Tabula Rasa (video game) and Utica Community Schools: Difference between pages

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'''Utica Community Schools District (UCS)''' Serves the city of [[Utica, Michigan|Utica]], the [[Shelby Charter Township, Michigan|Charter Township of Shelby]], part of the city of [[Sterling Heights, Michigan|Sterling Heights]], and parts of [[Ray Township, Michigan|Ray]], [[Washington Township, Macomb County, Michigan|Washington]], and [[Macomb Township, Michigan|Macomb]] townships in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Michigan]]. UCS is the second largest school district in the state of Michigan. The District was led by Superintendent Joan C. Sergeant, Ed.D. up until her retirement effective June 30, 2006. She was replaced in the summer of 2006 by Dr. Christine M.Johns. Utica Community Schools provides education for 29,519 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. There are presently 15,305 elementary students, 6,578 junior high students, and 7,636 senior high students.
{{Infobox VG
|title = Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa
|image = [[Image:Tabula Rasa.jpg|256px]]
|developer = [[Destination Games]]
|publisher = [[NCsoft]]
|distributor =
|designer = [[Richard Garriott]]
|engine = In-house, Proprietary
|version = 1.8.4.0 ([[May 19]], [[2008]])
|released = <small><sup>'''[[North America|NA]], [[European Union|EU]]'''</sup></small> [[November 2]], [[2007]]
|genre = [[MMORPG]]
|modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
|ratings = ESRB: T<br />PEGI: 16+
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
|media = [[DVD]], Download
|requirements = '''(Minimum)'''<br />Microsoft Windows XP<br />2.5&nbsp;GHz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent<br />512MB RAM<br />DVD-ROM<br />5GB Available HDD Space<br />ATI Radeon 9600 or NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700 series video card with 128MB of VRAM<br />16-bit sound card<br />Broadband Internet connection<br />DirectX 9.0C<br />
----
'''(Recommended)'''<br />Microsoft Windows Vista/XP<br />3.5&nbsp;GHz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent<br />2GB RAM<br />DVD-ROM<br />5GB Available HDD Space<br />ATI Radeon x1800 or NVIDIA Geforce 7800 series video card<br />16-bit sound card<br />Broadband Internet connection<br />DirectX 9.0C
|input = [[Keyboard (computing)|Keyboard]] and [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]]
}}
{{Update}}
'''''Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa''''' is an [[MMORPG]] from [[NCsoft]], designed in part by some of the creators of ''[[Ultima Online]]'' including [[Richard Garriott]]. The game is an [[computer role-playing game|RPG]] that blends certain [[shooter]] aspects into the combat system. It was officially released to retail on [[November 2]], [[2007]], with customers that pre-ordered the game allowed access to the live servers from [[October 30]], [[2007]]. The game requires a monthly subscription.


Utica community schools operates 29 [[elementary schools]], seven [[junior high schools]], and four [[high schools]]. In addition, the Instructional Resource Center and the Training and Development Center provide additional educational opportunites to the community.
''Tabula Rasa'' is about humanity's last stand against a group of aliens called "The Bane". The story takes place in the near future on two planets, Arieki and Foreas, which will be in a state of constant conflict between the AFS (Allied Free Sentients) and The Bane. The term ''[[tabula rasa]]'' means ''scraped tablet'' or ''clean slate'' in [[Latin]], referring to a fresh start, or starting over.


The Utica Community Schools Administrative Service Center is located at 11303 Greendale Drive, Sterling Heights.
According to the [[video game developer|developers]], the game will include the ability for players to influence the outcome of a war between the player characters and the [[non-player character|NPCs]].


More than 4,500 citizens in Utica Community Schools volunteer nearly 100,000 hours of service to students. Parent-teacher conference participation exceeds 95 percent.
== Development history ==
In the works since May 2001, the game underwent a major revamp two years into the project. Conflicts between developers and the vague direction of the game were said to be the causes of this dramatic change. 25% of the original team were replaced and 75% of the code had to be redone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/tabula-rasa/698217p1.html|title=Tabula Rasa: A Candid Look|accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref> Some staff working on other NCsoft projects were transferred to the ''Tabula Rasa'' development team, including ''City of Heroes''' Community Coordinator April "CuppaJo" Burba. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playtr.com/community/community_news/welcome_recruits.html|title=Welcome Recruits!|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> First re-shown at E3 2005, the game then transformed into the current science fiction setting and look.


The Utica Community Schools channel is seen on Comcast channel 22 and WOW cable channel 15 in Sterling Heights.
===Beta Test===
NCsoft began offering invitations to sign up for a limited [[Software release life cycle#Beta|beta test]] of ''Tabula Rasa'' on [[January 5]] [[2007]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playtr.com/community/community_news/omg_betaz.html|title=OMG Betaz!|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref> which began running on [[May 2]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playtr.com/news/archives/2007/05/closed_beta_tes.html|title=Closed Beta Testing Starts!|accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref> Invitations were initially given out only as contest prizes, but beginning on [[August 8]] several thousand additional invitations were distributed via the websites [[FilePlanet]]<ref>[http://www.fileplanet.com/betas/tabularasa_signup.aspx Limited Play Test]. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.</ref> and [[Eurogamer]].<ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=81061 Closed beta keys]. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.</ref> The [[non-disclosure agreement]] for the beta test was lifted on [[September 5]] and the test ended on [[October 26]] with a themed event in which players were invited to attempt to kill the character General British, played by game creator Richard Garriott.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playtr.com/news/latest_news/the_tabula_rasa_end_of_beta_event.html|title=The Tabula Rasa End of Beta Event|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>


=== Bonus Items ===
==High Schools==
'''[[Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Sterling Heights, Michigan)|Adlai E. Stevenson High School]]'''<br/>
Two pre-order bonus packs were available on [[NCSoft]]'s PlayNC website, one for Europe and one for the [[United States]]. The European pack is sold for [[EUR]]€4.99, the US pack for [[United States dollar|USD]]$4.99 in addition to buying the full retail version of the game for $49.99. Other than currency and which pack goes with which retail version (the European preorder will only be valid with the European release of the game, similarly for the US version), the packs are functionally identical, containing:
'''Home of the Titans'''<br/>
2007-08 Enrollment: 2,071<br/>
Principal: Jerry Willis<br/>
39701 Dodge Park Road<br/>
[[Sterling Heights, Michigan]] 48313


'''[[Dwight D. Eisenhower High School]]'''<br/>
* A serial code for unlocking bonus in-game content and beta access (once pre-order customers are able to enter into the beta)
'''Home of the Eagles'''<br/>
* Exclusive Shell Bot or Pine-Ock non-combat pets, one per character
2007-08 Enrollment: 2,094<br/>
* Two exclusive character emotes
Principal: Gloria Bawol<br/>
* Three day head-start on the live servers
6500 25 Mile Road<br/>
[[Shelby Charter Township, Michigan]] 48316


'''[[Henry Ford II High School]]'''<br/>
For the retail release, a standard version and a collector's edition were released. Both contain the client and an account key with 30 days of included playtime, however the Collector's edition shipped with a number of bonus items including:
'''Home of the Falcons'''<br/>
2007-08 Enrollment: 1,972<br/>
Principal: Steven Beyer<br/>
11911 Clinton River Road<br/>
[[Sterling Heights, Michigan]] 48313


'''[[Utica High School]]'''<br/>
* A full colour game manual containing concept art
'''Home of the Chieftains'''<br/>
* A letter briefing from General British
2007-08 Enrollment: 1,375<br/>
* A map pack displaying the various game regions
Principal: Janet Jones<br/>
* An AFS Challenge Coin and set of Tabula Rasa Dog Tags
47255 Shelby Road<br/>
* Fold out "Black Ops" poster
[[Utica, Michigan]] 48317
* "Making of" Tabula Rasa DVD
* 3 exclusive in-game items granted by the Collector's edition key only: The Boo Bot, a summonable non-combat pet; a set of 4 unique amour paints; and a unique character emote.


== Background ==
==Junior High Schools==
'''Bemis Junior High'''<br/>
There once was an advanced alien species known as the Eloh. They freely shared the knowledge of Logos, the power to convert between matter and energy with just the mind, to less advanced races. One of these less advanced races, the Thrax, used this power to wage war against the Eloh, a war which the Eloh won but at a great cost. This led to a great divide in the Eloh. One faction wanted to keep on spreading the knowledge as they had before. The other, called the Neph, sought to control the development of "lesser races" as to ensure they, the Neph, would always be the superior species. This inner conflict led the Neph faction to leave the Eloh and seek other allies, among them the defeated Thrax, this species along with others joined to form the Bane, which now exists under the control of the Neph.
'''Home of the Spartans'''<br/>
2008-09 Enrollment: 1 <br/>
Principal: Joyce Spade<br/>
12500 Nineteen Mile<br/>
Sterling Heights, MI 48313


'''Davis Junior High'''<br/>
As one of their first acts, they attacked the Eloh world, the surviving Eloh fled and were scattered among the worlds they had previously visited. The Bane attacked Earth sometime in our near future. Humanity was hopelessly outmatched and the majority was completely wiped out. Luckily the Eloh had left behind some of their technology that had the ability to make wormholes to other worlds. There, humans found other species doing the same thing they had, fighting against the Bane just to survive. They banded together to form the Army of the Allied Free Sentients to fight against the Bane with their lives on the line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playtr.com/features/backstory_tabularasa.html|title=Backstory - Clean Slate|accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref><ref name="cgonline">{{cite web|url=http://www.cgonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=685&Itemid=1&mosmsg=Thanks+for+your+vote%21|title=Tabula Rasa Interview|accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref><ref name="gamealmighty"/>
'''Home of the Raiders'''<br/>
2008-09 Enrollment: 2 <br/>
Principal: Steve Bernier <br/>
11311 Plumbrook Road <br/>
Sterling Heights, MI 48312


'''Eppler Junior High'''<br/>
According to information from the game's manual, it's been roughly 5 years since Earth was attacked. While a high priority for the AFS to return and reclaim the planet, the current fate of Earth is unknown within the current storyline.
'''Home of the Chieftains'''<br/>
2008-09 Enrollment: 1 <br/>
Principal: Stephen Pfannes <br/>
45461 Brownell <br/>
Utica, MI 48317


'''Heritage Junior High'''<br/>
The female hero seen in the intro video and the boxshot is named Sarah Morrison.
'''Home of the Hornets'''<br/>
2008-09 Enrollment: 0 <br/>
Principal: Linda Hall<br/>
37400 Dodge Park Rd.<br/>
Sterling Heights, MI 48312


'''Jeannette Junior High'''<br/>
== Gameplay ==
'''Home of the Patriots'''<br/>
=== Combat ===
2007-08 Enrollment: 0 <br/>
The combat mixes in some aspects from shooters to add some real time action elements to the game. It still is not an outright shooter and features sticky targeting and has dice rolling based on character stats underneath. Stickiness can be adjusted to fit the preference of the player. Some weapons like the shotgun don't use the sticky targeting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tr-en.curse-gaming.com/wiki/tabula-rasa-hands-on/|title=Tabula Rasa Hands On|accessdate=2007-06-10}}</ref> In addition to a hit-miss system, Tabula Rasa adjusts the damage based on the situation. Real-time factors like weapon type, ammo type, stance, cover, and movement are taken into account. The enemies are reported to have AI that will try to take advantage of the terrain, their numbers, and will try to flank the players. All this mix of system based combat and realtime movement and physics system creates a gameplay which encourages the player to think tactically; i.e. to take cover behind a pillar to get some time to reload the weapon while the enemies are getting into position again.<ref name="w00t radio">w00t Radio CuppaJo Interview 2007-01-17</ref>
Principal: Robyne Thompson<br/>
40400 Gulliver Drive<br/>
Sterling Heights, MI 48310


'''[[Malow Junior High School]]'''<br/>
=== Missions & storytelling ===
'''Home of the Mustangs'''<br/>
Missions will be given out by NPCs but will not be static. What missions are available and even the access to the NPCs themselves are subject to how the battlefield is going. Some may be specific to control points that the player will need to reclaim from the Bane to gain access again.
2007-08 Enrollment: 0 <br/>
Missions are also to have multiple options to take. One example is destroying a dam to stop Bane forces that will also demolish a local village. A player can choose to just destroy or try to warn the village beforehand risking further advances by the Bane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/tabula-rasa/794032p1.html|title=Tabula Rasa Hands-on|accessdate=2007-06-10}}</ref> Referred to as "ethical parables" they are to make up about 20% of all missions.<ref name=Warcry>{{cite web|url=http://tr.warcry.com/forums/read/191.42678|title=Hands-On Preview, Interview with Richard Garriott|accessdate=2007-06-10}}</ref> The missions the player chooses to do and the choices made during them will change the way certain NPCs treat the player's character.
Principal: Robert Hock<br/>
Some missions will deliver the player's character to private instanced spaces. One design goal of the game is to use instanced spaces to create in-depth storytelling, with puzzles, traps, and NPCs, that would be more difficult in shared spaces.
6400 25 Mile Road <br/>
Some missions will be ethically challenging. The players will have to chose from different points of view and it can alter their future progress. "''Ethical and moral dilemmas are something we definitely wanted to incorporate into the design of Tabula Rasa from the very start. The entire goal is to give you pause and allow you to think about the choices that they make in order to accomplish a mission.''"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/765/765698p1.html|title=An Audience with Lord British|accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2007/02/interview_with_richard_and_robert_garriott_about_tabula_rasa_massively_multiplayer_online_games_and_taking_on_world_of_warcraft.html|title=Interview With Richard and Robert Garriott About Tabula Rasa, Massively Multiplayer Online Games, And Taking On World of Warcraft|accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref>
Shelby Township, MI 48316
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Logossymbolscreenshot.png.png|thumb|right|250px|Example of Logos symbols in game]] -->


'''Shelby Junior High'''<br/>
=== Logos ===
'''Home of the Wildcats'''<br/>
Logos is a [[Pictograph|pictographic language]] left behind by the Eloh to be understood by other races. As players go through the game, they will gain Logos symbols to add to their Logos tablet, a blank slate, and begin to learn the language found throughout the game and gain special powers. Logos can be considered the equivalent of [[magic]] for Tabula Rasa, inasmuch as magic allows for incredible, otherwise unexplained acts; however, the logos are shown to be an extension of a scientific process developed by the Eloh.<ref>Taken from the Collector's edition version of the game manual.</ref> Players can improve these abilities and the upgraded versions can add new tactical uses. Some are universal while others are class specific. Some examples range from lightning bolt attacks, sprinting, reinforcements, and poison type powers.<ref name="cgonline"/><ref name="gamealmighty">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamealmighty.com/game-preview-individual/preview/Tabula_Rasa_Exclusive_Preview/|title=Tabula Rasa Almighty Preview|accessdate=2007-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/canvases/gd/_a/interview-richard-lord-british-garriott/20070228143009990001|title=Interview: Richard "Lord British" Garriott|accessdate=2007-03-05}}</ref> These are very hard to find, being hidden throughout Tabula Rasa.
2007-08 Enrollment: 0<br/>
Principal: Mrs.Hottness <br/>
51700 Van Dyke<br/>
Shelby Township, MI 48316


==Elementary schools==
== Character creation ==
Utica Community Schools has a total of 29 Elementary Schools, each of which serve Kindergarten-6th Grade
Tabula Rasa has a tree [[character class]] system. Everyone starts out as first "tier" (branch) Recruit and as they progress they will be able to branch out. The second "tier" includes the Soldier and Specialist, which in turn have two subclasses of their own each. There are currently a total of 4 tiers.


'''Beacon Tree Elementary'''<br/>'''Home of the All Stars'''<br/>Principal: Gail Clor<br/>55885 Schoenherr<br/>Shelby Township, MI 48315
Tabula Rasa also has a [[cloning]] function at each tier. It works like a [[saved game|save]] function for characters at the branching point and allows the player to try out the other branch without having to repeat the first several [[Level (computer and video games)|levels]].<ref name="w00t radio" />


'''Bruce Collins Elementary'''<br/>'''Home of the Collins Cubs'''<br/>Principal: Bradley Suggs<br/>12900 Grand Haven<br/>Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Introduced in patch 1.4.6 were the [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] characters. These are humans who have had their DNA blended with either Thrax, Forean or Brann DNA to produce different stats and bonuses to the character. Only full humans are available at the beginning, with the hybrid DNA becoming available via quest chains during play which in turn unlocks the ability to create hybrids on that server at the creation screen, or via cloning.


'''Dresden Elementary'''<br/>'''Home of the Dresden Dragons'''<br/>Principal: Michele VanDeKerkhove<br/>11400 Delvin Drive<br/>Sterling Heights, MI 48314
The tiers and their respective classes are as follows:


'''Ebeling Elementary'''<br/>'''Home of the Ebeling Eagles'''<br/>Principal: Brandon Manzella<br/>15970 Haverhill<br/>Macomb, MI 48044
===Tier 1===
'''Recruit'''


'''Havel Elementary'''<br/>'''Home of the Havel Hawks'''<br/>Principal: Kathleen S. Chuminatto<br/>41855 Schoenherr<br/>Sterling Heights, MI 48313
The starting class for all TR players, the recruit operates as a generalized form of all subsequent classes in the game, operating with the most basic skills utilizing rudimentary weaponry and armor. All recruits are introduced into the use of logos and receive a long-range lightning attack, receive basic training for use of rudimentary firearms, including shotguns, pistols, and rifles, and are trained in hand-to-hand combat.


'''Magahay Elementary'''<br/>Principal: Steve Slancik<br/>44700 Oleander<br/>Sterling Heights, MI 48313
===Tier 2===
'''Soldier'''


'''Wiley Elementary'''<br/>'''Home of the Wiley Coyotes'''<br/>Principal: Chris Cassin<br/>47240 Shelby Road<br/>Shelby TWP, MI 48317<br/>
The introductory class for the Combat Arm of the AFS, the soldier hones the elementary offensive skills of the recruit while developing combat techniques that will be used in later classes. Soldiers make use of reflective armor, machine guns, and shrapnel while developing a special "rage" technique.


'''Roberts Elementary'''<br/>'''Home of the Roberts Whalers''' <br/>Principal:Christine Ferber<br/>2400 Belle View<br/>Shelby Township, MI 48316
'''Specialist'''
Walsh Elementary(Frank)How do you do
I see youve met my faithful handyman
The specialist is the starting class for the support line, and makes use of many tools and techniques that supplement the harder-hitting combat line of troops. Specialists receive the ability to heal and resuscitate allies while sapping life from the enemies with a leech gun. Specialists also make use of hazmat armor that allows them greater survivability against virulent, incendiary, cryogenic and energy attacks in comparison to soldiers.
Hes a little brought downBecause when you knocked
He thought you were the candyman Don't get freaky
Dont get strung out by the way I look
Dont judge a book by its cover
Im not much of a man By the light of day
But by night Im one hell of a lover


Im just a sweet transvestite
===Tier 3 (Soldier)===
From transsexual transylvania
'''Commando'''


Let me show you around
The heavy-hitter of the two Tier 3 Combat Classes, the Commando specializes in being able to dispense and absorb high amounts of damage in close-quarters combat through the use of specialized graviton armor and heavy duty weaponry, such as a rocket and grenade launchers.
Maybe play you a sound
You look like youre both pretty groovy
Or if you like something visual
Thats not too abysmal
We could take you in an old Steve Reeves movie


(Brad)
'''Ranger'''
Im glad we caught you at home
Ah - could we use your phone
Were both in a bit of a hurry
Well just say where we are Then go back to the car
We dont want to be any worry


(Frank)
The second of the two Tier 3 Combat Classes, the Ranger is adept in stealth and distance fighting, relying on more precise and subversive combat techniques rather than brute force. The Ranger utilizes stealth armor and a number of support based abilities, such as calling in for an airstrike.
You got caught with a flat
Well how about that
Well babies dont you panic
By the light of the night
Itll all seem alright
Ill get you a satanic mechanic
Im just a sweet transvestite
From transsexual transylvania
Why dontcha stay for the night - night
Or maybe a bite - bite
I could show you my favorite obsession
Ive been making a man With blond hair and a tan
And hes good for reliving my tension
Im just a sweet transvestite
From transsexual transylvania
Im just a sweet transvestite From transsexual transylvania


So come up to the lab And see whats on the slab
===Tier 3 (Specialist)===
I see you shiver with antici.....pation
'''Sapper'''
But maybe the rain Is really to blame
So Ill remove the cause But not the symtom


This Tier 3 Specialist Class leans towards mastering mechanics and robotics, and is capable of disarming or recalibrating enemy defenses in order to serve the AFS, as well as utilizing micromechanics to create explosives that can greatly turn the tide of battle. Sappers are trained in the use of heavy Mech armor. Their weapons training focuses on polarity guns, a somewhat unique weapon that builds up a charge while firing and delivers the stored charge when the trigger is released as a follow up attack.


Nobody has written to you since 2004? You better just give it up and find a real job.
'''Biotechnician'''


DevilJoe 30/1
Where the Sapper specializes in mechanics and robotics, the Biotechnician instead focuses on using powers, armor and weaponry suited to both combating and dispersing attacks of virulent, psychic and biological nature. The Biotechnician is also the first support class to gain use of a healing power. They are trained to use injector guns, which can bypass a targets armor and damage their health directly.


== External links ==
===Tier 4 (Soldier - Commando)===
*[http://www.uticak12.org District's Website]
'''Grenadier'''


[[Category:School districts in Michigan]]
One of the 2 sub-classes of the commando, the job of the grenadier is to inflict as much damage as possible onto the enemy and keep them on the run. Using several offensive logos abilities, grenadiers are trained in the use of propellant guns, which are essentially a type of flamethrower weapon, but come in several different varieties. Their signature ability is ''Concussive Wave'', an area of effect attack that throws hostile forces to the ground.

'''Guardian'''

The second of the commando sub-classes, the guardian is similar to the grenadier in the role of dealing out damage, however their logos abilities focus on defense rather than attack. Their job is to go in first, dig in to a location, and hold the line against enemy forces. Guardians gain the ability to use staff weapons, which provide both powerful [[melee]] strikes and short ranged attacks. Their signature ability is ''Shield Wave'' that encases themselves and party members in an energy bubble for extra protection.

===Tier 4 (Soldier - Ranger)===
'''Spy'''

The first of the ranger sub-classes, spies gain the ability to change the allegiance of enemies and to infiltrate enemy forces without being detected. Used for a deception and espionage role, they are trained in the use of blades, making them along with the guardian, a strong close-quarters combatant. Their signature ability is ''Cloak Wave'', which decreases the distance at which hostile forces will notice spies and their nearby squadmates.

'''Sniper'''

The second of the ranger sub-classes, the sniper is a long range combatant. They are used to assassinate and eliminate enemies before they can get near their position and to thin out the numbers for the more close-quarter classes. To achieve this, snipers are trained in the use of Torqueshell Rifles (TSRs). Their signature ability is ''Crit Wave'', which gives an increase to the chance of scoring a critical hit against a target.

===Tier 4 (Specialist - Sapper)===
'''Engineer'''

One of the specializations of the sapper branch, the engineer is able to deploy turrets and traps, and can create robotic combat companions. The engineer focuses on versatility and defense. Engineers can also cause malfunctions in machines and jam weapons. Their signature ability is the ''Base Wave'', decreasing any damage taken and increasing the regeneration of body armor.

'''Demolitionist'''

The ones that can damage many enemies at once, Demolitionists excel against large groups of enemies. They have access to bombs and launchers, and can self-destruct to damage a very wide area of enemies. Their controlled fission ability lets targets blow up, and with explosive nanites they augment other sources of damage. Their signature ability is the ''Explosive Wave''.

===Tier 4 (Specialist - Biotechnician)===
'''Medic'''

Being a pretty pure support class, the medic concentrates on augmenting and improving a group's capabilities. He can grant others or himself immunity from certain damage types, cause insanity among enemy ranks, leech an opponent's health (benefiting the whole group of the medic) and increase squadmates' regeneration and health with his signature ability, ''Regeneration Wave''.

'''Exobiologist'''

A science fiction version of a [[necromancer]], the Exobiologist concentrates on alien physiology. He can create battle-capable clones of himself, reanimate or explode corpses and use dead enemies as fertile ground for healing plants. His signature ability is the ''Reanimation Wave'', which reanimates all the enemy corpses in his vicinity.

== Dynamic battlefield ==
AFS and Bane forces are in constant battle with NPC forces warring over control points and bases. Which side controls these areas greatly impacts the players. Losing one of these to the Bane means that the respawn hospital, waypoints, shops, NPCs access, and base defenses are lost and turned to the Bane's advantage.<ref>GDC 2007 Tabula Rasa Demonstration 2007-01-17</ref> Players are able to help NPC assaults to take over bases or defend ones under attack. Control of these points is meant to change back and forth commonly even without player involvement, although the current implementation rarely lets the Bane muster enough forces to invade a control point during peak player times. The Control Point System is one of the main gameplay features. Players that are fighting to defend or capture a CP get Prestige points which they can trade in for item-upgrades, experience boosters, a reset of either their attributes or their learned abilities or the purchase of superior or rare equipment at grey market vendors. Prestige can also be earned by defeating bosses, looting rare items, getting the max XP multiplier and by completing special missions. Later in the game, Control points become more and more important to the players, as they are necessary to be either in Bane or AFS hands to accept or complete certain missions and they become the centerpoint of most of the later maps.<ref name=Warcry>Hands-On Preview, Interview with Richard Garriott</ref>

== Wargames (PvP) ==
PvP ([[Player versus player]]) in Tabula Rasa is voluntary. As it stands, there are two main modes of PvP combat.
*Wargame duels, commonly known as duels. These are initiated by challenging a player by targeting and using the radial menu. The challenged player must then consent. The wargame is over when one player dies, or when the two players are too far from each other, or one leaves the zone. These impromptu duels can be held between two players, two squads (groups), or a player against a squad.
*Wargame feuds, commonly known as clan wars. These can only be fought by clans who have chosen to be a PvP clan (done during clan creation). Only a clan's leader can initiate or cancel a clan feud, and the request must be accepted by the challenged clan's leader. A clan war lasts 7 real-time days, during which players can fight each other without requesting consent first. During the war, kills are tallied and displayed in the players' wargame trackers. The clan with the most kills at the end of the war wins the feud. Kills are only counted if the players are within 5 levels of each other, though players of any level can fight each other.

== Upcoming features ==
*At level 40, characters will be able to train to use Personal Armor Units (PAUs), assistants which give the character improved characteristics such as movement or firepower. The PAU's exact bonuses depend on the character's Tier 4 class.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.rgtr.com/community/community_news/elder_game.html Community News: Elder Game]</ref><ref name="pauqa">[http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/14711 Personal Armor Unit Q&A with Starr Long]</ref>
*Flashpoints, PvP instances with rewards.<ref name="pauqa" />
*Several [[instance dungeon]]s
**Howling Death Burrow, a ruins-themed area in Howling Maw; missions are already available.
**Section 5: Omega Labs, likely a research facility-themed area in Abyss; an early version of the map can be seen in the atlas.
*Command Opportunities will allow players to control a squad of customizable NPCs<ref name=autogenerated1 />
*Clan Owned Control Points<ref name="rgtr.com Feedback Friday">[http://www.rgtr.com/community/community_news/feedback_friday_22908.html/ Official Tabula Rasa Feedback Friday]</ref>
*Wargame Control Point PvP in which players will side with either the Red or Blue team. On each side of the battlefield will stand a control point. The first team who loses their control point will be the losers of the match. The losers will then be imprisoned for a few moments of humlitation and ridicule before the next match begins.<ref>[http://www.rgtr.com/news/latest_news/feedback_friday_5302008.html Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa® - Feedback Friday 5/30/2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

== Philosophical Implications ==

In addition to its advocacy of space exploration, ''Tabula Rasa'' is rich in science-related metaphors of transcendence. This is especially true in the Logos language, which is based on the hypothesis of [[Platonic idealism]] that physical reality is a reflection of a higher conceptual truth. Long before Plato developed this perspective, the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus employed the term [[Logos]] to refer to the fundamental order of the universe, which he considered to be a set of concepts that could be discerned by an enlightened human mind. Classical Greek thinking in this area blended scientific with mystical motivations, but we can see the beginnings of modern science in the view of [[Pythagoreanism]] that the ideas on which the universe was based are largely mathematical in nature. Thus it is revealing that whenever a character in ''Tabula Rasa'' gains a new Logos, the rotating image that traditionally represents the concept ''phi'' appears.

''Phi'' is a mathematical concept, also called the [[Golden ratio]], expressed as an irrational number, approximately 1.6180339887... but extending to an infinite number of decimal places. In some respects, therefore, it is comparable to the much better known irrational number, ''pi'' (3.14159265358979...). ''Phi'' can be generated mathematically in a number of ways, but among the most often cited is the ratio of two adjacent integers in a Fibonacci series, such as 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21... in which each later integer is the sum of its two prececessors. As the intergers get larger, the ratio approaches ever closer to ''Phi'', but can only equal ''Phi'' at infinity. ''Phi'' has been used extensively in both the arts and in mystical speculations for more than two thousand years. As a metaphor, it suggests that the universe may contain hidden meaning that harmonizes with human hopes, perceptions, and advanced philosophies.

== Reception ==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; float:right; text-align:center; width:25%; margin: 5px;"
|-
|+'''Reviews'''
|-{{Unicode|}}
!style="background:#ddddee;" | Publication
!style="background:#ddddee;" | Score
|-
|''[[GameSpy]]''
|4/5
|-
|''[[X-Play]]'' {{Fact|date=February 2008}}
|4/5
|-
|''[[Eurogamer]]''
|8/10
|-
|''[[GameZone]]''<ref>[http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21955.htm Tabula Rasa Review - PC<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|8.6/10
|-
|''[[Cheat Code Central]]'' <ref>[http://www.cheatcc.com/pc/rev/tabularasareview.html Tabula Rasa Review for PC<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|4.2/5
|-
|''[[Game Revolution]]'' <ref>[http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/pc/tabula_rasa Tabula Rasa review for the PC<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
|C+
|-
|''[[GameSpot]]''
|7.5/10
|-
|''[[IGN]]'' <ref>[http://pc.ign.com/articles/836/836932p1.html Tabula Rasa review for the PC]</ref>
|7.5/10
|}

Publications started to release reviews mainly after [[15 November]], [[2007]], 2 weeks after the game's launch, although over a dozen wrote previews based on betas and the 3-day head start for those who pre-ordered.<ref>[http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/516716.asp Tabula Rasa Reviews<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

*[[GameSpy]] gave the game 4 stars out of 5. Outlining that the game's innovative combat system succeeded in redefining MMO combat, and regarded it as one of the most appealing features. Negatives were the obscure and often counterproductive crafting system, a lack of a central trading hub at the initial release and bugs involving general gameplay and reports of memory leaks.<ref>[http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/tabula-rasa/834278p1.html GameSpy: Tabula Rasa Review<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/tabula-rasa/833841p1.html GameSpy: Tabula Rasa Pile-on<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.playtr.com/community/community_news/operation_0_fair_trade.html Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa®<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

*[[Eurogamer]] gave the game 8 out of 10. The review gave praise to the daring to be different approach to combat and to the class/cloning system allowing players the opportunity for experimenting easily with which career path they choose. On the negative side, the crafting system and lack of an auction house were singled out. Though technical problems were also mentioned, the review notes that a recent patch corrected many of the problems they experienced with the game in that regards.<ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=87621&page=1 Tabula Rasa Review // PC /// Eurogamer<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

It should be noted that the game has evolved since the initial reviews went to press. For example, an auction system known as Military Surplus (which functions as an ingame auction house) was introduced in a downloadable patch.

==Similar Games==
*[[Anarchy Online]]
*[[Eve Online]]
*[[Starport: Galactic Empires]]
*[[Star Trek Online]]
*[[Star Wars Galaxies]]

== References ==
{{citation style}}
<!--See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the <ref> and </ref> tags and the tag below -->
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.rgtr.com/ Official ''Tabula Rasa'' website]
** [http://www.rgtr.com/community/fansites/index.html List of fansites]
* [http://www.ncsoft.net/global/gamenservice/playncgames.aspx?game=TR ''Tabula Rasa''] at [[NCsoft]]'s main website
* [http://www.plaync.com/us/games/tr/ ''Tabula Rasa''] at [[NCsoft]]'s PlayNC website, with option to purchase.
* [ftp://ftp.playtr.com/ ''Tabula Rasa'''s official FTP server], with game client, manual and some media.

[[Category:NCsoft]]
[[Category:2007 video games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]

[[de:Tabula Rasa (Computerspiel)]]
[[fr:Tabula Rasa (jeu vidéo)]]
[[it:Tabula Rasa]]
[[ru:Tabula Rasa (игра)]]

Revision as of 23:32, 12 October 2008

Utica Community Schools District (UCS) Serves the city of Utica, the Charter Township of Shelby, part of the city of Sterling Heights, and parts of Ray, Washington, and Macomb townships in the U.S. state of Michigan. UCS is the second largest school district in the state of Michigan. The District was led by Superintendent Joan C. Sergeant, Ed.D. up until her retirement effective June 30, 2006. She was replaced in the summer of 2006 by Dr. Christine M.Johns. Utica Community Schools provides education for 29,519 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. There are presently 15,305 elementary students, 6,578 junior high students, and 7,636 senior high students.

Utica community schools operates 29 elementary schools, seven junior high schools, and four high schools. In addition, the Instructional Resource Center and the Training and Development Center provide additional educational opportunites to the community.

The Utica Community Schools Administrative Service Center is located at 11303 Greendale Drive, Sterling Heights.

More than 4,500 citizens in Utica Community Schools volunteer nearly 100,000 hours of service to students. Parent-teacher conference participation exceeds 95 percent.

The Utica Community Schools channel is seen on Comcast channel 22 and WOW cable channel 15 in Sterling Heights.

High Schools

Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Home of the Titans
2007-08 Enrollment: 2,071
Principal: Jerry Willis
39701 Dodge Park Road
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313

Dwight D. Eisenhower High School
Home of the Eagles
2007-08 Enrollment: 2,094
Principal: Gloria Bawol
6500 25 Mile Road
Shelby Charter Township, Michigan 48316

Henry Ford II High School
Home of the Falcons
2007-08 Enrollment: 1,972
Principal: Steven Beyer
11911 Clinton River Road
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313

Utica High School
Home of the Chieftains
2007-08 Enrollment: 1,375
Principal: Janet Jones
47255 Shelby Road
Utica, Michigan 48317

Junior High Schools

Bemis Junior High
Home of the Spartans
2008-09 Enrollment: 1
Principal: Joyce Spade
12500 Nineteen Mile
Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Davis Junior High
Home of the Raiders
2008-09 Enrollment: 2
Principal: Steve Bernier
11311 Plumbrook Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48312

Eppler Junior High
Home of the Chieftains
2008-09 Enrollment: 1
Principal: Stephen Pfannes
45461 Brownell
Utica, MI 48317

Heritage Junior High
Home of the Hornets
2008-09 Enrollment: 0
Principal: Linda Hall
37400 Dodge Park Rd.
Sterling Heights, MI 48312

Jeannette Junior High
Home of the Patriots
2007-08 Enrollment: 0
Principal: Robyne Thompson
40400 Gulliver Drive
Sterling Heights, MI 48310

Malow Junior High School
Home of the Mustangs
2007-08 Enrollment: 0
Principal: Robert Hock
6400 25 Mile Road
Shelby Township, MI 48316

Shelby Junior High
Home of the Wildcats
2007-08 Enrollment: 0
Principal: Mrs.Hottness
51700 Van Dyke
Shelby Township, MI 48316

Elementary schools

Utica Community Schools has a total of 29 Elementary Schools, each of which serve Kindergarten-6th Grade

Beacon Tree Elementary
Home of the All Stars
Principal: Gail Clor
55885 Schoenherr
Shelby Township, MI 48315

Bruce Collins Elementary
Home of the Collins Cubs
Principal: Bradley Suggs
12900 Grand Haven
Sterling Heights, MI 48312

Dresden Elementary
Home of the Dresden Dragons
Principal: Michele VanDeKerkhove
11400 Delvin Drive
Sterling Heights, MI 48314

Ebeling Elementary
Home of the Ebeling Eagles
Principal: Brandon Manzella
15970 Haverhill
Macomb, MI 48044

Havel Elementary
Home of the Havel Hawks
Principal: Kathleen S. Chuminatto
41855 Schoenherr
Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Magahay Elementary
Principal: Steve Slancik
44700 Oleander
Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Wiley Elementary
Home of the Wiley Coyotes
Principal: Chris Cassin
47240 Shelby Road
Shelby TWP, MI 48317

Roberts Elementary
Home of the Roberts Whalers
Principal:Christine Ferber
2400 Belle View
Shelby Township, MI 48316 Walsh Elementary(Frank)How do you do I see youve met my faithful handyman Hes a little brought downBecause when you knocked He thought you were the candyman Don't get freaky Dont get strung out by the way I look Dont judge a book by its cover Im not much of a man By the light of day But by night Im one hell of a lover

Im just a sweet transvestite From transsexual transylvania

Let me show you around Maybe play you a sound You look like youre both pretty groovy Or if you like something visual Thats not too abysmal We could take you in an old Steve Reeves movie

(Brad) Im glad we caught you at home Ah - could we use your phone Were both in a bit of a hurry Well just say where we are Then go back to the car We dont want to be any worry

(Frank) You got caught with a flat Well how about that Well babies dont you panic By the light of the night Itll all seem alright Ill get you a satanic mechanic Im just a sweet transvestite From transsexual transylvania Why dontcha stay for the night - night Or maybe a bite - bite I could show you my favorite obsession Ive been making a man With blond hair and a tan And hes good for reliving my tension Im just a sweet transvestite From transsexual transylvania Im just a sweet transvestite From transsexual transylvania

So come up to the lab And see whats on the slab I see you shiver with antici.....pation But maybe the rain Is really to blame So Ill remove the cause But not the symtom


Nobody has written to you since 2004? You better just give it up and find a real job.

DevilJoe 30/1

External links

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