Original Submissions containing 'reiloth'

• 

  Mister Gerakis and Misses Mosali by Reiloth
  Added on Jul 28, 2009

  A booth in the Storm's Eye leads to bad blood, quicker than Misses Mosali would care to think.

  ---

  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak = Mister Gerakis
  
  The figure in dusty drab weathered storm-cloak = Misses Mosali of House Salarr
  
  ~~
  
  The Tribal Room [N]
  Separated from the balcony by a curtain of beaded fringe, this
  sparsely furnished room is entirely decorated in a tribal motif. Boldly
  painted sandcloth murals totally blanket the walls and are tacked to the
  ceiling overhead, concealing the room's artificial construction and giving
  an impression of a much larger open-air space. A large, highly decorated
  woven mat covers the entire floor, and only a few simple carvings finish out
  the decor.
  A radiantly woven, golden cloth tapestry is sewn securely to the wall.
  A bead and feather adorned rug hanging has been affixed to one wall.
  An impressive raptor hide, darkly-stained, has been mounted onto one wall.
  
  Rubbing a huge hand over his squashed, hooked nose, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak asks you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "What you .. wanted to talk about?"
  
  Placing both gloved hands atop your sleek, rantarri-headed cane's snarling feline head, easing forward, you say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "I would appreciate if'n you could tell me what happened exactly, between you an' my employee, Jorue."
  
  Narrowing an eye beneath the shadows of her sunslits, you say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "I'd also prefer th' truth, as I only want t'know what happened. I, and my House, do not mean you harm."
  
  His bushy eyebrows furrowing, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak asks you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Uhh.. so you don't know?"
  
  In a calm rasp of a soprano, shifting her weight from right to left though it remains mostly on top of your sleek, rantarri-headed cane, you say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "I would just like to hear your side of things."
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "It is only...Fair."
  
  Shrugging his huge shoulders a bit, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Okay. Your employee Jorue led a Carru at me, which hurt my neck real bad. I moved off a little down the road, and there he went leadin' it my way again."
  
  Clearing her throat roughly, you say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "Yes, continue."
  
  Stroking his massive beard and continuing, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "When I asked him what he was doin', and told him what happened to me, he told me that.. I was too slow and it wasn't his problem. So I kicked his little ass up and down the crack in the shield wall"
  
  With a calm nod, you say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "That must have felt good."
  
  Staring down at you, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Was okay. I was hurtin' at the time, mostly."
  
  North, through a curtain, is On the Balcony.
  The curtain is open.
  [Far]
  Nothing.
  [Near]
  The battle-scarred, one-legged mul sits here, crutch and inks within reach.
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak nods in silence, watching the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's face intently.
  
  A few massive fingers disappearing in his beard as he scratches himself, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak asks you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Sooo.. what Jorue tell you?"
  
  You ask the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "That is it?"
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Yeah. That's pretty much it."
  
  Raising a hand from your sleek, rantarri-headed cane, you ask the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "So you did not come back to this Outpost, an' claim Jorue tried to kill you?"
  
  You ask, in sirihish:
  "And speak personally with First Sergeant Nahkt, over this matter?"
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak asks you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Didn't I just say he was leadin' Carru to me over and over?"
  
  With a calm smile as the hand droops back to your sleek, rantarri-headed cane, you ask, in sirihish:
  "First you say once..And then over and over. Which is it?"
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak asks you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "When did I say once?"
  
  Tilting her head to one side, you ask the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "When did you say otherwise?"
  
  Holding up two fingers at you, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Two times."
  
  Shrugging casually, you ask the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "Did it ever occur to you that perhaps...The Carru wanted to kill you?"
  
  You ask the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "And Jorue?"
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "That it...In fact...Is a dangerous animal wit' little sense or reason running through its antler'd head."
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Where I'm from, that kind of shit gets you killed Missus Mosali."
  
  Shrugging his huge shoulders at you, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "An I sure didn't like it none."
  
  With an easy nod, sucking a short breath through her flared nostrils, you say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "Regardless, I cannot allow for my employees to be harmed, intentionally at tha', without recompense of some shape and form."
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak raps a few fingers along the snarling feline head of your sleek, rantarri-headed cane.
  
  Gesturing between you and himself, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "So uhh.. the inix got back to you didn't it? Recompense right there."
  
  You ask, in sirihish:
  "What inix?"
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "The black one."
  
  You ask, in sirihish:
  "Jorue's inix?"
  
  With a tiny nod, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Yeah, his inix."
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "That...Is not good enough, unfortunately."
  
  Snapping his fingers loudly, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak exclaims to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "I got it!"
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak asks you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Gotta large or two I could probably give you. Like 'sid right?"
  
  In a still-calm voice, her chin lowering a fraction of an inch, you say, in sirihish:
  "'sid makes problems like these go away, forever. In fact, it'd make it possible for you to still deal with our House."
  
  As an afterthought, her blue eyes widening within the shadows of her sunslits, you say, in sirihish:
  "And I do not think we would want these problems, between you and Jorue, to be remembered."
  
  You sigh.
  
  Nodding a bit as he begins to rise from a long woven mat, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak asks you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Okay. Salarr thought I was a raider, huh?"
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak stands up from a long woven mat.
  
  You say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "Y'gotta see it from our point of view, Mister Gerakis."
  
  You say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "You attacked a House employee, one way or another. Shit, Jorue could've been a little prick and tried t'lead a Carru into you."
  
  Personally-,, you say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "I do not think it was the case. I think it was a misunderstanding."
  
  You say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "But, it still cannot stand that a non-afilliated half-giant attacked a member of Salarr, without there being some sort of...Parley."
  
  Holding his massive paws up, palms out, the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "I understand, believe me."
  
  With a simple smile, you say to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak, in sirihish:
  "I have no ill feelings towards you, Mister Gerakis. I have killed friends, over simple misunderstandings. It does not feel good to know the situation is not in your control."
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak begins to move toward the curtain, his big bushy eyebrows wrinkling up.
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "Yeah.. yeah.."
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak subdues you.
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "I'll tell you though."
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak says to you, in southern-accented sirihish:
  "I have been in control."
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak attacks you.
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak lightly hits your hand.
  
  PANIC! You couldn't escape!
  
  You bludgeon the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's leg.
  
  You wound the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak on his wrist with your bludgeon.
  
  You silently reach into a leather knife belt and discreetly slide out a dusty vicious claw longknife.
  
  You land a solid stab to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's neck.
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's muscles contract, and his body goes rigid.
  You wound the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak on his head with your bludgeon.
  
  You stab the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak very hard on his back.
  You viciously bludgeon the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak on his head.
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak reels from the blow.
  
  You stab the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak very hard on his back.
  You wound the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak on his head with a brutal bludgeon.
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's eyes roll back in his head.
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak crumples to the ground.
  
  The Tribal Room [N]
  Separated from the balcony by a curtain of beaded fringe, this
  sparsely furnished room is entirely decorated in a tribal motif. Boldly
  painted sandcloth murals totally blanket the walls and are tacked to the
  ceiling overhead, concealing the room's artificial construction and giving
  an impression of a much larger open-air space. A large, highly decorated
  woven mat covers the entire floor, and only a few simple carvings finish out
  the decor.
  A radiantly woven, golden cloth tapestry is sewn securely to the wall.
  A bead and feather adorned rug hanging has been affixed to one wall.
  An impressive raptor hide, darkly-stained, has been mounted onto one wall.
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak is sleeping here, rigid and unmoving, bleeding profusely.
  
  You look down at the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak.
  Before you is an unusually proportioned half-giant. Rather squat for one
  of his race, this half-giant is nonetheless packing dense muscle which
  bulges grossly to exaggeration wherever the eye can see. His brutish, hairy
  features are clearly masculine and a full, bushy beard of coarse dark hair
  frames his round face. His hairline recedes nearly over the top of his
  head, which bears curly black hair in far less abundance then the lower half
  of his face. Beady black eyes peer out from beneath bushy black brows,
  appearing like bits of polished obsidian to either side of his squat, hooked
  nose. Fine cracks can be seen all over this half-giant male's exposed skin,
  appearing almost as a sprawling web over his severely sun-browned skin.
  Some cracks in the tough hide seem to be the resting place of bits of
  reddish and yellow dust and grit which almost livens the harshly tanned
  flesh in a way similar to poorly inked tattoos.
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak is in poor condition.
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak is using:
  a dusty bone helmet
  a dusty dusky-black feather
  a dusty desert-camouflaged, sandcloth-covered collar
  a dusty double-layered sandcloth pack
  a dusty braided leather strap
  a dusty braided leather strap
  a new bloodied pair of desert-camouflaged, sandcloth sleeves
  a spiked, chitin bracer
  a spiked, chitin bracer
  a dusty pair of desert-camouflaged, sandcloth gloves
  a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak
  a bloodied pair of sand-colored sandcloth pants
  a dusty pair of sturdy leather boots
  
  He is carrying:
  nothing obvious
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak's breathing becomes ragged and slow.
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak prods the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's side with a soft booted toe.
  
  Through a curtain to the north is On the Balcony.
  The curtain is open.
  [Far]
  Nothing.
  [Near]
  The battle-scarred, one-legged mul sits here, crutch and inks within reach.
  
  You are:
  Corporal/Hand/Merchant Trainee/Crafter of the House Salarr, jobs: recruiter | leader | banker |
  Relationship to the land is neutral.
  You are currently speaking sirihish with a tribal accent.
  Your mood is neutral.
  You are standing.
  You are refusing saves on: arrest.
  You are not being merciful.
  You aren't watching anything in particular.
  
  You stop using your dusty vicious claw longknife.
  
  You carefully snap a dusty vicious claw longknife into a dusty pair of soft, grey-veined black boots.
  
  You are very hungry.
  
  >close curtain north
  Ok.
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak drops down to a squat in front of the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak.
  
  >draw vicious boots
  You reach down and draw a dusty vicious claw longknife out of your boot.
  You brandish your dusty vicious claw longknife.
  
  You stop using your sleek, rantarri-headed cane.
  
  You put your sleek, rantarri-headed cane into your dusty steel grey duffel bag.
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak straddles the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's gigantic leg, drawing your dusty vicious claw longknife up from her boot.
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "That wasn't an excellent idea."
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "But i'm going to have to make this quick."
  
  In a low voice, you say, in sirihish:
  "I don't know why you did that, but you did."
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak rises from the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's leg.
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "If you wake up..."
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "You will tell all of Kurac and Salarr I murdered you, or tried."
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "Just like Jorue."
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "Unfortunately, I can't let that happen."
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's eyes flutter open.
  
  You say, in sirihish:
  "Find my mind, now."
  
  Grating her teeth, you say, in sirihish:
  "This very instant."
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak draws your dusty vicious claw longknife up.
  
  You begin moving silently toward your victim.
  
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak groans loudly as you thrust your knife up between his ribs.
  You inflict a grievous wound on the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's back with your stab.
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's eyes roll back in his head.
  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak crumples to the ground.
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak repeatedly jabs your dusty vicious claw longknife into the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's hindquarters, drawing long wounds up and down the small of his back.
  
  The figure in a dusty drab, weathered stormcloak slides your dusty razor-sharp, hawk-etched halfsword deep into the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's back, severing the spine and pushing it upwards through the mass of intestines and entrails and other, more important organs.
  
  >kill giant
  You attack the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak.
  You do unspeakable damage to the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak's back with your stab.
  You viciously stab the gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak on his back.
  
  Drawing the blade out of the giant's back with a wet *SHLUP*, you say, in sirihish:
  "Right shame, mate. Coulda just done with a large or two."
  
  ~~

  The gigantic and obese figure in a dusty desert-colored sandcloth greatcloak = Mister Gerakis
  
  The figure in dusty drab weathered storm-cloak = Misses Mosali of House Salarr
  
  ~~
  
  The Tribal Room [N]
  Separated from the balcony by a curtain of beaded fringe, this
  sparsely furnished room is entirely...
  Continue Reading...
• 

  The Challenges Leaders Face by Cutthroat
  Added on Jun 29, 2009

  A handy guide for players of leaders and aspiring leaders. Read it if you've had problems with leadership.

  ---

  Credits:
  Special thanks goes to Taven for doing articles like this and for inspiring me to take a crack at it myself, and Helix and Fathi for contributing to that particular part which I am loosely basing this article on. Synthesis, Lizzie, and Reiloth made suggestions that helped me make this article.
  
  The Challenges Leaders Face
  A Handy Guide for Players of Leaders and Aspiring Leaders
  
  Cutthroat, why are you writing this?
  
  I didn't play as long as many people around here have, but I've been around long enough to see all kinds of leaders in game, the good and bad ones, and have experienced leading myself a few times. I'd like to think that I have seen what makes a leader good or bad in an OOC manner for a while now and have seen what leaders have to deal or struggle with.
  
  There also isn't an article like this yet, and I think it's important to have something that consolidates all of the thoughts scattered over the GDB into one thread.
  
  Lastly, I think the ideas of special articles are cool and beneficial because of the ideas they have and discussions they spark afterward.
  
  Introduction
  
  This article is based loosely off of Taven's article, "How to get Involved in Plots", particularly the "Invovling Yourself in Your Clan" part, and the "Leaders" section. However, this article will go more in-depth, exploring what playing a leader in ArmageddonMUD is like, not just when dealing with plots, but all the time in clans.
  
  This article goes more into the challenges created by the OOC expectations of what playing a leader is about - that is, enhancing RP in your clan and area, running plots, etc. - not the IC expectations of a leader, which can be very different, and varies between each character. You can play a totally inept leader ICly, who makes mistakes and errors in judgment, as long as it brings something to the game. Bringing something to the game is that OOC expectation.
  
  It is the best played leaders that everyone remembers, even if they were not perfect characters. I could be a nostalgic sap and begin listing folks, but you probably have a good idea of who YOUR favorite leaders are if you've been playing a few months and in different places. Just look around.
  
  Now, for some problems the players of leaders face.
  
  I have no idea what I'm doing here.
  
  Sometimes leaders are thrown into the place they currently are. Maybe his Sergeant died on the last contract and he was the veteran Trooper who tried to save her life. The totally unexpected turn of events can put a character (and sometimes its player) in a bad spot.
   
  Trying out leadership can be a good experience, if you're willing to make it so. Even if you have no idea what you're doing at first, it's easy to develop a love and a skill for leading. It certainly helps to lead in game if you've ever led something in life. Naturally, some people will be better leaders than others, or more willing to take charge than others.
  
  You can have no idea what you're doing and just give up on trying, or you can do your best and see what comes of it. What do you think will be most fun for you? For others?
  
  I don't have any (or enough) minions.
  
  A difficult part of leadership is recruiting. However, it is also something of a snowball effect. Once you recruit a few cool people, others will want to join. Getting those first people can be tough. Most leaders will recruit ICly by posting on their city's board, then remain contactable. This requires some logging in and sometimes even tavern-sitting. For clans that don't recruit ICly (like tribes) bumping a post on the Player Announcements forum is a good way to go. Remember that OOC recruitment on the GDB for clans that do recruiting ICly is just a quick way to Moderation.
  
  Underrecruiting is bad because, obviously, you won't get your team of minions. Also, the few minions you have will likely be bored a lot of the time. A medium-sized group of minions ensures that people will get to interact with each other in different ways.
  
  Stop recruiting when you have a crack team of minions to do your bidding. Overrecruitment is as bad as underrecruitment, because if you overrecruit for your clan you will be strangling other clans to death. Another effect of overrecruiting is that they will all keep you busy unless you have an underling boss to take care of them. A good mix of clanned folks in an area is a lot better than one clan dominating that area (well, except for Luir's Outpost). Think about if you really need a person, or if they would be a waste of resources.
  
  Encourage the minions you recruit to spend time in taverns together and take part in the recruitment process if they're competent enough. When an independent guy looking for employment sees 8 PCs at the Gaj, and 6 are from the T'zai Byn, while the other two are AoD, when there are 10 people in both clans, the T'zai Byn is going to look a lot more full and active than the AoD, especially if this distribution in the Gaj is consistent. Players of unemployed characters are generally attracted to active clans because it ensures a good place to play.
  
  And make sure your recruiting makes sense! There are clans who accept any person with 300 coins, and there are the noble houses that are generally a lot more selective. Your character may have a specific philosophy on picking out some people. Generally, stick to what makes sense.
   
  Lastly, hiring on independent mercenary-types is a good way to get loyal people to work for you as well as keep them free for others to use. Your minions don't necessarily have to be clanned. A good example of this is a Tuluki patronage, but hiring able people to complete tasks is possible anywhere and everywhere.
  
  I have trouble finding things for my minions to do.
  
  Every clan has a specific set of activities everyone can do. Sparring, hunting, guarding, patrolling, etc. Do them, and do them often. Keep everyone involved in work. Spam 'contact' on everyone you're clanned with and get them together so everyone can have fun. Set up schedules that will bring your minions to a certain place at a certain time and reveal themselves. Then plan out RPTs once in a while to do something really special. The idea is to keep everyone involved in some long-term, solid activities, so that there is something to fall back on when things aren't particularly interesting one day.
   
  A very easy activity if your clan allows for it is a ride outside of the city or camp. It can be a patrol, a hunting party, or whatever else makes sense for your clan, and it's easy to organize on a whim.
  
  Another interesting concept is doing a normal clan activity with a similar, allied clan. The leaders of two clans can work together, letting their minions train with each other and such. It works out for everyone, and helps build interesting relationships.
  
  There are some things your leader will simply not touch, perhaps to protect their reputation, or because they cannot do it, or whatever. A "Quest" for the purpose of this article is some mission or request for your minion to do something. Most quests involve collecting something, and bringing it back, whether it is a flower or a head. However, it's a waste of time if that thing doesn't go to good use. That is why the quest should tie into a larger plot. The quest will be boring for the minion if it isn't challenging, or if it seems like a suicide mission. Therefore, it should be set to a difficulty level appropriate to the minion's level of skill.
  
  An awesome example of a quest where I was the minion, from over a year ago:
  
  Leader tells minion to go sneak around (the difficult part)...
  ...and pull a lock of hair from a couple of people (the collection)...
  ...so that the hair might be used to curse the people (the larger plot).
  
  Here's why it was awesome: it was difficult because I had to prepare a lot for it - not just getting better at sneak and hide, but preparing a proper ninja outfit, a safehouse to store said ninja outfit, an exit strategy after I grabbed the goods, and a way to change out of my ninja outfit into my normal gear without anyone being the wiser. The larger plot around it made the minion feel useful and good.
  
  Also, everything fell together. Without any of those parts, the rest of the quest would have been boring and/or meaningless. You can even withhold the information about the larger plot until the minion has completed the collection.
  
  Allowing your upper-level minions to take part in leading the lower-level minions and doing some of your tasks means more ideas will be thrown around about what can be done, and it means you can do more important things.
  
  Lastly, leaders and minions can find it very enjoyable to surpass or stay on top of other leaders, while protecting their minions from dangerous forces. Resolving a conflict comes in many forms: bribery, politicking, and sometimes, a murder (or a murderous rampage). Make enemies, and friends to assist in destroying or subjugating your enemies.
  
  I have minions, but the players seem bored when I give their characters things to do.
  
  First of all, are you sure they are bored? Randomly logging out often can be a sure sign of boredom, but sometimes there's just no time to play. Feel free to ask on the clan boards for their honest opinion on if players of minions are satisfied with what they get to do.
  
  A forced approach to clan activity is not supposed to be applied 100% of the time. For maximum fun, give your minions some leeway to do things they like to do, or things that could be fun that is not along the grain of what the clan usually does for work.
  
  You know how some familes get together on a Friday night to play Scrabble or something (at least on TV )?
  
  Replace families with clans. Friday with Detal. And Scrabble with Kruth.
  
  Or anything, really. It just has to be fun (ideas: drinking, brawling, or just sitting around and chatting about something). And preferably, not anything having to do with what you normally do as a clan already (like sparring, patrolling, etc). This develops relationships between you and your minions, and between minions and other minions. It also helps minions to build a set of hobbies, so they are not just Soldier #6969 or Mercenary #420, but "the guy who won the last Kruth game", and "th' lass who ended up spendin' th' 'ole pot from tha' game on thongs".
  
  Look at the games that Zalathans play that are listed on the main site, or make something up if you are feeling creative. Do competitions to see who is the best boxer/Kruth player/hunter and so on and so forth.
  
  Also, you will be doing the players of your minions a big disservice and possibly bore them if you can never be found. While it certainly helps to have a lot of time to play, not everyone does. Playing regularly is far more important than playing often. Make sure you can be found at the days and times you post on a roll call thread in your clan forum. Even if you only play two hours a day, if you play during the same two hours each day, you're doing great.
  
  Sometimes you can be online and uncontactable. Barrier is an obvious one. What I am really talking about is doing things that will make you extremely hard for your minions to find you, either accidentally or on purpose. That said, don't worry excessively about pleasing your clan. Obviously, every person needs their private time (for sleep, mudsex, drinking, mudsex, cuddling, mudsex, smoking, etc) but don't let your private time take up all your playing time. Spend some time in public or within sight or reach of your minions so you can do leadery things.
  
  I have minions, but I'm bored when they are not logged in.
  
  Be a character first. Then a (noble/sergeant/templar/agent/sorcerer-king) second.
  
  "Well, duh," you say. "How does this help with my boredom?!"
  
  If you are good at making personal goals for your character you are doing great. Now, as a leader, you have to make sure to not forget those while you are doing leadership things. It will help a lot in ensuring your role stays fresh even when ther are no minions logged in. Have something to focus on when things are slow in your clan. Some ideas:
  
  A lover.
  A(n) <item type> collection.
  A hobby of some sort.
  A focus.
  A personal goal.
  A secret desire (training to become the best warrior ever, eat babies, etc.)
  Anything else a person would want!
  
  It is these and your character traits that will keep your minions interested in you for more than your leadership, and it will (hopefully!) keep you interested as well when they are not around.
  
  And not just the minions will be interested in your character, if you can provide a good standard of RP for everyone to follow. If you're that Allanaki templar striking fear into the hearts of your Highlord's people, or the Tuluki noble who is the patron of bards and hirer of assassins, or the Kuraci agent making sure the people of the Labyrinth get their spice fix... you're bound to draw players to you, which means fun opportunities to roleplay for yourself and for others.
  
  Being a leader is hard work and/or stressful, or it's generally boring.
  
  Ah, but it doesn't have to be.
  
  It takes a special (crazy? maybe) person to 'like' to lead a group of people, each with their own problems and needs. On top of that, you have to report in to staff about what you intend to do on a regular basis. It's just like a career in life - you can do something you enjoy doing, or you can do something you hate, yet feel obligated to do.
  
  "But which one do I choose?"
  
  Keep in mind that this is a game. If you hate doing something, guess what - you don't have to do it! You take a short break to do something else and see if that helps, or you coordinate with your staff and other characters and store. But it is also a good idea to give leadership a fair shake if you think you don't like it, because you just may end up liking it after a while. All too often I see people who complain about leaders and leading something themselves, either on the GDB or just in life, and I chuckle a little inside because most of the time, you are not forced to lead at all, ever. It is, however, possible to become better at leading and make leadership more enjoyable, if you desire.
  
  If it's because of IG things or other players, then you can work to correct that IG. If it's because of staff, then you should prboably cue them in to more things you are planning, so they can help you out.

  Credits:
  Special thanks goes to Taven for doing articles like

  this and for inspiring me to take a crack at it myself, and Helix and

  Fathi for contributing to that particular part which I am loosely

  basing this article on. Synthesis, Lizzie, and Reiloth made suggestions

  that helped me make...
  Continue Reading...

• 

  Final Memories of Him by Reiloth
  Added on Sep 28, 2006

  A song written by Jochebed Abishai of Elkinhym in light of his father's passing.

  ---

  My first memories of him were by the age of five,
  When he mussed with my hair, and told me voice snide,
  "Son, you must remember when the day is done,
  to clean your feet in the shadow of the sun.";
  And to this day, upon arriving home,
  I look to my shoes, and for a man who will never come.
  
  My second memories of him were by the age of seventeen,
  When he clapped my shoulder, slapping my bearded chin unclean,
  "Son, you must remember to compliment your mate,
  Or else you will find yourself in a deprived state.";
  And to this day, when I see my mate's eyes,
  I revel in their color aloud, knowing he has died.
  
  My third memories of him were by the age of twenty-two,
  when he mused of my sister, and of my new wound.
  "Son, remember that 'great things' should be considered lightly,
  and the littlest of things with such detail, not slightly."
  And to this day, when a man pries to the state of my face,
  I smile as I do, and leave him in haste.
  
  My fourth memories of him were by the age of twenty-five,
  when I held his hand, and watched the last living breath die,
  "Son, for me this you must do; never give up, or pretend to be a fool;
  Always to yourself be true, and only willingly play the tool."
  And with his dying breath I sighed, my eyes turning to shaded places
  inside;
  and when my feet loudly scuff more than I intend,
  His dying words, my thoughts often recommend.
  
  My final memories of him were by the age of right now,
  In song he is remembered, like the sky or dust-clouds,
  "Father, you must remember that I miss you so,
  and that your words, succinctly, to my children will go."
  And to this day, a thought of him brings tears to my eyes,
  knowing his life was snuffed, like a torch to the wind's sighs.
  

  My first memories of him were by the age of five,
  When he mussed with my hair, and told me voice snide,
  "Son, you must remember when the day is done,
  to clean your feet in the shadow of the sun.";
  And to this day, upon arriving home,
  I look to my shoes, and for a man who will never come.
  
  My second...
  Continue Reading...
• 

  The Latest of Nights by Reiloth
  Added on Sep 18, 2006

  An eerie patriotic song of the North, written by Jochebed Abishai of Elkinhym.

  ---

  When a limp wind runs through my feet,
  through the toes and where the fingers meet,
  through the very core of my being,
  I know that something passes nearby, unseen.
  
  A shadow of doubt lingers in my mind,
  When I see a man with eyes unkind,
  A glance in the crowd, proving unwanted company,
  though I know I am safe from the things I can't see.
  
  They walk along my face in the sun,
  They whisper in my shadow of the trophies they've won,
  They prowl in my alleys, thinking to win the good fight,
  But my eyes remain open, on the latest of nights.
  
  They drink in my bars, praising my King,
  They piss in my gutters, and laugh at the scene.
  They make love in my beds, and my Children awake,
  They kill those who would just take, and take, and take.
  
  So wary the traveller who trods with soft step from the South,
  And likens himself to a quirri in the hunt,
  For eyes spill from my cracks in the street underneath,
  and ears will listen for words far too blunt.
  

  When a limp wind runs through my feet,
  through the toes and where the fingers meet,
  through the very core of my being,
  I know that something passes nearby, unseen.
  
  A shadow of doubt lingers in my mind,
  When I see a man with eyes unkind,
  A glance in the crowd, proving unwanted company,
  though I know I...
  Continue Reading...