2003-12-05 [Perplexity]: When we create our character, should we get you, Amtharnis, to roll the dice?

2003-12-05 [Perplexity]: ***first comment pirouette*** =P

2003-12-05 [Perplexity]: What level character are we starting with? 

2003-12-06 [Amtharnis]: No, you can roll yourself for attributes, as long as every score isn't eighteen ;) I think most good players can be trusted to create characters that have ability scores that are balanced and make for interesting characters, so I'll trust you with that. When I create characters for myself, I usually go for an ability score total of somewhere between 75-80, because I think those characters are challenging to play without being too weak. I won't mind however, if you want a character with slightly higher scores. Create your character and I will look at it - I will tell you if I have any concerns. The first site based adventure (dungeon) is designed for first level characters.

2003-12-06 [Perplexity]: *shifty eyes* what if I roll five or six times in the character generator? heheh

2003-12-06 [Amtharnis]: Well, I am not going to be any wiser if you do. I usually do that myself. It is good if you have a character you are happy with. You can even manipulate your scores if you like... I do that, but I keep in mind of having strengths and weaknesses that would make the character interesting and unique.

2003-12-06 [Perplexity]: Yay! Map!

2003-12-06 [Amtharnis]: It's only botched up in Photoshop, but it allows me to modify it. Eventually I will do a nice hand drawn one ^__^

2004-03-20 [Perplexity]: Will no one ever play wif us? heheheh Got me a D&D game in da real world here tomorrow - so I'm keepin in practice ;)

2004-03-24 [Amtharnis]: Good girl, Perplexity, you flex those D&D muscles. Well, it gives me plenty of time to develop the setting.

2004-06-14 [BinaryPhoenix]: I would like to play too! I have a character description in my diary!

2004-06-14 [Perplexity]: *nearly falls over from shock* We have another player!?!? YAY! =)

2004-06-14 [Amtharnis]: If you wish to play in this game, then you should talk to the Game Master and find a bit about the game and the campaign setting.

2004-06-14 [Perplexity]: It helps to engage the Game Master intelligently...

2004-06-14 [Amtharnis]: Afterall, I am a meglomaniac. Hey, that's why I made this game! Well, I aint that bad... apart from wanting to wear a head band and break into a Dire Straits song.

2004-06-14 [Perplexity]: That's the way you do it... money for nothing and yer chicks for free.

2004-06-14 [Amtharnis]: Haha... Hey, that's why I wrote this song! You picked up quick, Plexi!

2004-06-14 [Perplexity]: Ima smart ass, that's for sure ;)

2004-06-14 [Amtharnis]: Your butt has an IQ?

2004-06-15 [Perplexity]: Im so smart, mah butt has an IQ!

2004-06-15 [Amtharnis]: Well, that statue of the thinker is in a sitting position.

2004-06-15 [Perplexity]: He was thinking too hard and had to give his ass a rest.

2004-06-15 [Amtharnis]: But why is he squinting?

2004-06-15 [Perplexity]: Pull his finger and find out! *holds nose*

2004-06-15 [Amtharnis]: Oh pew, the thinker is a stinker!

2004-06-15 [Perplexity]: ROFL!! You so silly heheh =)

2004-08-18 [BinaryPhoenix]: Who is the Game Master?

2005-03-16 [Erestor]: Could I just ask how you paly this, as it is not possible to roll the dice, unless some other type of probability is used. I'm not complaining it's just a wierd thing to play with bo dice available, as then most of the stats would be useless.

2005-03-16 [Amtharnis]: My intention was to do all the rolling. I've heard of other D&D games being played on the net in this way. The objective is always for roleplay; the stats and dice rolls are simply a way of providing an independent means of determining the outcomes of an action. If the roleplay involves two characters talking to each other in a tavern, there is no need for any dice rolling. On the other hand, if the characters find themselves cornered by a minotaur in a maze, a player cannot just say, "I cast a spell to knock down the wall, so we can escape." The stats specify whether the characters has this ability (instead of just conveniently aquiring it in the moment), and if so, whether the attempt to

2005-03-16 [Amtharnis]: cast the spell succeeds. If you enjoy rolling dice, then obviously, you won't enjoy the Game Master doing all the rolling. If you are after roleplay where your character is challenged by circumstances out of your (as the player controlling them) control, then it shouldn't matter who rolls the dice. The stats and dice are simply a means for the Game Master to determine the outcomes when needed and is not the objective of the game itself. The objective is still roleplaying.

2005-03-16 [Amtharnis]: The only practical alternative that I have seen to this, in a D&D style game in wiki, is the system developed by Vesthrix called Burn Up.

2005-03-16 [Erestor]: Thanks for the explanation I though about you rolling and thought that it would bestarnge because they wouldn't no what they had rolled, it seems to work though.

2005-03-16 [Amtharnis]: If the players were allowed to roll, then there'd be no way to know whether they were cheating. The GM is neutral and has no reason to cheat. An advantage is that the players don't know when the GM is rolling either. The GM may make some decisions without using dice. The idea is that the GM acts as a referee and uses the dice only when neccesary - as in combat or to see if a character is successful at using a certain ability. With other things, as the referee, the GM can use their own judgement. So it is not quite the same as a live D&D game, but it still prevents the players from being too powerful in regards to what happens to their characters; ie making up abilities as they go and being

2005-03-16 [Amtharnis]: invinsible. That is something that annoys me sometimes about free form roleplay - it is too safe for the player. But anyway, there does not seem to be a whole lot of interest in the idea, so it hasn't been very successful. No worries, thanks for asking the question.

2005-03-16 [Perplexity]: *whines* can we play yet? =P

2005-03-17 [Amtharnis]: Well, look at it this way, Perplexity - if this was a group suicide website, we'd live to a ripe old age ;)

2005-03-17 [Perplexity]: lol - well, Im still getting my IRL practice - got a D&D game on Sunday.

2005-03-17 [Amtharnis]: Alright, just because you're getting some... D&D... you don't have to rub it in ;) Maybe you should try being the Game Master for this game, because you are nicer than me ^^ Maybe people don't want to play because I am too grumpy. Either that or we could post naked pictures. I noticed a wikipage the other day that had 37 watchers... it had nudey pics. As they say, sex sells... so maybe I'll have to sex this rpg up a bit.

2005-03-17 [Perplexity]: You think that's what's keepin 'em away? Your ogre-like demeanor?? lol COME ON YOU CHICKEN SHITS!

2005-03-17 [Amtharnis]: Or maybe the idea of the game is just not appealing.

2005-03-17 [Perplexity]: Well, then =P they are just too stupid to get it. (this is not helping recruit is it?) lol

2005-03-17 [Perplexity]: I vote for naked pics before throwing in the towel. Or throw in the towel, and then you'll be naked, and we'll take some pics. Either way... *gets camera* ^^

2005-03-17 [Amtharnis]: Hey, you are even grumpier than I am! And I don't think the Jas being Nude thing is working to well - we have already lost a watcher. Maybe I can blackmail people though - I am not putting my clothes on until people start playing my rpg!

2005-03-17 [Perplexity]: he'll also accept money, folks.

2005-03-17 [Amtharnis]: Rpjiggalo ^^

2005-04-01 [Amtharnis]: It is amazing how much better you can make something read by removing a few superfluous wordss

2005-04-01 [Amtharnis]: It is amazing how much better you can make something read by removing a few superfluous words and altering the punctuation. This is what I have done in my recent adjustments to the prelude. The italics are not a very correct way of inserting information into prose, but I have found that it works well to condense information. I think I will use italics in the same way during the game to supply players with general information. I am also thinking about making a private messaging wiki for each of the players, to provide them with information specific to their characters; ie, the results of ability checks and so on. That way, players won't always

2005-04-01 [Amtharnis]: know what each others characters are doing. This would add to the fun, when for example, a player decides his character will use her magic wand and then finds the wand missing (stolen by another player's thief character).

2005-04-26 [pelv13]: i am all for that bit about a private wiki... thieves are alot of fun

2005-04-26 [Amtharnis]: It is perhaps the one advantage of playing D&D in this format - you can exchange information covertly, which means a lot more surprises for the players of the characters ;)

2005-04-26 [Roccoriel]: I would love to join this game but I'm not at all familiar with D&D

2005-04-26 [Amtharnis]: Well, I could handle the mechanics for you, because the main thing you need to do as a player is make the decisions for the characters actions. If you fill out the Narimerlin Character Generation I can determine what class your character would belong to and do the statistical side for you. The main thing to understand is your character classes abilities and how to use those abilities.

2005-04-26 [Roccoriel]: I can try it...I have this bit of a block with dice though and tend to prefer FF...it's hard to find good FF anymore.

2005-04-26 [Amtharnis]: Well, the main difference you will find with this game to free form is that you will still be able to make all the decisions for your characters actions, but the results of those actions will be determined by me. Say, for example, you cast a spell on an opponent or another character: in free form, you just decide whether the spell is successful or not, but in this game I act as the referee for such things, determining whether the spell is successful. There is also a limitation on your characters abilities - you get to select your characters skills, but you must during the creation of your character and not just decide that you have a certain ability on the spur of the moment during the game.

2005-04-26 [Amtharnis]: The character classes provide the templates for characters with different abilities. If you want a spell casting character, then you would choose a sorcerer or wizard; if you want a character that has tracking skills available to them, you would choose a Ranger or Barbarian. I can explain what is available in regards to classes, or you can provide me with a description of your character, and I can provide you with information on what classes, and the feat and skill options available within that class, that would be most suitable.

2005-04-26 [Roccoriel]: So, how detailed of a description would you like. I'd like to use an old favorite character I've been playing a while and I'm curious as to how much of his history I can retain/adapt to the new game.

2005-04-26 [Amtharnis]: You can probably use or adapt his personal history to the game setting. The main thing is that places and cultures must originate in the campaign world. For example, I don't want a history that involves another campaign world, because that wouldn't make sense.

2005-04-26 [Roccoriel]: Well, I can give you what I've got, because it does originate in another world. However, I'm sure parts could still work with just some name and place changes.

2005-04-26 [Amtharnis]: Provide me with the story, by all means, and I can help you adapt it to the Narimerlin setting.

2005-04-26 [Roccoriel]: Alright, will do. I can either paraphrase it or provide you with a link to the game (now dead) that it took place in.

2005-04-26 [Amtharnis]: Paraphrase sounds like a good word ^^ It would be good if you can give me an outline of the characters history.

2005-05-01 [Amtharnis]: I've thought a little more about the private messaging wikis. I've realised the most convenient way of doing that would be to use the comments area of your character sheets. This way you could check your hitpoints while you are communicating with the Game Master. I think that during combat situations, I will give players descriptions of them being hit, rather than saying your character has lost so many hitpoints. In such circumstances, I automatically adjust the Current HP line on your wiki character sheets, and you will have to check this to see how well your character is going in that department. It would be a good idea to be watching your wiki character sheets, so you are alerted when I

2005-05-01 [Amtharnis]: change your Current HP and supply information specific to your character. If you are suspicious of other players looking at your character sheet, then you might like to change the wiki page address of your character sheet to something less obvious than your character's name.

2005-05-01 [Amtharnis]: A consequence of keeping hitpoints private is that other players won't know how many hp your character has, and the only way they know how well your character is doing will depend on your roleplay. If your character is reduced to 1 or 2 hp, instead of telling the other players that, you would describe your characters physical appearance; ie, after being hit for the fourth time, on the head by the Ogre's club, Ralf is looking a bit battered... and a little tentative about charging the ogre again.

2005-06-07 [pelv13]: Clave would be dead, *chuckles*

2005-06-07 [Amtharnis]: Hoepfully Clave isn't intending to charge and Ogres ;)

2005-06-20 [The White Elf]: Can I join this too?

2005-06-20 [The White Elf]: I LOVE rpg type games!

2005-06-20 [Amtharnis]: If you have an understanding of what the game is about and what it involves, and think you will enjoy it, there is no reason why not. I must warn you, that it is fairly involved and requires regular participation.

2005-06-20 [The White Elf]: Well to be honest, the only RPG games im familiar with are games for ps2 and xbox like Champions, Morrowind, Wild Arms. Stuff like that. Ive been looking for a decent RPG wiki but to no avail, till now anyways.

2005-06-20 [Amtharnis]: I haven't played those video type games much, but I know many of those adventure type ones have been inspired by D&D. It is a bit clunkier using dice and making calculations on paper than using joysticks or what-not, but there is greater scope for using your own imagination. Sounds like this might suit you. There are several ways to create a character - create your own using the D&D manuals (which I determine you probably don't have); choose a character created by me; or fill out the form Narimerlin Character Generation so that I can help you create your own character.

2005-06-20 [The White Elf]: Yes, Ive never played D&D. Its what started it all though. I think I will create my own charactor. I assume this will include much more than Name, Power, and weakness huh?

2005-06-20 [Amtharnis]: Yes, D&D has the advantage of having a game system; the downside is that there is a lot of details to do with the mechanics of the game - physical and mental attributes, abilities, skills, resilience. This involves a lot of concepts that take a bit of getting your head around. What I have been doing is creating those details for players by using the description; for example, if you say your character is muscular and strong, I would give them a high strength score, and so on.

2005-06-20 [The White Elf]: I see. This is kind of how Morrowind Is like. You need to gradually build up your attributes. Like you start out with say 40 strength,40 speed,30 stamina and so on. Thats what you mean kinda?

2005-06-20 [Amtharnis]: Yes, it is very similar. Character's attributes include Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma. These don't change much as your character advances. Instead your character goes through levels. With each level they get more hitpoints. Hitpoints represent your ability to survive a fight or attack. Also as your character progresses through levels, they get more abilities; for example, Wizards get more spells, Rogues get better at picking locks, and so on.

2005-06-20 [The White Elf]: Oh, this is quite similar to morrowind indeed! I think Ill be ok! allright! lol.

2005-06-20 [Amtharnis]: Yes, I think games like Morrowind were initially influenced a lot by D&D.

2005-06-20 [The White Elf]: Oh yeah. From the sounds of it, All the games I like were. I think all fantacy games were influenced by D&D in someway or another. I have heard D&D is as old as the hills!

2005-06-20 [Amtharnis]: Yes, it was invented by an Englishmen called Gary Gygax back in the seventies I think... back when the games you played on computers include that tennis game where the ball was a square dot.

2005-06-20 [The White Elf]: Oh yeah? Thats crazy! Who would have known It would become a legendary game?! Oh, you mean pong? lol, pong rules..*snores*lol

2005-06-20 [Amtharnis]: Yep, but you know once you play D&D, you'll officially be a geek ;) Yeah, I couldn't think of the name. Pong! Haha.