Went to a trivia night the other week and one of the teams was just called "Dad noises" and I've never felt so attacked and also understood in my life.
Squawk! Registered Member #648
Joined: 1:50:32 am GMT 11/20/05
Posts: 1481
Some time around 2006, I logged on to Thain to a strange surprise. All of the characters that were logged on were in some odd dungeon or castle together. My character, Jojo, was a neutral good gnome. She was highly intelligent, but very ditzy, with a very kind heart. I remember By'ran the orc also being there. He was, at that time, a rising BBG in the Shadow war. Several others were there, representing different levels of good and bad. It was a group that did not belong together in the same room.
We were confused, but we just started RPing it out. We figured we would simply have to work together to get out of this place we had magically appeared in. The idea of this seemed incredibly fun to me.
It turned out that we were all just there due to some ooc glitch or misclick, and the DM ported us back to our proper locations.
The idea still always stuck with me.
In late 2017, I come back to Thain after a long absence, right into the middle of the Kin War/Great War times.
I was playing a new character. A halfling druid named Malam, and his animal companion, Dauken.
Malam had no real interest in joining either side of the war, but felt compelled to serve Nature, and find others willing to help in this task.
I also was not that interested in joining a side, OOC, but I still wanted to play the game with others.
I found an old forum post by Entopic Chaos, in which he suggested something called "Nature Night", which would be kind of like Dwarf Night or Orc Night (two successful player run events). He seemed to be looking for a nature-based event that was not focused primarily on elves, that would allow anyone to join as equals. It would be more quest/RP based, with no PvP.
For whatever reasons, it never happened. I saw the thread and got to talking to folks about it. I got a lot of support and good ideas, even from those not really interested in joining. I planned a place and time in my head, but sort of just let it slip by. The idea of Nature Night almost faded off again.
Fortunately, Cuchuwyn, Thranduil Greenleaf (aka Gregor Wyrmbane), and Warlord Kro continued to encourage me, both IC and OOC, to get this thing going.
And so we got a few "off schedule" events going. Eventually, we had an actual event set up. We planned it in what some of us now call the "Old Grove", which is that clearing of trees between Akari's patrol, the Crossroad east woods entrance, and Webster's landing.
I worried that no one would come, but was pleasantly surprised to see my old friend Archgrendel had his druid there before me, with a big table and chairs set up for the event.
It took time for the event to take off. Sometimes no one showed up. Sometimes we had big turn outs. I was lucky that there were experienced players/characters there, because Malam (and I) did not really know our way around the island.
The event grew and grew and grew. We got the Wild Grove (thanks to builders/staff; I'm looking at you, Squidget ! ) to have as our "base". We were joined by druids, rangers, paladins, wizards, drow, tieflings, pixies and many other sorts. All were, by the story, drawn there by "The Calling", and those that answered were "The Called". Despite all of the differences of those gathered, the laws and rules of The Calling demanded that they did not fight one another during the hours of The Calling (though there was plenty of bickering, insulting, and arguing). The stories of "The Called" shaped Thain in many ways, even as we stayed out of factional wars in our quests (though some returned to them when that day's event was over).
OOC, Nature Night is about inclusion. There may be some characters that simply cannot be a part of it for some reason or another, but this is rare. Basically anyone can join and be a part of it if they are willing to work within the bounds of the event's purpose. There will be action, often, but the primary goal is to tell or join in a story.
IC, all of this lot of varied characters will join in for their own reasons. Still, most who join will recognize that they must deal with the threats that The Calling faces, regardless of their causes outside of the event. If the very land that they wish to live in, or even conquer, is destroyed by some force, then their goals will likely never be achieved.
As Malam the Arch-Druid used to say, "This is our home."
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Woodland animals gather as The Old Grove enters an Age of Sleep
Squawk! Registered Member #648
Joined: 1:50:32 am GMT 11/20/05
Posts: 1481
Old Places; New Faces New Places; Old Faces
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The Wood Woad; Guardian and Servant of The Wild Grove
Many of you were there for the old days. Some of you are totally new to it, or never joined in the past.
"Nature Night 1" lasted almost two years, I think; about 150 events or so. That is a lot of character and story development. That is a lot of history. It was a lot of time for characters to become close and know one another well.
A lot happened, and some things just changed. Most of the Grove regulars are not around much anymore. Still, some of them may return. All that was done by these characters in those days is part of what the Wild Grove and The Calling.
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The Vision Fruit
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The Battle of The Feywild
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Bringing Life to The Wastes
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Kallista's Shadowblight on The Wild Grove
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The Restoration of Davenshire
"Nature Night 2" is the start of a new set of stories which will carry on from, and sometimes be intertwined with the old ones. No one has to know the old stories to join in, though they may like learning about them.
It's time for new stories to follow the old stories. It's time for new heroes to join the old heroes.
Some of the old heroes have gone there own way, but their memories will always be a part of Nature Night.
Squawk! Registered Member #648
Joined: 1:50:32 am GMT 11/20/05
Posts: 1481
TL;DNR
Nature Night will start back up some time in January 2023
Nature Night (NN) was a player-run event that took place several years ago, continuing for almost 2 years and around 150 events.
The origins and success of Nature Night were the results of the ideas and work of many more players than just scratch flannigan.
This new chapter of Nature Night will carry on the traditions of the original Nature Night in most ways. Time has passed, faces have changed. Many things will seem new and different to old Nature Night characters.
It is a player run event focused on cooperative play and RP. Inclusion is key in Nature Night. All types of characters will be there that might not normally cooperate (or even tolerate one another). The events and the rules(both OOC and IC) prevent those joining from PvP with other event attendees unless something is planned before hand. RP'ed, non-mechanical PvP might occur, but should be very rare. (These are the rules I lay out for the event, so they don't supersede server rules regarding PvP, MPC, KoS etc. I hope that the rules of the event will still be respected.)
The event is based on characters being called by Nature itself to carry out tasks. The player event is known OOC as Nature Night. IC, the Event is "The Calling". Those drawn to the event are known as "The Called". Some who arrive may not believe it was a "Calling", or that they are considered "Called".
The events, stories and RP of the original Nature Night had a lasting impact on Thain. Perhaps this will happen with the new Nature Night, perhaps not; either way, I hope for everyone to have fun.
Anyone can join in, as long as they work within the goals of the event.
The event will now focus on a new generation of characters. Old characters who attended the event are as welcome as new characters. Old characters may find some things are different, while some things remain the same.
You folks are awesome. I love Thain. I am so grateful to have an opportunity to run events like this.
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The Woods Beyond, before becoming The Frozen Beyond
Squawk! Registered Member #648
Joined: 1:50:32 am GMT 11/20/05
Posts: 1481
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Fey Guardians - The Wolf
A quick Q and A, based on things folks have asked, and things I have seen.
Q: Can I bring someone not normally accepted elsewhere, like a drow or a red dragonkin?
A: We have had both of those and many other "monstrous" types in the past! The rules of the Calling prevent those Called from fighting with one another during the event. I just ask that you be there to work within the overall goals of the event, and not simply to seek conflict with other characters. Arguing and threatening may be normal in such an event. This is part of the RP of something like a Feywood Elf Seeing a Drow, and vice versa.
Q: So I can RP my character's normal odd or hostile reactions during the event?
A: It is expected to see those who are unhappy about, and mistrustful of others at the event. The RP around this should be done in a way that is part of, but does not dominate, the event.
Keep in mind, the events will usually give about an hour for RP and "mission briefing" at the start. After this, we generally move on to the adventure. Right as we are ready to leave is not a good time to start the RP conflict. If you want to instigate RP conflict, please don't show up right as we are ready to go. Many players have scheduled out time in their RL for this event (about 3 - 5 hours). If the whole thing gets delayed, they may have to miss the end of the event.
Q: Can a low-level and/or poorly geared character come to the event.
A: Absolutely! The focus of the event is RP and story. There may be action and tough fights. If you're character is weaker, they may want to avoid melee and aggro'ing enemies. This does not mean they cannot be important participants in the event. Ideas, knowledge, and non-combat actions will be very important.
Q: Can anyone run a Nature Night plot or event?
A: Basically, yes...eventually. I'm going to run it for a while to get the ball rolling and sort of establish the flow and culture of the event. If others want to run events later, I will be more of the event "producer/show runner" as they are the "writer/director".
There will be basic event rules, such as inclusion and cooperation, that will remain rules for any Nature Night event. Still, I want anyone wanting to run an event to have the freedom to make it their own.
Believe me, there will come a point that I /really/ want someone to give me a week off.
Q: This is a lot of hype around this event! Will Nature Night Season 2 start with a huge, block-buster style event?
A: No...lol. It will start sort of slow and steady. The first couple of months will probably be made in a way that lets characters come to know each other and some fundamentals of the NPCs and locations of Nature Night. Also, this will be getting started during NFL (American Gridiron Football) playoffs and Superbowl. Many players may be watching this while Nature Night takes place . Still, I hope for the events to be really fun.
Q: Are the stories and events already planned out?
A: Somewhat? I have some ideas of basic plots. In reality though, the stories will be affected greatly by who shows up regularly and how they participate. The more I can learn about the PCs that are involved (and when they are going to show up), the more I can evolve the events around them.
Q: Scratch, are you the only event-runner for this season of Nature Night?
A: So far, yes. Last time, Cuchuwyn shared a great deal of the running of the event. Also, Squidget, Archgrendel, Thranduil, and Warlord Kro were hugely involved behind-the-scenes and/or in-the-scenes running of the events.
Perhaps someone will join in this time as well. We will see!
Please feel free to ask me any other questions, or for any clarifications on these answers.
I hope you will join us for Nature Night. We like to have fun.
Squawk! Registered Member #648
Joined: 1:50:32 am GMT 11/20/05
Posts: 1481
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Well, I think it went pretty well!
I hope everyone enjoyed Nature Night : Season 2 - Session 1. Many thanks to all of you that came, and for your patience as I learned the /duel system.
A few things:
1. It has been a while since I ran an event that big. I hope no one felt left out. If you ever do, don't be afraid to tell me! You can tell me in the event or let me know later. Maybe you have an idea for something your character can do in upcoming events, or maybe a talent you hope that they can use. I hope to make stuff like that happen!
The more I can know about your character, the more I can make things that fit your character. IC posts help, and feel free to post info about your character OOC right here. You can just make a profile of them in a post. If I get several of them, we can make a Nature Night Profiles Thread. Of course, some characters are better fits for some adventures, but I want to make everyone have a part.
2. I liked the /duel at the end. I like the fact that it represented trying to cure the Fire Elemental. I want to use a disadvantage to my rolls (or skip turns) to reflect what all players emote that they are doing. I like emote fights. I think it really gives folks a chance to be creative.
Even for an actual fight, I think /duel works best for the big-bads. The summons are just not powerful enough to make much of a fight for 8 level 20 characters....lol. It also allows for consequences other than "I die or you die."
3. You will notice that most of my summons are made from re-skinned animal summons. This allows me to use AE to animate them and make them speak and such. If you have AE or some dominate spell, you should be able to use that for some things yourself. Just check with me first please! I freaking loved how Kage used it to "restrain and carry" the mephit today!
4. In Season 1 of Nature Night I took us to a lot of places where we could fight the base modules monsters, or made areas with lots of high level summons for us to kill. I enjoy this as well. The hard part is that hostile MoBs wreak havoc on placeables. Still, I can always use two areas, so we get both if it seems that folks want some good hack and slash. I love hack and slash myself!
5. I think I may start using an "RP pause" here and there when the text really pile up on me. I first saw Lupi use this during an event that he DMed, and I thought it was really genius. I say "OK, RP Pause" and it's sort of like the director saying "CUT!". Everyone just takes a break for a minute. I can catch up on what y'all are trying to do, and y'all can take a break or an AFK or BRB or make a drink or whatever.
I am honestly considering putting a couple into the events to pause between acts/scenarios to help break things up a bit and make it easier for folks to stretch a moment or give their pet a snack or whatever they want to do.
Please let me know how you feel about any of this through a post here or even a dm on Discord.
Come to think of it, it is probably time to make a NN: Season 2 Discord Channel.
[ The Island of Thain ]
Player Event
) to have as our "base". We were joined by druids, rangers, paladins, wizards, drow, tieflings, pixies and many other sorts. All were, by the story, drawn there by "The Calling", and those that answered were "The Called". Despite all of the differences of those gathered, the laws and rules of The Calling demanded that they did not fight one another during the hours of The Calling (though there was plenty of bickering, insulting, and arguing). The stories of "The Called" shaped Thain in many ways, even as we stayed out of factional wars in our quests (though some returned to them when that day's event was over).