All about Rumple

[Rumple C]

Hi,

I'm Rumple.

According to my profile i've been in ALFA since 2004. Though i had been taking a break from 2009? until sometime earlier this year. Over the years I have played with some of you, been DM'd by some of you, and DM'd some of you. I'd like to think I get along with just about all ALFA members.

Right now, I play, and I DM. I also post to the library every now and then. But thats all just the two dimensional Rumple.

In real life i'm 33, live in Western Australia, and work in the resources (mining) sector. My name is Nick, and I look like one of the people in this photo.



Well, I have cooler glasses now, and longer hair, but anyhow...

I'm a real person, just like the rest of you. Allegedly.

My platform for being the lead is to represent -YOU-. The way I see it, ALFA is at a bit of a crossroads at the moment. NWN2 is dated, attrition, real life, and difficulty obtaining NWN2 have all contributed to a decline in player and DM numbers. That is the trend. That is reality.

BUT!

We still have got some amazing talent and some untapped resources within ALFA. Brilliant DM's, super talented builders, fantastic players with fantastic RP. Those three things are what makes up ALFA. Rules and procedure and standards come and go, and are open to change. The real important question is - how can we translate our potential into a larger, more vibrant ALFA?

How can we increase our DM coverage? (particuarly regular DM sessions)
How can we attract old ALFA members?
How can we attract new ALFA members?
How can we re-invigorate and re-capture that energy?
How can we re-invent ALFA for today?

Well... you tell me.

My platform is the peoples platform. If you put your trust in me, it will be to the people I go for ideas. I have my own ideas about what I would like to see ALFA become, but I am not going to force those on anyone. I am completely open to the idea of re-inventing ALFA with a view to the fact that it the way it is - used to work. The way it is now - ultimately stagnating unless changes are made. The way it can be if we make some changes - a revival and renaissance.

I'll request folks put on their polite hats, and put out ideas. We'll sift through them, try to get some kind of consensus - and try to make them happen.

Also - Pie>Cake

[Xanthea]

One PC per server?

[Rumple C]

It's an interesting idea and I see the pros -

Can allow for players to group up on the same server and play without server hopping.
Can allow for established players to take a break from their pc and try something new (and be able to flick between pcs without having to give one up)
Can allow for varied RP outside of a defined concept (eg play Surly the half orc fighter on Server A, and Prancy the bard on Server B)

But we have to be wary of the cons -

We lose a selling point of ALFA (but perhaps gain one)
The ability for Meta (unconciously or not) with player knowledge affecting alternate PC actions

I'd like to see the idea put to a referendum. Not just this idea either, but variations of. One PC per server. One PC per region MS, TSM, (BG/WHL). *Insert your idea here*. There would also need to be discussion around the rules that would need to be in place to prevent drama and such. The more ideas and (civil) discussion and open mindedness we get on topics like this - the better.

[Blindhamsterman]

That's a nice platform! I approve of your effort to portray yourself as a human being rather than an unfeeling evil overlord (though a small part must be looking forward to potentially gaining all that power?)


What do you feel the role of LA actually is?

Do you have any ideas of your own on how to approach:

How can we increase our DM coverage? (particuarly regular DM sessions)
How can we attract old ALFA members?
How can we attract new ALFA members?
How can we re-invigorate and re-capture that energy?
How can we re-invent ALFA for today?

What do you feel are ALFAs successes and failings currently?

What is your view on the massively increased level up rate of PCs these days compared to a few years ago (or to old school ALFA1 for that matter)

What is your favourite kind of music?

How will you go about improving moral and reducing drama? Do you even feel it'd be your place or even necessary for that matter?

What is your view on Clouds suggestion that an Admin position should only be available to people that actually play?



That is all, thankyou very much for taking the time to answer these

[Castano]

one PC per server, no travel to another PC occupied server for PCs played by multiple PC owners. This would let us utilize our real estate and save the span FR pillar which for some reason seems less important than the other pillars, though they are coequal no?

We have so many DMs now who also play I am not concerned about meta-knowledge creeping out. I could build my own personal meta-palace right about now, made out of pure meta, with meta carpets and furniture and still have tons left over.

[oldgrayrogue]

Pie, the cake is a lie . . .

[CloudDancing]

How would you deal with such a wide variety of people from all walks of life, some who have strong emotional investments but different approaches to playing and dming?

How would you deal with other admin who are resistant to change?

How do you feel about player attrition?

And your kids are cute...that is evil.

[Ronan]

The job of the LA seems to be to annoy the other admin until they do stuff.

If LA, would you repeatedly badger Ronan until he ran for TA?

Heero, being a backwater redneck yokel, says space sims are boring. How do you respond to this?

How do you feel about Veilan's handling of the most recent DM dispute appeal? Was it constructive? Within the LA's power? Etc.

[Rumple C]

That's a nice platform! I approve of your effort to portray yourself as a human being rather than an unfeeling evil overlord (though a small part must be looking forward to potentially gaining all that power?)

What do you feel the role of LA actually is?

Here is how it is defined in the charter.

A. Lead Administrator—Oversight of Administration, Veto & Referral Authority, Election Oversight, and Public Relations. Also responsible for resolving disputes over domain classification of any particular issue.

So there are "duties" defined. But I do see the scope going beyond just that. Veilan was running polls on how people are feeling with the state of ALFA. I'd expand that multiple instances of - How do you feel about this aspect of ALFA, do you feel it can be improved? If ALFA (you and the other members) feel yes, then i think that topic should be visited with a view to making improvements. Making/allowing changes isn't really the domain of the Lead Admin, that would fall more to Player, DM, and Tech admins.

But facilitating change? (or at least establish the will of ALFA) I see that as something that falls under the lead admin (under the lead) part.

Oh, and yes. Ultimate power is a driving force in why I run. Please have my throne of skulls ready.

Do you have any ideas of your own on how to approach:

How can we increase our DM coverage? (particuarly regular DM sessions)

Sure, but i'd prefer to hear everyone elses. I only have my own perspective.

I see regular session DM's as key to keeping ALFA alive. Currently I can only think of -2- (Ronan and Thangorn), please correct me if I am wrong, i would love to be corrected on that. I think we can make an effort and expand into using the player group info idea that Regas has setup and match up DM's with player groups. Its a win/win scenario. The DM gets a ready made group of players who can play together. The players get a DM plot which keeps them invested in the game and logging back in.

How can we attract old ALFA members?

Old ALFA members need a reason to come back. Nostalgia is one, but that is out of our control. Not always helpful either. The ALFA of now, is not the ALFA of then. Ultimately (and this is something I would poll) people log in to have fun. What is fun for ALFA members? Probably most would agree adventuring with friends, developing pc stories, and being DM'd. New servers and developments can also be a draw. But it all has to be backed up by having players and dm's.

How can we attract new ALFA members?

Tough one. But much the same answer as above. We need to have a draw (DMs! Players! RP! FR!). Getting them to apply, log in, and sink a hook into them can be a tough one though.

How can we re-invigorate and re-capture that energy?

I have seen sparks of this at times. From individuals. Heero (being the most recent example) has been doing fantastic work on upgrading and adding new areas to TSM. It gets people excited. I have seen stellar RP in game between players where they take the story into their own hands. I want to see more, more more. More players logging in consistently, more active dm's, more excitement about ALFA and what we can do with it. Sure NWN2 is dated. But it has only been improved by ALFA in the 4ish years it has been out. We can enjoy ourselves even more than when ALFA 2 first went live, we just need to get the right systems in place and get excited about it all - again.

How can we re-invent ALFA for today?

We'll start a conversation on this and find out. Ultimately it's about taking a fresh look and seeing what works, and what doesn't.

What do you feel are ALFAs successes and failings currently?

Success - We still live, despite the odds. Failings - To many elves.

What is your view on the massively increased level up rate of PCs these days compared to a few years ago (or to old school ALFA1 for that matter)

I'm not sure the level up rate has increased? There were always a few bolters who either played a lot more or gamed the system. Personally speaking - I prefer a slower level up which allows for more character development, and also reduces level gap further along. I'm not a fan of xp for mail and mushroom. I am a fan of RP xp.

What is your favourite kind of music?

I like a lot of different kinds. Not country (there goes the redneck vote), nor manufactured pop (there goes the tween vote). Here are some examples of what I thinks kicks ass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpdHMaccjw4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSCjwuA1Y20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0YRRnrl4jI

How will you go about improving moral and reducing drama? Do you even feel it'd be your place or even necessary for that matter?

Improving morale, should be a job for everyone. It doesn't take much effort to be nice. Drama comes from the passion people have for ALFA. Perhaps unfair to say, but given the nature of ALFA (Dnd) I would suggest much there is much nerdidity within our population. And nerds are not always known for their ability to relate with others.

What is your view on Clouds suggestion that an Admin position should only be available to people that actually play?

Depends upon the nature of the job. I'd think it helps keep folks in touch with the reality at the coal face.

That is all, thankyou very much for taking the time to answer these

No problem. Though work will not be thanking you. My production is way down (but whatever).

[Rumple C]

How would you deal with such a wide variety of people from all walks of life, some who have strong emotional investments but different approaches to playing and dming?

Ultimately, one can't please everyone, I can promise everyone that I will listen though. I respect everyone's opinion even if it differs from my own.

How would you deal with other admin who are resistant to change?

I can't force anything on anyone, nor would I try. What I would like to do is start a dialogue on how things can be improved for the benefit of ALFA.

How do you feel about player attrition?

I am against this.

And your kids are cute...that is evil.

They are not my kids. They are my siblings children. I am childless.

[Rumple C]

The job of the LA seems to be to annoy the other admin until they do stuff.

One of the perks of the job.

If LA, would you repeatedly badger Ronan until he ran for TA?

I would repeatedly "Ronan" a badger until it ran away from the LA.

Heero, being a backwater redneck yokel, says space sims are boring. How do you respond to this?

Heero may change his mind when he gets a space banjo, and realises his spaceship can have a porch to sit on.

How do you feel about Veilan's handling of the most recent DM dispute appeal? Was it constructive? Within the LA's power? Etc.

I can't see any obvious thread for this, so I cannot comment upon it.

[Veilan]

Hey there,

first of all, thanks for stepping up and offering me a way out. I'm sure you'll come to regret it soon enough should you actualy win .

Now, for some questions.

1. What's your opinion about ALFA's current level of lethality?

2. What margin of decisiveness would you consider adequate to change, add, or abandon a pillar of ALFA?

3. The current Lead Admin - a dashingly handsome devil, as I heard - had set out for himself some criteria to check against when appealed to for making use of his veto power. Under what circumstances would you veto the decision of a fellow administrator?

4. And now an easy classic - what's your relationship with the other Administrators?

5. Some Administrators like to run, or attempt to run, their administration with the "cabinet system", making full use of their three staff head positions. What staff head positions would you create, change or keep, and who would fill them? Why were they not part of your platform? (Bonus points: Who invented the cabinet system?)

6. What do you think of the portfolio conflict procedure, a relatively late addition to our charter?

7. Among the illustrious band of ALFA's past Lead Administrators, who's your favourite one, and why? Also: Should your answer for some unfathomable reason not be Veilan, how will you keep me from abusing my final days in power to ban you?

8. In your opinion, what's the most awesome German military vehicle?

Cheers and thanks for your replies, and best of luck.

[Rumple C]

Hey there,

first of all, thanks for stepping up and offering me a way out. I'm sure you'll come to regret it soon enough should you actualy win .

Now, for some questions.

1. What's your opinion about ALFA's current level of lethality?

I think ALFA has become less lethal than it once was. The main culprit is the -6 safety net. In a party (unless it is greatly overpowered or hit a really rough patch) it is very hard for a pc to die. I'd prefer to see ALFA more lethal, more intense. A orc with a great axe should be a true terror. As it is now, as long as you have party members at your back, those great axe blows to the brain will never be fatal.

2. What margin of decisiveness would you consider adequate to change, add, or abandon a pillar of ALFA?

Probably something like the below but with the inclusion of the player population as well. That affects everyone.

Only the Lead Administrator may make formal proposals for amendments and revisions to the ALFA Charter. Proposals from the Lead Administrator must be approved by at least three Admin, and at least ⅔ of a combined vote of the HDMs, vote-eligible Administrator Staff as defined in section 3.5, and DMs casting votes, for the matter to be implemented

3. The current Lead Admin - a dashingly handsome devil, as I heard - had set out for himself some criteria to check against when appealed to for making use of his veto power. Under what circumstances would you veto the decision of a fellow administrator?

Last resort circumstances. I think the current crop of admins are all reasonable, i have interected with them all before (bar hialmar) and can't see them doing anything ridiculous.

4. And now an easy classic - what's your relationship with the other Administrators?

As above. Have dm'd Ronan, been a dm under Curm on TSM, played and dm'd with Regas. I would like to think we get on well. Haven't had anything to do with Hialmar.

5. Some Administrators like to run, or attempt to run, their administration with the "cabinet system", making full use of their three staff head positions. What staff head positions would you create, change or keep, and who would fill them? Why were they not part of your platform? (Bonus points: Who invented the cabinet system?)

Not sure yet. Keep your bonus points, i put no skill points into knowledge(History), its all dumped into ride.

6. What do you think of the portfolio conflict procedure, a relatively late addition to our charter?

I'm not seeing it in the charter page, hence i have no opinion.

*Edit - Found it. Seems as fair as it could be.

7. Among the illustrious band of ALFA's past Lead Administrators, who's your favourite one, and why? Also: Should your answer for some unfathomable reason not be Veilan, how will you keep me from abusing my final days in power to ban you?

Not Veilan. Do your worst. Strike me down, I will only grow stronger than you can possibly imagine.

8. In your opinion, what's the most awesome German military vehicle?

Angela Merkel

Cheers and thanks for your replies, and best of luck.

[Ronan]

I think ALFA has become less lethal than it once was. The main culprit is the -6 safety net. In a party (unless it is greatly overpowered or hit a really rough patch) it is very hard for a pc to die. I'd prefer to see ALFA more lethal, more intense. A orc with a great axe should be a true terror. As it is now, as long as you have party members at your back, those great axe blows to the brain will never be fatal.

So you're running on a platform of more murder? Vote confirmed.

I do worry more lethality (or a perceived increase in it - I think DMs would ultimately throttle things back if the floor was removed) might drive more players from adventure into taverning, which is already the largest source of XP. So we might want to ramp up rewards with the lethality, though this is obviously not the place for this discussion.

[Xanthea]

What would you think about having a random bleed cap for every time someone dropped to bleeding? Every time you got smacked to 0 then the cap would be random anywhere from between 0 and -9 (assuming sufficient damage to reach the cap).

That would make people think twice about relying on a bleeding cap to stop themselves from dying, because landing at -8 or -9 would be a near death sentence, without dramatically lifting the lethality levels or watching low level characters randomly explode because someone looked at them funny.