Event Character Requests

[Dave Fritz]

This comes up as a side issue from another thread. I've read the stickies about event requests, but am still having trouble wrapping my mind around what is likely to be successful or at least useful.

Would it be possible to have a small number of examples of requests posted? Actual requests (with the originator's permission, of course) or specific made-up examples would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[roguethree]

Here's one I've seen done:

"I really need X gem to do Y. No one's able to find this gem, so I had this idea: because dwarves are miners and such, I'd like to go north and assist the dwarves in some way. By way of thanks, they could give me the X gem or offer an opportunity for me to acquire it through other means."

The DM knows what you want and has a framework for you to acquire it. Basically, you've made dots, and the DM just has to connect them.

[Cornuto]

Here's a good example.

This is a request for the characters [omitted] and [omitted], both members of the Veritas, to make an attempt at dealing a blow against the Legion.

The plan as it stands is as follows:
[omitted] - having stashed away all belongings that could potentially link him to the Veritas or indicate that he's much more than a commoner with a lot of muscle - will be getting into a mild drunken stupor and try to find a harlot in the Half-Pint (or anywhere in the entertainment district, really) who would be interested in some 'roleplay' for a good sum of stags. He will try to get her to bite him, and runs away in shock if he succeeds. Into the military quarter, and past the Legion Barracks, where he will cause a ruckus in attempt to draw the Legion's attention, and pass out before they get a hold of him.

In the meantime, his partner [omitted] would be hanging around disguised as a vagabond in old, muddy clothing. If the distraction succeeds, he will get as close to the Barracks as he possibly can, and plant and cover up a large stash of explosives enforced with adamantine shrapnel that are to be detonated later. He will get in and then get out again as quickly as possible.

When [omitted] has gone free, a hired or Veritas-loyal stealth specialist will take care of igniting the explosives and blowing up the Legion Barracks.


A few requirements still need to be arranged before this terrorist attack can proceed:
- [omitted] needs to carry some narcotics for his cover story and some kind of goodie that will allow him to pass out/fall asleep for a few hours. For this, he will approach the Veritas magi, and handle the acquisition if need be
- [omitted] needs some specific props from the Talent & Balance. Namely some false vampire fangs (wooden or other non-soft material) and a few blood patches that won't explode, but either spray or drip when pierced.
- [omitted] needs a stealth specialist to handle ignition when the time comes. Work out the specifics with him

Why this is good. It lays out their plan, and what steps they'd like to take to achieve it. It recognizes the role of a DM is that of a referee and the one whom controls the actions of the NPCs and the World. It clearly lists what steps they've taken on their own, and then asks the DMs to oversee to the success and failure of their attempts at each stage.

[GodBeastX]

DMs are referees. We can initialize our own plotlines, but ultimately it's the player who decides what they want to do and how, we don't tell you what you want to do and how to do it.

Some people ask to speak with NPCs, some ask to try to accomplish some goal, others just ask for equipment.

We deny equipment requests But things you need a DM to do or some story you'd like to unfold is generally what people request.

[Dave Fritz]

Wow! That was fast. Thanks! Those examples help. A couple of additional ones would help even more.

[Cornuto]

Here's one I've seen done:

"I really need X gem to do Y. No one's able to find this gem, so I had this idea: because dwarves are miners and such, I'd like to go north and assist the dwarves in some way. By way of thanks, they could give me the X gem or offer an opportunity for me to acquire it through other means."

The DM knows what you want and has a framework for you to acquire it. Basically, you've made dots, and the DM just has to connect them.

This kind of thing personally annoys me. I understand that some resource gathering isn't implemented very well in the module, but a vast majority of them are intentionally hard to find because they're supposed to be rare. Event requests for items and/or materials to make items that are available otherwise in the module are a major pet peeve.

If you've exhausted all reasonable attempts and still can't locate something, then go for it with a character request. If you're whole event seems contrived because you just want a +4 Longsword with sweet damage bonuses, it'll likely get you ignored and you'll lose cool points in the eyes of the DMs.

[Atmosphere]

This kind of thing personally annoys me. I understand that some resource gathering isn't implemented very well in the module, but a vast majority of them are intentionally hard to find because they're supposed to be rare. Event requests for items and/or materials to make items that are available otherwise in the module are a major pet peeve.

If you've exhausted all reasonable attempts and still can't locate something, then go for it with a character request. If you're whole event seems contrived because you just want a +4 Longsword with sweet damage bonuses, it'll likely get you ignored and you'll lose cool points in the eyes of the DMs.

Item requests in general are frowned on. Role play requests are much much better.

[Cornuto]

I'm hoping the player who posted this does not take offense, I've remove/changed anything that could be used identify them. I don't want to use it for any kind of embarrassment, but rather as some helpful guidelines.

I know I'm not very good at these character requests, even so, I'm going to try my hand at another one, so I ask the staff to bear with me on this one.

I would like to go about aiding the Wurest dwarves in a crisis that has come up involving some rampaging minotaur in the mountains where they live. They contacted [omitted], because as an [omitted], he is the best suited for dealing with such a mess, and he's helped them out with the Duergar problem in the past, so they know he's capable. [omitted] would head to the wurest hold, and determine that the reason the minotaur are so violent is that they are guardians of some relic, and it was stolen, so they are marauding around the mountain looking for it. [omitted] would deal with the minotaur, and determine from them that the Duergar have stolen the relic, in hopes of using it to control the minotaur and use them to destroy the Whurest dwarves. [omitted] would then take a small team with him into the mines the Duergar have overtaken, in an attempt to recover the relic and return it to the minotaur, saving the Wurest dwarves. Should all go well, the Wurest are very grateful for all my aid, and offer me a very rare opportunity, the chance to purchase one of the very rare gems, a Bejuril.

Why this is bad: It oversteps the role of a player, and in essence is a request for a purposefully rare item that is attainable otherwise than through a DM event. As a player you are responsible for your actions only. While you may state what actions you'll take and the result you're hoping for, writing your own lore and NPCs to overcome isn't within your domain. I'm assuming that the minotaur attack, and duergar motives, were meant as more of a suggested avenue, but again its inventing lore and controlling the actions of NPCs -- which is the job of the DM.

[GodBeastX]

I already said equipment requests are denied.

http://www.sundren.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4234 <-- I said it in there.

[GodBeastX]

I just auto deny item requests. Gems, components, torch, etc.

Suggestion/Bug forums help us manage this for EVERYONE.

[Subal]

We have a cool point pool ? < yeah you like the glasses.

[RolandVII]

welp im probably the most HATED XD

[AsuraKing]

welp im probably the most HATED XD

Nah, get in line

[Catastrophe]

That's right get in line, all of you.

*Cracks whip*

[RolandVII]

no thanks!

*munches on his cookies*


edit: btw thanks for teh cookies cat =D