I'm having a hard time on the server, since I'm a new guy.
I constantly have a feeling I'm missing something, that everybody else are in some secret lair and having fun, while I'm all alone in the FOREST OF DESPAIR!

Alright, a bit of backround. I started playing in 2010 and then quit after some time. Never made a real impact. Now I've returned again. So I've probably played about a month in total.
Here are some of the things I've noticed.

The most RP I had was when I was level 1-5. After that, it gradually weened off. Since most of the early level action goes on in the same places, it's very easy to bump into other people. Now that I'm level 18, I have no idea where to go. I'm still new to the land. Enemies that give me 1xp still can kill me, it's tough to find parties and I constantly get lost. Not much fun.

I have never, ever, seen a DM. I might have, but I seriously doubt it. It seems the DM's are generally deep into their own run storylines, which is fine and dandy, but we need some random messing about. A bit more "sidequests".
Maybe a player is running on the road. Maybe their running to kill some orcs, or meet with his friends. Suddenly he sees a ghostly figure just off the road, beckoning towards him. The player stops, and goes to investigate. This "essence of a man" guides him through the forest, and into a gruesome scene - a family has been murdered.
The ghost asks for vengeance - kill the bandits that are hiding in the nearby meadow.
Boom, an easy, quick miniquest that can easily be built upon if needed.

There is so much grinding(or hunting??) and little RP. Am I meeting the wrong people? Should I not put myself on the "party people list"? I thought that list was for meeting other people and roleplaying with them, not just running into another dungeon again. How can I roleplay killing the minotaurs for the 7th time??
Here's the problem: you don't get anything for RP'ing. It doesn't matter if I invent a deep racism against those damned swamp people, I don't get more xp for that.
I can have a long RP around a campfire. Maybe I'm arguing whether how to cook the meat with that pesky half-elf, who I need but don't love. Maybe the argument get's out of hand a bit. Maybe the party splits up, and I start to dislike half-elves altogether.
Awesome roleplaying! Was the DM there? No? Well, tough luck.
Is there no way to commend another player, in game? Maybe if a player get's enough commendations, he gets some xp. It would be a nice way to motivate roleplay.

I understand that the roleplay itself should be the reward. But this would make things much more interesting. It doesn't even have to be experiance that you get. I would be happy with just a "Who commended you list" that I could look at once in a while.

Sorry if I come off too harsh, I just spent an hour looking for the temple of bane, only to read that it was destroyed...
Also sorry for any spelling mistakes. I'm not a native speaker.

What do you think?

PS: If there are any new players around who feel a bit left out. I've started a new faction. I have a lot of free time right now, so if you want to be able to say that "you were there when the Fire Knives took over the world" Here's your chance! PM me.

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The Black family

I just want to point out that the DC wand is there for you. You can use it on other PCs to commend them for good Roleplaying. Most of the dms pick up on these actions and will grant you a dream coin, if you really need a bone tossed at you for good roleplay. Otherwise, get active. That's always my advice. Really get into your character and do something that effects his or her environment. Become a raider, blow up a building, devise an elaborate plot for power, be a soldier in someone else's war. It's not a passive game. You can't just expect the story to flock to you like the monsters do. So go make the story happen.

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Character Status:
Mynna- Guldorand
Samrael Cymere-Winya Ravana
Laika-Unknown

Generally it is very useful to have someone show you the ropes of the server, and that can be a lot of fun in game. Just do it ic, and ask where you can find some tougher beasts, as the trolls just are no challenge anymore. Most players who have been around for a while can likely give you a pretty good idea how to level up on the server, as well as give you a few tips of items that help a lot in certain hunting areas. I have had a generally good experience with the party-ball and hunting myself. Just engage the fellow party members in rp and do not stop to do so. Most will just go along and be happy to spice the monster-bashing up a bit.

Depending on your timezone and character, it is also a very good idea to look at one of the active hubs for roleplay. Currently I think the most active hubs (outside of Cordor) are Kohlingen (euro-us-timezone), Wiltun (euro-us-timezone), and Tarkuul (us-timezone). There are of course Winya Ravena, the Shrine of Elistraee and Barak Runedar that are pretty active, but those are very specialized on race (elf, elistreean drow, dwarf).

From what I have read of your character (searching for the temple of bane and the fire knives faction) I would guess Tarkuul or Wiltun might be the best place to search for some roleplay. Both have very cool players that I am sure would love to help out someone new to the server. They both also have DMs that run very enjoyable events. I would not recommend making a faction at this point, but rather looking for one that fits your character and timezone. Joining active factions has the great benefit of getting to know a few more veteran players that can help you start here, as well as having the oppertunity to join in already established plots. You also do not have to deal with the tiresome responsibility of running it so early.

In concern to the DMs, yes, use the DC wand (dream coin wand) like Sunkin Sheep wrote. Recommend other players when you are having fun. The DMs often take a look at that list and pop in to watch the roleplay, either to grant a dream coin or to spice it up with some interaction.

Thanks for the input!

I guess I should talk to the DM's more. The more you know, eh?
Good, I'll use that commend tool from now on.

I'm gonna take it lax with the faction, because I just got an interested player. I'll see where it goes. Humble beginnings and all that.

Are most of the players here from USA? It seems kinda empty here when I play :/

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The Black family

The server always was most active in the us-timezone, yeah. Euro-evenings have a nice amount of activity though.

Also, random RP. If you see someone, talk to them. I've gotten a ton of RP just by bumping into randoms. Made a lot of Rl Friends that way too.

But like Phear said; don't worry about factions right off. Let that come in its own time. It will.

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Aly'dra Zau'ana: Priestessish Of Eilistraee
Danika Nefzen: Druid of the Earthmother
Delia Am'Anodel: Paladin of Torm

You play on an RP server. The utmost reward of your RP is that you can interact, and I'm under the impression that DMs generally look to give the players a chance to affect their surroundings as ultimately the server exists for us, the players. That should be enough motivation alone. You don't need convince a DM you are a good RPer, as long as you enjoy your time on the server.

How can you enjoy your time on an RP server when you're alone all the time? That is a good question. One solution is to stick your nose into the hotspots of Amia and actively involve yourself in the RP. By that I really mean forcing yourself in there. Most players here understand that they should take a lenient position towards new players, or towards players who have developed an interest in their ongoing RP. What that basically means is, even though there weren't a good IC reason for them to include your character in the RP, they will fabricate one for you. This should be a rule of thumb so that the server would retain its appeal and spirit by constantly intriguing new players to join the action and help recreate the atmosphere in a joint effort.

As for the "party ball", I think that was made to help a new guy out. I definitely think that everyone should use it. Even if you already had a party, you should keep yourself on the list for the possibility of another player looking for one, too. It should encourage the players to interact with random people and not stick to their old clique, disqualifying newcomers by default. Hunting on the server has been made challenging, especially for someone unaccustomed to the mechanics of NWN and the server in particular. This is meant to encourage the players to team up, not to make levelling a real pain in the arse. It proves a challenge and compels a loner to associate.

All in all, you should always look for an excuse for RP. Be creative and hope for a corroborative response from your fellow player, that is, hope for your fellow player to come up with an excuse of one's own to bond the two of you. Don't be hellbent on your own agenda in RP, be malleable. Hardcore is boring and uninspiring. Naturally, you should still not try to make friends with clerics of Bane if your character happens to be a paladin. There is a difference between lenient RP and outright wrong RP. And remember to use the damn party ball, people!

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UCE THIS, YOU COW.

There are some European players as well

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Life should be prolonged only when it serves the greater cause of the death of the world.

Some observations myself as a returning player after an extended absence:
- If you want to know something about the game, ask in-character. I cannot stress this is by far the easiest way to get RP. Have you heard about a popular location, want to know where to buy something, where is the new hidden temple of Bane? Ask someone to take you there (I wouldn't ask anyone who seems like a paladin about that last one). I've gotten RP quite a few times this manner alone.
- Butt into peoples business if they're talking in public. Hell, butt into their business if they're just standing around and you think they look interesting. (It helps if your character is designed as a socialite. If your character is one of those quiet types you'll have to break character for a bit.)
- The party ball does work. You may have to wait a bit but it does work. (I'm in the US though so your success may vary outside of that)
- If you're on at a low population time you may just want to send a few Tells to people to see if they're interested in RP like was mentioned above.
- If you want DM interaction then try to find some character goals that need DM assistance. I've asked DM's to RP as common NPC's so I could have the dialogue and they were happy to assist. They're here to enhance your experience, but you need to figure out what experience you want to have.

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Nhalis Sauvan - Flamboyantly Amusing Brasskin-Bard
Zal Marrak - Druid with a case of Shifter [inactive]