Once again, Avlis would like to take on more DM's

Vergilius · Post by **Vergilius** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 3:37 pm

Tharliss wrote:My largest concern of becoming a DM is that I don't want to know any plot information that my PC might be involved in. Yes, I can definitely handle not letting OOC stuff interfer with IC knowledge, but as a PLAYER I enjoy finding stuff out in-game.

The team boards are organized very well. Its really up to you as a player to avoid certain forums that your character may be involved in.

Tony Wazz · Post by **Tony Wazz** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:04 pm

Wish I had the B

lls to try it. I've been on Avlis for almost a year. I still find players that know WAY much world stuff...that I don't, and I still feel intimidated as a player (still only know a handful of Elven words..)...much less being in some kind of control of anything.... I think thats what is keeping me out of applying. Well, and my work schedule is kinda weird. I'm on at normal times sometimes and at times when Avlis is a ghost town(world). My main on Avlis is kinda stagged...getting a little bored of him. Alt on the Abyss is kinda fun...nice to have a bit of attitude....but he is still a lowbie...don't play him too often.

*sighs* maybe someday...

Post by **Orleron** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 3:09 am

Well, choraldances will probably post an announcement soon. We've accepted 5 DM's of the 10 or so applications we've gotten so far. Keep the applications coming!

We've got a new mod coming out very very shortly, and after that there will be a Northern Deglos mod and an Underdark mod coming out. We'll need to populate those with DM's too. Anything more than that is STILL welcome, because we will still need to put DM's on our old mods as well.

Post by **tindertwiggy** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:12 am

It gives a wicked sense of accomplishment to run an event for a group, have them cover some ground on a server, discover and become part of a wonderful story, earn some cool items, and in the end post on the forums about what a cool adventure they had.

The following are my opinions looking back on a long, happy, and I hope appreciated time with the "wand."

DMing comes with a price. Should you actually want to make a difference as a dm, be prepared to give up 80% or more of your player-time.

Be prepared to drop out of the majority of plots. You will know too much to make your involvement fair to other pc's. Plots are for players. DM plots for DM-PC's just circle jerks, and thankfully don't go on here.

Also be prepared to be a bit burnt out at times. I say that in the best of ways. Pretty much EVERYONE wants your attention. And they will take everything you can give. You are also expected to be creative on demand. I would get done DMing and be TIRED. Satisfied as well, but too tired to think of playing my own PC's beyond numb hacks, slashes, and grunts.

Be prepared to look for the positive. There is a lot of negative shit that is thrown the team's way. "I was griefed by so and so." "So and so player is exploiting this." "Offworld X WRONGED ME GIVE ME VENGEANCE!" "Oh my god you went and made a change and now my XXX build is RUINED! YOU ASSHOLES!" All this stuff comes the teams way on a regular enough basis that it can, if you get too wrapped up in it, get you down. Always remember the positive.... For every exploiter, whiner, cheater, and pita, there are 50 other hard-rping, fun-loving players, the ones who are worth every ounce of your attention. Give your attention to the good players, and let the vault-jail/ban system deal with the rest. DM's who get wrapped up in the negative stuff burn out FAST.

Be prepared to make mistakes. No, be prepared to fuck up big. Every dm has in some way. You have to be willing to move on, because the players certainly are.

Be prepared to be thanked very seldom. They appreciate every minute of you, they just don't always let you know that. You need to know it yourself.

Be prepared to have to be the asshole. Every once in a while one of the whiners/exploiters mentioned above will need it. Just don't learn to relish the job. The team has Alex for that

Be prepared to be critiqued, by both fellow dm's, and also fellow players. And for the sake of Avlis get a thick skin.

Be prepared to have absolutely everything in an event go wrong. And be quick enough on your feet to go with it. Given options A, B, and C, 9 out of 10 players will take Z.

Be prepared to speak your mind. Everyone has an opinion team side, and everyone is expected to damn well spit it out. Be prepared to disagree with fellow team members, and be prepared and mature enough to work with them through. In fact the amount of free-thinking team members is what has kept Avlis alive (As Orl has pointed out inumerable times.) So many viewpoints are pointed out and discussed that the one ultimately chosen is very likely a damn, damn good one. I was continually amazed at how differing our opinions could be, and yet how well we worked together in spite of this on finding the best way to go.

Most things above are a bit negative. I went over the things that most often turn new-dm's into ex-dm's. If you think you'd be able to handle the above then I'll leave all the wonderful and stupendous things about being a dm unsaid. They are up to you to find and enjoy. It gets under your skin like little else.

Good luck and remember:Cookie often.

Vergilius · Post by **Vergilius** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:24 am

As a current team member and one who has experienced his 1 year aniversary, I can reflect on my year, and there is at least one time for each individual situation that TWIGGS details above. AMEN to the whole thing! however, I can say it is worth the reward, if you're willing to accept the responsibility and challenge.

Orsos · Post by **Orsos** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:27 pm

Orleron,

I used to run a PnP game for over 6 years and have been playing Avlis for a whlie. Would be interested in becoming a DM. I'm also over twenty

(Considerably more so unfortunately)

PM me if you'd like to follow up on this.

Thanks
Norsinnow

Post by **Orleron** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:51 pm

You can get an application for the team by mailing staff@avlis.org.

Vichan Lyonsen · Post by **Vichan Lyonsen** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 8:44 pm

Vergilius wrote:As a current team member and one who has experienced his 1 year aniversary, I can reflect on my year, and there is at least one time for each individual situation that TWIGGS details above. AMEN to the whole thing! however, I can say it is worth the reward, if you're willing to accept the responsibility and challenge.

Amen as well from me....I hung up my wand for any number of reasons..some of which were mentioned by Twiggs.. and other reasons that I neednt go into..

But every thing he says is true...

In the 7 to 8 months that I was DM I too encountered every single thing he mentioned...I was fortunate in that I did get my share of thanks from players...

So read what he says and take it to heart..DMing can be work...it can be very satisfiing...it can burn you out and even get you down...but it can be a great load of fun too.

Fifty · Post by **Fifty** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 3:07 pm

Can we get that first post in this thread updated? Please

'grats to all new folk & promotions btw.