"OOC Mode"

[Steve]

So, a gamer friend of mine here on BGTSCC, someone I do respect for lots of RP investment on this Server, introduced me to the concept "ooc mode..." today. I was like: "WTF is that?!?"

He was running quests in BG with the AFK set above his toon's head, and I had to ask him what the deal was, being actually "active" but with the AFK flashing.

"ooc mode" was the answer, to which I responded: "I don't think we have OOC mode on this Server."

So, do we? I realize that there has been this unresolved issue of Gray Orcs being allowed into Baldur's Gate and other Areas to do Quests by using the AFK tag to "excuse" them of the fact. But does that now apply to any PC of any Race or Class or History if they want to milk the Quest Run for XP?

And in general: how much of an "ooc mode" are Players given, considering, and I quote:

– This is a Role-play Server set in the Forgotten Realms campaign world. Please respect the setting and stay in-character (IC). You can go out-of-character (OOC) if there is need for clarifications, or if you wouldn't be disturbing role-play around you by doing so (please mark your OOC speech by placing either (( , // or ooc: before or behind it).

As well, this post:

http://bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=25385

[mrieder79]

I think running quests with AFK over your head is confusing. I also have never heard of "OOC" mode. I also feel that going OOC for long periods of time (eg. running quests) is bad for the server and most likely against the spirit of the server rules, if not the letter.

This behavior should be discouraged.

[burbles]

I'd say, AFK neon light is off, otherwise it's within the rules to be OOC questing (that is, if you don't bump into others RPing). RP is not enforced, so saying with OOC mark they are on to some OOC bussiness is allowed.

[Snarfy]

*puts his Mister blunt cap on*

"OOC mode" is merely a figure of speech I use(yes, I am the player in question), and should not be taken as a literal "mode". I tend to use it to show players I am not available to RP at that moment, as in those rare instances where I do use it, I am usually pressed for time in RL. This is my way of being courteous to the other players I come across, so that they don't feel snubbed by my character running by them(with no AFK up) and not stopping to roleplay... as I explained to you in tells, Steve: I was about to leave for work and had very little time to be logged on, and... *gasp* being the habitual rule-breaking player(not) that I am, I wanted to get my little level 2 character to level 3 so that I could accurately RP accordingly with his backstory(due to not being able to wield his childhood weapon). Despite the fact that I had little time, I tried to iterate these points to you in tells. All for naught I suppose.

My question to you is this: How does an AFK sign flashing past you briefly negatively impact your playing experience? Is this such a big deal to you... truly?

My position is quite simple: Every player is free to accumulate XP however they wish, be it roleplaying, or grinding like zergs... the latter of which is arguably FAR more OOC when it's done for hours on end without a single line of RP being uttered(as opposed to the whopping 5 minutes I ran around with my AFK sign up).

– This is a Role-play Server set in the Forgotten Realms campaign world. Please respect the setting and stay in-character (IC). You can go out-of-character (OOC) if there is need for clarifications, or if you wouldn't be disturbing role-play around you by doing so (please mark your OOC speech by placing either (( , // or ooc: before or behind it).

Correct, this is an RP mandatory server. But that does not mean that it is mandatory that I stop to RP with everyone I come across, or even anyone for that matter. But, as I said, I did not have much time to stay logged in, hence, I put up my AFK sign to let other players know I wasn't available to RP.


Happy gaming!

[Uther3867]

if your toon is moving your not AFK, i can understand OOC mode for testing something out but not for long periods of time like running quests or hunting alone

[PJtheFey]

A month or two ago I saw a guy doing this and I thought he was AFK leveling since he wasn't moving much and just fighting monsters in place with "AFK" over his head. I decided to treat the situation as if he didn't exist since AFK suggests that there was no player at the keyboard, and killed the bears in his vacinity.

Then he yelled at me for stealing his kills.

I dunno, there's something not right in my mind in a situation where I'm in the wrong for killing spawns around someone who is supposedly AFK with the marker over their head. Seeing people grind with AFK over their head is world breaking IMO.

[DM Ditto]

There are three general circumstances where the "OOC mode"/AFK tag can be permitted for use:

• You are doing quests/errands, especially in an area where you are not supposed to be, as the team considers the server quests OOC. Grey orcs AFK-tagging through BG for their BG quests and to change their regeneration cloaks/mithral armor at Maltz's are the classic example.
• You are passing by a region that you cannot bypass in any other manner, and it would make no sense for you not to be able to circumvent it. For example, a character who is banned from Amn-controlled territories that wants to go to the Cloudpeak mountains can AFK-tag through Nashkel to represent them taking another way around, as there is currently no other possible way to access the Cloudpeak Mountains in the server.
• You are actually AFK.

Using the AFK tags for purposes of OOC grinding, among other reasons not part of the three above, is not valid. As per the General Server Rules concerning the topic of grinding with the AFK tag on:

– AFK Grinding
– AFK grinding is illegal. As discussed in this post here: http://bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=25385
Doing so will result in either de-leveling of your PC, or more severe penalties. There is no rule against speed leveling. We ask Players to be considerate to others and NOT "grind" or "camp" an area for several hours, and by doing so, not giving others a chance to adventure in this area as well.

The AFK grinding rules also apply to using automated techniques for fishing or emoting while AFK. Those found to be doing so shall receive the same treatment as those who AFK grind.

Please screenshot and report players who are using the AFK tag to grind.

[duracele]

I can`t find any post that says grey orcs aren`t allowed in cities. Why the need to flag afk? it was a provisional guidline when i got stopped by a dm running my orc in beregost. Can we get a ruling on this? As i see it you just take away the possibility for rp when you force orcs to flag afk while in town. In the guidelines it is suggested to have a disguise ready when visiting cities. That goes against any need for flagging afk. I can enter bg (not beregost anymore) without taking of my disguise but does this trigger a response from guards (mechanically)? Grey orcs could really need some love (ooc only).

[DM Narshe]

I can`t find any post that says grey orcs aren`t allowed in cities. Why the need to flag afk? it was a provisional guidline when i got stopped by a dm running my orc in beregost. Can we get a ruling on this? As i see it you just take away the possibility for rp when you force orcs to flag afk while in town. In the guidelines it is suggested to have a disguise ready when visiting cities. That goes against any need for flagging afk. I can enter bg (not beregost anymore) without taking of my disguise but does this trigger a response from guards (mechanically)? Grey orcs could really need some love (ooc only).

There was a big war regarding Black Orcs and several areas of the Sword Coast, Baldur's Gate was especially involved.

It could be made more prominent, but there's been a stance of increased adversion towards orcs and Baldur's Gate.

Friendly Arm Inn as well, for that matter.

[TarnishedSoul]

I can`t find any post that says grey orcs aren`t allowed in cities.

The Laws of the Land (IC)

Baldur's Gate

- The Gray Orc and the Drow Elf, wicked and evil by nature, are hereby banned from the city of Baldur's Gate and its Environs.

Candlekeep

4. Any seeking to bring harm on the Keep will be met with force.
this includes Drow, Grey Orcs, Goblins, Yaun-Ti or any other Monster race.

Doron Amar

4) Demons/Devils, Undead and Drow, Fullblood Orcs, Red Wizards and their companion Knights and servants, will be killed on sight unless expressly authorized by a member of the Council.

Amn

-Races hostile, violent, wicked, and evil by nature, are hereby banned from Beregost and Nashkel and their Environs. Orcbloods of a civilized nature and that have business to conduct in Amn may be permitted at the discretion of the local Amnian authorities.‏