Choose Your Language

Saturday 29 August 2009

A Difficult Week

This week has been a difficult one for me. The most stressful time came at the end of the week, when one of our pet rabbits (Honey) stopped eating and started to drool. A few trips to the vets and one operation later (today) and she is back home after having had some spikes removed from her teeth that were causing her pain. She is still quiet at the moment, but now I know the cause of her not eating has been treated, I am more hopeful to see her start to improve again soon.

I did manage to do a little more writing at the start of the week, and can say that the quests are still making progress. I also spent some time designing one of the areas that may be reached, although there is still more work to go there. Unfortunately, for the reasons given, the amount was not really enough to move on the progress marker, although I have jotted down more ideas to translate into module writing.

Rewards Poll

The poll I carried out regarding awards came to an end last week, and I was once again pleased to get a healthy 41 votes. The two clear winners of the Rewards Poll showed that players are most motivated by either finding new Weapons & Armour or Advancing The Story. I found myself agreeing with all of the comments and while some of the other rewards scored lower, I do hope to give a good smattering of the various types listed in the module. Furthermore, I hope to also elevate the "value" of finding gold. At the moment, it is obvious that as a reward it does not inspire much in players, but if they found that they could make good use (or even essential use) of that gold, then maybe it will become more desirable.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pets acting strange or being ill can be a nerve-wracking experience. I hope everything works out well.


I'm kind of confused, too, that *nobody* thought gold was a good reward. I guess it's just a means to an end. Still, seems like people do almost get a dragon-like fondness for their purse strings. But, as you say, careful economic management will keep people counting their coins.

Thanks for doing the poll, though. Have you considered asking the NWVault to run something like this, too? It would be interesting to see if the results were alike.

Lance Botelle (Bard of Althéa) said...

Thankfully, "Honey" appears to be improving, all be it slowly. I left some small carrot pieces beside her and when I returned, they had gone. :) Although, she still looked at me with sorrowful eyes as if maybe just a little more carrot might help. ;)

I think you hit the nail on the head about gold perhaps being more of a means to an end. After all, its what you can get for your gold that is the motivating factor - i.e. the other rewards mentioned.

I was unaware that the Vault took other peoples Polls (or even how to do it). And I do not know if this poll has already been asked there. ;) If you think it might have some interest there too, then please feel free to offer it up, or any future polls that I might ask. A greater pool of answers might change the statistics.

Lance.

bunnymut said...

Having a sick furry kid is and can be upsetting and stressful. Check out this website www.yourpetrabbit.com

Lance Botelle (Bard of Althéa) said...

Hi Bunnymut,

The stress is bad at these times. Thankfully, Honey appears to be getting a little better with each day now. :)

Thanks for the link. (The bunny on the front page looks like Honey!) It is true how much information a pet rabbit can give you just by small sounds and actions. We know what all of our bunnies are "saying" just by being in their company.

Lance.