Spell 18 : The Arts

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THE STRAITS TIMES REPORT : MAJOR MOVEMENTS AHEAD FOR LATEST GAME WONDER, ROYALROAD[/p] 

In a press conference held last Friday,  Unicorn Inc. has stated that many changes will be coming to the game in the upcoming month. 

'Most gamers,' said Unicorn President, Mr Chia, 'are unhappy with several factors of the game. For example, some complain the pain factor was too much for them. In response to this, we have introduced a pain slider, where players can adjust the pain threshold that they will experience while taking damage in the game. This gives the players the freedom to choose the kind of playing experience they desire. Of course, damage calculators will remain as they are.'

In short, Unicorn Inc. has declared that in light of the popularity of the game, it has decided to move in a new direction to give players control over the kind of gaming experience they are looking for, rather than decide for them.

Here is a list of factor changes you will come to expect :

1. Pain Slider.

2. New PVP system : Players MUST agree to fight in duel invitations, unless they are already flagged for PVP. Failure to do so will incur upon them the Murder Mark, recognisable by players and NPCs alike.

3. New Quest Design System : Players can now give quests to other players, within certain parameters. No quest given can involve killing NPCs or players. If players wish to design a long quest storyline, they are to submit a storyboard for approval by game management. 

4. AI Components Improved : You may now interact on a more intimate level with the NPCs. Their responses have also been slightly tweaked to suit their created personas.

5. More monsters and areas added.

6. Death Penalty : A maximum amount of 10% of their current gold can be stolen. Items that are soul-bound cannot be stolen. In addition, when players die, they will not be logged out of the game. They will be revived at a nearby temple of their chosen Aspect. If they do not plan on selecting an Aspect, they will instead be revived in a nearby graveyard instead. Players also suffer 75% loss in durability for their equipment when they die.

7. Aspects : Aspects are celestial beings that have left a touch on the world of RoyalRoad. New faiths and religions have sprung up in the name of these Aspects. Players can only have one Religion at a time.

When asked if these changes will in future include a new name for the game, Mr Chia said, 'I don't have to change it. It's being changed every second. People aren't playing RoyalRoad; they're already playing out a story they call their own.' 

Not too much of a political answer, but we will take it.