How do we feel about playing and DMing in ALFA?
Moderator: ALFA Administrators
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Mikayla
- Valsharess of ALFA
- Posts: 3707
- Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 5:37 pm
- Location: Qu'ellar Faen Tlabbar, Noble Room 7, Menzoberranzan, NorthUnderdark
More than three years after creating my ALFA player-character, I still very much enjoy playing in ALFA. Though, I have to say, having spent my last three “game sessions” going through the wealth review process, I rather feel like I need a shower. Or a cigarette. Or a morning after pill. Or all of the above.
That said, though I love playing in ALFA, I will not likely ever DM here again. Once upon a time that’s what I did in ALFA – DM. I did three campaigns: the Drow invasion of Daggerdale, the beginning of the Tunnel without Truth campaign, and finally, the Bright Blade’s Quest campaign which is in the hall of fame. That said, I will not return to DMing here.
When we started, DMs in ALFA were free to run campaigns and games and adventures. ALFA’s “rules”, meaning the charter, the ALFA Player’s Manual, etc., provided the few rules and restrictions that allowed a persistent world of hundreds of players and dozens of DMs to function together in one community. Gradually, we added more and more rules and then more and more standards.
I am personally responsible for some of that as everyone knows – surely I have played a large role in the “legalizing” of our dispute resolution system. Of course, I think that’s a good thing as I believe there should be a very fair, very thorough system in place standing between a player and getting banned.
However, it feels as if we are in the midst of a sea-change in ALFA’s mindset. There are those in the community who are beginning to act under the philosophy that there MUST be a rule permitting anything, otherwise, it is prohibited. This rules-centered philosophy is not where we started of course – when we started, no ALFA document laid out all the things that an ALFA DM can do. There was no rule that stated, for example, “DMs may stage random encounters!” We did not need such a rule because such a power was an inherent power of the DM. We started with the philosophy that ALFA DMs had all the traditional powers of any PnP DM, save where ALFA had to institute a rule in order to maintain cohesion among the DMs, players and servers.
But that mindset seems to be fading – there are those that believe that if there is no rule expressly permitting something, then DMs are not permitted to do it. Of course, that is not the way we have worked in the past – ALFA’s rules were the restrictions on a DMs powers, such as standards for wealth and exp, they were not the empowering documents. Our rules were not written with the idea that DMs have ONLY those powers enumerated by the rules, but with the idea that the DMs are only RESTRICTED by the rules and by traditional D&D.
In short, we traditionally operated under the notion that the DM is master of the game, save for a few concessions that must be made to working within a persistent world. Now, it seems there is a push to reverse that – a push to change our thinking to a view that DMs have ONLY those powers the rules give them. If its not expressly given in the rules, its prohibited.
I find that distressing. I think it’s the wrong way to approach rule-making. Rules serve the community that makes them; the community should not serve the rules. Rules are tools, nothing more, and tools should never be viewed as more important than the people who use them and who are supposed to benefit from them. In short, we should not allow ourselves to become slaves to the rules – we should keep the rules in their place – on our “virtual tool belt” as it were.
So, rules have their place, but lets not shift ALFA from a place where we have all the power and authority we need, save for the bare minimum needed to function as a persistent world, to a place where no action is permitted with out rule saying its permitted.
That said, though I love playing in ALFA, I will not likely ever DM here again. Once upon a time that’s what I did in ALFA – DM. I did three campaigns: the Drow invasion of Daggerdale, the beginning of the Tunnel without Truth campaign, and finally, the Bright Blade’s Quest campaign which is in the hall of fame. That said, I will not return to DMing here.
When we started, DMs in ALFA were free to run campaigns and games and adventures. ALFA’s “rules”, meaning the charter, the ALFA Player’s Manual, etc., provided the few rules and restrictions that allowed a persistent world of hundreds of players and dozens of DMs to function together in one community. Gradually, we added more and more rules and then more and more standards.
I am personally responsible for some of that as everyone knows – surely I have played a large role in the “legalizing” of our dispute resolution system. Of course, I think that’s a good thing as I believe there should be a very fair, very thorough system in place standing between a player and getting banned.
However, it feels as if we are in the midst of a sea-change in ALFA’s mindset. There are those in the community who are beginning to act under the philosophy that there MUST be a rule permitting anything, otherwise, it is prohibited. This rules-centered philosophy is not where we started of course – when we started, no ALFA document laid out all the things that an ALFA DM can do. There was no rule that stated, for example, “DMs may stage random encounters!” We did not need such a rule because such a power was an inherent power of the DM. We started with the philosophy that ALFA DMs had all the traditional powers of any PnP DM, save where ALFA had to institute a rule in order to maintain cohesion among the DMs, players and servers.
But that mindset seems to be fading – there are those that believe that if there is no rule expressly permitting something, then DMs are not permitted to do it. Of course, that is not the way we have worked in the past – ALFA’s rules were the restrictions on a DMs powers, such as standards for wealth and exp, they were not the empowering documents. Our rules were not written with the idea that DMs have ONLY those powers enumerated by the rules, but with the idea that the DMs are only RESTRICTED by the rules and by traditional D&D.
In short, we traditionally operated under the notion that the DM is master of the game, save for a few concessions that must be made to working within a persistent world. Now, it seems there is a push to reverse that – a push to change our thinking to a view that DMs have ONLY those powers the rules give them. If its not expressly given in the rules, its prohibited.
I find that distressing. I think it’s the wrong way to approach rule-making. Rules serve the community that makes them; the community should not serve the rules. Rules are tools, nothing more, and tools should never be viewed as more important than the people who use them and who are supposed to benefit from them. In short, we should not allow ourselves to become slaves to the rules – we should keep the rules in their place – on our “virtual tool belt” as it were.
So, rules have their place, but lets not shift ALFA from a place where we have all the power and authority we need, save for the bare minimum needed to function as a persistent world, to a place where no action is permitted with out rule saying its permitted.
ALFA1-NWN1: Sheyreiza Valakahsa
NWN2: Layla (aka Aliyah, Amira, Snake and others) and Vellya
NWN1-WD: Shein'n Valakasha
NWN2: Layla (aka Aliyah, Amira, Snake and others) and Vellya
NWN1-WD: Shein'n Valakasha
I think you are confusing pricing standards - which are inclusive here - with general DMing.
I've heard quite some opinions of DMs feeling empowered to run their show (again), and being happy about having tools and guidelines to give them a clear idea of what ballparks to work in. In fact, the bigger problem from experience gleaned through the wealth exercise for instance seems to have been that DMs didn't know what they were allowed or supposed to do, and some do feel quite a bit happier knowing now. This is very positive - I'm sure it's only a matter of time until this translates into more PCs reaching their average wealth levels and DMs feeling more confident in what they can dish out and not.
The fault was that back in the day, there were no clear rules, and then people got jumped for "omg you can't do that, it's out of whack" without any agreement what is in-whack ever having been made. Of course this can't be all encompassing, but you don't need to be an existencialist to realize that having clear positive (inclusive), not negative (prohibitive) guidelines of what you can do is a nice thing giving you a proper frame to explore your options against. If you have something going beyond it... share your idea, the community may well stand to gain from it as a whole.
Most things are treated by common sense, and I've been not a witness of any push to say "DMs can only spawn horses if there is a rule saying they should spawn horses". However, yes, DMs could not create +7 vorpal holy avengers even if there was no explicit line about them being illegal. The hard number stuff is the only playing field where rules have to govern so strictly - for apparent reason, every DM must be given the opportunity to know how much something is worth, no matter who designed it, and be able to assess how to deal with a new PC on server.
Saying that focussing on inclusiveness of pricing standards constitutes a paradigm shift seems, I have to say, to be hyperbole. I've been a member here for five years now, and even back then "rules" were a lot more restrictive and on top of that secretive, I fondly remember quite some heated discussions with Sareena on that topic.
I've heard quite some opinions of DMs feeling empowered to run their show (again), and being happy about having tools and guidelines to give them a clear idea of what ballparks to work in. In fact, the bigger problem from experience gleaned through the wealth exercise for instance seems to have been that DMs didn't know what they were allowed or supposed to do, and some do feel quite a bit happier knowing now. This is very positive - I'm sure it's only a matter of time until this translates into more PCs reaching their average wealth levels and DMs feeling more confident in what they can dish out and not.
The fault was that back in the day, there were no clear rules, and then people got jumped for "omg you can't do that, it's out of whack" without any agreement what is in-whack ever having been made. Of course this can't be all encompassing, but you don't need to be an existencialist to realize that having clear positive (inclusive), not negative (prohibitive) guidelines of what you can do is a nice thing giving you a proper frame to explore your options against. If you have something going beyond it... share your idea, the community may well stand to gain from it as a whole.
Most things are treated by common sense, and I've been not a witness of any push to say "DMs can only spawn horses if there is a rule saying they should spawn horses". However, yes, DMs could not create +7 vorpal holy avengers even if there was no explicit line about them being illegal. The hard number stuff is the only playing field where rules have to govern so strictly - for apparent reason, every DM must be given the opportunity to know how much something is worth, no matter who designed it, and be able to assess how to deal with a new PC on server.
Saying that focussing on inclusiveness of pricing standards constitutes a paradigm shift seems, I have to say, to be hyperbole. I've been a member here for five years now, and even back then "rules" were a lot more restrictive and on top of that secretive, I fondly remember quite some heated discussions with Sareena on that topic.
The power of concealment lies in revelation.
Personally, the major differences I've noticed directly while playing between the past and now are:
1) fewer players
So I started a cross-server trading company back in the day with my PC. It totally ruled because Waterdeep was full of PCs that were just itching to earn some GP and do some RPing. Couldn't do this today, there just isn't the player base.
2) much more direct and personal DM interaction
What I've lost in player interaction has been more than made up for by DM interaction. On the three servers I've played on regularly, I've found lots of DM attention. I don't really feel like I'm bothering a DM when I bug them for some help. It's nice. Back in the day DMs were generally waaay too busy for even small things, like getting me out of Q. I feel like there's more potential for my character as an individual now than as a member of a group. I've taken this and run with it and I'm having a blast, even though it's different than it used to be. The adjustment has been worth it.
3) implementation of consistent wealth standards
I love wealth standards. I don't worry that because I have some wicked lewt in my pack that some other player's going to find out and whine. The converse is true as well - I don't feel like my PC's a half-wit cause she's losing in the arms race cause I don't spend my time trying to grub money in whatever way. It has freed me of worrying about it so I can concentrate on playing... and having wicked phat lewt.
Besides, I sure wouldn't play in ALFA if I didn't have some appreciation for rules.
Finally a note: it takes a special, special person to be a DM. Really. I tried it and I didn't like it. That's not to say that players aren't important or that DMs are these amazing self-sacrificing people. Generally players play and DMs DM because they actually enjoy it. But that doesn't mean they can't appreciate each other. Mord's right, sooo, thanks to FI, Brim and the dozen-or-so players I play with regularly for making ALFA what it currently is for me.
1) fewer players
So I started a cross-server trading company back in the day with my PC. It totally ruled because Waterdeep was full of PCs that were just itching to earn some GP and do some RPing. Couldn't do this today, there just isn't the player base.
2) much more direct and personal DM interaction
What I've lost in player interaction has been more than made up for by DM interaction. On the three servers I've played on regularly, I've found lots of DM attention. I don't really feel like I'm bothering a DM when I bug them for some help. It's nice. Back in the day DMs were generally waaay too busy for even small things, like getting me out of Q. I feel like there's more potential for my character as an individual now than as a member of a group. I've taken this and run with it and I'm having a blast, even though it's different than it used to be. The adjustment has been worth it.
3) implementation of consistent wealth standards
I love wealth standards. I don't worry that because I have some wicked lewt in my pack that some other player's going to find out and whine. The converse is true as well - I don't feel like my PC's a half-wit cause she's losing in the arms race cause I don't spend my time trying to grub money in whatever way. It has freed me of worrying about it so I can concentrate on playing... and having wicked phat lewt.
Besides, I sure wouldn't play in ALFA if I didn't have some appreciation for rules.
Finally a note: it takes a special, special person to be a DM. Really. I tried it and I didn't like it. That's not to say that players aren't important or that DMs are these amazing self-sacrificing people. Generally players play and DMs DM because they actually enjoy it. But that doesn't mean they can't appreciate each other. Mord's right, sooo, thanks to FI, Brim and the dozen-or-so players I play with regularly for making ALFA what it currently is for me.
Currently laying the smackdown on Faerun as: Keryn Tel'Jora, who is XXX-TREME!!!.
Currently explaining the meaninglessness of it all as Vizian Nazyr.
Currently pointing out all other characters' shortcomings as Stephen the Archer.
Currently explaining the meaninglessness of it all as Vizian Nazyr.
Currently pointing out all other characters' shortcomings as Stephen the Archer.
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AlmightyTDawg
- Githyanki
- Posts: 1349
- Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2004 12:56 am
I can't speak to everyone else's approach, and I try to strategically limit the number of times I wade into a thread to be a buster. But that said, just my own thoughts on that.Mikayla wrote:So, rules have their place, but lets not shift ALFA from a place where we have all the power and authority we need, save for the bare minimum needed to function as a persistent world, to a place where no action is permitted with out rule saying its permitted.
When the Wealth Standards movement was drawn up a long, long time ago - it was amidst vast divides server-by-server. Some were inappropriately underwealth (say 1/2 DMG consistently), others drifted higher wealth through the natural Bigger Better Badder More trend in ALFA at large, and some were overwealthed through, for lack of a better description, massive incompetence. The forum warrioring had a different character in my mind.
At that time, there was a dual edge intended. The foot in the door was DM education, but the tail whip at the end was having hard numbers to give justification for Admin to tackle the recalcitrant. Given the whining sure to ensue from any action against a DM, the strong, strong emphasis was placed on training.
Now we're more centralized in many ways, and we've built a sort of group hug collective atmosphere. The sharp edge of the standards is less prominent because basically people either get on board or throw up their hands. We're in full swing on the education side of things.
I believe the next evolution has to be relaxing the collar around the DMs. Once people know the general target, and know how to hit the mark, then little fluctuations should wash out in the end. As long as DMs understand the goal is to avoid creating a monster (PC), then they can overstep the max item award by a few hundred GP here or what not, and things will work out in the end. I think sticking to the hard enforcement side of things, policing any minor issue, isn't the best way to spend resources. But at the same time, the old sharp edge is going to become more prominent. With less attention being put to the day-to-day, having something to beat on habitual offenders with will become much more relevant than before.
Of course, I hope that is the path taken; ultimately that's what the DMA electorate decides.
Turquoise bicycle shoe fins actualize radishes greenly!
Save the Charisma - Alter your reactions, even just a little, to at least one CHA-based check a day!
Quasi-retired due to law school
Past PC: Myrilis Te'fer
Save the Charisma - Alter your reactions, even just a little, to at least one CHA-based check a day!
Quasi-retired due to law school
Past PC: Myrilis Te'fer
As a player....
T says it right spot on. The DM interaction has been absolutely amazing for me. I also feel that my PC's story gets moved forward because the dms have time for me...whereas when I first joined I felt left by the wayside most times. I feel as an individual PC, now adays I can get more accomplished in terms of my PC's goals. I have had an amazing run with different PC's, from getting captured and enslaved on a ship (thanks Kate!) to helping to build an outpost temple on NC (thanks Acadius!) To Being taken captive by Zhents and cleansing a pool of evul (Mighty thanks to Miz and Co) to fighting off a horde of goblinoids (Thanks to Lego and team, especially Jayde and Brim). I have had the fortune to be involved in so many awesome interactions with dms, I can't express enough how thrilled I have been, and am, to be a part of it all. I have met wonderous Characters so full of life and energy, each with their own awesome uniqunesses....from Kevin Coronach and his alter ego, to Laurelin and her woodsy feyness, to Silvi and her Dragon searching, to Akbar and his getting accustomed to life after Bedine...to Amalanna and her desire for better in the gloom of darkness...to Renunzio and his exceptional other selves, to Miriel and her honor to her people...
I could go on and on, listing how amazed I am at Durgan, Tala, Skyven, Zuna, Jon Sheildjack, Nickie, Elrien...
As player, I will continue to be amazed and enthralled by the rp I see, and by the awesomeness the dm's throw my way....
Or had you forgotten about all of that? The magic that this place truly is? I could care less, as a player, wether I have two coppers at level ten, if I get to keep experiencing the powerful times that I have been privey to.
As a PADM...
Getting a hold of a server, it's history, it's PC's histories, Npcs, factions/guilds...well...it is extremely difficult. I have the fortune to be with a team that does so much, and involves so many different players that at times it is hard to keep up with all that is happening. The thing I've done is simply take a back seat for a bit and help out the other dm's with their quests, getting to know the NPC's and PC's in the process. I think I have found a niche where I can dm, as I am getting to know a few players pretty well. By concentrating on a few, at a certain place, I am able to narrow the field a bit. The rest I ad-hoc, to keep players occupied in between the major happenings..which is a lot of happenings. My team has been supportive and helpful, and I feel damn priviledged to work with them all.
As far as wealth standards, I stepped up to bat first in the case of my team. I had a look at the standards, and wanted to tuck tail. At first glance, it looked so confusing, and math isn't my strong point to begin with. But I clenched my teeth and dove in. And now I am glad I did...it is not near as bad as I had thought it would be. The standards team has been kicking butt in helping me in corrections (thanks Alara!) and those who frequent the helpdesk have also kicked butt in answering my questions (THANKS ZELK!) Needless to say, I am not flying solo when learning how to evaluate wealth.
As a DM, am I here to crunch numbers? No. But you know what? There is a good reason for it. Having a balanced playing field in a CVC environment is, well...the best way to do it. I realize it will cause a lerch, over the years items have been passed out that aren't considered legal now (most for a very good reason) and that some players will be up in arms... Compensation is the best of policies though. It also allows more participation from players...dms won't be as likely to throw out huge CR's because of PC's equipment...allowing other players with less wealth and items now to participate!
I see a lot of people out for themselves these days...me me..I I...I don't like that because....
Perhaps it would help to post how wealth standards HELP the community. Maybe some could look past themselves for just one moment, and find that just maybe, because of their own individual stories like I told at the beginning...they care more about this community than they care about their individual feelings of what they deserve from the community. I know, it sounds like romantic idealism...but I suppose I am an idealist.
As for NWN2...I have built for it... (OAS2) am building for it (Savage Frontier) will be playing, and possibly dming. After all, wealth standards will be a heck of a lot easier when you are starting from scratch.
Wealth Standards is simple. Price the item you hand out correctly. Have another DM double check your figures. Keep a running list in your Server Forum on each PC, what they have (add the item after the session in the thread) and keep track of total wealth in a thread dedicated to each player. If a player goes to another server, copy and paste the thread into a PM for the HDM of the server the PC goes to. Before you run a quest, take a quick glance at the wealth levels, and then make sure what you are handing out is appropriate for the encounters. That's hard? I don't think so, I think that's pretty dern easy. But that's just me.
Daniel M Noah
T says it right spot on. The DM interaction has been absolutely amazing for me. I also feel that my PC's story gets moved forward because the dms have time for me...whereas when I first joined I felt left by the wayside most times. I feel as an individual PC, now adays I can get more accomplished in terms of my PC's goals. I have had an amazing run with different PC's, from getting captured and enslaved on a ship (thanks Kate!) to helping to build an outpost temple on NC (thanks Acadius!) To Being taken captive by Zhents and cleansing a pool of evul (Mighty thanks to Miz and Co) to fighting off a horde of goblinoids (Thanks to Lego and team, especially Jayde and Brim). I have had the fortune to be involved in so many awesome interactions with dms, I can't express enough how thrilled I have been, and am, to be a part of it all. I have met wonderous Characters so full of life and energy, each with their own awesome uniqunesses....from Kevin Coronach and his alter ego, to Laurelin and her woodsy feyness, to Silvi and her Dragon searching, to Akbar and his getting accustomed to life after Bedine...to Amalanna and her desire for better in the gloom of darkness...to Renunzio and his exceptional other selves, to Miriel and her honor to her people...
I could go on and on, listing how amazed I am at Durgan, Tala, Skyven, Zuna, Jon Sheildjack, Nickie, Elrien...
As player, I will continue to be amazed and enthralled by the rp I see, and by the awesomeness the dm's throw my way....
Or had you forgotten about all of that? The magic that this place truly is? I could care less, as a player, wether I have two coppers at level ten, if I get to keep experiencing the powerful times that I have been privey to.
As a PADM...
Getting a hold of a server, it's history, it's PC's histories, Npcs, factions/guilds...well...it is extremely difficult. I have the fortune to be with a team that does so much, and involves so many different players that at times it is hard to keep up with all that is happening. The thing I've done is simply take a back seat for a bit and help out the other dm's with their quests, getting to know the NPC's and PC's in the process. I think I have found a niche where I can dm, as I am getting to know a few players pretty well. By concentrating on a few, at a certain place, I am able to narrow the field a bit. The rest I ad-hoc, to keep players occupied in between the major happenings..which is a lot of happenings. My team has been supportive and helpful, and I feel damn priviledged to work with them all.
As far as wealth standards, I stepped up to bat first in the case of my team. I had a look at the standards, and wanted to tuck tail. At first glance, it looked so confusing, and math isn't my strong point to begin with. But I clenched my teeth and dove in. And now I am glad I did...it is not near as bad as I had thought it would be. The standards team has been kicking butt in helping me in corrections (thanks Alara!) and those who frequent the helpdesk have also kicked butt in answering my questions (THANKS ZELK!) Needless to say, I am not flying solo when learning how to evaluate wealth.
As a DM, am I here to crunch numbers? No. But you know what? There is a good reason for it. Having a balanced playing field in a CVC environment is, well...the best way to do it. I realize it will cause a lerch, over the years items have been passed out that aren't considered legal now (most for a very good reason) and that some players will be up in arms... Compensation is the best of policies though. It also allows more participation from players...dms won't be as likely to throw out huge CR's because of PC's equipment...allowing other players with less wealth and items now to participate!
I see a lot of people out for themselves these days...me me..I I...I don't like that because....
Perhaps it would help to post how wealth standards HELP the community. Maybe some could look past themselves for just one moment, and find that just maybe, because of their own individual stories like I told at the beginning...they care more about this community than they care about their individual feelings of what they deserve from the community. I know, it sounds like romantic idealism...but I suppose I am an idealist.
As for NWN2...I have built for it... (OAS2) am building for it (Savage Frontier) will be playing, and possibly dming. After all, wealth standards will be a heck of a lot easier when you are starting from scratch.
Wealth Standards is simple. Price the item you hand out correctly. Have another DM double check your figures. Keep a running list in your Server Forum on each PC, what they have (add the item after the session in the thread) and keep track of total wealth in a thread dedicated to each player. If a player goes to another server, copy and paste the thread into a PM for the HDM of the server the PC goes to. Before you run a quest, take a quick glance at the wealth levels, and then make sure what you are handing out is appropriate for the encounters. That's hard? I don't think so, I think that's pretty dern easy. But that's just me.
Daniel M Noah
Zyrus Meynolt: [Party] For the record, if this somehow blows up in our faces and I die, I want a raiseSwift wrote: Permadeath is only permadeath when the PCs wallet is empty.
<Castano>: danielnm - can you blame them?
<danielmn>: Yes,
<danielmn>: Easily.
"And in this twilight....our choices seal our fate"
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Inwintersshadow
- Orc Champion
- Posts: 464
- Joined: Wed May 18, 2005 2:39 am
- Location: Wanderer GMT -5
- Contact:
I personally do not DM on ALFA so I cannot speak to how that is...
However having been a player and DM of D&D and various other RP games for over 25 years I will say the DMs and players I've found here have been and continue to be some of the best I've ever played with.
There will always be rules. Its how we adapt ourselves to those rules and how we change rules that turn out over time not to work for the membership that is important. Not how many we have but how consistent we are in their application and as players and DMs following those rules.
If over time they do not work then they should be removed and not before.
By not working I also mean those rules which have lived out their usefulness and are no longer effective to their original intent.
But again as a player I know how invaluable this place is and the people that make it so. It had been a long time since I RP'd with any folks as good as yourselves since I first stumbled on ALFA about 2 years ago on Bioware's website.
I hope the work Rotku and I do with Public Relations will help get things rolling with attracting new members to ALFA. People like myself who really wish to find the mother lode of good times I've been privileged to have with you folks.
However having been a player and DM of D&D and various other RP games for over 25 years I will say the DMs and players I've found here have been and continue to be some of the best I've ever played with.
There will always be rules. Its how we adapt ourselves to those rules and how we change rules that turn out over time not to work for the membership that is important. Not how many we have but how consistent we are in their application and as players and DMs following those rules.
If over time they do not work then they should be removed and not before.
By not working I also mean those rules which have lived out their usefulness and are no longer effective to their original intent.
But again as a player I know how invaluable this place is and the people that make it so. It had been a long time since I RP'd with any folks as good as yourselves since I first stumbled on ALFA about 2 years ago on Bioware's website.
I hope the work Rotku and I do with Public Relations will help get things rolling with attracting new members to ALFA. People like myself who really wish to find the mother lode of good times I've been privileged to have with you folks.
Admissions Goon
Primary PC: Vohrigg Cragstomper ~ Rock-climbing Spelunker of High Home http://pinterest.com/pin/229965124694678786/
Secondary PC: Nicobus Trask - Private Investigator of Silverymoon http://workerslawwatch.com/wp-content/u ... igator.jpg
NWN1 PC: Corgrym Aerthen: Warrior-Priest of Chauntea & White Chalk Village Militia Leader in Daggerdale
Primary PC: Vohrigg Cragstomper ~ Rock-climbing Spelunker of High Home http://pinterest.com/pin/229965124694678786/
Secondary PC: Nicobus Trask - Private Investigator of Silverymoon http://workerslawwatch.com/wp-content/u ... igator.jpg
NWN1 PC: Corgrym Aerthen: Warrior-Priest of Chauntea & White Chalk Village Militia Leader in Daggerdale
Honestly? I'm still here because I just don't know where else to play. I have plenty of reasons to leave....but I've no idea where to go. This ignorance and a familiarity with ALFA anchors me here.
Immersive, Forgotten Realms-based PW with perma-death and heavy focus on RP. If there's others out there (and it would seem there must be), do let me know please.
Immersive, Forgotten Realms-based PW with perma-death and heavy focus on RP. If there's others out there (and it would seem there must be), do let me know please.
"The God of the Qurʾan is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully." -- Vaelahr
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AcadiusLost
- Chosen of Forumamus, God of Forums
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Many of our former and current members are playing via NWN2 in Exodus, which is pretty much equivalent to ALFA in terms of their permadeath/RP standards (and 75% or more of them are ALFAns as well in any case). They're only on one live server (Amn) and have a more limited scope than NWN2-ALFA is aiming for.Vaelahr wrote:Honestly? I'm still here because I just don't know where else to play. I have plenty of reasons to leave....but I've no idea where to go. This ignorance and a familiarity with ALFA anchors me here.
We are sharing core scripts with them as well, so at the least, it serves as an external beta test for NWN2-ALFA as well. If you were meaning a NWN1 alternative, someone else would have to address that one- not aware of a good alternative currently.
Also note that you can be "still here" while playing elsewhere- if anything, rubbing shoulders with the Exodus crowd has demonstrated to me that there are quite a few old familiar faces out there who may be rolling back over our way once we're live under NWN2.
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OMG 
ITSA HEEGZ!!!!!!!!
ITSA HEEGZ!!!!!!!!
Zyrus Meynolt: [Party] For the record, if this somehow blows up in our faces and I die, I want a raiseSwift wrote: Permadeath is only permadeath when the PCs wallet is empty.
<Castano>: danielnm - can you blame them?
<danielmn>: Yes,
<danielmn>: Easily.
"And in this twilight....our choices seal our fate"