Is there a map of the planeshift overworld/underworld somewhere?

[tsharky87]

I think it would really make the game more fun if there was a good built-in map that starts out completely dark and unshades itself as you explore the world. The map you buy at the library is alright, but its a real hassle to physically draw the whole thing on the computer. If I wanna draw my own, I'd much rather just do it on a piece of paper (and then it can't get deleted!). An automatic unshading map would not take away any of the fun of exploring, in fact I'd say it would enhance it! Drawing my own maps is just a huge pain and makes it a lot less fun.

[GarethEvers]

I agree that there should be some sort of map that becomes more and more clear as you travel yliakum.

[Drachnor Silmaure]

I agree that there should be some sort of map that becomes more and more clear as you travel yliakum.

I agree to, I can't travel from Ojaveda to Hydlaa (Or the opposite) without getting lost.

[Pizik]

It all gets easier in time. The more you do it the more it becomes second nature, then the Devs change the maps and we are all in noob world ;oD

[Vannaka]

I have a lot of trouble getting lost... it seems like the entrances and exits from most maps are directly across from each other, so I just run in a straight line, lol.  here, i'll make you a one-size-fits-all map.

     ____________________________________________
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
(you're here) ---------------------------------------------> (go here)
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     ____________________________________________

There you go, hope it helps.  If this is a spoiler i'm very sorry, really I am, delete it if so.

[GlassZephyr]

Once you get from one place to another once without wandering aimlessly in between it's all pretty clear.
If you absolutely must have a map, join a guild. Many guilds have maps on their forums or web sites.

[Bamko]

since this is the thread that will not die...

Let me remind pple, many of the tourists (new to Yliakum) have their camera settings set REALLY close by some default.  as such they can not see any landmarks that they can reckon from.  I have helped a lot of pple ingame who get lost, and the ones who want to "not get lost anymore" I would help set up their camera settings.   Some just want to be lead from point a to b, and then have you wait to take them back... no thanks.

Go to the Yliakum Visitor's Bureau at http://www.yliakum.com/index.php and click on "how to not get lost as much" for more information on this. 

We really need to be careful to try to remember how it is to be new when we help new pple, it is too easy to forget little things like the camera settings. Often a question about one thing, is really a problem with another, like wanting maps, is really an issue with the camera settings somehow being set up for max performance in Hydlaa, making you unable to see very far in the distance.

Oh, and a page back or so, someone wanted a map which becomes more detailed as you travel and learn the land.  Besides the one in your head, you could also take notes.  I had one page for each general area (map) and made very rough maps to help me out.  Even when I was "shortsighted" and could not see far, I could get my way around after a while.   

[Odoarrel]

Ok I have to put my two cents in here after playing for a couple days. As someone who is uber excited about this project... I can't believe you guys are insinuating that a map, or even a compass of some sort would be a 'spoiler' or somehow defeat the purpose of this type of environment. Looking for bugs or not, this is what myself and MANY others I know especially in the linux community have been looking, no, make that longing for and you all are really really doing it!!

So why am I being kind of pressing about this? I've only attempted 2 quests so far. Unfortunately one of them crashed me out when I had finally found the person I needed and typed in the question to the NPC... now when I log in neither NPC involved knows what I'm talking about anymore. Ok no biggie. One I'm on now - of course I logged out so I may have screwed it up - which is my bad I apologize - asked me to go to ruins outside of city right?

As a n00b, I asked myself ok... *where* outside the city? Is there more than one entrance? Should I really bother anyone with that? I know where one is for sure I saw it, and I'm pretty sure I've wandered the perimeter - so I took off through it. I have run my butt off - fatigue stopping me several times without finding anything like ruins. A camp, some rats, etc. but no sign of ruins (thought maybe one area could have been but no) or my contact.

I'm thinking I've gone the wrong way, so I'm headed back. Although exploring is a great idea, I think a compass or the quests including references to at least the signposts would be so helpful to newcomers. More than once I've thought 'man, my wife was right - forget this'   (she had warned me that although it was awesome in many ways she gave up out of frustration. She's an avid WoW player and so am I. We team most of the time and love to Roleplay, participate in live events through the summers, etc.) but I really want to learn this and keep going so I will keep trying.

My point is this - I know at least 4  people who have given up on this due to frustration. I certainly don't want to be one of those people and don't think I will be, but do you seriously plan to never have any sort of navigation assistance ever? Honestly consider that somehow anti-Roleplay? Even people in the dark ages, and I would imagine those in a circular 'under' world would have some sort of way to aid them in navigation... especially with all that water, consistent tides, specific types of radiation that creates uber magic in the world now, etc. (Yes I read - a lot. And the story rocks.) Perhaps even a couple of maddening quests forcing you to explore the city, etc. that then earn you a magic compass or similar?

I'm simply asking you to consider the fact that if you are going to add the realism of fatigue,etc. - making more and more attempts to draw people into serious Roleplay which I admire and enjoy that personally - you really ought to help people find their way to at least a simple degree (point them in the right direction,   not even a complete map. East? What *is* East, especially when people tell you there is no East? lol)

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Sorry to have gotten on a soapbox and please don't take this as some sort of insult or an attempt to be rude. I'm not the best at wording things, but I'm trying to get across the importance of how awesome this place is and the potential of it to me and many others. I wish I could put into words better what I want to say, but that's the best I can do. Feel free to PM me or reply if you feel I have been harsh or something - that is truly my intention. I want more people to play and get involved. I know my wife would come back for sure and probably a few others just personally!! I mean seriously - WoW is getting old fast - this is great new stuff!

Sincerely,
Odoarrel

[Parallo]

There are maps. But you have to make them or buy them from someone who has. Realism is hardly anti-roleplay.

[Garris Shrike]

Ok I have to put my two cents in here after playing for a couple days. As someone who is uber excited about this project... I can't believe you guys are insinuating that a map, or even a compass of some sort would be a 'spoiler' or somehow defeat the purpose of this type of environment. Looking for bugs or not, this is what myself and MANY others I know especially in the linux community have been looking, no, make that longing for and you all are really really doing it!!

So why am I being kind of pressing about this? I've only attempted 2 quests so far. Unfortunately one of them crashed me out when I had finally found the person I needed and typed in the question to the NPC... now when I log in neither NPC involved knows what I'm talking about anymore. Ok no biggie. One I'm on now - of course I logged out so I may have screwed it up - which is my bad I apologize - asked me to go to ruins outside of city right?

As a n00b, I asked myself ok... *where* outside the city? Is there more than one entrance? Should I really bother anyone with that? I know where one is for sure I saw it, and I'm pretty sure I've wandered the perimeter - so I took off through it. I have run my butt off - fatigue stopping me several times without finding anything like ruins. A camp, some rats, etc. but no sign of ruins (thought maybe one area could have been but no) or my contact.

I'm thinking I've gone the wrong way, so I'm headed back. Although exploring is a great idea, I think a compass or the quests including references to at least the signposts would be so helpful to newcomers. More than once I've thought 'man, my wife was right - forget this'   (she had warned me that although it was awesome in many ways she gave up out of frustration. She's an avid WoW player and so am I. We team most of the time and love to Roleplay, participate in live events through the summers, etc.) but I really want to learn this and keep going so I will keep trying.

My point is this - I know at least 4  people who have given up on this due to frustration. I certainly don't want to be one of those people and don't think I will be, but do you seriously plan to never have any sort of navigation assistance ever? Honestly consider that somehow anti-Roleplay? Even people in the dark ages, and I would imagine those in a circular 'under' world would have some sort of way to aid them in navigation... especially with all that water, consistent tides, specific types of radiation that creates uber magic in the world now, etc. (Yes I read - a lot. And the story rocks.) Perhaps even a couple of maddening quests forcing you to explore the city, etc. that then earn you a magic compass or similar?

I'm simply asking you to consider the fact that if you are going to add the realism of fatigue,etc. - making more and more attempts to draw people into serious Roleplay which I admire and enjoy that personally - you really ought to help people find their way to at least a simple degree (point them in the right direction,   not even a complete map. East? What *is* East, especially when people tell you there is no East? lol)

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Sorry to have gotten on a soapbox and please don't take this as some sort of insult or an attempt to be rude. I'm not the best at wording things, but I'm trying to get across the importance of how awesome this place is and the potential of it to me and many others. I wish I could put into words better what I want to say, but that's the best I can do. Feel free to PM me or reply if you feel I have been harsh or something - that is truly my intention. I want more people to play and get involved. I know my wife would come back for sure and probably a few others just personally!! I mean seriously - WoW is getting old fast - this is great new stuff!

Sincerely,
Odoarrel

It's the RP that gets ya

[catarina]

I have a lot of trouble getting lost... it seems like the entrances and exits from most maps are directly across from each other, so I just run in a straight line, lol.  here, i'll make you a one-size-fits-all map.

     ____________________________________________
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
(you're here) ---------------------------------------------> (go here)
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     |                                                                           |
     ____________________________________________

There you go, hope it helps.  If this is a spoiler i'm very sorry, really I am, delete it if so.

By the Gods, Vannaka, you're a genius!! *buys a book from Jayose, and crudely draws vannakas map in it, then holds it to her chest like the greatest treasure in all of Yliakum* Bless you!!!!

[Odoarrel]

There are maps. But you have to make them or buy them from someone who has. Realism is hardly anti-roleplay.

Ok so then by that statement do you mean that buying or making a map = Realism as in I should have to make occasional stops to use the privy? Make sure my particular race is meeting or exceeding their diet and caloric requirements? Where exactly should we stop eh?

I was not insinuating that buying a map would be a spoiler - I have seen where people had taken maps off, labeled maps as spoilers, and had not discovered in any of my searches that one was available for purchase.  I only read that there  was one "at" the library and was very outdated.

I'm sorry, but "Role-PLAY" is what's important here. I think you are missing the whole point of this here. Like I said if you want to make it a purchase or make it a quest item, I can completely see that. Ok. I have read a TON of information - searched the forums, and apparently did not find where you could purchase a map in the library so that is my bad. I will try out the map and see if it is helpful.  I very much appreciate the pointer.

Also, I've never had a case where "RP got me" so to speak. I love the speak, puzzles, questing, spells, summoning, casting, fighting, most everything involved in world gaming and in RL combat and socializing. I haven't let this case get me in fact - I was pointing out something I think should be reconsidered since even I was experiencing the same frustrations I know had caused others not as persistent to leave. I don't think a mini-map type compass or something would be such a bad idea for n00bs. Especially since it would *encourage* the exploring, game patronage, etc.

If all you want is a smaller audience of "l33t" uber RP types then I guess keep it the same. There are obviously many who can take it, even enjoy it. I know it won't drive me away no matter how many hours it takes me to find something darnit!!  But I think it is an unfortunate decision to block out a huge audience of people who simply aren't that good at navigation (ahem, I know I'm not, but am fortunately persistent ). I am wondering if people really realize how much of an issue it really is for people? Quests are supposed to take time, take exploration, etc. But most people can't take hour after hour after hour of searching just to get to their first contact.

Like I said: Role-PLAY: Interaction, talking in old/fantasy speak (i.e. staying in character), meeting others, doing things. Running around *alone* for hours is not exactly playing after a while is it?

Just food for thought. Now I am going to buy a map if I can afford it. If not I'm going to keep going until I can and see what it's like!

Take care all and thank you very much for the help on the map and the advice on entrances and such,
Odoarrel

[Parallo]

Staying in character and intuitively knowing your way around a place you have never been are mutually exclusive. If you don't know where you are it encourages interaction. Don't get your hopes up about the premade maps. You'd be best asking a member of the explorers guild for example if they have any decent maps for sale. Regardless, in a week or two you'll know your way around. Enjoy

[Pizik]

First, please let me welcome you to PlaneShift Odoarrel, I have a feeling you will fit in here ;o)

Okie, I should clarify the distinction between maps that are spoilers, and maps that are fine.

Those that are created and hosted outside the game are considered spoilers, anything drawn in GIMP/PSP, taken from in-game screen shots, etc are considered spoilers. We don't allow them here, and probably never will.You can however find these things if you were persistant, but I really do suggest you avoid this, not only from my GM perspective, but also because it really does take some of the mystery out of the game (The PS world is still not too big).

Maps that are fine are those that have been created by players using the in-game map creation system. It is there for a reason ;o) Some have made quite good quality maps which are perfectly good enough for navigation of the game, and these can be bought, sold and traded by players entirely in game.

On a related point, players generaly consider that North is the direction of the Windowless tower while standing at the Hydlaa Plaza Fountain.

As for running around on your own, make a friend to run around with, lots of new people start playing the game all the time, so people with a similar level of knowledge  as yours should be fairly easy to find, although there is nothing wrong with just asking people in game, RP with them, that is still the best way to get info IMO.

Good luck and I do hope you stay with us (You should never listen to what your wife says ;op )

[Bamko]

No time to quote from all the refferences, but a few points.

First of all, I am a member of The Explorer's Guild.  So there is that.  I am also unsure whether you read my previous post.. but no bother.

Let me ask you a question.  When you move into a new town, and someone tells you to go "to the old bookstore down the road from where ole' man's McCarthy's house burned down a few summers back" you could look at all the maps in the world, and never find it.  So what do you do?  I mean this with all the respect in the world.  ASK SOMEONE.

I know a fellow Explorer (Big E, meaning, at least to me, a Member of XG, the Explorer's Guild, and not just someone who explorers) had maps ingame.  Might still have maps ingame.  I myself wrote books on metalworking and swordmaking (As Bamko Cegeen) and there is nothing stopping anyone from doing likewise. 

I have played other games where interaction is optional.  In that regard, PS is much better, IMO. 

I am always pleasantly surprised when I hear someone asking for help.  SOmeone almost always is there to help out.  You don't get that in most MMORPGs.

Well, guess I will get ready to go to that house, you know, the one that was a jail back around 1920's, just down the road from where that chicken joint used to be....   hehehe