Excelsior

Hi all,

Ok I realise my title is a little ambiguous, but I will try my best to explain what it is I am looking for.

I am what could be described as an 'Old School' UO veteran, leaving the production shards around 2002. Those fortunate enough to play UO will likely know know what I am talking about when I mention the 'good old days', the 'spirit' of UO, and just all the aspects that made UO an unforgettable experience. This is NOT a rant about the downfall of UO, but it is a quest to regain that feeling again.

The production shards no longer have it for me. I have tried numerous free shards... with little luck. What I am 100% sure of is that the 'essence' that made UO great back then was not the mechanics. Pure 100% era perfect shards have not captured the old days. In fact, I would be so bold as to say that the 'old days' could only be recaptured by introducing something completely new to explore. So I have expanded my search... which has lead me here.

So if I may, I would love to hear some honest answers from the players. If this post is deemed too provocative, disruptive, or disrespectful, then please remove it immediately; I have no desire to cause trouble here.

1) Have you played on any other shards before Excelsior? If so, which ones? (to get an idea of your UO first impression)

2) What was the initial draw of Excelsior for you?

3) What are your main in game activities?

4) Do you feel the current rule set restricts the 'freedom' that UO can offer? Or do you feel that it actually allows players to be more forthcoming and open?

5) If you could make any change to Excelsior, what would it be?

6) Is there anything new you would like to see introduced to Excelsior?

Hope those questions are ok, and I look forward to the replies.

1) Have you played on any other shards before Excelsior? If so, which ones? (to get an idea of your UO first impression)
Numerous other shards, both free and subscription osi. Dragoness, TaR, Several others over the years.

2) What was the initial draw of Excelsior for you?
Most of the custom scripts are enabled and working here. Also has a rather large player base considering the age of the game.

3) What are your main in game activities?
Currently spend most of my time weapon leveling, helping new people, and anything I can to make money =P

4) Do you feel the current rule set restricts the 'freedom' that UO can offer? Or do you feel that it actually allows players to be more forthcoming and open?
For the most part the rules here help keep a well balanced shard. Some players take it in their hands to expand on what they think the rules mean, and it can be a little annoying. However this is infrequent and I imagine will be found anywhere you go.

5) If you could make any change to Excelsior, what would it be?
Like any internet based social setting its easy for rude people to have a voice, one which I usually tend to ignore. But hey, thats why we can turn off global chat =P
6) Is there anything new you would like to see introduced to Excelsior?
Quite a few small knit picky things but nothing major. I am really impressed with the amount of working scripts they have here. Heck even luck actually works.

Feel free to pm me on the forum if you have any more specific questions. I can be a little more candid in private =P

Super quick because I'm at work:

1. OSI in 2001-2002. Few free shards a few years ago where i was griefed constantly.

2. was drawn by large amount of custom things that compliment the game (eg pet leveling, bio engineering)

3. main activities: weapon leveling, goc quest running, bee keeping, champion killing

4. I feel more free here than pvp shards where I worry all the time about who is about to kill me in 2 hits

5. 1 change - total overhaul of treasure maps and fishing maps. T-maps are an absolute awesome mechanic in the game but has not had the attention that other areas have on this shard and hence has fallen behind.