The Gods have provided some practical help, advice and material options to aid the long-dormant returning player. What follows is a list of commands to ease the transition process:
Syntax: PROTECTION.
For every quarter you have been dormant, you will be allowed to call upon Divine Protection in an instant - to provide protection from attack (or worse) - should things become dangerous and/or overwhelming; getting in the way of your reawakening and working through the process of re-establishing position, potency and possessions. Use this boon sensibly. Do not abuse it for easy gain. Example: a returnee after four years of dormancy begins with 12 free-and-instant PROTECTION iterations.
Syntax: FIGHTING ON/OFF.
When you return as a long-time re-awoken, you will begin with Divine Protection and whether protected or not, will be shielded from most belligerent activity until you are finished the "transition" phase. This means unless you are in a mutual challenge or duel, or are participating in a combat quest, you will be shielded from unexpected violence. You may wish to dispense with this 'help' and can do so by typing FIGHTING ON. With FIGHTING ON you will be treated like a normal Avalon player, without any special protections. See HELP BLOODLUST.
Syntax: CHALLENGE AVALON.
Those dormant for more than a quarter will gain access to this command - ostensibly of symbolic rather than practical impact, though its use tends to bring about quick response from wise mortals and/or watchful Gods. It is essentially a declaration of intent, made by a returning player, that his or her presence is no accident, nor merely a passing curiosity. It does not state "I shall return" but it says "I intend to see if Avalon today is interesting or challenging enough to gain my presence as a force reborn". It speaks of a sincere hope and states your confidence; it does the equivalent of a FIGHTING ON (providing you have protection calls remaining, if emergency need arises). It tells others who may be considering whether to spend time or resources that it is not a waste to support you; it calls on the Gods to take note of you and - if appropriate - provide options for practical aid during the transitioning period.
NOTE: If you declare FIGHTING ON and then CHALLENGE AVALON - and have used all your calls on Divine Protection (given as a result of long-time dormancy) - you will be saying "I Am Ready" to the world and you will no longer be considered in the "transition" phase. You will re-emerge as a regular Avalonian without special consideration or protections from violence.
Syntax: DISDAIN <person>.
This is the second command, available to dormant returning players, whose usage is symbolic (superficially) but whose consequences in practice tend to be a great deal more. When you DISDAIN another Avalonian you are declaring that this individual has acted towards you in a fashion that would - in the past - have exacted a deadly reply i..e. you would likely have slain the culprit. Think of it as a deferred revenge; a statement of policy; a promise to do unto the person that which will make him/her regret having troubled you in your time of vulnerability. The Gods actively in the land will hear this statement the moment it is made and, in Olympus, it will be registered: for consultation by Gods who might log-in later. Deity reaction is impossible to predict. It is seldom a favourable one, however, as regards the ill-mannered player you single out for such public and clear-cut disdain. Perhaps check out HELP OSTRACISM for an enduring, practical version of DISDAIN.
