tickets are unlimited. Cool. That's a useful data point.

I have no idea how much this is going to cost, whether I'm going to have to be super choosy because you only get X number of things, whether things are going to be distributed in a manner that only applies to the character who goes, or if it'll be portable to another character on the same account, whether entry is limited to 1 character, N characters, full account...

These are things I'd like to know. This information is directly tied to my limited budget. I am an engineer. Vagueness makes my soul hurt and my blood boil.

---
Cendadric says, "Hmm, a most impressive weapon of note. I'll give you 110 silver coins for it."
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 05:57 PM CST
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>People chase the mystery!

You can have the boat...
or the mystery box!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKZJdaiJF84


Speaking in Faendryl, Jahosk says, "You will now be known as Blade Durakar, the Palestra."
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 06:08 PM CST
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Hey all there is a picture with more information to come soon on the main webpage now. I am so excited
all the extra information in that picture. lol
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 06:27 PM CST
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>> The event will speak for itself, better than any announcement.

Is that really something you can say about a paid event?

>> Now, we'll allow everyone who wants to go into the grounds and it will be open for an entire weekend.

Everyone, full stop? Everyone with a ticket? Just trying to get a clearer picture.

>> We're doing this for 2 weekends, so you can consider this weekend as more of a "preview" weekend.

Does a ticket purchase entry to both weekends?
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 06:30 PM CST
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If you enhance the picture and magnify the dwellings by around 666%, you will find a clue. It's coordinates to a location where you will find the information. Or...check your email sometime soon. One of the two, I'm getting it all confused.

Seriously though. This isn't to rile anyone up or cause an issue with everyone's hectic schedules. I'm reminded that this is all a science on a regular basis. I'll express the concern (again) about these announcements coming so late to see if there is something we can do for the forum readers.



Wyrom, PM
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 06:31 PM CST
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Character Customization Celebration!
Join the Revelry February 10th to the 12th and February 24th to the 26th!

For the first time in Elanthia's history, the BODY feature is available exclusively at Summit Academy! Want to be lithe and slender? Or, are you the muscular and stocky type? Well now it's possible to choose your body build!

Also available to Aelotoi are artistic wing customizations that will help set the stage for your continued creatives within this vast customizable world.

Additional options for further refinement to your distinguished look can be achieved at Summit Academy. Take your pick from a variety of available unique options.

Define your character through unique personalizations available on the grounds of Summit Academy. Add flair to your arrivals and departures. Acquire signature moves. Incant with elegance and glamour. Swear in style! All of these can be your own extraordinary means of being a one-of-a-kind adventurer in Elanthia.

...but wait,there's more!

If enhancive items are more your style, be sure to visit Sylinar's Spire where his trusty attendants can both RECHARGE and INCREASE your enhancive items, as well as PERMIFY any qualifying enhancive items.

For your added enjoyment, Sylinar has created MAGICAL CUBES that contain silvers and gems -- and might hold some unique customization offerings.

Evolve your character, and build your legacy in Elanthia.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 06:31 PM CST
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>>VELOIR's post

This is not a ticketed event.



Wyrom, PM
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 06:37 PM CST
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>This is not a ticketed event. -Wyrom

Another useful data point to have on radar.

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Cendadric says, "Hmm, a most impressive weapon of note. I'll give you 110 silver coins for it."
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 06:37 PM CST
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>This is not a ticketed event.

So it's a free festival type thing? Interesting.

Will the goods be purchasable via silvers or is there some alternate method of buying the customizations and enhancive services?


Speaking in Faendryl, Jahosk says, "You will now be known as Blade Durakar, the Palestra."
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 06:46 PM CST
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Yes the people in charge decided that they are going away from ticketed events and just mainly doing stuff mirco transactions.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 06:48 PM CST
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From the sounds of it and past events, I'm guessing the magic gambling cubes will cost money then? What about the customizations part? Is it going to work like the barn at EG or Shear Delight?
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 07:36 PM CST
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We're in the paid events category of the forums, so don't mistake that for free. It's no longer ticketed and limited. The grounds will be available for anyone to come to and hang out, much like the going trend in events. The items have all been broken down into SimuCoin purchases so you can buy in as little or as much as you'd like. Everything will be automated, so no merchant lines or wasting 2 to 4 hours of your time to get a pre-selected service.

Now that the email has gone out, I'll go ahead and get some information on the wiki.



Wyrom, PM
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 08:01 PM CST
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well 3 months till duskruin so there's that. everything is automated??? Not sure what the fun is in that? So this seems more a we don't have the gm's that can spend the time
to do all the stuff that briarmoon have so we will just have an automated that everyone can come too? yes I know I should just be quiet and wait and see, but I pay my 40 something a month, i can speak my mind right?
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 08:31 PM CST
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>>well 3 months till duskruin so there's that. everything is automated??? Not sure what the fun is in that? So this seems more a we don't have the gm's that can spend the time
to do all the stuff that briarmoon have so we will just have an automated that everyone can come too? yes I know I should just be quiet and wait and see, but I pay my 40 something a month, i can speak my mind right?

Yes, the event is automated to get the services. So there are no more merchant lines rushing you through in 2 hours. You can do things as you have time. No more schedules to have to follow. You work the weekend and only have 15 minutes? You have the time to do what you'd like. It's not limited to 1pm to 3pm ET anymore.

We want merchants and GM NPCs to be an enjoyable interaction, not a "hurry up I have things to do" situation. Making this automated was a ton of work, and took some ingenuity on our part.

You pay $40 a month for the Premium perks of the base game, pay events do not require you to have a Premium subscription to go to. For years, all we hear is you want more services to be offered to a wider scale of player. This is that.

You can speak constructively, sure.



Wyrom, PM
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 08:33 PM CST
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Sounds good. IN the past I have been torn between getting a service/raffle, and waking up before 3pm eastern on a saturday or sunday.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 08:39 PM CST
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This sounds great, having more than 3 services per ticket, as well as more people (anyone that can sample the grounds) total that can go away happy as well.

I made the last one and wanted more than three things.

Anyway, for previously 2 hour events like this one, Sylinar's Spire, and the Albatross - though doubtful that one will ever automate. Obviously not for true weekend long festival like Briarmoon that require live GM interaction (and which make those kinds of event great).
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 08:40 PM CST
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Some of us are glad to see this is automated. It would've been good to see the information out sooner, but this sounds just about how at least a couple friends and I hoped this sort of event would go.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 08:50 PM CST
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Hooray for more information, and hooray for automation. That is excellent news, thank you for the work to make this least-touch. Pre-written, already QC'd customizations like this are about the perfect candidate for automation and freeing up GM time for fun things and things actually need/deserve their attention.


---
Cendadric says, "Hmm, a most impressive weapon of note. I'll give you 110 silver coins for it."
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 08:51 PM CST
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I like the idea of this very much. A lot will depend on the implementation of course, and the simucoin cost per service. But I like the idea of picking individual services and only paying for what you actually want. This will allow us to pick one or two things for multiple characters and not have to buy a ticket to the event for any character if we just want one or two things done. I'm a little weary of the grab boxes, sounds like the last Dr dig or delerium manor to me and that makes my eyes twitch. Lol


One question if you can answer Wyrom, will the items in the simucoin store be transferrable? Asking to see if hubby and I can buy a bulk sum of simucoin on one account/character for the discounted price and hand out the items to the characters we want to use them on.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 09:07 PM CST
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>> everything is automated??? Not sure what the fun is in that?
I'm a huge fan of automation and getting services done quickly. There are those who enjoy the roleplaying experience of standing in line, but I am rarely one of them. Thank you for giving this a try.
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 09:18 PM CST
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>>One question if you can answer Wyrom, will the items in the simucoin store be transferrable? Asking to see if hubby and I can buy a bulk sum of simucoin on one account/character for the discounted price and hand out the items to the characters we want to use them on.

Yes, completely transferable. Anyone can access the grounds, so you can hand off a token (that's what they will be) to anyone. If you have a Premium account and a few basic/F2P accounts you want to use your Premium bulk increases, you can do just that.

Pricing is very comparable to the ticketed event. Prices are on the wiki, but I'm formatting it right now.



Wyrom, PM
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 09:23 PM CST
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When do the Simucoin items go up for sale?

~ The girl behind Debia



You swing an invar-hilted serrated glaes falchion at an Ithzir seer!
Amazingly, the Ithzir seer manages to parry the attack with her staff!
The scintillating Debia swings an invar-hilted serrated glaes falchion at you
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 09:25 PM CST
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Hi guys! I wanted to give you a quick look at how things will be automated at this event. I won't give you ALL the scoop here (because I'd much prefer you to see it firsthand at the event), but I want to alleviate any concern about how this will be handled.

These are the first returns from two signs -- Signature Verbs and Spell Preps. All the necessary information is included in the printout from READ.

SIGNATURE VERBS:

>read list
~~ Welcome to Summit Academy ~~

I can offer you the following signature verbs:
(Please note that for the purpose of messaging display, YOU and the SERVICE LIST are targets. Also, the word in [brackets] is the access word for that signature verb, and "T" means it is a targetted version (object or player). You can only have one of any name, so if you already have a signature verb titled "kick", you must RENAME the old one first. Just ASK ATTENDANT about RENAME. You can rename any of your current signature verbs.
[Click on each number to order and/or see full messaging.]

#1: [wave] - Scrunching up your face in disgust, you wave your hand in front of your nose.
#2: [twirl (T)] - You give Haliste a sideways glance as you point your finger at your temple and twirl it slowly.
#3: [roar] - You slap your hand on your thigh as you roar with laughter.
#4: [rolleye] - With a loud sigh, you roll your eyes dramatically.
#5: [squeak] - You release a tiny squeak of surprise!
#6: [spin] - Holding your arms straight out, you rotate them around and around in small circles.
#7: [bite] - You bite down on the heel of your hand.
#8: [roll (T)] - You prop a hand on your outthrust hip and stare blatantly at Haliste, then roll your eyes skyward in an overtly exaggerated fashion.
#9: [roll] - You prop a hand on your outthrust hip and roll your eyes skyward in an overtly exaggerated fashion.
#10: [pretend] - Folding your arms, you pretend to be listening intently, nodding from time to time to suggest your agreement. In the back of your mind, you wonder what Helga's dinner special will be tonight.

[-- SEE MORE --]

SPELL PREPS:

G>read list
~~ Welcome to Summit Academy ~~

I have the following spell preps available for you:
(Please note: Spell preps limited to a specific circle or profession cannot be purchased if you do not meet these limitations. In SOME cases, specific spell preps without circle or profession limitations can be purchased by anyone.)
[Click on each number to see additional information and to order.]

#136: You quickly intone a battle chant, imploring your patron to lend you aid. [Profession: Paladin] [Circle: Paladin]
#137: You meld a climactic chord into your melody, voice rising in a crescendo as you prepare [spell name]. [Profession: Bard] [Circle: Bard]
#139: You murmur a twisting phrase, commanding the elements and spirits in uneasy cooperation, to prepare [spell name]. [Profession: Sorcerer] [Circle: Sorcerer]
#142: You invoke a short blessing, hands clasped in prayer, as you prepare [spell name]. [Profession: Cleric] [Circle: Cleric]
#145: You chant a short phrase, embers leaping from your fingertips, as you clench your hand into a smoke-shrouded fist. [Profession: Wizard] [519]
#146: You intone a mystical phrase, your words flowing in a burst of speed, as your hands move rapidly through the prescribed motions. [Profession: Wizard] [506]
#147: You chant a reverent prayer, imploring your patron for aid in restoring the fallen to life. [Profession: Cleric] [318]
#148: You whisper the mystical phrases to invoke Wither, as a nebulous haze shimmers into view around your hands, casting them in murky shadows. [Profession: Empath] [1115]
#149: You whisper the mystical phrase for Bone Shatter, as pearlescent energy builds around your hands, casting them in an opalescent silhouette. [Profession: Empath] [1106]
#150: You utter a sharp phrase, tiny thorns rippling across your arms in a wave that moves toward your hands. [Profession: Ranger] [616]

[-- SEE MORE --]

Let me know if you have any questions. See you Friday!

~ Haliste ~
The Forest Gnome of Silverwood Manor
ASGM, Events
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Re: 4 days? on 02/07/2017 09:25 PM CST
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It looks neat. I'm sad to see the swapping and removal options from the Spire go, though. Those were pretty spectacularly useful services, and ones I very much would like to see again, somehow.
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