When next in game, type EXP LORE ALL. You'll notice a new skill, Astrology, on the list.
<gasp!> It can not be! How can this be!?
This is stage one of a process that will introduce this as a fully functioning Moon Mage only skill. I'll leave your imaginations and leaps of logic to determine all the potential the Astrology skill has for the guild. We're on the edge of some very exciting times for the guild in development. :)
As development continues, we'll be posting more information on what you can expect in terms of grandfathering, potential requirements, what will teach it, if it's teachable, etc. Stay tuned and let's not get too crazy with the guesses and speculations. All will be revealed in due course.
Rigby
DR-RIGBY
DR-RIGBY
Astrology: It's What's For Dinner
05/07/2001 05:54 PM CDT
Greetings,
As previously announced, the Moon Mage guild is receiving a new a Lore skill named Astrology. We're moving into stage II of the Astrology release (as well as some other exciting projects), so it's time to explain our plans and what this skill means for the guild.
Q: So what do you really mean by Astrology?
A: Astrology and astronomy in real life are distinctly separate topics. In Elanthia, this doesn't hold true. Our characters live in a world where technology is nearly as high as our real world; in technology's place, we have magic and mystical abilities of all kinds. Thus, it is reasonable to combine both Astronomy and Astrology as one thing -- all things stellar and heavenly fall under the Astrology heading, whether they be a Moon Mage's perception of orbital mechanics or foretelling the future due to birthdate or any other esoteric means. Astrology is both mysticism and science for our characters, thus the skill is born.
Q: What will Astrology be used for?
A: There are lots of options to explore in this regard. Obviously, Astrology will play a strong role in prediction, but we're not limited to just this -- magic and even enchanting can potentially use Astrology. We have other more esoteric plans, but at this time, we're not ready to discuss them. Our goal is to make Astrology an integral yet natural part of the typical Moon Mage's life.
Q: Ok, what's all this grandfathering bit about?
A: The Astrology skill will indeed by grandfathered -- by typing PREDICT GRANDFATHER in game, you'll be given your ranks of the skill based on the circle you currently are. This is a one time only grandfathering.
Q: Whoa, by circle!? What about the prediction counter that Caymus told us about!?
A: We're still using the prediction counter, but since Astrology is going to be used for MORE than just prediction, we're basing the skill itself off of circle alone. Your counter will still continue to count towards prediction ability -- consider it what we call "phantom ranks," but you won't actually see this usage until the new prediction comes closer to release. In other words, you'll be better at prediction because of the counter if you've predicted a lot, but the non-prediction aspects will not be affected by the counter. This may seem counter intuitive at this time, but it will all make sense in short order.
Q: So will Astrology be a requirement of some kind?
A: Astrology will eventually be a requirement and it will eventually count towards overall Lore averages. At this time, it will not do either of these, but we will inform you in advance when this changes.
Q: Huh? Well, uh, why do we need it grandfathered right now?
A: No comment for now, but suffice to say that those ranks will be very important for something in the very near future which makes it necessary to allow you the option to grandfather now. :)
Q: Ok, when is this going to be available?
A: The PREDICT GRANDFATHER function will go live in Plat first Wednesday, then in Live on Friday.
Q: So if I get my grandfathered ranks of Astrology now, then later on circle a few times, won't that mean I'll have ranks to make up when Astrology becomes a requirement?
A: This is correct -- in this scenario you will have to make up ranks. If you are a Moon Mage who doesn't like to predict, first off... shame on you. Second, you can choose not to type PREDICT GRANDFATHER and simply wait until it does become a requirement to get your grandfathered ranks -- after which, you'll need to learn Astrology normally to circle.
Q: Wow, will it be teachable so I can make up those ranks?
A: It will be teachable from Moon Mage to Moon Mage only. This will most likely be implemented before the skill is a requirement.
Q: Will we get TDPs (time development points) for these ranks?
A: No, but that's what we felt was an acceptable price to pay for being grandfathered at all (in addition to the above caveat involving circling and grandfathering if you choose your ranks now).
Q: Ok, so how do I learn this Astrology skill?
A: Currently... You can't, however that will be changing before Simucon (June) as Moon Mages gain a means to learn and use this skill. As time goes on, we will be implementing multiple ways to learn Astrology. To no one's surprise, prediction will eventually teach this skill.
Q: Did you guys intend to make this both scary and exciting?
A: We're evil. What can we say? In all seriousness, we understand that this release is a little odd, and may not make much sense at this point. All will be revealed in due course, and we ask you give us the benefit of the doubt. We're not looking to tank the guild. ;)
Rigby, Tribanin, Khario
As previously announced, the Moon Mage guild is receiving a new a Lore skill named Astrology. We're moving into stage II of the Astrology release (as well as some other exciting projects), so it's time to explain our plans and what this skill means for the guild.
Q: So what do you really mean by Astrology?
A: Astrology and astronomy in real life are distinctly separate topics. In Elanthia, this doesn't hold true. Our characters live in a world where technology is nearly as high as our real world; in technology's place, we have magic and mystical abilities of all kinds. Thus, it is reasonable to combine both Astronomy and Astrology as one thing -- all things stellar and heavenly fall under the Astrology heading, whether they be a Moon Mage's perception of orbital mechanics or foretelling the future due to birthdate or any other esoteric means. Astrology is both mysticism and science for our characters, thus the skill is born.
Q: What will Astrology be used for?
A: There are lots of options to explore in this regard. Obviously, Astrology will play a strong role in prediction, but we're not limited to just this -- magic and even enchanting can potentially use Astrology. We have other more esoteric plans, but at this time, we're not ready to discuss them. Our goal is to make Astrology an integral yet natural part of the typical Moon Mage's life.
Q: Ok, what's all this grandfathering bit about?
A: The Astrology skill will indeed by grandfathered -- by typing PREDICT GRANDFATHER in game, you'll be given your ranks of the skill based on the circle you currently are. This is a one time only grandfathering.
Q: Whoa, by circle!? What about the prediction counter that Caymus told us about!?
A: We're still using the prediction counter, but since Astrology is going to be used for MORE than just prediction, we're basing the skill itself off of circle alone. Your counter will still continue to count towards prediction ability -- consider it what we call "phantom ranks," but you won't actually see this usage until the new prediction comes closer to release. In other words, you'll be better at prediction because of the counter if you've predicted a lot, but the non-prediction aspects will not be affected by the counter. This may seem counter intuitive at this time, but it will all make sense in short order.
Q: So will Astrology be a requirement of some kind?
A: Astrology will eventually be a requirement and it will eventually count towards overall Lore averages. At this time, it will not do either of these, but we will inform you in advance when this changes.
Q: Huh? Well, uh, why do we need it grandfathered right now?
A: No comment for now, but suffice to say that those ranks will be very important for something in the very near future which makes it necessary to allow you the option to grandfather now. :)
Q: Ok, when is this going to be available?
A: The PREDICT GRANDFATHER function will go live in Plat first Wednesday, then in Live on Friday.
Q: So if I get my grandfathered ranks of Astrology now, then later on circle a few times, won't that mean I'll have ranks to make up when Astrology becomes a requirement?
A: This is correct -- in this scenario you will have to make up ranks. If you are a Moon Mage who doesn't like to predict, first off... shame on you. Second, you can choose not to type PREDICT GRANDFATHER and simply wait until it does become a requirement to get your grandfathered ranks -- after which, you'll need to learn Astrology normally to circle.
Q: Wow, will it be teachable so I can make up those ranks?
A: It will be teachable from Moon Mage to Moon Mage only. This will most likely be implemented before the skill is a requirement.
Q: Will we get TDPs (time development points) for these ranks?
A: No, but that's what we felt was an acceptable price to pay for being grandfathered at all (in addition to the above caveat involving circling and grandfathering if you choose your ranks now).
Q: Ok, so how do I learn this Astrology skill?
A: Currently... You can't, however that will be changing before Simucon (June) as Moon Mages gain a means to learn and use this skill. As time goes on, we will be implementing multiple ways to learn Astrology. To no one's surprise, prediction will eventually teach this skill.
Q: Did you guys intend to make this both scary and exciting?
A: We're evil. What can we say? In all seriousness, we understand that this release is a little odd, and may not make much sense at this point. All will be revealed in due course, and we ask you give us the benefit of the doubt. We're not looking to tank the guild. ;)
Rigby, Tribanin, Khario
DR-RIGBY
Astrology Grandfathering: It's What's For Dessert
05/11/2001 11:12 AM CDT
The aforementioned astrology grandfathering is now live. Please type PREDICT USAGE for syntax.
Remember that this is your choice. You do not have to choose to grandfather at this time, and you can opt to wait until there are means to learn the skill. Astrology grandfathering will be necessary and helpful for future releases, thus it must be in place now. If you choose to grandfather at this time, you will be granted ranks based on circle. Currently...
Astrology ranks do not count toward overall lore.
There is no Astrology requirement, but eventually there WILL be.
There is no way to learn Astrology in game, though this will change quite soon.
Rigby
Remember that this is your choice. You do not have to choose to grandfather at this time, and you can opt to wait until there are means to learn the skill. Astrology grandfathering will be necessary and helpful for future releases, thus it must be in place now. If you choose to grandfather at this time, you will be granted ranks based on circle. Currently...
Astrology ranks do not count toward overall lore.
There is no Astrology requirement, but eventually there WILL be.
There is no way to learn Astrology in game, though this will change quite soon.
Rigby
DR-KHARIO
Astrology lore now learnable though predictions.
05/27/2001 05:10 PM CDT
And on a related note, predictions also teaches astrology lore experience.
GM Khario
GM Khario
DR-RIGBY
Astrology Requirement
12/01/2001 12:05 PM CST
Greets,
Pending hammering out a few details between Tribanin and myself, the astrology requirement will be going live sometime next Friday, December 7th.
At the same time, astrology ranks will count toward overall lore. As you should have predicted, no free rides, so overall lore will be increased slightly to compensate. ;)
There will also be some slight adjustment of the Perception and Power Perception requirements, but these are unlikely to impact anyone except those who completely neglected those skills at higher levels.
Rigby
Pending hammering out a few details between Tribanin and myself, the astrology requirement will be going live sometime next Friday, December 7th.
At the same time, astrology ranks will count toward overall lore. As you should have predicted, no free rides, so overall lore will be increased slightly to compensate. ;)
There will also be some slight adjustment of the Perception and Power Perception requirements, but these are unlikely to impact anyone except those who completely neglected those skills at higher levels.
Rigby
DR-TRIBANIN
Astrology and overall Lore req changes
12/08/2001 09:00 PM CST
Greetings everyone,
Though a day late in coming, the changes to the required skill totals for Astrology and Overall Lore are now live and in game.
While I know most if not all of you would have preferred no change, I think you'll find the actual increase is very small in comparison to what was being envisioned on the boards. Those of low circle shouldn't expect to see much of a change if any, and the rest will notice a slight increase - of course, as with any change the higher your circle, the more you'll need, but the break down is actually pretty small.
If you haven't grandfathered the Astrology ranks yet - better not wait too much longer. You won't be able to circle if you haven't unless you decided to make up what you would have been given on your own, and you sure don't want to get caught without those ranks if and when the grandfathering option is removed.
As with anything, we are monitoring how things are going and will adjust if necessary. If anything seems off kilter or buggy, be sure to post it in the appropriate folders constructively so we can look into it.
<preps Rf and anti-vegetable shield and makes a run for it>
Trib
Though a day late in coming, the changes to the required skill totals for Astrology and Overall Lore are now live and in game.
While I know most if not all of you would have preferred no change, I think you'll find the actual increase is very small in comparison to what was being envisioned on the boards. Those of low circle shouldn't expect to see much of a change if any, and the rest will notice a slight increase - of course, as with any change the higher your circle, the more you'll need, but the break down is actually pretty small.
If you haven't grandfathered the Astrology ranks yet - better not wait too much longer. You won't be able to circle if you haven't unless you decided to make up what you would have been given on your own, and you sure don't want to get caught without those ranks if and when the grandfathering option is removed.
As with anything, we are monitoring how things are going and will adjust if necessary. If anything seems off kilter or buggy, be sure to post it in the appropriate folders constructively so we can look into it.
<preps Rf and anti-vegetable shield and makes a run for it>
Trib
DR-TRIBANIN
Astrology Ranks and the New Mage
01/01/2002 06:33 PM CST
Since someone brought this up a day or two (or was it three?) ago and I happened to be poking around in the script, I just wanted to let everyone know that now when a new mage joins the guild, they will not be forced to Grandfather the first two ranks of Astrology. They will be learned in the same manner that all given starting skills are learned for first circle.
Trib
Trib
