Roleplaying Events

[Wired]

1. Quest text is "spammed" throughout the zone the quest personage is in. This makes it difficult to roleplay in the zone. Is there a way for DMs to suspend questing for the duration of the event?

You can turn it off. Right click on the chatbox scroll bar and de-select dialog. You should do this anyway.

2. If 20 characters are roleplaying in North Cear at once then following conversations will be difficult. It seems to me that fair activities should be conducted "in party" as much as possible to limit distracting cross-talk. Additionally it would be nice to have pavillion tents people can enter to limit the AoE of their roleplay.

Actually, don't do this. It is better if PCs are not in a huge party, it will create lag. Party chat is for OOC mostly, just use localtalk.

[Aglet Blacksoul]

1. Quest text is "spammed" throughout the zone the quest personage is in. This makes it difficult to roleplay in the zone. Is there a way for DMs to suspend questing for the duration of the event?

You can turn it off. Right click on the chatbox scroll bar and de-select dialog. You should do this anyway.

Really? I am going to have to try this! I do dislike being by Ironback's and hearing the dialog from Fallier's (sp I am sure).

// side-track over

[Artisan Smith]

Based on Wired's feedback I have updated the draft event description (see below) so it no longer requires DM support. Your feedback would be appreciated.

"Support the fight against Canas! Attend the 'War Fair' in Cear. Citizens are urged to run their own fair style activities to raise crowns for the war effort. The woman and the man who donate the most crowns will be named the "Fair Lady" and "Fair Gentleman", each being recognized with a custom item enchanted by Artisan Smith. The "War Fair" committee will also award other prizes. Do your part for the war! All donations are final and all proceeds will be contributed to the Cear war fund."

[Alterity]

2. If 20 characters are roleplaying in North Cear at once then following conversations will be difficult. It seems to me that fair activities should be conducted "in party" as much as possible to limit distracting cross-talk. Additionally it would be nice to have pavillion tents people can enter to limit the AoE of their roleplay.

That'd just add to the chaotic mood of a fair! For announcements if a DM is helping, they can use Shouts, which display in alternate colours, though you can of course colour your speech as well.

You might want to send a PM to the DM team, in case not all the DMs have had a chance to read this thread yet, might help catch an available DM's attention In general...

1. Make clear and simple outline of your basic objective. However small....

Make it simple and general and something we can latch onto easily. It is best done in small segments that can be accomplished in a couple of hours. It does not need to be a whole faction event.

2. Set a gaming time appointment with us so we can make sure you have the DM support for the event. We LOVE doing this. Its what we enjoy. I think its what you guys want, and I think it will end a lot of frustration. However, I rely on you for your objective.

3. Show up.

The main thing is to plan short attainable goals. Dont present an Outcome or a wholly planned script for an event: present a plan of action you -wish- to take toward attaining your goals.

Do you need anything from the players?

[Artisan Smith]

Do you need anything from the players?

Glad that you asked...

1. I need people to show up to the event, even if its just a few people. I have PMed DM Wired asking for his assistance with publicity.

2. I need IC volunteers for the "Fair Committee". It would be fun if "Fair Committee" members could hand out prizes (donated by themselves or by Artisan if donors do not come forward) to reward creative, fun roleplay at the event. The reason for this activity is to help ensure that lower level characters feel included although "Fair Committee" members are free to lavish their attention as they see fit.

3. I need characters to post replies to the IC "War Fair" topic indicating who they are and what their interest is in the event. I hope this will help generate interest and will be fun.

4. I need people to post any activities they would like to have their character sponsor and run. This can be done OOC here or in the IC "War Fair" topic. This will help me organize locations for activities the day of the event.

5. I need characters to show up with emperors to donate to the cause. If the donation total is high enough, the DM team could decide to throw those defending Cear a bone. As a player this is an opportunity to use the crowns in your character's bank accounts to try to influence the outcome of the war. Understand there are no promises here. We can only try. [Disclaimer: I have not been in contact with the Dasaria Staff in regards to how this event may or may not influence the war.]

6. I need to have my head examined.

7. I'm sure there are other things I need but won't think of until later


Once again I want to say this event is not about me having fun, its about all of us having fun. What we get out of this event will depend on what we put into it.

[triangles]

Once again I want to say this event is not about me having fun, its about all of us having fun. What we get out of this event will depend on what we put into it.

That's how it's done! Looking forward to it.

[Artisan Smith]

The "War Fair" is about a week away now and interest in the event appears luke warm at best. Regardless of the turnout I will be online for the event and will do my best to help everyone who attends have a good time. I am making arrangements to see that Ealden has a decent stock of items for the event (i.e. i will be selling items to Ealden so he has them in stock.) If you've scryed me lurking in unpleasant places, that's one of the reasons why.

*listens for the chirping of crickets*

[Wired]

Oh I think you'll get a decent showing. I know that some factions are planning to attend.

[Althalus]

As mentioned, the Free Vanguard will be there.

[Alterity]

1. I need people to show up to the event, even if its just a few people. I have PMed DM Wired asking for his assistance with publicity.

The Free Vanguard shall be there, as Althalus said.

2. I need IC volunteers for the "Fair Committee". It would be fun if "Fair Committee" members could hand out prizes (donated by themselves or by Artisan if donors do not come forward) to reward creative, fun roleplay at the event. The reason for this activity is to help ensure that lower level characters feel included although "Fair Committee" members are free to lavish their attention as they see fit.

We're still trying to figure out what we're doing for the event as we get more personnel. We'll try to get back to you on what exactly we are doing before the weekend of.

3. I need characters to post replies to the IC "War Fair" topic indicating who they are and what their interest is in the event. I hope this will help generate interest and will be fun.

4. I need people to post any activities they would like to have their character sponsor and run. This can be done OOC here or in the IC "War Fair" topic. This will help me organize locations for activities the day of the event.

5. I need characters to show up with emperors to donate to the cause. If the donation total is high enough, the DM team could decide to throw those defending Cear a bone. As a player this is an opportunity to use the crowns in your character's bank accounts to try to influence the outcome of the war. Understand there are no promises here. We can only try. [Disclaimer: I have not been in contact with the Dasaria Staff in regards to how this event may or may not influence the war.]
You might want to talk to some of the higher status player's characters, maybe send some letters. Not all of them IC would pay attention to notices. For example, sending a letter to Hyel Loremaster (One of my characters) might help you get some gold and/or items if you arrange a meeting with him IG, and talking to the Stormbeards might prove fruitful.

6. I need to have my head examined.
I hear the Temple of Faralis has good knowledge on such techniques, or Rian.

7. I'm sure there are other things I need but won't think of until later


Once again I want to say this event is not about me having fun, its about all of us having fun. What we get out of this event will depend on what we put into it.

Either way, good luck

[LordAers]

You might want to talk to some of the higher status player's characters

Vurk will need someone to read his letter for him.

[Artisan Smith]

The "War Fair" started at noon yesterday and interest waned about two thirty. My thanks to the Dasaria Staff and to the attendees. It seemed like most folks had a good time. If you attended, please chime in with your feedback. In the mean time here is my analysis of my first experience running a player event.

What worked:

• - In game solicitation of attendence
  - Solitication of attendence here in the forums
  - Asking friends to help out
  - Recognizing heros with items that inspire them (Artisan's bio hints at why this is important to him)
  - Promoting the event weeks in advance

What did not work:

• - Offering prizes in return for donations to a charity. Soliciting donations through roleplay seemed to be more effective.
  - Stocking Ealden with items he doesn't normally carry. This did not appear to be a draw so it was a waste of time.
  - Time zones. A number of people showed up for the event after it was over.
  - The timing of the event during the day did not seem optimal.
  - Three hours was too long for the event. It seems like a duration of 1.5 to 2 hours will work best.

I consider the "War Fair" a modest success. Based on my experience I would like to host player roleplaying events on a recurring basis. Given the nature of my job I know I will not have to work the last Saturday of each month so that is the day I plan to organize events for. The timing of events is something I need to figure out. It would be helpful if people would make suggestions regarding what 2 hour timeslot will work best for them (please include a time zone).

[triangles]

Only one postmortem? Ok, I'll bite.

I LOVE open-attendance events. Yes it's also fun to roleplay crashing a dungeon or rescuing a dire kitten with friends. Events like the War Fair (and the May Fair before it) are good at bringing together a bunch of people together to trade stories and expertise. Level and equipment does not matter. It makes the world more solid by recognizing the big bad war out there.

For next time (hopefully?) I've noticed that auctioning off characters is a terrific way to solicit donations. Who wouldn't want to buy a date with the DASHING SAMMIL THREECARD (for an archer he's a hell of a bard) or an evening of bar hopping with the ALSO-DASHING FYVES AELTHEART.

My free time is always in flux so I can't help suggest a good one. Anyway, good War Fair!

[Alterity]

Aww, Firin isn't dashing Tri?

I thought the war fair went well, it was quite enjoyable even though my internet cut out for a good hour of it.

What worked?
Well it was fun and enjoyable, and if I was available I'd come to another one. It was nice to see people come out, especially the DM controlled militia! .
The event was especially fun since all the people that showed up are very skilled roleplayers!

What didn't work?
Well the timing, as you said a lot of people joined after the event was over. Truly I had forgotten it was at noon and really had to shift plans around to get to it. Also, we need more people to show up. It seemed like half the people there were helping run the event. Unfortunately that meant not enough people were trying to stab Fyvre

Whens the next one?