The Rearrange
Discworld MUD help files:http://discworld.atuin.net/lpc/playing/documentation.c?path=/concepts/stats
http://discworld.atuin.net/lpc/playing/documentation.c?path=/concepts/bonus
http://discworld.atuin.net/lpc/playing/documentation.c?path=/helpdir/rearrange When you sign up your character, the game gives you a set of personal statistics. To see them, type score stats.
score stats Constitution ... 13 Dexterity ...... 13 Intelligence ... 13 Strength ....... 13 Wisdom ......... 13 Height ......... 180 cm Weight ......... 80.6kgYou can move stat points about with the rearrange command. The minimum stat you can have for any skill is 8, and the maximum is 23. All your stats should add up to a total of 65. You cannot exceed this maximum, although you can rearrange with a total of less1. The advantage of rearrange is that you can manipulate your bonus in various skills to improve your performance in tasks requiring that skill. Two characters with exactly the same levels of skill can enjoy dramatically different success at performing, for example, a spell or a nifty move in a fight, if their rearranged stats - and therefore bonuses - are different. The disadvantage of rearrange is equally profound. You can only perform a rearrange once (without refreshing and starting again from scratch). You can slightly alter your rearrange by one stat point at a time, but it is very expensive process which temporarily damages your health. And you have to wait a considerable length of time before you can move another one. So the sterling advice to wait - until you're very, very sure what sort of character you want to play - before you rearrange your stats cannot be offered too fervently.
Make sure you know what sort of character you want before using the rearrange command.
Deciding on a Rearrange
Of course, knowing what sort of character you want to play, and understanding how that relates to the seven skill trees is, perhaps, another matter. For example, do you simply wish to roam the Disc as a perennial (but stylishly-dressed) hippy drop-out like Sothis, or do you wish to take rugged individualism to ridiculous new lengths like Minimal? For Sothis, good defence skills and a reasonable level of at least one melee skill is sufficient; all other advancement is centred very much on acquiring good language and culture abilities, and various domestic commands like Fix and Leatherwork. For Minimal, however, the fighting tree, along with Health, pretty much covers it. And there are any number of other permutations which may take your fancy. But in every case, you need to know which skills give you the best results in the life you wish to lead.Ways of Viewing the Skill Trees
Typing skills stats in-game will handily show you which stats are used by which skills, and in what quantity. However, the result can be a bit limited, depending on what you have learned so far. For example, Athelain, armed with his rudimentary skills from the Guilds Grove in Pumpkin Town (and using options output skills = list), gets this:skills stats SKILL Stats adventuring.acrobatics.balancing CDDSS adventuring.acrobatics.tumbling CDDSS adventuring.acrobatics.vaulting CDDSS adventuring.direction DDIIW adventuring.evaluating.armour IIIIW adventuring.evaluating.weapons IIIIW adventuring.health CCCCS adventuring.movement.climbing.rock CCDDS adventuring.movement.climbing.rope CCDDS adventuring.movement.climbing.tree CCDDS adventuring.movement.following.evade CCDDS adventuring.movement.following.pursuit CCDDS adventuring.movement.riding.camel CCDDS adventuring.movement.riding.horse CCDDS adventuring.movement.sailing CCDDS adventuring.movement.swimming CCDDS adventuring.perception IIWWW adventuring.points CDISW covert DDDII covert.casing DIIWW covert.hiding DDIIS covert.items DIIII covert.lockpick DDDDI covert.manipulation DDISS covert.points DDIIC covert.stealth DDDIS crafts DDIIW faith ISWWW faith.items IIDWW faith.points IICWW faith.rituals ISWWW fighting CDDSS fighting.defence DDSSW fighting.melee CDDSS fighting.points DSSCC fighting.range DDDSS fighting.special CDSII fighting.unarmed DDSSW magic IIIDW magic.items IIDWW magic.methods IIIDW magic.points IISWW magic.spells IIDWW people.culture.agatean IIIWW people.culture.ankh-morporkian IIIWW people.culture.djelian IIIWW people.culture.ephebian IIIWW people.culture.lancrastian IIIWW people.points CDISW people.teaching.adventuring CDISW people.teaching.covert DDIIC people.teaching.crafts DDIIW people.teaching.faith IICWW people.teaching.fighting CDDSS people.teaching.magic IISWW people.teaching.people CDISW people.trading.buying IIIIW people.trading.selling IIIIW people.trading.valueing.armour IIIIW people.trading.valueing.gems IIIIW people.trading.valueing.jewellery IIIIW people.trading.valueing.weapons IIIIWYou may, of course, refine your query by specifying tree. For example, to view the stat dependencies for the entire fighting skill tree, simply type skills fi stats:
skills fi stats SKILL Stats fighting CDDSS fighting.defence DDSSW fighting.defence.blocking DDSSW fighting.defence.dodging DDDDW fighting.defence.parrying DDDSW fighting.melee CDDSS fighting.melee.axe CDSSS fighting.melee.dagger DDDDS fighting.melee.flail CDDSS fighting.melee.heavy-sword CDSSS fighting.melee.mace CCDSS fighting.melee.misc CDDSS fighting.melee.polearm CCSSS fighting.melee.sword DDDSS fighting.points DSSCC fighting.range DDDSS fighting.range.bow DDSSS fighting.range.fired DDDDS fighting.range.thrown DDDSS fighting.special CDSII fighting.special.mounted CCDDW fighting.special.tactics WWIII fighting.special.unarmed DDIII fighting.special.weapon SDIII fighting.unarmed DDSSW fighting.unarmed.grappling DDSSW fighting.unarmed.striking DDSWWStat dependencies as shown by skills stats are rendered somewhat graphically as groups of five letters. These represent how many fifths of Constitution (C), Dexterity (D), Intelligence (I), Strength (S) and Wisdom (W) are used by each skill, down to the smallest leaf. At this point, you may wish to consult this list of Learned Commands available to all players (and thus to Adventurers). It shows the name of the command, gives a link to the relevant Discworld MUD site helpfile, and tells you the minimum level of which skill you need in order to learn it. After that, simply carry on acquiring more levels of that skill in order to improve. A similar table of Natural Commands is also available. These commands do not require a specific level of skill to use, nor must you learn them first. However, as with Learned Commands, the higher your level of relevant skill, the more success you will enjoy when using them.
The Bonus Computer
Before getting down to the specifics of how to rearrange, allow me to properly introduce you to the single most important website you can explore in your search for the perfect rearrange. The superlative Bonus Computer is currently maintained by Jeanie, and may be found at these addresses: In here, you can try out different rearranges and see what sort of bonus they give you for every skill in every tree. It also, among many other things, handily provides a breakdown of all skills with their stat dependencies under Skill/Stat Relationship. The format is different to the one used in-game by skills stats, and some people may it easier to read. There are also calculators to show you how many XP and HP you will regenerate per heartbeat after using commands or being injured in fights, and how much XP you need to advance a skill. The benefit of this cannot be overrated.This Is It
So, you've trundled about the Disc a bit, trying out various skills and commands, and generally seeing what floats your boat3. You have made extensive use of the magnificent Bonus Computer, safely trying out various rearranges to see which ones will give you the greatest success. On the grounds that you can only rearrange once, and make only small adjustments thereafter, you haven't been afraid to look at some really extreme rearranges - after all, the Bonus Computer is a sandbox, not the Disc itself. Finally, you've probably clocked up at least five days or more of playing time (as shown by typing score, not merely five days since you first logged in) to give yourself a good taste of the Disc and enough skill levels to see how well it's possible to do with the default of thirteen points for each stat. Suitably prepared, you make your way to the office of the nearest Retrophrenologist.You wot?
Yes indeed: until recently4, all one had to do to rearrange was type the command rearrange and follow the instructions. Now, typing the command rearrange gives you this:rearrange You must be in a retrophrenologist's office to rearrange your stats. There are retrophrenologists in various major cities. Rearranging is available to help you define your character and make it unique. Your stats affect how you can do things in the game, and there is no single "best" rearrange. There are five stats: Con, Dex, Int, Str, Wis. You will be able to assign each of them a value between 8 and 23. However, the total number of points accross all stats cannot be higher than 65. You can only fully rearrange your stats once. Do not take this process lightly. While a retrophrenologist can provide minor adjustments afterwards, it will be expensive and require a long recovery period. Before visiting a retrophrenologist, read the helpfile on stats, spend some time playing with your character to get a feel for how things work, and talk to other players. However, do not accept advice from players you do not trust! Be sure that any advice you take is accurate before you rearrange. You do not need to rearrange early in the game, so take time to research and think about your rearrange before seeing a retrophrenologist. Ask your local retrophenologist about a rearrange when you are ready. See also stats, score, skills, bonusWhile this is somewhat inconvenient to those of us who know what we're doing and merely wish to create alts, it is a considerable improvement for total newbies. For one thing, it's more naturalistic, and for another, it means the decision to rearrange can no longer be done on the spur of the moment; the effort of travelling to a specific place to do it means you've got no choice about giving it at least a few minutes' thought. So, where do you find the nearest retrophrenologist5?
- Ankh-Morpork: Zorgo's (as featured below) may be found in Knuckle Passage on the Isle of Gods, 2 NorthWest, 2 West of The Dysk theatre. (See Kefka's map of AM and Boot's detail of the Isle of Gods.)
- Ohulan-Cutash in the Ramtops: 4 West, 1 North, 1 NorthEast, 1 South from the carriage stop. (See Kefka's map of The Ramtops.)
- Djelibeybi: 6 East, 1 NorthEast, 1 East, 1 NorthEast, 1 East, 1 NorthEast, 1 West (or possibly Up) on Ephebe Road from the junction with the Avenue of the Pharoahs outside Ephebe Gate. (See Kefka's map of Djelibeybi, lower right-hand corner.)
- Bes Pelargic: 1 West of the intersection with Tuc Son Alley on Onetwolong Avenue in the Hong Fa district. (See Kefka's map of Bes Pelargic, lower left-hand corner.)
This is the operating room of Zorgo the Retrophrenologist. A large black chair occupies the centre of the room whilst shelves and counters line the north and south walls. The floor is freshly swept, a broom stands in a corner by a pile of what looks like broken crockery. There is a large window on the west wall, next to the back door leading out onto Knuckle Passage. There is a door to the east to the waiting room. There are two obvious exits: east and west. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist is standing here. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist says: Hello Figment, thanks for dropping in. l zorgo Unlike other trolls, Zorgo refrained from becoming a splatter or a bodyguard or another violent member of the Ankh-Morpork community and instead became a retrophrenologist. Like his brethren he gets paid to hit people. Unlike his brethren, people come to him asking to be hit. He is in good shape. He is standing. Holding : a wooden mallet (left hand). Wearing : a leather apron. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist exclaims: I used to talk like Detritus, but I went to see a retrophrenologist in Ohulan. If retrophrenology can make a troll articulate, imagine what it can do for you! You say: I would like to rearrange, please > Zorgo the Retrophrenologist exclaims to you: Oh, you're here for my one-time special? Great! Zorgo the Retrophrenologist feels around on your head. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist says to you: Yes, I can rearrange your bumps a bit, if you're sure you're ready. Remember, this is a one-time deal only! If you want to wait and ask for guidance at any time I won't be offended. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist whispers to you: Say which stat you want to increase or decrease and by how much. For example, if you want to increase your constitution by three points, say "increase con by 3". You can also say "change con to 20" or "set con to 20" if you so desire. Saying "save" or "done" will complete the process while saying "cancel" or "stop" will cancel the procedure. Finally, if you want to start over, you can say "reset" or "restart". Zorgo the Retrophrenologist whispers to you: Con: 8 Dex: 8 Int: 8 Str: 8 Wis: 8 Pool: 25 You say: change strength to 20 > Zorgo the Retrophrenologist massages your head a bit. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist whispers to you: Con: 8 Dex: 8 Int: 8 Str: 20 Wis: 8 Pool: 13 You say: change con to 16 > Zorgo the Retrophrenologist massages your head a bit. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist whispers to you: Con: 16 Dex: 8 Int: 8 Str: 20 Wis: 8 Pool: 5 You say: increase dex by 5 > Zorgo the Retrophrenologist massages your head a bit. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist whispers to you: Con: 16 Dex: 13 Int: 8 Str: 20 Wis: 8 Pool: 0 Zorgo the Retrophrenologist wipes a speck of blood from a hammer. You say: done > Zorgo the Retrophrenologist exclaims: Okay! Zorgo the Retrophrenologist unexpectedly thumps the hammer down hard on your head, blood and bits of hair spray around the room. You lose consciousness. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist asks: All done. That didn't hurt at all, did it? Zorgo the Retrophrenologist pushes your unconscious body off the chair onto the floor. Zorgo the Retrophrenologist loudly exclaims: Next please!Poor Figment.
The Result
As you may have observed, Figment went for an extreme rearrange, going from the defaults of 13 all round, to the following:score stats Constitution ... 16 Dexterity ...... 13 Intelligence ... 8 Strength ....... 20 Wisdom ......... 8 Height ......... 180 cm Weight ......... 95.9kgWhat does this mean? The score command is the quickest way to see the change, since the alterations to Strength and Constitution alone will have changed Figment's number of Hit Points. Before the rearrange, with a mere five levels in four skill trees, Figment's score looked like this:
score You have 500 (500) hit points, 50 (50) guild points, 0 (684) quest points, 2 (1093) achievement points and 50 (50) social points. Your current experience is 20578 and you are level 4 in the Adventurers' Guild; your overall rating is 2304. You have died 0 times and can die 7 times before you are completely dead. Your wimpy is set to 20%. You are unburdened (0%) and quite comfortable. You are neutral, worshipping no god. You are 1 hour, 44 minutes and 29 seconds old and have logged in 3 times.Now, it looks like this:
You have 582 (582) hit points, 50 (50) guild points, 0 (684) quest points, 2 (1093) achievement points and 50 (50) social points. Your current experience is 23233 and you are level 4 in the Adventurers' Guild; your overall rating is 2120. You have died 0 times and can die 7 times before you are completely dead. Your wimpy is set to 20%. You are unburdened (0%) and quite comfortable. You are neutral, worshipping no god. You are 2 hours, 13 minutes and 59 seconds old and have logged in 3 times.Or rather, it did after he recovered from being bashed over the head by a troll with a big hammer. Before that, score stats revealed a rather more tragic picture:
You regain consciousness. You groan. score stats Constitution ... 15 (-1) Dexterity ...... 12 (-1) Intelligence ... 7 (-1) Strength ....... 19 (-1) Wisdom ......... 7 (-1) Height ......... 180 cm Weight ......... 95.9kgNo point in checking one's shiny new bonuses when one is unwell: the minus numbers given in parentheses show the suffering earned by anyone submitting to the tender ministrations of a retrophrenologist. Be warned: in addition to a period of unconsciousness in which you are unable to even get the result of a score command, there is a lengthy wait before your health has recovered to normal levels. (Unless you can find a kindly Pishite to heal you. And on this occasion, Figment would like to express his grateful thanks to Jarkko for services rendered.)
Final Words on Rearrange
So there we have it: virtually everything you could possibly need to know before committing yourself to rearranging your personal statistics. To briefly summarise:- A rearrange is something you may only undertake once. Be very sure you've properly decided on your chosen rearrange before going ahead, because the only way you can do it again is by refreshing.
- The Bonus Computer is an invaluable aid to understanding skills, stats and working out the best rearrange.
- The rearrange command itself changed fundamentally quite recently. Instead of using it as a command, you must now go to a retrophrenologist's office and interact with the NPC. Each stat change request must be prefixed with the "say" command, otherwise, it won't work.
- But only a very strange person would choose not to use all his or her available stat points.
- At the time of writing (April 2010), the Darkmud site is down for the forseeable future, and there seems to be a slight issue with saving cookies on the Irreducible site. The latter will probably be temporary, however, so don't let it put you off. (You might also want to check the security settings on your browser, in case it's being over-zealous in clearing cookies!)
- Figuratively speaking, as boats and other such floating items have yet to be implemented. Poo.
- February 12th 2010, in fact: Retrophrenologists Getting Retrophrenologized!.
- Grateful thanks to Llylia, Aell, Adyton, Stealth, Andrew, Pit and the members of the newbie-channel for their help and advice.
- But, as mentioned elsewhere, beginning your Discworld life in Uberwald is only for the very experienced or the terminally reckless. Consider this another challenge.