I am going to basically copy Darkshard's rules for events with a few edits.
SIMPLE GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR DM
EDIT: 10/10/14: THE BIG PICTURE: Please note that at this point, very few of my events are random one off happenings. I make every attempt to have my events be a part of ongoing happenings in the world, which several PC and NPC groups and factions may seek to influence, or at least remain informed of.
• Death (Important): I find that nothing is more immersion-breaking than people being cut down, raised, and then immediately running off and being combat-capable once more. Therefore, if you die in one of my events, one of two things will happen:
1) Most of the time, I will rule that you are unconscious, badly wounded, near death or some other condition of not-quite-dead. In this case, you may be brought back after a small amount of RP from your companions. I will generally still require them to burn a Raise Dead/Resurrection resource of some kind – be it spell, scroll or wand – though in some cases I may forego this if there is good “paramedic” RP and successful Heal rolls against my DC. After this, I will apply a temporary debuff (usually -2 to Strength, Dexterity or Constitution) that will last the duration of the event to represent that your recovery is not immediate.
2) In special circumstances (and I will usually warn you ahead of time), I will rule that you are, in fact, dead. Deceased. Snuffed it. In this case, not only do I require burning a normal Raise Dead/Resurrection resource, I also require full RP of the attempted spell with diamonds and holy water. After this, I will apply a temporary debuff that will last the duration of the event. If the material requirements cannot be met by your companions, then you must remain dead until either you can be raised at a Temple or the event ends.
Do not, under any circumstances, raise someone until any combat has ended and I have ruled on their condition. If you do, I will fugue them again and not refund the resource you burned.
• Do not rest: Unless I give explicit permission. For longer events, I will allow resting opportunities if there is a believable RP avenue for them. You can always 'try' to rest by emoting how you try to bring about those RP opportunities.
• Be limitless: The game mechanics by no means define the real limits of what you can and cannot do (that is my job). Throw a chair, kick dust in someone’s eye, leap out a window, push that shelf up against the door to block it. I will try to facilitate whatever your imagination can concoct. Creative RP goes a long way toward tempering the difficulty of my events.
Note that I will not use hp/hd limits for spells like sleep/charm/etc (otherwise they will never be useful)
ADDITIONALLY: I may at times do what I call freeze scenes. For example: Right before an ambush I may allow the group 1 minute or so to RP how they intend to initially react. Your first action is binding, and may affect the scene and what happens next. In such freeze scenes, I recommend that you keep in mind the skills/feats your character has, as I will likely have you roll for feats you wish to perform based based on difficulty (think PnP). I do provide little xp rewards for creative approaches to the things we encounter in events. Furthermore, sometimes a creative idea may lead to a heroic act... which the bards can sing about later.
• Do not run: Without an RP reason for doing so. I need time to respond to your RP and prepare/make adjustments to the path ahead of/behind you. However, if the RP dictates it – and especially when combat starts – then by all means, run.
• Be patient: With me, and with your fellow players. Things will go wrong, always. There will be glitches and technical issues. RL will intervene. Do your best to roll with these punches.
• Do NOT attack non-hostile NPC's - EVER: If a spawn is hostile, feel free, if a spawn is not hostile, DO NOT TRY ATTACK THEM. IF you wish to attack them, either emote your intent and/or send me a quick message in the DM channel that you intend to attack, then wait for instructions on how we will proceed.
• Declare Stealth: Not to the server of course, but to me. If you are in stealth, please mention it it in the DM channel (remember, you cannot hide from us). You don't need to do this every time you stealth, but declare it if it is pertinent to the event such as: scouting ahead, sneaking up on the camp, sneaking up on other PC's (this can be important... because we always see you as DM's - you don't want us calling you out with other pc's around by mistake).
• Forum: Use it for best results. I read all of it. Write-up IC accounts or rumours of your events. Continuing RP on the forum will result in extra rewards from me, and possibly plot continuance with more events in the same arc.
• Provide feedback: This is the only way I can really learn and improve as a DM. Let me know what I am doing right, and what I am doing wrong.
That's about it. Feedback is a good one (these events are for your benefit). Otherwise, remember to have fun and enjoy the opportunities events present you.
addendum: A few things I wanted to add after running a few events.
- if facing an event with a time limit, don't panic and start running around. Running around aimlessly is likely to be the worst thing to do. Assess the scenario and try to find creative ways to address it. Use your imagination, your character has skills, spells, and abilities... apply them creatively. This fleshes out your character and gives them opportunities to contribute to events in ways more dynamic than point and click. In general try to interact with the scenario I create, not only what you can see on the screen... emote, emote, emote... actions, not intentions... I'll come up with the consequences.
- EVENT TIMES: My event times are Euro Afternoons and Evenings on Weekdays. I can do weekends as well. SEND ME A PM during these times and I may pop on and we can even do something on the fly.
Addendum 2:
I came up as a DnD'er at a time when a lvl 8-12 character was considered a powerful hero who had committed great deeds at least locally if not within their nation or country. A lvl 16-20 character is an epic hero of legend likely famous throughout the lands with bards singing tales of deeds of nearly demigod status. Examples in lore of a lvl 20 character would be along the lines of Achilles, Merlin, Beowolf, Lu Bu, Musashi, and the like. Elminster, if I recall, is lvl 26 or 27.
That said, I do understand that this server - for practical purposes - includes characters up to lvl 30. I also do not want to rob characters of their epicness. Therefore, with respect to disposition towards your character in my events, I will treat your character with reference to the Rubric above as if they are 10 lvls lower than their actual lvl (i.e. lvl 1-10 will be treated as unproven upstarts, 10-20 as heroes of some proven ability, and lvls 20-30 as great heroes/villains of the realm - by level 30, you should have established much of your claim to fame through RP anyway)
The main reason I want to point this out as an addendum, is to emphasize the fact that places like the 9 hells and the abyss are 'freaking terrifying' as you can LOSE YOUR VERY SOUL there. In my events Dragons, Liches, Balors & Pit Fiends are ancient, powerful, and terrifying (and any encountered in my events will reflect this). I ask that players react to these big and scary aspects of the realm with appropriate deference. This does not mean run and hide... but this means treat these entities with an appropriate level of caution and concern in encountering them.
I believe that bearing this in mind will enrich the experience of participating in my events rather than detract from it.
Note on Campaigns
Note that some of my events are parts of ongoing campaigns (I attempt to tie these to the server maga-plots). I try to keep these very open. If you want to organize an event regarding a campaign, please PM me to schedule, and inform me of your plan of action. Examples of ongoing campaigns are The Fate of Triel and Isen the Vampire hunter.
Addendum: Magical Items.
I have had several events where unique but moderately powerful magical items were found with some interesting plot potentials (extra planar, links to a powerful being). If you are in possession of one of these unique low lvl magical items, I am willing to entertain the prospect of their empowerment through events/RP/plot Archs. I do not want players to start jumping over one another to try to get the next new magical item. These items will never become OP for the server. However, this is an opportunity to create more story for the server and have some unique gear with a tale behind it.
Addendum: megaplots:
Many events are revealing of a small corner of a megaplot. Postings here reveal public information only. The whole story would only be revealed, or pieced together by the parties involved. Ask around...
Also, I am open to player attempting to influence these plots through initiative or interaction with NPC's. I often log on asking if anyone needs help with anything plot related. This is what I am referring too. I welcome your initiatives.
Also also... most of these weave in and out of Guild activity. It is easier to DM around guilds than it is individual players. I encourage newer players to explore potential guilds they wish to involve themselves in, revive, or even - as a last not first option - form new ones.
ADDENDUM: IN CHARACTER KNOWLEDGE
For my events starting in January 2013, DM writeups can be considered IC common knowledge. They are essentially what players can discover from local rumors, including names - or at least descriptions - of participants ((evil and intrigue RP events never list participants))... If you wish to discover the details... inquire with those involved.
Other DM writeups are to be considered OOC unless otherwise stated.
Just PM me if you have a group and want to do something (have some idea of what you want to do. Examples include explore a specific area, interact with an NPC, chase tavern rumors, Have specific type of inquiry you are investigating, etc.), maybe I can just pop on if I'm not busy.
