City of Arabel

[Almadyr]

On that site I don't see many bad comments on bannings per se but I see many on (supposed) DM favouritism.

I see your point but I feel that more disclosure on DM actions won't make any difference for the new players.
_________________
Hello. My name is Iñigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

[Mr.Moloch]

Yes, but I can tell you that over 80% of the bad comments are from people we've banned.
_________________
In the future, there are two simple rules to remember:

NO SPITTING.

DO NOT CROSS MISTER MOLOCH.

[Adelor]

I assumed that was the case when I was new, I'm certain that is the case now, but that's still the first point of research people go to (if they're going to research a place at all) followed by these forums.

The whole point of my posts have been that there's nothing available from the DM side at the moment at all - so that's all there is to go on for a newcomer. It'd only effect reasonable and patient newcomers anyway (reasonable enough to read both sides, patient enough to do the research).

Even if it adds one new good player it'll have been worth it from my perspective (a banning list, not a punishments list), and if it has the potential to reduce angry predjudiced new players from mouthing off at the DMs, again, even by just a few, then that's even more worth it.
_________________
Jalez:...my hero...
Jalez drools over the pictures of Richard Anderson
Agonarch: ...switch to 4 wheel drive...
Agonarch goes starry eyed.
Luinril: ...
<- Luinril has left thay

[HarryMcScary]

Haha. The vault. It is sadly where most people get their info on various servers, but I'd imagine that most people (like you) can read between the lines on the vitriolic posts.
_________________
I'm playing a character full time and not actively DMing until I'm finished.

[Coggs]

I gotta say, reading those comments are fairly upsetting, those comments probley take a fair shair of new players away. More of us should sign up there and post our postive experinces with Arabel.
_________________
-John Justice AKA, Eagleman.

[Mr.Moloch]

[Fresh Duke of Milan]

[Lamancha]

[OverUsedChewToy]

[King-Of-Hearts]

[no2ace]

I don't think there's much to discuss, at this point, but I think a "one-strike" rule wouldn't be a bad thing. If someone exploits something - be it unintentionally or intentionally - contact them IC or OOCly (the irc) and inform them of why what they've done is an exploit, and give them a warning not to do it again. If a DM were to tell me that I could get banned if I continue using an exploit, personally, I'd be more than a little hesitant to disobey.

On a lesser related note, does everything need to be dealt with in the form of a character deletion, or a ban? Surely it's possible to have varying degrees of severity in punishments? I have little to no problems with DMs on Arabel, plots are fun, interactions - both IC and OOC - are great, and this is by far my favorite server; but I do find having a very rigid procedure in dealing with exploits, rude behavior, or what not to be somewhat archaic. Just as DMs are people, so are players - I don't think it's too far-fetched that what may be perceived as an overtly harsh punishment could trigger a flurry of insults which weren't meant in sincerity, but simply the product of a spur of the moment rise in blood pressure.

Using Yardsale's example as my own, for example: I think the situation could have easily been resolved by simply taking away the parasites (removal of the tools used to gain the levels, assuming they were the main means) and reducing the character's levels back to that of a relatively low one. As mentioned, at least they were honest, and as such, I think that warrants a certain degree of leniency.

These are only suggestions, and chances are, there are facets about the server and the way DMs handle things I am not fully aware of - if at all. Feel free to point out flaws or reasons why the above would be difficult to implement.

Just my two cents. I hope nothing I said comes across as inflammatory, sarcastic, or rude in anyways - such was not, and will likely never be, my intentions on this server, forums, and IRC channel.
_________________
"A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks for a coffin." - H. L. Mencken

[Mr.Moloch]

no2ace, I think this has been pointed out ad naseum by the DMs.

We assign punishments based on our best understanding of the situation at the time it occurs.

Any player is welcome to calmly and politely tell us if they disagree with that decision and we will listen. That's part of our own basic standards and common sense.

If we still don't agree though, we must do what we feel is ethically called for in the situation.

If you still don't agree, send a calm and polite e-mail to the DM address. The team will review the entire situation.

In this situation, just to be fully transparent, most of the DMs thought deletion of the character was too harsh and would have worked out something else instead.

However, because the player wigged-out and was insulting to the DM handling the case and acted in a very poor manner, we all decided that the ban for behaving this way was necessary.

You will find that rational talking typically clears up any problems, acting irrationally or deciding DMs are out to get you will make matters considerably worse.
_________________
In the future, there are two simple rules to remember:

NO SPITTING.

DO NOT CROSS MISTER MOLOCH.

[no2ace]

Moloch, as mentioned, there's very little more to discuss. I've never had a problem talking in a civil manner with the DMs of CoA, be it regarding current IC plots, help with a character, or any sort of disagreement - my main query, I suppose, was about a "one strike" thing. Quite a few people have experiences where a DM takes them aside and calmly explains that what they've done is an exploit, and that doing it again will result in a ban: why not just make that standard policy? Assuming it's not already, that is.
_________________
"A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks for a coffin." - H. L. Mencken

[Tomppa]

[BableFish]

If you notice in Yardsales post, he says he 'moved the character to the deleted characters folder' suggesting the character is not deleted as such, merely moved out of the vault, for a time at least.
_________________
Gamwell Scathelock - Stark Wyvern 'Commander'

Novo Mundus - Planewalker

Xool - First Ambassador of the Zhentarim - Now Stalwart