I would like to know how other players are handling the quest log. Are we all having to keep a doc file somewhere of the npc interactions just to know where we left off the last gaming session?
Also, I have only run into one quest that suggested I go get help to finish it. I like the idea of group/team quests, but I have recently gotten a quest where Khelben wants a dragon bodypart. I'm wondering if its really a group quest and he's down at the Yawning Portal placing bets aganst me.
I'm seeing that quests are triggered by a level as the armor guy south of the marketplace now keeps asking for help (how annoying the 10th time later) as i browse the inventory. I'm fast approaching lvl 10 and true death and i'm curious if the quest givers are going to send me into places I shouldn't go at my level.
Thoughts/Suggestions?
How are you handling the quest log?
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
The questlog normally gives enough information to remember where you left off. Some little notes on a program like notepad might be good to keep however, if you are having troubles.
It is always good and honestly, much more enjoyable if you find/ask someone else or a group of people to help you with any and all quests, especially if you are unsure.
As you become more "traveled" and raise in levels you will find more open to you. I see it as the mobs can "sense" you being more well-known than before. If it is in your characters roleplay, never be afraid to ask for help in characterly or inquire if someone might know more information about said given quest. I've always found it better to be safe than sorry! =)
It is always good and honestly, much more enjoyable if you find/ask someone else or a group of people to help you with any and all quests, especially if you are unsure.
As you become more "traveled" and raise in levels you will find more open to you. I see it as the mobs can "sense" you being more well-known than before. If it is in your characters roleplay, never be afraid to ask for help in characterly or inquire if someone might know more information about said given quest. I've always found it better to be safe than sorry! =)
Autumn is a second spring where every leaf has its turn to be a flower.
- Albert Camus
- Albert Camus
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
Just to make sure, too, you do know about the 'qlog' command, correct?
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
Kielar, you bring up some very valid points and I think there's always room for improvement.
(summary at bottom; this got long)
As for me, I log everything. Many times because the mob is expecting a very specific answer. Sometimes, admittedly, the quest log just doesn't give enough detail as to what exactly is expected of my character.
The reality is that the quest log (or, at least its visibility to players) is still a fairly new introduction to the game when considering how long this game has been online. Many quests probably weren't seen as needing to be very specific and, perhaps, might have been rushed to bring something for the overall good of the game to implementation. I've noticed that a lot of the newer quests are pretty specific in their steps as to where you left off. I think this has been a huge effort on the part of the builders, but there will always be some quests that slip through the cracks. As to what to do about those, I (as a player) think it's up to players to report when quest logs are insufficient, misleading, or missing. It would be too difficult for our small building staff to go through each area and ensure each quest works flawlessly.
Another reality is that when you accept quests, ICly, they are expected to be completed immediately with little or no break. There's a reason why Jonathan is sending you all over town; it's urgent! I know all of us are grateful that quests don't time out. Sometimes, I just don't feel like doing them once I realize what all it entails. I'll complete them at a later date when I feel more patient. QLog is my best friend, most of the time. When it fails: my logs are my "bible."
That said, there is only so much OOC assistance that I feel mobs should provide. ICly, these NPCs don't care how well armored you are when they're asking you for these things. They expect that if the task is too difficult for you, you will have help or request assistance from those who are stronger than you to complete the task you agreed to. I really dislike level requirements on quests. Leave it to me to decide how strong my character is. I don't need to be level 30 before I feel I can clear out a den of goblins. I'm probably in the minority with that belief, though. I don't mind clutter in my "qlog progress" so long as it's available to me when I think I can actually do it.
TL;DR:
I log everything that happens in-game. I use "qlog progress" primarily. When that fails me, I use my logs.
I don't care for level-required quests. If I need help completing a quest, I wait until I'm higher level and/or get help from other players.
(summary at bottom; this got long)
As for me, I log everything. Many times because the mob is expecting a very specific answer. Sometimes, admittedly, the quest log just doesn't give enough detail as to what exactly is expected of my character.
The reality is that the quest log (or, at least its visibility to players) is still a fairly new introduction to the game when considering how long this game has been online. Many quests probably weren't seen as needing to be very specific and, perhaps, might have been rushed to bring something for the overall good of the game to implementation. I've noticed that a lot of the newer quests are pretty specific in their steps as to where you left off. I think this has been a huge effort on the part of the builders, but there will always be some quests that slip through the cracks. As to what to do about those, I (as a player) think it's up to players to report when quest logs are insufficient, misleading, or missing. It would be too difficult for our small building staff to go through each area and ensure each quest works flawlessly.
Another reality is that when you accept quests, ICly, they are expected to be completed immediately with little or no break. There's a reason why Jonathan is sending you all over town; it's urgent! I know all of us are grateful that quests don't time out. Sometimes, I just don't feel like doing them once I realize what all it entails. I'll complete them at a later date when I feel more patient. QLog is my best friend, most of the time. When it fails: my logs are my "bible."
That said, there is only so much OOC assistance that I feel mobs should provide. ICly, these NPCs don't care how well armored you are when they're asking you for these things. They expect that if the task is too difficult for you, you will have help or request assistance from those who are stronger than you to complete the task you agreed to. I really dislike level requirements on quests. Leave it to me to decide how strong my character is. I don't need to be level 30 before I feel I can clear out a den of goblins. I'm probably in the minority with that belief, though. I don't mind clutter in my "qlog progress" so long as it's available to me when I think I can actually do it.
TL;DR:
I log everything that happens in-game. I use "qlog progress" primarily. When that fails me, I use my logs.
I don't care for level-required quests. If I need help completing a quest, I wait until I'm higher level and/or get help from other players.
This land shall come to the God who knows the answer to War. -Ninety-Nine Nights
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
It's worth mentioning that a few of my quests are actually urgent and are built that way. They will "break" (i.e. you will fail the quest) if you leave them sit too long.
"A man may die yet still endure if his work enters the greater work, for time is carried upon a current of forgotten deeds, and events of great moment are but the culmination of a single carefully placed thought." - Chime of Eons
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
Just out of curiosity, is there any OOC mention of that in the quest script or qlog?Harroghty wrote:It's worth mentioning that a few of my quests are actually urgent and are built that way. They will "break" (i.e. you will fail the quest) if you leave them sit too long.
This land shall come to the God who knows the answer to War. -Ninety-Nine Nights
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
No, but I would like to think that it is relatively clear IC.
"A man may die yet still endure if his work enters the greater work, for time is carried upon a current of forgotten deeds, and events of great moment are but the culmination of a single carefully placed thought." - Chime of Eons
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
If it's the quest I'm thinking of, it is mentioned. The only problem is, as has been mentioned before, Jonathon says it's 'urgent' as well, but doesn't have a time limit. That creates a precedent for people to think that NPCs are just exaggerating. <.< I think if you have a time limit on a quest, it should state, "I don't think they'll last more than a day." or something equivalent. Give an IC description of exactly how long the PCs have, or at least close to it.
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
Jonathon only says that he is trying to compete with the Merchant's Guild. In contrast, my (only, I think) time dependent quest stresses that people are dying that instant.
I do not like OOC notes in IC things generally. Still, I do use them when it looks necessary. Typically moreso in newbie related events. I believe that after you have been playing for a while you should be able to make your own in-character decision about the urgency and see how the dice land.
I do not like OOC notes in IC things generally. Still, I do use them when it looks necessary. Typically moreso in newbie related events. I believe that after you have been playing for a while you should be able to make your own in-character decision about the urgency and see how the dice land.
"A man may die yet still endure if his work enters the greater work, for time is carried upon a current of forgotten deeds, and events of great moment are but the culmination of a single carefully placed thought." - Chime of Eons
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
Yeah, I would agree that the quest in question does have enough 'catches' that you should realize it's important to be prepared. Anyway, that has gotten a bit off topic.
Kielar, as a new player, there are just some accommodations you're going to have to make and understand. The game has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get over that, and learn more about playing your character, and especially your race, in a fantasy setting (IE leaving behind modernism in speech and behavior), you're going to love it.
Kielar, as a new player, there are just some accommodations you're going to have to make and understand. The game has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get over that, and learn more about playing your character, and especially your race, in a fantasy setting (IE leaving behind modernism in speech and behavior), you're going to love it.
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
As someone who hasnt played Forgotten Realms with the friends in 20ish years, ease up on the your doing it wrong and give examples of doing it right. Its going to be a while before i can get the resources read again. And I'm sure I'll make all sorts of gaffs like mentioning things from other worlds. Remember the time when I mentioned Pelor from Greyhawk, or being put in the Dead Book from Planescape? The thing I want the people of this mud to realize is that I'm participating. Please roll with the idea that I'm trying to contribute to the fun. Give me time to eliminate habits like abbreviations and emoticons. Especially when I'm in a one on one conversation exercising the author muscle.
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
I don't think anyone's trying to scold you. Certainly we shouldn't.
I began playing this game in 2004 with absolutely no knowledge of the Forgotten Realms and limited AD&D experience (most of it relegated already to the River Lethe). In time, I learned. You will, too. There are many resources available to help (check out our World forum if you have not already) and plenty of people willing to help also.
I began playing this game in 2004 with absolutely no knowledge of the Forgotten Realms and limited AD&D experience (most of it relegated already to the River Lethe). In time, I learned. You will, too. There are many resources available to help (check out our World forum if you have not already) and plenty of people willing to help also.
"A man may die yet still endure if his work enters the greater work, for time is carried upon a current of forgotten deeds, and events of great moment are but the culmination of a single carefully placed thought." - Chime of Eons
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Raona
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Re: How are you handling the quest log?
To address your questions specifically, in my own personal opinion:
1) Yes, mobs will frequently send you off on quests you are utterly unprepared for! Sometimes it is your own "fault," as when you ask for the cure for a poison and are told it requires dragon bits, but more often NPCs just ask for the moon and expect you to decide if they should get it. (Welcome to the US coasts, says this middle-American!) That's why Raona goes around telling everyone to ignore the requests to dive into Undermountain, at least until they've lived a little. I commend you to ask about places ICly, as well as to use the HELP AREAS files that give you some guidance as to what level each area in the game is aimed at. CONSIDER your foes and read the room descriptions...err on the side of caution, or if you are a Tymoran or Tempurian, accept that fate will be what it is! (Let it be said I've most certainly marched off to certain death myself, when it has been clearly what Raona would do...though I try to time it for when I can deal with the process of getting her back to life.)
2) I have very fragmented play time and rely on the QLOG to remember where I am in the many quests I'm part-way through. But I also keep a text file with logs of all the quest bits leading up to the point I'm currently at, or I'd have no hope of finishing most of them. I keep all the quest-related items in a separate bag, lest I sell or give away something I needed. (...and I only play one PC, I can't imagine trying to handle as many as most players seem to have!)
3) Yes, quests can require all manner of things as triggers, including level, ability scores, prior quests, glory, you name it. That's up to the builder. Some will build in anti-suicide safeguards, others will not. More likely the former in newer quests, the latter in older ones. But one common theme in FK is that you can fail a quest. Indeed, if you haven't failed at least some, you are not really playing. Key things in FK (quests and combat, for example) are meant to always offer the risk of failure, which you are meant to calculate against the thrill of attempting them and the rewards they might offer (which are usually, but not always, commensurate).
Something you didn't ask about, but I think worth mentioning since it is related:
* Your PC will die. Sometimes in stupid ways. (Drowning, engaging a troll in killmode spar, and wandering into the lair of a dragon are my top three.) It happens, and the staff understand that it does. It's not the end of the world, you can come back. Having (IC) friends and not having used up all your favours and goodwill with them are very helpful with that. You don't want to perish too often or be too needy, but you need to be able ask for help when you need it. Oh, and be prepared for it. I keep a spare kit, with a good deal of coin, in safe storage (near where I end up if I supplicate for reincarnation), for when I need to go retrieve my corpse and no friends are online (which is mostly when I have a chance to play these days...it's me and the Aussies!).
1) Yes, mobs will frequently send you off on quests you are utterly unprepared for! Sometimes it is your own "fault," as when you ask for the cure for a poison and are told it requires dragon bits, but more often NPCs just ask for the moon and expect you to decide if they should get it. (Welcome to the US coasts, says this middle-American!) That's why Raona goes around telling everyone to ignore the requests to dive into Undermountain, at least until they've lived a little. I commend you to ask about places ICly, as well as to use the HELP AREAS files that give you some guidance as to what level each area in the game is aimed at. CONSIDER your foes and read the room descriptions...err on the side of caution, or if you are a Tymoran or Tempurian, accept that fate will be what it is! (Let it be said I've most certainly marched off to certain death myself, when it has been clearly what Raona would do...though I try to time it for when I can deal with the process of getting her back to life.)
2) I have very fragmented play time and rely on the QLOG to remember where I am in the many quests I'm part-way through. But I also keep a text file with logs of all the quest bits leading up to the point I'm currently at, or I'd have no hope of finishing most of them. I keep all the quest-related items in a separate bag, lest I sell or give away something I needed. (...and I only play one PC, I can't imagine trying to handle as many as most players seem to have!)
3) Yes, quests can require all manner of things as triggers, including level, ability scores, prior quests, glory, you name it. That's up to the builder. Some will build in anti-suicide safeguards, others will not. More likely the former in newer quests, the latter in older ones. But one common theme in FK is that you can fail a quest. Indeed, if you haven't failed at least some, you are not really playing. Key things in FK (quests and combat, for example) are meant to always offer the risk of failure, which you are meant to calculate against the thrill of attempting them and the rewards they might offer (which are usually, but not always, commensurate).
Something you didn't ask about, but I think worth mentioning since it is related:
* Your PC will die. Sometimes in stupid ways. (Drowning, engaging a troll in killmode spar, and wandering into the lair of a dragon are my top three.) It happens, and the staff understand that it does. It's not the end of the world, you can come back. Having (IC) friends and not having used up all your favours and goodwill with them are very helpful with that. You don't want to perish too often or be too needy, but you need to be able ask for help when you need it. Oh, and be prepared for it. I keep a spare kit, with a good deal of coin, in safe storage (near where I end up if I supplicate for reincarnation), for when I need to go retrieve my corpse and no friends are online (which is mostly when I have a chance to play these days...it's me and the Aussies!).
Re: How are you handling the quest log?
I tend to keep notes, since the qlog is:
a) too short
b) sometimes buggy
a) too short
b) sometimes buggy