Aesop - Okie Dokies.. Lets get started =)
Aesop - Good evening and welcome to our 18th Ultima Online Celebrity Chat. UOCC is a forum wherein we bring to you celebrity guests from the UO community, ranging from website administrators, OSI personnel, counselors, seers, and even roleplayers and PKs from your own shard! They drop by to answer your questions about UO, their experiences in it, and about their own contribution to the community.
Aesop - Our system is similar to the UOHOC chats. All you have to do is /msg a designated question taker with your question or comment. However, when it is your turn, rather then a moderator pasting your question in the chat, instead we set +voice to you and allow you to talk with the celebrity guest yourself!
Aesop - Please /msg or /query TheMag_Eu, Stark, or Dariuas with your questions.
Aesop - Tonights guests will be AC_ACB, AC_Miriamele, SC_Zotica from the Ultima Online Companion Program
Aesop - While we are waiting for questions lets listen as our guest introduce himself..
* Aesop thwaps ACB *
* AC_ACB laughs *
AC_ACB - Good evening everyone
AC_ACB - I am Arch Companion ACV
AC_ACB - hehe
AC_ACB - ACB
Aesop - DOH
Aesop - !!!
Aesop - Sorry ACB...
Dariuas - Sorry Technical Difficulties
AC_ACB - now where was i
AC_ACB - I am in charge of Companion Training
AC_ACB - I also handle the western shards
AC_ACB - Miri introduce yourself
AC_Miriamele - Hello, I'm Arch Companion Miriamele
AC_Miriamele - I was an Assistant Arch Companion up until last week, so I do not have many assigned duties yet
AC_ACB - zot tell them about yourself
SC_Zotica - Hail, I'm Senior Companion Zotica, SC for Atlantic
AC_ACB - We have a couple of Companion announcements
AC_ACB - The first is we celebrate our first anniversary this August 26th
AC_ACB - :-)
AC_ACB - The second is today we processed our 3000th Companion Application

Aesop - Well first off..
Aesop - I have a question.
Aesop - What exactly is a companion?
AC_ACB - A Companion is a normal player that donates their time to help new players to our game

Aesop - Go Ahead w/ your Question Jeremy.
^C_Jeremy_LS - HOw do I become archcompanion?
AC_ACB - :-)
AC_ACB - Thats really easy
AC_ACB - First you vol as a Companion for about 20 hours a week
AC_ACB - Then you become an SC
AC_ACB - An SC works theoretically 6 hours a week, but its probably more like 20
AC_ACB - Then after a few months you'll become an Asst Arch Companion
AC_ACB - Thats when the work really begins
AC_ACB - Then after a few more months you get to be the Arch Companion
AC_ACB - :-)
* Aesop smiles *

Aesop - Thx for the question Jeremy
Kthak - First off, i would like to THANK Demetria, for devoting her time to the chesapeake shard.
Kthak - My question is, whats the most common question asked by [young] players
SC_Zotica - Well, there are a few different types of Young players
SC_Zotica - you have the ones who pick up quickly on the game
SC_Zotica - they tend to look for combat and learning the skill trees
SC_Zotica - but then you also have those who are not as quick to pick things up
Kthak - Any "funny" questions? *smirks*
SC_Zotica - they tend to need extra help with the options and the interface
SC_Zotica - and then there are the nutty ones
SC_Zotica - they like to talk to the NPCs in Haven
Kthak - He he (:
* Kthak chuckles *
SC_Zotica - we get all kinds of new players
SC_Zotica - but for the most part they all learn well and much faster than us vets ever did
SC_Zotica - :)
Kthak - Thanks for your time *bows*
SC_Zotica - glad to give it

Aesop - Go Ahead Aphrodite +0
C_Aphrodite_Baja - Ok I wanted to know if there is ever going to be a way for other players to know who we are
AC_Miriamele - Well, other vertan players, no
AC_Miriamele - There is no way to tell who is a companion and who is not, simply to protect the companions
C_Aphrodite_Baja - well there is one way :)
AC_Miriamele - A young player can see NAME (companion) after your name if you are a flagged companion, when they single click on you
TheMAG_Eu - Thank you aphrodite
C_Aphrodite_Baja - thank you

Aesop - Go ahead w/ your question GreyPawn
GreyPawn - My question is...does the Companion program interact with agencies on shards geared towards teaching beyond the basics taught by Companions, and if so, how is this accomplished?
AC_ACB - Actually we havent yet
AC_ACB - we have several fine guilds who take new players under their wings in an unofficial manner
AC_ACB - We are always interested in working with guilds & agencies which are interested in helping new players.
GreyPawn - Are there any plans in the future for implementing an intermediate and advanced training or companionship type program?
AC_ACB - I'll be honest we are so busy working with the steady flood of new players
AC_ACB - we just havent had time to see that far down the road
AC_ACB - We have had a dramatic increase in new players on all shards.
AC_ACB - :-)
* GreyPawn nods *
TheMAG_Eu - Thank you greypawn
AC_ACB - I think it is an excellent idea, & we would be open for interested agencies to contact us regarding it.
* Aesop laughs *
* TheMAG_Eu grins *

Dariuas - What do you belive to be the hardest part of being a companion and helping young players?
SC_Zotica - ooooh...tough one
SC_Zotica - well, I'd say the hardest part is the fact you can't help everyone
SC_Zotica - there are so many new players and only so much time you can volunteer
SC_Zotica - every call is different
Dariuas - Well I thank you.
SC_Zotica - I've had young who only need a few minutes of help, but I've also helped players for 4 hours before

TheMAG_Eu - HOW do get to young players, how do you find them
AC_Miriamele - Well, we have a queue, that youngs are put into as soon as they log into the shard
TheMAG_Eu - every time ?
AC_Miriamele - Available companions are offered the calls, and are able to take them if they wish
AC_Miriamele - Every time they log in until they lose their young player status
TheMAG_Eu - ahh, don't [youngs] get 'sick of all the help
TheMAG_Eu - '
TheMAG_Eu - ?
AC_Miriamele - That does happen sometimes
AC_Miriamele - And unfortunatly, the only way to prevent them being placed in the queue is for them to give up being young
* TheMAG_Eu nods *
AC_Miriamele - Or, they just tell us they don't want help, and we say "Have a good day" and we leave
TheMAG_Eu - i see.., thank you :)

Aesop - Go ahead Shahrressa =)
C_Shahrressa - Thank you :) ::waves to zotica::: :)
SC_Zotica - Hail Shah :)
C_Shahrressa - What impact is the changes in the [young] gifts going to have on the Companion program, 1000gp is going to go a long way with them
SC_Zotica - aye, that's true
C_Shahrressa - I was also curious when i saw that they won't be getting ranger armour anymore?
SC_Zotica - there are two changes in testing right now for those who haven't heard
C_Shahrressa - they might not need us as much
SC_Zotica - ranger armour will be replaced with a spellbook with the first four circles complete
SC_Zotica - and new character gold will be increased to 1000 gold
SC_Zotica - the extra gold is a nice asset to offset the economic inflation we have
SC_Zotica - but the ranger armour change is a high point for us
SC_Zotica - unfortunately there are a number of undesirables in the game who prey on young players for their ranger armour
SC_Zotica - now that will stop, so we can spend more time helping the young and less time defending them
C_Shahrressa - aye that is true, i spend a lot of time in haven trying to stop scammers
SC_Zotica - overall I think that the spellbook will be of better use to the young players
SC_Zotica - and the gold will also make it easier for companions to teach the young with

Aesop - Thx for the question Shahrressa
Aesop - Go ahead Sabin =)
Sabin - Howdy! I was wondering what were to Happen if your were campanioning... And you died. I was once with a companion in a dungeon, didnt die but i remembered it and wanted to ask.
AC_Miriamele - Well, a companion is a regular player, just like anyone else
Sabin - Yet wouldnt be fun for young to be stranded in dungeon
AC_Miriamele - If they die while on a call, they just have to find a way to ressurect and hope they are able to retrieve their items
AC_Miriamele - Well, when we train companions, we pretty much recommend they not take youngs to a dungeon
Sabin - Yeah, i wouldnt think that
TheMAG_Eu - Thank you sabin
Sabin - Just wondering cause i was with a companion who was companioning in dungeon
Sabin - thanks

Therin - Yes
TheMAG_Eu - Go ahead therin
Therin - Hi! on average how many people can you help a day? and also, what happenes to all of the others?
AC_Miriamele - Well, it really depends on the companion, and the time we have
AC_Miriamele - When I first became a companion, I helped all day long, taking 20-30 calls
AC_Miriamele - Some companions take only a few a day, and some help all day for one day a week and not again until the next week
AC_Miriamele - Companions don't work on a schedule, and help whenever they feel like it generally, though we encourage them to help as much as they are able
TheMAG_Eu - Thank you therin
Therin - Ok thanks:)

TheMAG_Eu - Go ahead orcberg
Orcberg|ChessySux - Hi! Alright, I have somewhat of a concern to bring to your attention.
AC_ACB - well then im your man
Orcberg|ChessySux - Recently I spoke with a new player who as a young said he waited for hours for help.
Orcberg|ChessySux - He went to Haven, looked everywhere, didn't find a companion.
Orcberg|ChessySux - PLUS, he was booted from the counselor queue.
Orcberg|ChessySux - That's not really a great way to introduce someone to the game, is it?
AC_ACB - Wow we hate it when that happens
AC_ACB - Normally we have companions available on almost all the shards all the time
AC_ACB - I see them working sometimes at 8 am
AC_ACB - & sometimes at 3 am
AC_ACB - The real strength of the program is that people play different times, so they can help almost any one
AC_ACB - We have almost 1000 companions working now.
AC_ACB - But, we could really use another 1000 or so.
Orcberg|ChessySux - True... in the counselor queue, say if no companions are available, has OSI considered giving them priority in the queue?
Orcberg|ChessySux - Or if there's a shortage... is there consideration to bump them ahead?
AC_ACB - I think this case is a really great one for us to appeal to all the veteran players out there who would love to help new players
Orcberg|ChessySux - The worst thing is for a new player to be stuck for 2 or 3 hours waiting for help.
AC_ACB - We really need you badly to help these people.
AC_ACB - thanks so much for that question.
AC_ACB - :-)
Orcberg|ChessySux - Thank you :)
TheMAG_Eu - Thank you orcberg

TheMAG_Eu - Go ahead Mortalus
Mortalus - How are companions trained to teach young players?
AC_Miriamele - Ahh
AC_Miriamele - Well, Companions are trained in a set of classes
AC_Miriamele - We teach them the commands they need to know, and we give them senarios of common problems in order to let them see what happens
AC_Miriamele - And to give them a chance to practice solving those
AC_Miriamele - The training sessions a companion trainee goes through lasts approximatly 2-3 hours
AC_Miriamele - total
Mortalus - Are they tested after going thru the classes?
AC_Miriamele - Yes, we make sure they have learned what they need to know in order to do a good job
AC_Miriamele - If they haven't, we give them more instruction
Mortalus - I see...Thank You
AC_Miriamele - Thanks for the question :)
TheMAG_Eu - Thank you mortalus

Dariuas - Go ahead Dariuas
Dariuas - Thanks!
Dariuas - What type of benifits, if any, do companions get for volunteering their time?
* TheMAG_Eu chuckles *
AC_ACB - :-)
AC_ACB - The Companion program is set up to attract people that really want to help new players.
AC_ACB - There are no specific benefits to being a Companion except the wonderful feeling you get when you help a new player become strong in this world
AC_ACB - Uo can be really hard at first.
Dariuas - A good feeling it is :)
AC_ACB - I have never found more of a benefit than when i see a player I have helped who has gained fame & become happy in our worlds.
Dariuas - Well, I thank you for the answer sir.
* Dariuas bows *
Dariuas - Thanks dariuas.

TheMAG_Eu - Go ahead kalthes
Kaltes_|Cats| - How old do you have to be to become a companion?
* TheMAG_Eu points the mike at kalthes *
AC_Miriamele - To be a companion, you only need to be eighteen years old
Kaltes_|Cats| - I have helped many people out before...oh, nevermind then
Kaltes_|Cats| - i guess exceptions were never made?
* TheMAG_Eu grins *
AC_Miriamele - No exceptions, no
Kaltes_|Cats| - awwww man
Kaltes_|Cats| - I hate being 15, thank you for your time

TheMAG_Eu - Go ahead Guardian
C_Guardian-Cats - I wanted to find out if any plans are being made for having more quests involving companions and new players?
SC_Zotica - if you mean adding a bit of interest to the companion program? then yes
C_Guardian-Cats - care to elaborate any?
C_Guardian-Cats - :)
SC_Zotica - the Companion program does work with the Elder program to some extent, and we have our own activities planned as well
SC_Zotica - we aren't just about teaching...we are about having fun too :)
* C_Guardian-Cats grin *
C_Guardian-Cats - Thats great,we need stuff like that to develop interest
SC_Zotica - that is one of the functions of the Companion Halls
SC_Zotica - a gathering place for futire events
SC_Zotica - future even
SC_Zotica - :)
C_Guardian-Cats - :)
TheMAG_Eu - Thank you guardian
C_Guardian-Cats - Thank you

TheMAG_Eu - WooHooing_Wittol: go ahead
WooHooing_Wittol - with the Overwhelming amounts of resources recently
WooHooing_Wittol - isn't it difficult to convince New Players to work for their money?
WooHooing_Wittol - rather than
WooHooing_Wittol - Get Silver Vanq and be rich
AC_ACB - We never try to convince them to do anything.
AC_ACB - :-)
WooHooing_Wittol - or steer :)
AC_ACB - We help a person to become whatever he or she would like to be.
AC_ACB - I honestly have never steered anyone towards any thing.
WooHooing_Wittol - ahhh
AC_ACB - It doesnt matter if they want to shear sheep all day really.
AC_ACB - We will point them to a field & help them get a dagger. :-)
TheMAG_Eu - Whank you woohoo
AC_ACB - Thanks for the question, & I like using a silver vanquish weapon myself. :-)
TheMAG_Eu - ;)

TheMAG_Eu - Go ahead lum
LumTheMad - what benifit"s" can you insure the young player's of uo with this system...
LumTheMad - and why did mag say wank you?
TheMAG_Eu - whops, typo ;)
LumTheMad - lol
AC_Miriamele - Well, the whole purpose of the companion program is to help new players to do what they would like to do
AC_Miriamele - We offer help in the earliest hours of play, so that they can commence enjoying the game, without to much frustration with learning the basics
LumTheMad - well don't you intend to insure them their 10 bucks is worth it and will give them the best results?
AC_Miriamele - Well, that is why we help them to learn to do the things they will enjoy
TheMAG_Eu - Thank you Lum...
LumTheMad - thanks

Dariuas - If a person was in a diffrent volunteer group IE Seer/Counselor, could they still be companions?
SC_Zotica - yes and no
SC_Zotica - because you are using a regular character, it is possible to be both a Companion and another type of volunteer, but there are exceptions
SC_Zotica - you can only have one robe for instance
SC_Zotica - so no other robed volunteer could ever be higher in the program than a regular Companion
SC_Zotica - but there are a number of counselors and elders and others that are active Companions
SC_Zotica - as long as you don't head another program we will welcome you with open arms :)
SC_Zotica - the more the merrier we say
Dariuas - If I where to decide I want to join the companion program how would I do it?
AC_Miriamele - You can fill out the Companion application
Dariuas - Where can I find that at?
AC_Miriamele - It's located at http://town.uo.com/comp_app.html
AC_Miriamele - The only requirements to enter the program are:
AC_Miriamele - You must be at least 18 years of age
Dariuas - Ahh thank you! I will go there now and fill it out now!!!!
AC_Miriamele - You must have a clean account record (no unattended macro marks, ect)
AC_Miriamele - AND, most important
AC_Miriamele - You MUST enjoy helping others
* AC_Miriamele smiles *

Aesop - Thanks to our guests ACB, Miriamele, and Zotica for Coming!
Aesop - And special thx to Dariuas for getting them to come =)
SC_Zotica - glad to be here :)
* Dariuas claps *

Aesop - Thank you for attending tonight's UOCC. Remember, UOCC occurs every other Monday night at 7pm CST. The log of tonight's chat will be posted on http://uohoc.stratics.com.
AC_Miriamele - Was a pleasure
Oaks - If I may just add...
Oaks - Your presence on the shards is well-known and appreciated, and I'd just like to take a moment to express my personal gratitude.
AC_ACB - Thanks everyone!

Aesop - Please feel free to join us here in #ultima-online at any time of the week for help in game, the latest UO news, or just to chat. Have a nice evening.
* Nikademus claps *
Oaks - =)

Aesop - Please email [email protected] with suggestions for future guests or topics
Aesop - Thank you all and Good Night =)