Gimme 5 from 2003-01

Gimme 5 from 2003-01

This Q&A session was originally posted at the now-defunct IanStorm.com .

IanStorm	What changes - if any - can we expect to the stealing skill and anything related to stealing. Any comments on Helios' statement in the recent HoC chat? Will there be stealing power scrolls?
Helios	Yes, power-scrolls for stealing will indeed be found in AOS. As for any changes to the stealing skill itself, I would say that *how* you might be stealing isn’t necessarily as crucial as *what* you might be stealing. Keep a close eye on the AOS FAQ site for details.
IanStorm	There are some wonderful renders and screenshots on the Age of Shadows site. For historical purposes, do renders and very early artwork of the original UO still exist? A lot of players would love to see them!
Kerowyn	Unfortunately, we don't have any early UO renders or artwork that we can share; although, you can find many screenshots from Ultima Online's first year on various fansites and guildsites. It's always fun to look back at those screenshots and marvel at how far UO has come!
IanStorm	A lot of work goes into the game wizard, to provide up to date information for players. What is the process for finding/publishing this information?
Kerowyn	Many of the questions come straight from the players through the in-game help system as well as the Game Wizard's "Ask a Question" feature. The GMs determine the need for articles on a case-by-case basis. If it's a commonly asked question, then an article might be written about it to give players a fast and easy method of finding the answer.
IanStorm	If it is possible, could you explain the ideas that gave birth to the BOD system?
Hanse	The bulk order system was originally created for new players. I thought it would be a good way to encourage them to explore and battle creatures -- the goal being to gather items from the creature's corpse for some reason other than just selling to shopkeepers for gold.
Hanse	Then, I was handed the task of making a new player system for blacksmiths and the backbone of the young player content/quest system (which Helios later revamped to make it applicable to more classes).
Hanse	As I was working with the young blacksmiths content, I was asked to switch the bulk order system over to blacksmiths by Evocare. We decided that a system that requested orders of crafted items whenever a blacksmith sold things would be interesting and immersive. I quickly wrote up the system with young player blacksmiths in mind.
Hanse	It soon became apparent that veteran players would want to take part in the system as well. Since the system was generic enough to work for any blacksmith, I was able to expand upon it to allow orders for the tougher crafted items.
Hanse	We decided that the system might be too limited, even though it was complete. There wasn't enough variety. We brainstormed again and decided on a system that requested orders for items in sets. These orders would be considered "large orders for small orders." The idea behind this was a neat mini-game that veterans could enjoy for a long time, as well a system that would foster trading and community.
Hanse	So, it was a step-by-step process.
IanStorm	Where ingame can I find golems?
Augur	If you’re looking to fight golems, there are several locations to choose from. In Ilshenar, golems can be found at the Exodus Pyramid, which lies near the Gargoyle City in the center of Ilshenar, or in the city of Mistas in the southwest part of Ilshenar, which is controlled by the Juka. You can also find golems in Dungeon Wrong, which is located in both the Trammel and Felucca facets. If you’re looking to make your own golem, you can find the necessary components by defeating golems in the above listed locations, and gathering up enough power crystals, gears, and clockwork assemblies to construct a golem. You’ll need a high tinkering skill and plenty of iron and bronze ingots, but with these components you can craft your own golem which can be commanded just like a pet!