Core Philosophy of T2A?

[Red Morgan]

So, I've spent my first few days on this server and so far I'm impressed. Not that it's saying much, but the game design and community at large are way ahead of that crapfest on Hybrid. I think my weekend UOmance has the potential of becoming a long term relationship, so I would like to have something cleared up for me so my comments will be better informed.

I've done a little homework, but I've had a hard time finding a plain answer-- What is the core philosophy of this server? I know the website's answer is T2A accuracy, but I sense it's more complicated than that. Face it, with the wide use of macros, things will never be exactly the same. And not to mention, even at the best of times, UO had some pretty glaring issues that I'm sure have been improved upon. Where is the line drawn between accuracy and innovation?

[Daolin]

So, I've spent my first few days on this server and so far I'm impressed. Not that it's saying much, but the game design and community at large are way ahead of that crapfest on Hybrid. I think my weekend UOmance has the potential of becoming a long term relationship, so I would like to have something cleared up for me so my comments will be better informed.

I've done a little homework, but I've had a hard time finding a plain answer-- What is the core philosophy of this server? I know the website's answer is T2A accuracy, but I sense it's more complicated than that. Face it, with the wide use of macros, things will never be exactly the same. And not to mention, even at the best of times, UO had some pretty glaring issues that I'm sure have been improved upon. Where is the line drawn between accuracy and innovation?

Era Accuracy

Consistent and Diverse Community

[Layt]

Here's the answer to the general 'Why T2A?': http://www.uosecondage.com/features.aspx

Not to say there is anything wrong with your senses, but era accuracy really is it. And that's it! This server is as true as it can possibly be to era accuracy, and there is absolutely no 'favorites' or 'advantages'. No issues create server splitting debates, as the only question that can be asked is: 'Is it era accurate?'. It's amazing what security a simple ideology can offer

Welcome! Stay as long as you like.

[MatronDeWinter]

You will find that there is a sense of democracy on some issues of minimal impact. Sometimes changes for "accuracy" are delayed because of a wide disagreement from the population. Essentially it is collection of opinions about "accurate" elements, always being superceded by sources considered accurate. If there is no "official" information, or the info leads in a wide array of dirrections, it's often marginally up to public opinion. In this sense the server offers user input as a means of developing, while still leaving the option open for debate. (obviously, you have to provide your own proof for debate)

[HardCore]

I wonder if it would be helpful to add a word before "Era Accuracy" that would pinpoint exactly what the shard is trying to accomplish.

For lack of a better word "mechanical era accuracy" comes to mind. Era accuracy alone is pretty broad. People always bring up the fact that it doesn't feel the same, or macros weren't around, or housing was different because of limited accounts and the price of internet, blah blah. I don't think any of that is what the shard is trying to replicate. It seems like the goal is simply to replicate the code/mechanics of UO back in the day.

I'm just a dumb pirate *shrugs*

[SJane3384]

If you read the info page, it DOES say "as close to" in front of Era Accuracy. I think most people coming here know that you are never going to be able to capture the original feel, but I think everyone here does a great job trying. And honestly, I don't see anyone really taking this to the extreme (ie Everyone needz 2 use dialup or i'm quitting!!!1!11). In fact, I think keeping things like Razor and multiple accounts will help shard growth, just because it is on par with other shards. I think a lot of the people who have gotten used to free shards over the past 15 years have just come to expect them.

[Red Morgan]

Ah great, thanks for clearing that up for me. Personally, I'm no T2A purist, but it's obvious that adhering to accuracy is doing something right. I'll miss disarm thieves and paralyzing with my spear, but that's a small price to pay for a community that really feels authentic.

[Derrick]

I wonder if it would be helpful to add a word before "Era Accuracy" that would pinpoint exactly what the shard is trying to accomplish.

For lack of a better word "mechanical era accuracy" comes to mind. Era accuracy alone is pretty broad.

You make a good point, however specifying mechanical accuracy might communicate that we don't care about the social aspects which I do, but it's been my belief that getting the mechanics right, and with a general lack of in game intervention as we saw from OSI in 1999, that the social aspects will follow; which has pretty much happened. The things that I see discussed (and raged about) in forums are generally the same issues that were discussed (and raged about) in 1999 in forums and newsgroups. There are some particular issues that stand out, but general speaking, we really are on the right track I think (from my humble and limited perspective)

I sign, and am humbled by all the posts above. We couldn't be what we are without this outstanding community of players.

Ah great, thanks for clearing that up for me. Personally, I'm no T2A purist, but it's obvious that adhering to accuracy is doing something right. I'll miss disarm thieves and paralyzing with my spear, but that's a small price to pay for a community that really feels authentic.

Welcome to Second Age!

PS: Nice sig!

[Sandro]

Derrick needs a sig of him slaying the entire populace with a ghoul's touch hally while in uniform..

[Psilo]

Welcome to UOSA.

I believe this server is definetly more accurate than just mechanical because there certainly is a good community here and there is socializers and others who play roles that make you feel you're in another world.

Not everyone does, but UO has always had griefers and pks.

[SJane3384]

Ah great, thanks for clearing that up for me. Personally, I'm no T2A purist, but it's obvious that adhering to accuracy is doing something right. I'll miss disarm thieves and paralyzing with my spear, but that's a small price to pay for a community that really feels authentic.

Sorry, I want to also say I wasn't trying to be bitchy in the above post (it seemed that way when I re-read it). I sincerely hope you like it here, and decide to stay for a long time. Let me know here/in IRC if you'd like some help getting started

[platypus]

I'd say the philosophy here is have fun and do whatever you want to do in an old-school UO environment. T2A is superior for many reasons, but mainly because of the level "playing-field" of all players.

There is a feeling of risk and danger due to the lack of trammel, pet bonding and crap like that. The game isn't as item-based as most MMORPGs, meaning you can macro up a dexxer or tank mage in a week or so, enter a tourney and beat a vet who has been here for years (if you're good). You don't even need to macro a character to be successful here. You can make a thief and sneak into the richest player's house and steal thousands of vanqs your first day on the shard.

Basically, your success at the game isn't based on how many hours you grind to get skill or how many times you've killed the hardest monster in the game over and over to get a good item(for instance like Diablo or WoW or post-T2A UO). Your success is determined by how skillful, clever and intelligent you are, which is the way a good game should be.