Bring back more "badass-ery" to CoA
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I just think the server could use the direction, and I'm not talking about a central enemy at all, but rather a mutual goal or something valuable, like freedom, for instance. It will still allow for multiple goals, naturally, but its something everyone wants or realizes is valuable.
Like the spice from Dune or something, infact, put a STALKER spin on the entire server and increase the damage the spellplague caused. Make magical items and trinkets the keys to currency, adventure with hunting down these randomly spawning trinkets and intrigue against the rag-tag factions that work against one another in the pursuit of Mana pools or something.
Fuck, remember the Gothic series? Have the Shadovar take over Arabel post-spellplague and entrap our characters in a magical barrier to hunt down trinkets and "buy" their way out. You have a handful of player/DM factions who work towards that but in very different ways, some that want to stay in the plaguelands, some that are reserved to their fate as perpetual prisioners. Have secret Mystran cults provide an alternative for good aligned characters, put an emphasis on wheeling and dealing, cheating, alliances. Whatever. Have optional specific starts/spawn points for certain classes, like Wizards or Sorcerors. Keep the personalisation but give the server something else to work towards than changing the colours of NPCs who are guarding its gates.
Something. Anything. Something totally different and unique (in terms of NWN server) I would play to death.
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@The:
Was it Moloch?
Probably, that's why he's not playing now. He's been fed to pigs.
I do like the idea of something centralised too, it's cool having something like that to work towards (like escaping from the underdark, for example) At the moment you log in, you're in a city and…that's about it.
I just don't see the fascination in changing the setting, ripping up what's been done and starting over. People will be bored of that within a week and another load of these threads will pop up again.
One thing I will say though, I think more attention should be put on DMing for player plots and ideas. Currently it seems like DM events are a long list of predetermined ideas that you just ride along on and soak up XP and loot.
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The city is there, it just relies on players to deliver these things. Speaking of which, too much adventure and not enough intrigue.
It's the sewer criminals, unrelenting patriots, lichdom-seekers, corrupt cops (actually corrupt and in the underworld's pocket) the harper-esque agents, secret Eldreth Velthuurans, the faceless rift cultists and the doom bringing druids who bring the setting to life.
Adventure has been well grounded on the server now, but it doesn't add anything to the setting - it just encourages people to explore what is already there. You don't need to change the setting when a few players can provide new depth to the server just by playing certain characters.
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Fine, keep the status quo and play those characters yourself. Everything you mentioned has been done to death and is just old now.
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Infernalists have been done countless times, but it doesn't even matter if it's more infernalists loyal to the same fiend - if players pull it off well then it doesn't feel old.
I was talking to Cake about it just an hour ago and probably will if I have time after my current is done with. Not everyone was there to see Thayans be "done", or Sharrans, or even Rift Cultists and the Eclestian Order. And even if they were, I don't think they would object to a well played character following one of those themes livening up Arabel. It isn't about maintaining the status quo, it's about what can be done with reasonable effort. Changing the setting is a momentous task and if it doesn't work out, it will be the killing blow for CoA. Some players just digging out an underworld for Arabel however will likely do a lot more for a lot less, and part of the fun with such concepts is being the underdog pioneer.
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Personally, its on the players. We make CoA what it is and DMs enhance and nudge it along. Want to see something fresh/revamped/done with a new twist/redone simply because you liked it…throw it out there with a well thought character. Do what makes CoA fun for you. If we love it or hate it, we have ourselves to thank.
Viking
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My problem - And one of the reasons I can't really get into CoA much anymore - Is that it always seems to be about the plot, and not the characters. That's been said before, but I think it bears repeating. With an RP server, it really should be about the characters. I don't know how to describe it, really, but it's hard to think a character is badass when they have no character.
Just my two cents.
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Oddly the funniest thing were some characters i hung out with who never focused one bit on "the main plot" for my knowledge.. I get bored to death because every time i log in that's all anyone can talk about The Takata or the Sheriffs or the Convenient thing they done next. It sorta feels like the Big gossip story in high school.
Many "Personal" goals are seem to be lost unless there "big and huge" with lots of Bang. Some people don't strive to be kings. doesn't mean there character is not interesting, Just means they are content with their life, I enjoyed for example the subtle craftiness of Mr.Geek old Fezznick character for example he made himself look to the public more defenseless then he really was. I also miss the old (your in a Aux version of a Dm faction) You train and hang out with the folks doing drills and stuff. Now all i see is (go spy on this person) go get us this and we let you in. It feels more hallow
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Clearly theres a division in the community on where the server should be heading. I really, really don't understand what these complaints are about CoA following its plots with less emphasis on characters. What the hell does that mean? Do you want CoA Sim weddings with your 10 char supermodel lesbian girlfriend characters? Some sort of house system? Emotional issues that take days to sort through whilst bathing in the pride?
Seriously.
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I have nothing against plots i love em, It just feels it more forced down our throat in a sense more. and factions or entering a faction you feel more disconnected from the group as a whole but that just me ranting. There more around then the plot…the plot good but sometimes i personally like to step away from it.
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What I really don't get is why such characters cannot play on CoA. All this focus on plots is something concerning players who are looking for REWARDS. Those that manage to shift the balance of the server, have several characters gravitate around them, will get a reward that is in line with that kind of gameplay. And such rewards, like having DM quests to push their plots, or becoming an NPC like the Baron of Arabel, are obvious, visible rewards. And as a result the playerbase perceived that to be the only suitable type of character for CoA. But it is not true. We will in NO WAY look down to those that are not interested in "pushing plots" but instead in "roleplaying their character" (and mind, the two things are not mutually exclusive. I would hate to hear that those who spend their time following the plots are not roleplaying). The kind of interaction with the DM team may be different, and so instead of changing the power balance of Arabel, they may have chats with NPCs, quests to better explore their character's personality, things that are less visible than the big changes to the setting that the other type of characters tend to accomplish.
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@The:
What I really don't get is why such characters cannot play on CoA. All this focus on plots is something concerning players who are looking for REWARDS. Those that manage to shift the balance of the server, have several characters gravitate around them, will get a reward that is in line with that kind of gameplay. And such rewards, like having DM quests to push their plots, or becoming an NPC like the Baron of Arabel, are obvious, visible rewards. And as a result the playerbase perceived that to be the only suitable type of character for CoA. But it is not true. We will in NO WAY look down to those that are not interested in "pushing plots" but instead in "roleplaying their character" (and mind, the two things are not mutually exclusive. I would hate to hear that those who spend their time following the plots are not roleplaying). The kind of interaction with the DM team may be different, and so instead of changing the power balance of Arabel, they may have chats with NPCs, quests to better explore their character's personality, things that are less visible than the big changes to the setting that the other type of characters tend to accomplish.
This seems like a great idea. I'm not gonna say this is not happening, but in my experience if I did not have an interesting character that was pushing SOMETHING and trying to affect the server in larger ways that I got significantly less DM interaction. Can't blame the DM team on it, really. The way I see things is the DMs are playing too, just a different role/s. Why would they want to spend their time on a character with little to no aspirations for the server? That doesn't sound so fun to me, it sounds boring.
You are right, you can play near any way you want. I just want to point out that everyone's play style differs and there are certain pros and cons that come with it.
And the reason people think that is the only way to play a character is that way gets more DM attention, more interaction between other characters, more rewards. Who doesn't want XP, loot, and DM spice? In the end, I don't see much changing with the way people play. Some people may grow and learn to adapt, and that's the best that can be hoped for.
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I think the thing is, the people who want to play the Sims on Arabel expect the same attention and reward that people who are proactive receive in return. That line of thinking is in my opinion…dumb. Sure, there maybe one DM somewhere out there that enjoys giving +2 equipment to lesbo elf #3 on the day of her wedding and baby shower, and may god have mercy on his soul. But what risk and effort was put on that player in question to ever receive any attention or reward for that?
Perhaps its just that your characters aren't interesting enough to hold anyone's attention in order to get some special "self-plot development". But why should that detriment you? Its a give and take relationship. If you push for something that is proactive, you will get your character development I assure you. But if you looking for that from the start. Well then...ubad.
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If your character isnt getting DM attention, you're doing something wrong, or arent doing anything to catch it. True story. Any case, shoot us a message on DM channel or PM, we will help.
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"More than one type of player is welcome."
What you see as "Pointless" other players liked doing. What you like doing others may not.
It would seem enough players asked for some sort of crafting system that one was brought back. With it soon to be further expanded?
Myself i find the politics and posturing of "Adventure and Intrigue" tedious, i like the big set piece server wide battles. But without the former there is no latter. Each to his own.
The DMs have made alot of great changes to freshen up the place. Maybe it's now up to the players to dig deeper and find some new concept ideas.
No faction or area cannot be changed or destroyed by IC actions. It's a sandy beach we can all build castles on. Or kick over as the case may be.
So i see no need to move the clock/setting forwards or sideways when players can reshape the world through ingame actions like never before.
Dead right. In particular the first point made about variety. In RL I think that variety is the spice of life and that an online community like a RL community is best when it allows for different individuals and styles.
I also agree with the point made on the new crafting system, which comes across as one that will be much better than the original with effort, effort that is clearly being made by the DM team. So as crafting is being sorted and has been in the process of being sorted, it is really pretty much a non-issue.
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I think the thing is, the people who want to play the Sims on Arabel expect the same attention and reward that people who are proactive receive in return. That line of thinking is in my opinion…dumb. Sure, there maybe one DM somewhere out there that enjoys giving +2 equipment to lesbo elf #3 on the day of her wedding and baby shower, and may god have mercy on his soul. But what risk and effort was put on that player in question to ever receive any attention or reward for that?
Perhaps its just that your characters aren't interesting enough to hold anyone's attention in order to get some special "self-plot development". But why should that detriment you? Its a give and take relationship. If you push for something that is proactive, you will get your character development I assure you. But if you looking for that from the start. Well then...ubad.
The people asking "why can't people just play that type of character anyway? This is your answer.
Who would want to play a character based character (as opposed to a plot or adventure based character) when even if they aren't "lesbo elf #3" they get lumped into that an mocked?
I was originally wary of the push towards adventure and intrigue because it came with negative connotations towards another play style. It wasn't the focus (or even intentional) but now I see lots of posts basically say: You can play whatever you want! Seriously, you guys, it's cool that you play Dungeons and Dragons computer games! Enjoy being virgins that live in your parents' basement!
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It all boils down to what you like to play or role play. There is a heavier focus on plot pushing, I am not a big fan of everyone jumping on the same plot train in hopes of reward, recognision and winning CoA, especially if a character has to bend his concept to do that. We tend to forget what characters we enjoy role playing in order to fit a concept to a plot, instead of starting from the concept and perhaps as we RP make a plot for the character that would perhaps interest more people. Think why would every player would be interested in X,Y,Z plot anyway? You cant have plots for every character ever, some of them will always have to bend their concept to fit in some of those. It is why I get the feeling character life expectancy has gotten shorter. Some time ago, people focused on their concept, and character of the concept, a plot ending wouldnt mean their end, but they hunted their own personal goals.
The thing is plots are one of those server aspects that require heavy DM attention, much heavier than CoA Sims. We should understand most of the DM time in game will be spent to promote plots, because after all it is a story and the storyteller is the DM. If we want to make a character just to RP, make new IG friends and "CoA sims" (I don't really like the term mostly cause I feel its used in a degrading manner) it is mostly doable without any DM intervention. Those players that prefered that style of RP have mostly been gone, but I agree that they were giving life to the server, created a more imersive atmosphere that made the thing feel more real. There is no wrong way to RP unless you dont RP at all, yet we all criticize each other for the way they like to play. X likes CoA Sims and sits around the market, one of the main points of criticism some time ago, or Y has his character going for ages, or Z quests too much, L is a crafting whore…
So what? We 're here to have fun, and each has his own definition of fun.
Someone said it some pages ago, I think Nikko, and I totally agree. Make your concept, play your character in whatever way you have fun with it. (No cyb0R!). Maybe you wont get as much DM attention, but you 're not alone, some people will follow your play style probably resulting in more fun. When a DM sees a player attracting other players's attention he/she gets curious and sometimes magic things happen.
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The people asking "why can't people just play that type of character anyway? This is your answer.
Who would want to play a character based character (as opposed to a plot or adventure based character) when even if they aren't "lesbo elf #3" they get lumped into that an mocked?
Actually, I think the term used before that was "Market Sitter". And even then, the mocking steamed from them…just doing that. If you wanna do that, yes it is up to them. But the best way to get mocked is to think you deserve something tangible from doing that!
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The people asking "why can't people just play that type of character anyway? This is your answer.
Who would want to play a character based character (as opposed to a plot or adventure based character) when even if they aren't "lesbo elf #3" they get lumped into that an mocked?
Actually, I think the term used before that was "Market Sitter". And even then, the mocking steamed from them…just doing that. If you wanna do that, yes it is up to them. But the best way to get mocked is to think you deserve something tangible from doing that!
There were market sitters, but there were also a fair amount of people who played interesting characters- but who didn't get involved in intrigue and less in adventure.
Calling them market sitters or bunching them into other stuff and mocking it is as useful as it would be to describe "intrigue" characters as "plot-whores" or "adventure" characters as "powergamers"- both terms that have been thrown about in the past. The difference is that now it's become the norm to put down the one play style.
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B-Rock, you always sound so insanely hostile!
I think people should take Adventure & Intrigue, and throw it somewhere the sun doesnt shine! Holy shit that has messed with peoples heads way too much!
Personally, I dont care if you are pushing dm made plots, if you are a big Mover and Shaker, or if you only focus on your own character. It is all about HOW YOU INVOLVE OTHERS!
Character A is married to character B. Miss B, is having wierd dreams, and is going crazy after being haunted by a ghost.
Because of it, Mr A is doing everything he can to find a cure, before it is too late. He doesnt seek to put Lhal on the throne, but his caracter concept and roleplay is so great, that it entertains and lures people to join him, or oppose him in his quest to save his loved one.
Mr A is a paladin of Trom, is married to Miss B, but Miss B is actually having an affair with Mr C, who runs the local cult of Bale, and is drawn to him because he is dangerous.
That can either turn into days on end in the market, talking, or it can turn into an epic story, of how far Mr A is going to go for love.
Id love such stories. At least they are more entertaining to me than Pimp #31, Overpowered Half Orc #920, or Ganking Group #49.
I love a good story. I love good roleplay. I love characters that makes the game come alive. I HATE CHARACTERS THAT SEEM FLAT, TWO DIMENSIONAL, or characters who just hate, without ANY reason behind it. I hate concepts where evil is just evil, where good is just good without ANY flaws, and concepts where its "my way or die!".
CoA is moving towards more roleplay, less hack and slash world of warcraft. I like it.