Begging is a skill that, other than role play, only really comes into its own during the short period around Halloween when Trick or Treat is active in game. While all characters can receive various forms of candy during this period, and of course all the ‘tricks’, only those with GM begging can get the special decor items.
Initial training in the skill can be bought from gypsy npcs in Trammel or Felucca but not in Ilshenar, to continue training use the skill from the skill list or via a macro and target any npc. Below is an explanation of the spoken responses you may receive. Be aware that the act of begging will lower your karma.
Begging Responses
- I feel sorry for thee… here have a gold coin
- Begging succeeded
- They seem unwilling to give you any money
- Begging failed
- You are too far away…
- Stand closer to the NPC and try again
- Here take this
- Begging succeeded, the target was Heartwood elf – you have been given an item
- There is little chance of getting money from that.
- The NPC has no back pack
Heartwood
Training in Heartwood is somewhat more interesting as Elves have no use for gold, instead they will donate items bearing the label ‘acquired by begging’. These items are:
- Common Items (75% approx)
- Water Pitcher (normal and reversed)
- French Bread
- Lantern
- Uncommon Items (24% approx)
- Pizza
- Bowl of Stew
- Wedge of Cheese
- Bunch of Dates
- Shirt
- Pitcher of Liquor (normal and reversed)
- Rare Items (1% approx)
- Bottle of Wine
- Flower Garland (normal and reversed)
- Bedroll
- Plate of Cookies
- Fishing Pole
- Fish Steak (cooked)
- Turnip
- Sake
The elves of Sanctuary are also willing to give items, but are significantly more difficult to reach. Darius the Wise in Moonglow is also a friendly elf willing to make a donation.
Trick or Treat
Each year since 2006 for a short period saying ‘Trick or Treat’ will give a targeting cursor. Targeting an NPC will give a ‘trick’ or a ‘treat’. Most treats are candy, tricks have varied from year to year but can involve teleportation to a different location, temporary re-coloring of clothing or an ‘evil twin’ stealing your candy.
At this time the usual begging responses are changed for more seasonal ones, including:
TRICK!
That doesn’t appear to have any more candy.
Oooooh, aren’t you cute!!
Want something really special? Of course you do!
Here you go! Enjoy!
All right…This better not spoil your dinner!
Rare items only available to GM beggars have included spider webs, miniature guillotine and iron maiden, skulls on a pike, a skeletal torso and head, a chair in a ghost costume, developers’ heads on spikes. Items that have been added more recently can be found listed here: https://uo.com/wiki/ultima-online-wiki/items/holiday-gifts/halloween-gifts/