"Getting Involved with GM Roleplaying Events - Part II"
by Mercy Dellica Sorrowflight, Empath

Its very difficult to catch up on an event once it is in full swing. It is similar to starting to watch a soap opera or drama series only harder. The first show you don't really know what is going on, but after you watch a while you start to form your own impressions of the characters involved and the relationships between them. The longer you watch the deeper your understanding as you recall past incidences which explain current behavior or attitude.

If you really want to get deeply involved, research is the first step. Know your realms history and geography. Know the events and characters that figure prominently in Elanthian History. Its a tall order and tough to do.

Those players who are the most interested in the mysterious events share some knowledge on the boards but other places have become depositories of information and places to discuss the ongoing events of the realms.

This is the Wren's Nest Tavern, a jewel of a site. There are others but this one is the best I have found for keeping abreast of current events in the realms. The articles are archived so you can read back. Be forewarned that this site is enormous. You could spend as much time here as you do in game. If you are trying to catch up on the past have a notepad handy to jot down details from various articles that you think may be clues unless you have an amazing memory for detail. The site also has links to valuable resources on other player run sites.

It was created by Dreamheart a long standing member of DR. It is maintained by her and friends as this site would be a full time job and more for any one person. Its success is also based on the cooperation of the many players who contribute information to the site which also takes time.

Players who are thought to be heavily involved with GM led events are often criticized for keeping information to themselves. In truth sharing it is a difficult and time consuming task. The Wren's Nest is a place many players attempt to share information.

The main page has regularly updated news flashes, a Community Calendar, and various links to subjects of particular interest as well as a ticker-tape which is fun to read and also links you to more detailed information if something catches your interest.

The side bar can also be used to navigate to specific areas of the site.

News at the Bar - is a series of articles with the latest entries first. It is like a newspaper with articles addressing whatever current events are happening in the realms. It is dependent on players telling Baresh whatever tidbits of information they have. Scrolling down you will see the articles archived. If the Sorrow event is of particular interest I found a rare Overview of Events Surrounding Lord Sorrow contributed by Candidus Custos.

Book of Heroes - is a series of IC contributions from members of the realms about Player Characters whom they admire.

Commentary - Is opinions expressed by players concerning events at the bar or experiences they have had in the realms. Along the right hand side you can click on subjects which are being discussed in the message board area of the site.

Messages - also brings you to the discussions area. Library - Brings you to Dreamheart's Reference Library, a series of links which brings you to impressive collections of data concerning the realms as well as Dreamheart's diary.

Of particular interest are: Atrathien's Timeline of Elanthia. This is a great reference tool to print out and keep handy.

Pentaith's Encyclopedias of Elanthia are organized into three sections. Who's Who, Places and Items. It is also dependent on player's volunteering new information to be added as the realms history continues to evolve. Great spot to come when you see names, items or places mentioned in articles or by players and suspect they have some historical significance.

The Complete searchable index for all the Books of the Realms housed at the Elanthian Library Archive of Xibar's Roost. Again, the creator asks that players send him the text of new books to be included on the site. These books are available in game in the libraries of Elanthia but having them all in one place out of game and searchable is a huge benefit.

You don't really have to go through all that trouble, but many players do. The ones that do are better equipped to get involved. If you don't it is still possible you will be directly involved by chance, being in the right place at the right moment when something is just starting out. Even then you have to have your antennae out. Wren entered the game as a novice bard. The GMs don't wear a sign. Maybe that adventurer who asked for directions to a guild, or how to get to Haven, or asked you if you would help them aid a friend in trouble, is actually a GM beginning an RP storyline.

Doing all the leg work doesn't guarantee direct involvement. Remaining IC in the realms and being game when others approach you will slowly draw you into the day to day roleplaying of the realms. Sometimes efforts of players to hold events such as vigils at temples or altars, meetings to organize defenses, auctions to raise funds, end up getting GM attention so involving yourself in these events will help draw you into the ongoing affairs of the realms. Finding out about the various player run orders can also be a link to getting together with other roleplayers bringing you into the loop of current affairs.

The enjoyment that can be derived from roleplaying is its main reward. If you stay IC in the realms, slowly you will develop friendships with others who also enjoy roleplaying. This may or may not end up helping you to eventually become directly involved with a GM run character. If not, you will have still reaped the real rewards of roleplaying.

For a time you can live in a fantasy world where magic is real and strange creatures abound. Where a touch can heal, a song restore, a sword slay a mighty beast or a fortune be build. A place where moonbeams are a mode of travel, the gods can restore life, and fireballs be created at will.