NOVEMBER 4, 2007
The DRC agreed to report pellet contribution totals for about a month to see if its leads to greater participation in the Cavern’s “Feed the Lake Algae" effort. About 4pm today Victor Laxman met with explorer JWPlatt to discuss the best possible way to do this. Laxman has long been concerned that sharp, inconsistent “exponential spikes” in contributions will harm more than help the lake algae. If the daily reporting scheme does not lead to spikes, then he will continue. If more spikes are generated, he would return to simply issuing a monthly graph that recaps donation totals.
Laxman also reported that at this time, a real-time lake light meter is not feasible, and the meter itself is still broken. Also, the October 2007 graph reports results in percentages rather than actual numbers, as it better accounts for positive and negative pellet contributions. Overall, Laxman concluded that he is pleased with current contribution levels, and that barring the more sporadic instances, “the algae are doing fine the way things are.” The graphs are available either on your KI or visit the DRC “Feed the Lake Algae” website . Source
A group of explorers met with the DRC but did not win any concessions. J.D. Barnes met with Dr. Marie Sutherland about 2pm today. He said he felt "charged” by some explorers to contact the Council. He stressed to Sutherland that explorers have skills that may benefit the Restoration. Sutherland’s reply was that she favored their participation in writing new Ages, but that the “tools and infrastructure” to do so is yet nonexistent. When Barnes suggested that they transfer Restoration work to explorers while the DRC focus on funding, he reported that “[she] seemed to like the idea, but once again, made no promises.” Barnes concluded, “I think it’s best if we continue as if we will get that support at some point. That is the only thing we can do.” Source
Winnng entries from the Great Zero Stained Glass art contest will now be installed in the Bevins. “The three selected designs were submitted by Master Cloak, Keith ‘Tweek’ Lord, and Resolute Guardian. Special thanks to them,” Dr. Marie Sutherland announced in the City about 1pm today. She and Victor Laxman are the only DRC members still in the Cavern after the sudden resignation and departure of Cate Alexander days ago. Source
It is possible for the Cavern to develop a strong and “robust” guild system like the D’ni once did. This was the short conclusion DRC Guilds Adviser Reteltee gave around 11:30am today at Kirel. “We explorers should not fear making the guilds strong, and enduring.” How well this guild system does depends on its ability to stay attuned to both guild and non-guild members. To illustrate, Reteltee used an example from D’ni history. In 7104DE, the D’ni decided a Guild Council should rule instead of a king. This was the time period when the guild rulers were “young, fresh, and in many cases uncertain.” The guilds at the time faced an unknown threat to the Cavern, and that the guild were to find a solution. After suffering the threat for nearly fifty years, they succeeded, through some sort of referendum. The Council brought in commoners and low-ranking guild members to participate in the decision making, and the crises was averted. Reteltee reports that his informational sources are already available to the public. The new guild system should not mirror the D’ni guilds at the time of the Fall because they were ruled by a small oligarchy of rich and socially elite members only, and who were closed to public involvement and participation. Reteltee also did not know where to find a copy of the Rehevkor, the text which taught the D’ni how to write Ages. His parting advice to all was to “continue building the guilds, continue collaborating and cooperating with one another.” Source NOVEMBER 3, 2007
The Restoration is on hold due to lack of funds, so Dr. Ikuro Kodama headed to the surface today to find new sources. He made the announcement in the City tonight around 10pm. “Marie and Victor are still deciding,” he said, while expressing a hint of optimism that he will return. As for parting words of advice, all he could say was, “Be careful.” Source
In what may be a veiled reference to the evil Bahro, Phil Henderson repeated that “They are coming” to those in A Beginner’s Bevin about 5pm today. “I don’t know what we will do,” he moaned. Yet his words still had a silver lining. “Wait…hope…find a way.” Explorers earlier today reported seeing Bahro flying around Kerath’s Arch in Ae’gura. At the same time, those who visited Ahnonay found a portal link to a new section of the Cavern called K’veer. K’veer is the name given to the mansion situated on an island in the Cavern. Before the Fall of D’ni, it was the home of Lord Rakeri and his son Veovis who was once with the Guild of Writers. There, Veovis and A’Gaeris planned the destruction that led to the Fall of D’ni. Later, K’veer served as Gehn’s headquarters, and where Atrus first learned how to write Ages. It is also the place where Atrus was imprisoned while trying to rescue Catherine, and where the Stranger later found and released him. In Myst V, the mansion also served as the resting place of the Tablet, a powerful object which the D’ni apparently used to force the Bahro to do their bidding. Explorers were also able to add a K’veer link to their Nexus by registering at the station on the island. Source 1 | Source 2 NOVEMBER 2, 2007
 For the first time since the Prologue beta four years ago, and without much fanfare, Dr. Marie Sutherland appeared at the Watcher’s Pub to a thronging crowd around 4:30pm Cavern time with the new Age and placed it on the pedestal.
The DRC issued a KI-mail shortly afterwards, telling veteran players who saw Ahnonay in the Prologue that “the Age is not exactly as you remember it.” The Council also had this advice: “explore the Age with a friend or two.” By all accounts Ahnonay was the creation of Kadish, a Guild Master in the Guild of Writers who also owned the Watcher’s Pub at one time. He claimed he was the Grower, a person who the Watchers said could control space and time. Therefore, Ahnonay was written to demonstrate his “power” to travel through time and space. Explorers first link to a structure known as the Ahnonay Cathedral. At the end of the hall lies the Ahnonay linking book. Each time one returned to the Cathedral after visiting the island, heavy machinery would then rotate one of three spheres, and send them to another version of the island the next time they visited it. Kadish apparently led tour groups through the Cathedral to further the illusion that they were traveling backwards and forwards through time. Explorers also found a few specimens of strange plant and animal life on the Age. Quabs are small crab-like creatures with two huge black eyes, and which are fearful of people. In the stormy version of Ahnonay, strange blue-white growths of crystal or Ning Trees dissolve to the touch. Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3 | Source 4 | Source 5
Before heading off to discussions with the other Council members, Dr. Marie Sutherland announced in the City at 10am today that Ahnonay will be placed in the Watcher’s Pub. The released is scheduled for 5:50pm Cavern time. Shortly afterwards, the DRC issued a KI-mail stating that the new Age’s presentation will take place at 5:30pm Cavern time.
Source
Dr. Marie Sutherland appeared in the City with news of Ahnonay’s release “tonight or tomorrow.” With Cate Alexander’s sudden resignation from the DRC still fresh, she sympathized with the crowds. “She told me just a few minutes before she told you.” She had no news on who will lead the DRC, and how the explorer guilds may join in the Restoration effort because their focus is on Ahnonay. Discussions still continue among the remaining members. Source NOVEMBER 1, 2007
Reporter Phillip Jong interviewed “legendary game designer” and Cyan Worlds CEO Rand Miller today on “the mystery behind the Myst mythology,” Cyan’s turbulent history, Uru Live’s rebirth, and his future prospects.
Miller gave some background on the mystery of Myst. The name mainly originated from Jule’s Verne’s Mysterious Island, which his brother Robyn read at the time, and the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They wanted Myst and its sequels to “feel like a real place” and to “step away from dying,” which they felt was a “brute-force way” of keeping players from finishing too quickly. Regardless of the deep spiritual and philosophical undertones, the brothers emphasized by their work how art has the ability to communicate truth powerfully yet quietly. “Its not about a hammer or doctrine, its about truth and a whisper – for those with ears to hear,” he stated. But art to be expressed requires technology, which is itself not static. And so, when the delivery of Myst changed to real-time 3D (e.g., RealMyst) it was a learning experience.
Cyan’s turbulent history perhaps started with the sudden departure of brother and co-creator Robyn Miller as he wanted to pursue more work in writing and music. Several others including Rand filled his shoes until his other brother Ryan Miller stepped up. They also outsourced the development of Exile and Revelation to Presto Studios and Ubisoft Montreal Studios because they were already moving towards Uru. Miller observes that these developers did not fully blend in the puzzles with the surrounding world as Cyan would have liked. Miller also felt he was not the best person to play Atrus, as he is not as “uninhibited” in manner as other actors. But the greatest challenge was the failure of Uru Live due to lack of time and money. From it he learned that “the most satisfying way to run a business is with your own [money].” And with Uru Live’s rebirth, they are now trying to implement as much of their vision as they can, and to keep new content flowing. “We’re doing our best to make that happen, and at least now that we’re up and running, this time we’re learning at every step along the way.”
Source
Cyan Worlds issued their first edition of the Myst Online: Uru Live Newsletter on the MO:UL website today. “We hope to use this newsletter to keep you informed of the events, creations, and insights of fellow explorers around the world. Keep your eyes open for links to the handiwork of the amazing talent of the Myst Online community,” CEO Rand Miller stated. Future editions will include “hints and design sketches” of new Ages, “story updates and background” leading to Season Two, and links to “extraordinary” work produced by the online community. Anyone can subscribe to the newsletter through the MO:UL website.
The newsletter also announced the start of “Exodus,” the Season Finale for the game’s first year. It promises more changes will come with the release of Ahnonay, K'veer and Myst Island. Over the last nine months, players gained access to both new and familiar Ages and sections of the Cavern.
The newsletter also encourages new users to test-drive Uru, visit the Guild of Greeters for hints and direction, browse the many resources on the MO:UL Forums, and to get involved in a number of activities set up by the MO:UL online community.
The DRC today opened a new “Feed the Lake Algae ” section on its website. For months since Er’cana was released, explorers have been feeding pellets cooked in the Age’s ovens to the lake algae in the Cavern to restore the day and night light cycle the D’ni enjoyed for thousands of years. The site contains graphs showing monthly and daily contributions starting with October, 2007.
Nick White visited the UK Explorer’s Bevin about 2pm and offered reaction to Cate Alexander’s sudden departure due to business reasons. “She was always in it for the money,” he clarified. As for Sharper, “rumor has it that he became a Bahro.” He quickly departed “to see what I can find out about the DRC.” Around 3pm the DRC issued a KI-mail citing that Alexander departed because the Restoration was not giving her “sufficient return in her investment.” The other members were also discussing a “course of action” for the coming months. Source
Shortly after Sutherland’s visit, Cate Alexander announced she is leaving her post at the DRC and the Cavern. ”It’s a business decision. I will no longer be funding the project.” She reassured that the Cavern is not closing, nor is the DRC disbanding, “as far as I know.” The remaining members are now tasked with finding new funding sources, “and they can,” she added. Promising she will visit from time to time, she praised the Council as “fantastic,” as well as the explorer community. “This has not been an easy decision. Because of you all.” Source
Ahnonay is receiving “the finishing touches” and should be ready in a day or two, and K’Veer will be ready too. Dr. Marie Sutherland made the announcement in the City about 10am today. She did not have any other report on Atrus or Yeesha, on when the Kis will be bug-free, on whether Dr. Watson will rejoin the DRC, the missing Takotah Rooftop journals, nor the availability of the tools used to make linking books, and the Gahrohevtee, the language used to write new Ages. She left to speak with Cate Alexander.
Also today, the monthly spark also disappeared from Phil’s Relto. “All we know about the sparks is that they’re connected to the Bahro,” Sutherland replied. Source
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Yeesha appeared personally in K’veer at 5pm today, accompanied by Bahro escorts. She declared that since the Bahro were freed from the power of the Tablet, some have chosen to bring destruction. However, most are friends who have chosen to “battle and die” for the explorers, the Cavern and the D’ni. She identified the enemy Bahro leader as “missing a large patch of skin on his shoulder” that was taken by Esher. The enemy Bahro seek something she carries, so she will draw them away from the Cavern. In the meantime, she challenged all to “find a way” and to “make a home.”