So I played around with google trends a bit. Here's what it has in store for PS. Feel free to discuss and enhance my analysis.

The overall interest in PS looks like this



Easy enough, PS was at its peak back in '07, however, it has largely fallen into oblivion with now interest less than 1% than what it was at the peak. Now, let's break this down a bit.

Here's what the geographical interest distribution looks like:




Interestingly, this suggests that interest in PS is somewhat localized, probably due to local communities (like the German community).

Another factor we can look at is statistics for individual countries.

Here's what the UK/Germany/France's statistics look like (I took Germany's par example, but the others are the same)



Of interest here is the essential drop to zero at the end of '09.

The next pattern includes Canada/Brazil/Italy/Spain



A series of peaks, nothing else.

And lastly, we got the US



Note the sharp drop to zero at the end of last year.

So what does this all mean? Well, for me, it indicates PlaneShift gets around by word of mouth and local communities as the geographical distribution is highly localized (twice as many people talking searching for it in Montreal than in LA). Note the trend for mainland Europe. Clearly, PS had an active interest (=community) in Germany, France and the UK until the end of 2009 (when the server was offline), which killed the interest in the local community.
In countries such as Brazil/Italy and Spain, PS never even gained a big foothold and raises an eyebrow or two a few times, but was quickly forgotten.
And in the US, PS is now as unpopular as ever before.

I wonder, does PS do any active PR? Clearly, we need to raise interest in PS, as this isn't just due to people not liking the game, but rather people not googling the game. We need to make the world aware of this game once more.

So I have played around with the PS source code for a while and compiled a new client (Windows only, though) with the following features:

• Freeze your health & mana bars in order to prevent damage.
• Instantly teleport to any map/instance (works great for touring guild houses).
• Circumvent the work timer, instantly repair, cast or mine as fast as you can click that button.
• You can now trade negative amounts of trias, those are deducted from the person you're trading to and credited to your own inventory.

For those interested, here's the link to the compiled client:.

P.S.
Needless to say, don't log on to the main server with this

Disclaimer: Don't freak out over this topic. Don't make a ruckus over it. This is not yet common knowledge. I have been instructed not to share this information because people's livelihoods and businesses are at stake. However, I'm not going to let anyone potentially harm themselves out of ignorance.

I just wanted to make people aware that the gas oxygen, which is used for breathing, is in its normal state highly toxic. The gas is not meant to be left in the body. If it does not pass through, you are in danger of experiencing extreme pain, muscle fatigue, joint stiffness, and a slew of other symptoms which are probably individual. In most cases it passes through without issue, and it was originally thought that only people with renal problems would not pass it, but this is turning out not to be true. People who have breathed have the risk of experiencing these symptoms. I have breathed far more than a person should have, and I've paid the price.

Don't risk life-threatening health issues by refusing to breathe, but don't let yourself be needlessly poisoned.

supr srs donari out!

So I was playing around a little and made a tool that takes my .bmp picture and converts it into a map that is useable by Planeshift. Here's some examples:


You can download the file here. It looks like this:



First, load a .bmp image. "Canvas Boundary" gives the image a frame, "Scale" scales your image and "Brush Tip" determines which character is used to draw your image. The first image was done using "." with scale 2, the second "*" with scale 3. You'll need to experiment around.

Oh, and the colour white is set to transparent, meaning whatever portion of your image is blank white will be ignored by the converter. Keep in mind that there is a character limit of ~200 painted pixels per map, set by the game (Talad should totally increase that so we can import better drawings).

If you want to do a black and white painting, you're in luck, because that is easier: The best size is around 200x200 pixels, paint whatever you want in black, leave the rest white. Load the image, simply check the box "Charcoal" and hit convert. Scale has no effect in this setting.

For those who feel like complaining that this doesn't work on their operating system/whatever, here's the source code. I have no idea of coding and whatever you might need to get this working on your machine.


Imports System
Imports System.IO
Imports System.Text



Public Class Form1
    Dim img As Bitmap


    Function I2H(int As Integer) As String
        Dim str As String
        str = Hex(int)
        If Len(str) = 1 Then
            str = "0" + str
        End If
        Return str
    End Function


    Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        Me.Text = "BMP to XML by Donari"
    End Sub

    Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

        If OpenFileDialog1.ShowDialog = Windows.Forms.DialogResult.OK Then
            img = Image.FromFile(OpenFileDialog1.FileName)
            PictureBox1.Image = img

        End If
    End Sub

    Private Sub Button2_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Button2.Click
        Dim x As Integer
        Dim y As Integer
        Dim cx As Integer
        Dim cy As Integer
        Dim out As String
        Dim pt As String
        Dim col As Color
        Dim white As Integer
        Dim scale As Integer
        scale = CInt(TextBox1.Text)
        white = Color.White.ToArgb()
        y = img.Height
        x = img.Width
        cx = CInt(TextBox3.Text)
        cy = CInt(TextBox2.Text)
        If SaveFileDialog1.ShowDialog = Windows.Forms.DialogResult.OK Then
            out = SaveFileDialog1.FileName
        End If
        Dim fs As FileStream = File.Create(out)
        Dim info As Byte()

        If Not CheckBox1.Checked Then
            info = New UTF8Encoding(True).GetBytes("<pages><page l=""236"" t=""161"" w=""" + CStr(x * scale + 2 * cx) + """ h=""" + CStr(scale * y + 2 * cy) + """>")
            fs.Write(info, 0, info.Length)
            For i = 1 To x - 1
                For j = 1 To y - 1
                    col = img.GetPixel(i, j)
                    If col.ToArgb() <> white Then
                        pt = "<tx x=""" + CStr(i * scale + cx) + """ y=""" + CStr(j * scale + cy) + """t=""" + TextBox4.Text + """ col=""" + I2H(col.R) + I2H(col.G) + I2H(col.B) + """/>"
                        info = New UTF8Encoding(True).GetBytes(pt)
                        fs.Write(info, 0, info.Length)
                    End If
                Next
            Next
        Else
            info = New UTF8Encoding(True).GetBytes("<pages><page l=""236"" t=""161"" w=""" + CStr(x * 4 + 2 * cx) + """ h=""" + CStr(3 * y + 2 * cy) + """>")
            fs.Write(info, 0, info.Length)
            For j = 1 To y - 1
                pt = "<tx x=""" + CStr(1 + cx) + """ y=""" + CStr(j * 3 + cy) + """t="""
                For i = 1 To x - 1
                    col = img.GetPixel(i, j)
                    If col.ToArgb() <> white Then
                        pt = pt + "''"
                    Else
                        pt = pt + " "
                    End If
                Next
                pt = pt + """ col=""0""/>"
                info = New UTF8Encoding(True).GetBytes(pt)
                fs.Write(info, 0, info.Length)
            Next
        End If
        info = New UTF8Encoding(True).GetBytes("</page></pages>")
        fs.Write(info, 0, info.Length)
        fs.Close()
    End Sub


End Class


[First of all, kudos to Hemmel for this interesting roleplay! I am looking forward to see it continuing!  ]

Donari and Jekkar were verily praying in the Laanx Temple as an explosion shook the floor above them. Gazing into each other's eyes, they sensed something was amiss. Locking hands, they quickly paced up the stairs and rushed towards the Book of Names, where they heard the noise originate.

Inside, they found a dreadful sight. The smell of burnt blood was in the air. In a corner lay an unconscious Ynwnn, Hemmel, as the two star-crossed lovers were soon to find out. Donari gave Jekkar a meaningful look as she gestured at the Ynwnn. Together, they approached him and while Donari knelt in order to examine the immobilized Ynwnn more closely, Jekkar put the foot of his third leg on Hemmel's sole visible hand. Donari wondered as to where the second hand might be, but she was more concerned with the health of the poor creature in front of her.

Giving him a gentle slap with her hand, Hemmel quickly recovered his consciousness. Donari asked in a gentle voice,"What did you do here?"

"Get off my hand", Hemmel growled, unwilling to respond. "Those who are informed. Let me up or I will place you on the wrong side of Octarchal law." He paused a moment before going on. "Fear not, you having nothing to be afraid of." he continued, directing his angst at Jekkar.

The latter however was unfathomed by the empty threat and kept his position, unwilling to move an inch and allow the villain to free his hand, aware of the multitude of possibilities of evil the hand could do to him and his love eternal, Donari.

Hemmel, now quite agitated, acted without moving an eyebrow. He sprang a hidden mechanism that launched a blade towards Jekkar's leg, neatly severing the just recently attached superfluous lower extremity, sending it on an airborne journey through the vastness of the holy room.

Jekkar, being quite fond of his recently attached superfluous leg went chasing after it, unwilling to give up that pinnacle of dark magic.

With a slight grin on her face, Donari turned to Hemmel and asked him in a stern voice, "Now sir, why are you chopping off Lord Jekkar's leg while we have nothing to fear from you?"  Her index finger waggled demonstratively at the young Ynwnn.

Free of the leg's hold on his arm, Hemmel rose. "My business is my own. I have harmed no soul or body but my own. If you have something to accuse me of, accuse me."

Donari smiled at him. It was one of her warm, gentle smiles. "You know, people might think you a loner if you go in temples and burn blood and explode things. And you don't want people to think you are a loner, do you?" she said to Hemmel. Her eyes looked up and down, now getting a full view of his outfit. "Especially with that dark clothing. I can recommend you a better tailor, if you want."

Defiantly, Hemmel replied. "I am in fact, accustomed to relying on myself."

Nodding in a manner that would signal nothing but understanding, Donari offered the Ynwnn a comforting smile. "Ok. So I guess you should clean up here. And put the fire back on" she told him, now a little less stern.

Hemmel walked forward, towards the centre of the room.

With a curious gaze, Donari eyed him. "So. You are surely dying to tell us what masterpiece you did here?" She spoke as Jekkar moved to block the Ynwnn's path towards the exit, now having safely tucked his superfluous leg away.

Irritated that someone would pay attention to him, Hemmel turned to Donari. "What reason would I have for revealing my secrets to you?"

"You have no one else to tell because people think you are a loner? I mean. You go inside here. You do some obviously dark ritual. And then you cry about how you are all alone", Donari replied. She shrugged shortly. "That doesn't seem healthy behaviour to me."

Jekkar looked at Donari with grave concern.He solemnly added, "Mistress Donari...The darkness in here...it frightens me..."

Breathing deeply, Donari looked from Jekkar to Hemmel, then made a decision. She stepped closer and gave Hemmel a brief hug, her face offering nothing but comfort and understanding.

Hemmel however, irritated by the sudden attention to his self, conjured a short blast of crystal way magic, seeking to push Donari and Jekkar away from the little soft spot that had just warmed up in his heart. Unaware of the dreadful consequences, the magic engulfed Jekkar's superfluous extra leg, setting it aflame. It was held together by nothing but magic. The flames quickly engulfed Jekkar's well kempt and dirty fur, sending him to the ground in agonizing pain. As his screams pierced the silence of the temple below, Hemmel quickly took matters into his own hands, attempting to extinguish the flames with his cloak.

As the flames faded, Jekkar rose again, his inner strength overcome the pain inflicted on him by the fire, the wounds closing by his own magic.

Donari waggled her finger at Hemmel. "See? Don't play with magic. Lord Jekkar might catch fire. So. What is your name, sir? Dark Evil? The Great Destroyer? Shadow Death?"

"I am Hemmel. I am called The Scribe. You have allowed me to continue my studies...in your own way...", Hemmel replied -seemingly less angsty than before.

Gaining confidence with their newly found friend, Donari inquired. "Hey Hemmel. Would you like me and Jekkar to be your family?"

"Family? I trust my enemies more", the Ynwnn answered her, distrustful once more. Donari sighed. "Now. You see. These strange answers make you even more look like a loner. You'll never find a girlfriend that way.

"Be careful Mistress! The Darkness! I see it in him!" Jekkar shouted, having gazed upon the true nature of the person in front of him and his true love.

"You have a surprisingly good eye, old Enki. Leave me be, and I will leave this place as it was", Hemmel acknowledged. He held up his hand, summoning a bright globe of fire that rushed forward to engulf the dark brazier on the wall.

Donari gave Hemmel a scolding look. "What did I say about using magic", she said to him as she made a gesture in the air, summoning a beautiful flower which she promptly stuck in Hemmel's hair with a smile.

Recently, I've noticed that many people seem to be unaware what roleplay actually means. They might know the definition of OOC or IC, but quite often they don't know what they are doing wrong when praising their "300q weapons" in auction tab. Someone (Aka Vonor) suggested me trying to give roleplay lessons instead of trying to change the people by criticism. And thus here I am.

First of all, I am looking for volunteers who would be willing to help out on the teacher side of the lesson so this idea can eventually reach all timezones. Next, concerning the place. It'd be best if we'd do some theory, either in game or on IRC. IRC has the advantage of being far better for communication purposes, whereas in game reaches everyone. What do you guys think? Secondly, I think the theory should be followed by some practice, for example a tiny roleplay event which allows those that just heard a lot of theory to practice their roleplay skills without fearing to be criticised for lack of english etc.

I'm awaiting feedback and volunteers!

Citizens of Hydlaa! I, Sir Tolian Tyndale, executive director of the Tyndale Trading Company, hereby announce the first Tyndale Festival of Arts, to be held in three weeks and three days. [Sunday, 8.2.2009 at 19.00 GMT] As some of you may have heard, the Tyndale Trading Company seeks to construct a theatre, a place for the arts and all those that seek to express themselves on a higher level! The Tyndale Festival of Arts will take place directly in front of the gate leading to Ojaveda, on the future site of the theatre, just a few metres away from the city wall of Hydlaa.

The Tyndale Festival of Arts will feature several exhibitions of art by different artists, musicians and crafters. A jury will decide on the finest piece of art or exhibition, the winner will receive a permanent sponsorship by the Tyndale Trading Company! Additionaly, a theatre play will be performed for the guests on the site of the future stage of the theatre!

The Tyndale Trading Company is still looking for participants, such as

• Musicians
• Actors to act in the play
• Crafters
• Painters
• Acrobats
• Dancers

The Tyndale Trading Company will supply all guests with small snacks and drinks for free, however, a small donation is asked of every person visiting the Tyndale Festival of Arts.

Last but not least, a grand auction is held at the site of the festival, behold for some of the rarest and most exquisite goods found in all of Yliakum! The auction will be a held in such a way that all bids are made on goods which identity is vaguely specified. Once all goods are auctioned, they are handed to the highest bidder.

All donations and income, minus the financial efforts done on the company's side, are going into the construction of a new theatre for the populace of Hydlaa and it's maintenance.

What is the Tyndale Trading Company?

The Tyndale Trading Company is an investment and merchandise business. Everyone can invest his money into the business, for which he will receive interest. The current interest rate is two percent every half Yliakum year [RL month]. The interest rate will rise once the business is going, but it is kept low for the beginning so obligations do not bancrupt the business.
The Tyndale Trading Company is run by the board of shareholders, entities (guilds, individuals or else) that own shares of the company. Shares can be freely sold or given away, as long as the board of shareholders is informed about the transaction. Every action and investment done in the name of the Tyndale Trading Company has to be approved of by the board of shareholders. Simple majority wins.


How is the Tyndale Trading Company structured?

The Tyndale Trading Company is run by the executive director, whose actions are supervised by the board of shareholders. The company will further found various child companies and own the majority of shares to those child companies. The child companies specialise in various areas of business and are supervsed by the executive director.
Every office of the company in each region of Yliakum has a director that oversees the local business. The local directors are directly subordinate to the executive director. The executive director is required to present the board of shareholders an annual report on the profits of the company. The executive director is named by the board of shareholders and may be taken off duty again by the latter. All employees of the company are chosen by the executive director but can be taken off duty by the board of shareholders.


What business does the Tyndale Trading Company conduct and how can I profit?

The Tyndale Trading Company will primarily engage in three big branches of business. First of all, merchandising. The Tyndale Trading Company will open several resource exchanges in every city or township where everyone can sell their goods for a fair price. The goods are then catalogued and sold to people elsewhere. Merchants interested in conducting business can rent offices at every resource exchange and receive the best possible supply of cheap quality wares. Furthermore, there will be regular auctions conducted at the resource exchanges. Next, the Tyndale Trading Company will found several child companies, such as taverns, fighting pits, research facilities or large blacksmithing compounds, even private mining ventures. Besides this, the company will open a bank where people may safely store their goods for a small fee or invest their money for a steady interest rate. The bank will give out loans for a small interest rate. Last but not least, the Tyndale Trading Company will engage in property business and sell and rent houses to entities that may not be able to afford a house on their own or provide the child companies with property where to conduct business.

Every entity is able to invest money into the business and thus receive the benefits mentioned below. Any investor of the company has to sign an additional clause in his investing contract where he agrees to keep any contract made with another investor of the company. The parties can request to view the height of each other's investment, so the parties have securities when signing contracts. Furthermore, if one party breaks a contract, the investment is liable for possible damages. If damages are to be paid and to what amount is decided on by the board of shareholders. The invested money will generate interest.

Every entity is allowed to purchase shares of the company from any shareholder, providing they can afford the price asked for a share. Each shareholder is an owner of the company and has the same benefits and obligations as an investor. Furthermore, they are entitled to a share of the profit of the company in height of the percentage of total shares in their possession. A shareholder may receive free housing, offices and food at any office of the company. Shareholders have not only benefits, but also obligations. A shareholder must take part in the meetings or have a representative with full authority in his name present. The shareholders, if publicly known, are required to honour the laws of Yliakum and represent the company adequately at all times.

In order to ensure the validity of contracts between investors, they are asked to have them written down by the official notary of the Tyndale Trading Company to prevent fraud.


Job positions

The Tyndale Trading Company is currently looking for a skilled lawyer, several accounters and a librarian. If you are skilled in none of this areas, the company is still in need of your services. Every employee receives free food, housing, a fixed annual salary and a share of the total profit for outstanding efforts.


Current information on the Tyndale Trading Company

89% of all shares are currently owned by Tolian Tyndale. 1% by Vannaka Touchstone, 2% by Bilbous, 1% by Rhok Gehrig, 5% by Lokter Tarvitz, 1% by the Azure Circus, 1 % by Lanuhir Manugho, 1% by Yukioshonora Syndi.
The Tyndale Trading Company is looking for all kind of  investors or entities willing to enter a contractual obligation with the Tyndale Trading Company, delivery contracts for example.
The average value of a percent of the total shares is currently at 69310 tria.


Rank names
Lolwut?