Interview with Foddy the arch-wizard

This is the log of our interview with Foddy the arch-wizard, conducted by Gdn and Wdi. Gdn asked the pre-written questions, with Wdi contributing when he saw fit, though for a change Gdn has edited the final documents.

As with the other log, it's been coloured appropriately (in the Muddy log style...) to make it easier and jollier for you all to read. I've tried to keep the editing to a minimum, but there were lots of bits which were in the wrong order, and also lots of bits in which make Wdi and myself seem foolish so I've gotten rid of as much of these as possible :). The log is taken from my own point of view throughout, but I've removed almost all of my speech input lines except the ones where I'm talking telepathically so that you don't have to bother reading those. Happy reading - Gdn

The interview took place Sunday 6th June 1999.

For your information: there are 75 mobiles still alive.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "Are we sitting comfortably?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) twiddles his thumbs.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "You spelt it right that time.".
(*):-))
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) smiles, a lot.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) exclaims "off you go then!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Ok, to introuduce: This is Foddy the
arch-wizard, arch-wizard and big wizard of Wireplay MUD2.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) bows.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "ok?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "ok then!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) exclaims "Ok ok!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "1st question...".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "ok. Right. Hmm... What's your favorite
colour?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "blue!".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "that was an easy one".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What kind of blue?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "a dark blue".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Invisibility-brackets-round-the-prompt blue?".
(*)You hear a rushing sound in the distance, as if a huge torrent of water
has just started to flood somewhere.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "that depends on your screen, Wdi - but
probably".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "Enough.".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "How long have you been playing MUD2 then?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) smiles.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "hold on ...".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "good answer".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) giggles.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "me too".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I have my very first letter from MUSE Ltd.
here ... dated the 3rd of June 1987".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "so about 12 years, on and off".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "A letter?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) exclaims "oooh!".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "whassat?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "A letter of what?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "the letter confirming my account".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) exclaims "Oh, I see!".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says " I never got one of those...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What incarnation of the game was that at?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "this was the BT VAX".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "how did you come across it?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I was at school at the time, played a
little shades (my shameful past) and a friend of mine suggested I tried MUD
instead".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says ":)".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "I tried it, and never turned back!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) exclaims "Shades is great!".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "shut it.".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "Wdi that is... :)".
(*)cower
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) cowers.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) smiles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What was better about MUD?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Over Shades?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "Never tried it, heard it's very similar to MUD".
(*)blink
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) blinks.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "well, MUD had a much better atmosphere for
a start, but most importantly, MUD has more depth to it, plenty of attention
to detail".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "With objects and rooms etc.? Or concepts used?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) thinks.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I'm afraid it was so long ago, I've
forgotten the details".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "ok. When and where did you first make wiz?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) gulps.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "hold on again!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "He has a printed wiz list...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Or a plaque from MUSE...".
(*)lol
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) laughs, out loud.
(*)wdi an engraved mug.
You tell your listeners "an engraved mug.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you ":-)".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "nah - I was looking in the log".
(*)gulp
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) gulps.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "THE Log?...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it was the 27th of May '97, almost exactly
10 years after I'd started".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "... ?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I used to log all my games at the time".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "1997?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) nods.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What took you so long?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) chuckles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "If I may be so bold...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "well, there's no real rush to making wiz".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I'd also not played constantly during those
10 years".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "sounds farmiliar".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Ah... So it's not true years.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) smiles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "More MUD years.".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "bare with me, it's a biggun".

Relatively speaking...

(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "no problem!".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "After making wiz for the first time, did (and
indeed, do) you ever get a longing to begin the game again as a mortal abd
be able to lose all your wiz knowledge?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "well, I played mortal for a long time ...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "and I don't have any regrets about making
wiz when I did".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) ponders.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "Can playing as a mortal after making wiz
never be as much fun as playing as a true mortal?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "do you think?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "That's a bit close to the belt.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "well, it'll be different for sure".
(*)For your information: Beadle is worth 111 points if killed.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "as for which is more fun, that depends on
your point of view".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "elaborate".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) chokes.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "let me see ...".
(*)observe wdi
(Wdi the sorcerer) looks full of life, and is holding the following:
nothing.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "being a newbie is great!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "Just because you've had that warlock for 9
months, it doesn't mean you're invincible!".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "and hopefully good fun".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "part of the fun is learning, and exploring".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "so... How did you get to be the arch-wiz of
Wireplay MUD2?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "however, there comes a time when you run
out of places to explore, etc.".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "hold on, can I finish the other question
first?".
(*)wdi I'll try to tone it down. I feel like Kilroy...
You tell your listeners "I'll try to tone it down. I feel like Kilroy...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "of course.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "being a wiz is also great fun - and perhaps
something that can't be understood without first being one".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "I suppose that's the idea...".
(*)nod
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) nods.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I think the key is to get the balance right
- get the most out of being a mortal first".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "And you will understand wizdom better?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "perhaps!".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Ooh...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "Now you can ask it...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "but you can never go back in all honesty".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "Is that good or bad?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "in your opinion?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "if you have any regrets about your mortal
life, then perhaps it's bad".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "but if you're happy with it, then it can be
comforting".
(*)sigh warmly
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) sighs, warmly
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What about taking a LONG break?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "what do you mean?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "To... forget... things ?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) smiles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Just an idea.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "you'll find they come flooding back pretty
quickly".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "or so one would think...".
(*)sob
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) sobs.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Especially if you write maps on the wall.".
(*)For your information: a mortal reset is available.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) exclaims "yipee!".
(*)cough
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) coughs.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) looks quickly at you.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "I remember when I started playing again
after a long break - I could remember the directions to the centre of the
maze without thinking ... but I couldn't quite remember how to get to the
entrance!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) giggles.
(*):-))
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) smiles, a lot.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "How did you get to become an arch-wiz on
Wireplay MUD2?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I was offered the position".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "(and accepted)".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "By Richard?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "Richard and Kyric, yes".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What made them choose you, if I may ask, over,
say, Joe?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "y".

Don't worry about it; it's an in-joke.

(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Or anybody?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Or the other wizzes?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "What do they look for in choosing an arch?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "That's a question you'll have to ask them,
I'm afraid".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Ah...".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "ok. I will...".
(*)wish you hear that? I want answers...
Your wish drifts across the ether, but the power of the spell you have
invoked causes you to fall into a deep slumber...
(*)You are too alert to sleep any longer. You have just woken up!
Your stamina is 100.
(Persona saved on 59,246).
(*)l
Conference room.
You are situated in a fine, Edwardian-period conference room, its perfect
acoustics and lack of distractions being ideal for private, cosy chats.
From atop his cloud, (Foddy the arch-wizard) contemplates life.
(Wdi the sorcerer) is here.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "ok".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I've never asked, so I honestly don't know".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "... ?".
(*)'How much arch-wizzing is actually game management? Do you still get to have much 'game time', or is it mostly spent 'looking after' the game?
I made sense of some of that:
"How much arch-wizzing is actually game management? Do you still get to have much 'game time"[string] ,[end-of-sentence]
or[uh?]
I was expecting "or" to be an end-of-line, but it's a noun group conjunction and a sentence conjunction.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "damn".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) wonders.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "you get that?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) blinks.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "No...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I didn't see anything".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "ok...".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "how much of arch-wizzing is actually game
management? Do you still get to have as much game time or is it mostly spent
looking after the game?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "He keeps smiling after every question...
Disconcerting...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "There's not a great deal of game management
involved - generally, it's replying to mails or reading through logs".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "so I do play in-game quite a lot".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "however, people treat you differently as an
arch-wiz, so it's not quite the same thing".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "then why do you differ from ordinary wizzes?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "err, what do you mean?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Do you have the highest authority?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I can make unilateral decisions, if that's
what you mean".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "on a scale of 1 to 10, how different is the
role of being a wiz differ from that of an arch? (1 = no difference)".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) ponders.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) peers at you.
(*)wdi he did it again...
You tell your listeners "he did it again...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I'd rate it at ... 8".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "note the word ROLE...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "We can count the number of times he grins
in the log later and produce a chart of some kind.".

I make it 19 times this reset alone, although he only smiles thrice :)

(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) ponders.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "8 eh? sounds pretty.... (quick wdi, think of
a word...)".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Sounds pretty octish.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "there are two sides to it really".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "Anywa...".
(*)slap wdi
You give (Wdi the sorcerer) a painful slap.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "to a mortal in-game, a wiz and an arch-wiz
are pretty similar".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "but then there's the game management side
of things".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "which you said was mostly looking at logs and
reading mails...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "which can be very different".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "and deciding who should be restored, etc.".
You tell your listeners "I feel like Paxman!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "Right...".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "ok".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "do you as an arch, have the slightest inkling
of exactly how big the game is? do you ever find out new things which
surprise you?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) makes some magical gestures.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)wq
(Foddy the arch-wizard)
Karya the melancholy witch
Rintin
Intrepid the swordsman
Ziggy the warrior
Rocko the swordswoman
Trunky
Strategost
Sirslim
Belgarath the necromancer
Martyr the scout
Achilles the warrior
Smirr the warrior
Bully
Beadle
(Wdi the sorcerer)
(Gdn the swanky warlock)
Cici the sorceress
Gandalf the heroine
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "yes!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Any examples you could tell us of?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "there is a so much to the game - that's
why I love it, there's always something new to discover!".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "you still find out new things after all this
time?".
(*)For your information: Turiya the mage is worth 23,492 points if killed.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) nods.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "certainly".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Could you give us an example?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "and probably forget as much as I
learn!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "We won't tell anyone.".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) blinks.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "mostly sillies - like putting a certain
coin on the throne".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "In your opinion, just how many points can
actually be earned in one reset if a player was to do everything possible?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "that varies".
(*)laugh evily
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) laughs, evily
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Without killing?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it depends on who else is playing (as they
affect the scaling)".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "approx".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it also changes from time to time for other
reasons".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Ooh... Secret reasons?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "not at all, the pagoda was added recently
for example".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "can you give us a region? eg, between
50-2000000000k?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I'd guess 15-20k is reasonable for someone
playing alone".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Apparently Crowley scored 18k himself today.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it's quite possible".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "are you in any way trying to run MUD2
differently than other incarnations?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "it is different!".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "I know.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it's a tricky question".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "the greatest force which shapes the game is
that of the players themselves".
(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "In what way?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "in that the players make the game what it
is".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "the same could be said of any MUD though".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I aim to make the game as fair as possible
for everyone who plays, but other than that try not to interfere too much".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "That's nice of you.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) chuckles.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "sounds reasonable.".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "are you in any way, trying to take control of
Wireplay MUD2, and eventually the world for your own personal gain?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) blinks.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "nope, sounds too much like hard work".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "in your opinion, what is the game about?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "there's an easy one - having fun!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) moans.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "ilusinate".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) blinks.
(*)Wdi raises an eyebrow.
(*)sigh
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) sighs.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "expand and clarify".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "ah!".
(*):-)
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) smiles.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "err - this is a game".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) giggles.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "..yes...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "and is intended to entertain, in one way or
another".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "There's nothing more to it than to have fun?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "that all? no subliminal meaning?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "well, again, it's what you make of it".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "ok".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it's a great way of building friendships,
learning to co-operate, etc.".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Killing each other.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) smiles.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "letting off steam".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "I agree Foddy, I'm just trying to interrogate you,
in an evil way. Nothing personal".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "Why do you think that (and I quote from the 1998
MUDmeet...) "points don't matter"?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "because experience matters".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "totally?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "yes, so if I were to take away all your
points, you wouldn't mind?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "if I were to give a novice 102,400 points,
it wouldn't make him/her a mage".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) makes some magical gestures.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "technically speaking, it would.".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Yes, yes it would.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "true, but chances are it would be a dead
mage pretty soon".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "and the novice would have nothing to fall
back on".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "In experience terms, do you mean, Foddy?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) nods.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "They wouldn't be able to get another mage?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "if a player builds points as well as
experience, then it's much better".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "So experience held is much more important that
points currently in the bank?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "if you have the experience, and skills, the
points come without thinking".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) nods.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What about knowledge?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "knowledge, too".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Is that MORE or less important?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it's all part of experience really".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Should someone be able to fight well, for
example (skill), or know how to do all the tasks and such (knowledge)?".
(*)Auto-reset initiated, you have 120 seconds to finish up. No further
warnings will be issued!
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) gasps.
(*)For your information: there are 50 mobiles still alive.
(Persona saved on +300 = 59,546).
(*)The impending reset has been postponed by 1800 seconds. It will now occur
in 1908 seconds' time.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) gasps.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "30 mins!".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "err, could you clarify the question
please?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Um...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Wat is more important: knowledge or skill?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) changes "Wat" to "What".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "well, skill is as you can't become a good
player just by reading a book on it, in the same way you can't become a good
driver just by reading the highway code".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "So it's skill then?".
(*)Wdi presses the question.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "knowledge is important, but generally you
gain that with experience".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "And skill? How does one gain that?".
(*)
+- No input within the past 4 minutes. Do something! -+
(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "with experience".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Ah...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) grins.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "I'm confused now. Let's skip... Besides, I
got a no imput warning. "confessions of an arch-wiz" - do you agree with
this style of arch-wizzing?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) smiles.
(*)cringe
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) cringes.
You tell your listeners "If he does that one more time...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I know Lorry very well, and have read it
more than once".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "answer the question.".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) worries.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) giggles.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says ":)".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I think the style of arch-wizzing was valid
for MIST, at that time. I don't think it would work at all in the current
setup, no".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Did you play MIST at all?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "never".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) clicks.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Oh well. :-)".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "Do you take time out to annoy other wizzes?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) laughs, out loud.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*)laugh uncertainly
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) laughs, uncertainly
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "no, we all live in perfect harmony".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) beams.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Aw shucks.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) giggles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Do you go on camping expeditions?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Or similar?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I think some of the things I do may annoy
people at times, but that certainly isn't the reason for doing them".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "no, I haven't been camping for many many
years".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "I saw a picture of you skiing... Was that
recent?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I do go to a cottage in the brecon beacons
every year, though".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "that was last year, so quite recent".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "How are WP players different from others
you've encountered? Are the Bacons good for skiing?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) looks at you.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) frowns.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "Beacons...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "bacons?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) laughs.
(*)blush
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) blushes.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "oh! no, they're no good for skiing at all".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "as for Wireplay players ...".
(*)shuffle
I don't know the word "shuffle".
(Wdi the sorcerer) makes some magical gestures.
(*)bug shuffle isn't a verb
Your bug has been noted.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) makes some magical gestures.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I'm not sure I can put it into words".
(*)bug or isn't recognised as one, is what I mean...
Your bug has been noted.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Could you draw a picture, perhaps?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)shuffle
I don't know the word "shuffle".
(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Text universe... Could be tricky.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I don't think that'd help".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Could you give us a inkling of your opinion?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) thinks.
(*)wq
(Foddy the arch-wizard)
Karya the melancholy witch
Beadle
Intrepid the yeoman
Homohippy
Cloud the hero
Bully
Cici the sorceress
Sirted the hero
Topcat the mage
Rocko the swordsman
Frostbite the mage
Duke the hero
Turiya the mage
Xena the warlock
Porky the spellbinder
Rintin the warrior
Martyr the rover
Trunky the protector
Sirslim the yeoman
Belgarath the necromancess
Smirr the warrior
(Wdi the sorcerer)
(Gdn the swanky warlock)
Gandalf the superhero
Lan the touring guest protector
(*)For your information: Endangered the mage is worth 27,526 points if
killed.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says something.
(*)fret
I don't know the word "fret".
(*)bug fret is not a recognised verb also (I know these aren't bugs, but they annoy me, sorry...
Your bug has been noted.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "Wireplay players are generally quite
forthright - and seem to have closer relationships with other players ...
err, I think it's more of a community atmosphere, perhaps".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "you think so?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "More people-oriented?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "perhaps!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Hmm...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Interesting...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "why interesting?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Interesting that you see it that way.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "oh".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "What's the general skill level here at WP
relative to other incarnations?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it varies greatly - but because of the
setup here, there are a lot more newbies".
(*)Bully bids everyone goodbye.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Are the newbies here more likely to quit or give
up?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "ok, what's the difference in skill level
between the highlife in WP and other incarnations?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "Probably - players turn up here without
knowing anything about MUD - elsewhere, you generally have to apply for an
account".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "comparable, I think".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "how so?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "don't be shy...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "I think it's just Wireplay's slot system.".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) makes some magical gestures.
(*)wdi THAT'S IT I'M GONNA KILL HIM!
You tell your listeners "THAT'S IT I'M GONNA KILL HIM!".
(*)smile calmly
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) smiles, calmly
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "there are mages here, and mages elsewhere,
the game is no longer so new that players are scoring above their skill
level so much, so it's pretty even".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Do you think the game is getting more popular?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it is, certainly".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What happens when more than 50 players want to
play at once?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "On bashes, for example?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "well, we haven't reached 50 for a bash yet
(but it's been close!)".
(*)jig
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) jigs.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "What happens when it does reach the limit? :-)".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "if more than 50 people turn up, a second
slot will open".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Automatically?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) nods.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "A MUD slot or a Wireplay slot?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "So to speak...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "MUD".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Ah...".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "So players automatically get db 1 instead of 0
when they PLAY?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I don't have the exact algorithm used to
hand, but basically yes".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "what effect on the game does having multiple
WP accounts available to each player have? Does it make it more difficult to
ban Naughty players?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) smiles.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it makes it harder to track players,
certainly".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "as for banning players, it would depend on
the reasons for banning them".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Could you contact Wireplay if needed?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I can say that we haven't had any problems
like that so far, though".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "certainly".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "you have 15 minutes left".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) gulps.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "Quickly.".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "away from the main questions for a sec, I was
told that you spent 6 hours searching the persona files trying to find joey,
'cos he told you he had a mage near wiz... ? is this true?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "we can carry on afterwards if you like, but
there's going to be a bash on at the same time".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "that's not true, no".

The motto of this story is never trust Joey. He's a liar. But of course, you already knew that.

(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) blinks.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "Anything else on wp that affects the way the
game is played? what is especially different on WP?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "well, the obvious answer to that is the
network - we've been experiencing a lot of lag and fetch errors recently".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What about the client?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "but with Wireplay being between MUD and the
user, there's always an extra stage to everything".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "what about it?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "What do you think of it? :)".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "I think it's very pretty, but quite usable
if you use F3".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "there are a lot of features which are
missing, but for a novice, it's perfect".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "How have houses changed the game, do you
think?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "they have helped create bonds between the
mortals".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Further bonds?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "wider, perhaps".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "perhaps before there was a small group of
friends - now these friends will have people hanging on, too".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Ah..".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "Any tips for newbies starting to get into the
game, at all?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "yes - read INFO, FAQ, and take the tours".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "no, tips from yourself".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "What if they don't want to?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "and of course, there are some great help
pages on the web sites".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "personally ...".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "you hate them all...".
(*):-)
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) smiles.
(*)cat hi
I don't know the word "cat".
(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "exploring is important, making a map
(if only mental) too".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(*)You hear a rushing sound in the distance, as if a huge torrent of water
has just started to flood somewhere.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "the exploring comes without saying though, to
a newbie.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "talking with the people you meet is good,
too".
(*)nod
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) nods.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "And fleecing information from them.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "that depends on the newbie - some like to
be led".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "what is the single most important attribute a
player should have in order to stand a good chance of becoming wiz?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "just one?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Grinning?".

:)

(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "well, if you have more...".
(*)l u
Your view upward is blocked.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) makes some magical gestures.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "the right attitude to the game, and the
desire to make wiz".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Nothing more?".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "what's your defenition of 'the right
attitude'?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "200k points and a few tasks help, too".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*);looks at his watch
You act as if Gdn looks at his watch
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "by the right attitude, I mean wanting to
learn, playing the game for the sake of playing, and of course having fun".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "I am that man! wiz me now,...".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) smiles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "5 mins.".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "how many more questions are there?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) grins.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "only a few more".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) nods.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) asks "I should imagine that wiz testing is a lot
about how the wizzes actually like the tested person in general, not just
how good they are. Do you ever favour some people over others because you
get on with them better?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) exclaims "ooh!".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) grimaces.
(*)hide
OK, (Gdn the swanky warlock) hides.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "are you asking me personally?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "or my opinion of testing in general?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) says "Both? :-)".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "yes, but you can answer for the others as
well if you like".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "No one persona can stop anyone from making
wiz".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "others=other wizzes".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "player".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) tells you "100 seconds.".
(Wdi the sorcerer) asks "Player meaning everyone?".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "it's a tricky question".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) grins.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "indeed it is. I care not for you excuses.".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles, slightly.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "what do you mean by test?"
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "you know, wiz testing".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "probing players - to see what they're made of".
(Gdn the swanky warlock) says "as it were".
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "there is very little wiz testing that goes
on here to be honest".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) ponders.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) asks "shall we continue after the reset?".
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) nods.
(*)(Wdi the sorcerer) smiles.
(*)(Foddy the arch-wizard) says "ok".
(*)Something magical is happening.
(Persona saved on 59,546).

The following reset...