From owner-CRYSTAL@duke.poly.edu Fri Jan 27 15:07:53 1995 Return-Path: Received: from duke.poly.edu by mail.netcom.com (8.6.9/Netcom) id PAA12256; Fri, 27 Jan 1995 15:07:43 -0800 Received: from localhost by duke.poly.edu (8.6.9/1.34-032891-Polytechnic University) id SAA10104; Fri, 27 Jan 1995 18:04:26 -0500 Message-Id: <199501272304.SAA10104@duke.poly.edu> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 1995 18:04:25 EST Sender: owner-CRYSTAL@duke.poly.edu From: CRYSTAL@duke.poly.edu To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: CRYSTAL digest 25 X-Listprocessor-Version: 7.1 -- ListProcessor by CREN Status: RO CRYSTAL Digest 25 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) LOG: Aria instructs the new Recruits by "Joel N. Fischoff" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 27 Jan 1995 13:42:45 -0600 (CST) From: "Joel N. Fischoff" To: CrystalMUSH Mailing list Cc: DJnTrill@Kaiwan.com Subject: LOG: Aria instructs the new Recruits Message-ID: Greetings and Hallucinations all, Originally I was just going to E-mail this to another one of the recruits, who had to leave mid-class, but I figured that others might be interested too. At least one has mentioned they'd love to see it, and that they're on the list, so I'm sending it out here. If you don't want to see this (it's about 800 lines, single-spaced), delete now. Usrus =========================================================================== Log edited with Logedit 2.6.6pl on Fri Jan 27 13:12:01 CST 1995 Using configuration file /home/gagme/jnf/.logeditrc Editing out: DOING/WHO arrive/left @mail pages whispers ANSI tf-messages Regexp stripping: Queue, Semaphore, ^Huh\? +Type, ^I don't see that Using only these tf-worlds: Usrus Logged by Usrus Word-wrapping at 77, 0, 3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- World Usrus ---- Recruit Lounge> Linanna sips her beer, and munches on her pie. "They paid me today." Recruit Lounge> Aria walks in from the lift area to check on the recent `catch'. Recruit Lounge> Troller says "Just bring your cutter to the 'techs after every time or two that you use it. That way it'll stay in good shape, and you'll lose fewer limbs, and make better cuts besides." Recruit Lounge> Troller tramps over to the catering unit. Recruit Lounge> Aria walks over to the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Kasie rubs her face with one hand, sighing slightly as she leans against the wall. Recruit Lounge> Jayowen says "I'll remember that, if I become a singer...." " Recruit Lounge> Troller spins the menufax around to display the beer selections. Recruit Lounge> Alwin looks up, "Is that Aria? Our instucter? Recruit Lounge> Aria wanders to the front of the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Linanna grins at Troller. "I'll be sure to remember that." Recruit Lounge> Jayowen looks up at Aria and smiles. Recruit Lounge> Seliantha gets up from the chair. Recruit Lounge> Troller nods to aria, "Well, I guess I'd better be going." Recruit Lounge> Jayowen gets up from the floor. Recruit Lounge> Seliantha treads to a spot between the lounge and the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Alwin nods to Linanna Recruit Lounge> Linanna watches Aria. Recruit Lounge> Alwin gets up from the floor. Recruit Lounge> Jayowen rambles to a spot between the lounge and the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Seliantha tramps over to the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Alwin treads to a spot between the lounge and the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Jayowen tramps over to the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Seliantha walks over to the tables in the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Alwin walks over to the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Troller grins at Aria, "They're all yours, luv." Recruit Lounge> Seliantha sits down at table one. Recruit Lounge> Jayowen strolls over to the tables in the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Troller steps into the lift area with muffled steps. Recruit Lounge> Kasie strolls over to the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Aria smiles and looks out at the recruits, "Good evening, I am Aria Kalea, Head Sorter of Ballybran and I will be giving a lecture in Sorting and Packing." Recruit Lounge> Linanna gets up from the couch. Recruit Lounge> Jayowen sits down at table two. Recruit Lounge> Alwin rambles over to the tables in the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Alwin sits down at table two. Recruit Lounge> Linanna walks to a spot between the lounge and the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Aria smiles, "I find it easier to give this lecture with demonstrations on the actual tables with crystals, All those wishing to attend, please follow me down to sorting. Recruit Lounge> Kasie listens attentivly as she just leans against the wall. Recruit Lounge> Aria wanders out of the classroom area. Recruit Lounge> Linanna nods. Recruit Lounge> Alwin grins. 2010> Jayowen says, "For those interested, the training session is starting." Recruit Accommodations Recruit Lounge This expansive room functions as entertainment area, classroom, and meeting place for the Heptite Guild recruits. On one wall is an entertainment complex, and along another is a row of booths. Several comfortable chairs are arranged in rows across the width of the room facing the screen. In addition, several tables dot the floor space. A wide matte grey stripe leads the way through the doorway off to the left, heading to the accommodation wing for recruits. The last rays of sunlight peek through the window. There are a fair number of people here, either getting a meal or a drink, or just socializing and chatting. Contents: Usrus, standing between the lounge and the classroom. Aria, standing between the lounge and the classroom. Kasie, in the classroom area. Jayowen, seated at table two. Seliantha, seated at table one. Linanna, standing between the lounge and the classroom. Alwin, seated at table two. Cards Training Schedule Recruit Information Screen Catering Unit Online Terminal Obvious Commands ("." for list): .wait .classroom .lounge .catering unit Obvious Exits: Hallway Lifts Wing Alwin stands up from table two. Kasie rambles out of the classroom area. Seliantha stands up from table one. Linanna finishes her pie, and quickly downs the last of her drink. Seliantha saunters out of the classroom area. Alwin walks out of the classroom area. Aria seems to be waiting for something or someone. Usrus wanders in, scratching his head slightly. "Someone call?" Aria smiles, "Will you be joining us for the pack&sort lecture recruit...?" Linanna pauses, seeing that Aria seems to be waiting.... ----- Jayowen (#4996Pce) just looked at you. ----- Aria nods as she sees most people following and heads towards the lifts. Aria steps into the lift area with muffled steps. Alwin steps into the lift area with muffled steps. Seliantha steps into the lift area with muffled steps. You walk toward the lift area. Lift Area - A1 Levels that are above ground level are not desired locations among guild members because the sonics from even faint breezes vibrate the facility. Accordingly, recruits are given accomodations since they are not affected...yet. However, Flight control and meteorology must have access to the atmosphere in order to function. The big Bay window catches your eye. It overlooks the reception area. You can look through it . This well carpeted area circumscribes a circle with the center being filled by a shiny lift tube. On the doors to the tube are the letters A1. There is a button set into the wall, you may summon a 'lift.' Contents: Seliantha Alwin Aria Lift 3 Lift 2 Obvious exits: Bay Window Meteorology Control Recruits Recruit Lounge> Seliantha steps into the lift area with muffled steps. Recruit Lounge> Usrus steps into the lift area with muffled steps. Linanna comes in from the recruit area. Recruit Lounge> Linanna steps into the lift area with muffled steps. Usrus smiles, "I would guess I am." Kasie comes in from the recruit area. Seliantha smiles at Linanna happily.. Jayowen comes in from the recruit area. Recruit Lounge> Kasie steps into the lift area with muffled steps. Recruit Lounge> Jayowen steps into the lift area with muffled steps. Linanna grins at Seli. Aria leads the way into control. Alwin walks into the glass enclosed flight control area. Jayowen walks into the glass enclosed flight control area. Aria walks into the glass enclosed flight control area. Kasie walks into the glass enclosed flight control area. Linanna walks into the glass enclosed flight control area. You decide to check out the flight control area. Flight Control This is flight control for the guild complex. Several banks of computers line one entire wall showing the various satellite pictures of Ballybran and its weather patterns. Controllers, sitting at the main consoles overlooking the hangar area, direct the vehicle traffic in and out of the complex. Other computers show the vehicle activity on the plateau cutting off at the crystal ranges. The shadows deepen outside the hangar and the soft lights of the flight control area brighten. Computer screens reflect on their operators faces. Contents: Linanna Kasie Aria Jayowen Alwin Obvious exits: Catwalk Lifts Aria heads down the catwalk. Aria steps out onto the metal catwalk to get a better view of the hangar floor. Outside on the catwalk, Aria steps out of flight control onto the catwalk. Alwin steps out onto the metal catwalk to get a better view of the hangar floor. Outside on the catwalk, Alwin steps out of flight control onto the catwalk. Kasie steps out onto the metal catwalk to get a better view of the hangar floor. Outside on the catwalk, Kasie steps out of flight control onto the catwalk. Jayowen looks UP at Usrus in awe. You step out onto the catwalk situated high above the hangar floor. Catwalk The catwalk extends along the western wall of the hangar. It is constructed of plasteel and able to endure the wind and particulate matter which invade the hangar over the baffles at the approach of a Mach storm. Contents: Kasie Alwin Aria Obvious exits: Stairs Control Through the glass in flight control, Jayowen steps out onto the metal catwalk to get a better view of the hangar floor. Jayowen steps out of flight control onto the catwalk. Through the glass in flight control, Seliantha walks in from the lift area. Through the glass in flight control, Linanna steps out onto the metal catwalk to get a better view of the hangar floor. Linanna steps out of flight control onto the catwalk. Aria steps lightly down the stairs. Through the glass in flight control, Seliantha steps out onto the metal catwalk to get a better view of the hangar floor. Seliantha steps out of flight control onto the catwalk. Aria descends to the hangar floor. On the hangar floor, Aria descends from the catwalk. Kasie descends to the hangar floor. On the hangar floor, Kasie descends from the catwalk. Jayowen descends to the hangar floor. On the hangar floor, Jayowen descends from the catwalk. Seliantha descends to the hangar floor. On the hangar floor, Seliantha descends from the catwalk. Alwin descends to the hangar floor. On the hangar floor, Alwin descends from the catwalk. Hangar Floor> Aria descends from the catwalk. Hangar Floor> Kasie descends from the catwalk. Linanna descends to the hangar floor. On the hangar floor, Linanna descends from the catwalk. Hangar Floor> Jayowen descends from the catwalk. Hangar Floor> Seliantha descends from the catwalk. Hangar Floor> Alwin descends from the catwalk. Hangar Floor> Linanna descends from the catwalk. Usrus looks down at flight control, eyes flickering from one moving object to another. On the hangar floor, Aria heads towards cargo storage. You climb down the metal stairs to the hangar floor. Hangar Floor The immense cavern that serves the guild faces the eastern sky. The blue sky merges with the harsh browns of the long plain of the Joslin Plateau far to the east. The smoothly tiled floor is scarred by myriad gashes and scratches caused by wind-tossed sleds. The northern and southern walls contain over-large double doors while the western wall is set with observation windows. The shadows are complete on the hangar floor as Scoria has passed her zenith. The blocks of the guild complex cast sharp shadows on the great plain. Contents: Linanna Alwin Seliantha Jayowen Kasie Aria Himiko's sled Dana's sled Callista's sled Sled Tech Desk Radar Corbin Hangar Terminal A large map, for instructional purposes Sled rack Obvious exits: Met Transport Equipment Room Simulators Catwalk Cargo Storage Sorting Ready Room Aria walks across the noisy bay and into cargo storage. Walking with caution you cross the hanger floor moving into storage. Storage This area houses the crystal brought in from the ranges by the Singers. Right now it looks fairly filled, and activity might imply that sorting is going on. Singers unceremoniously grab handlers from this area and drag them back to their sleds to unload cargo. Sorting assistants enter every few minutes to grab a stack of cartons and return to the Sorting floor. There is a small, but clearly posted sign with the words 'Only Crystal that is ready to be sorted should be stored in this room'. Contents: Aria Storage Carton - Himiko Storage Carton - Fianna Label: More greens. Storage Carton - Dana Label: Fianna's greens, really. :) Storage Carton - Shylaran Label: group4/blue/oct Obvious exits: Hangar Main Sorting The silence accompanying the retreat from the hanger is almost deafening. Alwin walks through the Cargo Storage exit. Jayowen walks through the Cargo Storage exit. Kasie walks through the Cargo Storage exit. Aria waits for the rest of the class to enter. Linanna walks through the Cargo Storage exit. Seliantha walks through the Cargo Storage exit. Alwin steps away from the door to allow more people to come in. Aria nods and looks around with satisfaction "This is the cargo storage area, Crystal ready to be sorted is kept here." Storage This area houses the crystal brought in from the ranges by the Singers. Right now it looks fairly filled, and activity might imply that sorting is going on. Singers unceremoniously grab handlers from this area and drag them back to their sleds to unload cargo. Sorting assistants enter every few minutes to grab a stack of cartons and return to the Sorting floor. There is a small, but clearly posted sign with the words 'Only Crystal that is ready to be sorted should be stored in this room'. Contents: Seliantha Linanna Kasie Jayowen Alwin Aria Storage Carton - Himiko Storage Carton - Fianna Label: More greens. Storage Carton - Dana Label: Fianna's greens, really. :) Storage Carton - Shylaran Label: group4/blue/oct Obvious exits: Hangar Main Sorting Usrus glances around at the room, nodding slightly. His eyes keep wandering towards the Hangar itself. Alwin listens carefully to Aria trying not to miss anything. Kasie's eyes wander over the room and all the boxes of crystal. Aria smiles and nods at Alwin, "Would you mind carrying Himiko's carton for me...be careful with it recruit ...? " Alwin nods. Usrus grins over at Jayowen, a delayed reaction from his staring earlier. Alwin picks up the carton, holding it securely to his chest. Aria nods and leads the way into main sorting. Aria moves back into the main sorting area. Kasie moves back into the main sorting area. Alwin moves back into the main sorting area. Linanna moves back into the main sorting area. You head back out into the chaos of the sorting area. Main Sorting The moment you walk in here you are assailed by the sounds of labor. People run from here to there and back again at an exhausting pace. Sorters run to the shed to fill in crystal segments, handlers bring cargo in from storage, and Singers come raging in from the cargo bay. The sorters seem hard pressed to deal with Singer anger, as well as their jobs, yet they move with a calmness and care when handling crystal. Contents: Linanna Alwin Kasie Aria Obvious exits: Processing Hangar Observation Cargo Storage The Shed 3rd Table 2nd Table 1st Table WOW! The people running around in here certainly explains the lack of personnel in the Storage area! Kasie takes a unconsious step back at all the activity. Jayowen comes into sorting smoothing hair down from the wind-swept look. Seliantha steps from the storage area wincing slightly at the noise. Aria looks serene and calm in the midst of chaos, "Through to table 1 thank you." Usrus oofs slightly as he's almost run into, then around. Jayowen moves quickly toward the 1st table. Linanna shivers, looking around, and sidesteps between people toward the tables. Linanna moves quickly toward the 1st table. Kasie moves quickly toward the 1st table. Jayowen walks away from the 1st table, emotions fighting for equal time on his face. Usrus hrms thoughtfully, and glides towards the table. Not that he has much choice. You walk toward the nearest and busiest table..taking the business for a good quality sorter. 1st Table Area The line here is long, giving plenty of opportunity for scrutiny of your surroundings. The table here as well as the computer is nondescript. Around you Singers and handlers wait their turns for the sorter's attention. After what seems an eternity the sorter turns toward you and reaches for the cartons. Contents: Kasie Linanna Sorting Table Obvious exits: Out Your approach causes the sorter to look a little panicked. Seliantha joins the queue at the table. Jayowen joins the queue at the table. Seliantha stands a respectful distance away from the sorter, trying to get into a good view. >From Main Sorting, Aria calls out "Be there in just a minute.". (To respond: '+answer Out=') Aria joins the queue at the table. Alwin joins the queue at the table. Aria smiles, "Put the carton down on the table there, That's right, code so the scanner can see it." Alwin says "is there any certain way I should handle the cargo." Kasie stands close to the table, otherwise she wouldn't be able to see a thing. :) Aria smiles, "Carefully." Usrus takes the vantage point his height gives him, and peers over all the other 'tiny people'. ;) Alwin sets the carton down with care. Kasie glares good naterly at Usrus. :) Aria smiles at the recruits, "I am Aria, a Sorter and I will be taking you through the techniques of packing and sorting. This information will be useful to both those who adapt as Singers and Sorters." Aria continues, "Crystals are as you know cut in the ranges and then transported back to the center, to do this the Singer must after cutting the crystal pack it immediately to prevent thrall, he or she must 'get' the crystal and put it carefully in a carton (give =crystal). Only five crystals will fit in the cartons in the sleds, more can be stored in storage cartons available here at the center. (OOC note when a new singer is being shepherded the old singer must be the one to get the cartons from the sled and put the first crystal in, otherwise ownership problems arise.)" Usrus winks at Kasie. Linanna nods thoughtfully. Usrus nods at Aria thoughtfully, still peering at the carton. Aria smiles, "The crystal is then brought back here to the center and either retuned, if the singer is not satisfied with clarity etc., or placed in the cargo storage area for sorting. Crystal not ready for sorting is stored in the Crystal Shed. Once a singer is happy with his or her cut they either notify the sorters, or try to catch one on duty. The crystal is then brought here to the sorting table." Aria smiles, "Of course there is a small fee for storing cartons in the shed...We prefer to keep things moving." Linanna chuckles dryly. Aria looks round at the recruits, "Once the carton is brought here it is unpacked and the Sorter takes a first look at the crystals. The first consideration is to find the scale they were cut in and set the table accordingly." Usrus lifts his 'paw' slightly, cloth of his uniform rippling with the shift in muscle. Rybol joins the queue at the table. Aria pulls on a pair of protective gloves and turns to the carton on the table. Rybol sneaks in quietly. Jayowen smiles at Rybol. Aria opens Storage Carton - Himiko and looks inside. Aria carefully lifts each of the 5 crystals out. She arranges them reverently on the sorting table. Jayowen raises his hand. Aria gestures to the crystals on the table, "These are light green octagons...all C's...so possibly not the best choice for this lecture...Yes?" Usrus looks like he's about to clear his throat, but stops himself as the crystal's come free. His 'paw' is still raised. Jayowen says "How do you know whether to set it to Major or Minor?" Seliantha tilts her head, and then slightly raises her hand, as if she isn't sure she wants to or not. Aria smiles, "By looking at the notes I can tell given the base note whether they fit into the minor or major scale. The base not is generally fairly obvious.", she nods to Usrus next. Usrus says, unaspirated, "You mentioned a small 'fee' for storage. What is said fee, and what are average prices for cuts of Crystal, by way of comparison?" Aria says "Crystal prices vary widely depending on their shade, colour, shape and size, a good group will generally fetch several hundred credits, black and white in the thousands...The fee is 1 credit per day per carton." Usrus nods, "Let me ask then: What is the worst case scenario?" Linanna laughs. "That you don't find crystal at all, to hear some of the singers." Usrus grins at Linanna, "Well, yes, but then there's no storage fee either, is there?" Aria nods, "Generally the worst price a crystal can get is 2 or three credits but this is for a badly sized, majorly flawed light low-value colour crystal...with bad shape...rare." Usrus nods at Aria, "What, in general, are the rankings? What colors are at the 'bottom', per se? I know that black is at the top..." Aria smiles, "I will get to that shortly...I would prefer to use another carton though since this one has no variety in notes." Aria carefully repacks 5 crystal(s) into a storage carton to be sorted at another time. Aria smiles up at Usrus, "Would you mind returning this to cargo storage and fetching Shylaran's carton?" Seliantha looks over at Aria, and raises her hand again, more sure this time. Aria nods, "Yes? And you are?" Seliantha says "I am Seliantha. You said that the crystals were in C, and that they wouldn't exactly be good for showing us. Whyso?" Usrus shakes his head, "No, not at all." He turns, steps from the crowd, and makes his way through to the box. He bends at the knee, and lifts, both hands on the grips for the box. Then he turns and steps back, "Shylaran's, you said?" You pick up the carton. Feeling the weight of the carton, you hold onto it securely, protecting the precious cargo. Aria smiles, "It would not be good for showing you waht groups would be possible Aria nods to Usrus. Moving purposefully away from the table you return to the unlimited chaos of the sorting area Main Sorting Movement in the main area is hard, but finally you make it back to the center of the area. You move across the room towards the unsorted crystal storage. Storage Contents: Storage Carton - Fianna Label: More greens. Storage Carton - Dana Label: Fianna's greens, really. :) Storage Carton - Shylaran Label: group4/blue/oct Obvious exits: Hangar Main Sorting The sounds of screaming whining voices is suddenly replaced by silence. You set the carton down with care. You pick up the carton. Feeling the weight of the carton, you hold onto it securely, protecting the precious cargo. You head back out into the chaos of the sorting area. Main Sorting WOW! The people running around in here certainly explains the lack of personnel in the Storage area! You walk toward the nearest and busiest table..taking the business for a good quality sorter. 1st Table Area Contents: Alwin Aria Jayowen Seliantha Kasie Linanna Sorting Table Your approach causes the sorter to look a little panicked. You set the carton down with care. Usrus picks his way through the crowd in sorting to bring back the other carton. This he brings as far as the table, setting it thereupon, to be read by the reader. Aria nods and smiles, "This should be better." Aria opens Storage Carton - Shylaran Label: group4/blue/oct and looks inside. Aria carefully lifts each of the 4 crystals out. She arranges them reverently on the sorting table. Alwin examines the sorting computer. Seliantha examines the sorting computer. Linanna examines the sorting computer. Aria smiles, "Now here we have a set of light blue octagons." Kasie examines the sorting computer. Crystals on table: Aria looks at the table and continues, "The next step is to sort the crystals into groups. All crystals in a group must have the same shape, shade and colour. Size and clarity are variable but the other factors must be constant. The relative values of colours, shapes and sizes depend on the market.", she shows the recruits how to access the 'crystal market' on a nearby terminal, "Shade and Clarity values are independent of the market since a good shade and a good clarity are always valuable." Aria looks up, "The groups of crystals must be one of these groupings: Single Crystal 3 in Sequence do mi so 4 in sequence do mi so do 5 in Sequence and Full Octave. The value of the grouping is evaluated at the level of the worst attributes of the group, so if in a grouping there is a majorly flawed crystal and a tiny crystal for example, the group will be evaluated as if all the crystals were tiny with major flaws. This can lead to a grouping of 3 crystals being worth more than if you add another. It does pay to keep this in mind." Linanna says "Ah....scales and chords?" Kasie raises her hand for a question. Aria nods, "Exactly. Yes...recruit ??" Kasie says "So if a grouping had all larges, but one medium small, they all would be considered medium smalls?" Aria nods, "Exactly...it can sometimes be worth not grouping them in such cases...depending on the differences in sizes in the group." Kasie nods and looks over the crystal market screen again. Aria says "Now these are Blue...which is the worst colour at present, and a light shade which is less valuable...but the sizes are acceptable and the shape pretty good...And of course the clarity is perfect.", she looks down at the crystal and you see a reddish film across her eyes. Jayowen stares at Aria's eyes.... Linanna shivers, looking at Aria's eyes. Aria smiles and blinks again and her eyes appear their normal light green. Alwin says "May I ask what was that?" Usrus muses, "A non-complete adaption, if I can venture a guess? Or, at least, what the Singers call non-complete?" Aria taps her head near her eyes, "This is what makes me a Sorter, my adaption enables me to see into the UV and Infra-red as well as the normal enhanced vision the singers get...I can also see, or maybe perceive is a better word some magnetic fields." Linanna raises her eyebrows. Aria says "My other senses were not augmented however." Jayowen raises a hand. Usrus raises his 'paw' again. :) Aria nods at Usrus, "Yes, though I am perfectly content with my 'incomplete adaption.", she looks at Jayowen, "Yes?" Jayowen says "The symbiont still protects you, though, right?" Aria nods, "The symbiont protects all Heptite Guild Members. And yes, all members can leave the planet under the same restrictions as singers, though generally for shorter periods of time." continue any hobbies or avocations they have previously enjoyed." Aria looks at Usrus, "Yes?" Jayowen says "Thank you." Usrus hms, "Well, from the data I read, it indicates that normally one sense is impaired in response to another being increased. Yet, of the sorters I've met, none seem... deprived, for lack of a better word." Aria shugs, "Not necessarily deprived, merely unenhanced...this vision is not a total blessing however, particularly vibrant personalities are painful to look at...due to the high energy and magnetic fields they put out...It's a Sorter's joke that we see Auras Usrus blinks, "Vibrant personalities actually... vibrate?" Seliantha raises an eyebrow at the interesting comment, and her lips seem to take on a slightly smug smile. Linanna smiles and looks at Kasie. 2010> Trianne has joined this channel. Aria grins, "Glow would be more like it...the more...alive the personality..the brighter the glow...and we avoid looking directly at Singers with high resonance with the higher vision whenever possible." Aria turns back to the table, "So the sorter has to look at all the crystals (list all) and determine and select the best crystals to group. Once the sorter has found a grouping they can evaluate it." Usrus continues, "I hope I'm not disturbing you too much, but what exactly is the augmented vision like. Well, for example, what do you see in augmented vision when you look at a normal person like me?" Usrus coughs, and shakes his head, "Apologies." Linanna smiles at Usrus. Jayowen chuckles. Aria smiles and looks back at the recruits, "We see your normal appearance... but superimposed a sort of glow with colours and patterns and..... it's very difficult to describe to a non sorter." Jayowen says "Color to a blind man?" Aria nods, "That would be a good analogy yes." Usrus hms thoughtfully. "Are there other types of adjustments we should know about?" Aria smiles, "Yes, but they will be covered in other lectures..." 2010> Jayowen says, "To Trianne, you are on the channel." Setting computer scale to A major. Scale set. Valid notes: A B C sharp D E F sharp G sharp A 2010> Trianne says, "So this should work?" 2010> Alwin says, "Yup it does." Bakkar smiles. 2010> Linanna says, "Hello Trianne. Welcome down." Alwin pats Bakkar on the back. Jayowen looks at Bakkar and nods. Aria looks up at the new arrival, then turns her attention back to the crystal. Crystal 1 assigned to note 'do'. Bakkar nods to everyone, looking at what Aria is doing. 2010> Trianne says, "Thanks. Good to be here!" Aria says "Because the scale of A major contains the notes A B C# D etc... (see list group for details) we can assign these crystals to the notes." 2010> Linanna says, "If someone's logging this lecture, please contact Seliantha." Crystal 2 assigned to note 're'. Aria says "So do is A re is B mi is C# fa is D...since they are all the same size and clarity it makes them easy to group as a sequence of four."" Crystal 3 assigned to note 'mi'. Crystal 4 assigned to note 'fa'. Aria says "Once the group is assigned it is evaluated.."" A pleasant voice from the computer says "Evaluating, please wait..." The display on the computer lights up, showing the value 151. Aria nods, "Considering the low value of the colour and the poor shade this is not a bad price." Aria smiles, "Once the group has been evaluated and the grouping meets with the singer's and sorter's approval it is commited. This process continues until all the crystal on the table has been sorted into groups. Any remaining crystals are either sold separately or repacked so that the singer may fill in the gaps. All the assigned groups are then sold." Jayowen raises his hand once more. Aria nods to Jayowen, "Yes?" Jayowen says "It doesn't matter that #3 was a sharp?" Aria nods, "Because the mi note of an A major chord is C sharp that is what I assigned to it." Jayowen says "Thanks. I didn't have music training." Bakkar raises an eyebrow in Jayowen's direction. Remy joins the queue at the table. Remy wanders in quietly, watching. Aria says "For each scale each of the do re mi...etc notes has a note assigned with it..only crystals with those notes will fit into the scale. (list group can be used to see the possible notes)" Linanna smiles up at Remy as he comes in. Bakkar gives a slight smile, looking over at Remy's leg. Remy nods to Aria and smiles. Jayowen smiles at Remy. Aria nods to the incoming singer and smiles. Linanna turns her attention back. Alwin waves to Remy. Aria labels this group of crystals and sets it aside. Total value now: 151. Usrus continues to scratch his head, "That's all right. Not all of us do. I certainly don't understand this 'A', 'B', 'C sharp' stuff. Aria commits the grouping. Kasie grins slightly over at Remy, then turns back to listen to the lecture. Remy moves up to Linanna and stands next to her. Jayowen gives his full attention to Aria. Aria says "Now since that was all that was in the carton this can be sold...if I had changed my mind it is possible to start over or uncommit any of the commited groups." Usrus raises his 'paw' again. :) Aria nods to Usrus, "Yes?" 2010> Alwin grins, "If you can Usrus ask someone to teach you the scales, I can. Usrus says "You mentioned that the sorter and singer have to come to an agreement as to price? Does this happen often? That there's an argument on the matter?" 2010> Alwin says, "If you want." 2010> Usrus says, "Perhaps easier said than done. Because *I* don't know anything about music either. :)" 2010> Jayowen says, "If I don't get full adaptaion, and get lucky enough to be a Sorter, I will take you up on that, Alwin." Aria grins, "Sometimes, Some singers, generally the younger or slightly experienced trust the Sorters to sort their cut on their own, but some, especially the older don't and arguements do occur." 2010> Alwin says, "Its lucky I'm a muscician in RL." 2010> Linanna says, "I can teach scales, too. OOCly. Linanna-the-character probably doesn't know." Usrus nods. "I can't imagine that's a whole lot of fun." Aria smiles ruefully, "Sometimes the Sorter enjoys a good arguement...depending on the resonance level of the Singer." 2010> Remy notes that there are power tools on the MUSH relating to scales. Remy smiles wryly. Alwin laughs loudly. Alwin covers his mouth, "Oops, sorry." Usrus raises his 'paw' again. :) Linanna chuckles quietly to herself. Aria punches in the command to sell the crystal, "As long as it isn't a song you're safe." Remy flinches at the loud sound, and instinctively looks at the table. The voice from the computer says "One moment please..." Total value of crystals is: 151. Taking into consideration the 30% Guild tithe, 105 will be credited to Shylaran's account. The crystal is quickly packed and removed by Heptite Guild workers, as the computer voice says "Transaction complete. Sorting computer reset." Aria nods to Usrus, 'yes?" Linanna looks up at Remy. "You flinched? Can sounds damage crystal or something?" Usrus says "What, exactly, are resonance levels? Do they exist on plateaus? When does it become painful for a non-Singer?" Aria smiles, "Remy would be able to explain this better than me, would you?" Bakkar quietly pays attention. Remy smiles, "I suppose, though I'd not been in contact with heavily resonating Singers before I adapted. Fortunately." Linanna shivers Remy shrugs, "You can pick up resonance on plateaus, or anywhere there's crystal nearby." Remy says "When you're actually cutting, though, you seem to pick it up fastest." Aria nods, "Too much and you have to soak it out....or leave the planet...get too high levels and the medics will stick a hold on you." Remy nods in agreement. Usrus shakes his head, "That's not what I mean." Remy looks at Usrus questioningly. Usrus says "I meant that the words 'resonance level' imply that there are levels of resonance. Ratings, perhaps. What is '1 resonance level'? What is '2 resonance levels'? When does it become dangerous? What are the differences?" Usrus grins, "This comes from getting the wrong information before, you know, Remy." Linanna laughs and grins at Usrus. Aria thinks the medics might have a better idea of exactly WHAT it is...singers only generally know when they're resonating...It's not in discrete levels..and it becomes....dangerous I suppose at about 5...though only the medics can tell you're exact resonance Remy ahhs, understanding. "Afraid you'll have to ask the medic about the precise definition, but from what I've seen and heard when you hit seven you're about at your upper limit." Remy nods to Aria. Bakkar nods, "How do you relieve yourself of such amounts of resonance?" Usrus nods at Bakkar, then adds, "Radiant Baths?" Aria smiles and continues with the lecture, "Sorters get a wage of 10% of the sort (before tithe)...this gives us a good incentive to sort well." Bakkar shrugs, and turns back to Aria. Remy nods back, "The radiant tubs help, and being off planet helps quite a bit as well. Being out of the Ranges themselves helps a little." Usrus nods, "So, for that piece you just sorted, you gained 15 credits, then?" Aria continues, "Another point of interest is special orders, there is a market terminal on level 5 which tells you what orders have come in....If you manage to bring in that order you get a chit from the machine which you take to the sorter, with the grouping. These groupings have to be of perfect clarity though. A bonus is then paid to you on top of what the crystal is worth....I believe the tithe does not apply to this bonus." Aria nods, "Yes." Kasie says "You can start resonating just by flying in the ranges then... *more a coment then a questoin*" Remy nods to Kasie absently, then turns to watch Aria. Aria smiles, "Are there any questions?" Linanna shakes her head. Usrus debates raising his hand, just to give Aria the devil's own time, but doesn't. Linanna grins at Usrus. Aria grins, "Please...if you want to ask something do ask now." Rybol says "I don't have any." Linanna looks at the crystals. "Umm... I did wonder earlier.." Aria nods, "Yes?" Kasie shakes her head... Alwin poders for a few seconds and shakes his head. Linanna says "Is there anything we should be careful of? Like can sounds damage crystals?"" Alwin says "Music can." Aria nods, "Don't sing, hum or play music near crystal...any loud sounds as well you should be wary of...it's most vulnerable when it's raw." Linanna raises an eyebrow. Remy smiles at Linanna, then nods to Aria as he leaves. Remy walks away from the table to the middle of the sorting area Linanna says "Raw?" To Main Sorting, Aria calls out, "did you want something singer?". Aria nods, "Just out of the ranges. Usrus mms, and murmurs to himself. "Didn't think you cooked 'em." He winks. Linanna says "You do something to it to make it less sensitive? Or does it just ... age?" Aria says "It's mostly age I think, but tuning does seem to help." Linanna nods. Linanna says "Thanks." Alwin says "How offten.. or I should say how rare is Black Crystal found?" Aria says "It depends on the singer a lot...generally very rarely...some singers just seem to have the knack though."" Aria taps a few keys on the online terminal, entering search specifications, carefully hiding the movements of her fingers. Aria says "Kevlan 'Galahad' Sharr being the most notable." Usrus nods. Kasie nods... Aria nods, "Any other questions?" Alwin shakes his head. Kasie shakes her head, "None for me." Rybol says "Nope." Bakkar says "If you can stay for a moment, Sorter Aria, I have a few questions after everyone has left." Aria nods, "Very well then...if Bakkar is the only one with questions the rest of you may go...thank you for your attention." Alwin says "Thanks for teaching." Rybol waves, "Thank you ma'am." Rybol walks away from the table to the middle of the sorting area Kasie says "Thank you." Kasie walks away from the table to the middle of the sorting area Alwin walks away from the table to the middle of the sorting area Linanna walks away from the table to the middle of the sorting area Hangar Floor> Linanna walks out of the sorting area into the hangar. Usrus hesistates, curious, "Anything I want to listen to, Bakkar?" Usrus grins. Bakkar sinks his head slightly, and says, "I apologize for being late, there were other things I had to attend to." Bakkar shrugs, and looking over to Usrus, "Not really. Just catching up and asking a few questions." Usrus nods. "See you later, then." Usrus turns on his heel, and steps away. ------------------------------ End of CRYSTAL Digest 25 ************************