The shader stuff is actually fairly easy in terms of hair colours.   The base texture should be a grey or white and then we simply set a RGB value for it.  Right now these values are stored in a table on the database and sent out to clients as part of 'here's a character' message.  We can have any number of hair colours and since this is done server side there is not need for a client update so don't be surprised if you see a pink haired Ynnwn around now and then!

I didn't understand the context when I read the discussion page last night.  It makes sense this morning now and have removed that line.  As for the descriptor email I will see what I can do there.

Well, maybe not, but these were in our garden the other day.

Yes, I hope to have it fixed soon. I've been very busy the last month or so and my PlaneShift time has been limited.   

Don't make me break out the FailCat on this thread.

When the server stops it's usually one of several reasons.
1)  Planned Stoppage for new release.  This one is usually fairly obvious and details are posted on the main site and the forums about server downtime because a new release is being made.
2) Update stoppages.  This is when we fix a bug or have some database stuff to do.  This usually only takes a couple of minutes and there is usually a warning in game about down time.
3) Unplanned stoppages ( ie crashes ).  When the server crashes it will automatically restart itself after a minute or 2. 
4) Unplanned halts.  This is when the server either gets locked up somewhere (we've seen it get 'stuck' ) or it fails to restart itself properly.  In these cases the server will be down for several hours until somebody takes a look.   

The majority of the time it will fall into 2 or 3.   #4 is where most of these problems (and threads) can occur from.   For me, the best bet is if the server has been down for several hours and no information on main site or forums then inform somebody (GM) on IRC and they can get in contact with somebody that will investigate the problem.

People ask us questions all the time.  Normally "When is the server coming up?"  .   If asking as a journalist it would depend on who the target audience would be.  Somebody from a MMORPG magazine would ask different questions then somebody from a technical one. 

Probably more of a 'settings' type question but trying to avoid 'regular' or common monsters.  Probably something like snakes but will have a name that has too many consonants.