The Vast

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 3:03 am**

Hi everybody *nods to the gathering around me* 
 
I’m Apollo. I think it’s fair to mention my name, because the chance for you to have seen me on the server being a DM is close to none. And now I think it’s time to explain with the hand on my heart, how that can be. So whatever you read on or not, the following is just my opinion and only mine, and I will not pack anything in. If you don’t want to read a lot, at least read the end of this post. All of this I’m writing while I think it up. So there will be no editing. And maybe some of it will not make sense. This is just thoughts. This beneath is not build on anything specific in the last dated posts or something that have happend in the last couple of days, it have just more been build up thru the times, and now I think it is time to speak my mind. 
 
First of all, what is the NWN for me? NWN is not a PC game for me. I hate Diablo, and I’m again not very fun of the Official NWN campaign (you know the module that is on the CD). I have actually never got past the second chapter because I got tired of killing hordes of evildoers. But Bioware have made what I (and I dare to say, the main part of all role-players) have been wishing for in so many years. A possibility to make a visual role-playing game, where people from all over the world can take part. Remark the words role-playing game. That is all what NWN is for me. A role-playing game. Not another action game. But, I say it again, a role-playing game. A game where we can sit down, and enjoy a world where dragon is flying and where you can imagine being a knight or wizard. Not a game as Diablo (sorry, to use that game all the time, but I just don’t like it at all), where it is all about numbers. About getting xp and gaining a high level. For me, this game is about living out a story about a character in another world, whatever it is long or short. Catch my point? I hope, because I will move on. 
 
I somehow put the NWN game online to the same standard as the pen and paper table game. I would never invite a person over to my house, playing at my table, if he didn't respect and/or accepted my rules. And even if he did, if he spoiled the game for the rest of the players, he would also end his day, sitting and playing at my table. I wouldn't hate him, because before I would get to that, I would just tell him, that maybe him, and me and the rest of the group don't fit together in this game, but that we still could go out and drink a couple of beers in the nightlife. What I’m saying is, this is my table and it is my time I used to create a story and world, so I is for sure also up to me, what rules we are using. If the person doesn’t like them, I for sure have no problem to let him go. If that means everybody is going, tough luck, but I really just can’t make myself use the time on something, I don’t support, but I for sure don’t either expect the players to do so. I can only play with players that have the same opinion about playing as myself. Catch my point? Again I hope so, because I will move on. 
 
When I first experience the Vast I was way out delighted. This was a world that is for sure incredible well made (and I have seen a few other worlds out there). I saw a world build by someone that have a vision. A vision of a highly class role playing world. I respect that, and I stay because of that. But I do not think every body have the right amount of respect to this work as it deserves. Why? 
 
First of all, I have seen talk about ALFA (also other servers) here and know that same players have also talked about them inside the server world, which I think is way out of line. Imagine if you were inviting your friends over to a party in your house, and they started to talk about another party that they think was better. I’m sure I wouldn’t say anything, but I would for sure be hurt. Here they are, talking about a better party in the same house where you are trying to make a good one. Way disrespectful. 
I have also been a part of ALFA, both as a player with a Role-playing Diploma, but also for a very short time as a DM and builder. I have nothing against them, and actually think it’s cool what they are doing, that they are trying to create the entire Forgotten Realms world. But for me, it was way to big and to impersonal, and that was why I left (this is the only time, I will mention another server here on this board. Just trying to make a statement that I have also been around). But as you can see I left them, because there was something I was not satisfied with. I have at no time, wrote to them, that I think they stink or they are punks or whatever players can come up with, because I don’t think so. I just think that they did not fit my style. They did not chain me, so I was free to find something I like. This is the same with this server. Algernon and Taraxa do not chain anyone, and so if you don’t like it here, why don’t you just find another server world. There are tons of them out there, and there is for sure one that you like. But don’t expect the creators to change the world so it fits you. It is their table. It is their house. So leave, if you don’t like it, but don’t you try to take other players with you, while you are sitting at the table, and enjoying the warmth of their house. That is just not how to act. 
 
A lot of talk from me, huh. So please get to the point, Apollo. I have seen a lot of post here that the XP reward is not good enough, that dying so often is no fun, that it’s to hard to play (insert any class here) and there is not enough DMs on. 
The XP reward will only be, as Algernon and Taraxa want it to be. Very little reward from combats, a lot of reward from role-playing. That is how it’s going to be, because that is what they want for the world they created. A high role-playing community with no players that harvest XP from fighting all the time. Again, if you don’t understand or like that, do you really think you belong here on this server. There are plenty of servers out there, which offer high rewards for combat. Go check them out. 
About dying….yes, this server is way rough to survive in. The server also stands for realism. That means, that when you are fighting foes that have a sword or even just a knife, that means that you can end at the sharp edge of that, and die. Nobody never dies, or just come back from the death all the time were would the fear from fighting be. We are talking about realism here. I’m sure that AG and Taraxa would want you to be scared as hell before walking out and fight. 
About playing a wizard, sorcerer or whatever you prefer and you think they are way to hard to play, I believe it’s because you think the game as being a Computer games, not the board game. It is also way hard to play those classes in a real pen and paper, and remember that is what I believe this server is (just a visual one). 
 
Some of you (read not you all) just don’t see eye to eye with those things. Again, why don’t you stop complaining and go to another server, where they have the things you need and want, and let the rest of those that like those rules, be here (maybe it will only be a few, but it will be in the spirit of the community). We are all here to have fun; we just have to find the right place. If you don’t have fun here, please go to another one. I really hate to watch those players that run around, harvest a lot of XP and reach lvl. 5 in no time, while the ones that fits here, have played for month and haven’t past 3rd lvl. It so discourages to watch that for those role-players. 
 
I’m for one, one of those that stopped being a DM here. Not because of the server rules, but because of those few, that doesn’t follow them. I’m tired to read all those complain and griping about it is to hard or the rules are not fair or nothing is going on. The chance for nothing going on is maybe because the DMs stopped having fun. It is not fun to come in here and read all this negativity about the server. We as DMs are working for free, and only because we like it. If you take that away from us, we will just stop. I’m taking a break now. Try to imagine if Algernon took a break, because he got tired of it. It’s just a push on a button, and the whole world takes a break. 
 
So again, a lot of talk. What am I trying to say? I’m trying to say, respect Algernon’s and Taraxa’s work and rules. In my opinion take it or leave it. Leave the server for the players that like it, and don’t irate and frustrate the two (AG and Taraxa) that are putting all their soul into this. As we say in Denmark; If you don’t like the smell in the bakery, why don’t you leave? 
 
I have two rules I follow myself. Those are not server rules until AG or Taraxa announced them up as such, but I think we should all follow them. 
 
Rule no. 1; You are not Forced to Stay. There are a hundred of different servers for NWN out there. A server for any game style you like. If you don’t like the style on this server, please do yourself and the members of this server the favor and leave. We are not forcing you to stay, but we will force you to follow the rules or leave. 
 
Rule no. 2; Whatever the DM Council is Ruling, Has to be Followed. The DM Council is the people that create the world for you. They use a lot of time to try to let you have fun. They also try to reach a specific theme for the server, and by that has to rule a lot of things here. Also things that don’t seem fair for everybody. They are not after anyone specific. That job can be rough to have, if people is griping and complaining about every decision they make, and it can end with them losing the interest in working on the world, and they will leave. Remember that the DM is always right, and he will have more fun making the game. Something everybody will gain from.

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 6:09 am**

Not sure I followed all of that, or maybe there is a background story I don't know, but I think the theme of "In my opinion take it or leave it" is a bit draconian. 
 
I haven't seen anyone in game or in post say that the Vast sucks or that they don't enjoy playing on it. This is a discussion board with a suggestion topic group, afterall. 
 
I've played PnP D&D since the mid80's and have never been in a campaign where the wasn't some tug-o-war and give and take between players and DMs, so long as it isn't antagonistic what's the harm? 
 
I am confused by this though: 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Not a game as Diablo (sorry, to use that game all the time, but I just don’t like it at all), where it is all about numbers. About getting xp and gaining a high level. For me, this game is about living out a story about a character in another world, whatever it is long or short. Catch my point? I hope, because I will move on.<hr></blockquote> 
 
because it doesn't seem to jive with: 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>I really hate to watch those players that run around, harvest a lot of XP and reach lvl. 5 in no time, while the ones that fits here, have played for month and haven’t past 3rd lvl. It so discourages to watch that for those role-players.<hr></blockquote> 
 
In the first statement you seem to imply that 'good players' don't care about earning xp and making levels. In the second statement you seem to be bemoaning the fact that the 'good players' aren't earning as much xp and making as many levels as the 'bad players.' Why should the 'good players' care? 
 
Reminds me of a story: 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr> 
The head of a household who went out at the same time each morning to hire workers for his vineyard. Having agreed with the workers to pay each a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. 
 
Having gone out around the third hour, he saw others having stood idle about the marketplace. He said to those, "Go as well into (my) vineyard, and whatever is the right pay for a full day's work I will give you." 
 
And they went off (into the vineyard). Again, having gone out at the sixth and the ninth hour, he did the same thing. 
 
Around the eleventh (hour), having gone out, he found others having stood (idle) and said to them, "Why have you stood idle here the whole day?" They said to him, "Because no one hired us!" He said to them, "You, too, go off into (my) vineyard." 
 
When evening came, the master of the vineyard said to his foreman, "Call the workers and give them the (daily) wage, beginning with the last until the first." 
 
The ones having gone out around the eleventh hour received a denarius (each). The ones having gone out first (at dawn) thought that they would receive more. And they received a denarius (each). 
 
But, having received (their wage), they complained against the head of the household, saying, "These last (arrivals) worked one hour and you made equal to us, having borne the burden of the day and the blazing sun. 
 
Having answered, he said to one of them, "Friend, I am not doing you an injustice. Did you not agreed with me for a denarius? 
<hr></blockquote> 
 
In other words, as long as the 'good players' are enjoying doing what they do, which is presumably RPing to an extreme; then why should they care that some 'bad player' who enjoys a little action with their RP is enjoying themselves as well. 
 
Have fun Apollo, and try not take things personally.. cast stoneskin on yourself <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"> . No one is ever going to be 100% in accord with you. 
 
Just assume that every time you read a post critical or suggestive that it is prefaced with something like, "Man I really really love the vast, but it could be a little better if..." 
 
They wouldn't bother posting here or blowing time on the server if they weren't enjoying it.

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 7:37 am**

Good post Apollo and good post Yyrkroon. 
 
I just want to say that I really like The Vast and that I have used alot of time here. Having a lvl.6. lvl.5 lvl.4. 2lvl.3 and a lvl.2 tells something about how much I play here. 
I´m a europe player so I don´t see the DMs so much and alot of time i find my self alone on the server. 
So what do I do ? I walk around on the server and try to have fun all alone... I fight alot and get some xp to my charecters. For me its about seing my charecter getting better. Trying to get them to the lvl. where I want them. Makeing sure that they can survive on the server. I want my lvl.4 rouge to become a assasin. He needs to be lvl.6 to be that. And becource I don´t see the DMs so much I have to get them by fighting.. With the chance of loosing my charecter. 
I like this Server and I like most of the tings the DMs is doing with it. I have had alot of fun playing here and I will surely have more fun in the future if I don´t get banned <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> 
If I´m doing something wrong, then I´m sure AG is going to tell me that. I´m here to have fun and help making this server the best RP server. We have alot of very good RPers in the Vast. I´m not one of them but I do RP a little <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> 
 
I´m sorry you are leaving us Apollo. You made us a Really good Event to the island. The only REAL DM event I have been in on this server.

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 11:03 am**

Apollo, 
 
I stand with you 100% and understand where you are coming from. 
 
I just have a minute before I have to go to work, but wanted to reiterate before I do: You will always have a home here, always. 
 
You are a good guy and a good friend. 
Taraxa

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 1:22 pm**

Hi Yyrkroon 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Have fun Apollo, and try not take things personally.. cast stoneskin on yourself . No one is ever going to be 100% in accord with you. <hr></blockquote> 
 
First of all, I don't want to get into a long wild discussion where we just shot back and forth, because that is not what I intented (and hey, with my english capability, I will be the one getting shot down<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"> ). Second of all, you and everybody else is of course welcome to speak there mind, I'm a big boy, and I can take it. Even with out stoneskin <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/tongue.gif ALT=":b"> . 
 
But I think I should straighten out more what I mean, and also use the opportunity right now, to say that my post is not target the main part of the community. We, as Pcpaf says, also have a lot of great players (read roleplayers) here. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>In the first statement you seem to imply that 'good players' don't care about earning xp and making levels. In the second statement you seem to be bemoaning the fact that the 'good players' aren't earning as much xp and making as many levels as the 'bad players.' Why should the 'good players' care?<hr></blockquote> 
 
Why they should care? I have not said (checking my own post again) that it is wrong to reach a high level. What I try to say, that IMO the path to that can be either right or wrong. And that I therefore believe that it's hard that the ones walking the right path, just can sit back and watch the ones that is not doing that (with the right path, I mean the right path on this server). Don't take me wrong, the "good" players also want to reach high levels, but they will never do it on the cost of the roleplay. I just don't want to see those players, starting to forget their roleplay because they see all of those other players, passing them, with a lightning speed. Make sense now (wow, I married with a american girl, now live in the states, I really should get a better hang of the english language)? 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>I haven't seen anyone in game or in post say that the Vast sucks or that they don't enjoy playing on it. <hr></blockquote> 
 
Oh, but I have, and I'm sure AG and Taraxa have. I have been called anything from a rule lawyer (is that bad?), gay (no offence to the ones that is, but the way it was said to me, was with intend of an offence) to a slimey ball of something I can't pronounce. And that is actually my main point in the post. That I think that we as DMs (the ones that use a lot of time, to make the rest of you have fun) deserves a little politeness and I will (as I said in my post) say respect The main part of the community is like that, but it is the few, that we (or at least I) think about when we push the button "Quit Game". So don't go to much in details with the xp problem, because that is not the main one. The main one is, that I don't want to see this world (don't worry. I know there is another world outside the screen somewhere) dies, because the ones that makes it, getting tired of all the artillery that is used to shot them down. 
 
If things still don't make sense, feel free to post it here, because I really want to be helpful to explain my view/opinion better. Just don't try to change my view, because you will not be able too. I have not just wrote this post out of anger or frustration. Those words in the post above, is things that have been on my mind for a long time.

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 3:51 pm**

Apollo: 
 
I hope this is a temporary break and that you'll be back in DM mode soon. I've had a lot of fun here on this server due to the hard work all you DMs have put into it. 
 
I especially enjoyed the little bit of adventure you did a while back for Amenien. That by far, reminded me so much of table-top with making dice rolls and stuff. 
 
It's a shame that a few complainers can ruin the fun for all. 
 
Hope to see you around the Vast still, be it as DM or as a player.

<hr /> 
 
Tak natu yenet 
 
~ Thurgrin Axebender

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 4:01 pm**

OK, just a few brief comments. My own opinions. 
I have played on a few other BIG servers. I prefer RP servers. 
1. The Vast is the best one I have played on. The maps, the players, the DMs, all of it. Thanks for putting it together. 
2. I understand getting burned out and frustrated. I've been DMing PnP RP games for a REALLY LOOOONG time. No you can not make everyone happy. Nor can you make anyone happy all the time. But you guys do an excellent job of putting together a good game here. 
3. I have tried playing around with the editor, and I have also messed around with the DM client. a) my scripting skills really suck, b) I don't have the time to commit to getting very good at the DM client. I have the utmost respect and admiration for the ones who HAVE gotten very good at those. I know they have to lead a "real life," since there are all sorts of bills that continue to get paid, or the server would just vanish. Committing the amount of time they do, to a GAME, that does not further their pursuit of incredible wealth... I just have to say thanks again. 
 
There is a spot specifically dedicated to suggestions. If you don't like something here, or wish there was something you found you do like, use it. The response you may get, could surprise you. If you still are not satisfied with things, as Apollo suggests, maybe you should look elsewhere. 
 
 
Best wishes Apollo. In all your endeavors. 
 
Randy

Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub188.ezboard.com/bthevast.showUserPublicProfile?gid=randyjordan>randy jordan</A> at: 10/23/03 11:45 pm

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 4:40 pm**

Apollo: 
Firstly, I'd like to say a huge thanks for all the work that you and the other DMs have put into the Vast. When I was looking for a PW server to play on back in June, this server was exactly what I had wished for. It's tough to play, sure, but it's a challenge that I ( and I know there's a *lot* of others too ) enjoy thoroughly. I've never played anything that has scared me quite as much (take that sorceress last weekend for example <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> ). Where I live, there isn't much in the way of PnP games being played, and I don't feel I have the experience or the knowledge required to attempt to run one of my own. The Vast is the closest thing I have to playing an actual tabletop RPG, and I love every minute of it. 
 
I also agree completely that roleplaying is far more important that levelling up by fighting monster after monster. Personally, I don't have the time to spend hours on here hunting down as many goblins as I can. The few hours of free time that I do have during the week, I'd prefer to spend in a good roleplay session where characters interact with each other (perhaps even just talking in a tavern or something), even if I don't gain XP from it. 
 
I've watched many people arrive on the server after me and level up much more quickly. I've been on the server for around 4 months now and am still only approaching level 4. It makes things somewhat more difficult when it does come to hunting monsters, but I think it is far, far more rewarding when you do reach the next level. There's a real sense of achievement that you wouldn't ever get on the single-player campaign, for example. 
 
It's a shame that the minority of players that do complain make you feel this way. It's their loss for failing to see what the Vast truly offers, and it is a take it or leave it choice, like you said. 
Of course, I respect and completely understand your choice, and I wish you the best of luck. Hope to see you around again sometime, as I had a lot of fun roleplaying thanks to you (and the other dms as well, of course) in the last four months. 
 
Sorry about the huge post, and thanks again ^_^ 
~Elrith

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 9:32 pm**

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>If things still don't make sense, feel free to post it here, because I really want to be helpful to explain my view/opinion better. Just don't try to change my view, because you will not be able too. I have not just wrote this post out of anger or frustration. Those words in the post above, is things that have been on my mind for a long time.<hr></blockquote> 
 
I think I understand where you are coming from a bit better now - and your english is fine, better than any foreign tongue I speak, anyway. 
 
I had no idea that the DMs were under such abusive assault from some quarters. 
 
There are jerks and part of having a open server is that those jerks will stop by from time to time. Just know that the regulars I have played with really do seem to enjoy the Vast (even those of us who like a heavy dose of plot driven action with our character development <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"> )- and by implication the efforts of the DM staff. 
 
- 
As for the race to leveling, I have some thoughts here, but I'll not clutter this thread.

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 9:36 pm**

Brevity is the sole of wit. So here it is: 
 
Ditto on the kudos to the DMs, and AG&T (is that a railroad?), and the community at large that make this a great place. 
 
bmm 
<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/pimp.gif ALT=":hat">

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 10:31 pm**

Well what can I say? I respect everybody's opinion becaused they are entitled to. I respect Apollo as a DM (and a very good one at that) mainly because how he came thru (with the help of AG) in the last DM sponsored event. I was playing Ashal Fearrina and found the journey very interesting and interactive. Not only between the players but the DMs. 
I t shows what great potential The Vast has when Dms are present. And thanks to that trip Ashal is level 5 now and loving it! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/tongue.gif ALT=":p"> 
 
I wish the best of luck to Apollo and also hope that he makes a come back sometime soon.

Posted: **Thu Oct 23, 2003 10:55 pm**

I have only been playing on the Vast for a few weeks and I have found it to be the best RP experience imaginable. 
 
Every time I log on I am in effect saying: "Thanks to everyone here, players and especially DMs for making and maintaining this wonderful experience." 
 
I only talk the DMs when I have a game related question or issue. That does not mean that I do not appreciate and treasure this world. 
 
This is my first experience with a REAL role-playing server and I have made some RP gaffes. I am trying to be a better role-player and develop my character as a member of the Vast. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has made this PW possible. 
 
Arolar <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)">

Posted: **Fri Oct 24, 2003 12:45 am**

Apollo shared these feelings with both Taraxa, and myself before posting here, and we both gave him our encouragement and our full blessing in making this post. I will also add that we stand behind him 100% with regards to what he says here. He has become a good friend, and we appreciate all he has given to the community both as a DM and as a player. If he decides to go, we will sorely miss him, but he is always welcome here, again as both a DM and as a player. 
 
Thank you Apollo. 
 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
I will also add some of my own feelings, and they echo Apollo's closely. This server may be open to the public, but it is not a "public" server, playing here is not a given right. We have poured an immeasureable amount of ourselves into this project and community, whether it be heart and soul, untold labor hours, or many hundreds of dollars. Just as I would not put up with, in PnP, a player that is disruptive and regularly argumentative, I will not put up with it here. We have banned many players not only for flagrant cheating or PKing, but also for being rude and disrespectful to both other players and DMs. 
 
The difference between PnP, and a server such as this, is that in PnP, usually all the players are already your friends, and are of like mind. Early on, we made a difficult decision in keeping the server open to the public rather than protecting it by password. We knew this would allow the odd griefer to access our world (our NPCs have a way of taking care of many of them), and we knew it would also admit the occasional argumentative troublemaker. We also knew we would find many more wonderful role-players than we would have had we passworded the server, and we have found many fantastic role-players. 
 
It is always simpler to deal with the obvious rule breaker or griefer, than it is to deal with the general troublemaker, or the player who just does not mesh well with the spirit of the server, but for some reason sticks around anyway. I will say this though, one of the jobs of the DM is to make rulings on pretty much everything in the game. If a DM says it is so, then it is so (Draconian? Not in the least, this rule has always been part of D&D), and arguing or bitching about it will only take the DM away from doing the rest of his job, which is creating quests, and advancing storylines. 
 
This is when such negative behaviour begins to affect the entire community, and it is also when such behaviour must come to an end, one way or another. For the sake of the good part of the community, I for one cannot allow these things to go on. No DM, or player should have to feel driven out by the very few, extremely vocal, difficult players. And for the DM, it is not a matter of not having skin of stone. A DM on a server like this already has a very full plate; it is not a good idea to ask him to also swallow a very bitter pill. 
 
Like it or not, we follow a good many of the rules and ideas originally set forth in Dungeons & Dragons. We choose which of those rules to follow, and we try to make them clear in the server rules, and on this forum. We do listen to what players have to say and we have taken many suggestions to heart, but do not think that if you whine enough, some rule will change because you just don't like it. We make it a point to treat people with respect, and we ask the same of each and every player on our server. If so many things here are so wrong from your perspective that you just have to constantly gripe about it, then this is not the server for you. A wise man said: "You are not forced to stay". 
 
That said, I thank all of the players who sincerely contribute to the community in so many wonderful ways, and there are a lot of you. It is only the odd rotten apple that leaves an awful taste in the DM's mouth, and it can take time to wash that flavor away. 
 

They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security. 
-Benjamin Franklin

Posted: **Fri Oct 24, 2003 2:34 am**

Just wanted to thank Apollo for the times that he has been there to develope Amir'syl Jaden's perspective on the Vast. 
 
I came here sometime way back in May. I think Apollo was a big reason why the Vast was booming with traffic. Anyone remember the waits to get in the Vast because it was always full? I've waited nearly an hour at times to get in. I like the Vast for reasons that could fill a book. The rp, fellow players, the homeliness, and the Pnp Realism come to mind. Something I had never seen in any other server. But, above all I believe Apollo and the DMs are the main reason why I keep coming back for more. 
 
About 2-3 months ago, I saw a severe decline in the Vast's attendance. I soon learned that Apollo was on his way to America and had not been on in a while. I tried going to some of these other servers that people i knew had fled to. I tried to get some of my friends back. Frost, Flidius, Artemis, and others for example. The majority that I spoke to felt that the DM interaction was gone, maybe forever. Apollo, I thank you for all the effort and time you have given us. I think I stayed here primarily because of you. I really want to be selfish here and beg you to stay for the sake of the Vast. But, I feel I must respect your decission. 
 
Good luck in whatever you do, and I hope you do indeed return. I just wanted you to know that I truely appreciate your efforts and all the times that you have looked over any of my characters. Namely Amir'syl Jaden months back. 
 
Sorry for rambelling, but I feel as though we have lost an invaluable asset. 
 
Sincerely, 
Amir'syl Jaden.

Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub188.ezboard.com/bthevast.showUserPublicProfile?gid=amirsyl>Amirsyl</A> at: 10/23/03 11:41 pm

Posted: **Fri Oct 24, 2003 12:56 pm**

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Anyone remember the waits to get in the Vast because it was always full? I've waited nearly an hour at times to get in.<hr></blockquote> 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>About 2-3 months ago, I saw a severe decline in the Vast's attendance. I soon learned that Apollo was on his way to America and had not been on in a while.<hr></blockquote> 
 
During the time Apollo was moving, I also too a break for a few weeks from the server, so I will shoulder the blame for this. Unfortunately, this was compounded by the fact that it coincided with the end of summer, and the return to school (and the necessary time constraints that go along with that) for many of our players. 
 
Traffic has increased again, particularly on the weekends, during which it is not uncommon for players to have to wait again. I am confident that the server will continute to thrive, and I am very pleased with the overall quality of the players we do have. The day will never come that I would trade such quality for a continuously full server. To everyone who is out there contributing to the community, keep up the good work.

They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security. 
-Benjamin Franklin

The Vast

A DM (or at least used to be) speaks his mind

A DM (or at least used to be) speaks his mind

Re: A DM (or at least used to be) speaks his mind

Re: A DM (or at least used to be) speaks his mind

Apollo

Re: Apollo

Re: Apollo

The Vast Crew

Re: The Vast Crew

Re: Apollo

Re: The Vast Crew

Re: The Vast Crew

A few words of admiration and gratitude

Re: A DM (or at least used to be) speaks his mind

Re: A DM (or at least used to be) speaks his mind

Re: A DM (or at least used to be) speaks his mind