The Events like Halloween...

[thark]

<DIV>I understand that many people like Halloween and Christmas and other "real world" events....But</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>WHY do we have them in a world where they do NOT belong, why not create events that can be connected to the lore in game,  sure they are trying to connect these events to the lore, but we all know that this is just as cover for them to have them..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would rather have events that CAN'T be connected to our world at ALL</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Furthermore, there is a big diffrence in countrys how they see and celebrate Halloween for instance, In America Halloween is big but in Sweden it hardly exists up until a few years back when "someone" tried to force it on us in Sweden aswell..As little as I would like to have Swedish holydays in game(I bet you woudnt either) I don't want American ones...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I simply can't see how this can be so popular, people play these games to get AWAY from the real world NOT to live in a alternate reality and celebrate the same holydays as we do in RL...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Either the dev's lack total imagination for creating REAL events or this simply is so popular that it woud create and outcry if it wasn't implemented, but I highly doubt that..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So what do you think..?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>/Rigmor Guildleader Norrsken (Venekor Server)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[EtoilePirate]

What do <i><b>I</b></i> think?I like a good party and a fun, flavor-filled quest series, and I don't care what its motivation is.As for the Christmas events... almost anyplace where there's winter, there's some kind of midwinter festival with light and food and good times.  What's wrong with putting one in-game (aside from the fact that Norrath has no seasons)?<div></div>

[Zabjade]

<font color="#66ff00"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="2">Nights of the Dead Started is Maj'Dul from the lore I've heard Frostfell is a week-long mid-winter celebration follwed by New Dawns Day other observed Holidays Elorsi[sp] Day Bristlebanes Day Brell's Day (And the hung over days afterwards) </font></font></font><div></div>

[ashen1973]

<DIV>Bah humbug <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

[Einadin]

No disrespect to Sweden and correct me if I am wrong but I believe that EverQuest 1 started out as being available to only the United States and then expanded.  Also, the development team works in the United States (the main team anyway) and therefore creates events within their range of knowledge and tradition.  I mean, I don't see us celebrating any Japanese holdiays in Norrath anytime soon.  On the other hand, a game produced in Japan, such as FFXI, has a large number of Japanese holiday events.  Although EverQuest 2 is expanding beyond the boundaries of the United States (which I am very pleased to see), it is still an American game.  Sorry =(

[thark]

<P>As far as I can see no one has really answered my question, my question was this..</P> <P>Why do we need events that can be connected to our REAL life..</P> <P>I know that the company that made EQ is Americans, but that isnt a reason why they can't have pure Norrathian holydays instead of some copied RL events, meaning that they in some way altered or not reminds us of our own holydays and most certainly is there to do just that..ea Frostfell</P> <P>And furthermore, even if the company that made EQ and EQ2 was from Sweden I woudnt like them implementing Swedish holydays in their gameworld either..No disrespect at all..<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>I just think they need to make something original that can be just as fun, maybe it's hard to do that..?</P> <P>For me this is a roleplaying matter, and it stings my eyes with all the pumkins and christmas trees etc and I know I'm not alone on this...</P> <P> </P> <P>/Rigmor</P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P> </P>

[Lilj]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> thark wrote:<BR> <P>For me this is a roleplaying matter, and it stings my eyes with all the pumkins and christmas trees etc and I know I'm not alone on this...</P> <P>/Rigmor<BR></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>You are probably not alone in this, but my guess you are in a very little minority.</P> <P>As another poster has already said many of the holidays in Norrath are based on in-game lore already. Frostfell and Halloween are probably those that stand out a bit, because they more look like a celebration of 'real-life' holidays.</P> <P>While I can agree more holidays based solely on Norrath lore could be very nice, I can't agree that we should not have a Frostfell holiday in game. Many cultures around the world have common themes for holidays (often connection to harvest and seasons in general), so why should Norrath be different? Why should Norrath not celebrate the harvest or the changing of seasons? Would we believe in Norrath as a world if they didn't?</P> <P>That the world changes and the people celebrate different aspects of live makes me believe in the world much more. It makes me feel it is alive and vibrating. I'm sure we can argue whether the devs took the easy way out by using Frostfell, but I'm not sure if it matters.</P> <P>What we can do is let them know we like holidays and celebrations, and if they are based solely on Norrath Lore then it will be even better.</P> <P>Personally I like the celebrations, I don't care if they match a holiday or celebration in real life too. I don't personally celebrate Halloween where I live, but I still like that we do it in Norrath.</P> <P>Not sure it has anything to do with roleplay though <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> As an old Pen and paper player I can immerse myself into practically anything if the story (read<img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />M) is good. If the holidays look too much like a real world holiday to you and it destroys your ability to roleplay, I have to say, you should work more on your rp skills <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[Amitee]

<div></div>I decided to delete this post as I can't keep it nice.  <span>:smileyhappy:</span>I'll try again later.  <div></div><p>Message Edited by Amitee on <span class=date_text>10-30-2006</span> <span class=time_text>09:56 AM</span>

[valkyrja]

<div><blockquote><hr>thark wrote:<div></div> <p>As far as I can see no one has really answered my question, my question was this..</p> <p>Why do we need events that can be connected to our REAL life..</p> <p>I know that the company that made EQ is Americans, but that isnt a reason why they can't have pure Norrathian holydays instead of some copied RL events, meaning that they in some way altered or not reminds us of our own holydays and most certainly is there to do just that..ea Frostfell</p> <p>And furthermore, even if the company that made EQ and EQ2 was from Sweden I woudnt like them implementing Swedish holydays in their gameworld either..No disrespect at all..<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p> <p>I just think they need to make something original that can be just as fun, maybe it's hard to do that..?</p> <p>For me this is a roleplaying matter, and it stings my eyes with all the pumkins and christmas trees etc and I know I'm not alone on this...</p> <p>/Rigmor</p> <hr></blockquote>I'll answer your question.  We don't NEED events connected to real-life holidays.  However, most people in game discuss real-life holidays, so it's fun to see something similar to what's happeing in the real world reflected in game.  I enjoy it, and I imagine most other players do too.I don't see how this could be a "roleplaying matter" as they have developed lore surrounding each holiday.  You're just trying to be negative about it.</div>

[aprilstor]

<DIV>I actually look forward to these days in games...its great content. Any online game that Ive played for long periods of time needs to appeal to me content wise.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I dont want them to take out Halloween events (yes, I am American) and Id be more than happy if they added events that that feature holidays of other countries. Yes, its not really lore, but its fun. Id be very sad (and most likely not play much) if they took these out</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>On that note...I did not care for last years Christmas event or this years recycled halloween event. If they are going to put them in, I would hope they would put more work into them.</DIV>

[SharpeRif]

<DIV>In all honestly its probably a fair bit laziness..ok maybe not laziness per se....but it allows them a much easier time design wise if they can take an established set of holidays..that they are familiar with already..(biggest American holidays).with a pre established list that goes by an earth calendar rather then a norrathian calendar..thay can't forget its coming up...and all they had to do was shoe-horn the holidays in. Simple and neat...saves then a lotta trouble....though I agree maybe they should sprinkle one or two original holidays in...maybe a separate Founding Day for Qeynos and Freeport!</DIV>

[thark]

<DIV>Thank you for all the fine answers...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>/Rigge</DIV>

[ke'la]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> thark wrote:<BR> <DIV>I understand that many people like Halloween and Christmas and other "real world" events....But</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>WHY do we have them in a world where they do NOT belong, why not create events that can be connected to the lore in game,  sure they are trying to connect these events to the lore, but we all know that this is just as cover for them to have them..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would rather have events that CAN'T be connected to our world at ALL</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Furthermore, there is a big diffrence in countrys how they see and celebrate Halloween for instance, In America Halloween is big but in Sweden it hardly exists up until a few years back when "someone" tried to force it on us in Sweden aswell..As little as I would like to have Swedish holydays in game(I bet you woudnt either) I don't want American ones...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I simply can't see how this can be so popular, people play these games to get AWAY from the real world NOT to live in a alternate reality and celebrate the same holydays as we do in RL...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Either the dev's lack total imagination for creating REAL events or this simply is so popular that it woud create and outcry if it wasn't implemented, but I highly doubt that.. <FONT color=#ffff00>Accually you are wrong here one of the first major posts about future events after launch was is there going to be a Cristmas Live event. So it accually is Importaint to alot of people. Maybe you should come to the US and see how envolved(read insaine) we get in these too Holidays and then you would possable understand why there would be an outcry. Just like we can't understand without experiancing it the Love of Soccer(football) pritty much the rest of the world has.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So what do you think..?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>/Rigmor Guildleader Norrsken (Venekor Server)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>On another note nearly every socity on earth has two major celebrations a year, a Harvest Festavel of some kind(generally around Nov 1st) and a Winter Festavle near the Winter Solstic (Dec 22). So it would make sence that these two hollidays accure in Norath around the same time. Also as this world seems to me to be very Cletic in nature and it was the Cletes that started Halloween, it also makes sence that the Harvest Festavel would look like the Cletic one.<BR>

[thark]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV><FONT color=#ffff00>Accually you are wrong here one of the first major posts about future events after launch was is there going to be a Cristmas Live event. So it accually is Importaint to alot of people. Maybe you should come to the US and see how envolved(read insaine) we get in these too Holidays and then you would possable understand why there would be an outcry. Just like we can't understand without experiancing it the Love of Soccer(football) pritty much the rest of the world has.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>On another note nearly every socity on earth has two major celebrations a year, a Harvest Festavel of some kind(generally around Nov 1st) and a Winter Festavle near the Winter Solstic (Dec 22). So it would make sence that these two hollidays accure in Norath around the same time. Also as this world seems to me to be very Cletic in nature and it was the Cletes that started Halloween, it also makes sence that the Harvest Festavel would look like the Cletic one.<BR><BR></P> <HR> <P>First, I'm not trying to insult anyone with this, even thou I't could seem like that..</P> <P>I just wanted to let you know that Im not against these festivals or holydays in RL they are fine and people needs things like this, but if im in a game world like Norrath, I just wanted some "creativity" something else to celebrate...</P> <P>But sure they can always "cover" it up in lore and do a complete write up on "why" these events happens in Norrath aswell...</P> <P>So, for all what it's worth Im sorry if i stired up some dust with this post, that was not my intention..</P> <P> </P> <P>/Rigge</P> <P> </P></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Rattfa]

I think the OP needs to lighten up a little bit IMHO. It's only a little bit of fun.OH btw, I think horses should be removed from the game...as should all bears, hawks and snakes. Not to mention every single Human character and NPC....they relate to much to REAL life, and totally ruin the immersion factor.<div></div>

[Nelyia]

<div></div>A bit in the OP's defense, since it might appear he's entirely alone in this <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />It would really be nice to see a unique Norrathian holiday implemented next to the (okay, admittedly popular) existing ones. As for Frostfell, it would really be nice to see a slightly different version used in Freeport, as I just can't imagine Lucan allowing some wingless fairies set up giant candy canes all over the place. <span>:smileytongue:</span>Halloween... well. I'm in a country where a "corporate halloween" (money-making, zero tradition, no background) has been imported; but as I see people getting really defensive about it, I guess it -is- important to most of you, so Marketing would be stupid to remove it from the game.I prefer my pumpkins in a soup. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />All in all: one or two unique Norrath holidays, and maybe a few minor changes to the existing ones would be a nice compromise in this matter.PS: I liked Brell's Day best! Finally a tavern to hang around and RP in.<div></div>

[thark]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> thefang wrote:<BR> A bit in the OP's defense, since it might appear he's entirely alone in this <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><BR>It would really be nice to see a unique Norrathian holiday implemented next to the (okay, admittedly popular) existing ones. As for Frostfell, it would really be nice to see a slightly different version used in Freeport, as I just can't imagine Lucan allowing some wingless fairies set up giant candy canes all over the place. <SPAN>:smileytongue:</SPAN><BR><BR>Halloween... well. I'm in a country where a "corporate halloween" (money-making, zero tradition, no background) has been imported; but as I see people getting really defensive about it, I guess it -is- important to most of you, so Marketing would be stupid to remove it from the game.<BR>I prefer my pumpkins in a soup. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><BR><BR>All in all: one or two unique Norrath holidays, and maybe a few minor changes to the existing ones would be a nice compromise in this matter.<BR><BR>PS: I liked Brell's Day best! Finally a tavern to hang around and RP in.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>Thank you...<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P> </P> <P>/Rigmor<BR></P>

[ke'la]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> thark wrote:<BR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV><FONT color=#ffff00>Accually you are wrong here one of the first major posts about future events after launch was is there going to be a Cristmas Live event. So it accually is Importaint to alot of people. Maybe you should come to the US and see how envolved(read insaine) we get in these too Holidays and then you would possable understand why there would be an outcry. Just like we can't understand without experiancing it the Love of Soccer(football) pritty much the rest of the world has.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>On another note nearly every socity on earth has two major celebrations a year, a Harvest Festavel of some kind(generally around Nov 1st) and a Winter Festavle near the Winter Solstic (Dec 22). So it would make sence that these two hollidays accure in Norath around the same time. Also as this world seems to me to be very Cletic in nature and it was the Cletes that started Halloween, it also makes sence that the Harvest Festavel would look like the Cletic one.<BR><BR></P> <HR> <P>First, I'm not trying to insult anyone with this, even thou I't could seem like that..</P> <P>I just wanted to let you know that Im not against these festivals or holydays in RL they are fine and people needs things like this, but if im in a game world like Norrath, I just wanted some "creativity" something else to celebrate...</P> <P>But sure they can always "cover" it up in lore and do a complete write up on "why" these events happens in Norrath aswell...</P> <P>So, for all what it's worth Im sorry if i stired up some dust with this post, that was not my intention..</P> <P> </P> <P>/Rigge</P></BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR></P> <P></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>I did not take any offence or read any insult into your post, if it sounded like I did I am sorry, I sometimes have trouble expressing what I mean. I was just trying to inform you about how many Americans feel about these hollidays. Basicly, here in the US people are basicly Nuts about these two holidays and pritty much what them to be part of pritty much everything they do. Wich is why there accully would be an out cry if an American base game did not do something to celebrate these two holidays (heck even SWG has events for these two days). Let me put it to you this way pritty much every where you go in the US you will see Places decked out for Holloween(far worst then what you see currently in Norath) and most companies even the Multi-Billion dollar Wall Street Firms let thier people dress up for Holloween and Decorate thier office(same for Cristmas). Like I said many people in the US are just plane NUTS about these holidays.<BR>

[Gaza]

<font size="4"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">    Have to agree if their are going to be holidays inside of a virtual world they should correspond to days of importance inside that world - - Not Halloween or Christmas, there should be some originality. Even if the holidays tend to fall along the same days as holidays in this world they should be celebrated substancially differrent.</font></font></font><div></div>

[Rattfa]

<div><blockquote><hr>Gazaan wrote:<font size="4"><font face="Arial"><font size="3">    Have to agree if their are going to be holidays inside of a virtual world they should correspond to days of importance inside that world - - Not Halloween or Christmas, there should be some originality. Even if the holidays tend to fall along the same days as holidays in this world they should be celebrated substancially differrent.</font></font></font><div></div><hr></blockquote>Night of the Dead and Frostfell are events of importance within the world of Norrath, and there is lore associated with both....just because they happen to fall on the same times and have the same themes as halloween and christmas, is pue coincidence. Lighten up.</div>

[crimsonm]

I think what most of you are missing is that Norrath has not been created in a vacuum. We as a species cling to the familar, if things are too alien to us we cannot relate and either ignore or get bored. In the case of the Holidays like everything else in the game they have been derived from some real world counterpart, in the same way as all the gods, monsters, classes et al. To have something truely original is neither possible or probale in this game, aside from changeing dates around, which in the end would still be chastised for it similarity and met with confusion on the disjointed day. On a little side note, all of the American holidays have come from other sources, yes america has there own cultural evolution of certain holidays, but the simple fact is they have been inspired from without rather than within. The exspetions are the days which have a specific corosponding event, such as the 4th of july, Martin Luther King's day, which are hardly holidays (although the 4th can get pretty jovial, but still lacks the specific ear marks of a true Holiday). We will have to except , like another poster mentioned, that  with the development there come a familarity to the cultural surroundings which in turn fuels the creative process. I'm sure if this was a game without real world precidents we would have an easier time createing and believeing disjointed and unique holidays exits. But the simple fact this is a world that mirrors our own mythologies and uses real world sources for Lore and back story, so naturaly the added bonus of pulling in holiday furvor would be seen as an added boon. Too the poster who did not like frostfell last year and the Lack luster halloween event of this year, the devs have stated that Frostfell this year will be extra special. I would attribute the rehash of the Halloween event as back luck on the part of the EoF development cycle. I'd imagine that this has cuased a lack of resources being devoted to the Nights of the dead, Hopefully next years will be extra special, and imagine exsperienceing it in a new starting City. Krystal Ningyo Spellbound <div></div>

[syncline]

I cannot think of a game that doesn't celebrate these holidays..   Please remmber that this is a game and it is ment to have fun.. stop nit picking on the small stuff.. PS - I stopped playing EQ2 for a while and came back for the halloween even because I enjoy it so much.. I am staying to play cause I also see the great changes in the game so please stop talking about removing halloween and christmas from the game and  JUST PLAY<em></em><div></div>

[tweety1972]

one thing I have not seen that needs to be pointed out as well is that during these holidays in RL, a lot of people have time off during this time and like to have something new to work on and get new quests. They have the lore in place for them as everyone has already stated, but this is probably the main reason for the corresponding times in game and in real life.

[Lydiae]

I think the simple answer is most people have positive memories and feelings associted with holidays and they aren't the things we're trying to escape by playing the game.  I'm not adverse to exposure to other people's culture.

[Solento]

<blockquote><hr>thefang wrote:<div></div> As for Frostfell, it would really be nice to see a slightly different version used in Freeport, as I just can't imagine Lucan allowing some wingless fairies set up giant candy canes all over the place. <span>:smileytongue:</span><div></div><hr></blockquote>I am entirely tickled by the thought of a "How the Lich stole Frostfell" quest line.<div></div>

[katalmach]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Lydiaele wrote:<BR> I think the simple answer is most people have positive memories and feelings associted with holidays and they aren't the things we're trying to escape by playing the game.  I'm not adverse to exposure to other people's culture.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Me either, I love the holiday events. In fact, I think there should be a holiday even for every single holiday celebrated by every single culture on the planet. Yes, that's right - it would keep the live event devs busy for a while, but it would be awesome. A new holiday event every day! Yay! I think I'd have to buy a 5-roomer with all my characters to keep all the decorations in, but it would be worth every penny. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>I think the OP is right in a way. Christmas is hardly an American holiday (we do celebrate it in Sweden too, after all), but I do find it a bit annoying that all the holidays in Norrath are fairly American-centric. Not because I have anything against America, but the game would just be more fun and interesting if we got some more holidays from other places. For example, a holiday event at midsummer (which is celebrated in Sweden) I would really have loved! Also, I think it would've been awesome with an event on the 5th of November.. just make up some lore figure to take Guy Fawkes' place! (No, I don't mind the devs making up lore to fit real world holidays - it's not like the lore in this game is some amazing and sacred deep story anyway. I mean, there's mobs in the game named after song titles! Basically, when a dev for this game is trying to come up with some lore, they look around themselves and just grab inspiration off of someting lying on their desk, whether it be a CD or the ingredient list on a chocolate bar wrapper, or so I imagine. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I'm a writer and that's pretty much how I get my inspiration.)</P> <P>So yeah, in conclusion: More holiday events please. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[Saihung23]

<P>Every year...since they made EQ....there always a handful of people who are unhappy with the events SOE developers make because they are centered around U.S. holidays (in which many people have off of work here).</P> <P>Guess how much difference it makes every year when they tire their little fingers out writing such well thought out and emotionally inspiring posts....</P> <P>not a bit.</P> <P> </P> <P>I think Frostfell will continue...and I think Nights of the Dead will continue....and next year...when you are asking yourselves why?  Go read some of the lore that the writers, like this last poster, made up for it.  I am sure they "got it off their desks" like he/she does for writing books.</P> <P> </P> <P>What a lame thing to complain about....in my opinion....</P>

[Nelyia]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Saihung23 wrote:<BR> <P>Every year...since they made EQ....there always a handful of people who are unhappy with the events SOE developers make because they are centered around U.S. holidays (in which many people have off of work here).</P> <P>Guess how much difference it makes every year when they tire their little fingers out writing such well thought out and emotionally inspiring posts....</P> <P>not a bit.</P> <P> </P> <P>I think Frostfell will continue...and I think Nights of the Dead will continue....and next year...when you are asking yourselves why?  Go read some of the lore that the writers, like this last poster, made up for it.  I am sure they "got it off their desks" like he/she does for writing books.</P> <P> </P> <P>What a lame thing to complain about....in my opinion....</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Hmm... as far as I understand all this, no one ever demanded to remove any of the events, just trying to inspire the devs to include something unique (as well). Live events of any kind are what make athmosphere and keep people entertained (and p(l)aying). <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>Maybe we should start having good ideas and post them here - it's a board to exchange opinions and ideas, after all. Not everything you see is a complaint :p</P>

[GinjiGunso]

I thought that it was fun.  I liked the haunted house quest.  I like even liked the silly dance steps with the skeletons.-ginji<div></div>

[Avanya]

<P>Halloween is *not* an American holiday lol.  It was derived from Ancient Celtic rituals at this time of year with the change of the seasons.  It was celebrated by pagans as Samhain and actually still is.</P> <P>And I don't see a problem with Sony having these events.  Many people, including myself, enjoy them.  My advice is just don't participate if it bothers you.  /shrug <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[JohnDoe058]

<DIV>This relates to the changes on Test server....how?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[thark]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Crack Junkie wrote:<BR> <DIV>This relates to the changes on Test server....how?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>It relates to the testserver because it was the latest thing on the testserver....</P> <P> </P> <P>/Rigmor</P>

[JohnDoe058]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> thark wrote:<BR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Crack Junkie wrote:<BR> <DIV>This relates to the changes on Test server....how?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>It relates to the testserver because it was the latest thing on the testserver....</P> <P> </P> <P>/Rigmor</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P> </P> <P>Oops...shoulda checked the date posted...i guess that it was relevant back then lol.<BR></P>

[mellowknees72]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> thark wrote:<BR> <DIV>I understand that many people like Halloween and Christmas and other "real world" events....But</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>WHY do we have them in a world where they do NOT belong, why not create events that can be connected to the lore in game,  sure they are trying to connect these events to the lore, but we all know that this is just as cover for them to have them..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would rather have events that CAN'T be connected to our world at ALL</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Furthermore, there is a big diffrence in countrys how they see and celebrate Halloween for instance, In America Halloween is big but in Sweden it hardly exists up until a few years back when "someone" tried to force it on us in Sweden aswell..As little as I would like to have Swedish holydays in game(I bet you woudnt either) I don't want American ones...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I simply can't see how this can be so popular, people play these games to get AWAY from the real world NOT to live in a alternate reality and celebrate the same holydays as we do in RL...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Either the dev's lack total imagination for creating REAL events or this simply is so popular that it woud create and outcry if it wasn't implemented, but I highly doubt that..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So what do you think..?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>/Rigmor Guildleader Norrsken (Venekor Server)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>I have no problem with seasonal or holiday events in the game, provided that they connect to the EQ lore in some manner.  I don't want to see Norrathians celebrating "Christmas", but I think it's fine and wholly appropriate that they would have some sort of winter celebration...after all, nearly every culture the world over has holidays that fall in the Winter, near the beginning of Spring, Summer Solstice, and at the onset of Autumn.  If you do a little research on the origin of many holidays, you'll find that lots of various cultures celebrate in very similar ways, too.</P> <P>And for the record, I have no problem with Swedish holidays.  If EQ2 had originally been produced in Sweden, I would expect that events similar to those going on in real life in Sweden would make their way into the game. </P>

[Morticyah]

I can see your point here, but much of our holidays these days are in fact coming from celebrations in the passed, like Halloween for example comes from the Celtic tradition. And since there are Shamans, Druids and Sorcerers in the game, i see it fitted. I have to admit, i sometimes feel that the decoration and such could be a little more medieval looking, and maybe, just maybe, a bit more sober.Bur apart from that, i love the holiday events <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><div></div>

[archer12965]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> thark wrote:<BR> <DIV>I understand that many people like Halloween and Christmas and other "real world" events....But</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>WHY do we have them in a world where they do NOT belong<FONT color=#ff0033> this is like saying "Rangers don't belong,in game, because that is how Native American peoples would hunt of buffalo"</FONT>, why not create events that can be connected to the lore in game,  sure they are trying to connect these events to the lore, but we all know that this is just as cover for them to have them..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would rather have events that CAN'T be connected to our world at ALL  <FONT color=#ff0033>Do YOU have any suggestions?</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Furthermore, there is a big diffrence in countrys how they see and celebrate Halloween for instance, In America Halloween is big but in Sweden it hardly exists up until a few years back when "someone" tried to force it on us in Sweden aswell..As little as I would like to have Swedish holydays in game(I bet you woudnt either) I don't want American ones...   <FONT color=#ff0033>This has already been talked about; the origins of All Hallows Eve.  Aren't the origins of Christmas (as a holiday) a German thing?  At least with the Tree?</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I simply can't see how this can be so popular <FONT color=#ff0033>I would guess that you ahve never seen how crazy a 9 year old american child can be around either Halloween or Christmas</FONT>, people play these games to get AWAY from the real world NOT to live in a alternate reality and celebrate the same holydays as we do in RL...  <FONT color=#ff0033>Maybe you use the game to get away from the real world but maybe other people see the game as another part of the realworld; and why not?  Does it not have people with which to interact?  Does it not have Commers and a Society?  All made up of Living Breathing People.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Either the dev's lack total imagination for creating REAL events or this simply is so popular that it woud create and outcry if it wasn't implemented, but I highly doubt that..  <FONT color=#ff0033>I am certain that there would be an "outcry" if these events were not implemented.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So what do you think..?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>/Rigmor Guildleader Norrsken (Venekor Server)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>So what do I think?</P> <P>I think that these evens, on the whole, have a positive affect on moral in game.  Would I be opposed to seeing totally Norathian Holidays?  No, I'm sure that I would enjoy them.  If this weren't an American game and it had events in it from another country, would I want them removed?  No, I would enjoy them and take them as an oppurtunity to maybe learn something about the culture of a country I might never be able to visit.  Would I quest the holiday's of another country?  Maybe, if I didn't understand how they worked or what the origins were.</P> <P>So this is my sugestion; take this as a chance to use the game as it was never intended.  Use it to expand on you horizons and learn about your bothers and sisters accross the ocean; their heritage and their culture, someone may someday ask you about yours.</P> <P>Take it however you want it; it was not meant with any disrespect.  If you hate me for what I have written, then I've learned something about you.<BR></P>

[thark]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> archer12965 wrote:<BR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> thark wrote:<BR> <DIV>I understand that many people like Halloween and Christmas and other "real world" events....But</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>WHY do we have them in a world where they do NOT belong<FONT color=#ff0033> this is like saying "Rangers don't belong,in game, because that is how Native American peoples would hunt of buffalo"</FONT>, why not create events that can be connected to the lore in game,  sure they are trying to connect these events to the lore, but we all know that this is just as cover for them to have them..</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would rather have events that CAN'T be connected to our world at ALL  <FONT color=#ff0033>Do YOU have any suggestions?</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Furthermore, there is a big diffrence in countrys how they see and celebrate Halloween for instance, In America Halloween is big but in Sweden it hardly exists up until a few years back when "someone" tried to force it on us in Sweden aswell..As little as I would like to have Swedish holydays in game(I bet you woudnt either) I don't want American ones...   <FONT color=#ff0033>This has already been talked about; the origins of All Hallows Eve.  Aren't the origins of Christmas (as a holiday) a German thing?  At least with the Tree?</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I simply can't see how this can be so popular <FONT color=#ff0033>I would guess that you ahve never seen how crazy a 9 year old american child can be around either Halloween or Christmas</FONT>, people play these games to get AWAY from the real world NOT to live in a alternate reality and celebrate the same holydays as we do in RL...  <FONT color=#ff0033>Maybe you use the game to get away from the real world but maybe other people see the game as another part of the realworld; and why not?  Does it not have people with which to interact?  Does it not have Commers and a Society?  All made up of Living Breathing People.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Either the dev's lack total imagination for creating REAL events or this simply is so popular that it woud create and outcry if it wasn't implemented, but I highly doubt that..  <FONT color=#ff0033>I am certain that there would be an "outcry" if these events were not implemented.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>So what do you think..?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>/Rigmor Guildleader Norrsken (Venekor Server)</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>So what do I think?</P> <P>I think that these evens, on the whole, have a positive affect on moral in game.  Would I be opposed to seeing totally Norathian Holidays?  No, I'm sure that I would enjoy them.  If this weren't an American game and it had events in it from another country, would I want them removed?  No, I would enjoy them and take them as an oppurtunity to maybe learn something about the culture of a country I might never be able to visit.  Would I quest the holiday's of another country?  Maybe, if I didn't understand how they worked or what the origins were.</P> <P>So this is my sugestion; take this as a chance to use the game as it was never intended.  Use it to expand on you horizons and learn about your bothers and sisters accross the ocean; their heritage and their culture, someone may someday ask you about yours.</P> <P>Take it however you want it; it was not meant with any disrespect.  If you hate me for what I have written, then I've learned something about you.<BR></P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Well, we all have our taste and things we want to see in a game or gameworld, and in MMORPG's it's common or rule that we get to celebrate both Halloween and Christmas(Yes we have christmas and as of a few years back Halloween in Sweden aswell)..</P> <P>And regarding me and my taste, I'd say I want to be free from these things from the gameworld as they actually take my attention in RL, and yes they are fun for me and the whole familly ...But in a "fantasy" world that has nothing in "common" with our real world, part from it beiing created by humans with some "obvious" relations like horses and such things like someone mentioned above, and sure there is nothing that sais that these events coudn't have evolved in Norrath aswell..So basically you are right, and I'm wrong in this...But this is just how I FEEL..</P> <P>BTW, have you ever played a single player RPG with Halloween and such events implemented in the gameworld ? I haven't or atleast i can't recall any such things...</P> <P>/Rigmor</P> <P> </P> <P> </P>

[Tyrus Dracofire]

<P>oh yes! there is some holiday event RPG!</P> <P>think of as Magic the Gatherings concept of "Planewalkers", meaning they may have visited so many worlds, some are major roles in themes, and some are minor effect in other worlds.</P> <P>in real life situations, many dungeon masters have to be very careful to run the event correctly to avoid "Main Religions" theme and not to offend non christians and maybe even to other christians depending on their point of view, only to make just as seasonal theme events.</P> <P>what i find, and it trace back to Lietzber's Fafnir and Grey Mouse, it had hint of halloween theme with lord of the deads, coming out to city above to haunt once a year. <FONT color=#ff3300>"Night of the Deads" </FONT>aka Muj'dul's day of respect of the deads or day of honoring the dead they knew or love ones that passed away.</P> <P>even with Robert Aspen's Thieve World, they do have thier kind of holidays in own way. barely noticeable, may have to read pretty deep between the lines.</P> <P>we do have "Pagan Festivals" with druidic events and celtic holidays, and these are not americans' concept, it is far predated roman era. they followed equinox seasons.</P> <P>with Forgotten Realms, Chaunta or Chanduae or name variations of goddess of fertility and life. folks threw in some festival moods to celebrate to eat and make love to someone. so, this is like <FONT color=#ff3300>Elorisi Day</FONT>.</P> <P>On April 1st, known as April Fool Day, became as <FONT color=#ff3300>Bristlebane's Day</FONT> or <FONT color=#ff3300>Brell's Day </FONT>when folks need break from "daily grinds" and seek to have fun. it is boring not to have festivals.</P> <P>all games, no matter what or where it originated, it is short time from normal rpg. and those dont like holidays are simply close minded, and i would like to see japanese festival which i never heard of, or even african themes, something a little more understanding about different cultures without any bias.</P> <P>holiday festivals in RPG do exist, and they dont appeared on game modules and it is up to dungeon masters to throw in a switch of flavor of themes at gaming places or in homes of many gamers that plays D&D and several other RPG. many games were base on myths and creatively minded "story tellers".</P> <P>greek mythology got tons of "adventures" made up to entertain the crowds at theaters.</P> <P>SOE does planned very carefully to avoid issues with religions, and they are not 'game preachers' and thier job is to entertain with fun stuffs by taking a break from game grinds and avoid the boredoms. reason why Frostfell event kick in, it is to celebrate Eq2's first launched date "anniversary"</P> <P>so Frostfell is EQ2's Anniversary! well, kind of way to celebrate.</P>

[thark]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Tyrus Dracofire wrote:<BR> <P>oh yes! there is some holiday event RPG!</P> <P>think of as Magic the Gatherings concept of "Planewalkers", meaning they may have visited so many worlds, some are major roles in themes, and some are minor effect in other worlds.</P> <P>in real life situations, many dungeon masters have to be very careful to run the event correctly to avoid "Main Religions" theme and not to offend non christians and maybe even to other christians depending on their point of view, only to make just as seasonal theme events.</P> <P>what i find, and it trace back to Lietzber's Fafnir and Grey Mouse, it had hint of halloween theme with lord of the deads, coming out to city above to haunt once a year. <FONT color=#ff3300>"Night of the Deads" </FONT>aka Muj'dul's day of respect of the deads or day of honoring the dead they knew or love ones that passed away.</P> <P>even with Robert Aspen's Thieve World, they do have thier kind of holidays in own way. barely noticeable, may have to read pretty deep between the lines.</P> <P>we do have "Pagan Festivals" with druidic events and celtic holidays, and these are not americans' concept, it is far predated roman era. they followed equinox seasons.</P> <P>with Forgotten Realms, Chaunta or Chanduae or name variations of goddess of fertility and life. folks threw in some festival moods to celebrate to eat and make love to someone. so, this is like <FONT color=#ff3300>Elorisi Day</FONT>.</P> <P>On April 1st, known as April Fool Day, became as <FONT color=#ff3300>Bristlebane's Day</FONT> or <FONT color=#ff3300>Brell's Day </FONT>when folks need break from "daily grinds" and seek to have fun. it is boring not to have festivals.</P> <P>all games, no matter what or where it originated, it is short time from normal rpg. and those dont like holidays are simply close minded, and i would like to see japanese festival which i never heard of, or even african themes, something a little more understanding about different cultures without any bias.</P> <P>holiday festivals in RPG do exist, and they dont appeared on game modules and it is up to dungeon masters to throw in a switch of flavor of themes at gaming places or in homes of many gamers that plays D&D and several other RPG. many games were base on myths and creatively minded "story tellers".</P> <P>greek mythology got tons of "adventures" made up to entertain the crowds at theaters.</P> <P>SOE does planned very carefully to avoid issues with religions, and they are not 'game preachers' and thier job is to entertain with fun stuffs by taking a break from game grinds and avoid the boredoms. reason why Frostfell event kick in, it is to celebrate Eq2's first launched date "anniversary"</P> <P>so Frostfell is EQ2's Anniversary! well, kind of way to celebrate.</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>I'm not sure I undersstood all of your post, but I was refering to computer single player games, not Pen & paper modules or what you are talking about..</P> <P> </P> <P>/Rigmor</P> <P> </P> <P><BR></P>

[Tyrus Dracofire]

<P>ah, simple, D&D tabletop games have been around for 40 years and fanasy novels didnt start pretty well for hundred of years until pulp fiction mags make them mainstream when Tolkien and several authors made Fanasty a big draw.</P> <P>you can see hobbits throwing birthday party and festivals, and gondorian celebrated the victory anniversaries and "honoring the deads". but those are very brief when the ending wrapping up after the chronicles concluded with Frodo leaving to mythical land to be healed of evil taints.</P> <P>computer games hasn't been around long enough, and those game developers have very short timeframe and dont have time to throw in the holiday festivals for playstations and nintendo console games, it is bad habit and there is no festival in those games because it didnt last long.</P> <P>so that why some players feel holidays shouldn't be there and it not a mainstream of role-play style to them. lot of games are just focus around very small area to be in the "story" and they dont have seasons in the game, you can finish those games in, what? in about few hours to 10-20 days to finish, and that it.</P> <P>so Online games is about 7 to 9 years old, and it is very public game and play all around for non-stop, all 364/365 days, and those online game developers have bigger teams and plenty of time to make holiday features and fun themes from normal rpg theme.</P> <P>so holiday fun theme is here to stay and only for limited time.</P> <P>folks in Guild Wars, they enjoyed and love those "Mad King's Party", he is Lord of dead and pumpkin lord, he only up for 1 day for each year. give each player that participating the festival and get the masks/hats. it is fun, and last about 35 mins and reappears in every 3 hours until last 24th hour concluded.</P> <P>folks in Asheron's Call gets new festival masks every year, have to find rare random mobs and get the loot drops, and this year festival is the biggest i ever saw, they finally reopen Disco hall that was used for sentinels and game helpers to retreat and to monitor chat helps. that was very classic and brings lot of memories. that "disco hall" was no access to all players and only saw it once during new hardware testings, Shadowclaim server rocks and fun, last about 2 weeks.</P> <P>so eq2 got small spooky event, look same as last year and they rotated 2 masks with 2 new ones. nothing new or additional event.</P> <P>so what is the point? are you here for XP grind? look for better loots? it is just a game! enjoy while it lasted before returning to normal rpg.</P> <P>looking forward to get Peppermint Shield  and Candy Cane Wands  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[thark]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Tyrus Dracofire wrote:<BR> <P>so what is the point? are you here for XP grind? look for better loots? it is just a game! enjoy while it lasted before returning to normal rpg.</P> <P>looking forward to get Peppermint Shield  and Candy Cane Wands  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>You misunderstand me or you do it on purpose, Simple, I dont think Halloween or Christmas fits in the context of EQ2 or Acherons Call or any other fantasy based MMO for that matter(Maybe DAOC)., and it's absolutly scattered around the entire city so you basically can't avoid the candy canes or the pumkin heads even if you wanted to.</P> <P> Maybe if they toned it down abit and put a unique twist on it, but as it is right now it reminds FAR too much of the real world counterpart for my TASTE and liking, whats wrong with that ? It is only my taste we talk about here, isn't it ?</P> <P>Xpgrind, loots ..Do you really think i would bother with a issue like this if that was the case.. really think about it ..<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>Well, you figure it out...</P> <P>PS: I think it's time to drop this discussion, it's getting nowhere as far as I can see...</P> <P> </P> <P>/Rigmor<BR></P>

[archer12965]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> thark wrote:<BR> <BR> <P>Well, we all have our taste and things we want to see in a game or gameworld, and in MMORPG's it's common or rule that we get to celebrate both Halloween and Christmas(Yes we have christmas and as of a few years back Halloween in Sweden aswell)..</P> <P>And regarding me and my taste, I'd say I want to be free from these things from the gameworld as they actually take my attention in RL, and yes they are fun for me and the whole familly ...But in a "fantasy" world that has nothing in "common" with our real world, part from it beiing created by humans with some "obvious" relations like horses and such things like someone mentioned above, and sure there is nothing that sais that these events coudn't have evolved in Norrath aswell..So basically you are right, and I'm wrong in this...But this is just how I FEEL..</P> <P>BTW, have you ever played a single player RPG with Halloween and such events implemented in the gameworld ? I haven't or atleast i can't recall any such things...</P> <P>/Rigmor</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>I am very accepting of your feelings and can understand your dislike.  There are most definately things that I would also like to see in-game and things that I do not like, but I simply ignore them.  There is so much content (good things) in-game to focus on that it makes it the best way to deal with the things we do not like.  Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying tough luck, I'm just saying that I try to look more at the things that I like instead of dislike and it makes playing a lot more fun.</P> <P>And to answer your question I have only ever played two other MMORPG's.  The first of SWG, didn't play that one thru any holidays; the second was Guild Wars and they had massive Halloween and Christmas Partys.  They created Whole new zones just for those events as well as giving all of the cities total make overs.  It was one giant party with games in-game and rewards; in that respect it really blew EQ2 out of the water.<BR></P>

[Tyrus Dracofire]

<P>yeah, np, no arguement in there.</P> <P>SWG are completely different background and tons of aliens. festival is totally unknown and it is only in the mind of George Lucas.  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  LOL.</P>