Suggestion for Dm run Quests.

[Myrddin]

I never thought I would agree with this idea, but all things change.

In the PnP world those of us who have DM-ed know that an adventure works best with a group size between 4 to 8 Characters. And, while this may sound unfair as it can get, it may be a solution for our current sever issues that occur during DM events. All of us have experienced the lag that occurs when large numbers of us are not only in one area of the module, but when everyone has cast, imbibed a potion or series of potions or any other way enchanted themselves for protection from the coming whatever.

Until Obsidian chooses to address the problem, perhaps it would be better if the DMs continue to post their events, but at the same time included a sign up sheet. Folks, let?s face it, after 8 players in either PnP or NWN trying to run a DM event is more like trying to referee a Rugby match, a Hockey game, or a soccer match. You need a small army of DMs. Which in turn will only add to the lag/crashing issue we already experience.

And, yes, not only am I willing to not be in a DM event for the reasons I have given. I have already put it into practice.

Heck, announce that a given event is for levels 5-7 or 8-10 or whatever the level limit is. Those of us who are insanely high level can go sit around the campfires and RP.

It is only a passing thought, take it, use it, toss it out with the trash, in short do with the idea as you will.

[psycho1976]

I agree with you in this as well. Trying to RP in a group of more than 6 players is chaos at best. Already I have left events that started because the numbers made it impossible to understand what was happening and or to practically be a part of it.

Have I felt bad for missing the RP/scenario taking place, yes...but then again I always knew that the RP I could get elsewhere with all the damned good RPers around would make up for the loss in no time

[pook]

Agreed. I don't think it's necessary to have all events this way, but maybe in the area of 50%. This would allow DM's still have spur of the moment fun events with random people, but also have events with 4-8 or so players which is good for the reasons listed in this thread. Too many in a group just doesnt work well usually, although it can be fun.

A scheduled event with a smaller number would also help the possibility of continuing a quests over several sessions. Since players and DM are likely available at the time that they signed up for and it's not a large number to try and meet again.

Lastly, I think it would be great if players involved were kept track of in scheduled events. I think this could greatly help balance out who is involved in quests. Since more players than necessary would certainly sign up and DM would need to choose. Would be a good chance to get Bobby "never been on a quest yet" Smith involved.

[Belwas]

Here, here. I'll 4th that motion.

[valenator]

http://www.sundren.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2729

Where were you all when this discussion took place?

Emphatically 5th'd.

[cmosier]

I will also agree with this. I do enjoy DM events, but there was one in the Viridale that had well over 12 people in it. Playing a warlock (and any spellcaster I'm guessing) can be extrememly difficult when the lag gets real bad.

[Araxielle]

I probably wouldn't participate in these sorts of things just because they'd feel too contrived. It's limiting. What if you run into someone else during or along the way. "((Oh no, you can't come along, you didn't sign up on the boards. Sorry!))" But the bigger thing for me is that part of the fun of DM-run events - and maybe it's because I'm new - is that I don't know when or where they're going to happen typically, or sometimes even if it's an "event" or a DM interaction at all.

I ran into a certain infamous NPC awhile back thinking it was a player, RP'd with him at length and then as my character was walking away, an exp thing popped up and I'm like, "wow!" I really, really liked that feeling.

What I'd like to see is unexpected rewards just for good RP between players. Little things players run between each other without needing DM assistance. Maybe a few people running through dungeon X really took their time and emoted, played their characters well, and ICly, actually had a reason to be there... so at the end of it they get a little bonus. Or as an example, I had a fun little thing going on yesterday where one of my characters spontaneously offered to pay a couple of rowdy guys in Viridale to fight their problems out. It woulda been nice to see both of those characters get an exp bonus for their efforts (maybe the winner of the brawl'd even get a little bit more, or something).

I'd rather see some sort of encouragement for players to step up their RP all around, maybe when they don't think they're being watched. If it's silly RP, like "let's make an excuse to get together over here and kill X at Y location!" then they shouldn't expect reward for it. But if there was real thought put into it...

Anyway, just thoughts from a nobody! Take them lightly and don't bludgeon me too hard! =)

[Akuma_Reiten]

What would help this issue is Dm quest area's.

Awhile ago I was gonna suggest it but noticed in one of the Faq threads(can't recall which one) that players had already asked for them, they just havn't added them yet.

If a person runs across a quest it is very diffcult to ignore it. Ooc reason is simply, not many of us have been in quests (Mostly unlikely times and what not). However it also goes in an IC issue as well... would your character really ignore a two headed troll killing a bunch of people?

The best and simplest solution I have to say is just Dm area's, where it does become more of a personal quest rather then a group throw down.

[Eternal Serf]

I also think that characters with compainions/familiars NOT bring them in on quests. They create lag whenever they are present running their AI's.

[Myrddin]

I also think that characters with compainions/familiars NOT bring them in on quests. They create lag whenever they are present running their AI's.

Surf,

Not all of us with animal companions or familiars bring them to the Prom. I will not because it would take XP from those I have joined up with and simple to do so it just rude.

I posted this thread here, simply because of all the thread we have this one seemed to make the greatest amount of sense. It really is not a FAQ, or a General Discussion, but a Suggestion.

Neither does this suggestion limit the DM staff from having an impromptu one on one or one on many event that is simply pure Role-Play without the need for running into the Necropolis, forest, caverns, etc for the sole idea of slaying everything that comes.

Nor is it a suggestion to end events where the whole reason is to defend the Outpost from the Horde of Gnolls and their allies, but we should remember that such events can, more than likely will, lag the sever, and may lag it to the point of crashing.

Yes, we all want to be involved in the DM events. Yes, we all want XP from those events, but honestly does we all have honest Role-Play reasons for being in every event? We are a Role-Playing community, it would be helpful if each of us asked ourselves, "what value does my character bring to a DM event?"

[undeadsteak]

Right, i wouldnt have agreed with this idea a while back, but now theres so much lag, and theres always high levels in DM Quests taking xp from everyone else, that I agree.

[Jhiroth]

Heh.

Yes, we all want to be involved in the DM events. Yes, we all want XP from those events, but honestly does we all have honest Role-Play reasons for being in every event? We are a Role-Playing community, it would be helpful if each of us asked ourselves, "what value does my character bring to a DM event?"

Right, like why would a group of drow go get lettuce for someone ? *Sorry if this offends* I agree with this statement 100%. If you are playing Jon the half-orc brute who cuts off heads for a living, ask yourself the question Myrddin just posed when a dm quest is being run to go save teddy bears for little kids. Great post Myrddin.

[Soulbadguy]

Right, like why would a group of drow go get lettuce for someone ? *Sorry if this offends* I agree with this statement 100%. If you are playing Jon the half-orc brute who cuts off heads for a living, ask yourself the question Myrddin just posed when a dm quest is being run to go save teddy bears for little kids. Great post Myrddin.

Its not a matter of offending.. its a matter of minding your own business.


What people need to do is.. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. You have no idea why the drow went for the "lettuce". But.. you assume YOU know why. Im not gonna tell you why they did cause really no one needs to tell you. How about you just mind your own business. Am I offended? Nope...just giving you and you and you and you *point,point,point* the facts.


I wholeheartedly agree with suggestion.. actually.. I was thinkin on this today.. just so players can feel more involved in quests.


a problem would be.. telling someone NO you can't come on the event cause there are too many people. Here are some issues that people would bitch about when only allowing a limited number of players on a quest. They have been stated in this thread as well:

- " I never get to go on any quests" *tear*

- " My character is in love with that character that is going on the quest.. I should come too?" Or.. " I know that dude.. can I come..?"

- "This is an ongoing plot that my character has been doing almost since the beginning.. Now I can't go cause the list is filled?" *tear*

- " What ! I can't make that time! I never can make so and so DM's quests .. *tear* I'm doomed"



If you want SBG to be jerk he can.. I can tell people no with no remorse. I am at that point now :P . The point is.. everyone will have to accept a NO.. I could give XP for someone who is willing to leave and RP there way out of it because they are not on the list.


Also another solution would be.. if it is an ongoing plot and there are players that are already involved in the plot they should have an automatic sign in. If they don't make it, then they don't. We can have an alternate list where if someone doesn't show up.. they can take the place. Or it could fill up in game.


The biggest problem with alot of people is... They worry about what everyone else is doing.. So then bitching occurs.. pointing fingers.. so called favortism. Their character feels they don't get enough attention and they get pissed cause so and so seems to hit the "quests" all the time.. by signing up.

Rules would have to come about.. like .. Only can sign up on a quest every other quest.. so they don't "hog" the quest list.

Alot of consideration would have to be done when trying this approach.


Another thing is Players wanna be on quests.. some players don't need to be on certain quests.. Their characters just don't fit in with the certain quests and they don't wanna leave cause they wanna be in the quest . Players get sickly bored by standing next to a tree all day and just wanna get on a DM quest. It happens.. its the facts.. *shrugs* Don't know what to say about that but, I used to take one for the team in when I played on other servers.. I may not be on a DM quest for days ..and one quest comes up that my character really shouldn't be interested in.. So .. my character doesn't participate in it 'cause RP wise it doesn't fit my characters needs/wants/ambitions or whateva ( eventhough i would love to be in the quest cause I haven't been on one forever). Im not looking for XP.. Im just Roleplaying and staying true to my characters personality.

I hear the same excuses from everyone.. " I don't have that much time on here to play and so I miss alot of DM quests. *tear*"

Well thats not anyones fault.. but yours really. Your choosing to play on a server that doesn't really cater to your time frame. I apologies but thats the facts.

One solution can be.. PM a DM with some possibilities for a quest..but how about making it so it involves more people.. not just you! I used to PM Dms for quest ideas that would hopefully involve myself and others.. Not.. " I wanna do a quest to get a sword.. i was thinking of dueling some guy and defeating him to get the sword" Once in awhile its cool to do a quest for one player solo.. but to constantly cater to one player takes up time.. Think about it EVERYONE wanted to do quests for just themselves. Try to get more people involved in your ideas..that helps out.

Sometimes people are on odd time frames and can be alone alot.. then sometimes your forced to do quests alone.. this happens. We can try our best to cater to the offpeak or perhaps the loner evil guy.. but I ask that people try their best to get more people involved.


Sorry Im running off on a tangent here.. but I just had to explain this rigid post to everyone on my feelings about DMng for people and their constant same ole same ole complaints .

This post I know is not a complaint.. and I totaly like the idea.. but I know what will happen when the idea comes to fruition in the server . Bitches Galore! Are you prepared??? I am .

You notice how I don't have the customer service attitude some DMs have??? If I was getting paid for this.. I would be cuddly and nice to you all.. *fake smile* Have a nice day on Sundren!

[Jhiroth]

Lol

No one was angry about anything, SBG. I agree it must be hard from a DM perspective to say no. But really players should'nt feel entitled to DM interaction imho. I can say I probably have one of the lowest time/dm interaction ratios of any player here, and guess what? I still have a great time. I just think the players could make it easier on you folks in DM land is all

[Venture]

i completely agree with the quest area's posted earlier. My old nwn serve had quest specific areas and it worked out amazingly.