Topic

Redeem the Rook

Tonight I was in the Callopee mines. I tend to avoid them, because the factory farming of piggies in Neva Neva makes me sad. But tonight I found myself in them, because of the location of a shrine, with my destination set to a street in Pollokoo, my home turf. All was well…the new day happened. I got up to go afk for maybe 5 minutes. I came back, and lo, at my feet was a dying chicken, begging me to help her, saying she’d been rooked. 

Never having participated in a rook attack, I was unsure how to help her. I clicked on her, and the “revive” option came up. So I “revived” her, but even then, she was in distress, and begging for more folks to help her. Thank goodness there were a couple of gals in the area who answered my plea for help…Glitchens to the rescue! 

I checked out all the other critters in the area, and all were fine…I then went to local chat to find out what exactly had happened. Turned out some dude had been rolling his die…he rolled a number of Giants before he rolled the rook. And yes, it was only one guy; apparently he acted alone, with no help, and got the rook. 

Well, I found him still there, and I went up and splanked him and then blocked him, but what else could I do? I couldn’t say anything to him, because he was well within his rights as a player to do what he did. I, with my multiple alt accounts, am suspect. I give tons of stuff away; I use my accounts to feed myself and my piggies and to benefit other players, and yet my gaming could be called into question, because I have a few alts. Whereas this dude can get away scott free by being an asshole, because that’s allowed. Justice? 

This incident really upset me, for a few reasons. For one thing, it was distressing, to be sure, to come back from afk only to find a dying chicken at my feet. For another, it was maddening to see a sleazy player acting like an asshole, and to be helpless to do anything about it. Lastly, I disagree with the whole “rook as villain” thing, and have from the beginning, and so I’m taking this opportunity to speak out against it. 

Ravens are lovely beings, as anyone who has taken the time to observe them or gotten to know them will attest. For me, as someone who dearly loves them, you might as well ask me to stun puppies or kittens or dolphins. Ravens are SO dear to me, that I simply cannot do anything to harm them. I have managed to avoid the dreaded “rook attacks” thus far, except for this last. I am led to believe that the rook will play an even larger part in the coming changes, and this I cannot abide. 

I quit playing in alpha because I got the “smash the rook’s egg” quest, and I couldn’t do it. It’s not that I *couldn’t* do it, more that I would not. When, at the urging of a couple friends, I agreed to come back in beta, I simply ignored that quest, and tried to focus on the good aspects of this game, and there are many. I love this game, and I love the community…but the rook aspect saddens me and I will not participate. If the rook is going to be an even greater villain in the coming changes, then I will respectfully bow out. I would hate to lose this community of friends, but I hate to see such negative stereotypes being perpetuated. 

I'd love it if the Giants could see fit to “redeem the rook,” as it were…that is, perhaps, find a way to make the ravens our allies in the fight against something greater. I am not opposed to fighting in general; not opposed to defending our beloved Ur against an outside threat, providing the threat is a worthy foe. That said, I don’t like fighting, and I sure as hell don’t like coming back from afk, only to find a dying chicken at my feet. Let’s take the fighting elsewhere, and then I may fight…if the fighting is contained to a certain area, an arena, as it were. But again, I will only fight a worthy enemy, like George Bush, or Sarah Palin, or the ultimate…Monsanto (*shudder*). 

Or perhaps, something entirely made up? I'm sure the Giants are capable of exercising their imagination to that extent, and giving us a fearsome foe...something beyond imagination, like out of a Stephen King nightmare or some such. I will not fight ravens. I love them, and will not feed into that stereotype, and I hope you won’t either. And I’d like the battles to be removed from gameplay, so that those who choose to fight can, and those who choose to refrain will be left unmolested. I don’t think this is too much to ask. I left alpha because of the egg quest, and I would hate to leave again, after I’ve found such a wonderful community of friends. This game is so wonderful and positive and a *light* in so many lives…please keep it that way. Loves, K        

Posted 10 months ago by KitchWitch Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

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  • Carriage return is your friend
    Posted 10 months ago by Ffreyn Subscriber! | Permalink
  • LOL figured that out...blame c/p from word. :D
    Posted 10 months ago by KitchWitch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Are you serious or is this a rather long-winded pisstake?
    Posted 10 months ago by Oristia Subscriber! | Permalink
  • This is really nothing to get worked up over. The game's creators have really de-emphasized a lot of fighting and good-vs.-evil and conflict from the start. Even splanking is all in fun.

    They introduced the rook attacks as a way to bring glitchen together for common short-term goals. They had to choose something, and a foreboding black bird seems like a good choice. They could have chosen a wolf, or a dragon, or a panther, all creatures that have had "evil" connotations throughout history - or dozens of other kinds of baddies - but eventually, someone else would have complained about the virtues of each of them.

    You can't please everyone. Most of us don't care that the bad guy is a black crow. Even those of us who appreciate the beauty of ravens in real life can still separate fantasy from reality, and are perfectly fine with one as an enemy.

    So, and I say this with the utmost respect and friendly, glitchy spirit: Lighten up a little. It's just a game.
    Posted 10 months ago by dm Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Has it never occurred to you that some members of this "wonderful community of friends" might be conservative Republicans?  May I respectfully suggest that we all leave our politics at the door and not invoke them in-game or in the forums, thereby reducing the possibility of giving offense.
    Posted 10 months ago by Berry Goode Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Removed. Sorry if I caused offense to players of a certain political persuasion; my statements about George Bush and Sarah Palin were intended to be taken in the spirit of a joke. But I'm sticking with my position of Monsanto being the ultimate evil. ;)
    Posted 10 months ago by KitchWitch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • this has to be a wind up? Advertising your multiple accounts??? Not just one alt....and then genuinely upset that a game player (as this is a game!) rolled a die...a toy dice...  I roll my die all the time, especially when I get bored waiting for crops etc.  Don't forget, your sad little chicken wasn't real lolol
    Posted 10 months ago by ~Arabesque~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • You defend an obviously psychotic rampaging bird that would destroy us all.  You care about one chicken more than you care about the thousands of trees that die every day in Ur's most brutal wars, the "wars that are not to be spoken of."     You make me sick. 
    Posted 10 months ago by WalruZ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @WalruZ - lmaooooo!!!
    Posted 10 months ago by ~Arabesque~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @KitchWitch  What am I supposed to be doing, in your mind--thinking up ways to starve children & kick senior citizens out of their homes?
    Posted 10 months ago by Berry Goode Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I do this every chance i get. At one point, i RookRolled all of bortola. As there is not a way to worship the rook yet in the game, this is all i have, and iif you call him an A**H*** then you are calling all the rook rollers one. If you dont like it, go donate to the shrines and worship your precious giants. 
    Posted 10 months ago by The Rook Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @WalruZ...you don't think the tree wars matter to me? When I've seen my beloved spice trees slain in some obscene bid to produce gas trees? Check the stats...spice are now endangered. I've given up fighting for the ones near me, because it's a lost battle. You don't think that kills me? I make you sick? Honey, it all makes me sick...and it's all sad. And we have the power to change it...so why aren't you fighting, instead of just criticizing? Why aren't we joining together to help? If I make you sick honey, well then, perhaps you ought to look at that. :P
    Posted 10 months ago by KitchWitch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Are you operating under the impression that conservative republicans hate trees xD? Or hate piggies? Or don't like becoming incredibly rich?

    I dunno about you but it seems to me like glitch attracts all kinds. There are opportunities to do all of the things conservative republicans do, I'm sure.
    Posted 10 months ago by Liza Throttlebottom Subscriber! | Permalink
  • As for you trolls...well, you'll get yours. :)
    Posted 10 months ago by KitchWitch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • ^ Cant wait till the update.....Gonna put those giants in their place...
    Posted 10 months ago by The Rook Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @KitchWitch...I still think this is a windup lmaoooooo and if not...the concept is a little frightening.....I'm sure you could buy some children's games that will be all lovely dovey and not disturb your sensibilities :) 
    Posted 10 months ago by Charliesmom Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Well, I have a few conservative republican friends who I'm sure can speak for themselves. :) Rest of post removed so as not to offend with my quirky sense of humor.
    Posted 10 months ago by KitchWitch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • This is Ur, not Earth.  A Rook is *NOT* a raven.

    Ur has some creatures that *look* like Earth creatures, but they are not the same.  Earth piggies don't give you meat when you nibble them, nor do Earth butterflies give you milk.

    In the same way that a demon may take the form of a beautiful human, the Rook has taken the form of a beautiful Earth creature, but it is not that creature.

    On the other hand... all of Ur is an illusion.  The Rook merely wish to destroy that illusion.  Those Glitchen who worship the Rook are trying to help free the rest of us from the illusion of this imaginary world.  Deimagination is just a way to remove the stains of existence.  (think of Shiva or Nephthys)

    It's part of playing the game.  Choosing to leave the game is also a way to play.  Actually, quitting the game might be the ultimate act of Rook worship! ;)
    Posted 10 months ago by Miss Portinari Subscriber! | Permalink
  • "Todo, we're not in Kansas anymore."
    Posted 10 months ago by bayBi Subscriber! | Permalink
  • It's inspiring to think that we might be able to drive certain sorts from our presence by simply rolling that 12-sider.  Look out!  The Rook I invoke might make you sad!  Better go to a 'Party' and chill.  *smirk*
    Posted 10 months ago by Kalstept Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I just bought 6 dice - going to gift them to newbies :o) lol
    Posted 10 months ago by ~Arabesque~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • KitchWitch, hop on and we'll flounce off into the sunset!
    Posted 10 months ago by Sloppy Ketchup Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @  Miss Portinari  Well said!!

    I love corvids of all kinds, but I don't make the mistake of mixing up the in-game "Rook" with real birds!
    Posted 10 months ago by Ashbet2 Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Wow KitchWitch, you have just made me want to stalk you and do nothing else except roll my dice all day long :)
    Posted 10 months ago by Kidego Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Miss Portinari: Hear, hear!
    @KitchWitch: Why are you so opposed to something 'evil' in Glitch? Without the Rook, Glitch would most likely be taken over by little children. (I have nothing against little children, though.) And in my opinion, the rook is one of the things that makes Glitch fun to play. And yes, I am one of those dratted Glitches who roll the dice for fun. So what? It's a game, it's for fun, that's the whole point of games. *steps off soap box*
    Posted 10 months ago by Akane Tuna Subscriber! | Permalink
  • ...really? I honestly can't take this seriously. I mean, the fact that this is just a game aside, let's see...

    I really, really doubt the devs meant this to be a mortal insult to ravens. Even in a game as touchy-huggy-feely (in a wonderful way) as Glitch, there has to be some kind of plotline, some sort of enemy. I feel like the absence of this may explain the "level 20 slump" some players experience, when they've done all the quests, etc, and are starting to get bored with the game.

    And you know the great part? Glitch is all about choices, so guess what? You can choose to avoid that part of the game if you want! Or even join the rook in his quest, if you like ravens!

    In any case, I can't bring myself to care about rookrolling when people have done actually hurtful stuff in the game, soooo...
    Posted 10 months ago by Shiromisa Kaya Subscriber! | Permalink
  • The OP is so full of contradiction, that I can't do anything but laugh.
    Posted 10 months ago by Sooriyan Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I agree with Shiromisa in regards to the "level 20 slump." When players get bored with nothing left to do but hoard currants or resources, they look for ways to have 'fun'. They explore different mechanics of the game, one of which is killing everything on a street with a rookroll. In the process they may cause grief to fellow players (though that may not have been his intention I don't know the specifics), but trying to control other people's way of playing is simply not possible and not worth the stress. Griefing is how some choose to have fun, there's not much a person can do about it but block (unless it's abusive, in which case a report may be in order). Unfortunately, I think this thread may bring you more of the same from those who get a kick out of taunting. It's just too tantalizing for bored players. "Something to do! Someone to grief! Yayyyyyy"
    Posted 10 months ago by N2ZOrtolanaBlue Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Ridiculously, I have reached level 53 and I did not even know that rolling the dice could have this effect! However,  thanks to this wonderful forum entry, written by a person who is quite clearly abusing the system by having alts may I add, I will now make this part of my weekly routine....
    Posted 10 months ago by Kidego Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Kidego Me, too. I've had a 12-sided die buried in a junk bag for weeks now, and I think I might dig it out and cause a little trouble. ;D
    Posted 10 months ago by dm Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I didn't read from the op that a griefing took place against her at all.  She caused the griefing by splanking a player who rolled a dice.  There's a difference between griefing and flaming too ;)
    Posted 10 months ago by ~Arabesque~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I still want to hear KlitchWitch's reasoning for why rolling a die makes someone an "asshat".  I'd love logic to be involved but I'm not holding out hope for that.
    Posted 10 months ago by Cadmium Blue Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Yeah, I guess "griefing" comes down to a matter of perspective and how one deals with others actions.
    Posted 10 months ago by N2ZOrtolanaBlue Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Is there some official definition of "griefing"? As far as I can tell, it seems to be intentionally making it impossible for a user to play the game the way they like (with a very few specific exceptions). So like, rookrolling in itself is not griefing. Following the OP around everywhere and rolling your die in hopes of summoning a rook, however, would be.

    Thoughts, everyone?
    Posted 10 months ago by Shiromisa Kaya Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Just for the record, WalruZ was not being serious.
    Posted 10 months ago by Rook Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Shiromisa Kaya:  I think you hit the nail on the head.
    Posted 10 months ago by Cadmium Blue Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Thank you, Countess!

    (And by the way, my posts in this thread are coming from a chick who used to worship Charles de Lint's crow girls in her younger years, so it's not like I'm some sort of corvid-hater. ;) I just think that the rook is an interesting character who draws many types as is!)
    Posted 10 months ago by Shiromisa Kaya Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Wow, so anyone that has ever rolled a 12 sided die is a jerk who deserves to be splanked and then blocked? If it was really that horrific of a thing, the devs never would have made it possible. Relax and enjoy the game... and you might want to put your fingers in your ears and yell "la-la-la-la" now so you don't hear this next part.... Stoot has said that he intends to make the Rook a much larger part of the game in the future. Maybe you should just quit now so you don't have any chance of being offended later.
    Posted 10 months ago by Shepherdmoon Subscriber! | Permalink
  • EDIT:

    On second thought, I've deleted my post. Remember kids, don't drink and type. Or don't think and drink. Or don't type and think! Or something like that. *wobble*
    Posted 10 months ago by Kipple Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Well, that's 10 minutes of my life I won't get back..... can't believe I read this whole post.... what WAS I thinking???
    Posted 10 months ago by kat65 Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Kipple -- It was a shame that you deleted your post.  I thought it was well said, and provided a good middle ground to the point of view/joke of kitchwitch and those who disagree.  
    Posted 10 months ago by Oristia Subscriber! | Permalink
  • And thus grows the legend -- and the myth! -- of Kipple's post.

    Seven pages long, it was, with arms like tree trunks! Its eyes were like steel: cold, hard. 

    Had a shock of hair, red, like the fires of Hell...
    Posted 10 months ago by Kipple Subscriber! | Permalink
  • First of all, I don't feel strongly about this at all. 

    Or I didn't, until I began reading responses.  Some were well thought out and attempted to be objective, and I gratefully thank those of you who took the time to be empathetic citizens.

    As for many of the rest of you... I don't understand.  You had an opportunity to explain to KitchWitch that you don't believe Ravens are demonized by the character of the Rook.  And instead, several of you chose to threaten KW with griefing.  I don't get it.  It's right here, well-documented and everything.  Why would you try to incite more negativity?  Teaching opportunity, flushed down the toilet.

    Moving on.  For the record:

    I get pissed off at RookRollers, too.  I think it's fine and dandy that you want to "roll the rook" for fun, or for stat purposes to see how often you can get it to happen, or whatever.  But if you're going to do so, you sure as hell better make sure you stick around and help clean up the damage.  And it's experience points that you're missing out on, too!  Walking onto a street with downed animals is really tragic to me--and yes, I know they're just pixels, but the world of Ur and the people I've met here is nearly as real to me as the world in which I'm sitting on my bed typing out this message. 

    Most of us continue to play this game because it's community-oriented, adorable, and fun.  Let's keep it that way by not bashing on each other.  Kitch, that goes for you, too.  I was kind of disappointed when I read your post, and some of your responses.  I love you dearly, but you haven't helped your case.

    The KichWitch that I know swims with dolphins and watches adorable videos of crows who sled down roofs.  She is concerned for the welfare of all creatures--yes, even pixelated ones.  She doesn't like the idea of the Rook as a Raven because she doesn't want any creature, no matter where they lie in the circle of life, to have its bad reputation confounded because of a game that she enjoys taking part in.

    All that she wants is for the Rook to have a reason to be the bad guy.  You've all seen movies where you identify more with the evil character than the hero.  The Rook could use that kind of back story.  Maybe at some point, we can turn it around, help it be good again.  That's all KW is saying. 

    I really hope that we don't lose her because of this, but no matter what, I would admire her for standing for what she believes in, and I will lose respect for anyone I see who mocks her for such strength of character.
    Posted 10 months ago by Ren_tara, BatQueen Subscriber! | Permalink
  • OP you're a dip for 'blocking' someone for rolling a mini rook attack. Also... nothing will die. We tested it. We let them be rooked for hours on end. I think it was at hour 6 and nothing happened. So nothing suffers at all. In fact, one could argue that those of us who expend time/mood/energy in summoning rook give people an opportunity to revive and get points for doing that or w/e stupid self actualization they get from it.

    Finally... it's not a Raven... it's not even a single bird. It's 'the Rook' like a group. And have you never played the card game rook? And hahaha stereotyping. Hate crime on bird species!

    Dumb.
    Posted 10 months ago by Mr. Dawgg Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Ren_aissanceriss:  well said
    Posted 10 months ago by Cat A. Tonic Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Renaissance get pissed off at people who roll a dice all you like : ) I roll mine daily, I like getting the gods : ) I nearly died the first time I saw a rook as I wasn't expecting it at all!

    I think most people took offense at the absurdity of the op's post.  Advertising her 'multiple accounts' and splanking a player for playing the game their way.  No where does she mention that the other player was intentionally trying to roll a rook (and that was one hell of a long winded ramble she posted).  Probably because she didn't make the effort to ask him directly.  Instead ran to global and took their word as meaning the guy deserved a splanking? lol

    I honestly believed her post was a joke! Then I realised she was serious......good grief..........that is a joke in itself :)  I guess that means I can splank anyone that does an action in game I don't agree with.  Watch out anyone who water's a fruit tree.........*that is a joke* :)
    Posted 10 months ago by ~Arabesque~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I think she's on another planet entirely, a different mindset that really isn't suited to this game.
    Posted 10 months ago by ~Arabesque~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Or perhaps, something entirely made up?

    ummm.... As opposed to everything in Glitch which is definitely not made up and is real?
    Posted 10 months ago by shhexy corin Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Is this really an issue?  If somebody just got their 20 sided die, and wanted to try to roll a rook to see what happened, is that really a serious problem?  This game promotes exploration and fun.  Why should anyone feel they did something wrong because they wanted to see "what happens when I do this?"

    It's almost impossible for me to believe that the OP is even being serious.  I'm about 90% sure it is a huge troll just trying to stir up some emotional posts.
    Posted 10 months ago by Shootsin Latters Subscriber! | Permalink
  • *sigh* I honestly thought this was a joke at first as well considering the over reacting, admission of many alts, and blatant inflammatory name calling.  This is why I get frustrated with people that take things to seriously.

    In all honesty, this reminds me of PETA's decision that Mario promotes skinning animals because he has the ability to get a Tanooki suit: has nothing to do with protecting actual animals.  I'm glad you like ravens, more power to you.  Heck I think ravens are pretty awesome but I don't see how the Rook causes any harm to actual ravens :\

    And if I remember correctly, it was stated that much more with the Rook would be added and I've seen Stoot tease the possibility to fight for/(possibly) worship the Rook.  So it looks like there is going to be more for the OP to hate and love about the developer's decisions about the Rook in the future.
    Posted 10 months ago by Xopher TAF Subscriber! | Permalink
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