The World of Layonara

The Layonara Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: Pen N Popper on March 22, 2012, 06:49:37 pm

Title: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Pen N Popper on March 22, 2012, 06:49:37 pm
After sending a few tells to PCs of players that are WLs, I thought it might be time to stir the pot a bit.

You do know that you're WLs, right? World. Leaders. It would be better to apologize for being over-leaderly, don't you think?

Even the most mundane tale takes on legs when the town criers begin to tell it. "A Xeenite has been overheard asking about sources of hops... what has the world come to!?"

There are only a small handful of players actually playing, don't be shy about *bonking* them with your wands for RP you had as other personae. Really, WLs you need to encourage the type of play that epitomizes Layonara. No one is going to scold you, I'm sure, for giving props to players and their PCs.

Heck, bonk everyone you see online. I, for one, think the RP is fantastic these days. Maybe it's just easier to know everyone's story when there are only a couple score PCs.

In any case, levels don't matter on Layonara so double bonk us!
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Dorganath on March 22, 2012, 08:38:26 pm
Keep in mind that the WL's XP wand has always been, and will always be, an option.  There is no requirement that they use it, nor will there be.  If a WL wishes to be somewhat generous with the XP wand, great. If a WL doesn't want to use it at all, also great.

It might be argued that use of the XP wand is part of the privilege of being a WL. I could surely see how some may think this, but it is not the case. It is an option and a tool.  I guarantee you that there are some WLs who will avoid other people if it gets to the point where they are "expected" by others to hand out XP. The reason being, when there is an expectation, drama soon follows.  

Maybe a WL just forgot to use the XP wand (I know I have, despite my intentions), or maybe the WL just wasn't all that enthused about the RP...or maybe, the WL just doesn't want to use the XP wand at all.  This should be a non-issue, but it has been an issue.  People send tells or PMs wondering why they weren't rewarded. This isn't a hypothetical situation. I've seen it. I've heard it from others. It happens, but it shouldn't. Of course, maybe people speak up, maybe they don't. In the case of a genuine mistake, feelings can still be hurt based on assumptions that probably aren't accurate. The WL XP wand is not covert like when a GM gives it out. People see it being used in their combat/feedback window and then wonder why they didn't get "bonked." A WL should not feel cornered into explaining why he/she didn't give XP, whether in general or for a specific person.

So yes, encourage the type of play that epitomizes Layonara.  That's good advice for everyone, WL and not.  No one, however, should feel like they're being reduced to an XP dispenser.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Pen N Popper on March 22, 2012, 09:24:15 pm
Agree completely. I hope the WLs use their OOC powers/priveleges to further their own IC efforts and OOC enjoyment. You worked hard for it!
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Guardian 452 on March 23, 2012, 01:07:01 am
I tried to come up with a better way of saying it but couldn't, so I will just throw it out on the table for all to see.

The day anyone expects a "bonk" from a WL XP wand... spoken out loud, or to anyone else, or even to themselves is the day I want my WL XP wand removed.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Dremora on March 23, 2012, 07:22:31 am
Sounds quite rude actually to start grilling a WL for XP. And abit underhanded if thats the only reason you RP'd with their character.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Pen N Popper on March 23, 2012, 07:25:57 am
Heh, my original post definitely came across wrong, I think. I meant more that it would be great to see more WLs shaping the world with the tools they have. Not *bonking* because it's their duty, but using it as a tool. I assume, for example, that the Toranite Leadership Program was WL lead? That is a great example of influence-trickle-down.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Alatriel on March 23, 2012, 08:54:07 am
As a WL, I agree that it is nice to see WL's out and about in the world.  However, I want to express something else that people may not have considered.  Becoming a WL changes the character, as it should.  Many of us now have characters that are quite literally in a "different world" that involves international politics and much larger scope projects.  Daniella, for example, is working in Belinara between Hilm and the Siphe Protectorate for the most part, and I've been working through cdq's to try to get some new quests orchestrated on a plot level, not as a GM, but as a character.  So, when I know what my character is doing, to me it makes very little sense why she would just happen to be hanging out in Center by herself to "bonk" people with XP.  Now, that being said, I have absolutely zero problem with people coming to her in Hilm to discuss something that someone might actually need to discuss with her, and yes, I have been known to go on the occasional giant patrol, or patrol the Roughlands, etc.  I'm not saying she doesn't ever make it to Mistone, but it's also difficult to portray what would actually be happening with Daniella, which is that she very likely would not go anywhere without a trail of Toranite elite soldiers.  Not because she is stuck up, but simply because that is her position as Lady Commander of the Toranite Forces.  Lance probably does as well.  Just like Enzo in theory should have Wolfswood Rangers keeping tabs on him from the woods, and Ni'haer likely has spiders in his employ, and Arkolio likely doesn't go anywhere without a couple of beautiful women on his arm, etc.  That's just what happens when people are world leaders.  I'm sure you can see plenty of examples of such in our own world.  This may be fantasy, and we may not be able to mechanically show it, but that doesn't make it any less true.

My own use of my WL wand for xp is really my own business, but I can tell you that yes, the TLP was my idea, and yes, I used my wand for it, but I will not be "double bonking" anyone, and there is a specific type of rp that I use my wand for.  When I read the first post, my feelings were very much like G-452's feelings.  I am not a PEZ dispenser.  

When you tell people you want them to be out in the world "leading" please consider that perhaps our characters actually -are- out in the world doing their jobs.  I know mine is.  I'm sorry that it may not seem like it, but things take time to get the ball rolling.  I like playing Daniella.  In fact, I love it.  So by all means, please, if you have something that you need her for, send me a PM, send me a tell, and if I am able, I'll gladly log on.  I don't even mind if you want to set up some sort of event that my character needs to be at, etc.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: mixafix on March 23, 2012, 09:08:18 am
I think we are getting hung up on the whole bonking business, double or otherwise. I think that was perhaps badly worded but certainly not the main point.
 
 I think it would be cool for WL, going about their big business, to involve other pcs, perhaps they could be asked to deliver messages or any one of the items to be found in quest chests, or to recover them etc...lots of things could be going on that involve other pcs and make all these big, small, or otherwise stories, richer in the sharing and the telling.
 
 I dont think anyone is looking for WL to escort them on bashing raids, but they provide the stick and carrot to go do them RPwise. Also WL who are GMs (you know who you are) are a different matter as any free time for ideas like this may conflict with time that could be used as a gm doing something similar, so they clearly must balance that choice to best use as they see fit.
 
 Now I might add you do not need to be a WL to create quests or rp tasks for others. Ygraine ursus has tried luring adventurers to find stray animals, Andrew Reid has run all manner of heart stopping dramas, and those associated with layonaras school have run things too. There are others Storold's bench, storold's hair -theres a tale in itself, many a questor has gone missing searching for that one!
 
 Now these things ebb and flow with time, will and the available cast. So rather than dwell on the slight miswording on the whole bonksgate thing - lets dwell on the positive.
 
 A spring like look at your place in the world, not whats in it for me but what can I add now! here! today! - not what was yesterday.
 
 and PS some idiot has even got a salesman in center suggesting there is a shop on Bear Island, I mean how could there be....ah but wait...this is Layo! I..wonder.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: gilshem ironstone on March 23, 2012, 09:17:12 am
I think the town criers are an under-used asset. To use Alatriel's example, as it's the only one I'm aware of, it would be great if the town criers mention a company of Toranites riding towards the Siphe Protectorate. News like that would not only keep the world feeling "current" but also give non-WL's a way of logically getting involved in the stories.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: RollinsCat on March 23, 2012, 09:35:13 am
I believe there only a very few active WLs left.  As Alatriel said, taking that step almost invariably seems to put a character out of reach of the day-to-day game.

That said I encourage everyone to bring that initiative regardless of wand and status.  Andrew is not a WL, likely never will be, doesn't stop me.  Organize something, whatever you have time for - MHeal's new adventuring group is an excellent example - and gms have a way of finding you if WLs don't.  An entire quest series (Breaking up the Band, that is OPEN TO ANYONE when they are posted, so don't be shy if you haven't jumped in yet) started last year from one Duet Night event Andrew ran at the Buckle, thanks to Lonn being bored - it's still ongoing (I'll pm lonn I swear I've just been busy!).

Honeybee and now Elohanna are helping Center with donations chests.  Andrew and Elly are working on opening a soup kitchen in Mariner's Hold.  Want to help run it?  Got an idea for doing the same elsewhere, need sponsorship?  PM me!  There is a clinic at the Silver Buckle and a hospital in Krandor that could use some healers, and make great backdrops for char quests and development, just ask!  Look around the world, read Rumor Has It, and think: what can my character do to help (or hurt if that's your preference, can't diss our evil brothers)?  

RP and the xp will follow.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Pen N Popper on March 23, 2012, 11:02:16 am
Apologies again for causing the fuss! I do enjoy hearing all of the PC stories and adventures. I try very hard to "gossip like a school girl" and stir the RP waters so that stories get heard and sometimes overlap. Just as Honeybee talked to everyone for RL weeks about the famine and dead animals (not really sure if that was resolved or not?), I can talk up your PC's tale too. I play for the stories mostly.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Aphel on March 23, 2012, 02:41:47 pm
I play for the Stories and only do the whole crafting and hunting and running around to somewhat represent what my character does. And I have more than once been rewarded for my RP with both XP from WLs as well as GMs (you know who you are, thank you vo very much!) - XP are a nice candy but little more. Roleplaying is more fun if you know that you might be rewarded on occasion, and the more compelling the more you try to do something. I'll just point at Alatriel's signature.
The biggest problem I see is that there are little players that are online during favourable times in the GMT timezone, saying nothing of GM and player events. I always wanted to change that, but my time and knowledge is limited and I can't work miracles. Might be worth a shot, tho. I could find myself some support and get my brain to work on a premise, a plot, an arc.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: mixafix on March 24, 2012, 08:25:24 am
"and PS some idiot has even got a salesman in center suggesting there is a shop on Bear Island, I mean how could there be....ah but wait...this is Layo! I..wonder."
 
 This snippet holds a reward too while the server remains up.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Pen N Popper on March 24, 2012, 12:39:58 pm
The new Town Crier rumors are fantastic. Well done! Definitely things I had no idea OOCly or in that were going on.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: Makashi on March 25, 2012, 05:31:54 am
Not been around in a while I know, but I will be making my return soon, though a new member of the family is expected in just over a week, which I'm pretty sure will impact on my hours able to play.

Keep an eye on the calendar - will be arranging some events as G'ork in the coming month :)
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: geloooo on March 25, 2012, 06:43:00 am
Admittedly, I've shirked my responsibilities as a World Leader due to the call of real life. But hey, I've returned to make the most of my time here on Layonara. It's time to shake the world silly.

As part of the small evil population, I've tried, time and again, to organize a community that may eventually thrive and oppose the excess amounts of goodness in the world. I wanted to paint a darker picture of Layonara with the "immortal" stonebound cringing in fear of their malevolent counterparts. Alas, our numbers have dwindled but that won't stop me. Hopefully, others will follow in my character's wake of intrigue and destruction. (Gratuitous plug!)

Ni'haer is a dark elven political figure in the Deep so I RP that his time is usually spent in this malign scheme that requires his full attention. However, he has other affairs on the surface as well. I'm not really picky when it comes to choosing PCs that I RP with nor do I have a standard on the level of RP that I should reward. So please talk to him, insult him, brand him as an infidel, stone him to death, chase him across the kingdoms, whatever works. Ni'haer will entertain ANYONE he comes across but that doesn't necessarily mean a pleasant outcome. Ultimately, he's a social monster.

I'm still thinking of a way to better incorporate everyone in an evil scheme so please do bear with me. For now, you will all have to contend with the added level of turmoil already unleashed. Kindly hold on to your soul strands. ;)

Ideas, suggestions, and comments will be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: WLs, get out there!
Post by: silverblades on March 29, 2012, 04:22:21 am
Stir it up baby with a garden rake!

that was easy Pen!