I don't think it's any secret that players begin role-playing at their best when they feel a DM is watching. This idea I am about to propose is rooted in the belief that it would strengthen the role-playing on the server, without having to toss out XP and Custom Items for a DM to "show favor". (Which generally results in the characters who are the most proactive, and most powerful receiving most of the DM Rewards. In general this is not a bad thing, but the idea is to have rewards for everyone and to encourage characters of all types.)

This idea comes from another game called FATE, in which a DM awards FATE Points to encourage certain behavior in their players. It is based around the psychological basis that people respond well to rewards, and the more they are rewarded for doing certain actions - the more they will repeat those actions.

In this game FATE Points are awarded through a process of compelling and through a normal reward process.

A compel happens when a DM is trying to persuade a player to take a certain action that would have a negative impact on their character. For example, let's say there is a very charismatic and persuasive devil trying to tempt a cleric of another deity to serve him. The DM could send the player a tell informing him of the persuasiveness of the devil, and offer him a certain number of Fate Tokens.

Through the current reward process on EfU we either receive XP or some type of special equipment. This is generally great, and I'm not saying it's bad - but not everyone can get this type of attention. There are great role-players on the server that simply don't seem to grab the DM's attention like others, and I believe there should be away to keep encouraging them - to let them know that the DM's are taking notice - without having to throw custom loot their way.

I am thinking that in general there should be three types of tokens: Minor Fate Tokens, Major Fate Tokens and Superior Fate Tokens. A token would be awarded depending on the situation. For example, minor fate tokens would just be handed out for general well done role-playing. To let people know that the DM's are watching. Major Fate Token's could be rewarded for exceptional role-playing, handling a bad situation well, or just general bad ass-ness. Superior Fate Tokens could be rewarded for something huge, a major plot development, something that is going to leave an impact on the server.

So, what would be the benefits of a Fate Token? Well I suppose that depends on what would be balancing. Here are some suggestions.

Minor Fate Tokens: Can be used to grant 50 XP or Heal Moderate Wounds.

Major Fate Tokens: Can be used to grant 200 XP or Heal Serious Wounds. In addition to that five Major Fate Tokens could be spent with the Priest of Kelemvor to have a character "Raised" where they died. (Basically just like respawning where you died with the same XP Loss equivalent to being raised.)

Superior Fate Tokens: Can be used to grant 500 XP or Heal Critical Wounds. Like with five Major Fate Tokens, a single Superior Fate Token could be spent with the Priest of Kelemvor to have a character "raised" where their character died.

Tokens could also be used for leverage with the DM's. Say a player with a lot of Minor Fate Tokens might try and request a custom item that fits their character. Or request a DM to run them on a quest for their character. Or try and influence specific NPC's or NPC groups - think of it as a powerful persuade / bluff / intimidate token. Or a player might try and persuade a DM to have certain treasure to be found by the players while on a quest, such as a hidden stash of healing potions, a raise scroll to bring back a party member, etc. (Of course a DM would have full veto rights on any of these things.)

A player then could either try and save up their tokens for a big reward later or spend them for a more immediate reward.

In the end it allows rewards to be spread out through more players, encouraging them to always be at their best, and could possibly introduce new dynamics into game play. Also, it makes receiving custom gear all the more special - and reduces the number of powerful items on the server.

I'm still thinking this over, but my initial reaction is that of concern.

Firstly, it does not eliminate the problem of the DM having to notice the player and reward them manually (so players that are "look at me!" will still get the biggest rewards anyway, if that's the theory, even though I believe I reward subtle players richly also).

There's also a big debate surrounding tokens that either give you a negative ECL or offer some redeemable value.

Not yet decided exactly what I think of this.

It's the same thing as what happens already, DMs rewarding PCs for their IG actions. It's just adding an extra step (the creation of tokens) to the mix.

I don't really see the benefit of giving someone a token that grants 200XP, as opposed to just giving them 200XP, as it is now.

Well thought out idea, but not likely to happen.

Meldread Through the current reward process on EfU we either receive XP or some type of special equipment. This is generally great, and I'm not saying it's bad - but not everyone can get this type of attention. There are great role-players on the server that simply don't seem to grab the DM's attention like others, and I believe there should be away to keep encouraging them - to let them know that the DM's are taking notice - without having to throw custom loot their way.