Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

We appreciated the DM attention that we got back then. We truly did. Even Absolution setting phase spiders on my character led to a great role play encounter as I tried to escape (and the burning of a powerful item we got as a reward. . . because it radiated EVIL). We are thankful for everything the DM staff did for us, and that is just it. . . we miss it.

We want to have a dynamic experience in the UD again, where everyday, you could run into trouble if your mouth moved too fast (fingers typing too fast), and didn't let your brain in on the action. A time when a cursed item was a burden and a problem that could be solved without yelling for a DM's help. That is not to say that we don't appreciate it, but it isn't exactly the solution that you want now, is it? Removing cursed items because there are no cleric players around to do it. . .

Sadly, that is often as much DM attention that we get these days. . . and though I am sort of complaining, I'm not trying to be mean or anything. Just. . . know that when there are people on in the UD, they are often alone, and any NPC that suddenly started to talk with them will break up the monotony of walking around the bazaar/hitting monsters/running around the tunnels.

Just saying. . . if any of the DM's get bored, we are down there, ready to interact, discuss things, be set to tasks, tricked or just exchange cooking recipes with. . . heck, my favoured DM memory, was being stalked out by one of the city guards and warned about my characters involvement in a seriously buggered up stealth mission event (which was buggered up, because it turned into a massacre).

And sure, we can be sticklers and difficult when we get the impression that something that shouldn't happen, happen, it is still not allowed to ignore NPC's. . . So we can't ignore it (by the rules). Not to mention, even half naked Duergard running around the streets shouting profanities about how he isn't allowed to use 'loaded' dice in games is still a worthwhile thing to talk about.

We just need a bit of stimulation now and then. . .

The main problem is that the UD from my perspective, after being one of the solo UD DMs for some time 4 1/2 years ago, is that it is not self sustaining like the surface. I believe it is just due to the popularity of the surface world because when you think FR most fans of FR think surface cities, enchanted forests, mountain ranges with dragon hoardes, etc... I've told the DM staff that out of my some 200+ campaigns I have played since FR was introduced back in 2nd ed, only a dozen were ever based in the upper, mid, lowerdark. Fewer than that involved drow and I can pretty safely say that most of the people I know here including DMs probably have a ratio similar to my own.

DMs can only bring temporary activity but it will not fix the underlying problem of it being a more niche setting imho. This is proven by the peaks and troughs we have when DMs are assigned and when they depart the setting and sometimes the PW permanently. There has always been a lull after dedicated DMs like: Kelsfar left, after Ansient left, After Sword left, After Mar3usmc left, after Strahd left, after Wretch left, after absolution left.... and their were a few more ADM's that I hadn't mentioned either.

I would have loved to propose a complete redesign of the UD to make the playing environment a bit more conducive for the average more casual player since I hear that the environment itself and lack of content is what discourages most players from low to mid levels to keep continuing and higher levels from logging on to face an endless grind, but we do not have resources at this point to make that a reality in the near future.

Overall, plots will be added and DMs have been requested to patrol the depths. Perhaps the CC's will craft another plot arc that will be hopefully a catalyst for another temporary revival of the UD populace though we all know it will inevitably fall back to a trough once qualified DMs are no longer interested in the setting and/or the PW due to whatever reasons they may have.

But I am much more interested in how to keep the setting self sustaining because in my mind that is the only way it could justify it's existence on the PW and not a waste of resources.

You are right. . . it would be good to have it self sustaining, but sadly, at this time and place, it isn't.

I'm though, are not of the mind that it is because of the lore or setting. There have been several players trying for the UD, then moving up in the world. Still, that may just be my opinion and impression.

What we need to focus on now, is how to MAKE it self sustaining. . . and that, no matter how you put it, requires players to be present. It requires people willing to interact with others. Not all the time, but certainly enough to make the impression that there are in point of fact, people down there, because there is only so much role play you can do on your own. . . and established characters are too high level for them to be much help in gaining levels for new players.

. . . this might be stupid, unfair and unreasonable. . . but why not remove the high-level-low-level xp eating for ud races, until level 2 or 3? So new players can get some help getting established?

Endless reasons to not do so, I know, but it might be a tool to get people started out with grouping together, and not go off on their own. . . teaching us, the players that we need to help each other out to advance sort of, and not just run off on our own?

(Top of the head suggestion, not thought over properly, and ready to be cut open and examined with a more critical eye)

Rainbow Prism wrote:Oh, please. The community of Temple was a sham. I am pretty sure DMs worked on principle 'they are applauding with happiness - we did good', which I totally not agree with if I look closely on your band. Half of your priests never knew what exactly is lore of Sshamath.

Well then I see you've met players on your level. Though IMHO I think of them being superior to you lore-wise

Hitman Hard wrote:But he can call our guild powerbuilders? Favortism?

I call it truth.

Oh you're going to say: is that all I have to say on this matter? Well Yes. I've said the similar stuff over and over again to Void in the PM's back in May. Not only every reply contained something of the lines 'you don't know what you're talking about, the UD is blooming, where's the massive UD exodus?' but it's now October, he says he wants to do a total revamp of the UD but nothing is happening.

My eyes feel wooly. How about you lot start putting money where your mouth is? Because all I'm getting, apart from a lot of hot air, is a feeling that UD is only a necessary evil of the server and if some could, they'd wipe it off the setting when Luna is not watching.

How much more player support do you guys need to get something going?

So yeah that's all been said before. In Crusader Kings 2 when the peasants moan about high taxes, if your diplomacy is high enough, you get an option that says 'Impress him with vague promises' - The UD mob walks away satisfied. I'd suggest rocking this boat until something actually happens.

Oh and before somebody will come and say that I have put people off from actioning this - I'm not in game till May+ next year. Just a warning before somebody goes off claiming I kill all the RP down there It won't work.

ETA: Did we at least get Rasael's gadgets in by now? There's a huge amount of great work there that I hope now got put in game.

@Servin

What?
Do you really mean it would be kind of silly for a shopkeeper (with no aspirations of making sales) to burst into the temple's torture chambers alone to demand the release of an elf it doesnt even know while threatening the priestessess with her good relations with one Seat?
Apparently being a mundane merchant was more important to this Seat than the clerical goods the temple does supply the city with by lore.

The Temple meanwhile claimed two Seats in the Conclave and had mutual understandings with a third at times.


But in all fairness I suppose ignorance or not being aware of the relevant server lore to be at fault.


Enough bitterness, lets move on and have a great time playing together.


/M

Edit: A large hug to the DM who attempted an UD event last sunday. Even if it crashed and you didnt return we do appreciate the effort made. Thank you.

Storm Munin wrote:@Servin

What?
Do you really mean it would be kind of silly for a shopkeeper (with no aspirations of making sales) to burst into the temple's torture chambers alone to demand the release of an elf it doesnt even know while threatening the priestessess with her good relations with one Seat?
Apparently being a mundane merchant was more important to this Seat than the clerical goods the temple does supply the city with by lore.

The Temple meanwhile claimed two Seats in the Conclave and had mutual understandings with a third at times.


But in all fairness I suppose ignorance or not being aware of the relevant server lore to be at fault.


Enough bitterness, lets move on and have a great time playing.


/M

Clearly, this unit's lore by far exceeds ours...

As for surface roleplaying I must say ive enjoyed the underlying peril while some of my nicer drow/halfdrow have been visiting the sunscorched lands.

Not all drowish toons spend their entire surface time in endless PvP, rather the opposite.

Being put to question by a paladin (thanks for the roleplay Atlas) as you and your drow friends take a chance using the trade way and go bust turned into at least decent roleplay.
No one got hurt in the end, but that didnt mean it wasnt a bugger, bugger, bugger situation.
Being a zarkai halfdrow at the time did help since at least one of us could drop the hood.


As for friendly elves and eilistraeeans:
Ive never met an elf to treat drow in a friendly (if wary) manner unless there was good reason for them to have a little faith (and a lot of grudge usually).

When me and Haladan joined the Sehanines in a circle healing of the cursed elven priestess (Ive forgotten which one, sorry) I was more or less expecting to be shot at revelation by Mendel and his archer friends. As I understood it it did take some effort by others not for us to die even after the priestess was restored.
We did dance in the dancer's light during the ritual but refrained from removing the smallclothes in order to comply with PG-13 while also trying not to cause embarrassment among the darthiiri priestessess because of the watching males due to the known superior beauty and grace of the ilythiiri female, ask any drow.


Fishing is a pleasant pastime, discounting the wierd micro umber hulk/spider hybrids with pincers.


Remember though, there must be a valid reason for us to go up there.
Unlike duergar, svirfnebli and imaskari the DM:s do keep an eye out for us imho.

Storm Munin wrote: When me and Haladan joined the Sehanines in a circle healing of the cursed elven priestess (Ive forgotten which one, sorry) I was more or less expecting to be shot at revelation by Mendel and his archer friends. As I understood it it did take some effort by others not for us to die even after the priestess was restored.
We did dance in the dancer's light during the ritual but refrained from removing the smallclothes in order to comply with PG-13 while also trying not to cause embarrassment among the darthiiri priestessess because of the watching males due to the superior beauty and grace of the ilythiiri female.

Remember who stood amongst those elves that wanted to shoot at us, making the smallest of talk, ready to hit the ground, begging for mercy at a moments notice. . . how I miss those days. . .

And the DM's do look out for us, that is true. I had a nice little confrontation with Absolution's portrait of the jedi knights behind the Friendly Arm Inn (glowing swords). It took a fair number of rolls to get out of that one in one piece. . . again, great RP situations.

Servin wrote:Did we at least get Rasael's gadgets in by now? There's a huge amount of great work there that I hope now got put in game.

Yeah, that would be really nice. A really cool list of things that should make everyone happy.

Also there is that:

http://bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=36479

Not sure what's the progress on this tho.

Servin wrote:

Storm Munin wrote:@Servin

What?
Do you really mean it would be kind of silly for a shopkeeper (with no aspirations of making sales) to burst into the temple's torture chambers alone to demand the release of an elf it doesnt even know while threatening the priestessess with her good relations with one Seat?
Apparently being a mundane merchant was more important to this Seat than the clerical goods the temple does supply the city with by lore.

The Temple meanwhile claimed two Seats in the Conclave and had mutual understandings with a third at times.


But in all fairness I suppose ignorance or not being aware of the relevant server lore to be at fault.


Enough bitterness, lets move on and have a great time playing.


/M

Clearly, this unit's lore by far exceeds ours...

Actually, it was really stupid. From your side, I mean.

First, elves are protected from getting treatment you got her through, publicly, in center of Bazaar, by the way. If DM was not busy at moment, your chairwoman would be going down in power for this or two certain drow would lose official support of Temple.

Second, it was not Temple chamber. It was room in Spider's Kiss. You just did a weak SM scene in drow brothel.

Dead drow tell no tales.

My drow did not die and officially reported this.

I guess the ridiculous attempts of lolthite RP were too feeble to make the staff consider this worth doing anything.

Rainbow Prism wrote:My drow did not die and officially reported this.

I guess the ridiculous attempts of lolthite RP were too feeble to make the staff consider this worth doing anything.

I guess they realised that a mere trader (who does not intend to trade) making a living of travelling between towns, through caverns where 'accidents' happen, threatening the most feared and numerous religious organisation in the underdark was more immersion breaking than what you said

So much for being ridiculous

Embarass yourself with new posts to your heart's content, Servin.

Now, get back to making divine trinkets, wenches! *cracks the heat rod*