Questions for DMs about DMs and DMing

[Zysek]

I ask these questions to perhaps inform other new players about what to expect on these servers. This is NOT an invitation for anything negative. Flame me in private messages all you want. Keep it off this topic.

If any of the DMs would like to answer a question or three, I’d love to read your responses. You folks are busy. I wouldn’t dream of asking you to answer them all.


About Hierarchy


1. How is the DM team arranged?

2. Which DM is “in charge”?

3. Does each individual server have a DM in charge?

4. Do the DMs cross over? (From the 3.5 servers to the 4? From 4 to Reflections?)

5. What are the duties of a DM? What are you *expected* to do when you log in?


About Personal Style


6. What do you *like* to do when you log in as DM?

7. Do you run quests?

8. Do you watch and observe, then step in and “tweak” the situation to better fit the players?

9. Do you value Role Playing? (Encourage it? Reward it?)

10. Do you try to challenge the players as much as possible?

[$chase$]

About Hierarchy


1. How is the DM team arranged?
we pick names out of a hat
2. Which DM is “in charge”?
tep and me
3. Does each individual server have a DM in charge?
yes me and tep
4. Do the DMs cross over? (From the 3.5 servers to the 4? From 4 to Reflections?)
ns4 dms and ns3.5 dms
5. What are the duties of a DM? What are you *expected* to do when you log in?
nothing is expected of use and everything is expected of us
About Personal Style


6. What do you *like* to do when you log in as DM?
mess with players or hide
7. Do you run quests?
ofcourse
8. Do you watch and observe, then step in and “tweak” the situation to better fit the players?
depends on mood
9. Do you value Role Playing? (Encourage it? Reward it?)
no
10. Do you try to challenge the players as much as possible?
no

[Amoenotep]

well...

NS4 dm's stick to ns4. this includes the prime server and reflections. they all have access to both and migrate according to needs/desire in aspect of player interaction and time alone.


Chase is the lead for reflections. if there is a problem there he will take it.

I am the lead for prime. a problem there and you get a hold of me.

Chase and I's boss is DD...thats it.

All the other dm's work on various aspects of these servers to ensure quality of gameplay, basic mechanics, good interactions between players, and trying to balance a world full of unbalance.

[Zysek]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate the response.

Be blessed,

Z

[cely]

Disclaimer: I am an NS4 Player and an NS5 Developer. I am not a DM, I am only answering these questions with information that I have observed as an NS4 Player for the last few years. The information I provide is limited to NS4 in scope. Assume that I'm only talking about NS4 DMs. I'm also going to be repeating some of the information that Tep and Chase have already given, albeit with more style and flair

1. How is the DM team arranged?

The DM team is a group of geographically diverse people, enabling them to cover as much time of the day as possible. DMs take up the persona of a Deity or Deities that is generally, but not always, tied to a Faction. Also note that some NS4 Developers take up the persona of a Deity as well.

2. Which DM is “in charge”?

DeputyDog is ultimately in charge with Tep and Chase reporting directly to him. The remaining DMs report to Tep and Chase. If you have an issue with any of the DMs, you should direct your inquiries to Tep and Chase. DeputyDog is a very busy man and might not be able to get back to you as soon as you would like.

3. Does each individual server have a DM in charge?

Tep is the Lead DM for NS4 Prime, Chase is the Lead DM for NS4 Reflection.

4. Do the DMs cross over? (From the 3.5 servers to the 4? From 4 to Reflections?)

As far as I know, NS3 DMs and NS4 DMs do not cross over. However NS4 Prime DMs and NS4 Reflection DMs do cross over.

5. What are the duties of a DM? What are you *expected* to do when you log in?

I'm not sure what is officially expected of them, but my observation is that first and foremost, they are to enforce the Neversummer Commandments and ensure that everyone has a pleasant, but challenging experience in Aetheria.

6. What do you *like* to do when you log in as DM?

I can't offer an answer to this question as I am not a DM.

7. Do you run quests?

Not all DMs run quests, however a good number of them do. There have been several story arcs through the years, some short and some long. Some DM run quests are simple tasks such as escorting an old hermit to Avendell or solving a riddle and being the first one to reach a certain destination.

8. Do you watch and observe, then step in and “tweak” the situation to better fit the players?

This differs wildly amongst the DMs. Some DMs simply enjoy watching players work through a challenge, others seek to make it more challenging, while others provide assistance to help players attain their goals. And of course, there are quests...

9. Do you value Role Playing? (Encourage it? Reward it?)

Role Playing is not required by any of the DMs, however I have noted that DMs are more likely to respond to "/dm Oh powerful and generous gods, if it be your will please help me vanquish this foe!" rather than "/dm is a dm on?" I have also received compliments for my role playing and perhaps even given a little bit of an extra reward for it. Of course that's just my perspective.

10. Do you try to challenge the players as much as possible?

I think DMs most definitely enjoy seeing players struggle through an encounter. There's nothing worse than seeing creatures that you've meticulously placed get slaughtered by a group of players that had too much of an advantage. At least one player has to die at some point

[Matt619]

I’d love to read your responses. You folks are busy. I wouldn’t dream of asking you to answer them all.

[TheEdge]

and this was bumped why?

[Bargeld]

spambot.