Neverwinter Nights 2: PW Spotlight: Grim's Tavern II

Where can I find Grim's Tavern II on the web?

http://gary.rockngames.com

Why would anyone start a persistent world?

Insanity is the only valid reason why anyone would try and start one. They take up time, money and destroy families (much like a good MMO). But the reward is the gratitude of the community that is playing your world. If people enjoy your world and stick with it, you have been aptly rewarded.

As a new player, what does Grim's Tavern II provide to help me get started?

At this time, not much. But after the release of NWN2, the web site will change and tons of background information will be available to interested players before the PW opens up.

What do you think is the selling feature of Grim's Tavern II over other persistent worlds?

People like beating things up, people like accomplishments, and people like role-playing. Grim's Tavern II will have all this stuff ready for players upon opening. Grim's Tavern's main points are randomized dungeons, a scoring system for competition and, of course, many specialized encounters. On top of that, players can partake in the election system and become part of the daily affairs that affect the colony island.

Can I find out more about the background to this world?

Currently there is some information on the present incarnation of the web site. But the basics are; Once there was a powerful being named Rofio Grim. He worked for the various gods making things for them, worlds, people, and other interesting oddities. However he worked for an evil god, and after a while he escaped after seeing what his creations were being used for. He and his wife created a small pocket dimension and lived there for a while till they were found. That small pocket world was destroyed (The End of Grim's Tavern 1) and the citizens of such were scattered throughout the multiverse. Rofio himself was separated from his family, but had managed to hold onto Twiv, his fey companion through so many years. They ended up on a new world; Daltea. The game picks up finding out what happened to Rofio and other historical events on the colony of Westshield where Rofio was imprisoned for some time.

How long has Grim's Tavern II been in existence?

Grim's Tavern itself was built back in 2003. In fact, two days after NWN's release, the first incarnation of Grim's Tavern appeared. It was pretty much the only module that wasn't an OC module, running on the Gamespy servers. This attracted TONS of people. Unfortunately, I could only support 15 or so people at a time on my weak connection and the queue was long. However, a month or so later another world builder from Annuvin saw how well Grim's Tavern was doing and sent a message that we should combine forces. At this point, Exaria was born; and the original Grim's Tavern world came to a cataclysmic end. Exaria went on for years, even after all the original team members moved on. Then after Exaria closed, Exaria 2: Safehaven opened up, created by players of the original. The legacy continued in a much different form; though I have nothing to do with Exaria 2, I commend those people in that community for keeping it going. Upon the announcement of NWN2, I decided Grim's Tavern II should open up.

What are some of the highlights of Grim's Tavern II?

Randomized Dungeons - Not only the layouts but also traps, treasures, monster content and even special placeables that can help or hinder a party. These dungeons are going to be HUGE, and the experience in one will never be the same from one trip to another.

Scoring System - Many benefits come from the accumulation of points (called Influence). You can gain influence by slaying monsters, killing boss creatures, completing tasks (Quests), competing in events, gaining wealth, and much more. Influence can ward off XP penalties from dying, allow you to influence how elections come out, get you buffs from guilds and churches, and even gain more XP or gold.

Government - The Westshield colony has important resources to the mainland nearby. It has proclaimed its independence away from its original kingdom of Eddeneve. Now diplomats seek good relations with Westshield for the magical metals and minerals located within. Maintaining relationships with these countries will be the job of the Governor. People can take up the positions of Governor, Mayor of three different settlements, Knight General and can also control the state of various guilds. Each of these can work together to make things pleasant, or set things in motion that can tear the stability of the island apart.

Golem Racing and Fighting - These features alone should just be plain old fun!

What do you see happening to Grim's Tavern II in the future?

Not so sure yet. I'm not a seer. I just want to see it prosper, and at least provide a good action-oriented role-playing world for some people out there.

Would you consider Grim's Tavern II more of a "hack-n-slash" world or an RP world?

It is both. People LOVE to tear things apart with their uber character builds; otherwise why would people make characters with stats and levels and try to become more powerful? On the other hand, there will be enough tools in place that the community can role-play heartily. Joining factions within the colony will provide people with a good cause to follow, leading to what will hopefully be some deep role-play. DM's will nudge things I'm sure in the right direction when the time comes.

Is this a closed server? If so, is a bio submission required for play?

This is an open server. Grim's Tavern, Annuvin and Exaria were all open servers and it worked very well. Sure you get your share of numb-skulls, but the good player base usually finds creative ways to deal with them. I always felt closed servers were a little snobbish and missing out on some good player opportunities. Not everyone wants to fill out medical forms or write elite essays to play a game.

Is the setting of Grim's Tavern in the Forgotten Realms or is it a unique setting?

While I like FR, it wouldn't allow me the creative freedom I would want. Plus if I make a mistake, I can just make something up and no one would know the difference. Fans of F.R. or Greyhawk, or even the new Ebberon are sticklers to canon, and I don't like dealing with that.

Since Grim's Tavern II is a unique setting, where did the idea come from?

I make up crap all the time. Call it a gift. Once I have a vision, I just roll with it, give it more life, give it a little more life, and then keep going. Grim's Tavern's background was made up mostly on the fly back when NWN was released. All I wanted to do was create a cool place for people to hangout and beat up things once in a while. It just took on a life and lore of its own in a few short weeks. What came out was pretty awesome, and I have to thank the players for all of that!

Where are the community forums for Grim's Tavern II?

Same place as the main site. Sign up now, and get in there! Communicate! I'd love to build an early community. Right now, things are slow since I've pretty much prototyped my world with NWN. There is a NWN1 server to play on and check out GT2 concepts.

How many DMs are on staff at Grim's Tavern II?

So far, it is only I (Ithalyan). Once NWN2 rolls out in October, I will begin looking for folks for these positions. At the moment, there is nothing to go on. I have two scripters in the background also waiting for the release of NWN2, and I will also be looking for dungeon builders.

Thanks for this opportunity!
-Ithalyan