News

From: TMP, Jr. (22nd Feb '02) ABM BBS

Is planned but still requires a lot of work. It incorporates major changes to the database (and you know how I love them). But over 100 new creatures are already designed and four new dark places are on the drawing board. Still, it is a ways off.


From: TMP, Jr. (24th Jun '00) ABM BBS

My reconnaissance tells me that within the next month there won't be one Tower on the island but THREE or even FOUR! Since each one is unique, you Ruks are going to be keeping me busy trying to keep up. Also, I assume that the Towers are less buggy than before I left since I didn't get a rash of e-mails about them. If not, please let me know of any continuing bugs. Also, my newest Dark Places are in the early coding stage. I've already given hints to one player who reached a major milestone first but for the rest of you, I'll be taking Monster Island to a place it hasn't been in YEARS! And that little hint will make a LOT of sense once you figure out where I'll be taking you.


From: The Mystery Programmer (8th Mar '00) ABM BBS

Well, I am about to wrap up some bug fixes and minor mods that I have been working on. Time to focus on the other two Demi-Gods. Gargoyles and Vampires it is then. Jr and I have had a few interesting ideas along the way... but none of them have really struck me like the ones we had for Snake and Dragon. So, I thought I would ask for some ideas from the players. Please send me your ideas for a storyline. I emphasize SEND. Keep them off the Board and use my TMP mailing address. I'd like everyone to be surprised by what this presents.


From: TMP, Jr. (3rd May '99) ABM BBS

It can now be announced that the first monster has now met an official demigod! None of these silly demi-beast and such from now on. Congrats to the lucky player. I won't divulge the name as to keep you from being a marked man though at least one other player is on the verge of being #2. Now, who will become the first FOLLOWER????


From: TMP, Jr. (12th Mar '99) ABM BBS

Over the past few months, you've heard me whine and moan about the limited Monster database that was causing the TMP Team so many headaches. Well our headaches are no more. As of 2:30 pm EST, Monster Island was up and running with a SIGNIFICANTLY revised and EXPANDED data base. No more blurb limitations. No more struggles with figuring out inventive ways to maximize space. Just to start things off with a bang, we've added over 80 new blurbs to the game (Now Nez can catch Carbunkle). You'll be seeing LOTS of new stuff in the next few months. I hope you enjoy it all.


From: JRR (22nd Feb '99) ABM BBS

(From Miab online) Monday, 22nd February 1999 Richard Vine, player of Monster Island in the UK for 7 years has sensationally quit the game. With him goes a number of established monsters including the leader of Bad Company, Titus Groan. Richard objected to the way the game was being moderated. He disliked the way in which new structures were being added to the game. The final straw for him was the introduction of new temple ruins into the Zargnoth region. He feels that this removed power from players who had spent a lot of time, money and effort building it up. His leaving will take at least 14 monsters out of the game. Sverilix is the new leader of Bad Company. Just thought I'd share the news with you.


From: ABM Keith (6th Feb '99) ABM BBS

Within the next week, Monster Island will undergo a HUGE change. Stay Tuned ..you won't want to miss this!


From: TMP Jr (15th Jan '99) ABM BBS

I'm in a giving mood today so I'll fill you in. The "trap door" is DP#2 although the name is not correct. The Tree is #3 although I have generally referred to it as "Place #3". DP#4 is in the UK game ads of last week as is a fix to DP#2. DP#5 is a fix to an old DP and DP#6 is a place for newbies. #'s 5 and 6 are not yet in the UK game but are in the US game.


From: ABM Keith (7th Jan '99) ABM BBS

The last 2 months+ were very exciting for both I and the two TMP's. We have no plans to rest on our laurels. There has been a lot of useful ideas passed around this forum these last few weeks. Many of which of brought forth ideas for some new program implementations. One post that struck me particularly was by Jerry on the direction and "Grand Scale" of things on MI. I took this post to heart because that is how i've felt all along. Monster Island has always felt like something was missing. I believe a lot of the mystery has dissapeared and that will change very soon. One aspect i've always enjoyed in my role playing experiences outside of work is the opportunity to take on certain Quests for both money, items and reputation. I am speaking mainly as an avid RPG fan so some of you may or may not agree with me. Many players can really sink their teeth into a game when they have a goal straight in front of them. Let's face it, Monster Island is a "Huge" game and it's easy for the average and beginning player to be intimidated by it's rather large playing field. But with the addition of Questing it will give both novice and experienced players goals, chances to earn $$$ and maybe even introduce another aspect of the game i think it's missing, Reputation points. Reputation is how you are viewed in the world based on your actions. Being evil in god following is not necessarily a guarantee you will have a poor reputation. All monsters would start even, from square one. Quests completed over time would add to your reputation. Your actions over time would do the same. Being an over aggressor on the island would provide negative Reputation. I have often thought of cool Quests being offered by Inn Jossmen to rescue his daughter that was captured and taken away by an evil band of Gargoyles or the random NPC that asks for your help in retreving a family heirloom or lost weapon snatched by a group of loggerheads and taken back to their camp. You are talking about a lot of work to implement this Quest based system but i feel it would be a healthy and fun addition to the game. It would be stand alone in the sense that you wouldn't have to particpate if you choose not to. Far Inns, Far Forges and Town Squares would post up Quests and or Bounties and you could pick and choose from ones you'd like to attempt to satisfy and complete. A new order such as: AQ (Accept Quest) # (Quest # Offered), would be a very easy order format to get used to. When you accept your Quest, you will recieve the full details during your "Make Camp" sequence and you will given a certain period of time to complete your Quest. The determined period of time is something we can make for every Quest or a different amount of time for different Quests. We can make easy Quests for novices, IE: Kill this and this, and bring back this skin or item as proof to vlaim your reward. For more advanced Monsters we will be able to work in tougher, more detailed Quests to really test their skills. It will also be possible to take along other friends to aid in the completion of Quests and they can all gain in Reputation points and or money if it's offered. The ideas can be endless with this. What i'd like to see now is how this would go over with all of you and see how interested you all are in seeing a Questing module added to Monster Island. If it's something the majority would welcome, we'll sit down and design the Quest engine and add Quests slowly over time making sure most structures offer something to allow everyone to try. Thanks, - TMP Keith ;)


From: The Mystery Programmer

1) Does the crimson weed plant work? How?
A) No... But its planned for an update

2) Is it correct that it is still not possible to rebuild towers fully?
A) Correct. But it is also in the works.

3) Is it now possible to fight shifting wraiths in a great cave? (as it is possible in a sunken graveyard)
A) Yes its possible to fight the Single Wraith, but not the 3.

4) Have you changed the blurbs for disciplehood regarding the killing of other monsters?
A) We haven't had any good ideas for the Priest area yet. Demi-gods themes are in the works as well as Towers and Black Voodoo. Time is the missing element at this point.

5) In the acolyte of Shroud blurb it is stated that you can drink foul/poisoned water without affect. Has this been implemented?
A) I doubt it. But then again I haven't looked as I didn't realize it was supposed to work that way. This might be an easy fix. Thanks for the input.

6) Is there a tablet of knowledge in the game yet (as stated in some Fuvah blurb)?
A) Do you know which blurb? I haven't spotted that one either. The tablet has some weak references but is not implemented. It is an element of one of the planned updates though.

7) Is there a statistic in the game (of which we donīt know) which would make it possible to gain rank because of temples rebuilt, temples sanctified, members initiated etc.?
A) The system doesn't track these items currently.

8) Are there rider levels above novice? How much skill is needed?
A) Not presently . The idea was that you needed a certain level to ride more advanced mounts and the more advanced mounts would allow you to advance further. None of it was implemented though.

9) Are there creatures in the game besides Plodders which can be trained as a mount?
A) Not at the present. But some additional ones are being discussed.

10) I once found an orb of seeing which did not work ... Does it work now?
A) Not yet.


From: The Mystery Programmer

The Demi-Gods are going to arrive on Monster Island in waves. Probably beginning in early fall with a planned completion of XMas. Santa is coming to the island. Along with this action I expect to see a number of new dark places (three planned so far). Also on the books are some major enhancements to a few old dark places just to liven things up. As a special treat... .. we decided to add some real utility to some of those tired worn out old spells. In the very near future.... MI items are going to learn the meaning of battle damage. (Evil laugh!!!). I'll even let the Game Master throw you a few hints as I begin testing in August.

The Main locations that are not in use yet are the King Ock Mushroom Grove, Bodden Camp, Towers, and the Tomb of Mumundus. The Tombs and the Towers are planned for Spring 99. The other two have het to be looked at yet. The 3 new dark places being worked right now are just that- totally new. A couple brainstorms on my team resulted in ways to add additional dark places to the Island without adding totally new areas to the Island or destroying all the existing map databases. Now that should whet your appetites without giving away the whole enchilada....


From: The Mystery Programmer (17th Aug '98)

Tis true. I return to my humble home sometime next week. Sorry about my absense lately, but I've been to too many locations in a two week period. Now for those interested... here's whats on tap for the next month. Soon after my arrival at the house, I intend to send in an update that includes 40 new creatures and about 100 new items. Now what will we do with these things you ask???? Why put them in new dark places. I will add a couple teaser items for sale at Far Inns... Just to get your attention. The first new dark place should be in the game about 2 weeks after that. Where are they you ask.... Why right under your Bignoses I say. Here's you hint for the first one. Carby hates em and Vile Kile has never taken one..... And considering the reputation of these two..... That eliminates a lot. I'll let you know as soon as the new items go on sale. That will be your hint that things are moving quickly.