Instead of showing outdated tips on the loading screens, I propose that we show commonly known settings info. Right now the loading tips are virtually useless. It makes no sense to tell people to "Go to the library to learn about commonly held facts about the setting" When the loading screens them selves could be that library. Every character in Planeshift should know the basics of the setting, and some of the history. Not every bit of information needs to be reviled, just some useful tidbits that help ensure that new players, and more forgetful ones (myself included) have access to the knowledge they need to play a character living in Yilikum.
Some tips could include;
-Yilikum is divided into eight levels. The Dome, The Barn, The Far Ground, The Forge, Lands end, Shore, Lower fields, And the Deep.
-According to legend the kran where created by Talad in 10 AY. In the process Talad scarred the god Laanx, permanently disfiguring the her.
-The Black Flame is considered by many to be just a story created to scare children, but rumors of a small following still persist, despite naysayers.
-In the year 536AY many Diaboli escaped to the Death Realm in an effort to find immortality.
-Pterosaurs are winged, reptilian creatures used for flight among those wealthy enough to ride them.
-The Azure sun is the massive crystal on the roof of the dome, its light is what illuminates all of Yilikum.
If we want to get really fancy, we could even have certain tips appear in certain places. Like the loading screens in Hydlaa talking about the history of hydlaa, or loading screens in Ojaveda displaying facts about Enki.
Some examples for Hydlaa would be;
-Pantel Firgal became the first ruler of Hydlaa in 320AY.
-Hydlaa is home to the temple of Laanx. Laanx worshipers from all over gather here.
And then some of Ojaveda;
-The Burning is a plague that affects only Enkidukai. Sections of Ojaveda have been closed off, preventing the spread of the disease.
-Ojaveda started as a desert village in 310AY. Since then it has grown into a thriving city.
Almost all of this information is freely available in game, and on the Planeshift website. There are many great uses for the tip system, but right now it isn't being utilized properly. It is my understanding that these changes shouldn't be hard to make at all, and would benefit the entire Planeshift community. It would be a great thing to see happen, and would make the setting information more relevant. So lets not tell people that Kada El's is at the top of the stairs in Hydlaa, lets let people know where Kada El's comes from!
Humble regards,
Zalya