| So you want to see more events? Ever try running your own? Here are some tips for running Player-Run Events in EverQuest. |
I. Overview As many of you know already, back in the day I use to be one of the Quest Masters for EverQuest. We use to run historical quests and events across all servers to progress the storylines of Norrath and beyond. I have been running in-game events for EverQuest since before the game launched. Back in beta while I was a Senior Guide, I helped run the events for the end of each phase of beta. Some of you old timers that may remember the march of the deity armies and the big battle in the Karanas! Obviously, I am still passionate about dynamic events. Running dynamic events takes a lot of time and resources, so we have implemented more automated world events instead of the dynamic ones. Still there is nothing like an event run by a live person, be it player, Guide or GM, so you'll still see those from time to time. While it helps to be a GM when running an event, players run events all the time and there are a number of tips and tricks to help you do it. You don't need to be able to spawn NPCs or have GM powers to do it either. It isn't as daunting or scary as it might seem, and the rewards are still great. I wrote this Player-Run Events guide to show you what is possible. Everyone has their own way of doing things but I wanted to share my ideas with those who seek advice on running events. This is a condensed version of a longer manual I prepared for the GM Staff mixed in with other resources. I realize that this may be a bit more than someone needs to run their own event but I figured if I have the information I might as well share it! I enjoy watching and reading reports about Player-Run Events. Unfortunately, there are many things that can go wrong when running an event from organizational issues, people not showing up, disruptions and more. Hopefully this guide will help you to run your future events a bit smoother. Enjoy! Zatozia the Torturess
Community Relations Manager Top |
| II. Dynamic Events A dynamic event is a broad term used to describe quests and events that take place in the world of EverQuest that are out of the norm. Usually dynamic events are in the form of "GM Events" run by Game Masters and Guides. They can range anywhere from actors portraying NPCs to the spawning of a single NPC to even mass invasions to player versus player battles in brawls to the death. Usually, adventurers run into a combination of both actors and spawned NPCs. Dynamic Events are performed to enhance the adventurers' enjoyment of the game and to give them a break from their normal routine. The events also give the adventurers a quest that they have no prior knowledge of which can be very challenging to them. Player-Run Events are another form of dynamic events that are run by… you guessed it… players. Generally, these events are run by guilds that are more into roleplaying, however, over the years we've seen other guilds and individuals running these fun events. | |
Top |
III. Planning an Event The first rule of planning an event is simple; Get help! Brainstorm your event ideas with friends, guildmates, etc. What sounds fun to you, may not be fun to others and may not be as easy as it sounds. Try to think about what hurdles may need to be overcome or avoided. The next thing you'll want to do is decide the overall theme, what type of event it will be, level range, rewards, and more. The best way to lay out your plans is to put them into an outline or script that you and others who are helping out with it can follow. Deciding the theme of the event is important. It is usually best to make sure your storyline does not conflict with existing lore. Even if your story is almost entirely made up, you want to make sure it does not change the nature of the lore of EverQuest or it may not make sense to others thereby limiting their enjoyment of the event. One of the best ways to avoid conflicts with lore is to write the story based on a particular point of view of a made up character. When doing this you need to have something that lets the players know that it may not necessarily be factual. This is generally done by implementing an opposing point of view either through another character or the main character stating that others do see it the same way. Finally, think about the key points you want to consider for the events:
- How many people will take part in the event? (Individuals, groups, raids, etc.)
- How much time do you think the event will take? Always expect the unexpected when running events. While an event may seem like a short one based on the script people have a tendency to set their own pace for events. A one hour event can end up a 2 or 3 hour event. If you are limited on time, you may want to keep the event simple.
- Are there any special rules or limitations involved? Example: All Gnomes, level 70+ etc.
Top |
IV. Types of Events
There are many different types of events that can be run in EverQuest. Here are some to consider; there are other types of events but most events usually fall within one of these categories.
Scavenger Hunt – These events are similar to collection events except they have may have more puzzles or obstacles to overcome. Also, scavenger hunts tend to spread across many areas. Dungeon Crawl – An actor character recruits adventurers to go through an entire dungeon either for exploration, flags, or in search or something. These Performance – This type of event has always been popular for Player-Run events. This is where characters get up on a stage or elsewhere and act out a play, perform a recital (mostly bards), etc. Tutorial sessions fall into this category, though they could almost have their own heading. A tutorial features experienced players teaching newer ones on various aspects of the game. Party – Everyone knows what a party is! In-game parties may be include festivals, weddings, meet and greets, etc. Escort – Adventurers escort someone to a particular location. Search and Rescue – Adventurers receive the task of finding someone or something and rescue him/her/it. Search and Destroy – Adventurers receive the task of finding something or someone and destroy him/her/it. Persistent Characters – This is less of an event and more of a tool for roleplaying. A player-created persistent character could be an alt or even a main character that shows up frequently and is integral to a roleplay story or player-driven adventure. They usually take the form of storytellers, tavern owners, traders, etc. They can be aggressive or helpful to the players. Roleplay – These events require actors and adventurers to stick strictly to roleplaying for the duration of the event. These types of events generally involve little or no combat and do not always involve rewards. Collection or Delivery – These types of events require players to either collect or deliver items. Player versus Player Battles (PvP) – PvP battles are events that put players against other players. Some common examples of these types of events are the Best of the Best, Capture the Flag events or other types of tournaments. Invasion – Someplace gets invaded by NPCs or an actor character recruits adventurers to invade somewhere. Adventurers defeating the invaders are asked to protect people or places. This type is generally not done for Player-Run events except on the PvP server. Top |
V. Outlining Event Plans Even though most people will never see your event plans, you'll want to write out a script for anyone helping you to run the event. This will insure everyone is on the same page of what's going to take place. Disorganization can be an event killer. The purpose of a script is to plan ahead of time what you wish to do in the event. The scripts should be clear to read and in a step by step format that is easy for each actor to follow. Smaller events may not need to have detailed script but should have some outline of what is going to happen. Of course there's always the chance that someone may mess up your finely made plans, but at least you have a starting point. Below you can find the elements of a dynamic event document (script) and a brief description of them: Title and Subtitle:
The title of the dynamic event reflects the overall theme of the event. It should be something that is catchy and simplifies the overall idea especially when the event is being publicized. A subtitle is usually only added to a dynamic event to show parts of a series. Generally, this will reflect directly on what takes place in the plot for each section. It will also be represented by Part 1, Part 2, etc. as part of the subtitle. Example: Death of Halflings Part 1 – The Beginning, Death of Halflings, Part 2 – Attack of the Shorties If the event is a different version of another event but not a continuation it should be listed with roman numerals as part of the regular title. Example: Ogres on Ice I, Ogres on Ice II Evil Note: Grammar-wise, I don't care how it's supposed to be done, that's just the way that I like it done! Background Story:
The background story is used to describe what took place before what is occurring in the plot. This should be written in story form. Occasionally, this may also be represented as a letter or another type of literature. When events are announced ahead of time, this information is usually included with the announcement. If it is not announced, it is only used only as reference for the actors. Plot:
The plot of an event is what will be occurring in the current event. This should be written in story form. Characters (Actors):
The character section includes each character that is going to be represented in the event. Include the characters level, race, class, skills, and special equipment the characters needs. For most Player-Run Events, the characters are the actor's main character in the guild but occasionally alternate characters are used. Also include whether certain characters need appear at the same time. This information will be helpful when determine how many actors are needed for the event. If the character has a particular mood or motivation, include a brief description in this section. Other specific information about the characters can be included in the script notes. Level Range/Difficulty:
The target Level Range should reflect the levels that are best suited to participate in the event. If the event is designed for specific levels ranges, it should be noted as required level range. Example: Going to a planar zone that requires 46+.. If the event is a roleplay one that doesn't require the players to go to high level areas, the minimum level can be set for level 1 or it can be listed as Any Level. Most events generally do not exceed a range of 10 to 15 levels so that people can gain experience while participating. Zones/Areas:
For the zone section, include the starting zone for the event and the other zones involved. If possible, include a direction flow of the event. Example: Qeynos Hills -> West Karana -> North Karana -> Iceclad.
As stated in the Level Range section, make sure you select zones that fit the level range of the event. When selecting a starting zone avoid picking a dungeon, dangerous location or a spot near NPCs. The gathering process for an event can take time and you want to avoid NPC interference. An exception may be made if the zone requires special access and transportation will not be offered. Script Notes:
The script notes will include a sequence of events. It should include the following information: - Set Up information - If any special preparations are needed before the event begins, it should be included at the beginning of the notes.
- Character starting locations - Zones, coordinates, etc.
- Step by step sequence of events – This can be listed in Acts, by zones, or by listing the steps together numerical. If the scripts notes are long, it's a good idea to separate them by zones to make the script easier to reference. This is where dialogues would be placed. However, it's usually better to just give the actors overall motivation for their characters instead so that they can roleplay the scene out based on the players reactions.
Rewards:
Rewards for Player-Run Events are provided by the person(s) running the event. When guilds run events, the reward is usually something from their guild banks that nobody in the guild needs. Determine how many rewards there will be and which characters will give out those rewards. Be sure the person holding the reward understands the instructions for giving the reward out at the end of the event. Top |
VI. Announcing an Event There are Player-Run Events taking place more often than people realize. Many are very well advertised and attended, others are not. Occasionally events will even get cancelled because of lack of apparent interest. What can be done to increase interest and attendance for your event? It's all about how you promote it! There are a number of things you can do to get your event known (without becoming annoying). As in real world advertising, you want to get your message out to the greatest number of players possible and try to create an excitement around what you are doing. Post on the Official EverQuest Forums:
Make a thread for your event on the official forums. While only a percentage of players read the forums, this is the best place to begin because everyone who does read the forums has groups of friends online and they will pass along anything they find interesting. By having a regular thread, players can easily post questions and create a discussion. If players feel they are part of the event before it even happens, they will be more likely to attend. If you're in the pre-planning stage, the forums can be a place to recruit others to help you with your event. A pre-planning post is not required but if it's done it should probably be done a month in advance. Depending on how complex your event is, you should announce it one to two weeks before your event, no longer with the exception of PvP events. Generally, one week is enough for most events. If you do it too far in advance, people will forget about it and frequent follow-up reminders will annoy them. In the announcement thread, be sure to include the following: - Name of Event: This would be the Title and/or Subtle - Make this descriptive so readers know right away what the theme of the event is going to be.
- Event Purpose: Party, Roleplay event background information, plot, special rules, etc. If you have an official event website, you should link to it in the post.
- Date: Type out the full month, day and year Example: May 30, 2007.
- Time: Be sure to put your time zone but include other US time zones and other available time zones as well.
- Location: List the zone the event will start in and describe the area where everyone can meet up.
- In-game Contact: Put a name that players can use in-game tells or emails for more information. Also include point of contact for the start of the event.
- Prizes: Include any rewards the winners will receive.
Creating Websites, Videos and other special forms of advertisements:
The Star Wars Galaxies community does a spectacular job at creating, promoting, performing and reporting their Player-Run Events. Here's one of my favorite advertisements I have seen so far. It's a video for a party announcement. Another common tactic is to create a website specifically for your event. Having your own website (or even just a forum in on a guild website) lets you craft your promotion and make information about your event easy to find. This can be a simple announcement site or more complex. Players who do make their own site often make it somewhat "in-character" to add to the fun of it. Sometimes, more complicated or ongoing events might require a dedicated website and forum just to keep everyone informed of changes, PvP standings, prizes, etc. In-game Advertising:
Let's face it everyone doesn't visit the forums, the official website, or other websites. If you want a lot of people to attend your event, you'll need to do some in-game advertisements. How do you keep from being annoying? Keep it simple! Visit cities and large gathering spots like the Plane of Knowledge or Guild Lobby, to make the announcement. Don't make your announcement in dangerous areas. You don't want people getting killed try to scroll up to see what important news you had for them. You can use/say, /ooc, or special chat channels to let people know what, when, and where, but then just direct people to where they can find more information about the event. Don't spam it! Once a day would be ideal however, up to three times a day might not be annoying. Once every hour or 30 minutes would just annoy people and get you reported! Macro'ed advertisements get ignored pretty fast. Word of mouth will be your friend. If you are excited about your event, other people will be too. If you have people helping with your event, or just friends, let them all know that you'd appreciate them hyping the event when they can. Informing the Community Team:
If you want help getting the word out about your event, be sure to you let the proper people know about it. Telling Fred the Dev Guy isn't going to help get the news on the website or stickied on the forums. Send a Private Message (PM) to your Community Manager or other members of SOE's Community Team. If we have the information in time, we may be able to help highlight it. Please note the word MAY. We will try our best to help but there may be circumstances that prevent it. Also, we cannot promise that we'll be able to attend every event we are invited to but we do try to attend ones that we can. Top |
VII. Performing an Event With most events, the performance will take you through the following process and you'll want to spend some time to set up for each stage: - The Greeting – Someone designated should start the event by an announcement or dialogue. This can be done through shout or in the chat channel that was set up. Something to let everyone know that the character is there waiting for them or that their adventure is beginning.
- The Story – An actor character or other method, the storyline should be revealed. Do not use terms that are not within the spirit of the game. Do not use dewdspeak or other inappropriate terms.
- The Quest – An actor character will reveal the tasks that need to be completed. This can be combined with The Story but it doesn't have to be. An example would be that someone is designated just to type out the story letting people know that they heard news about someone who lost their dolly in Guk.
- Acceptance – The participants should acknowledge that they accept the quest. If they do not, try to encourage them to in order to make sure that they are going to do it. Once they accept the task, let them know where they need to meet up with the quest giver.
- Completion – Once the participants complete their task they should return to the quest giver or designated area to turn in items they retrieved, bring back characters, or whatever acknowledgement they need to do as per the instructions of the task.
- Thank You – Be sure to thank the participants for their assistance and give them a closing to the story that was told in the beginning.
- The Rewards – Give the participants rewards for their participation based on the method described in the script.
- Goodbye – Once the event has ended, make sure everyone knows it ended. If there is an actor character, the character should let the players know he/she is leaving.
| Set Up:
Actors should have received and read the script ahead of time. You may have to set up things and need extra time to do it. Actors should get into their locations and have all items and dialogue they that they need. Make Chat Channels for the event. Make one channel for the actors and one channel for event for people to join when the event starts. | | Making Hot Buttons:
The Hot Buttons (Alt H) are used execute commands or actions quickly. There are 10 pages with 10 hotkeys available on each page. The Hot Button numbers go from left to right going downward. Hot Buttons for commands can be made by using Socials under the Action Menu (Ctrl A). Socials can be edited in-game or out of game. The Hot Buttons can be found in the charactername_servername.ini file under [HotButtons] and are represented as Page#Button# and the Socials = E0 through E99 which are all of the Socials in order from Page1 through Page10. The socials are also saved in the charactername_servername.ini file. This file can be edited directly from the file without logging out. However, the changes will not take effect until you zone. The Socials can be found in the .ini file under the section [Socials] and represented as Page#Button#. Page1 socials are the default socials and should not be edited. Page2 through Page10 are the empty slots that you can edit. Each of the social pages has 12 social buttons that can be used. The numbers of the socials go down column 1 and then down column 2. Each Social button has 1 to 7 lines in this file. The social lines do not wrap around to the next line. The first line of each Social is the Social Name, the second line is the color of the social name (0 through 19) and lines 3 through 7 are for each line of the social commands. Example:
To make a hotkey for a greeting you would do the following: Editing the Social In-Game: - Open the Actions window
- Click on the Socials tab
- Right Click on an empty social button
- Make the Social Name: Greetings
- Enter on Line 1: /say Greetings Stranger. How can I help you?
- Click Accept
- Drag the social to a hot button (Ctrl H) by holding down the left mouse button on the social and place it in an empty hot button space.
Editing the file: - Go to the directory where EverQuest is stored and search for the charactername_servername.ini file for your character.
- Open the file and scroll down to the section called [Socials]
- Find an open button and edit that information. If button number 1 on page 2 was available you would do this:
- Page2Button1Name=Greetings
- Page2Button1Color=2
- Page2Button1Line1=/say Greetings Stranger. How can I help you?
- Page2Button1Line2=/wave
- Save the file and log in game or zone if you are already logged in.
- Look for the social you just created and drag it to the hot button you wish to place it in.
Willing Player Participation:
Every event performed must target only those players whom express their willingness to be a part of the event. The intention of an event should be announced ahead of time through /say, /tell and /ooc in same cases. Let everyone nearby know that something is about to occur near them to give them a chance to decide to leave or not. It's important not to cause a disruption with the event. Make sure your event doesn't conflict with other raids or hunting sessions. If people are in the zone that the event is taking place in but do not wish to participate, try to avoid them. You cannot force them to participate. Roleplaying:
During the course of the event, actors should remember to stay within character. Character race and classes should be highly regarded. Try to stay within the normality of EverQuest. To learn more about the characters and classes you can read the EverQuest Manual and lore that exist on the EverQuest website. | Assisting Participants:
If you are running an event for lower levels, depending on the difficulty of the event versus the amount of those participating, your assistance with the battles may be needed. One of the best ways to assist them is by having a character that follows along with them. The character can use heal, buffs, and occasionally guide them along the way. Screenshots and Logs:
Instruct all characters involved to take plenty of screenshots and keep logs of their dialogue. This will help you tell the story of your event after it is completed. | |
Top |
| VIII. Support for an Event Unfortunately, it would be impossible for us to support for every Player-Run Event that takes place. We are not able to offer development or other type of special support specifically for the event. If someone is being disruptive you can petition as you would for any other type of disruptive behavior during normal game-play. To help us help you, designate one person as the person who will report those disruptions. Feel free to let us know about the event though. We can't guarantee that we will be present for it but there's always a chance. Also, we can help you get the word out by highlighting your announcement and the ending report on the forums and the website. |
| IX. Reporting an Event Once your event is over, you're not quite done. It's time to write a report of your event. The event report can be in roleplay form or basic. It should be in an organized format though. Include things such as story progression, dialogues, winners, etc. Don't forget to include screenshots of the event. Also, if you want to run another event, be sure to post a "wrap-up" thread telling everyone how it went. Ask for advice on how to make the next one run smoother. This will help put your name into people's minds when they see an advertisement for your next event and make advertising any future gigs easier. Hosting an event can be a lot of work, but the reward is usually worth it. Whether you're running an event to meet people, enlarge your hunting range, or just want to have a party, proper promotion will make a huge difference. Here are some examples of good reports from the EverQuest Online Adventures community. That game has guild-run events often and they usually post the news and let me know about it so I can report it on the website. |
|
