This is purely a cosmetic change, designed to address one of the more common and confusing questions we get on the newbie channel. Brandish is still the command to activate one.

These devices will show up as a 'talisman' as far as their category under Examine, Lore, and related commands.

Over time, we'll make some changes to individual items to further reduce confusion, particularly in low-level areas.

valguarnera@carrionfields.com

Both Drink and Quaff now access the same (smarter) command. You can drink a potion, quaff an ale, or whatever you like. The rules should remain the same for what you can or can't do while defending yourself, gagged, etc.

Helpfiles, the command list, etc. will refer to 'drink' as the usual command for containers, fountains, and potions alike, since it's the more common verb.

I did this one to make sure things shake out correctly, but we may continue doing this sort of thing in the future. The broader goal is to make the command list shorter and more intuitive (*) so a newbie's first few days are less confusing. Having to answer "Why can't I drink a potion?" never comes out well.

valguarnera@carrionfields.com

(*): Does anyone actually use the verb 'quaff'? Seems like one of those things only MUDders would think to try when confronted with a potion.

Only among those with degrees in fairly geeky things, or college geeks. Also generally centers around the D&D table and a keg. "That's ten goblins dead, everyone quaff down a cup!" or "And you find...ta da! A room description! Everyone quaff down a cup!"

Over the next few crash / reboots, you'll see some of your favorite talismans change to 'symbols', 'pendants', 'charms' or other similar nouns, just to further separate the magical brandish-y talismans from the (typically) neckware-ish (former) talismans.

So don't pray about your jade talisman! Accept that it's a jade pendant and move on!

Kastellyn the Devourer of Magic, Lord of Legends