Hello fellow role players! Our Roleplaying Forum has been up for a few weeks now and I think we've all had time to get our feet wet. [img]smile.gif[/img]

I'd like you all to think about what you like and don't like about how it is working and what suggestions you have that could improve the quality of the board and our enjoyment of the games.

I'm not looking for things like "I need a double barrel +8 disruptor canon" but rather things like "It would help if there were fewer threads on apple wars or more threads on how to rp".

Please give me any reasons you might have for your suggestions and by all means if you aren't satisfied with something here in the RP forum, speak up! Or feel free to pm me or Larry about it. This forum is first and foremost a place for FUN and adventure. If you aren't enjoying yourself, it's not serving it's purpose! [img]smile.gif[/img]

We may not be able to make everyone happy, but we can sure give it our best shot! :D Let your mods know how we can serve you, that's what we do here!


So post your ideas and suggestions or tell us what isn't working in your opinion. NO SPAM, Please. This is going to be YOUR feedback on your roleplay forum, so don't make me wade through spamchats to find out what you want. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Cloudy

Okay, two things which I am 100% sure would improve this board:

Suggestion #1:

Whenever an RP is started, it should be stated whether or not it has a DM and what the rules are, the Mods should try to enforce these rules by editing posts, unless they're busy with something else of course and it's mainly the players' that are supposed to enforce these rules by following them.

Suggestion #2:

Make me a mod! :D (Right, I know I've got no chance of this one but I just had to do it [img]smile.gif[/img] )

<font color="skyblue">I am glad you posted this. I had not thought about it yet, and I see that theis post will serve an important piece of our new-found culture, here in our little world. My suggestion to add to everyone else's is a "remove your signature" rule. Those things take so much space...and I don't care to see sigs. They don't have much use in here. IMHO....</font>

From what I've seen so far, the playing styles differ both from player to player and from adventure to adventure. A guide on how to roleplay is something I would not approve of as it will limit the adventures to a certain style of play, without developing new and refreshing ideas. It's much more fun to discover and develop your own style than it is to copy that of another peson.
On the other hand, a number of different examples listed in a single post would show everyone there are many ways to play, and will encourage them not to copy anything.

The rpg's themselves differ as well, some are almost social chat, others follow the dnd rules strictly. And there's a wide variety inbetween the two of course.
A few simple guidelines can help beginning dungeon masters out, but a two page long topic on how you should organise your games will limit the freedom they manage to create with their games.


One of the strongest points of this forum is the avaliability of different kinds of RPG. Newcomers to this forum should be able to join in on a number of different adventures. This will help them determine what type of games they like best. It's hard to do so however, as you'll want to tell a story as DM, and as players, and more and more people suddenly appearing from nowhere can make the adventure more chaotic than you'd like.

An example of what I think is a good thread for newcomers would be Mistral's Hazardous Times RPG. You've probably seen it, but the idea is that your character is just passing through the world, going on the adventure he/she wants, if he/she wants, with the players of his/her choice. As long as the player's actions fit in with a recent reply to ensure the post makes an interesting part of the whole.

The adventure in each thread is to keep it interesting. The adventure on te forum is to create a diverse amount of roleplaying games and giving everyone a chance to take part.

There are of course exceptions, clan related RPGs and quests that are well under way are not very open to new players. But even this can be solved. Just look at 250's threads. One party of adventurers was on it's way to a great adventure, yet other players wanted to join. So Leo made a second thread just for them. I'm not sure, but I'm guessing he's planning on weaving the two together. That's an effective technique, as the new players won't be daunted by the posts of the older ones and get to explore the world at their own pace. Later on, the two groups can be adapted to fit.

Just a few major guidelines here:

-Everyone should have fun

-Powerful characters are usually not considered as interesting as more
mortal, unsure ones
-Big battles where everyone can do as he/she pleases will turn chaotic
sooner then you think-The DM is like a moderator: He/she has the final say in any matter
-The DM is like a moderator: He/she can be argued with as long as you
remain polite
-If you've got a new, refreshing idea, please do start a new adventure
-It often pays off to create a character complete with history. You can of course use that same character in other adventures for the sake of
convenience, consistency and fun
-Keep in mind what the DM and other players expect from the game, and
try to live up to it
-If you're short on players, PM me ;)
-There's a DM rental just around the corner


That's what I had to say at 1:30 a.m.. Maybe I'll come back during the day and make even more sense ;)

If I could make one comment about this suggestion box:

Please provide SUGGESTIONS, not complaints. I'm sure Larry and Cloudy don't want to be flooded with a bunch of complaints advocating no solution. Make sure that you actually have a suggestion to make the board better so they can say either yes, it's a good idea, or no, it's not a good idea. [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color="yellow">Well, at the moment I am very happy over this board. The only thing that mignt can get better, is that the mods shouldnt take a part in battles, only check it once in a while to see if the rules are overheld.
Except that, the board is nearly perfect! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] </font>


see ya!

damn, Legolas, very solid suggestions, it nearly put everything in, except... well, I cannot find anything you've missed yet :D

another thing is, keep everything light hearted. a game is likely to run for a long time. everyone is **expected** to lose interest, and pick up interest along the way. so hang in there and dont leave :D you never know when you'll be wanting to play again... but dont be absent too... I began to toy with the idea of killing Prime2U now...

**sniff** I will reward Legolas, Talthyr and Liliara with more actions from now on... promise [img]smile.gif[/img]

EDIT:
this is to the players in my campains only

you should try to ask the DM to provide descriptions of your surroundings as often as possible, or have him tell you about certain objects, as you may find clues along the way

I am getting more and more annoyed when BIG BIG BIG clues are being overlooked again and again ... sigh

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Sir Exxon:
<font color="yellow">Well, at the moment I am very happy over this board. The only thing that mignt can get better, is that the mods shouldnt take a part in battles, only check it once in a while to see if the rules are overheld.
Except that, the board is nearly perfect! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] </font>


see ya!<hr></blockquote>

<font color="skyblue">So, Cloudy and I are not welcome to partake of this blessing that Ziroc has given us to have fun? This board is for all members to RPG in. I have been trying to get Ziroc to free up some time to come play with us. Usually, I stick to the games that I have been invited to play, but if I make an appearance anywhere else...I try to do so as to not ruin anyone's fun.
What exactly provoked this idea that we should not play with you guys? Have we ruined a game by stepping where we were not wanted? </font>

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:


<font color="skyblue">So, Cloudy and I are not welcome to partake of this blessing that Ziroc has given us to have fun? This board is for all members to RPG in. I have been trying to get Ziroc to free up some time to come play with us. Usually, I stick to the games that I have been invited to play, but if I make an appearance anywhere else...I try to do so as to not ruin anyone's fun.
What exactly provoked this idea that we should not play with you guys? Have we ruined a game by stepping where we were not wanted? </font><hr></blockquote>

cpme to my game... but dont use any of your mod's power on me... [img]graemlins/firedevil.gif[/img]

Actually, mods are people too (or so I've heard ;) ). And in my opinion, Larry is a pretty good player. He's is an interesting person to play with, doesn't drop out halfway through and does not make an appearance in every single thread during weekdays. There's no reason I see that he, Regnir B. du Olc, or any other moderator can't participate.

Lol, CCL, nothing to add? Because I 'borrowed' your Have Fun rule? I'm sure my thoughts aren't THAT coherent after midnight. Or are they? :confused: [img]smile.gif[/img]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:


<font color="skyblue">So, Cloudy and I are not welcome to partake of this blessing that Ziroc has given us to have fun? This board is for all members to RPG in. I have been trying to get Ziroc to free up some time to come play with us. Usually, I stick to the games that I have been invited to play, but if I make an appearance anywhere else...I try to do so as to not ruin anyone's fun.
What exactly provoked this idea that we should not play with you guys? Have we ruined a game by stepping where we were not wanted? </font><hr></blockquote>

<font color="yellow">Well, ok then.
I was just thinking that......................(hmmm)..................
Ok, maybe I wasnt thinking, I just wrote it.
<h3>A huge sorry, Larry, Cloudy and Ziroc!</h3>
Please forgive me...</font>


see ya!

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Sir Exxon:


<font color="yellow">Well, ok then.
I was just thinking that......................(hmmm)..................
Ok, maybe I wasnt thinking, I just wrote it.
<h3>A huge sorry, Larry, Cloudy and Ziroc!</h3>
Please forgive me...</font>


see ya!<hr></blockquote>


NO offense taken, Sir Exxon. This is for your suggestions and you can ALL feel free to make any suggestion you truly think will make the board a better place. Please don't be afraid to say what you are thinking. Now, that doesn't mean all the suggestions here will be implemented, just that we are listening and will do what we can to make things work smoothly. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Cloudy

Hehe...I was going to delete my remark, due to feeling that I had no right to question your opinion openly like that, but everybody after me posted in reply to my paragraph and quoted me on it. Oops...Sorry Exxy...I hope that I did not sound bad on that post. I was curious to find out if I had caused any trouble, but maybe people were afraid to point it out to me for the fear of being smited.
I assure you that I will not smite anyone if you do not want me in your games. ;)
Or...maybe its Cloudy that you are all angry with...yeah! That witch! Down with Cloudy!
~Larry runs far away....

Let's drop this case now, and move on to what Cloudbringer has asked for. More opinions on how the site can improve...Anybody replying to thses my last statements will be shot...or something...

[img]graemlins/troutslap.gif[/img] LARRY! witch, indeed! Humph! hehe.. you wait buster, I'll get you alone in a dark alley.. er.. ahem.. nevermind... ;) [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Anyway, has anyone else got any ideas? Suggestions? Party favors?...uh scratch that last one.. SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Cloudy

Remember, rules and guidelines are important, but get them clear at the start, so everyone knows what they are, and they they don't get in the way of having fun!! :D

<font color="skyblue">As an intended improvement, I have added a sticky called the Halls of Fame.
Please let me know what you think of it, and do you think that it will be abused???</font>

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:
<font color="skyblue">As an intended improvement, I have added a sticky called the Halls of Fame.
Please let me know what you think of it, and do you think that it will be abused???</font><hr></blockquote>

Still laughing. Do I think it will be abused? I hope so, just as long as they abuse it with quotes as rich as that one. I think this will be alright until some idiot posts a quote of his own.

Maybe you could open up an IRC client for people who don't like post by post RP.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:
<font color="skyblue">As an intended improvement, I have added a sticky called the Halls of Fame.
Please let me know what you think of it, and do you think that it will be abused???</font><hr></blockquote>

That's a cool idea, Larry [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] You can always delete any posts that aren't fair dinkum ;)

Keep the ideas and suggestions coming!

Cloudy

Okay, how about a team of stand-in DM's from different timezones which can keep the games going if the DM can't make it.
Of course, they'll have to be informed on short term plans and learn to adopt the DM's style, but potentally they could make the games more interesting and faster where timezones provide problems.

I know this slows down the game (there's a need for shorter posts as you'd get major gaps in the storyline between the times you post otherwise) and should not be used unless the DM asks for it.

I think it's worth experimenting with

agree, Legolas [img]smile.gif[/img]

I'd like to suggest that in the absence of a separate section for them, we might at least consider using DM- in the titles of those games being dm'd. It might make it easier for newcomers to spot games that may already be filled or to know they need to talk to the dm about joining.

CB

yeah, in skullport (when it still worked) a DM has two accounts. one is say "Cloudbringer" another would be "DM" so when she posts as player or just chat, she uses the first one. she only uses "DM" in her campaign.

ne way, you got the idea

like this?

I am wondering what everybody thinks about the thread devoted to everyone's clans, complete with a link to the current one. So far, only Legolas has helped me set his up. The ORT have a new thread with 24 posts on it, yet nobody has contacted me to update this on my side. Does anyone really care to have the links to the threads? Some do and some don't, but unless I get 100% help from the guild masters on keeping it updated...I am going to remove that link option.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:
I am wondering what everybody thinks about the thread devoted to everyone's clans, complete with a link to the current one. So far, only Legolas has helped me set his up. The ORT have a new thread with 24 posts on it, yet nobody has contacted me to update this on my side. Does anyone really care to have the links to the threads? Some do and some don't, but unless I get 100% help from the guild masters on keeping it updated...I am going to remove that link option.<hr></blockquote>

I'm sorry Larry, I didn't realise that you needed updating. Personally it doesn't matter to me if there is a link there or not. But here is our current thread 8th ORT Building

I believe it is for our benifit to have every game thread logged on the running directory I created. That will allow a new person easy access to the vital information about the RP being played like who is the lead contact person if you wanted to join...is it a closed game or public access game, where is the blasted thing...etc.
This would require alot of work on our part, meaning mine and Cloudbringer, since she has the permission to make changes and additions to it, because it is a locked item. But, is it worth it???
I need to know if you guys/gals like this...

<font color="skyblue">P.S...Take a look at my example that I made for everyone at the bottom of my directory thead, using Hazerdous Times and Arcania's Fall RPG's as my examples. Also, the OHF has been updated. These are examples to show what I am thinking about doing to help us all know where the action is, and where can we get in to play. Without this directory...how would a newbie know that he could post or that you welcome newcomers?
Cloudy...your opinion on this weighs much for me, since you're my sister-mod...</font>

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:
I believe it is for our benifit to have every game thread logged on the running directory I created. That will allow a new person easy access to the vital information about the RP being played like who is the lead contact person if you wanted to join...is it a closed game or public access game, where is the blasted thing...etc.
This would require alot of work on our part, meaning mine and Cloudbringer, since she has the permission to make changes and additions to it, because it is a locked item. But, is it worth it???
I need to know if you guys/gals like this...<hr></blockquote>

Well you would need more than just a link to the thread then. A lot of the threads don't have that type of information in them. Our ORT building doesn't, though it is very informal, but even some that are closed games like your Arcania's fall doesn't have much introductory information in the thread. You would have to write that all in the running directory. Or maybe you could ask people making a new thread to put such information in the first post. I agree it would be useful for someone new, but it would require some sort of formalisation for anyone making a new adventure or clan thread.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Aelia Jusa:


Well you would need more than just a link to the thread then. A lot of the threads don't have that type of information in them. Our ORT building doesn't, though it is very informal, but even some that are closed games like your Arcania's fall doesn't have much introductory information in the thread. You would have to write that all in the running directory. Or maybe you could ask people making a new thread to put such information in the first post. I agree it would be useful for someone new, but it would require some sort of formalisation for anyone making a new adventure or clan thread.<hr></blockquote>


<font color="skyblue">Your point is taken. Thanks. You hae been helpful in bringing up some good discussion here. I need some ideas. I believe that I have a good plan, but I just don't know how to execute it. All pointers and opinions will be highly regarded. Your ideas are going to build this forum up to its potential.</font>

what about world creations?

I say we have a seperate place restore all the completed works

say
"Larry's hand book to the guildes"

or

"Roleplaying guide on the RP forum" :D

Ok, I'm still looking for suggestions and I think we can discuss them all soon, but I'd rather do that separately. But since you asked, Larry, I think I'd have to say that the running directory is great in theory but I'm not sure about practice. I think it would take a tremendous amount of time, as you say and I wonder how many new posters really look at such things before jumping into games.

I'll try and put all my thoughts together at some point soon, whew! There's alot to think about! LOL Everyone is doing a great job of giving their suggestions, opinions etc. Keep it up!

Cloudy

Thanks Cloudy...You are right...it may be more work than being worth it. How many people will really care that the list is there? At least it conforms to Memnoch's rules of keeping a running list of who's responsible for what. When I see somebody going against Ziroc's rules, then I have a reason to bust'em. And you gotta admit...we have been very linient.

<font color="gold">A suggestion...We see people take the initiative to make their own running games, whether it be Clan activity or a running story. Some are closed and others are open to the public. Yet, everything in here is very clickish. People tend to enjoy staying in tight groups and playing without having the introduction of new players in thier games.
[b]My suggestion would be to make a list of all people that frequent this forum. Then, make one story without separate subquests but all players interact together. This would bring our family of RPG'er closer together, and we would have a chance to play with others that we do not usually game with. Nanobyte's Island game is an example of a way to put us all together for a common cause. Another would be a starship or something that would prevent us from separating totally. I do not have any ideas on this, but that is the best suggestion I can formulate.</font>

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:

<font color="gold">.......Another would be a starship or something......</font><hr></blockquote>

Ahhhhh..... A sci-fi RP, they can be quite interesting, perhaps I should start one....

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:
[b]
<font color="gold">A suggestion...We see people take the initiative to make their own running games, whether it be Clan activity or a running story. Some are closed and others are open to the public. Yet, everything in here is very clickish. People tend to enjoy staying in tight groups and playing without having the introduction of new players in thier games.
My suggestion would be to make a list of all people that frequent this forum. Then, make one story without separate subquests but all players interact together. This would bring our family of RPG'er closer together, and we would have a chance to play with others that we do not usually game with. Nanobyte's Island game is an example of a way to put us all together for a common cause. Another would be a starship or something that would prevent us from separating totally. I do not have any ideas on this, but that is the best suggestion I can formulate.</font><hr></blockquote>

First I don't know if it is so true that we are 'cliquish' - the two threads I am involved in (ORT and Adoptions) both welcome new people and easily add them to the game. Yesterday Galadria joined us in the ORT building, and a little while ago Skydragrrl did as well. Some threads are closed, like 250's for example, but he (I think) is willing to make new stories for new people if they want him to. And I've noticed a lot of threads that introduce their story by saying everyone is welcome. Many people here participate in a number of threads, with a wide variety of people, so I think that already there is quite a bit of mixing between the posters here.

Second while I think your idea of a whole group adventure is good in theory, I think it would be very difficult to do in practice. You would need to find something that everyone wanted to do; for example you mentioned a starship, and Neb made one, but that's not something that I would enjoy participating in, nor do I like rigid fantasy adventure quests like 250's or some of the clan threads. Plus there are a lot of people here - I think it would be unfeasible to have an game that had 40 or so people participating in it. I don't mean to be negative, but I just think there would be a lot of problems with this idea [img]smile.gif[/img]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Aelia Jusa:


First I don't know if it is so true that we are 'cliquish' - the two threads I am involved in (ORT and Adoptions) both welcome new people and easily add them to the game. Yesterday Galadria joined us in the ORT building, and a little while ago Skydragrrl did as well. Some threads are closed, like 250's for example, but he (I think) is willing to make new stories for new people if they want him to. And I've noticed a lot of threads that introduce their story by saying everyone is welcome. Many people here participate in a number of threads, with a wide variety of people, so I think that already there is quite a bit of mixing between the posters here.

Second while I think your idea of a whole group adventure is good in theory, I think it would be very difficult to do in practice. You would need to find something that everyone wanted to do; for example you mentioned a starship, and Neb made one, but that's not something that I would enjoy participating in, nor do I like rigid fantasy adventure quests like 250's or some of the clan threads. Plus there are a lot of people here - I think it would be unfeasible to have an game that had 40 or so people participating in it. I don't mean to be negative, but I just think there would be a lot of problems with this idea [img]smile.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote>


<font color="lightblue">Well...I had to put a suggestion down so that Cloudy would not bite me, and that is all that I could come up with. [img]tongue.gif[/img] </font>

I don't really know how to put this, but I personally would wait until I had some clear indication that I was welcome before I joined a thread. I did join the ORT (thanks, Aelia, for the invite) but I had been dropping in and lurking ever since we did "The <font color="skyblue">Glorious Triumph</font> ;) of the Modding Mage" with Larry, and I knew what to expect (i.e., fun)I guess what I would like something similar to "New Game, Come and Play", or else I would just wait for some overt invitation, like Aelia's

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Galadria:
I don't really know how to put this, but I personally would wait until I had some clear indication that I was welcome before I joined a thread. I did join the ORT (thanks, Aelia, for the invite) but I had been dropping in and lurking ever since we did "The <font color="skyblue">Glorious Triumph</font> ;) of the Modding Mage" with Larry, and I knew what to expect (i.e., fun)I guess what I would like something similar to "New Game, Come and Play", or else I would just wait for some overt invitation, like Aelia's.<hr></blockquote>

That wouldn't be the evil blue of Larry's spell of moderate editing I spy in Galadria's post would it? [img]tongue.gif[/img] [img]tongue.gif[/img] [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Yeah I think Galadria has a point here. I don't feel comfortable joining people's adventures if they don't have some sort of 'everyone's welcome' deal going. And some threads don't welcome people to join in, so if there was some sort of rule that people making a new adventure had to specify whether it was open to all, or only to a specific few it would be helpful. Also if clans could post how to join that might be helpful too.

I think this is basically what Larry was getting at with his running directory, but since there is no rule for people to post stuff like this in the introductory post of a new thread then it'd be too hard to implement. But maybe if it were a requirement of any new adventure/clan thread to post such details in the first post then it would clear up any confusion or hesitancy.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Aelia Jusa:


...But maybe if it were a requirement of any new adventure/clan thread to post such details in the first post then it would clear up any confusion or hesitancy.<hr></blockquote>


<font color="skyblue">And I see alot of people beginning to do that. When a thread is created, rules are set in place, and if you think about them...everybody is saying mostly the same things in their rules...nobody wants god-like creations, nobody wants spam, nobody is allowed unbelievable material, etc.
A suggestion would be to take Ziroc's posted rule...implement our own game rules such as the afore-mentioned rule posts, and I can sticky note it for everyone. That way, nobody has to re-write the rules and the same rule applies to all games. (Basic rules...if there are modifications to the rule, and they comply with Ziroc's base...then each clan is entitled to make modifications...on that thread, due to the nature of the game.
Am I going anywhere with this?</font>

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Larry_OHF:



<font color="skyblue">And I see alot of people beginning to do that. When a thread is created, rules are set in place, and if you think about them...everybody is saying mostly the same things in their rules...nobody wants god-like creations, nobody wants spam, nobody is allowed unbelievable material, etc.
A suggestion would be to take Ziroc's posted rule...implement our own game rules such as the afore-mentioned rule posts, and I can sticky note it for everyone. That way, nobody has to re-write the rules and the same rule applies to all games. (Basic rules...if there are modifications to the rule, and they comply with Ziroc's base...then each clan is entitled to make modifications...on that thread, due to the nature of the game.
Am I going anywhere with this?</font><hr></blockquote>

Well yes, those rules are clear. But often there is no indication of who is welcome in a game or not. Maybe as well as rules of the game people could be required to post if anyone can join in, clan members only, predetermined people only, etc. And clans could include how to join their clan. I edited the ORT thread to include these things which was just a few lines, but I think this will make it easier for everyone, and make sure people aren't afraid to join a game they think they might not be welcome in.