A Thelanians view on Thelanis

[Praut_Ektor]

I've been meaning to post something like this for some time, and in light of the several flag bearing posts, figure I would express my own opinion on it.

Back before the server merge I didn't hear or care much about server names or anything of the like. I liked Thelanis because we ended up being one of the more famous thanks to Merlask's work, other then that, I knew of Lhazzar because a friend joined there simply because they were the first to have beaten the Titan raid. He figured they knew their stuff and it would be more likely to have other such knowledge, etc.

After the server merge it seemed to become more important what server you were from. Xorians especially seem to have had an identity crisis and worry about people forgetting about them, evidenced by the "Remember the Alamo" type entries I see in so many bios. Thelanians on the other hand rarely seem to have to announce that they were natives. I think I added it to one sig or bio, but that was about it, shortly after the merge when it seemed there was a fear of being trampled by the newcomers.

That's the part that specifically piques my interests. Thelanians, are widely viewed as roleplayers. A large part to the large, active, and publicity oriented guilds that we house. Fellowship of the Golden Night was lucky to have members and leaders that were into hosting events and posting videos and generally having non-quest related fun. A lot of that was what drew me to the server, that and I have an uncle who played here. Thelanis was never exclusively role-playing, but it had the most publicized guilds for it, if not the largest, in DDO.

Enter Xoriat. They chafe at the fact that they might ever be touched by a butterfly, let alone have one join in a pug. Thanks largely to Lessah's role in a video posted around the time of the merge, we have taken or were given the title "Butterfly Hunters". I personally like it, it gives us flavor. What is funny to me is the flag of Xoriat won't be let down. They were merged into the server. Nothing left of that former lifestyle but they're own memories, and this server is now "New Xoriat".

Thank you Columbus, you "found" America, thus replacing its natives. Well dirty blankets aside, Xorians brought their game knowledge and culture to this new land, merging it with Tharashk and Thelanis. Xorians having power struggles and pride issues though refuse to be anything but Xorians, and that is fine, it gives them identity. I found that many Tharashkians seemed to want to jump on the band wagon and not be mixed in with the Butterfly Hunters, decided that they should be remembered too.

I post this mostly because I find it interesting and mostly because I want to separate the negative connotations that the server has towards one word or another. "Roleplayer" is a word that is used in the derogative by many natives of Xoriat and "Xorian" is often explained without definition as a zerger that is every bit the mindless drone that the word originates from.

I don't fear Xorians, I've run with plenty of them. I don't particularly like the elitism, I think more than enough of them are jerks, but to each his own. They are somehow afraid of the Roleplaying, but I think have a larger problem with the fact that Roleplayers seem to take things slower, and as we've seen the posts, that can't be tolerated.

What I think seems to be without understanding is that each side has something to offer the other. Many former Xorians are very versed in quest knowledge. One advantage of wanting to do things as fast as possible is wanting to learn as much as you can to facilitate that. Roleplayers however provide a new insight and finesse that has never been seen before. My first experience with anyone using Intimidate was a roleplayer. In fact, that was the norm for a year before these last mods. I've had members from the Xorian side of the fence mention the same to me. More then that though, I prefer the Roleplaying standpoint as it adds a flavor to the game that you won't otherwise receive.

Many with a zerger mindset would laugh at you if you mentioned that you read the dialogue for a quest, but many a roleplayer has actually sat down and read the manual restart guide to the Pit with all seriousness, and that helped them greatly to understand the quest. When not running some new quest in the grind that upper levels become in between mods, you can find us spending at least our Thursdays, but often many days in the Phoenix, or anywhere really. When things change for the game, we incorporate that into play, when we need to make our own fun, we are there hosting events and carrying on.

I suppose the essence of this post is: Live and let live. Thelanians seem to be content to let the Xorians think that they are in charge and be Xorians. The Xorians like to pretend to terrorize us and look mean, eat butterflies, etc.

What I would like to see is the two find a more common ground. There are roleplayers in our alliance that refuse to PUG for the fear of being treated as dimwitted for not knowing a quest. I know there are members of some of the more raid-minded guilds that are curious about what roleplaying involves. Some of the more fun members of the alliance have come from these roots.

If you're one of the Xorians, then I hope that you take the time to at least be courteous to your fellow gamers. All this big talk and land grabbing seems to do little to endear the population. If you're a roleplayer than I would hope that you get to know more of the quests and show them that you don't need Haste and Firewall to get the job done. (And for pities sake, show the poor sorcerer that PKing 12 bats one at a time is not the best option).

We are all Thelanians now. If you must, keep your Xorian flag, but don't put it down in my home and expect me to worry about who owns it. Xoriat is a memory, many of the attitudes that come with that have no place here and should be relegated to history. We are Thelanis, and yes, our server is better than yours.

[Memnir]

This post is about a year late.

[RTN]

This post is about a year late.

He did say roleplayers take longer to finish things.

[Gorstag]

I don't mind the butterflies, as long as they stay in the taverns. It's all mental thing. I honestly can not stand roleplaying. But, I do not flame rpers, they do their thing and I'll do mine.

The funny thing is that I truly enjoying rping with table-top D&D, I just have not found a fun way to do so in ddo. It would take away powergaming-time.

I already get enough funny looks from my wife without (FULLY) acting out a drunken rogue dwarf with a severe hemorrhoid problem trying to drink dirty kobolds and munch down a chicken leg while half-hazzardly trying to clip his toenails with a mineral two khopesh freshly crafted from a twenty minute shroud ran that was the after party of an elite fifteen minute vision raid wence his goggles happened be acquired through trade of a three +2 tomes.

You just can not honestly combine the two.....

[Renegade66]

This post is about a year late.

... and 14 paragraphs too long.

[LastNameRage]

Xoriat was obviously a server where most of the "gamer's" landed on, while thelanis obviously wasn't (aka mostly nancy's). When I first got to thelanis I was quite irked at how slow or unknowledgable many were, so I left the game (or was in forcibly removed?)


Since coming back a couple months ago I have seen a vast improvement, alot less rper's, alot more zerjer's and definately a large majority of more player's knowing *** is going on in quests. Alot like a server I used to play on, very much not like the server I merged into to. So although I now can confidently call thelanis home, I would still say New Xoriat is a more fitting title.

I had a point, but then I got high. If you don't like the way some play (zerjer's, jerks etc.) Don't play with them, just like the majority of zerjer's don't play with nancies. There is certainly no set way to play a game, it's about having fun and how ever you may do that is up to you.

[adamkatt]

What was the middle thing?

[DoctorWhofan]

you forgot Tharashk.

[Judo]

move along, nothing to see here, cept chicken &%^#er's

[Pyromaniac]

Nah this isn't Thelanis, we're just forced to have that name by Turbine because they were afraid of the power of Xoriat.

I could care less if there are people who want to roleplay, and have run with many players from 'roleplaying guilds'. If a roleplayer is scared to join a group, that's just sad for them. Get some confidence, act however you want - and who cares if some of us think you're crazy.

For example I never cared that my old landlord was a cross-dresser - different things for different people...so why would I care if you like to roleplay?

[Murgatroyd]

The Xorians act like Internet Tough Guys on the forums. They've got an image to uphold. Show them that it doesn't bother you and they'll admit that they like butterflies.

There's a few ***holes, but most of them are good people. I find they're a good fit for the server. I'd rather we had variety than be tagged for something specific.

[bartcom2000]

WHOLY CR@P! that was a long rant. dude... enter a contest...... or maybe penthouse forums. better yet, let me break it down to you in a way you can understand....


As Randy Jackson would say (Tharask Equivelent) ... "DOG...... YOU KNOW I THINK YOU ARE THE BOMB, BUT THAT WAS A TOTAL TRAIN WREAK FOR ME DOG!"

Or Maybe Paula Abdul (Xoriat Equivelent).... "Honey Sweety.... You have SOOOOO Much Talent And what I like about you is that you are consistent, but while that was not your best performance I do think you are quite pretty in that dress!!"

Or as Simon Cowel would say (Thelanis equivelent) " That was total rubish, Totaly forgetable and reminiscent of a goth chick on a combination of exstacy and valuum! horrible just horrible! and I thing your outfit is atrocious too!"

Just to set things straight! if this has anything to do with my thread yesterday then HA HA HA HA HA !!!!!!. XORIAT SCUM!!!!!!!!!! Hey loook a butterfly.........gotta run!!!!


Some Like it Hot, Hot,Hot!!!!!!!

[Tannniss]

^<>

[iscifi]

Actually what cracks me up is the image being portrayed of role-players being chased off the server or 'hiding' in the taverns. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Role-playing is happening all around you. The funny thing is the role-players are accepting of your ways and have gladly let you train them in how you run quests. We have never felt the need to brag about prowess or accomplishments. This does not mean we don't have them.

For the most part, role-players will accept who you are and not attempt to force you to their play style. I believe Praut said something to that effect. So while the chest beaters are touting their accomplishments and breaking out their rulers, we watch and occassionally chuckle about it.

Some of us were here on just plain old Thelanis and made our homes long before the merge. When it came we worried what it might mean for us. Truthfully nothing much changed. Not all of the best players came from other servers. Some of them were born right here.

Not all Xoriats shun role-play. There is something for everyone here. Mock us if you wish. Try to grief our live events. Exclude role-players from your raids. Going on three years now we have flourished. We will continue to do so.

I would hope that you would be open to joining in and having fun. However, I know that some feel threatened by 'our' style of play. It's okay. We won't embarrass you too badly in the kill counts or try not to hurt your feelings as we kill you in PVP. Haven't you noticed that most of the contests at events have been won by role-players? Some of us have been running beside you since you got here.

Try not to let the Butterflies scare you too badly. We still like you guys. As far as I'm concerned, there is no you and us on this server.

We are all here, together. If you don't want to be here, pay your fee and transfer to one of those other '1337' servers... Oh... right...

Hate me if you want. My name is Points. I am a role-player. I have tanked the Reaver as a 28 point build rogue. I have solo tanked Arraetrikos. I am not perfect, nor have I found the perfect build. However, I will not shrink from any challenge because I know what I and my character are capable of.

The game is what you make it. We have made it a fun place to hang out and move away from ourselves for a time. I can only hope that some of you have as well.

I have nothing but respect for our players from Legion, Giant Slayers, and everyone else who have shown themselves capable and more. Thank you for what you bring to the game. I have enjoyed almost all of it.

I would only ask that if any player isn't holding their own, you at least try to point it out and why. Don't make it a guild or build thing. Instruct on strategies, suggest tactics, explain the gear choices and the reasons behind them. Don't assume everyone knows. Make sure they know. Java is an excellent example of this. I watched him single-handedly lead a failed raid back from the brink through explanation and example. Sorry if I embarrass you dude, but I have to say if it weren't for you those raids would have failed and it had nothing to do with your guild or build. It was your calm explanation of strategies and tactics that brought them back from the brink.

Also, just because someone role-plays doesn't make them incapable. I have met some so-called Elite Zerger and Powergamer players who couldn't manage a quest. I don't care who you are. If you blow a Reaver and then start complaining about someone else's build or lack of gear when they outlasted you... you lose all credibility.

The colors you wear aren't what's important here. It's how you play the game. If you stink on ice, your guild name or previous server won't change that. Stop trying to pigeon-hole people and learn the game!

If you keep making this about 'US' and 'THEM' you will eventually find that you are one of THEM and the US's have moved on without you.

I want to play. If you do too, then throw away the rulers and let's go.

[moorewr]

you forgot Tharashk.

Aren't you used to that by now?

[Deadslug]

I AM ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

There is unrest if the forest, there is trouble with the trees,
For the Maples want more sunlight, and the oaks ignore their pleas.

The trouble with the maples (and they're quite convinced they're right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty, and they grab up all the light.
But the oaks can't help their feelings, if they like the way they're made
And they wonder why the maples can't be happy in their shade?

There is trouble in the forest and the creatures all have fled,
As the maples scream "Oppression!" and the oaks, just shake their heads.

So the Maples formed a union and demanded equal rights.
The oaks are just too greedy, We will make them give us light.
Now there's no more oak oppression For they passed a noble law.
And the trees are all kept equal, by HATCHET, AXE, AND SAW!!!!!!!1

I am 19037, and that's what I think.

[Deadslug]

I AM ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Thelanis? Xoriat? Tharashk?? Reading this thread you'd think we were all either "Power gamer, Elitist, Dungeon Zergers" Or "Tavern sitting, Nancy, Role-Players"

*sigh*

In the meantime... There are the rest of us. I myself have been often grouped in with the "Tavern sitting, Nancy, Role-players" But i've never really been fully accepted / included there. I have really good toons that play at every level. I've played the game since beta. I've seen and done most quests. I am particularly exceptional at all the low level quests that I have done countless numbers of times each. I will never be accepted / included with the "Power gamer, Elitist, Dungeon Zergers".

So the rest of us, people like me, will never be included or involved in the "Great Murder Mystery of Stormreach". Just left out of "the fun". Will never be included in the quests staring LFM posts like "Know what you're doing", "Have WoP / Greater Construct Bane Weaps or don't join"; Will never be put in "Best Tank on the Server" posts on the forums. Just left out of the fun.

So I know the "Power Gamers don't care about what is being said, and what you're doing to the other players on the server, but you should. The more people you reject, the more people stagnate mid Mod, get bored and leave. You'll be Elite-ly doing the same quest when they turn the server off because everyone has left your arrogant behinds behind.

And you role-players? Some of our Role-players are elitists on a whole different level. Its hard to know what your guild wide / alliance wide intricate storyline that only a few of you seem to know or are willing to share with anyone else who walks in to the Pheonix Tavern. I can't imagine your average gamer having the first foggiest clue what you people (What do you mean you people?) are doing / talking about? Thelanis Thursday is a sticky? How often is it updated? How often is it advertised? How often is the server invited? When was the last time someone put a Thelanis Thursday event on the event calendar. Gave a brief synopsis of what's going on, so new people can try to "Play" with you?

The rest of us have watched both sides stick their tongues out at each other for about a year now. There's just been this weird line drawn in the sand? Some of the guilds that don't fall into either description are big enough to ignore the silly bickering. Some aren't big enough. We all play this game. "This Game" means something different to everyone. Have you given what you're tearing down, an open minded look? Some nights I feel like role-playing. Some nights I feel like zerging. Some nights I feel like favor grinding. Some nights I feel like jumping around buildings in the Market to see how good my jumping skills have gotten? Some nights I PVP? Some nights I do a quest for the first time and need someone to show me what to do? Some nights, I just sit at my computer and talk to a friend I've made through the game. Sometimes I feel like a nut? Sometimes I don't.

Arrogant power gamers aren't just from Xoriat. We sure had them before either got here. Role-players (butterflies) aren't just from Thelanis. Really awesome and friendly people aren't just from Tharashk.
Stop polarizing our server!!!!!!1 Oh? And "The Trees?" You decide if you're the Maple or the Oak! Both sides could be accused of being either.

I'm 19037, and that's what I think.

[DoctorWhofan]

Aren't you used to that by now?

that's cuz we don't do the hate. We all got along with everyone.

[enigma1122]

...Its hard to know what your guild wide / alliance wide intricate storyline that only a few of you seem to know or are willing to share with anyone else who walks in to the Pheonix Tavern. I can't imagine your average gamer having the first foggiest clue what you people (What do you mean you people?) are doing / talking about? Thelanis Thursday is a sticky? How often is it updated? How often is it advertised? How often is the server invited? When was the last time someone put a Thelanis Thursday event on the event calendar. Gave a brief synopsis of what's going on, so new people can try to "Play" with you?

This is an actual issue I have been thinking about as the Fellowship of the Golden Nights ambassador for a while. With the combination of my own busyness that keeps ending up being at its highest on Thursdays and well my general not being a big forum person. I have failed to go through with anything. I will be taking steps to right this though. I have been planning on, when there is some big trouble going on, and I think most the usuals in the Phoenix will be concentrating on it. I will throw a post up in the forums advertising what might be going on. How the curious can join. Etc. Hopefully this little bit will help.

[Wizzly_Bear]

native thelanians