Mod Announcement: August

[simpathis]

— MONTHLY MOD ANNOUNCEMENT: AUGUST —

We hope everybody enjoyed Helisium! It was definitely a much needed break from the stress and how emotional June went.

That said, we have a bunch of announcements for you guys - including the fact that Empatheias is now three years old this month. Congratulations and thank you so much for being a part of this game! The game definitely would not have made it this long without your support and participation.

This post will have some important things that need to be addressed, so please take some time to read this.


» LAENA'S DEPARTURE

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Hey guys, Laena here.

As most everyone knows, after becoming pregnant my tenure as mod and player in Empatheias had a time limit, and while I hoped to last a little longer, it's become clear that it's not gonna happen, haha. I'm officially starting on the third trimester and my attention and energy is much more focused on my health and preparing for the baby. I admit I've also become rather sad about leaving the game with so many things unfinished, and with this the official third year anniversary, it only seems fitting to leave now.

But I am very, very happy and grateful for everyone who has come through the game. As the original creator, everything that's happening now is NOT what I envisioned—like at all, hah! And that's not a bad thing, either. In fact, it's great! Despite the various bumps and hurdles, I am very happy and proud to see how the game has developed and grown, and I look forward to see how it will continue to do so. Don't worry, I have left both teams the general road map and guidelines for the game so that it can go on for another year or two (or three), and I know there's a lot of cool and fun stuff waiting ahead (another reason why I'm bummed—I won't be around to have fun with the upcoming events and they're so good!).

To everyone who has ever threaded with me, whether it was forming lasting CR or just shooting the breeze, thank you. I know I tapered off these last few months and was unable to uphold threads and plots, and I sincerely apologize for that. But for the other times, for the past three years, I enjoyed all the characters mine interacted with and meeting everyone I did. All of my characters were able to develop in such wonderful and beautiful ways, and while I wish I could do more, I can also be satisfied that their arcs and stays here are complete. This is especially so for Alvin and Shizuo who had been here since game start. They developed so much and I want to thank all of their CR, both past and current, for that. I hope others will one day be able to have that experience as well, be it here or in other games.

I could say more, but this is probably long enough, eh heh. You may see me around on memes or PSL hunting since those are the only things I can really focus on now. Maybe one day I'll be back, but if not, I wish everyone happy RP days, be it here or elsewhere.

Thank you,
Laena

Dropping: Alvin, Shizuo Heiwajima, and Aranea Highwind.


» CALENDAR

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The main calendar spreadsheet is here as reference.

Here are the basic dates to keep up with:

• 8/01: Canon and Original Character Applications open.
  
• 8/05: Applications close; Reservations close; Intro log posted.
  
• 8/05-06: All applications should be processed by the end of this period.
  
• 8/12: EVENT: Part one begins.
  
• 8/19: EVENT: Part two begins; Test Drive.
  
• 8/25: Activity Check starts; Reservations open.
  
• 8/31: Activity check ends.

It will be business as usual for the first week and a half of Penta - quite literally! There are even a few new businesses that have opened, taking advantage of the change in environment. You might find a new travel agency that highlights the pillars and the scenery that area of the island provide. You might even find a new flower shop that sells so many beautiful flowers! The market is bustling with all kinds of merchandise, and there are new monsters to be fought. Just check out the task board if you feel like you’re in need of sylvs! Or if you just want a good fight.


» ACTIVITY CHECK RESULTS

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Below are the following who were either removed from the Activity Check or dropped out of the game. The list includes all characters who left the game throughout the month. The following names will also be posted in a visible place within the residential area where most of the characters are residing. This list reflects the names that are also on the wall.

9S | scannerly
Acerola | nyantomforce
Agent Washington | emps
Alisaie Leveilleur | discessum
Alphinaud Leveilleur | aetherflows
Alvin | opportunity
Aranea Highwind | draganea
Blake Belladonna | kittyears
Byakuya Togami | destituteprogeny
Chris Kratt | beingthecreature
Cor Leonis | redsoles
Dipper Pines | krmvgivv
Frisk | despiteeverything
Guen | armthrust
Juli Sieben | dragonshift
Kija | backstory
Kyouka Izumi | snowheretogo
Lavi | retains
Leo | incantory
Mabel Pines | powerofmabel
Magilou | storywise
Pascal | rubyinferno
Peter Quill | tpsl2
Presa | hundredspells
Rocket | beatupgrass
Ryuji Sakamoto | ryuji
Shizuo Heiwajima | hatesviolence
Yondu Udonta | davidhasselhoff
Yuuki Kuran | sunflowering
Yuuri Katsuki | giniro


The following received strikes and must pass this month's Activity Check to remain in the game.

flutterkicks
helpsthemedicinegodown
lifetooshort
rarimatiger
reyofsunshine
shanghaiworld
swirlied

If there are any mistakes, please let us know ASAP!


» ACTIVITY CHECK: USING TEST DRIVE THREADS

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As we stated back in May, starting this month we will be allowing Test Drive threads to be used for the Activity Check. However, we do have stipulations that you should be aware of. Although we want to encourage our players to help potential applicants with their test drive threads, we also don't want them to forget about actual game threads. Thus Test Drive threads will only be used as proofs if:

1. Over half of total AC is from in-game threads/posts
   
2. Used only as emergency
   
3. Cannot be used two months in a row
   
4. Cannot be used to clear a strike
   
5. Cannot be used for half proof
   
6. Cannot be used if required double activity

As you can see, we still require that most of your activity still be made in the game itself. The use of the TDM threads should be more of an "emergency back-up" instead of an alternative. We'll see how this goes and make tweaks if necessary.


» IMPORTANT!! INTRO LOG CHANGES

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As a result of the Elios shenanigans, the arrival of newcomers this month is going to be different. How different? They'll actually be landing outside of the island. Gasp.

This month they will actually be landing on the surface at the base of one of the pillars holding up the island, so they're at least not that far away. More good news, there will be a crew of NPCs researching the area so they won't be left to fend for themselves for too long, and it won't be difficult for others to either go down there or wait until they are brought into the city via airship. But for the most part, newcomers will likely find themselves having a bit of an adventure among themselves, reminiscent of how the first group initially arrived in Calinede Temple three years ago. Where are they landing exactly? It's a surprise, but we can say it will have some plot relevance!

As mentioned, there will still be easy opportunity to encounter the new arrivals and for new arrivals to get to the city quickly if they don't want to hang around exploring their landing site.

• Surface bound. For those who want to check out where they landed, current characters can already be volunteering to be down in the area to help the NPC researchers travel to the location. There will also be a pretty fast alert call made to everyone that there are new people popping in down there, so those who are on the island can come down to investigate and help out.
  
  
• Island bound. For those who would be more likely in the city, within the first hour or two the new arrivals can be sent up to the city to continue their intro shenanigans. They even have the option to do most if not all of their intro there, just so long as they recognize that they initially appeared at the base of the pillar and had to be taken up first.

We have a few days before the actual log goes up, if anyone has any questions, either from current players or incoming applicants, feel free to ask!


» JOBS & TASK BOARD

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The Task Board has been updated so characters can start taking on odd jobs if they are so inclined. Details as to how the Task Board works and sign-up can be found here. In addition, there is a Job List sheet that list out more permanent jobs available for characters. These are different from the Task Board jobs as they can be used as part-time or full-time jobs and do not have any specific time period. If you want your character to have a job, that's it. This is also where we will list character run businesses. So if you have one or are thinking about one, there will be a place where it can be referenced and looked at. You can even make tasks relating to your business.

The location of each task is determined by the colors they're labeled with. So, Blue = Verens; Yellow = Shaarnath; Pink = Theastai; Purple = Excursions; Red = Plot.

As always, we highly encourage anyone to fill out task ideas. (Or if someone is actually crazy and willing to help be our task board generator, we will gladly hire you.)


» EMOTION TRACKER UPDATE

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The Emotion Tracker has been updated with new sheets. If you forgot, you can still submit to the tracker and just have it count toward this month. This includes any events that occurred.

This month's survey link is here.

Here is the screenshot for the end of last month:


Anyone who is interested in the fancy breakdown of points can find it here—but don't worry too much about it if numbers aren't your thing.

And it seems that July is a month of firsts! This marks the first time Thras has received the most number of positive points in a month, while it’s also the first time Elios has received the most number of negative points in a month. In addition to that, Sosyne, after years of being in the negative for so long, has finally hit net positive in terms of total points!

Overall, the others are at how they usually are. Despite the negative month, Aiada’s still trending way positive, and Daimonia and Peromei are more or less at their usual positive. And despite the positive and negative month respectively, Thras is still trending negative and Elios is still high up with positive points.


» AREHTEI COMMITTEE

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As of the start of this month, the position of Arehtei representative has been phased out in favor of Arehtei committee positions. We have spoken with the current representatives for their opinions, and everyone is willing to give it a shot and give feedback as it goes on. The current roster of representatives will be absorbed into this new structure, and sign-ups are currently open for anyone interested in joining. For more details as to what this committee does, please check the related post on the Arehtei journal.

As a side note, the first Arehtei committee meeting log will be posted on August 10. After which, the following logs will be posted bimonthly on the 10th, or on a as-needed basis.

Sign-ups for the committee can be found HERE.


» LISTS MAINTENANCE

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Please check out the Taken Characters List (A-M | N-Z) and make sure your information is correct! For those who have characters whose icons are not showing, please correct these so that we can fix them accordingly.

We’d also like to remind everyone of the Player Contact list. If you haven’t updated your contact information there yet, or if you haven’t commented to the post yet, we encourage you to do so. It will help your fellow players get in touch with you. Alternatively, if you don’t want your information posted there, please make sure there is an easy way to contact you in your character journals.


» POST SCHEDULING

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Starting August 2017, we will be posting most mod-related posts and events/intro logs/etc. at a uniform time. Event logs, character intros, TDM, and announcements will be posted between 6-8 PM CST of the day mentioned in the calendar. Activity check, reservations, and applications are not affected by this scheduling, and will still begin and open midnight CST of the day mentioned in the calendar.

We hope this will help you all when it comes to anticipating posts and announcements!


» SOMETHING WEIRD IN THE AIR AND IT'S NOT LOVE WE SWEAR

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(Rhyme unintended.)

As indicated on the calendar, for the second half of the month there is a two part event going on! We’ll post the rest of the details as the dates come closer, but as per usual, the event itself will be opt-in. There will be muddy dreams and false memories involved as a side effect of the island now being rooted. Characters are still free to perform their usual activities for the first part, as well. Look out for it!

If you guys have any questions or concerns regarding any of the above mentioned, please don’t hesitate to ask in this post!

Comments

Arehtei Committee Sign-Ups (August)

[simpathis]

<b>Player Name: </b> <b>Character Name: </b> <b>Alignment: </b>

Re: Arehtei Committee Sign-Ups

[nofarplaneyet]

Player Name: Belmont
Character Name: Auron
Alignment: Sosyne

[oathkeeper]

Player Name: Mich
Character Name: Sora
Alignment: Piphron

[sparkstrikes]

Player Name: Sheila
Character Name: Lightning Farron
Alignment: Peromei

[1upzero]

Player Name: Nica
Character Name: Nanami Chiaki
Alignment: Sosyne

[schmisse]

Player Name: Monica
Character Name: Weiss Schnee
Alignment: Daimonia

[jeido]

Player Name: Slip
Character Name: Jade Curtiss
Alignment: Aiada

[hopedout]

Player Name: Len
Character Name: Hajime Hinata
Alignment: Piphron

Re: Arehtei Committee Sign-Ups (August)

[spirialink]

Player Name: Kyo
Character Name: Kor Meteor
Alignment: Piphron

[jamminshield]

Player Name: Gore
Character Name: Steven Universe
Alignment: Daimonia

[lionhandler]

Player Name: AF
Character Name: Takashi "Shiro" Shirogane
Alignment: Sosyne

[heartofalioness]

Player Name: LoneWolfPrincess
Character Name: Princess Allura
Alignment: Peromei

[gottacatch]

Player Name: Reena
Character Name: Red
Alignment: Sosyne

[huxceptional]

Player Name: Sara
Character Name: General Armitage Hux
Alignment: Elios

[actualhumandisaster]

Player Name: Zet
Character Name: Anakin Skywalker
Alignment: Sosyne

[oratorical]

Player Name: Jordan
Character Name: Leia Organa
Alignment: Thras

Re: Arehtei Committee Sign-Ups (August)

[showyouthesight]

Player Name: Kitty
Character Name: Rin Matsuoka
Alignment: Daimonia

[frederick]

REPEAT FROM LAST MONTH:

What do the monsters in this month's beast master guild tasks taste like this time around?

(you're welcome nikki)

[simpathis]

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS...

Batibats: They taste like wood and iron. Lots and lots of iron. In fact, the meat is actually wood.

Koopres: They taste like goat, but eating their meat is not advisable because there's so much nicotine in a Koopre's system that the meat becomes poisonous.

Shokoys: They taste like human meat, but the texture of the meat is similar to that of salmon.

Compass experiment!

[gottacatch]

For those interested in helping with the compass experiments and have a full crystal to lend, please note here your character's name and the crystal! They will get this back and they of course can take theirs back if they want to use it, and this is more of a "check" for those who would be willing to volunteer their crystals and which aligned.

This may not get any results any time soon due to whatever plans the mods have in store for us, but will hopefully be useful in the future!

[heartofalioness]

Allura has a full Peromei-aligned crystal she can lend.

[debesteprosecutor]

Sebastian's crystal is just about full, he wouldn't mind lending it. He's aligned to Thras.

[jeido]

Jade will lend his crystals (two of them) for the experiments since he literally has nothing better to do with them. They're all Sosyne-aligned though since they were all completed before he changed alignment.

Memorial for Sosyne's animal pals

[gottacatch]

Oh boy, more OOC comments!! For the memorial trip, this will be handwaved due to the events taking place this month and how likely that is to eat our time! I don't have a specific date in mind other than a handwavy "at the end of the month" timeframe, but it would be useful for people to put down if their character would be able to attend before the 25th as a post will be written up for the memorial.

And the headcount may or may not have some effect about if the people present see anything. Is Sosyne going to say "thank you"?? Oh my!

So if your character will attend and release a lantern onto the sea, just state their name!

[oratorical]

Not exactly a sign-up, but I was wondering if you could link the background to this, because I must have totally missed this plot point.

(Also if you could link a bit about Red's other post in the committee log about where those books and map were found, that would also be helpful! Or at least how long ago those were, so I can look back and find the relevant plot log.)

Arehtei Meeting Links

[showyouthesight]

Would it be possible when characters are referencing things that have happened to link back to the thread where it occurred? There is a lot of information dump going on in these threads and a general OOC thread in the post for players to dump links that are related to their threads would be super helpful. That way it will be easy to access as well. There are a lot of posts in Emp and it's sometimes hard to keep super track of plot-related posts or even threads that happen within larger events because of how massive they get. So a link to the actual discovery/event the character is personally referencing would be so good.

Thank you

[oratorical]

I don't have any links on my end, I just wanted to second this request.