A few in game questions

[Schwarzbart]

1. Given your last info that Steam probably will make it this year but not necessary DLC 17, could it be you plan a CP for the Steam release so you can push the last DLC?

[freespace2dotcom]

2. Outside of the difficulties of actually learning Mastery, is that magic any harder to cast than the other spells?

 

3. Can you name an example of the kind of spell that would wear out even a powerful experienced caster even if it was cast 'fresh'

 

4. Can you create a sword that would be able to cut someone in half without killing (or even hurting) them?

 

5. If a Revisionist had a needle revised to be about 3 feet long, would it make a decent makeshift sword? Especially if the needles were prepared for that purpose before-hand?

 

6.What kind of magic can be used to search for 'hidden life'? And would such a spell find things like silent Alice?

 

7. Can you tell us anything about 'Gates sickness'? Even a little more detail on some of the things you might see or hear at skill level 10?

 

8. Gobble gobble, Is there a black turkey? Gobble....

 

9. Do all of the magic schools around Mineta close for the summer? Or do some of them hope to catch a few students for auxiliary studies then?

 

10. What is the most common animal to exhibit magical properties, yet never found status as a familiar for one reason or another?

 

11. What are some of the responsibilities of someone who has the archmage title?

 

12. How many secret societies does the Academagia have? And is it possible to join more than one?

 

13. Since Durand College has traditionally included botany for the sake for making healing potions and the like, does that mean that there is (or was in the past) some overlap with Vernin's potion program?

 

14. What would professor Von Rupprecht say to a student who came to him with a new ink formula that not only flowed smoothly, but was edible and tasted like apples?

 

15. So, can you give us some details as to how actions like 'emboss' are done through calligraphy? Can you give us a couple of magical feats that a student who took that class would be able to perform?

[Legate of Mineta]

Schwarzbart & Free;

 

1. Given your last info that Steam probably will make it this year but not necessary DLC 17, could it be you plan a CP for the Steam release so you can push the last DLC?

 

I think, in general, we prefer DLC to CP as often as we can.

 

2. Outside of the difficulties of actually learning Mastery, is that magic any harder to cast than the other spells?

Each Pillar has it's own set of difficulties, so I would say it's not unique in that regard.

3. Can you name an example of the kind of spell that would wear out even a powerful experienced caster even if it was cast 'fresh'

When we talked about wearing out a caster, usually what's referred to is the difficulty of the Phemes- how carefully you must draw them, or how complex they are, etc. There are some spells which demand the physical energies of the caster as a part of the casting (or, more rarely, as enchantments which are a part of the casting)- these can weaken anyone.

4. Can you create a sword that would be able to cut someone in half without killing (or even hurting) them?

Yes, although the duration of that effect is likely to be very short.

5. If a Revisionist had a needle revised to be about 3 feet long, would it make a decent makeshift sword? Especially if the needles were prepared for that purpose before-hand?

Sure!

6.What kind of magic can be used to search for 'hidden life'? And would such a spell find things like silent Alice?

Negation is used for this kind of thing. No comment on Alice...

7. Can you tell us anything about 'Gates sickness'? Even a little more detail on some of the things you might see or hear at skill level 10?

Yes, I can tell you that [redacted]. Muahahahaha.

8. Gobble gobble, Is there a black turkey? Gobble....

Only on a certain day each year does the black turkey rise. Triumphant, and then, the very next day, the chicken returns.

9. Do all of the magic schools around Mineta close for the summer? Or do some of them hope to catch a few students for auxiliary studies then?

All are open (just as the Academagia is) for experienced mages or more interesting experiments. A few do continue lesser instruction, though.

10. What is the most common animal to exhibit magical properties, yet never found status as a familiar for one reason or another?

Hmmmm...I don't think there are any that fit that specific criteria. I'll ask, though!

11. What are some of the responsibilities of someone who has the archmage title?

These days, there are a few civic functions, mostly advisorial or weather related. In the old Empire, though, they had wide ranging duties related to magical governance.

12. How many secret societies does the Academagia have? And is it possible to join more than one?

It's a good bet this question is [redacted].

13. Since Durand College has traditionally included botany for the sake for making healing potions and the like, does that mean that there is (or was in the past) some overlap with Vernin's potion program?

Definitely.

14. What would professor Von Rupprecht say to a student who came to him with a new ink formula that not only flowed smoothly, but was edible and tasted like apples?

That's too fun not to ask the Team about.

15. So, can you give us some details as to how actions like 'emboss' are done through calligraphy? Can you give us a couple of magical feats that a student who took that class would be able to perform?

 

Embossing has to do with layering details, images or even other writing on to a scroll. They are raised, and often expand or lower when the paper is moved in various ways. Embossing is how more complex spells are usually added to a scroll, for the purpose of casting. It also allows more powerful effects to be added to enchantments. It has other uses in cyphering and entertainment, of course.

[Schwarzbart]

1. Can you give us the schools that do "continue lesser instruction though the summer break"?

[Legate of Mineta]

Schwarzbart;

 

Contu for certain- I am not sure the others.

[Schwarzbart]

1) How common is the problem of toxic gases in underground areas?

 

2) Are there mining operations for metalls, coal and gems?

 

3) What are the sources of sand given there are no longer ocean shores

 

4) Where is the matter fountain in Mineta? (I suspect next to the Imperial Palace or Academagia for control reasons and for easy material access during the construction)

 

5) Who currently claim the control over the matter fountain in Mineta?

 

6) Do matter always reform at a specific matter fountain or at the nearest matter fountain?

 

7a) if nearest fountain where some isle abounded after the resource where drained?

 

7b) if specific fountain can magic find out what matter fountain something belongs to?

[Legate of Mineta]

Schwarzbart;

 

1) How common is the problem of toxic gases in underground areas?

Almost non-existent- the islands are no overly deep.

2) Are there mining operations for metalls, coal and gems?

Yes.

3) What are the sources of sand given there are no longer ocean shores

There are deposits on some isles; otherwise, it must be dug from coarse stone or made (many physical criminal penalties involve gravel and sand.)

4) Where is the matter fountain in Mineta? (I suspect next to the Imperial Palace or Academagia for control reasons and for easy material access during the construction)

The Palace.

5) Who currently claim the control over the matter fountain in Mineta?

The Captain of Mineta.

6) Do matter always reform at a specific matter fountain or at the nearest matter fountain?

At a specific one.

7b) if specific fountain can magic find out what matter fountain something belongs to?

Yes, it's possible.

[Schwarzbart]

1) Is it planed that we can find the location of the matter fountain? And if so would it be a location with a chance to grab some base materials but with a high discovery chance?

 

2) Is the usual way to remove trash and filth to throw it over the isle?

 

3) Are manufactured items split into the base materials especial when the base materials belong to different fountain (I.e. a sword with gem and ivory inlays where the coal come from isle 1, the iron from isle 2 & 3, the gems from isle 4 & 5, the ivory from isle 6 and it was manufactured at isle 7) ?

[Legate of Mineta]

Schwarzbart;

 

1) I think you may visit it- certainly in later years, if not in Y2. Taking things from the fountain though is very unlikely.

 

2) Depending on how close to the edge you are, yes. Otherwise, it's buried or discarded.

 

3) Yes, it's split that way.

[Schwarzbart]

1) Because its now december is there any update if the Steam release still make it this year, preferable before Christmas?

 

2) Are there still plans to give Steam keys to Stardock owner of this game and if so how will this working?

[freespace2dotcom]

3. What kind of racial/gender segregation takes place in setting, particularly at the academy. While I suppose the Academagia is quite progressive, the fact that lots of money is involved makes me guess there are problems with this still.

 

edit:

 

4. What kind of common childrens games are played at the Academagia? (tag, hide and seek) and what are the rules implemented to deal with the use of magic in them?

[Legate of Mineta]

Scwharzbart & Free;

 

1) Because its now december is there any update if the Steam release still make it this year, preferable before Christmas?

It does not appear likely.

2) Are there still plans to give Steam keys to Stardock owner of this game and if so how will this working?

Yes, we have some records, so it seems it will be possible.

3. What kind of racial/gender segregation takes place in setting, particularly at the academy. While I suppose the Academagia is quite progressive, the fact that lots of money is involved makes me guess there are problems with this still.

Most segregation which does occur is based on pedigree and religion, for the most part. Segregation by race and gender is much less common.

4. What kind of common childrens games are played at the Academagia? (tag, hide and seek) and what are the rules implemented to deal with the use of magic in them?

 

Great question! I think many would be played, although I am not sure the Team has ever considered the question!

[Schwarzbart]

To train incantation it could be a good thing to have a spinning top turn its circles over water or in the air as long as possible. ^^

[Legate of Mineta]

Haha, yep!

[Schwarzbart]

1) How are you plan to distribute the Mod tool for year 2? As part of the game distribution or like in year 1 as free download?

[Legate of Mineta]

Schwarzbart;

 

It will be a free download- like Y1, the game will be released first, and then the Mod Tool will come after.

[Metis]

Any chance for a general estimate of the time delay between the two (a few days? A week? Few weeks? Month, few months?) or has Free's old signature scared the Team into never making time-related estimates ever again ?

[Schwarzbart]

2) When was the class choices & fixed class per college for Year 1 changed the last time and how was it before?

 

3) Will the brew class events without class issue be fixed in the last DLC or Steam release? (i.e. by give Vernin a mandatory brew class as 3rd fixed class skill)

[Legate of Mineta]

Metis;

 

I imagine it will come a month or two after the release, as it did for Y1.

 

Schwarzbart;

 

It was fixed a little bit before release, because it wasn't certain which game systems would be ready to supoort them. Brew is a great example of this.

 

I don't know that they have a plan to fix those until Y2.

[Schwarzbart]

1) I actual mean when have the Regents at Academagia changed the class list for year 1 the last time and how was it before?

[Legate of Mineta]

Schwarzbart;

 

Oh! I'll ask the Team to comment on that one.

[ronikai]

What's the most casual way a student can dress during school hours? I know as students go up in the years hair and eye color might start getting unique because of glamour, but how far can students go? Is casual dress a privilege for good students?

[Legate of Mineta]

Ronikai;

 

Students are expected to wear their uniforms on and off campus, but casual dress can be a privilege for certain events. Otherwise, it really depends on the moods of the Instructors...

[freespace2dotcom]

Things sure are dead around here! I guess that means it's time for some questions!

 

1. Exactly how large is Ardica lake? you can see the city if you're standing on the academy side, I suppose? So a good swimmer could probably sneak across at night, right? Is it patrolled by guards? Or does the lady of the lake have a deal with the school to mess with intruders?

 

2. Was it ever confirmed by the team that there is a pipe organ on campus? You said something inbetween "probably" and "sure, why not?" so I'm just curious where it might be if one does exist?

 

3. When's the Y2 class list coming out!?

 

4. So, since in many cities, apprentice mages aren't supposed to cast magic by themselves, what about failed apprentices, even if they know plenty of magic and isn't a dangerous caster?

 

5. is it thought that all magical objects and beings were mundane until they were enchanted at some point? Or are the theories more that they were always magical?

 

6. What is the average height of buildings in Mineta? and have elevators (or even just primitive lifts) been created for use in the most expensive tall ones?

 

7.Although for obvious reasons it's not being implimented in game, you've said that students that do learn at least 10 in all the major pillars in their first year are rare enough that if one did manage it, it would draw some eyes from the faculty to that student. Although It's a lot harder to get impressive scores in just one field due to the level cap on skills, in theory, what sort of skill level would a specialist stufent have to get in any singular pillar in Y1, to get that same level of attention? a 20? higher? I know some of us can get 20 in a single pillar with items, easily.

 

8. Although I suppose it's not something that is studied on a very advanced level, can a person heal long-term gradually accumulated damage with magic? Say, if one was a heavy smoker over 30 years, or spent too much time out in the sun for that much time and had skin like leather? I would guess it would be possible but very very difficult, requiring a long time to reverse effectively.

 

9. What are the best times and places for picking up (and starting) gossip? I suppose lunchtime at the great hall? The library? (if hushed!!!)

 

10, Speaking about the library, would you say that the standard conversation is purely in whispers? or can you use your voice so long as you're actively trying to keep the tone down and an overly obnoxious librarian isn't hovering over you?

 

11. While Mastery is considered a corrupting power, and in the present era the most visible aspects of it are oftern the worst ones, Is Mastery truly a horrific black art? Or are the spells that make up the majority of why the pillar was banned, merely a small subset of what the magic is actually capable of and as such does not give an accurate representation of the magic as a whole?

 

I have to ask this because Schohanwicht at least gives a small understanding of what it is like to be a Gates mage, or at least tied to the community. Can you at least say why you chose not to touch on Mastery significantly? I know there's a lot of stuff you want to save for the future years and I'm fine with that, but I like to think of the two forbidden magics as a kind of a yin/yang pair and it's just been slightly annoying waiting for Mastery to get a day, well, not in the sun, but.... You know what I mean?

[Legate of Mineta]

Free;

 

1. Exactly how large is Ardica lake? you can see the city if you're standing on the academy side, I suppose? So a good swimmer could probably sneak across at night, right? Is it patrolled by guards? Or does the lady of the lake have a deal with the school to mess with intruders?

A good swimmer could. It's not patrolled by guards, but as you know...it has certain guardians.

2. Was it ever confirmed by the team that there is a pipe organ on campus? You said something inbetween "probably" and "sure, why not?" so I'm just curious where it might be if one does exist?

I don't think it was confirmed, but the answer must surely be yes: it 100% needs one.

3. When's the Y2 class list coming out!?

On...no comment.

4. So, since in many cities, apprentice mages aren't supposed to cast magic by themselves, what about failed apprentices, even if they know plenty of magic and isn't a dangerous caster?

Technically, not allowed. But if you aren't dangerous, people make look the other way for a while. Eventually, gossip gets you, though.

5. is it thought that all magical objects and beings were mundane until they were enchanted at some point? Or are the theories more that they were always magical?

Magical objects were mundane, but magical beings are theorized to be 'Bonded' with magical Ideals in some way.

6. What is the average height of buildings in Mineta? and have elevators (or even just primitive lifts) been created for use in the most expensive tall ones?

Between 3-4 stories. Elevators do exist for the very wealthy palaces, and even some very busy warehouses. Otherwise, they are novelties appearing in guild houses and some public buildings.

7.Although for obvious reasons it's not being implimented in game, you've said that students that do learn at least 10 in all the major pillars in their first year are rare enough that if one did manage it, it would draw some eyes from the faculty to that student. Although It's a lot harder to get impressive scores in just one field due to the level cap on skills, in theory, what sort of skill level would a specialist stufent have to get in any singular pillar in Y1, to get that same level of attention? a 20? higher? I know some of us can get 20 in a single pillar with items, easily.

I would think all (base) 11s would be enough.

8. Although I suppose it's not something that is studied on a very advanced level, can a person heal long-term gradually accumulated damage with magic? Say, if one was a heavy smoker over 30 years, or spent too much time out in the sun for that much time and had skin like leather? I would guess it would be possible but very very difficult, requiring a long time to reverse effectively.

Yes, you are right.

9. What are the best times and places for picking up (and starting) gossip? I suppose lunchtime at the great hall? The library? (if hushed!!!)

Lunch time! Actually, in the original game design all the Students were there, and Gossip could infect them virally...that included you, too. That's not back in Y2, but maybe later.

10, Speaking about the library, would you say that the standard conversation is purely in whispers? or can you use your voice so long as you're actively trying to keep the tone down and an overly obnoxious librarian isn't hovering over you?

It depends on the librarian and the conversation, but overall as long as the tone doesn't bother anyone, it's fine.

11. While Mastery is considered a corrupting power, and in the present era the most visible aspects of it are oftern the worst ones, Is Mastery truly a horrific black art? Or are the spells that make up the majority of why the pillar was banned, merely a small subset of what the magic is actually capable of and as such does not give an accurate representation of the magic as a whole?

That is a matter of debate.

I have to ask this because Schohanwicht at least gives a small understanding of what it is like to be a Gates mage, or at least tied to the community. Can you at least say why you chose not to touch on Mastery significantly? I know there's a lot of stuff you want to save for the future years and I'm fine with that, but I like to think of the two forbidden magics as a kind of a yin/yang pair and it's just been slightly annoying waiting for Mastery to get a day, well, not in the sun, but.... You know what I mean?

Who is to say we *haven't* touched upon Mastery...?