AMIA ARCHIVE • View topic

Okay, so I want to prefix this post with this disclaimer: This is by no means meant to be a complaint, it's merely an expression of curiosity. If it reads like a complaint, or a criticism, then I have failed to word this post in a manner best reflecting its intent. More info to follow.

So, I'm seeing requests left and right wherein many DCs are consumed, and quite a few posts from DMs recommending people just spend X many DCs if they want to do something. That's cool, I'm glad that the DMs are open to doing custom stuff in exchange for DCs. But... how are so many people getting so many of them?

I've never received a dream coin. Given, there are quite a few factors that may contribute to this. I don't log on as much as many folks do. I often try to avoid large crowds/events because trying to get involved often seems to be a futile effort. Perhaps my roleplay simply isn't that impressive. I can think up many reasons why I, personally, might not be getting any DCs, and I can accept that. It's just a game, right?

But... the fact that people are getting as many as 25-50 just blows my mind. Are these people 25-50 times greater roleplayers than I am? Do they spend 25-50 times as many hours ingame as I do? Are they 25-50 times better than me at getting involved in events that capture DM attention? All of these things are, I'll admit, possible.

At present, I don't have any real need for DCs. I can work with everything that is, by default, given to players. However, being a human, and therefore always wanting to improve, I can't help but wonder what I could be doing better. Clearly there is something I am not doing to deserve DCs. So, while they aren't necessary for me, and I could definitely continue playing without them, I want to ask: What advice do you have for players that want their RP to be good enough for DCs? How can we improve? What habits should we adopt to better ourselves as RPers? Mind you, not to get DCs, but to remedy the apparent fact that we simply haven't deserved them yet. This is important, so I must stress it again: Despite the topic title, this is not a question about how to receive dream coins, but how to improve ourselves so that we will be closer, at least, to deserving them.

Perhaps your answers can be found in this thread? viewtopic.php?f=2&t=47090

Saw that thread and as far as I read into it found it too dominated by criticisms of the system itself. Wanted a different thread with a different tone.

You will probably get the usual answers:

"Play without worrying about getting DCs"
"Try to expand your RP to involve other people"
"Forget there is a reward for RP and just RP without thinking about it"

And a few others that are escaping my mind now, but always come up in these threads.

BlackDahlya wrote:

You will probably get the usual answers:

"Play without worrying about getting DCs"
"Try to expand your RP to involve other people"
"Forget there is a reward for RP and just RP without thinking about it"

And a few others that are escaping my mind now, but always come up in these threads.

This is normally the best plan.

I, myself, love to see active RP in grinding parties. If you can expand your character during the mundane, I will very often award DC's.

yeah alot of things all factor into it.

how much you play, does your time of play mesh when DMs are on,are alot of people on when you are...ect

what DM is watching you because diffrent people think diffrent RP is worth a DC, Some people emote every action they do, I think me turning my person to face and look at someone in NWN is something they can see and should not need to be said, also the depth they go into.
I would put "*Cory Searches the dead for anything of value or use*" but some would be like "*Ryan meticulously goes through each pocket sifting through loose change, trinkets and bobbles attempting to find anything of use or value off the fallen foes after the battle*"

type of RP will effect this, I offen dont even talk unless someone goes out and asks me something I view worth replying to because small talk is not my thing, but if we are at war then my roll as a tactical adviser come out and I have stuff to stay.

if your like me you wont get alot of DC but having played for this long having never used a DC it does not matter.

I have a question I think might be relevant to this, so forgive me if its not. Are DM's from server A aware of when a DC wand is used on server B, either when used initially or between two resets? There has been an occasion where 4 people have pretty much used their wands on me in the space of 20 minutes (without the knowledge of each other doing so) on server B, which only had around 15 players on at the time, two server resets later I was a little disappointed that no new shiny coin had made its way to the account, which if it was a really big deal to be would of been raised directly to a DM to pose the question. I know I have to factor in that if a DM did come to the scene he may of not thought it was worth the attention, however I do not doubt the recommendation of the players that hit me with the wand. I would like an answer to the above question and also ask if it was obvious there was no DM present on Server B, should we use the Rest Menu to alert a DM on A just to come over so he/she can see the wand requests? Depending on the answer, it could be one of the main reasons why many people (during European times at least) do not prioritise Server B for play.

We can review the list if we lgo in, but you are correct. We cannot see cross-server recommendations. I believe Disco could add that functionality but it is up to him. I wouldn't be averse to it; I've always hated the fact that I feel "blind" to the other server.

As for prioritizing server B I actually find the opposite: Europeans and Australians tend to favor B, USA prime tends to favor A.

I like the fact that developers have been adding game functions that demand less DM intervention and therefore, come free instead of costing players lots of DCs.

For example, it used to be that custom summons had to be itemized, individual items, and eventually were prohibited. Soon, customized summons could be purchased at 10 DCs for a name and skin. Now, one can customize their own mummy dust summon automatically to fit the player's roleplay.

This is especially true with some of the functions granted by the Job system. The ability to add custom text to item biographies with the scribe job, the Mythal Naming System, and other developer work continue to make functions available to every player without taking DM time or costing DCs.

I don't anticipate this trend reversing, so if you have something in mind, get inventive with the way the system works now. Become inventive with what you have without using DC requests, and you will find that ingenuity is both rewarding and rewarded.

Logicality wrote:

But... the fact that people are getting as many as 25-50 just blows my mind. Are these people 25-50 times greater roleplayers than I am? Do they spend 25-50 times as many hours ingame as I do? Are they 25-50 times better than me at getting involved in events that capture DM attention? All of these things are, I'll admit, possible.

It's a combination of factors, some of which you listed. Available play time, time synchronicity with DM's, so on and so forth. However, one factor that may also contribute is time on Amia. I've collected just over 50 DC's in my years here. My first year, I think I had 2.

The best analogy I can think of is buying a new car. You don't just start saving and then one week later go and get the car (unless you're really lucky and win the lottery or something). You save and save and save and save until you have enough. Now, you can keep the car you have (i.e. a normal character equipped with items available in the module to everyone) or you can save a bit and get something a bit flashier (i.e. a slightly upgraded item, small scripted widget, etc.) or you can save up a lot and get the fancy sports car (i.e. A more complex scripted item, etc.)

Logicality wrote:

But... the fact that people are getting as many as 25-50 just blows my mind. Are these people 25-50 times greater roleplayers than I am? Do they spend 25-50 times as many hours ingame as I do? Are they 25-50 times better than me at getting involved in events that capture DM attention? All of these things are, I'll admit, possible.

You can be the best role player in the world, but if there are no DMs on when you play you don't get DCs.

And a lot of people have saved for a long time. A lot of people smack with the green wand of dh00m constantly, whenever they can.

There are reasons for getting more, including just plain playing more when DMs are on.

DM events are a guaranteed DC most of the time, so are some player run ones. (grove story night used to get you one most times a dm was on)

On the other hand, nothing annoys me more than seeing people join DM events just to DC-whore, with no interest in the event at all.

Quote:

On the other hand, nothing annoys me more than seeing people join DM events just to DC-whore, with no interest in the event at all.

This is true.

My two tips for gettings DC are.

1. Join a faction. When factions come together genreally a dm will become interested.
2. Keep your RPs quick, nice and to the point. Think advertisment like an advert so when a dm happens to pass you by he see a good couple of minutes(This is stolen from another player and I myself do not follow this rule)

Unfortunately, the only DM events I have ever seen have been large-scale... a ton of people interested in some oddity, seemingly because that oddity is being caused by a DM. Because this is a text medium, everyone can speak at the same time--which makes it hard for anyone to be heard. Suffice to say, large-scale events typically are not enjoyable for me. Perhaps that's another reason why.

Nothing against the DMs, or even the players, for the record. It's an inevitable reaction that I have clearly contributed to--or else I wouldn't have given significant notice to DM events to begin with, and this observation could not have been made.

There's plenty of things I could use DC's for and I've already spent a fair share just on RP flavor items.

However, I don't "roll" in DC's but I spend 99% of my time (1% I'm afk) on Amia these days doing nothing but RP'g. I don't hunt, I don't boss-farm, I don't do any of that anymore. I RP. However, as a spy-like role, most of my RP consists of me sitting around in shadows and waiting for the appropriate time to reveal myself, if I do.

And most of the time, this type of RP occurs when a DM is not present. And most DM's will not consider sitting around in shadows as "impressive RP" and I can't say I blame them at all. However, we -do- spend a considerable amount of time in deep RP within the Banite temple that unfortunately goes vastly unnoticed by the DM team these days. However, I could honestly care less. I appreciate what the DM team does for us both as a faction and players as a whole. And I get far more enjoyment out of the RP itself then I would out of the potential DC's it would earn me.

I see DC's as a luxury item that is not "owed" so much as a "charitable donation given by a benevolent omniscient being." I think all should adopt this outlook. Too many times I've actually seen players gripe that they didn't get a DC because they thought their RP was more superb than everyone else's that was there and accused DMs of bias and favoritism. While these may be legitimate character flaws, the arrogance inherent in that player was a worse one.

tldr Logicality: Just enjoy your RP as you always have. And, if you're lucky, a DM will take notice and feel the need to bestow their boon upon you. And, use your little green wand.

I've been forgetting to do that lately. >.>

One trend I've often noticed in these kinds of threads is people always saying to use the little green wand, but I have something of an issue with that, not that I think it's bad advice, but more a personal issue. I never feel like using the green wand, mainly because I never know if RP being exhibited would be considered "good". I feel as though using the wand could have a negative effect, for a couple of reasons.

1. If I flag someone whom the DMs then don't consider to be exhibiting good RP, then I feel guilty for distracting them with something they would consider "sub-par".
2. Seeing as I mainly RP with the same general group of people, and consider myself and all of them to at least be pretty good and at best excellent RPers, I would end up flagging the same people or groups over and over, and would feel guilty about that.

Combine with that guilt the idea that I have (unfounded as I'm sure it is) that the DM team may in some way look down on me for recommending the same people over and over again for what they consider to be RP unworthy of a DC. Anyway, I suppose the problem really lies on my end, and my simply being too timid and/or polite for the internet :lol:

But there's my two cents, anyway.

Oh, just bonk them with it. No guilt trip necessary. We aren't your mother!

TormakSaber wrote:

Oh, just bonk them with it. No guilt trip necessary. We aren't your mother!

*snicker*

I think that what you need to worry about, The_Big_Sleep, is to not startle your friends that could think you are suddenly hostiling them to enter PvP - when you use the wand the emote is similar to the one when you use the hostiling tool.

But then, again, I am paranoid and even if it might break immersion, I tend to send a Tell to the player saying I am using the DC Wand.

TormakSaber wrote:

Oh, just bonk them with it. No guilt trip necessary. We aren't your mother!

Well, I know there -shouldn't- be any guilt trip, but easier said than done :wink:

Well you could give the player on the receiving end of the green wand a cryptic message like 'Your spirit guide tells you that good things come to those who wait.' But I think they might pause for a while and then expectantly say 'I'm still waiting!' :lol:

If you don't use the wand, chances are, the staff won't see the rp going on, unless it involves lots of PC's or is in a steady traffic area. Use it, and use it a lot. I gave the same advice to a newcomer that asked me how to get DC's in game. Go with the rp you think is fun, and spam that little wand once you hit the rp you wanna stick with for a bit.

Guaranteed DC? No. But, at least you have the attention of the staff. Even if they find your rp "sub-par," I guarantee they've seen worse.

....I blame Gravemaskin for the entire incident.

davis114 wrote:

Guaranteed DC? No. But, at least you have the attention of the staff.

Ah, yes, the above is important! I read a post above, do not remember whom was it, that left me thinking the player thought that using the wand was a guarantee to get DCs.

It is not.

Also, if you do not have the attention that same day, at most it meant the DM was busy with a plot or player maintenance or solving disputes.

Just be patient.

This works for me too. Stupid anxiety issues. -.-

First thing I do when I log in to the DM client is to check the DC recommendations. Then I seek and destroy observe for any interesting roleplay in areas with large concentrations of players. Finally, if I've found nothing, I harrass hunting groups. I usually do this on 'B'.

I always miss that other possible layer of meaning that someone could attribute to my posts... >.> I don't mean that I think I should be getting a DC every time the wand is used around me, just to clarify... I just feel awkward about using it. :oops:

best way hands down to get DCs is to ask for Harm potions , true fact I read it somewhere, think it was in a book, but could have been the internet.

You shouldn't. You should feel awkward about getting licked by a lizard lady from half the Isle over.

-That's- awkward. So, if the staff can administer such awkward acts of debauchery, I think you can feel at ease about smacking folks with your wand.

Sidenote: Babylon and I didn't work out. Turns out, she's got issues. :evil:

corypx wrote:

best way hands down to get DCs is to ask for Harm potions , true fact I read it somewhere, think it was in a book, but could have been the internet.

Hey, I got two DC's, I found them by accidentally clicking on something, don't know how they got there.
I figure the regulars have seen my character wandering to and fro enough to actually role-play with me now.
Funny though, most of the character names I saw when I first joined Amia are not around so much, if at all.

I say, just hang in there my friend, soon enough they will warm up to you and then you will find the role-play you seek.

I am enjoying the role-play thus far, hell, I even rp with npc's and when I'm in the wild alone.
I might even go so far as to say a DM would think I'm a little 'off ' had they been watching me, heheh.

Oh look, I forgot to close this can of acetone...

Wyjn has his DC wand permentaly lodged up Qirlans ass, hows that for intiative?

((

And here I thought it was the portal rod that only works when we all hold hands... j/k :lol:

Qirlan is a blast!))

In reply to the OP, the amount of DC's I notice getting added to my account spark from playing characters that are deeply involved within organizations or are part of active groups. Active groups usually attract DM attention, in my experience, and hence improve your chances for acquiring DCs. Another friendly hint is using the DC rod on others that you see RPing well. It acts as a way to notify the roaming DM of your existence and that you and your companions might just be entertaining enough for them to swing by and potentially reward you should they like what they see.

Also, remember to stay IC at all times.

If you hit someone with the wand during RP and that specific RP is over and there was no sign of a DC, do not go OOC. Ever.

Chances are, a DM might pass by later and if you are doing nothing, I ~think~ they might not reward you with a DC. They will want to see something!

Well, there are some things you may do OOC for a while, like calling loot order. After you get used to the others in the party, you may simply pause by a loot drop and say "Here's some stuff," and the next in order can run up and get it.

It doesn't matter if you use the same line all the time. Though, there are some interesting things that can happen if you have a particular voice set e.g. if your character uses the Taunt voice emote "Come now, let's see what you've got" and their target drops loot, they could then say "He had some treasure, that's exciting!"

Little things like that make your party seem like they're on an actual adventure and not simply trying to stuff their packs with loot as fast as possible in between slayings.

Selmak wrote:

Little things like that make your party seem like they're on an actual adventure and not simply trying to stuff their packs with loot as fast as possible in between slayings.

Awesome! Sounds like one of my D&D groups, lol A couple guys get peeved when we roll percentiles and get no random encounters. We need to use the 2e experience chart, heh.

To be honest, DC's don't really concern me, I'm here for the RP. The bonus is nice, don't get me wrong, just not a priority.
I think my character has enemies now, this should get good...

Getting a DC is all about luck, witch, quite frankly, i have none ( luck that is, got a few DC mind you ) but the point of like, visiting an event, or joining/working with a faction may increase the chance of getting DC, but, hells, i will often enough, make a new char, RP with them for about an hour or 2 then forget they exist. should older chars in factions and epics that run to every event they see, to hoard DCs, or for the rp, get 90% of the attentian< ( and yes i know that there are those few DMs that prowl around and watch newblet parties run arond developing their toons and what not ) and also, the DC wand has a few issues in on its self, i almost always have the amia website open on my PoS laptop, and i check it periodically to see playercouts, to satisfy my curiosity of any new items bneeing auctioned, and to see if DMs are on, but, whenever they are on they are usually busy, and most ofd the time i end up in RP a DM isnt on, i have a hard time getting RP ( 100% my fault, and i love it =] )... i think i lost what i was saying at somepoint... but its all about luck, and , moreoften then not, a DM is not on, and, even when one is, they are not always going to go and visit to look for RP all over the isle, also, players ( even myself) dont use the DC wand even if there is epically amazing RP going on, most likly cus they forget... id say what im trying to get at is that, the system works, but you have to be very active with the community to get them even reletivly often, just be nice if DMs could just like, if they are bord with nothing to do, just randomly stalk a party for a little whyle ( not saying DMs dont do this already, they prolly do, but alot of good rp can happen in a hunt, but it dosent tend to last the whole hunt, sometimes it does, but alot of the time you rp for like 3 minuets and you get really into it, then offf you go to stuff your bags with loot, yes... big wall of text.. and again...all about luck... but even on the player part of using the wand, a DM still needs to be on, i recall seeing something a while ago about having DC's kinda player given, like, X amount of recomendations = 1 DC, lots of issues with something like that... anyway... im just ranting.... feel free to disregard all i just said if you dont like it=].... ima shut up now... im getting sleepy....

I'm not sure why people call each other "Event whores". DMS very rarely use Shout for events, for the most part. Which means they are events their character is 'legitimately' stumbling on. Which means their character is just RPing as they go.

What's the beef?

For the most part, I don't see many players getting DC's for shouted events. So I'm not sure where that's coming from either.

Shouted events have their own IC and OOC rewards other than DC's such as chances at some cool loot, a chance to partake in a cool storyline, or events such as the casino in Delta.

ok i didnt read all of this post but ill answer as to what i have experienced in about a year and a half on amia.
i have gotten a total of 17 DCs over the course of my time here. most of them I received either through faction play with the triadics when we have a big get together and we all bug a dm to watch. a lot of DCs ive gotten when i have done something on my own in the wilds that was so interesting that players stopped what they were doing to watch and call a dm/ use the wand. Other times its been luck, simple rp that was caught by a dm who gave out coins because he enjoyed what was happening. So if you want DCs my advice is this
-do interesting things that isnt just sitting around cordor.
-go out of the city and have an event
-bug the dms. whenever your in some rp just send a tell "some cool rp going on here" or something
-use the wand. have everyone in your rp use the wand if they feel comfortable with it.
-be active and noticeable and have a good story
-exhibit good rp and dont break the rules
-wait a long time to accrue any large amount of DCs... it takes a while
-dont worry about it all the time because if your rp is good and you follow those rules, the dms will watch most of the time
-i thank the dms who were watching whenever i get one just because it means they took some of their own time to watch me.

tsukasa1991 wrote:

have everyone in your rp use the wand if they feel comfortable with it.

Yes to everything, except this. I'm sorry if I sound rude, but it clogs up the DM channel. One person is enough. we'll see it.

TormakSaber wrote:

I'm not sure why people call each other "Event whores". DMS very rarely use Shout for events, for the most part. Which means they are events their character is 'legitimately' stumbling on. Which means their character is just RPing as they go.

What's the beef?

The Beef is the group of players that tell each other in tells that their is a DM event going on so the 'legitimate' stumbling isn't very legitimate at all. Thats where Event Whores originates and its a completely Social Status thing. It happens, I've been invited to three Events in this manner previously.

Poorvincente wrote:

tsukasa1991 wrote:

have everyone in your rp use the wand if they feel comfortable with it.

Yes to everything, except this. I'm sorry if I sound rude, but it clogs up the DM channel. One person is enough. we'll see it.

ah well then i amend that statement.
do not spam wands lol

Poorvincente wrote:

tsukasa1991 wrote:

have everyone in your rp use the wand if they feel comfortable with it.

Yes to everything, except this. I'm sorry if I sound rude, but it clogs up the DM channel. One person is enough. we'll see it.

I would rather the DM channel be clogged with notifications of good RP than almost anything else.

I don't mind that either and while reading through this I become aware I never knew you could reveiw previous dc recomendations. Oh well something new to figure out.

How to "get" DCs?

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