DM Appreciation!

[Spooks]

I want to keep this thread alive JUST as much as the other RP congratulation threads. I only have one big tip to all you DM's out here on FRC.

Let your DM name slip. If you're possessing a monster, NPC, or just making an encounter more challenging... Send a "Say" channel which has your whole "DM Crazy" Username visible. After most encounters (I can't say all, and I'm sorry.), but after -most- I do send a DM channel "Thanks for the RP" or "Nice encounter". But I want to let you guys know that even if there is a group of PC's who make you feel unappreciated, there -are- a hardcore group of PC's who, if asked would PAY you guys, for the work you do here. This is as good, in my opinion, to an MMORPG, if not better. You give your time, effort, love, devotion, time, sweat and tears to this module and if You guys aren't happy... Well then HECK! We aren't either.

We love you guys and we -do- appreciate what you do, so don't let the ingrates get you down, because if they can't just take the mod for what it is and for what it represents to everyone else... then they deserve to get banned, in my opinion.

Keep up the good work and Just because I know every DM secretly wished to see there name written publically in recognition of their contribution...



Justicar. You are the Heart and Soul of FRC. We owe it all to you. If you ever need a liver transplant, look here and I'm sure one of us would happily oblige. You have set the bar, for every DM who I encounter after you. You have defined what I expect from a DM, and I am completely satisfied with it. You make this server worth playing. ;D

Richard. You've been here for just about as far back as I can Recall. You helped a few of my unworthy PC's get personal attention... and I appreciate it. I miss the quests you ran, and hope to see you around soon.

Usurper. Between what you do IG, on the forums, and for the server behind the scenes, you deserve Congrats, alot more often. Thanks, and carry on! And I hope that the Army goes well so that I can come back and be grizzled just like you!

Gallin. Another Oldschool DM who i haven't seen around. I hope what Hex said on the other thread doesn't apply in this case! I miss your quests, and intertion you gave, and as much as your help might be needed in the behind-the-scenes aspect... I hope you get back to IG stuff soon!

Munroe. Another I can't recall having any contact with. You're part of the DM team, so you're obviously top-notch, but if you run something with me, drop a name so that I can associate the awesoem event with the appropriate DM.

Ainur. I honestly haven't seen you IG. But whenever I see you reply or start something on the forum, it is -always- something worth-while. You are the team leader for a reason... and that reason is readily apparent in your performance.

Laurk. We've interacted alot, both IC and OOC. We've had our comings and goings, but in the end you've proven to be a stand-up guy, and despite Thraden's loathing of Manshin, I can definitely say that I feel the exact opposite toward you. Keep DMing, and keep playing, I expect greater things to come.

Hexer. You are THE most notorious DM. Everyone loves you, and not so secrectly fears you! Kudos for ruling the server with an iron tentacle. But really, you've DMed for my past few characters, and I never had a complaint. You're a good DM, with a knack for creative plots. Just remember... Mind flayer's may be people too, but... then again you aren't -quite- the average mindflayer.

Grozer. I knew you as a player beforehand. You were a good guy, with a bad PC ! Everytime I was involved in a plot that was associated with you and your group, I looked forward to see what you'd throw into the mix. Then after letting me roll up your son, it just made me think even more of ya. I await something from you, DM-wise. I have high expectations.

Valkyrie. You stand out. Not so much as a DM, but as a person. A DM sent me anonymous quotes of comments from the DM forum, regarding my PrC application... And I knew exactly which one was yours. You are -good-. Really I can't say anything else that wouldn't cheapen it.

Hemlock. You've been a good friend. Always there to listen to people chew your ear off. Kam was the only person, besides Fafnr, who she could talk to. You helped make my Evil PC experience alot more bareable, and social. Now that you're a DM, I hope you'll continue the caliber of quality I saw you exhibit as a PC.

Heimdall. We've had our laughs, and our cries. You are a DM who is in the trenches, all the time. When I log on and see a Shout trying to manage PC's, whether its about getting the heck out of Isinhold, or about the next big invasion, or even just a message of greetings... most of the time it's you, and your effort hasn't gone un-noticed.

Aodhan. You were the top pick for ALOT of people, in regards to the FRC awards. And it was deserved. You are FULL of plot. We can never know what to expect from you as a PC or a DM. That and the fact that no matter -what- happens IG... you keep it IG, and vice-versa. You are the epitomy of what I would define as "A true roleplayer."

D'Jalin. Wow, alot of you DM's have been around for quite a few years. I remember way back when you used to run campaigns for Thrulia, and co. Those were they days that hooked me to the server, and without you, this place almost missed having such an awesome member, like me!

Boozehound AND Greenhouse. Double Kudos. You guys go hand-in-hand. Ever since we were all level 1-ish together, growing in levels as Vind, Hroth, and Thrulia, you guys have been the first people I scan the player list for when I log on. You made the server just that much more real and inviting, and hell when you guys move onto NWN2 while I am stuck with an M-16, I'll still remember that lich event we first had way back when Jacob was our hero! You've been my best friends on my server, and I'll never forget you two.

Pookey. You, have a cute name? Hehe sorry but there are so many DM's that just haven't approached me and said "Hey, here's something cool!" *does a plot* "btw, I hope you had fun!" So just let me know when you do something, and I will be sure to let you feel the love!

Dachsund. You recently impressed me with your stuff, and I can honestly say that I approve. You are a fine reason why I haven't second guessed any of the DM's. Never have I been disappointed, and I doubt I ever will be. I hope you love to DM, because we have plenty of room for you to DM with!

Jurivancer. Mayanich, Ventuere, Bassa, Chelon, and Gustyrill! YOU guys are all BIG parts of this server. I remember Juri's awesome plots, Gusty's crazy PC/DM events. Bassa's involvement with everyone, always saw you making sure everyone got some attention. ... but those last three... Chelon, Mayanich, and Ventuere... I wish you guys had let me known what you'd done. I don't want to just let you guys fade away without having any memories of ya! So come back real soon and DM something, so I can change this post to something with amazing praises!

[ShadowCatJen]

Is that a little brown on your nose or is it just me? j/k ;D

It's easy as a DM to forget that there are folks out there that appreciate what you do.

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I wanted to bring something to light concerning the crew in general. Mainly that, right now, they are being a bit taxed. This is due to several reasons all leading to the fact that we have a much higher player count then before.

- NWN2 multiplay servers should start popping up more now. Which means that most of them will be shutting down their NWN servers if they haven't already. For those who can't afford new computers or upgrades to be able to play NWN2, they're going to stick with NWN. Currently we are getting some of that influx of players that have been left cold by their previous homes.

- The server player allowance count was raised because the lag beast had been properly slain. Which meant more folks who were joining were more inclined to stick around and play. This, in turn, means that the average player count through the entire day floats around 30-35 players... where as before at the peak hours would see 35 at the most.

- Because of the previous two reasons we've gotten many many new players. Some who have never roleplayed before (i.e. coming from Action servers, ect.) and some who are used to smaller servers where DM attention happens for them quite a bit. Many don't understand basic common courtesies when contacting DMs and many also don't understand that the DM crew can not be at your beck and call every time you are on.

Also, as unfortunate as it is, we also get in a good deal of dinkwads. I'll just point out a past thread instead of repeating it all here:

frc.proboards37.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1146697474

Though it was posted months ago it still all basically stands.

Let's not also forget that we get the DQ sorts that will drop in and get so carried away in some lame attempt at getting attention that a DM has to step in to tell them to turn the angst wattage down.

frc.proboards37.com/index.cgi?board=roleplayideas&action=display&thread=1162504285

Add to this all the various folks that spam the DM channel complaining about lag or complaining about dying because of the lag or just complaining in general.

Put aaaaalllll that together and you suddenly end up with a DM crew that has to come in and do more "police" work then they do questing and enjoying themselves. It becomes Not Fun and when a hobby becomes Not Fun most folks I know stop doing that hobby.

Now, I'm going to be a little bit critical here towards the crew, though mind this isn't directed at any individual and this can be said for any DM crew of any server. When one becomes a DM they do need to understand that there is a certain amount of responsibility that you take on. Becoming a DM does not mean you simply get access to all the behind the scenes information and get to do some nifty things that will help only your own PCs along. It's not some sort of free-for-all badge that you are granted to do what you please because you are "A DM". It is not some allowance that you can give all your playing buds leet gear and massive XP boosts. That isn't what a DM is for.

Having to deal with trolls and dinkwads comes with the job. As does the responsibility to dish out quests evenly between PCs, both old and new. I can tell you for a fact that if most people knew that dealing with the more unsavory sorts was part of what a DM had to do that you wouldn't get nearly as many folks coveting the DM title.

I'll give compliments to the crew in general as most do seem to understand the concepts of what it means to be a DM and have the maturity to not be dinkwads themselves.

As players, we have to realize what a DM sometimes has to do and to practice patience and tolerance. You do not immediately give a tell over the DM channel like "OMG the lag suXXors!". 99.9% of the time the DMs are more then fully aware of a lag situation. They don't need you to tell them that. Nor do you assume that just because a DM is on that they will be readily available to do what you ask.

Be patient when looking for the answers on questions you may have. READ EVERYTHING. The forums, the yellow book that shows up in your inventory every time you log, the signs at the entryway. A good deal of the time the answer you were looking for was right there.

Talk things over tells with other players in a mature manner if there is a problem instead of shouting at a DM or posting on the general forums about how wrong you think something is. If players can solve things on their own and both come to an amicable agreement, then that's one less things for the DMs to worry about.

For any of you DMs that are stressed out? Don't be ashamed to take a break. Play as a player for a bit and don't be abashed to say to someone who begs you in tells to come on as a DM that you're taking a break. When you play as a player you should be a player, when you're on as a DM you are a DM, and never should the two mix.

And I think I've rambled on enough. I'll show my appreciation to the crew by not being a problem player.

[Spooks]

shadowcatjen said:

Now, I'm going to be a little bit critical here towards the crew, though mind this isn't directed at any individual and this can be said for any DM crew of any server. When one becomes a DM they do need to understand that there is a certain amount of responsibility that you take on. Becoming a DM does not mean you simply get access to all the behind the scenes information and get to do some nifty things that will help only your own PCs along. It's not some sort of free-for-all badge that you are granted to do what you please because you are "A DM". It is not some allowance that you can give all your playing buds leet gear and massive XP boosts. That isn't what a DM is for.

Having to deal with trolls and dinkwads comes with the job. As does the responsibility to dish out quests evenly between PCs, both old and new. I can tell you for a fact that if most people knew that dealing with the more unsavory sorts was part of what a DM had to do that you wouldn't get nearly as many folks coveting the DM title.

All I have to say to this is... The DM's here are screened, tested, and trained. They wouldn't be where they are if they didn't know what they were doing. So as much as valuable as that criticism was, I don't think any of them find it as "news".

BUT to get it back on track! Post ANY props you want to give to DM's here. Much like the Good job RPing threads we have for PC's, you guys should start posting about the positive DM experiences you have. Even if you don't know which DM did it, just thank -in general- for the encounter.

[ShadowCatJen]

In that case:

To Munroe and his vampiric encounters. Always interesting, always intriguing, always managing to make the PCs question his/her moral grounds for dealing with the vampires. Never giving out enough hints to give you complete answers, but just enough to wet your appetite for more.

To Heimdall who's always helpful, friendly, but not afraid to come down on the dinkwads or wag a finger at a so-so player for doing a Bad Thing when they should know better. And for also making a standard dungeon romp just a shade more interesting.

To.... I'm going to catch flack for this cause I can't remember which of the new DMs did this ... the DM that had poor Frubo try and change his ways due to frustration. Mynian actually felt sorry for the poor dear and couldn't resist trying to help him. Having Frubo accept the suggestions and seem happier for it made for a nice little slice-of-life RP. Love that stuff. ^_^

[Driderman]

Well it really is somewhat belated, but I'd like to thank whatever DM did the 'not-to-be-mentioned' chicken occurance with Korr... It was fun, but if I ever hear Derrister talk about it he's a dead man ;D

Aside from that, I'm sorry to say I've had very little DM interaction. Mostly due to the fact that I live in Europe I suppose, and time zones tend to differ...
I've started trying to play at american main hours and already I see more DMs around when I am, so I suppose it's bound to get better.

But just for the record, from what I've seen and heard, this whole damn DM-team is the best ever to grace any NWN server, so be proud of yourself lads and lasses. You're the friggin' best!

[catmage]

shadowcatjen said:

In that case:


To.... I'm going to catch flack for this cause I can't remember which of the new DMs did this ... the DM that had poor Frubo try and change his ways due to frustration. Mynian actually felt sorry for the poor dear and couldn't resist trying to help him. Having Frubo accept the suggestions and seem happier for it made for a nice little slice-of-life RP. Love that stuff. ^_^

I believe it was whatever Quad is calling himself as a DM. And yes, it was fun, particularly the idea of Frubo the highland bard, with his mighty bagpipes

[moulinous]

a sincere thanks to Greenhouse and Hemi for all the help...

[Artemisa]

A general thanks to all in the staff. I don't know how you manage to keep up with thirthy players + and give most of them some attention. It's starting to become rare to log on without getting some sort of poke from you. Truly awsome. You guys rock. Keep it up!

And you're all very appreciated. Even those times when we forget to offer a tiny 'thank you' over the DM channel.

[Savage]

Props to the DM Team. I have seen them interact quietly behind the scenes and I have enjoyed it every time. I don't alway get a name so I don't know who to thank personally. I would like a name drop if you have the time.

Thanks, again guys.

[Myth]

Many thanks to all DMs I've interacted with. I don't have any complains. And special thanks to those who've spotted something I'm doing wrong and made me improve... I considered myself a decent RPer (regarding Computer RPGs, in PnP I'm rather experienced) and I've found that in the one-and-a-half month I've been around I feel I've improved much and certainly I owe that to fellow players and DMs here.

Keep up the good work!

[Should have logged in]

Quick thanks to DM's Goldilocks and Smash. Dinner with the driders was a great time, enjoyed the entertainment.

Also wanted to thank who ever was working on the woman in search of components quest in Isinhold today. Sorry, crashed big time right as it was getting started, but wanted to say that the work and attention is really appreciated.

*wanders off in search of log in info*

[Masterbard Alyster Darkharp]

I would like to thank all the DMs for what they do (even if thats get drunk and harass players, and by harass I mean 'interact with') FRC and it's staff, and players have made my boring life a bit more fun lately.

You are scholars and gentlemen all and one, unless your women, then well..your still scholars.

Feanorre

[DM Justicar - Creator of FRC]

feanorre said:

I would like to thank all the DMs for what they do (even if thats get drunk and harass players, and by harass I mean 'interact with') FRC and it's staff, and players have made my boring life a bit more fun lately.

You are scholars and gentlemen all and one, unless your women, then well..your still scholars.

Feanorre

*Does a shot and puts Feanorre on the "interaction" list* ;D

[Masterbard Alyster Darkharp]

LOL, and we were just all talking about 'lists' people had in chat today when the server went down. I am finally on a list.

Sweet.

Thanks again, all of you DMs and assorted minions and secretaries of minions and so on and so forth.

[grehmalkin]

Greetins to all the DMs

And thanks simply for it all... I am not on as much as I would like... but there always is someone about that makes this world run... and the simple interactions when an npc comes out of their routine and talks to we wonders of the world is always a treat... on that note...

an extra thanks to whichever dm was 'Kale' today and gave Magnlis a double bok on the house... though sadly he expected all the rest of his drinks on the house... *grins*

[aerokleftis]

I honestly have only interacted with 2 DMs, 3 tops. But Pookey has been an awesome help with problems and some other misc stuff, including teaching me "drive mode" ;D

[Paragon]

I know that I have interacted in game with multiple DM's, but as I don't have a real good way of keeping track of which DM does what, I just have to say thanks to those of you who have taken the time to mess with me, I appreciate it.

[ShadowCatJen]

paragon said:

I know that I have interacted in game with multiple DM's, but as I don't have a real good way of keeping track of which DM does what...

That's why they have this now:

frc.proboards37.com/index.cgi?board=dmtimetableevents

Would like to give kudos in regards to the DM Timetable/Events forum. Excellent way for not only the players to see who's doing what at what time, the DM crew can see what's going on as well.

Was this implemented to make sure at least something is going on at all times?

[SlothfulCat]

Gallin.... for moving the clock ahead 2 hours just after my party said "We better get moving before it gets dark"

[Retired DM Gallin]

avieupator said:

Gallin.... for moving the clock ahead 2 hours just after my party said "We better get moving before it gets dark"

Well at least you didn't say "We better get moving before a swarm of dragons block the road".....

And in my defense, I didn't bump the clock, I merely decided it was an opportune moment for time to catch up.

~Gallin

[SlothfulCat]

still Hilarious.... on scale with how hard I laughed over dachound's Vrulo impersonation.

[Helgrin Granitesoul]

Shout out to Ainur for Oghrann Resurrection

*bows humbly in thanks*

[Myth]

Thanks to DM Dachshund for making Mary-Ann blush more than she usually does

[Myth]

Thanks to DM Hemlock for the fun in Eveningstar and the fire giants. Always good to have DM interaction.

[DM Grizwald]

yeah thanks for the wake-up call. Ususally when i get that close to lvl'ing, bad things happen. Your crushing of us woke me up. I think i'll just try and pace myself for a bit.

[Thrym]

*nod, nod* Yup, thanks for spicing up that dungeon. And those giants were just perfect to test out my lovely new spells. ;D

[sundano]

thanks to the DM who saved Lindra yesterday. It is very much appreciated. I did have her close to level 7 at one point, but I keep getting killed, lol, anyway, thanks

[JCrux]

helgrin said:

Shout out to Ainur for Oghrann Resurrection

*bows humbly in thanks*

I, too, want to say thanks to DM Ainur for putting this event together. I'm having a blast. And thanks to DM Justicar for joining in last night.

[galanodellaucian]

I would just like to say thank you to Hackmaster and Richard, and Ainur.. For their somewhat irritated, but still quick resolution of an in character mishap.. Thank you all.

~Alex~

[Artemisa]

Pookey - thank you. You took me completely by surprise and left me somewhat speechless. Keep on watching

Dachshund - it really doesn't take much to make the world feel alive. Having a purple knight coming over, demanding us to stop talking about demons and the like in the middle of Isinhold, felt very realistic and real. Even the smaller 'events' makes a difference, thanks