Review/rating

[Kyle]

I understand this is a beta test and know that tests are to work bugs out, improve the system, exc. and it helps to have user input. So here it is:
This game is mildly abusive to new players, hard to get the hang of, and for some yet unidentified reason, a little more than slightly addictive.
This game needs a lot of fleshing out. At first glance (and we all know how important first impressions are) the game is magical but confusing with lots of really cool stuff to do but unfamiliar control structure. Even having played MUDs before I am still having some difficulties. The second thing that you face is (and this is the big one) not knowing how to do any of the cool things you thought of when you finished a light skimming of the intro.(I haven’t yet seen the queen or any council. Is there even a throne room? If there is its probably locked) I fear this might cause harm to the growth rate of this games popularity when it becomes pay for play.
Castle Marrach is small for a game to take place in but its not so much a game as a Chat room with a plot. Its not just another place to be yourself like so many other games. I feel that despite the shortcomings that are inherent in the system that it has a future, and despite being abusive to new players I don’t think you will easily loss fans who you win.
I Give the game a 7 out of 10.
But I think this game has a great potential
but as of yet doesn’t live up to it. I don’t think it will take to long for you to make Castle Marrach better, after all this is only a beta.
What say the rest of you? am I an out of my mind newbe who hasn’t been around long enough to understand the game? I thought so...
And so you see the loyalty I expect from this game, based on its highly addictive quality.
Despite the pitfalls I say this is the first game I have played that lives up the "shared hallucination" in MUSH.
So hears to Castle Marrach! Long live the Queen!

[Dagaron]

I've been around the castle for 3 weeks now, and have come to really enjoy it. But as Kyle said, the players guide is a little misleading for new players. At first glance I almost didn't give the game a chance.. it seemed slow paced without much to actually do. After a few hours though, I realized the game is very realistic in the way life is in the castle contrasting to how real life is. After realizing this, the game began to grow on me.

I realize that the game takes a lot (and I mean a lot) of work to get your character known, and you have to step up. But I don't think newbies will catch on as well as someone who has played table-top RPGs or other online mudd/mush games.

Also I know that everything is still being developed with the guilds, "classes", and rest.. but maybe there should be a posting to what can actually be done. Because again, I think the player guide can be misleading.

Love the game so far though. Can only hope to make Dag a better character with the game. *mutter* Darn PST.. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

Tony

[Monkey]

Kyle, can you explain more what you mean by 'mildly abusive to new players'?

--Monkey

[Kyle]

As to the 'mildly abusive" comment I made:
I dont think I can put it better than JeffCrook did in his post on um... I think "cant anyone play nice" or something like that. He basicly described being a newbie in the castle, and while my experience isnt anything compared to his I did feel a little bit left out, and in fact after almost a week STILL DO!
Somebody love me!
Well not having that bad of an experience and having some pacience of my own I am sticking with it. It hasnt realy panned out yet and I havent realy felt welcome yet, but like I mentioned earlier I feel this game has tremendous potential. Even if the first thing (well second thing after the wizard tower and alcimist hall, so third thing) was ... look for the swords(nice and big letters: Armory). Yet feeling no need to defend myself now in the game I am unable to find what must be the most important room as described by the startup intro text, the throne room.
Face it, this game has a real problem with newcomers. I would have been grateful to have an "awakener" show me the ropes. I predict that after this game becomes pay-for-play that many of your newbie problems will disapear and also that the castles population will not grow much. I like all kinds of games and have an open mind, but this game tries my patience. So far the most fun I have had was in the banquet hall when a cat got drunk. (some people said it was a cat possessed by a story host). I could be a part-time awakener if I knew how, but alas I have not the influence nor the intelect to find out how. poor me. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/rolleyes.gif
I wish you all a merry Cristmass and even if you dont like that (not politicly corect) I still hope everyone has a great time. And may you spread happyness to those around you.
(well that was a long goodbye)

kyle

[Monkey]

Ah, now I understand.

This seems to me to be more of a problem with the cliquish nature of the players themselves than an inherent flaw in the game. I know I am sometimes guilty not being more inclusive of new players in some of the things I do in the castle. After the problem was raised in the forums, I and other players I've seen, have tried to work on this aspect of our playing styles.

It's hard to do, but some of us are trying.

I think it was easier three months ago. All the characters were in the same boat. They had all just awakened, and so the topics of conversation tended to focus on them trying to figure out why they were here, and what they last remembered.

Now, the more established characaters have secrets they don't want others to learn (well, I know mine does anyway), duties to perform, and closed meetings to attend. They've become somewhat insular as more of their time is spent on things they just don't share with others.

I know in real life, I wouldn't divulge the secret sacred rites of the brotherhood of the unmasked chipmunk to just anybody.

I'm actually reminded a bit of White Wolf's Vampire: the Masquerade. You have your neonates who've just been embraced, and are still learning how their new-found society works, your elders who plot, scheme, and backstab amongst themselves, and your methuselahs who are pulling all the strings.

I think the trick is for us to find more of a balance between activities lots of people can share in, and the more closed off ones. I personally don't want my sole interactions with new players to be the sword practices Philo attends, interviews with prospective Watch members, and the arrests Philo makes, but I'm not sure how to make Philo more accessible, perform the above functions and hoard his secrets and attend his private meetings.

Suggestions are welcome.

--Monkey (aka Philo)

[LadySilverwolf]

Well... I have to admit, Faer does not want to share her secrets. Just not safe to do!

But as a player, I have come to realize that the silent whispers between players is an affront to other players. So... where does one find the fine line of trying to keep secrets and yet, get others involved?

Well... hopefully, everyone will start doing this, but then again, many really do guard their secrets too closely. Perhaps letting a few whispers be heard. For example:

whisper to erin "Sera.... I know that you are angered over ....."
gaze intently at erin
whisper "... over my speaking about xxxx. Twas not my intention to divulge this to others, even if they were just the duelists.

xxxx being that of particular thing that NO ONE should know about. Doing this will actually get others interested in plots going on as well as get your own character in trouble.

The problem is that some folks will always jealously guard their secrets and I am also guilty of doing this. However, since the post of Jeff Cook, I really have been trying to make an effort to actually change this and share my secerts without really trying to share them ICly. Hopefully more will be inclined to do this in the future as well.

So folks... try to get the newbies involved. Really. If they are not around long, then that particular secret will remain a secret, yet those that do find the game fun to play will feel as if they are also involved.

I can tell you I remember one memoriable event that took place. I had heard some complaints that knowledge about the Murder was being horded so, I played out a scene in the Dining room one morning with Faer actually loosing controll of her tongue and played it as a reaction to the stress of the events that were going on at that time. I beleive there were at least 6 or 7 characters there at that time and by "Rambling" they also learned some vital information, even if some of it was stretched from the truth. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/wink.gif There is always options available as to how the Truth should be told!

[Angron]

I agree completely. As a Newly Awakened with several weeks of playing down my belt, I have just recently gotten a real plot of sorts to play with.

However, I think that early on, instead of trying to develop a plot, a player should try to develop his/her character in converdation in other characters in the Dining Room. From what I have seen, many of the regulars are not exactly hard to approach. Establishing friendships, reacting to hostilities, etc al will all help develop your character. Its one thing to draw up your character on paper;its another thing to actually RP the character in the presence of other PCs.

As for me, I had the good fortune of metting up with then Junior Chronicler Andrew, and I was able to establish myself as an apprentice of him then.

Ser Angron,
Junior Chronicler

[Retribution]

Personally, the type of character I play tends to ignore or make fun of new arrivals. However, I have taken adivice, and I don't mind role-playing with you guys at all. I think what us more long timers tend to do, is get stuck up in our own plots and ignore those who have newly arrived, and thus the newly arrived tend to get bored. Also, the player's guide is misleading on what you can first do when you enter the castle. I have been in the castle since the very first day, and have seen the Queen once, and that was during the ball.

I definately agree that the player's guide needs to make these points evident, and also point out that a sword really isn't nessisary, (unless you are being stalked by the guard like myself).

Anyways, if any person is newly arrived and feels left out, please let us know ooc or however. I will happily introduce you to the miserarys (errr. paridises) of the castle.

Retribution

[KathyN]

Ouch!
I thought the Awakeners were doing a pretty good job of getting the newbies oriented...the ones we can actually find and talk to. Unfortunately there just aren't enough of us for 24 hour coverage. As both my charactors Cassandra and Judith, I know I've tried to let the new arrivals know what's up...but I don't know that many secrets about the castle goings on either. What I have found is just when I am ready to share information the new arrival sort of 'glazes over' they typically either log off because they have to do something else... or they want to explore. Some new arrivals are prepared to jump in to things; they have a well thought out charactor and they interact with the

[KathyN]

um I hit the wrong button..
<grin> they interact with the older charactors quite well. I think what has got to be stressed is that this is an extremely social game! If you don't ask questions and then have the patience to wait for an answer (we aren't all master typists!)you won't find out much. I've seen it happen though...the new person walks into a room in the middle of a recital or really interesting exchange and wants to know where he can get a weapon. Trying to explain things to a new person while keeping an ear on the action can be... well confusing to say the least. The best suggestion I can make is that somewhere in the introduction it be stressed that to find out anything you must interact with others and that we are all humans with various levels of knowledge and typing skills and we need a chance to respond before the newbie walks off feeling rejected! I don't know how many times I've responded to someone who has walked away assuming that no one will talk to him/her just because he/she didn't get a quick response. It can be simply because they have a really long difficult name that I've mis-typed and have to retype correctly! (Please no more alphabet-soup names!)
Ah well my rant for the day has gone on long enough....
http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

[Atama]

I think alot of these issues will become much better when the castle gets storyhosted 24/7. There will be so much more for people to do, newbies expecially (the older players seem to have no problem making up their own plots, even something like being bone-headed enough to walk into an oubliette can become a plot). I have some resposes to what people posted here:

The second thing that you face is (and this is the big one) not knowing how to do any of the cool things you thought of when you finished a light skimming of the intro.(I haven’t yet seen the queen or any council. Is there even a throne room? If there is its probably locked) I fear this might cause harm to the growth rate of this games popularity when it becomes pay for play.

Kyle, I agree that the manual needs some serious work in regards to accuracy, and maybe a thread on what is just wrong might help out Skotos a bunch?

I know in real life, I wouldn't divulge the secret sacred rites of the brotherhood of the unmasked chipmunk to just anybody.

Come on Monkey, tell us? PLEASE...?

Well... hopefully, everyone will start doing this, but then again, many really do guard their secrets too closely. Perhaps letting a few whispers be heard.

Well, Faer can be like Zero and just accidentally whisper stuff to the wrong person constantly...

However, I think that early on, instead of trying to develop a plot, a player should try to develop his/her character in converdation in other characters in the Dining Room.

Angron, that is excellent advice, and something I have told newbies often. I was lucky enough that I was the center of a major/minor plot within hours of leaving my room (the kissing curse thing) but for most people, the best way to get involved is just to meet and talk to people. This definitely is NOT just a fancy chat room (except for the times that things devolve into OOC), but to get involved in things, you need to get to know people (and no, you DON'T have to be a nice guy to do this). This is a social game, but one filled with action.

As both my charactors Cassandra and Judith, I know I've tried to let the new arrivals know what's up...but I don't know that many secrets about the castle goings on either.

Wait until Judith's induction. Becoming a member of the Watch makes you involved in too much at times...

[Atama]

Ok, here are some misleading things I have found after going through the player's guide again.

First, in the beginning it mentions areas guarded by traps, evil spirits, and magic. This would definitely seem misleading, making the castle sound like a MUD version of Tomb Raider.

The next section mentions text being supplemented by a graphical frame. This is misleading, and I am sure leads to the disappoinment of many new players who are expecting something closer to UO or even EQ. It also mentions graphical buttons that let you do important commands... these things just don't exist.

The next part mentions asking a tailor or seamstress to make clothes for you. I have heard many new players ask how to get clothes made for them, and I'm sure this part of the guise is what leads to that confusion. Also, it mentions "wearing a sword if you can't use it", this is incredibly misleading, as it's illegal to have a sword without permission from authorities (and leads to the "where do I get weapons" kind of questions).

The part that talks about roles, especially mentioning "Cavalier", "Sleuth", "Politician", and "Adventurer", makes the game sound like a D&D class-based game, which it most definitely is not.

Oh, by the way Monkey, although there is no way to join the "Company of Players", the Friends of the Muse are putting together plays that players can get involved in soon.

I have yet to see Quilp. On of the first things I did as a newbie was look for him and ask him about what kind of items I could get. This is another source of frustration for new people.

It later mentions the use of hyper-linked text... while it's possible to use HTML, it's discouraged for the benefit of the Java people, and the Skotos-designed HTML stuff isn't implemented yet.

None of the regular events listed actually exist.

All in all, the Player's Guide is great, and very helpful. But the mistakes in it are something that I'm sure have caused alot of the problems lately. I can't wait to see the revised version of it.

[Kyle]

I am delighted to see people discussing posible fixes but I still think that the problem lies in the game itself and I dont think it will be easy if posible to fix.
This isnt an adventure game, lots of people, me included dont understand that when they first come and then they dont see any fun in the game. This is a comunity. People will interact like in a comunity, all comunitys that I have seen act this way. It WILL be a turnoff for new players. You can lessen the impact but a perfect community is to much to hope for. Good day all.

[Atama]

That's true Kyle. Much in the same way that many people, like myself, get turned off of games like UO or EQ or AC, that have no real RP value to them. If you're looking for a different kind of game, then there are different kinds of games out there. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

[Davidic]

Newbie check: I've been logged in for a total of four evenings so far, I think I count =)

First, I should point out that I was greeted by an Awakener player right off (kudos Linnet!) who did an excellent job of showing me around so perhaps my experience is a little slanted at best...

I should also say that as this was a beta of the actual game I did at least half a weeks worth of reading on your guys forums... and frankly you served a better job of preparing me for the game than anything else.

However, within my experience so far on Marrach I've noticed somethings which I think should be addressed to new characters in a players guide of sorts before pay for play goes online:

1) There really needs to be a better list of accepted adjectives/adverbs and verbs available... as well as a tutorial on how to use them. I might point out that other MMORPGs have an offline tutorial that teaches you basic commands similarly, perhaps Marrach could use one of these as well. (it might also help with the ability to address certain storyteller characters, etc).

2) Greater clarity in the character generation process. What I mean by this is creating something more defining when you make a character for Marrach. I have to admit that I was very prepared for the creation of "Bard" by you all on the boards, but there was nothing in character creation which helped me at all. To illustrate this I'll show how "Bard" came about as best I can...
Step 1: Character concept
Being a storytelling game and NOT a hack and slash game I tried to pick up on an archtype that maximized role-playing opportunity for me (in this case the archtypical Celtic poet/singer/chronicler). A list of archtypes for the castle might include (so far as I've seen) Vassals questing for favor, Subtle Manipluators, Jaded Elders, witty Fools, and questing knights to name just a few. Descriptions of these should indulge their role-playing aspects as opposed to their powers and abilities.

Step 2: Name
I've been criticized a bit on the choice of the name Bard... but I did choose it within its context as a very common name in the sagas of Medieval Literature. However, I think a very long list of names, and perhaps even a random name generator would work very well in expanding the mood of the game.

Step 3: Quirks
As a veteran of tabletop and LARP gaming I always tell those making characters to find quirks. For Bard, these are many (if only because I like them). First, notibly, is his thick accent... a unique feature of his in the castle that has led to quite a few remembering him more than not. Second, Bard is illiterate, mostly because my familarity with the kind of background I'm giving Bard historically would connotate that. Third, Bard imagines the other guets of the castle being of a higher station than himself because of what he sees as his own crude manners. A list of quirks like these might be appropriate, especially as it gives the ability for new players to give their characters individuality.

Step 4: Making it fit
I drew the idea of Bard almost directly from the sort of "common sense man" that is right in a great amount of Medieval Literature. To list a few where you might see those like Bard, here's some titles: "THe Ulster Saga" "Njal's Saga" "Beowulf" "The Tale of the Volsungs". I thinks a pretty large list of literature and movies where the characters will fit would be very good at adding to what can be expected. I might add to the list above the following movies/books: "Excalibur" "The Morte d'Arthur" "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" "The 13th Warrior" "Lionheart"
"Braveheart", "The Song of Roland" "The Tam Lin" and "The Lord of the Rings"

Now, I'm not writing this players guide and I know that I've often been called a bit of a dreamer and an unreasoning loony, but I do think the above examples are tried and tested helps to the process of character creation.

3) More events! I know this will probably change as a greater storyteller presence becomes available, but if those of us already playing can become involved with the newest of us to the castle then there will be a lot more fun to be had by all. Why I think events will do this is simply because it encourages interaction on a level that doesn't influence individual plots that already existing characters might have. I think it would impress a lot of new players (particularly in regards to pay-for-play) if in the first week of their character he/she meets other castle guets at an unique event that will be memorable.

Wow, I said a lot more than I thought I was going too. ^_^ Oh well, See you all in the castle!

Bard (David)

[Seidl]

I do think the player's book needs a second version, but we've heard thats in progress. Maybe start a list of the things in it that are missleading, to help whoever is rewriting it?

No throne room.

No Armory to get swords at. And swords are restricted.

Harder to talk to some Sh characters than it sounded like (Orson for example).

Others?

-=- Matt aka. Martel

[Monkey]

Seidl writes:

Maybe start a list of the things in it that are missleading, to help whoever is rewriting it?

No throne room.

No Armory to get swords at. And swords are restricted.

Well, there is a throne room and armory, they are just inaccessable. The Queen can only be found in the throne room on very special occassions, and you can only enter by special permission or invitation. The armory is where it says it is on the map, but the doors have been locked.

I'd add:

The joining societies section only mentions Inner Bailey societies, which new players won't have much access to.

Both of the player scenes seem to take place in the Inner Bailey. Perhaps add a scene or two to take place in the Outer Bailey.

In the skills section, swimming is mentioned. Is there really a place (other than the public baths and cistern tower) to swim?

One of the possible goals is discovering the secret passages (and I've found two, I think), but as far as I know, they aren't able to be opened yet.

In the 'What should I do?' section, it mentions gaining admission to the Royal Collegium and auditioning with the Company of Players as suggestions. These are two Inner Bailey groups, if I understand correctly, and not likely to be within the grasp of new players.

--Monkey

[ocannie]

First off, to Kyle, I am sorry that this is not the kind of game you were looking for. To be quite honest, I find it refreshing to be playing in a Grand Theatre... something so very different from everything else out there.
I would like to direct everyone to ShannonA's article series... Trials, trivialities....(Sorry, it's too late for me to be looking up the actual name and URL) When I started reading through these, I realized that we're not just beta testing Marrach here, but this type of online/ strict RPing game. I know sometimes I am frustrated because I assume Skotos has an idea of how things are supposed to be working, but don't tell us. The reality is that they sometimes have only a slightly better clue than us. Even if you feel at first this game isn't for you, challenge yourself to find ways to make it work for you. And when it starts working, don't think Skotos isn't going to recognize it and say 'Hey! That's what we need right there!'
It's not pay-for-play yet, and it's going to be a few months before it is. I for one want to help Skotos now, so that I'll be getting my money's worth come April.

Did I make any sense at all or should I not write anymore late night posts? http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

[JeffCrook]

Originally posted by Davidic:
"Excalibur" "The Morte d'Arthur" "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" "The 13th Warrior" "Lionheart"
"Braveheart", "The Song of Roland" "The Tam Lin" and "The Lord of the Rings"

I think one of the better examples of storytelling within the confines of a castle is The Lion in Winter. It isn't about adventure, it is about courtly intrigue, love (of all kinds), hate (of all kinds), justice and injustice... basically, Castle Marrach. It even looks cold.

[Davidic]

JeffCrook said:
>I think one of the better examples of >storytelling within the confines of a >castle is The Lion in Winter. It isn't >about adventure, it is about courtly >intrigue, love (of all kinds), hate (of all >kinds), justice and injustice... basically, >Castle Marrach. It even looks cold.

You wouldn't mind passing on some more information on that title, would you? I'm certain everyone can benefit from any more experience with the environment =)

For the books and movies I mentioned in the last post, here's their authors (where applicable) and a brief description for each:

"Excalibur"

A movie that anyone should see for the "knights and magics" kind of fantasy. The Arthurian Legends told from the point of view of Merlin. Very heavy on the magical effects.

"The Morte d'Arthur" - Sir Thomas Mallory

Probably the most classically referenced version of the Arthurian Legends, there's a lot of different editions of it out there. I like this one for the variety of stories and rendition of the romantic and heroic themes.

"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" - Author Unknown

Probably one of the oldest copies of any Arthurian Legend we have, its on the reading list of most College English Departments. In poetic verse, its xcellent and full descriptions of courtly manners and romance, as well as the role of the mysterious Fae in an otherwise christian world make it a fun read.

"The 13th Warrior"

Retelling of the Epic Poem of Beowulf in movie form... a lot of liberties taken with the story. However the costuming and archetecture are some of the best renditions of a very early medieval setting that I have come across in cinema.

"Lionheart"

I'm certain most of us are familiar with this movie =). Pretty famous as far as Epic Fantasy is concerned, some of the best cinematics in the genre.

"Braveheart"

Common... Besides being a very good example of celtic sensibilities, its just a darn good movie. Even if not for reference material, everyone should see it.

"The Song of Roland" Author Unknown

An epic poem of a particularly bloody battle between the army of Charlemange and the Moors of Spain. Not recomended for that but for the role of faith and friendship between men in a knightly context.

"The Tam Lin" Author Unknown

Traditional Irish story/poem about a personal encounter with magic and the fae. I think this is a very good depiction of the medieval mindset regarding magic and magical creatures.

"The Lord of the Rings" J.R.Tolkein

Other than being one of the founding stones of modern fantasy literature, Tolkein's epic has a lot of great samples of accents and speech that don't require the kind of effort that Bard's thick accent or even (from what I'm guessing) Felix's french wordplay does.

"The Ulster Cycle" -Author Unknown

A quite substantual Irish historical/Epic concerning a long line of Irish Kings. Difficult to read, but a very realistic and beautiful example of Irish verse.

That's all that really can remember off the top of my head. Hope these are helpful =)

David

[Kyle]

I never said that it it wasnt for me or wasnt what I was looking for. Let me explain.
Who likes hot coco? Who likes Clam cowder (sorry for rotten spelling)?
Well Imagine that You get home and your big sister (I dont have one but this is just a roll playing) made hot chocolot, it smells wonderfull in the dining room and she hands you a cup, you thank her and take a big sip (yes without looking to carfully at the cup and you see where I am geting at) you drink deeply not of the Hot Chocolot that you drooled in anticipation for but Very good Clam chowder. This would disturb me, even if I did like the chowder. Ever tasted almond extract. That was my first experience with marrach, it didnt fit the 5 minut study I gave it. I like the game but...
Well when reading of peoples memorable moments I couldnt add anything.
I have listened to the posts scence starting and would be apriciative if someone would email me a list of guilds and groups, I am intrested in joining the poets union, Mage guild, healers guild, and gardeners guild. If anyone has the spare time I would like some info on them please. my e-mail is omnicrazzy@hotmail.com
thanks

kyle

[Atama]

Try this link, Kyle.
http://www.erzo.org/~kimberly/marrach/castle/index.html

[JeffCrook]

Originally posted by Davidic:
You wouldn't mind passing on some more information on that title, would you

The Lion in Winter

Starring Katherine Hepburn (Oscar for her performance), Peter O'Toole, Anthony Hopkins, Timothy Dalton, Nigel Terry

King Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitane meet on Christmas Eve to discuss, argue, scheme, plot, and backstab to determine the future of the throne. Their three sons are Richard (the Lionhearted), Geoffrey, and John (Prince, of Robin Hood fame). Eleanor wants Richard to be king, Henry prefers John. And then, of course, there is Philip, king of France, who appears as well, and has his own desires for the English throne. The alliances between these 6 people shift like a veil in the wind, Henry's mistress (her name escapes me) being the veil. It is a remarkable tale, showing how love and hate can exist between people at the same time. The entire story takes place inside the castle. And although it deals with much more lofty plots than will ever be encountered in Marrach (succession of the throne), you won't find a better parallel for drama and storytelling in this particular niche of this particular genre.

Rent this movie and watch it for Christmas. You'll start a new Christman tradition.

[Aislyn]

Originally posted by Kyle:
He basicly described being a newbie in the castle, and while my experience isnt anything compared to his I did feel a little bit left out, and in fact after almost a week STILL DO! Somebody love me!


I can identify with that, too, Kyle.

Originally posted by Kyle:
I would have been grateful to have an "awakener" show me the ropes.[/B]

Ditto. Yes, I'm only 3 nights old at this point, but... although my character knows about the Awakeners and has asked about several times about how and where she can speak with one... no dice. I know that there aren't many of them, yet, but it's been a bit frustrating.

The result is that I'm trying to play my character true to form. Not being given any information, she's just sitting in the dining room and waiting for people to arrive, then asking them questions. It's not making for much progress in her character. The longer she's unable to find any useful information, or find something to do that's interesting in the castle, the more dispondent she'll become. This woman has no idea who or where she is, and that's pretty despressing. Not finding any information makes it worse, and it seems to her that people just don't want to tell what they know about where they are.

I don't plan on leaving the game - I hope to keep working on finding something interesting to do in the castle. But so far, what I've been able to get out of people is that there are duels and swordplay... and that just doesn't sound very interesting. My character learned this evening that there's a gardener's guild but that there's no upcoming meeting, and that there's a play in the future - that, at least, she was finally able to grasp at and sent a scroll (her first) to Harwood.

I'm not sure that the ultimate goal of this game should be to gain court favor. I think it would be much more interesting if the goal was to create a stable and growing community. Everybody has to find a place for themselves in the castle, things they can do.

How do I approach the creators of the game, for instance, if I want to start my own guild or develop skills? If the Queen is intelligent (and I assume she is) then should would know that all in the castle have value and fulfill important roles, and not just those in the court.
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[Retribution]

If you want to talk to people about adding a guild or such, email ce@skotos.net

[ShannonA]

Originally posted by ocannie:
I would like to direct everyone to ShannonA's article series... Trials, trivialities....(Sorry, it's too late for me to be looking up the actual name and URL) When I started reading through these, I realized that we're not just beta testing Marrach here, but this type of online/ strict RPing game. I know sometimes I am frustrated because I assume Skotos has an idea of how things are supposed to be working, but don't tell us. The reality is that they sometimes have only a slightly better clue than us.

I hope we're at least a few steps ahead of the players http://www.skotos.net/ubb/wink.gif. The gameplay for Castle Marrach really *is* a different type of gameplay than anything else on the net, with its heavy emphasis on plot and story--and the way in which these stories are told by a community. But, there are other types of games that are similar -- LARPs and roleplaying games particularly -- and we've got experience there.

I think whenever you do *anything* you're constantly learning how to do it better, and the only difference here is that I'm recording some fraction of that process in TT&T, because I know there will be other StoryBuilders and StoryTellers who come after us, and I hope to share some of our experience with them.

Shannon

[Kimberly]

Hi, Aislyn -

I'm sorry you've had trouble finding an Awakener ... if Punzel weren't recovering from a stab wound, I'm sure she'd be glad to help!

There's a lot more to the game than swordplay (and up until this week, there's been very little swordplay, actually) and in fact the Garden Society does have an upcoming meeting, on Wednesday, December 27, at 8 bells, as was decided at their last meeting. Also on December 27, the Poets' Brotherhood will be hosting a recital, which you might like to attend (at 6:30 bells near the Refectory fireplace). All are welcome to come to perform or just to listen.

Like Atama, I'd like to direct you to my website (http://www.erzo.org/~kimberly/marrach/castle/index.html), where there is information on various upcoming events and existing guilds. Since the information is all in-character, consider it to be publicly posted in the castle. I hope it helps!

Lastly, if after considering your options you decide that you want to develop your own guild, you should approach Lord Chamberlain Launfal, as Punzel would tell you IC if she were around. He has office hours every Wednesday-Sunday evening, 5-6 bells and 9-10 bells.

Good luck, and I look forward to encountering you in the game when my character is up and about again.

Kimberly (Punzel)

[Angron]

Aislyn, have you looked for a Rememberer, considering that you can't find an Awakener? Although the two do different jobs, Rememberers can help with the question of why you are here and where you are. Most of people in the Dining Room would rather not speak of it too openly on why they are in the castle.

Also, having not being able to find anything interesting to do; have you read the IC message board? Before the started playing, I first read it and was able to get a quick idea on the general opinion of the various guilds.