Freefall

From: Relto

I sit on the platform, swing my feet out and land on the support. Swinging my legs over the edge, I land on the next support. I run down the support until I reach the end on the cliff wall. I look back. The Vault looms, kept aloft by the spider’s web of struts, hanging over the expanse of purple. I savor the view and then leap off, twisting my foot so as to rotate to look back at the vault. I place my left hand on my hardhat as my speed down into the nothingness increases. I have no idea where the bottom of the shaft goes. Maybe to the planet’s core. I never stick around to find out. I open my Relto book and cup my hand over the linking panel, ready to slam my palm down and link just in case. So here I am, falling backwards down the shaft, the Vault and its supports slowly vanishing into the all-consuming purple haze. I can’t see anything anymore, all just purple. I twist around to look in all directions, left hand still planted firmly on my hat, and I find I’m all alone. Nothing anywhere I can see. And this loneliness frightens me and so I press my palm to the page and vanish and go visit people and feel better. And this is what I love about the cavern.

Whilyam

The Torrent of Stuff

From: Eder Delin

Looks like the Bahro and the DRC are really getting back in business (with the full and proper opening of the City coming on the 15th). Yesterday, Yeesha struck first, placing the Teledahn dock link (and associated Relto page) back in place as well as a page in Eder Delin which gives a bench to Relto. Today was the DRC's turn... Not quite as spectacular (though spectacular and DRC rarely go together). Michael was in the City today and helped us all do some wonderful long-distance jogging running between the broken bridge and the area by the Library courtyard. The wooden bridge was eventually replaced and the barriers by the bridge taken down (for a brief time, some barriers were down at the base of the great stairs).

Michael apparently didn't like the fact that the bridge was returned. He said it was "disappointing" and that he was the only one on the DRC to oppose the bridge being replaced. I'm surprised that Kodama of all people didn't want to make sure everything was safe before going ahead. Michael shares my worry that these "pushes" the rushing to get things done faster and faster may eventually cause an accident.. Sounds like there's a lot of issues inside the DRC. Michael uses the word "disagreements" Nick uses the word "yelling."

In better news, I had a meeting again with my funder and they seem to finally be interested in looking around for a bit. I'll be giving them private tours through some of my Ages next week.

Whilyam

Still Here

From: Relto

Well, I was on the phone until 4AM in the Cleft, ready at a moment to get ready to get out of there.. But, things calmed down, and I'm here for now...
Put up a poster of mine in Relto. If I can get a couple more printed out, I may post them and maybe see if it would be okay for myself and others to start posting these in shops and things like that to drum up support...

Tired now... Maybe I'll do some more tomorrow.

Whilyam

Surface Time

From: Kadish Tolesa

Depending on news from the surface, I may be rushing up there for a few days, maybe a week or so. Not sure how long it'll take. Might be a good idea to get away from the stress down here as well..

Whilyam

It's Official

From: Uru Obsession's Bevin

Just saw Nick in the City. He confirmed Sharper is back. He said the "Pats are done," so it's likely we'll see Sharper down here. It seems he called Cate mainly to keep from coming down "to a hornet's nest." I assume he meant that Sharper glossed the stunts he pulled with a smile and a chuckle and a "you know how explorers are." I still don't see why Cate would let the man down here anymore after what he did.

Still... I look forward to meeting him... Maybe he can straighten some things out.

Arthur Kalnins

Disturbing

From: Eder Delin

I'm seeing a disturbing trend in the Cavern recently with Delin. This new "spiral journey" seems to have little significance and nothing in the way of an explanation. No speech apparently, just some teaching of togetherness, etc. The massive groups completing this journey seem unaware or uncaring about any potential dangers this journey may bring. Look at the power of the first journey, to free a creature enslaved for thousands of years. Now, why fufill this journey when that same power may be going towards the "destruction" that is reportedly coming.

On another note: This news that Sharper may be returning is equally disturbing. Like many in the cavern, I had a dream that told that "he" comes.. this "he" appears to be connected to the destruction.. and with Sharper, it doesn't take too deep a look into the past to see he is capable of harming things, of destruction. The Shroomie, the pub, Phil, not to mention the many books and artifacts stolen. However, if he's talked to Cate... then perhaps she can put him in his place. Maybe he can be a janitor. Perfect place for the man.

Arthur

Eder Delin

From: Eder Delin

Wow... simply amazing.

Thought we wouldn't get Delin yesterday. There was a mix-up with the placement of books and the DRC had a problem with accidentally releasing Eder Tsogahl. They quickly took all the books back and then placed Delin books in all the hoods.

Before then, however, I got some information. There was a visitor in the City (who I'm keeping anonymous for now, but we've gotten info from him before that was good). He talked about a new age, mostly water, with amazing creatures in it. D'ni were apparently using it to harvest energy. It was supposedly "on track" but apparently may be suspended.

Also, Sharper has called Cate. No idea what was said, but perhaps he's coming back. Maybe he can counteract what I see as a dangerous pushing from Cate.

But back to Delin. The age is incredible! Like a cross between Kadish and Kemo. There are seven cloths with a spiral pattern printed on them and a large gate that displays symbols. I was with a team of people who figured out how the gate opened and got through last night. Then this morning I came to UO's Delin and helped a few people get through as well. Very odd..

I snapped a picture from the same angle as Marie did back when Delin was first announced.
Beautiful. Well worth the wait.

Whilyam

Ticking Closer

From: D'ni Ae'gura -- Baron's Office

The Ahyoheek tables are now working properly! People are having fun playing and all seems to be going much better. In a bout of wonderful news (a coup as Tweek put it) the old Liaisons have formed a news association to spread news and help keep the cavern informed. The Liaisons are dead, long live the Liasons. Good to see the whiners didn't win!

In more good news, the brand new rest Age, Eder Delin, will be released tomorrow! I will be in the cavern as much as possible tomorrow and hope to see this Age for myself.

In other news, I've taken a break from getting raw materials ready and went to look at the Great Zero. I took along a good camera and got a great shot (the one I'm uploading was taken via KI, obviously. Noise is almost gone now, but I am getting an odd "burnout" effect on the images. Definately got better with more calibration. I'm already working on making a promotional poster for Uru using the image I got.

Whilyam

The End ofthe Liaisons

From: Relto

It's official, the Liaisons are finished. Should've seen this coming months ago. I'm sorry I wasn't able to give ideas. I unfortunately didn't understand the Liaisons' pleas. I tried as best as I could to describe the job and the elections to try and help stabilize the position. Still, it seems nothing could stop the position from.. dieing..

I've got mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, it's a crippling blow to our community's image. That we are so low, so stupid, so mind-numbingly selfish and yet also so frustratingly tolerant that we can't even support five people without abusing them, and giving paranoid rants over dreamed-up power.

On the other hand, this is one of the best things to happen to the community. Gone is the huge source of anxiety and frustration, the looming argument ready to sweep the whole community into a blood-rage. Gone is the major cause of rising sales of blood pressure medication. Gone are those Kodama-like veins popping in our necks. Perhaps we'll be better for it. I hope so. I hope the DRC will be more forthcoming and be more available NOW. So that people can easily find and talk to the DRC, members of the restoration. It has to happen soon. Preferably now. I'm worried, as we all are I'm sure, that the Restoration will be canceled again.. The DRC and the Explorers cannot risk that.

Great Zero

From: The Great Zero

Great news. The Great Zero (get it? Great news? Let it sink in... Oh why do I bother..) The Great Zero was opened today!

Since the last few times I've gone to the GZ have been by myself, it was quite a shock to see several people in the Observation Area (no longer a nexus link, looks like the DRC are using some of Yeesha's tech to simply give us a page in our City book!). I got my KI and the nearby marker and snapped this picture.

This morning, when I processed the picture, I noticed that while the distortion was still there, the noise and burnout was considerably less than in other pictures. I hadn't saved most of my pictures from earlier, but it seems that this most recent calibration has cleared things up considerably.

One other thing. I went to Gahreesen last night and found a strange little light. It looked like a drunk Kemo firefly, flying around in a figure-eight, but it sounded like some sort of sparkler/firemarble and was spitting little sparks out.. On top of that, it was flying over a symbol identical to the one on the large stone in Relto. When I went to grab it, I heard a sparkling sound. A visit to Relto later revealed a lantern on the circle stone with the D'ni symbol for 1...

Still checking the Ages..
Whilyam

Back

From: Relto

Ah, it's good to be back. It amazing to see the areas being re-opened. This Cate woman sure does get people moving! We're almost back to pre-scream restoration and I hear there's a new age on the way? The doors to the Gallery finally being opened as well as this nice new shirt... amazing. Just goes to show what the DRC can do when pushed. I think this will be a great thing for the Restoration. Finally someone to push the DRC to restore areas in a timely fashion! And get on their case when they don't as well! Excelent! The time has ended when the DRC can just sit on Ages they've restored for long periods. Sad to hear about the Liaisons, though.. But I'm sure things will work out fine.

Arthur Kalnins

Liaisons

From: Uru Obsession's Bevin

Well, it's started. First with CAGreyWolf getting out completely, now Tweek's resigned as well. This is certainly going faster than I thought it would. Not surprising, though. Pretty much anyone who's passed by the DRC forums sees what they're up against. Not sure I would've lasted this long.

Makes me think now that the DRC just set up these positions just to ignore them. Maybe take some heat off their backs.

Definately giving thought to opposing the Liaisons altogether. They've been poorly run. Unless the DRC can get its act together fast..

Hall of Kings is also formally opened, though events have put that by the wayside for now.

Whilyam

Progress

From: D'ni Ae'gura -- Docks

Well it appears my question to the ResEng got at least some attention. Cate met with Vortmax in the Liaison's hood and gave him some news. The Docks in Ae'gura have been re-opened. The Great Zero has been delayed until late this week or early next week. The new age, confirmed as "Eder Delin" will probably be out late next week. Eder Delin will be the first new Age seen here for over two years!

Cate also confirmed she is NOT with the DRC.

In other news, some of my modifications to Eder Gira have broken down. The supports weren't strong enough. Since I'm getting enough electricity from the paddlewheel and from some of the other Ages, I'm not going to be re-installing the boiler. I'll get some equipment and work on removing it before melts or blocks anything.

Found another fire-marble container. Have to figure out how to make some of these myself. Working on some of the stone supports today. While I don't anticipate any help from the DRC for at least a year, I can at least get some stuff together so I might not have to do so much when I DO get help. If things go as planned, I'll be doing a lot of work getting the structure together.

Whilyam

The Great Zero: Delays

From: Teledahn

Cate came into the City yesterday, looking for Laxman. Apparently she's not too pleased that the Great Zero will be delayed. She sounded like she was ready to murder Laxman.. Not too good. As I pointed out before, pushing leads to nothing but stress and shoddy repairs. If this continues, expect revolting DRC members and some accident caused by Cate's rushing.

Aside from that, I found something interesting in Teledahn. If you look closely at the KI picture I uploaded (my apologies for the quality) you can see a spiral cross symbol. That same symbol is repeated at the end of the same stretch of pipe. I wonder if this is new, or if it's just one of those things you find even after going over the Ages a hundred times.

In more news, I'm finally working on getting supplies together to start construction of stuff for my new office Age. The only problem now is that I doubt the DRC will put out much if any information about the Art and even then, I'd like to be able to work with D'ni materials instead of using mine since the D'ni materials seem to hold up better. (It was only by chance I was able to snag a few fire-marble containers, I'd like to do things more.. legally)

Whilyam

Time for Answers: Part One

From: Teledahn



Well, considering all the frustration the Liaisons are now having, I felt it was time to do something. The DRC has been very quiet to the Liaisons, needing to be badgered into responding, I hear. The Liaisons have pestered and pestered as best they can, but I'm not hearing much is going on. So... At one of tonight's ResEng-led tours, after the tour was over and it was question time, I asked (in what I hope was a polite-but-stern way) this question...

(01/08 19:29:05) Chat.log started...
(01/08 19:29:30) Whilyam: Will the DRC start giving more information or being more responsive to the Liaisons?
(01/08 19:30:05) ResEng W. Cowart: I'm not sure how you mean, Whilyam. Could you clarify?
(01/08 19:30:34) Whilyam: Well, are the main DRC going to ...frankly... give them any information at all? Why aren't they part of the regular tours?
(01/08 19:32:17) ResEng W. Cowart: Well, I'm not really privy to information like that...but as I understand, the Liasons need to contact the DRC directly through drcsite.org.
(01/08 19:32:30) Whilyam: With all respect, they have.
(01/08 19:32:37) Whilyam: Many times.
(01/08 19:33:12) ResEng W. Cowart: I'll try to get a hold of someone in regards to that...see if we can come to a resolution.
(01/08 19:33:18)Whilyam: Thank you.
(01/08 19:33:40) ...Chat.log stopped.


The ResEng swiftly moved onto another question (not that I'm saying this was deliberate). If I didn't feel it would have been rude to interrupt the next question, I would have followed up with this: Not trying to be a troublemaker, but they have been there for a year.

Two terms and the Liaisons have gotten precious little aside from the Town Halls which provided some useful information. They are unresponsive to the Liaisons, prefering to go straight into the City as they did before. True, more often, yes. It's nice, yes. It is a beautiful improvement assuming that this recent lull is the exception than the norm. Yes. However, the Liaisons have tried their best to provide information, tried to ask questions, tried to get meetings, tried and tried. And yet? The DRC is still fairly quiet to them. Why? They set up the Liaisons (yes, we voted them in, but they started the position) and now they are not doing their half of the deal.

I said a long time ago that the Liaisons are a bridge, high above a chasm. Each side must do its fair share: the explorers ask questions and answer those of the DRC, and the DRC asks questions of the explorers and answers them as well. If one side doesn't do what it must, the bridge sags, it tilts downward. And then they both fall away into the chasm.

The Liaisons were created as a way to help the DRC be more open and for both sides to know what the other was having issues with. This does not appear to be the case anymore.

The DRC has routinely said they are busy and that is why they can't answer/do some of the things we ask, and we've seen that with some of the DRC's restless nights getting things ready. The problem with this is that, sure, regular explorers... really shouldn't count on that the DRC will answer their PMs... However. The Liaisons are here at the choosing of the DRC. The DRC talks to and deals with ResEngs and others every day. There is no reason the Liaisons could not be incorperated into the "morning routine" so to speak.

For me, this is a (long) topic where I (and hopefully others) can post some answers or questions to get the DRC to talk to those we elected into place. It is time the DRC used the Liaisons for the purpose they were elected for. It is time the DRC *made* time for the Liaisons.

It is time for answers.

Whilyam

Islands

From: Uru Obsession's Bevin

The Islands Relto page showed up today in the hoods. Seems like the Bahro/Yeesha are at least putting stuff back, unless the DRC is doing it.

Which makes me think, if the Bahro intended the events of the 19th to be some show of power or threat, why give us back the gifts for our Reltos? Perhaps they did more of a hard reset ofthe cavern to try and stop this new destruction? Many unanswered questions..

The Liaisons posted a log of their rushed initial chat with Cate. As usual, there are people bashing them for not posting it the second they got it... Never mind that the log had nothing of any use in it. I think I can understand some of the Liaison's frustrations..

On a better note, I've gotten basic concepts of my office Age drawn up. I'm not the best artist in the land, so I'm going to try and make them less rough and then maybe post some pictures. On a bad note, I still haven't come any closer to learning the D'ni Art.. Soon, maybe.. I hope.

Whilyam

New and Shiny

From: D'ni Ae'gura -- Tokotah Alley


As promised at Cate's meeting, there are a few cool new things. The barriers at the top of the Great Stairs have been removed (the Nexus terminals still don't seem to work properly, though, as I had a difficult time getting my KI to accept a link from there.) It's also possible to climb over some of the rubble by the Hall of Kings and get access to the Palace Alcove Nexus terminal.

The Hall of Kings now has almost all the King books... I know this was done before at some point in the restoration, but to see them all here now is incredible..

Seems as if a large amount of debris has fallen or found its way to the plaza off of the Palace, blocking access to the T-junction and the east side of Ae'gura.

There's also a new t-shirt laying on the table outside of the small tent below the Great Stairs. I picked up one for myself and one in Arthur's size as well.

The Docks by the Ferry Terminal have still not been opened, which is curious. If the Tokotah is ready, why not the docks? Either way, I expect we'll see the barriers coming down fairly soon. Cate certainly seems to be pushing the DRC.. I just hope she doesn't push too much or too hard.

Whilyam

Cate

From: Eder Gira

The infamous Cate introduced herself today in the Beginner's Bevin. Flanked by the entire DRC and a small army of ResEngs, it wasn't hard to hear the Imperial March play in the background. She said:

Good afternoon everyone. I wanted to take a quick minute to officially introduce myself. I am Cate Alexander and I've been working with the DRC for months now, somewhat behind the scenes. I figured it's time to bring my role out in the open and let everyone know who I am and what I'm doing. As you know this restoration effort was threatened not long ago. To make a long story short, I was able to play a key role in procuring funding for a continued effort. I'm not officially associated with the DRC at this point although given my role, I do have some clout. : )
Much of the last few months I've spent examining the current state of affairs and working with other companies, such as Turner, to come up with a plan. The plan is not finished but we have come a long way. You'll be seeing some of the results of that in the near future. In many ways you already have. It's my job to make sure this effort succeeds and that it succeeds in a timely and safe fashion. And I will do that. I've got a lot of money vested in this.
I know it's been frustrating and it will continue to be at times. However, we are all going to work hard to make sure it works. Thanks to each of you for being patient up to this point. We very much appreciate your support. I know a lot of you have questions but I won't be able to answer them right now. However, I will say that the Courtyard has just been opened. The Canyon area will be opening tomorrow. And I'm pushing Laxman to have the Great Zero next week. And I'm pushing our entire team to have a new Age ready next week as well.
We're under a lot of pressure here so continue to be patient but I think it's time we get moving. It's been said before but I will say it again - we need people here. This is not an inexpensive effort.
We're stepping up our efforts and thank you for stepping up yours. I would also like to officially thank the DRC for all of their work as well. Thank you all again and I look forward to seeing you all in the future. Have a great day.
--------------------------------------------
Some notes: I notice her interest in D'ni is not in the interest of discovery and exploration, but of profit. "I've got a lot of money vested in this." "This is not an inexpensive effort." True, these are realities, however I see a lack of the genuine love of the Cavern I see when I read Dr. Watson's speech from four years ago. Also, all this talk of pushing. Pushing Laxman, "our entire team" into doing things. It seems like, while we have someone who definitely wants things done fast and safe (something I think all explorers want). To be blunt, the whole gathering seemed more like an announcement from the CEO of a large company, not someone who had a general love for the Cavern.

Something also to note: I noticed upon re-reading my logs.. Several ResEngs clapped at her speech and were, in a couple cases, responsible for starting mass explorer cheers and claps. This seemed more like a prepared speech given to a board room, not a message of hope and interest in the Cavern.

I look forward to hearing more from Cate.

Whilyam

Re: oh good grief

I agree, Eleri. There's far too much second guessing about the DRC, mainly I think due to the perception that it's the "in" thing to do. Say what you will about Sharper, he was charismatic and gathered people to him. The effects of what he and the Great Tree did are still affecting how people percieve the DRC.

I'm hoping that this has nothing to do with my investigations. I'll assume this thought is horribly egotistical of me, but either way, I'll be focusing my questions on more unique topics.. I encourage others to do so too. Like it or no, the DRC are in charge and are liable for what happens in the cavern. This means they have to make tough decisions that we may not like. Of course they could be hiding something, but to think that all the time and not think logically about this is irresponsible, particularly if you think as I do that we all have a stake in the cavern.

So long as the DRC stays away from threats like Kodama's "we control the books, we control the barriers, I'd watch how you talk." I think everything will be fine. Neither side can offord to be too irrational or radical in this and thinking the DRC are always hiding something is using some past events as too much of a template, a window through which you see the DRC, than I like. Yes the DRC has done some bad things, a few bad choices, and some blatant lying in the past. However so did people on all sides. Sharper lied and Yeesha used people to her own ends. In the end, we're all only human and sometimes make mistakes. We're also only human and can forgive.

Whilyam

New Year

From: Kadish Tolesa

First off, Happy New Year, everybody.

We celebrate the New Year because we like to see something start anew, we like to think of the new year as starting from a clean slate. To start anew on losing weight, or getting a job, or being nicer, or being good to yourself, or being good to others. We've given this time to ourselves as a time to look back at who you are, who you were, and think honestly and decide what needs to be changed. These past years, past years since I came down to here have been both the most turbulent and the most amazing years of my life. The Journeys I've taken, the Paths I've walked, the Growth I've seen in D'ni and in myself make it amazing, make it all worth it.

So in this time of reflection and restart, take a look at a person you know; a friend, a lover, a relative, and tell them they're special and that you love them. There truly is no greater gift to give.

Whilyam