Second Server?

[OXHawkXO]

I know this has been talked about before, but I couldn't find any treads about it as of late.
If someone could provide hard numbers on the cost of the server we are running on now and the monthly cost to keep it running maybe a second server could be the answer to many of the issues the server is currently experiencing. I think having one server for the surface and one for the UD and maybe have parts of the upper dark on each server would make for a much greater gaming experience. Just imagine how much better the server would run if we weren't pushing the game's resources to it's max.

I know the cost is a big hurdle. But I for one have no idea what it cost for the server or how much it cost for each month to keep it running. I know there are a lot of people giving a lot of the free time so we can enjoy our time IG. I also know that for the most part it's a thankless job and people like myself take all of you and your hard work for granted.

I think if could have a fund raise to see if we can raise enough money to run both servers for a whole year, then what do we have to lose?

Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

[K'yon Oblodra]

Been trying to actually donate for a few months now but for annoying reasons I do not want to go into detail with my account keeps running dry XD.

I'd sure like to help keep the server alive or improve it once I get these issues resolved

[Endelyon]

To be honest the machine we're hosting the server on now could easily handle several more instances of nwn2server on one machine, it's quite powerful!

The main hurdle here is the actual project and work involved in terms of scripts when it comes to splitting BGTSCC into two servers. It means double the module maintenance, and you have to keep in mind those of us working it are doing so on a volunteer basis (I personally don't want to have to keep two modules up to date--one is quite taxing as it is).

It could be done with enough time and motivation, but it's not a project I'd want to do myself, much less one I can exactly force on anyone else.

I know it's not exactly an ideal answer but it's at least a realistic one from my own perspective.

[Tsidkenu]

The status of the server's finances are already publically available, too.

[K'yon Oblodra]

Good to know Endy, what is really the cause of the issues the server is having every once in a while?

Is it just bugs and similar that put a much larger strain on the server than the usual process?

[Endelyon]

Good to know Endy, what is really the cause of the issues the server is having every once in a while?

Is it just bugs and similar that put a much larger strain on the server than the usual process?

If you mean the recent lag and server hangs they're related to the persistent storage system (I posted a short explanation on the "State of the Server" thread). We should hopefully get these sorted out soon and things should be smooth again until the next hiccup.

[K'yon Oblodra]

Yup thanks Sire

[OXHawkXO]

To be honest the machine we're hosting the server on now could easily handle several more instances of nwn2server on one machine, it's quite powerful!

The main hurdle here is the actual project and work involved in terms of scripts when it comes to splitting BGTSCC into two servers. It means double the module maintenance, and you have to keep in mind those of us working it are doing so on a volunteer basis (I personally don't want to have to keep two modules up to date--one is quite taxing as it is).

It could be done with enough time and motivation, but it's not a project I'd want to do myself, much less one I can exactly force on anyone else.

I know it's not exactly an ideal answer but it's at least a realistic one from my own perspective.

So.... If I understand what your saying is that there is no need to buy any hardware?

When you talk about projects and work involved in terms of scripts, could you explain how this would impact the work load with the addition of another nwn2server and module maintenance? What would you need to feel comfortable adding another instances or server. Sorry if the wording sounds odd to you, but I haven't a clue as to what I'm talking about.

[Maecius]

So.... If I understand what your saying is that there is no need to buy any hardware?

Correct. Our hardware is pretty decent for what we're using it for. And we're in pretty good shape, financially, until at least the Autumn months.

I won't speak for Endelyon with regards to what would make her comfortable with starting a second instance, but my guess is that it would be "free time."

Basically there's a lot of work that goes into manually staging an update. Especially given how active and prolific our dev team has been this past year. So she has to pour quite a few hours into it to make it happen.

Doing two times the work she already does probably doesn't appeal to her very much. Maybe if AoS gets his experimental auto-staging programs working well enough for regular, reliable use someday we can revisit the idea. But as it stands, it's an issue of how much legwork is involved, not how much money/what kind of hardware is involved.

I know it's hard to believe that we have a life outside this game. Sometimes even I don't believe it. But it's true! And nobody wants to work 8 hours at their "real job" and then come work 8 more hours for free on their hobby. I did that during my first stint as a HDM, and it nearly made me hate the game!

[OXHawkXO]

I've been looking for Endelyon to reply, I know you and everyone else are working on the server in your free time, and again I say thank you very much. So...... when you get time could you make a list of what would be needed to support another server. Including the people / hours needed and any additional cost to keep it running.

Thanks!!!

[OXHawkXO]

*Bump*

I've been looking for Endelyon to reply, I know you and everyone else are working on the server in your free time, and again I say thank you very much. So...... when you get time could you make a list of what would be needed to support another server. Including the people / hours needed and any additional cost to keep it running.

Thanks!!!

[Maecius]

It'd mostly be an issue of time investment. As noted, we could already host a second instance of the server with our current machine (and we sometimes do for QC testing).

Splitting the server (e.g surface server and Underdark server) would take more effort, but is also theoretically doable.

I don't think we've been convinced it would be a worthwhile endeavor though. It's rare that we're full at 96 people, and breaking up the community doesn't seem prudent.

[Rask]

Should make one server a hardcore low-magic version of BG where it takes like a year just to get to like level 12 (Like real D&D) where all magical items are rare, and masterwork items have value. Have "tokens" for death, like maybe 4 free deaths and then after that you have to actually be resurrected or you just don't come back. The RP would be amazing, and a level 1-5 character wouldn't feel worthless. Would be all about the RP.

I would play on that in a heartbeat.

[Planehopper]

Should make one server a hardcore low-magic version of BG where it takes like a year just to get to like level 12 (Like real D&D) where all magical items are rare, and masterwork items have value. Have "tokens" for death, like maybe 4 free deaths and then after that you have to actually be resurrected or you just don't come back. The RP would be amazing, and a level 1-5 character wouldn't feel worthless. Would be all about the RP.

I would play on that in a heartbeat.

Mmhm sounds awesome.

Especially if we used the premade crafting system (CNR i think its called - for mundane weapons, healing kits, and optional food).

[Utran]

Should make one server a hardcore low-magic version of BG where it takes like a year just to get to like level 12 (Like real D&D) where all magical items are rare, and masterwork items have value. Have "tokens" for death, like maybe 4 free deaths and then after that you have to actually be resurrected or you just don't come back. The RP would be amazing, and a level 1-5 character wouldn't feel worthless. Would be all about the RP.

I would play on that in a heartbeat.

The RP would end quite quickly because it requires DM attention. Otherwise it will just be a chatroom.