Newer Players

[Achae Eanstray]

For those in the game 3 years or less (and I know the three year mark is not necessary new but someone has to be stuck in the middle ), satisfy my curiosity also?

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?

If negative, what made you stay?
If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?

Anything else to add?


I realize this topic has potential for abuse so ask you all to be civil and not mention ANY names or chars negatively being very general in your answers with that aspect.

(( If anyone gifted with bilingual ability feels like translating to german for those players having difficulty with English it would be appreciated ))

____________________________________________
(I have been requested not to give credit for the translation yet appreciate it anyway to you know who, thanks! )

An Jene mit 3 Jahren, oder weniger Teilhaberschaft an diesem Spiel.
(An die drei Jahre dabei sein heißt nicht unbedingt neu sein, aber irgendwo muss die Grenze... )
Neugierde ist ja auch welche da...


Wie hast Du von der Existenz Illarions erfahren?

Weshalb hast Du dich entschieden, einen Charakter zu generieren und mitzuspielen?

Wie war dein erster Eindruck des Spieles? (Negativ UND/ODER positiv)
->Wenn negativ => Weshalb bist Du geblieben?
->Wenn positiv => Was war der ausschlaggebende Grund zu bleiben?

Welche war deine aufregendste Zeit im Spiel? (Ggf. etwas was Dich dazu bringen wuerde zurueckzukehren...)

Denkst Du daran weiterzuspielen, und warum oder warum nicht?

Magst Du Rollenspiele generell? Hattest Du vor Illarion bereits diesbezueglich einschlaegige Erfahrungen? Lernst Du noch dazu?

Ist dem noch etwas hinzuzufuegen? Fehlt noch etwas?


Es wird generell um die Einhaltung der "guten Sitten" gebeten.
Es sollen keine Charakternamen genannt werden.
Negativ bewertbare Charaktaere bzw. deren Eigenheiten moegen bitte sehr allgemein umschrieben werden.

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?

I came across it on a list of online multiplayer games. Shadowbane had recently shut down and I was looking for a new game to play. Illarion was exactly the type of game I had been hoping for (though didn't think I'd find): free-to-play, roleplay-focused, and a fairly open-world/sandbox environment.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?

Can't say I really remember too much of it. I recall being fairly discouraged by the lag, but for the most part those early days seem to have been a positive experience. When I first logged in there were plenty of people around in Troll's Bane, by the east gate, and I think someone was being arrested. It had something to do with the Prince. Everyone was arguing, a fight broke out, one of the offenders was dragged to the cells. I had absolutely no clue what was going on, but I just stood there, watching the chaos, thinking "F*** yes."

If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?

Absolutely. I only joined Illarion for the roleplay and, if I hadn't found it, I'd have been outta here long ago. I started playing immediately after the Salkamaerians had conquered Troll's Bane, and I found it absolutely awesome just listening to everyone recounting their version of the events and giving their opinions on the Prince. That subsequently introduced me to the rebellion against Anarius, which spawned a bunch of plots and conflicts and interactions with characters for me, and I was quickly hooked.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?

The period that sticks out the most for me is Flux's 'Demon Quest' by a long shot. Nothing has ever kept me consistently and constantly logging in to play a game like that quest did. I found the linear nature of it slightly frustrating at some points. And the OOC drama was a real downer (I can only imagine how discouraging it would've been for the people running it). But, overall, there is really no reason to fault it; it was just absolutely epic. I rode a dragon ffs.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?

It will depend on the VBU. I've tried about four times to start playing again, but find it really difficult to do and never last more than a month. I just don't find it that fun any more. It's almost a chore at times. Most of the reasons for that are listed as the negative aspects in the other thread. Lack of players, nothing interesting happening, the skill system, the economy, the OOC nonsense, etc. etc.

I'll definitely be giving it a good shot when the VBU is released, but if the game still can't keep me interested and if those problems aren't taken care of, then I don't see myself hanging about for too long.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?

I had about eight or nine years experience before I joined Illarion. But I'd like to think that I am still learning and improving, though.

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?

Again from an online game list - It fitted the free and role play criteria so I gave it a try.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?
If negative, what made you stay?
If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?

Year and a half ago (I think) I had one abortive introduction to the game with Zalkani - I don't remember anything bad happening, I just don't think anything really did happen and I certainly didn't manage to break in rp-wise... so difficult to say much more on that. Then I guess still searching for the 'right' game I had another go weeks/months down the line and the outcome was entirely different. Zalkani came across some brilliant characters and I got a real taste of what role play could be like from some experienced players. It was that introduction I will have to blame for 'wasting' this last year of my life

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?

Zalkani was sent into game blindly but managed to land in a great storyline at the prison and that had me hooked although it also opened my eyes to the unsavoury side of Illa. It is with Oxi though I think I have been able to really break into the game and feel part of it having had the time to build up so many more relationships with other characters ... and that's what I come back for.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?

Yes - so long as everyone doesn't leave / angry people do not burn my laptop.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?

Always learning.

Anything else to add?

At the end of the day it is the player community that will probably have the greatest impact on the number and type of player that stays - it certainly did for me. As frustrating as I know it is for the more experienced players at times it is only them that can show the way forward so thanks to those of you that have had the patience to try to do so.

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?
I was introduced by a good friend of mine who dragged me along to try illarion out because apparently, it was simply amazing and like no other game he had seen.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?
"My God, these graphics are absolutely terrible, and why do I walk like a have a mangled knee?!" Basically the walking speed and graphics would’ve turned me off right away without my friend telling me to give it a go and find people to rp with, being totally new to the idea.

If negative, what made you stay?
If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?
As soon as I exited Noobia and found people to rp with, I was instantly hooked. It was just as he had told me; this game really was like nothing else, the game had such a rich atmosphere.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?
Not a lot these days aside from boredom, but in the past probably running around causing trouble down at the union, trying to kidnap Saigwin... but I guess, the what is now a semi-rich atmosphere.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?
In total honesty, I find it a chore to get in game these days and actively rp. Which is why my characters are basically hermits who powergame. I’ll probably hold out until the VBU to see what it yields I guess.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?
I do feel comfortable with roleplay, yes. This was my first enforced rpg, aside from a little d&d. And there’s always room to improve my rp skills.

Anything else to add?
Hmm, just that I hope the ridiculous skill cap is removed so the need to powergame is lessened, it really does punch a huge hole in the role playing opportunities.

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?
I heard of Illarion through google. I was bored and sick and wanted something to do, and the idea of roleplaying seemed interesting.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?
Why am I wearing orange!? Who is and isn't an NPC? I'm confused!!!

If negative, what made you stay?
Amusingly, pure boredom. I was sick, had been stuck at home for days, and had nothing better to do than suffer through my first few hours. After I started figuring it out, (not to mention got through miserable but necessary noobia), I started to really like it.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?
The Roleplay. Without a doubt. I adore it.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?
Off an on, yes, for probably forever.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?
Heck, I love roleplay now. Its the reason I'm here and the reason I'll stay.

Anything else to add?
I love all you GMs and Devs. Really, I do.

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?
-- My sisters got me into it.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?
-- Watching my sister play it, I thought it was cool, I like using my imagination.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?
-- The RP. The players.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?
-- I doubt I will ever stop. I may leave here and there but I always make my way back.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?
-- Comfortable yes, I wish I could push myself to be better at it.

Anything else to add?
-- Illarion is king.

I'm coming close on nearing the "older than three year" mark. Fun!


How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?

Google, actually. On one of my many quests to find a -TRUE- roleplaying game, I stumbled upon Illarion. At the time, I was used to amazing graphics and so forth, but at this point I was just about ready to settle for a text-based RPG. After reading plenty of wonderfully ludicrous statements of the other RPG games, it was refreshing to see that Illarion's opening paragraph into the game was pretty true to its mark. Since I was inclined to try the game anyways, I made a character and popped in. I enjoyed it ever since.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?

Being graphically obsessed, it was negative, actually. While not terrible, it still didn't live up to something like Tribes (remember that?), Freelancer (or that?), or something more RP-based like KOTOR2 and it's predecessor. However, I soon came to learn that the graphics were made up for by the player's ability to roleplay, literally painting and imagine in your mind of what he or she looked like. The actual roleplay factor was exactly what I was looking for, however. So it was a good mix of positive and negative. I soon came to "overwrite" the negative aspect.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?

The most exciting time is the ability to just get to roleplay with others for me, at least. I haven't been able to find those "adrenaline-gorged" moments, but the comedy, intellectual stimulation, and beautiful writing and words of other characters along with the interesting roleplay and scenarios they come up with is outstanding. I love it.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?

Yes. As long as I can find the time.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?

Comfortable with roleplay... I'd say so. My only experiences were storytelling, Warcraft 3 Custom Games like "LOAP (Life of a Peasant)," and reading "how-to" guides on good roleplay. Hands-on experience came with just playing with others. I will always continue to learn how to better my roleplay, and will be happy to so do.

Anything else to add?

I think that just about covers it.

Not sure if I should post here or in the other thread, must be near three years playing Illarion. Started before/as the pig plague started!

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?

I was actually looking at another game, can't remember which one, and while waiting for it to download, I saw a google ad on the side of the page. It was about Illarion, and the thought of actually roleplaying sounded awesome to me. So I went and downloaded Illarion instead!

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?

My first impression of Illarion was horrible. The game looked god awful to me, and I wanted to burn it, bury it, dig it up and shoot it. But I stuck it out long enough to find some people, and bam! Roleplay! And I was hooked.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?

Any Quests. Quests are Awesome. I especially love the ones that stretch across a nice time span, and effect most of the community, like the Salkamaerian invasion or Mandrel and his demons. The roleplay between players during these events just bring out the best in the characters.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?

It all depends on how the VBU turns out. But I love this unique game, and I'm sure I'll stick around for a while more.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?

I don't remember my first times playing Illarion, but I was definitely a horrible roleplayer, and had never roleplayed before that, though I drew some knowledge from RPGs and Books . My roleplaying is much better now, but I'm still learning!

Anything else to add?

Illarion is the good kind of addiction.

EDIT: I forgot to mention, Illarion has ~the~ most friendly and helpful game community I've ever seen.

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?
Again, I found it on an online list and it fit what I was looking for.
-I was looking for something that was free (free forever, not "free with paid options" (ie: if you want to be competitive you have to pay) or "free for a time" (ie: free for a month and then pay or start completely over)). While I do appreciate this game enough to want to pay for it, I simply don't have much money and so can't afford to pay.
-I was looking for a roleplaying game with a true skill engine (not just a system to create theoretical abilities, but one to actually compare and test those abilities against others characters). I wanted a roleplaying environment but I had gotten fed up with things that left every ability up to player discretion (god-mode sue, anyone?) or things that had a skill engine but no true interactive roleplay (the typical, "if you want story talk to the NPCs rather than a character", environment).
-And I wanted something that was reasonably pretty to look at. If I was going to spend hours and hours in a game than I wanted something that wouldn't make my eyes water. The graphics looked good and, while the movement almost enough to send me looking for something else, I still gave it a try and liked the other things enough to continue.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?
My first impression was at how pretty the graphics were (especially for how resource un-intensive the game is), and how unpolished the game engine was. The whole thing seemed like an unholy merge between a text based game with a graphics engine uncomfortably shoved into it. (no offense intended) Noobia did help out a lot in terms of figuring out how things worked and the unexpected combinations needed to work the system. If it hadn't been for that then I would have probably given up the game assuming that it didn't have a real working engine (since I wouldn't have been able to figure it out through random clicks before boredom took over). The next thing that I saw was that even the "introduction area" (noobia) had a lot of obvious glitches and lack of functionality (certain NPC teachers were non-functional, a number of the starting item packages were non-selectable, etc.), something that did not indicate well for the rest of the game. I only continued because Wiki had enough information and background that I convinced myself that there must be more to this game than what I had seen.
Once I got into the game the more normal roleplaying aspects took over and I was able to overcome a lot of the weaknesses of the engine. I enjoyed my first bit of time there with quite a few varied interactions over those first few days. There were a number of people seemingly didn't want to roleplay with my character because they recognized that he was not "well built" (from a powergamer's perspective) and so assumed that I would either get fed up with not being able to keep up or else that I would rebuild the character and they would have to start over with him (yes, I was told these things (usually in more kind terms) by multiple people and surprised at least one when I continued playing). Those who did roleplay were fun to interact with and quite good at following an IC environment with character motivations beyond "get rich, get powerful, slay the bigger beast". Since this was the majority of the people whom I met, the good roleplayers, that was the majority of my impression of the roleplay aspect of the game.

If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?
The defining factor was the fact that there was a true and workable skill and ability system (that was dynamic and yet still worked in character specific restrictions (jack will never be a crafter, for instance, though he will certainly try )); and the roleplay is character interaction driven between real people who react in real and sometimes unusual ways. If I wanted a better skill system alone than I would go to runescape or something, if I wanted character interaction alone than I would go to a RP board; but if since I wanted both I came here.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?
My current main isn't one for "exciting", so exploring the map and helping others chase down creatures that would likely kill us all if we didn't run are the most exciting things that I have done. Though talking certain characters down from certain actions using IC dialogue to deal with IC motivations is always a big high.
The thing that keeps me coming back is first, the combitanion of RP and Skill based elements; and second, the inclusive and dynamic community. Even though it isn't perfect, the skill system is very excellent; especially when you compare it to what else is out there. And the strict IC rules and mindset of people make it easy to be a character, even one without a PGer's abilities, and actually be relevant. There are other games with both of these aspects, but they usually fall very quickly into elitism, either of those with the power to use the engine to their advantage ruling with a +5 platinum fist or those who have been roleplaying long enough to have a character with a lot of history and connections who cannot be bothered to take time to interact with someone with so little IC power as a newby. Some games have both types of elitists warring against each other, and that just isn't fun to play with or to try to break into as a new character with no history and an average/newby skillset.
So I come back because this game is fun and, in many ways, very unique in how fun it is.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?
I don't see any reason I would stop. The lack of new people (and therefore characters) is the only thing that would likely kill the game for me (that I know of), but that would be long after everyone else had given up the game for dead. By this point it is safe to say that Illarion will always hold a place in my heart and memories. It is the type of thing that I will come back to.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?
I have a lot of experience with roleplay, everything from the lowliest forms of writing (fanfics, a guilty pleasure) to some of the highest levels of pen and paper gaming (I have been invited to GM groups at conventions). So I guess my answer to all three questions is "yes"; I am comfortable with roleplay, I have had experience before Illarion, and I do still feel like I am learning.

Anything else to add?
Shorten Noobia and make sure that everything works. That almost put me off at first. Fix movement so it is more predictable, easier to use, and less jerky (single click to look at a location, double click to move there? would that be simple and doable to start with? I don't know). The movement issue really was the biggest problem with character immersion, and even now continues to be.
Beyond that, don't worry about the engine too much. While improvements can pretty much always be made, it really is one of the best systems out there just as it is. Get more players, even if that means putting up one of those annoying banner advertisements on the main page so that you can afford to advertise with other groups. Maybe the game could do a link trade with some webcomics circles or some other fairly cheep options. However you do it you need to remember: players make this game what it is (in my opinion) and so the success of this game comes down to that one thing more than possibly everything else combined.
While my opinion may be somewhat biased, as someone who plays this game fairly regularly, I do want to finish by saying that this is a really great game and I look forward to playing it for a long time to come.

[Achae Eanstray]

Scooting this up hoping to hear from more new players.

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?
I can't entirely remember what led up to it. I think it was something along the lines of me being extremely bored and having a few drinks. I ended up looking at an online list of roleplaying games. Illarion wasn't highly rated on it, but I was curious, so I looked into it. I read some of the pages that explained the different races, the Gods, and those kind of general things, and I thought it was interesting. There was a lot of information beyond that, though, that I wasn't particularly interested in reading at the time, and I thought, "To hell with it, I'll just make an account, a character, and find out in game." So I did.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?
My first impression of the game was that it was - compared to other MMORPGs at the time - graphically and technically a very, very simple game. Noobia was interesting for the first 10 minutes, then I started to get bored, and I wanted to roleplay with other players. I remember I ended up just rushing through the last half of Noobia because I wanted to know the basics - but I didn't want to spend so long there. I ended up going to Troll's Bane, finding a group of characters, and being welcomed by a fair amount of roleplay - but the majority of the character-to-character interaction was actually dialogue rather than emoting, which was somewhat disappointing. The more I emoted, though, I think the more it inspired whoever I was roleplaying with to do the same, though. I remember I ended up making another character shortly thereafter, a much more well thought out one, and she happened upon a group of characters who allowed for a lot of entertaining, funny roleplay.

If negative, what made you stay?
If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?
I understood then that the experience you get out of Illarion doesn't come from the graphics or technical aspects. It comes from the players. It comes from the roleplay. I had wanted a game where you could roleplay any sort of character - not just a warrior or mage who just fought all the time and roleplayed training to be the best warrior/mage/what-have-you ever. Illarion allowed me to do just that, because the second character I made was definitely not a warrior, a mage, or any kind of character that could hold her own at the time. She would have been, in other MMORPGs which depended on characters battling and the like, useless. The fact that she succeeded here even among the fighters and not by fighting impressed me. It told me that the other players were more dependent on roleplay - roleplay of any sort - than anything else in the game. That's exactly what I had wanted in the first place.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?
The roleplay. Everything is constantly changing. There are good times and bad times, and even roleplaying everyday sort of behaviors that should be boring becomes entertaining. Any sort of roleplay - from epic adventure to the doldrums of everyday activities - becomes a charming affair with players like ours.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?
I will continue to play. It's happened in the past - I've gotten busy and disappeared for short spans of time, but then I came back. I'll always come back. Illarion just sort of draws you back in, and you can't help it.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?
I'm more than comfortable with the roleplay, and I had experience before Illarion.

Anything else to add?
I love all you players for making Illarion so great!

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?

I had an argument with my missus and we lived in a small studio flat so I wanted to ignore her for awhile and googled Free online RPG games, I was looking for endless online that I played briefly a few years prior but stumbled onto illarion instead.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?

My first impression would of been the noob tutorial and I thought the graphics were awful (everyone looking the same) and the static fighting with images of the sword appearing was a turn off lol. But I liked interacting with tools, trees and fishing etc.

If negative, what made you stay?

The people playing and the fact you have to use your imagination and RP your character until eventually you fall in love with your own character and others around you.

If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?

Played a big part in it yes

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?

Questing with other characters you know and love and player vs player situations mainly when a evil mages reeked havoc in Bane (Not many ppl like that but getting ghosted by some crazy evil dude in town made me vengeful and that makes the fire in my belly ignite!

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?

Yes because character building with skill or wealth is a long process but enjoyable plus the RP along the way keeps it all alive and worth it.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?

Never did it before illarion and found it strange at first but now I see it as your writing a biography of your character step by step and going through the trials with him.
You kind of forget your you and become the character for awhile if that makes any sense...

Anything else to add?

I want me bloody battle staff back lol

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?

Saw an ad for VBU on some gaming forum. Actually thought VBU was the name of the game itself. Went to the site, and I guess the site was alluring enough to make me download the client.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?

First impression pretty terrible. I made a new character and attempted to make conversation with some players in Galmair, which immediately resulted in them demanding tribute in gold (which I did not have any from the start), and PKed me when I refused to give them my only possessions. I rerolled the character and decided to gain some skill on Noobia to avoid this crap. A Gamemaster manifested, acting all important, like "I've been watching you" and said I am not allowed to level up blacksmithing and fighting on the tutorial island, and proceeded to pester me with some nonsense about some powergaming, telling me I have to go into real world and roleplay a sick, drunk, or wounded noob, who has no skills for some reason, and that everyone starts like this, roleplaying a weak and useless whipping boy. I tried to make a polite point that if I do not gain some skill in the safe zone, players kill me in the pvp zone, and pointed out that I have never seen a game, where the staff discourage people from getting good at the game. GM attempted to explain the meaning of a roleplaying game to someone who has just been PKed for literally nothing, and I knew it is pointless to argue with a staff member, so I just said my farewell and logged out. Angry at all his, I uninstalled the game, because I figured the thought of being instantly considered weak because i am new, and having people pick on me for that reason only, did not go well with my intent to roleplay a fighter. There are plenty of games that do not make you roleplay a sick or wounded person, and if people are going to PK level 1 guys, then it's not a game for me.

If negative, what made you stay?

A friend persuaded me to try again, and said that the noobification is just a machiavellian mechanism to sort out those who can make it in this game from those who cannot. He explained to me that those who do become successful and powerful can derive a good bit of fun in late game.
My next strong urge to uninstall again came when I saw market prices. Monsters outside were too strong to survive, crafting brought no profit, tools were expensive, and buying ore from NPCs ensured my speedy bankrupcy. My friend once more, pulled me through, telling me that trader NPCs aren't really meant to be traded with (lol?) and trading should be done with real players.

Third time I rerolled the character, I actually met decent roleplayers who were fun to converse with. What made me stay is being treated fully in-character, which is a quality I have only seen in 2 other games: Shadowbane and Ultima Online. So, you could say players were the only factor.

If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?

Roleplay pulled me in. Then, it seemed that nobody minded me levelling up once off Noobia, so I trained a fighter, who easily survived the wilderness, and learned to derive great loads of fun from hunting. To all the poor newbies who want to cry tears of sadness like I did: it gets better past level 30 in parry and dodge.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?

I am developing interesting relationship with characters, to whom I can tell the story I wish to share through the character.
The most exciting time is roleplaying with Tyan, Eve, Marielle, and Julia.
The most adrenaline filled time was the accidental killing of Leon.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?

It remains to be seen, there is a lot to cope with that I find bothersome.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?

Been a roleplayer for 10 years even, ranging from live action to table top.

Anything else to add?

Don't mean to sound critical, but there is a number of outright strangeness in this game, which makes very little sense in terms of medieval setting, which shows lack of research.

-Wooden handles attached to crafted longswords. What wooden handles? Did anybody see a longsword with a wooden handle? Maybe a toy one. A wooden handle would not make sense, because the cross guard is used for parrying. Real swords are made entirely of metal, and handles do not get attached in a way shown in the game.

-Axes, same thing. What pins and cotters?

-Town design and placement of things. Random rocks laying around preventing people walking straight along the roads. You would think dwarves of Galmair know better about engineering and construction than to let random garbage thrown around obstructing street traffic.

-Smoked fish is a delicacy in the real world, it is a difficult and demanding process, but in the game it's considered the lesser way of cooking fish.

-The entire combat system is very strange. Rock paper scissors implementation of armor type vs damage type is completely artificial. Plate armor is not vulnerable to sword damage any more than it is to dagger damage. Likewise, concussion damage is not ineffective on light armor. It's just strange. I understand homebrew designs and innovation, but this is just too frivolous of a stretch.

-Getting pork from pigs. A real pig carries a lot of pork on it. You can feed for weeks from cutting one pig. In the game, most pigs drop nothing but leather, and only 1 in 5 pigs drops pork, and it's just one unit of pork. Are they sick malnourished pigs? Where is all the meat? This results in having to butcher a legion of pigs to make food enough for 1 day. Totally broken.

-There is absolutely no consequence for death by a player's hand. You can bully people all day long, and you will never lose skills or items, as long as you don't have anything equipped. Death needs to have a tangible circumstance. Also, current death system allows for a ghost-miner exploit. Go mining, bring a friend, give all the materials to friend, kill the friend, have him instantly teleported with all the minerals back to the city, pick up the materials from the revival cross, go back mining. I have seen people do this, and could not figure out what the heck they were killing their friends for. It was to save them time on running overloaded.

-Out of all the huge variety of sharp axes in the game, only one axe is actually usable to cut trees. Why not all axe class weapons? If it cuts through bone, it will cut through wood.

On the other hand, some positive things to add:

-The game has some really good roleplayers, which is the most attractive feature of the game, sadly.

-Combat in the wilderness is pretty fun once you level up a bit. Travelling between cities is dangerous if you trick your mind into being afraid for your character's life.

-As far as 2D games go, the nature graphics are pretty good looking. It's definitely atmospheric.

-Not knowing item stats is awesome. Crafters can lie their butts off, and it's up to you to learn your own truths.

just to say the first one is probably years ago and i hardly was able to play and to short so i would be saying i have a second first time impression or having that sensation

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?

searching google for java games i think cant really remember the first time though the second time well found it searching google for a different game with similar name

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?

If negative, what made you stay?
If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?

the first well i thought since this doesnt look like needing advance graphics i shouldn't worry about having an old laptop (older than current laptop iirc ) after loading up uruk was crawling but the text seems normal speed or not to slow kinda hard to go inside the tavern and was looking for the food someone is feeding me (was new to the imagining the food in front ) so yeah making the vbu run is probably the same as reminiscing this one except that i cant play old graphic card

for the second first time i can walk fine yeay! entered the fluffy sheep tavern and noticed the server saying only a few is playing thinking the maybe game is dead and seeing some character in the table and they reacted as if i was there to assasinate someone

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?

hmm i would say when i was able to rp with the panther trying to get a pet over and make her(its a she from the examine) go to me and that was the first time i learn that there was a rope skill getting stumbled and dragged by the panther

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?

probably yes but dont know when i can why because im still itching to try whats new in vbu

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?

not really comfortable still nervouse on how i should rp them or how should they speak (not human) and dont know orchish language. though i tried rp muds but i just tried and well didnt last longer than a week so no real rp experience

Anything else to add?

did i forget something hmmm not sure

I heard about Illarion from an RPG site, a long time ago. I tried playing then, um... (2006? maybe?) but I couldn't quite find it very newbie friendly, so I instantly uninstall it. Got into an UO shard right after, where I stayed until close to present day.
Started playing Illa with the launch of the VBU. Was quite curious and intrigued as I saw some beautiful new graphics.

Sadly, I must say that my first impression of the game was not a good one. Tutorial kind of confusing (lots of people in there, made it hard to read NPC texts because my screen was spammed with it), some quests were bugged, or at least confusing for a newbie and not everything was shown, a lot of things still remained a mystery (par example, none told me how to start a fire, how to cook, how to bake, etc).

Second bad experience was after tutorial was completed. I made the mistake of choosing Galmair as starting town. First thing which happens to me after log in: i get robbed by someone that asks for "tax for the Don". I mean.. I am new here and I don't know much about how Illarion works, but in the UO shard I played, banditry inside city walls was like signing your own death sentence ( you'd report it to a gm playing the guard captain, and next time the robber stepped into the town and meets a patrolling guard, he'd pay for it )

Third bad experience was when I actually did send an In Character letter of complaint to the gamemaster playing the Don, which went completely ignored. Not even a "Fuk off, I don't care!" I didn't get. For a game that wants itself to attract new players and KEEP them, things should be a bit different.

Don't get me wrong, I am not bashing at anyone, I am trying to be as objective as I can and compare this game with all other RP games of the genre that I have played. Each of them had their own pluses and minuses.

On the plus side, I must say that I was pretty impressed with some people's RP.. detailed and filled with flavor. Rich personality to their chars and in depth background. I love that, this was one of the few things that made me a bit of an addict to the game and I didn't move one.
Also I am quite impressed with the shear amount of content you find on the map. It is so amazing to explore and have no idea what you'll run into... anywhere you go, there is something to be seen.

[Achae Eanstray]

I appreciate everyone's feedback. Am going to make this a sticky so future newer players can find it. Remember.. as posted at the start of the thread...

I realize this topic has potential for abuse so ask you all to be civil and not mention ANY names or chars negatively being very general in your answers with that aspect.

With anything specific that you wish to mention, feel free to contact a GM or CM, thank you. Achae

I am not sure if I am new or old, but consider myself new in view of the history of this game.
I have been playing for around five years now ( my original account was banned for bad behavior )
In any case, I think of myself as a new player.

For those in the game 3 years or less (and I know the three year mark is not necessary new but someone has to be stuck in the middle ), satisfy my curiosity also?

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?

Found it in a listing of RPG games.

What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?

I loved it from the start. base graphics, enforced RP, no who can click faster gameplay,, make your own way style (instead of - do this quest to advance)

If negative, what made you stay?
Lag, then and now, lag has been my main problem. I live in rural Idaho and getting a good connection to the server has always been a problem for me. But the community support keeps me trudging on.

If positive, was that the defining factor that made you decide to stay?
RP, game mechanics of any game get boring after a while. RP keeps it fresh.

What is your most exciting time in game, something that keeps you coming back?
I used to play two characters, One as a fighter type, let him get killed off, but the other was a crafter. I wish I still had him. Best time was during Elijah's reign. Had the Chamber of Commerce. Lots of work for craftsmen then. Was the lawyer for Bernie during his trial. I still keep some of the arguments I wrote from that time. Things were crazy then, but seldom boring. Was also during this time that I replaced my perma-deathed warrior with Hew.

Do you think you will continue to play and why or why not?
I will play. OHH yes I will. Even though I hate this game sometimes. Even though my wife rolls her eyes at me every time I log on. Even with the VBU it is not the game it used to be.Still, I will play. I love this game and until there is a twelve step group and an intervention to make me, I will come back for my fix.

Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?
I have had lots of experience with RP before. I just haven't had much experience with computers. Making the two mix has been my biggest challenge. I have the action, thought, phrase, I wish to express. I can get them out of my mouth and do so, but to get them to the keyboard like I want, is hard for me. At least I can finally type with more than two fingers now, thank you Illarion.

Anything else to add?
I was dying for this VBU to come out. Now that it is here I both love it and miss the old version. Just like in life, change is hard for me, even if it is for the best.


I realize this topic has potential for abuse so ask you all to be civil and not mention ANY names or chars negatively being very general in your answers with that aspect.

(( If anyone gifted with bilingual ability feels like translating to german for those players having difficulty with English it would be appreciated ))

Wondering why this was added to the end of my post?

I realize this topic has potential for abuse so ask you all to be civil and not mention ANY names or chars negatively being very general in your answers with that aspect.

Surely none would have anything bad to say about Hew? Am I right?

How did you hear of Illarion, what made you decide to make a char and play?
My Techie told me to try this game.
I wanted to play a miner. ((How wrong was i...)) Get to know the system and game world.
Nonsense. I wanted to posess another simulated creature that would contribute its suffering into my pool of experience. ((Wrong again...))


What was your first impression whether negative or positive about the game?
Negative: No transition tiles. I did stay because it is a free game. Later on i wanted to behold the development of the game.


Do you think you will continue to play?
I think so.


Do you feel comfortable with roleplay, had any experience before Illarion, or feel still learning?
My roleplay is less then mediocre and my insufficent english does not help out on this.
Before coming here i did play Runethinggame for about two weeks.
I had a Illa break playing UO for about half a year in a community that seemingly grasped to former times, when...whatever *Shrugs shoulders*.
By now i have about 20 years of pen`n paper experience. Most of the time dungeoncrawling, violence. The past 6 or 8 years i am mostly playing sociopathic characters.

I finally have managed to play for relaxation, maybe a little of disport.
Beside this i do not think that i will learn many new things in this life.


Anything else to add?
I look at this game and i see myself.