General Announcements Thread

[Mikey]

Five days in, you guys are doing excellent!

The amount of writing and plot developments are staggering for just five days. For those of you that are going out of their way to cross-kingdom Rp and develop a plot, I commend you, for that is exactly what I wished when this site opened.

To note something before I start, if you are bored and want to help the site-- you may do any of these two things. You can create battle maps for the site's usage: found in the battle rules thread, the software is quite easy to use, I'll even give you 50 gold for an acceptable battle map. And you can advertise. I have re-opened Adam's membership campaign from Season One, so if you have a friend you can egg onto the site--you can get some type of reward for your effort.

Now onto some issues I need to address.

Some of you are asking where the battles are at, after all this is a 3k site. I understand your concern. But on this 3k site, battles take a back seat to the actual writing being done as it is right now. That said, I don't choose when battles occur. I started out everyone at peace so they could make commitments to their characters, I knew starting off the site with a battle would be incredibly risky--so I didn't do it. I won't be doing any set battles or NPC battles at all. Full stop right there. It is all Player vs Player battles on this site.

I may hand out casus belli when the occasion occurs, but that does not mean war is instantly declared. A casus belli is merely the prerequisite for war. Rulers choose when to go to war, and as I suspect, I hope everyone will have a say in their strategies in the war council.

Because I deliberately started off everyone with around 500 troops: war isn't smart at the moment. I personally don't want war within the first few weeks of the site. (But if some people insist...)

I fully expect people to come and complain at me with things like: "We didn't get enough troops to start!", or "We can only get peasants? This is idiotic." Sure, it may not make perfect sense within your world, but how the kingdoms are set up currently, everyone starts off fairly. I expect the rulers to participate in plots in order for their reputation to increase so that they can get the higher level troops. Is that too much to ask for? The city income now, that I will admit, Wei did have immense resources at their disposal. I can't start out all the kingdoms equally on that.

It has also come to my understanding that upon itching for some action: Sima Yi and Ma Chao started a Rp-driven skirmish between each other. And even though this is blatantly breaking the rule: "No belligerent actions upon a peaceful country", I don't care, and I find the rp-driven skirmish intriguing. And after all, I understand action can be hard to find in a world where Shu, Wei, and Wu are at peace for the moment. So for their sake, I will edit that rule this very moment so that the skirmish raises no trouble--I'm enjoying reading it.

Some people also raised-the-effing-roof around this mysterious 'Luck' stat. Because of the nature of its mechanism, I didn't reveal it at first. But then I decided: what's the point? To start, stats on this site are FOR RP CONSIDERATION. Their actual impact on the 'game' aspect is somewhat negligible.

I've went out of my way to provide something a little more creative than the: War/Tac/Sta/Pol/Cha stats some of us are so -"jesus christ not those things!"- used to. So for my sake, they're staying in the rules. And since I'm all for keeping "SPECIAL" still a word, Luck will remain as well.

So here is it, my original intention for 'Luck' was to have it have an affect on everything basically: it slightly modified the amount of troops lost, it slightly affected how much reputation was gained, it slightly affected how much gold a person received for raids/rewards; it was a minute modifier for mostly anything and everything.

But as previously stated, STATS ARE FOR RP CONSIDERATION. As I suspect people will instantly groan about the original mechanism of Luck, I will say right now: I've thrown it out. No stat now contributes to the amount of troops lost or the rewards given. It is your pure writing ability that earns you anything--that seems fairest, especially since half of you have already neglected Luck to a mere one--I can understand why, and I don't request any of you change your stats.

After all, they don't affect the game, they are merely for RP CONSIDERATION. I don't tire of saying that, nor will I.

Payday is tommorrow (or right now, it's midnight for me. ), and I'm sure you're all just giddy about what your purchases' will be. Well as a gift from me to you, for all your hard work these important initial five days, you all are entitled to an extra 500 gold, just mention claiming "Mikey's Bonus" in the collection thread. If you've read this message to its ending, you deserve it.

Keep up the good work gang.

- Cheers,

Mikey, Head Admin.

[Mikey]

A very important Chapter has been added to the site rules, I hold it imperative that every reads it. It is a criteria for how I will be rewarding threads from now on, and a short guide on how to write properly.

For right now, the only two people who are authorized to reward threads/subplots are Adam and Myself (Mikey).

I'm currently reading some interesting subplots developing on the site and I encourage you guys to stick with them. Someone asked, "Is it alright if I post in the other lands without NPC interaction?" I wholeheartedly wish that you post in the other lands without me rping an NPC! Those boards are there for you guys to get creative with it, and for subplots to possibly branch out of China. They may not be able to be invaded but they certainly can become the site of an interesting subplot. (Do I sense Zhang Liao and SSX fleeing to Goguryeo because of their forbidden love?! )

Anyway, thanks for all your guys' writing, and remember to advertise often!

- Mikey, Head Admin.

[Storyteller]

Hey Everyone,

Hope you've had an amazing 4th weekend. I was pretty busy--I still am.

Basically I just wanted to say that Subplots no longer require admin approval. Simply start a thread that you know will be multiple threads in length with the signature [Subplot] in the title.

The subplot-admin approval thing was an old idea from Season One, and since I got rid of task threads, it isn't required anymore. Now, subplots that I find exceptionally well-written and interesting will be featured in the old subplot thread. There isn't a reward other than recognition--sorry.

Even if you make a subplot, you aren't guaranteed tier 5 rewards. You even still could get tier 1s. Quality is definitely noticeable, regardless how many threads in length a plot takes. And please, don't try to find loopholes in the system, it's against the rules and I won't tolerate it. This is a writing site first and foremost, the actual game is background noise to me.

Thankfully, I arranged for a substitute Shu Ruler in Gong's absence. Steve, one of the three original creators of the site, stepped up and offered to rule Shu and I accepted. Steve's a great writer and he promised me he'll try to be active. So I'm happy to see that Shu will have a leader again.

Anyway, thanks guys for sticking with me,

Mikey, Head Admin.

[Storyteller]

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to say that Steve recently rejoined the administration as an, well administrator. This means that he's now the only other person who can reward threads, he'll also be called upon to sometimes mod battles, approve characters, change the color of people's names, and other goodies. He can even edit the coding up there if you bug him enough!

Unfortunately, due to Brent's absence I've had to demote him from G-mod position. Meaning that I now have 2 empty G-mod seats. The role of G-moderator will be responsible for rewarding threads using the Reward Rubric, moderating battles, and approving characters, for the most part. The application for this role can be found in another thread.

The upcoming battle, the first battle of the site, is still very much an experiment for me since I'm using software I've had to learn pretty much with no prior experience. Monty will be helping me moderate the map during engagements on the field to make sure confusion is at a minimum. Remember that these battles are supposed to be fun and I'm really trying my best to set them up in a way that is most enjoyable, and form a template that can easily be repeated and reused for the rest of the battles on the site.

Thanks guys,

Mikey, Head Admin.

Edit: Norion has also been authorized to reward threads.

[Storyteller]

Hey everybody!

Azza (Ming Mi) has just been promoted to G-mod, despite his new-ness he had a wonderful application and I think he'll be a great addition to the staff.

- Mikey

[Mikey]

Hey everyone, it's payday! Yahhh!

Well I covered most of what I wanted to in the newsletter, so to also talk about other things:

Azza left the administration on his own accord, this once again leaves us with no G-mods. So I'm still taking applications. I'll be updating the staff application thread so that their duties are better lined out.

Since we no longer have a Shu ruler, Zhuge Liang will take over a ruler's responsibilities in the absence. However, Zhuge Liang is not a permanent solution and I'm still trying to find someone to replace the ruler of Shu. I'm confident that this issue will be resolved soon.

Adam, mostly due to the recent incident in the staff board, has rejoined the administration to help set things straight. And once Steve's wedding is over, he has also decided to help by admining. I'm very grateful to the other two original creators of the site!

Blaine is on a hiatus due to personal issues, he assures me that he'll be back as soon as possible however. His character, Zhao Yun, is reserved for him.

Enjoy your payday and remember to vote for spotlights! We have some really amazing threads this month.

- Mikey

[Adam]

A reminder to everyone that spotlight nominations should be pmed to the admin account, where Mikey will total them up and realise the results come the new month. It's great to have your potential noticed, so please take the time out to give a nice boost, however small it may seem, and PM Mikey via the storyteller account.

Thanks,
-Ad

[Mikey]

Hey everyone!

So due to some unforeseen circumstances (specifically Gong's trip to China, and the subsequent inactivity of every single Shu officer except Ryan), the staff has made a decision to start the new Liu Bei (Aaron) off at 100 Rep so he has a chance to catch up with the other rulers. And since Shu has the weakest and smallest kingdom army of the three thus far, the staff thought it fair since Liu Bei really should have above 100 Rep by now. Providing Shu with the opportunity to buy Tier Two Troops.

And since the same circumstance left Shu with the smallest, weakest, and least developed Kingdom Army, in a dire situation, the staff may feel it necessary to provide Shu with a small buffer army (2,500 Tier Two troops is that current number) so that Shu Forces, whilst not necessarily being able to go toe-to-toe with enemy forces, can at least put up a fair fight against all odds.

All in all, we sincerely thank Aaron for providing the site with an active Liu Bei again!

- Mikey, Admin.

[Mikey]

Hey everyone!

As I've said, these initial battles were mostly experimental, and instead of changing rules mid-battle, I'm going to be editing rules post-battles to address things that have been brought up.

One thing, however, that I will say. Is that battles follow a fluid storyline structure. Meaning, rps with other character outside of battle can simply be stated as being 'before' or even 'slightly after' the battle actually occurred. I would hate for people to be caught up in a slow-moving battle due to someone not posting and be unable to post with someone outside of the battle.

For the sake of fairness, however, a person cannot take place in two battles at once.

All of this and more will be edited into battles rules at another time. Limits will probably return in some way, I'd prefer skirmishes to be just that, skirmished with probably a maximum of 3,000 men. Larger battles will probably be allowed during other circumstances, like sieges.

Some of you may notice that our staff box is now nearly empty, with the only real staff members are Nick and myself. I'd hate for the site to stagnate just because of the time I don't have anymore to dedicate to this site. Specifically, I need at least two G-mods and one Battle-Mod.

If you wish to help out and keep the site at 100% functionality, please apply soon. (Application can be found here.)

Spotlights voting will wrap up within the week so remember to vote!

- Mikey, admin.

[Mikey]

Both current battles have been stopped. Within the site story line, they never happened in the first place. I'd rather everyone enjoys their writing rather than killing themselves over a battle. Expect a newsletter soon concerning updates.

- Mikey

[Storyteller]

Hey everyone! I just wanted to give a general site update just to let you get a clue on what the staff has been talking about:

- Cassus Belli are removed.
- Peace & War mechanism is removed.
- Battle Rules under re-construction.
- Deployment added to Kingdom Information.
- Kingdom Troops are removed.
- Cumulative City pay is removed. (Rulers may keep their current gold, but the Kingdom Market is now closed.)
- 'Clan' Mechanism is removed, replaced with just rping Rebellions.
- Raiding is now treated like normal rp threads, must be rped like a subplot to garner rewards.
- Titles (such as 'Duke', 'Marquis') and a 'Prestige' (Overall, respect.) stat is being discussed.
- Troop Loss 'Formulas' are removed from the site.

All in all, we're going to be reconstructing the way battles work and focusing much more on a storytelling-propelled site rather then waiting for countries to attack each other. The staff is still discussing but we're looking at pre-determined battles with troop numbers given out. The battle moderator will state the outcome of the battle, and two sides will roleplay the battle out accordingly, with an emphasis on making the entire thing as entertaining as possible for maximum rewards. The battle thread will just be treated as another rp thread. Winning is not the goal! Good storytelling is!

Stay tuned for the final word on things.

- Mikey

[Sam]

Just a general update on the status of the site.

The Battle system has been reworked after the complaints as well as general moaning the administration has faced, with the lack-luster success of the original battle scheme. Battles have been entirely modified, taking away both stress for player and moderators alike.

The site, as it was originally intented, is a writing site, a step-forward for our community. Battles are an integral part of a Three Kingdoms site, and have not been phased out entirely, but are now for story purposes rather than just general spite.

There have been nay sayers of course, as there is with all change, but give the new system a chance and find fun in the game as has been stated. It's not about winning, it's about writing, making a good, compelling story and having fun in doing so.

We hope you understand, this is a move contemplated on for a while, and finally put into motion with the recent problems with battles. Now members are expected to communicate and work together whatever their faction to create a great story with battles.

With the new battle system, kingdom troops have also outlived their usefulness and you'll see why by reading the rules of the new battle system.

You'll find all you need to know in the Rules section of the site. Stay tuned for further updates.

- Sam

[Mikey]

Hello everyone!

I know I never announced officially but you have all probably figured out that Season Two has ended. Did it prematurely ended? Definetely not. The time we spent this summer on this site granted us with some of the greatest plotlines we've seen in our community, it was a great pleasure to admin for all of you and provide this site for another run. While it lasted it was a lot of fun, tense, and heart-breaking moments but it was worth it.

My personal goal was to give everyone a summer rp and that was what I provided, thanks to everyone who made Season Two a great experience. I especially like to thank all of my staff, who went beyond and above my expectations to run the site.

I do not have any plans as of now to re-open New Era for a Season Three nor to admin any other sites. If you want a place to stay I refer to Sam's mass e-mail from Sanguo listing a few other sites that you may visit. This place will remain open if anyone wishes to free-rp for giggles, and for archive purposes.

As for me, I'll be floating around and be on my MSN periodically.

See you online,

Mikey

[Storyteller]

Hey everyone,

Due to some very blatant plagiarism of this site, some areas have been blocked to everyone but staff. If you want to use something from this site, please directly contact me.

Mikey