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Post by manyasone on Nov 25, 2004 1:50:09 GMT -5
Hi there... I've been an avid role player for quite some time now and I (not to brag or anything ) consider myself to be a fairly good person to ask questions of when it comes to the subject of roleplaying. This thread was inspired by a rather strange event... One day, while mucking about with my half-elven cleric in Isinhold, I ran across a drow. Granted that a drow is not a server accepted subrace, but the fact is that people were interacting with it in character. Now, what was strange was that people did not seem to mind the drow... Drow are one of the most, if not the most, hated creatures in all of Faerun. Almost every living soul on the surface would likely kill it dead on sight, run in terror, or bend over and kiss their butts goodbye. The fact is that even a paladin of Tyr or a Preist of Torm or any other good person would likely squash the drow without question because the idea that all drow are evil is so solid in the minds of every breathing person. BUT, that was not what happened... Only TWO out of FOURTEEN PEOPLE acted as they should have. One attacked the drow, the other looked on in shock as the rest of the players rushed in and protected the drow. Now, no one met the drow before, it was not like he was a captive being questioned or a redeemed adventurer like Drizzt, he was a random drow walking around in town. Even a surface elf, the blood rival of the drow, walked in and tried to stop the fight. Now, that's not as bad as the fact that the same surface elf made a snide comment about humans earlier and now was talking about accepting others in spite of differences about a DROW! Anyways, finally a DM stepped in and put a stop to the madness (praise the gods) by ruling that the drow was non existent and that all roleplaying reguarding it was to be erased from exsitense as well. Still, that does not take away the fact that the roleplaying was in bad form and made no sense. ((NOTE: I've made an effort to leave all names out of this tale so as not to offend and I say this all not to insult, but to make a point))Sorry, this turned into a rant. Get a little over-zealous when it comes to role playing. This thread is hereby dedicated to answering any and all roleplaying questions and to offer any Faerunian based knowlage and lore to those that seek it.
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Post by Theramin on Nov 25, 2004 5:33:45 GMT -5
I absolutely 100% agree with you on this. I wish Drizzt was never invented, because he has screwed up the perceptions people have of Drow.
Drizzt is an absolute freak, 1 in a million, one-off drow to have been born with some good in him. Even then the drow make sure no such 'weaklings' ever usually get a chance of survival. Drow are BORN EVIL because it's the way they are and have had to be to live in the underdark. And yeah, everyone will likely kill a drow on sight, especially in Cormyr of all places with it's elven links.
Basically not adding anything just echoing your sentiments, but a good thing for people to remember of course!
(Obviously this doesn't inlcude Ellistrae worshipping drow, but they stay far from human settlements anyway and look different enough for people to be able to tell the difference)
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Post by Quadhund/Greenhouse on Nov 25, 2004 9:08:28 GMT -5
Here are my two cents. I was there when this whole discussion was going on. My reason for not attacking the drow is because Hrothgar doesn't like making enemies, especially enemies of the drow. Now if you would have made the offer to pay a bounty on the drow, I would have sliced that dark elf open in a split second. Now, I didn't mention that in the RP, but I was actually just sitting in the background observing. You'll notice, I never did stick up for the drow. I do agree that this instance was very strange. In fact I am quite shocked that the character wasn't killed immediately, and I think there are two reasons for this. First, levels. Why didn't you kill the drow? Well it was because you were a low level character and the guy protecting the drow could have killed you in a second, right? Don't even try to argue that point, because you kept trying to convince everyone to kill it instead of actually doing it, calling everyone pit fiends and such. I was sitting there waiting for you to kill it, hell i was even tempted to do it, if not for the fact that they prolly would have raised him right away and/or been really pissed off at you. Second, because the character was obviously a newb. Everyone who has been playing this server for a while knows that subraces are prohibited, especially the drow. Now, how would you have felt if you choose a server, made a character, and the first thing the people on server did was kill you? You would be pissed off, and never want to go back to that server. Now I don't know if this was happening, or if anyone even suggested it, but it should have been explained to this newb that the race was prohibited, and he should start a new character. Even a experienced veteran RPer knows that if they are going to play a good Drow that will be travelling between towns of humans and elves, that they should first and foremost find an item to hide their identity, and then only reveal to people they truly trust, that they are a drow. And as for Drizzt, I hate em though I do like reading the books . Just my two cents.
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Post by Mayanich on Nov 25, 2004 12:16:24 GMT -5
as for the drow player I think I nailed that one before she/he could play further trying to play a "forbidden" race. But I see your point, a lot of people tend make me wonder what the heck is going on. I mean I remember one day some little dwarf or gnome was walking around town with a banner of Bane, chirping he's great and wonderful.
What surpized me more was most people just accepted this (non evil ones) and a few paladins and clerics seemed to either ignore him *jaw drops*.
We are talking about bane here.. bane. That's like someone walking around NYC with a T-shirt saying "Osama is da bomb!" and holding a banner "Terroisim rules".
I'm not sure if people are afraid of conflict (aka attacking the said evil dooer) but I know meyler was looking for him after a glimps of him and for some time as well, to put an arrow in his head, not only was he supporting a god (evil dispicalbe one openly) that my god furiously hates but he's supporiting a god that is followed by the greatest threat to Corymr (Zhent).
Fact is the purple knights prolly would have arrested him or tossed im in a cell for questioning, the druids up on the hill would have prolly done worse to him but he was standing there happly buying stuff from the druid (no working dm was onilne at the time).
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Post by Silencer Nate on Nov 25, 2004 14:45:39 GMT -5
Heh. From what Seril could tell, there was a necromancer (showed someone Velshroon's holy symbol) talking to someone...someone who seemed fascinated with death, so as they were talking he threw a choking gas flask at them to break up the comvo. I would have attacked except they didn't saw it bluntly enough for Seril to pass judgement on them (as a follower of Tyr, everyone has a chance to say their story), and of course I wasn't sure of the PvP rules of engagement, but it did quiet them down when they knew someone was spying.
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Post by Silencer Nate on Nov 25, 2004 20:51:42 GMT -5
Oh, a few tips I'd like to add, if you don't mind. Remember that when you're sitting around fire, totally bored and with nothing to do, and don't feel like killing things (which I get a lot), your character has things to do too. Chores, but things to do. A few suggestions: EAT! When was the last time you cooked something or went to the inn for a bite to eat. The server is full of anarexic people or what? Bathroom: Might want to keep this one simple, as no one wants a full play by play, but a simple, "Excuse me, I need to relieve myself" goes a long way. Prayers. I see a few epics doing their prayers, but what about the rest of the clerics and paladins, eh? Misc: Brushing your hair, teeth, washing your tunic, armor, etc. You think we want to see all that week old blood on your armor, or smell your monthly clothes? Use the rain while you can if its too messy to clean inside, like if you run into a gel cube or something. BTW, this sounds like a rant, but its just a few suggestions.
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Post by Kolfrosta on Nov 25, 2004 22:07:01 GMT -5
Quote: Misc: Brushing your hair, teeth, washing your tunic, armor, etc. You think we want to see all that week old blood on your armor, or smell your monthly clothes? Use the rain while you can if its too messy to clean inside, like if you run into a gel cube or something. Use the rain? When there is a perfectly good bathhouse with warm water, and a steam room as well? Not to mention all the pools and streams you can walk through ......
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Post by manyasone on Nov 25, 2004 22:49:35 GMT -5
Well, I'm glad I'm getting this sort of positive response. I kinda feared being told off or something. I appeciate the positive re-enforcement.
But, alas, the purpose of this thread is not to discuss the nature of drow, but to give tips on rp, and to spread general faerunian knowlage.
Again, thanks for the positive input. I love it. Good to see players out their that pay attention to small details.
MANY AS ONE'S FIRST TIP ON ROLEPLAYING:
Do not be afriad of detail!!
Sometimes it is enough to just put:
*raises a brow at the hin*
but do not be afraid to add more. So what if typing takes time? It's good to add detail.
*raises a brow at the strange actions of the hin, wondering whether the hin is mad or mearly stupid. Pauses then sighs, turning his attention back to his spellbook.*
So, as a tip, do not be worried about massive strings of description. The only thing it does is help suck people into the fatasy world and flesh out your character into a living, breathing being.
Feel free to discuss this further until the next subject arises.
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Post by Mayanich on Nov 26, 2004 6:55:15 GMT -5
I like emotes but careful about those mind reading emotes.. not only one are emotes just actions or visual actions like emotion but people around you have no idea what you are thinking so don't bother to add them because they are not mind readers *raises a brow at the strange actions of the hin, wondering whether the hin is mad or mearly stupid. Pauses then sighs, turning his attention back to his spellbook.* now is nifty but, they have no idea if your wondering if the hin is mad or stupid. *raises a brow at the strange actions of the hin, looking perplexed, confused if not worried and mumbles* ... mad.. just mad.. *Pauses then sighs, turning his attention back to his spellbook.* would be more realistic I've seen bad emotes like *removes leather shirt exposing his rippling muscles thinking if any of the ladies around him would notice and talk to him, possibly even ask for a drink and where he got those scars from* *cough* excuse me? let's try that again *removes leather shirt exposing his muscular torso, any who look to see observe many scars across his chest* see, without meta gaming "trying to make" people ask you questions let them decide, if they are impressed they will ask you if not the'll prolly emote *ignores the man* or *looks up at the man, raises eyebrow and goes back to reading*
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Post by Silencer Nate on Nov 26, 2004 7:22:05 GMT -5
*removes leather shirt exposing his rippling muscles thinking if any of the ladies around him would notice and talk to him, possibly even ask for a drink and where he got those scars from* *snickers* I was going to add the metagaming/"ask me please" emotes, but you got me before I could...as for quote like that, you gotta love them 112% stupidly hilarious.
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Post by -SuPeRBeAsT- on Nov 26, 2004 20:46:58 GMT -5
Oh good, I didn't have to be the first to complain about drow characters heh. My ranger ran into a drow the other day in Garrott's shop. Of course, he was using a Salvatore name (Barrison Del' Armgo). I don't like to just out and out PK someone, especially if they are of a much lower level. I didn't even think about the fact that the characters are illegal. I did confront him IC however. He said "yes, I'm a drow, but a nice one". Hehe, guess he expected my character to shrug and say "well, ok then" and smile stupidly. But no, I became a bit confrontational, so what does he do? He logs out. Now, illegal or not, if you play a drow, you should by all means expect harsh treatment and be prepared to RP those scenes. That's just common sense.
That said, I think a drow can be a good RP'ing experience, but it has to be done right. Unfortunately in NWN lots of people are just video gamers and not true DnD fans and seem to think that drow are just a misunderstood race and are being oppressed and segregated against.
BTW, back off of Drizzt. Huge Salvatore fan here ;D He didn't just walk out into daylight one day proclaiming that he was a friendly drow and expect everyone to treat him kindly. He traveled a good chunk of Faerun just to find a place where he would be remotely tolerated and even that didn't come easy.
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Post by Gordy101st on Nov 27, 2004 7:02:36 GMT -5
hes the reason everyone thinks drow can be played though
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Post by -SuPeRBeAsT- on Nov 27, 2004 14:07:53 GMT -5
That would be the same as saying that everyone who read the books on the Time of Troubles think they're characters can be Gods.
Peeps who want to play a 'Drizzt' should read the books more carefully as it makes a point quite clear just how much of an anomaly Drizzt is and how difficult the path he took was.
Shouldn't blame good literature for the ignorance of players. I say the blame lies with them. If they weren't being ignorant about drow, chances are they'd be being ignorant about something else. I've seen well RP'd drow on another server. Both good (ellistrae followers) and evil. It can be done, it just takes a bit of knowledge of the race. It also helped that the server was set up so the drow were segregated with different spawn points and NPC scripts that made it so a drow couldn't just walk freely on the streets of a 'good' town. Guards were set up to attack drow on sight, good or evil.
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Post by manyasone on Nov 27, 2004 20:49:44 GMT -5
Good to see some people disscussing my details subject, and I full agree with the idea that you should not give away information that isn't appearent by looking at the character.
OKAY, new subject.
MANY AS ONE'S SECOND TIP ON ROLEPLAYING:
Isn't that armor uncomfortable?!
Wow, I've seen people wearing armor every day of their lives. Like it's welded to their body. Let me tell you, FULL PLATE IS NOT COMFORTABLE!! No one, no matter how "always on guard" they are, will EVER wear armor permentently. Buy a new set of clothes (only one gold piece) and wear it in between adventuing.
By the way, it's good to see that not everyone does this. But as a tip to those whose's skin never sees the light, change into an non-metallic outfit in between adventures because I doubt anyone would subject themselves to that.
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Post by Quadhund/Greenhouse on Nov 30, 2004 11:45:22 GMT -5
I have a beef with a RP aspect that I am going to voice. Now, I am not trying to insult anyone by saying this, but people are just too friendly. Sometimes people start calling me friend 2 minutes after they have met me. Or maybe they'll just run into the middle of two people's conversation, screaming "Hi, how are you?" just because they have met one of the people in passing, even though that person might have their sword drawn. I am just saying that because you went on one dungeon crawl with a person doesn't mean that you should trust them. Doesn't mean you shouldn't try to do another dungeon crawl with them, just means I wouldn't go inviting every stranger along for the ride. Now if you have travelled with someone a lot, and have had a good amount of RP, then sure it is alot better to skip all the formalities, but I think most people just want to get straight to the adventure. RPing takes patience (at least this is what I am finding out . Hell, yesterday I spent 10 min stalking someone to "learn their fighting habits", by myself, just trying to avoid be caught (which meant no fighting or looting either). Well there is my rant! Peace
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Post by Theramin on Nov 30, 2004 12:05:34 GMT -5
Sort of adding to Hrothgars point there, if you meet someone on the road, the last thing you're likely to do is ask them if they want to travel into a dangerous, isolated dungeon with you. Saying 'Hi! shall we see what's in these crypts?' sounds like an invitation to being robbed. If you meet someone a few times you should always go to the nearest Inn and start from there
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Post by manyasone on Dec 1, 2004 17:28:36 GMT -5
This is a good point. I'm the first to admit, however, that when you are just starting out, the temptation group up with strangers is strong. A few of my earlier characters did that, but now, at this point, whever I make a new character, I find it more rewarding to just roleplay.
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Misha Aogail
Old School
Player of: Torian Burrfoot, Misha, Whisper, and Oriana Gant
Posts: 324
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Post by Misha Aogail on Dec 6, 2004 11:28:47 GMT -5
I must say, that of the few servers I've played on, Cormyr is my favorite. I'm an avid LARPer* (and if any of ya'll throw anything, make sure it's fresh. Good tossed salads are hard to come by), and thus far, Cormyr's come as close to the feeling of RPing that I've gotten used to LARPing. I'm still getting used to it via the computer (I will admit, I'm more of a straight gamer, but I am trying). The one thing I've noticed is that there are some times that people don't have a chance to respond to anything. There are those who are faster typers and those who have better connections, which means that for some people, a person could do/say something really fast, while the person responding is waiting for their response to get through or is thinking/typing it up. It's kinda hard to explain, so I'll give an example. Mind you I don't remember stuff exactly, but the scenario went something like this: I was talking to someone. My responses were at least 2 statements behind. The person I was talking to did something (for example) like *takes her hand and kisses it* then goes on to continue talking. I responded to it (*blushes and smiles*), but unlike a good portion of people nowadays, I still have dial-up (hey, when you need to pinch a penny...), which means, I could type up and respond to something but it could take an extra couple of seconds before it actually comes up in game. Now I know some people really are fast talkers in game, and that's fine. I'm just asking that if someone does, at least, an action (see above example), wait a couple of extra seconds before you just move on to the next thing for a response. Who knows, I could have responded by slapping the character, which would have changed the dialogue afterwards. Another thing, about doing mundane chores... From personal LARPing experience, I can tell you, I know people that stay in their armor almost all the time. Those that have armor, anyway. Even for the longer outings, they do just about everything in their armor (most are along the lines of half-plate as full plate is too much to actually wear). And yes, they do have changes of costuming, but I've only seen one of these people actually use their other costumes. Now, I know it's to help enhance the experience (and personally, I never would have thought of it more than just an occassional thing), but think about this: Just because we all sit around a campfire doesn't mean that my character, who may have just come back from a trip to another city, didn't do these "chores" there. Not to mention the few outposts here and there. You have to keep this in mind as well. And as for changing clothes... Some people may want to keep that extra pound or two free for carrying more loot. Over-all, I must say the experience has been a blast. I will admit, I haven't read any of the books (don't hurt me! I'm working on it!), but a friend of mine who got me into the game is teaching me the basic history/background of the lands and such. And I appologize if this sounds like a rant. Sometimes I get off on a tangent. *LARP - Live-Action Role-Playing - Dressing up in costumes/make-up, playing your character, living in the woods from a weekend to a week (or more), actually doing battle with monsters, solving puzzles, etc. with your character's life on the line all while getting very little (if any sleep), working on studying/performing any skills you may have, and hoping that plot doesn't decide it's your character's turn to be harassed by a seriously twisted plot line.
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Post by Gordy101st on Dec 6, 2004 11:54:40 GMT -5
I know a guy who went to a LARP event dressed as a drow. lol, had the *chickenwing* beaten out of him ;D
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Post by manyasone on Dec 6, 2004 14:28:49 GMT -5
I have a cable connection and type pretty fast... Often I post two to three times before the other person does... I never realized this until now. I am sorry to anyone I have done this to
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Post by DM Justicar - Creator of FRC on Dec 19, 2004 11:14:04 GMT -5
I just want to thank everyone who has been involved in this post. It is thoughful experienced RP'ers like you who keep us honest and continuing to meet our goals.
Cormyr finished by 2007! ;D No, hopefully it will be alot sooner than that and we can continue to enhance with plot/story/description/action.
I appreciate so many of the points of discussion that have been brought forward in this thread.
Thank you!
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Post by manyasone on Dec 19, 2004 12:46:05 GMT -5
Good to hear it's helping.
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Post by soulfien on Jan 14, 2005 4:04:08 GMT -5
I have some things to add here as well. First, this has long been a pet peeve of mine... I cannot stand it hen someone types out "Armours up" or "Straps on his armour" and then poof- they've gone from a simple tunic to full plate in the blink of an eye! Full plate takes at least 20 minutes with people helping you. It's extremely difficult to get in and out of. Half-plate isn't much better. Field Plate is also very difficult. Even chainmail isn't as simple as snapping your fingers. My point is that if you're about to attack someone or are about to BE attacked, don't expect them to stand there and wait while you pull piece after piece out of your bag and begin to slowly undress and strap it together. If they wanted to they could kill you long before you even got your shirt off or even run so far away that you'd never find them. Second, I've had my fill of drow on NWN. I've seen people defend drow PC's also. One time, instead of attacking a good aligned drow (who was doing nothing but playing the victim of predjudice), I quickly made a CE human wizard who walked up to the drow and offered his services to her and her raiding party. He was conviced she was a scout and when she kept denying it, he became angry that the drow obviously didn't consider him worth it Needless to say, I had a very good laugh at how it played out The drow ran off simply because the inexperienced player didn't know how to respond! As for chores, pick a profession. My druid put points into craft armour (even though the crafting was disabled on that server) because in the wild one must know how to do these things yourself. He would periodically kill animals for food and take their hides. Being elven, he would make them into leather strings and would replace his bowstring every now and then. He'd also sit by the fire and repair his leather armour after each adventure with his leather patches. My rogue would craft traps right there in town. Crafting wasn't a crime and it made for some awesome RP watching people's reactions to someone making deadly traps openly! Of course, my rogue was always the first one to get blamed whenever a trap was discovered on a frequently used path or door....
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Post by soulfien on Jan 14, 2005 4:10:06 GMT -5
Another thing I had forgotten....
Hoods are not helmets. They don't hide your face from anyone standing in front of you.
Enough said.
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Post by the masked guest on Jan 14, 2005 4:46:46 GMT -5
Sober up kid. (just jk.heh) On the armor....its a video game, no one has 20 mins to change armor. And if your engaged in combat, you cant change armor anyways right?.....the game wont let you change armor until combat is over?
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Post by soulfien on Jan 14, 2005 11:21:40 GMT -5
Think ya missed my point bud I'm talking about those people who will change into thier armour like superman before engaging in PVP in town. It should be treated like yer in combat- in other words- don't pick a fight unless you are ALREADY armoured up.
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Post by DM Justicar - Creator of FRC on Jan 14, 2005 14:33:50 GMT -5
Just a point of order. If you are going to pick a fight, do not fight within the gates of the city/village you are picking in.
Please exit town limits for any PvP encounters.
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Post by manyasone on Feb 14, 2005 1:03:49 GMT -5
MANY AS ONE'S THIRD TIP ON ROLEPLAYING:
It takes a large amount of concentration and a bit of time to slap together a believable disguise. Please realize this when you throw on the disguise mask and change outfits.
A few times very recently, a person has been pickpocketing, running around a building for about a second, then coming out around the other side in an entirely different outfit and a disguise.
It takes a bit more time then that to make a good disguise, and it is near impossible to do it while running.
A tip on disguise making: Since disguise checks are not available in the dicebag (if it is, I missed it and ignore this tip), use a bluff check when you make a disguise. That way you have a DC for people to roll a spot check against when they try to see past the diguise.
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Post by manyasone on Feb 14, 2005 1:05:36 GMT -5
Justicar
Yes. In these past few days I've seen so many bodies around isinhold that I am supprised the local guard has not made a "keep weapons sheathed and peacebonded" law.
I was guilty of PvP in town before, so, yeah, I know I'm not perfect, but I'll be soon. ;D
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Manshin
Old School
FRC2 Build Team
Posts: 703
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Post by Manshin on Feb 14, 2005 1:56:55 GMT -5
Here's my two cents. I would have killed the drow. Infact, I think drow should be allowed! I think that if you are dumb enough to make a drow, it should be open range for any PCs to wipe you out on sight. I think, rather than prohibiting evil races, DMs should simply encourage PCs to act "naturally" toward them. And if a PC out there playing as a drow has the skills to avoid all contact with strong PCs and survive, more power to him/her. It could make for an interesting angle. Oh, here is something I do that i dont think I have ever seen another player do. If I have to go to the bathroom... I RP it. I have Manshin walk over to the wall, and then I go. I try to OOC as little as possible. If you are in bad lag, pretend it is a snowstorm and it is hard to move or see(if you are in the North). If you level, say: I just realized what i have been doing wrong! Let me meditate (or whatever) on this. Every time somebody types "OOC," it blows the fantasy for me. Keeping your character "in character" all the time makes it more realistic. Oh! One more thing... I read not too long ago about a person who was mad because a random spawn that he felt was too difficult for where he was wiped out his party. My thought on this is: Adventuring shouldn't be predictable. I like the thought that dungeons can be more dangerous than you would expect. A good adventuring party should send out scouts to guard against this sort of thing. Had this party used a rogue or a ranger to scout a bit ahead, they would have seen this impossible encounter before it was too late. I think there should be encounters that are better avoided from time to time to keep us on our toes! And more deadly traps!
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