OOC announcements

[Koi-Cricket]

I know it has been -a long long time coming. We have not had a patch in a very long time.

Back in 2022, I knew that I wanted to try and expand upon our dev team. Diligent stepped up and was made our dev lead and we brought on three players from the community that had coding experience. Since they have come to the team, they have breathed new life in that department, and have been working really really hard.

I want to thank Koi-Chaos, Koi-Diligent, Koi-Light, Koi-Nyx.and Kio-Cryptic. Also Koi Eudicot who has helped tremendously.

Thank you to the players that are putting in a lot of time to roleplay improvements to the game, collection of strength and just helping to build the community.

I wanted to say again how thankful we are for freememory/Tary for the work that he’s done in the personal vaults and advising us.


For years, I and other team members, and even players have asked for the return of the personal vaults and now it’s going to happen.

The patch does not stop there. There is a list of things, interesting things, things players have requested over the years, new configuration of rooms… the list goes on.

We have no date set for it yet, but there will be spoilers soon. We will post a date and patch notes when the time comes.

So stay tuned!

[Koi-Cricket]

I wanted to give an update on things.

We are getting close to the patch that was promised to you several months ago. We are now in the testing phase and working out all the glitches that are being found. Thank you to all of the testers that have been able to help with testing.

It is no secret that we will be getting our vaults, thanks to Tary/freememory and the dev team. A new room has been created by Cryptic that isn't seen in testing so that part can be left for you to see when it goes live.

There are a few upgrades to existing rooms throughout the city and the teaching guild has some expansions. The forge guild and archive of the planes will be accessed from new areas. Some changes to the houses and some of the major planes. The forge guild has been expanded. There are some new elder rooms for students to visit. Changes to threshold.

Bug fixes, some changes and updates to arts, quality of life changes, and the list goes on.

We have a mass email ready to go out to dozens and dozens of players that have played at some point during this version that will be sent out once we have a date for our patch, and we will post that date to you all as soon as we possible can.

Stay tuned in discord screenshots for teasers.

It is our hope that this won't be our last patch, that there will be many more to come.

[Koi-Cricket]

I know it has been a while and I apologize for that. We have gotten your hopes up about a patch and it has taken much longer than we anticipated. I wanted to give you a small update as things have progressed. Roleplay lead is meeting this week or next week with Eudicot and Jorkyn to discuss everything with them. Cryptic is hurrying to go back over a few things found in the level edits and make those changes. Stay tuned to more updates in the near future from Koi-Diligent.

Once the big patch comes, we have some options.. As you know, a couple of years ago we did a 100 year reboot. We wiped the houses and their beliefs and fast tracked them way into the future. Made belief and roleplay changes that would enhance the work that was done on a patch. We have been brainstorming and we are wondering how the community would feel about something similar. Something could start before the patch and end after the patch, or it could begin after the patch.

The reason we did the 100 year reboot a couple of years ago was to bring new life back into the game. The houses were very stagnant, and we needed to breath some new life into things. And it did, we had some amazing times ahead. But, it seems that we are back in to the rutt of the houses again, and people are just not as active in them as once before. We will be putting up polls soon to collaborate with the ideas that we are tossing around and pull from those majority votes. I know that there are some players that have been struggling to fit their characters in to the open houses, because of character beliefs and roleplay, Cryptic shared some ideas that may help with that if we made some changes.

Koi-Serenity roleplay lead has been discussing house roleplays as well. Giving each house a roleplay prompt, something to use as a tool for roleplaying specific to that house.

Changes are going to be coming to the market soon as well. I am planning to remove the missions from the market, and place them in another location.. the freespirit sanctuary on edgeward. There you will be able to go check the missions to determine which you would like to do. There will be a generic character named "mission collector" that will collect missions, and Grandma will only tend to her market. Missions are still going to be the same all around, other than Grandma will not take your mission. Grandma will then be able to resume her role as a GMMT and will spend her time in the market selling items. Doing all three things at one time would make things too hectic in the market, and there is a need currently for certain focus teachers and I want to help with that. (Grandma will teach focuses that have issues finding teachers only).

If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to reach out to roleplaying@underlight

[Koi-Cricket]

There is going to be a meeting this Sunday with dev lead and Admin to move forward with next steps on the patch. Koi-Diligent is currently working on patch notes. Those will be shared before the patch, with all details of what is coming.

We've decided to move forward with another reboot to the city. This one may end up being even bigger than the one we had a few years ago. Between the awesomeness of the patch, and the ideas that we've been brain storming and began working on, I think you all will be very pleased with what we are going to bring for you.

[Koi-Cricket]

Just a quick update and spoiler. A while back an old dev gave us access to some files. Found something pretty in those files. So it is being worked on right now and will be done soon and ready for the patch. This is something different than the long awaited personal vaults that are already complete.

Patch is coming soon. I know it has been a long time coming. But the amount of things and work that has gone in to this one was fairly large. A testing server is going up and we will ask for volunteers, tho some of the surprises will be left out of it so that there are not a lot of spoilers.

You probably have noticed that Grandmas missions have been taken up. With the amount of hours a week Grandma has been dedicating for missions and letting people turn them in, along with all the things we are working on behind the scenes to get the patch ready, those were taken up to free up some time to work on that without being overwhelmed. Players can continue to do theirs for the players and we will still be in to collect those and have market time for those. There is a rework of those happening that will put more into the Master Teachers hands.

We are definitely doing a reboot as we did a few years back. This one will be a bit different than before, but- New story, new theme, houses, places for each mark/guild/group. Rework of missions. And more to go along with the things that Koi Diligent and dev, Cryptic and Tarys personal vaults, has for us to go ig.

Perfect timing that we’ve had returning old players in recently. They will be here for the start of something that I feel like is going to be amazing, even more so than the 100 year reboot.

Thank you for continuing to keep the dream alive, and your patience.

[Koi-Cricket]

Good morning

It has been a pleasant surprise to see many older players returning. The roleplays that have sparked, relationships formed, and stories pushed has been incredible.

I did want to remind/tell you all that there are going to be many changes coming after the reboot/eclipse. And I also wanted you to be aware that this is going to be a clean slate and fresh start. Which means some of the following will occur and I did not want you to be blind sided. - All crests will be removed from every player. (House, dreamsmith, wordsmith and MT). These marks have been very very simple and easy to gain in the past, and starting them over after the patch, may or may not be different, but not hard.

Houses- All houses will be closing before/after the patch. Depending on how the roleplay rolls out.

In the new version, we will have what you call "Traditional" and "Non-Traditional" houses. The traditional houses are what players will be joining in the traditional sense and such as we have now. Where you have rulers/guards/initiates- the traditional way. As it stands now, there will be 3 tradtional houses. Keep in mind as the team continues to brain storm and work things out- anything can change. These three tradtional houses are going to be what you can choose to join.

The tradtional houses will be rolling out after the patch through a series of roleplays that the team will have prepared for you to engage in. Example: Friday night- there will be a roleplay that will revolve around the opening of house 1. Saturday night there will be a roleplay that revolves around house 2. so forth. Your character can choose to join the house that they see they would enjoy more, be engaged with more or close to their fit. These houses you will not be required to go out and get all the regular requirements for. You will basically roleplay getting in to these, not by way of going out and collecting enough strength etc.

Then we will have non- traditional houses. These houses will not be player lead, but not necissarily GM lead either. It will be played out much like a guild, but each will be distinctively different and serve a unique purpose. Keep in mind.. the dual crest penalty is going away. Some of these traditional houses will not be granted crests, though one or two may. But the penalty for joining will not exist. If you choose to remain freespirit, but choose to join one of these non traditional houses, it will not act as a house. No beliefs, no roles or jobs, etc.

We did this for many reasons. One being nostalgia for some and their connection to that area or house in the game. You won't have to lose that. Another being, the houses have sat dormate and not been used in a long time. It has been wasted areas that can be used for roleplay purposes. And lastly, these non- traditional houses are going to give you things to do in game.

You may also see different GM or DM characters. There may be an entirely new belief type system. Etc

I know that a lot of you have started new roleplays, opened new houses, joined this or that. But I promise that this reboot to the game is going to be such an improvement, and a fresh start, that you are going to be happy. There's going to be something for everyone and you will either be able to pick up where you left off, or you may choose to go a completely different route. The story arc that we have is going to revolve around something that will allow you to do whatever it is you choose to do moving forward.

If you do have any concerns about where you're going to be fitting in, what direction to go with your character, questions, or just want to talk about the "where do you go from there". Feel free to reach out to the RP lead Koi-Serenity, myself, Cryptic.

[Koi-Cricket]

Information regarding in game dynamics before and after the upcoming patch.

The last reboot went over really well. Everyone adapted and rolled with everything we threw out there and then some. We had a lot of activity in game and it went great for a long time. The last couple of years things have slowed down in activity and in population. Sometimes in Underlight and much like anything else, things need direction. We, along with most of you guys, feel that it would be a great time for another one of those reboots to the game to help breath new life into it.

Back in lyra we had some driving forces, such as essence manipulation and illuminate/Freesoul. That was something that kept political interaction between houses and players, great roleplay opportunities and so much more. And even though all of that is a thing of the past, bringing in something similar or along the same lines seemed like something in the polls that everyone wanted. If there are no belief systems at play, it leaves for stagnation.

With helping with direction, we've decided to bring in three opened, traditional houses. The traditional houses are basically what they are now. Player lead and operated. Without giving away too much about what the story arc is intended, just know that what we are bringing in, or bringing back, will have story and meaning behind it once we go back after the patch and it all unfolds.

Here is a look into what the traditional houses will be with a summary of each:


Formerly known as Union of the Covenant: The Ancient Temple

Introduction
The Ancient Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment, dedicated to the pursuit of higher truths and the restoration of balance in the realm of dreams. Governed by a priesthood sworn to the service of Bashir and Harmate, our house embraces diversity of belief and encourages the continual growth of its members on the path towards enlightenment. Rooted in the Cult of the 13, our temple acknowledges the ever-expanding pantheon of deities and entities, with Bashir and his Throne sitting in authority over them and The Ancient Temple. We recognize the intricate web of divine influence woven throughout the cosmos, guiding souls towards their ultimate destiny.

Propagation of Beliefs: Spread the teachings of Bashir, Harmate, and The Ancient Temple, enlightening all who would listen within the City of Dreams.

Principles of Governance
For the Faithful of Bashir: Adhere to the Four Pillars - Growth, Conflict, Sacrifice, and Discipline - and embody the essence of power and enlightenment.

For the Followers of Harmate: Uphold Her Decrees - Equilibrium, Meditation, Justice, and Harmony and embracing the path of balance and spiritual harmony.


Protectors of Radiance: (location at its original stronghold) Lyra version through some point in time.

Amidst the city's surroundings and radiant skies, you'll find the Protectors of Radiance—a symbol of hope and bravery. Our home is a sanctuary for those who envision a place free from oppression and darkness. Protectors of Radiance are united by commitment and sworn duty to defend the city. Inspired by the Luminary Guardian, we embark on missions within the city. We see its presence as a beacon of personal growth, enlightenment, and hope. We believe in the Luminary Guardian's essence, finding strength in its guidance.

Beliefs:

Protection of the city:

The duty of the Protectors of Radiance is to protect our brothers and sisters, the city, and the natures of it. Whether they stem from within its walls or from the realms beyond.. We will patrol its paths, explore its planes, and stand ready to defend its borders from any who breach with harmful cause from other realms

Paths of the Radiance:

Path of Enlightenment: This path is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the city, its inhabitants, and nature, guided by the radiant energy. Through various projects and endeavors, we seek to uncover the mysteries of the city and its inhabitants, drawing inspiration and guidance from the power of the Luminary Guardian. Learning and strengthening the avatar.

Path of Devotion: Our path is of devotion to our brothers and sisters, and the natures existing within the dream for this noble cause. Through the intense heat and flames, we forge creations to help better the city, offer training to the city to aid in its protection.

We view darks as natural enemies.


Formerly known as Keepers of Eternal Shadow: Scryers of Truth (Shades of Truth version through some point in time)

Scryers of Truth:

At the heart of the belief system lies a profound reverence for truth, which we seek to uncover through various means. The Scryers place great trust in the messages conveyed by the Dream Weaver, whom they are dedicated followers of. Through scrying, a mystical practice that allows us to glimpse into the fabric of the Dream, we uncover the hidden truths that elude ordinary perception.

In our quest for knowledge, we do not limit ourselves to conventional methods of study. Instead, we cast our nets wide, exploring the far reaches of the dream and beyond. Along the journey, we engage with darks to understand their customs and culture. We meditate upon the sacred teachings of the Holy Trees, seeking to gain insights into the fundamental natures that exist.. We venture into remote caves, communing with sprites, honoring their presence and learning from their ancient wisdom.

Branches of the Scryers of Truth: Scryers and Researchers


Non Traditional houses

These are not considered houses in the traditional sense. We hope that you will not view dreamers that are "dual crested" in to the teaching group as such. These houses will serve their own unique purpose with no rulers/guardians leading it, and will serve no set of beliefs.

Wordsmith guild/Dreamlore -uncrested (some rooms opened and used)
Master Teachers/teaching -MTs can choose to crest, but not a requirement
Freespirit Congregation- uncrested, house opened
Home of the Antagonist - no player members
City Guard (location is TBD, may or may not be at one of the houses)


There will also be incentives and such brought in for the Traditional houses.

Also, there is going to be a very firm requirement for being Ruler/Guardians in houses. Those positions are there to drive the house and promote activity. It are for active players -only-

[Koi-Cricket]

It seems like the patch is approaching quickly. There were merges with the new content, meetings, and a testing server put up yesterday. Koi-Cryptic is sending over the level edits to be put in by tomorrow. So we are well on our way. After everything is put in, we will have to see if it went in successfully, then begin testing and then work out any fixes that may arise, more testing, and then comes a patch date.

In regards to the Houses that were posted over the weekend. We had a lot of positive feedback regarding the house changes, save a couple. And thank you to those that may be losing something you worked on, that may have went stagnant for one reason or another, but are embracing the change in hopes for more motiviation, fun and activity within the city.

Houses need a solid belief system that can help motivate and drive activity. If a house opens and becomes stagnant, the purpose of that house is no longer doing the houses intention. It is up to no one but the house to drive activity and that is why we created three house choices to suit every single need of a character, combined with solid belief systems.

Some had plans for things in game and with houses/groups that we had no knowledge of. Updates on your character and happenings is critical during times like this when expected changes are coming and being worked on.

These changes have been in the works for weeks/months. Many polls went up about the changes, we knew it was coming and were asked to prepare, so if you do need to discuss anything, you should reach out to us asap.

If you have any lingering concerns, questions, or feedback, please email us at roleplaying@underlight.com and we will be glad to address them or help you with ideas if you need them for transitioning to new things. Thank you!

[Koi-Cricket]

Protectors of Radiance

Beliefs and Charter of the Protectors of Radiance:

The Protectors of Radiance stand as beacons of hope and courage. Our sanctuary offers solace to those who seek emancipation from oppression and darkness.

We are united by our commitment and sworn duty to safeguard the city and its inhabitants. Inspired by the Luminary Guardian, we embark on missions within the Dream, drawing strength from its radiant essence and embracing its teachings.

We explore the city looking for new ways to improve our defenses and protect our way of dreaming. We believe that the city holds many uncovered secrets and knowledge that will prove useful in our goal.

The Luminary Guardian: The collective spirits of past Protectors, revered by members as a symbol of hope and inspiration. This entity encompasses all those who previously walked this radiant path and provides guidance to the current protectors when they need it most. The Protectors seek the wisdom and guidance of the Luminary Guardian to help forge their path forward.

View on Dark Mares: Their watch over the city perceives nightmares as threats, and they remain vigilant in seeking their destruction.

Training and Development: The Protectors of Radiance are committed to providing training and development programs aimed at unlocking the full potential of every member in combat and strategic proficiency. We not only encourage, but also embrace continuous improvement from all members.

Forging and Creation: We harness the energy present in natural resources to craft tools not only for defense but also for creation. Through this process, we forge items through flame, each creation serving as a testament to the dedication and skill of our members.

Oath of Allegiance:
Every member of the Protectors of Radiance
shall swear an oath of allegiance to their brothers and sisters. This oath binds us in duty and honor and guides our actions and decisions in service to the greater good.

A Protector will travel down one of two paths during their service to the cause…

Path of Devotion:

Members of this path are dedicated to the protection and honor of the city and its inhabitants. Those who follow this path believe in the individuality of others and honor the sovereignty of other houses. They function as ambassadors to the other citizens of the city, seeking unity and cooperation among all dreamers. They also serve as advocates to those whose actions may be misrepresented.

Ambassadors
Advocates
Peacekeepers

Path of Radiance:

Descendants of the Lyra era, they maintain their crusader spirit, faithful in their mission to uphold the charge entrusted to them. This path is more militaristic in nature, focusing on the defense of the city without concern for external authority. Members of this path believe strongly in their independence and the overall goal of protecting the city at all costs. The politics and feelings of other houses hold no significant merit to them. They believe that overall safety stands above all else. These members consider themselves to be the city guard.

City Guard
Sovereign Citizens
Crusaders

[Koi-Cricket]

Charter and Beliefs of The Ancient Temple

Established by the Devout Adherents of Bashir and Harmate

Introduction
The Ancient Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment, dedicated to the pursuit of higher truths and the restoration of balance in the realm of dreams. Governed by a priesthood sworn to the service of Bashir and Harmate, our house embraces diversity of belief and encourages the continual growth of its members on the path towards enlightenment. Rooted in the Cult of the 13, our temple acknowledges the ever-expanding pantheon of deities and entities, with Bashir and his Throne sitting in authority over them and The Ancient Temple. We recognize the intricate web of divine influence woven throughout the cosmos, guiding souls towards their ultimate destiny.

Rulership and Governance
At the helm of The Ancient Temple, the Priesthood reigns supreme. Only those who have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the service of Bashir and Harmate, or other officially recognized entities that time may be revealed to us - becoming pact-sworn High Priests or Priestesses, may hold positions of authority within our sacred halls.

The Guardian rank serves as a stepping stone for aspirants on their journey toward full initiation into the mysteries of the Temple. Guardians are tasked with upholding the Temple's teachings and safeguarding its sanctity. Their work and duty will see them moving ever closer to reaching the Priesthood and being prepared for the swearing of the Pacts required.

Initiates make up the heart, soul, and body of the Temple congregation. The Temple welcomes all lay people to join us and begin their quest for spiritual understanding and greater individual power.

Promotion within our ranks is not based on arbitrary factors such as seniority or personal connections. Instead, it is earned through demonstrated spiritual growth, adherence to the Temple's charter, and contributions toward the collective enlightenment of our congregation.

Adherence to Principles
Members of The Ancient Temple are bound by sacred oaths to uphold the following principles:

Gathering Essences: In service to the Prime, members are duty-bound to gather essences, strengthening ourselves and our gods.

Continuous Growth: Stagnation is forbidden. Personal growth must be a perpetual journey, enriching ourselves and our fellow brethren.

Resolution of Conflicts: Interpersonal conflicts shall be resolved through mediation within the Temple, ensuring harmony and unity among our members.

Exclusivity of Membership: Dual crests are prohibited. Members may not swear themselves (Dual-Crest) to other noble houses and temples, ensuring undivided loyalty to The Ancient Temple.

Propagation of Beliefs: Spread the teachings of Bashir, Harmate, and The Ancient Temple, enlightening all who would listen within the City of Dreams.

Principles of Governance
For the Faithful of Bashir: Adhere to the Four Pillars - Growth, Conflict, Sacrifice, and Discipline - and embody the essence of power and enlightenment.

For the Followers of Harmate: Uphold Her Decrees - Equilibrium, Meditation, Justice, and Harmony and embracing the path of balance and spiritual harmony.

Essence Arts
The Ancient Temple maintains a neutral stance regarding essence arts, encouraging dreamers to wield essences that align with their spiritual journey so long as it serves the greater good of the Temple.

Treatment of Dark Mares
Recognizing the existence of Darkmares within the City of Dreams, The Ancient Temple acknowledges their unique society while remaining vigilant against chaos and violence. Members shall treat Darkmares as sentient beings, assessing each case individually and extending compassion without discrimination.

In conclusion, The Ancient Temple is a bastion of spiritual enlightenment, guided by the divine wisdom of Bashir and Harmate. Through adherence to our charter and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of higher truths, we shall continue to illuminate the path toward transcendence for all who seek it within the City of Dreams.

[Koi-Cricket]

The Scryers of Truth are seekers of knowledge and enlightenment within our city, working as prophets and researchers. Diving into the cities history. It’s past, present and future.

Central to our beliefs is the practice of scrying, where members utilize various methods to see what may come to pass. This encompasses the exploration of all areas of our city, from its planes and fonts to its talismans and arts.

Compassion guides our interactions as we seek to uplift those who aim to improve. We are driven by a need for understanding the dreamscape, as well as unlocking undiscovered secrets.

We observe the four controlling powers: Lucidity, Insight, Resilience, and Willpower, with Dreamsoul serving as the unifying force. Additionally, we undertake the study of the Anti-Elements, seeking to comprehend the intricate interplay of all ten elements that shape our reality.

Truth holds an important place in our belief system, and we use unique means to uncover it. We place our trust in the wisdom conveyed by the Dream Weaver, a mystical figure believed to be able to traverse the realms of dreams and reality. Although their idenity remains a mystery, the Dream weaver is revered for guiding us through dreams and realities towards the greater good. Whether through prophetic visions or lucid dreams, the Dream Weaver imparts guidance and insight to those on the path of enlightenment.

Scryers of Truth use many practices and studies. We go beyond conventional methods, exploring the farthest reaches of dreams and beyond. This includes engaging with the dark mares of our city to learn about their customs and cultures, meditating on the teachings of the Holy Trees, seeking to understand the natures that exist, and communing with ancient sprites in remote caves.


Branches of the Scryers of Truth include:

Researchers: Engaged in the exploration of the city's past, present, and potential future, researchers study the historical archives, listening to the prophetic whispers, and analyzing every aspect of the dream.

Scryers: Masters of scrying, possessing the unique ability to peer into the mysteries of the Dream. Through their insights and dedication, they decipher the messages of the Dream Weaver, gaining knowledge for their fellow dreamers.

[Koi-Cricket]

Announcement that was posted in discord: Just a small update. After dev lead met with Jork for that Saturday meeting, there were some things that needed to be done and now there is another meeting planned for this Sunday, I believe. Everything/content has been pushed to Jork, other than a few last minute level edits that I’m about to get choked out for. . Hopefully after this Sunday if everything goes smooth, we will begin testing. Depending on how many fixes (hopefully none or not many) will depend on if fixes are needed and then more testing. We will set the patch date after that. I am excited because finishing touches on stories are about done.
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I also wanted to make mention about the houses that we chose to open and why.

We recently had a small influx of players wishing to join the Bashir story arc from a previous version of the game. The house beliefs and story, coincides with the story arc that we are pushing for after the patch. So the Union that was opened back in SoT as the Cult of Bashir will be opening back up.

PoR; with bringing in two houses from an SoT era, we are bringing in an alternate version of Lyra's Protectors of Radiance. This will also go along with the theme of what we are doing for the changover.

KoEs; the structure will be opening back up. But the house beliefs will be shifting as to set the theme for the house back to a previous version of the game. This corresponds with the story arc that we are doing. (Back last year, a GM decided to open the house back up to the Keepers for different reasons, and helped to push the opening of it. Soon after, players that had joined were not able to play because sometimes real life happens. Understandable. Recently, a couple of players decided to join, and players were able to return to the game. Even though this bumped the numbers slightly, after months and months of planning, the house was still set to be included in the changover after the patch.)

Since you wanted change, according to the polls that were steadily posted for the last year, and discussions with everyone, including a Fireside, we concluded that we did not need as many houses open. This is to cater to the population count. Later down the road if this number grows, and there is a need for it, we can look in to opening a fourth traditional house.

HC, EA, AoE - These houses will be either completely opened, or somewhat opened for specific guilds. Wordsmith, teaching, freespirts. (The EA ; MT's will be able to dual crest if they so choose to so that you are able to use the MB to stay in contact with teaching things with Azlan) The names of these three houses have changed.

There will also be places within the city that GM's will be including roleplays in to enhance story arcs being brought in for the changover.
Lower Palisades
Lightless Hollow
The Kingdom; new areas
Lost Sea