Ask One.
I'll explain.
If it were that easy, you'd have it made, right? You might be able to acquire DCs, events, rewards, NPC attention, and all those things that you 'need' to get from this game. But getting any DM to go with your idea may feel like pulling teeth, waiting for a random DM event can be a chore and participation might not even be possible, and even if you do get one, things might not go according to your plan. You put a lot of effort into thinking it out, and no response might be as far as one could get.
There used to be a thread called the DM-Help-Request thread in the DM-Story forum. This was where players would post general requests for intervention. Realistically speaking, in all probability these requests were ignored, and the thread eventually stopped. The thread still exists, but not in its old format. Now what exists reads as follows:
Kjetta wrote:
If you want to attempt something that requires a DM to step in and play the enviroment, please send a brief PM detailing your desires to a DM. You can find our contact information here!
You are free to suggest what you aim for in terms of consequences or results, but you should not think that a DM will be running a pre-determined screenplay for you. That is very boring, and just not what RP or DnD is about.
You can also send IC letters to NPCs in this way.
Enjoy!
You are free to suggest what you aim for in terms of consequences or results, but you should not think that a DM will be running a pre-determined screenplay for you. That is very boring, and just not what RP or DnD is about.
You can also send IC letters to NPCs in this way.
Enjoy!
So what happened? Was there a concerted effort to deny or ignore player requests? Do we hate you? Do we go out of our way to disparage players we don't know or don't like?
No.
All you need to get a DM: you have to ask one. One. One DM.
Why One? If I ask for a DM in the general case, won't that improve my chances of getting help? There might be more than one DM available. I don't want to pressure only one of them. Won't it help if I ask more than one?
No.
Asking the same request of multiple DMs at the same time immediately introduces you to a situation called a volunteer's dilemma. To put it short, a "somebody else's problem" scenario.
An impersonal request is very easy to ignore, assuming that the one requested thinks that someone else can do it. Considering that it takes a DM time and effort to complete any request, time that they could have spent on their own plans, it should be no wonder that making a request is difficult and often left incomplete.
I claim it's impossible to get anything done by asking all of the DMs. So here's what you should do:
Ask one of them.
It doesn't have to be the same DM every time. Someone you've worked with in the past, or someone who has seen your RP will be more likely to know that you have something to offer, knows your style, and can make something suitably fun. You shouldn't mommy-daddy DMs about rule violations and punishments, but go ahead and repeat the request to another DM if the first doesn't have time to complete your idea or doesn't specialize in the area of lore that you're working with.
So what's the catch?
Asking one DM has its downsides.
You cannot expect the following:
The DM in question has complete knowledge of the situation. The DM can make a world-shattering event (Changing the module requires Dev. Work and often needs the agreement of other DMs) The DM has the same schedule as you do. The DM will like, agree with, or follow your plan.There's another downside: Who do I ask, if I only should ask one DM?
Me, for one.
I'll volunteer.
I see something I perceive as a problem, so why shouldn't I help resolve it?
Every DM is more than willing to help with player events, of course. Offering explicit details about their schedule and style of DMing is strictly voluntary and at their discretion. Other DMs can be PMed as it said in the Events topic, if you have a preference.
That is what I have to say about what I see. Now for some details about my offer:
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Private-Message me a request of any planned event you want. I will complete them in the order that they are received. Certain criteria I have specified for a request will make this easy on me:
The event must be somewhat brief. (<2-3 Hours is optimal) It can't cause a tremendously drastic change to the module (I would need to plan this with other DMs and Devs) You should offer sufficient details about when you are going to be online to participate. My University and Work schedule, as well as prior commitments have priority over what I can do with my time. Background details are helpful, as well as a general sequence or plan for the event. Expect significant deviations, or leave the request open-ended.A little bit about me if you need to know to make the request:
You can call me Robert/Leggy. I have a strong preference for intrigue and traps rather than supervising massed combat. I will tend to make events that have a sense of humor that is either situational, dark, or just plain weird. I'm on the last leg of a bit of a tough year at the University, so weekends are easier for me to complete events. Otherwise, late at night (Pacific Standard Time).
I might regret making this offer explicit first, so be gentle.
) but you don't have their exclusive attention and the DM might be quite busy. Don't let that discourage you from attempting hailing frequencies, though!