Advanced RP: Writing Restrings

[Cordir]

Restrings....

Nothing compliments your unique character like a unique item. But be aware - restrings come with a price. First, there's a literal cost: Immortals can only do a certain number of restrings. They receive "credits" with which to do them, and they gain those credits rarely. SO... what you recieve, someone else cannot. Restrings are special, and should remain so, granted for special occaisions, major quests, etc.

Restrings also come with another cost: Some people enjoy causing distress by deliberately targetting those with restrings. It can be very upsetting to see something that you spent a long time questing for, being worn by your arch enemy. It can be made even worse, if the object is then semi-re-restrung, so that it's recognizable as yours, but corrupted or changed in some fashion. (IT was my personal policy in Fate that my followers were NOT allowed to wear the restrings of others. Either the item was traded/sold/given back, or it was destroyed by being completely restrung over, to wipe out all traces of the old restring.)

Some immortals don't mind doing restrings, but hate to write them. So, this article is a primer on what a mortal needs to provide (if requested to do so) by their immortal. This does NOT include the specific commands the immortal uses -- just provides the information they will need. Simply writing up a restring doesn't mean you're going to get it, by any stretch. I generally don't recommend you write a restring, unless you've already been told you're being granted one.

Mud Rules Governing Restrings:
You may not have specific references to other players without their consent.
You may not replicate the holy symbol of a following, without that immortal's specific consent.
You may not have foul or obscene language in the restring
The restring must have obvious key words. (See below)

ASK FIRST: In the past, it has been allowed to create "fake flags". Existing flags are things like (Red Aura) (Glowing) (Humming), etc. "Fake Flags" can add a fun touch -- but make sure they're still ok. (Been too long since I did a restring; I'm not sure. Ask.)

There's several blocks of information needed to create a restring.

NAME: This refers to the object keywords that you use to interact with it, just like any other object on the mud. For example, a Box of popcorn from the Colesium would have keywords of "Box" and "Popcorn." Object names *MUST* - per mud rules - be obvious. Nothing hidden or sly. So you can't call your Ring of Power, 'Mxlplx" just to confuse people.

SHORT: This is the segment of description that shows when someone looks at you, or you check your Equipment.

LONG: This is the segment that refers to what people see when the object is laying on the ground, or examined.

Extra Descriptions: It's easy to go crazy with extra descriptions (Hi. I'm Cordir <Hi Cordir!> I'm an Extra Description Junkie.). These are little blocks of descriptive text that you can see when you use the appropriate keyword.

So.... How do I format a restring?

The mud sends information in lines of 80 characters each. Just like when I write a description, observe that limit. I write all mud items in Notepad, so I can see where I am, space wise. Here, in this post, I'll use the CODE feature of the forum to replicate that.

On the first line, I create a row of characters that equals 80. (1 - 0, repeated 8 times)

12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890


Next, I do a cut and paste of the object I want to restring. I make sure I can see 
all applicable magic flags, as they are included in the space requirements.


12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
<worn on body>      (Moderate magic) an elven chain shirt

At this point, we can delete "an elven chain shirt" and see that we are left with 
43 spaces to play with. 

12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
<worn on body>      (Moderate magic) 

So now it's brainstorming time. What do we want it to look like when worn?

12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890

worn on body      (Moderate magic) a fitted breastplate of Ebon Dragonscale
worn on body      (Moderate magic) (Battered) black dragonscale armor
worn on body      (Moderate magic) (Etched and Scarred) ebon dragonscale
worn on body      (Moderate magic) an ebon dragonscale breastplate with silver buckles

Oh, wait! That last one is too long. When people look at you, it will likely "wrap"
 to the next line, and look funny.  So pick one that fits within those 80 
characters!! You may have to get creative. Also, in the examples above, 
I created "fake flags" - the (Battered) and (Etched and Battered). I don't 
know if those are still allowed or not -- as a god+ first!

I have decided on the short description, "a fitted breastplate of Ebon 
Dragonscale" as it sounds spiffy and it fits. So... my Name MUST include 
"Breastplate" and "Dragonscale" at a minimum, and "Ebon" if I want to be 
extra complete. (Always a good idea)

Now... when it's laying on the ground - what should it look like? For 
our example, maybe something like this:

This fitted breastplate is made up of the impervious scales of an Ebon dragon.

Cool!  I want to do an extra description.. something more when it's looked at. 
Again, I keep in mind my 80 character limit.

12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890

The underbelly of a dragon provides the finest leather that can be found
anywhere.  Soft, supple, yet nearly impervious to harm, it is ideal. The
rarest of dragonkind is the Ebon Dragon - and it is his hide used for an
armorers work of art. This breastplate bears straps along the sides, set
with studs of black adamantium, that cinch the wearer tightly. Though it
is enormously protective stuff, this armor will not bind its wearer, and
allows free movement. Ornate buckles of gleaming silver form 2 neat rows
along the right side and the right shoulder, each in a spiderweb pattern.


Now... what keywords do I need to use, to see this?  Well, "breastplate" 
"dragonscale" and ebon" all make sense. Yes, your extra keywords can also 
be your object Name.

So now I have something to give my immortal (or the god+ who granted 
a quest) to do the restring. I have all the information they need!

Name: breastplate ebon dragonscale
Short: a fitted breastplate of Ebon Dragonscale
Long: This fitted breastplate is made up of the impervious scales of an Ebon dragon.

Extra Description:
The underbelly of a dragon provides the finest leather that can be found
anywhere.  Soft, supple, yet nearly impervious to harm, it is ideal. The
rarest of dragonkind is the Ebon Dragon - and it is his hide used for an
armorers work of art. This breastplate bears straps along the sides, set
with studs of black adamantium, that cinch the wearer tightly. Though it
is enormously protective stuff, this armor will not bind its wearer, and
allows free movement. Ornate buckles of gleaming silver form 2 neat rows
along the right side and the right shoulder, each in a spiderweb pattern.

Extra description keywords:  breastplate ebon dragonscale


All done! The rest is up to the immortal. :)

As a side note, the last few years that I was creating restrings, I did a 
special Extra Description, which you'll see in the examples below. It was 
just to show the various keywords, and I put in a note about when it was 
made and for whom. This helped folks remember keywords, as mortals have 
no way to see them. :)

Ok... so what are some examples? I've written well over 100 restrings 
on TFC. Restrings can be simple, they can be complex, they can be funny 
or serious. Here's a small handful. As always, you do not have my permission 
to use these to have a restring created for you in game. These were made 
for other players.  I'm always happy to help folks with the writing process 
of restrings -- so if you want one, ask. I'll help.


Name: ginny smooch kiss
Short: Ginny's wicked Kiss of Darkness
Long: A bright red lipstick mark stains the skin here...

Extra Description: kiss
The particularly crimson shade of this lipstick mark, and 
the faint outline of black around it brings to mind veiled
memories of faint cries, the crack of a whip, the strong 
grip of leather bindings, and ecstacy beyond all reason...
It could only have been bestowed by the legendary Ginny,
Headmistress of the University of Evil.


=============================================================

<worn around neck>  (Artifact magic) a diamond and platinum spider-shaped torc

Name: diamond platinum torc spider
Short: a diamond and platinum spider-shaped torc
Long: An unusually large, perfect diamond creates the body of a spider on this torc.

Extra Description: spider torc
This crescent of metal is stunning in its complexity and grace:
the body of a black widow spider is formed by a unusually large
and flawless diamond. Its legs interweave with one another, the
forelegs curving around the wearer's neck.  The arachnid's body
would sit perfectly in the pool of the wearer's throat.


Extra Description: diamond teardrop
The diamond that forms the spider's thorax is of unusual size and
clarity, as well as being completely without flaw. Its color is a
brilliant white, with hints of cyan and indigo shimmering within.
Staring intently at the stone, your reflection gazes back at you:
yet, then the images shift, and visions appear.

Extra Description: vision visions
Visions flow over the surface of this flawless stone, shifting one
to another as smoothly as the Pattern itself is woven:
* A young elf grows to manhood, hearing the call of honor and duty. *
* Vows are given to a Lady and Her Fated: blood, tears, lives shed. *
* Countless times, the Elf interposes himself, risking all for Her. *
* Challenges are accepted, quests undertaken, he leads, he follows. *
* Kneeling at Her feet, he accepts a great gift and responsibility. * 
* The duty of ordainment is borne with dignity, honor and ferocity. *
* Leading from the front, he teaches the Blades to avenge, protect. *
* Years pass: The ageless Elf steadfast in his vigilence and honor. *
* A void passes between the Elf and the Lady - Desolate seperation. *
* The Mists disperse permitting the Elf to return: Joy. Homecoming. *
* The Pattern clears: it is time for a new path. Tears. Resolution. *
* Once more, he kneels before Her. New vows and paths. Honor. Duty. *

With a wracking shudder, you come to yourself once more, the vision
fading like a morning mist burned away by the sun.


Extra Description: keyword keywords
Object Keywords: diamond platinum torc spider

Extra Desc keywords:  Spider Torc | Diamond Teardrop | Vision Visions

Created for Kethran upon his release from Ordainment, with My 
grateful thanks and My joyous blessings for all you have done. 
No Goddess could ever ask a more devoted servant.  - Cordir

========================================================================


<worn on finger>    (Artifact magic) (Woven) raven's song and midnight's gleam

Name: raven song midnight gleam
Short: (Woven) raven's song and midnight's gleam
Long: Ephemeral essences are woven here: the harsh cry of a raven, and inky midnight.

Extra Description: raven song midnight gleam
The Firstborn elves learned to weave impossible things: memory, sounds, 
tastes, purest essences, and create tangible things.  In this case, the
Lady Weaver has done the crafting, interweaving the harsh cry of ravens
with the velvety swath of midnight. The two, together, wrack your heart
with anguish and a longing you cannot comprehend.  They exist entwined,
forming a band of melody and shadow, and a ephemeral concept of change,
death, and chaos blended into a single elusive whole.

Extra Description: keywords keyword
Object Keywords:  raven song midnight gleam
Extra Keywords: raven song midnight gleam | Keywords
Reforged on 08/20/2005 for Azilix.


====================================================================================


12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890
<held>              (Potent magic) (Icy) a perfectly crafted martini


Name: gin martini
Short: (Icy) a perfectly crafted martini
Long: Two olives float in a crystal clear libation perfectly made from crisp gin.


Extra Description: martini
According to the connoisseur, the only true martini is made with gin, 
a drop of Dry Vermouth and, perhaps (if you are the daring sort), a 
crisp, green olive (two if you are feeling decadent).

It takes a certain kind of man to carry off a martini. Suave. Dashing.
A bit of a rogue. The kind that would have the scent of a good cigar,
the midnight breezes by the ocean, and the warmth of leather clinging
to the crispness of his linen shirt. Understated, yet eloquent.

Perfect, then, that this martini belongs to Pol.


Extra Description: keyword keywords
keywords: gin martini
extra keywords: martini

Crafted for Pol, who is spiffycool, by Cordir. 08/10/06.

====================================================================================


Name: belt cords
Short: a braided belt of cords
Long: Dozens of knotted leather cords have been braided to form a belt.

Extra Description: Cords
In each Coven, one person is given the responsibility
of holding its most precious and dangerous artifact - 
the measuring cords of each coven member. Upon entry
into a Coven, a postulant's measure is taken. Should
they ever violate the sacred oaths given, that cord
would be used either in magical ritual to rain curses
down upon them... or more directly, applied to their
throats. He who bears the cords of the Coven, holds 
its honor.

====================================================================================


Name: t-shirt shirt
Short: a t-shirt that reads: "Fun! Excitement! (but not suicidal)"
Long : This t-shirt is only SLIGHTLY singed and torn, and bears a colored message.

Extra Description: 
This blue shirt is adorned with bright silvery letters that seem to sparkle
in the light. The fabric is only somewhat marred but a few rents and tears,
not to mention a bit of scorching here and there. The message reads simply:
.
.                             F U N ! ! !
.                      E X C I T E M E N T ! ! !
.
.                         (But Not Suicidal!)
.

Enjoy!

-C.

[Whistler]

Boy this would've been a lot of help to me when i was first exploring restrings, and i'm glad that you wrote it, because i've been neglecting writing this for far too long.

still, let me add a bit more:

Name: the item name or "keyword" is what you use to weild/wear/hold/get the item. The keyword should be evident in the short, long or extra description, or at the very least something that can be figured out. For example, my restrung weapon given the short description 'a squeezebox' with the long description 'a concertina' lies here, uses the keyword 'accordion'. Though the word 'accordion' is not specified in the short or long description, anyone who knows what either 'a squeezebox' or 'a concertina' is should have no problem figuring it out.

'extra' descriptions can get complicated. if you want to have an extra description, you should have an extra keyword. extra keywords serve two purposes. first of all, they give extra words by which you can indicate that item, and they also trigger extra descriptions when look <extra keyword> or exa <extra keyword> is used. for example:
(keyword) Shirt
(short description) A White Silk Shirt
(long description) This White Shirt is made of the finest silk, and has a starched collar.
(extra keyword) Collar
(extra description) The collar of this shirt is smudged with lipstick.

if you look shirt, you get the long description. if you look collar you get the long description+the extra description.

although you can have several extra keywords for an item, i highly recomend not using more than one, both because it can be very confusing, and it is not an easy task for a diety to institute a restring, so keep it as simple as possible. also, it helps if you list these items in order (keyword, short, long, extrakeyword,extradescrip) to the person doing the restring for you.

now as to what the restring should be: Don't restring inventory flagged items. They will purge and its a lot of work for something that's only gonna be in the game temporarily.
Similarly, you shouldn't restring staffs/wands/fetishes/relics/spheres for the same reason.
Do restring any other items you use regularly. for example, i've restrung my regen weapon and shield into 'a fluffy pillow' and 'a threadbare blanket'. after all, i really only use them when i'm sleeping. Any items you don't want to advertise (such as elven chain and simple rings) do make good restrings-however, should people know about those restrings, they may be able to tell if you are on even if hidden or invisible through the use of locate. ("A fluffy pillow" carried by someone.) When you are going to do a restring, please, be creative.

The restring is a means by which you personally can leave your mark on the mud, and if it is a particularly good item, it may even outlast you in the game.

and a final note to bards: got a good weapon? restring it into an instrument, or if you've got 2 restrings, restring a weapon shield combination into an instrument combination (e.g. a violin and bow.) remember that although there are instruments out there, historically, the best bards made their own.

-

oh yeah, i forgot, this is important:
an anti-alignment item will shatter if given to a diety of that alignment. Don't ask a good god to restring an evil item, or the converse, because the item will cease to exist as soon as they touch it. if you've got an evil item you want to restring, you've got to find an evil diety to do it. and i believe only toku and tynian can restring items that are AEAG.

[Cordir]

Name: the item name or "keyword" is what you use to weild/wear/hold/get the item. The keyword should be evident in the short, long or extra description, or at the very least something that can be figured out. For example, my restrung weapon given the short description 'a squeezebox' with the long description 'a concertina' lies here, uses the keyword 'accordion'. Though the word 'accordion' is not specified in the short or long description, anyone who knows what either 'a squeezebox' or 'a concertina' is should have no problem figuring it out.

actually.... I must disagree. Per Mud Rules: Item keywords MUST be _obvious_... no 'Figuring out'. For your restring in the example above, to follow the rules to the letter, the object keywords should be squeezebox concertina accordion (yes, all three)

-c

[Cordir]

oh yeah, i forgot, this is important: an anti-alignment item will shatter if given to a diety of that alignment. Don't ask a good god to restring an evil item, or the converse, because the item will cease to exist as soon as they touch it. if you've got an evil item you want to restring, you've got to find an evil diety to do it. and i believe only toku and tynian can restring items that are AEAG.

Unless things have changed (a lot)... FLIs aren't allowed to _create_ restrings for individuals who aren't their follower... so anyone giving them an item should be of their alignment. As a point of interest, the the item *shatters* with a cool message when it hits the immortal's inventory (something I used to have fun RP'ing...) . God+ can handle items of any alignment, without issue.

[Whistler]

ok, i just got another restring done, and on this one, the extra keyword only triggers the extra description on look <extra keyword> . it doesn't activate the item nor does it show the long + extra descrip on exa <extra keyword>....so....i guess there's some variation depending on who does them...

about who can do them: i've had them done by several gods, and have never joined a following. its largely up to the diety in question as to if they want to use any of their limited number of restrings...so if you're not a follower, you gotta have a pretty persuasive argument...

-

[Cordir]

I had two mortals ask about restrings yesterday evening, after one was auctioned off. Hopefully this thread will provide more information.