Title: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Koldar Mondrakken on August 01, 2003, 07:08:22 PM
Well, I guess in order to make things a little more transparent it would be good to know what seems to be the biggest gap and plot holes at the site that confuse the players.
What information might be helpful, what bothers you, what might be done different to make the info better accessable?
Don't think that is anything that might be changed within a day or something, I just would think some general info by people who do not know the site as good as mods or world developers what they find hard to find or understand would be helpful to make Santharia an even better site.
So just post what you find confusing, what you don't find at all and anything else that bothers you in finding information you seek. Some pointers would be helpful to know where to improve in the future or what problems prove more urgent than others. The Santharian world has grown so big that it is often diffiult to keep track of all the things that would need fine-tweaking, revising or more organization.
A small idea for rpg I had e.g. was that maybe adding typical names or proverbs to a tribe entry might be a neat idea.
What information might be helpful, what bothers you, what might be done different to make the info better accessable?
Don't think that is anything that might be changed within a day or something, I just would think some general info by people who do not know the site as good as mods or world developers what they find hard to find or understand would be helpful to make Santharia an even better site.
So just post what you find confusing, what you don't find at all and anything else that bothers you in finding information you seek. Some pointers would be helpful to know where to improve in the future or what problems prove more urgent than others. The Santharian world has grown so big that it is often diffiult to keep track of all the things that would need fine-tweaking, revising or more organization.
A small idea for rpg I had e.g. was that maybe adding typical names or proverbs to a tribe entry might be a neat idea.
Koldar Mondrakken, Knight of the Moonlight
Weakness is strength. Hope is life.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Radaroc on August 02, 2003, 02:28:22 AM
Onething that alwasys gets me is some type of conversion rate for Santharian currency. Like an average nights stay at an inn would cost; how much a decent sword would cost and the like.
In the begining I was weak. Now I have purpose. Stay me from my path and the Gods themselves cannot save you.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Mina on August 02, 2003, 02:54:22 AM
I know you guys are probably working on this, but more information on Ximax, the Magical Academy, and magic in general would be very helpful to those trying to create magically-inclined characters. Stuff like how shadowmancy works, the amount of time needed to reach each level, etc. Also, as Radaroc mentioned, some kind of conversion rate would be very helpful too when you're role-playing.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Radaroc on August 02, 2003, 03:09:22 AM
I want to make clear that I'm not talking about San - Euro or Dollar or anything like that as the people hear are from all over the world
In the begining I was weak. Now I have purpose. Stay me from my path and the Gods themselves cannot save you.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Raoneth on August 02, 2003, 03:19:22 AM
The main site (santharia.com) could definently become more user-friendly... Does this go under this topic or should I just shut up?
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Mina on August 02, 2003, 02:41:22 AM
I was thinking more in terms of the price list that I remember seeing somewhere on the development board. I figured you were talking about something like that. Edited by: Mina Aylwin at: 8/1/03 18:42
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Koldar Mondrakken on August 02, 2003, 04:56:22 AM
Quote:
The main site (santharia.com) could definently become more user-friendly... Does this go under this topic or should I just shut up?
More user friendly? Well, I guess this will cause Arti an heart attack because a complete relaunch of the site is probably among his ten worst nightmares. Given the amount of content on the site I can fully understand that.
It would be helpful to be more specific here because a complete relaunch is something that I guess only manageable in this decade or century if at all.Anyway, some more pointers what you can/cannot find would be helpful here, I guess.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Raoneth on August 02, 2003, 05:37:22 AM
No, that's definently not what I was thinking of.Just simple things, really, it's not that I can't use it, it's perfectly fine when you get used to it. It's just a bit wierd for a newbie. I've read up a bit on user friendlyness and tests that have been done and splash screens are supposedly a big no-no... also I feel the preloader actually makes the site load slower. I could be wrong, though.
As for the more obvious stuff, I don't know if the "site update" is really what a new visitor is interested in when entering the site. Maybe you should put it in a smaller asp thing (if that's what it's called) A new visitor would automatically move his view over to the side frame where he's used to see the most important links and a small white box to search with, but on the side frame there's
"- Awards I, II, III, IV, V
- Copyright Notes
- Supporting Santharia
- Web History Archive
... 2003 - I, II
... 2002 - I, II, III, IV, Best of
... 2001 - II, III, IV"
Among other things.
I suggest you put the "site history" in a scrollable box the size of the little welcome text and make something a bit more useful with the rest of the space... erm... I'm going to have to think a bit on the rest... If you're interested, that is.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Raoneth on August 02, 2003, 05:42:22 AM
Christ! that has to be the worst piece of text, I've ever produced... did it make sense?
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Sough on August 02, 2003, 06:22:22 AM
Are we supposed to read stuff on the development board? I didn't go there until after Rayne posted a link in my CD thread which was very helpful, I might add.
I thought all of the development board stuff was still under development and is put in the main site only after approval. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd feel uncomfortable basing my character off of something that may be revised several more times before becoming official.
Sough
I thought all of the development board stuff was still under development and is put in the main site only after approval. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd feel uncomfortable basing my character off of something that may be revised several more times before becoming official.
Sough
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Silfer Darkflare on August 02, 2003, 08:55:22 AM
Well, yes, the approved and finished stuff is on the site. However, a lot of stuff tends to be hanging in the system for quite some tme, thus becoming inernal knowledge... so do looma t the dev. board, it isnt that scary.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Bahran the big on August 02, 2003, 12:36:22 PM
Not sure if I overlooked this or something, but what I'd like is a list of Santharia-style insults and swear words. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to avoid those in my rp posts. 
_____________
Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?
Earth: The New Fight
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Mina on August 02, 2003, 12:58:22 PM
There are some insults and curses here.
There is no emotion; there is peace.
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
There is no passion; there is serenity.
There is no death; there is the Force.
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
There is no passion; there is serenity.
There is no death; there is the Force.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Bahran the big on August 02, 2003, 01:11:22 PM
Ok, now that's weird, that's is exactly what I was looking for.......how'd I miss that?
_____________
Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?
Earth: The New Fight
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Terra Artemos on August 02, 2003, 01:30:22 PM
I see what Reoneth is saying. When a newbie comes to the site, they typically don't care about Awards, and Web History archives, which is what you would see right off, as most site would have a menu to the content where this currently appears. If you were a newbie who had no clue about the material in the site, would you really care when a certain artical was uploaded or updated? Problebly not, you would want to see right away where the information you are looking for is, and without having to read about how to use the menu, go to it.
No offence Arti, the site looks great, but its just not newbie friendly. One should be able to spot where to go for the content at a glance, rather that have to play ascosiation games with icons.
My suggestions, though I am sure Arti will hate me for them are as follows:
Change the small icon menu to a text drop down menu, perhaps find a way to integrate the icons into into dropdown menu.
Have the scroll menu display a link menu that mirrors the dropdown when the page first loads, and again the icons can be added to this, but there should also be clear text lables. (This may remove the need for my first suggestion should they put together that the icons at the top match those in the link menu, and put it together.) Perhaps even add clearly defined button to go back to this menu again.
Lastly and perhaps least objectionable, Change "Santharian Forum" on the top right to something that indicates more clearly that this is a developement board.
Ok, I am done with the general web design stuff. Hope I was not too hard on you Arti.
Other things would be like having a note beside certain races and trides in the Races section noting which ones we don't concider playable as PCs, so that at a glance, those looking at these would know they can not create a PC of that race or tribe. I know there are a few tribes of elves this is true for, perhaps other races have a few.
Having travel times, or distances from place to place would be good too. I know this would help me tons with my characters history developement, and would help add some sence of scale for players.
The money is a vary good point too. There should be some way a player could know a general base line for prices, of course not all merchants being equal.
Also a list of typical rates of pay for certain genaric occupations, Fighters, Assassins, Craftsmen, Merchents, Magic users, and the like. This would help determine about what might be reasonable amount of currency for a particular character to carry.
OK, thats about all I can think of.
'I am grey. All but those like me see only darkness and light, they do not see the grey between them. In this greyness I dwell. I would not wish this fate on any other.'
Terra Artemos Character Description
No offence Arti, the site looks great, but its just not newbie friendly. One should be able to spot where to go for the content at a glance, rather that have to play ascosiation games with icons.
My suggestions, though I am sure Arti will hate me for them are as follows:
Change the small icon menu to a text drop down menu, perhaps find a way to integrate the icons into into dropdown menu.
Have the scroll menu display a link menu that mirrors the dropdown when the page first loads, and again the icons can be added to this, but there should also be clear text lables. (This may remove the need for my first suggestion should they put together that the icons at the top match those in the link menu, and put it together.) Perhaps even add clearly defined button to go back to this menu again.
Lastly and perhaps least objectionable, Change "Santharian Forum" on the top right to something that indicates more clearly that this is a developement board.
Ok, I am done with the general web design stuff. Hope I was not too hard on you Arti.
Other things would be like having a note beside certain races and trides in the Races section noting which ones we don't concider playable as PCs, so that at a glance, those looking at these would know they can not create a PC of that race or tribe. I know there are a few tribes of elves this is true for, perhaps other races have a few.
Having travel times, or distances from place to place would be good too. I know this would help me tons with my characters history developement, and would help add some sence of scale for players.
The money is a vary good point too. There should be some way a player could know a general base line for prices, of course not all merchants being equal.
Also a list of typical rates of pay for certain genaric occupations, Fighters, Assassins, Craftsmen, Merchents, Magic users, and the like. This would help determine about what might be reasonable amount of currency for a particular character to carry.
OK, thats about all I can think of.
'I am grey. All but those like me see only darkness and light, they do not see the grey between them. In this greyness I dwell. I would not wish this fate on any other.'
Terra Artemos Character Description
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Fox on August 02, 2003, 03:03:22 PM
The Santharian Dream site... not user friendly? *laughs* 
I find it more user friendly AND beautiful than any other information site I've ever seen.
I'm hoping that newbies aren't dumb enough to not be able to find the information easily. Unfortunately, from experience, that isn't the case. *sighs*
However, if a new RPer isn't motivated enough to make the attempt to find the information, they won't be motivated to do the harder task of making an acceptable NPC.
The site not user friendly... puh. It's not there for the RPers. Arti doesn't and shouldn't need to do work so newbies don't have to. That's just stupid.
Same goes with the races. Terra, the site has no reason to list which races and tribes are available for RP use, it's not an RP site. One of the many newbie help guides and such on the boards should have the list of what is and is not acceptable.
As for magic, Mina, we're working on that.
I find it more user friendly AND beautiful than any other information site I've ever seen.
I'm hoping that newbies aren't dumb enough to not be able to find the information easily. Unfortunately, from experience, that isn't the case. *sighs*
However, if a new RPer isn't motivated enough to make the attempt to find the information, they won't be motivated to do the harder task of making an acceptable NPC.
The site not user friendly... puh. It's not there for the RPers. Arti doesn't and shouldn't need to do work so newbies don't have to. That's just stupid.
Same goes with the races. Terra, the site has no reason to list which races and tribes are available for RP use, it's not an RP site. One of the many newbie help guides and such on the boards should have the list of what is and is not acceptable.
As for magic, Mina, we're working on that.
Santharian Master of Magic. Contact at dasson@santharia.com
The Santharian Dream - Create the Dream. Live the Dream.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Mina on August 02, 2003, 03:04:22 PM
I agree with what as been said about the main site. The first time I got here(probably from Elfwood or Utopia), I couldn't figure out how to navigate it at all, so I left rather quickly. It was quite some time before I somehow ended up here again and finally figured out how to navigate the site.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Terra Artemos on August 02, 2003, 04:09:22 PM
Even so Dasson, look how much of the menu is actually given to the majority of site content.
Lets see, here is what the majority of the menu if for:
Is this the main content this site is providing?
I mean look at the presence this stuff gets when you first visit the site. Tell me any of the above is really of any intrest to anyone who visits this site for any reason.
I would reason that there are 22 menu items at the top of the menu bar that deserve at least twice the presence they are given when someone first arrives at the site, and should problebly maintain that presence for the diration of that users stay.
Also if TSD is not for RPers, what is it, and its content for? I would like Arti to answer that one before we get any further on how to give the main content of the site it due presence, wether that ends up being the stories, or the world inforation enties, the tutorials, or whatever.
'I am grey. All but those like me see only darkness and light, they do not see the grey between them. In this greyness I dwell. I would not wish this fate on any other.'
Terra Artemos Character Description
Lets see, here is what the majority of the menu if for:
Quote:
The Website
- News & Web History
- Menu Navigation
- Site Introduction
- Santharian FAQs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santharian Teaser
The Hall of Fame
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Awards I, II, III, IV, V
- Copyright Notes
- Supporting Santharia
- Web History Archive
... 2003 - I, II
... 2002 - I, II, III, IV, Best of
... 2001 - II, III, IV
For Webmasters
- Banners of Santharia
- Link Exchanges (graph.)
- Link Exchanges (text)
Portal of Worlds
Commissions
- Get your Fantasy Portrait
- Other Commissions
- Art by Faugar
- Art by Quellion
- Music/Sound by Ralrok
Is this the main content this site is providing?
I mean look at the presence this stuff gets when you first visit the site. Tell me any of the above is really of any intrest to anyone who visits this site for any reason.
I would reason that there are 22 menu items at the top of the menu bar that deserve at least twice the presence they are given when someone first arrives at the site, and should problebly maintain that presence for the diration of that users stay.
Also if TSD is not for RPers, what is it, and its content for? I would like Arti to answer that one before we get any further on how to give the main content of the site it due presence, wether that ends up being the stories, or the world inforation enties, the tutorials, or whatever.
'I am grey. All but those like me see only darkness and light, they do not see the grey between them. In this greyness I dwell. I would not wish this fate on any other.'
Terra Artemos Character Description
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Fox on August 02, 2003, 04:43:22 PM
Well, maybe include a link on the first menu bar that links to the other menu bars in text form. But I don't like your idea of making the drop down menu in place of the icons.
Originally, the TSD was just a private site for Arti to contain the information for the trilogy of books he was writing, the Book of Paths as it is known in-character. Eventually it translated to English to make it available to people to see and read, and eventually people started coming and helping develop the world.
The RP board was only a side thing that Arti or someone thought, "Hey, let's let people RP in this world we made!". Anyone who reads the introduction and or Arti's bio should know this. o.o
Originally, the TSD was just a private site for Arti to contain the information for the trilogy of books he was writing, the Book of Paths as it is known in-character. Eventually it translated to English to make it available to people to see and read, and eventually people started coming and helping develop the world.
The RP board was only a side thing that Arti or someone thought, "Hey, let's let people RP in this world we made!". Anyone who reads the introduction and or Arti's bio should know this. o.o
Santharian Master of Magic. Contact at dasson@santharia.com
The Santharian Dream - Create the Dream. Live the Dream.
Title: Re: what rpg relevant information do you miss at santharia?
Post by: Artimidor Federkiel on August 02, 2003, 04:46:22 PM
The Santharian Dream is primarily a fantasy world development project, in the most general way this can be interpreted. Role Playing is only a part of the site, but still not the main focus.
The Santharian Dream Webmaster - Let Fantasy Dreams come true!
World Development Admin - The Forum where Worlds are born...
Title: There's your answer, Koldar...
Post by: Muargath on August 02, 2003, 05:47:22 PM
...Straight from the Administrator's fingertips: We're not the main focus, so why waste time on us?
What I don't understand is, if this RPG board is so unimportant (in comparison to "the project"), then why make people jump through such drastic hoops just to have some fun here? Less than a year ago, people's characters were getting approved on far less detail. Same with the games. Nothing that happens here will affect what goes on in the development area, right? So what's the big deal?
It was news to me, and quite late in the game I might add, that the RPG board was a secondary interest to the development board. Other than researching for my own characters, and an attempt at running a game, I never felt any real need to go to the sister-site (or should we call it the mother ship now?). What about those of us who think this board is the main site and that the development project is merely a support site? Are we so easily dismissed? Without this RPG board, where would your impetus be? What motivation would you have? And where would you recruit all the great writers that are willing to work on your project for free?
Take a look around, there are people working just as hard on this board as the other one.... a huge amount of people. Telling people that their work is unimportant or doesn't matter will only make them feel bad. Some of us would like to see this RPG board succeed in its own right.
Koldar, my suggestion, is to do everything you can on the RPG board to help out the new people. Creating a guide, lists, or a walk-thru tutorial on this end is far easier than asking for changes on the other board.
Muargath
By the way, Dasson, saying that newbies are dumb just because they can't navigate the Santharian board is mean. Shame on you.
What I don't understand is, if this RPG board is so unimportant (in comparison to "the project"), then why make people jump through such drastic hoops just to have some fun here? Less than a year ago, people's characters were getting approved on far less detail. Same with the games. Nothing that happens here will affect what goes on in the development area, right? So what's the big deal?
It was news to me, and quite late in the game I might add, that the RPG board was a secondary interest to the development board. Other than researching for my own characters, and an attempt at running a game, I never felt any real need to go to the sister-site (or should we call it the mother ship now?). What about those of us who think this board is the main site and that the development project is merely a support site? Are we so easily dismissed? Without this RPG board, where would your impetus be? What motivation would you have? And where would you recruit all the great writers that are willing to work on your project for free?
Take a look around, there are people working just as hard on this board as the other one.... a huge amount of people. Telling people that their work is unimportant or doesn't matter will only make them feel bad. Some of us would like to see this RPG board succeed in its own right.
Koldar, my suggestion, is to do everything you can on the RPG board to help out the new people. Creating a guide, lists, or a walk-thru tutorial on this end is far easier than asking for changes on the other board.
Muargath
By the way, Dasson, saying that newbies are dumb just because they can't navigate the Santharian board is mean. Shame on you.
Title: Re: There's your answer, Koldar...
Post by: Artimidor Federkiel on August 02, 2003, 05:01:22 PM
As usual Muargath shows the rare ability to twist every word you say into the opposite. Ah well, should already be used to that... When I read your posts I sometimes feel I should really be ashamed to even have started such a project, huh?
When I read your posts I sometimes feel I should really be ashamed to even have started such a project, huh?
The Santharian Dream Webmaster - Let Fantasy Dreams come true!
World Development Admin - The Forum where Worlds are born...
Title: Re: There's your answer, Koldar...
Post by: Koldar Mondrakken on August 02, 2003, 05:28:22 PM
Muargath, may I help you out:
Development: world development
Rpg board: roleplaying funzone
Two projects, the world dev board develops Caelereth, the roleplaying board offers rpg stories in Caelereth, however the two projects are not connected for the world development board would continue developing the world with or without a rpg board. Thus the RGP is not the main focus of the site but another service which simple was a reasonable step given the detail that already went onto the site.
However the rgp-players are the most direct feedback one can get on the site and if there are certain things which might be to improve sometime in the future. That some people think that the first menu bar has little info on where to find what on the site is e.g. good to know as I wouldn't recognize that anymore, I find everything I want in less than a minute.
@Dasson: The main purpose of this thread is simply put: Direct feedback. Rpg-players came to the Santharian Dream like any other surfer on the web and thus will stumble over the same problems any other user would when he visits the Santharian Dream. While the world itsself will continue to be elaborated by itsself to flesh things out knowing that users find the info they're interested in is generally an important aspect wether they're rpg-players or fantasy-lovers. It's just, we have some rpg-players here.
And Muargath sometimes I wonder if you're building some serious paranoia about admins and mods. Take care of that, it gets boring.
Edited by: Koldar Mondrakken at: 8/2/03 9:37
Development: world development
Rpg board: roleplaying funzone
Two projects, the world dev board develops Caelereth, the roleplaying board offers rpg stories in Caelereth, however the two projects are not connected for the world development board would continue developing the world with or without a rpg board. Thus the RGP is not the main focus of the site but another service which simple was a reasonable step given the detail that already went onto the site.
However the rgp-players are the most direct feedback one can get on the site and if there are certain things which might be to improve sometime in the future. That some people think that the first menu bar has little info on where to find what on the site is e.g. good to know as I wouldn't recognize that anymore, I find everything I want in less than a minute.
@Dasson: The main purpose of this thread is simply put: Direct feedback. Rpg-players came to the Santharian Dream like any other surfer on the web and thus will stumble over the same problems any other user would when he visits the Santharian Dream. While the world itsself will continue to be elaborated by itsself to flesh things out knowing that users find the info they're interested in is generally an important aspect wether they're rpg-players or fantasy-lovers. It's just, we have some rpg-players here.
And Muargath sometimes I wonder if you're building some serious paranoia about admins and mods. Take care of that, it gets boring.
Edited by: Koldar Mondrakken at: 8/2/03 9:37
Title: Hmm.
Post by: Muargath on August 02, 2003, 06:29:22 PM
No, Arti. Not at all. You have done a great thing here and I mean it. Without you, the site wouldn't exist. All I ask is that you give credit where credit is due. We all like this place, obviously (RPG board). Even if it's not numero uno for you, please realize it is for some of us.
I've twisted no meanings. Your earlier post made it clear where you stand on the matter. But then, I realize you might not have meant it that way... that's just how it came across.
I suppose I should apologize again in advance for my bluntness. I'm not trying to be mean. I realize I am an unpopular voice here. I realize that what I say will most likely be ignored until someone else echos my sentiments sometime down the road and that is something I'll just have to live with.
A couple things to keep in mind:
1) I agree with you and Dasson. The Santharian Dream board should not be altered for use of the RPG board, since that is not its purpose.
and
2) Please don't belittle the devotion that we have for this RPG board. It's just as important to some of us as the other board is to you.
Once again, I'm not trying to "start" anything. This is only my opinion.
Cheers!
I've twisted no meanings. Your earlier post made it clear where you stand on the matter. But then, I realize you might not have meant it that way... that's just how it came across.
I suppose I should apologize again in advance for my bluntness. I'm not trying to be mean. I realize I am an unpopular voice here. I realize that what I say will most likely be ignored until someone else echos my sentiments sometime down the road and that is something I'll just have to live with.
A couple things to keep in mind:
1) I agree with you and Dasson. The Santharian Dream board should not be altered for use of the RPG board, since that is not its purpose.
and
2) Please don't belittle the devotion that we have for this RPG board. It's just as important to some of us as the other board is to you.
Once again, I'm not trying to "start" anything. This is only my opinion.
Cheers!
Title: Re: There's your answer, Koldar...
Post by: Alýr (Rayne) on August 02, 2003, 06:38:22 PM
Muargath, I don't know if you've really seen how things are being done as of late.
I am an administrator here on the boards now, and I have been here for a year. I roleplay here, but I also develop things. I know both worlds, and I know that everything we do on the development board is not done for the RPG. If it was, we wouldn't create the certain plants we do, or history. We wouldn't write poetry or stories. If we wanted to make things easier for the role-players, we probably wouldn't do any development, but we do. We develop, as I see it, not to create a world in which to RP, but a world that simply is, as something beautifully unique.
So the world is, and those here are those who have chosen to do more research and put forth more effort for the benefit of RPing in a world so incredibly different from any other, one far more layered and thorough.
But those who get lost are not forsaken, either. They can try to make a profile and, if they need help, we're here to help. I'm here to help, and I'm ready and willing to put forth all the knowledge that I can dish out to help a needing player. I have offered my IM screen named to those who have needed me. I have received and responded to e-mails of those asking for some help, some advice.
I think I put forth a great deal more on this board, because the Character Descriptions are longer and more detailed, at times, then a simple plant or beast. I have to sometimes do research to critique character profiles. In many cases I need to review a certain tribe or weapon or area to make sure everything is right. I have to make sure that people aren’t jumping halfway across the continent and saying it took them a few days. I need to review that hair color and skin color and customs are all followed. I need to make sure magic is right. If anything is wrong, I let them know. I tell them what to change, if a simple change is needed. If something doesn't work at all, I try to propose a new way to go about it, perhaps a method that was not first seen, or that they could not have known about because they never came across an entry for it.
You seem to imply that we do nothing to help out our new players, Muargath. I have created a Titles list. I helped compose the Guide to Character Creation. We are trying to create a price list and more exact measurements across the map, and there is a lot that you don't see here on the boards that is being done. Those who develop do care about role-playing. I see Arti reviewing the RP boards every single day. If he didn’t care, why would he bother?
Before you speak, Muargath, get all the facts.
Rayne Avalotus
I am an administrator here on the boards now, and I have been here for a year. I roleplay here, but I also develop things. I know both worlds, and I know that everything we do on the development board is not done for the RPG. If it was, we wouldn't create the certain plants we do, or history. We wouldn't write poetry or stories. If we wanted to make things easier for the role-players, we probably wouldn't do any development, but we do. We develop, as I see it, not to create a world in which to RP, but a world that simply is, as something beautifully unique.
So the world is, and those here are those who have chosen to do more research and put forth more effort for the benefit of RPing in a world so incredibly different from any other, one far more layered and thorough.
But those who get lost are not forsaken, either. They can try to make a profile and, if they need help, we're here to help. I'm here to help, and I'm ready and willing to put forth all the knowledge that I can dish out to help a needing player. I have offered my IM screen named to those who have needed me. I have received and responded to e-mails of those asking for some help, some advice.
I think I put forth a great deal more on this board, because the Character Descriptions are longer and more detailed, at times, then a simple plant or beast. I have to sometimes do research to critique character profiles. In many cases I need to review a certain tribe or weapon or area to make sure everything is right. I have to make sure that people aren’t jumping halfway across the continent and saying it took them a few days. I need to review that hair color and skin color and customs are all followed. I need to make sure magic is right. If anything is wrong, I let them know. I tell them what to change, if a simple change is needed. If something doesn't work at all, I try to propose a new way to go about it, perhaps a method that was not first seen, or that they could not have known about because they never came across an entry for it.
You seem to imply that we do nothing to help out our new players, Muargath. I have created a Titles list. I helped compose the Guide to Character Creation. We are trying to create a price list and more exact measurements across the map, and there is a lot that you don't see here on the boards that is being done. Those who develop do care about role-playing. I see Arti reviewing the RP boards every single day. If he didn’t care, why would he bother?
Before you speak, Muargath, get all the facts.
Rayne Avalotus
Title: Exactly...
Post by: Muargath on August 02, 2003, 06:45:22 PM
"However the rgp-players are the most direct feedback one can get on the site and if there are certain things which might be to improve sometime in the future." -Koldar
Thanks, Koldar. With this one statement you made my point. The opinions of the Players shouldn't be taken lightly. We have a purpose. We are all important. I admit I do get miffed when someone, anyone, hints this is not the case. I'm not being paranoid to point it out. If it seems that the Admins and Mods get the brunt of that, it's only for the obvious reason- they make the policies that the players have to live with.
As for the rest of your post, I am already well aware of it. However, I am glad you wrote it because someone new to the board will read this thread and learn something good.
And lastly, I'm sorry if my opinions are boring you; I post them not for your entertainment, but to make a valid point.
Cheers!
Thanks, Koldar. With this one statement you made my point. The opinions of the Players shouldn't be taken lightly. We have a purpose. We are all important. I admit I do get miffed when someone, anyone, hints this is not the case. I'm not being paranoid to point it out. If it seems that the Admins and Mods get the brunt of that, it's only for the obvious reason- they make the policies that the players have to live with.
As for the rest of your post, I am already well aware of it. However, I am glad you wrote it because someone new to the board will read this thread and learn something good.
And lastly, I'm sorry if my opinions are boring you; I post them not for your entertainment, but to make a valid point.
Cheers!
Title: Re: There's your answer, Koldar...
Post by: Fox on August 02, 2003, 06:46:22 PM
Quote:
then why make people jump through such drastic hoops just to have some fun here? Less than a year ago, people's characters were getting approved on far less detail
Because we, the mods and administrators of the RP board, decided to encourage detail and good writing skills, unlike the many Yahoo boards and other RPG boards that tend to... well, suck. True, there are some that are good, but even on those I go and do the same work I do for here. It's natural for me, and looks better. It's not Arti's fault that this happened here, I'm not even sure if he was even a part of the decision to encourage the detail...
Quote:
Without this RPG board, where would your impetus be? What motivation would you have? And where would you recruit all the great writers that are willing to work on your project for free?
I'm not sure how the RP board came up, but most of the developers don't RP here. Only Rayne, Koldar, Talia, Wren, and myself are the ones that I know of who are active. And from my knowledge, the current developers did not come from, nor for, the RP board.
Quote:
By the way, Dasson, saying that newbies are dumb just because they can't navigate the Santharian board is mean. Shame on you.
I knew I was going to get bitched at for that. But what do you expect, I have a primarily low view on the average of humanity.
Quote:
Rpg-players came to the Santharian Dream like any other surfer on the web and thus will stumble over the same problems any other user would when he visits the Santharian Dream.
Well, I guess I'm not any other surfer, now I'm I? I can't see how people are having problems.
Santharian Master of Magic. Contact at dasson@santharia.com
The Santharian Dream - Create the Dream. Live the Dream.
Title: *Sigh*
Post by: Muargath on August 02, 2003, 06:54:22 PM
No need to list all the things you do Rayne, we are ALL well aware of how hard you work on both sites- you make sure of that- and you were rewarded well for it.
I never implied any of what what you said. Where did hell you get that? Do you recall a thread started by Aylix recently? A thread where nearly half the people who posted agreed that the rules need to be relaxed on this board because it doesn't effect the development board? I suggest you reread that thread, my dear, and get off my back, please. Because that is what we are talking about. And for all the hard work you are doing, you are part of the problem, you see. I can't believe I had to point that out to you.
Anyway, your post had nothing to do with my discussion with Koldar and Atri.
Sheesh.
I never implied any of what what you said. Where did hell you get that? Do you recall a thread started by Aylix recently? A thread where nearly half the people who posted agreed that the rules need to be relaxed on this board because it doesn't effect the development board? I suggest you reread that thread, my dear, and get off my back, please. Because that is what we are talking about. And for all the hard work you are doing, you are part of the problem, you see. I can't believe I had to point that out to you.
Anyway, your post had nothing to do with my discussion with Koldar and Atri.
Sheesh.
Title: Re: *Sigh*
Post by: Alýr (Rayne) on August 02, 2003, 06:59:22 PM
Just proving you wrong, dear, which obviously wasn't too hard.
And I'll have you know that we have made things more relaxed. At least, I have in my critiquing. Of course, you probably wouldn't know such things, would you?
And I'll have you know that we have made things more relaxed. At least, I have in my critiquing. Of course, you probably wouldn't know such things, would you?
Title: Re: *Sigh*
Post by: Eryk Aisean on August 02, 2003, 07:08:22 PM
Erk...erm...sorry to intrude on anything, but I personally think that the strict rules are one of the best things about this site. If the rules kept getting relaxed (it would never get to this extent...I hope), it would turn to something like this:
Name: Jork
Gender: Male
Tribe: Superhero
Weaknesses: He is too strong for his own good
Strengths: He is invincible
History: He was born, grew up and then saved the world a few times
Possesions: An M4 automatic rifle
Now, I may be going out on a limb by saying that, but I've been part of RPGs which started out fine, but deteriorated into something like that. Strict rules lead to better RPing. Relaxing rules also would mean the quality of writing would probably be reduced. People wouldn't bother with puntuation or spelling, and would start talking like this:
"so he said to the other gi hey i wan buy that sord how much"
Once again, I doubt it would ever detoriate to that level, but you get the picture.
About the site menu: Though it is well made, I think the individual icons should link more to what is behind them. For example: the crossed swords (which I think implicate weapons/armies) links to history. I think it should just be clearer as to what it is leading to.
I really don't think this needs to develop into a sniping match. I know I may be out of place here, as I am new compared to almost everyone, but this thread was started for suggestions to make the site better, not for people to try and degrade the other as much as they can. I believe we are all mature people here, and can handle something as elementary as creative suggestions.
In the words of Muargath: "Sheesh."
Name: Jork
Gender: Male
Tribe: Superhero
Weaknesses: He is too strong for his own good
Strengths: He is invincible
History: He was born, grew up and then saved the world a few times
Possesions: An M4 automatic rifle
Now, I may be going out on a limb by saying that, but I've been part of RPGs which started out fine, but deteriorated into something like that. Strict rules lead to better RPing. Relaxing rules also would mean the quality of writing would probably be reduced. People wouldn't bother with puntuation or spelling, and would start talking like this:
"so he said to the other gi hey i wan buy that sord how much"
Once again, I doubt it would ever detoriate to that level, but you get the picture.
About the site menu: Though it is well made, I think the individual icons should link more to what is behind them. For example: the crossed swords (which I think implicate weapons/armies) links to history. I think it should just be clearer as to what it is leading to.
I really don't think this needs to develop into a sniping match. I know I may be out of place here, as I am new compared to almost everyone, but this thread was started for suggestions to make the site better, not for people to try and degrade the other as much as they can. I believe we are all mature people here, and can handle something as elementary as creative suggestions.
In the words of Muargath: "Sheesh."
Mind, heart and body cannot be conquered.
Title: Regarding CD rules
Post by: Muargath on August 02, 2003, 07:09:22 PM
"Because we, the mods and administrators of the RP board, decided to encourage detail and good writing skills, unlike the many Yahoo boards and other RPG boards that tend to... well, suck." -Dasson
No kidding! I understand fully what you say here, but what good is all the detail in a CD when it is all forgotten in the posts?
Some people play their PCs with far more power than the CD indicates. Sure it's the Game Mod's place to point this out, like Atrii had to do recently in his game... but what happens when it is the Game Mod that is powergaming. There aren't any rules to build CDs for NPCs be they ally or foe, so what's to keep a Mod from playing an NPC as their own character?
And then there is the "lost" CDs from PCs so old that the original CD thread has fallen off the edge of the world. These PCs get to play anywhere and who knows what level they are at?
The way these instances are handled (or not handled) is inconsistant. And it is unfair for new people to this board, because they are having to create PCs to the strictest details. I wouldn't be surprised if we lost some good potential writers and players over it.
I think that what is written in the games holds more weight than what is in the CD. Don't get me wrong, I think detailed CDs are good but overkill is not necessary. And as far as CD development is concerned, we be in overkill territory right now...
No kidding! I understand fully what you say here, but what good is all the detail in a CD when it is all forgotten in the posts?
Some people play their PCs with far more power than the CD indicates. Sure it's the Game Mod's place to point this out, like Atrii had to do recently in his game... but what happens when it is the Game Mod that is powergaming. There aren't any rules to build CDs for NPCs be they ally or foe, so what's to keep a Mod from playing an NPC as their own character?
And then there is the "lost" CDs from PCs so old that the original CD thread has fallen off the edge of the world. These PCs get to play anywhere and who knows what level they are at?
The way these instances are handled (or not handled) is inconsistant. And it is unfair for new people to this board, because they are having to create PCs to the strictest details. I wouldn't be surprised if we lost some good potential writers and players over it.
I think that what is written in the games holds more weight than what is in the CD. Don't get me wrong, I think detailed CDs are good but overkill is not necessary. And as far as CD development is concerned, we be in overkill territory right now...
Title: Getting back on track...
Post by: Muargath on August 02, 2003, 07:24:22 PM
Thanks Eryk.
Detailed CDs are important. The threads that Rayne created (CD Building Guide, Titles List, Races' Age List, et al.- Contact Rayne for the full to-do) are what has made the more recent CDs better. I think we can all agree on that.
We need more of these types of references on the RPG board. I don't think we should expect Arti to change the Santharian site at all. Anyone who wants to go there to find flavor for their PC or storyline can always do so... but necessary information, such as excepted races, we can add such items to this board, without compromising the project next door.
Detailed CDs are important. The threads that Rayne created (CD Building Guide, Titles List, Races' Age List, et al.- Contact Rayne for the full to-do) are what has made the more recent CDs better. I think we can all agree on that.
We need more of these types of references on the RPG board. I don't think we should expect Arti to change the Santharian site at all. Anyone who wants to go there to find flavor for their PC or storyline can always do so... but necessary information, such as excepted races, we can add such items to this board, without compromising the project next door.
Title: User-friendly
Post by: Raoneth on August 03, 2003, 12:30:22 AM
Though I agree completely with Dasson that santharia.com is far more user-friendly than most info-sites, I think that's very mutch because most info-sites are horribly bad.
Though world developement may be the most importaint part of the site, I don't think it can be denied that most people who come here are RPers who later turn to the developement board when they're bitten by the bug.
So, my suggestion on a new design would be something like this:
Left bar: The "site menu" with the icons with text. Like so:
Races and tribes
et.c.
and add a more obvious search button.
Get the "site update" in a small scrollable text field on the bottom of the center frame.
Make the welcome a short introduction and add links to the dev. board, rpg board and commissions in the centre frame.
- Santharian FAQs
- Menu Navigation
- Site Introduction
Can be put under a "help!" button.
- Web History Archive
... 2003 - I, II
... 2002 - I, II, III, IV, Best of
... 2001 - II, III, IV
- Awards I, II, III, IV, V
Is all "history" or something like that.
Copyright notes should be added in the bottom right corner where you'd expect to find the "all rights reserved... et.c." text.
And
- Banners of Santharia
- Link Exchanges (graph.)
- Link Exchanges (text)
do not need seperate links or sites.
I think that covers most of it...
Though world developement may be the most importaint part of the site, I don't think it can be denied that most people who come here are RPers who later turn to the developement board when they're bitten by the bug.
So, my suggestion on a new design would be something like this:
Left bar: The "site menu" with the icons with text. Like so:
Races and tribeset.c.
and add a more obvious search button.
Get the "site update" in a small scrollable text field on the bottom of the center frame.
Make the welcome a short introduction and add links to the dev. board, rpg board and commissions in the centre frame.
- Santharian FAQs
- Menu Navigation
- Site Introduction
Can be put under a "help!" button.
- Web History Archive
... 2003 - I, II
... 2002 - I, II, III, IV, Best of
... 2001 - II, III, IV
- Awards I, II, III, IV, V
Is all "history" or something like that.
Copyright notes should be added in the bottom right corner where you'd expect to find the "all rights reserved... et.c." text.
And
- Banners of Santharia
- Link Exchanges (graph.)
- Link Exchanges (text)
do not need seperate links or sites.
I think that covers most of it...
Title: sfd
Post by: Raoneth on August 03, 2003, 12:34:22 AM
Quote:
do not need seperate links or sites.
"Sites"? I meant pages...
Title: Re: User-friendly
Post by: Mina on August 03, 2003, 12:47:22 AM
Wait a minute...there's a search button?
Title: Re: User-friendly
Post by: Artimidor Federkiel on August 03, 2003, 03:24:22 AM
Short note: While it is good and well that you think on web design issues, please note that the main question posed here was: What RPG relevant information do you miss at Santharia? Though this includes the way you find this information as well, be aware that any web design changes need to be thoroughly evaluated, concepted and re-concepted, graphically designed, images drawn etc. With other words (and also because of the fact that there is a clear development schedule for the next months): There are no major web design changes to be expected soon. Which shouldn't prevent you from making proposals, though.
To find the Search Button and many other things, try this page, by the way, Mina...
To find the Search Button and many other things, try this page, by the way, Mina...
The Santharian Dream Webmaster - Let Fantasy Dreams come true!
World Development Admin - The Forum where Worlds are born...
Title: Re: User-friendly
Post by: Terra Artemos on August 03, 2003, 03:27:22 AM
Quote:
Some people play their PCs with far more power than the CD indicates. Sure it's the Game Mod's place to point this out, like Atrii had to do recently in his game... but what happens when it is the Game Mod that is power-gaming. There aren't any rules to build CDs for NPCs be they ally or foe, so what's to keep a Mod from playing an NPC as their own character?
Muargath, this is a good point and should be addressed. Would you have any suggestions on how we start to address it?
Quote:
And then there is the "lost" CDs from PCs so old that the original CD thread has fallen off the edge of the world. These PCs get to play anywhere and who knows what level they are at?
Well, this has been discussed before, and it was determined fare that the player be responsible for their CDs, and be able to present the CD for any character active in a story at the story mods request. As a result, if they can not, the are required to recreate the CD in question. Again additional suggestions on this are welcomed.
As for CD Detail being in overkill territory, I believe this was true, was discussed, and as Rayne has said, we are relaxing our expectation to an extend. I to think we should get back to working more with the details that are written, and not so much asking for more, unless certain details left out seem to have a significant impact on the character.
'I am grey. All but those like me see only darkness and light, they do not see the grey between them. In this greyness I dwell. I would not wish this fate on any other.'
Terra Artemos Character Description
Title: Re: User-friendly
Post by: Catchfire on August 03, 2003, 03:56:22 AM
I think, as Arti suggested earlier, a newbie FAQ is a great idea to help compliment Rayne's excellent 'Guide to CC.' I think a commerce report, maybe a 'quick fact' guide for races and tribes so people don't have to read the whole site to find out what tribe they might like, basic size and distances in Santharia, elven aging, the technology level of transportation, etc, and frequent newbie mistakes concerning things like mithril, orcs and dragons would all be nice things to have in the FAQ. All these things could be conslidiated in one forum topic in the CCF for ease of use, and placed on this site but offering links to the main page. It should also be noted that such a supplement would not be a replacement for real research on the main site, but only a primer to help you get started.
Of course, I don't think any RPers are offended that much of the focus is on world development. We do our things here, and it's fun, and we are not affected by the Dev board priority. We have a unique world to play in that we can help build, and I have never encountered any problems with that.
Also, only game mods can keep abreast on whether or not characters follow their CDs. Admins can only encourage mods to do this, but can't enforce it. Eventually, these mods will not earn respect from the more veteran Rpers, and will either have to change their ways, or not mod games anymore. It is not an enforceable rule, but moderation should be encouraged. And, of course, it is. Better than we should hope.
Maybe we could bring this thread back on topic, speaking about what information we should be able to have better access to as RPers, instead of SD site critiquing and General Administrative criticism.
Peace.
Of course, I don't think any RPers are offended that much of the focus is on world development. We do our things here, and it's fun, and we are not affected by the Dev board priority. We have a unique world to play in that we can help build, and I have never encountered any problems with that.
Also, only game mods can keep abreast on whether or not characters follow their CDs. Admins can only encourage mods to do this, but can't enforce it. Eventually, these mods will not earn respect from the more veteran Rpers, and will either have to change their ways, or not mod games anymore. It is not an enforceable rule, but moderation should be encouraged. And, of course, it is. Better than we should hope.
Maybe we could bring this thread back on topic, speaking about what information we should be able to have better access to as RPers, instead of SD site critiquing and General Administrative criticism.
Peace.
Be Bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid... - Basil King
Not all who wander are lost... - J.R.R. Tolkien
Title: Re: User-friendly
Post by: Koldar Mondrakken on August 03, 2003, 07:27:22 PM
Webdesign changes might not be necessary, as a newbie faq in the new players forum and/or in the char desc forum could for now also be supplied with the links to find certain info. To offer quick access it might be useful to offer these sources in link lists and not in continuous text as the laster is always more difficult to read if you just want to head the right direction and only need the link to this or that tribe.
I guess we should try to reduce the amount of info threads to two. One for help about what to do and one on where to find things (like elven age, tribes, etc.). If you need help a little html coding would be a nice diversion from watching render process...(boring!
)
I guess we should try to reduce the amount of info threads to two. One for help about what to do and one on where to find things (like elven age, tribes, etc.). If you need help a little html coding would be a nice diversion from watching render process...(boring!
)
Koldar Mondrakken, Knight of the Moonlight
Weakness is strength. Hope is life.
Title: Re: User-friendly
Post by: Artimidor Federkiel on August 03, 2003, 07:49:22 PM
Short note on webdesign issues: What I did plan anyway at some point (though time of realization can't be defined right now) is some sort of tour through Santharia for newbies.
Such a tour would consist of 5 or 6 pages, each page dealing with a certain aspect of the Dream in short form and what is required/what you need to do in order to get part of Santharia somehow the one way or the other. So pages would look like this: general intention, navigation, development part, RPG part, FAQs etc. This way people should get a better introduction right from the start with a straightforward step-by-step navigation without having to find the most important information they require manually. If this link to the tour is clearly visible at the Web History page (and the tour also describes how you can get back to this tour when you're lost), other design issues are not necessarily needed immediately and can be evaluated in the course of time later on. This is because the navigation part of the tour can cover most things you need to know about site navigation, so that people can accomplish the first steps for better understanding themselves and go on from there.
However, as I've already said: Such a tour is not on the priority list yet as I only have two hands, but it is something I've been thinking about, which fits in here very well, so I wanted to make sure to keep you up to date here on already existing plans which spook through my head anyway
Such a tour would consist of 5 or 6 pages, each page dealing with a certain aspect of the Dream in short form and what is required/what you need to do in order to get part of Santharia somehow the one way or the other. So pages would look like this: general intention, navigation, development part, RPG part, FAQs etc. This way people should get a better introduction right from the start with a straightforward step-by-step navigation without having to find the most important information they require manually. If this link to the tour is clearly visible at the Web History page (and the tour also describes how you can get back to this tour when you're lost), other design issues are not necessarily needed immediately and can be evaluated in the course of time later on. This is because the navigation part of the tour can cover most things you need to know about site navigation, so that people can accomplish the first steps for better understanding themselves and go on from there.
However, as I've already said: Such a tour is not on the priority list yet as I only have two hands, but it is something I've been thinking about, which fits in here very well, so I wanted to make sure to keep you up to date here on already existing plans which spook through my head anyway
The Santharian Dream Webmaster - Let Fantasy Dreams come true!
World Development Admin - The Forum where Worlds are born...
Title: Re: User-friendly
Post by: Koldar Mondrakken on August 04, 2003, 03:31:22 AM
good idea.
Koldar Mondrakken, Knight of the Moonlight
Weakness is strength. Hope is life.
Title: Re: User-friendly
Post by: Muargath on August 04, 2003, 04:48:22 AM
I like the idea of creating primer areas and having links to pertinent areas in the development site.
We need two primer areas at least. One would obviously be in the CCF, but the other should address information needed for game or story set up. Since the CD issue is well handled for now, I'll tackle the other one (since I have recently been in the midst of such struggle):
1) Suggestions for appropriate plotlines (with examples) for the World of Caelereth would be a good way to start. These can be world encompassing, regional, or local, the latter being tied to various regions or continents. (I'd like to see less save-the-world type stories starting up... IMHO) This would not be a list to choose from, but rather a list for comparison.
2) Along with "How to start a story", a listing of general guidelines for Game Mods would be helpful. (This would be the place to talk about the roles of NPCs in any story and how powerful to make the opposition.) Requirements for a story could be set here or listed separately. (An example requirement would be to state where the story would take place because choosing a generic local is an easy way to get around the guidelines).
3) A short list of areas that are off limits, or if that is too long, then a list of suggested geographical areas to run plotline in. (i.e., setting a game within the walls of Ximax, might not be appreciated)
4) A short list of races that are off limits, or if certain races are restricted in certain areas. (Orcs. 'Nuff said.)
5) Suggestions for local, regional, and worldwide laws and punishments for breaking these laws. (Example: like how the Remusian's distrust of magic is enough for them to burn witches at the stake.) While there may be something like this already, I have yet to find it. This could be a development site issue, but links to the right info would be great. Gathering all this type of info into one place for easy reference will give people more ideas for plots and subplots, as well as to flesh CDs.
Unfortunately, I've somewhere to be real soon so I must cut this list of ideas short. But the above are examples of things that would facilitate more role-playing games and of a greater variety here in Caelereth. We wouldn't need to create a new forum either, just place the threads under Role Playing Web Design and sticky them.
We need two primer areas at least. One would obviously be in the CCF, but the other should address information needed for game or story set up. Since the CD issue is well handled for now, I'll tackle the other one (since I have recently been in the midst of such struggle):
1) Suggestions for appropriate plotlines (with examples) for the World of Caelereth would be a good way to start. These can be world encompassing, regional, or local, the latter being tied to various regions or continents. (I'd like to see less save-the-world type stories starting up... IMHO) This would not be a list to choose from, but rather a list for comparison.
2) Along with "How to start a story", a listing of general guidelines for Game Mods would be helpful. (This would be the place to talk about the roles of NPCs in any story and how powerful to make the opposition.) Requirements for a story could be set here or listed separately. (An example requirement would be to state where the story would take place because choosing a generic local is an easy way to get around the guidelines).
3) A short list of areas that are off limits, or if that is too long, then a list of suggested geographical areas to run plotline in. (i.e., setting a game within the walls of Ximax, might not be appreciated)
4) A short list of races that are off limits, or if certain races are restricted in certain areas. (Orcs. 'Nuff said.)
5) Suggestions for local, regional, and worldwide laws and punishments for breaking these laws. (Example: like how the Remusian's distrust of magic is enough for them to burn witches at the stake.) While there may be something like this already, I have yet to find it. This could be a development site issue, but links to the right info would be great. Gathering all this type of info into one place for easy reference will give people more ideas for plots and subplots, as well as to flesh CDs.
Unfortunately, I've somewhere to be real soon so I must cut this list of ideas short. But the above are examples of things that would facilitate more role-playing games and of a greater variety here in Caelereth. We wouldn't need to create a new forum either, just place the threads under Role Playing Web Design and sticky them.
"There is serenity in Chaos.
Seek ye the Eye of the Hurricane."
- so says the Principia Discordia
Title: RPGing
Post by: Raoneth on August 05, 2003, 02:02:22 AM
Well, I don't think I ever really read the "role playing tutorial"... it was too long and I pretty mutch felt I got the point of it reading the "ten commandments". What I think should be included, somewhere easily spotted, would be a short definition and explanation of play-by-post rpging and what sets this board apart from other pbprpg-boards. Reading long texts like that on a screen is really annoying without proper motivation, and if I'm not mistaken, those texts are there for providing this motivation for reading later texts.
Otherwise... I can't really remember any other things I was confused about as a newbie. Except maybe the fact that "YOU NEED A TITLE TO PLAY"... but that was probably just me.
Otherwise... I can't really remember any other things I was confused about as a newbie. Except maybe the fact that "YOU NEED A TITLE TO PLAY"... but that was probably just me.
Title: Re: RPGing
Post by: Raoneth on August 05, 2003, 02:08:22 AM
Title: Re: RPGing
Post by: Mina on August 05, 2003, 02:13:22 AM
Quote:
Updated Santharian frontpage picture, now representing the works of several Santharian artists, ranging from Faugar, Quellion, Enayla to Eritinalinfalah (design & composition Artimidor)
That's from the latest site update.
Title: Re: RPGing
Post by: Artimidor Federkiel on August 05, 2003, 02:43:22 AM
Well, what can I say? Mothership-Santhis know more...
BTW: Changed 2 smaller things
a) The book on the site's mainframe is now called "Developers Forum" instead of the a bit misleading "Santharian Forum".
b) During preloading of the main site you can now click on a "Skip" link. In this case you jump directly to the mainframe and the graphics are loaded afterwards. For those who can't await to get in...
BTW: Changed 2 smaller things
a) The book on the site's mainframe is now called "Developers Forum" instead of the a bit misleading "Santharian Forum".
b) During preloading of the main site you can now click on a "Skip" link. In this case you jump directly to the mainframe and the graphics are loaded afterwards. For those who can't await to get in...
The Santharian Dream Webmaster - Let Fantasy Dreams come true!
World Development Admin - The Forum where Worlds are born...
Title: Re: RPGing
Post by: Karik Otonna on August 05, 2003, 04:54:22 AM
I noticed those changes... well done There's nothing like a responsive webmaster.
There's nothing like a responsive webmaster. Title: Re: RPGing
Post by: Ta'lia of the Seven Jewels on August 05, 2003, 05:45:22 PM
I've done 44, 569% of the distances thingy (How far it is from Strata to Bardavos to Santhala and how long will it take it for me, if I have a decent horse?).
Say, I post my proposal on Oct, the 5th???
Road maps would be helpfull though, otherwise I have no problems with making them myself!
Say, I post my proposal on Oct, the 5th???
Road maps would be helpfull though, otherwise I have no problems with making them myself!
Title: Re: RPGing
Post by: Artimidor Federkiel on August 05, 2003, 08:25:22 PM
BTW: Koldar also tried his hand on a basic outline of roads etc. Guess I should post that somewhere for a rough reference at the Dev Board, especially as I plan to start a detailed Nepris region map hopefully during my vacations starting on Friday.
The Santharian Dream Webmaster - Let Fantasy Dreams come true!
World Development Admin - The Forum where Worlds are born...