|
A wish for more DMs
Posted: 10 Jul 2004 07:00 AM |
Ok, I hope this doesnt sound too ungrateful, because I know how much work the DMs do, but given the times that I play (and I think some other GMTers) we dont seem to be able to take part in as many events as perhaps others do.
I was wondering if there were any plans to make more DMs, particualarly that can get IG during GMT 0 hours. That would be my one wish for Vives.
I hear all the good stuff about Mykal's sessions etc and I want some too *looks emploringly* |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
|
  |
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 10 Jul 2004 07:27 AM |
| Agreed, Mykal and Narenia (I think) have had some great storylines going in recent times, but it's frustrating when it seems as soon as we gain a couple of good new DMs we lose all the others we used to have. |
Cantor Matriel - "How much?" |
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 10 Jul 2004 10:04 AM |
I have to agree, though we have some GOOD DMs in GMT time, Barnas has some nice work, though he hasnt been very active DMing, and now is on his hollidays. Dens is in GMt but is also very busy with school and now with summer job. So yes some GMTers would be great. We never had many in GMt time, at least active ones, Mark with Neek and his family used to be around GMT, but hes not here anymore so I agree with this, some DMs for GMT time would be nice. I dont know how things are organized now but I think that, having too many things to do in a mod is bad. I think a DM should focus on DMing, and building stories, builders should build and so on, but having all these jobs reveals not to be good since one doesnt focus in any of them really, and despite the will the person behind the keyboard to make all sometimes its impossible. This is something I think it would help not a flame to anyone, I dont even know how things are working these days.
Thanks for all and keep it up. |
Why search around when the answer is within you...?
|
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 10 Jul 2004 10:28 AM |
though he hasnt been very active DMing
Pfft. 4 hours a day isn't enough now? =P
-Barnas |
|
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 10 Jul 2004 10:32 AM |
Well I have to confess I was a little upset when I found that after my exams the one DM I know is usually about to keep things interesting during GMT day is on holiday? I didnt know DMs were allowed them :)
Hope you had a good time Barnas and hope your about next week!!
That said a few more would be nice, maybe even a few little proxy DMs to stand if for the EST and CST characters. Evar is just dying to meet Vidus. But I appreciate this could be a nightmare to organise. |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 10 Jul 2004 11:52 AM |
Ok, I hope this doesnt sound too ungrateful, because I know how much work the DMs do, but given the times that I play (and I think some other GMTers) we dont seem to be able to take part in as many events as perhaps others do.
That's really just because we don't like you. (j/k)
I was wondering if there were any plans to make more DMs, particualarly that can get IG during GMT 0 hours. That would be my one wish for Vives.
I hear all the good stuff about Mykal's sessions etc and I want some too *looks emploringly*
In all seriousness, I have to walk a very fine balance. This world has a relatively small population. I choose DMs from the player ranks, and they are folks that I consider to be exceptional. This is fine, until you consider that if I select a DM from said player base, then that person is effectively no longer viable as a player. All the stories are now spoiled for them, whatever plots they may be involved in at the time are now problematic, because the player is privy to the storyline, etc.
We do the best we can here to balance the number of players to DMs. My greatest concern is sapping the player base, as I said. DMs need players much more than players need DMs. I'll do what I can to find some more support in GMT without thinning the herd too much.
However, I would like to make a point. I see a steadily growing dependence on DMs. While we like that we're needed, you really don't need us around to drive story. Make up your own schtick. Play it out. I once lived in a world that had a player base numbering near 1000 players, with 80 or so being on at any given time. This world had only a couple of DMs, and they were not active in the sense that we are here. They did not quest players, and only occasionally ran events. When those events were run, they were almost completely driven by players, as an extension of their own stories. The world had player-run governments, factions, guilds, wars, everything that one could ask for in terms of story.
I use this to illustrate a point. This world was also extremely chaotic and at times, completely out of control. That said, the stories driven from the players, without DM assistance, were top notch. I don't say this to tell you I won't add more DMs if we have the number of players to support them, just to tell you that I'd like to see players take a more active role in developing story, without DMs feeding it to them, or having to "take over" the storyline to complete it. You have the power to do this.
I hear your concern, appreciate your feedback, and will do what I can. |
Question Authority! |
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 10 Jul 2004 01:04 PM |
Merum its very nice to hear this, long time ago I asked to the staff if WE players could try to run some players storylines and other things players CAN and should do IMO.
Things change and Im happy to see this also changed since in that time the answer was No, maybe cuz the servers wasnt yet ready for such things, but now it is. =) great great
I also think that even though a player can do much many things need or should have a DM eye to help. So if a player has a storiline or is developing some plot, can he ask help to DMs, not to drive it, but to help in what might be needed? |
Why search around when the answer is within you...?
|
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 11 Jul 2004 08:12 AM |
For the record:
There have always been player driven plots. From the very start (initial testing phase) until now. Quite a few DM's actually ended up being a DM because of their proven inventiveness IG, by forging their own storylines and making it a habit of not only entertaining themselves, but mostly others.
True community play. Those doing it already, I commend you, keep it up. And those considering, stop considering. The server is nothing without enjoyment, if we all share a bit of our ideas with others, the 'world' becomes a better place! (ick that has a hippy ring to it)
Rul |
Why can't I PM myself?
Don't iron out the Irony. |
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 11 Jul 2004 09:19 AM |
I couldnt agree more with you Ruldain. Most of my enjoyable encounters are with other PCs. I had a great (but simple) encounter with Baleion, Elvalia and Molokai the other day(ironically it was a very heated debate about Vidus *spits*).
That said, there is still a lot of RP that I would like to do that require DMs, or even certain plots that you cannot do. Its also nice when DMs do little things. I had the shock of my life the other day when Evaramier was looting the Estate in Midor (all will be explained in a post tomorrow). I had taken care not be seen by the guards actually doing the looting, so when one of them shouted out "Hold" and came running down the corridor I was somewhat shocked. I then had to actually think with some initiative, turn invisible, sneak past the guard, and lock him in the room. It was fun to hear him cursing from the inside.
That by the way was a little detour. My point is, it would be nice if GMTers could become more involved in some of the big plots. I know this will not be received with great enthusiasm, but I dont think Vives (especially at GMT) is the right kind of server for PC run stories as a main course. For one, there is no real place for PC guilds, which in my mind is shame but I appreciate the reasoning.
Anyway, I agree with all the posts, including the desire not to deplete the player base, but I do think that a few more GMTers would be nice. I still wonder if the part-time DM option is not a bad thing, where these DMs dont get to know the behind the scenes stuff too much but can still run things for PCs. Just my 2pence worth. |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 11 Jul 2004 09:28 AM |
it would be nice if GMTers could become more involved in some of the big plots
We have several plans in the works to make sure that GMT players are able to be as vital in the main storylines as their US counterparts. Some of these have been partially deployed already, others have not yet.
Of course, we can't make all the players be able to play at the same time- but we have made sure that entire world affecting plots will not be solely run on one timezone.
Rest assured that GMT is not forgotten about when we plan plots.
I still wonder if the part-time DM option is not a bad thing, where these DMs dont get to know the behind the scenes stuff too much but can still run things for PCs. Just my 2pence worth.
I don't think this will work, unfortunately. And besides... if they don't know the behind the scenes stuff, why can't they run the stuff as a player? ~.^
I run a goodly number of my plots from the PC client as a CPC, since I find it a more comfortable environment than the DM client anyway, heh. =p
-Barnas |
|
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 11 Jul 2004 10:19 AM |
Its also nice when DMs do little things. I had the shock of my life the other day when Evaramier was looting the Estate in Midor (all will be explained in a post tomorrow). I had taken care not be seen by the guards actually doing the looting, so when one of them shouted out "Hold" and came running down the corridor I was somewhat shocked. I then had to actually think with some initiative, turn invisible, sneak past the guard, and lock him in the room. It was fun to hear him cursing from the inside.
I was just talking to Vidus, and he told me that it's a good thing Midor dismissed Evar when they did. Who needs an advocate that claims to respect the law in one breath and loots a noble family's possessions in the next?
And Vives is a viable server for player run stories. Just look at Mykal, Macha, Bronwyn, Kayatai, or Pick and Jess for examples.
Mykal
[EDIT:] Perhaps a frustration players have it a feeling that they lack enough information to properly run stories. I remember when I was playing Mykal feeling totally disconnected from anything occuring in Midor. I found a story element to get around that then, but not we should be able to address the information problem directly.
Please, if you feel you need more information, please PM myself, Alo, or all the DM's and we will provide you with all reasonable information. If I don't know the answer right away, myself or another DM will find it out and get back to you. I'm talking about commonly known things, or things your chacter would know. It is a foregone conclution that we won't be providing much plot information |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
|
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 11 Jul 2004 11:14 AM |
Some help Re: your latter point would be very helpful. I'll try and catch you in IRC if thats ok.
As for the Evar looting story, as I said, watch this space.
And thanks Barnas, thats interesting to know.
Just a quick point is well. Quite a few of the DMs have responded to this post and I have to say a big thank you to all of you. Its been a very positive and informative reply. Thanks again guys. |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 11 Jul 2004 03:01 PM |
Rul when the player driven stories werent very apreciated you werent even here...
Ever since I never saw anything like Merums post, though yes thinking of it, we have some like PAJWT and others, but not that many actually. |
Why search around when the answer is within you...?
|
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 11 Jul 2004 05:45 PM |
Im also a very big proponent of player run storylines. Really, many of the more unique and exciting events that take place in Vives are storylines created by players, that are then in turn made into larger reaching plots by the dms. What does this mean? One, staying IC is fun for you, but also lets us get ideas on how to develop storylines for your characters. When we just see a band of adventurers hacking and slashing their way through Maldovia or some other dark area, it does little but give you xp. On the other hand, if we hear talk amongst the players, say, perhaps a group that has holed up in the abandoned temple of Maldovia to rest, asking eachother questions on who that temple belongs to...it in turn gives us the notion that this is an area that the players would like to see explained further. So perhaps without you even knowing it, you have sparked our interest into developing a story around that temple. Given, dms aren't always IG or aren't always focused on what your party is talking about, so the other alternative would be to note something in the forums storyline or rp threads. This gives us another indicator that there might be an avenue for roleplay development.
What I would warn against though, is not every storyline that is thought up is going to work. A story of a character attempting to meet with the queen of Port Royale, going about, taking census of the population, and dutifully speaking their law, would be an excellent idea. You just created an avenue for interaction with other players and some neat ideas for the dms to work with you on. Its by no means 100% that you will get dm intervention into this. Make sure you can work some of the story out yourself.
Also, be wary about creating storylines that are world changing or involve quite a few npcs, without talking it over with the staff first. Dm's hate forced rp as much as the players do. So basically what I am saying is have fun and roleplay...roleplay..roleplay. The more we see, the happier we are, and the more likely we are to come up with new and ingenious methods of making you scream, laugh, cry, or shiver!
To echo Mykal. Please feel free to pm myself or the rest of the dms if you have ideas on things you would like to do IG. We cant promise anything, but we are usually more than happy to talk to you about it and try to work on it. |
|
|
|
|
|
Re: A wish for more DMs
Posted: 12 Jul 2004 02:18 PM |
Whilst I agree with your Coruva, I think there is also something to be said for things coming from the other side, especially when, like me, I come on at the same time of day and meet the same people. There is only so much you can RP with the same people on a regular basis without sparks from the world itself.
Moreover, I think that the world will become a little bland and dis-jointed if the story is about the individual plot lines of the players. Whilst it is possible to involve others in your own story, there is an element about wanting to be part of THE world and not other people's worlds. Otherwise we all become NPCs in someone else adventure.
IMHO, the basic ingredients should be the world itself and our individual stories should be merely the spice to the flavour.
One area I would disagree with, whilst its nice to see that DMs do pay attention to overhearing PCs asking for information about a certain location, I think the main force of these sort of events should be PC fed information which allows us to inject RP into the game. If the story was there for us to find in the first place (rather than the other way) that would give us scope to RP with.
Please let me make one thing clear, Im merely responding to the theoretical aspect of this part of our discussion and not making a broad comment. |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
|
|
|