Why Play GemStone?

Why Do You Play GemStone?

Recently GM Jharra asked on the message boards three questions about why we play GemStone. I thought the answers were interesting and a good read. While we might not all possess the same exact reasons, I think we can usually recognize threads of truth or commonality in what others say about this passtime we all share. It's just kinda nice sometimes, in a warm fuzzy way, to read what fellow GS geeks think and feel. :)

7/15/2005

GM Jharra asks:

So... three questions:

1) Why do you play GemStone?

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

1) Why do you play GemStone?

It is an easy game to sit down and get started right away. I rarely have a ton of time to play, and I enjoy the idea that a solo hunter can do pretty much everything they need to hunt. The hunting here has always been relatively simple, and not requiring a ton of thought, which is very attractive to me. I also enjoy the chances to roleplay with interesting folks I meet in town

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

The thing that first got me hooked into Gemstone was the GM interaction. There was a very high number of GMs to players, and you never knew when something odd would happen that would just make you laugh. Lately, it has been because some of the people I've run into.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

The day that my Sorceror met a very new sorceror, and took her dancing. That night affected everything he did from that day forward.

1) Why do you play GemStone?

Because I can't NOT play GemStone. Because it is an escape for me, similar to reading a really good book only more interactive and I get to invent my own main character. Beats the hell out of TV. And it's not CvC based, like a lot of other games I've briefly dabbled in, but just can't stick with for that reason. And I type good. ;)

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

The think I like most, and hate most, depending on the day I'm answering, is the other people. Today I like em, yesterday I hated em. haha, true though. You can make of this game what you want. Feel like RP, go to a spot with people in it and start something. Gotta do the laundry, but getting close to training? Power hunt, and rest at a table.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

Tie:
A. titling my first sorcerer in GS3, probably....10 years ago? Back then, it was broadcast over the amunet and Volnnet, people gathered around the Inn to see you with your title for the first time, etc etc etc. She had a great group of friends and a doting husband, all of whom have left the game sadly.

AA. Coming back after a four year hiatus for childbearing, and discovering I still loved the game.

Rh's Mgr

1) Why do you play GemStone?

As pathetic as it sounds, because its one place that I, or rather, an extension of myself in the form of my character, matter. That there are invididuals who look forward to my appearance (and I theirs), and that there are also those I can help in many different ways. Its a community of people that I have come to love sharing the adventure with. There's the brutally honest answer.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

The essence of the world of Elanthia, and the possibilities that exist to expand and improve upon it.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

Coming home to the Rest with the staff.

rail

1) Why do you play GemStone?

Originally I took to it because it's a text-based game. I prefer typing in my commands to dealing with the whole 'What's the right move to make here and how do I make it?' business common to graphical games. I stayed with it because I made some good friends in the game.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

The generally non-prescriptive nature of it. There is documentation (more of it and of better quality than when I started, I might add!) but no-one's going to beat me to death with a turnip if I don't follow it to the letter - my character is my own creation and can be anyone I want her to be.

If I'm feeling sociable there's always someone around to talk to, even if my particular friends aren't on-line; if I want to hunt with a group or a partner, I can usually find someone in my hunting area to team up with; if I want to go off somewhere and slaughter things on my own, that's possible too.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

That's between Mor and her husband! Generally, though, for me, the best times aren't really moments of high drama, but the little, rather silly things - like Bevan and Mor making up doggerel to taunt the Dark Alliance supporters, which eventually gave rise to a series of informal concerts in Solhaven.

I'm not around at hours when I could consistently get involved with the staged events and I don't much care for invasions; it's the incidentals that make the charm of Gemstone for me, even the silly stuff that creatures carry around. There was one hunt recently when two Harbingers in succession dropped a scratched plate and a corroded fork, after which the third told Mor that Sheru would feast on her soul (thus conjuring up the delightful image of the mighty Jackal being fed like the family dog from ratty old worn-out tableware - she's made great capital out of that when teasing them!)

There've been instances of bored GMs popping in to play at odd hours that I remember fondly - the wolf familiar that suddenly started talking back to its very astonished wizard, the Spectral Warrior dashing through the River's Rest Commons wearing a towel and carrying a rubber duckie, or the blue roltons dancing around Ta'Vaalor. I always pay very close attention to any 'mood messaging' I haven't noticed before, just in case!

Morgause

1) Why do you play GemStone?
I love it, I'm addicted, it's a world of endless possibilities where I can live in my imagination. I can interact using a spread of characters than can match whatever mood suits me. Can be a hunting zombie just killing things, RP or just do sorcerous things, play shopkeeper, have fun with friends. My characters and their lives are continually developing - how could I leave them alone?

2) What do you like most about GemStone?
RP immersion. Feedback from the game - the environment reacts to you - and the more that happens the better it gets. The direction sorcery and the game in general are taking - more depth and player involvement in creation processes - like more elaborate magic systems.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?
Mastering voln then titling. From my early days of playing voln mastery and titling were things to be aspired to, and I wanted them so badly. When I finally reached them ... well I just loved it.

Like Rh, coming back after three years out to find my characters and kit intact was pretty awesome too.

Sea Witch

1) Why do you play GemStone?
I started after I had tried Modus Operandi, where I couldn't fit myself into that modern world. Gemstone was a better fit and I got to be a part of the Great Fantasy novel.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?
That I can almost always find solitude if I need it, or opportunities for socialization if I don't. That it's sometimes a real challenge for me to be somebody else. The largeness of Elanthia and it's geography.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?
There are too many but some of the highlights have been, becoming a guildmaster in the rogue's guild, winning a locksmithing contest, finding a REAL GEM, the places I've earned have been the sweetest.

Jurican

1) Why do you play GemStone?

Well I play because it is fun. I have enjoyed this game even after we got our first AOL bill back in the day. It, is like other said, an escape into an interactive book, where you are the center point(in your eyes). It is also sorta an addiction. I have quit 3 times, each time I thought I was "never coming back!" But, you start to play other games, maybe even another MMO game and you start seeing the flaws and remember, "My character rocked in GS."

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

Customizing. My character IS unique. I don't look like the rest of the people that are level 28. Imagination is the key.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

There are a few, its hard to say, because each brought different joy. Becoming the Hero of Zul logoth was really awesome at the time. But I guess the best moments in GS are on going for me. Being known, being recognized for your actions. Thats why I think alot of us take quests in a different matter.

--Mario

1) I play Gemstone because I can understand the mechanics I bother to learn.

2) Quite honestly the thing I like about Gemstone is mechanics and players (that I've had the sheer pleasure of playing with) allow you to become what you originally envisioned your character as -- then forces them to evolve in ways you couldn't have imagined.

3) The day I met a little dirt elf that allowed me to truly peel off the tartish, joyful vaneer from my rogue. The day that I realized there were others I wasn't fooling. The day I realized there was a particular empath trying to warn people, and being summarily ignored.

- Miss Nucci, god I love Plat

1) Why do you play GemStone?

Originally, because a good friend (heya, WendiBeth!) badgered me into it back when those of us who had OH accounts on AOL could play for free. I played because it was intriguing and fun. Then, when OH accounts didn't matter anymore and we had to pay to play, I played because of the friends I'd made and the interactions with them were something I really looked forward to everyday. Now, I play for the same reason, but with different friends. Over the years, I've gone through two RL marriages, four major changes of address between two states, one high school graduation, and a major illness -- and I played GS through almost all of it. I've played a lot of other games and had other hobbies in my life, but none that had this kind of staying power.

I liked Rail's answer too. I bet a lot of us come here because when we're here, we matter. We can make a difference in other people's lives. We really can change the world. And help save it, at times.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

River's Rest and the truly amazing community that revolves around that town. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish I lived in a RL place like that.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

OMG, too many. Witnessing most of the "Spike the War rat" saga -- and finding that the ribbon was still there, outside the Landing, when I came back to GS last year. Fighting the Vrrael and being killed I dunno how many times by Terate. Titling Urisk twice. Converting Urisk to a pure, with great trepidation, and LOVING it. Getting both fog spells, so Urisk can finally be the rescue cleric I always wanted him to be. Going from town to town taunting the Blobs mercilessly with amusing barbs and witty phrases -- then taking part in killing three of them. Finally hitting 50. But more than any other thing that's ever happened in all the years I've played GS, nothing was as amazing as Urisk and Llaurina's cathedral wedding. I've never had so much fun, and been so deeply touched, in my whole life. Not only did Urisk marry the most wonderful woman in Elanthia, but we were doing so with the full might and support of Gemstone's magical GameMaster staff. The GMs just blew us away with their energy and enthusiasm, and their unflappability in the face of disaster. When I'm old and senile, I expect to still remember a few things vividly -- and that will be one of them.

1) Why do you play GemStone?

Because I love text based games and fantasy games, and this is both. I even got my kids hooked! I can play with people or play alone. I can have fun in groups or by myself.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

There is a great deal of flexibility in creating your characters.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

The first time I titled.

MOONMIST

1) Lots of reasons why I play, addiction is definitely one of them. Plus, despite the awesome level of depth and detail to the game, it is the sort of game that is very easy to play. I can do chores around the house, take care of my little girl, go over the bills, etc, while the game is on. You know, hunt, rest, go do something in RL, hunt, rest, continue as before. You can't really do that with most games.

2) The best thing about GS is not the other people, in my opinion. That's a very close second. The best thing is the ability to fine-tune your character down to the last detail. Alterations, items, RP, choice of town to gain citizenship, training, stats, all these things let you create a character that is almost a living, breathing entity. And he's ALLLLLL yours.

3) Single greatest moment? Too many to count. Some stand out. Hitting Lord Status way way way back in the day when it actually mattered. Joining Helden Hall, back when it was loaded with members. Exploring River's Rest when it first opened. Getting my first alteration. Finally making enough money to get Lord Tenser to enchant my shield and axe to 8x. As I said, too many to count.

Syllanus

1) Why do you play GemStone?

Because my charecter's story is yet to be told.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

The flexibility and balance between all aspects. And I don't mean mechanical balance, but rather that between fun and realism, mechanics and roleplay, et cetera.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

Everytime I get favorable response to one of the IC mini story-lines I set up. When he ran away, when his sister showed up, when he mastered (blank), when the Dhe'nar came after him. The greatest moment is yet to come though.

- Greminty

1) Why do you play GemStone?

It is entertaining both as a single-player game when I choose to solo hunt and as an interactive game when I want it to be. It also allows the creation of alternate personalities in more depth than any other game I have played.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

I can't choose just one here. I have to have three:

a.) I agree with the person (I think it was Pin) who mentioned GM interaction. That is a key, both in game and on the boards.

b.) The ability to customize gear and to create an individualized look and personality for a character.

c.) Other characters (and therefore other players). Of course, I have met the bad ones too. But I especially enjoy those who choose to connect with a specific community and help others there, like Rail, Urisk, Conlin, Shakrean, and many others on Rivers Rest, Kilthal in Solhaven, or formerly Jestin in Icemule (who became a model for my cleric). The presence of these characters gives the game a stability and realism that I appreciate.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

I've thought of several, and almost all involve Rivers Rest. But I think the most fun was a night that about three people had died across the bay in the Rest. They were in danger of decaying, and although there were several of us in town (including my cleric), none of us was high enough level to go after them. We ran around like crazy for about ten minutes looking for ways to rescue them without getting killed ourselves, and we were finally successful. I had a great time with that.

--David

1) Why do you play GemStone?

Couse sometimes you want to go where everyone knows your name. Seriously though, it's the only place I can really let loose and just be myself without having to worry about drama.

Pour a glass of Glenfiddich, log into Gemstone, and completely lose track of time.... Now there's a good evening.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

The people... well, most of them anyway. Oh yea, toss in watching a certian rogue getting killed by a bone golem, being taken hunting by older characters, taking younger characters hunting, playing dodge the void, bridge jumping, calm wars, mad dashes back to town with massive bleeders....

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

Between titling my first character, getting my first alter, killing my first spec warrior, and being accepted as a mentor... I just can't choose.

Puppetmaster of several River Rats

1) Why do you play GemStone?
The reasons to play are numerous. I started playing back in 1996 on AOL when a bunch of my high school friends all decided to get accounts. We'd play together till the wee hours trying to figure out the world of Elanthia. Now, I am lucky enough to share this world with someone I love and live with, and the interaction we share with all our Elanthian friends gives a unique depth to our relationship. I've taken breaks from the game, some long ones, and now that I've been back for over a year, it just keeps getting better. I truly enjoy the quest for knowledge, fame, and power that you just don't get from a console game. Gemstone enables us to act out a life in which we can take our personalities to the extremes, be who and what we want to be, without the fear of society's rules and norms coming down on us.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?
My characters. I am so deeply attached to my primary character; he can do all the things I've only dreamed about being able to do myself. The people. Some that I've met and had relationships with in game have provided me with memorable experiences that I constantly look back on and enjoy. I couldn't even make a list of all the folks that have affected Ked in some way, it'd be too long. The humor. Often times I find myself doubled over in laughter at some of the comedy that only exists in this little world, that no one who hasn't played would ever understand.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?
My greatest moment would have to have been the marriage of my primary. Ked's wife (played by my RL girlfriend of 3 years), has brought a depth to his persona that never existed. At the wedding, which was a completely player created event, we had over 40 people, all whom I recognized and most who were dear friends. That event solidified Kediaq as an entity in Elanthia, and especially Solhaven which he calls home.

Gemstone has been a constant for me. Life continually throws us curveballs, and having a place to go to that is always familiar and always welcoming is reason enough to play.

-Ked and co.

1) Why do you play GemStone?
Its an escape from life when I need one. The game envelops you, becomes a part of you, and the characters become your children. The emotional attachment I have to everyone of my characters startles me at times. If I have had a bad day, I have a few folks I can take out to cause death and destruction. If I've had a good day, there are other folks to interact with. And honestly, I don't know that I could stop playing. I left once. I came back. I think I'll be here this time until there is no more Elanthia.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?
The friends I've made in the last 10 years. Many of them have become a part of my family. The sense of community when calamity or death befalls one of our players. The sense of community when something wonderous befalls one of us as well. And probably the fact that, for me, it has become a living breathing entity that I have the priviledge to be a part of.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?
Can't name just one. There was the night my first character got killed in the graveyard and my now super special friend rescued her and they went to the herb shop to heal her. Was like Keystone Cops meets Elanthia. When my sorcerer hit 10. And 20. And 50. When I came back after a 3 year absence and within 5 minutes I was being located, and people were running from other towns to welcome me home. When my sorcereress got married. When she finally landed that bard she'd been in love with and friends with for years. When my sorceress helped discover new areas with old friends now gone. Hanging out in the Paupers Commons with old characters and making friends that have lasted beyond the game. Way too many to pick just one.

Player of an entire stable of miscreants and crazy people

1) Why do you play GemStone?

I play it because it's fun. If it wasn't, I wouldn't be here. I enjoy the interaction with the other characters, yet I also enjoy the solo stuff. I also find it relaxing.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

I like the text base. I write stories of my own, anyway, and Gemstone gives me an opportunity to joint-write stories with others.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

I have more than one, of course. The time my first character titled (back when titles really meant something) and mastered Voln within a week of each thing. That was great fun. When my Empath reached level 48 and FINALLY mastered Voln, then reached level 50. For a long time I wondered which she'd reach first. (again back in GS3) Having an unexpected RP award--more than once. My cleric's first raising. That's just a smattering representing many more.

Carol and her minions

If you don't mind, I'm going to roll A and B into one answer. Otherwise, I'd probably end up repeating myself.

A & B)

I first started playing because someone said to me, "Hey, I used to play this game and I think you would like it." That was about four and a half years ago. Why am I still here? A large part of it is simply the people. In game, the characters are fun and I enjoy interacting with them. Out of the game, I have met some people who have become truly wonderful friends. It is nice to be able to have something to return to every night, and even better that the something brings these friends with it.

The other part of it is that I like is the feeling that I am creating something. My obsession with alterations stems from the want to imaging something and see it become a reality - on the small scale. On the larger scale, I have created a person with real depth, quirks, history, etc... and this person is a part of a larger community whether she likes it or not. And that inspires more. My artwork... and perhaps a few daydreams to keep me occupied at work.

My greatest moment. This is a hard one. I have had many special accomplishments in my time playing: Meeting my 100th, and then 200th alteration mark, making a new personal record with every level for Raelee, finally gaining those 24 ranks of Spirit Mana Control so I can be a raising wizard, accomplishing and being recognized at small moments in the GSS, making a particularly cutting comment that leaves someone else smirking, and so forth.

However, I can easily think of the two moments in game that have left me the most wowed and in awe and have had the greatest impact on my character. In both cases I was a central participant, but I will blame what made them so incredible on other people. In one case, the blame goes to Mekthros and Alisaire. In the other... was a one-two punch at last year's Ebon Gate that I'm pretty sure was all you, Jharra.

And for what will truly be my greatest moment... I see it as a moment when my character will have a lasting impact on someone or something else. And, I would like to think that this moment is still to come. I suppose that might be yet another reason why I am still here!

Signed,
Raelee and her Strings

Why do you play GemStone?

The people. The characters that have become so familiar to me and yet keep me interested enough to come back time and time again.

What do you like most about GemStone?

That players can impact the world. That some of them as well as the GMs care so much about this game that they would share their amazing talents for verse, creativety, vision, design and RP with the rest of us. I am such an actress, I love being able to be so many different kinds of characters and if I can make them believeable, all the better. I like the fact that it is so vast. I guess I can't name just one. Heh.

What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

In general? GSS stuff with Uniana. For the last several months, GSS has been the main reason I have been logging on. I adore (most) the heros and villians. The storyline, the strife, the challenges. I do want to see the conclusion, but I will be sad to see it over.

And then last night, making Bardfest finals. Bardfest has always been like my Everest, I've never been able to bring myself to compete. Making it for finals was the best feeling in the world. I know I have to work ten times as hard for Monday, but I already feel like a winner.

~Uniana's Songbird~

1. The community

2. The people

3. That's a tough question. I'd have to say it's spread throughout many interactions. Mostly concerning a relationship my main character is in, something that has grown over a period of a year and a half and still is in the early stages. Things like that just don't happen in any other forms of entertainment.

-mark

1) Why do you play GemStone?

Hrmm...ALL these years and I really can't come up with just one answer. Simply put, it's here and so am I.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

The interaction (or lack of - if by choice), and of course shopping, can never be enough shopping. Did I mention shopping? And all the wonderful items our creative GM's come up with to buy....oh ya....and shopping!

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

Being a Dark Elf sorcerer, and becoming intimately involved with a quest about Giants (Meyno). It just sort of dropped on me - and was just an incredible couple of years. I still give Kudos to the GMs (both past and present) who started, and then took over that storyline to its' conclusion

Drexla

1) Why do you play GemStone?

At times, I'm sure it has been the escapism aspect. Ultimately, however, it's because I'm ADHD and can't sit around and do nothing for the life of me. Gemstone has always been a great way to fill time, giving me the impression that I'm doing something, but letting me effectively do nothing (yay rest). It's almost compulsive at this point. If I'm in my apartment and killing time, I default to playing Gemstone in the same way others default to watching TV or reading (though I do try to make time for books, but it's hard with the ADHD thing). It also has the benefit of being neverending. I'm much more into process than end point, so this treadmill style of play (you can play 24 hours a day for years and still never reach any end point) really works well with me. I also am a closet nerd (most people have no idea I play video games at all, let alone an online graphical MUD) and enjoy the fantasy aspect of things.

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

I like the attention to detail. Every aspect of the Gemstone world has been tweaked in some way and is present in my gameplay. There is a rich history that really appeals to my creative side (I view RPing in Gemstone in the same way I view acting and writing) and allows me to perform. The mechanics are thoughtful with the perfect balance of challenge with reward. Customization, as others have noted, is also vital. I have a real investment in my characters beyond their stats and gear. This keeps me coming back for more. I have yet to find another game that doesn't pale in comparison to Gemstone.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

Sadly, I can't really think of one. I've had some fun moments (I very much enjoyed Querthose's antics aboard the Wavedancer and the Dhu) over time, but it really has been a long time since I've had any kind of great moment. Titling the first time was wonderful, until I realized that EVERYONE was titled. That took some of the magic out of it. I think if I manage to find myself some kind of consistent RP community (in the form of a quest likely) that I enjoy (GSS was more frustration than benefit to me, though it was invaluable in developing my character), I can build up some great moments. In the meantime, Gemstone fulfills its basic functions, which is all I need.

Jesse, Querthose's player

1) Why do you play GemStone?

What Rail said. 100%

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

The fact that everyone here - players and staff alike - are complete, unabashed nerds that share the same irrational love for the game. And it is irrational. No one can explain why they love Gemstone to a non-player and feel they've done the game justice. It always ends with, "You'll just have to see."

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

In-Game: The moment that my main's later-to-be wife came back after I was convinced that she had gone forever, player and all. Sucker.

Out of Game: The moment I realized that other rangers considered me a knowledgeable member of their community. Suckers.

...or maybe having my racial verb suggestion get implimented. Hard call.

MAZARU

1) Why do you play GemStone?

I originally started playing to have something to share with my (now ex) husband. Within the first week, I was hooked, thanks to Chica's player (Thankyouthankyouthankyou!! Your kindness and patience will never be forgotten!).

2) What do you like most about GemStone?

The endless possibilites. I can play a crazy rangepath, a hurling bug bard, a TWC thiefmage, anything I dare to dream up. I can log into the game thinking, "Maybe I'll do this today" yet be completely swept up in something else entirely. I can cap all my characters (in a couple decades or so) and still have a reason to play, as that's not the end of the road. I think that in and of itself is the thing I like the very most. There's no "ultimate goal". You don't have to "beat" the game. You win every time you log in. Corny, I know, but it rings true for me.

3) What has your greatest moment been in GemStone?

Hmmm.. so many to choose from, even though I haven't been playing long. My first character titling, winning a smithing contest, the impromptu marraige, finding a certain monkey statue, mastering Voln... and so many more to come, I'm sure.

~duv

I didn't answer the questions because I found it too difficult to try and just narrow it all down to anything decently succinct. A lot of what enthralls me with the game is the attention to detail and the little touches here and there that you are constantly discovering, even after years of playing. But I think this quote from Nucci's post really sums it all up for me best:

Quite honestly the thing I like about Gemstone is mechanics and players (that I've had the sheer pleasure of playing with) allow you to become what you originally envisioned your character as -- then forces them to evolve in ways you couldn't have imagined.

Danay's player