Server limit of 25 players may be logged in at any one time. Current regular player list of 100+, with >2000 individual characters created and played over the past few years.
Setting
Mystara Persistent world is set in the Grand Duchy of Karameikos, the Campaign setting of the orignal Dungeons & Dragons products. Karameikos is a heavily forested land bounded by mountains to the north which form its natural border with the Republic of Darokin. To the west is the nation of Halflings called the Five Shires. To the north and east, across the vast Altan Tepes mountain range, is the mysterious desert nation, The Emirates of Ylaruam. To the east is the mighty Empire of Thyatis, from whence the ruler of Karameikos, Grand Duke Stephan Karameikos III, hails. To the south are the island lands of the Minrothad Guilds and the Kingdom of Ierendi.
You are recently arrived in the small mining town of Threshold, set within the northern wilds of Karameikos.
All but forgotten by Duke Stefan Karameikos, currently distracted by a bloody war in Thyatis, Threshold was reduced to rubble by the deathless forces of the lich Archak. Against all odds its people put aside their differences and overcame the undead wizard, yet could not destroy him forever. Under the guidance of the town council and the newly appointed Knight Commander of Threshold the people slowly rebuild their shattered homes, and the town looks set to prosper as never before.
Yet shadows gather all around this island of civilisation. Beneath the Black Woods Archak slowly regains his strength, biding his time for revenge. The grim armies of the Black Eagle Barony lie close by, always seeking to further the ambitions of the Duke's tyrannical cousin Ludvig von Hendriks. Dragons swoop from the skies, monstrous golems wander the wilds and a sinister force infests the very stones beneath the citizens' feet. The greatest threat to the town is none of these, however. Chaos and disorder stalk the streets, and heroic leaders must either bring the rag-tag assortment of adventurers together against their common foes or be lost amidst a tide of darkness.
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Mystara: Mystara is the name of a world used in the original D&D boxed sets and also later adapated to AD&D 2nd Edition. It is the world in which this PW is set.
The Grand Duchy of Karameikos: The Duchy is officially ruled by Duke Stefan Karameikos who twenty or so years ago came over from a neighbouring land, the huge empire known as Thyatia, and conquerered it's indigineous population, the Traladarans. Karameikos still remains a wild, dangerous and largely unexplored land with baronies of the duchy being fairly independant and loosely scattered across it.
Players may choose to start in the northern frontier town of Threshold, or as a raw recruit in the nefarious Black Eagle Baron's private army. From these bases, the world is open for hundreds of hours of exploration and high adventure.
Further details of the setting background are provided at the following:
http://games.swiftdsl.com.au/showthread.php?t=1148
Length
Huge world, with 300+ detailed areas to explore. Over 100,000 words of plots, conversations, riddles and quests (most quests can be done once per character career only). Has been operating, developing and expanding for a little over 3 years.
Number DMs
9
Head DM = Amaranthus
Deputy Head and Black Eagle (one of the player factions) DM = Tutara
Creative/Ambience DMs = AusDrac, Mykael
Quester DMs = Okahey, Sigil
General DM = Marieledoyen
Emergency DMs = Orca, Andy B
IPs
On gamespy:
Modulename: Mystara - Black Horizon
Servername: PTGN.NWN.Mystara
Dirrect Connect:
Server IP: 218.214.224.111:5121 or fragengine.swiftdsl.com.au:5121
No player password required
Staff Requirements
By invitation only
Language
English
Scope
Epic
Hack & Slash
Medium
Classes
All standard classes available to select. Prestige classes locked, but available later via in-game actions or DM award.
Tricks & Traps
Medium
Level Range
1-36 (levels 37-40 are reserved for Immortals)
Epic Levels
Epic Levels are locked, and level 21 must be unlocked only via a DM Quest (DMs will unlock using their Level Time Wand). In additional, any further Epic Levels (22, 23 etc.) will also only be achievable via successfully completing DM Quests, after spending at least 14 real-life days at their current level. These �Epic Quests� will generally provide a considerable challenge to the PC, but on successful completion (if success is met), enough XP will usually have been earned to immediately advance to the next level (such that level 30+ is more than just theoretically possible, and would not required the slaughter of 1,000,000+ goblins to achieve it). Wherever possible Epic quests will be carefully considered, challenging and tailored to your PC's storyline. As a result they may be delivered immediately or take quite a while, as there can be many interdependencies. (Including DM burnout!) Also it�s important that you actually have a story that can be progressed! If DMs feel your story is not sufficiently progressed you may need to do some preliminary work before receiving your quest. We really want epics to be EPIC!
Epic Levels are defined as follows (with some examples to illustrate who might qualify at present for these classifications):
Levels 21-22, 'Renowned': You are well known amongst those whose lives you have touched. In your hometown you are a local legend, and people view you as a pillar of the community. Either this, or they shudder at the mention of your name. Outside their walls few have heard of you, however. Examples include Tagnar, the upper echelon of the Arcane Alliance at their height, the Elite Black Eagle Forces (Master Assassins, Erebus Blackguards), Elite Ducal Forces (Knights of the Duchy, lesser Justicars).
Levels 23-24, 'Famous/Infamous': Tales of your [mis]deeds are told throughout nearby lands. Few would know you to look on you, but the locals revere you and all you have done for them. Alternatively they shrink as you pass by, terrified of the horrible stories of your brutal nature. Examples include �The Six�, Justicar Dromilov.
Levels 25-26, 'Hero/Arch-villain': You are feared or loved by all who have head your name, and feature prominently in the lore of Karameikos either as a force of righteousness or a power of evil. Examples include Baron Ludwig von Hendriks, Abraxus and Duke Stephan Karameikos.
Levels 27-28, 'Legendary Hero/Legendary Villain': Your prowess and achievements are the stuff of legend, and your deeds shape the very evolution of the realms. Examples include Bargle, Mortimer and Grendel.
Levels 29-36, 'Chosen': Fate has picked you as its champion, for good or for ill. Great deeds are done in your name, and you have brought change to the face of Mystara with your actions. Who knows what lies beyond? Examples are few, but might include Jherek and Archak.
Level 36+ 'Immortal': Examples include Alphaks, Cassanna, Halav, Hel, the Darq Lord.
The world's powerful NPCs will also be delevelled where necessary in accordance with these guidelines.
In each general Epic Class, there are a number of tiers, for instance, level 21 being minor renown and 22 being major renown.
Magic Level
Moderate to High
Schedule
Server runs 24/7, reset every 4 1/2 hours
Treasure
Dependant on Player's efforts
Number Servers
One
DM Needed
Occasional DM Needed
Alignments
All alignments available and support through NPC reactions, scripting, and DM mediated shifts. Includes joinable Chaotic faction (Thieves' Guild) and Evil faction (Black Eagle Army).
Experience Rewards
Dependant on Player's efforts
Races
All standard races are available, with the following setting-specific exceptions/clarifications.
* Halflings are called "Hin".
* Dwarves are generally from the mountain kingdom of Rockholme.
* Subterranean Elves are NOT Drow (these don't exist in the Known World setting). These pale skinned, white haired elves are called "Shadow Elves", and are a playable legacy with special restrictions and a different death and respawn system (reflecting the favour of their immortal). Most other elves are from Alfheim.
PVP
Full PvP
ApplicationReqs
No application required, but forum registration is strongly recommended (the forum is extremely active, with a total of 50,000+ posts in the last two years).
Vault Type
Server
Death
Death and Respawn (see House rules for a full description of level-time restrictions)
Dying and respawning does not incur an XP penalty. You will never lose a level due to death. Instead, there is a physical impact (stats penalty) and recovery time (an increase in time till you can next level) effect of death. Item drops on death will remain unchanged.
The following table describes how many real-life days extra you will have to wait to achieve the next level, following a death. These wait times are cumulative across deaths (so if you died twice at level 5, you�d have an extra 2 days to wait until you were eligible to level up to 6, or an extra 3 days in total if you also respawned both time):
Level 1 = 0.5 days (Death) + 0 days (Respawn)
Level 2 = 0.5 days (Death) + 0 days (Respawn)
Level 3 = 0.5 days (Death) + 0.5 days (Respawn)
Level 4 = 1 day (Death) + 0.5 days (Respawn)
Level 5 = 1 day (Death) + 0.5 days (Respawn)
Level 6 = 1 day (Death) + 0.5 days (Respawn)
Level 7 = 1 day (Death) + 0.5 days (Respawn)
Level 8 = 1 day (Death) + 1 day (Respawn)
Level 9 = 1 day (Death) + 1 day (Respawn)
Level 10 = 2 days (Death) + 1 day (Respawn)
Level 11 = 2 days (Death) + 1 day (Respawn)
Level 12 = 2 days (Death) + 1 day (Respawn)
Level 13 = 2 days (Death) + 1 day (Respawn)
Level 14 = 2 days (Death) + 2 day (Respawn)
Level 15 = 2 days (Death) + 2 day (Respawn)
Level 16 = 3 days (Death) + 2 day (Respawn)
Level 17 = 3 days (Death) + 3 day (Respawn)
Level 18 = 3 days (Death) + 3 day (Respawn)
Level 19 = 4 days (Death) + 3 days (Respawn)
Level 20+ = 5 days (Death) + 4 days (Respawn)
In addition to the time-based penalty, your PC will be struck with a temporary penalty to some their abilitiy scores (e.g. STR, CON, INT etc.). The precise nature of the penalty will depend on your PCs class(es) but the magnitude of the reductions will be equal overall across the different classes. These ability score reductions cannot be removed by any means except time (i.e. rest and natural recovery, not dispel, greater restoration etc.). On further deaths, these penalties will accumulate, but will never result in any stat dropping to <3. These lingering after-effects of death will be gradually recovered over the next 1 and a half to 3 game months (= 1.5 to 3 real-life days). Having Raise Dead or Resurrection cast upon your PC will alleviate the above physical penalties somewhat (though not totally, with resurrection being better at reducing the ability score loss than raise dead), but will no affect on the leveling-time penalties, except that you will obviously not then have the respawn penalties applied.
Shadow Elves are the exception to the above death/respawn rules, taking no time- or stats-penalties on death (they instead burn up a Soul Crystal).
Connection
100 Mbps
House rules
Leveling rate
Henceforth, there will be real-world time-limits (implemented via scripting) on the rate at which your PC can progress in level, as the following table explains:
Level 1 = 1 day (Cumulative = 1 day)
Level 2 = 2 days (Cumulative = 3 days)
Level 3 = 3 days (Cumulative = 6 days) = ~1 week
Level 4 = 4 days (Cumulative = 10 days)
Level 5 = 5 days (Cumulative = 15 days) = ~2 weeks
Level 6 = 5 days (Cumulative = 20 days)
Level 7 = 5 days (Cumulative = 25 days)
Level 8 = 5 days (Cumulative = 30 days) = ~1 month
Level 9 = 6 days (Cumulative = 36 days)
Level 10 = 6 days (Cumulative = 42 days)
Level 11 = 6 days (Cumulative = 48 days)
Level 12 = 7 days (Cumulative = 55 days)
Level 13 = 7 days (Cumulative = 62 days) = ~ 2 months
Level 14 = 7 days (Cumulative = 69 days)
Level 15 = 8 days (Cumulative = 77 days)
Level 16 = 8 days (Cumulative = 85 days)
Level 17 = 9 days (Cumulative = 94 days)
Level 18 = 9 days (Cumulative = 103 days)
Level 19 = 10 days (Cumulative = 113 days)
Level 20+ = 14 days (Cumulative = 127 days) = ~ 4 months
Note: All of the real-life times discussed herein represent actual physical time passed, irrespective of how much or little time you spend in Mystara. For instance, one player could be on for 1 hour a day and another for 12 hours a day. Both would still be eligible to level up from level 4 to level 5 in 4 real-world days (96 hours).
Of course, PCs must still also accumulate sufficient XP to progress through the levels � the above is an additional rather than alternative system of advancement. If a PC accumulates enough XP to be eligible to advance to the next level, yet has not spent sufficient time at their current level, they may continue to gain XP during this wait period up to a maximum of half-way to the the maximum of your current level. To avoid the annoying level up graphic masking your portrait once you have acquired your XP, you can go through the level up process. It will fail if you have not met the time requirement, but your current XP will be safely stored away, to be restored to the PC (up to a maximum of half-way to the maximum of your current level, as noted) when they have spent sufficient time at their current level. Let me illustrate using an example:
Example 1: Ulrak the Bold achieves level 3 at 10pm on Monday 16th May. He will be eligible to level up to 4 in 3 real-life days hence, i.e. 10pm Thursday 19th May. However, by Wednesday 18th May he has achieved 10,000 XP, enough to level up to 4. He attempts to level up, and after completing the leveling up process (which he skips through rapidly, knowing the level will be immediately removed), he is set back to 6001 XP. Over the next day, he earns another 1200 XP, taking his running total to 7,201 XP and his actual XP count to 11,200 XP. At the appointed hour on the Thursday, he is able to level up to 4. He uses his level up widget (see below) to restore his XP, and levels up to 4. He will then qualify for level 5 when he has spent 4 days at level 4 and earned another 3,800 XP (which will take him to 15,000 XP).
Example 2: If you were level 2, and gained 3,000 XP but had not spent sufficient time at level 2 to be eligible to level up, you'd be dropped back to level 2 at 1,001 XP, and then could gain a maximum of an additional 1,000 XP, to take your actual total to 4,000 XP. You'd get that extra 1,000 XP restored to you when you were eligible to level up (time-wise).
What is this �level up widget�? It is a small item (looks like an eyeball and takes up one slot in your inventory) that you will acquire on entering the world after the update (once only � it is undroppable). Activation of this widget will tell you two pieces of information: (1) how much actual XP you have accumulated (e.g. Ulrak in the above example would have been told he actually had 11,200 XP rather than the 7,201 his character sheet had recorded); and (2) How long (in real life days) you have to wait until you are eligible to level up. In addition, if you are ready to level up, activating the widget will restore your stripped XP (so Ulrak would immediately jump from 7,201 XP to 11,200 XP, and he could then proceed to level up). However, the use of this widget is restricted to 1 use/game day (i.e. no more than once every 8 game hours [16 real-life minutes], refreshed after resting) � this is to prevent spamming it. The DMs have a new wand that permits them to increase or decrease the amount of time required to level as an RP award (or penalty), in addition to XP awards. It also allows them to examine individual players to see how much longer they require to level (or trigger their XP restoration), etc.
Legacies that grant levels (i.e. Battle Training, Mercenary and Black Eagle legacies) will not be time restricted until they gain their pre-appointed level (e.g. Black Eagle troops will be able to immediately acquire level 2). Shadow Elves take double the above specified times to level up, but no longer require twice the XP of non-Shadow Elves.
Unique Items
Basically, there are also a couple of new systems for items in place, which have/will be imposed retrospectively on everyone's backpacks and in game therein after.
- A "custom" item level restriction (ILR) has been imposed. This is totally independent and unrelated to Bioware's hardcoded system. It only affects some items, others are exempt. If you get a message to the effect of "you cannot control the magical power of (item x)", it means it has been flagged with an ILR (the value is not revealed), and you can't control it (use or activate it) at your current level of character development. You may when you've gained more power/experience.
- A slew of items have now been flagged as "PC Unique". This means that only one copy of this class of items may be held by any given PC at one time - if you have, or attempt to collect/hold another copy, it will crumble into dust (but you'll still have one). These are still available in shops, so be careful with your purchases or you many find your newly purchased item crumble in your palm.
- Some of the rarer/more powerful items have been flagged as "Server Unique". Only one copy may be present on the server at any one time. When you attempt to acquire such an item, there is a % chance of you successfully exerting your will over the item and dominating it. Thereafter, it will be yours, and yours alone, and anyone else currently in possession of one, or attempting to acquire one, will find it crumble into dust. If the item does not appear in anyone's inventory for a certain amount of time, then it will be assumed "lost" and be again up for grabs. It the first item does appear again at a later date, both objects will be permitted to remain in existence. These are NOT availabe from shops.
The application of the above new inventory rules is on the server-wide population, and not intended to be biased for/against anyone. The % chance of successfully dominating a Server Unique item is unrelated to your class/level/stats etc. The intention is that this system, in combination with the new levelling/death rules, will restore significant balance to the server,and provide a lot more interest in / respect for particular treasures. Owning a particular piece of valuable hardware will henceforth really mean something special. The above is an OOC explanation, but justifications should also be considered and dealt with IC.
Content guide
Everyone
Player Requirements
* RP enforced server. Everything about the design of the PW is tailored towards RP players and Mystara's existing community is made up of RPers.
Only 5 non-scripted "rules" govern Mystara but they are enforced (One character per player; RP server (No OOC talk outside of the OOC Lounge); No logging off in combat; No whining; Do not deliberately exploit).
Mystara persistent world has been running and evolving for almost 3 years, and has a huge number of features to offer the role-play oriented player. To give you an idea of whether or not Mystara could be for you, here's a general list of some key features:
* RP enforced server. Everything about the design of the PW is tailored towards RP players and Mystara's existing community is made up of RPers.
* The server is run as a free world. It is also a full PvP world. Only 5 rules govern Mystara but they are enforced (One character per player; RP server (No OOC talk outside of the OOC Lounge); No logging off in combat; No whining; Do not deliberately exploit).
* Mystara is HUGE and highly detailed. All classes/races catered for. Designed to reward play from a characters perspective. An unforgiving world for blind chargers.
* Major plotlines and subplots running (also furthered via regular DMed sessions which can be joined/ignored as desired). Over 100,000 words of plots, conversations, riddles and quests (most quests can be done once per character career only).
* Many guilds with ranks within. Joinable factions and the like.
* Drop all gold, 1/3 of equipped items, and some of backpack on death. Death and respawning penalties apply.
* XP advancement set at 5% (many players never made it to level 20 after 6 months of play).
* A detailed scripted Legacy system in place which functions as both a mechanical RP tool for character histories as well as a means to make a start in the world. Also functions as a pseudo sub-race system.
* NO HCR or ATS or any other systems used on Mystara.
* Server runs 24/7
Only played on one server, and this was it. And boy was I lucky to be told about this. Have had some of the funniest things happen and the server just rules. Oh and dont tease the paladins of Kelvin eva. :P WOOT go mysty!
Posted by caffiene at 2005-08-16 19:26:30 Voted 9.75 on 08/16/05
Strong RP - Check.
Great playerbase - Check.
Strong and very consistant world design - Check.
Large and interesting mod - Check.
Large and active DM team - Check.
DM team actually fair and reasonable - Check.
Dynamic content and plots - Check.
Well established and consistant - Check.
Posted by Ackptuoi ( 202.6.xxx.xxx ) at 2005-08-13 20:39:09
By far the most enjoyable RP server I have spent any time on. Some of the best days were ones when I never left town. Come for the RP stay for the people.
Posted by Ackptuoi ( 202.6.xxx.xxx ) at 2005-08-13 20:39:09
By far the most enjoyable RP server I have spent any time on. Some of the best days were ones when I never left town. Come for the RP stay for the people.
Posted by Mr Damage ( 210.84.xxx.xxx ) at 2005-08-11 03:14:04
Best server I've ever played on. Well balanced and has a captivating plotline. You are free to create just about any character concept you can think of and develop it ingame with an added bonus of being able to enhance its story via the In Character forums. DM support is great and there is always something going on!
Posted by Odd ( 218.214.xxx.xxx ) at 2005-08-11 02:52:29
Mysty Kicks ass, been playing it for almost 2 years now. Best DM Team, Best RP environment, best builders. See you there.
Posted by ogermage at 2005-08-11 00:25:22 Voted 10.00 on 08/11/05
Played Mysty for around 2 years, just got my third character to level 20. (only one out of three char's that ever made it to lvl 20). DM team is highly active and ambience is great. New content is often added. Mysty rocks and I agree with spluff. Go elsewhere I don't wanna wait to get on. (",) Na... Come play if your going to enrich our server with your RP.
Posted by ogermage at 2005-08-11 00:24:10 Voted 10.00 on 08/11/05
Played Mysty for around 2 years, just got my third character to level 20. (only one out of three char's that ever made it to lvl 20). DM team is highly active and ambience is great. New content is often added. Mysty rocks and I agree with spluff. Go elsewhere I don't wanna wait to get on. (",) Na... Come play if your going to enrich our server with your RP.
Posted by Charity at 2005-08-11 00:22:19 Voted 9.50 on 08/11/05
Bah stupid having to register before voting I already made my comment. :P
Posted by Charity at 2005-08-11 00:20:32 Voted 9.50 on 08/11/05
The only PW I've stuck with and not got bored of and I've tried several.
Great Server! :)
Posted by Charity ( 219.88.xxx.xxx ) at 2005-08-11 00:18:22
The only PW I've stuck with and not got bored of and I've tried several.
Great Server! :)
Posted by sporaxis at 2005-08-11 00:04:43 Voted 9.00 on 08/11/05
Mystara contains a high level of Rp, that rivals anything I have encounted within PnP, often exceeding that. Dynamic and static content is enhanced by the approachable DM and Dev team. _________________________
Sporaxis
"Smashing other peoples bits together to make a better world"
blog: Link
Posted by Spluff ( 218.214.xxx.xxx ) at 2005-08-10 23:25:02
By damned the best server on NWN. Please don't take my spot, I'm not waiting outside again. Thank you.
Posted by Krytian ( 203.59.xxx.xxx ) at 2005-08-10 22:14:27
Wooty! Cant go past Mysty unless your not into roleplay.
Posted by E11Blastech at 2005-08-10 20:57:33 Voted 9.50 on 08/10/05
1) PW tailored to those that are RP focussed, and to hinder PGers/Exploiters
2) Brilliant DM team that are always eager to help.
3) Intricate and immersive world, that you will find yourself addicted to in a short period of time.
4) Great player base and community.
5) Finally, it's great fun! Thoroughly recommended!
Posted by NineFires at 2005-08-10 20:33:13 Voted 1.00 on 08/10/05
yeh whatever _________________________ Until Dragon Age Comes, maybe
Posted by MeeQ ( 220.240.xxx.xxx ) at 2005-08-10 18:54:41
the best dam server on NWN by far!
and trust me ive played on alot.
Posted by Shimtek at 2005-08-10 18:49:09 Voted 9.50 on 08/10/05
Best PW out there and great level/loot systems.
Posted by Theytrew1 at 2005-08-10 16:06:22 Voted 10.00 on 08/10/05
Best PW out there. Really.
Posted by Farscape at 2005-08-10 15:36:40 Voted 9.00 on 08/10/05
Good server, well designed and run, with very strong focus on RP and character personality development (and not just level advancement). The world is dynamic and can change according to outcomes of the players. Powerlevelling to 20 in a week or two is not an option, which only strengthens the roleplay nature of this server.
Posted by Dr Morgrim at 2005-08-10 09:06:01 Voted 9.75 on 08/10/05
A server which has options for playing beyond the purely power oriented rubbish. There is real roleplaying here, without sacrificing the fun and creativity of the game.
Posted by The Sigil at 2005-08-10 08:51:39 Voted 9.00 on 08/10/05
The place is great. Most dynamic PW I've ever played on.
Site
at 2005-10-06 21:45:32
