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DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 25 Jul 2005 05:09 PM |
Guys,
The players seem keen to have a Vives 101 session. I think it's a good idea too.
I am happy to run the session, or co-host it, or whatever. How about holding it in a couple of weeks, depending on other events.
What do you think we should cover and in how much depth?
Ideas :
Simple basics of RP
Basics of Vives
Travel?
Crafting?
Please add stuff here that we should talk about.
Perhaps we should ask the players too - lol!!
Sol |
- Solitaire, Wizard
- Ilyana Fiirhaart, High Priestess of Naruth |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 25 Jul 2005 05:49 PM |
I think it's a good idea, happy to help out if you want Sol, maybe as you say just a ropes showing session but could be a Q&A one too.
Maybe hold it in the lounge, seems the ideal place to me.
Can't think of anything offhand to add to your list but will if I think of anything. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 26 Jul 2005 07:03 AM |
Great idea! - I think I need to attend one of these :p
Maybe a quick run through of the most useful widgets would be good.
Tips for bumping into people.
Tips for getting DM interaction/rewards (ie what the DMs look for)
Maybe a brief run down on some areas - not so much the history stuff, but the builders intentions behind them - for example giving a few egs. of newbie areas, tough areas etc.
Any background stuff that all players should know (there's already a lot to read, but a simple verbal summary of the most important things, plus any recent events may be good).
Reasons behind some of Vives philosophies/mechanical changes etc? (why is death soo painful on Vives? :p)
Having a set amount of (organised) time at the end for a question and answer session would be really cool as well. |
For every complex problem there is a solution that's simple, neat and wrong. - Henry Louis Mencken |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 26 Jul 2005 09:20 AM |
Perhaps we should ask the players too - lol!!
Sol
Crazy suggestion!
I think a Vives 101 sounds like a great idea and I'd love to go on one as a player anyways! I want to play Vives again.. have 0 time from work and commuting right now though . I'm missing it!
Here's a thought - would it be worth publicising on the NW Vault as well? Something to get new players into Vives? |
Barnas: *coughs up a small gangster*
Barnas: ... I like pretty flowers.
Barnas: I'm not a transvestite! |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 27 Jul 2005 03:50 AM |
Ok, as a further thought for discussion. On the player thread mention was made of a low level Vives week. I actually think this is a really good idea. And if heavily advertised could work really well. I would be happy to post an advert, and follow ups to the Bio boards. Maybe Ara could arrange adverts with NWConn, and maybe even get it on the front page of the vault?
Having discussed it briefly in irc, maybe do it with the Vives 101. Do the 101 on the Sunday to start the low level week off. And then for a week only have PCs of lvl 1-9 allowed to play.
If possible have a nice message explaining this to anyone over lvl 9 who logs in.
We could ask higher lvl PCs to log in for an event where they hire the low lvls. But otherwise keep it 100% low level.
Thoughts?
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 27 Jul 2005 07:40 AM |
I think it's a great idea, as I said in IRC this morning before work rudely interrupted. Ficcy made the point though that - to some - part of the enjoyment in logging on to the world when they start is meeting the so-called 'legends' - though I wouldn't necessarily think that applies in all cases (we've all seen the posts by people saying they are put off joining in by the high level chars wandering around).
Therefore, with that in mind, a few suggestions which might appeal to both types of player.
1) Kick off with the Vives 101 as Sean suggests - intro to the world etc. as suggested by Sol, followed by a Q&A session.
2) A week of low level events, I'm sure between us we can come up with things to keep folks' interest through the week. One of the reasons for suggesting this is that such events can be used to introduce some of those higher level legends as Sean says. For instance, something sprang to mind the other day when I was looking around one of the new Ferein areas for a purely RP event - ideal opportunity for people to meet some of the elven NPCs as well as Elvalia, Calia, Shih, Gasher (who now lives there) etc. Maybe Gash could come up with something similar with Tolith and the Halls - they could meet Balthor and other established dwarves. Maybe Johe leading newbies on a 'tour' of his 'guyver route'. Ficcy or one of us running something at Swiftfoot hall to introduce some of the gnomes/halflings. Sirac coming up with some rogue task or other, Sol running a mage teach in at Ka'azim. Ilyana having that banquet or whatever it was she was talking about a while back. Some sort of do at Cantor's. I'm sure we could come up with plenty more without too much effort.
Point is, I'm not suggesting that these be made the focus of such a week but they could be built in so that low level/new chars, as well as seeing some of the world, have an opportunity to meet some of the characters that inhabit it. If we were also to advertise on the Bio boards/NWVault/NWConnections, it would give a week long selection of events for newcomers to attend should they be unable to make it IG on any given evening. The rest of the week - when an event isn't in progress, make sure we make it clear that nobody logs on with a char above the level cap, we've probably all got chars who fit the bill.
Also we need good DM presence when something's not running, plenty of off the cuff encounters with innkeepers, other NPC's etc, plenty of RP xp.
One last thing I would say is that if we are going to do something like this, it needs to be done soon. We are getting a rash of new players recently, numbers in the last week or so have been pretty good so it's a way of integrating and keeping them as well as attracting others. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 27 Jul 2005 08:40 AM |
Excellent ideas Benny, and very much in the spirit of what I was thinking.
I've spoken to Sol, and she was suggesting a kick off date of August 14th for the 101. With the week after for the low level week.
Gives us a fortnight to advertise and hype it up. Plus plan out some events, maybe even put up a calendar of events for players, both on the forums, and the other places we advertise.
If I dont hear anything against this, will start the advertising this evening.
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 27 Jul 2005 08:55 AM |
Week commencing suits me fine, will actually be working entire week up to and including 6th August but should be free after then.
Posting on our boards in advance I think would be ideal, gives the established players we'd be looking to for involvement a chance to give feedback on when they are available.
As for advertising, as far as I'm concerned the sooner the better so yeah go right ahead. Maybe Ara could twist a few arms with his contacts at the Vault and NWC so we can get good coverage there too. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 27 Jul 2005 09:33 AM |
I'd love to run some low-level events now I've finally got my haks working . |
Barnas: *coughs up a small gangster*
Barnas: ... I like pretty flowers.
Barnas: I'm not a transvestite! |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 27 Jul 2005 09:50 AM |
Okay, this is going to be a looong response. Longer than usual. Back when I first joined the team I had a bunch of initiatives I wanted to carry out, running a recruiting drive/beginner's month or something being one of them, but I thought I'd wait and settle in before letting the old megalomaniacal tendencies kick in.
But now that the topic's come up, I'll chuck in my $0.02AUD
On The Topic of Existing Players Meeting and Greeting New Ones
I think that part of what daunts people about meeting high level characters is that they tend to meet them in situations where they can feel the difference between the levels. When Miramil first ran into Peter Gabriel outside Port, I had no idea what level he was, no idea how far above me he was, and didn't really care because we spent the entire time chatting about The Emperor and about this squire Peter once had. First time I met the Songsingers was in Ye Hole In Da Ground; first time I met Fri'el was on the Northern Highway and about the most dangerous thing she did was run behind some trees to change her dress.
Whereas if you are brand new and run into a bunch of mid-level and epic-level characters about to run into the depths of Nethar'u or something like that, you can feel the difference.
So with all that in mind, I can see how it can be very daunting and even off-putting for starting characters to run into epic characters, so I am fine with having them turn up at either purely social events (with prior notification to DMs that they will do so) or events actually driven (note the distinction: driven, not run) by them instead of the DMs. Player-driven events are great in that they show what players are actually allowed to do and what they can achieve here.
Event Ideas
These were some of the things I wanted to run which have been put on the backburner thanks to Maldovia, but I may as well bring them up again now since this player drive is more important:
1/ Buckshire Fair [All levels/classes/alignments/races]
It's open day at Buckshire Fair. Free entry for all, one day only! Come see the fireworks, listen to the music, or be entertained by adventurers with tales of peril and woe, treasures lost and sacrifices made!
Coordination required:
+ Hire some PC bards to tell tales
+ In addition to the bards, maybe get some PC experts about particular areas (this can lead up to the Frobozz event), each one can give a speech about places to go and not to go, etc ... nothing that will give TOO much away, but enough to make people go "OOOH I'd like to see that someday" ... eg. Miramil can give a speech about "Big Nasty Monsters That Like To Eat You, RAAR"
+ Get existing shopkeepers involved as sponsors, sort of how it works in RL, send people from the Fair to their shops when they are IG prior to the New Players Week and ask if they can donate items as 'door prizes', and in return, they get to be advertised
+ Maybe get Sol/Balthor/Shih/etc in as well to put on a magic show (I'm sure they could take on some low-level mages as stagehands and assistants)
2/ Frobozz's Experiment [Circa Level 4]
Frobozz is about to make a breakthrough in some fairly important and top secret research. He won't say what it is but he needs volunteers to test something out for him. Meet at the Northern Highway. Participants will be rewarded.
Reward (two things, one to keep and one to sell):
+ Something they can keep as a souvenir, quite possibly a ring that lets them summon a purple badger 1/day
+ Something expendable, like a minor gemstone, which they can sell
This can be a prelude to something I'm thinking of running in the far, far future. I've put in three portals, one in The Thundering Coast which links to Maldovia Coast - West (as yet, not live) and one which is defunct, in Maldovia - South Gate. Haven't decided anything about them yet other than that they are rather old and are teleportation devices, but highly dangerous ones (being ripped into your constituent atoms, streamed across to another portal and then reassembled is not a safe or fun activity... ask Dr McCoy from Star Trek).
Planning on putting one in Lynaeum, another in Spirit Lake outside the Crystal Cavern, maybe a few more around the place. Frobozz will be fiddling with a few of these portals during this event, though he'll come to the end conclusion that they're too dangerous to fiddle with overly much and not touch them again after this.
Basically the quest will be jumping to a few areas, choreographing the PCs to do a few things (eg "stand in a circle", "stand on your head", "that group - pat your head and rub your belly, and that other group standing there, squawk like a chicken") and then finishing up with dumping them all back on the Northern Highway. Of course, they'll have questions to ask of Frobozz, but this is where I want the mid PCs to come in, because he's not a terribly talkative man. So the mid PCs can answer questions about what those areas are that the others just saw
Coordination required:
+ A few mid-level PCs to jump through the portals first and clear out the areas before the lower ones come through.
+ Why Frobozz needs low-level PCs: he needs statistics, statistics need numbers, so the more people he gets in, the better. And the wider the diversity of people, the better, too. He wants to know if the portals are safe for general civilian use too, adventurers are a tough bunch and can withstand what normal people usually can't.
+ Max number of mid/high PCs: 3. If we can't get any in, that's okay, Frobozz can do the clearing out, but he'd much rather focus on his research and have at least 1 mid PC around to clear the areas of pests.
+ Prior to the event, all PCs involved will be given one rule, which is, stay in the group and don't wander off. If they wander too far from the experiment, they do so at their own risk, there will be no resses or being jumped back to the main group. So, not going to force anyone to stay if they want to wander off, but they will have to accept the consequence for doing so.
+ Note: after every jump, PCs will be returned to the Highway, so anyone who misses out can wait for the next jump.
+ Note 2: it won't show them dangerously off-limit areas such as Slyvian Deep Forest or Fenghuul, the areas will be places they can reasonably be expected to see before hitting 10 anyway.
3/ Lex's Collection [Circa Level 5, Restricted to Morally Ambiguous Characters]
This is something that actually meshes with the Maldovia stuff. First, a bit of background: when I first came up with Lex as a PC (he's an NPC now in a different role), the build was supposed to represent a bard truly obsessed with finding and preserving stories. Preserving texts, yes, but also preserving artifacts... and bodies.
Someday, I'll tell you the story of Grace.
Right. So this will be a low-level quest, but an ongoing thing as well, so that in a few months time I can run another one, and I can continue running things for Lex. I may even make my new PC someone who works for him; someone who can do what Gwyn was supposed to do and immortalise PCs in art. Okay. Right. I'd better tell you what the idea is.
So, okay, this one will not be as open as the others in that it is probably reserved for evil and neutral, and even then, evil and neutral who won't mind doing what Lex is about to ask. Basically, the interior of his caravan on The Thundering Coast is a storage area for all he's accumulated over the centuries, it's bigger inside than it looks outside, and there is a particular mummy in Arunukar he wants to grab a hold of. Whole. In one piece.
The first hour of this will probably be a negotiation session, Lex may be an ebil man but he understands the need for highly magical things to not be in the hands of untrained or inappropriate people. The next bit will be the adventure itself. The third part will be part of the deal, after they go in, then whether they are successful or not, they must return with the mummy and with the tale of their adventure.
And that is the key thing here, and the reason why someone like Lex would bother with a low-level group, with him the tale is the important thing. If he went down there himself, he could probably capture the mummy easily. But then there'd be no tale, yes? Half of whatever the payment ends up being will be for the capture of the mummy, the other half will be for the tale. If they fail in one they'll still get rewarded for the other.
Coordination required:
+ Posts on the forums from Lex requesting a low level group of adventurers ONLY [circa level 5], it will be posted in dodgy places like The Cross Cutlasses and The Black Pearl, and from the post it will be obvious that it's something for people who aren't terribly righteous and moral.
Further notes:
+ Lex will be around quite a bit during the week collecting stories, and if not him, then Harah, who I've been using as a greeter for the new peeps recently. They're both story collectors and will be keen on digging up tales. Well okay, maybe not Lex so much, I have a low-level PC I will start up who can be his assistant and PR person. Failing that, I would love for Miramil to turn up a few times just to meet everyone, I seriously need to update her 'First Impressions' thread with new blood. Um, I mean new people. Yeah.
4/ Blood and Nightmares [All levels/classes/alignments/races]
This is a September event, I think I mentioned it briefly in the Halloween 2005 thread. It's a party that goes awry and turns into a suspense-filled mystery. Hmm. Though I'd rather not bump the schedule up for this, the September timing is crucial, so I will just mention it here because it is a social event and I may drop a hint here and there about the concert in the Royal Botanical Gardens coming up in September.
5/ Pub Crawl [All Levels, 1 mid-level PC escort required]
I think it's fairly self-explanatory. Start at Buckshire, work on through Port, maybe grab a few cocktails from Mystique Isle, then head on down south to Midor via horse, then Paws, then up to Ye Hole In Da Ground and finish up at Swiftfoot Hall. Hmm. If it's towards the end of the week, I reckon the drunken horde would probably be tough enough to charge on through Whipsnade, so if the party is tough enough, they can also head on up to Icy Vale and end up in M'Gok Tukar.
Don't want anyone stranded, though, so if a kindly mid or high PC (or a few) could see them safely back to Ladriel and pay for the boat back to Port, that'd be much appreciated.
Wouldn't mind a PC driving this one, too bad Paul isn't around, Kannendova would have been perfect. Heh.
Coordination required:
+ This one requires gold. Gold to buy alcohol in ridiculous quantities, gold for the return trip to Port for all involved, gold for the Brandibuck-to-Paws ferry (this is the better route to take rather than going through Mirghul). So as I said, would not mind at all seeing this one being Player-driven - 1 mid/high PC leading the others around by the nose and explaining about each venue and also explaining about some of the Vives-specific alcohol would be nice.
6/ Player-Driven Events
This is something I'd like to see. Maybe we could post on the forums, ask existing players to PM us if they want to run something that week. I would love to see player-driven events, especially since it shows to new players just what it is possible for their own PC to achieve in Vives - whether that is running a shop or becoming a member of the High Council.
7/ Freeform
This is basically just a way of me saying, let the new PCs run around and we'll jump in and possess NPCs for them to interact with, make existing static quests a bit more interesting.
...I had a couple more ideas but that is probably all I can squish in one week, myself.
Would also not mind dropping hints and rumours throughout the week regarding existing DM plots: fear in Brandibuck and Paws, wary relief in Ferein, tension in Icy Vale, jubilation in Midor, rumours in Port about a rat infestation...
Vives 101
Would not mind some PCs coming in on this as well and acting as a panel, maybe split up the question types so that DMs handle certain categories, PCs handle others, and yeah, have questions submitted beforehand so we have some semblance of order. They don't have to be submitted beforehand, mind you, but it would be nice.
Advertising
Back when I was first kicking around these ideas, I wanted to go advertise them on NWConnections, NWVault the Bio Boards and anywhere else I could get a hold of, so that's definitely something we should be doing for these and quite possibly for any open-to-all-characters event from now on. |
The subculture of my dreams
Is waiting for me to fall asleep.
I know you're scared—you should be.
I know you're scared. |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 27 Jul 2005 10:39 AM |
OK - since Ficcy's off on the ideas trek:
High level NPCs meeting and greeting
In my view a no no for the week we envisage. My personal preference would be that unless we arrange an event where we have asked/arranged for a particular PC to be available NOBODY should log on with a PC higher than Sean's suggestion of level 9. In the past I've done quite a bit of meeting and greeting both as player and DM and it's always worked better when I've used a lower level PC. I think I said somewhere else on the forum that I'll quite often go to the trouble of relogging with a lower level PC specifically for that purpose.
I would say that for this week instances where we use mid/high level PCs are kept to non-lethal purely RP situations, yes it would give people an idea of what's possible if they see an epic char in combat, it may also induce feelings of inadequacy. I'd far sooner see an area repopulated with creatures they can handle than have a higher level around to clear the area. Last thing I'd want to do as a new player is stand around and watch others do the fighting.
The ideas are great with those provisos - though I'd be unsure about restricting an event to a certain type of character.
My ideas:
1) Recently added a new area in Ferein intended as being a very old, druidic area envisaged primarily as the forerunner of Ferein as it is now. Part of the area includes a large hall so was thinking along the lines of having some sort of bardic/banquet type event giving thanks to the Mother for Ferein's recent deliverance. Very sketchy as yet, not least because the interior isn't done. But in essence purely an RP event with no element of danger but giving an opportunity to see a bit of the surrounding area, meet NPCs, PCs etc. With the opportunity for storytelling, song etc. Very much as Ficcy envisaged the Buckshire fair but with an elven flavour.
2) Rob and Veran approached me recently with an idea for an elven adventuring group that I held off on replying to until I'd finished the storyline, or at least brought it to some sort of temporary conclusion. While I didn't necessarily agree with their vision of the group's purpose (*quotes* 'elvish commandos' *grimaces*), it did get me thinking along the lines that some form of mentoring system would be rather cool. Higher level PCs of given classes being tasked with showing lower levels the ropes, training them if you like. To an extent it was tested with Shih training my mage Ania, and worked very well, resulted in some good RP. So it's something I'd like to extend to other areas - just a backburner idea if you like but maybe not for this week - though could bear it in mind.
3) Something involving Latonei - a search through Mirghul and the surrounding areas started off by Strand. I'm very keen to develop Latonei and build up its history and story, partly of course because I've been heavily involved there in the past with Ronan and Elvalia's supposed long friendship with Strand etc. But for this week maybe a tracking event after a particular beast/missing person.
Other thoughts
Love the idea of the pub crawl Ficcy - if all else fails my dwarf Fenar isn't averse to sinking a few ales (nor for that matter is Sirac - but don't tell Sol)
Existing plots - yes, absolutely. As well as them seeing the world part of how I would envisage this is as introducing newbies to what is actually happening and recently happened.
The PC speeches about areas not to go - maybe this could be spread amongst the other events, so that the areas that are described are nearby where the players are at any given time.
The freeform - yeah, very much along the lines of my own thoughts, Doc, Timothy, Margaret etc suddenly waking up and chatting, see where it goes etc. My own favourite would be Candy getting a crush on somebody again - don't think I've ever laughed as much as I did the evening she was thrown off a cliff.
Vives 101, think personally I'd prefer that with just DMs, a chance for them to get to know us, what we look for etc, they can meet the PCs later.
Advertising - yes, absolutely, as much and as soon as possible. |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 27 Jul 2005 11:10 AM |
Whoops, I should probably clarify a couple of those ideas.
High level NPCs meeting and greeting
In my view a no no for the week we envisage. My personal preference would be that unless we arrange an event where we have asked/arranged for a particular PC to be available NOBODY should log on with a PC higher than Sean's suggestion of level 9.
...so I am fine with having them turn up at either purely social events (with prior notification to DMs that they will do so) or events actually driven (note the distinction: driven, not run) by them instead of the DMs.
Um yeah, that's kinda what I meant, they turn up if they are specifically booked to turn up (either by their request or ours) but otherwise, they don't.
I would say that for this week instances where we use mid/high level PCs are kept to non-lethal purely RP situations, yes it would give people an idea of what's possible if they see an epic char in combat, it may also induce feelings of inadequacy. I'd far sooner see an area repopulated with creatures they can handle than have a higher level around to clear the area. Last thing I'd want to do as a new player is stand around and watch others do the fighting.
Point. *Scratches mid/high requirement off Frobozz quest and makes note to repopulate areas with lower stuff, like bats and rats, making it a low-level only with NO mid/high chars*
The ideas are great with those provisos - though I'd be unsure about restricting an event to a certain type of character.
By the sounds of it we'll have a lot of DMs active, both as players and as DMs. There'll probably be a combo of open and specific stuff, eg I imagine that if Sol agrees to run something for mages with Ka'azim it'll be mage-only. The majority of it, I imagine, will definitely be open, but a few minor specific things here and there probably won't hurt if they're not too intensive and time-consuming.
I imagine there'll be some who'll turn up for the first and third part of the Lex thing, for instance, but won't hang around for the middle bit. Don't mind them being there at all to react to the story in Phase III, should be interesting.
...so was thinking along the lines of having some sort of bardic/banquet type event giving thanks to the Mother for Ferein's recent deliverance. Very sketchy as yet, not least because the interior isn't done. But in essence purely an RP event with no element of danger but giving an opportunity to see a bit of the surrounding area, meet NPCs, PCs etc.
Yush. *Thumbs up, nids*
...it did get me thinking along the lines that some form of mentoring system would be rather cool. Higher level PCs of given classes being tasked with showing lower levels the ropes, training them if you like.
I've seen it around here and there. I'd prefer if PCs took the initiative with things like that and did it on their own, but a little encouragement never hurt.
But for this week maybe a tracking event after a particular beast/missing person.
Yay, tracking put to use! I love detective work.
Love the idea of the pub crawl Ficcy - if all else fails my dwarf Fenar isn't averse to sinking a few ales (nor for that matter is Sirac - but don't tell Sol)
Ahehh... a Dwarf leading the pub crawl makes perfect sense. The main reason I wanted a mid PC in on this one was to foot the bill, so I hope he's got the gold. Though on the other hand, if the gold runs out, it might be entertaining to watch PCs swindle/coax/bluster their way out of it, heehee.
The freeform - yeah, very much along the lines of my own thoughts, Doc, Timothy, Margaret etc suddenly waking up and chatting, see where it goes etc. My own favourite would be Candy getting a crush on somebody again - don't think I've ever laughed as much as I did the evening she was thrown off a cliff.
Hmm, well if Uncle Boffo's pally Gabriel is still low-level by then, I reckon he'd be a fine candidate. Pallies are always fun to pick on.
Vives 101, think personally I'd prefer that with just DMs, a chance for them to get to know us, what we look for etc, they can meet the PCs later.
Cool. Good point.
Advertising - yes, absolutely, as much and as soon as possible.
I got an NWConn account. In fact, I'm going to use it for my DM events from now on (posting them there as well as our forums), it does all time conversions automatically and accurately. |
The subculture of my dreams
Is waiting for me to fall asleep.
I know you're scared—you should be.
I know you're scared. |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 27 Jul 2005 06:12 PM |
I dont have enough time to read trough all the thread, but what I did catch sounded awsome.
Ants
I'd like to run the Ants Event during that week. will see what is needed and will finish it asap when I get home (friday - I might at last format and reinstall the problematic comupter and then use my shiny computer to do the work)
Budok
I can run around with Budok and make ppl RP around him(as long as I wont scare any new folks :o) - can also run 'fetch' quests, as I usually do with him.
crafting fair
It could be a part of the Buckshire fair, but I suggest we make it a diffrent event -
we could have a caravan of crafters stop near one of the towns IG, they could give RPed crafting lessons (basics are for free, but the small tips and hints come for a price )
variety of 'fetch' quests and potential for other side quests (e.g a thief has stolen something, let the PCs find him) and of course - they could sell the PCs low-medium value crafted goods [for low prices?] and when we are IG we can possess them and barter for the goods.
another idea - we can put em IG at the start of the week, and possess one or two every day, giving the crafting lessons or just give a "sale" at a preset time (posting it on the forums as well) - and that's when there will be intresting items for sell, and the promised merchant would be active (and we will be there to barter and interact)
-- I dont know if I'll be able to do this daily, so a session every two days, and a sale when a DM can get there could work.
about the 101 itself :
Logging
Could be nice to have a Q&A section, and then log it and post on the essential info forums, as well as giving it as ooc IG info via a NPC at the ooc lounge and intro (maybe that "guide" npc?)
I mean - just copy paste questions and their answers to the convo, shouldnt take more than a couple o' minutes.
Decoy?
maybe we could "plant" a decoy PC?
(i.e one of us with a new account)
prepare some questions and answers, and use em if the convo gets 'weak'
- a Q&A session will look much better if there are a lot of q&a's [and IMO making the system and thus world more attractive to the new players, we could use the 'decoy' only when the stream if questions gets too thin (or wont start) in order to try and get the players to ask q's.
Dens |
You are more than welcome to ignore my spelling mistakes =p |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 28 Jul 2005 03:59 PM |
Vives 101 at NWConnections
If you register on NWConnections, I can add you as a DM for the event if you tell me what handle you used. It isn't really necessary, it's just for other peeps that come and peek at the event details to look at.
I've put this down under the "Special Rules" section (it used to just be a link to the Vives Player Guidelines, but I edited it to be more informative), someone can tell me if it's wrong so I can correct it:
++++++++++
Vives requires NWN/SOU/HOTU 1.66 to play, as well as some haks.
You may play for 4 hours and try out the world first, after which you will need to be approved by the DM team. This is done by filling out an application form. Vives is heavily based on roleplaying, therefore please take the time to fill out the application thoroughly. Further information about the application process is available on the website.
All players are expected to have read, at a minimum, the Vives Player Guidelines
++++++++++
Regarding the 101 itself
+ Are we just having Sol and Benny running it? If so, coolness.
+ I think I saw someone mention this idea somewhere: maybe have scenarios showing examples of what's good and what's definitely a no-no. I don't mean telling them how to RP, but more like, well, RP etiquette for want of a better term. There's some good examples of what I mean in the The Role-Player's Guide to Multiplayer Neverwinter Nights, here's one copied and pasted for reference:
Don’t “Metagame”
“Metagaming”, in the pejorative sense, is exploiting knowledge that only the player should have for the benefit of the character.
Example:
Game mechanics: Using knowledge of the game mechanics to make decisions in the game. Eg. “No, this can’t be the guy we’re supposed to kill, he’s set to ‘plot’.”
+ Thoughts on What Topics to Discuss:
- What the focus of Vives is (ie. RP - it's not for everyone)
- Registration and application (especially how not to get rejected)
- Permitted characters (no CE RDD Half-Celestial Half-Drow from the Plane of Elemental Moronism, dangnabit)
- Mechanics (emotes and languages; what those gadgets and doohickeys all do; resting; death; clerics; spells [they can read up on these themselves, it just needs to be mentioned that some have been changed]; xp system)
- Rules (uh-huhs and no-nos)
- Overview of Vives (what your characters are likely to know about the world)
On a side note, this might be informative for existing players as well, so I would encourage them to attend (with their low-level character, of course) because they might just learn something. Just a thought. :) |
The subculture of my dreams
Is waiting for me to fall asleep.
I know you're scared—you should be.
I know you're scared. |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 28 Jul 2005 04:09 PM |
You may play for 4 hours
I think it's 10 hrs (the PHB and other postings about the time are definitely wrong)
I will consolidate all of the suggestions and post something on the main boards thread tomorrow or Sat latest.
With all of the suggestions that have come up, I think that we may need different 101 sessions covering different things in depth. But this first one needs to be somewhat general and hopefully fun too. Maybe because there are different sessions we can do one each (whoever is interested in doing so).
I'll post more on the whole thing later. |
- Solitaire, Wizard
- Ilyana Fiirhaart, High Priestess of Naruth |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 28 Jul 2005 04:32 PM |
*Laughs herself silly*
...Sorry. You know what's really funny? I thought it was 10 hours and posted that on all 3 NWConn events, then double-checked and saw that it was 4, so I went back and changed all my Vives entries on NWConn to 4 and then posted here.
And now here I go to change them all back to 10 again, LOL |
The subculture of my dreams
Is waiting for me to fall asleep.
I know you're scared—you should be.
I know you're scared. |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 29 Jul 2005 06:17 AM |
| PS. I volunteer for Mechanics. |
The subculture of my dreams
Is waiting for me to fall asleep.
I know you're scared—you should be.
I know you're scared. |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 29 Jul 2005 06:28 AM |
I am happy to come along and help out as best I can on any of the 101's. But the only thing I will actually "run" per se will be doing a tour, DM jumping people around a few of the sights of Vives.
Planning on the following route:
Northern Highway. Explaining where the low level areas are in relation...carfax, lynaeum, etc. Plus how to get to Port and trading post and Buckshire. And pointing out the various transport spots, the horses outside the inn, the Buckshire ferry, the Port Royale boats, etc.
Quick visit to PR. Explain a little of the b/grd of the city.
Then onto Midor. Likewise explain the Midoran set up. And run through where the low level areas are, introduce them to the great plains camp site, etc.
Then a few of the "sights". Will GS them all. Take them to the temple of Menarok. Fenghuul and let them see the giantlings in action against some spawned elves. Why elves? Why not... *grins*
Show them 1 area in Maldovia. Frozbozz, the horror of the maze. The 3 towers of magery.
And then open to suggestions? Any area you are particularly proud of in Ferein Benny? Anywhere else that people think looks really beautiful, or worth seeing. Dont want to show too many out of the way places, just a taster really. But will give a nice little bit of explore xp, and hopefully get people eager for more.
Cheers,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 29 Jul 2005 07:06 AM |
Show them 1 area in Maldovia.
I recommend Maldovia - South Gate or Maldovia - Abandoned Church. Too bad The Brink of Sanity isn't in yet, but people will be seeing that place on Halloween anyway.
Suggestions for other places (doesn't have to be all of them):
+ Elbereth's Tears
+ The Standing Stones - A Hidden Clearing
+ Brandibuck Vale
+ Myconid Cavern
+ Order of the Seven Sisters - Garden of Tranquility
+ Asashi Monastery - Cloisters
+ Midor Cliffs - Puffin's Paradise |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 29 Jul 2005 02:32 PM |
Uhh, Ferein....
Tel'Ilmela's a good one, especially if you can catch it at dawn or dusk, for that matter so's Tel'Elena, but completely up to you |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 29 Jul 2005 02:56 PM |
| I will be there on the 14th, unfortunately it falls on one of the alternate Sundays when I'm not likely to be fully around until about 4pm. But absloutely 100% from then. Maybe Ficcy could start with her Mechanics stuff or something, and we can go from there - unless you had something to start planned Sol |
ELVES! |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 29 Jul 2005 03:02 PM |
I'm going to go through the stuff everyone has posted and try to collate an agenda for the day, but looks like I won't be able to do that until tomorrow now. I'll be fine to start it off and cover the first few topics. Sean will probably be around too, so there'll be plenty of support.
I think Ficcy's mechanics thing was a volunteer for doing another 101 session at a later date though. Ficcy, did I get this right? Please can you expand on what you mean by mechanics?
Cheers
Sol |
- Solitaire, Wizard
- Ilyana Fiirhaart, High Priestess of Naruth |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 29 Jul 2005 03:03 PM |
| She was talking I think about what all the tools do etc, emotes, stuff like that |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 30 Jul 2005 06:37 AM |
What Benny said. Basically game mechanics [the essential ones, not the FOIG ones], the player tools, the voice commands, the xp system, a little warning about not spam-casting or else you will be tagged as a spell abuser, room rentals, CNR... that's about all I can think of off the top of my head but I'm sure there's more.
Though if we're going to have a CNR event, maybe I will leave that one alone.
If Sean's going to be doing the tour, I'll drop the Frobozz idea (that was going to tie in with the portals storyline for Maldovia, but I'll leave that alone for now).
Benny, if you're still up for it, your Dwarf Fenar can be in charge of the pub crawl. I'll sort out a day/time with you and get that posted. Hope you gots lots of gold or lots of friends, man. This is one where I wouldn't mind one or two oldies sitting in on so they can exchange tales with the new peeps, so what I might do is ask for expressions of interest and then select one or two oldies from the list of whoever volunteers.
Oh, and Sean... any chance of Nu'men dropping by The Broken Mask Tavern or The Black Pearl for the pub crawl? Please pretty please with a cherry on top? :) |
The subculture of my dreams
Is waiting for me to fall asleep.
I know you're scared—you should be.
I know you're scared. |
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Re: DMs : Vives 101
Posted: 30 Jul 2005 06:48 AM |
Yeah, Fenar can drink them dry, she has the appetite, gold won't be a problem.
I don't mind driving that, I'll run the Ferein banquet towards the end of the week, and the tracking stuff midweek some time probably |
Elvalia - Chosen of Aros
Elrith Mellin
Perin - 'Cleric (an' drewid) o' Elbreff' Weddin's an' pies a speciarality
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