Apostatize

Official Information

Apostatize is a REMOVED/No longer available command. This information is provided on a historical basis.

APOSTATIZE
Syntax: Apostatize

This command allows you to self-reform from a following, at the expense
of losing 5 levels from your highest level class.

If your highest class is not the current class, apostatize will first do a
class switch, at the cost of 35,000 gold. It is much less expensive to
switch classes before apostatizing, if possible; however, apostatize will
allow a class switch in instances that would not otherwise be possible.

There are several instances when it won't be possible to self-reform.
Examples include excessive self-reforms, not being high enough level
(dual class), having lost levels yet to regain, or being ordained.

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Apostatize was removed in Version 3.78, checked in on 10/09/01 at 08:12: Version Note Commentary by Tynian: "The apostatize command has been removed from play. There is now no way for a character to leave a following with level loss. Requests for reforms will not be granted by god+, except at our own whim. If you request a god+ reform, the most we are likely to do is post a note to your god that you asked for a reform, despite the fact that god+ doesn't do them. You can be your god's chew toy, as far as I'm concerned.

Note: At some point, automated, broadcast messages were added, so that others were informed of the change in FLI/following relationship (to avoid subterfuge):
You shout (in common), 'I, (Player Name), forsake you and your misguided tenets, (Name of FLI)!'.
You shout (in common), 'Brothers and sisters of (Name of Following), you are my brothers and sisters no longer!'.
You shout (in common), 'I sacrifice these levels in contempt of you and your misguided children!'.

Version Notes Referencing Apostatize:

• Version 3.77a, checked in on 09/23/01 at 23:57: You must not attack or kill other PCs (justly or unjustly) for a time, in order to be able to apostatize. Posted idea.

• Version 3.70b, checked in on 02/11/01 at 13:51: Fixed a serious problem with apostatize working on the non-current class. This opens up a similar exploit that others have used in the past to get extra primary gains (hp, mana, moves). Thanks for pointing this out, Mallard. Apostatize will continue to work if the clas with the highest level isn't the current class; however, it does a class switch to make your highest level primary, and costs 35,000 gold. The moral here is that the command will work, even if you are destitute, or could not otherwise switch classes (current level too low), since I don't think this should prevent you from abandoning a following. It is obviously more expensive to do this than to switch your classes manually, and then apostatize, and having a negative gold balance can be difficult to deal with. Thanks to Wistom and Bledsoe for testing assistance.

• Version 3.69, checked in on 01/29/01 at 13:14: 'apostatize' command added. This command will allow a mortal to reform with level loss, without the assistance from a Greater God+. There are several circumstances in which 'apostatize' will not work, including excessive use, not being high enough level (dual-class), having lost levels to regain, or being ordained. In most circumstances, however, it will be possible to self-reform with level loss. Typing 'apostatize' will give instructions, and whether you are eligible to use the command. I will also add the ability to be able to reform at no cost in the future, if your god is inactive, or under other limited circumstances.

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Prior to its removal, Tynian posted this note on its use:

[ 7] Tynian: On apostatizing
Sun Aug 5 10:01:28 2001
To: all
I've seen and heard a few comments about apostatize. While some of the comments revolve around opinion and personal preference, some of the things that I've heard are based on mistaken assumptions.

Here's how it is supposed to work. If it does not, you have basis to post a bug report.

First, there are some restrictions to apostatize. In particular, it is not possible to apostatize if you previously lost levels that you still need to regain. This includes previous apostatizing. The mana, hit, move loss is a fixed level, which is also regained at that same fixed level. Also, You can only apostatize only once every 6 months. And when you join another following, the FLI is shown how many times you have used the command, and when it was last used.

So, apostatize cannot be used to try to gain "better" levels. It cannot be used if you still have levels to regain. It can't be used more than once every 6 months. And if you join a new following, the god will know that you apostatized from a previous following, and when. If a god accepts someone who has apostatized previously, they accept that person along with the associated risks.

No one has apostatized more than once. Ever. The apostatize command does the same kind of level loss that Greater God+ did prior to the command. We will _not_ go back to Greater God+ doing these. I know I have better things to do with my time.

Can the hp/mana/move loss be increased? Yes, although that gets tricky. The loss rate has been the same for years. Lots of characters have levels to regain still. So, we'd have to keep track of whether you lost hp/mana/move prior to the rate adjustment. This is an error-prone process.

Will other changes be considered? Yes, although 'apostatize' changes does not rank very high in my internal sense of priorities.

Tynian.

Player-Supplied Information

Individuals known to have used Apostatize:
From the Black Conclave: Aries, Uukrul, Doc, Katrana, Kaldred, Themiscrya
From Wisdom: Jazek, Anduin, Blizzard
From the Ash Moon Coven: Matado
From Unity: Lins
From the Dreamwalkers: Yvon