I suppose DM nominations would work, but I wanted the selection process to be left more to the players so that people are sure the person choosen will not betray their identity.  

If the DMs select the person then its easy to assume they're 'with' the DMs and it defeats the purpose.

I don't have anything against looking long term but people come and go so thats difficult.

We have a problem on the server at the moment.  Meaningful dialogue between players and DMs isn't happening.  Some players feel the DMs aren't listening.  

Others believe they are listening, but think the DMs see themselves as the only ones who know whats good for the servers, and that the DM crew only laughs off player suggestions at best, blinding assuming they know best.

Others feel the DMs could do more, but are simply lazy, logging in and hanging around in the DM lounge or randomly showing off DM powers when they should be running quests.


On the flip-side, many DMs feel the players want unrealstic goals from the DM staff, are angry at the DM staff for enforcing rules the DMs believe make the server a better place, or see some players are ungreateful for the time and energy the put into the server.

Heres my proposed solution:  

We pick a one player we believe can be trusted as a spokesman for the players.  Players can then PM that player with whatever they want to say to the DMs.  That player will then relate that message anonomously.  Everyone will get to see the comment as it was written word for word, but no one will know who said it.  The responce from the DMs will be open, posted in public for all to read.  

This way players can speak up and say what they want to say without feeling like they'll get backlash from the DMs for being critical.   Player are often intimidated by DMs, as they have the ultimate power to make your server life hell or just flat out ban you.  Its difficult to be critical of someone who holds that kind of power over you.


Its really long overdue that we all came to the table to try to make our server a better place.

Do we need the server?  No, not really.  But it something people enjoy, and like playing.

Um.... Ok?

Do we need the persistant storage of items? No, but it seems like it's something that definitely has some interest from the players, and could only add something new to the server.

Does it really add to the server, though?

I think the huge amount of resources this would take up are better spent on things that are going to encourage player interaction, conflict, and character growth, not things to make characters richer or more powerful.   Sitting around an empty camp, or sitting in a camp where characters don't talk because theres nothing to talk about isn't going to suddenly be more fun if I have a bank full of items.

And by saying it could ONLY add, you imply there is no downside.   There is, massive amounts of resources that could be going somewhere else are going to the hording of items.   Time the builders could be using on other projects are going to this.  It encourages power-gaming and loot-whoring.  

I hardly feel that its a no lose situation.

Its not as simple as just changing a number in the server options...

If you had level 30 players you need level 30 hunting areas, level 30 items, level 30 loot containers, level 30 spawns....

Its a lot of work for something very few players will ever experiance.

We have a lot of room for improvement on the server, but I don't think upping the player cap is in any way going to address the server's issues.

Quote from: "Sakes"

Thats what its about.    Thats all that its about.  

I think you'd be surprised how little many of us think of the numbers, but the conversation truly was a philosophical one, at least IMHO.  


Edit:  Either I misread Sakes post, or he blew his Diplomacy check.  Comments relating to parentage, membership in NAMBLA, and graphic language involving farm animals removed.

So are you saying that the two levels of rogue are strictly for RP purposes? What type of Paladin is being RPed?  

Now, in PnP I'm sure theres a while book on diplomacy skills but this is NWN, and the only diplomacy skill we get is persuade, which is a paladin ability anyway.

So why the rogue levels? What possible type of Paladin are they trying to RP where they just have to have rogue levels?  A rougish Paladin?  A Paladin who breaks the rules?  A paladin that cheap shots?

I'm not trying to insult anyone.  I'm trying to have an honest debate.   As long as people insist Paladin/Rogues are built for RP an honest debate isn't going to happen.

Making a  Paladin/Rogue doesn't make anyone a bad person or player.  We all want to play powerful characters (or at least play them every now and then).  Its a fantasy world.  The debate is how far do we want to allow people to take it?

If I was still an active member of the DM staff my responce would be this:

As DMs, its our responcablity to do what we feel is best for the server.  The decision was made that there was going to be war with Banites pitted against the ULA, and that the ULA was going to lose.  We decided to do this to shake things up, because frankly the ULA was being stagnant and removing it would give room for new orgizations and alliance to grow.

You seem to be upset because you were not informed of it.   It is simply impossible for us as DMs to make sure every player on the server is aware of every storyline change before it happens.  If we tried to do that we'd be constantly bogged down and unable to move.  I'm sorry that you feel put it but I'm sure it was not anyones intention of keeping you out of the loop, but rather the neccessity to get things moving.   I regret any ill feelings that may have arisen from this, but the DM team stands behind its decision.



Fuck that.  This is what you need to hear.  Hate me.

Chy and the rest of the DMs are working to make the server a better place for you to play.    You have two choices, help us do that, or obstruct us from doing it.  

Right now your obstructing it.  You want an appology.  I'm sorry you can't grow the hell up.  Your feelings are hurt because the DMs didn't decide to let you know everything that was going to happen and when it was going to happen in advance?  Isn't part of the game rolling with the punches?  Dealing with surpises?  Overcome adversity?  We aren't here to coddling you and we aren't going to do it.  

I'm sorry your army got beat by Banites.  Maybe you should stop asking for applogies from the DMs on the boards and actually go into the game and do something about it.  Maybe you shouldn't spend all your time tying to pick appart the DMs decisions.

Your childish behavior, grandstanding, and hyperbole are exactly the reason why you never became a DM.  If you want to find instances of people not acting with maturity, professionalism, and in the best interests of the server I suggest you stop grasping at straws and start looking in the mirror.  

You could have sent a tell to a DM, got caught up on what happened, worked with us to decide what was going to happen now and what direction you want to go in.  You could have easily done that instead you decided to pick appart the DM staff and try to make yourself look better then the DMs by trying to illicate some kind of applogy.  Your being a child.

I don't care who is or isn't offended.  I don't care if you want to see this is another post by an arrogant DM whos forgotten what its like to be player.  

Frankly:


I just don't give a shit anymore

I'm sick of seeing the server I helped build go down the shithole because of inscure people who have to have their drama OOC.  Thats all this is.  Shitty drama that you should be doing IC.  I'm god damn sick of it.   Either we all come together, players and DMs and set asside our differences or the server fails, but it seems to me right now the DMs are the only group making the attempt.   I can't make any of you do that, so frankly, I wash my hands of it.

This server is what you make of it.  Its your call.

Nope, twasn't me.  An old player back from the bubble days.   Thats why the character looks like Raffy and the "bedded many drows" line came from.

If I wanted to ruin people's days I wouldn't do it on the player client using text when the DM cilent makes it so much easier.