Arelith

So, back during the 20th anniversary events on Arelith, I went to one where Irongron gave the advice to take breaks from Arelith, and try other PWs. So, I did.

Wow, talk about a perspective check.

Is Arelith perfect no. But my time on several other servers, and a main one in particular, really did put a lot into focus for how good despite the really contradictory nature of a PW trying to do RP with NWN, that Arelith is.

For one, Arelith has thee best, thee best, and just perfect amount of freedom, in pursuing the character build you wish to do mechanically, to meet your objectives as a player for your character in RP. I know that seems a word salad of a specific statement. But trust me, compared to a lot of RP focused servers in the NWN realm, Arelith is thee 'Goldilocks Zone' here, just right. I never realized how constricting an RP experience on NWN could be, till coming across this time and again on other RP servers. More or less, you can build a character, how you want, to meet your in game character motivations, i.e., you have true freedom to take a route of character progression in meeting the server challenges.

Second, lack of 'helicopter' DMing. I know saying a lack of DM involvement may be a contradictory statement for many players. But, when you experience helicopter, smothering, DMing, you appreciate being left alone to pursue what you do in the framework given a reasonable amount of liberty, without the constant pressures to conform to the flavor of the moment vision on a server. For some people as a player, this is immersive. For me, was a frustration and immersion shattering regularity on a few servers to be interacted with as an NPC that had wandered off script, constantly.

Third, wonderful systems, ascetics, and art direction that make a server so enjoyable to play on for hours, even to pursue mundane in character objectives or go through various play loops.

Lastly, a non overrun with jaded vets community. I really couldn't fathom all the 'Arelith horror story' talk I came across on several RP servers about the community here. Have I had trouble with individuals on Arelith, yes. That said, jaded vet syndrome on an RP server is so, so, sooooo much worse a thing to try and not just rage quit around. I come to RP with individuals, not be a part of a cult of personality, that revolves around chosen one characters. Believe me when I tell you, Arelith is blessedly free of a real and very common issue with other RP server's population here.

Very happy to be back. And on a last note, I know I have often failed to be good and a better person with others at times. I just want to apologize for that. And really let you all know how much I have appreciated many of you over my time on Arelith, staff and players alike, and will continue trying to be better in that respect.

I... actually really appreciate that feedback. I don't have time to play on other servers, (I hardly have time to play on arelith!) so hearing we're doing well is honestly extremely heartening! If you have any feedback in areas you feel Arelith could improve on, which you've seen on other servers, I'd like to hear it!

I love this post and how wholesome it is.

I also enjoy what you said about veterans of Arelith, because it's true that the longer you stay, the more prone you are to becoming jaded. None of us are immune to that. And sometimes we need a gentle nudge in the right direction, the one that is open-minded towards new players and new perspectives (even if we may not like or agree with them).

Because let's face it, there is little worse than someone who is bitter about how the old days were better. Merit can be gained from reminiscing good, olden times. But it should never stop us from pursuing new, amazing memories and stories to tell.

While it's inevitable that you'll run into players who are having a bad day or a bad moment, it's good to hear that overall your experience has been positive

The GrumpyCat wrote: Sun Jul 24, 2022 9:43 pm I... actually really appreciate that feedback. I don't have time to play on other servers, (I hardly have time to play on arelith!) so hearing we're doing well is honestly extremely heartening! If you have any feedback in areas you feel Arelith could improve on, which you've seen on other servers, I'd like to hear it!

Well, since you asked, and this is for sure a delicate subject.

Players that gaslight to create OOC emotional reactions with their IC language and actions, often of a passive aggressive and baiting nature, with expressed motive to escalate conflict for its own sake.

Have seen it managed well with an interventive approach. Basically, a DM that intervenes, to ask them politely 'Why?' And then the follow up of, 'So you think other players deserve this?' Most of this behavior, by a player, is fueled by social insecurity, coupled with an attempt to get attention from recognition, positive or negative. And all it really needs usually is a quick going over of how roleplay is ultimately a social activity, done like playing a board game at a public space, with well-meaning strangers (who might someday be friends), to tell a mutual story within the tools provided by the game and your imagination. Basically, what is best of pen and paper tabletop RPGs, and what I think is aimed for in the RP servers of NWN.

It is an issue I have seen on Arelith, several times. And I have seen it managed to a healthier degree on other servers by letting it be publicly acknowledged when a player is this way. Not in an effort to shame them, or 'call them out', but to make them aware of what exactly playing as their favorite Anime/pop culture protagonist results in, when it has actual social ramifications, not in the safe pod of one escapism for a Mary Sue serving narrative.

I am sorry if my language is harsh in the last part. But to get to the bone of it, I couldn't phrase it a more neutral way to try and soften it for constructive reception. Also, it was in no way targeted at a specific individual, but instead addressed a common operative demeanor in the online RP community.

But that is really my only criticism for something I have seen managed better elsewhere. And it for sure is a contentious subject, and that is clearly only my take on it.

hrm. Thank you. That's given me a bit of food for thought.