[MUD-Dev] Rumours

[Shawn Halpenny]

Jon A. Lambert wrote:
> 
> > From: Marian Griffith <gryphon at iaehv.nl>
> > On Tue 24 Jun, Adam Wiggins wrote:
> >
> > > Well, in particular 'taboo' or 'perverse' (as defined by a given society)
> > > things tend to be quite rumor-worthy. What this may be varies by society,
> > > and that's where things could get interesting.
> >
> > But I guess that's also where it gets difficult. It's easy to pick up
> > words like kill, attack, kiss from a message you hear. But knowing if
> > that is normal or peculiar is quite something else I suppose. And if
> > things are different from town to town, and depending on races and
> > profession that's going to make things even more difficult.
> >
> 
> Hehe. I recently was on a mud where I accidentally stumbled into
> various pairs of characters engaging in what might be termed "netsex".
> I just excused myself and moved on, never giving it another
> thought.  What would be the social ramifications of mobile NPCs
> stumbling into private conversations and parsing and regurgitated bits
> and pieces of emotes and conversation?
> 
> the cityguard says, "I saw Bubba fondling Boffo"
> the towncrier says, "I saw Bubba kissing Biffy"
> 
> I'd hate to be in Bubba's shoes.
> Perhaps these rumor-mongering NPCs might have short lifespans.
> Careful, that squirrel in the tree might be listening.

I think this would add volumes to the game.  A whole new door to bribes,
extortion, blackmail and all sorts of other nasty pastimes opened up. 
Now it's up to Bubba to silence the cityguard and towncrier before they
have time to spread the word.  Very involved and interesting.  I like
it.

Of course, an alternative is to not put "fondling" and "kissing" in the
rumor-starter word list.

--
Shawn Halpenny

"Let me explain the house rules.  Follow the rules, we'll get along
 like a house on fire."
                                            - "From Dusk Till Dawn"