Polearms

[wolfman10]

Shouldn't there be more polearms in the game? If you're like me and only use Polearms as a backup skill, it seems that there is little opportunity to obtain a decent spear or halberd. If you have or can afford lots of ATs, sure, Tallys can help. If you want to use a polearm as your main weapon, then you can get the Iakor's/SS spear. Otherwise, though, as far as I can tell, the only time you get a specific chance to use a polearm is in the Dungeons of Saarngard, and that's nothing particularly special. I know some people have mentioned the lack of lances so far and until recently, the lack of good bows, but no one seems to have thought of polearms. Just a thought.

[Oldschool]

You're right about the poor selection of non Tallys polearms. However, the lack of them has been mentioned but it's been awhile. I think that the best free polearm barring choosing a SS/Iakor's one is the goblin riding champ's spear off Saarngard. And if I recall correctly it's not magical. Incidentally I bought an imbuable spear from Kyul-Thanor. While it's stats are low (more so minus icons) it is magical.

[zmflavius]

To be honest, it's not just polearms. With the exception of Trielra's staff, most staves are not worth wielding; even the Iakor/SS and dragongem staves are much worse than their counterparts.

Axes are slightly better, due to Axe of the Silver Blaze, but I recall Badstench mentioning that the Soulsmite mace doesn't really measure up to it, lacking stats aside.

[wolfman10]

What about Tzal-toalth?

[zmflavius]

I didn't list it because despite allowing you to get a high MR, getting that high MR requires 100 necromancy and a very high lvl of wep: staves, and even then, you need to sacrifice a great deal of SP/NV.

[Oldschool]

The problem with Tzal-Toalth even when maxed coupled with Ghor-Tiln's necklace is that it's two handed and you lose shield bonuses as well as the fact the Ghor-Tiln's necklace is inferior to the Snake's Head.

Badstench is probably the in-house expert on The Staff of Bats as he maxed out Necro to reap its full benefits. So hopefully he'll weigh in.

I crunched the numbers on here somewhere in a post and when I get a chance I'll necro it later and add it.

[shadowblack]

I've mentioned in the past the lack of good non-swords apart from the SS weapons. Since then Tzal-Toalth and Trielra' Staff were added to the game, so now we have a couple of good staffs in addition to good swords. But try finding good spears or good daggers, or good axes, or good Bashing weapons...

Yes, I know about the Demonscourge - MR-wise it is the best anti-demon weapon in the game. But that's just one exception.

It's not just weapons, either. Good non-Tallys armor is also missing, though it may not be as obvious. The best torso armor: Nightsong Breastplate or Dragonwing Breastplate - BOTH have been around for YEARS and nothing beter has appeared (not counting raffle items and Tallys items). The situation with Head armor is almost the same - there's Kozuron's Hood or the Warlord's Helm (if you took it), but that's about it. Good belts? None I can think of. Bracelets? Just the Assassin's Bracelet and the Emerald Bracelt. Greaves, Sleeves, and Boots? Well, there are the Nightsong items, as well as the Nimble Boots (both versions) from Haunting in Durnsig...

There are good non-Tallys Rings, Necklace, Cloak, Tabard and Shield (some of them fairly recent), so how come the rest of the (non-Tallys) Armor items are YEARS old?

[Doolipalally]

There are good non-Tallys Rings, Necklace, Cloak, Tabard and Shield (some of them fairly recent), so how come the rest of the (non-Tallys) Armor items are YEARS old?

Because there's no need for new ones?

There are a lot more ATs available in the game now. It's possible for players who don't donate to achieve a level where they are capable of tackling everything out there. All four of my characters are still quite happily using the Dragonwing Breastplate. Three out of the four have not benefited from any donations, and so far the only thing they've had trouble tackling is Barynbor (though given a bit of luck and some favourable mushroom and pool bonuses I'm sure they'll get there eventually).

Given that's the current situation, wny should the GM provide even more reasons for people not to donate? It's just not in his interest. Personally I'd far rather he spent time on other things anyway.

[Oldschool]

Well there is the Dagger of Vanquishing which is still sub-par comapared to the SS/Iakor stuff but it's a marked improvement over the others. And it may see some more enhancing. Now if we only keep it after we plunge it up to the hilt in Runie..... :D

[shadowblack]

Sorry, but I just don't understand how you can say there's no need for new ones. Stagnation is never a good thing, and using the same equipment for years because there's nothing better unless you donate is just that - stagnation. It makes the knowledge that Tallys has the best stuff available all the more annoying.

Adding a Breastplate that is slightly better than the Dragonwing, and/or a Helm that is slightly better than the Warlord's Helm, shouldn't affect donations, but it will negate the disadvantages of taking any of the Haunting weapons (or any of the not-so-good pieces of armor). I've seen a number of people with an Exalted (something) Longsword (or one of the other weapons, such as Tzarbiryth). Such people are at a permanent disadvantage just because they didn't get the best possible items. If it was temporary - fine. But when the disadvantage is permanent...

[zmflavius]

Besides this, stagnation will cut donations in fact.


Suppose that theoretically, the best armour combo available at Tallys costs, say 200 ATs, and gives you 200 MR, and that the max amount of "free" ATs available is 100 ATs. However, it is inevitable that one of two things will happen: All players will eventually achieve 200 ATs and be able to get the best armour combo, or ATs will not be given for "free" anymore. The first option is inevitable unless PGs are removed, which are unlikely. Therefore, each player has a consistently increasing supply of ATs. This would eventually kill off donations because you don't NEED donations to get high MR/SP/NV, because after all, the main purpose of donations is to get high MR/SP/NV from Tallys. Therefore, there must be a consistent flow of better Tallys equipment into the game. Next, there must be a purpose for that stuff. Why would you donate to get 250 MR/SP if you didn't need it? There has to be a slowly rising skill level in new quests.

By slowly rising skill level, I don't mean quests that only donators can complete, but for quests to keep up with donations.

For example, suppose at the current moment, the max possible MR/SP for "free" is like 200/200, but a donator can get 250/250. Because people will get more ATs through PGs, eventually, the PG AT influx will lead to non-donators getting 250/250, and donators staying the same, thanks to stagnation of Tallys items. Tallys equipment has to keep getting better, in order that donations not level off while quests continually get slightly harder the more free ATs flow into the game.

I recognize that the "slightly harder" system is already in place in the form of the PGs, which get progressively more difficult, but it is necessary to have continually improving Tallys equipment in order to keep up with the slightly harder system.

[wolfman10]

Because there's no need for new ones?

There are a lot more ATs available in the game now. It's possible for players who don't donate to achieve a level where they are capable of tackling everything out there. All four of my characters are still quite happily using the Dragonwing Breastplate. Three out of the four have not benefited from any donations, and so far the only thing they've had trouble tackling is Barynbor (though given a bit of luck and some favourable mushroom and pool bonuses I'm sure they'll get there eventually).

Given that's the current situation, wny should the GM provide even more reasons for people not to donate? It's just not in his interest. Personally I'd far rather he spent time on other things anyway.

I agree on the GM spending time on other things part, but firstly, it would be nice for those who aren't stinking rich to be able to get better stats, and secondly, don't forget that even if people don't necessarily donate, the more of the fun parts that are accessible, the easier it would be to convince someone else to join. The more players, the more potential donors, right?

[Oldschool]

Actually it's pretty realistic to get good stats without donating or winning a raffle if one doesn't fall too hard to the Sryth learning curve.

All three of my alts are in the top 100. Admittedly near the bottom now, but at one time they were closer to the mid point (50) then bottom (100). That was before I stopped grinding with them altogether. Before that I would still concentrate on my main but would alternate them. Still even before I stopped I would classify their grinding on an individual level as light.

Still there stats are pretty high and all three are still sitting on about 300k general xp.

Personally I think there's enough free content to "hook" most of the "hookable". Of course I got hooked so there probably is a little bias in that statement.

The GM after all has to make a living especially since this is now a full time endeavor for him. Even considering some of the heavy donors, btw thanks to you all since we all benefit albeit indirectly from donations, I think the GM must take in some substantial revenue from ads or other sources. I just don't see how subscriptions and donations alone can do it unless there is a lot more donating going on on a regular basis then I perceive. Most of my perception comes from forum discussion and gawking at the HoC equipment rankings.

[zmflavius]

Actually it's pretty realistic to get good stats without donating or winning a raffle if one doesn't fall too hard to the Sryth learning curve.

All three of my alts are in the top 100. Admittedly near the bottom now, but at one time they were closer to the mid point (50) then bottom (100). That was before I stopped grinding with them altogether. Before that I would still concentrate on my main but would alternate them. Still even before I stopped I would classify their grinding on an individual level as light.

Still there stats are pretty high and all three are still sitting on about 300k general xp.

Personally I think there's enough free content to "hook" most of the "hookable". Of course I got hooked so there probably is a little bias in that statement.

The GM after all has to make a living especially since this is now a full time endeavor for him. Even considering some of the heavy donors, btw thanks to you all since we all benefit albeit indirectly from donations, I think the GM must take in some substantial revenue from ads or other sources. I just don't see how subscriptions and donations alone can do it unless there is a lot more donating going on on a regular basis then I perceive. Most of my perception comes from forum discussion and gawking at the HoC equipment rankings.

That's my point. If you can get good stats sans donations, then there is a problem. What are good stats? Suppose back in 2004, when this game was young, someone had 120 MR and 120 SP. Would those be considered good stats, god-like stats, or just "regular" stats, like they are now? If everyone can reach the pinnacle of achievement eventually because all the Tallys items are old and there is a constant supply of ATs, wouldn't that completely kill off donations?

[Oldschool]

Actually I was responding to Wolfman's post but after reading yours I dunno.

I can only use my own perspective and my perceptions of others.

I think most folks that donate are going to donate regardless. Mainly to have the shiny sparkling items they covet or to boost their stats and rankings. And some do so with the knowledge that it helps the GM keep the wheels rolling. That fact alone may also spur some donations as well.

What seems to have been a constant is that the GM has not made donating necessary to complete content provided folks are at the upper end of character leveling.

Barynbor is probably the finest example I can think of, especially since all of my characters have defeated him. Incidentally Esoteric defeated him on the same day as Virago but for some reason his victory doesn't show although if you count the displayed names there is one missing from the text about how many have defeated him. May be time to resend that email off to the GM again.

The current trend that concerns me more about game viability is the vastly increased amounts of xp the GM has made available recently. Especially the AS&P rewards. Tarn and the orbs to a lesser degrees and the ghostly gal in the Battlegrounds to a greater one have upset the balance somewhat - in my opinion.

Now with that said I still think that only a handful or two of players are capable of reaching Legendary AS&P relatively soon. I'm pretty sure (I hope) the GM is well aware of the possible ramifications and there are "counter-measures" in place such as new skills/powers or levels past 100. After all we don't have access to the "big picture" and I'm sure it (and the GM) is fluid enough to take things in stride and make appropriate changes.

OK enough derailing down the side track. After all I'm supposed to be setting a good example. :rolleyes:

[zmflavius]

Actually I was responding to Wolfman's post but after reading yours I dunno.

I can only use my own perspective and my perceptions of others.

I think most folks that donate are going to donate regardless. Mainly to have the shiny sparkling items they covet or to boost their stats and rankings. And some do so with the knowledge that it helps the GM keep the wheels rolling. That fact alone may also spur some donations as well.

What seems to have been a constant is that the GM has not made donating necessary to complete content provided folks are at the upper end of character leveling.

Barynbor is probably the finest example I can think of, especially since all of my characters have defeated him. Incidentally Esoteric defeated him on the same day as Virago but for some reason his victory doesn't show although if you count the displayed names there is one missing from the text about how many have defeated him. May be time to resend that email off to the GM again.

The current trend that concerns me more about game viability is the vastly increased amounts of xp the GM has made available recently. Especially the AS&P rewards. Tarn and the orbs to a lesser degrees and the ghostly gal in the Battlegrounds to a greater one have upset the balance somewhat - in my opinion.

Now with that said I still think that only a handful or two of players are capable of reaching Legendary AS&P relatively soon. I'm pretty sure (I hope) the GM is well aware of the possible ramifications and there are "counter-measures" in place such as new skills/powers or levels past 100. After all we don't have access to the "big picture" and I'm sure it (and the GM) is fluid enough to take things in stride and make appropriate changes.

OK enough derailing down the side track. After all I'm supposed to be setting a good example. :rolleyes:

Yes, but you know, you can only use ATs for so many things. I'm not saying that donating should be made essential, but that new Tallys items should consistently roll in to maintain the status quo, because the gap between donators and non-donators is closing and give it a few PGs+years and there won't be any if the tallys inventory remains the same.

[shadowblack]

Actually it's pretty realistic to get good stats without donating or winning a raffle if one doesn't fall too hard to the Sryth learning curve.
Sorry to further derail the topic, but:
That right there, at the end of your sentence, shows a significant issue with Sryth: If you don't start with very good stats (thinking that you can increase them later) and make mistakes at the beginning, it WILL cost you - A LOT! Examples:
1) This character (http://www.sryth.com/p/?188420fxce23434ef) started with just ONE skill - and it is a skill you can get for free in the game. From the perspective of someone who is familiar with the game this is a very serious mistake. But how is a new player supposed to know that?
2) This one (http://www.sryth.com/p/?187bfbexce233797e) can't even use powers - which is an even worse mistake, but at first - when you're starting - not having powers doesn't seem like such a big deal (I almost started without powers myself all those years ago).
3) Or my main character. With legendary skills in Weaponry and Slashing my max MR when armed is 183 (not counting bonuses vs undead and demons), but if I get +3 from pool, +3 from mushroom, and switch the Bowl of Blood to +5 MR I can make it 194 - which is far from enough for some of the current content. There have already been several cases (a few of them in the latest PG) where an opponent is 9+ at MR 200 or more. Against such opponents my only hope is in the items I have - and if there's more than one such opponent in the scenario... and let's not mention my experience bonuses... Or the fact that the Caves of Westwold was so hard I almost gave up on the game back then... It's all thanks to not knowing what to do and starting with poor stats, which really hurt me. Now I can only sit and reflect on my mistakes while waiting for new items to be added (or more ATs, with which to buy new items) because that and donating a few hundred dollars are the only ways I can increase my MR.

I obviously didn't give up on the game despite all my mistakes. But some players might do just that when they realize the mistakes they have made and the consequences of said mistakes. And that's just not good - for anyone. Other players - and that brings us back to the original topic - might give up on the game disappointed that they can't roleplay the way they want due to the game not offering them the required items - try playing with a spear-wielding character and compare it to someone who wields Goblindoom. I can't think of a SINGLE non-Tallys magical spear prior tp the SS weapons...

It's past 2:00 AM and I'm having trouble formulating my thoughts, so I'' continue tomorrow.

[zmflavius]

Sorry to further derail the topic, but:
That right there, at the end of your sentence, shows a significant issue with Sryth: If you don't start with very good stats (thinking that you can increase them later) and make mistakes at the beginning, it WILL cost you - A LOT! Examples:
1) This character (http://www.sryth.com/p/?188420fxce23434ef) started with just ONE skill - and it is a skill you can get for free in the game. From the perspective of someone who is familiar with the game this is a very serious mistake. But how is a new player supposed to know that?
2) This one (http://www.sryth.com/p/?187bfbexce233797e) can't even use powers - which is an even worse mistake, but at first - when you're starting - not having powers doesn't seem like such a big deal (I almost started without powers myself all those years ago).
3) Or my main character. With legendary skills in Weaponry and Slashing my max MR when armed is 183 (not counting bonuses vs undead and demons), but if I get +3 from pool, +3 from mushroom, and switch the Bowl of Blood to +5 MR I can make it 194 - which is far from enough for some of the current content. There have already been several cases (a few of them in the latest PG) where an opponent is 9+ at MR 200 or more. Against such opponents my only hope is in the items I have - and if there's more than one such opponent in the scenario... and let's not mention my experience bonuses... Or the fact that the Caves of Westwold was so hard I almost gave up on the game back then... It's all thanks to not knowing what to do and starting with poor stats, which really hurt me. Now I can only sit and reflect on my mistakes while waiting for new items to be added (or more ATs, with which to buy new items) because that and donating a few hundred dollars are the only ways I can increase my MR.

I obviously didn't give up on the game despite all my mistakes. But some players might do just that when they realize the mistakes they have made and the consequences of said mistakes. And that's just not good - for anyone. Other players - and that brings us back to the original topic - might give up on the game disappointed that they can't roleplay the way they want due to the game not offering them the required items - try playing with a spear-wielding character and compare it to someone who wields Goblindoom. I can't think of a SINGLE non-Tallys magical spear prior tp the SS weapons...

It's past 2:00 AM and I'm having trouble formulating my thoughts, so I'' continue tomorrow.

Despite the steepness of the learning curve, there are flaws in your argument.

1) It's known that when you pick skills the GM will inform you in the skill-picking page: "It may be tempting to pile everything into one skill, but you might want to actually spread them out." 1-skillers have had fair warning. And who knows? Some might be testing something or opting for a challenge.
2) The powers issue is something that unlike the skills, very readily bites. I believe that this could use reform, since I very nearly fell on this track. When I first started I picked a no powers character with awesome melee stats (I'm pretty certain that it was all 19s/20s for might body and agility), and was going to pick it when I accidentally hit reroll and got all 19s and 20s except for 1 18. If I wasn't lucky, I'd have been powerless(:p).
3) Again, another major learning curve problem.

I might add that access to forum and wiki is a major problem in this respect because with access, you can nip the problem in the bud. Speaking of which...I wonder what Bounty Hunter's stats are and whether he likes them or not.

[Doolipalally]

Tallys equipment has to keep getting better, in order that donations not level off while quests continually get slightly harder the more free ATs flow into the game.

I recognize that the "slightly harder" system is already in place in the form of the PGs, which get progressively more difficult, but it is necessary to have continually improving Tallys equipment in order to keep up with the slightly harder system.

Yes, but the original discussion was about the need to improve non-Tallys items.

Sorry, but I just don't understand how you can say there's no need for new ones. Stagnation is never a good thing, and using the same equipment for years because there's nothing better unless you donate is just that - stagnation. It makes the knowledge that Tallys has the best stuff available all the more annoying.

Adding a Breastplate that is slightly better than the Dragonwing, and/or a Helm that is slightly better than the Warlord's Helm, shouldn't affect donations, but it will negate the disadvantages of taking any of the Haunting weapons (or any of the not-so-good pieces of armor). I've seen a number of people with an Exalted (something) Longsword (or one of the other weapons, such as Tzarbiryth). Such people are at a permanent disadvantage just because they didn't get the best possible items. If it was temporary - fine. But when the disadvantage is permanent...

I personally don't feel the need for lots of shiny new stuff, so that's how I can say that! I'm quite happy with what Rhia has at the moment. Sure, as ATs become available I'll probably look to upgrade a bit at Tallys - let's just reiterate that new ATs do become available in the game, and with patience it is possible to acquire better Tallys gear without donating. I do donate a bit when I can, to support the game, but I don't feel that Rhia's current kit is in any way inadequate.

I don't feel the game is stagnating, given how much new content is being added. It seems odd to me to talk about stagnation, focusing on this one very small aspect, given how much movement there is within the game as a whole.

On the subject of being at a permanent disadvantage, see below.

Sorry to further derail the topic, but:
That right there, at the end of your sentence, shows a significant issue with Sryth: If you don't start with very good stats (thinking that you can increase them later) and make mistakes at the beginning, it WILL cost you - A LOT! Examples:
1) This character (http://www.sryth.com/p/?188420fxce23434ef) started with just ONE skill - and it is a skill you can get for free in the game. From the perspective of someone who is familiar with the game this is a very serious mistake. But how is a new player supposed to know that?

True. My first ever character had a similar problem. So I restarted. It didn't seem like a big deal. It seemed like part of learning a new game. I'd also hesitate to class it as 'a very serious mistake' - no, it's not ideal, but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy playing the game and end up with a perfectly reasonable character. It all depends on what you want to achieve and how, I suppose.

I'm not coming at this as someone with a perfect character. Rhia's stats are on the lousy side. Even after winning an elixir, her bonuses are:

Arcana 15%
Archery 20%
Diplomacy 10%
Horsemanship 20%
Lore 15%
Seamanship 20%
Thievery 20%
Unarmed combat 15%
Weaponry 15%
Woodsmanship 15%
Powers 15%

Am I at a disadvantage? Well, yes, I suppose so, though it's not something I generally notice. Yes, it takes me longer to level up. It also takes me longer to level up because there's a limit to the amount of time I spend grinding, given my personal preferences and life in general. I also made a few bad decisions with Rhia at various points in the game. There are always going to be differences between players, of one sort or another. What's important to me is that I don't feel there's anything stopping me from enjoying the game.



3) Or my main character. With legendary skills in Weaponry and Slashing my max MR when armed is 183 (not counting bonuses vs undead and demons), but if I get +3 from pool, +3 from mushroom, and switch the Bowl of Blood to +5 MR I can make it 194 - which is far from enough for some of the current content. There have already been several cases (a few of them in the latest PG) where an opponent is 9+ at MR 200 or more. Against such opponents my only hope is in the items I have - and if there's more than one such opponent in the scenario... and let's not mention my experience bonuses... Or the fact that the Caves of Westwold was so hard I almost gave up on the game back then... It's all thanks to not knowing what to do and starting with poor stats, which really hurt me. Now I can only sit and reflect on my mistakes while waiting for new items to be added (or more ATs, with which to buy new items) because that and donating a few hundred dollars are the only ways I can increase my MR.


I follow your argument, but I just don't think 194 MR is 'far from enough for the current content'. Yes, there are a few opponents who are tougher than that, but to my way of thinking the whole reason that items such as the FoD, WoD etc etc are in the game is to be used against such opponents. Otherwise they'd just fall into that category of items you painstakingly acquire and then never use. When you say 'my only hope is the items I have' I don't really see the problem.

As I said above, my characters who have not benefited from donations have not had a problem with the current content. My character Jazz is ranked #77 with an MR of 179 and so far has a 100% success rate on PG6. The only dodgy moments have come from failing rolls, not from being matched against tough opponents. I've needed to be careful in making sure she's fully equipped with Blessings and QS 20s, plus Wand and Finger, but to me that's just part of playing the game.

Are you feeling at a disadvantage when it comes to how high you can get in the Battlegrounds? To me, that's the only part of the game at the moment where you really need serious MR, and even then only if you really want to climb the leaderboard - it's still perfectly possible to use the scenario as a decent source of grinding xp.

[scout1idf]

I might add that access to forum and wiki is a major problem in this respect because with access, you can nip the problem in the bud.

One thing you haven't considered about this point, is the learning curve outside of the game.

When I started playing Sryth, it was my first on-line RPG game and I was still new to having the Internet. The first time I clicked on the forum link, the page that was displayed, a disclaimer page, looked like a warning to me that maybe I shouldn't go there.

Being new to the Internet it scared me away for 2 months before I was more experienced with being on-line, and I finally checked out the forum. By then, the damage was already done. Scout was "developed" as far as having all of his skills and powers along with fairly decent levels already trained and most of the current content was completed. I wasn't about to delete him and start over at that point.

I know that I'm old, and most people are on-line by the time they are 3 years old so my experience is probably unique. But the forum and wiki shouldn't be relied on as a guide for beginners.

As far as weapon's go, I wouldn't mind seeing some "free" finds that are a little more useful. If Tallys sells a +20 Halberd, it would be nice to find one that is +8 or +10. I'd even like a +5MR with either a +2SP or +2NVR free find.

Just something different that you don't have to pay for (AT's). Nothing to upset Tallys, just a helper for someone that loves the game but can't afford to donate much more than a yearly subscription.

(free find being defined as game money not real money, ie. found at random after a fight, bought with gold in a shop, etc.....)

If I rambled on, I'm sorry. It was a long day at work.....

[zmflavius]

Yes, but the original discussion was about the need to improve non-Tallys items.

But by how much? Right now, very few Non-Tallys items are found in high-level equipment repertoires, the reason being to encourage donations. Improving non-Tallys equipment could chip at "minor donators," people who donate solely for a couple dozen extra ATs. If there's no need for an extra AT here and there, donations will fall. I believe I'm correct in saying that the vast majority of donations come from dribs and drabs?

[wolfman10]

Whew! You know, when I started this thread I had no idea there was going to be a major discussion like this going on. This is amazing! In answer to that last point, no, I don't necessarily agree that improving non-Tallys equipment will necessarily hurt donations if it is done right. I do however, feel that while Tallys has some fantastic stuff, some of it is just ridiculously priced. Yes, I know the GM has to earn money, but let me just explain why I feel that way and no, I'm not doing it just to whine or get at the game, because I love it! I'm a 35 year old Brit with a physical disability who has been out of work since 2002 and I live off state benefits and parental support. Sryth is a great game and it has become a major pastime for me, but given my situation and the fact that I'm also trying to save enough money for a week's trip to Vancouver later this year, donating just isn't possible right now. That's not to say I would never donate beyond the yearly AG fee, because I will and have done in the past, I just can't for at least a few weeks. Even if I could though, there is no way (or at least without saving for a VERY long time) for me to get the really high-end items. For instance, if I wanted to buy the top items from Tallys but stuck to the minimum donations they would cost me $300/£196 each, and if I wanted to get really well kitted out it could cost huge amounts. Now, someone on here said things about those who make mistakes with their characters and that applies to me as well, which is why I recently created Ying and leave Magran for testing newer content like the latest PG. Unfortunately Ying was created after the discount for the Tome of Attainment disappeared. While I hope the GM will be fair about the Tome, there is also the possibility that it could be more like Zyralor's Ring, so therefore I feel the need to hold on to as many ATs as possible. I probably will donate a bit at some point, but perhaps you can see why I would be equally happy for some better 'free' stuff and even if I had it it wouldn't stop me wanting more so I would still donate.
Sorry for the long speech.

[texlaw1992]

I sympathize with your position Wolfman. Several forum members complained about being short of money around the holidays, and I offered to pay some AG and non-AG membership fees for those who were financially strapped. No one took me up on the offer, but I think it's good that those of us better off financially help out the Syrth community (and the GM) to the extent we can.