This is the log of the ninth Warriors’ Meeting held August 22, 1998 at 3:00 p.m. EST.

[Kuromaku's Dojo]

Diffuse light streams in through the ricepaper shoji screens which enclose this large room. Thick cotton-wrapped tatami mats cover the polished pine floor. Wooden weapon racks are set against the walls filled with assorted weapons, both rattan and metal. You also see the Exttior disk, a heavy mithril-bound hatch, a sliding screen, an elegant freestanding bamboo cage and a low pine table with some stuff on it.

Also in the room: Lord Ravinold (seated), Lord Hearthunter, Lord Ktank (seated), Lord Marcqus, Lord Exttior (seated), Lord Valakhan, Lord Dracoblood (seated), Lord Pyranth (seated), Lady Lauranathalasa (seated), Lord Durath (seated), Lord Wyseth (seated), GameMaster Lord Kuromaku (seated)

Obvious exits: none.

You see Lord Kuromaku Hikoemon the Giantman Warrior.
He appears to be in his 110's, has short, straight black hair, dark eyes, and black skin.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a dark silk shirt, an ancient enruned urnon key, a crafter's apron, a jade-inlaid sheath, some dark trousers, a dark silk satchel, and a blackened mesh belt.

Kuromaku says, "OK. Shaddap or get bound and gagged for the duration of the meeting. Rules for those of you who don't know them. While I'm speaking, you're not. While one of you is speaking, the rest of you are quiet and respectful. If you have something to say or add, raise your hand, I will get to you in turn. During the meeting, please do not fidget. Unnecessary actions make it hard to edit. Lord Hyoko has graciously agreed to keep notes of these meetings. If you'd like a copy of the previous 8, please speak to him, if he's so willing. We are out of character here. There's no point in remaining in character, as we're discussing mechanics and the like. Lord Dracoblood also graciously posts the logs on his website, if you choose to find them there. And aside from my thanks, they both volunteer to do this, and don't get paid in any form or fashion. So all of you who think otherwise can go take a hike."

Dracoblood says, "www.attventure.com/draco/forums.htm if anyone needs them."

Titaniia appears in a flash of light, looking slightly disoriented.

Kuromaku says, "Thank you Dracoblood. OK, agenda for the day: As usual, what I did in the previous 2 weeks, then general news, then our topic for the evening. Tonight, we're covering ONE topic because it's a decently sized one. The topic in question is Guild structure and hierarchy. In other words, how we put the power of the Guild back into your hands and out of mine. OK, what I did in the last 2 weeks. You've all read the NEWS, I trust. I spent a great deal of time working on the Rogue Guild, so if you can't get into a place because you're the wrong age, class, race, type, or some other factor, blame me. Any questions so far?"

Ktank says, "I was under the impression that Giacomo was over all Guilds, and you were over the Warriors’ Guild."

Kuromaku says, "He is. Each Guild's hierarchy will be impacted by the Guru of the class in question. I also report to Giacomo. He's my supervisor. So I'm also on the Guild Team."

Marcqus asks, "There is a Rogues’ Guild now?"

Kuromaku says, "No. I'm building it with a lot of other people."

Exttior asks, "Future possiblity of adding more skills?"

Kuromaku says, "Yes, but not until all the other Guilds are finished. OK, joke of the week. Wrote it this morning, during a long boring shift."

Kuromaku recites:

"AND...the top ten things to say to a cleric to insult him!
10. Hey, are you an empath?"
9. You call that an offensive spell?"
8. Lemme guess...you WoL wizards for money."
7. What's a cleric hunt, anyway?"
6. Can you bless this? Seeing as you can't hit it anyway?"
5. I can't wait to fog blind, just like you!"
4. Repel? Yeah, you're ugly, but..."
3. So, aside from being a rezz scroll and a glowing vial, what do you do?"
2. How the heck do you serve Luukos and raise the dead?"

>Kuromaku recites:

"And the number one thing to say to a cleric to piss him off is:"

1. Go away, I'm not dead."

(Much applause here.)

Kuromaku says, "Thank you, thank you. Anyway, back to the meeting at hand. General questions? Don't everybody speak at once."

Marcqus asks, "how many ranks to become a general?"

Kuromaku says, "We'll get to that. Sorta."

Yarx appears in a flash of light, looking slightly disoriented.

Ravinold asks, "Any word on the DEFEND verb or DF Adder?"

Kuromaku says, "No, and no. I did have a decent suggestion on how to avoid abuse of the DEFEND verb, however. The suggestion was made that the age differential between the Defender and the Defendee be somehow related to the chance of success in defense. Which made a lot of sense to me. A 30-training warrior defending a 10-training wizard would have a tougher time than if he or she were defending a 30-training wizard. Why, you ask? My logic was that the 10-training wizard doesn't know enough about combat to take advantage of using a warrior as a shield. The wizard is jumping around, not positioning him or herself appropriately. In the reverse scenario, the same thing applies. The warrior just doesn't know how to give the wizard the "right of way" in combat. So his chances are worse. Lastly, in order to curb abuse, it was suggested that a maximum experience cap be placed on any creature defeated by a defended player. So overhunting will gain you no more than hunting at your level, or slightly above it, thus removing the primary reason for abuse. This should enable younger players to hunt with older players hunting older creatures, gaining the fun and excitement of doing so without being abusive."

Titaniia says, "Speakin of defend, has it been considered that you might take away a person's ability to attack while defended? It would take away functionality as a hunting verb, but leave it for RP reasons. I could still defend that kobold child in TSW."

Kuromaku says, "I would rather not do it. The purpose is to encourage group hunting. It is possible that we may provide a bonus for defending stunned or somehow incapacitated players."

Valakhan asks, "Would CM training in the defended player help his chances of using the older warrior as a shield?"

Kuromaku says, "I hadn't even thought of making it skill based, to be honest. I'll consider it, now that you've brought it up."

Exttior asks, "When ya say bonus, do you mean experience for gettin hit for someones?"

Kuromaku says, "No, not as such. A team of a warrior and a cleric go hunting. Assume the same level, for now. They hunt a critter of the same level. The cleric does all the swinging, the warrior all the defending. By my reckoning, the warrior's earned himself some learning. Probably not as much as the cleric, but certainly some."

Ktank asks, "Can ye attack and defend at the same time?"

Kuromaku says, "No. Defending a person will provide RT. You can't swing in RT."

Ktank asks, "So you are trying to slant things toward group hunts?"

Kuromaku says, "Yes. Undeniably so."

Ktank asks, "May I make a suggestion?"

Kuromaku says, "That's why you're here."

Ktank says, "For instance, if six folks attacked a single creature, iit could only face two, maybe three from the front. The rest would be behind and round it, thus nullifying its shield. Lower the creature’s defense with a large group."

Kuromaku says, "Engagement is a bad topic. I agree with the concept, and I would love to see it happen. I'm not holding my breath. Implying engagement in melee is at the root of a lot of issues, but one that probably won't be settled today."

Lauranathalasa asks, "How about if the warrior is 10 traings older then this group-hunting-critter and the cleric is the same age. Since the warrior is defending still would he/she learn?"

Ankhan appears in a flash of light, looking slightly disoriented.

Kuromaku says, "Nope. If you can't learn from a creature, you can't learn. OK, let's close this up. Anything else? OK, Guild stuff. Giacomo and I have discussed Guild Hierarchy, and we've come up with a few things that you may or may not like. There's quite a few of 'em, so sit tight and hear 'em all before you react. First, we'd like to put a finite limit on the number of GdMs based on the number of warriors active in the Guild. Next, we're proposing to only allow GdMs to promote to GdM, not Skill Masters. Next, we'd like to create 2 more layers, Master of the Guild, and Senior Guildmaster. There will be ONE Master of the Guild, and 1 SGdM for every 10 or so GdMs. Next, the Master of the Guild will be able to demote or expel Guildmasters and members provided he or she can get 4 other SGdMs to agree. Next, the Master of the Guild may suggest Titles and Offices that we may implement. It is assumed that he or she will naturally accept suggestions from the Guild at large. We'd like to add the Titles to the person's LOOK description, i.e., ‘Lord Kuromaku Hikoemon, Defender of the Guild Seal.’ These titles and positions may earn items or objects, will probably come with history, colors, heraldry, and responsibility. Additionally, these titles MAY come with offices in Guilds, or other collateral stuff. Again, the purpose of this is to increase RPing and to provide places where a warrior can distinguish him or herself. Once a title is bestowed, it EXISTS. There will be a long line of players who eventually sit in that chair, wear those colors or heraldry, or serve that need, and plaques may be set up to keep track of that history. OK, having said all that, any questions?"

Marcqus asks, "Would the Master of the Guild have interns available to he/she or it?"

Kuromaku asks, "Interns? No. But he or she could, in theory, create a role, ‘Shieldbearer of the Master,’ which could serve that purpose. Those titles are up to Giacomo and myself for approval, of course, since he or I gotta do the work."

Exttior asks, "To attain those roles, what system will based to choose someone for a position?"

Kuromaku says, "Probably nomination and vote by SGdMs, and confirmed by both Giacomo and myself."

Titaniia asks, "I'm curious what this means for roleplay. Are we talking about an extended code of honor here? Would an "evil" character who obeyed Guild rules be able to advance?"

Kuromaku says, "I don't see why not. A title is a title. It can be bestowed upon any who serve the office."

Titaniia says, "So, we wouldn't be giving the Guild a ‘mission statement,’ per se."

Kuromaku says, "You want a nice guy to be ‘Champion of the Guild’ or ‘Keeper of the Guild Armory?’ No. You want someone who will serve the role faithfully."

Ktank asks, "So you have to be a Silver Gryphon to attain these titles?"

Kuromaku says, "Uh, no. The Silver Gryphons have naught to do with the Guild as an entity. SGdMs is Senior Guildmasters."

Gaq appears in a flash of light, looking slightly disoriented.

Ravinold asks, "Will the different Guilds around the lands have their own assortment of Senior Masters, etc.?"

Kuromaku says, "That would be subject to their membership, their guru, and their wishes."

Ravinold says, "I mean the Warriors’ Guilds in Icemule and Teras."

Kuromaku says, "I see. No. They may have particular offices. For example, The Master of the Guild is the head man in charge. However, an office created by them could easily be ‘Master of Icemule Trace’ or ‘Master of Teras Guild.’ Additionally, there are rumors that Bertrandt's looking to retire anyway..."

Exttior asks, "What ‘bout dem others? Da fellas at Teras and Ice?"

Kuromaku says, "Depends on the folks. Any other comments on that stuff?"

Ktank asks, "So PC's will take the Masters and Guildmasters in Guilds’ place?"

Kuromaku says, "In some cases, yes."

Hearthunter asks, "Maybe Bert will move to the Solhaven Guild when/if it opens?"

Kuromaku says, "No, Hearthunter. That position is filled."

Ankhan says, "Is Olaff going away? He was always so fun."

Kuromaku says, "It is unclear whether or not the Training Masters will be promoted, or just stay doing what they're doing. Those roles will almost certainly not be PC filled. Anyone oppose this idea? Any of 'em?"

Titaniia says, "I'm cautious. Just want to make sure the Guild doesn't turn into a popularity contest. Not neccesarily against it."

Kuromaku asks, "What popularity? SGdMs are a rank earned. Those people will choose the Master, to be confirmed by me. I have no intention of allowing a Master who will not faithfully serve the office be elected in. And if I end up being wrong, I will say so, and strip the title myself."

Ktank asks, "Can the offices and titles be stepped down from? And, if so, may the current officeholder nominate someone?"

Kuromaku says, "Yes, and of course. If the title holder in question is an SGdM, they can have a big say in it."

Ktank asks, "So SGdms get first choice?"

Kuromaku says, "No. They simply are the ones voting on the assignment."

Hearthunter says, "Do you have any ideas on the base requirements for SGdM and Master of the Guild?"

Kuromaku says, "Master of the Guild, yes. You must be qualified to be an SGdM. SGdM, being discussed, but it won't be easy. Likely 250 ranks and mastery of 3 or more skills, or something tougher."

Gaq asks, "Wot kinda duties an' responsibilities will Master and Senior Master of a Guild 'ave?"

Kuromaku says, "Master of the Guild and SGdMs will be responsible for policing the Guild. They will have the ability to expel members, strip titles, and other maintenance issues such as keeping the Guild supplied, expansion of the Guilds, etc."

Gaq asks, "So gotta be in respective guild verree often, or juss coupla times a week?"

Kuromaku says, "Couple times a week would be satisfactory, I'd think. There's a bunch of money in the Guild coffers. It's up to the SGdMs and Master to spend it wisely. Additionally, we were thinking of providing fame and payment for service. Any other comments on this proposal? I'd like a few sample titles to begin with. So if you have suggestions, please send 'em to me."

Marcqus grows indistinct. Slowly it dawns on you that he isn't there anymore.

Ktank asks, "Will Guild members be able to vote on it?"

Kuromaku asks, "Vote on what, exactly?"

Ktank says, "The Guild offices."

Kuromaku says, "No. Guildmasters, SGdMs, and the Master of the Guild is currently proposed. I'd rather NOT have it be a popularity contest, especially since SGdMs can invite friends."

Ktank asks, "And if there are Guild rules, where are they posted if you can't reach the glorious boards?"

Kuromaku says, "GLD NEWS."

Hearthunter asks, "If there is a finite number of Guildmasters and SGdMs what what will happen when one meets the requirements for the position and gets the nominations? Will they recieve a message that says you need more Guildmasters/members first, or what?"

Kuromaku says, "The SGdMs and GdMs will know when they try to promote."

Ktank says, "I'm talking guild conduct"

Kuromaku says, "Guild conduct. Sorry Ktank. Didn't mean to cut you off. How do you mean?"

Ktank says, "Now I have a problem. Okay, this is it. The other professions have spells, and attack warriors with them. In, for instance, a dueling situation, or rogues hide and ambush the livin heck out of you, the warrior’s edge in this instance are his Guild skills. If someone attacks me I do and will use my skills to save my life."

Kuromaku says, "And are permitted to do so. What's the problem?"

Ktank says, "Not according to the GLD NEWS."

Kuromaku says, "No, that isn't what the NEWS says."

Ktank says, "If I intentionally use them to hurt someone, I'm banned."

Kuromaku says, "Ktank, I'm not going to go over 2 meetings worth of conversation."

Exttior says, "Duels are not reported, both parties know that."

Ktank says, "I heard something that makes me think otherwise."

Kuromaku says, "It is, however, not permitted to kill someone utilizing Guild Skills to do so. And sorcerer's spells, cleric's binding, or any other spell be damned."

Ktank asks, "Not even in a duel?"

Kuromaku says, "No. Not even in a duel. Guild skills are a privilege, not a right, and an in-game privilege at that."

Ktank says, "Then ye won't be seeing me in the Guild in the future, I surmise."

Ravinold grows indistinct. Slowly it dawns on you that he isn't there anymore.

Kuromaku says, "If I could strip MD or DC from a sorcerer who abused them, I would, but I can't. MD and DC are not controlled by a voluntary system. As such, I should say. This just in from Giacomo: An honorable duel doesn't include spells or special skills--just the weapon skills. If a warrior wants to remain honorable, he won't use his WG skills to duel, even if his opponent is not honorable. A duel and defending yourself in combat are separate issues."

Wyseth says, "Speaking of Guicomo, do you happen to know if Berserk and lost soul fear got worked on?"

Kuromaku says, "Can't discuss. It's a critter issue, not a skill issue. OK, Ktank, if you want more information, read the previous Guild logs. If it isn't clear there, ask me again some time. I have no intention of leaving you hanging."

Ktank says, "I've more or less cleared up with someone what I wanted to know, and I'll shoot Giacomo a line."

Kuromaku asks, "Any more comments in regards to the proposed additional Guild titles? If you like, Ktank. The enforcement of that policy is mine."

Titaniia says, "No offense, I just wanted to say, Ktank, you've totally missed the point. Stop reading like a sorcerer and start looking at it like a warrior. Defending yourself is not the same as attacking. No one is gonna kick you outta the Guild for defending yourself."

Kuromaku asks, "Any other comments?"

Ktank asks, "When will these offices take effect?"

Kuromaku says, "It is a proposal. There is no timeframe."

Pyranth asks, "Progress on replacing spitting?"

Kuromaku says, "Nothing until the RG is done. Commented on before. There will be no additions or changes to the WG, with the exception of bugs/minor fixes until the RG is done."

Lauranathalasa says, "If this is open discussion on any topic, any news on warding for warcries? Or waiting for the Rogues’ Guild to finish?"

Kuromaku says, "Same. There's been some discussion in regards to another warding system for another purpose. I'll stay on top of it. Ah, the GdM cap, SGdM rank, and Master of the Guild system will probably go in shortly, but there will be at least 30-days notice before it occurs. The remainder is up for discussion."

Exttior says, "Happy to see ya put a node where Electra stands. I haven't been to Icemule Guild in a while. Wondered if ya had done the same there."

Kuromaku says, "I will likely node the Nexus there and move Baykal out there as well. Ulazlo's getting ticked at sharing an office."

Hearthunter asks, "What about the other fluff verbs that were talked about earlier. Any news on any of those?"

Kuromaku says, "All currently on hold, just pending me getting some more time. Let's close it up. Any last comments or questions?"

Kuromaku removes an ancient enruned urnon key from his neck.

Kuromaku just opened a heavy mithril-bound hatch.

Kuromaku points at a heavy mithril-bound hatch.