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

I'm sorry but I just can't stop myself from raising this problem. I understand that DM-s give their time to organize and lead plots for us and one person simply cannot always handle a crowd but can we please stop pretending some events aren't meant for specific one or two characters with everyone else trying to interact with the plot being treated like second-class players? I've seen it many times already - whole entrances to locations being blocked by Plot Armor cause gods forbid player randomly stumbles on something interesting. Today's event kinda blew the fuse for me. Bunch of OP creatures spawned in front of FAI raising concerns of many characters yet were left unmoving and non-animated for hours standing with weapons brandished and godmodding the FAI guards. When AI attacked a character cause of close proximity spell being cast (still very much away from the NPC itself) my toon was forced to act only to learn NPC stats are through the roof without any possibility for whole armies to tackle them. Such things shouldn't even be allowed in DM palette lest left non-animated with weapons brandished for hours in front of the most crowded Inn on the server.

Later that day I learned how the whole event went. I chose to stay behind and guard the creatures in FAI cause it fitted my character and at least had some fun with others. Meanwhile apparently DM went out of his way to exclude people elsewhere by ignoring their questions to NPC-s, starting to speak language only few characters understood, even summoning literal god in PM to another player to force specific behavior.

If this is how you intend to lead events do not start them in the public. Just grab whoever you deem worthy for specific event and sit in DM closed location if you intend to handle everyone else's RP so poorly.

I'd understand if there would be 10-15 people (somehow I had no problems leading myself events for this many with ZERO DM tools). But from what I've learned it was evident DM was responsive to only 2 other characters ignoring everyone else.
When raising my concerns in my group I was told "It's just how things are here and has been for years"... how about we stop pretending it's cool and try some improvements? It feels bitter being treated as background to a story led exclusively for two people.

Powerful mobs with their weapons out in front of the Friendly Arms Inn...I took it as an invitation for everyone to paricipate.

I don't know the specifics, but I'll go ahead and answer some of these.

1. The DM team is pretty inclusive here, even when there are circumstances wherein limits ought to have been imposed (and there are plenty). Despite that, not all events are new buses on the road for latecomers to hop on, and some are designed with the intent that faction leads whip player activity and involvement.
2. Creature language usage, especially the more exotic the creature's origin is a long-standing theme in the PW since the DMFI's porting from NWN1 to NWN2. RP through the language system is entirely up to those involved, and not always DM originating. You can learn about some of the self intiative options here : Language Spells
3. Messaging a DM mid event doesn't carry entitlement in non small group venues, this goes for both tabletop and digital medium. If there is an intent underway by the DM not all responses can be returned in a timely manner, in any order, especially if out of scope of the intent or low enough priority to not break the flow of narrative and attendee availability. It doesn't mean they don't try, but the frequency of messages from players that send in messages that may not even be relevant still has to be considered, parsed, and objectively acted by as appropriate to the situation. Lambasting the DM without having any insight into what else is occurring at that time is not appropriate.
4. The DM team these days don't go out of their way to exclude players, but if a player's involvement is disruptive I could see it being justified. Equally, not all event stories are about the broader playerbase. It's okay to be an observer to something someone else is interacting with or taking the lead on, you may have a role to play in it, or you may not, not everything that occurs must bear your response. Remember, just because your camera revolves around you doesn't mean everyone else's does.

If you're starting event in public setting expect others to join and offer them similar amount of attention instead of making whole plot for singled out character. Least you can do is perhaps not swich the language that NPC speaks just to make sure that "unwanted" tag-alongs sit there for a long time unable to even play observers. Language Spells have short duration considering that situation IC could take 10 minutes is roleplayed for hour out of the volume of text everyone produces not being as fast as simply speaking the dialogue. Most non-full casters will loose understanding of language through those spells after 3 lines.

Even as a DM don't break server rules. Godmodding is a thing. I'm pretty sure Friendly Arms Inn proprietor would have a problem with weapon wielding fey-originated Treants 5 meters away from the caravan stop and 10 meters away from the Inns gate. PC-s also had to react to such phenomena standing idly for long time. Those creatures were asked to leave repeatedly IC (no reaction), DM was informed there's a group of players concerned and guarding against the creatures (no reaction for extended period of time). Their stats were beyond anything DM should be even allowed to use is another thing especially if left idle for so long but getting hostile over nearby spellcasting.

Swiching language mid-event adds nothing to RP only makes sure people are excluded even from observer roles. Especially suspicious when NPC had no problem using common earlier. Summoning literal gods characters worship on PMs to force behaviours is just another example of Godmodding taken very literally.

Another thing - Request for Detect Evil on NPC - completely ignored by the DM, zero response.

Way way too many redflags in this one. It being set in Christmas day adds even more to the bitter aftertaste.

A DM isn't constrained by godmodding, they shape the events and can make allowances to tell a story. It's the second time I've heard it now and it is probably the most utterly stupid comment someone can make and your attitude on the topic is beyond terrible. There is nothing constructive about this thread.

Events take place anywhere and aren't restricted to public/private means. They are not required to conform to individual player preferences and contrary to what you believe they are not an entitlement. Some events are public, some begin because a specific character is present, and others may start publicly and transition into a more private or focused setting depending on who engages with them. Ongoing plots exist, and not every element will always be immediately accessible. Encountering NPCs who speak unfamiliar languages or situations that require preparation is part of that experience. Fey creatures are often ones who tend to fall in this category.

If you aren't satisfied with an DM event - feel free to not participate in it and move to another map. There seemed to be many who did (more then just 'two players' by the screenshots I've seen.). It seems like there was an accident with aggro but as they say - shit happens. Sometimes your character isn't going to be able to handle what comes at them, and it is unrealistic to expect to be able to one-shot everything. Again, allowances are made for the sake of the narrative.

No DM should have to deal with this, so I'm locking it.

Merry Christmas.