Event Feedback

[Admin]

Hey all,

I am still feeling the event and had some time yesterday to process how we thought it went. As with all events we run, we think some things came out better than expected and others not as well. We'll take what we learned from this one and work toward making the next one better.

What we would really like is some feedback, though. We had some feedback forms printed, but we didn't get them handed out in the chaos of checkout.

So, if you have some time, drop us an email or post here with your thoughts. Please be brutally honest and let us know your real thoughts and criticisms. It's the only way we can get better for you!

What was your:

Favorite encounter?
Least favorite encounter?
Favorite NPC?
Least favorite NPC?
What was missing for you?
What would you like to see more of?

Any other thoughts?

[Flinglecask Digroot]

I had a great time at the event. Many, many thanks to Bill, Jordan, and Jay for putting in so much time to build the props and write such good stuff. Also, thanks to the NPCs who ran themselves hard the whole weekend in good fights and good RP encounters.

The Karak'Nai (sp?) ritual was awesome. Jordan and Jay as barbarians calling on their totems to cast it, with the colored flames in the fire, was such a cool effect. I loved how their NPCs bickered at times and expressed their desperation. Having K'Thess show up made the hair on my arms stand up. I really got the sense that the PCs were living in a vibrant world with a long history of conflict and major world events playing out, while at the same time, having the ability to affect the outcome (why else would the battling sides both seek to influence the PCs' decision). Just awesome.

I had several other awesome RP experiences at this event, some with PCs and some with NPCs. In one totally coincidental and unplanned encounter with Jay, in which I took him by surprise, he was awesome in rolling with it. Thanks for taking that time with me. Jordan, Gapgrin is a really interesting character. I love that I got to learn a little about how he came do what he does, and see him as a real character, not just a plot device. I can't wait to see him again! And to the whole NPC staff and PCs who were there on the heavy RP mod Saturday during the day, I don't think I have ever witnessed a cooler in-game discussion with so many people involved. Tough decisions made tougher by intense PC-PC/PC-NPC RP. Really cool stuff.

On the fighting front, I will say that the event was a tough one. I fought a lot of NPCs that were really butch (including some seemingly crunchy encounters with guys swinging over 15 massive). There was an in-game reason for that, and I was comfortable with it as an experienced PC and player, but it seemed that some lower level PCs felt useless at times. I was definitely scared to walk around alone, which is something that can be missing in LARPs on occasion.

The tower mod was definitely tough as well. I think it was made tougher by the fact that the PCs didn't have enough correct information to handle it better. In retrospect, I believe we bear at least some of the responsibility for that, as we drew some conclusions from information Azayer provided that turned out to be incorrect. As we understood it, the same group needed to complete all levels. We originally thought we would send through multiple groups so we could have fall backs if one group failed. After the first group wiped, my group went it. We got pretty far, left, and came back the next day, then wiped (4/5 of us rezzed). We still had three levels to go (at least), and we had been totally tapped out. Most of the people there were pretty high level, albeit with few magic items. The reason we wiped is we couldn't affect the creatures any more. We made a mistake by not fleeing the mod and returning with magic weapons. Dumb error in the heat of battle, in my opinion. We didn't go back to finish it. As my PC, I lost the will to do it, honestly. I was new to the area, had rezzed once, and didn't have a real sense of why I should put my life on the line again. The others in my group weren't pushing it either, and neither was anyone else in the town. Thus, it fell by the wayside, and the overall mission failed. A death in vain, but I still had fun because the fights were fun and tough.

The tower mod was a great idea because it gave a chance for people to get out their fighting bug in a sustained way. As it played out, though, it was really hard--just hard enough for the people who went on it, or perhaps just a hair too hard (fine with me), but too hard for many of the other PCs in town. Thus, many groups or solos couldn't affect that plotline at all. That made it less of a viable option to run a series of groups through. If the plan was to involve more groups throughout the weekend, I think the reason that didn't work out is because of the perceived difficulty of the mod, and the feeling that many if not most were not tough enough to go there. I look forward to the opportunity to try again next year when the tower comes back. Next time we'll be ready.

Saturday night, I was running low on steam after being overheated all day (damned dwarven wigs and beards, I tell you). Then the ravager fight hit like a shot of adreneline. The first 15+ foot tall tree was crazy. I was in awe of just that. When we killed it, I was sure that was the Ravager. Then two more of those came out at the same time, with an even taller, 25+? foot, three-man treant. I can say that never, in LARPing since ~1997, have I seen a larger repped monster. What made this one so cool was that it was mobile and it literally had a 20 foot wingspan with massive claws. When I saw that I could actually run between the trunk and the claws, I had to do it just so I could feel what it was like to run partially under a monster. Totally off the chain. The best part of the fight, in my opinion, was when the voice radius fear then drain hit. That wiped almost all remaining life spells out. As the last few were cast, there was this moment of "We are totally tapped out. If one more person is killing blowed, they rezz, no matter what." And yet, the PCs fought on. The young ogre dude (I can't think of his name) and Armond Soot were the will of the PCs to keep fighting (Armond after rezzing twice--in. that. same. fight.). We never would have done it if not for those guys. When they finally struck down the Ravager and the ogre belted out a war cry, again the hair on my arms stood up. Truly an epic moment in my LARPing experience.

Major kudos to the plot team for putting together the idea of the Ravager, and pulling it off the way you did. Not only one prop monster, but THREE. And HUGE ones. I'll never forget that fight, that's for sure.

Lastly (and I apologize for the long post), but I wanted to thank the other PCs for being so open to a new face. It had been awhile since I played international, and I was a bit apprehensive about showing up alone to the event. I can't remember everyone's names now that were so cool to me throughout the weekend, but the ones I do are, by name and description: Xavier the gypsy, the young ogre dude, the older ogre dude that dealt with the gypsy merchant, Yarn the dwarf, Culaden, Eileen, Sir Rykus, and Sticks. There are more, I am sure, but I can't remember them all at the moment. And Asa (Captain) and Jeremy, and the dude who played Darrith, I was surprised to run into you guys at the event. Thanks for coming out, and thanks braving the tower mod with me. And, of course, thanks for the ward--that proved to be pretty critical for a solid 4 hours of sweaty sleep.

Can't wait until the next event.

Joe
aka Flinglecask Digroot, Master Brewer and Tender of Spirits

[Bud Lewis]

Guys, you continue to blow any expectations I had before the event out of the water, which is saying something, because after the may event, they were pretty high. But last weekend was beyond fun. Maybe I'm easy to please, but its been some of the most most exirating story, combat and gaming in general.

For obvious reason the battle with the Ravenger was my favorite of the weekend, but I might be a slightly biased opinion on that.

I suppose the fights with the undead were my least favorite, but thats because I was finally getting tired and just not in the mood to fight. So, that was more on timing and not the encounters themselves.

Well, The Harbinger takes my favorite NPC slot due to the fact that he was creepy enough to haunt a dream last night. OoG it was a perfect NPC. IG, he scared the hell out of me.

I really didn't have a least favorite NPC. They all felt natural and alive. None of them ever seemed forced into the situations they were in because "it fit the game".

The only thing I really missed was some friends that weren't able to make it, but that is by no means on plot. Life just gets in the way occasionally. Plus two other pieces of the Fo'Karn would have been REALLY useful. >.>

I would love to see more interesting and extravagent props such as the Ravenger. I had expected something like the first out that had come out, but when the three man run Ravenger came out swinging, I was just shocked and absolutely enthralled by the fact that you guys put that much time and effort into it all.

As for other thoughts... it was an amazing event and you guys never let up with the surprises you have in store for us. I can;t wait to see what you all do next.

[YarN]

Wow, I just feel like saying "Ditto", but that seems a bit too cheesy.

I have to agree about the excellent interaction I had with the NPC Gapgrin, I got a lot of great information from him and was able to lighten my gold puoch a bit for his service. As one so very new to the area information is the biggest asset needed for my character to survive (besides a great big axe that I did not get to use this weekend )

I can't speek much about the Tower mod as I chose not to die there. But I heard many great and horrible tales of what other PC's faced with-in its walls.

As for my least favorite encounter, I have to admit that once I realized even my greatest damage had no aeffect on the vine guys I pretty much gave up even fighting them. I understand they were meant to be tough and threatening, but I can't fight what I can't hurt.

The Karak'Nai was amazing, But I still don't know what a K'thess, K'tang, K' etc.. are. I hope to return often and eventually find out.

As for the Massive Tree monster fighting. Not much more can be said other then !@#$(% voice radious! I spent more time running in terror than fighting (not complaining because it really added to the eaffect). However, that battle did allow me to get my best battle-action for the weekend when my dwarven-mug-o-doom caused such histeria that a fellow PC was able to wipe out one of the monster's infested minions. I loved it!

All in all I want to thank Plot (and Sticks) for making my second LARP such a memorable experience. Even though I quite often felt that the fighting was above my ability to handle, I still hope that every event I attend will be as thrilling (though a little cooler temperatures would really help).

Michael Elliott, aka: YarN, the dwarf with the real beard!

P.S. Sorry about the spelling, I'm no caster.

[Dieben]

Hello and well met everyone,

As an NPC I must say that this was one of if not the best event I have had the privilege of participating in. I am very pleased that those who have posted so far enjoyed the event as much as they did. As an NPC though I should probably comment more on stuff besides plot and props (but those were outstanding Bill, Jay, and Jordan!) Anyways, I would like to make a point of saying that the food served this event was bar none the best LARP fare I've ever had. Massive kudos to Sticks especially as well as the several PC's who assisted him at the task. Great job all of you!

My only complaint (besides the excruciating heat and humidity) would probably be the overuse of cell phones while in-game. I can understand going off out of ear shot/sight of other players, and going out of game to text or answer a call. I could also understand keeping them hidden in a sleeve on stopwatch mode to keep track of time while performing a ritual, resurrection, or dying. Unfortunately, the phones were out way more than that and kind of detracted from the in-game atmosphere.

Overall though this was a splendid event and I am jumping with enthusiasm for it.

Until next time,
~Dieben

[jordancbrun]

Ben-

I agree about the cell phones. Personally, anything that is more of an anachronism which takes away from the game should be done in a location away from viewing and while the player is OOG, in my opinion.

The Tower was not a bust, in my opinion. Bill, Jay, and I do not, on the whole, scale the world, but that does not mean that an encounter is UNBEATABLE. Proper testing of the ways and means of the Tower and finding what needed to be done can be used for future references. It will come again next year, and another attempt is available. In retrospect, I am a bit glad that the Tower was not entirely popular, because we were severely shorthanded this event in regards to NPCs, and using 3 of us dedicated to the entertainment of 5 is a misappropriation of resources on par with any government.

Did I mention that we could use more dedicated NPCs for our events?

I appreciate the praise for the Ravager and other prop monsters. I know that Jay, Bill, and I spent several weeks preparing for that one memorable encounter, and perhaps the dark aspect of nature will rear its trunk once again in the near future... It'd be a shame to let such a glorious rep go to waste, but I'd hate to have it become cliche'.

In regards to the roleplaying praise, I am very happy to be able to play with PCs that put value on the information that we present about the Northlands and its denizens. This place has a rich history, and a complex future, and decisions made by each of you at each event not only shape the land, but your interaction within it. I hope that you all take the time to look at the "Next Event" posting Bill put up and give serious consideration to where you want our Plot to progress from here.

We are willing to hear your suggestions, but understand that if you drop something in our laps DURING an event, we may not have the time (and resources) to placate your wishes. I understand there were a few questions asked of me during the event that I was either dismissive of or grossly misinformed on. If I was rude, please accept my apologies.

Thanks all for your comments. I know that we were planning the next event during clean-up, and there are plenty more surprises and developments for you all to effect within the lands of K'Thess, the Wolf, and the Bear.

-Jordan

[Admin]

Thanks for everyone for the feedback so far. It is really helpful to us.

But what about the negative stuff? Negative feedback is a lot more critical to us than positive. When we know what you liked, sure, we can provide more of it. When we know what didn't like, though, we can really make a difference.

In response to Mike's post, I agree that the wandering encounters at this event were tougher than I expected them to be. That was a logistical issue at monster camp. There should have been more variety from weak to strong, and it's my fault for not monitoring to make sure the random ravager-infected played the full scale from weak to strong. Sorry about that. I wish I had noticed it and corrected during the event.

Which leads me to an important point. Please bring this sort of stuff to our attention during events whenever possible. If someone had mentioned that to me during the event, it would have triggered the correction while there was still time to fix it. So, always feel free to bring thoughts like that to my attention during events.

So, let me re-phrase my original question a little.

What didn't work this event?

For example, to my mind, the power level of the random ravager-infested was off, as I described above.

Further, I felt that this event didn't run as smoothly as I would have liked. I felt like I, personally, spent too much of the event playing catch-up, and I think that was felt by the PC's, too. Despite our attempts to organize in advance, it didn't work and I think the event suffered for it.

-Bill

[Sticks]

As was already mentioned, the plant guys seemed really powerful and I personally never saw anything that was swinging less then 9's and plenty of things swinging more then that.

Nothing seemed to be realistically affectable by gases the entire weekend. Plant things with multiple resists, undead, and phase monsters are what I recall right now.

Being infested was probably one of my worst ever experiences once it activated. It pretty much turned my PC into a one shot NPC with 2-3 hours of imprisoned/waylayed/unconciousness afterwards as the other PC's tried to find a way to fix those of us infested.

The weather was way too hot and I totally expect the GM staff to maintain control over this either through a sophisticated weather machine or by doing some sort of ritual before game on to provide us with appropriate weather.

I was disappointed that either the trap challenge never showed up, or I completely missed it while I was infested/waylayed.

Personally it seems I missed out on 90% of the plot that was happening, this time it wasnt because I was a stupid Ogre it was because I was in the Tavern. I missed the barbarian ceremony, I heard nothing about needing to go to the troll lands, nothing about the dragonsteeth goblins and us needing to fix things with them. I heard something about a merchant that people got to go and see, but personally only saw one merchant come into town.

Overall I felt particularly ineffective almost to the point of being a useless character for the duration of the event, which as a 25th level character really makes me wonder how the 10th level and below crowd managed the event.

I really like the evaluate system that was introduced. The hardest part is that without a point of reference for what a tiny/small/medium/large gem is it was hard to give accurate values. I also wonder if I was doing the math correctly cause I was finding some gems that were worth like 5 gold 4 silver or in one case 73 silver (7g, 3s). I am also uncertain how these gems are supposed to work....are they just like currency except only for people with evaluate? Do we cash them in and get coin from NPC camp for them? Are they only usable for Maxing out?

That is all the bad stuff I can think of right now.

-Evan

[Bud Lewis]

I'm sitting here at work prodding my brain about things I could have had a problem with and I think I may have finally found one. And it is a more out of game critique than anything. A few of the NPCs were unsure both on their own abilities and other abilities in the game. I understand new players not knowing everything, its alot to learn. The new guy I brought was constantly asking me "What's that mean I do?" But maybe going over the monsters and NPCs abilities a little more with each NPC might help bring down the number of holds that get called.

[Bud Lewis]

To Evan:

Being part of the Level 10 and under group you were talking about. It was really HARD. XD But that's not always a bad thing. Like my friend Jacob's been saying. He's been on his toes and watching the shadows since the end of the event. Lmao. And he was level 2. Hahaha

[Eileen Gallagher]

Bill,

For a full accounting from my perspective please talk to Jay as we had time to sit and tell him it on site. For the most part what I saw that seemed to fit what you are asking about is that the event had a very detached feel. It seemed as if there was some type of communication gap between plot and I would often get different information or contradictory descriptions depending on which plot member I asked. I believe the heat played a part in it but it was noticable none the less. Also, there seemed to be less variety in the types of encounters available to Pc's then normal. Lastly, I noticed the pacing seemed to be off and that is most likely due to the heat and lack of NPC's that Jordan mentioned but it was signifigantly different from what we have seen before.
As I said, we talked to Jay on site so he can relay any information he remembers and overall we enjoyed the event and are looking forward to coming back but you asked for the negative so that is what I tried to provide in this post.
You guys have a hard job and rise to it well so I don't want you to think that negative is all we thought about it at all. I personally didn't see the prop monster as I was in the circle for the rit part of it but I hear it was amazing and from the ressurecting PC's I could tell the energy for that battle was great!

[Admin]

Thanks to everyone for all the feedback, both that delivered here and personally via email and phone calls.

Overall, I would say that the event was a success, but that we did not pull it off as well as we hoped. I can blame part of that on the heat, but that's not really a valid excuse. More of the problem came from logistical issues on our part.

We have already been talking about exactly what we're going to do to fix these problems during events, and I think that we have developed a good plan to make it work very nicely. The logistical changes to how we're going to be running things should really let the next event be a smoother and much more cohesive effort on our part.

I really appreciate the constructive criticism contained in the last few posts above. Like I said, we really, really need to hear the negative because it helps us a lot more than the positive. Sure, the positive feels good, but the negative is what lets us grow and improve.

As for NPC numbers, that will always be a problem. It is our goal to run a game that makes people want to PC. That said, we have some thoughts about how we can fix that problem as well in a good way.