so does someone read the two scrolls? do they do one one day and he other the second day?
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@Seamus: The two scrolls need to be used on different days (as per the rules for removing madness); however, until the madness is *completely* removed, there is no mechanical benefit Re: your affliction.
(Although you could always flavor it as, after the first treatment, having faint glimpses of memories, and having things be incredibly familiar, without quite knowing why).
As of right now in the IC thread, you have received both treatments, so you should be back to normal.
We will just have to make sure that no-one with an existing 'lesser madness' (i.e. Seamus and Leonard) dies again, because we have no way to remove another 'greater madness'.
Yeah I'm fine doing it either way, but from this post, no one posted anything except to start quibbling on whether you took damage dropping yourselves back from Dreamlands.
But the moment I pushed plot, stating a combat was up I got a response within 2 hours. Makes me think that people aren't really interested in what happens on the ship and only just want to murderhobo things.
Personally, I'm a bit more interested in what happens on the ship, but I feel more obligated to post about the murder hoboing bits. I think if we had been moving slower I'd've posted more, to be honest.
Since were being brutally honest, I'm not very interested in what's going on in the boat.
Seamus wouldn't study any, so he's not doing the 'book' thing. He's not as interested in eating (as was other characters I've played) so he doesn't react to the foods. He's been projected as a 'partier' and none of that is going on onboard.
Frankly the things Seamus would be interested in: singing to the crew, flirting with the captain or trying to teach the Vooniths to play fetch. Don't interest me (as a player) to RP, at all.
I see him as a 'sidekick' here for ranged attacks, the occasional healing, some diplomatic functions, comedic relief as well as some fun one-liners. I feel I have a solid grasp of Seamus as a character, and that he brings value to the team. But he’s just not very Interesting or Heroic. So I post when I have time and when something interesting or funny strikes me.
Don't get me wrong, I'm having a fun time and I'm enjoying the AP. But I’m ok with the pace faster or slower. I'll RP as the mood strikes, MOrt, if you move the plot along, I can always
On a separate note did Daimen read the scrolls or did Vincent?
Vincent did. Gimme a bit, I was called upon seriously, for kitchen duty. Chopping up some vegetables, you know. Just got back.
Leonard - did you/did you not ask Darja about her life story? If you didn't she won't volunteer the information, but if you want to, you can. I will just prepare the post anyway.
Damien has no UMD. He is NOT a psychic either, so he cannot use the scroll.
Eh sailing is serious business. No partehs =)
Seamus I saved you from a life of level 0. :)
LOL.
I don't think Seamus would have really cared, except he wouldn't have remembered the words to his favorite songs...
Seamus is great, but I agree that he's not the most interesting or heroic. I'm not really sure how this affects pace exactly, but you have stated that you don't mind going fast or slow.
To be clear, I don't really want to go particularly slowly either. I think moving along at a slightly slower pace than we set over the past few weeks is about right for me, and would like to see where to go from there.
Boards are fked up today. Getting that post out took quite a while with that lag
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The lengths people will go to for food...
My BF tells me about this offer. Now I don't eat cheesecake...or cheese made things, but whatever, I'll just humor him.
Cue me going to the store during lunch time. Long queue. Fine, lunch people are free, long queue is to be expected.
So I try a different approach. I go there at 4 pm in the day, when people are SUPPOSED to be working. 30 jokers standing in line.
*Throws up paws in exasperation and paddy paws back to the office*
Conclusion:Singaporeans love to queue. If you go to a hawker center in Singapore and don't know what food is good... Just go to the stall with the longest queue...
I read somewhere on line that Singapore is proud of the fact that it has a very diverse food selection/culture. And of course since I read it on line it Must be true :-)
cheese toast is that sort of like a grilled cheese sandwich This is a fancy one with salami and pickle added that I saved the recipy to try. yeah, I have recipies saved under 'favorites.' My daughter thinks I should use pintrest.
Long lines, that's similiar to one of my general guidlines. If your trying a new restaurant only pick one with a reasonably full parking lot.
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I suspect the hokkaido-cheese-toast is a desert. It comes in flavors like Original, Chocolate, Charcoal, Strawberry and Matcha Cheese.
D@mn I shouldn't have read the food blog. Now I'm beginning to wonder if I should have queued...
Your salami sandwich looks fine too. Usually I find parmesan cheese too strong but with salami it's fine...
Cheddar would work... Slurp. I don't recognize any of the other cheeses.
So cold. Wind chill is 3 degrees and tonight will be 20 colder. And I live in Texas... Lol
Sorry meant to level char today at work but my dog got attacked by another dog so been busy with that. Definitely tomorrow will get that finished.
Oh and dog is ok before someone asks hah just a scare and checkup.
Well actually I offered to watch a dog because it's so cold 0 with wind chill. Always been a good dog but this time it attacked one of my dogs. Probably owner not spending enough time with it.
Seminaring at the moment.
seminary?
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Not pet sematary...
A seminar is where the legal eagles hang out to listen to the latest talk on the forms used by the shipping industry. And get to know each other - and hopefully forge business connections.
These kinds of events actually make me feel insecure because I know that yes technically I do have my legal qualifications...but it's like they have so much more experience etc then me. I feel rather small.
Besides I'm not good at making small talk and the social thing, but I may be using that Bimco form sometime so I really should listen in on latest changes.
P.S. I've worked with the Bimco forms before.
At the end of the day, I'm just a normal working cat and not comfortable with high society.
I think everyone else would appreciate it if we moved ahead with the plot, yes? I don't want to prioritize my own enjoyment exclusively to the detriment of the other players, and it seems like they aren't too interested in the ship (although there's potential character growth and emotional development, I think).
Oh were interested in the ship, it's the 'potential character growth' and the 'emotional development' that scares us...
The segment below is a pre-recorded message from your GM:
Some of you might be wondering – why am I not pushing plot. Well here’s the reason why.
I think moving along at a slightly slower pace than we set over the past few weeks is about right for me, and would like to see where to go from there.
I’m just doing as he(Leonard) asks…then letting evidence speak for itself. Call it an experiment if you wish, since you know by now that I am all into crazy science.
I know each of you definitely can manage at least a post a day. If you are not posting in gameplay thread – it’s because there’s nothing that interests you.
So far, Seamus, Vincent are posting once every 2 days, in gameplay and Howard hasn’t even checked in since Sunday.
Now at the end of the day, I respect player freedoms and want them to be happy. I try to give it to them, as far as the rules can be stretched etc. So I will not demand RP(except when you need to tell someone to do something because it will have consequences in gameplay) and really how much or little you want to RP isn’t something I should stick my nose into due to player freedom of choice.
What I care about is I get entertained, either by a good fight, or RP =) Take your pick, I’m easy.
The problem now lies that from the result of this experiment, it proves that 3 players just want to push plot and murderhobo, while 1 person wants to RP.
My proposal: Do all the RP bits in retcon mode – I am perfectly happy to RP with you as long as you like, and I would say I put in more effort then other GMs on the boards on that.
Because at the end of the day I will pull a, ”The needs of many outweigh the needs of a few.” on you. If you want to not do the RP in retcon – get your other players also doing the RP along with you, so I’ll see that you guys entertaining yourself and me and not bother overly much.
I am sorry if any of this hurt your feelings, but I always feel honesty is the best policy and I am brutally frank, with myself and others.
PBPs are all based on momentum. As a GM guide by Doomed Hero states under keeping things moving:-
The most important tool at a PBP GM's disposal is the "Cut Away".
Think of it like a movie. Once the plot-relevant stuff has happened, the story doesn't hang around and show us how the main characters get ready for bed, or the entirety of their shopping trip. It skips forward.
Do that. If a scene is lagging, skip ahead. If a fight is basically over and posting has slowed down, resolve the end of it "cinematicly" and get on with the story.
Games live and die by their momentum, and you are the one with the reigns.
Handle shopping trips, divvying up treasure, lengthy discussions about what to do next, and anything that slows the story down, in the Discussion thread.
If nothing happens during travel, don't roleplay it out. If you aren't playing a Survival themed game, don't make a big deal out of things like Rations or how exactly camp is laid out.
Always keep in mind momentum. If it's flagging, change things.
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Note the part “If nothing happens during travel – don’t roleplay it out.”
I will say I do not agree with everything in his guide like he states knowledge checks are supposed to be done in spoilers – which I find too much trouble to do, besides at the pace we’re going – if you wait for the other player to login and tell you the right weapon to use – it’d cause delays. I cannot penalize you on a knowledge check that you have already made successfully, so if you know its DR5/silver, there’s no reason for you not to use a silver weapon, instead of waiting for someone to login(which may be not of your timezone) and tell you to do so.
Did you want to take up Angiliath and have a chat with it or not? Your GM also programmed me to ask you that question in her absence.
What I care about is I get entertained, either by a good fight, or RP =) Take your pick, I’m easy.
The problem now lies that from the result of this experiment, it proves that 3 players just want to push plot, while 1 person wants to RP.
Mort you know I'm ok with any decisions/changes/addemdoms you make. You also know I like to RP. I do want to point out that 'things' have been fairly stressful in RL for me and my posting rate has decreased.
I was RPing with Leonard about the sword and I'm looking forward to another opertunity to speaking to him more about how he aquired it.
As for the RP, you have helped describe Seamus as a 'character' who likes to party, who likes the limelight and who is fairly self absorbed. Between RL and the boat lacking things that interst Seamus it's hard to find the desire to RP a lot. As plot opens up and Seamus finds things more interesting I will RP more.
Also the only 'person' who has addressed Seamus has been Leonard and Seamus did speak with him about the topic.
Seamus I'll tell you that the only Mod as written parties are those in Dreamlands and the first one...they were distinctly don't-carish, else they would have called you out on bringing the Vooniths to the party. Its like bringing 4 dogs to a ball...
The second one - Howard indicated he had no intention of participating in it and started doing some stuff that breaches party etiquette - which of course gets you weird looks, which I RPed out.
They search behind the balconies and under the tables, drawing puzzled stares and questioning remarks from the party goers.
Strangely enough no one cared to ask the party goers about the idol.
TLDR: There is are no spoon parties, mod as written. If you wanted to party, you should have stayed in Thrushmoor.
I feel Captain Skywind, due to her particular background would run a transport boat for working people rather then a pleasure craft.
Which is why I asked Leonard if he was going to ask Darja about her life story - you don't tell your life story to the first person you see). She made an invitation to Leonard to talk more about himself, but Leonard did not take the overtures, so she left it as that as she isn't pushy.
If you feel betta' saying it out, I’m a'. Pained shawed is pain alved.
Sharing your life story with her would result in her telling you hers, which would unlock Captain Skywind's background.
Ok, the dreamland is problematic for Seamus, to him it's someone else's dream. So he isn't responding in the 'dreamland' the way he normally would, he see's it as a dream not real life. Good or bad, that's how I've been playing him.
Also. because I'm playing him 'less than intelligent' in situations he's not familiar with he has been following Howards lead.
As far as the 'party aspect' part of his personality it is because of the things the NPC's have hinted at earlier. So I'm playing him that way.
In my own defense:
You asked all four of us to create arcane casters for 'Strange Aeons.' After looking at several options and asking a lot of questions, I created a Bard, which is a class I've played once. Which is one more time than any other arcane class. I created a charismatic archer which can fill the role of 'face' and 'ranged attack'. I've given him a very workable personality based on Joey Tribbiani and Jonathan Carnahan with a little Dr. Frank-N-Furter Thrown in.
I've enjoyed the games I've played with you and 'Howard' very much. I recommended 'Vincent' because I like playing with him. I've enjoyed this game so far, both the actual AP and the interaction with NPC's and characters. I'm enjoying the RP when I have the time, the desire and the opportunity.
The simple fact is that Seamus is a two-dimensional character that I see as a side-kick. He is not a character I would have played if you hadn't insisted on an all arcane game. Mind you, I'm not complaining, and we shouldn't try and change the dynamics of the game now. But he's the same level of character as Vaunu or Valda to me. An interesting experiment but not a character that is going to become more three-dimensional to me like Einar or Usawoti did.
Yeah me not commenting on how RP is done because it's not in my place to do so as GM.
I..don't honestly think that Strange Aeons has any place I can insert parties without it feeling too out of whack. Sorry.
It's also mainly a Murderhobo module, from my point of view.
Actually, Seamus, you gave me ideas on what you did before losing your memory here.
the last time I remember waking up in an alley was after meeting that Chelaxian Lola
I was like oh my... Sounds like a party..
Actually, Seamus, you gave me ideas on what you did before losing your memory here.
I was like oh my... Sounds like a party..the last time I remember waking up in an alley was after meeting that Chelaxian Lola
That was not a criticism, just an observation.
I am ok either way. It is Real life that slowed me down too but I should be back to normal after I finally finish fixing my sheet today.
Vincent has been researching as well he has no interest in what the "serving class" aboard the vessel do unless it directly impacts him. Means to an end sort of thing. "If we didn't need to be on a blasted vessel I surely would be elsewhere".
As I said its not in my place to comment about RP - just pointing out an observation to Leonard - that not everyone in the group really cares to RP on board ship.
Else he might think it's just me being in a hurry - well there's truth to that - I'm always in a hurry - but I'm also thinking of the rest of the party as well for reason of pacing.
I am not interested but I am also ok if Leonard wants to. I'm not going anywhere lol. And by that I mean I'm not going to go inactive if Leonard wants to Rap. Even if I contribute to it less. Vincent will respond to RP from a party member but otherwise is all business on the ship.
I don't really care for people sitting around doing nothing at the table, virtual though it may be. That is why I insist on getting people who get killed rezzed/rerolled if necessary...otherwise there's nothing for them to do.
You see its player mentality that when the game stalls - they check less and less, and eventually stop checking at all.
Happened a lot to games I was in.
One of these days I'll probably ask the boards, how do you differentiate PBPs that will last from PBPs that don't, because I've been in too many failed PBPs, and I've realized that often when GM vets for players, they see how many PBPs you've had - if you are in a lot of short running campaigns, it does not speak well for your online resume as a player, even if the game failing had NOTHING to do with you.
Which is fking unfair, but that's the way life is.
PBP recruiting on the Paizo boards is a bit of a clusterf$!# free-for-all that leaves many people with a bitter taste in their mouth. Even after the party is picked, most do not look back on the process fondly. For those that don’t get picked, it’s easy to get frusterated.
Many forum-goers have a handful of different versions of the same character concept in their Alias list, because they didn’t get picked, or because they did and the game died, and they have this one character that they just want to play.
Don’t do that.
GMs will look at your aliases when choosing. If they see 10 different versions of Lord Sothbane the Stoic-est, they will assume you are unoriginal and pick someone else.
They will also look at your posting numbers. If you have been in a dozen games, but have never gotten beyond 50 posts in any of them, they will pick someone else.
It doesn’t matter if it’s not your fault that the game died. All they see is the pattern.
Well like I said you don't need to worry about me going inactive. I leave my games open in chrome and refresh them so no chance of falling off the planet.
Just because my character is researching while Leonard is RPing doesn't mean the game stalled haha. Now if there weren't any posts at all that would be different. I read all the RP posts even if I am not actively contributing to a conversation.
I certainly don't want to hold other people up or take up too much time doing things other people aren't as interested in. It sounds like you, Mort, should keep pushing pretty hard, and I'll just try to retcon harder. I'm happy to have tried slowing down and focusing on RP, and I think that we've learned something, which is good.
Leonard didn't want to share his life story with the cook because, even though he would love to share his life story with anyone who will listen, he doesn't actually feel that she will.
Another aside, Vincent, Leonard asked you if you wanted some rum, because he'd love to bond with you and make the research a bit less awkward. He himself is socially awkward, but drinking with someone is such an incredibly easy way to get to know them.
Got distracted by healing Howard and missed that bit!
Looking at third level spells, what's the component for storm step? Specifically, can it be used in a grapple?
I think I'm also going to take irridate, which is 2d4 con damage with no save in a wide area at tenth level. I probably won't prepare it until then, though.
The other spell I'm looking at is sleet storm, which is a good and versatile control spell that will do fine at later levels since it doesn't ask for a save.
Always open to suggestions.
Earlier I didn't have time to write about my thoughts on PbP, but I'll address that now. I think successful PbP depends mostly on the quality and enthusiasm of the GM. If the GM isn't responsive, you can't interact with anything but the other members of the party, and you can't really move forward. So basically, it all depends on the GM.
Mort, you're a good GM.
When looking at PbP games, I usually look into what the GM has done in the past and their experience on the boards. I was looking for games over the summer, but I didn't really go for any recruitments, even ones that purported to be for games of a sort particularly interesting to me, because I was wary of mediocre and uncommitted GMs. On at least one occasion I started making a character and later changed my mind because I didn't think the GM was going to be good enough.
If the GM isn't good, the game won't work, but the GM can be good and still the game has potential to fail. The players also have to post fairly frequently, and have to keep each other interested. Out of character conversation is good for that, I think. In another game I'm in, the GM created a discord channel for us all to talk in, which is essentially a private internet chatroom. It's useful for things like asking quick questions to the GM, who often responds almost immediately, and for discussing things in ways that it's harder to do on the boards. But what I think it's most useful for is encouraging out of character and offtopic chatter, which helps us as players get to know one another a bit better. The more real the relationship between me and the other players, the more invested I will be in the game, and the more social pressure there will be for me to post frequently.
I also think it's important that the characters be well developed. In another game I'm in, there is only minimal out of character conversation, and occasionally our enthusiasm wanes. But because our characters are all interesting and three dimensional, we're very invested in the game. I really like my character, and I don't want to stop playing them. Likewise, I really like the other characters, and I want to interact with them a lot. Even when the action is slow things still stay interesting.
I also think that PbP needs some way to revitalize interest and enthusiasm. From time to time, everyone will get busy, and often GMs or a few players might slow down for a few days or a week. It's important to have some way to deal with this when it does happen, and get everyone to keep posting even during slow bits so that everyone knows that everyone else is still interested and enthusiastic.
It's also pretty important that the players have compatible personalities and play styles. This matters a lot less in PbP than real life, I think, because the interaction is much more removed. I might come across very differently in real life than I do online, and, more importantly, it doesn't matter as much how I come across online because you aren't actually really interacting with me in a socially immediate way.
Anyway, those are some decidedly disorganized thoughts.
I cannot do real time chats or discord, I am sorry. The best I may get is Google hangouts, and it will still be spotty, because at the end of the day, despite my crazy activity, I still need to work, and beeping sounds and flashing buttons will get me caught by my boss for skiving at work. Sneaking peeks, posting on phone, sure. Live chat, sorry I can't.
Storm Step does not have a material component.
You can use it in a grapple but is subject to the following clause: "Casting a spell while you have the grappled or pinned condition is difficult and requires a concentration check (DC 10 + the grappler's CMB + the level of the spell)"
And concentration checks, as they are skill checks, nat 1 is not auto fail, nat 20 is not auto success.
I'll tell you if they can grapple you, chances are they have rather high CMB.
I may be bragging but I'll say I make a better GM then most of the boards. Sure I may not have the best command of the language and am not eloquent. I can't describe scenery for nuts, but at least I do my best to RP NPCs and keep plot moving. (At least you'd have to give ME points for trying)
Which is better then most of the boards I would say.
Also my strictness with RAW means that at least you know where you stand in my games, what you can or cannot do, if you'd actually pick up the CRB and read it over... Instead of the chaos of house rules.