I am reviving an old, old project of mine, Emergency Medical Technician schooling forced me to shut down prematurely last year, but now we are here to stay. We call this project "New Britannia".
What do we have to offer players? Customization, realism, and fairness. We've modified the crafting system so that almost anything is craftable. Guards are now persistent and killable, but definitely a force to be reckoned with. Combat is more balanced so that warriors actually stand a chance against mages. We've almost implemented critical hits, auctions, casino games, daily rares, and a new time system. Moongates function very similar to how they did in classic Ultima games, which puts more players on the highways and increases the value of transportation spells. We have dozens of new quests, minor and major artifacts, and monsters, to keep players from getting "bored". Monster AI is a little more dynamic and less predictable. To help staff, we also use the famous Nerun's Distro (modified to suit us), Kitchen's Jailing System, and others. Dungeons are now dangerous places, and require an assortment of skills to tackle fully, as some doors are now locked. A "tax" has been implemented and varies according from town to town, making it even more important to travel. When the population gets to a certain point, we plan on starting a player-government system similar to the US Congress (elected officials from different regions who will vote on shard changes) and several sporting events (Jousting, wrestling, duels, and something similar to the classic arcade/NES Gauntlet game). We have some of the Ultima 7 magic system implemented but will be finishing it and adding the Ultima 8 magic system also. A manual will be published in PDF format and updated regularly according to the shard history, rules, and features. Stat cap is to remain at 225, skill cap is 700. I feel this fosters teamwork and group adventuring. If there is no skill cap and everyone has 150 in each stat, then they are all insanely strong and also identical. No one would have unique traits. Also, it would become too item-based. With limited skills, players can still customize how they want to, without becoming too powerful. Adventuring groups will start seeking the diversity of Fighter/Bard/Mage/Rogue instead of Tank/Tank/Tank/Tank.
We intend to use the TeamSpeak server instead of in-game PMs and make combat a little more intense yet streamlined. I will create private rooms for guilds and factions if they have a consistent level of membership and contribute to the community (whether good, neutral, or evil makes no difference). All of our current staff were ABCUO players for years, I also spent time on Hybrid and the EA servers (Atlantic/Siege Perilous) and have experienced the positive and negative end of being a "donator". We do not play favorites, the rules are applied equally to all users, both players and staff. While I have no problem with staff members also having a player account, they should not use their power to gain an unfair advantage over others.
We're also open to the idea of staff-sponsoring different guilds, especially law enforcement, military and trade organizations, within certain limits. The towns are much more dangerous with realistic guards, and paramilitary organizations can sometimes help to balance the fight. Trade and real-estate guilds strengthen the economy and possibly provide in-game employment opportunities. We may give money or land grants to help with deserving and promising organizations.
What do I expect of the staff? Honor, discipline, and respect. Often, staff members operate alone, and have to be trusted to do the right thing when no one is watching. They must have self-control when it comes to their power and how they use it in dealing with other players. Also, they must be professional, courteous, firm, fair, and respectful. Staff will not use their power for anyone's unfair advantage, including their own. They will enforce the rules fairly and evenly no matter who the suspect or victim may be. They will not swear, will not insult, will not humiliate, will type properly (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar), will only show themselves when absolutely necessary, and will be dressed only in the appropriate attire, which is an appropriately-colored staff robe and shoes.
We are seeking two Game Masters at this time. Counselors will be recruited from the shard population, one for every ten average players online (1 at 10 average, another at 20 average, and so on), up to a total of seven. We may have an opening for a Seer soon. Their duties and requirements are as follows:
Game Master: Behind-the-scenes development, scripting, testing, world building, bug fixing, etc. Almost always remains hidden from the public eye. Possible role-playing opportunities. Requires working knowledge of C#, RunUO, and UO game mechanics. Wears red.
Seer: Administers in-game events and sports. Forms the world's storyline. Often visible to the public. Possible role-playing opportunities. Requires customer service skills, creativity, and basic knowledge of UO game mechanics. Wears green.
Counselor: Handles player pages and answers questions. Receives and investigates bug reports. Possible role-playing opportunities. Requires customer service skills. HTML and/or graphic design knowledge a plus. Wears blue.
If you think you have what it takes, PM me, AND log in and page the staff. If you're not selected, then don't worry! We will definitely need Counselors later on, and certainly need players now. The best way to become a staff member is to show us that you are motivated, love this game, and love our shard. Act professionally, as if you're already a staff member, respect the rules, and help other players, and you will be noticed. Offers will be sent out to potentials by the coming weekend. My advice is to speak well ("hi i want 2 b staff" isn't gonna cut it), be humble (state what you've done and can do, don't exaggerate or brag), be honest (don't lie about your skills or experience), and be dedicated (play the shard this week!). A candidate stands a better chance showing that he or she can put time into the server than a person with a PhD who is logged in just long enough to page the staff.
Together, and only together, can we create a New Britannia!
In service,
Stephanos
Owner, New Britannia
