Around the campfire

[nutranurse]

A DM brought up a rather intresting point that I find about Sundren: The places where people congregate. They all happen to be in the most idiotic of places, areas right next to constant turmoil. Yes, I know you all are going to say "Well, my PC is an adventurer and he kills things," Or "Well, my character likes to be close to the fray so that he can jump in at a moments notice" Or even, "Well, my PC is not afraid and is there to defend the land." But what you need to understand is that NO, an adventurer (the ones that last longer) do not stand around areas constantly being attacked and chat. They have taverns to chat at. More people need to go to the areas built for such social intercourse.

Honestly, it just is annoying to see "Lots of People at Shaahahahahahhaha Hills" "Lots of people at Viradale Forest Boarder" etc, and none at the taverns unless a DM is there to do an event/mess around with PCs. It breaks immersion, really, not to mention allows for the thought "Well, all people do on this server is grind (which a good chunk of the server population does) and little to no RP." While that may be far from the truth, the problem lies in where you choose to be social. Why the hell would you stand around a camp-fire constantly being attacked by goblins and other evil things and discuss the weather is beyond me.

As for those who might argue that IC they are there to make sure that the area is save: Stuff it. Bear in mind that there is an actual NPC army or other dedicated set of warriors/soldiers paid to guard said areas. Granted they may not be represented on-screen, they are there, just in the 'background'. So if you are there to guard you are either:

A) Actually guarding (which means that you could be patrolling up and down the land, a reasonable IC excuse for grinding)
B)Bat-S---t crazy because you are, once again, discussing the weather in an area plagued with death and destruction
C)Grinding [insert monster here]

And while I understand that guards do talk to each other while guarding, an adventurer standing around the camp and having a social crisis or just goofing off is:
A)Not guarding and just being a pest
B)Not guarding and just being a pest
C)Not guarding and just being a pest

Honestly, if you are there to check up on the forces or 'guarding' at least represent that IC by "She glances down the path for a moment and looks back to XXXXX and nods" or something like that.

Just use the taverns, crossroads, and cities people. They are there for a reason, and that reason just so happens to be provide a place to have your PCs sit down and chat. Do not worry, if a DM decides to have an event most of them DM-Shout something about rumours spreading about XXXXXXX invading XXXXXXX or XXXXX was attacked by XXXXXXX, etc.
You will not miss out on much.

EDIT: And I know that I am guilty of this kind of behaviour too, I actually am trying now to shy away from the areas plagued with monsters when I can

[Kaybrie]

<3 Jimmy's Dice Den.

[dashminus]

Meeting at the fire seems fine to me. The miners camp would be safe enough due the to the "assumed" army that is there to guard it. It is also a natural place to meet due to it being a "Rest Stop". Same goes for the Viradale camp. How unsafe would it be to be in the middle of an armies camp? Seems like it would be safe to me.

I for one have enjoyed a lot of good RP at those camps. Sit around a fire, cook some meat, pass it around, chat about this and that. Good times.

[nutranurse]

The problem is finding RP at the camp, the Camp is literally on the edge of the enemy territory, it is NOT safe, hence why guards patrol that path. To assume that you can sit there and chat is ridiculous. Even more absurd when there are perfectly safe taverns behind walled cities that are packed to the brim with guards.
I am not saying to never RP at the camp, just RP at the camp as if it really IS at the edge of enemy territory and not an outdoors bar.
Once again, go to the city people, there are taverns, cards, booze, etc. there. That is the place that is really meant for Social-Interaction, more so than a simple camp. (And yes, some PCs are rugged, outdoors men, etc. They have an excuse. But I know that not all PCs are like that. Hell, only a minor portion is.)

[Venture]

I agree I hate the campfire hang outs, unfortunately its the only damn place poeple hang out, you can only watch the fighting in the dice den by yourself for so long.

[nutranurse]

Ugh, if you hate it people then do something about it! Scream at those people (IC of course) who dally around the camp, or tell those who you are talking with that you would rather move to the city to continue the discussion and have a good time!
After a successful 'adventure' with a group of buddies invite them to the tavern for fun, even offer to pay for their alcohol/food! Come on! Change things!

[Machiavelli]

Some of us are there just to get on Grayham's nerves

[Iceshard5]

hmm.. let me see here..
about 10 taverns.. or 1-2 camp fires..

My chances of running into someone and actually RPing are drastically higher at a camp fire than parking my self inside a tavern and staring at the walls.. meh. I can see your issues, but along with the memorable taverns of adventurers and what not .. camp fires also played a big part in any DnD story or campaign..

My .02

Cheers

[undeadsteak]

virdale forest border is relatively safe IMO, but sharahan hills camp? I'm not sure, but its where everyone hangs out. *shrug.* The crossroads is an awesome place to RP. and nooo way am i going to Jimmys Dice den, Sundren city transitions scare me.

[Iceshard5]

yeah Viradale has no hostiles what so ever.. so that is an ideal place to meet up. I go to Sharahan camp to find everyone.. and sell off my goods that I accumulate on my travels.
Sundren city transitions are fine by me.. but no one ever goes inside the taverns.. I Think if anything when ever I use the Scan Tool.. I have only seen "A Few" people in 4 Lanterns.. thats it.


If people start hangin out in pubs.. maybe Ill stop by, but till then Ill keep on relaxing at the camp fires of Sharahan and Viradale. Besides I dont find it that bad, and its central to what ever is needed; sell off goods, find companions, hear rumors.. everything.

[Scourn]

The forest border I see it as fine, it has quite a bit of guards. As for the hills, as people saw eariler by Satoshi, its dangerous. Fireballs came from the sky killing four people, wounding the others. I see it as if they want to die, let them.

[Fajitaduke]

gameplay > realism.

The campfires are simply more convenient for finding groups and setting off into adventure than the inns are for a multitude of reasons. The same phenomenon was commonplace in NWN1 PWs - campfires in the middle of town are in proximity to interesting things to do were high traffic areas, and inns within town were really low traffic areas.

[Echelon13]

Come to Jimmy's; we have booze, gambling and fighting. It's all totally legal, I swear.

[Ash]

"They are there for a reason, and that reason just so happens to be provide a place to have your PCs sit down and chat."

PCs look better sat on the ground outside than they do on the ground inside.

[Machiavelli]

"They are there for a reason, and that reason just so happens to be provide a place to have your PCs sit down and chat."

PCs look better sat on the ground outside than they do on the ground inside.

Qft! Howzabout sittable chairs in the taverns and a bit of live entertainment (bloodsport, scantily clad dancing girls etc...)