OpenUru - User contributions [en]

Age Projects - David's Journey

2011-05-23T15:24:26Z

Gehn, lord of ages: Fixing outdated joining information.

David's Journey is a fan based multi Age expansion into Uru. David's Journey is an ambitious project to combine the talents of the Uru community to make Cyan quality Ages tied together with an engaging storyline and background.

{{TOClimit}}

== Information ==
(Note, most of this is still in the planning stage. Changes in plot structure, characters, and Age design may occur without notice. Also, there is a lot more developed that would simply ruin the surprise - especially in a nonspoilerized wiki page - and so is not put here.)

'''Basic Plot'''
In David's Journey (working title), explorers will have to join together to discover the secrets in the Ages monitored by the engineer David Ingram. This will include:
- five mysterious Ages, such as the burial Age for an eccentric poet's wife and the post-Fall fortress of a band of D'ni refugees
- a band of expressive and realistic characters both friendly and suspicious
- several minigames to build important Age exploring skills
- fantastic and dynamic environments with interactive creatures and puzzles
- an intricate plot involving lots of explorer participation
- and, of course, some rewards

'''Development'''
Few people are good at everything. In the David's Journey project, people can focus on what they enjoy most and what they are best at. Those who are skilled at making textures can focus on making textures, while those who record sounds can focus on recording sounds (there is nothing against someone who wants to focus on both making textures and recording sounds, though, if that is what they specialize in). Generally, we are looking for:
- Age Builders: those who can model and/or texture Ages in Blender
- Programmers
- Plot/character developers
- Actors (to play the characters)
- Writers (D'ni and English [and translations])
- Concept Artists and artistic design

== To Join ==
We need many more talented people in many different fields of experience. Currently, we especially need concept artists, experienced Age builders, and coordinators.

If you want to join a friendly and creative team to build Uru Ages, then David's Journey will be happy to bring you into the team. We're working with the [http://mizhika.deviantart.com/ Mi'Zhika project] in deviantArt, another Uru Age building group. To join, go there or PM one of us (PM Gehn, lord of ages) here in the OpenUru forums and ask to join.

====Other ways to help====
If you have a specific way you want to help, but do not want to join the team, comment on our forum, or send a PM to someone on the team with suggestions or advice.

There's a [http://forums.openuru.org/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=174 Suggestion topic] if you want to suggest a certain idea to us.

==Links==
* [http://forums.openuru.org/viewforum.php?f=18 David's Journey Public Forums]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page Question and Answer]


[[Category:Age Projects]]

Joining the David's Journey Team

2011-05-23T15:19:25Z

Gehn, lord of ages: Outdated information. This page can probably be deleted, although if it's not I may have stuff I can add to it later.

See [[Age Projects - David's Journey]]


[[Category:Age Projects]]

Starting Point - Gloa Plan

2009-06-19T15:44:19Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

== Background ==
See [[Starting Point Debate]]. Basically, people want the starting point to be both logical and quick (for new players or second avatars, etc.).

== Plan ==
You start in a singleplayer area right outside the fence around the Cleft. You can't really walk anywhere, and most of the background is just flat textures (to make this as small and quick loading as possible).

Next to you is a little tent/stand (basically a desk with stuff protecting it from the wind and possible rain. There's a bunch of Relto books on it, and one is open in the center. There's a note or sign by Zandi that tells you these things - that you can pick up one of the books and use it if you want - that you should do this if you need to get to friends or business faster - that if you don't need to do so, you should just leave the books there and open the gate in the fence and visit him). There's also a bunch of leaflets left there by some cavern association (the DRC maybe, or the GoG) that explain how to get to a neighborhood, and how in general to get around Uru.

If you link through the Relto book, then you'll have a pedestal with a book to the Cleft, and you can go back to there at any time (and people you invite to Relto can go with you to help).

If you put down the book and open the gate (in the fence) instead, then the game loads the Cleft. You meet Zandi and he helps you with the Journey. At the end of this, you get a Relto book with the page for the journey pillars already in it.

== Some Implications ==
Everyone gets a Relto. DRC members deal with it, just as they dealt with it in the past, just as Esher dealt with the "bahro abominations".

The tunnels can be developed slower, since they aren't instantly needed for the game. They come in later as a new explorable area. Perhaps to get into them, you need multiple people (like, one person lifts the other over the fence?) and so it just plain can't be accessed in the beginning (so people don't go without Relto Books).


[[Category:Improvements]]

Starting Point - Gloa Plan

2009-06-17T01:50:53Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

== Background ==
See [[Starting Point Debate]]. Basically, people want the starting point to be both logical and quick (for new players or second avatars, etc.).

== Plan ==
You start in a singleplayer area right outside the fence around the Cleft. You can't walk anywhere, and most of the background is just flat textures (to make this as small and quick loading as possible). You have two things in your hands. One is a brochure talking about D'ni (in an IC way, as if it was one of those little travel pamphlets). It gives directions (that you have obviously already followed) on how to get a Relto book. It then tells you how to link with the book (making sure you are wearing it first, etc.) like a person would explain linking to someone who never heard of it. Then it tells you that you can go to Relto, and how to get from there to a (multiplayer) neighborhood (where Greeters or other experienced members can help you).

The other thing you have is a Relto book. Inside this is a note from Zandi. In the note, he tells you that you can use the Relto book at any time if you want to get to your friends in D'ni or anything. He encourages you, though, to come to his property and meet him.

If you link through the Relto book, then you'll have a pedestal with a book to the Cleft, and you can go back to there at any time (and people you invite to Relto can go with you to help).

If you put down the book and open the gate (in the fence) instead, then the game loads the Cleft. You meet Zandi and he helps you with the Journey. You can use the Relto book at any time. When you finish the journey, you get the Relto page for the journey pillars.

== Some Implications ==
Everyone gets a Relto. DRC members deal with it, just as they dealt with it in the past, just as Esher dealt with the "bahro abominations".

The tunnels can be developed slower, since they aren't instantly needed for the game. They come in later as a new explorable area. Perhaps to get into them, you need multiple people (like, one person lifts the other over the fence?) and so it just plain can't be accessed in the beginning (so people don't go without Relto Books).


[[Category:Improvements]]

Joining the David's Journey Team

2009-06-12T19:33:03Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

== Why Join? ==
I'm assuming you've read [[Age Projects - David's Journey]] already, or otherwise know what the project is about.

Anyway, joining the team will connect you to all the other individuals working in the project. We have a private subforum in OpenUru to discuss spoilers openly (since only people in the team can view it and so we don't accidentally spoil someone to the surprises) that you'll get to join in, and we'll be able to freely discuss the more spoiler heavy parts of the project (like which characters are "good", what surprises we're going to pull, etc. - trust me, it's a lot easier to talk when you don't have to carefully edit out all spoilers).

The team is very friendly and respectful, and we'll welcome your help. It will give you a chance to focus on the Age Building (or story building, or artistic) talents that you enjoy and are good at. There is a lot of room for creativity and talent.

== How to join ==
'''Step 1.''' Read and understand this non-disclosure agreement. We want to make sure everyone understands the necessary discretion to keep from spoiling parts of the expansion to other players and diminishing the surprise and fun for them later.

==== non-disclosure agreement ====
''This is a non-disclosure agreement between the David's Journey Team, currently headed by Gehn, lord of ages, and the signer below. The signer understands that these measures are to keep spoilers and surprises from the general public and agrees to abide by these terms.

''-The signer will not give any information about the plot, storyline, Ages, or puzzles in the Ages to anyone who has not signed an NDA.

''-The signer will not attempt to avoid this rule by showing, hinting, omitting, or in any other way giving away knowledge about the development.

''-The signer may disclose information to a known Cyan employee on specifically stated Cyan business, or to other similar organizational sources on specific organizational business.

''-This NDA does not cover; who is working on the project or general knowledge unless specifically noted as secret by Gehn or other leaders. These may be discussed freely.

''-This NDA does not cover information on technical issues. David's Journey does not wish to hoard information on technical issues. The signer should be discreet and not mention specifics in puzzle, game, or Age design when discussing technical matters.

''Forum Name-

''Current Date -''

'''Step 2.''' Send a private message to "Gehn, lord of ages" with the above form (to show that you recognize the precautions we're taking to avoid spoilers) and an explanation of what you wish to help with. I should be pretty quick to respond (but don't panic if I'm taking awhile) and add you to the private forum.

'''Step 3.''' Once I've added you to the private forum (I will most likely PM you to tell you), go to the topic labeled "Everyone Post Here", and post there so that everyone else knows that you've signed the NDA. Also look and see who else has signed the NDA (there are some who haven't posted there but have still signed an NDA - you'll be told if you need to discuss with them).

'''Step 4.''' That's pretty much it, except for a cheesy last step like "Have Fun!" or "Welcome to the Team!"

Age Projects - David's Journey

2009-04-16T17:38:43Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

Talk:Age Projects - David's Journey

2009-04-16T17:37:37Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

Please consider giving this more scope to consider OpenURU.org as a whole and making it something like "Projects:<project name>" or "Expansion Projects:<project name>". Look at Marten's work on instancing as an example. -- [[User:Admin|Admin]]

Okay, I'll try. "Move" takes it to another page, right? Perhaps the term "Age Projects:", so that things like KI reforms or such can still have the generic "Projects:" name. As for scope, any suggestions on how to make it more broad? --[[User:Gehn, lord of ages|Gehn, lord of ages]] 16:38, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

== NDA ==

The NDA section seems to dominate the page, which possibly detracts from the intent and purpose of the page as a whole. Also, the text seems to be largely copied from the header of the NDA form itself, so it doesn't sit well in the context of the page. Suggest reducing this to a single paragraph outline of the NDA and linking to a new David's Journey NDA page, where you can provide the expanded description of the scope of the NDA, link to your form, and maybe add other details: Things that come to mind are -
* How will people know who has signed your NDA? That need not be public information, but your other signatories need to know.
* Is there a private forum or webspace accessible only to signatories?

[[User:Mac Fife|Mac Fife]] 06:57, 16 April 2009 (UTC)

Does [[Joining the David's Journey Team|this]] look good? I had contemplated separating the nda before, but didn't know if that would be okay (and hadn't thought of all the other stuff to put with it). Thanks. --[[User:Gehn, lord of ages|Gehn, lord of ages]] 17:37, 16 April 2009 (UTC)

Joining the David's Journey Team

2009-04-16T17:35:55Z

Gehn, lord of ages: separating the nda and such from the main David's Journey page to simplify things

== Why Join? ==
I'm assuming you've read [[Age Projects - David's Journey]] already, or otherwise know what the project is about.

Anyway, joining the team will connect you to all the other individuals working in the project. We have a private subforum in OpenUru to discuss spoilers openly (since only people in the team can view it and so we don't accidentally spoil someone to the surprises) that you'll get to join in, and we'll be able to freely discuss the more spoiler heavy parts of the project (like which characters are "good", what surprises we're going to pull, etc. - trust me, it's a lot easier to talk when you don't have to carefully edit out all spoilers).

The team is very friendly and respectful, and we'll welcome your help. It will give you a chance to focus on the Age Building (or story building, or artistic) talents that you enjoy and are good at. There is a lot of room for creativity and talent.

== How to join ==
'''Step 1.''' Sign this non-disclosure agreement. We want to make sure everyone understands the necessary discretion to keep from spoiling parts of the expansion to other players and diminishing the surprise and fun for them later.

==== non-disclosure agreement ====
''This is a non-disclosure agreement between the David's Journey Team, currently headed by Gehn, lord of ages, and the signer below. The signer understands that these measures are to keep spoilers and surprises from the general public and agrees to abide by these terms.

''-The signer will not give any information about the plot, storyline, Ages, or puzzles in the Ages to anyone who has not signed an NDA.

''-The signer will not attempt to avoid this rule by showing, hinting, omitting, or in any other way giving away knowledge about the development.

''-The signer may disclose information to a known Cyan employee on specifically stated Cyan business, or to other similar organizational sources on specific organizational business.

''-This NDA does not cover; who is working on the project or general knowledge unless specifically noted as secret by Gehn or other leaders. These may be discussed freely.

''-This NDA does not cover information on technical issues. David's Journey does not wish to hoard information on technical issues. The signer should be discreet and not mention specifics in puzzle, game, or Age design when discussing technical matters.

''Forum Name-

''Current Date -''

'''Step 2.''' Send a private message to "Gehn, lord of ages" with the above form (to show that you recognize the precautions we're taking to avoid spoilers)and an explanation of what you wish to help with. I should be pretty quick to respond (but don't panic if I'm taking awhile) and add you to the private forum.

'''Step 3.''' Once I've added you to the private forum (I will most likely PM you to tell you), go to the topic labeled "Everyone Post Here", and post there so that everyone else knows that you've signed the NDA. Also look and see who else has signed the NDA (there are some who haven't posted there but have still signed an NDA - you'll be told if you need to discuss with them).

'''Step 4.''' That's pretty much it, except for a cheesy last step like "Have Fun!" or "Welcome to the Team!"

Age Projects - David's Journey

2009-04-16T17:23:00Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

David's Journey is a fan based multi Age expansion into Uru. David's Journey is an ambitious project to combine the talents of the Uru community to make Cyan quality Ages tied together with an engaging storyline and background.

{{TOClimit}}

== Information ==
(Note, most of this is still in the planning stage. Changes in plot structure, characters, and Age design may occur without notice. Also, there is a lot more developed that would simply ruin the surprise - especially in a nonspoilerized wiki page - and so is not put here.)

'''Basic Plot'''
In David's Journey (working title), explorers will have to join together to discover the secrets in the Ages monitored by the engineer David Ingram. This will include:
- five mysterious Ages, such as the burial Age for an eccentric poet's wife and the post-Fall fortress of a band of D'ni refugees
- a band of expressive and realistic characters both friendly and suspicious
- several minigames to build important Age exploring skills
- fantastic and dynamic environments with interactive creatures and puzzles
- an intricate plot involving lots of explorer participation
- and, of course, some rewards

'''Development'''
Few people are good at everything. In the David's Journey project, people can focus on what they enjoy most and what they are best at. Those who are skilled at making textures can focus on making textures, while those who record sounds can focus on recording sounds (there is nothing against someone who wants to focus on both making textures and recording sounds, though, if that is what they specialize in). Generally, we are looking for:
- Age Builders: those who can model and/or texture Ages in Blender
- Programmers
- Plot/character developers
- Actors (to play the characters)
- Writers (D'ni and English [and translations])
- Concept Artists and artistic design
- Coordinators: people with the organizational skills to coordinate efforts between all the team

== To Join ==
We need many more talented people in many different fields of experience. Currently, we especially need concept artists, experienced Age builders, and coordinators.

If you want to join a friendly and creative team to build Uru Ages, then David's Journey will be happy to bring you into the team. Just PM '''Gehn, lord of ages''' with a filled out non-disclosure agreement and an explanation of what tasks you want to do and are skilled at.

See more [[Joining the David's Journey Team|here]].

====Other ways to help====
If you have a specific way you want to help, but do not want to join the team, just PM Gehn, lord of ages or another leader and specify how you think you can help.

There's a Suggestion[http://forums.openuru.org/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=174] topic if you want to suggest a certain idea to us.

==Links==
David's Journey Public Forums[http://forums.openuru.org/viewforum.php?f=18]
Question and Answer[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page]


[[Category:Age Projects]]

Age Projects - David's Journey

2009-04-15T16:56:15Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

David's Journey is a fan based multi Age expansion into Uru. David's Journey is an ambitious project to combine the talents of the Uru community to make Cyan quality Ages tied together with an engaging storyline and background.

{{TOClimit}}

== Information ==
(Note, most of this is still in the planning stage. Changes in plot structure, characters, and Age design may occur without notice. Also, there is a lot more developed that would simply ruin the surprise - especially in a nonspoilerized wiki page - and so is not put here.)

'''Basic Plot'''
In David's Journey (working title), explorers will have to join together to discover the secrets in the Ages monitored by the engineer David Ingram. This will include:
- five mysterious Ages, such as the burial Age for an eccentric poet's wife and the post-Fall fortress of a band of D'ni refugees
- a band of expressive and realistic characters both friendly and suspicious
- several minigames to build important Age exploring skills
- fantastic and dynamic environments with interactive creatures and puzzles
- an intricate plot involving lots of explorer participation
- and, of course, some rewards

'''Development'''
Few people are good at everything. In the David's Journey project, people can focus on what they enjoy most and what they are best at. Those who are skilled at making textures can focus on making textures, while those who record sounds can focus on recording sounds (there is nothing against someone who wants to focus on both making textures and recording sounds, though, if that is what they specialize in). Generally, we are looking for:
- Age Builders: those who can model and/or texture Ages in Blender
- Programmers
- Plot/character developers
- Actors (to play the characters)
- Writers (D'ni and English [and translations])
- Concept Artists and artistic design
- Coordinators: people with the organizational skills to coordinate efforts between all the team

== To Join ==
We need many more talented people in many different fields of experience. Currently, we especially need concept artists, experienced Age builders, and coordinators.

If you want to join a friendly and creative team to build Uru Ages, then David's Journey will be happy to bring you into the team. Just PM '''Gehn, lord of ages''' with a filled out non-disclosure agreement and an explanation of what tasks you want to do and are skilled at.

==== non-disclosure agreement ====
This is a non-disclosure agreement between the David's Journey Team, currently headed by Gehn, lord of ages, and the signer below. The signer understands that these measures are to keep spoilers and surprises from the general public and agrees to abide by these terms.
-The signer will not give any information about the plot, storyline, Ages, or puzzles in the Ages to anyone who has not signed an NDA.
-The signer will not attempt to avoid this rule by showing, hinting, omitting, or in any other way giving away knowledge about the development.
-The signer may disclose information to a known Cyan employee on specifically stated Cyan business, or to other similar organizational sources on specific organizational business.
-This NDA does not cover; who is working on the project or general knowledge unless specifically noted as secret by Gehn or other leaders. These may be discussed freely.
-This NDA does not cover information on technical issues. David's Journey does not wish to hoard information on technical issues. The signer should be discreet and not mention specifics in puzzle, game, or Age design when discussing technical matters.
Forum Name-
Current Date -

====Other ways to help====
If you have a specific way you want to help, but do not want to join the team, just PM Gehn, lord of ages or another leader and specify how you think you can help.

There's a Suggestion[http://forums.openuru.org/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=174] topic if you want to suggest a certain idea to us.

==Links==
David's Journey Public Forums[http://forums.openuru.org/viewforum.php?f=18]
Question and Answer[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page]


[[Category:Age Projects]]

User:Gehn, lord of ages

2009-03-14T01:08:24Z

Gehn, lord of ages: New page: Red is such an antagonistic color. I should therefore write something here and reduce the amount of red in this wiki. See the following Starting Point - Gloa Plan Where should we st...

Red is such an antagonistic color. I should therefore write something here and reduce the amount of red in this wiki. See the following

[[Starting Point - Gloa Plan]]
Where should we start the game, and how should we reconcile speed and mystery?

[[Holiday Ideas]]

[[Age Projects - David's Journey]]
An effort towards a community built journey with multiple Ages, dynamic storyline, puzzles, and more.

[[Cleft 2.0]]
Ways to improve one of the most beautiful Ages for community gatherings, information, and plain coolness.

User talk:JWPlatt

2009-03-13T20:14:33Z

Gehn, lord of ages: New page: I saw your page for "Instancing - Scope Inheritance" and gave it a little editing (you just ported it over from the forum topic you linked to?) However, I didn't want to edit over your wo...

I saw your page for "Instancing - Scope Inheritance" and gave it a little editing (you just ported it over from the forum topic you linked to?) However, I didn't want to edit over your work (especially since I changed the wording around in some areas, and I don't want to accidentally have changed the meaning of something), so I put it in the discussion on that page. Just thought you might want to know. --[[User:Gehn, lord of ages|Gehn, lord of ages]] 20:14, 13 March 2009 (UTC)

Talk:Instancing - Scope Inheritance

2009-03-11T23:54:29Z

Gehn, lord of ages: New page: '''(want a little help revising it to the format and all? - Here's my rough edit. I did change the wording in some parts, so I don't want to misrepresent your idea by overwriting the page...

'''(want a little help revising it to the format and all? - Here's my rough edit. I did change the wording in some parts, so I don't want to misrepresent your idea by overwriting the page itself.''' --[[User:Gehn, lord of ages|Gehn, lord of ages]] 23:54, 11 March 2009 (UTC)

The important thing for instancing is for us to be able to easily meet people in the scope (public, hood, or private) of our choice. Unfortunately, some of the instance inheritance, or scope, of books within their contexts of Relto, Nexus and hood is are not entirely consistent - to put it kindly. City instancing is even worse with a byzantine organization in flux.

Rather than respond to poor instancing rules of scope, I'd like to suggest how it should work.
- It should be simple, having as few rules as possible
- It should be entirely consistent so we can understand it without complex maps for the underlying structure of the game itself. The complexity should be in the puzzles, story and visual architecture - not in the interface or infrastructure. Instance complexity gets very much in the way of immersion and playing the game. I will politely point out that unnecessary complexity to an interface is poor design.

'''Background (as a header, but I don't want to put it as so in the Discussion page)'''

This is how we best understand things as a root point of origin or scope:
Relto --> Hood, Nexus, and private instances.
Hood --> Hood instances.
Nexus --> Public and hood instances.
Relto is the private n-way root which provides the two special branches for hood (hood book) and public (Nexus) scopes plus any number of additional private branches (Cleft, Gahreesen, Teledahn, Kadish, and Eders so far).

This is how it should work to be intuitive.
Private: Relto --> Private Ages --> Stones/Books --> Private Ages ('''is there a particular reason why "-->" must be in code?)'''
Hood: Hood --> Hood Ages --> Stones/Books --> Hood Ages
Public: Nexus --> Public/Hood Ages --> Stones/Books --> Public/Hood Ages
Book/stone sharing is only necessary with the Relto book and, possibly, hood books/stones. No repetitive book sharing should be required after the first sharing until you leave the scope via your Relto or a Nexus book.

'''Examples (again, as a header)'''
Touching the Baron's office link book in Teledahn should do one of these things:
Relto branch: Link to the age owner's private instance of the Baron's office and Ae'gura generally.
Hood branch: Link to the hood's private instance of the Baron's office and Ae'gura generally.
Nexus branch: Link to the public instance of the Baron's office and Ae'gura generally.
This would be no different for a guest within another's (private or hood) age. No book sharing should be required.

Touching a linking book in a hood should do these things:
Members: Continue within the hood scope.
Non-members: 1) Nothing or 2) continue within your private scope.
Non-members of a hood require a share from a member to continue within that hood's scope.
I prefer that linking books be inactive for non-members unless shared by a member. It would break the simple rules of scope and membership to either 1) allow a non-member to use a hood's book, or 2) send the non-member to his private instance. For this reason, it might be more consistent to require Relto books be actively shared. It would eliminate the need for locks, but I really like the convenience of the locks and being able to send someone to my Relto to use a book without having to be there myself. But allowing someone other than the owner to directly use a book on Relto's bookshelf would be inconsistent with the rules I've stated. After all, there is precedent because we cannot turn pages in others' Relto books. But I am willing to bend the rules slightly on Relto for this major convenience.

Private hoods should not be any different, regarding instancing and scope, than a public hood. Private only means it's not listed in the Nexus. A private hood still gets its own scope separate and distinct from its owner's Relto's private scope.

With the Kadish Gallery doors on Ae'gura opened, we now have a way to enter a hood or private instance of Ae'gura proper.

'''Relto (another header?)'''
Relto's "city book" is flawed because the results of all branches (e.g. touch a stone) are saved into a single place (the city book), making it impossible to have a persistent way to reach any specific scope or instance you have visited. Instead, the links are overwritten or irretrievable. It's like saving the results of multiple equations into a single variable. It should be that any page collected by visiting areas like the balconies should add a page to the respective books for Relto, Hood, and Nexus, depending on the scope in which you collected that page.

Touching the Bahro stone in Eder Gira for Takotah Rooftop should do one of these things: Relto branch: Add rooftop page to the Relto book. Hood branch: Add rooftop page to Relto's hood book. Nexus branch: Add rooftop page to Relto's Nexus book.

Does this mean we have to visit Eder Gira three times to get our rooftop link for all three scopes? Yes. Can we make an exception to make a single visit to any scope add this page to all three books? Yes! In either case, we now have a way to get ourselves to any instance and they are persistent links which will not be overwritten by the latest link. If the scope has not been instanciated yet, we can either check for that and add the page when it is, or make it part of the game to prefer the efficiency of page collection after visiting your three possible scopes of any age.

Notice your Relto book now has pages to allow bypassing a useless trip into Relto and a link out if you are on a marker hunt. You can directly visit any place in your private scope for which you already touched a Bahro stone without going through Relto first. As it happens, skipping the repetitive trips to Relto just to link out again also improves the load on the servers.

I'm not entirely certain as of this writing, but this consistent foundation for scopes of instance inheritance should eliminate all need for book and stone sharing except for the Relto book and, possibly, books and stones within a hood. I haven't looked at it deeply enough to figure out a way to get rid of book sharing in a hood and allow easy access to invitations into the hood scope. Touching any book or stone within a scope keeps you within that scope, whether it's private, hood, or public. The Nexus can take us to any public hood. From there we can enter that hood's scope merely by touching or sharing one of it's linking books. Private hoods and ages can be reached by invitation or sharing of the Relto book. Sharing of any linking page in your Relto book could make a visit by you and your guest to Relto unnecessary. We don't need invitations to hoods because they are listed in the Nexus. It seems reasonable that all invitations could just be to the private scopes. Or the KI and Nexus listings, like the three Relto books, could be expanded to allow private, hood, and public invitations.
There might be some aspects of sharing and invitations I've missed.

'''An alternative from sambase for Ae'gura instances (a smaller header?)'''
''Relto scope'' - brown book on relto bookshelf

''Hood scope'' - New brown book in Nexus room in a hood (or anywhere in a hood)

''Nexus scope'' - new registerable pedestals in all "brown book" areas to enable linking to the nexus instance by using the nexus (just like linking to the library or palace after registering that link through the pedestal)

'''Summary (another header)'''
1. The (non-sharable) Nexus book, regardless of what age you find it in, takes you to the Nexus which provides links to the public city (Ae'gura) instance, listed hood (Hood) instances, and your private ages. You can also select your own hood instance, listed or not, at the top of the panel.

2. The hood book takes you to your hood or hood-instanced ages for the hood of which you are a member. Hood-instanced pages from Ae'gura are also contained within. Any linking from books in a hood, except Nexus books, continue within that hood's scope.

3. The Relto book takes you to your Relto or private-instanced ages. Private-instanced pages from Ae'gura are also contained within. Any linking, except Nexus books, continues within the private scope.

4. The city book is vestigial and for sentimental value only. I think it would be okay to eliminate it, but if it has to be kept, make it represent your private instances. These are now redundant pages found in your Relto book.

'''(the links section would stay the same)'''

Holiday Ideas

2009-03-07T00:49:44Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

{{draft}}
== Overview ==
A lot of games have special things that happen for holidays. This would be especially easy for Uru, as Earth holidays are completely IC. Here are some ideas for specific holidays. Italics indicates additional ideas that would be harder to obtain. [[Cleft 2.0]] should probably be read beforehand. Feel free to add more ideas.

== Chinese Lunar New Year ==
Red Chinese lanterns are set up in the 'hoods, and Zandi hangs one from his trailer (you know, the cheap kind you can find in supermarkets). If you approach Zandi, he gives you a red envelope. Instead of money, it has a Relto page for red Chinese lanterns in Relto. While you can only get the red envelope on Lunar New Year, the Relto page can be turned on and off at any time. ''Zandi could also say "gung hay fat choi" in a self-conscious accent.''

== 4th of July (Independence Day in the U.S.)==
Zandi flies an American flag from his trailer. That night, there are distant firework displays that can be seen (and heard) from the Cleft. ''If we do get somebody to do more voice acting for Zandi, and do have Zandi telling stories, he could tell some inspirational story about Pres. Lincoln or something.''

== The World Cup ==
A soccer ball appears in the Cleft for a day. Maybe in a few other Ages as well.

== Christmas ==
''As in more things for Christmas. Zandi's storytime could have a special set of Christmas stories that he'd tell during this time of the year.''

== New Years ==
Maybe some fireworks.

Talk:Holiday Ideas

2009-03-07T00:44:25Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

This might have got more feedback if it had been a forum post as it was a bit of an "orphan page" with nothng else linking to it. I've added it to the index on the Community Portal to fix that, but maybe a forum post pointing the page wouldn't be a bad idea.

I had intended to do that, but was waiting to add a few more things first.--[[User:Gehn, lord of ages|Gehn, lord of ages]] 00:44, 7 March 2009 (UTC)

Holiday Ideas

2009-03-06T18:19:35Z

Gehn, lord of ages: not sure what to call this - basically ideas for events in Uru corresponding with certain holidays

D'niWeb

2009-03-06T17:46:21Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

{{draft}}

== Purpose ==
The KI is a good communication tool, but it is not made for all types of content. Specifically, it is not made for automated messages, webpages, or forums.
Similarly, internet browsers are good communication tools. However, many people don't know about Uru opportunities online, or don't spend much free time online to look at all the forums and information. It is especially difficult to do so while in the game itself.
D'niWeb would be an in-game "internet browser" allowing a completely logical connection to several useful sites and materials.

== Explanation (IC, with some OOC description) ==
The basic explanation for D'niWeb is that the DRC or some other entity has installed some servers in the cavern for local internet connection. Explorers are given a laptop bag (a special item of clothing, or perhaps one that can be turned on and off for certain clothing options), and bring their laptops to the Ages (however, the internet connection only works in Ae'gura and maybe the 'hoods).

== Components of D'niWeb ==

=== Laptop ===
Every explorer has a laptop (we can't have anybody supplying everyone with laptops, because nobody has the IC funds to do so). They bring it along with them by selecting the Laptop bag (example [http://www.fashiongeek.eu/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/prada-laptop-bag.jpg])over their clothing (not all clothing would allow it, as it would be sort of ridiculous to wear it outside of a maintainer suit or something). The laptop can be brought up similarly to the way that KIs or Relto books are brought up. When this is done, the avatar sits down and goes through an animation of pulling out and opening up the generic laptop. In first person mode, the laptop "screen" fills the entire screen.

=== Interface ===
The Interface would be some generic computer interface. There would not be many programs on the computer.

=== Internet ===
On opening the "internet browser", the player would arrive at a local connection (obviously it is too costly to sink internet cables into the depth of the earth simply to bring internet connection to a bunch of explorers). This would host (either the way they are now, or special versions optimized for D'niWeb viewing) the DRC site, Guild sites, etc. As noted before, internet connection would only work in certain areas of the D'ni caverns.

==== Cavern Alert System ====
This would be an in-game information conduit. Registered people (anyone who the shard admins let through, just to keep out bots or trolls) would be able to write up short pieces of information. "Bahro seen in Negilahn." "Guild of Writer's party in the GoW Bevin, Tuesday 5-8" "New Age found!" etc.

==== Blogs ====
All explorers would be allowed a blog or personal website. They could post journal entries, talk about their stats, whatever, all in character. This would allow people to get to know everyone else, and share their stories.

=== Quests ===
Another website you could visit would be a sort of quest log. You would have an "offline" quest editor (so you could edit quests in the Ages instead of having to remember everything and go back to the cavern each time) to make your own "quests" or "journeys".
The interface is simple. You can add or remove any amount of "steps". Inside each step, you can put text and maybe pictures. These can be instructions "now find three cones", "open the door and go to the next Age", or statements "You have seen the Least, but have you seen the Proud? They are coming.", "I like this spot, it is a useful place to take pictures of people - nice lighting", or anything you want. You then "upload" this quest (once you get back to the cavern) to the main site. People can search this site (on their in-game laptops) and "download" quests. They can then open the quest with another "program". Each step is covered (like spoiler tags, or how hints are shown in many cases) until they click on it. They progress through the quest step by step at whatever speed they want. When they are done, they can click "completed". On the website for the quests, you can see who completed what quests (they can do the steps out of order, or just click completed, or go straight for the reward [telling them about some cool place you found, inviting them to discussions or lessons at certain times, etc.] - however, they will be embarrassed if anyone asks them about something they said they finished but never looked at ["oh hi. I'll show you the new hidden T-shirt I found, but first, what did you think of the Watcher's quote I told you to look at after you went through Ahnonay?"])
'''IC explanation -''' Some explorer got bored and wrote the program for fun (as a game - he'd(she'd) make quests and challenge his friends to them). The DRC might have found it useful to keep their workers up to date (it would give a step-by-step instruction on what tasks needed to be done, and the completed logs would tell the worker if the task had been done yet). More explorers started using it because it was fun, or because they want to do something, or whatever.

=== CD's/DVD's ===
Another way to get stuff for your laptop would be CD's and DVD's that could be scattered around. These could include videos, pictures, "desktop backgrounds", text documents, or music files. They could be used as clues for Ages or journeys, or as rewards. See [[Cleft 2.0]] (scroll down to Idea 3: DVD Player) for one place this could be used.

Cleft 2.0

2009-03-06T17:45:26Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

{{draft}}
This is a compilation of all the various ideas I have had for improving the Cleft. Feel free to add your ideas in the discussion or the page itself.

== Purpose ==
The Cleft is a beautiful and interesting (area of an) Age. However, there's not that much to it.

== What these improvements would need ==
Beyond the programming needs, the assembled projects would require
===models and textures===
A few DVD cases, a DVD player, a stack of DVDs. Nighttime textures (sky, campfire, whatever else would change in the night). A crate or something
===Animations===
Several animations of Zandi. At the least, his walking in and out of the trailer.
===Sounds===
Cricket sounds (or whatever would be appropriate) for night scenes, as well as some other sounds. More Zandi speeches would be very cool, but not necessary.
==Idea 1 - Getting Relto Early==
''See'' [[Starting Point - Gloa Plan]]
Explorers would start the game at a single-player cleft. However, Zandi would have a Relto book out on a crate.

If we could get voice acting here, he would place the book on the crate next to him, saying something like "Hey, welcome. So, uh, I'm Zandi. I probably know more about why you're here than you do [chuckle]. Don't worry about it. You felt drawn here, just like the others. I'm not really here to give you... answers. Just to give you help, and get you started. And, uh, if you want to skip this, that's okay. I've got a book, here. If you want to get through this now, just take it. But, uh, you might want to try this out, first.She's left a message for you in the Cleft. Listen to it well. Follow her. Find the Journeys, and then... enter the tree. Oh, and uh... check with me if you need help." (He would then place the Relto book on the crate. If you approached the crate at any time, he would prompt you to take it. When you clicked on it, you would put it on and link out, while Zandi muttered something about how "explorers these days are all so impatient.")

''However, it's most likely we wouldn't get voice acting''. In this case, the book would be already on a crate nearby. It would have a note on it (from Zandi, probably, or Yeesha) saying basically the same thing.

In either case, the explorer could still go through the Journey then. If not, they could always go through later. This would get them the Journey pillar Relto page (which would automatically be in their book if they went through the journey the first time).

== Idea 2 - Day-Night Cleft ==
Separate from the single-player Cleft that explorers would start out in, there would be a multiplayer cleft. This would have a day-night cycle (based on a realistic Earth day-night cycle, but perhaps with a little more nighttime). If people do not like the single-player cleft, they could instead have explorers start here. Probably no Zandi help, though (because it would get complicated helping every person, and figuring out who he's talking to, etc.).

At nighttime, the music would stop and the sound of crickets would be heard. Zandi would walk over to the campfire and get a nice bright fire started.

If we could get voice acting, Zandi would wait until a crowd (maybe more than 5 people) got within a certain range before telling them to "all come together" and listen to him tell a story. He would cycle through various ghost stories, "big fish" stories, his adventures in D'ni, funny anecdotes that happened to his uncle, etc. The voice talent could just make them up, or some writer could submit them. These could perhaps be done purely through text, but voice would be much better.

Zandi would eventually tell everyone to go to bed and then go into his trailer to sleep. Perhaps even during the day he would go in and out of his trailer, just to add to the realism.

== Idea 3 - DVD Player ==
Zandi would hook up one of those portable DVD players to some kind of extension cable coming from his trailer. When he wasn't watching it, he'd let explorers borrow it. There would be a stack of DVD's nearby to pick from. When you clicked on one, it would display like notes or journals do to show you the label. If you clicked again, you'd watch your avatar insert it into the player and then watch the screen. At first person view (which you would automatically be put into), the screen would fill most of your screen, showing only a few buttons (play, stop, etc.) for IC/OOC adjusting.

The videos would be chosen by the shard owner. The obvious pick would be "home videos" made of the events in Uru, as if one of the explorers had brought a camcorder. This would keep new explorers up to date, and allow them to somewhat experience the past events.

Of course, you could put other videos up too.

''This could be merged with the ideas in'' [[D'niWeb]]

== More Ideas ==
Here's the place to submit your ideas.


[[Category:Improvements]]
[[Category:Age Projects]]

Cleft 2.0

2009-03-06T17:44:54Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

{{draft}}
This is a compilation of all the various ideas I have had for improving the Cleft. Feel free to add your ideas in the discussion or the page itself.

== Purpose ==
The Cleft is a beautiful and interesting (area of an) Age. However, there's not that much to it.

== What these improvements would need ==
Beyond the programming needs, the assembled projects would require
===models and textures===
A few DVD cases, a DVD player, a stack of DVDs. Nighttime textures (sky, campfire, whatever else would change in the night). A crate or something
===Animations===
Several animations of Zandi. At the least, his walking in and out of the trailer.
===Sounds===
Cricket sounds (or whatever would be appropriate) for night scenes, as well as some other sounds. More Zandi speeches would be very cool, but not necessary.
==Idea 1 - Getting Relto Early==
''See'' [[Starting Point - Gloa Plan]]
Explorers would start the game at a single-player cleft. However, Zandi would have a Relto book out on a crate.

If we could get voice acting here, he would place the book on the crate next to him, saying something like "Hey, welcome. So, uh, I'm Zandi. I probably know more about why you're here than you do [chuckle]. Don't worry about it. You felt drawn here, just like the others. I'm not really here to give you... answers. Just to give you help, and get you started. And, uh, if you want to skip this, that's okay. I've got a book, here. If you want to get through this now, just take it. But, uh, you might want to try this out, first.She's left a message for you in the Cleft. Listen to it well. Follow her. Find the Journeys, and then... enter the tree. Oh, and uh... check with me if you need help." (He would then place the Relto book on the crate. If you approached the crate at any time, he would prompt you to take it. When you clicked on it, you would put it on and link out, while Zandi muttered something about how "explorers these days are all so impatient.")

''However, it's most likely we wouldn't get voice acting''. In this case, the book would be already on a crate nearby. It would have a note on it (from Zandi, probably, or Yeesha) saying basically the same thing.

In either case, the explorer could still go through the Journey then. If not, they could always go through later. This would get them the Journey pillar Relto page (which would automatically be in their book if they went through the journey the first time).

== Idea 2 - Day-Night Cleft ==
Separate from the single-player Cleft that explorers would start out in, there would be a multiplayer cleft. This would have a day-night cycle (based on a realistic Earth day-night cycle, but perhaps with a little more nighttime). If people do not like the single-player cleft, they could instead have explorers start here. Probably no Zandi help, though (because it would get complicated helping every person, and figuring out who he's talking to, etc.).

At nighttime, the music would stop and the sound of crickets would be heard. Zandi would walk over to the campfire and get a nice bright fire started.

If we could get voice acting, Zandi would wait until a crowd (maybe more than 5 people) got within a certain range before telling them to "all come together" and listen to him tell a story. He would cycle through various ghost stories, "big fish" stories, his adventures in D'ni, funny anecdotes that happened to his uncle, etc. The voice talent could just make them up, or some writer could submit them. These could perhaps be done purely through text, but voice would be much better.

Zandi would eventually tell everyone to go to bed and then go into his trailer to sleep. Perhaps even during the day he would go in and out of his trailer, just to add to the realism.

== Idea 3 - DVD Player ==
Zandi would hook up one of those portable DVD players to some kind of extension cable coming from his trailer. When he wasn't watching it, he'd let explorers borrow it. There would be a stack of DVD's nearby to pick from. When you clicked on one, it would display like notes or journals do to show you the label. If you clicked again, you'd watch your avatar insert it into the player and then watch the screen. At first person view (which you would automatically be put into), the screen would fill most of your screen, showing only a few buttons (play, stop, etc.) for IC/OOC adjusting.

The videos would be chosen by the shard owner. The obvious pick would be "home videos" made of the events in Uru, as if one of the explorers had brought a camcorder. This would keep new explorers up to date, and allow them to somewhat experience the past events.

Of course, you could put other videos up too. [[D'niWeb]]

== More Ideas ==
Here's the place to submit your ideas.


[[Category:Improvements]]
[[Category:Age Projects]]

D'niWeb

2009-03-06T02:52:15Z

Gehn, lord of ages: New page: {{draft}} == Purpose == The KI is a good communication tool, but it is not made for all types of content. Specifically, it is not made for automated messages, webpages, or forums. Simila...

Cleft 2.0

2009-02-19T18:44:02Z

Gehn, lord of ages: work in progress of a compilation of ideas to make the Cleft more interesting

{{draft}}
This is a compilation of all the various ideas I have had for improving the Cleft. Feel free to add your ideas in the discussion or the page itself.

== Purpose ==
The Cleft is a beautiful and interesting (area of an) Age. However, there's not that much to it.

== What these improvements would need ==
Beyond the programming needs, the assembled projects would require
===models and textures===
A few DVD cases, a DVD player, a stack of DVDs. Nighttime textures (sky, campfire, whatever else would change in the night). A crate or something
===Animations===
Several animations of Zandi. At the least, his walking in and out of the trailer.
===Sounds===
Cricket sounds (or whatever would be appropriate) for night scenes, as well as some other sounds. More Zandi speeches would be very cool, but not necessary.
==Idea 1 - Getting Relto Early==
''See'' [[Starting Point - Gloa plan]]
Explorers would start the game at a single-player cleft. However, Zandi would have a Relto book out on a crate.

If we could get voice acting here, he would place the book on the crate next to him, saying something like "Hey, welcome. So, uh, I'm Zandi. I probably know more about why you're here than you do [chuckle]. Don't worry about it. You felt drawn here, just like the others. I'm not really here to give you... answers. Just to give you help, and get you started. And, uh, if you want to skip this, that's okay. I've got a book, here. If you want to get through this now, just take it. But, uh, you might want to try this out, first.She's left a message for you in the Cleft. Listen to it well. Follow her. Find the Journeys, and then... enter the tree. Oh, and uh... check with me if you need help." (He would then place the Relto book on the crate. If you approached the crate at any time, he would prompt you to take it. When you clicked on it, you would put it on and link out, while Zandi muttered something about how "explorers these days are all so impatient.")

''However, it's most likely we wouldn't get voice acting''. In this case, the book would be already on a crate nearby. It would have a note on it (from Zandi, probably, or Yeesha) saying basically the same thing.

In either case, the explorer could still go through the Journey then. If not, they could always go through later. This would get them the Journey pillar Relto page (which would automatically be in their book if they went through the journey the first time).

== Idea 2 - Day-Night Cleft ==
Separate from the single-player Cleft that explorers would start out in, there would be a multiplayer cleft. This would have a day-night cycle (based on a realistic Earth day-night cycle, but perhaps with a little more nighttime). If people do not like the single-player cleft, they could instead have explorers start here. Probably no Zandi help, though (because it would get complicated helping every person, and figuring out who he's talking to, etc.).

At nighttime, the music would stop and the sound of crickets would be heard. Zandi would walk over to the campfire and get a nice bright fire started.

If we could get voice acting, Zandi would wait until a crowd (maybe more than 5 people) got within a certain range before telling them to "all come together" and listen to him tell a story. He would cycle through various ghost stories, "big fish" stories, his adventures in D'ni, funny anecdotes that happened to his uncle, etc. The voice talent could just make them up, or some writer could submit them. These could perhaps be done purely through text, but voice would be much better.

Zandi would eventually tell everyone to go to bed and then go into his trailer to sleep. Perhaps even during the day he would go in and out of his trailer, just to add to the realism.

== Idea 3 - DVD Player ==
Zandi would hook up one of those portable DVD players to some kind of extension cable coming from his trailer. When he wasn't watching it, he'd let explorers borrow it. There would be a stack of DVD's nearby to pick from. When you clicked on one, it would display like notes or journals do to show you the label. If you clicked again, you'd watch your avatar insert it into the player and then watch the screen. At first person view (which you would automatically be put into), the screen would fill most of your screen, showing only a few buttons (play, stop, etc.) for IC/OOC adjusting.

The videos would be chosen by the shard owner. The obvious pick would be "home videos" made of the events in Uru, as if one of the explorers had brought a camcorder. This would keep new explorers up to date, and allow them to somewhat experience the past events.

Of course, you could put other videos up too.

== More Ideas ==
Here's the place to submit your ideas.

Starting Point Debate

2009-01-31T02:32:46Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

== Background ==
In the offline version of URU, and in some early Beta tests, a new player would start in the Cleft - the New Mexico Desert. They would then complete Yeesha's Journey in the Cleft to obtain a Relto linking book so they could visit other Ages and meet with other people. In Myst Online Uru Live, the starting point was changed to Relto - presumably to make it easier for new players to get to populated areas. With the announcement of Open Source Uru Live, many people have debated whether the starting place should be returned to the Cleft.

It is important to note here that on the MOUL developer's page ( [http://mystonline.com/developers] ), it was announced that the 3D models and textures - the Age data - would not be released under the same open source code as the rest of OSUL. This might prohibit changes to Cyan created areas.

== Arguments for the Cleft ==

The Cleft is considered a more logical place to start. Starting at Relto loses the backstory - how you got your Relto book and got there. Furthermore, many people saw the Cleft as an ideal practice Age that got new explorer's used to the interface. Finally, many people have argued that the transition from normal Earth to the Uru Ages was part of the mystique of Uru, and that starting in Relto ruins the beginning feel.

== Arguments for Relto ==

Relto is considered the easier place to start. Many people reported confusion or frustration in starting in the Cleft. It is also worried that the Cleft is single-player , which might turn away new players (who believe the game to be unpopulated). Relto allows new explorers to quickly get to populated areas where the game can be explained for them. Also, many older explorers do not want to have to "hassle with the Cleft" before getting into the game.

== Proposed Solutions ==
(please put links to your proposals [or other people's] here)

Various people have suggested a Public Cleft - making people start immediately in a populated area. Tweek's plan [http://uru.grey-skies.net/the-cleft-descent]is one such proposal.

Another suggestion is a menu at the beginning asking "alone or together". Alone would start you in Relto, while Together would start you in the Cleft (although some derivatives would start you in other populated areas).

Some people suggest putting another area, such as a small town, near the Cleft. While the Cleft, in most cases, would remain single player, this area would be populated and would have information on your choices.

Some people have suggested multiple ways to get a Relto book - including open boxes or secret switches to the journey door - that would allow frustrated newbies or impatient older players to get out of the Cleft early.
[[Starting Point: Gloa Plan]] is one of these.

See these topics (please put more links here)

MOUL forums[http://mystonline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15814&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0]
OpenUru forums[http://forums.openuru.org/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=59]

Starting Point Debate

2009-01-31T02:32:34Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

== Background ==
In the offline version of URU, and in some early Beta tests, a new player would start in the Cleft - the New Mexico Desert. They would then complete Yeesha's Journey in the Cleft to obtain a Relto linking book so they could visit other Ages and meet with other people. In Myst Online Uru Live, the starting point was changed to Relto - presumably to make it easier for new players to get to populated areas. With the announcement of Open Source Uru Live, many people have debated whether the starting place should be returned to the Cleft.

It is important to note here that on the MOUL developer's page ( [http://mystonline.com/developers] ), it was announced that the 3D models and textures - the Age data - would not be released under the same open source code as the rest of OSUL. This might prohibit changes to Cyan created areas.

== Arguments for the Cleft ==

The Cleft is considered a more logical place to start. Starting at Relto loses the backstory - how you got your Relto book and got there. Furthermore, many people saw the Cleft as an ideal practice Age that got new explorer's used to the interface. Finally, many people have argued that the transition from normal Earth to the Uru Ages was part of the mystique of Uru, and that starting in Relto ruins the beginning feel.

== Arguments for Relto ==

Relto is considered the easier place to start. Many people reported confusion or frustration in starting in the Cleft. It is also worried that the Cleft is single-player , which might turn away new players (who believe the game to be unpopulated). Relto allows new explorers to quickly get to populated areas where the game can be explained for them. Also, many older explorers do not want to have to "hassle with the Cleft" before getting into the game.

== Proposed Solutions ==
(please put links to your proposals [or other people's] here)

Various people have suggested a Public Cleft - making people start immediately in a populated area. Tweek's plan [http://uru.grey-skies.net/the-cleft-descent]is one such proposal.

Another suggestion is a menu at the beginning asking "alone or together". Alone would start you in Relto, while Together would start you in the Cleft (although some derivatives would start you in other populated areas).

Some people suggest putting another area, such as a small town, near the Cleft. While the Cleft, in most cases, would remain single player, this area would be populated and would have information on your choices.

Some people have suggested multiple ways to get a Relto book - including open boxes or secret switches to the journey door - that would allow frustrated newbies or impatient older players to get out of the Cleft early.
[[Starting Point: Gloa Plan]]

See these topics (please put more links here)

MOUL forums[http://mystonline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15814&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0]
OpenUru forums[http://forums.openuru.org/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=59]

Starting Point - Gloa Plan

2009-01-31T02:31:19Z

Gehn, lord of ages: my plan on where to start in OSUL

== Background ==
See [[Starting Point Debate]]. Basically, people want the starting point to be both logical and quick (for new players or second avatars, etc.).

== Plan ==
You are told before you start the game that you start in a singleplayer area. You are told there will be a man there who will explain what to do. You are told there is a quick way out.

Then you are dumped into the Cleft like in Ages Beyond Myst (except without the starting video). Zandi is there, and instructs you as in Ages Beyond Myst. However, there is a box near the trailer with a Relto book on top. It has a note on it (unless we could get another Zandi line, where he points at it or physically hands you the book, saying "Here, if you want to go now, here's a book. Take it. And, uh, come back any time. There's still the message for you, in the Cleft." or something). It would be something like this (except better worded and all - you get the general message though - also, it might be instead from Yeesha)

Explorer:
If you want to go to your Relto now, here's a book for you. You can take it now, or you can go through the Journey. Come back anytime.
-Zandi

The box could also have a book to some public area, but I'm not sure where it would go (since most public areas are in D'ni - although maybe it could go to a public Gahreeson and get you your KI quick too).

Anyway, if you do go through the whole Journey, you get the Journey Pillars already in your Relto. If not, you have to go back to the Cleft and take the journey (probably without Zandi's help) to get the Relto Page.

== Some Implications ==
Everyone gets a Relto. DRC members deal with it, just as they dealt with it in the past, just as Esher dealt with the "bahro abominations".

The tunnels can be developed slower, since they aren't instantly needed for the game. They come in later as a new explorable area. Perhaps to get into them, you need multiple people (like, one person lifts the other over the fence?) and so it just plain can't be accessed in the beginning (so people don't go without Relto Books).

== Arguments for the Plan==
The Cleft still retains the beginning sense of mystery, and the slow start (from normal surroundings to stranger). Also, it still retains the practice for people wanting to go the long route.

There is a quick way to get to Relto and/or a public area. People aren't forced to go through the puzzle, confused and lost. This should keep it from turning people away.

All Greeters or friendly people can focus on one spot (public Gahreeson, a neighborhood, wherever the person would first link to from Relto/[maybe]Cleft).

People don't have to take Yeesha's Journey if they don't want to, but they still get a Relto (so they don't die the first time they run past a cone). There are no new Ages needed to be made just to replace Relto for nonYeesha supporters (which would have to be somehow an Age which could replicate itself many times without Yeesha magic).

Starting Point Debate

2009-01-29T23:12:17Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

== Background ==
In the offline version of URU, and in some early Beta tests, a new player would start in the Cleft - the New Mexico Desert. They would then complete Yeesha's Journey in the Cleft to obtain a Relto linking book so they could visit other Ages and meet with other people. In Myst Online Uru Live, the starting point was changed to Relto - presumably to make it easier for new players to get to populated areas. With the announcement of Open Source Uru Live, many people have debated whether the starting place should be returned to the Cleft.

It is important to note here that on the MOUL developer's page ( [http://mystonline.com/developers] ), it was announced that the 3D models and textures - the Age data - would not be released under the same open source code as the rest of OSUL. This might prohibit changes to Cyan created areas.

== Arguments for the Cleft ==

The Cleft is considered a more logical place to start. Starting at Relto loses the backstory - how you got your Relto book and got there. Furthermore, many people saw the Cleft as an ideal practice Age that got new explorer's used to the interface. Finally, many people have argued that the transition from normal Earth to the Uru Ages was part of the mystique of Uru, and that starting in Relto ruins the beginning feel.

== Arguments for Relto ==

Relto is considered the easier place to start. Many people reported confusion or frustration in starting in the Cleft. It is also worried that the Cleft is single-player , which might turn away new players (who believe the game to be unpopulated). Relto allows new explorers to quickly get to populated areas where the game can be explained for them. Also, many older explorers do not want to have to "hassle with the Cleft" before getting into the game.

== Proposed Solutions ==
(please put links to your proposals [or other people's] here)

Various people have suggested a Public Cleft - making people start immediately in a populated area. Tweek's plan [http://uru.grey-skies.net/the-cleft-descent]is one such proposal.

Another suggestion is a menu at the beginning asking "alone or together". Alone would start you in Relto, while Together would start you in the Cleft (although some derivatives would start you in other populated areas).

Some people suggest putting another area, such as a small town, near the Cleft. While the Cleft, in most cases, would remain single player, this area would be populated and would have information on your choices.

Some people have suggested multiple ways to get a Relto book - including open boxes or secret switches to the journey door - that would allow frustrated newbies or impatient older players to get out of the Cleft early.

See these topics (please put more links here)

MOUL forums[http://mystonline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15814&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0]
OpenUru forums[http://forums.openuru.org/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=59]

Age Projects - David's Journey

2009-01-29T16:50:24Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

David's Journey is a fan based multi Age expansion into the D'niverse, specifically into Open Source Uru Live. David's Journey is an ambitious project that will use the talents of many in the Myst fan community to make a Cyan quality expansion for URU.

{{TOClimit}}

== Information ==
'''Backstory'''
A college intern named David, alledgedly connected to the DRC, writes several journals. He speculates about another, neither the DRC nor Yeesha. He also provides transcriptions of journals and writings with commentary from both Pre- and Post-Fall D'ni.

'''Ages'''
David's Journey will comprise of 5 Ages with an overarching storyline. The larger Ages include a burial Age for the wife of a D'ni poet and an illicit post-Fall D'ni fortress torn by strife.

'''Structure'''
To prevent spoilers from ruining the freshness and fun of the Ages for explorers, all people working on David's Journey must sign with their forum name a small non-disclosure agreement agreeing not to spoil plot and age details to the community.

The project will be headed by a five person Council to organize and direct the project.
Master of the Council - currently vacant - advises on overall organization, as well as settling any problems between departments

Master of Age Creation - ZapperJet - advises on the artistic style of the Ages, as well as organizing the Age Department

Master of Relations - currently vacant - manages public relations, releases of information, and legal

Master of Programming - ZangieF - organizes the technical department

Master of Plot - currently vacant - advises on the plot and storyline issues, as well as organizing the plot, writing, and (with the help of the Master of Age Creation) puzzle departments

The project will also include a team with various skills to work more in detail on journals, plot, modeling, programming, and other areas. These will be loosely organized into departments according to their skills (although people can work in multiple departments, or work on stuff for other departments, or so on).

== To Apply ==
David's Journey will be happy to bring you into the team. Currently, only Council positions and a limited number of conceptual positions (concept artists, music, etc.) are being filled. We have a need for leadership and some experienced Age creators (to help us decide what is practical).

Just PM '''Gehn, lord of ages''' with a filled out non-disclosure agreement and an explanation of what job you would fill. If you are applying for a Council position, please send or tell me of an example of your skill in the area you will supervise.

==== non-disclosure agreements ====
''Council Non Disclosure Agreement''

This is a non-disclosure agreement between the David's Journey Team, headed by Gehn, lord of ages, and the signer below. The signer understands that these measures are to keep spoilers and surprises from the general public and agrees to abide by these terms.

-The signer will not give any information about the plot, storyline, Ages, or puzzles in the Ages to anyone who has not signed an NDA and been approved by Gehn or the Council.

-The signer will not attempt to avoid this rule by showing, hinting, omitting, or in any other way giving away knowledge about the development.

-The signer may disclose information to a known Cyan employee on specifically stated Cyan business.

-This NDA does not cover; who is working on the project or general knowledge unless specifically noted as secret by the Council. These may be discussed freely.

-This NDA does not cover information on technical issues. David's Journey does not wish to hoard information on technical issues. The signer should be discreet and not mention specifics in puzzle, game, or Age design when discussing technical matters.

-If a need to break the NDA occurs, the signer must notify the Council or Gehn immediately.

NOTE - THESE LINES APPLY ONLY TO THE MoC AND MoR

-If nondisclosure of information will create a serious misunderstanding in the community, then the signer may give generic information about the purpose, progress, or position of the team.

THESE LINES APPLY ONLY TO THE MoR

-This NDA does not cover promotional materials.

Forum Name-
Current Date -

''Non-Council NDA''

This is a non-disclosure agreement between the David's Journey Team, headed by Gehn, lord of ages, and the signer below. The signer understands that these measures are to keep spoilers and surprises from the general public and agrees to abide by these terms. The signer understands that this NDA covers all inside information acquired regardless of whether the signer is retained for the project or not.

-The signer may not give any information on knowledge inferred from the project, nor on Council matters.

-The signer will not give any information about the plot, storyline, Ages, or puzzles in the Ages to anyone who has not signed an NDA and been approved by Gehn or the Council.

-The signer will not attempt to avoid this rule by showing, hinting, omitting, or in any other way giving away knowledge about the development.

-The signer may disclose information to a known Cyan employee on specifically stated Cyan business.

-This NDA does not cover; who is working on the project or general knowledge unless specifically noted as secret by the Council. These may be discussed freely.

-This NDA does not cover information on technical issues. David's Journey does not wish to hoard information on technical issues. The signer should be discreet and not mention specifics in puzzle, game, or Age design when discussing technical matters.

-If a need to break the NDA occurs, the signer must notify the Council or Gehn immediately.

Forum Name-
Current Date-

==Links==
David's Journey Public Forums[http://forums.openuru.org/viewforum.php?f=18]

Talk:Starting Point Debate

2009-01-29T16:44:51Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

Please consider giving this more scope and making it something like "Beginnings:<project name>" or "Origin Points:<project name>". Look at Marten's work on instancing as an example.

Um, what project name would it be? Perhaps "Beginnings - Debate"? I made it as a sort of hub page for all the Beginnings: Projects, so it's basically a summary of all arguments I could find and the potential problems that need to be solved. There should also be a KI hub and an Instancing hub, but I don't feel knowledgeable in those areas to make them.

Talk:David's Journey

2009-01-29T16:39:36Z

Gehn, lord of ages: Talk:David's Journey moved to Talk:Age Projects: David's Journey: making it more standard so all age projects are labeled somewhat the same

#REDIRECT [[Talk:Age Projects: David's Journey]]

Talk:Age Projects - David's Journey

2009-01-29T16:39:36Z

Gehn, lord of ages: Talk:David's Journey moved to Talk:Age Projects: David's Journey: making it more standard so all age projects are labeled somewhat the same

David's Journey

2009-01-29T16:39:36Z

Gehn, lord of ages: David's Journey moved to Age Projects: David's Journey: making it more standard so all age projects are labeled somewhat the same

#REDIRECT [[Age Projects: David's Journey]]

Age Projects - David's Journey

2009-01-29T16:39:36Z

Gehn, lord of ages: David's Journey moved to Age Projects: David's Journey: making it more standard so all age projects are labeled somewhat the same

David's Journey is a fan based multi Age expansion into the D'niverse, specifically into Open Source Uru Live. David's Journey is an ambitious project that will use the talents of many in the Myst fan community to make a Cyan quality expansion for URU.

== Information ==
'''Backstory'''
A college intern named David, alledgedly connected to the DRC, writes several journals. He speculates about another, neither the DRC nor Yeesha. He also provides transcriptions of journals and writings with commentary from both Pre- and Post-Fall D'ni.

'''Ages'''
David's Journey will comprise of 5 Ages with an overarching storyline. The larger Ages include a burial Age for the wife of a D'ni poet and an illicit post-Fall D'ni fortress torn by strife.

'''Structure'''
To prevent spoilers from ruining the freshness and fun of the Ages for explorers, all people working on David's Journey must sign with their forum name a small non-disclosure agreement agreeing not to spoil plot and age details to the community.

The project will be headed by a five person Council to organize and direct the project.
Master of the Council - currently vacant - advises on overall organization, as well as settling any problems between departments
Master of Age Creation - ZapperJet - advises on the artistic style of the Ages, as well as organizing the Age Department
Master of Relations - currently vacant - manages public relations, releases of information, and legal
Master of Programming - ZangieF - organizes the technical department
Master of Plot - currently vacant - advises on the plot and storyline issues, as well as organizing the plot, writing, and (with the help of the Master of Age Creation) puzzle departments

The project will also include a team with various skills to work more in detail on journals, plot, modeling, programming, and other areas. These will be loosely organized into departments according to their skills (although people can work in multiple departments, or work on stuff for other departments, or so on).

== To Apply ==
David's Journey will be happy to bring you into the team. Currently, only Council positions and a limited number of conceptual positions (concept artists, music, etc.) are being filled. We have a need for leadership and some experienced Age creators (to help us decide what is practical).

Just PM '''Gehn, lord of ages''' with a filled out non-disclosure agreement and an explanation of what job you would fill. If you are applying for a Council position, please send or tell me of an example of your skill in the area you will supervise.

== non-disclosure agreements ==
Council Non Disclosure Agreement

This is a non-disclosure agreement between the David's Journey Team, headed by Gehn, lord of ages, and the signer below. The signer understands that these measures are to keep spoilers and surprises from the general public and agrees to abide by these terms.

-The signer will not give any information about the plot, storyline, Ages, or puzzles in the Ages to anyone who has not signed an NDA and been approved by Gehn or the Council.

-The signer will not attempt to avoid this rule by showing, hinting, omitting, or in any other way giving away knowledge about the development.

-The signer may disclose information to a known Cyan employee on specifically stated Cyan business.

-This NDA does not cover; who is working on the project or general knowledge unless specifically noted as secret by the Council. These may be discussed freely.

-This NDA does not cover information on technical issues. David's Journey does not wish to hoard information on technical issues. The signer should be discreet and not mention specifics in puzzle, game, or Age design when discussing technical matters.

-If a need to break the NDA occurs, the signer must notify the Council or Gehn immediately.

NOTE - THESE LINES APPLY ONLY TO THE MoC AND MoR

-If nondisclosure of information will create a serious misunderstanding in the community, then the signer may give generic information about the purpose, progress, or position of the team.

THESE LINES APPLY ONLY TO THE MoR

-This NDA does not cover promotional materials.

Forum Name-
Current Date -

Non-Council NDA

This is a non-disclosure agreement between the David's Journey Team, headed by Gehn, lord of ages, and the signer below. The signer understands that these measures are to keep spoilers and surprises from the general public and agrees to abide by these terms. The signer understands that this NDA covers all inside information acquired regardless of whether the signer is retained for the project or not.

-The signer may not give any information on knowledge inferred from the project, nor on Council matters.

-The signer will not give any information about the plot, storyline, Ages, or puzzles in the Ages to anyone who has not signed an NDA and been approved by Gehn or the Council.

-The signer will not attempt to avoid this rule by showing, hinting, omitting, or in any other way giving away knowledge about the development.

-The signer may disclose information to a known Cyan employee on specifically stated Cyan business.

-This NDA does not cover; who is working on the project or general knowledge unless specifically noted as secret by the Council. These may be discussed freely.

-This NDA does not cover information on technical issues. David's Journey does not wish to hoard information on technical issues. The signer should be discreet and not mention specifics in puzzle, game, or Age design when discussing technical matters.

-If a need to break the NDA occurs, the signer must notify the Council or Gehn immediately.

Forum Name-
Current Date-

David's Journey Public Forums[http://forums.openuru.org/viewforum.php?f=18]

Talk:Age Projects - David's Journey

2009-01-29T16:38:36Z

Gehn, lord of ages:

Age Projects - David's Journey

2009-01-28T18:39:00Z

Gehn, lord of ages: David's Journey page - still quite unfinished, mostly a port of information from other spots

David's Journey is a fan based multi Age expansion into the D'niverse, specifically into Open Source Uru Live. David's Journey is an ambitious project that will use the talents of many in the Myst fan community to make a Cyan quality expansion for URU.

== Information ==
'''Backstory'''
A college intern named David, alledgedly connected to the DRC, writes several journals. He speculates about another, neither the DRC nor Yeesha. He also provides transcriptions of journals and writings with commentary from both Pre- and Post-Fall D'ni.

'''Ages'''
David's Journey will comprise of 5 Ages with an overarching storyline. The larger Ages include a burial Age for the wife of a D'ni poet and an illicit post-Fall D'ni fortress torn by strife.

'''Structure'''
To prevent spoilers from ruining the freshness and fun of the Ages for explorers, all people working on David's Journey must sign with their forum name a small non-disclosure agreement agreeing not to spoil plot and age details to the community.

The project will be headed by a five person Council to organize and direct the project.
Master of the Council - currently vacant - advises on overall organization, as well as settling any problems between departments
Master of Age Creation - ZapperJet - advises on the artistic style of the Ages, as well as organizing the Age Department
Master of Relations - currently vacant - manages public relations, releases of information, and legal
Master of Programming - ZangieF - organizes the technical department
Master of Plot - currently vacant - advises on the plot and storyline issues, as well as organizing the plot, writing, and (with the help of the Master of Age Creation) puzzle departments

The project will also include a team with various skills to work more in detail on journals, plot, modeling, programming, and other areas. These will be loosely organized into departments according to their skills (although people can work in multiple departments, or work on stuff for other departments, or so on).

== To Apply ==
David's Journey will be happy to bring you into the team. Currently, only Council positions and a limited number of conceptual positions (concept artists, music, etc.) are being filled. We have a need for leadership and some experienced Age creators (to help us decide what is practical).

Just PM '''Gehn, lord of ages''' with a filled out non-disclosure agreement and an explanation of what job you would fill. If you are applying for a Council position, please send or tell me of an example of your skill in the area you will supervise.

== non-disclosure agreements ==
Council Non Disclosure Agreement

This is a non-disclosure agreement between the David's Journey Team, headed by Gehn, lord of ages, and the signer below. The signer understands that these measures are to keep spoilers and surprises from the general public and agrees to abide by these terms.

-The signer will not give any information about the plot, storyline, Ages, or puzzles in the Ages to anyone who has not signed an NDA and been approved by Gehn or the Council.

-The signer will not attempt to avoid this rule by showing, hinting, omitting, or in any other way giving away knowledge about the development.

-The signer may disclose information to a known Cyan employee on specifically stated Cyan business.

-This NDA does not cover; who is working on the project or general knowledge unless specifically noted as secret by the Council. These may be discussed freely.

-This NDA does not cover information on technical issues. David's Journey does not wish to hoard information on technical issues. The signer should be discreet and not mention specifics in puzzle, game, or Age design when discussing technical matters.

-If a need to break the NDA occurs, the signer must notify the Council or Gehn immediately.

NOTE - THESE LINES APPLY ONLY TO THE MoC AND MoR

-If nondisclosure of information will create a serious misunderstanding in the community, then the signer may give generic information about the purpose, progress, or position of the team.

THESE LINES APPLY ONLY TO THE MoR

-This NDA does not cover promotional materials.

Forum Name-
Current Date -

Non-Council NDA

This is a non-disclosure agreement between the David's Journey Team, headed by Gehn, lord of ages, and the signer below. The signer understands that these measures are to keep spoilers and surprises from the general public and agrees to abide by these terms. The signer understands that this NDA covers all inside information acquired regardless of whether the signer is retained for the project or not.

-The signer may not give any information on knowledge inferred from the project, nor on Council matters.

-The signer will not give any information about the plot, storyline, Ages, or puzzles in the Ages to anyone who has not signed an NDA and been approved by Gehn or the Council.

-The signer will not attempt to avoid this rule by showing, hinting, omitting, or in any other way giving away knowledge about the development.

-The signer may disclose information to a known Cyan employee on specifically stated Cyan business.

-This NDA does not cover; who is working on the project or general knowledge unless specifically noted as secret by the Council. These may be discussed freely.

-This NDA does not cover information on technical issues. David's Journey does not wish to hoard information on technical issues. The signer should be discreet and not mention specifics in puzzle, game, or Age design when discussing technical matters.

-If a need to break the NDA occurs, the signer must notify the Council or Gehn immediately.

Forum Name-
Current Date-

David's Journey Public Forums[http://forums.openuru.org/viewforum.php?f=18]

Starting Point Debate

2009-01-28T17:47:56Z

Gehn, lord of ages: a hopefully minimally biased look at the cleft v. relto debate - also allows links to everyone's ideas. NEEDS MORE LINKS.

== Background ==
In the offline version of URU, and in some early Beta tests, a new player would start in the Cleft - the New Mexico Desert. They would then complete Yeesha's Journey in the Cleft to obtain a Relto linking book so they could visit other Ages and meet with other people. In Myst Online Uru Live, the starting point was changed to Relto - presumably to make it easier for new players to get to populated areas. With the announcement of Open Source Uru Live, many people have debated whether the starting place should be returned to the Cleft.

It is important to note here that on the MOUL developer's page ( [http://mystonline.com/developers] ), it was announced that the 3D models and textures - the Age data - would not be released under the same open source code as the rest of OSUL. This might prohibit changes to Cyan created areas.

== Arguments for the Cleft ==

The Cleft is considered a more logical place to start. Starting at Relto loses the backstory - how you got your Relto book and got there. Furthermore, many people saw the Cleft as an ideal practice Age that got new explorer's used to the interface. Finally, many people have argued that the transition from normal Earth to the Uru Ages was part of the mystique of Uru, and that starting in Relto ruins the beginning feel.

== Arguments for Relto ==

Relto is considered the easier place to start. Many people reported confusion or frustration in starting in the Cleft. It is also worried that the Cleft is single-player , which might turn away new players (who believe the game to be unpopulated). Relto allows new explorers to quickly get to populated areas where the game can be explained for them. Also, many older explorers do not want to have to "hassle with the Cleft" before getting into the game.

== Proposed Solutions ==
(please put links to your proposals [or other people's] here)

Various people have suggested a Public Cleft - making people start immediately in a populated area. Tweek's plan [http://uru.grey-skies.net/the-cleft-descent]is one such proposal.

Another suggestion is a menu at the beginning asking "alone or together". Alone would start you in Relto, while Together would start you in the Cleft (although some derivatives would start you in other populated areas).

Some people suggest putting another area, such as a small town, near the Cleft. While the Cleft, in most cases, would remain single player, this area would be populated and would have information on your choices.

Some people have suggested multiple ways to get a Relto book - including open boxes or secret switches to the journey door - that would allow frustrated newbies or impatient older players to get out of the Cleft early.

See these topics (please put more links here)
[http://mystonline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15814&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0]