My PC (Elrahir Anwamane) has been arrested and sentenced to "hard labor" by a power wielding dwarf of the Watch named Koinus Sten.

I've been a player on this server for less than 24 hours.

Last night, within 1 hour of logging in for the very first time, this dwarf approached me and attempted to arrest me for wearing a helmet. I'd asked if wearing a helmet was illegal and he replied that it wasn't. After a bit of banter, I removed my helmet and he left.

This morning - he approached me again and arrested me on charges of using magic. Funny thing is that when he made the arrest I was unable to use any magic -- was working with a DM to fix that particular issue. Well this time he demanded 50 gold and I refused. He beat me and threw me in jail. I asked to see a superior. He asked to search me and did so three times, beating me again twice. After the second time I'm in another cell where I have to mine for ore. Again, I've refused on the grounds that I have done nothing wrong.

All attempts at getting a superior have resulted in this same Watchman coming along and therefore nothing can happen. Now, I'm not going to break rocks until I get a chance to speak to some authority. This watchman has too much power in my opinion and is severely abusing what he has. Not much fun if he is the only one that I can deal with.

Is this "normal" play on this server? If it is then I'll go somewhere esle. Now I can wait for a "reset" as I imagine that will get me out -- but that is not how I want this resolved -- I want to use the "legal" system, if one is in place -- but it seems that Dwarf Sten is a "one man show" around here -- is he?

Let me know.

He is quite the corrupt Watchman, yes. But that is just his character. I would suggest sending a polite tell to him explaining your situation. Though I'm sure the player of Sten will read this and take it to heart. Won't you, Dr. D?

Welcome to the Underdark, and I'm sure your future adventures in our little piece heaven will be much more to your liking.

KOINUS STEN!

Yea, that's Dr.D's watchman all right.

He is the good, the evil, and the downright ugly of the underdark :lol:

Thanks -- but I've done all the talking to this guy that I ever want to do. I want to be able to talk to his "superior" -- he has to have one.

I obsereved an interaction a bit earlier between him and a half-orc -- pretty much a racial thing (maybe he hates elves as well). There was another who seemed to have control over this dwarf.

Now, I don't want to use the "shout" channel to attract attention, but by going through the "Corporal" the only one who responds is this dwarf -- an all he does is swear at me (using "real" foul language -- I'm ok with that, just a bit surprised really).

I really think that this one player is ruining the fun for others -- I know that I've been in this cell for over 3 hours so far and I'm not going to break any rocks. There has to be another way.

Oh, and I've bothered the DM's enough about fixing my alignment that I feel that it would be wrong for me to drag them into this as well.

How do I get a Captain of the Watche's attention? Wait for Sten to log? (Thought he had earlier but as soon as I went to file a report he "popped" back in -- duh!)

What is the justice system -- don't I get some sort of chance to voice my side of the story? This just seems wrong to give one PC such power.

I'm sorry you're having a hard time. It is pretty much the way it's meant to be IC, -- well, it's not actually so bad, most of the time.

You are though, as a new player getting the really shitty end of the stick here.

There is a scripted release for getting out of the hard labor cage - break the rocks, and you'll be released by an NPC. Then you can go, stay off Sten's radar, and seek out a higher authority the proper way. Either by writing an Actual In-character letter on the appropriate forum - like this one, except, y'know. In-character.

And you can certainly bring the DMs into it, since there don't appear to be any Ranking PC officers in game to chew Sten out.

In fact -- I think his "wand" should be taken away and let him deal with others the same way that I'm having to deal with him and this situation. That would even the playing field a bit -- make him go off and find someone to make the arrest -- at least I'd get a chance to talk to someone who would perhaps be willing to listen.

I think that the part you're missing is this. It's all IC, which is to say it's all "In-Character". Dont get upset OOC at him, he's not really that much of a jerk in real life, I think. His character can be difficult to deal with though, but so long as you do so in an In-character manner, it's all good.

Ok first of all those where all explained IG! Second of all dont try to handle Ig events through forums. Third of all you actually did break the law. Fourth of all this is all FOIG Information you just posted.

There are no ranking law enforcers as PC's right now, but you can report it (ICly) to a different law enforcer or get a DM to possess an NPC superior and it can be handled through the proper channels.

I think the point is that this should be handled ICly rather than in OOC, but I think it's understood that you're upset over this!

Still, Dr. D. I think you should revise your way of greeting new players! It's not that hard to spot someone new to the server, just send them a tell if you are sure "Are you new to the server?" "Yes?" and then, dont act like -too- much of a jerk with them. Show them the ropes, right?

It's just a game, yes. But these are real people behind the characters. And people that dont know Dr.D's characters might not have the same patience as some of us.

I'm sorry you're having a rough start to our server! Accommodating on a new server can be difficult, but I'm sure that with time you'll come to appreciate what we have to offer here. :)

EfU indeed has a legal system that consists of the city's Councilmen acting as judges. There are two ways I recommend contacting a superior. We have a Letters and Notes forum where PCs often write to Councilmen, Sheriffs, Wizard Commanders, so on and so forth. You may also contact a DM in-game and if they are available, you may be able to speak with the Sheriff about the incident.

Ultimately we try to make things that happen in-game stay in-game. I know you're unfamiliar with how we run things, but I assure you that rough times such as these are not the majority of what happens in EfU. In the server's two to three year history we've seen plagues, gang uprisings, major politics (I'll add that the politics element surprises me the most about this game), invasions, investigations, conspiracies, revolutions, and so much more. Since EfU is about storytelling, the best advice I can give you for now is to try to see these hardships as events in your character's story. Imagine just escaping from slavery to be greeted by some corrupt Watchman. I'm sure that'll make you bitter and maybe even make you want to ally the underground elements that oppose the Watch. Perhaps you will run for Council in the next election and attempt to put a stop to the Watch's misdoings. If you're a wizard, maybe you'll join the Spellguard and attempt to counteract the Watch. Maybe you just have it out for this particular Watchman and will work to destroy his career. The possibilities are endless!

So I'm sorry you started our server on a bad note, but I believe that given time you'll come to love this server as we all have. And remember, if you're ever confused or need help, we have these forums, an IRC channel and the vast majority of our players in-game are very receptive to new members of our community.

Welcome to the Underdark. Enjoy your stay.

Wow -- even Dr. D!

I know it is confusing trying to separate the IC from the OOC. For clarification:

I don't have any qualms at all with Dr. D -- don't even know him.

Most if my comments are from the viewpoint of my PC and are directed toward Watchman Stern.

He wants to play his character that way, it is fine -- it is just that I seem to have no recourse as he is the ONLY one who I seem to be able to deal with -- there seems to be no way "in-game" for me to talk to anyone else. And with that "wand" of his he has effectively removed me from the game.

And for Dr. D. you can check the logs all you want -- my PC has never cast a magic spell wasn't even able to until after your arrest.

I've made a separate post in the IC thread. Thanks to all.

Mhyr And for Dr. D. you can check the logs all you want -- my PC has never cast a magic spell wasn't even able to until after your arrest.

Whether this happened or not in game, doesn't even really matter OOC. If he goofed IC he should be punished IC. There are avenues to explore that will help you accomplish this, just ask around, or post public slander, or whatever.

Anyways, welcome to the server. I suggest you relax, turn on some Enya, and let the good times roll.

[quote="wcsherry"]

Mhyr

Anyways, welcome to the server. I suggest you relax, turn on some Enya, and let the good times roll.

Now that was some "sound" advice -- thanks much!

Anyways, welcome to the server. I suggest you relax, turn on some Enya, and let the good times roll.

Enya?

Don't look at this as a negative thing. Look at it as an opportunity.

Sometimes when you first come to the city it is hard to really get involved. There are many plots going on but it takes work to get hooked into them. This plot has been dropped into your lap.

Maybe it isn't what you intended for your character, but I can tell you from personal experience - even the best planned characters change drastically once they enter Sanctuary.

This is your chance to get involved. You have the opportunity to strike back, as others have pointed out, and I encourage you to seek ways to do that in game and in character. There are many, many options open to you it just takes is a bit of asking around and creative thinking.

Mhyr

wcsherry

Anyways, welcome to the server. I suggest you relax, turn on some Enya, and let the good times roll.

Now that was some "sound" advice -- thanks much!

I'm gonna have to redact my "welcome to the server" comment.

Puns are forbidden!

Ah Dr. Dragon. He really doesn't know any better IC or OOC so I wouldn't take him as indicative of the Watch or server as a whole. The server is structured so that it's self-regulating to an extent. Misbehaving Watchmen are allowed to misbehave as long as players allow them.

Dagam The server is structured so that it's self-regulating to an extent. Misbehaving Watchmen are allowed to misbehave as long as players allow them.

And that is probably a good thing. It just seems that he's got me locked down so tight in this cell where he is the only one (that is not controlled by some script) that I can communicate with -- he's effectively removed me from the game unless I submit to his demands, which I refuse to do.

From an OOC perspective -- this needs to be explored a bit unless this particular PC actually does have a "lockdown" on the "mines" (not really sure of where I am at) where he has absolute authority and answers to no others. If this is the case, then so be it -- bad luck on my part and all.

Try to get a hold of a DM. they can posess the NPC, can you can communicate with them, and deal with it in that regard. a simple explanation once the NPC is posessed, will most likely have you on your way.

Once you are out, revenge can begin :)

Just for what it's worth, the Watch only has authority over a very small portion of the gameworld. If you travel as far as Lower Sanctuary you'll find a much different environment.

Cruzel Try to get a hold of a DM. they can posess the NPC, can you can communicate with them, and deal with it in that regard. a simple explanation once the NPC is posessed, will most likely have you on your way.

Once you are out, revenge can begin :)

Gosh, I'd really like to do that, and I may have to. But seriously, I went to a lot of trouble to get a DM to help me with my alignment issue -- I really did (was pretty much a pain in their back-side with all my DM chat stuff -- often forgetting to change channels when PC's would chat with me). And being new to the server I really don't want to abuse that means more than I already have.

DM's are busy and they have a lot of demands for their time. This server is certainly the busiest I've ever been on and I know that when a DM is "dealing" with my issues -- there is a "party" of adventurers out there somewhere that is being ignored.

My "problem" has not grown to the point where it is worth taking enjoyment away from a group to satisfies the needs of one. Still testing the waters, so to speak, trying to figure out how to attack this problem so that I can get out of here (hopefully healed up as well) and "move on" so to speak -- and yes, I do intend to press this matter, once I have found the means to do so -- in game of course. :-)

Look, one of my pc have been spit on, fined for more than any gold you ever probably had on your pc (try being fined for like 500 for a 50 gold charge even if that action was legalized, and now sten is [i think] one of my pcs neighbors. If anything, do it IC. Hell, I GOT BEATEN DOWN BY A DM POSSESSED NPC IN BREACH OF CHARACTER IN THE MOST STUPID WAY POSSIBLE AND ARRESTED SINCE THE NPC WOULD HAVE KNOWN MY PC WAS CLEARLY NOT A WRONGDOER IN THE MOST WORSE DM/WATCH/SPELLGUARD BLOOPER EVER (I fault the both PC and npc because I had no time to discuss it as I was immediately arrested, but w/e) . He's the legal injustice, and you ran into the worse case scenario on your first day. Hell, my case may have destroyed the relationship between him and an agent because of his action and I have never heard of any relationship continuing between the two. On top of that I had a serve reset in between my stocks time and had spent well over a half hour IRL in the stocks at a low peak time so I was like =/.

[soz if a bit incoherant, it's party time and I am drunk off of my awsome masterpiece of irish cream liquor, cherry 7up, pomegranate liquour, and malibu rum mix as well as chugging a beer with some german dudes]

I think this thread needs a lock.

Sorry you had that as your first experience here, Mhyr, Maybe it'll give you a taste of the intensity things tend to roll with around here though. Play to die! Its more fun that way. Glad to see you're sticking with us!

Slap him in the face with a large trout.

Use IRC if you can. It will really help facilitate discussion with a DM.

Well, seek out Luke Danger of the Watch, he's looking for info of Sten's corruptness.

Welcome to the Underdark.

I'm at work right now, so I can’t really write a long winded reply. I'd like to echo wcsherry's comments however- chill out, and take the RP for what it is, and deal with it IC. I am always available to possess NPCs when I'm IG. The issues you're discussing are mostly IC ones, which should be dealt with IC.

If you've any desire to discuss this further, and help yourself get to know how we roll here a little better, please don't hesitate to find me on IRC or IG to have a chat.

I hope you have fun here, and your stay is long.

Players have to remember that new players entering our world is one of the main things that keeps EfU fresh each day. New people to interact with, and show off your roleplaying skills to! Although this doesn't mean "going easy" for OOC reasons, it should mean that you make sure that the new player understands what's going on. First impressions are lasting. It's happened before, where a new player is treated harshly and they've left taking a bad impression with them, perhaps telling their gaming friends, and ultimately lowering the playerbase.

All it takes is a little OOC Courtesy, something everyone on EfU should be practicing in droves.

Oh, and welcome to the server! PM me any questions you may have, I'd be happy to assist! Although, I'm away for a week, so they'll lay dorment for a little while.

As already said, sad you got such an Sucky start on this server. Dr. D, even if a player does something wrong ig you have to let some things like that go if it is such an sitvatation like a new player. Shame on you.

Welcomed to the server, hope you will get better RP sitvatations soon, you seem like a very nice person.

ok -- I promised myself earlier after someone requested a "lock" on this topic that I would let it rest -- and it is my intention to do so.

However, I know many people think this should be solved in-game. Well, I'm in absolute agreement and have been trying off and on all day to move this along in-game -- but it is difficult if you are in a location where no one can hear you! (And I can't stay logged on for endless hours either.)

I'm attempting to use the IC forums (as they are the only way I can "communicate" at the moment) -- hoping to get lucky and believe over time I will.

Sure a DM (or even a "tell") would likely spring me or at least convince me that I need to break rocks if I want out, but this isn't RP'ing in my mind -- I don't have ESP.

I guess the really sad thing is the inability to voice one's side of the story before being locked up and then not being able to speak to anyone in authority without using DM chat or "tells" or "shouts" (won't go there either -- likely get me killed) in a place where you can't escape without doing the bidding of one single member of the watch and IC -- I won't do that -- I will stay in this cell forever before I crack a single rock.

Hey, just log on, I'll come over durring my patrol and we can solve it ICly.

Luke Danger Hey, just log on, I'll come over durring my patrol and we can solve it ICly.

Well this will be my last post in this thread unless some specific issue requires a reply.

Luke Danger pulled off a wonderful solution in my mind -- better than I could have hoped for. I nearly didn't log in because I didn't want to "circumvent" Sten's "authority" and have someone release me without hearing Sten's version of what happened (would have been the same thing in reverse and that would not have sat well with me).

However, I felt I owed it to Luke to at least "meet" with him as he was spending his time to assist me. When I logged into my cell, who should meet me but Luke and Sten! Luke listened to the two versions of the story (the facts of both stories were essentially the same with minor points of contention and of course the obvious difference in perspective and perception). In the end Elrohir was released without having to break any rocks -- and nobody died.

It was a good solution from my perspective and I'm glad that it worked out this way. The "tale" will continue but I will keep it strictly in-game and IC from here on out.

Again, for the record, I hold absolutely no animosity against Dr.D. He is role playing his character (and doing a fine job of it) -- and that is what this game is all about. I was simply frustrated because he had put such a good "lock" on me that I just couldn't find my way out of it. In all fairness, he didn't arrest me out of spite -- he "thought" he'd witnessed a crime -- it just so happened that in this particular case -- he was wrong.

Sounds like this was resolved well. As wcsherry said, you can try your luck at living in other areas of Sanctuary if the Watch is up your butt too much. Other areas are less ideal for certain reasons (real IC danger, low population, etc.) but worthwhile choices.

The comment you made in an earlier post about being a new player that was effectively removed from the game really struck me. I am glad you thought EfU was worthwhile enough to try and circumvent one bad player instead of just packing up your bags and heading out.

In future incidents of this kind, it isn't discouraged to request a DM to possess the Watch Cell Guard Private as well, so long as the player focuses on solving an IC issue through IC methods (getting a NPC possessed is an IC method).

If i'm not mistaken, part of the upseting came from being "removed from the game" for a short while.

Don't worry about this: either jail or rock breaking has a timer to let you out.

Letsplayforfun If i'm not mistaken, part of the upseting came from being "removed from the game" for a short while.

Don't worry about this: either jail or rock breaking has a timer to let you out.

Perhaps -- I was in the "rock breaking" cell for over 10 RL hours though; was "incarcerated in the morning (my time) and finally got released late evening (again my time). I believe there was a server reset during that period as well as the opening screen was briefly another area before shifting to the cells and all my HP's were returned to me -- have never seen that happen before. A bit surprised as I'd actually thought a server reset would "break" me free (was hoping that wasn't the case).

Being "removed from the game": Yes, that was the most frustrating part -- logging in, refusing to break rocks but the only "responder" to my requests for help was my accuser. I'd spent probably close to 3-4 RL hours "on-line" sitting in that cell -- hoping some PC would "wander by" (really didn't even know where I was). I didn't want to harass a DM (as I'd done enough of that already to fix my alignment -- and a big thanks to the one who came to my aide on that -- won't post a name because they may have 'bent" some rules there in helping me rather than making me restart). I could also use a "tell" but that isn't right; a "shout" may have been more IC, but I know how these things get treated on other servers and didn't want to go from frying pan to fire on my first day.

Jail has a timer, rock breaking doesn't. You have to break a certain amount of rock to get out, which he didn't want to do. letsplayforgoldandxp, you need to a) get arrested more often or b) make a watchman.

Watchman pay is peanuts. Getting arrested takes a toll on questing time. :lol: