Used: "Hire" Another DM

I don't know about the rest of you, but it seems I am always waiting for a DM. And when a DM does log on, they are swamped by requests for their help. Then it's a matter of me waiting in line for a while (sometimes as much as 30-40 minutes) until the DM can get to me. That's frustrating to me.

So the DMs spend most, if not all, of their time in Aenea dealing with other people's issues and not just playing the game. That has to be frustrating to them, doesn't it? I mean we play games to escape problems, not dive into them head on...

Dave continues to keep up with the Old Dwarf quest thread, yet doesn't seem to ever log into the game, even right after posting on the forums. That's starting to aggravate me too...

Now, I'm not really mad at Dave or any of the other DMs. I realize, as much as it sucks, Real Life generally has to take precedence over Aenea, whether we like it or not...

Saying that...

I've been here a little over a month and in that time it seems the server is getting a little busier, rarely do I log on as the only player anymore, and there seems to be frequently 5-8 players or so on at once. A month ago, rarely did I see 5 people on at once. Unfortunately, in that time I have never seen nor heard from , I think it's pretty safe to say he's not helping and probably not coming back anytime soon. In that time it has become rather obvious that himself rarely actually logs into the game, either as DM or player, he seems to be spending a lot of time in the toolset squashing bugs and making new Aenea goodness for the rest of us to dive into. (Now being implemented: Vendors that restock and have random inventory! WOOHOO!)

The simple fact that pretty much every time I shout asking for a DM, the general response is, "get in line," tells me it's probably time appoint another DM to help take on some of the load.

If is open to the idea of another DM, I'd like to nominate MannyJabrielle. He's mature, courteous(except when playing Aurora... ), helpful, knowledgeable about Aenea, and logged in rather frequently. All and All, everything you need in a DM. The only other person that comes to mind is Ceorlas, but I've not seen him online in several weeks.

Now, does anyone else feel it time for another DM, or am I just extra frustrated because I lost my sword again and have been waiting to get it back for almost 2 days?

And if you agree with me, do you think anyone else, excluding yourself, would make a good DM?

If I had been aware that you lost your sword, I would have helped you the other night. Did you lose it AFTER it was upgraded?

As for me logging into the game after checking the forums, sometimes I do so as DM, but you may not see it. If I dont have time to stay on, I dont announce my presence. I have a LOT going on right now, and its tough for me just to post on the forums sometimes.... but I *make* the time because I care.

Im sorry I can't commit to some sort of regimented schedule to be available, but as I am sure you are aware, we DMs took the title in order to help because we care, but our real lives have to take precendence. Back when I didnt have my new job or all kinds of car and money issues, I had a LOT more time to play *and* DM. Unfortunately that situation has changed, so I have to ask you to be understanding, patient, and tolerant of real life intruding into my ability to be online when you need me.

Judging by the harsh tone of your response, I assume you missed this part:

Now, I'm not really mad at Dave or any of the other DMs. I realize, as much as it sucks, Real Life generally has to take precedence over Aenea, whether we like it or not...

I completely understand if reality is kicking your @$$ at the moment, which is why I made this suggestion in the first place. Somehow I don't think would of taken the DM mantle if he didn't think he'd be around for very long.

My point was that it's become quite hard for players, in general... not just me, to catch up with ANY DM. And when we are trying to get something important done (character rebuild) or a key piece of equipment replaced (my sword), it's very frustrating to basically not be able to play, or not be able to play effectively, while we try to catch a DM on.

I think it would be EASIER for you to wrestle reality back down if someone could fill in for you in Aenea. Maybe I'm wrong... I dunno... That's how it would be for me anyway.

As for when I lost my sword again, it was shortly after you upgraded it, which really made it sting. was on as a player and when he logged in as himself and I started describing the sword, he decided to add it to the pallet since it's as about as custom as you can get without a custom item voucher and it would take forever to make by hand in-game. I offered to make the sword in the toolset myself and send it to him. He agreed. I only hope that he added it with this last reset.

Nothing harsh about my response, I think you are adding a tone to it in the reading process that is not in the words. Just explaining the reasons I can't be online a lot, and asking you to be patient.

When I first got here, and I both had more time, but even then, I sometimes had to wait a week or more for certain things. Was it frustrating? Somewhat, but its just a game. I was patient and things worked out.

I understand your frustration, Enterprise2001, I really do. I've had (and still do) some issues that need resolved, and it's very difficult for me to intersect with a DM. That is a bummer.

I volunteered myself sometime in the middle of last year. I did so because I've been around Aenea awhile, and I figured that daveyeisley was doing some good, by helping with the more mundane DM chores, and I thought 'what the heck!' I've never DMed in NwN before, but Aenea was also my first PW experience as well, so I figured I'd be in good hands. I'm not a whiz with the toolset, nor can I flash my way around the Creator, nor do I have the dm tool commands memorized. But being able to pop online and solve simple questions, that's a help for . That's why I'm here.

As far as real life intrusion goes, I have four children, ranging in age from 10 to 11 months (we're actually gearing up for three birthdays in February), so I am on 24 hour daddy duty. My wife is back in college, while I work full time, 2 different shifts. I can sneak time in now and again (today i had a big chunk of time, because my chores were well-finished, and the girls were immersed in Teen Titans), but on the average, i get mere snippets at a time.

Not to mention the fact that I have five or six PCs, and am always looking to expand my harem with new and interesting player projects.

All this means that I don't see alot of online time, but am happy to help out when I can, even often offering a "does anyone need a DM" shout before I log off from playing. We will all gladly help you out when we can, when our paths cross, but we ask patience in return. After all, this is all a volunteer outfit, from 's creation and maintenance of the world and the server, to the services of , and (if he ever returns).

Aenea is truly a wonderful, immersive, and fun world to play in. I made the testimonial that sits on the front page some time ago (the old forums), and I still stand by it, even as a DM. But with the server growth and change, naturally things will get busy, and sometimes issues that need resolution aren't able to be resolved right away. I ask, on behalf of all of the DMs, that you be patient ... we will get to your issues. Have faith!

In the meantime, if you do secure the services of a DM, ya wanna tell him that Dead Jane needs 24 Blood of Magics that the Jeweler's Lens lifted from her (wonder if it's in cahoots with Akron) ...

I'll say that the DM's here do a fiine job 90% of the time (baring the AWOL )... Getting time to play and keep up with RL is difficult for me, so how these guys manage that AND DM, they deserve applause....

At least Aenea has active DM's, thats better then most PW out there where the closest thing to a DM is the longest serving player... that might know how to sort you out ... .. or a bunch of player given DMFI tools to sort yourself out...

That being said back when it was advertised was after help he did sy he wanted 3 extra DM's.... he got them but it now looks as though has gone for a long while, so maybe he needs to be "Fired" and "Replaced"....

If decides that is the case then MJ is my top suggestion, even as a player he has helped me out loads, with introductions to ON-Line gaming, chat conventions, Aenean tours, advice, problem solving, PC builds and his screenshot are second to none (great for report bugs and showing others thier possibly DM led victories).... ...

My second choice would be Svair.. his knowledge on the different racial / class/ subclass/ subrace must be rather extensive with his cast of thousands.. and he must have done those starting quests so many times now that he could lead someone through them by Ventrillo alone..lol...

My third would be Rayvensclaw_Nightkind... he seems to be always logged in most evenings European time, has good knowledge of Aenea, and all its intricacies...

... However saying that (or Kerrick_Merwynne aka Kalira Andressat) logged into the forums last on the 12th Jan 09.... so its possible he's still around but is just simply too busy to post/play.... nd maybe he's working in the background on the next Massive DM Night..??...

RustyDios wrote:I'll say that the DM's here do a fiine job 90% of the time (baring the AWOL )... Getting time to play and keep up with RL is difficult for me, so how these guys manage that AND DM, they deserve applause....

At least Aenea has active DM's, thats better then most PW out there where the closest thing to a DM is the longest serving player... that might know how to sort you out ... .. or a bunch of player given DMFI tools to sort yourself out...

That being said back when it was advertised was after help he did sy he wanted 3 extra DM's.... he got them but it now looks as though has gone for a long while, so maybe he needs to be "Fired" and "Replaced"....

Let me be clear, I never said the current DMs (with the exception of the AWOL ) weren't doing a fantastic job, just that it's getting harder and harder to catch one. The server is slowly getting busier as the DM's real lives are getting busier, as a result, they are on less and less while they are needed more and more. I personally have welcomed 2 new players in the last 2 days and have seen several new user names logging on with some frequency over the past week...

RustyDios wrote:If decides that is the case then MJ is my top suggestion, even as a player he has helped me out loads, with introductions to ON-Line gaming, chat conventions, Aenean tours, advice, problem solving, PC builds and his screenshot are second to none (great for report bugs and showing others thier possibly DM led victories).... ...

My second choice would be Svair.. his knowledge on the different racial / class/ subclass/ subrace must be rather extensive with his cast of thousands.. and he must have done those starting quests so many times now that he could lead someone through them by Ventrillo alone..lol...

My third would be Rayvensclaw_Nightkind... he seems to be always logged in most evenings European time, has good knowledge of Aenea, and all its intricacies...

Manny is definitely premium DM material, but I mentioned it to him and he seemed... unsure if he wanted the job. So I thought it about some more, and like Rusty, I thought of Rayvensclaw_Nightkind as well. He is frequently logged in with me as well, and he seems quite knowledgeable of Aenea.

As for Svair, I don't think I've really played with him at all... Maybe, perhaps one of his many characters that I didn't know was him... But I don't really know much about him and therefor, have no opinion.

RustyDios wrote:... However saying that (or Kerrick_Merwynne aka Kalira Andressat) logged into the forums last on the 12th Jan 09.... so its possible he's still around but is just simply too busy to post/play.... nd maybe he's working in the background on the next Massive DM Night..??...

Hmmmm... you are right... Mine says January 11th though... *shrugs* Oh, automatic time zone adjustment maybe? Perhaps he is plotting behind-the-scenes to come up with plot and characters and the like... The only person who would maybe know are and ... Or, perhaps, is the real brains behind Aenea and is just a cover identity or some kind of puppet? But seriously, if he is the one who's job it is to stay behind the curtain and write stories/plots, characters, and the like, that's fine, possibly even fantastic (major world changing story arcs anyone? ), but the simple fact of the matter is, I still think another DM in the game to deal with those in-game snags is called for.

Sorry you mis-understood me... I wasn't saying that you were "telling them off for being vacant" -- I just wanted to plug in some praise to them... .....

As for MJ he was around when the initial call for DM's went out.. I'll assume he didn't apply as he would have likely got the job... ...

As for being the real brains??.. I'd like to see 's response to that! lol....

And I think you missed "The week of the beast", when Talon, a mighty Red Dragon that was a resident in a tower in the docks of Macedone decided to take a stroll through Aenea... ( changed colours so to speak.. >> )... Before that event you could go to his tower, talk with and shop with one of his minions, and even go upstairs and slay him .... .... ... ... the devastation of that DM'ed night can still be witnessed today... its why some walls and gates have scorched marks around them, and their is a "path of destruction" from the Macedone docks to Valorians Vale... the place we finally caught up and took him down has been marked forever.. you possibly walk by each day and don't even notice "Talon's Bones" outside of Bluebeards Tower .... .... .... .... look in both the screenshots section and in character msg's for more info ....
See here
and those in attendance - notice dmv

And speaking of absent DM's I really like this sentence :

The only person who would maybe know are and ...

What no mention of ?!? lol... lol... sorry I'm in a jokey mode...

If would like to have me on the DM staff to help out, I would. But for the most part, I don't need a DM persona to help out. I can and do answer questions and and give advice no matter what character I'm logged in with.

Yes we know that, it's why your top-choice for DM material... I think what we need is though another actual DM, to do all those things DM's can do..... like sorting out "lost" custom items, upgrading enhancements, clipping wings, messing with PC's heads, spawning random creatures, etc etc etc.... ...

I'd happily take up the mantle too, but it's unfair to vote for oneself, I really like actually playing in Aenea and fear DM duties would bog me down, I've not DM'ed much in RL, let alone NWN.. I've not even ever started the DM Client!! !! (Though I mess about in the toolset all the time )... and of course there is a constant personal fear of "letting others down"... If I made one wrong move/mistake I'd likely crack up and go into a meltdown for causing someone else grief....

You get used to the "letting people down" and "causing others grief"....

Its like falling off a bike... you don't do it intetionally.... but by the 3rd or 4th time you realize that despite your best efforts, sometimes its just gonna happen... and all you can do is try to be careful, and correct the situation to your best ability afterwards.

I as well would gladly help out, I've tinkered a bit with the DM client in a now defunct server mod I used to play on, but I just spend way to much time in Aenea to really even think about putting it back online. Way to much time, lol, of the 500+ hours in NWN I've logged in my sig, nearly all but a scant 4 or 5 have been in Aenea, as I got that after I started playing here. Man, I need a life, lol.

I dont even wqant to think how many hours me and manny have logged here...

Heh, three of my top 4 characters are 100+ hours, Angie's around 200 or so, and the old man is closing in on that 256 mark. Alex is only 80 hours or so. Auger's got 40 or 50 hours on him I think.... and then there's a couple of characters I've started but never played out much past a few hours each....

Lotta time O_o

Well you guys outta have more time than me, lol, you been around a bit longer than I.

Jay has gone past that 256hr benchmark and is at around 300, shouri is nearing her 128 (or just past it actually - I think the 128 is the 80k item, and I've just had that), my "only" other PC is around 12hrs ((splitt, I retired the original PC and recreated her from scratch))..

... and thats just time in Aenea.... I'd dread to think how long the OC, SoU & HotU took me to complete ((and I found Aenea before fully completing HotU - I guessed the storyline (major downer,stopped playing) and after finding Aenea the "normal" stuff just ain't good enough))...

.... and then how many hours I've spent in the toolset thinking things up, scripting stuff, finding icons, editing haks for my own mod and creating neat things (which I doubt I'll ever complete to a satisfactory level to publish).... ....

Since aquiring this game back in 2003, I'm not even going to hazard how it took over my life, or how many hours I've played it... ... .... ... but I will ask a question to get the message across?.. Is it 2004 yet? I've not been paying much attention to the passing of time..... lol....lol

I imagine, ultimately, that if feels that we need more DMs, he will "hire" more. I am happy to help everyone in any way that I can, in the meantime ...

I believe this suggestion has been used by , any of the people to have run into MannyJabrielle's DM Gaelen will know this is true too... Thread lock?

Just for the record, in case the other thread was missed ...

sent me a PM the other day. That dreaded affliction, Real Life, is kicking his arse royally right now (we'll blame it on the economy!), but he is still around, and plans to get active again when he gets a good dose of RL antidote.

He is quiet, but not gone ...

Thanks, Eric.