Here you will find a list of things that you can do for us, the DM's, that will make our events run smoother, and hopefully, more fun. If you are a DM, please feel free to add onto this list.
1. Stop and ask for directions!!!!!
We don't expect you to just guess where you are supposed to go or what should be done in an event. We DO expect you to stop and look for clues. One little emote and die roll can make a huge difference in the progress of a plot. You think the monsters might be coming from the cave? Don't guess!! Stop and *search for footprints*. Or maybe the glowing light is a portal? A good spellcraft check will tell you!
2. Use the buddy system.
It's simple. There may be one or two of us, and there's a whole bunch of you. So...stick together when you are in an event. Or, if you really need to break away from the party, use the party channel or the DM channel for your emotes. That way we won't miss them.
3. The library is your friend.
Sometimes we want to pass along more information than is really convenient IG. That's when we ask that you do research and post it on the boards so we can send you a nifty little PM full of clues! Make sure your questions are specific though. And...if you are researching something that doesn't pertain to a DM plot, send an explanation of what and why you are researching to Hala Team if you want an answer. We're not psychics.....well...13th Hour is.
4. Don't be rude to your tour guide!
A Dm's job is to give you a problem, then slowly help you solve it. Sooo...
When a DM possess a creature, DON"T ATTACK IT RIGHT AWAY! When we possess something we usually want to talk first. If we wanted it to pwn you, it wouldn't be possessed. In the same light, if a DM spawned creature just kicked your butt, don't come back and attack it again, and don't mouth off. It's frustrating on our end dealing with that, when we are trying to pass information along to you.
5. Don't feed the hostile animals
When we possess a hostile creature, we have to specifically force it to attack you, unless you provoke an attack of opportunity or an auto attack.
So, stand back and give the creature room. I wont speak for the other DMs, but if your party provokes an auto attack from a creature I'm possessing, then you made the first hostile move, and that's how it will be RP'd.
6. Use your inside voices.
If a DM is trying to do something (like passing out rewards) don't spam the talk channel. Its always a good idea to use whisper mode in a big crowd if you are talking to your friends and don't really want the DM's attention. If whisper mode wont work for some reason, then move away.
7.Pick up a souvenir.
Handing out rewards is often the most stressful part of an event for a DM. Not only do we have to deal with the spammed chat window mentioned above, we have to find and choose appropriate items for each person from a HUUUUUGE list. So, out of respect for the DMs as well as your fellow players, be polite and be patient. Also, +2 items are standard DM rewards. Unless the DM tells you otherwise, don't ask for more.
8. Don't forget to tip your cabby.
Raves are great! We love raves. It's nice to know that you are having fun. ALSO, if you think there are things that could be done better send a PM. Just make sure its constructive criticism....which brings me to...
9.Know your Fine whines
Alright this is my biggest pet peeve. I have two small kids, and if I wanted to be whined at, I'd do mean things to them instead of trying to make the game fun for you. Nothing gets me off the DM client faster than a whiny tell. So...before you send a complaint, stop and think. Is this something that affects just you or a lot of players? Is this something that REALLY hurts your game play, or are you just mad because you didn't get your way?
10. Enjoy your stay
We WANT you to have fun! There's no other reason for you to really be here. So if you find the game is stressing you out take a break, or play an alt. Come talk to one of us if you have a problem. Personally I'd rather see players do any of those things rather than get fed up, burnt out and quit for good.
Thank you for reading another one of my long winded posts. Game on
