qwest phobia... please help

[merlin34baseball]

Hello All!  

I need a bit of advise to ease my concerns...  I played PnP when I was much younger (like 15 years ago, still have all the books though!) and this is the first server I have ever played on.  Here's my problem:  I am very nervous to join a qwest.  I really don't want to mess up everyone else's qwest because I have no idea whats going on with things like the dice bag...  My character is almost level 10 and the only qwest I've been on was to the T'oleflor castle, and there was not much to do but follow along in that one (which was one of the reasons I went), so I guess I need to get it in gear with some qwests.  Can I get some basic ideas on qwests like: GM player interaction, the dicebag, and such things?  I just don't want to ruin a qwest due to the fact that I have never done it, I'm sure after the first one I will be fine, I just need to break the ice...  Any thoughts would be much apreciated.

Thanks,

[feniox]

Don't worry about it, most people are more than accomdating when it comes to this. We all have to learn at some point.

The best way to start would be to jump in and follow along, try to start at the begin of a quest series or a one off rather than in the middle of something. That way you will get the same information as everybody else.

When it comes to the dicebag, most times the GM will ask for a roll, say "spot check" or the like, you simply activate the dicebag and find what you want, the rest is automatic. Even simple is just to type in the emote *spot check" and it will do it automatically and show your result on screen, to yourself, the GM and those around you.

Once you get used to that you will become more confident with taking checks on your own initiative, you will know when you need to take one and the like.

It's not that hard, and if you get confused just send a tell to the GM and most of the time they will help you out. Don't be intimidated by the unknown

[minerva]

Bah, just hop on one of mine
  I'm new running them... you're new participating.

[SuperMunch]

Do what I did (and still do)...

Show up and hope to get picked, then just play your character.

I rarely '/dm', just the occasional "ooooh, nice" and "please gimme the gold back, please" so I don't know how that part works but I'm sure lots of other posts here will give you better pointers... i.e. I'll also keep an eye out on this thread.

The most important thing is to have fun (at least for us non-candidates-for-epics).  

[miltonyorkcastle]

meh, having fun is numero uno always in a game.  and yeah, what super said.  just play your character.  react as your character would, and just roll with it.  there really isn't anything special to do.  and with the dice bag, you almost don't even need it anymore.  just type /o  and it'll spit it out.  i.e. /o spot check, /o reflex save, /o str check, etc

[Pibemanden]

And remember, never respawn on a quest unless you're forced by the death system(that is you die three times on the quest I think). You'll be raised in someway on the quest, but maybe not just after you died.

[LynnJuniper]

Pibemanden - 5/1/2006  6:52 PM

And remember, never respawn on a quest unless you're forced by the death system(that is you die three times on the quest I think). You'll be raised in someway on the quest, but maybe not just after you died.

Exactly What I was going to say. Most find this out the hard way.

[Talan Va'lash]

My personal rule for quests (well, most everything really):

Step 1: Show up
Step 2: Appear confident that you know what you're doing (regardless of whether you do or not)
Step 3: Ask questions (someone who asks questions is perceived as an active learner rather than their true lack of understanding being exposed... usually)
Step 4: Don't get embarassed (or at least don't be afraid of being embarassed.)  This step is important, because if you're afraid of this part, it often prevents you from completing step 1.  Additional tip: if you embarass yourself, and then appear unembarassed, the person you've embarassed yourself in front of will often be convinced that you really didn't just embarass yourself and that they merely misunderstood you.

This is how I've landed a good portion of the jobs I've held hehe.  Steps 2 and 1 are the most important

[darkwulf365]

I for one love it when players '/dm I want to...', and I do it a lot myself when I'm playing on a quest *Hopes nobody ever got annoyed*.  Or one of my all time favorites (with a Cleric no less) '/dm Can I roll WIS to see if we're doing this right?' doesn't hardly ever work though...my dicebag hates me.  

But the best way to get over your fear is to just do it.  And if it's any consolation, and keep in mind I am no great DM like a lot of the others here, but I was, and still am sometimes *extremely* nervous running a quest.  Even going so far as to having to push back about 5 or 10 minutes to get myself to quit shaking.  So don't think that you're the only one who has a fear to overcome on the server

[merlin34baseball]

I'm feeling better already, please keep posting though, the more I know the better!

And I'm sure there are people besides me, especially new players, who this will benifit as well.

Thanks, It's great that everyone is so helpful!

[SuperMunch]

I think Talen just told us how to get a job by BSing it...  *grins*

Note: I have also done this, and it works, but I don't know about quests.  

Well, starting next quest, I'm gonna start "/dm I want to...".

[sobebop]

you guys are talking about quests... yet the OP specifically asked about qwests!  

can we please stay on topic?  geez.

[Talan Va'lash]

sobebop - 5/1/2006  9:52 PM

you guys are talking about quests... yet the OP specifically asked about qwests!  

can we please stay on topic?  geez.

hehe, ya know Qwest is acctually an internet/phone service provider in my area.

Thats got to be the dumbest corporate name ever.

[Icurus]

I never get picked for qwests, I think it's because that smurf, Freldo is telling bad things about me.  >:/

[ZeroVega]

Yeah, well the first rule that I'd give is...

1. Have fun! (In the words of Leanthar, "If Layonara ever stops being fun, it stops being a game.")

2. Don't be intimidated by other characters/players. I remember when I first started questing, there were characters 5, 10, and 15 levels higher, and it was intimidating. They may be more powerful, or have an Epic reputation but the player is just a player, no better than you.

3. Yeah, what they said. Don't respawn unless the GM tells you to.

4. Relax. Try not to get hyper (unless that's your character). Don't be shy about speaking up. And think critically first (then very simply). Can't tell you how many times the answer to a problem has been sitting right over my head.

5. Be cooperative with the GM and other players. That means patience and organization. (Eg: If you're a wizard or cleric, make sure your spells will work to the party's benefit, and in the event that you're leading, try to keep the quest moving at a fair pace. Too fast and the GM will scramble to get stuff set up, too slow and well, you'll waste time.)

Good luck!

[Milo]

GMs are here to help and your friends, don't be afraid to send us questions.  We're not some invisible monsters...well, most of us, anyways

[Dorganath]

Pibemanden - 5/1/2006  5:52 PM  And remember, never respawn on a quest unless you're forced by the death system(that is you die three times on the quest I think). You'll be raised in someway on the quest, but maybe not just after you died.

 To clarify this statement:
  Often on a quest there is opportunity for one to be raised or resurrected by other party members, NPCs, etc., but there is no guarantee that a raise will be forthcoming. In other words, don't go repeatedly rushing into dangerous situations thinking you'll get a free raise just because it's a quest. In fact such actions will more likely result in you staring at the ground for a very long time or being asked to respawn and leave the quest.  
  Whether one gets a raise/res on a quest or not is a matter that is entirely up the clerics in the party or the GM if there are no capable clerics. It should in no way be considered an automatic thing. Respawing, if you intend to stay with the quest, is disruptive for the party and for GMs. It breaks the continuity and causes delays in the questing experience.  
  What I think Pibemanden is trying to say, though, is don't just reflexively respawn as you might when going out adventuring, because there may be a way for you to get revived, the GM may have something in store, etc. Do not assume you will be raised, but lay and wait long enough for events to take their course.

[SuperMunch]

I never get picked for qwests, I think it's because that smurf, Freldo is telling bad things about me.  >:/

*snickers*

Take a look at the events calendar and see if you can make it!

The only quest I chose to participate in was the Haven Mines one with the illithid, the other I was drawn in by circumstance.  This is another reason Layonara is so great, not all quests are scheduled, some of them pop up and a GM smacks someone close to you around and you end up taking part in it.

Oh, and with the 1.67 update, he's not that smurfy anymore - I need a Continual Flame cast on his clothing to make him stand out more.  

[Icurus]

*laughs uproaresly* Oi ain't fer thinken ya be needen no continual flame bein ya or a continual flame....hah!"

"Oi knowen dat lass be aven sumptin fer changen ya...unless dar be a feller behoind it...an ya?" *grins wide*


I work too much for getting into most quests...I think that one I got into was a fluke...of course, ol Freldo gets on Grym's case for sitting on the log Freldo wants to play on...sheesh.

See you around Mr. Munch.

[Honora]

Tyrian; there is a nice one coming up Saturday at 8pm EDT that I signed up for, Exploring the Past - Sands of Time.
Sign up and I'll be your quest buddy .


Honora