Violetskye's

House Forum

The House Forum was held on Saturday afternoon, March 28, 1998, conducted by House Guru GM Lord Wolv.

[Global Assembly Room]
The room is so full you can see nothing around you! The only thing that you can make out is the stage with a podium on it. A lone light shines down upon the podium.
Obvious exits: out.

Wolv suddenly fades into sight beside you.

Wolv calls the assembly to order. After a moment the crowd quiets down.

Wolv says, "Good afternoon all."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Thanks for your patience with this wild schedule of mine these days...I really appreciate it."

Wolv says, "A couple of quick things before we start..."

Wolv says, "First, this will probably be a shorter meeting then we had initially planned, the main event next weekend will be much longer."

Wolv says, "Second, I have just moved into a new building. I have no doubt the lines were put in sometime around the civil war. If I disappear have patience. :)"

Wolv says, "OK...let me get started."

Wolv says, "I will open the floor for questions in just a moment..."

Wolv says, "I have announced the finalists for the next group of houses, as many of you know."

Wolv says, "I no that many of you who applied are upset, and have heard some rather nasty things said about me concerning these choices..."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "All I can say is I tried to stand back and be as objective as possible. If you have a complaint please send it off to me or FEEDBACK. I will respond."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv takes the lid off the question box. Use ASK to submit a question.

Wolv says, "Ok...first question..."

Wolv says, "Dantrotic says, 'I was under the impresion that houses where not to be discrimitatory, yet 1/4th of the 10 listed are discrimitory in one way or another. Could you posibly explian this to me?'"

Wolv says, "I'm not sure what you mean my discriminitory. If you are saying that some of the houses selected in this final round want to try to limit membership it may be possible you didn't read all of the submitted bylaws. In any case I haven't made the last cut yet so that is a bit of a moot point."

Wolv says, "Dantrotic says, 'I was under the impresion that houses where not to be discrimitatory, yet 1/4th of the 10 listed are discrimitory in one way or another. Could you posibly explian this to me?'"

Wolv says, "I have read it and haven't responded yet. I plan on making a list of dates for all the upcoming events and make sure I have no conflicets...as I did during the holidays."

Wolv winks.

Wolv says, "As far as renovations I have had a new team member added to my group and hope to be able to concentrate on the renovations as well as the pins...the tricky part will be deciding which house gets "fixed" first. But I hope to work so fast it won't make much of a difference."

Wolv winks.

Wolv nods to Saelyna.

Wolv says, "Saelyna says, 'The Houses from las' year aren't even built yet, when can we expect those, and the recent ones? And next year..will those houses take longer to make? Because you have so many before them?'"

Wolv says, "Right now, with my expanded team, we are building the latest houses and should have them finished fairly quickly. I expect the next batch of houses will be built much faster then this group."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Part of the problem this year, as most of you know, is that I had no idea what was going on when I accepted this job. It took me quite a while to sort through the papers and find out who needed what and who had been promised what. Add to that the new wedding system and I was prety much buried by myself...it has only been recently that my team has expanded to the point whwre I can stand back and stop putting out fires."

Wolv says, "Thylina says, 'what is the next step for the finalists'"

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "I will be contacting the finalists in the next couple of weeks and asking for any clarification I may need...from that point I will go over the apps again with the othernmembers of my team, and with their input make my final decision. To be honest thoughnafter the acidic mail I have recieved I will probably wait a bit before I make that final announcement...to clear my palate as it were."

Wolv says, "Darkdink says, 'where houses will be places...town wise'"

Wolv says, "Hmmm...I need a translator for this one."

Wolv winks.

Wolv says, "I plan on trying to spred out the new houses into the other towns, and I would like to try to build a house ot two in the wilds...but that is a policy change I have no control over. I can only ask the powers that be."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Truebolt says, 'When will you be announcing the final 3?'"

Wolv says, "I will be announcing the final 3 no later then the end of June. I want to be able to focus on the renovations and new house construction before I deal with any new houses. My goal is to have all of the renovations, Annexes, and New Houses done before I deal with the next batch of houses."

Wolv says, "Rozak says, 'When Will the final final cuts be made?'"

Wolv says, "I have answered this one. But let me clarify again. If I don't have the renovations finished by then I will push that back. The current houses are my priority at this time."

Wolv says, "Ravenstorm says, 'How will pins be distributed? They are a House net coorect?'"

Wolv says, "The House pins will be used as private ESP channels for the individual houses. I will be placing a small table in each house where house members can purchase the pins for a small fee. The procedes from the sales of the pins will be split between the houses and the town. In other words I get half."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "The pins will have limited charges, just like normal amulets."

Wolv says, "Ingrid says, 'Do you have a planned release date for the house pins?'"

Wolv says, "I am doing the coding right now, I hate to give an exact date but I don't want to wait longer then a few days...a week at most, depending on the coding."

Wolv says, "I would like to respond to something quickly for a moment. I want to have a private meeting with the house officers to go over many of the specifics we are covering right now. My goal is to hopefully clarify some of the issues we need to cover now and next saturday...then have a private meeting the following week after we have a better idea of the specific issues. At that time we can hammer out the renovations priority list etc. Just so you all know what I'm thinking."

Wolv says, "Kitana says, 'host will you be reconsidering any choices this year?'"

Wolv says, "Sorry Kitana, I don't really understand this question..."

Wolv says, "If you are asking me if I will be reconsidering any of the house choices I've made again this year. No, I won't."

Wolv says, "Elementz says, 'When these houses to open, how can we gain information about membership? Location of the house? Any other usefull info?'"

Wolv says, "When a new house opens I will try to get info out in the banner and on our webpage to communicate that information to the other players."

Wolv says, "Garthlik says, 'Once a house is Finalized what is the time frame for total competetion.'"

Wolv says, "It is hard to say for sure...it depends on where the established houses are. I made the mistake this year of trying to give dates for many constructions efforts this year without knowing how long it would take, and without the team members to complete the task in the time line I presented. I won't make that same mistake again."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Terzl says, 'Will there be time for houses that were not accepted to be told why? And what improvements could be made?'"

Wolv says, "Yes, there will be. And I would like to communicate with all of the houses that were not moved on. To be perfectly honest, there are several of the applicants who I really don't want to have anything to do with at this point because of the communication I have recived from them regarding my decisions...but I still intend to work with anyone who would like my input."

Wolv says, "As I have told some of the applicants allready, just because I give input to you doesn't promise an acceptance."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Arianiss says, 'Is there anything in the works to get more GM involvement with houses? As an example, House Sovyn recently did a "newbie night" and when we asked a host if perhaps a GM could make an announcement about it, nothing was done..'"

Wolv exclaims, "Great question!"

Wolv says, "Yes...now that I have a larger team I plan on clearing up a lot of this communication break down. I have to accept the blame for most if not all of this, frankly I had too much on my plate, here and in RL. I won't accept this anymore, I can't...it drives me nuts."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Alexys says, 'Other than continuing our normal functions, services and activites, during this phase of the selection process will it be necessary, and to our advantage, to appease officials in the local government? (as outlined in the housing documentation)'"

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Nope, all of the groups should continue with business as usual."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Dilagh says, 'Who are the finalists? I can't read the board for some reason.'"

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Go to the controlers office in Moot Hall and "Read Sign. That should do it."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Geijon says, ''Since the clerks logs for House additions, which in the past stated exact amounts for additions and renovations for example 35K for a latch and such. Since those are out of date and prices have risen will you be releasing a current pricing system for the Houses to go by to calculate funds?'"

Wolv nods.

Wolv says, "I plan on going over that old list and updating all of the costs...nail, by nail. I won't give a date on that though...the best thing to do is figure a base of 10million for now."

Wolv says, "Davydd says, 'I know you don't like to talk about dates and times, but are there any plans or approx timelines for improved House security... i.e. the ability of officers to "bounce" troublemaking characters from the grounds. This is my most important concern presently because Sylvanfair has cancelled all public events pending a better way of handling said troublemakers. ;)'"

Wolv says, "This is an issue we all need to deal with. I would like to add this issue, as well as the issue of current membership to the officers only meeting."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv closes the question box.

Wolv says, "Quavvy says, 'How are you going to go about distributing the House pins, so that only members of the right Houses have the pins? If ya think I'm gonna pass out 2000 plus pins...'"

Wolv asks, "You mean you won't?"

Wolv winks at Quavvy.

Wolv says, "No, there will be a small merchant table that will sell the pins. Only a house member a pin from a specific house, so you don't have to worry about a non-member getting a hold of a pin."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Apshai says, 'Can you please announce the houses that are being looked at, for those of us that do not know, or is there a scroll with this information?'"

Wolv says, "If you are talking about the 10 finalists, that info is in the House Controlers Office in Moot Hall. Read the sign."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Warble says, 'Do the house pins have anything built into them that takes expulsions into account? They don't happen very often, but we wouldn't want disgruntled ex-members on the house net.'"

Wolv says, "Ooohh...good question! No, they don't...but I can fix that I think."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Thanks for the idea."

Wolv says, "Allequerie says, 'There are concerns about House Rosters. Would it be simplest, to have a one time Census?'"

Wolv says, "I think we need to find a way to be able to do a census at anytime...but I'm not quite sure how to go about it. I do know that it is an issue though and I think we should talk about the options at the all officers meeting."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Keisa says, '"what exactly is the procedure to submit plans for a house and when will you be accepting new submissions please'"

Wolv says, "I will begin accepting applications in Januaray of 99, so you have some time to think about it."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "I will say that the most imprtant thing is your purpose, why do you want to exist and what makes you different."

Wolv says, "Colbrand says, 'I came in late. Are there any houses in Icemule under consideration?'"

Wolv says, "There are somer in consideration, and I think I will be building at least one of the current new houses in IM."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "You'll have to excuse my slurred speach...I recieved about 4 hours sleep last night and it's showing."

Wolv grins.

Wolv says, "Bouwen says, 'Pardon my OOC but players with 16 bit systems have a hard time finding out when houses are open for induction...any help for that?'"

Wolv says, "Hmmmm..."

Wolv says, "Is this a web issue? Most of the houses have regular induction nights though. When I sit down with the officers I will add this to our agenda. We could have a regular item in the NEWS with all the scheduled induction dates...possibly."

Wolv says, "Korlax says, 'Is there a list of Houses somewhere that show which houses are to be built? For those of us that do not know.'"

Wolv says, "The new houses I am building now are Obsidian Tower, Dire Wolf, and WhiteHaven. I haven't made any final decision yet on the next batch."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Ingrid says, 'new In regards to house pins...will non members be able to buy them inside the houses?'"

Wolv says, "No, a non-member will not be able to buy or wear a house pin."

Wolv says, "Veenna says, 'how do you plan on distributing the pins to those houses that haven't been built yet?'"

Wolv says, "The houses that have not been built yet will not have pins until they are built...an easy answer."

Wolv winks.

Wolv says, "Cistan says, 'Do you take into account how long a house been formed when making decisions, I had never heard of many of those 10 houses'"

Wolv says, "No I don't. The only thing i take into account is the information sent to me by the submitting house. I am interested in the bylaws, the government, etc. I want to be able to deal with the applications only, that is the only impartial way to look at it."

Wolv says, "Brakian says, 'Are the by-laws of the recent House applicants available for general consumption?'"

Wolv says, "At this point, no. I have thought about it and I might offer them up. The reason I am hesitant is that two things will happen...first players will say to me "Oh, that bylaw wasn't as good as mine!" or they will stael ideas and just rewrite bylaws that were accepted."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Allyria says, 'Will there be house sponsored glad games again this year? And which house's turn is it for organizing it?'"

Wolv says, "I haven't decided that yet, it seems like we should offer that in the summer though."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "I think we should go over that in the Officer meeting."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Plur says, 'I know ye said Houses can only have one buildin' at firs'...is it possible to have two entranc's to da house? Yet the House still connects..so it isn't two differn't buildin's. Also, it says no Stores or shopes. Yet I see Silv'rgate sells t'ings in da holiday..as well as oth'r Houses. How do we know wha is acceptable? And able to do? '" Wolv says, "I will go over specific plans with the selected house, but i would rather that the house only have one entrance. As far as merchants, there is a difference between a permanent merchant and a holiday event."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "There will be no permanent merchants in a house, but I often allow items to be sold at special events."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Kitana says, 'when and how will you communicate with those not lucky enough to be choosen?'"

Wolv says, "I will post it in the same way I posted this last one, though I will probably also write a letter to all of the finalists as well."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Falya says, 'First, I'd like to thank you again for the wisdom of your selections. What thoughts do you have on how to keep Houses cohesive as more cities come into our lands and House members migrate far from the Landing?'"

Wolv says, "In order to keep organized we will need to have meetings on a monthly or bi-monthly basis to keep informed and deal with scheduling and other issues that may come up from time to time."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "Arianiss says, 'What about houses that have a place in some GM's story, or that have a place in Elanthian history? Examples are, The Silver Gryphons, and the Dhe'nar house. Do these get special treatment or are they under the same rules as all other houses?'"

Wolv says, "All houses must follow the house rules, no exceptions."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "It might be possible to arange transportation to officer meetings."

Wolv says, "I am through the main list of questions for now...I have tried to answer all of the general questions i could and give you all an idea of the direction I want to take the houses. I know many of you are frustraed with me at this point, or have some issues you need covered. As I've said, I plan on covering specifc issues with the officers in our meeting and we will be having a longer meeting next week. I want the forum next week to go from 3PM to 8pm with a 45 min break in the middle. The first 2 hours will be established houses and the last two hours will be new houses or applicants."

Wolv says, "It will be hard for me to deal with all of the questions and whispering when I open the florr here to end the meeting for now, but here goes."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv opens the floor back up for general discussion.

Wolv ducks his head.

Ingrid asks, "When is the established house officer meeting scheduled for?"

Wolv says, "Thanks all for your patience..."

Zemnh asks, "Would a house be accepted or denied on their plans for where they would like to be built, icemule being what comes to mind?"

Arianiss says, "One idea that might be taken into consideration, is allowing non-house members to "purchase" the pins, but be unable to wear them."

Falya asks, "Wolv, what is the construction schedule looking like for branch housing in Icemule and other remote parts?"

Lylia says, "Thank you, Wolv; I think your choices were most fair. One question: how much of an impact does a "criminal record" have on a House's chance of being built? "

Arianiss says, "That way in their greediness, they contribute to the house"

Arianiss smirks.

Bladegert asks, "will da officer meetins be fer upper class

oney?" Hearthunter asks, "will it eventully be possible to get forges in houses like enchating workshops?"

Geijon says, "Gryphons is and Order and Dhe'Nar are a race so not under the same rules as Houses."

Wolv says, "Hdr for me to answer too many scheduling questions at this time...hold em for next week."

Wolv smiles.

Geijon says, "to clear that up"

Wolv says, "It depends on the crime etc...we can chat about specifics if you would like. Drop me a line."

Wolv smiles.

Lylia chuckles.

Wolv hugs everyone.

Lylia says, "I don't have anything specific in mind; as I said, my record is blameless. "

Lylia winks at Wolv.

Lylia says, "Surprisingly enough. " Wolv says, "Most of you older officers I know well and I want to thank you all for your support over the last couple of months...it's been an...interesting tiem in my life, and I know you have been very patient with me. Thanks."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv smiles.

Kyrion says, "Understandable, Wolv. You were handed a hand grenade. :>"

Ravenstorm says, "Hey, I remmeber how swamped Miriani was. Can't be easier now with a lot more people"

Ravenstorm smiles.

Wolv says, "I look forward to the next couple of months...be nice to get all of the construction signs down."

Wolv winks.

Lylia says, "I think you do a fabulous job, Wolv...and I'll still think so even if we have to wait until next year. "

Geijon says, "I'm lil Wolv. Was put into a position like ye were. We both came out well in the end though"

Geijon winks at Wolv.

Geijon smiles.

Davydd says, "I can't speak for the others but I know we at Sylvanfair think you've done exceptionally well considering all you've been handed."

Wolv chuckles.

Asilynne says, "Wolv, the people of Rone Academy will work quite hard to make you proud"

Wolv says, "Thanks Davydd."

Wolv smiles.

Davydd nods.

Davydd smiles.

Wolv says, "We'll see if we can get more organized."

Wolv smiles.

Asilynne says, "We were honored to be selected"

Geijon nods to Wolv.

Wolv bows gracefully.

Hearthunter asks, "M'lord, will it eventully be possible to get forges in houses like enchating workshops?"

Davydd says, "I was also under the impression that Silver Gryphons was an organization... not a house."

Hearthunter nods to Davydd.

Hearthunter says, "it is"

Geijon says, "I stated that"

Geijon nods to Davydd.

Geijon says, "Its an Order"

Davydd says, "Or rather an organization that was NOT a house."

Kyrion says, "Well, they can make a House, too..."

Geijon says, "Dhe'nar are a race."

Arianiss says, "I simply heard that they had some kind of place out in the forest somewhere"

Davydd nods to Geijon.

Wolv says, "Hmmm...I have never thought about ading forges, I'll have to think about it. It would certainly depend on the house if I did it at all."

Wolv smiles.

Arianiss says, "And I've seen a folder concerning the Dhe'nar in the unofficial house section on the boards"

Ingrid says, "Helden Hall sounds like a fine place to try it out..."

Davydd says, "Well yes a building but a House is more then a building."

Geijon says, "Gryphons is placed there also. Neither seeks to have a House though. "

Geijon says, "They are just classified as thus"

Arianiss nods.

Wolv says, "That would be better then Silvergate I would think."

Wolv winks.

Davydd groans.

Cistan says, "I prefer Jakarta but I believe the Dhe'nar house is more or less Obsidian Tower"

Asilynne says, "Rone wouldnt want forges...we need desks, ink quills, teaching materials...is a school after alll"

Waldo2 says, "no phoenix needs a forge..."

Geijon says, "for easy access to finding information. Which still lil therein."

Warble says, "Way better than Twilight. A forge would be wrong for us completely."

Warble chuckles.

Wolv grins.

Allequerie says, "Blacksmith needs a forge."

Ingrid says, "Nah...Helden Hall..so that we can see who gets to use it by who wins the brawls ;)"

Wolv says, "I think a big, flaming forge would be good for Sovyn."

Davydd asks, "I'm curious as to how many officers would be interested in participating in a mailing list between House leadership?"

Wolv winks.

Davydd says, "Some cross comunication could be benificial."

Kyrion says, "I think I would be interested, Davydd."

Kyrion nods to Davydd.

Warble says, "I think I would be, as well."

Brakian says, "A nice red hot one. Right next tae the roots."

Geijon says, "I already have most of them set up Davydd"

Geijon says, "I can give you mine and send the ones I have and we can establish and officers ring if you wish"

Cistan says, "Its a good idea, I heard sylvanfair keeps losing their deans though"

Wolv says, "I think having regular officers meetings will be good for us...it's long overdo I think."

Davydd nods to Geijon.

Davydd says, "That would be excellent."

Kyrion says, "I want to bring up people who house-jump at the officers meeting."

Wolv says, "We can schedule them at the officers only meeting."

Wolv smiles.

Davydd says, "I haven't really pried thus far, although I knew some had lists, figured this would be a good place to do it though."

Arianiss asks, "Would it be possible for non-officers to attend these meetings?"

Bladegert asks, "will the lower class have acces?"

Waldo2 says, "I would hate to have the house officers meeting any more crowded with non-officers"

Waldo2 says, "the more folks the harder it is to have a meeting"

Geijon nods to Waldo2.

Arianiss says, "Have the non-officers be silenced like this forum"

Arianiss says, "Just to watch and see what's going on.."

Cistan says, "I agree waldo and I am no officer"

Allequerie says, "Just remember ...a committee is something with many mouths, and few brains."

Wolv says, "Hmmm...I think we need to have a meeting with just the officers, not to be exclusionary, but so we can really get at specifics. I'vce found the more people at the meeting the slower and more diluted it gets."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv says, "I have to leave all...pretty much stumbling as it is. It has been a pleasure."

Wolv smiles.

Wolv bows gracefully.

Wolv winks.

Wolv throws his head back and howls!

Wolv waves.

Wolv lifts his arms, and suddenly his body is obscured by a boiling cloud of sapphire smoke. When the smoke clears Wolv has vanished and in his place stands a huge timber wolf. The wolf looks around for a moment then pads off into the shadows and disappears, silent as a ghost.

End.