DM's vs. Players. Constructive Discussion.

[TermaForever]

I try to rp sometimes when no one is watching...though at other times I feel kinda silly talking to myself

I still say just add a password. Get rid of the lightweights and keep the good apples in the barrel.

[Nim_White]

While it is nice if DMs can 'convert' a rule breaker into a useful member of the community, I say anyone who foulmouths a DM should be instantly booted, and irrevocably banned. No excuses, no second chances. Sure it is harsh - but is this type of player wanted on the server? I think not. The DMs deserve this sort of protection, as they deserve our respect.

[barakaguru]

Okay, let me weigh in on this issue...

For starters, I've been into roleplaying since first getting into D&D (that's right, D&D... I started with D&D basic rules)...

I came to this server for the RP... action servers are boring because the player interaction sucks. Like many here, I've been extremely satisfied with the FRC experience. Not only do I get many more months gameplay out of NWN, but I get to do what I haven't been able to do in years: play AD&D with real players and DMs.

My suggestion that I'd like to add is to both players and DMs: keep with the RP at all costs. If this is an RP server, then make it as pure as possible.

In my own experiences, I've helped new players unaware of/breaking the rules by keeping completely in character. Personally, I hate breaking character for anything because it ruins the illusion and I don't feel as engrossed in the world.

If DMs see a player breaking the rules, can't they drop an NPC in and RP something that teaches/foists the rules? I think that would be fun, actually... why not stop a ninja looter with a real ninja (i.e. a high-level assassin who wants to know why the player is running around her turf)? There are many ways we can teach these players to get in line... we have many tools besides epic traps: hold person, grease, stinking cloud, witty banter, threats, muggings... let's get creative! Action players will get the hint if you take the action away from them... -make- them RP...

And RP-obsessed players (like me) can do this too when running into these players....

It would be nice to have the OOC shouts and tells "converted" to IC dialogue and actions, wouldn't it?

[DM Richard (Retired)]

I've tried this and it doesn't work most of the time. While it is easy to explain IC laws like the no dangerous familiars in Isinhold, you can't explain OOC rules like the ninja looting.

The person you are dealing with will think you are just roleplaying a villain if a ninja shows up to argue over his turf. If he loses to the ninja then he thinks he has just been killed because the DM made the fight to hard. Then the DM has someone sending abusive tells at him.

If you don't explain why an action is wrong then you are just beating someone up for no good reason.

[barakaguru]

Okay, the ninja vs. the ninja looter probably wasn't the best example, but I wasn't implying that these RPed encounters should end in death... they should end in RPing. We should all be creative in finding ways to force these players into RP situations without getting anyone killed. (But, yes, sometimes death creeps up on us all.)

A better example might be to have some powerful cleric stop a ninja looter in a zombie-overrun crypt and demand to know why they disturb the dead. (Equally, a druid could do this in an outdoor/natural setting.) The cleric could have many things at their disposal to prevent them from just running around, namely, hold person or something. I suppose if things go poorly, it would end in an imbalanced fight, but whose fault would that be if the cleric was lawful and/or good?

I guess my point is: either way, they need to be told that what they're doing is counterproductive to a RP server. Why not lead by example and RP it to show em? I feel that using DM powers just to kill them isn't the way to go because that's what happens all the time on action servers... they'd (eventually) just shrug it off and carry on as usual. If, however, you -force- them into RP, they either RP back at you or leave the server because they're bored since no one's died in for 30+ seconds.

Same thing with farming: get some druid or other authority figure to show up and kick them out... is it possible to do this where no one dies? All the while, of course, telling them how it's a bad thing to romp around in one area non-stop for hours. Make something up.

If it doesn't get through to them by shouting or telling, make them listen by throwing them off their action groove by using RP. Death is a penalty that they may cry to DMs about, but what can they say if they're forced to RP? Complain? It's an RP server, right?

[quendros]

I've been here for just short of a year now and it really is a special place. I have tried to do things right most of the time and of course have broken my share of rules but it is interesting to see that once you buy into the RP 'Spirit' here at FRC, you find yourself evolving as a player...really doing things that you wouldn't dream of doing when you first started out! (like emoting and staying IC even while alone...not running when you think no one is watching...hit home with anyone?)
What's really interesting is i find when i stay IC all the time that the pace of play is very relaxing and reduces stress for me...just a side note
I do find it sad that not only the DM's but many of the older players have become *very* frustrated with the dinkwads that are on the server now...i do try to help at times but like the DM's when you help a player out and you see him/her doing the same thing the next day i just get more frustrated and i find myself pulling back from the new players and losing hope and that is real bad for the server

I guess this was a bit of a rant but it is how i feel...

[Lokarn]

I have no idea what I really want to get out here. I would like to explain something that I now, [after hearing about this] think was simply a DM being human and having a moment where he let other things affect the situation he was in at that moment. [she?] The only thing I am going to say about it is after politely asking about the outcome I was threatened to be banned for questioning what happened. I am sure the DM was busy, but I doubt I deserved the threat of banning. In this situation, my only concern is this threat, the play outcome doesn't matter much.

I understand people can be in a mood and let things bother them, but it's this sort of thing that can help make players feel bad about DM's. Personaly, I chalk it up to a bad mood.

Now another thing I said before about helping with lag can help here.... Password the server. One of the largest servers with the most players playing on it[ spread over thier 4 servers] is Layonara, it's passworded, you have to submit a very short summary /background about your intended char before the Pass is PM'ed to you to start playing it.

I really think that is a possible solution to this problem, make them read the rules, submit a bio and then PM the pass to new players. It would help with a lot of problems.

[heimdall]

As to why IC solutions aren't used for characters as often...it's quite simple. I often log on as a DM to find it is me vs. 40-50 players. Not a real nice ratio. I have for the most part ceased in giving the standard 'shouts' because frankly, most of the players have been here long enough to know better...and most of you have heard the shouts before. If I see you are still running around in search of your rapid levels and gold then I will just frag you. If you aren't acting IC why should you get the time I would rather spend with those who ARE staying in character. they are the ones who deserve the attention. Others who for whatever reason do not choose to abide by the rules of the server can go find a new server for all I care. Ignorance of the rules is not a valid defence for violating them. So to take even more of my time to deal with those who won't bother to take the time to read the server rules in an IC manner...that's just not gonna happen. It's your job as players to read the rules and understand them. It is not my job as a DM to explain them to every new player who logs into the server. Because that takes time away from the ones who DID read their rulebooks and who DESERVE that bit of extra attention.

When I see players who've been here for weeks and yet have double digit levels and gear that would take me as a player months to afford, it is apparent they are not here to roleplay. To clarify, roleplaying is NOT just talking to your buddy while you head off nightly to perpetually farm the server. It is about developing your character and playing that character's life. It is about getting involved with things that are going on. And if that fails it is about creating stories and/or plots that will involve others.

Aside from playing 'police-man' most of my time on as a DM is responding to the 40+ players who have questions, handing out language tokens, porting those hit with bad transitions, and when I can I try to put a bit of spark into the occassional NPC. This takes nearly ALL my time. I very seldom have time to set up any actual quests or do more than add a bit of spice with a wandering monster for a group. Try and imagine yourself having to deal with 40+ players and over half of them are acting like 'dinkwads' and you can easily see why the DM's may not always seem so 'friendly' to those choosing to violate the rules and the spirit of the server.

I have mixed feelings about passwording the server...as new blood breathes fresh life into the server constantly. If the server had been passworded when I started, I very likely would not be here now. It may be a worthy experiment but I fear that before too long the player base will stagnate if this is implemented.

To those who find themselves taking offense to any of the above remarks, then it is quite possible you need to re-evaluate your 'style of play'...but again...as has been said...the ones most of my frustrations are over are the same ones who cannot be bothered to actually read their rulebooks, much less the forums.

There are those who know from experience that I do not hold grudges, so even if you ARE one I have talked to in the past..I consider the past to be just that. Over and done. Do not stress or worry that the DM's are 'out to get you' - if you understand the reasons you were reprimanded and adjust your play accordingly, you will still find a welcome home here on Frc.

[Thanatos]

Just as a very quick note since I for one bear the DMs no grudge (their excellent as far as I'm concerned, and I'm not about to go into all the reasons why for fear of sounding like I'm brown-nosing), nor do I bear the players who read these forums any grudge either (they're great too). But here's a new player's view on passwording.

I'm all for it. No, I would not have gotten to be to this server had it been passworded and yes the player base will definitely stagnate if it's passworded indefinitely. But can't the server theoretically go between phases of being passworded and not? If the DMs are currently pulling out their hair because of this influx then wouldn't it be better to password it for a while (say a week or two) just until they don't feel like their overwhelmed with policing. I mean, as it stands without a password, for every action refugee you fix, three more will take his place. I'm just saying that a temporary password might just give FRC a much warranted breather if you will. I think it would be far more effective than opening up a discussion on the forums (because the real bad apples are the ones who won't read this anyhow).

Just saying that the password-solution doesn't have to be permanent. New players are always good now and then (at least, I hope you find that otherwise I'm a bit out of place here ).

Myself, I've had no qualms with any of the DMs in my grand one month here. Well, just one who I found politely inconsiderate, but besides that-! This DM team has been nothing but encouraging since my second day on the server when I wandered off alone and got my guy nearly killed, a DM took control of an NPC and saved the day. When there were 53 players on one night and I had Yven talking with Adelius in a character developing conversation (half of which was in whispers) we both were stunned to gain XP for it. And I can name about four or five other times I got RP XP from this DM team since my very short time here... I think I might've been treated harshly by a DM once since I've been here, and that DM had a very good excuse to be harsh (I was unfortunately in a party of particularly inept roleplayers), so really, as a new player... I have to side against the other new players.

[TermaForever]

Summing up what the fella above me just said, even servers need a vacation now and then.

[Driderman]

Absolutely agreed. As I also stated earlier, passwording the server don't have to be forever. Although perhaps only a week or two might be a bit too short. Who knows, anyway? DMs call...
But as I see it those people who are merely here to farm the server, gain levels and stuff and who has never visited the forums will either:

A) Find the forums, the password and all those postings about rules, and rp and dinkwads ruining the fun for everyone and then they will either shape up or slip out
B) They will go something like 'omgserverzdownnoobs' and go play World Of Warcraft where their particular brand of roll-playing (no, not a typo) fits a lot better.

It's not perfect and I'm sure a lot of unforseen problems can happen, but thats life. By passwording the server for a time, at least the DM team gets time to sort out the troubles with the player base as it is now.
Honestly, it seems like most people are complaining that those who don't read the forums are those causing trouble. So, make them read the forums.

NB: No offense meant to players of World Of Warcraft. I play it myself from time to time, when I feel particularily masochistic. And if you play the game, you know what I mean...

[DM Richard (Retired)]

heimdall said:

There are those who know from experience that I do not hold grudges, so even if you ARE one I have talked to in the past..I consider the past to be just that. Over and done. Do not stress or worry that the DM's are 'out to get you' - if you understand the reasons you were reprimanded and adjust your play accordingly, you will still find a welcome home here on Frc.

This is more true than most of you realize.

Heck several of our current DM's have been corrected a time or two by me back when they were players. Not only were we not "out to get them" but over time they have become DM's. The thing is they listened, realized what FRC is about, and made the needed change.

We aren't here to hold grudges or pick on anyone. We don't expect everyone to never make a mistake. We just don't want one problem after another after another because they can't be bothered with reading the rules.

[soulfien]

well, the problem isn't just with the new players.

I was having problems with the staff back in April that led me to quitting. I'll discuss some of that here since there is a thread for it.

1. The "No Loitering" signs. Everytime my party parked ourselves outside of the city/town/hamlet we were spanked around and told to move on- which led us to simply start killing things again after having the roleplaying we were doing get interrupted. Specific examples include:

In the Ruins north of the Bramblewood- Shivata, Son'ya, Garistan, and Padrin were parked there having a picnic and discussing some heartfelt things and in comes an ancient green dragon to kill us. We were raised and told to move on away from its lair... I found that odd since there's another ancient green dragon just a half-day's walk south in the center of the Bramblewood.

In Starwater Crossing northeast of Suzail- Son'ya, Shivata, and Garistan were parked there doing some fishing when an adult Bronze Dragon came out of the little stream and told us to get away from its lair or be killed.... Son'ya's arrow she was using to fish with (she had a fishing line tied to it to pull back the fish after firing) scored a hit on the dragon before it surfaced. She had been aiming for a fish and somehow hit a dragon. The dragon came out angry and exiled us.

Kobold Fields south of Isinhold. Eliana, Shivata, and Sharita with a couple other tag-a-longs were conducting combat training. Eliana wanted to learn how to fight toe to toe and kill. Zombies came out of nowhere and broke up that session and then vanished as quickly as they'd appeared.

After that I quit RP'ing outside of the towns. Everytime I did we got scattered. Outside of town became purely weapons drawn and spells cast, ready for battle at all times.

2. The favoritism the staff held. I wasn't one of the most popular players and usually hung out with other unpopular players who RP well, just aren't well liked and were thus ignored. It was stated by one DM in a post some time ago telling me that my PC needed to "get involved" in the plots that were happening and when I pointed out all thye things my PC was doing to get involved just to get turned away or ignored outright the DM never responded to it. I had another DM even agree that he'd noticed that it was happening. I asked for a non-magical item to be made for me, offered to pay gold for it, sent in the request the proper way after asking a DM how it was done, and then several months later had to hound that DM to find out that it had been approved, but it was up to me to find a builder who felt like building it (would have taken 5 minutes in the tool-kit for informational purposes). I gave up on it and after several months still never heard anything more about it- this was before I left, of course.

Things like that.... more would have to be discussed off this public thread.

[Lokarn]

I agree about a certain time for the password to be turned on, good idea. To further expand on my point on adding a password, when I see a server with a pasword I think to myself: "Self, this server either has a core of serious players who value what they have or they are a bunch of elitist snoots not worth playing with. I think I'll peek at their website to see about the server" If I see something like this server's forums, with many posts and tons of good topics and almost zero negative posts I keep looking, read the rules, and get a feeling for how they play. Then I look at how much work I have to do to get a password. if it's clearly posted how to get it. If all I had to do, as a SERIOUS player looking for good RP, was write up a short bio and read the rules..... well why wouldn't I? Now, say I had to have an interview, take a test, submit some essay as to why I wanted to play here... well that is too much.

As a player who values rules and good rp though.... man this place sounds like home to me. I found the Layonara server to be that except for one problem... NO pvp regardless of what someone said to my assassin! So I left and found this server, my favorite by far!

One last point, if in the server details you state clearly the website and someting about getting the pasword is easy good players will want to atleast try it out, the bad ones will pass you by yes, but.... we only want the better ones.

[TermaForever]

Soulf'ien's comments don't bring to mind anything that has happend on this server, but do bring to mind some old dm's from the server I mentioned earlier. on that server, if you completed a long, difficult, drawn out quest you could have a custom magical item which was forced (via a list of rules about 20 or 30 lines long) into being rather weak and pathetic for the length of time. Further restrictions were added when the admin declared that each custom item took '11-12 hours' to make. That sort of thing annoyed me to no end. And then they made me change my name for no good reason (it wasn't a book character and it was a perfectly logical name) and liked to interrupt rp to do there own thing. And any even they did had a predetermined outcome. If the players started to push things in another direction insto-death would ensue (they always controlled invulnerable creatures as well...)

Now I haven't seen the dms here guilty of such things but if they have done that then I can see where players might get a wee bit ticked off.

[dajuke]

I started out as one of the worst players on this server, always soloing and running off to battle gnolls so that I could get that next level. That runaround got really stale after a cuople months, and I was about to leave from boredom when some monk with silver eyes managed to draw me into a long campfire conversation about life. He sparked my interest in role-playing and, though I'm not even close to one of the best players on here, lured me into staying on this server for the past two years now.
folks, our DMs do an amazing job, and they give us more opportunities and chances that we deserve. My char Taran should most likely have been banned in the first couple months. As kind as the DMs were to let me continue playing on this amazing server, it was a player taking time out to pull me in for no other reason than to get me to talk that won me to this land. I have to find myself agreeing with some of the previous posts in this thread that it is up to all of us to help make this a good server. Our hard-working, generous, UNPAID DMs don't deserve to have to try and police everything. We as players should be willing to point newcomers in the right direction when we see something that seems out of whack. Granted, while Taran spends much of his time away from Isinhold because that's how he has developed as a character, I also try to spend time playing my little wizard Reyvan, and use him to help guide people around that I see, strike up a conversation with someone I haven't met, send a gentle tell to a player if it seems appropriate, and basically do the best I can to take whatever load I can off the DMs. It's not perfect, but we can all make a difference if we try. And it will give us happier DMs and a better world for all of us.
That's my two cents, take it for what it's worth, and see ya ig. Peace out from the old fogey.

[nolf1983]

This seems like a fit location to place my comments so far in the last two months or so Ive been about, like helgrin said earlier (after a good hour or so its taken me to read all the replies) Ive been enjoying a lovely beverage this evening as i busied myself while the server was down (and hope in the morning i don't regret it like so many DUI's before [dialing under influence] haha you know what I'm talking about) I also apologise for rambling on but I'm sure i will so feel free to skim.

I played NWN about 3-4 years ago for a fair while. Played on an Australian version of the nordock module and though the rules were more lax and we could use shout to organise groups etc for leveling and loot runs the rp went well enough as well, my halfling rogue was part of a group of halflings who decided to take up control of a town and charge a Fee to use a path (with traps laid out etc until the fee was paid and we removed them to pass safely) the dm's encouraged such organisation and our group evolved well and was pursued by those wishing to join and those wishing to confront us. Until as with power it corrupted some of the leaders and the fun was lost with the pursuit of more at about which time i went to World of Warcraft. Although playing on an rp server there found it severely lacking the rp which involves one in more than achieving the maximum outcomes of a game. After exploring all the dungeons and leveling multiple characters to an extent that only multiple farming of high end instances could extend my character further loot wise found the game severely lacking other than hack and slash it just doesn't have any major thought put into ways of extending rp and encourages the hack and slash, and basically lacks the willingness of others to encourage rp without a controlled environment if you understand my meaning. But i ramble on from the topic.

What I'm meaning to say is that upon trying nwn again with my fiance to come back to a game that had multiple pathways of roleplay the first server i came across was this one. We found it nicely set up and the dedicated and enforced rp was great (even if it took twice as long to get anywhere ).

The DM's I can understand with people are getting frustrated though the shouts not to run and the like without pointing out who their talking too can be a little intimidating. My friend who also came from WOW and i were in one room and without putting detect mode back on were looting the chests in the catacombs in a room the first time we moved at more than walk pace when the shout came on to stop running and the people knew who they were and we were like whoops i wonder if thats us but later came across the people who had just been eaten by some demons apparently before coming back down.
In my experience on solis Ive gotten involved in many dm involved rp experiences during my traveling with nice rping groups though I would personally find it more encouraging getting some without having to venture outside town and being able to chat with others in town to encourage such events. And not that I'm not grateful for the 50 xp etc i think if the xp rewards were increased it may encourage more un- battle related rp if you get my drift. the comment that its not about leveling quickly but still its nice to feel that you can be rewarded highly without going out to look for combat. IE a friend of mine rp'd a blind wise man in town and was some of the best rp Ive seen but in the system at the moment he would be waiting a while to get to level 1 let alone higher. Why would a blind man in town need to level if he doesn't leave town well in his experience I'm sure he learned other things (spells etc) and its just one example of rp that involves no combat at all. But again i ramble away from topic.

Ive met a great group and meeting new people each day i play Ive ventured to new places and helped new players with what i hope is a little help and perhaps guided rp but who can know . I do think however that some of the preformed groups that go about could be a little more accepting and welcoming of newer players instead of more interested in keeping their tight little groups. I know that people feel that they shouldn't have to sometimes and are happy with their tight knit groups but it can be daunting for a new player to get into the society if people just talk amongst their continuous groups and you watch as they leave town while you sit by yourself and think what to do now and the only option seems to be to find a bit of solo time or log off and neither are what you want to do with your free time.

My fiance who has less time than I to play still really hasn't found any friends online due to people sticking to their own groups or the town being empty but thats another story i guess.

I spose i should wind it up as I'm sure its gone on awhile, but it would be nice to see some organisations (clans / groups) perhaps being into some recruiting or something i notice there are some guild websites on the forums but Ive yet to see any of them. Nothing gets people rping better than being recruited and given jobs to do and some formation for their time for example being hired to patrol the isinhold to redmist for a certain wage each week with an err organised training session perhaps under the guard of the town. *rambles*

In short once more the dm's dont give up there are plenty who appreciate what you do greatly *yay doppleganger* (if you were there you would understand) but perhaps feel free to promote and reward non violence related rp (if you are doing that actively forgive my blindness)
And players feel free to involve newer players into groups and trips not everyone is able to involve them self with others without a little prompting- tight friends are great but making new ones is even better.

For those who are lost I apologise in the length of ramblings and off topicness but i warned at the start....and it made sense in my head ;D

[ShadowCatJen]

I think we've pretty much hammered down the current reason for the frustration on the DMs and gone over a few solutions for it.

In regards to passwording the server I would be for it. At least on a temporary basis. Long enough for the crew to get a handle on the current crop of refugees. Six weeks should be enough. Long enough for things to settle, but not so long that we never get fresh blood in again. And as someone mentioned above, there is nothing that says we can't ebb and flow with the servers needs on this.

I wouldn't say to have it that in order to get the password you need to put in an application. I'll give you the only reason why I say this: It puts yet more work on the DM crew's shoulders. Please, don't suggest that someone from the crop of players can volunteer to go over the applications, only proven DMs should be allowed to do it. Also don't suggest that it wouldn't take long. It wouldn't matter how long it took, it would be "work" instead of play and that's not good.

I would say to put the password on the forums, but have it integrated somewhere on the same exact thread where the rules are listed. This way anyone that comes on has no excuse what so ever to say "I didn't see that rule". Ignorance will be no excuse.

[Driderman]

Right. Nolf's post got me thinking. The DMs here are pretty good at awarding xp for roleplay, definitely, but the idea that you could possibly advance in level merely by roleplaying seems like a good idea. My first character on the server spent a lot of time around the inn of Isinhold (war-weary old fighter who didn't really have a strong urge to go seek a fight unless someone asked for his aid) and he did receive some decent rp awards, but those 9 levels he advanced before being retired came almost solely from combat xp... Not really sure if this is considered a problem, but perhaps some extra xp rewards for dedicated rp might be in order. Then again, you might already be doing this, I rarely see any DM interaction myself these days due to not being on so much and the timezone difference... Guess I need to buddy up with Dachshund

Regarding the password, perhaps a poll would be in order?

[SlothfulCat]

>.> I think I suggested this a few weeks ago...

[hexer]

As for the password, it seems the server at large is leaning towards it. We may poll, we may not. Really, its become a matter of what and how much the DMs can handle at any given time. A password would help out a lot, I'm think'.... Anyways... *Eats someone's brain.*

[♥Zach♥]

I ask for things, in the post I try to drag the topic so that players and DMs meet an area both can agree on (i.e. Subraces, items ect). I know the rules, I don't talk them much if I do it's rarley. I just follow them.

[heimdall]

And the password could be something like...

yourunyoudie

or

diepowergamingdinkwadsthisisnotanactionservergohometoyourmamas

heheheh.

Ah...the joys of downtime.

[Myth]

heimdall said:

Ah...the joys of downtime.

No joke there, read -a lot- of interesting things from past threads while server is down, and also posted some. I think -everyone- should take the time to read through some threads

[quendros]

for DM sanity reasons alone i think a password probably makes sense...let things cool down and make it fun for them again.

As has been discussed previously by Jen...It doesn't have to be a permanent thing...

[Hackmaster]

I thought the base requirement for becoming a DM is to have lost your sanity completly and wholly without hope of return??? What else can make a person choose this heh

[davrosmandrake]

It had never occoured to me that FRC was suffereing an influx of 'noobs' from action servers due to the release of NWN2, life suddenly makes more sence.

Fortunaltly I have not encoutered people using using words like 'pwned' that I do not know the meaning of but I know that if I did then it would take a vast amount of patience for me to even think of dealing with them, infact the lack of 'leet' players like this is main reason why I love FRC so much.

So if you are one of these 'leet' then please be aware that some old farts like me have no idea what your talking about and when we dont understand things we get cranky and are likely to start beating you around the head with our walking sticks. So please stop it as the Doctor has warned against exerting myself.

To the DM's that have been dealing with this influx you have my heart felt thanks for the effort you have been putting in and the patience you have shown. Like so many people that have contributed to this thread I have seen the shouts and being paranoid (the aftereffect of a mispent youth) have of course thought some of them were directed at me. Although relieved that I may not actualy have been the reason behind the shouting I am concerned about its cause and offer any assistance you could ask of me.

On the subject of this thread I would like to thank and congratulate ShadowCatJen for her comments that have linked so many of the seperate comments together.

On the password issue, I am all for it, but one thing I would say that if it is for security reasons then have the password in an area of the forum where only registered users can see it. That ways people HAVE to register on the forum (giving you some details) before gaining access to the server.

Now for my own personal view as to the question of DM's vs Players:

FRC is my first and only dabble into online MUD roleplaying, other types of RP (Tabletop, PbeM, LARP etc) I have been doing for the best part of 30 years but all that is FRC was new. It was recomended by a friend (no longer with us) and I had the good fortune of falling in with a good player to team up with, so had a fair degree of mentoring myself, something I have tried to extend to other players.

As a player I worry (remember the previously mentioned paranoia) that I can been seen as farming or whatever the term is because I spend a lot of time playing this game. Being currently unemployed I can put a huge 8 plus hours a day (not so much at weekends as wife is home from work) into playing this game and most of these 8 hours are during european waking hours so there are frequently few players on.

This means I am (or was) frequently by myself and obviously out adventuring (and dieing...a lot) as there is only so much standing around in Isinhold you can do having a onesided conversation with a NPC before you go garrity.

One of the things Justi prides himself about FRC is its sheer size, and having played in his world I know that it is HUGE. I also know that it is not just big but also filled to the brim with quality ideas that I (as a player) want to see. Yes I am am here first and foremost for the RP but I also want to explore this vast and wonderful world that has been created.

In my dealings with DM's I have always told them to approach me directly if there is problem with my play (first online RPG paranoia) and I dont bother them unless I really have a problem (I dont want to be a nusience paranoia). This has resulted with a great relationship...well at least nobody has moaned at me.

Recently I have noticed two changes in FRC, the first is an influx of new players (some actualy in my timezone....woot as a 'leet' would say) and also an influx of new DM's, some of which I had played with when they were players and are also in my timezone.

All of this is just incresing my love of FRC and not making me want to leave.

Thank you Justi and all the DM team for making FRC and Thank you all of the players for making FRC the role-play server it is

Toodles

[Nim_White]

Why not put the password at the end of the server rules thread - and change it frequently - that might get a few people to read the rules

[♥Zach♥]

I'm not even an old fart and I have no clue what the hell these "leet" people say.
*Taken from an actual conversation on NWN one year ago*
Player: "C@nt fite th3 gobs alone!"
Me: "Wha'?"
Player: "lol come wth mi pls, I n33d hlp!"
Me: "What the hell are you saying? you might as well be speaking greek right now"
Player: "lol ur a n00b!"
Me: "Sadly you are mistaken, I have apparently been playing Dungeons & Dragons for years and have played on many Role Play servers."
Player: "lol wut the hell! ur gay nerd! lol"
Me: "I'm not gay"
Player: "w/e n0w com help mi fite the goblins!"
Me: "*logs out*

[TermaForever]

I understood most of that...it hurt...my brain is crying, but I think I was able to translate based off context clues.